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 13
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161
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers.
Chester, the county seat of Chester county, Pa., within six miles of the place of his birth. Has never held any public office ; never served as a juryman (except on coroner's and sheriff's jury), enjoys good health, but is not strong, on ac- count of his wound, which always troubles him.
His services in Company F were highly appreciated. His term in the three months' service, combined with his genial disposition and great natural ability to command, soon made him a general favorite in the company. His strict, but gentle manners, made us always eager to have him in command on drill or picket, and his services in the company during our cadet days were invaluable. Though glad to see him pro- moted, we were very sorry to lose him from our company, where one of our higher offices was filled by so nearly a vacancy. He asked, rather than commanded, obedience, and his promo- tion to higher rank never kept him from being a comrade. With what genuine heart-felt sorrow we carried him back for dead from that bloody field of Spottsylvania, with a ghastly bullet wound right through the body, penetrating the left lung, close to the heart! We carried him to the hospital, where the doctors examined him, shook their heads, and said he could live but a few hours. We left him on a stretcher in the shade of a tree to die; but his strong constitution and will said no, and he came back from the very edge of the grave.
JOHN B. WAMSLEY
Was mustered into the company on August 4, 1862, after eighteen years of his life had been spent in the neighborhood of Mullica Hill, working for his father, who was a noted car- penter and millwright. He took his place near the left of the company, among the "shorts ; " gave good attention to drill, and kept his clothing and accoutrements neat and clean. He had a positive way of expressing himself, that often led to dis- putes with his tent-mates and comrades, also to an enlargement of the "butter fund." He gave good service in many of our battles, and escaped the wounds. He was detailed in the di- vision provost guard, and served in that capacity until the
11
162
The Men of Company F,
.
close of the war. He then drifted out West, and is now a farmer-carpenter in Oklahoma.
ALBERT J. WEATHERBY
Was a farmer boy, from near Barnesboro, who enlisted in the company on August 4, 1862. He was eighteen years old, and of fine personal appearance-not very tall, but a firm, well-knit body, and cheerful disposition. He was just the kind of a boy to make a good soldier, but fate was against him, and his time in the company was short, being killed in our first battle at Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863. His body, undoubtedly, fills one of those unknown graves in the National Cemetery at Fredericksburg, Va.
CHARLES M. WILSON
Was a well-known carpenter and builder, working at his trade in the neighborhood of Swedesboro, but realizing the urgent need of more men, he forsook the pleasant ways of saw and ham- mer, came along with the other patriotic sons of that Jersey village, and was initiated into our order on August 5, 1862. He was much older than most of his comrades, being in his thirty-fifth year, and seemed to realize the sober earnestness of the duties before him. His health was not very strong, and lie often attended sick-call or spent a few days in the hospital ; took his place in the ranks again, and did the best he could, until that mighty struggle in the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, where he received a fatal wound, but clung to life through that long, rough ambulance ride to Fredericksburg and Belle Plains, then by boat to Washington. He was so weak and exhausted when he reached there that he died at the Harwood Hospital on June 6, 1864, and was buried there.
CHARLES K. WOOD
Was a harness maker at Mullica Hill, whose patriotism would not allow him to stay at home, while friends and patrons were
1. 1
163
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers.
enlisting all around him, so he left the shop and became a member of our company on August 11, 1862. He was thirty years old, small in body and height, very quick of motion and speech, with pale, white skin from indoor work. He was of a pleasant, jovial disposition, and entered into his new duties with careful attention, and did well his part, until that fearful struggle at Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863, where a bullet entered his head near the centre of his forehead. He was taken back to the hospital at Kelley's Ford, where his wound was dressed, and in a few days he came back to Camp Falmouth, and looked into our tents with a smile of recognition, but could not speak. That terrible wound had taken his power of speech, but yet he was able to walk those many miles to see his friends, and died there on May 10, 1863. His body now lies in the National Cemetery at Fredericksburg.
1
OCCUPATION, ETC.
In looking over the enlistment papers of the men composing this company, we find their occupation had been as follows, viz. :
No. -
No.
Farmers .
