USA > New Jersey > History of the men of Co. F, with description of the marches and battles of the 12th New Jersey Vols. Dedicated to "our dead." > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22
ERASTUS W. HOWARD
Came from Burlington county, along with the others of the Beverly squad, and joined our company on August 9, 1862. He was a sharp, bright young man, twenty-two years old, and he very soon found out that soldiering was not what he ex- pected, so he began to soldier, and his influence in the com- pany was not for good. He often spoke of the many sharp plans and schemes worked by malingerers to fool the doctors
123
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers.
and obtain discharges, and openly boasted of his ability to work some of them successfully, and he seemed to succeed, as he got his discharge at Falmouth on February 25, 1863, for disability. He died in New York in 1880.
WILLIAM P. HAINES
Was born in December, 1840. He lived and worked on his father's farm, near Mickleton, N. J., quietly and happy, until the breaking out of the Rebellion aroused his dormant patriot- ism, and he made strenuous efforts to go out with the first of the volunteers, but his father, who was a local Quaker preacher, said "No." And William had lived with him long enough to find out that when he said no, that settled it ; no use kicking or coaxing. But for eight months he fretted, chafed, watched and read of the success or failure of our armies, and longed for the freedom of that twenty-first birthday. And at the call for three hundred thousand more, he was one of the first to sign the roll, and was mustered with that first squad at Woodbury on July 29, 1862, for three years, or during the war.
He was of light complexion and slender build, rather in- clined to be dyspeptic, but entered into the life and duties of a soldier with all the abandon and keen enjoyment of a boy just free from school. He had been kept so close at home, and seen or knew so little of the world, that what to others seemed military restraint, to him was glorious freedom. The camp life at Woodbury was a glorious picnic ; at Ellicott's Mills, an irridescent vision ; at Falmouth, a happy dream. The experi- ences of that first battle were clear beyond the farthest flights of boyish fancy, and that three months' stay in the hospital at Wilmington, Del., caused by a Chancellorsville wound, was one long sweet rest, and to get back in the field with the company once more, was like a release from jail. He was de- tailed as pioneer for several months, but was back in the ranks all through that great Wilderness campaign. He was slightly wounded on May 6th, and more seriously at Spottsylvania on May 12th, but after a few days in the field hospital, he was back in the ranks, and engaged in every battle and skirmish
1
124
The Men of Company F,
clear down to Appomattox, where he whooped and yelled with the crazy ones.
He was never sick a day, never missed a meal if there was anything to eat, and was good at foraging. He was discharged with the company at Trenton on June 12, 1865, and after a few months' stay at home, drifted out to the lumber regions of Wisconsin and Minnesota, where he spent ten happy years, then settled down at Mickleton, N. J., to work at carpentering as his own boss, cook and housekeeper. Captain E. L. Strat- ton said he was the worst boy in the company. " The good die young."
SAMUEL IREDELL.
Was a very exemplary young man, who had been working for twenty-two years on a farm near Mullica Hill. He was small of stature, with rugged health, and the bright, rosy hue of his cheeks extended into his hair. He was a quick, earnest talker and worker, full of patriotism; indeed he seemed to have the patriotism of the whole family, as out of the five brothers Sam was the only soldier, and he faithfully main- tained the honor of the flock. He joined our little band of patriots August 11, 1862, and experienced the usual trouble in the fit of his blue clothes. He was of a quiet, happy dis- position, accepting things just as they came, glad they were no worse ; he never used his voice to growl about drill or rations, or to swell the "butter fund," but saved it for sing- ing, and on many a night during those three years of service, our hearts were soothed and sorrows lightened by his sweet musical rendering of "The Farmer's Boy " and "Who Will Care for Mother Now." He was the first man in the com- pany to feel a rebel bullet ; one of them took off a finger and boxed his ear, causing Sam to ask " Who struck me?" This was right early Sunday morning at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863, compelling his retreat to the field hospital, where his wounds were dressed, then to Washington, and Wilmington, Del., where he spent several months, but returned to the com- pany in time to participate in all that terrible Wilderness cam-
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. 125
paign. He was struck on top of his head by a spent ball at Cold Harbor, whilst going to the rear for rations, but he soon revived, without leaving the company. He passed safely through that long siege of Petersburg, and, was there to help whoop and yell, when Lee surrendered at Appomattox. He was dis- charged with the company at Trenton, June 12, 1865, and now lives at Mullica Hill, and works as farmer, carpenter and handy man.
