USA > New Jersey > Cumberland County > Historic days in Cumberland County, New Jersey, 1855-1865 : political and war time reminiscences > Part 4
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In addition to the ten companies of men enlisting in the County of Cumberland there was a large number of young men desirous of service in the Union Army, anxious to take active part in the war for the suppression of the rebellion, who left their homes early in 1861 and enlisted in other companies from other sections of the State then forming. Among this patriotic number were a group of five young men from Cedarville, Fairfield Township. They enrolled themselves in Company H. Seventh New Jersey Regiment
WAR TIME PICTURES-1-62-1-65
Group Ninth New Jersey Reg. Inf. Vols.
Charles M. Preston Lieut. Charles M. Pinkard
Samuel R. Mills
John W. Hilyard Surgeon Fidelio B. Gillette Reuben H. Leaming
Lieut. Lucius Bonham Robert B. Craig Edward Carlaw
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Infantry, Volunteers, September 17, 1861, for the term of three years. They were: Lorenzo D. Paynter, Benjamin F. Ogden, Joseph Burt. Joseph HI. Diver, Elmer B. Ogden. Two of them gave their lives for the country, three re- turned after brave service in many battles from the cam- paign in the swamps of the Chickahominy to Boydton Plank Road, Va .. October, 1864. Joseph Burt died at camp near Falmouth, Virginia, of disease, February 10, 1863. Elmer B. Ogden, killed in action at Williamsburg, Virginia, May 5, 1862; buried upon the field by his com- rades, one of whom was Benjamin F. Ogden.
Tuesday, October 22d, the County Republican Con- vention met at the Court House at 2 o'clock P. M. Lewis Ilowell was made chairman, with Benjamin F. Elmer and Charles West, secretaries. Alphonso Woodruff. of Bridge- ton, was unanimously nominated for Surrogate. William Bacon, of Downe, was nominated for Assembly in the First District : J. Edmund Sheppard, of Maurice River, in the Second District. For Coroners: John Ware, of Cohansey; Alfred Holmes, of Hopewell ; Charles Madden, of Maurice River, were named.
Resolutions were read and adopted as follows :
"Whereas, within the last year events have happened which call upon all the patriots to rally around our country's flag, and to defend our Constitution from destruction by men who once stood high in the confidence of the people and of the country, but who are now traitors of the blackest dye-therefore, be it
"Resolved, That we, the delegates of the people in con- vention assembled, regard with the deepest interest and anxiety the present condition of our country, and that we trace it to the continued pernicious teachings on the part of those who hold that the sovereignty of the State is be- yond Federal control, and to the flagrant neglect of the late administration in the vigorous enforcement of the laws.
"Resolved. That we do pledge ourselves to sustain the
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IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
administration of AAbraham Lincoln-in whom we have full confidence-in all measures necessary to put down the causeless, fratricidal and black-hearted rebellion and all its aiders and abettors wherever found either at home or abroad, though it may cost millions of money and oceans of blood.
"Resolved, That we have the utmost confidence in the patriotism and military skill of Generals Scott and Me- Clellan, and give them and all our gallant officers and the armies they command our heartfelt sympathy and support.
"Resolved, That we extend to the volunteers from our county, many of whom are near and dear friends, our best wishes for their welfare and the welfare of their families. and trust they may win for themselves a name that shall be a praise and glory to them and their children after them.
"Resolved. That we have the utmost confidence in the candidates for Assembly this day nominated by the conven- tion, they having been tried in the last session of the Legis- lature, and found to be true Union men-also in our candi- date for Surrogate, whom we know to be a true and loyal patriot.
"Resolved, That we have the utmost confidence in our whole ticket, knowing them to be honest men capable for the respective offices for which they are presented, and citi- zens who recognize no higher allegiance than that to the General Government, and pledge ourselves to stand by the ticket and use all honorable means to elect it."
At this convention the party took upon itself the name of the "Union Republican Party," and the ballot voted at the election was headed "The Union Ticket."
The election was devoid of excitement. a light vote was polled, and the returns came in early. Alphonso Woodruff was elected Surrogate over Morton Mills. Democrat, by 212 majority. William Bacon was chosen to the Assembly in the First District by 321 majority over J. O. Lummis. Democrat. In the Second Assembly District there was a close contest. J. Edmund Sheppard was successful by the narrow margin of three votes over Benjamin F. Lee. Demo-
HISTORIC DAYS
crat. Mr. Lee was then a resident of Port Elizabeth, the home of his ancestors, and a very popular man in the terri- tory bordering on the Maurice River. Unlike many others, defeat with him was only the forerunner of future victory. It was not his fortune to be elected by the vor populi, but in later years because of his great capacity for leadership Governor Joel Parker took him out of the store at the Port and made him Clerk of the New Jersey Supreme Court. In this exalted place he served the State for a quarter of a century with great satisfaction to the people.
