USA > New York > Disaster, struggle, triumph. The adventures of 1000 "boys in blue," from August, 1862, to June, 1865 > Part 25
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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 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43
CAPTAIN WILLIAM A. COLEMAN
Was born in 1830. He assisted in recruiting Company B, 126th New York Volunteers, and was commissioned and mustered Captain of that Company, with rank from August 8th, 1862. He took command of the Regiment in the afternoon of July 3d, 1863, at Gettysburg, upon Lieutenant-Colonel BULL taking com- mand of the Brigade, and remained in command of the Regiment till the return of Colonel BULL to the command, July 26th, 1863, when he was detached on duty at the draft depot at Elmira, New York, and remained absent on such duty till December 20th, 1863. He was discharged, on tender of resignation, March 18th, 1864, by Special Order No. 72, Head-quarters 2d Army Corps. He was in the battles of Harper's Ferry and Gettysburg.
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126TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
CAPTAIN JOHN B. GEDDIS
Was born in Salem, Pennsylvania, in 1838, and was by occupa- tion a saddler.
He enlisted in Company D, 126th New York Volunteers, on the 28th day of August, 1862, and was appointed Ist Sergeant on the organization of the Company. Was promoted to be 2d Lieutenant in Company D, November 27th, 1862. Was promo- ted to be 1st Lieutenant in Company D, February 25th, 1864. Was detached in command of the Regimental musicians of the 1st Division 2d Army Corps, for duty at the Division field hos- pital, from May 10th, 1864, till September 10th, 1864. Was promoted to be Captain, in Company H, June 10th, 1864; date of rank, by commission, March 29th, 1864. Was transferred to Company C, on consolidation of the Regiment, December 25th, 1864, and was in command of the Regiment from September 10th, 1864, till March 31st, 1865, when he was wounded in action at Boydton road, and was absent, on account of wounds till May, 1865, and was mustered out with his Regiment.
Captain GEDDIS was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment December 17th, 1864, with rank from June 17th, 1864, but was not mustered on account of orders for the consolidation of the Regiment. He was breveted Major United States Volun- teers for gallant conduct at the battle of Boydton road on the 31st of March, 1865, with rank from that date.
He was in the following battles : Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Auburn Ford, Bristow Station, Mine Run, the Wilderness and Po River.
CAPTAIN ORIN J. HERENDEEN
Was born in the town of Farmington, Ontario county, New York, on the 5th day of September, 1837, and was a farmer by occupa- tion. He was a young man of much promise, and his ability and character gave him great influence in the town in which he resided. He recruited Company H, with the assistance of First Lieutenant GEORGE W. REDFIELD, and Second Lieutenant ALFRED R. CLAPP. He was mustered as Captain to date August 16th, 1862. He served with his Company and Regiment until July 3d, 1863, when he was killed in action at Gettysburg. He
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was then in command of his Company, under a murderous fire, on the skirmish line in front of his Brigade, on Cemetery Hill, and was shot by a sharp-shooter, the bullet striking him in the thigh, severing the femoral artery, and causing death in a few minutes. At the moment he was shot the enemy advanced in force, and he had to meet death surrounded by his enemies, but he doubtless met his fate with the courage of a true Christian and a brave soldier.
Captain HERENDEEN was one of those genial characters who made friends of all with whom he became acquainted. He was generous to a fault, possessing a mild disposition yet always exhibiting such firmnes and decision of character as placed him in high estimation of both subordinates and superiors.
His soldierly qualities were highly appreciated by his com- manding officers, who had the utmost confidence in his character, ability and courage.
He was in the battles of Harper's Ferry and Gettysburg.
CAPTAIN HENRY D. KIPP
Was born in 1831. He assisted in recruiting Company E. 126th New York Volunteers, and was commissioned and mustered Captain of the Company with rank from August 14th, 1862, and was discharged on tender of resignation, December 16th, 1862, by Special Order No. 95, Department of Washington.
He was at the battle of Harper's Ferry.
CAPTAIN BENJAMIN F. LEE
Was born in 1836, and was by occupation, a teacher. He assisted in recruiting Company I, 126th New York Volunteers, and was commissioned and mustered Captain of the Company, with rank from August 18th, 1862.
He was absent sick, from September 12th, 1863, till November 15th, 1863; and was again absent sick, from March 21st, 1864, till April 13th, 1864, when he was discharged on tender of resignation, by Special Order No. 151, War Department, Adju- tant-General's Office.
He was in the battles of Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Mine Run, and Morton's Ford.