GEORGE H. JENNINGS
Was a farmer boy from the neighborhood of Stringtown, N. J., not quite eighteen years of age, when he joined our company at Woodbury, on August 4, 1862. Of medium height, dark hair and complexion, with sharp, black eyes and happy dispo- sition, he took up the new duties of a soldier with cheerful earnestness, enjoyed our sports and pastimes, and did his full share of duty on picket, guard and drill. He faithfully held his place in the company, excepting some few short visits to the hospitals; took part in nearly all our engagements and es- caped serious wounds, though his clothing was pierced by bullets. He contracted rheumatism towards the close of the war, and was often lame and suffering from contact with the damp ground; and ever since he has been a great sufferer from this same cause. He was a good forager and a good farmer; he knew how to milk a cow, dig potatoes, or raise poultry. He now lives at Wenonah, N. J., and has a wonderful mem- ory ; he can tell day and date of almost any event in our military life, and we often rely on him for a settlement of some disputed points of camp, march or battle.
ALFRED JONES
Was a farmer boy from near Bridgeport, N. J., and entered our company on August 11, 1862. He was twenty-three years of age, of fine personal appearance, with long, flowing whiskers, of which he was justly proud. He was appointed corporal on June 11, 1863; was very slightly wounded at Gettysburg; taken
126
The Men of Company F,
sick on the return march, and left the company at Warrenton. Returned to duty at Turkey Run, but was soon again in the hospital, and was discharged for disability, January 25, 1864. He was living in Camden for many years, successful as a trav- eling salesman, when he came to a sudden death by falling overboard from a pleasure yacht in Barnegat Bay, in October, 1889, and now lies buried in the cemetery at Bridgeport, N. J.
JOSEPH JONES
Was a very exemplary young man, working on his father's farm near Mullica Hill ; happy, bright, industrious, the pride of his parents and teachers, the welcome visitor and school- mate of his associates and friends, just entering his eighteenth year, with bright prospects before him of a peaceful, happy farmer's life. But the blast of the bugle called men to the strife and his name was soon on the rolls of Company F. En- listing August 7, 1862, he proudly took his place in the ranks and did his duty promptly and faithfully.
He was severely wounded at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, but . after a few weeks in the hospital he resumed his place in the company. In a short time a severe attack of camp-fever sent him again to the hospital, and rejoined the company just in time to participate in that fateful battle of Cold Harbor, June 4, 1864. After the charge, whilst we were stubbornly holding that exposed position, some of the boys were trying to cut a log from a fallen tree to roll up in front and give a slight protection from the bullets; Comrade Jones, always ready for his share of danger, jumped on the tree, raised the axe for a stroke and fell forward shot through the body by a rebel sharp-shooter.
He was carried to the field hospital, given kindly treatment, then sent back to Washington, where he died June 13, 1864, leaving a sad vacancy in family and company, and a record of a good, faithful soldier, who died for his country.
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. 127
JOHN C. JACKSON
Was a farmer boy, who lived near Jefferson, and, like many others, he caught the patriotic fever, and joined our little band on August 11, 1862. He was twenty years old, and very quiet and retiring in disposition, so that it was hard to make his acquaintance, and his poor health prevented his enjoyment of soldier life, though he did faithful service for many months. He then was sent to the hospitals in different places, until finally he reached Philadelphia, where he died in the Satterlee Hospital, February 1, 1864.
WILLIAM H. JOHNSON,
At the time of enlistment, was working on a farm in the neigh- borhood of Barnsboro, and succeeded in getting a place in our company July 31, 1862. He was nineteen years old, and of a quiet disposition; not much inclined to be friendly, nor did he take much part in our amusements or conversation. He was often sick enough to attend at the morning sick-call, but con- tinued in the ranks until a few weeks before the battle of Chancellorsville, when he was sent off to the corps hospital, but returned in time for the battle of Gettysburg. Just at the start of that famous charge on the Bliss Barn he was shot through the body, ran a few steps and fell behind a fence, where he laid until our return, forty minutes later, when he was carried back, but died before night. His body now lies in the New Jersey section of the Gettysburg National Cemetery.
DAVID W. KEEN.