The year 1862 was perhaps the most momentous, the most patriotic in the history of the nation. The clouds which had gathered at Sumter in '6t were still further enlarged by the disasters which had betell the Union arms. The Presi- dent's first call of 75.000 had been quickly responded to- went to the front and returned to their home by reason of the expiration of their three months' service. At last it be- gan to dawn upon the minds of those who had been slow to comprehend the magnitude of the rebellion that it was to be a war of Titans with the end far off. Three hundred thou- sand men were summoned to the colors, another and another 300.000. until the song went up to the skies from every valley and from every hillside. "We are coming. father Abra- ham. 300,000 more." This great war anthem was sung upon the streets. in the schoolhouses, in the churches, in the public halls, and wherever the people gathered.
Then it began to appear that the war was not only a war for the preservation of the Union. but a war for the preser- vation of the rights of man. In his message to the special session of Congress July 4. 1861. Mr. Lincoln had said :
"This is essentially a people's contest. On the side of the Union it is a struggle for maintaining in the world that form and substance of government whose leading object is to elevate the condition of men. I am most happy to believe that the plain people understand and appreciate this. It is worthy of note that while in this the Government's hour of
WAR TIME PICTURES INil
Group Fairfield Boys, Co. H, Seventh N. J. Reg. Inf. Vols. Joseph H. Diver Benjamin F. Ogden Joseph Burt Elmer B. Ogden Lorenzo D. Paynter
( .23)
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trial large numbers of those in the army and navy who have been favored with the offices have resigned and proved false to the hand which had pampered them, not one common soldier or sailor is known to have deserted the flag. To the last man so far as known they have successfully resisted the traitorous efforts of those whose commands but an hour be- fore they obeyed as absolute law. This is the patriotic in- stinct of plain people. They understand without an argu- ment that the destroying of the Government which was made by Washington means no good to them."
The illustrious President never penned a greater truth. It was essentially the people's contest. How Mr. Lincoln loved the plain people, as he was wont to term them. Born in a log cabin he knew by stern adversity what the destruc- tion of a republican form of government meant for them. He was one of them by birth, by association, by representa- tion. It was a favorite theme for him to dwell upon, for said he, "the Lord must love the plain people, otherwise he would not have made so many of them."
The plain people were, under God, to save the republic. By their ballots, by their bullets, by their strong arms the ark of the covenant of liberty was to be kept in the shekinah of the temple whose foundations were laid in the blood of the Revolutionary fathers.
Cumberland County rose as one man in unison with the people of other States to aid the Government to the last man and the last dollar for the suppression of the rebellion. No county in the republic furnished more volunteers for the Union Army in proportion to its population than did this good old commonwealth named in honor of the Duke of Cumberland for his heroic conduct on Cullodon field. The county was on fire with patriotic zeal, so much so that from the opening of hostilities to the close of the war, a full regi- ment of a thousand men had volunteered and been sent to Southern battlefields.
From the farm, from the factory. from the store, from
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IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
the village, from the city, from the hamlet by the sea, came the greatest armies the world had ever seen. Young men in the bloom of manhood, middle-aged men ripe with maturity, a vast concourse rank upon rank, file upon file, under the shadow of the flag whose stars were of heaven whose stripes were of God. For four years they were to fight and die. In more than 600 battles and skirmishes blood was to flow like water. Streaming over grassy plain, staining the rocks. making red the undergrowth of the forest, so the blood of patriots ran from the vitals of the mighty army which with majestic courage marched on from one conflict to another, knowing that they were fighting the battles of the people and of liberty.
Rumors of battles fought and reports of the killed and wounded began to appear in the city papers. The "Cumber- land Greys," now in the thickest of the fight in the campaign on the Virginia peninsula, were losing some of the bravest and best. news of which brought sadness to the hearts and homes of many in the town of Bridgeton. June Ist in the seven days' fight in the Chickahominy swamps, Capt. Ros- well S. Reynolds, of Co. F, 5th Regiment of N. J. Vols., Inf., was badly wounded. A minnie ball entered and passed through his thigh, striking the bone and glancing off. Reynolds was brought home to his family in Bridgeton. The captain had previously been principal of the Bank street public school and was a gentleman of ability and scholarly attainments. Of splendid personal appearance and charm- ing manners, he made an excellent impression in the com- munity. He was intensely loyal to the Union and radical in his views concerning slavery.