77
Tinsmith . I
Shoemakers
4
Boatman .
I
Clerks .
4
Painter
I
Millers
Basketmaker . 3
I
Carpenters .
Bartender 3
I
Wheelwrights
2
Undertaker .
I
Harnessmaker
I
And twelve pair of brothers, as follows :
Edward L. and James S. Stratton John F. and George Meley .
Emanuel and Azariah Stratton
James and Joseph L. White
W. H. and Charles Stratton
David and Richard Borton .
Azariah and W. H. Stratton Emanuel and Charles Stratton . . Warren H. and Alfred J. Somers . Charles and Azariah Stratton
John and Joshua C. Grice W. H. and Emanuel Stratton .
--------
.
COMPANY COMMANDERS.
By reference to records we find that ten different officers were in command of Company F during some period of our nearly thirty-five months of service, viz. : Captain E. L. Stratton, who had seen some service in the home guards of Mullica Hill, recruited the company, was commissioned as captain August 13, 1862, and continued in command until taken sick at Fal- mouth about February 1, 1863, relinquishing it to First Lieu- tenant J. J. Trimble for two weeks, when he was granted leave of absence, and the command fell on Second Lieutenant Joseph Pierson. He looked after our welfare until March 4th, when Captain E. L. Stratton returned to duty and ably led us until he was badly wounded at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. The honor again fell on Lieutenant Trimble, who held the position until terribly wounded in the boot-leg at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, when First Sergeant C. D. Lippincott came next in rank and ably commanded us until July 18th, when Sergeant James S. Stratton, who had been commissioned second lieutenant, (vice Joseph Pierson, killed at Chancellorsville) returned from leave of absence and held the reins of government until No- vember 26, 1863. Then C. D. Lippincott received his well- earned promotion as first lieutenant (vice Trimble, resigned) and continued at the head of the company until January 25th, when he was placed in command of Company B. First Ser- geant A. Stratton was given charge of the company (Second Lieutenant J. S. Stratton being off on recruiting service) and kept us straight until March 1, 1864, when Frank M. Acton, who had been made Captain of Company F, but placed in charge of the First Delaware recruits while their old men were on veteran furlough, returned to his company and bravely led us through all that terrible Wilderness campaign, until failing health compelled him to take a twenty days' sick leave,
166
The Men of Company F,
July Ist to 21st (Lieutenant C. D. Lippincott commanding dur- ing the interval), when he returned and commanded until poor health caused his retirement September 22, 1864. Then First Sergeant A. Stratton received his well-deserved promotion as first lieutenant, vice Lippincott, promoted Captain of Company B, and he faithfully led the company until January 18, 1865, when he received a fifteen days' furlough, and Second Lieu- tenant John Lezenby, of Company K, kept us straight in win -. ter camp during his absence until February 6th. Then Lieu- tenant A. Stratton until February 22d, when Frank M. Riley, who had been Sergeant-Major and First Lieutenant of Com- pany G, was promoted Captain of Company F (vice Acton, · resigned) and remained with us and won the love and respect of the whole company by his fearless courage and gentle, thoughtful care of our comfort and welfare through that last grand assault, the thrilling chase after those fleeting rebels, that wild day at Appomattox, and the peaceful return to Burksville Junction, where, on April 12th, he was detached on staff duty and assigned to the position of Assistant Adjutant General on our Brigade Staff, taking the place of that grand comrade and brave soldier, Theron Parsons, of the One Hun- dred and Eighth New York, who had been called to a position on the Second Corps Staff. First Lieutenant A. Stratton had been sent to command another company (A, I think) and the command of F fell on Second Lieutenant James White, who had advanced steadily upwards from a corporal until he re- ceived his well-earned commission January 17, 1865. He proudly led us through desolate Richmond and the return march to Munson's Hill, near Washington, where May 28th First Lieutenant A. Stratton, for the fourth time, again took command, receiving his well-deserved promotion as captain, July 5th (vice Riley, discharged), and was mustered out with the last of the company and regiment, July 15, 1865.
OUR RECRUITS.
