USA > New York > Rensselaer County > Troy > A history of the Troy citizens corps, Troy, N. Y > Part 13
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By way of closing record, the following extract is
*Advanced sheets of this work were furnished for the purpose.
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
appended from the official report of Inspector General Philip H. Briggs, for 1884, from the annual muster- roll of the Sixth Separate Company of Infantry, Fifth Brigade, Third Division, N. G. S. N. Y., September 4th, 1884:
I certify that I have carefully examined this muster-roll* and have mustered the within named company; that I have made a true return of such muster of the members thereof, and that the discipline, drill and equipments of the company are set forth hereinafter :
Uniform, state service, new, well adjusted, neat fitting, except four coats too small in the collar need altering ; regulation helmets ; fur- nished with neat-fitting blouse; dark blue fatigue caps; arms very good condition, a few too heavy in trigger pull ; accoutrements and equip- ments in good, serviceable condition, except a number of scabbards either worn or broken, and eight canteens with bad stoppers, worn out; brasses clean and bright; overcoats exceptionally well and uni- formly rolled ; discipline, military appearance and steadiness excel- lent ; school of company, manual and loading and firing very good ; skirmishing good. Guard duty, military courtesy and setting up made a part of the instruction of this command.
This first-class command has been maintained at the maximum since its organization in 1877. An assistant surgeon has been added, under the new law, since last muster ; showing a gain in members present of one at muster. The esprit du corps of this company is fully maintained, and it is one of the model companies of the service. Per centage present, 85.57. Roll neatly and correctly made out.
PHILIP H. BRIGGS, Inspector General,
Dated September 4, 1884. and Mustering Officer.
FINAL WORDS.
It is now nearly half a century since the Troy Citizens Corps was formed. During those years it has passed through nearly all the vicissitudes of prosperity and ad- versity, including even actual disbandment. Now, re- planted and more firmly rooted than ever, it bids fair long to continue, instinct with a vigorous life. The ranks are full. There is a general spirit of comradeship that makes dissension impossible. The treasury is well filled,
*Below are the figures from the muster-roll of 1884:
Present for duty : Officers, 4; sergeants, 6; corporals, 8; musicians, 2; pri- vates, 69. Total, 89. Absent : With leave, 4; without leave, 9; on furlough, 2. Total, 15. Total present and absent, 104.
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
with an ample surplus above all ordinary needs ; and there is no lack of additional cash whenever it is want- ed. While feeling a cordial respect for the other most excellent companies which do honor to the national guard in Troy, the affection and enthusiasm of our boys are centred in the name and fame of the good old T. C. C. May kindly feeling, dauntless courage and good conduct ever hold the banner of the Corps high above the dust and keep it spotless.
FINIS.
٠
CHAS. HART & SON. LITH, 36 VESEY SI, N. Y.
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APPENDIX.
THE CAPTAINS.
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THOMAS TURNER.
Thomas Turner was born in Lansingburgh, N. Y., Feb- ruary 28, 1795. He served in the war of 1812, being an aid on the staff of General Wool at the battle of Platts- burgh. For fourteen years he held the position of super- intendent of the Albany Iron Works, resigning it in 1836 to accept the superintendency of the State Bank depart- ment. At the end of his term of office he removed to Blossburg, Pennsylvania, to take charge of the large coal and iron interests in that vicinity of the late Erastus Corning. His death occurred at Blossburg on the sixth of April, 1842.
Captain Turner's experience in military service and in the management of men, together with his influential position and high character, were very useful for the solid organization of the Corps. He was unable to give much time from his active pursuits to the duties of drill and parade, and as soon as the company was apparently on a secure and lasting basis, he retired from the com- mand. His term of office covered the first year of the existence of the Corps.
ALFRED H. PEIRCE.
Alfred H. Peirce was born in Troy, November 13, 1807. Soon after his birth his father's family removed to Albany. When about ten years of age, the future captain returned to Troy and entered the crockery store of his uncle, Benjamin Peirce. Here he remained until 1833, when he became a partner, the firm being B. Peirce, Son & Co. After the death of Benjamin Peirce, his son re-
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
moved to New York, and A. H. Peirce continued the business, associating himself with George Kellogg. The firm name was Peirce & Kellogg, and they occupied the old place, No. 235 River street, nearly opposite the Troy House. At Mr. Kellogg's death a new firm was formed, that of Peirce & King. Gen. Wm. T. King, Mr. Peirce's partner, was a native of Connecticut. He was at the time, and continued until his death, major general com- manding the militia of that State. It was during the ex- istence of this copartnership that the democratic party nominated and elected " Pierce and King " as President and Vice-President, respectively, of the United States. At the death of Gen. King, Louis Southwick became the partner, and Peirce & Southwick engaged largely in the gas and steam-fitting and plumbing business, making the crockery branch subordinate. Capt. Peirce retired from business in 1857. He died in Troy, August 18, 1864. When a young man, he was for some time connected with the Troy fire department.
