USA > New York > History and personal sketches of Company I, 103 N.Y.S.V., 1862-1864 > Part 5
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
56
Reception at New York.
O. R. WHITNEY.
About March 10th or 12th (1865) we took a steamboat (from Bermuda Hundred ), our service ended, ourcontract with the government fulfilled. We had served faithfully through these three long years of suffering, of pleasure, battles, hardship and wonderful experiences, and now it was all over and we werereturning to our loved ones at home. I must confess I was not over anxious to leave our associates who had re-enlisted behind and after I had reached home I regretted I had not remained with the regiment till the war was ended as we all knew when we left the army that the "Johnnies" could not hold out much longer.
On our arrival at New York we landed at the foot of Canal Street and went down to the Battery near the foot of Broadway, where we were received by the 9th N. Y. Vols., (Hawkins Zouaves), who escorted us up Broadway through a multitude of people. This was a proud day for us. The several bands played, the people shouted all sorts of greetings to our gallant sixty-five men who bore the old battered flag along through that immense crowd of loyal Americans. How the crowd did cheer that old flag and the few grim veterans as we marched along. One could hear such expressiors as these: "Glory, glory, to such men." "Ain't they dandies ?" "Just look at those boys." "See that flag all torn in pieces." "See the bullet holes." "Ain't you glad to get back to your mama?" and many more kind expressions which I cannot remem- ber
We marched up Broadway to 9th Street, then East to Bowery, down Bowery to No. 140, where a grand dinner awaited us. Speeches were made and we drank cham- pagne, beer and other stuff. After dinner we were march- ed over on Howard street. where the State kept a hotel for quartering returned soldiers from the front.
1
On the 20th day of March we were mustered out of the service of our country and from the grandest volunteer army the world ever saw. After I had received my dis- charge paper and the last pay I was real sorry, for I liked the life of a soldier; really I knew nothing about battling civil life and did not know where to commence.
On the 21st our little band of twelve or fifteen men who lived in the vicinity of Elmira, N. Y., took the Erie rail- road train for that city, which we had left just three years ago to a day almost one hundred strong.
COMPANY I VETERAN ASSOCIATION.
Its Organization and Meetings.
The Veteran Association of Company I, 103d Regi- ment, N. Y. State Vols., was formed in 1888, and held its first reunion at Elmira, N. Y., on September 19th of that vear. It was the result of talks between comrades resid- ing in Elmira, notably Comrades Orvis and Hibbard, who often met and discussed the subject between them. On July 4th, 1886, a few of the boys were received by Com- rade Gardner C. Hibbard at his home in Elmira, at which time steps were taken to hold a permanent reunion There were present Mr. Hibbard, Charles T. Ostrander, Joseph Wade, William Smith, and Sam A. Payne, but no time of meeting was arranged.
During the summer of 18SS Orvis and Hibbard ar ranged to call a meeting by writing to as many of the boys as they were able to obtain postoffice addresses, to which twelve former members of the company responded, viz .: Captain Crosby of Binghamton, Ist Lieutenant George A. Hussey of New York, E. B. Jeffers of Buffalo, N. Y., Horace H. Bolt of Cannonsville, N. Y., James B. Lormore of Dryden. N. Y., Lucius L. Flower of Mans-
1 :
field, Pa., Orin R. Whitney of Brooklyn, N. Y., Willian Smith of Elmira, James H. Stoughton of Reynoldsville, N. Y., Emerson F. Orvis and Gardner C. Hibbard of El- mira, and Orville S. Kimball of Osceola, Pa.
The meeting was held in a large hall on Water Street, and dinner was served at the Main Street bridge restau- rant, conducted by George F. Webb, (Mrs. Webb was a sister of 1st Sergeant Wilbur of Company I) (deceased.) At this meeting rules of organization were adopted, offi- vers for the year elected, and sufficient arrangements made for the continuance of these annual reunions. Captain Crosby was unanimously elected president, but declined the honor. Comrade Hibbard was then chosen president and Comrade Orvis secretary and treasurer
At this meeting steps were taken to gather data for a History or historical record of the company, and Com- rade Whitney was chosen to continue at the next meeting the work begun by Comrade Hibbard in his address of welcome. Letters of regret were read from 1st Lieutenant George T. Dudley and Corporal Henry O. Wilbur. This meeting was adjourned to meet at Watkins, N. Y., on September 17, 1889, the anniversary of the battle of An- Baam, Md.