The official records show that he was born near Swedsboro, and was working on a farm in that neighborhood when he joined our company on August 11, 1862, being at the time twenty-six years old, and nearly six feet in height. He was enlisted as a wagoner, but as we had no wagons he served in the ranks until we reached Washington, about December II, 1862, where he left the company and took possession of a very fine team of young mules, and was always after that a con-
.
128
The Men of Company F,
spicuous figure in our trains, and being a mule driver he was released from the payment of any dues in the "butter fund." He was generous and kind hearted, and assisted his weary comrades at every opportunity, but the dangerous character of his duties-and mules-gave him a serious look, that was sel- . dom broken by a smile. He fortunately escaped without fatal injuries, but none of us wanted to trade places with him ; we preferred the uncertainty of the bullets as against the certainty of a mule's heels. He was discharged with the company at the close of the war, and is now living at Norristown, Pa.
ISAAC P. KNISELL
Came from Harrisonville, where his father kept an oyster saloon and was a famous auctioneer. Isaac was twenty-one years old when he joined our company August 12, 1862, and did faithful service in the ranks for several months, until one cold, stormy night on picket at Falmouth, he took a heavy cold, which soon developed camp-fever, with great debility and almost total loss of voice, so that he was sent back to Washington, and discharged March 9, 1863, and after many months of suffering and careful nursing he recovered health and voice. He is now living in Woodbury, following the busi- ness of his father before him; a good auctioneer, and his oyster shop is noted for the excellence of its stews, and the crisp, dainty pies of his good wife.
LOUIS KELLOGG
Was a green German farm hand working for Job Hendrick- son, near Mickleton, N. J., when the thought of bigger wages, mingled with some patriotism and much persuasion, caused him to enlist in our company on August 5, 1862. He was a short, stocky Dutchman, twenty-four years old; had been in this country but a few months, speech broken, movements slow and stolid, so that he had much difficulty in learning the drills and getting fittable clothes. He was a very thrifty, frugal man, who allowed nothing to go to waste, and in our
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. 129
winter camp at Falmouth he developed a great talent for cook- ing. From the bones and scraps of meat, gathered up around where the cattle were slaughtered, he would compound some most wonderful stews, which he sold to the other less shifty Germans by the quart: " twenty-five cents init spec, or twenty cents mitout spec." He carried the largest knapsack in the company, and always seemed to know of the prospects for a march or battle; and whilst others were lightening their loads by throwing away heavy boots and extra clothing, Louie was gathering them up, trudging along with a pack like a Jew peddler. If he happened to get so far behind as to altogether miss the excitement of a battle (which often happened), he was sure to come up next day; and if any of the boys were short of blankets, clothing or beef stews, he would supply them for the ready cash. At one time after a battle, on being told of the death of a comrade, he replied: "I'm real sorry, for he owed me fifty cents for stews, and now I'll lose it." He was suspiciously wounded at Spottsylvania, May 18, 1864; trans- ferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps September 30, 1864, and discharged at the close of the war. Lived near Harrisonville, N. J., until ISS7, when he removed to the far West, and is now reported dead.
CHARLES D. LIPPINCOTT
Was amongst the first to sign the roll of Company F, and was mustered in with that first squad at Woodbury, July 29, 1862, and was immediately appointed third sergeant. He. was twenty-one years old, of magnificent physical development, straight, broad-shouldered, strong in limbs, mind and body, he seemed to realize the seriousness and importance of the work before him and immediately took up the study of drill and tactics, and in a few weeks he could drill a squad or platoon equal to any old regular. He was of genial, social disposition and enjoyed the love and respect of his comrades, and his bravery and courage were of the highest order. He had that rare faculty of controlling his feelings, so as to appear calm and unruffled in the midst of the wildest scenes of danger and
9
I 30
The Men of Company F,
excitement, and this ability to command soon led to his pro- . motion as sergeant major of the regiment, then First Lieuten- ant of Company F, November 26, 1863, and Captain of Com- pany B, September 13, 1864. He participated in nearly all our battles, and seldom failed to get a wound ; indeed, this seemed to be the one great military lesson that he never could learn ; he always dodged the wrong way, and thus got more wounds than any other man in the company. He was slightly wounded at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863, again at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, once more in the Wilderness, May 6, 1864. and much more seriously at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864, where his cheek-bone collided with one bullet and his arm with another, and this combination sent him on his first visit to the hospital; but he was soon back in his place and got his regular bullet through his coat at Boyden Road. He came back with the last of the regiment at the close of the war and was discharged at Trenton, July 15, 1865. Came home and married his best girl, and is now a successful merchant and storekeeper at Swedesboro, N. J., and draws no pension.