There were twenty-seven recruits, who joined our company at different times, two of whom were killed and several of the others wounded. Among the three years' men, those best remembered, were Joseph M. Carter, who came from Mickleton, and was wounded in the face at Spottsylvania; he is now a farmer at Aura, N. J. Edward Casperson, who came from Mickleton, and was wounded in the leg at Reams Station; he is now a shoemaker iu Camden. Andrew J. Drake, who came to the company while at Stony Mountain, a green recruit, and a stranger to all of us; he quietly took his place, and in a very few weeks we knew him as one of our best soldiers; kind and genial in camp, cool and fearless in battle, alert on picket, and active and careful on the skirmish line. We were proud of him, and glad of his company on any service; but have no knowledge of him since the war. Henry and John Shelp, parent and child; the father wounded at North Anna, the son killed at Cold Harbor a few days later. Isaac A. Schlichter, who joined the company in the trenches at Cold Harbor, spent one night with us, and was mortally wounded next morning while going to the rear for rations, and died soon after. Thomas. Van Houten, who was wounded at Cold Harbor. Allan Shay, William L. Stephenson and Rinaldo J. Walker, who died at Petersburg, all good soldiers and a credit to the company. Of the one year men who gave good service, we remember William Dolan and Joshua J. Livezey, who were both wounded at Fred- ericksburg while serving in the Twenty-eighth New Jersey ; they re-enlisted in the Twelfth. Joshua died several years ago ; William is a farmer at Jefferson, N. J. Henry Jenkins is now a blacksmith at Langley's Corner. Aaron B. Eacritt, James F. Tomlin, Charles W. Elkins and Hugh Swift. All good soldiers.
We had seven drafted men and twenty-six substitutes, of
168
The Men of Company F,
whom the best known were Asa C. Holdcraft, John Reike, John K. Holler and Charles L. Clement. Many of the others were no doubt good men, but they entered the company so late, most of them after the surrender, that we had no chance to find them out. Nor do we know of their present whereabouts, except that Julius Turziskie is a blacksmith at Freehold, N. J.
ROLL OF RECRUITS.
NAME.
MUST'D IN.
TIME.
REMARKS.
DISCHARGED
Joseph M. Carter .
Dec. 29, 1863.
3 years Wounded at Spottsylvania .
Edw'd Casperson .
Dec. 29, 1863.
Wounded at Reams Station .
June 15. 1865. Oct. 21, 1864.
Andrew J. Drake . | Feb. 25, 1864.
Good soldier .
July 15, 1865.
Rinaldo J. Walker Feb. 25, 1364.
Died at Petersburg, January 13, 1865
Allan Shay .
M'ch 1, 1864.
Good soldier
July 15, 1865.
Henry Shelp
Feb. 11, 1864.
Wounded at North Anna
June 30, 1565.
John Shelp
Feb. 11, 1864.
Killed at Cold Harbor .
Isaac A. Schlicter.
May 2, 1864.
Killed at Cold Harbor
Charles C. Sharp . | Jan'y 4, 1864.
Disability
June 28, 1865. June 15, 1865.
Nelson Davis . .
Feb. 11, 1864.
Died at Andersonville July 17. 1864 .
June 15, 1865.
Jacob Warner. . . M'ch 1, 1864.
June 15, 1865.
Conrad Brill . Sept. 5, 1864.
1 year
Transferred to Co. K
June 4, 1865.
James O. Campbell Sept. 14, 1364.
Transferred from Co. E.
July 16, 1865.
James M. Cook . . Jan. 26, 1865.
Transferred from Co. I .
July 16, 1865.
John Corwin .
Jan. 9, 1865.
July 16, 1865.
William Dolan . . Sept. 1, 1864.
Wounded at Chancellorsville in Twenty eighth New Jersey.
June 4, IS65.
Aaron B. Eacritt . Aug. 25, 1964.
64
Good soldier
June 4, 1865.
Charles N. Elkins. Aug. 25, 1864.
Good soldier
June 4, 1865.
W'm. M. Frazier . Feb. 14, 1965.
66
July 15, 1865.
Robert Huston. . Sept. 7. 1864.