Interested in military matters from early age, and dis- gusted with the mismanagement and inefficiency of the old State militia, he gladly took part, in 1835, in the forma- tion of the Troy Citizens Corps. At the first election of officers, he was chosen first lieutenant, and in the succeed- ing year became captain. Captain Peirce remained in command of the company continuously for twelve years, and afterwards three times was chosen and served in the same place. He threw his whole soul into the success of the Corps, and so completely identified himself with its interests that our old citizens think of the Citizens Corps, its green uniform and Captain Peirce as inseparable. After retiring from the command of the Corps, Captain Peirce was made Colonel of the One Hundred Fifty- fifth Regiment N. Y. S. M. Personally he was a whole- souled, genial gentleman, who, in his prosperous years, ranked high in the social and business life of his city. An unassuming and jovial companion, when in uniform and in command of his company he knew no one, had no favorites, and insisted sternly on rigid discipline. Many
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
an amusing story is told of some irate private who swore that he would whip the captain the moment his uniform was off. But somehow the whipping never took place. .
JOHN S. VAN SCHAICK.
John S. Van Schaick was born on Van Schaick's Is- land in 1820. He was a book-keeper in the Manufac- turers Bank through all his business career, excepting a few years when he was in the drug business with Elisha Waters, under the firm name of Waters & Van Schaick. Interested early and actively in the Corps, he was pro- moted from time to time through all the various grades. In September, 1848, when Capt. Peirce resigned, Lieut. Van Schaick was chosen to succeed him, and served until July, 1849, when his private affairs obliged him to resign.
JOHN H. WHITLOCK.
John H. Whitlock was born at New Haven, Conn., in October, 1811. He was the only son of the Rev. Samuel Whitlock, rector of Trinity (Episcopal) Church, in that city.
Being designed for mercantile life, after an apprentice- ship in the employ of a Vermont merchant he came to Troy about 1828, and obtained a clerkship in the dry goods store of Knox & Morgan, on the corner of River and State streets. After several years of faithful service, he became a member of the firm ; and for some ten years Knox & Whitlock did an active business in the wholesale dry goods trade. After the dissolution of that firm, he entered upon the manufacture of britannia ware, and finally was engaged with the Lilly Safe Co. He died at Glens Falls, N. Y., July 7, 1866, and was buried in Oak- wood cemetery in this city. His wife, daughter of the late Judge Samuel G. Huntingdon, survives him. Mr. Whitlock was a communicant at St. Paul's Church, and was always active in its work. In his younger days he was busied in both choir and Sunday school.
He was an early member of the Corps, and a staunch one. We find his name in the list of privates in 1839, among those who went to the Helderbergs. In 1846 he
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
was elected first lieutenant, and served in that capacity for the ensuing year. On the resignation of Capt. Van Schaick, in July, 1849, John H. Whitlock was chosen to succeed him. He was reelected at the next annual elec- tion, November, 1849, and 'served with credit to himself and to the company. He was also elected captain in 1853, on the resignation of Capt. Jones, but business en- gagements prevented his accepting.
Captain Whitlock was an upright and high-minded man in all the relations of life, and as an officer and mem- ber of the Corps always did good service.
J. M. W. JONES.
J. M. Warren Jones was born in Petersburgh, Rensselaer county, N. Y., January 22, 1821. At the age of nineteen he came to Troy, and for some years was employed as a clerk in the retail grocery business, in that part of Con- gress street then called "the swamp." He was after- wards clerk in the Troy Book Store, No. 225 River street, and ultimately became its owner. In 1857 he removed to Chicago, Illinois, buying an interest in the business of which he was soon sole proprietor. That business has expanded, until the "J. M.W. Jones Stationery and Print- ing Company" of to-day is one of the largest establish- ments of the kind in Chicago. In 1860 Mr. Jones was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the Fourth Regiment Illi- nois militia.