WILLIAM LAKES
Was living on the Mullica Hill road, near our old camp ground at Woodbury, and enlisted with the first squad on July 29, 1862. He was a laboring man, thirty-five years old, of a quiet, retiring disposition, with but little desire for conversa- tion or amusements, but gave strict attention to drill and duty, and faithfully performed his share of guard or picket. His health interfered with his enjoyment of camp life, and he grew pale and thin, until at last camp fever compelled his retire- inent to the hospital at Falmouth, where he died on February 13, 1863. We took the "dead march " with him, and sadly laid him to rest in our little grave yard over the run, but his body was removed after the war, and now lies in the National Cemetery at Fredericksburg.
WILLIAM MONCRIEF,
Just previous to enlistment, was working on a farm near Har-
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. 131.
risonville, happy and contented, little dreaming that the call for more men was meant for him, until he saw his young friends and associates, one after another, taking their places in our ranks at Woodbury. Then his patriotic duty rose up clearly before him, and he was mustered into the company on August 5, 1862. He was just eighteen years old, of fair complexion, and neat personal appearance, and he seemed to enjoy our camp life. He proved his fitness for a soldier's duties by growling at the orderly sergeant and cook, and by making generous contributions to the "butter fund." One of his lady friends, named Rebecca, made a call on him at our Woodbury camp, and from that time on his name was "Beckey." He was a good soldier; was slightly wounded at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863, and again at Hatcher's Run on March 25, 1865. He came home with the regiment, and for many years worked at Glassboro, but is now a glass packer at Bridgeton, N. J.
JOHN MAY
Enlisted early, and was mustered in with the first squad at Woodbury on July 29, 1862. He was brought up on the Gard- ner farm, near Mullica Hill, but at this time was working for John F. Meley. He was twenty-three years old, and enjoyed the proud distinction of being the shortest man in the com- pany (five feet, three inches). He never had to quarrel with the comrades for crowding him out of place, he simply waited until the rest fell into their places, then he took what was left -left of the company. He was a strong, well-built man, who carried a full-grown knapsack, and never fell out on the march. He was never wounded, and but seldom sick, until that last winter at Petersburg, where he contracted rheumatism, and was detailed for hospital duty. At the close of the war he got married and lived in Swedesboro, N. J., for several years, then moved to Germantown, Pa., where he died in 1891.
JOHN F. MELEY
Enlisted August 11, 1862. He was thirty years old, and liv- ing on a farm near Mullica Hill, when, stricken by the war
.
1
I32
The Men of Company F,
fever, he promptly decided to leave the farm, a loving wife and three small children, happy home and kind friends, to help maintain our national honor. He was a quiet, conscientious man, of an age to not take much part in the rough, athletic sports of the company, but gave careful obedience to orders and strict attention to duty. Was soon detailed as a musician, and in most of our battles was of great service in ministering to the wants and wounds of the boys in the hospitals; often assisting in carrying them from the field of battle, particularly at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness and Cold Harbor, where the wounded of Company F were the subjects of his soothing ministrations and gentle care. The band was broken up at Petersburg, and John returned to the ranks to take his share of skirmish and picket in the trenches. He took part in the battles of Hatcher's Run and Boyden Road, after which he was detailed to assist the commissary in the issue of rations for the regiment, where he remained till the close of the war. He was sick and off duty but three days, never wounded, and faithfully performed every duty in his assigned position; was never in the guard-house, and his influence in the company was good, for he kept his religion with him all the time, and never contributed to the " butter fund." Was discharged with the regiment at Trenton, and now lives at Swedesboro; is prominent in politics, church, the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, and an earnest advocate of Cuban liber.