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126TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
CAPTAIN IRA MUNSON
Was born in Tyre, Seneca county, N. Y., on the 8th day of July, 1828, and was by occupation, a school teacher.
He assisted in recruiting Company F, One Hundred and Twenty- sixth New York Volunteers, and was commissioned and mustered as First Lieutenant, in that company, with rank from August 15th, 1862, the date of his Company organization; he was promoted to be Captain in Company F; date of rank by commission, July 3d, 1863; by muster, October 22d, 1863.
He was mortally wounded at the battle of Po River, May 10th, 1864, by a musket shot through his hips, and was conveyed to Armory Square Hospital, Washington, D. C., where he died on the 14th of the same month.
He was in the following battles: Harper's Ferry, September 13th, 14th and 15th, 1862, Auburn Ford, Bristow Station, Mine Run, Morton's Ford, the Wilderness and Po River.
Capt. Munson was a gallant officer, and won the special regard and respect of his associates and superiors, and was beloved by all. As a tribute of respect to his memory, and on account of his gallant conduct in the field, a commission dated June 16th, 1864, appointing him Major, with rank from April 18th, 1864, was issued by the Governor of the State, and sent to his father, with a letter of condolence. It was a worthy tribute, but altogether too tardy.
CAPTAIN TEN EYCK MUNSON
Was born in East Bloomfield, New York, in 1835, and was by occupation a clerk. He assisted in recruiting Company F, and was commissioned and mustered Second-Lieutenant on the 15th day of August, 1862, with date of his Company's organization. He was sick, at Chicago, from October 14, 1862, till January 17th, 1863, when he rejoined his Regiment, and was promoted to be First Lieutenant, October 22d, 1863. He was absent, sick, from November 15th, 1863, till December 31st, 1863 ; and was detached April 4th, 1864, on duty with the Provost Guard at Head-quarters 2d Army Corps till November 5th, 1864, when, having been pro- moted to be Captain, September 1st, 1864, he was on the 5th of November, 1864, appointed Assistant Provost-Marshall, at Head-
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quarters 2d Army Corps, and remained on such duty till the mus- ter-out of his Regiment, when he was discharged.
He was in the following battles : Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Auburn Ford, Bristow Station and Morton's Ford, and was with the Corps in his appropriate duty during the subsequent battles in which the Corps was engaged till the close of the war.
Captain TEN EYCK MUNSON was the only original line officer of the Regiment who returned with the Regiment.
CAPTAIN HENRY B. OWEN
Was born at Perrington, Monroe county, New York, in 1830, and was by occupation a mechanic.
He enlisted in Company H, 126th New York Volunteers, August 11th, 1862 ; was appointed First Sergeant on the organi- zation of his Company; promoted to be Second Lieutenant in Company H, September 15th, 1862; again promoted to be First Lieutenant, March 14th, 1863, in the same Company; was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, July 2d, 1863; rejoined his Regiment, from absence on account of wounds, August 6th, 1863. He was promoted to be Captain in Company H, date of rank by muster, October 22d, 1863, by commission July 3d, 1863; was absent on sick leave from November 21st, 1863, till December 23d, 1863, and was killed in action at Po River, May 10th, 1864, while in command of his Company.
He was in the following battles: Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Auburn Ford, Bristow Station, Morton's Ford, the Wilderness and Po River.
CAPTAIN SANDFORD H. PLATT
Was born in 1841, and was by occupation a druggist clerk. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted as a private in the 14th Regiment New York State Militia for three months, and was discharged at the expiration of his term of service. In 1862, he assisted in recruiting Company G, 126th New York Volunteers, and was duly commissioned and mustered Second Lieutenant in that Company, with rank from August 15, 1862. Was promoted to be First Lieutenant in Company G, January 6th, 1863. Was promoted to be Captain, in the same Company, March 4th, 1863. Was absent, sick, from August 19th, 1863, until January 7th, 1864.
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126TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
On the 22d of June, 1864, all his superior officers in the Regi- ment having been killed or disabled, he took command . of the Regiment, and continued in command till August 8th, 1864, when he was ordered to City Point for medical treatment, and did not again rejoin the Regiment. On the 25th of December, 1864, he was transferred to Company E, on consolidation of the Regiment into a Battalion of five Companies; and on the 21st of March, 1865, he then being absent without leave, Special Order No. 137, Adjutant-General's Office, War Department, was issued dismissing him from the service, as of the 27th of February, 1865.
He was in the battles of Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, the Wil- derness, Po River, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Strawberry Plains.