In the Corps he was advanced through the various grades, until September, 1850, when he was chosen cap- tain. He served as such one year and was again elected to that office in 1852, but declined.
RICHARD C. BARTON.
Richard C. Barton was born in Troy, August 7, 1809, being the youngest of the family of three sons and three daughters of Robert and Mary (Carpenter) Barton. Both parents were members of the Society of Friends. He received a good education at the Friends' school at " Nine Partners," Dutchess county, N. Y. At the age of nineteen he went to sea, and followed that life for six or
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
seven years. Several of his voyages took him to China. After returning to Troy, he went into the manufacturing business. In 1835, Mr. Barton married Louisa Davis, also a Friend. Two children, a son and a daughter, were the fruit of this marriage. The son served in the navy during the civil war, being paymaster on the United States steamer Huntsville, Capt. Peirce. While perform- ing the duties of that position he was stricken down by yellow fever, of which he died in August, 1862. Capt. Barton's daughter was married in 1861 to Major James Cromwell, of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Reg- iment N. Y. V., who fell at the battle of Gettysburg in 1863, at the early age of twenty-four. For about ten months in 1861, Mr. Barton was chief of the night police in Troy. In 1862 he removed with his family to Brooklyn, where he made his home until 1873. He then took charge of a large factory in Nashville, Tenn. There in the win- ter following, February 18, 1874, he died after a brief ill- ness. His remains were sent to Troy and interred in Oakwood cemetery. In 1852 and 1853 R. C. Barton was elected second lieutenant in the Corps, and he was chosen captain for three years successively, in 1854-5-6. He had previously for two years held the presidency of the civil organization.
E. D. BLANCHARD.
Edwin DeWitt Blanchard was born in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer county N. Y., March 29, 1830. From child- hood to youth his intelligence was quite marked, and the manly traits in his character were very fully developed at his maturity. While a lad he became a clerk in a River street dry goods store. Three years later he en- tered, as a clerk, the collar establishment of Maullen & Blanchard. He had then but just attained his majority. The new firm were quite successful in business. After a few years he formed a partnership with William S. Earl (now of the house of Earl & Wilson), under the firm name of Earl & Blanchard. This partnership continued to the time of his death in 1859, They carried on a very prosperous business.
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He became connected with the fire department, and was for some time captain of Engine Company No. 2. In this position, by his manly deportment, his fearless- ness and decision of character, he commanded the respect of all who knew him. He was an officer in Mount Zion Masonic Lodge, an honorary member of the Burgesses Corps of Albany, of Continental Company B of the same city, and of other military organizations, both in and out of the State. He joined the Troy Citizens Corps in the days of Col. Alfred H. Peirce, and by his soldierly bear- ing, his untiring zeal and his liberal and gentlemanly so- cial ways, he won steady promotion. In 1852 and 1853 he was elected third lieutenant, in 1854 and 1855 first lieu- tenant, and in 1857 captain. He took the command with a firm determination to restore the company to the pros- perity of its palmy days. With unflagging energy, with watchful care and with unstinted generosity of time and money, he pursued this object, and in the two years of his captaincy the Corps took long strides towards better things. During his protracted illness he offered his res- ignation, but his company would take no action until it became imperatively necessary. He died November 3, 1859, of pulmonary disease contracted while doing fire duty. His memory is revered by the older members of the Troy Citizens Corps, who dearly loved Capt. E. D. Blanchard. He had no enemies. He was amiable in disposition, of social tastes, exemplary in his habits, thorough in his undertakings, dignified in bearing, a true · friend, a loving and beloved son and brother, and an es- timable citizen. As Captain Blanchard held such close relations to the Corps at the time of his death, we append at some length an account of his funeral from the Troy Daily Times, November 5, 1859, and from the Arena, No- vember 7 :
The military and masonic funeral of the late Capt. E. D. Blanchard took place this afternoon. It was a demonstration indicative of the deep respect entertained for the lamented deceased by those who have long known his worth, and with whom he was most intimately con- connected, and was the most imposing funeral ceremony that has been witnessed in this city for many years. The Albany Burgesses Corps,
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
accompanied by Schreiber's cornet band, and Continental Company B, with the Brigade band, of both of which companies the deceased was an honorary member, arrived here soon after one o'clock, and were properly received by the Corps on Washington Square. A little before two o'clock the corpse was taken from the residence and con- veyed to Christ church, under escort of six masonic bearers, who, on arriving there, were joined by six military bearers. The military, meanwhile, had marched to the church, which was entered in the appropriate manner.