The second annual reunion was held at Watkins at time med, and was attended by fourteen members, viz .: Dudley, Hibbard. Lormore, Flower, Swick, Stoughton, Fatherland, Wade, Charles Ostrander, Burnham, Har- wendling, Orvis, E. A. and Benjamin Dennison. The offi- sets of the previous year were re-elected, and in addition 'ientenant Dudley was elected Vice-President. Comrades Curmore, Flower, Sutherland. Bolt, and Eils were elected Council of Administration. Annual dues were fixed at are cents per member. At this meeting a committee. Hasting of Comrades Hibbard. Orvis, Whitney. Bils. MI Dadley were cketed to attend the next regimental .einion of the 103d Regiment at New York.
In the way of literary exercises Comrade Stoughton read an original poem. A committee on history was ap- pointed, consisting of Comrades Dudley, Whitney, and Stoughton. A vote of thanks was given to Lieutenant Dudley for badges furnished by him, and to Comrade Swick for the bountiful repast enjoyed by all. The next meeting was by vote directed to be held at Elmira, N. Y., August 5th, 1890, the memorial of the death of 2d Lieu- tenant W. L. Dudley at Hatteras Island, N. C. A photo- graph was made of those present in a group. Letters were received and read from Comrades George A. Hussey and Henry Eils; also a letter from the Commander of Benjamin Ringold Post, No. 283, New York City.
. The third annual reunion of the Association was held at the Armory Building, Elmira, being attended by Con- rades Crosby, Dudley, Kimball, Lormore, Flower, Stoughton, Wescott, Sutherland, Milton T. Tyrrell, Burn- ham, Jacob Stage, Payne, Wood, Longwell; William Smith, Charles Ostrander, Wade, A. H. Carey, Hibbard and Orvis, the largest attendance of comrades of any of our reunions. Comrade Stoughton asked to be excused from further service on the Committee on History, and Comrade Kimball was designated to fill the vacancy. Comrade Crosby was also added to the committee as its chairman. The officers of last year were re-elected, and Comrade Kimball was added to the list as Corresponding Secretary. Mrs. Crosby was at this meeting introduced to those present, and was received by a rising vote as an honorary member of the Association. It was also voted that the families of the " boys" be urgently invited to be present at the next reunion, and the secretary was in- Structed to procure suitable badges for the men.bers of the Association. The time and place for holding the next reunion was by vote fixed on September 9th at Elmira. and Comrades Hibbard, Orvis and Payne were named as
a committee of arrangements. The treasurer reported : Cash on hand from last meeting .. $5 00
Received dues
8 50
Paid for dinners
$4 00
Paid SO Evening Star papers 40
Package paper wrappers 28
Badges 11 06 15 74
The fourth annual reunion was held at the same place on September 30, 1891. Comrades present: Crosby, Hibbard, Orvis, Kimball, Tyrrell, Stoughton, Flower, Longwell, Dickerson, Wood, Lormore, Sutherland, Wes- cott, Lamoreaux, Jacob Stage and Payne. A number of wives and families of the "boys" were present, and by vote were made honorary members of the Association. viz .: Mrs. Longwell, Mrs. Stage, Mrs. Wood, Mrs. O. S. Kimball, son Ernest H. Kimball and wife, Mrs. Tyrrell, Mrs. Crosby, Mrs. Lamoreaux. Mrs. Flower, Mrs. Wes- cott, Mrs. Dickerson and boy, Miss Stoughton, and Seba, -on of Comrade Orvis.
