USA > New York > Wayne County > Military history of Wayne County, N.Y. : the County in the Civil War > Part 27
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | 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 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89
The company mustered for inspection on Wednesday, May Ist, under Captain Joseph Welling, who had been appointed by the Governor, inspector of all volunteer com- panies in Wayne County.
Practically, the company was raised in one week, drilled somewhat and mustered for inspection the second week, and left about the middle of the third week for Elmira.
Sunday morning, May 5, 1861, Captain Adams' company attended the Methodist church. Long before the time of service the house was filled, every sitting or standing place being occupied except the space reserved for the volun- teers. The church was decorated with flags and a fine one floated from the tower without. While the bell was ringing
325
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
for service the company was marched from the armory pre- ceded by martial music. As they entered the church the organ pealed forth the inspiring strains of the national an- them producing a fine effect. The Rev. Mr. Buck delivered a grand discourse. The choir and congregation sang " My Country 'Tis of Thee" and the immense audience dispersed to the sound of national airs from the organ.
In the evening they attended the Presbyterian church where a similar ovation awaited them. Rev. Mr. McHarg being ill, Rev. Mr. Putnam of the Baptist church delivered a very able sermon from the text " Render unto Cæsar the things which be Cæsars." Rev. Mr. Buck followed in a few well-timed and patriotic remarks; so soul-stirring as to evoke loud and enthusiastic applause.
Monday, May 10th, 1861, Captain Adams' company left Lyons. Of this the Lyons Republican said :
"The entire population of Lyons and the surrounding country seemed to be in the streets on Monday to see the Lyons volunteers off. It was a day long to be remembered in the history of our village. As the procession approached the depot the rush thither was tremendous and considerable difficulty was experienced in forcing a passage through the crowd. When this was accomplished and something like order had been restored the volunteers were addressed by Wm. VanMarter, J. D. Husbands, Rev. Mr. Buck and Rev. Mr. Brown. Rev. Mr. Buck presented to Corporal Saul a Masonic Emblem (a sil- ver trowel) the gift of Messrs Cosart and Van Alstyne; and Mr. Husbands to Lieut. White, a revolver from Dr. Gilbert."
From the Democratic Press.
DEPARTURE OF THE LYONS VOLUNTEERS.
" Monday last will be long remembered by our citizens, on account of the departure of Captain Adams' Company of Volunteers, for Elmira. They were escorted from the Armory to the depot at half past one o'clock. The procession was arranged in the following order :
I. Wells' Cornet Band of Clyde.
2. Eagle Fire Co. No. I, Lyons.
3. Eagle Fire Co. Hose No. I, Lyons.
4. Cataract Fire Co. No. I, Clyde. (all Germans.)
5. Niagara Fire Co. No. 2,
6. Rescue Fire Co. No. 3, Lyons.
7. Rescue Fire Co. Hose No. 3, Lyons.
326
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
8. Hook and Ladder Co. No. 3, Lyons.
9. German Mechanics Association.
IO. Martial Music-(Alton and Lyons Band.)
II. Lyons Light Guard.
12. Clergy.
13. Lyons Volunteers.
14. Citizens.
" During the march to the depot, a National Salute was fired. At the depot a vast assemblage had gathered. Wm. VanMarter, J. D. Husbands and Rev. D. D. Buck deliv- ered eloquent and appropriate addresses. At 3:55 the Vol- unteers got on board the train, amid enthusiastic cheering."
Company B, of the 27th, was reported in the newspapers as consisting of the following officers and men when it left Lyons :
Captain-Alexander D. Adams.
First Lieutenant-Henry R. White.
Ensign -William H. Swan.
Orderly Sergeant-M. W. Goodrich.
Second Sergeaut-Robert S. Holmes.
Third Sergeant-Crosby Hopkins.
Fourth Sergeant-Charles Sherman.
Corporals-William Rooker, Charles L. Gaul, William C. Belden, Hiram W. Layton.