CAPTAIN CHARLES A. RICHARDSON
Was born in Cortland county, N. Y., in August, 1829. He was admitted to the bar in 1856, and engaged in the practice of law, at Canandaigua, in 1860. He assisted in recruiting Company D, 126th New York Volunteers, and was commissioned and mus- tered First Lieutenant in that Company, with rank from August 9th, 1862.
He was promoted to be Captain November 27th, 1862. Was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, July 2d, 1863; rejoined the Regiment August 5th, 1863. Was detached on recruiting service to the State of New York from Jannary 19th, 1864, till May 27th, 1864. Was severely wounded in action in front of Petersburg, June 16th, 1864, and was honorably discharged, on account of wounds, September 3d, 1864, by Special Order No. 292, War Department, Adjutant-General's Office.
He was in the following battles: Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Auburn Ford, Bristow Station, Mine Run, Tolopotomoy, Cold Harbor, and in front of Petersburg.
He was commissioned Major June 14th, 1864, with rank from April 18th, 1864; but was not mustered on account of wounds received in action, and the reduced numbers of the Regiment.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CAPTAIN WINFIELD SCOTT
Was born in Novi, Oakland county, Michigan, in 1837. His father, JAMES SCOTT, having removed to Covert, Seneca county, New York, in 1848, and engaged in farming there, young SCOTT was reared as a farmer boy until 1853, when he began his pre- paration for college. He graduated at the University of Roches- ter in 1859, and immediately entered the Rochester Theological Seminary, but, in 1861, he accepted a call to the pastorate of the Second Baptist Church in Syracuse, New York, where he remained until July 22d, 1862, when in response to the President's call for 300,000 men he went to Ovid, in Seneca county, to assist in recruiting in that portion of the county, and being strongly urged to recruit a company as its Captain, for the 126th New York Vol- unteers, he consented ; applied for and received an authorization to recruit, appointed meetings in different parts of the county, and by August 4th had obtained twelve men; on the 8th of August he started for Geneva, with a maximum company, most of whom he had recruited in three days. His Company was fully organized in camp on the 9th of August, 1862, and he was duly commissioned and mustered Captain as of that date.
From the members of his church in Syracuse he received a beautiful parting gift, a sword, a belt and a sash, accompanied by a communication, giving him leave of absence to serve his country in the field, and expressing for him their high esteem and regard, and assuring him that they should follow him with their prayers, relying upon their Heavenly Father to bring him back to them in his own good time.
Captain SCOTT was severely wounded on Maryland Heights, by a musket shot in his leg, fracturing the bone about half way between the knee and ancle; and was absent on account of his wound, among his friends in Seneca county, till January 3d, 1863, when he returned to his command, and, although still on crutches, reported for duty, and took command of his Company. He com- manded the Regiment at intervals in 1863, and through the battles of the Wilderness, Po River and Spottsylvania, until the 17th of May, 1864, when relieved by the return of Colonel BAIRD.
In the charge at Spottsylvania, May 12th, 1864, he was struck
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126 TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
in the left breast by a musket ball, the force of which was spent on a handkerchief and testament in his side pocket. On the 18th of May, at Spottsylvania, he was severely wounded; a contusion of the inner side of the right thigh, caused, as he believed, by a shell passing between his legs, resulting in the sloughing off of the flesh, and so disabling him that he was discharged from the service at Annapolis, by order of the Secretary of War, Special Orders, Adjutant-General's office, No. 265.
He was in the battles of Maryland Heights, Gettysburg, Auburn Ford, Bristow Station, Mine Run, Morton's Ford, the Wilderness, Po River and Spottsylvania.
Captain SCOTT received, from his superior officers and from citi- zens, some very flattering testimonials and recommendations for promotion, in the spring and summer of 1864; but he was so dis- abled by his wounds, the one received on Maryland Heights not having healed while in the service, that he was discharged before receiving promotion.
He resumed his studies at the Rochester Theological Seminary, and on the 1st day of January, 1865, he accepted a call to the pastorate of the Baptist church in Leavenworth, Kansas.
CAPTAIN ISAAC A. SEAMANS
Was born in 1835, studied law, was admitted to the bar, and engaged in the practice of his profession at Naples, New York.
He assisted in recruiting Company K, 126th New York Volun- teers, and was commissioned and mustered Second Lieutenant in this Company, with rank from August 20th, 1862, the date of its organization.
He was promoted to be First Lieutenant, Company K, January 24th, 1863 ; was slightly wounded at the battle of Gettysburg ; was detached on duty at the draft rendezvous, Elmira, New York, from July 26th, 1863, till December 11th, 1863, and was promoted to be Captain in Company K; date of rank by muster, October 22d, 1863; by commission, July 3d, 1863 ; and was hon- orably discharged the service April 27th, 1864, for disability, on tender of resignation.