A few days after his arrival home he appeared on crutches near the corner of the Davis House. Commerce and Laurel streets. engaged in conversation with a number of friends, when a citizen whose sympathies were said to be with the South. appeared and accused Capt. Reynolds of cowardice. Quick as a flash the Captain's crutch was raised
1
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I1ISTORIC DAYS
in the air to strike the "secesh" as Reynolds labeled him, but his accuser, believing discretion the better part of valor, dis- appeared before the crutch had done its work. This little episode added to the bitterness already existing about town and gave zest to the zeal of those who favored the Union in efforts which made it very unpleasant for sundry citizens who were suspected of disloyalty.
So high did the wave of patriotism run that several per- sons were compelled to send communications to the local papers certifying under their own signatures, that they were Union men. Schoolchildren took matters up in the yard of Bank street school, where numerous fist-fights occurred whenever the Union boys suspected other boys of lack of love for their country. The flag was hoisted over the school- house with cheers, and the boys and girls sang patriotic songs in the class rooms and upon the streets. One of the favorite songs contained the following verse :
"Brave boys are they, gone at their Country's call ; And yet. and yet, we cannot forget, That many brave boys must fall !"
About this time the word "copperhead," meaning "snake in the grass," appeared, and was placed as a stigma upon every male or female who failed to stand up for the Union.
In the battle on the Chickahominy, in which Capt. Reynolds received his wound, William S. Cobb, of Maurice- town, this county, distinguished himself as a marksman. kill- ing five rebels, on one of whom was a gold watch of which he took possession.
Samuel Harris, private in Company F, Third New Jer- sey, the company known as "the Greys," came home with his throat bandaged, because of a wound received in one of the battles inder General Mcclellan. The bullet grazed his wind- pipe and his life was saved as by miracle. When the big war meeting was held a few days later, Sammel Harris went upon the platform in Grosscup's Hall, where he made a few re- marks as to his experience in actual warfare. He was re-
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IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
ceived with cheers, and afterward honored with the Cap- taincy of Company F. Twenty-fourth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, and returned to the seat of war.
One of the most pathetic reports from the battlefields in Virginia came later in shape of a letter from Rev. G. R. Darrow, chaplain of the Third New Jersey Regiment. con- cerning the death of one of Bridgeton's best young men, a member of the famous Cumberland Greys, the first defenders who barely a year previous had left their homes for the scene of war. Comrade Bacon, a gallant soldier. Christian gentleman, left a wife and five small children to sorrow be- cause of his untimely death. Chaplain Darrow sent the widow the appended letter, afterward published in the Bridgeton papers :
"Mrs. Charles Bacon-The papers, 'ere you receive this. will have announced to you the sad intelligence of the death of your husband. Amid the carnage of the battlefield he fell, having with his regiment charged on the enemy and while pursuing them in hot haste and pouring a deadly fire upon a routed foe. He went into the fight with unusual vigor. his health having greatly improved recently, faltering not until a ball passing through his Testament which he al- ways carried with him, entered his abdomen and caused his immediate death. His captain was wounded at the same time and while I was assisting in gettng him to the rear where a surgeon could be found. he told me of Bacon's fall I went immediately in pursuit of him and found him dead. His diary. Testament and purse. I took from his person and handed them to Lieutenant Salkeld who will forward them to you the earliest opportunity. I buried him with eight of his comrades who fell in the same fight. under an elm tree in the same field where the regiment charged on the enemy. on the estate of Jacob Goodman, north of the village of Bur- kettsville, about half a mile distant. We had our funeral on Monday afternoon-he was killed on Sunday-the drum corps and comrades of the deceased assisting in the burial
11ISTORIC DAYS
of our brave dead. Bro. Bacon was a good man, a consist- ent Christian. and I feel that his loss to me is very great. But what an affliction to you, his companion. May the God of all peace abundantly sustain you in your loneliness and sorrow. Yours truly,
"G. E. Darrow."
The Lieut. Salkekl, to whom Chaplain Darrow refers was afterward Captain Charles F. Salkeld, the veteran officer who led the "Cumberland Greys" in many engagements and brought the remaining members of the company safely home to Bridgeton amid the plaudits of the community.