The funeral ceremonies were performed by the Rev. Mr. Mulcahey. The impressive Episcopal ritual for the dead, always invested with ideas of holy solemnity, seemed peculiarly so under the circumstances on this occasion-the crowded state of the church, the presence of the military, the deep feeling which evidently pervaded the assembly. After the religious exercises had closed, the body was removed to the hearse by the following gentlemen who acted as bearers, half of them masons, the remainder military comrades of the deceased: R. W. Roberts. W. P. Tillman, G. P. Sanford, S. S. Stone, J. F. Porter, H. G. Adams, Capt. Spellman of the Burgesses Corps, Capt. Ains- worth of Company B, Capt. Kenyon of the 71st Regiment, and Lieut. Sims of the Troy Citizens Corps.
The funeral cortege then proceeded to Oakwood in the following order: Captain H. L. Shields, marshal. Doring's band. The Troy Citi zens Corps, under command of Captain R. C. Barton: they wore their winter uniform and carried muskets, Hearse, with bearers. Albany Brigade band. Continental company B, of Albany, and Staff : a fine and soldierly appearing body. Schreiber's band of Albany. The Albany Burgesses Corps : the marching of this company was really wonderful ; they moved as one phalanx, and. with nearly sixty men, presented a splendid appearance. Troy City Artillery, Lieut. Cross commanding, without muskets. Neptune Engine Company No. 2, thirty-five members. Masonic Fraternity, who numbered nearly one hundred, and in addition to the members of Mount Zion Lodge, there were large delegations from Apollo and King Solomon's Lodges. Mr. J. S. Keeler acted as marshal and J. D. Billings and William Madden as assistants. Mourners in carriages.
In front of the vault at Oakwood the body was deposited. The beautiful masonic burial service was read by Brother John S. Perry, who officiated on the occasion in an impressive manner. The choral part of the ceremony was conducted by J. W. Andrews, Mr. Chap- man, Mrs. Laithe and Miss Yates. The lambskin, or white leather apron was deposited in the grave, and the masons marched around the bier, each one depositing in it as he passed a sprig of evergreen. Rev. Mr. Mulcahey pronounced the Episcopal benediction, and the Troy Citizens Corps fired a salvo over the grave. The procession then returned to the city.
10
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
Captain Shields made the most perfect arrangements, all of which were carried out to the letter.
H. L. SHIELDS.
Hamilton L. Shields was born in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1841 he entered William and Mary College at Wil- liamsburgh, in that State. After remaining there one year he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, whence he was gradu- ated in the class of 1846, in company with Geo. B. Mc- Clellan and Stonewall Jackson. Lieut. Shields was at once assigned to the Third Artillery, and on the break- ing out of the war with Mexico, with his regiment he joined the army of invasion under Scott. He took part in the seige of Vera Cruz, in the battles of Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, Chapultepec and El Molino del Rey, and in the storming of the Belen Gate of the city of Mexico. Twice in this brief but eventful campaign the young officer was brevetted for gallantry-at Molino Del Rey and at the Belen Gate. The war having closed, Capt. Shields returned to the United States, and shortly afterwards was appointed judge advocate on the staff of Maj. Gen. John E. Wool. This position he filled until his resignation from the army in 1854. Having taken up his residence in Troy, on the 5th September, 1859, the captain was unanimously elected to the command of the Citizens Corps. The Corps was then making an earnest effort to reestablish its old time prosperity, and that this attempt was a complete success, was due very largely to the influence, wise management and thorough discipline of Capt. Shields.
G. F. SIMS.
George F. Sims was born in Troy, December 6, 1831. In his early mannood he served his apprenticeship to business as clerk in a mercantile house. Then obtain- ing a position in the Commercial and afterwards in the Troy City Bank, he steadily worked his way up from a clerkship to the responsible position of cashier. He was married in 1852 to Charlotte E. Belcher. At his death, March 31, 1881, he was survived by four of his six chil-
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
dren. Capt. Sims was an active and useful member of the Corps. When Capt. Shields resigned, in 1861, he was chosen to the command, and held the company to- gether in those trying days as no one else could have done.