The afternoon session was adjourned to Eldridge Park. The officers of the previous year were unanimously re- lected. Capt. Crosby read a chapter of history of Company I from organization until May, 1862. Letters were read from Comrades Dudley and Dunham. Comrade Stougli- ton read a poem. The time of the next reunion was left to the call of the president and secretary at Elmira. Treasurer reported $8 75 received for dues, expended for bulges $2.85, leaving a balance on hand of $3.76. At this meeting two negatives were made, one of the com- rades present (group), another of comrades and their funilies.
The fifth annual reunion was held at Elmira in Eldridge Park August 31st, 1892, an interesting session, but the ittendance was not given by name in the minutes of the Association. Capt. Crosby continued the historical work, reading a paper prepared by 1st Lieut. Dudley.
61
---
subject, the outpost picket duty at Evans Mill, N. C. and trip to Hatteras Island. A vote of thanks was given Comrade Dudley for the same. A letter from 1st Lieut. Hussey gave an account of the raid on James Island, S.C., July, 1864. Letters of regret from Comrades D. W. Ca- rey, and E. B. Jeffers were also read. The present officers were re-elected, and it was voted to meet at Elmira in 1893, at the call of the President and Secretary.
The sixth and seventh reunions, 1893 and 1894, were, by invitation of Comrade Orvis and family, held at his pleasant home, 602 Perine street, Elmira. At each of these gatherings an elaborate dinner was given by the host and hostess and most pleasant occasions enjoyed. Almost everything that could add to the pleasure of their many guests was furnished.
At the sixth reunion, Master Ray Hodson, the boy ora- tor of wide reputation, gave some recitations and was most heartily applauded.
Comrades D. W. Carey and A. J. Leonard were present for the first time. The former with his violin gave fine selections in addition to the excellent music rendered by Comrade Orvis' family and friends present.
Lieut. Dudley and Conrade Kimball were appointed a committee and reported resolutions expressing the sense of the Association for the manner in which we have been entertained by Comrade Orvis and family. Letters of regret were read from Comrades Hessey, Hill. Magee, Bolt, Tyrrell and Stillwell. Comrades present-Crosby Dud- ley, Dunham. Carey, Leonard, Wolcott, Sutherland, Lam- oreaux. Longwell. Hibbard, Kimball. Wood, Flower, Stoughton, Orvis. Many members of the families were also present, adding very much to the enjoyment of the occasion.
At the seventh reunion Comrade Stillwell was present for the first time, having come from lowa to meet with the boys.
A committee was appointed consisting of Comrades Kimball, Wescott and Stillwell, to report resolutions on the death of Capt. Crosby, which occurred February 9th, 1894,. Comrade Hibbard read a paper entitled, "The Night Attack at Camp Winfield." Mrs. Crosby was present and gave the Captain's last message to his "boys." Addresses were made by Comrades Hibbard and Stoughton. The treasurer's report showed a balance on hand of $13.14.
The eighth annual reunion was held at Grove Park, El- mira, Aug. 30, 1895, and was in the nature of a basket picnic. Comrades present-Lamoreaux, Ward, Wade, Geo. Ostrander, Kimball, Wescott, Eils, Whitney, Lor- more, Flower, Payne, Hibbard, Wood, Sutherland, Har- pending, Dunham, Cooper, Longwell and Orvis. Com- rades Eils, Dunham and Ward were present for the first time- Letters were read from Mrs. Crosby. Thomas Cuddeback, A. H. Cummins, D. M. Dickerson, H. H. Bolt and Lieut. Dudley.
Resolutions on the death of Capt. Crosby were read, approved and a copy ordered to be sent to Mrs. Crosby.
The officers were re-elected, viz: President, G. C. Hib- bard; vice-president, Geo. T. Dudley; corresponding secre- tary, O. S. Kimball: recording secretary and treasurer, E. Orvis.
At this meeting Comrade Kimball was instructed to prepare and have printed annually a pamphlet ( histori- cal) at a cost not to exceed $25.00 Remarks were made by Comrades Eils. Whitney, Wade, Payne, Orvis, Kimball and Wescott.
The place of the next reunion was fixed by vote at Grove Park, Elmira, at the call of the President and Secretary.