Privates-John Lemmon, Franklin Hecox, M. B. Zimmer- man, Martin V. Sweet, James W. Snedaker, Sylvester C. Hill, John D. McVicar, Wm. Shattuck, Thomas H. Tipling, Wilhelm Zwilling, H. M. Lillie, Joseph Seavey, William H. King, Wm. Rooker, Edward Allee, R. D. Lawrence, J. C. Sampson, A. M. VanAmburgh, Charles Althen, James Ellison, Hiram W. Layton, Henry Rooker, L. D. Lusk, Charles W. Soverhill, Samuel S. Plass, Adolph Martin, William Dibby, Louis Adams, Edward P. Foster, William H. McIntyre, Louis C. Strickland, J. W. Griswold, Robert H. Disbrow, Thomas S. Betts, Spencer C. Weaver, Rowland B. Andrews, Joseph Mills, Cornelius W. Murphy, John Fosniere, Richard D. Pudney, Jacob Rodenbach, George M. Belden, M. B. VanInwagen, William H. Stacey, Andrew Cassidy, Lafayette Sherman, Myron Dwinnelle, John C. Eames, Nelson H. Huff, Clark C. Ellis, Morton A. Leach, Charles H. Moore, Otto Miller, James M. Dickerson, Gibson Dunn, Ezra Dibble, Edwin Leach, William Vosburgh, John E. Casey, Henry W. Brown, Robert Durkee, John Knoblock, George Lehner, Morris Johnson, V. H. Sweeting, Cornelius Lovell, George C. Rooker, George H. Walrath, H. C. Edwards, Theodore Klump, Almeron Crannell, William Roehrig, Charles Odell, Chauncey Blinn, Joseph A. Braden.
327
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
The Lyons company was the first to leave the county, in consequence of the rapid work after recruiting actually commenced ; and because the acceptance of the company was promptly made by the Governor and its destination decided.
There were, perhaps, enlistments in other parts of the county earlier than at Lyons, in consequence of the expecta- tion at first that the Lyons Light Guard would go as a body, and volunteering was not commenced. It is not settled, however, what Wayne County man first signed a volunteer enlistment roll after the receipt of the President's call of April 15th.
The resolution of the Lyons Light Guard, Monday even- ing, though expressive of a readiness to go with the regiment, was not an enlistment of volunteers.
PRESENTATION OF A SWORD TO CAPTAIN A. D. ADAMS.
This took place at Elmira, May 26, 1861. Mr. Tinsley, of the Lyons Republican, in presenting the beautiful sword, purchased by citizens of Lyons, said :
" CAPTAIN ADAMS :- It becomes my pleasant duty to pre- sent to you to-day, this sword-a duty which I perform on behalf of citizens of Lyons, who, appreciating your merits as a soldier, and as a man, have desired to make to you some tangible acknowledgment of their esteem. Accept the gift, sir, and if it should be your lot to be called into the field to shed the traitorous blood of those who would destroy the Union, cemented by the patriotic blood of their father's fathers, may this weapon in your hands do its duty in a cause just and noble. And wherever the God of battles may lead you, may the God of hosts protect you, and send you back to your boyhood's home, when the sunlight of peace is once more shed abroad over our beloved land, with this sword as an emblem and type of your manly honor- unsullied by any foul stain, but brightened and glorified with the lustre of active execution, of brave and patriotic deeds."
Captain Adams replied :
" MR. TINSLEY :- To you, and through you to the citizens of Lyons, I return my sincere thanks for this beautiful pres- ent. I accept the gift, and rest assured, sir, it shall never be used unworthily by me. It is a matter of regret that so many are now compelled to draw the sword in defense of the Constitution and the laws, and to hold as ours, that
328
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
which is ours by right. Return, sir, to the citizens of Lyons, and say that the gift they have sent me, shall be brought back by me unstained, except by traitorous blood shed in honorable conflict, or lying upon the body of one who has not proved himself an unworthy soldier."
COMPANY I, OF THE SEVENTEENTH INFANTRY.
At Newark, the work of enlisting was actively com- menced. Company I, of the Seventeenth Infantry, was raised principally in the towns of Arcadia and Sodus. The news of the surrender of Fort Sumter, and the proclama- tion of President Lincoln, calling for seventy-five thousand men, were read in our streets on the 15th and 16th of April.
Within three days, Andrew Wilson and Isaac Lusk, were moving for the formation of a company at Newark, and a day or two later, Augustus Proseus, Allen Vandebogert, Allen Hiserote, and others from Sodus, were hastening to Newark, and enrolling their names in defense of an imperiled government. Men abandoned their offices; students dropped their books ; hired men summarily left the farmers to whom they were engaged for the season, and commenced drilling, pursuant to the manual of arms. If an employer threatened loss of pay for work done by a man who broke his contract for the summer, to go into the army, the indignant "boys" were well nigh ready to give him a taste of war without going South.
This company spent but a brief time at Newark. The departure took place on Monday, May 13th. An immense throng from Sodus and Arcadia gathered at the Newark depot to see the "boys off for the war." The same tender scenes characterized the parting as at other points on simi- lar occasions. Various brief addresses were made. The friends crowded up close for a final farewell. Brave men stepped on board the train while women equally brave, nobly repressed the rising tide of emotion and bade the sol- diers adieu with praiseworthy cheerfulness.