.. Transferred from Co. I
June 4, 1865.
Henry Jenkins. . Sept. 1, 1804.
Good soldier .
June 4, 1865.
Joshua J. Livezey. Sept. 1, 1864.
..
Wounded at Fredericksburg in June 4, 1965. Twenty-fourth New Jersey.
July 15, 1865.
Wm. Suyder
Sept. 1, 1504.
Trans. to Dept. of North-west . Good soldier
June 4. 1865.
Subs and drafted men who joined our company in the fol- lowing order :
NAME.
MEST'D IN.
TIME.
REMARKS.
DISCHARGED
Asa C. Holdcraft . July 18, 1964.
1 year. Substitute.
July 15, 1865.
Henry Mckeever. July 23, 1504.
Substitute; trans. to Co. B. Sth Regiment.
Charles Krantz . . July 25, 1404.
Substitute.
July 15, 1865.
Henry Sheerer . . July 27. 1.04.
Substitute.
July 15, 1805.
John K. Holler . .
Oct. 4. 1504.
Substitute.
July 15, 1865.
John Reike.
Oct. 4, 1964.
Substitute.
July 15. 1505.
Philip Schaffer . .
Oct. 4. 1904.
Substitute.
July 15, 1865.
John Williams . Joseph Noel
Oct. 7. 1504.
Substitute.
July 15, 1665.
Charles Dittrick , Oct. 11, 1404. ..
Substitute ; disch. in hospital. ,June 26, 1565.
Theo. Schneider
Feb. 23. 1505.
Drafted.
July 15, 1565.
August Winder. . Feb. 23, I55.
Drafted .
July 15, 1955.
Chas. I. Clement. Feb. 24. 1505.
Drafted .
July 15, In5.
Felix Mosbrogger. Feb. 24. 105.
Substitute.
July 15, 1505.
Martin Farrell .
Feb. 25, 1005.
Drafted .
1 July 15. 1865.
-
Oct. 4. 1904.
Substitute.
July 15, 1665.
Hugh Swift. Jan. 27, IS65.
16
Good soldier
Sept. 16, 1964.
James F. Tomlin . Aug. 25, 1-64.
W. L. Stephenson.
Jan'y 4, 1864 ..
· Thos. VanHouten. Feb. 13, 1864.
Wounded at Cold Harbor
=
----
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. 169
The following substitutes and drafted men reached the com- pany at Burksville, about one week after the surrender of Lee at Appomattox, having been mustered at Trenton on the following dates :
NAME.
MUST'D IN.
TIME.
REMARKS.
DISCHARGED
Elwood P. Davis .
April 3, 1865.
I year. Drafted .
July 15, 1865.
William Daver .
¡April 4, 1865.
Substitute.
July 13, IS65.
William Graham .
:April 4, IS65.
..
Drafted .
July 15, 1865.
William Hogate .
¡April 4, 1865.
Drafted .
July 15, IS65.
Joseph Hopkins .
'April 4, IS65.
Substitute.
July 15, 1:65.
Fred'k Brochouse.
April 4, 1865.
..
Substitute.
July 15, 1565.
Frank Casine. . .
April 4, 1865.
66
Substitute.
July 15, IS65.
Bernard Johnson. Frank Kellar . ..
April 4, 1865.
Substitute.
July 15, 1865.
George Palmer . .
April 4, 1565.
Substitute.
July 15. 1865.
Julius Turzewski .
| April 4, 1865.
Substitute.
July 15, IS65.
Richard Welch . .
¡ April 4, 1865.
Substitute.
July 15, IS65.
Charles Mull . .
April 4, 1865.
Died of disease, June 22, IS65.
John Edwards .
April 6, 1865
Substitute.
July 15, IS65.
Jacob Elkins . .
April 6, 1865.
Substitute.
July 15, 1865.
John Michael .
April 6, 1865.
Substitute.
July 15, 1865.
Philip Bradier .
April 7, 1865.
Substitute.
July 15, 1865.
William Nelson .
April 8, 1865.
6
Substitute : last man
July 15, 1865.
-
April 4. 1865.