The treasurer reported: On hand last meeting, $13.14: received for dues, $7.50: paid for 25 badges and ribbon. S.S.55: balance on hand. $11.79
The ninth annual Association meeting was held at the
63
-
place appointed Sept. 20th, 1896. Comrades present- Kimball, Dongwell, Dunham and wife, Sutherland and wife, Wood, wife and daughter, Wescott, wife and daughter, Harpening and wife, Geo. Ostrander, Wade, Flower and wife, Cooper and wife, Lamoreaux, wife and three child- ren: Orvis, wife, son and daughter, Mrs. Jesse S. Buchan- an and two children, Eils and wife, Mrs. Hibbard and daughter.
The president and vice-president both being absent, Secretary Orvis called the meeting to order and Comrade Lamoreaux was elected chairman for the day.
Letters of regret were read from Mrs. Crosby, Comrades Jeffers, Hussey, Whitney and Hibbard.
The officers elected were: President, E. Orvis; secretary and treasurer, F. Westcott; corresponding secretary, O. S. Kimball.
The ninth annual reunion was held in Grove Park Sept. 6, 1896. Comrades present were Kimball, Longwell; Dunham and wife, Sutherland and wife, Wood and wife and daughter, Wescott and wife and two daughters. Harpending and wife, Ostrander, Wade, Flower and wife. Cooper and wife. Lamoreaux, wife and three children. Orvis, wife and two children, Ellis and wife, Mrs. Hibbard and daughter.
Letters were read from Mrs. Crosby and Comrades Jeffers, Hussey. Whitney and Hibbard.
Officers were elected as follows: President, E. Orvis; vice-president; F. Wescott: secretary and treasurer, F. Wescott, corresponding secretary, O S. Kimball.
Comrade Kimball was justrueted to make the historical pamphlet as complete as possible at a cost not to exceed fifty dollars.
The treasurer reported: cash on hand at last meeting. $11.79; received for dues. 96 50: bill of expenses from Comrade Kimball $9.00 paid, leaving a balance of $9.29 on hand.
The tenth annual reunion was held in Grove Park Au- gust 27, 1897. Comrades present were Longwell, Tyrrell, Ostrander, Wade, Cooper, Bolt, Lormer, Orvis and son, Kimball, wife, and two daughters, Wood and wife, Wilber and sister, Stoughton, wife and daughter, Wescott and wife, Sutherland and wife, Flower and wife.
The same officers were elected for another year. The history was discussed by the comrades.
Treasurer reported cash on hand, $9.29; received for dues, $7.50. Paid to Comrade Kimball for expenses, $8.00. Balance, $S.79.
Eleventh annual reunion was held at Grove Park Aug. 28, 1898. Those present were Wescott and wife, Orvis, son and two daughters, Flower, son and daughter, Mrs. Crosby, Mrs. J. Maek, Mrs. O. S. Spellman and son, H. C. Dunham, Mrs. Jesse Buchanan and two daughters, Stoughton and wife, Longwell, Wood and wife, Wade and daughter, Ida Grace Kimball, Lamoreaux and wife. Mrs. Benjamin, Mr. Miller, Minnie Wood, Martha Wood. Hattie Burris, Etta Burris, Mrs. H. Orvis, Mr. Van Tuyle.
Communications were read from Lieut. Dudley and Comrade Hibbard.
Officers were re-elected for another year. History ques- tion was again discussed at length.
Treasurer reported amount on hand, $8.79; amount received for dues, $4.75; bill paid to corresponding secre- tary for postage and stationery to the amount of $1.76; amount in treasury $11.78.
The twelfth annual reunion was held at the home of Comrade Orvis, on Perine Street, Elmira, N. Y. The com- rades were welcomed by waving flags, and Comrade Orvis and family made every one feel at home. Those present were Mrs. Hibbard and daughter. Ellis and wife. Wood and family, Orvis and family, Harpending and wife, Sutherland and wife, Longwell, Stoughton and wife, Lamoreaux and wife, Flower, wife and son. Kim-
i
65
ball, wife and two daughters, Wescott and wife, Mrs Buchanan and family. Communications were read from! Mrs. Crosby, D. W. Carey, C. M. Carey, Isaac T. German. Lieutenant Hussey, Comrades Hill and Simpson, Cor- poral Eils and Mrs. Cummings.