The Democratic Press said of Company I, under date of May 15, 1861 :
NEWARK VOLUNTEERS.
" Captain Wilson's Company of Volunteers passed through this place at 11:50 on Monday, A. M., en route for New York.
329
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Notwithstanding a heavy rain storm prevailed at the time, a large crowd of our citizens assembled at the depot, and cheer after cheer was given for the brave soldiers who went forth to battle for our country."
We regret that many interesting incidents concerning Company I, its organization, its drill at Newark, its depart- ure and the designation of its officers can now be recalled only with difficulty. No copies of the Newark Courier for that eventful period have been found though diligent enquiry has been made and a request through the newspa- pers has utterly failed to produce any copies for the use of the author.
The accounts in the previous chapter have shown that there was great enthusiasm at Newark. That large sums of money were raised and effective work promptly done. The people lavished upon Company I, their money, their affections, their patriotism. Nothing was too good for "the boys" while they remained in Newark. Their drills were watched with interest, their comfort was cared for, their wants supplied and the whole community followed them to the cars with kind wishes, with abundant blessings, with sad yet hopeful adieus.
The soldiers left with firm, brave hearts. They were not all to return. Some were to perish on the field of battle, others to die by disease, yet they went boldly forth to ren- der such services as the Union might require.
Company I, of the Seventeenth, as it left Newark, consisted of the following officers and men :
Captain-Andrew Wilson.
Lieutenant-Isaac M. Lusk.
Ensign-Augustus W. Proseus.
First Sergeant-Lycurgus D. Lusk.
Second Sergeant-Allen Vandebogert.
Third Sergeant -- Andrew J. Piersons.
Fourth Sergeant-Philip Shuster. First Corporal-Charles Soverhill.
Second Corporal-George Westfall. Third Corporal-Isaac Irish.
First Musician-Morton A. Leach.
Second Musician-John Brevoort.
Privates-Artemas Ayers, Willard Buck, Aaron Bush, John Boheim, Michael Burns, David S. Bardo, Harvey W.
22
330
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Benson, Hugh W. Cochrane, John Clark, Jacob Cunning- ham, Paris Cornue, James Cull, Richard Conners, George Cooke, Almon I. Downing, Harrison Downing, Harrison E. Downing, Francis G. Dolph, Calvin Doane, William Don- nelly, Allen Dunn, Jacob Everts, Robert Fulton, John Flora, James W. A. Granger, Charles Howland, Gustavus Hen- derbesch, Jacob Hickey, Alfred Hawkins, Allen F. Hise- rote, John Irwin, Albert Irish, Garrett Jenks, John Johnson, John R. Keeffe, Horace Lake, Patrick Larkin, Charles Miller, Joseph Manchester, Richard Mills, James McLean, Charles McCann, Ambrose McCuen, James Murphy, Pat- rick McGrath, John Mahen, John Nierpass, Abner Novess, Charles Nebriskie, Thomas Pickett, Andrew W. Perkins, Samuel Plass, George M. Parkhurst, Ralph Rogers, Peter Rausentorf, Levi G. Sweet, Edward Smith, Charles Stout- enker, Cyrus Taylor, Aaron Van Inwagen, Emmet Whit- more, Andrew J. White, Alfred Westfall, John Wolf, John Irwin, James Conway.
COMPANY B, OF THE THIRTY-THIRD INFANTRY.
At Palmyra, Joseph Corning led off in the work of enlist- ing men for the service. His company became Company B, of the Thirty-third Regiment of Infantry. Mr. Corning was a member of the Legislature, and remained with that body in session for a few days following the proclamation. He shared in the legislative action that was taken and was prompt and foremost in every movement that was made to tender men and money on the part of this State. But, fully conscious of the impending crisis, he clearly saw that some- thing more than legislation was needed. The raising of an army was a work that required men of rank and respon- sibility to devote their personal services. Before he arrived in Palmyra the raising of men had been under discussion. It was expected that Company E, of the Fifty-fourth militia would be called to march with that regiment and prepara- tions were made to move at once.
H. J. Draime and Josiah J. White were active at this time. The former had had considerable military experience which proved a valuable aid in this crisis. Various plans were under discussion. The people were enthusiastic. Meetings were held, money was being pledged. The people were ripe for a positive organization. The hour was auspi-
331
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
cious for a leader of men to be named-a man who would command confidence.