GEORGE MELEY
Was a fine specimen of patriotic young American manhood, who, for twenty-one years, had tickled the bosom of mother earth with a plow, and the back of a horse with a switch. At the time of enlistment he was working as a wheelwright, at Swedesboro, N. J., and had a happy home, with every needed comfort and luxury; kind friends, best girl, and all that makes life happy, yet he was not satisfied. Like young Norval, "he had heard of battles;" and when father Abraham spoke of wanting "three hundred thousand more," George knew where he could get them-all but two hundred and ninety-
I33
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers.
nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine. He enlisted a't Woodbury August 11, 1862, but was not entirely satisfied with the fit of his new clothes; nevertheless, he entered on his new duties with patriotic zeal, and earnestly strived to master the intricate mysteries of drill and camp guard. Of a happy dis- position, he easily made friends in the company. He performed his duties with ability, accepted his share of the dangers-and rations, and proved his courage at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863, where he was badly wounded while trying to help another wounded comrade ( James L. Plummer) off the field. As he could not walk, he was compelled to lie on the ground while the rebel line passed over him, driving our men back to the edge of the woods, where they in turn were repulsed and driven back; so that George was again inside the Union lines, after an experience of nearly two hours as a prisoner of war. He was carried back to the field hospital, where his wound was dressed, and then sent to Washington, where, after suffer- ing many months, he partially recovered, and was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, in December, 1864. Did faithful service in the forts and defences of Washington through those exciting times that followed the murder of President Lincoln, and was one of the guards at the navy yard, when Mrs. Surratt and the other conspirators were hung for that fearful crime. He was discharged at the close of the war, and now lives in Swedesboro, N. J. He still retains his love for a fine horse, but seldom uses a plow.
CHARLES M'ILVAINE,
At the time of his enlistment, was working on a farm for his father, near Wolfert's Station, and though but nineteen years old he heeded the . patriotic promptings of his heart and left kind parents, happy home and loving friends to join our con- pany August 6, 1862. He was a strong, well-built boy of medium height, and well able to look out for himself and enjoy the freedom and pleasures of our new life.
He was seldom sick and gave good service in all our marches and battles, and escaped without serious wounds, but had his
I34
The Men of Company F,
clothes cut by a bullet at Chancellorsville. He was detailed as ' a sharp-shooter soon after the battle of Spottsylvania and served in that position until the close of the war. Came home with the company and was discharged June 12, 1865, and is now a farmer at Paulsboro, N. J., and draws no pension, but, like the rest of us, he has hopes.
JOSEPH W. MOORE
Was a farmer boy from Mullica Hill, so fortunate as to secure a place in our company, August 9, 1862. He was twenty-two years old and of fine personal appearance, good health and a bright, sunny disposition that led him to make the best of everything. Instead of growling and fretting at the discom- fort and hardships of march or picket, Joe would start his lit- tle fire, put up his tent or a brush shelter from the wind and rain ; enjoy his hot steaming coffee and pick out two nice soft rails for a bed, smiling and happy. through it all, while some of the others were standing around shiftless, wet, hungry, cursing their luck and wondering how it happened that Joe was so fortunate. He escaped without serious wounds, though participating in most of our battles. He was on the skirmish line in the Wilderness, and felt the thrill of that mighty charge at Spottsylvania ; he was on picket at North Anna when the army fell back across the river, and was left with a few others in that dangerous position until the crossing was completed. Then was quietly withdrawn, and at a lively double-quick rejoined the regiment, and the pontoon bridge was taken up before the "rebs " knew they were gone. He continued to give faithful service in the ranks at Cold Harbor and. Petersburg (though detailed for a short service in the train). "He came home with the regiment and resumed his place in business and society at Mullica Hill, where he now sells agricultural machinery, pre- serves peace and order as constable, and keeps a small store.
JAMES MOSEY
Was working on a farm for Samuel Ashcraft, near Mullica Hill, and joined the company August 11, 1862. He was
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. J35
twenty-one years old, short and stout of body, with rosy cheeks and hair. He enjoyed our camp-life and took his full share of sports and fun, and in his good-natured way was often heard growling at the cook about rations, or the orderly about his turn on guard, and willingly contributed to the "butter fund." He was severely wounded at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, but after a few months in the hospital he returned to the company and earnestly strove to advance the cause of temperance by his eloquent willingness to barter his rations for "commissary," thus removing temptation from the path of his weaker comrades, who could not so readily assimilate, without impairing their usefulness as soldiers. He came home with the company at the close of the war, and for many years was working at a sugar refinery in Philadelphia; then as porter at the Lafayette hotel, where he met death by the explosion of a steam pipe in 1889.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.