The officers were re-elected for another year. It was ordered that Comrade Kimball collect all the sketches that he could before April 1st, 1900, and that after that no sketches be accepted. That the cost of the books be ascertained without the cost of the individual engravings and the money be paid to the treasurer before the con- tract for the books to be printed be given.
Treasurer's report as follows: Amount on hand, $11.78. received for dues, $6; received of Comrade Stoughton for plate for the history, $1.50; paid to Cor- responding Secretary, $3. Total in treasury, $16.28.
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
COLONEL BENJAMIN RINGOLD.
Colonel Ringold, 103d Regiment, New York State Vol- unteers. (Seward Infantry, ) was born in Duoslingen. Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, June 6th, 1828. Af- ter a brief period of residence in the United States he joined the regular army, in which he served until about the breaking out of the rebellion in 1861 In the fall o. that year and the spring of 1862 he was engaged in re- cruiting a company for the 103d Regiment, and commis sioned captain Jaumary 4, 1862. With his regiment he soon after embarked with the Burnside expedition for North Carolina, returning North in the fall, and, with the 9th Army Corps, took part in the bloody battles of South Mountain and Antietam, Md., and Fredericksburg, Va
1
COL BENJ. RINGOLD,
Wr. N. Y. Vals., died. May 3rd, 2863, mortally wounded in the battle of Suffolk, Va
CAPT. WM. M CROSBY.
Meanwhile he had on June 13, 1862, been promoted Major of his regiment. Was again promoted March 5th, 1863, to Colonel. He was mortally wounded May 3d, 1863, while gallantly leading his regiment in an assault at Suf- folk, Va., in an endeavor to capture a battery. His re- mains, with due military escort, were taken to Fortress Monroe, Va., thence to New York City, and buried in the old National cemetery, Cypress Hill, Brooklyn, N. Y. Over his remains rests a handsome testimonial, erected "as a loving tribute " by the officers and enlisted men he had so gallantly led in dread battle's storm, and he will ever be most tenderly remembered by the survivors of the command. Company I has reason to know his worth as only soldiers can understand what high value to put upon an officer who is able and fearless.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM M. CROSBY.
Captain Crosby was born at Phelps, Ontario County, N. Y., in 1817. He completed his education, graduating at Geneva ( now Hobart ) College, and took the profession of teaching. In 1850-'51 he was in charge of the public schools at Painted Post. N. Y., but soon after went to Binghamton, N. Y., taking charge of Carroll Street School, which he re-organized on the union or graded plan, the first in that city, and conducted it most suc- cessfully for a number of years.
He was twice married. First to Mary, daughter of Inley Prescott of Geneva, N. Y., by whom he had one daughter, Anna Maria, who died April 2d. 1888. He was married a second time, November 21st, 1849, to Phebe Anna, daughter of Henry J. Lambert. One son was the fruit of this marriage, William M., born Septem- ber 2d. 1850; grew to manhood; was an attorney at law, practicing in his native eity of Binghamton, N. Y. Hc was a very successful pension attorney. He died October 21st. 1892, his wife surviving without children.
:
The subject of this sketch was one of the professors in Caldwell's Commercial College, Elmira, N. Y., when the rebellion broke out in 1861. During the latter part of that year he received authority from the Governor of New York State, and as well from Colonel Egloffstein, commanding the 103d Regiment, New York Volunteers, then being formed at New York City, to enlist a company of volunteers, and opened an office in Elmira for that purpose. This company was to be designated Company 1, 103d Regiment, New York Volunteers.
His success was assured from the first, his plan being tocall to his standard strong young men of a good degree of intelligence, who were able to stand the hard duty of campaigning. Hence the medical examination was very exacting. These were busy days for Captain Crosby, providing for all the necessities, drill, etc., of his rapidly growing company, unaided, till its organization.