Mr. Corning returned home from Albany on Friday even- ing, April 26. He was met at the depot by a large number of citizens of all parties and escorted to the Palmyra hotel, where being loudly called upon he made a few patriotic remarks stating that he had returned home for the purpose of rasing a volunteer company and leading them to the defense of the country, and calling upon all patriotic men to rally to his standard.
The next morning he converted his law office into a recruiting station, and issued a handbill calling for volun- teers. The call was responded to with much enthusiasm. Day by day the roll of recruits grew longer, and in ten days the company was enrolled to its maximum. But little delay took place. Regiments were being hurried to the scene of conflict. The call was loud and urgent. Captain Corning and his brave men were impatient of delay.
On Wednesday evening, May 15th, a farewell meeting took place in honor of Captain Corning's company of volun- teers, and their intended departure the next day.
The assembly gathered in the Presbyterian Church, and that spacious edifice was packed with people above and below. Around the pulpit and the galleries large flags were beautifully festooned.
The band was stationed on one side of the organ, and a large choir was in attendance. Pews on the main aisle were reserved for the volunteers, who came marching in with the steady tread and the marked good order that evinced the progress already made in drilling. The officers in charge of the meeting were: George W. Cuyler, President; Will- iam F. Aldrich and Thomas Birdsall, Vice-Presidents ; and Charles McLouth, Secretary.
The " Star Spangled Banner" was read by Rev. Mr. Gil- lespie, and sung by the choir. Rev. Horace Eaton led in prayer, offering a fervent invocation for the divine blessing to go with and rest upon the volunteers ; and to give them courage, energy, firmness, patience, fortitude, and to pre- pare them for whatever the future held in store for them.
332
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
The band rendered "Hail Columbia," thrilling the vast audience with its patriotic strains.
Rev. Mr. Mudge said, in closing a brief address :
" Volunteers ! there is much to urge you forward. The end you seek is a noble one. It will enroll your names on the page of honor.
" If you conduct yourselves faithfully it will place them higher on the scroll of fame. We shall cherish your names and be proud of your success. We expect noble things of you.
" We who stay at home will remember you when you are away. We will remember your families, and assure you that they shall be cared for.
" Go forth to the conflict. We bid you God speed. You contend in a righteous cause. You go to save your country ; to defend our Constitution; to protect our flag. We know that you need no other incentive. We know that this is sufficient. Go! May the God of Battles go with you."
Of Rev. Mr. Gillespie's remarks, we cull the following sentences :
" There is one bright spot in the dark picture that our country now presents. It is the unity of feeling at the North. Here are men of all political affinities, those who are connect- ed with the South by business or social ties, those who have not been wont to mingle together. We have come together to assure our fellow citizens of our sympathy, and to send them forth with our God speed. This unity is a bright spot. It is the great defense of our country.
" I have endeavored to look at this subject as a Christian man. I pray for peace, and I shall greatly rejoice if you return without battle, more than if your ranks are broken and your banner dyed, and your officers tell us how nobly you fell. This interferes not with sending the hosts to battle. When we stand by the flag, we should stand by the New Testament. You go in a good cause, because you go in support of the constitution and the laws. You go to protect union-avoid disunion. * * *
" When Franklin was lost amid the snow and ice of the North, England sent for him. So it is our duty to send for the Union men of the South. You sent a short time ago to starving Kansas of your substance; now it is your duty to send to the Union men of the South who are starving for political liberty, of your own living, active men. Go forth as Christian soldiers. Remember that you go from Christian
333
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
lands, from the voice of pastors, from Sabbath bells. May the Lord of hosts be with you-the God of Jacob your refuge."
Rev. Mr. Eaton said :
"I have heard the drum and fife since I was a boy, but not with the feeling of solemnity as now. I have looked all my life on that flag, but it never appeared to me so noble as now ; its stars, so like those that once sang together, and its stripes so like the breaking of the morning. I have regarded war with dread ; but if I understand the Gospel or the sacri- fice of Calvary, it is founded on government. Government is an institution of God as really as the church. Hence I love this country because I see the hand of God in it. It comes to me sacred from the graves of our ancestors. It comes to me from the future freighted with the hopes of all the nations of the earth. Can it be that this Government is now to be destroyed ? How vandal-like the hand that assails it. What shall we do? I know of no other way than that which the great apostle preached. The invincible logic of Paul defends us. The Government must be sustained, even if by the sword. Volunteers, you do not go forth as mercenaries, but as an army of the Constitution and the Union. You differ from those who fight for destruction. You fight for law ; you will obey law. You fight for truth; you will give an example of truth.