Substitute.
July 15, IS65.
"THIRD RELIEF."
-
OR GAIHT"
-
OTHER MEN.
The scope of this work will not admit of trespass on the do- main of other companies, as we fondly hope and expect that they will attend to their own histories. Yet there are a few comrades whose services were of such general, or regimental, character, that Company F feels a sort of joint ownership and right to speak of them here : Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas H. Davis, our grand old leader, how proudly we recall him-our ideal soldier-erect, vigilant, energetic, thoughtful of his men, brave almost to rashness, yet kind and sympathetic as a father. Oh, what a keen sorrow when his proud form met that fatal bullet at Spottsylvania ! Adjutant Paxson, our military man, who can estimate his value in our cadet days, when we so much needed his strict military training? Dr. Satterthwait, who ministered to our physical wants, stern or sympathetic, just as required; gentle and tender with the really sick, but a terror to the shysters. Adjutant Franklin, our "little fighting cock," always a comrade, and yet so strict and soldierly. Our genial Quartermaster-Sergeant Charles P. Brown, good friends with everybody. He could divide up a scanty ration of beef and coffee so that all were satisfied except himself. He must leave that safe position with the trains, and in spite of all op- position, return to duty with the company, where his bravery and courage were of the highest order. H. F. Chew stepped to the front at Reams Station and bravely led that charge, for which others get the credit. He was a true comrade, brave, just, humane, and always thoughtful of the comfort of his boys. Was it any wonder that we were rebellious when an outsider was sent to command us, and got the commission as colonel, that rightfully belonged to our own Harry Chew ? And to this day the boys cling to him as our ideal commander. " Ned " DuBois, our representative on Brigade Staff, young, quick,
174
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers.
alert, a fine horseman ; how oft and proudly we watched his movements on battle's dangerous field, as he dashed here and there, with no thought of danger where duty called. A hand- some figure, brave soldier, ideal staff officer ! And last, but not least, in our affections, our brave, bright, humane hospital steward, Charlie Weidemann, tender and gentle as a mother, with balm and healing in his voice and touch. Sergeant Cheeseman, our color-bearer, to whom danger seemed delight, was he ever afraid? I expect he was, but none of us had any desire to go where he would not stand "with the flag proudly waving above him," and in the Wilderness his wind- ing sheet. Brave Charlie !
THOMAS H. DAVIS.
Lieutenant-Colonel Davis was born in the city of Camden, N. J., July 23, 1835, where his early days were passed until, at the age of seventeen, he entered the West Jersey Collegiate School at Mount Holly, remaining until the period of his school days had ended, when he went West and was engaged for several years in the cities of Toledo, O., and Detroit, Mich., in the construction of gas works.
He afterwards returned to Camden. He was among the first to tender his services at the outbreak of the war, and was made Paymaster of the Fourth Regiment, New Jersey Militia, serv- ing in that capacity for three months in front of Washington. On the 9th of July, 1862, he was commissioned Major of the Twelfth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, and entered on his duties in the camp at Woodbury, showing an ardent interest in its welfare. February 27, 1863, he was commissioned Lieu- tenant-Colonel, J. Howard Willits being promoted Colonel. vice R. C. Johnson, resigned.
Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, as field officer of the day, was necessarily much exposed during the winters of '62 and '63, at Falmouth, and this laid the foundation of an attack of inflam- matory rheumatism, which early in May prostrated him, so that he was ordered home, and did not return till August, 1863, when he assumed command of the regiment. He was
175
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers.
. steadily on duty during the summer of 1863, and at the com- bat near Greenwich, and the severe action at Bristoe Station, he manœuvered his troops with that coolness and serene cour- age which always distinguished him.
He was again engaged with the regiment, October 15th, at Blackburn's Ford, or Bull Run, and later in the fall during the short but exciting campaign of Mine Run.
On February 7, 1864, he was among the first on foot to ford the swift and icy waters of the Rapidan at Mortons Ford, and was warmly engaged in the severe combat.