He was in the battles of Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg and Mor- ton's Ford.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CAPTAIN ISAAC SHIMER
Was born in 1824. He assisted in recruiting Company F, 126th New York Volunteers, and was commissioned and mustered Cap- tain on the 15th day of August, 1862, the date of his Company's organization, and served with his Regiment till killed at the bat- tle of Gettysburg, July 3d, 1863.
On the morning of that day Captain SHIMER, under orders, took position, with his Company, on the Emmettsburg road, as a reserve to the advanced skirmish line, but under fire from some rebel sharp-shooters. Captain SHIMER lay in line with his men, on the ground, near the center of his Company, and in raising his head a little, to view the position in front, his mouth being open, a sharp-shooter's bullet entered his mouth, passed through and out at the base of the brain, killing him instantly. He died without a struggle or motion, except the falling of his head. His body was rolled on to two muskets, and four of his soldiers, springing up quickly, carried his body to the rear, where it was temporarily buried. His body was subsequently taken up, and conveyed to his home in Geneva, New York, where it was buried with the respect due a brave and gallant officer, who had sacri- ficed his life for his country.
Captain SHIMER was in the battles of Harper's Ferry and Gettysburg, and proved himself, on all occasions, a faithful and brave officer. He left a widow and a son to mourn his loss.
CAPTAIN CHARLES M. WHEELER
Was born in Canandaigua, N. Y., on the 8th day of December, 1837. He prepared for college at the Canandaigua academy, entered Yale college in 1855, and graduated in 1859. He studied law in the office of Messrs. SMITH & LAPHAM, at Canandaigua, was admitted to the bar in June, 1861, and soon after engaged in the practice of his profession in Canandaigua. He assisted in recruiting Company K, 126th New York Volunteers, and was commissioned and mustered Captain of the Company, with rank from August 20th, 1862.
Captain WHEELER commanded his Company with credit and honor to himself and Regiment, until he was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, Pa. On the morning of July 3d, 1863, Captains
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126TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
WHEELER, SCOTT and HERENDEEN, were ordered with their Com- panies to drive back the enemy's skirmishers in front of their Bri- gade, on Cemetery Hill; and they advanced their commands under a terrible fire from the enemy's skirmishers and sharp-shooters, many of the latter being safely posted in a barn near the line, built of stone, brick and wood. These commands held the ground thus gained for some time at a great disadvantage, the fire of the enemy being murderous; and it was during this time that Captain WHEELER was instantly killed by a sharp-shooter's bullet; a fate which Captain HERENDEEN met about the same time. Our skir- mishers were soon driven back, without an opportunity to remove the body of Captain WHEELER, which therefore remained, on the field until after the battle.
His remains were taken to his home and buried on the 26th of July, with military honors ; two Companies of the 54th New York State National Guards, being then opportunely on duty at Canan- daigua, attended the funeral and furnished the proper escort.
The funeral was attended by the members of the bar of the county in a body, who, at a meeting held for that purpose, passed resolutions befitting the occasion and expressive of their appre- ciation of Captain WHEELER while living, and of the profound sorrow which prevaded the society in which he had moved, on account of what seemed his untimely end.
Capt. WHEELER was in the battles of Harper's Ferry, Septem- ber 13th, 14th and 15th, 1862, and Gettysburg, July 2d and 3d, 1863.
CAPTAIN IRA HART WILDER
Was born in Canandaigua, New York, in 1840, and was by occu- pation a farmer.
He enlisted in Company D, 126th New York Volunteers, on the 28th day of July, 1862; was appointed Sergeant on the organization of the Company ; was detached on duty at the draft depot at Elmira, New York, from July 26th, 1863, till July 1st, 1864, when he rejoined the Regiment and was mustered First Lieutenant in Company D, he having been commissioned as such April 29th, 1864.
He was promoted to be Captain in Company A; date of rank by muster, August 28th, 1864; by commission, June 18th, 1864 ;
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and at intervals during 1864, was in command of the 126th New York Volunteers, the 125th New York Volunteers and the 57th New York Volunteers ; and was in command of the former after the 30th of March, 1865, until the surrender of LEE.
He was in the following battles : Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Ream's Station, before Peters- burg, Boydton Road, Sutherland's Station, Farmville and Appo- mattox.
FIRST LIEUTENANT SAMUEL A. BARRAS
Was born in 1828, and was a shoemaker by occupation. He assisted in recruiting Company D, 33d New York Volunteers, in Canandaigua, New York, and was commissioned and mustered as Second Lieutenant in that Company, with rank from May 7th, 1861, and was discharged from the service on resignation, Janu- ary 6th, 1862.