On March 12th he was invited to the rooms of Prof. Cauldwell at Elmira, where his friends surprised him by presenting him with a fine sword. Nine days later he was ordered with his company to join the regiment at Wash- ington, D. C., and on the afternoon of March 21st pro- ceeded by rail, reaching there on the 22d, and on the 24th was received by the regiment and encamped at Meridian Hill, near the city, where arms and equipments were fur- nished. From this time the history of Company I was Captain Crosby's record. He shared the fatigues and privations of a soldier's life, in camp, in bivouac, or ac- tion.
July 26th, 1893, Captain Crosby, with Lientenants Wasser and Stahl and six men, was detailed to proceed to Ricker's Island, New York Harbor, the rendezvous of the drafted or conscripted men, for the purpose of bringing back enough men to till the depleted ranks of the compa- ties of the 103d Regiment. (186. ) He started the next day and was on that duty till June 3rd, 1864, when the
-
CAPT. WM. M. CROSBY,
detail received orders to rejoin the regiment at Folly Is- land, S. C. During this time Captain Crosby was on duty at the draft rendezvous. He was sent out on two occasions with conscripts, once to Hilton Head, S. C., at which time he took occasion to visit his old company for a day and another trip to Alexandria, Va., and Washing- ton, D. C.
Capt. Crosby arrived at the camp of the 103d Regi- ment on Sunday, June 12, 1864, and again assumed com- mand of his old company.
The short but hot campaign on James Island June 30 to July 12 followed.
On August 6th the resignation of Capt. Crosby (sent in July 19th ) was accepted, and on the 12th he bid "good bre" to the boys and started north, where he again en- joyed the comforts of his home and family to which he was so much attached, and which were all the more en- dearing after his long absence. His business again needed and received his attention.
The first part of the following year, however, he was appointed by President Lincoln as captain of company A. 5th regiment U. S. Reserve Corps and again went into the service till mustered out at the close of the war.
After returning home he organized and commanded the Sixth Battery. N. G. S. N. Y .. at Binghamton, for several years. In 1870 he was elected Justice of the Peace in his home city, serving the full term. During President Cleve- land's administration he was appointed Deputy United States Marshal. He was a prominent member of the Masonie fraternity, climbing the ladder to the highest Marree. He received the 33d degree about two years be- Ebre his death
At the close of the war he was brevetted major. He was also one of the organizers of the society "Union Veteran Union" Department of New York, and was not only Colonel of Dickinson Command No. 10 of his city,
Co
but was Deputy Commander and also Chaplain of the Department of New York and a National Officer of the order.
He died February 9th, 1894, at his home in Bingham- ton, N. Y., the result of a complication of chronic bowel trouble, from which he had long suffered. Mrs. Crosby survives.
LIEUTENANT GEORGE T. DUDLEY
Was born in the city of Elmira, N. Y., Dec. 18th, 1840, the youngest son of Ward and Sally Dudley. He was educated in the district schools, with the exception of six months schooling at the Waverly Institute at Waverly. N. Y., in 1858, where he was then living. At the close of the winter term he carried off the prize for excelling in declamation, the compeditors numbering about 30. He taught school for six months and May 1st, 1860, entered the employ of Preswick & Dudley, booksellers, in Elmira, N. Y. In response to the President's call for 75,000 men at the outbreak of the rebellion, at a war meeting held in Concert Hall April 23d, 1861, Lieut. Dudley volunteered for three months and his name was No. 5 on the list of those who went to the front from Elmira. The Southern Tier Rifles, the crack military company of western New York, volunteered, about twenty (20) of them, and Lieut. Dudley cast his fortunes with them. Captain Hoffman ( Barney ) at once organized a regiment, the 23d N. Y. Vols., and was commissioned colonel of it. His old company became Company K in the same. This regiment was mustered into the service of the United States May 20th, for two years, the call for three months men having been filled before the organization of the regineit was com- pleted.
This regiment reached Washington, D. C., July 7th, and crossed into Virginia July 21st. Lieut. Dudley purchased
70
.
FIRST LIEUT. GEO. T DUDLEY, (At enlistment.)
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.