With the rest of the army, he crossed the Rapidan on the evening of May 5th. The next morning Carroll's Brigade, in which was the regiment of Colonel Davis, advanced more than a mile, swinging to the left and across the Orange Court House plank road, and with the other brigades and divisions of the Second Corps, driving the corps of A. P. Hill, of the rebel enemy, in utter confusion before it. During a halt at length ordered, a shell exploded near Colonel Davis, and he was stricken to the ground. He was hit by splinters thrown from a tree struck by the shell referred to, and not by the pro- jectile itself. He lay in the field hospital till the evening of May 7th, when he rejoined the regiment when, with the army, it moved toward Spottsylvania. On the 12th of May, 1864, Colonel Davis, at the head of the Twelfth Regiment, formed a part of Hancock's magnificent column of infantry, which as- saulted Lee's line at Spottsylvania and, sweeping over it, pierced its center. On foot, as it was impossible to ride through abatis and over earthworks, erect, vigilant, enthusiastic, not yet re- covered from the severe bruises of six days before, but triumph- ing over them, eye-witnesses still love to tell with what valor and energy Colonel Davis led the Twelfth, as they swept over the rebel line and into their camp. The first line was carried with but little loss, but half a mile to the rear the charging columns came upon a second line heavily manned and sternly defended. And here, while cheering on his troops with flash- ing eyes and animated gestures, in front of his colors, and al- most touching them, Colonel Davis, struck by a bullet, which passed through his neck, fell dead.
176
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers.
He was buried near the field where he fell, but in a few days was removed to Fredericksburg, from whence, in the autumn of 1865, loving hands bore him northward, and on a beautiful day in November of that year, on the eve of the first Thanks- giving after the war, in the presence of his family and a few of his comrades, he was laid at rest in Laurel Hill, on the banks of the Schuylkill, in Philadelphia.
Few men were more soldierly in appearance than Colonel Davis, none braver or more zealous in the cause in which he died. Tall, erect, commanding in person, electric in tempera- ment, of a bold and resolute character, his troops so leaned on him that when he commanded his regiment fought with an energy which was often noticed. Warm in his affections, kind and genial in manner, many loved him, none will forget him. He was a gallant soldier and genial gentleman, who freely left home and friends, to cast his sword, his heart and his life into the breach, to save the honor of his country.
ALVIN SATTERTHWAIT, M. D.
Doctor Alvin Satterthwait was born in Mount Holly, Bur- lington county, N. J., in 1838, continued to live there until . about fifteen years of age, when his parents removed to a farm near Crosswicks, N. J. But farm life was not to his taste, and he decided to walk away from the farm ; in other words, run off. He was found a few days later with his uncle in Cam- den, N. J., in a newspaper office, the old Jersey Blue. His duty here was to wheel the papers on a wheelbarrow from Philadelphia to Camden once a week, and direct them to sub- scribers, etc. He continued at this for a time, and then came to the decision to be a doctor. He then entered a drug store in Philadelphia, and was soon fully convinced that his life-work was to be medicine and surgery, and he left no stone unturned to become proficient in his chosen calling, particularly in sur- gery. His ambition was to enter the United States Navy, but being of small stature and slight build, was unfavorable to him, as the government desired men of large physique as its representatives in foreign ports. After graduation he lo-
Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. 177
cated in Pluckamin, Somerset county, N. J., and was thus lo- cated in the practice of medicine when Governor Olden issued his call for four regiments of volunteers from New Jersey. Af- ter reading the "call," he immediately harnessed his horse and drove to Princeton, N. J. (a long, hot and dusty drive), and at once called upon the Governor, stated that he saw the "call " for volunteers, and wished to make application for the position of assistant surgeon of one of the regiments .. . The Governor replied, "Why, my dear fellow, this is the first ap- plication I have had, and I will consider it." He was told to send in his references, and if he was a physician he should have a position. He was appointed Assistant Surgeon of Fourth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, for three months' service. Served the time, and was afterwards appointed Assistant Sur- geon of the Seventh New Jersey Volunteers, three years' ser- vice, and while serving in the field in this position was ordered to report to Colonel Johnson at Woodbury, N. J., as Surgeon of the Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers, then being recruited.
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