J. W. CUSACK.
James W. Cusack was born in Troy, July 3, 1832. In his early youth he entered the jewelry store of Dennis M. Fitch, at the corner of State and River streets. With him he remained steadily until 1857, when he bought him out, and thereafter conducted the business in his own name. Mr. Fitch was one of the charter members of the Corps. Capt. Cusack's brother, also, Lieut. Edward Cu- sack, was for many years a member and an officer of the Troy Citizens Corps. Growing up thus in a military atmosphere, it is not matter for wonder that the young clerk became early an enthusiast in things martial. En- listing in the Citizens Corps in 1853,* he soon became proficient as a soldier. Passing through the non-com- missioned grades in due order, in 1856 and 1857 he was elected third lieutenant, in 1858 and 1859, second lieu- tenant, and in 1860, first lieutenant. At the breaking out of the civil war, Lieut. Cusack's business was in such shape that he could not leave it without its total loss. Deprived thus of the opportunity of service in the field, he earnestly gave his time and military knowledge to help on efficient organization at home. Capt. (afterwards colonel) George Babcock formed, in 1861, a company of zouaves for home defence. In this company Lieut. Cu- sack accepted the position of first lieutenant. In 1862 the Twenty-Fourth Regiment was reorganized and put in shape for reliable service. George Babcock was ap- pointed colonel, and various independent companies, which were in healthy condition, were absorbed in it. At the strong desire of those in authority, Lieut. Cusack raised a company, of which he was made captain. This was mustered into the State service as Company G, Twenty-
* J. W. Cusack was duly elected a member of the Troy Citizens Corps, Septem ber 21, 1853.
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Fourth Regiment. It contained between eighty and ninety picked men, and became afterwards one of the crack companies of the militia of the State. When the riots occurred in Troy, in 1863, this company had not yet been armed and equipped. The muskets of the Troy Citizens Corps, which organization was then in feeble condition, were at the time stored in Fulton market ar- mory. To accomplish the double object of saving these from the mob, and arming Company G, Capt. Cusack was ordered at once to take possession of them. This was done promptly, and in the anxiuos days which fol- lowed, no body of men were more useful or more justly confided in, than were Capt. Cusack and his company. The captain served his full term of seven years in the State militia, being promoted successively to the rank of major and to that of lieutenant colonel. When finally discharged from the service, he felt that he had done about his share of soldiering, and remained for some years in private life. When the Citizens Corps was rë- organized, however, the spirit of old times was too strong to be resisted, and Col. Cusack was actively engaged in the work. Unanimously elected to the captaincy, his thorough military spirit and sterling personal character were invaluable in making the enterprise successful. Always at his post, always knowing just what he wanted of his men, and just how to make them do it, giving to the Corps time and care without stint, although often to the inconvenience and detriment of his business interests, the captain soon taught his men to feel at first respect, and then loyal affection for him. At the end of his five years term of service, he thought he had sacrificed enough for the military welfare of the State, and that he ought to step aside. But the Corps unanimously declined to agree with him, and showed so emphatic a disposition to stand by each other and by the captain that the latter felt compelled to surrender at discretion. The Corps propose to keep their prisoner.
LIST OF OFFICERS, MILITARY AND CIVIL, FROM 1835 TO 1864.
OFFICERS.
1835.
1836.
1837.
1838.
1839.
Captain
Thomas Turner. . .
Alfred H. Peirce.
Alfred H. Peirce.
Alfred H. Peirce .. Alfred H. Peirce
First Lieutenant.
Alfred H. Peirce.
Luther R. Lasell
Charles E. Brintnall Arba Read
.. Arba Read . Wiliam. C. Halstead .. James Corning Morton Fairchild
First Sergeant ..
Thomas Grenell ..
President ..
Henry R. Bristol.
David M. De Freest. .John T. Lamport William C. Halstead
Vice-President
Erastus F. Brigham.
Secretary .
Joseph C. Potter ..
§ George H. Bull.
George H. Bull
William H. Mallory.
. William H. Mallory . William C. Cook 1846.
Captain.
Alfred H. Peirce. .
Alfred H. Peirce ..
Alfred H. Peirce
Alfred H. Peirce. Charles E. Brintnall .. Clinton L. Adancourt. .
First Lieutenant .. . Second Lieutenant. . Third Lieutenant
First Sergeant
Morton Fairchild
Morton Fairchild
Morton Fairchild
President ..
Clinton L. Adancourt I
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