He assisted in recruiting Company A, 126th New York Volun- teers in Yates county, New York, and was commissioned and mustered in this Company as First Lieutenant, with rank from August 4, 1862 ; and was dismissed the service December 13th, 1862, by Special Order No. 393, War Department, Adjutant- General's office.
He was acting Adjutant of the Regiment from September 2d, 1862, till October 9th, 1862, when he was summoned as a witness before the Harper's Ferry Investigating Commission, then sitting at Washington, and was absent till October 17th, 1862.
He was in no battles excepting at Harper's Ferry, September 14th and 15th, 1862, he having left his Regiment without orders when it became engaged on Maryland Heights, September 13th, 1862.
FIRST LIEUTENANT DE WITT C. FARRINGTON
Was born in Bellona, Yates county, New York, in 1837, and was by occupation a cigarmaker.
He enlisted in Company G, 126th New York Volunteers, Aug- ust 6th, 1862, and was appointed Sergeant-Major of the Regiment on its organization ; was promoted to be First Lieutenant in Com- pany H, December 2d, 1862; and was discharged March 14th, 1863, on tender of resignation, by Special Order, No. 30, Head- quarters 22d Army Corps.
He was in the battle of Harper's Ferry.
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126TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
FIRST LIEUTENANT CHARLES GAGE
Was born in Canandaigua, New York, in 1842, and was by occu- pation a farmer.
He enlisted in Company D, 126th New York Volunteers, July 30th, 1862 ; was appointed Corporal on the organization of the Company ; was acting First Sergeant from October 14th, 1863; was appointed Sergeant, March 1st, 1864; was appointed First Sergeant, May 27th, 1864 ; was promoted to be First Lieutenant in Company D; date of rank by muster, August 28th, 1864 ; by commission, June 18th, 1864; and was absent, sick, from October 26th, 1864, till March 9th, 1865, when he was discharged on account of Surgeon's certificate of disability, by Special Order, No. 115, Adjutant-General's office, War Department.
He was commissioned Captain, December 7th, 1864, with rank from September 23d, 1864 ; but was unable to muster on account of illness.
He was in the following battles : Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Auburn Ford, Bristow Station, Mine Run, Morton's Ford, the Wilderness, Po River, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Deep Bottom and Strawberry Plains.
FIRST LIEUTENANT MILO H. HOPPER
Was born in Adrian, Michigan, in 1839, and by occupation was a blacksmith. He enlisted in Company D., 126th New York Volunteers, July 24th, 1862, and was appointed Corporal on the organization of the Company ; was absent, sick, from June 25th, 1863, till July 29th, 1863 ; was promoted Sergeant, July 3d, 1863, and was Color Sergeant, carrying the regimental colors, from July 29th, 1863, till June 9th, 1864, when he was appointed Sergeant Major. He was severely wounded in action, June 23d, 1864, before Petersburg, and was absent on account of wounds till December 26th, 1864 ; was promoted to be First Lieutenant in Company B, date of rank by muster, January 20th, 1865, by commission, January 2d, 1865 ; was again wounded in action at Boydton Road, March 31st, 1865 ; he rejoined the Regiment from absence on account of wounds in the following May ; and was mustered out with the Regiment June 2d, 1865.
He was in the following battles : Harper's Ferry, Auburn Ford,
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Bristow Station, Mine Run, Morton's Ford, the Wilderness, Po River, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Boydton Road.
Lieutenant HOPPER received a commission as Captain, dated May 17th, 1865, with rank from February 27th, 1865 ; but was not mustered on account of orders for muster out of the Regiment.
FIRST LIEUTENANT SAMUEL HUGHES
Was born in Fayette, Seneca county, New York, in 1840, and was by occupation a blacksmith.
He enlisted in Company G, 126th New York Volunteers, July 10th, 1862; was appointed Sergeant on the organization of the Company ; was promoted First Sergeant March 4th, 1863; wounded at Auburn Ford, October 14th, 1862, and at Spottsyl- vania, May 12th, 1864; promoted to be Second Lieutenant in Company G, date of rank by muster, September 10th, 1864, by commission January 18th, 1864; transferred to Company E on consolidation of the Regiment ; promoted to be First Lieutenant in Company A, date of rank by muster February 8, 1865, by commission January 16th, 1865.
He was in the following battles : Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Auburn Ford, the Wilderness, Po River, Spottsylvania, Boyd- ton Road, Sutherland's Station, Farmville and Appomattox.
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