Reminders of the sanguinary conflict at the front com- ing to Bridgeton week after week aroused the people to great heighths of excitement and the determination to put down treason, and all connected with it became more fixed than ever. The generation of to-day cannot realize or imagine the intensity of public feeling at that time. A case in point will illustrate it, however, as one among thousands North and South. There lived in Bridgeton the newly elected surrogate of Cumberland County. chosen on the Union Republican ticket in the Autumn of 61. He was a stalwart for the Union. One of his sons, Joseph, enlisted in the "Cumberland Greys" and served bravely throughout the war. Another son, living in the South went into the Con- federate army. This so enraged Mr. Woodruff, the father, that he wrote to his boy in the Third New Jersey, and said : "Joe, if you meet your brother, shoot him on the spot." This was the spirit of General Dix who had advanced the same sentiment in connection with the attempt of any rebel or sympathizer to haul down the flag. It was commended to the echo throughout the loyal North.
The ladies of Bridgeton organized for the patriotic work of furnishing articles of clothing and delicacies for the sick and wounded soldiers in field and hospital. With a membership of 120 they formed a "Soldiers' Relief Associa-
WAR TIME PICTURES-1961 Group Company F ("Cumberland Greys " , Third N. J. Inf. Vols., who Died on the Field Charles H. Bacon Enoch B. Pew
Joseph R. Thompson David Yearicks
(5 )
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tion" meeting every Thursday in Carll's building near the Commerce street bridge. The noble work they did brought much comfort and joy to the sick and wounded soldiers, and it is recorded in heaven.
One of the significant signs of this eventful period was the attitude of the Bridgeton papers. Whereas heretofore they had hesitated as to advocacy of the new political party known as a Republican, they now came boldly to the front with powerful editorials for the support of the Union cause. One of the editors of the Chronicle, an able writer, Robert B. Potter, not only expressed his opinions vigorously in the columns of that journal, but enlisted as a soldier in the 24th New Jersey Regiment, going to the front as a lieutenant.
The greatest meeting for the prosecution of the war was held in Grosscup's Hall. Bridgeton. July 26th, 1862. Dr. William S. Bowen was chairman, with a long list of vice-presidents and secretaries, made up principally of the men who had served in similar capacities in the war meeting of 1861.
The Committee on Resolutions, consisting of Robert B. Potter. James R. Hoagland, Joel Fithian, James Horton and James B. Ferguson, reported a series which recom- mended financial support for the volunteers of the country and their dependent families, and declared for the vigorous prosecution of the war, emphasizing the sentence "that there could only be two divisions of the people-patriots and trait- ors with their sympathizers." Eloquent speeches were made at this meeting by IIon. John T. Nixon. Rev. Charles H. Whitecar. pastor of Commerce Street M. E. Church : Revs. Messrs. Margerum, of Trinity M. E. Church ; Dr. Challis, of the Baptist Church. and Colhour, of the Laurel Street M. P. Church. Rev. Mr. Whitecar made the speech of the meet- ing. He urged with much fervor that it was not a contest of the North against the South, but a struggle of the gov- ernment against armed traitors to maintain its own exis- tence. It was important that every man do his whole duty
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IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
in this crisis. Doctor Whitecar was a speaker of wonder- fully clear enunciation and eloquent periods. He roused the immense audience to a furore of patriotism. Judge Elmer, who was present, pronounced it one of the ablest and most convincing speeches he had ever heard. On this occasion William E. Potter, son of James B. Potter. President of the Cumberland Bank, fresh from honors at Princeton Col- lege, one of the finest looking young men of the town, of great native talent, was introduced to the audience. The summer previous he had received the colors from the hand of Paul T. Jones on the part of the "Cumberland Greys" the day of their departure in a brief speech, but now the genius exhibited itself which in future years was to prove him one of the ablest barristers ever heard in the New Jersey Courts. "This contest." said young Mr. Potter, "is a contest for constitutional liberty. If a republican form of government failed here, as it had everywhere else, it would be a death- blow to our own liberties, and the hopes of the struggling millions of the old world." He closed by announcing that he was ready to enlist for the war. and urged the young men to do likewise. The hall rang with cheers when this brave utterance was made, the beginning as it were of his dis- tinguished career in the Army of the Potomac which ter- minated at the close of the war in the great honor of brevet- lieutenant colonel, for gallant and meritorious conduct as a staff officer on many battlefields.
The echoes of the second great war meeting had barely died ont when the drum began to beat for volunteers for a new company for the Twelfth New Jersey Regiment then forming. Recruiting quarters were opened in Carll's build- ing, first floor, near the bridge. Within a week the quota of the company was full. more than one hundred young men having enrolled their names. It was a magnificent company. composed of the best material, and of the best families. Capt. Henry Crooks, who had seen service in the regular army. a skillful drill master, having previously drilled the "Cumber- land Greys." and organized the German military company which formed an escort for the former the day of its depar-
HISTORIC DAYS
ure from Bridgeton, enlisted as a member of the new contin- gent and becoming its first sergeant, gave it the benefit of his experience. In a few days it was ready for the field under the command of Captain Richard S. Thompson, a gentleman of fine military bearing.
War meetings were held in all the towns and villages of Cumberland County during the summer of 1802. The population was aroused to a high state of enthusiasm. It was a wonderful year, and one never to be forgotten. Bridgeton, the shire town, with barely 4,000 inhabitants, was the cen- tre of interest. Here the people gathered to listen to patri- otie speeches ; here they stood upon street corners discussing the latest news from the army and the situation of the coun- try. Boys and girls paraded the streets eager to hear what was to be learned concerning the perilous condition of the brave boys who had gone to the front to do battle for the homes and the land which they loved. The boys wore red. white and blue neckties ; the girls wore dresses and ribbons of the same materials. Work was suspended, while the town teemed with excitement.
On the morning of August 12th, 1862. Company K was ready to depart for the war. The day was bright and balmy ; the stores and business places were decorated with bunting ; the streets were lined with erowds of people. The company left its quarters in the Carll building, and was drawn up in column on the sidewalk. Paul T. Jones, Charles E. Elmer, Hon. John T. Nixon, Rev. Joseph Hubbard. Lieutenant William E. Potter, and Captain Richard S. Thompson made patriotic speeches. A handsome set of colors was presented to the company. In the afternoon Co. K took train at the new West Jersey Railroad depot on Irving avenue, en route to Camp Stockton, Woodbury, there to be mustered into the Twelfth New Jersey Regiment, Infantry, Volunteers. Never did a finer looking body of men pass through the streets of
Dr. William S. Bowen Edmund R. Elner Eden M. Hood
PROMINENT CITIZENS-1-61-1-65 Charles Laning John Cheesman, Jr. John R. Graham (63)
Hiram Harris Robert M. Seeley Hon. John Carter
HISTORIC DAYS
Bridgeton. In the march to the depot several thousand people followed to bid them God speed in the noble cause for which they were to give the last full measure of devotion. It was an imposing and an inspiring scene. At the depot weeping wives, mothers and children bade sad farewells to the departing young men, and many tears were shed. The whistle was blown and the locomotive with the train of patri- ots slowly receded from view, while the cheers of those who remained made the air resound with an affectionate adieu. Three years later this noble company was to return with thirty men under a battle flag whose stars were riddled with bullet holes and whose stripes were torn by shot and by shell. A handful of brave hearts like Napoleon's Old Guard black with the smoke of many engagements upon their faces they marched proudly through Commerce street 'midst the huzzahs of patriotic Bridgeton.
This gallant Company K took part in thirty-one engage- ments, entering at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3d and 4th. 1863: in the glorious battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July Ist, 2d and 3d, 1863: at the Wilderness. Va., May 5th to 7th, 1864: Spottsylvania. Va., May 8th to 18th, 1864; closing its meritorious service at the capture of Petersburg, Va., Ap- ril 2d. 1865, and witnessing Lee's surrender at Appomattox, Va., April 9th, 1865.
The following is the roster of the company : Captain, Richard S. Thompson : First Lieutenant. Daniel Dare ; Sec- ond Lieutenant, William E. Potter : Sergeants, Edward M. DuBois, Henry Crooks. Moses B. Holmes, Frank M. Riley, William S. Ayres, Charles S. Padgett, Timothy Bateman, Aaron Terry. Edwin M. Padgett. Benjamin F. Howell, James P. Williams, John F. Shuman. William B. Hines ; Corporals : Charles M. Riley, Albert Walker, William F. Moore. George Laws. Joseph B. Husted, William Il. Ben- nett. Justus H. Livingston, Horace B. Garton, Amos S. Burt, Butler Newcomb, George MeHenry: Privates : Henry C. Lore. John Evans, Jonathan Borden. Henry W. Gaskill. Henry H. Bradford, Henry Campbell. Albert F. Carll. Rob- ert G. Clark, Reeves Coulter, Anderson Davis, William H.
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