" It is only to-night we hear of the desecration of Washing- ton's grave. How it thrills our souls. Volunteers, go plant the American flag on that grave and on Sumter. Yes, let it wave again from the top of Sumter. Go, regard your constitutions, your health, your virtue, your testaments. God go with you."
James Peddie made an effective and eloquent address. He paid a high compliment to the officers and the men.
On motion of H. S. Flower, the chair appointed Messrs. Flower, Nottingham, Holmes, Southwick and Anderson a committee to arrange for escorting the volunteers at their departure the next day.
A testament was then distributed to each man, the gift of the Bible society.
Captain Corning was then called out and spoke briefly, thanking the citizens for their kindness, attention, and liber- ality to his company. He expressed his pride in the men enrolled. They included not only Americans, but there were men from Switzerland, Prussia, Germany, France,
334
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
England, Ireland-now Americans all. Colonel Corning's remarks were eloquent and spirited beyond himself, and a tender undercurrent of sadness lent a peculiar pathos to his words. As he stood before that audience, ready to lead the men of his company to the field of strife, to battle and to death, he received an ovation that might well be graven on his memory with an impress as enduring as life.
The tumultuous cheers that swelled up from that audience and rung through the old village church, told him that the heart of Palmyra beat towards him and his men with enthusiastic admiration.
Never before was there such a meeting in Palmyra. A century may elapse without another that equals it.
THE DEPARTURE.
The great meeting of Wednesday night was a fitting prelude to the scenes of Thursday.
The whole population seemed to unite in such testimonials of pride and grateful affection as could not fail to gladden the otherwise heavy hearts of the brave and gallant fellows who bade adieu to their homes and friends, and went forth to become the soldiers of the country, the defenders of the stars and stripes, the upholders and guarantors of the glori- ous Union and its Government.
Never before were the streets of Palmyra so gay and pageant-like. Flags by the hundreds were waving from roofs and windows, while the National colors floated proudly across the principal street. The procession was formed as follows :
I. Band.
2. Citizens' Corps.
3. Firemen.
4. Volunteers.
5. Clergy, Committees, Speaker.
6. President of the village and Board of Trustees.
7. Citizens generally.
The procession formed on Main street, the right resting on Cuyler street. The church bells were rung and cannon fired during the moving of the procession. It was about three o'clock P. M. Main street was a sight to be remem- bered. The march was one long ovation; the cortege itself
335
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
was almost lost in the thronging tide of people that moved with it, and filled the entire street. Cheers and shouts mingled in a continuous roar, joining with the music of the bands. Handkerchiefs were waved from windows by hundreds of fair hands.
Nothing in the spectacle was so moving or so vividly indicated the nature of the occasion as the sight of women marching by the side of the ranks. It told the whole story of the coming separation, of love and tender affection.
The Palmyra Courier, from which the account is condensed, said :
" We cannot undertake any description of the scene that took place at the depot between the arrival of the Volun- teers and the coming of the cars that were to bear them away. Let us be spared the recital of what made every heart ache among those present. There were more tears than women shed. Many a brave fellow, whose heart will grow strong in the face of danger, was choked with the uprising emotion, and looked, through tear-dimmed eyes, the good-bye his lips could not utter."
Captain Corning's Company, as it left Palmyra, was as follows :
Captain-J. W. Corning.
Lieutenant-J. J. White.
Ensign-H. J. Draime.
First Sergeant-David Servoss.
Second Sergeant-Samuel F. Dennis.
Third Sergeant-Gilbert Everson.
Fourth Sergeant-S. Clinton Palmer.
First Corporal-A. J. Bennett.
Second Corporal-John P. Jarvis.
Third Corporal-Wm. Souars.
Fourth Corporal-Royal E. Dake.
Privates-E. B. Parks, Jacob Sherman, Lewis Mosier, John Lennin, Morris J. Bullis, Chas. S. Stanley, Horace R. Howard, Thomas Paul, James H. Kellogg, S. C. Harris, C. F. Eisen- trager, Richard Turner, George W. Gardner, John Clemens, Major Kellogg, Sanford McCall, S. B. Clevenger, Wm. Brookings, Richard Miller, E. C. Tyler, Henry M. Heath, George C. Wacksmith, Thomas Hanley, Robert Armstrong, John Ottman, Wm. Price, John Quinn, Benjamin Mepham, Frank Smith, Reuben T. Halstead, Thomas Johnson, Charles Gere, Joseph Jackson, Anson Rose, Edgar G. Parks, Lewis C. Becker, Silas Hill, John Birdsall, Peregrine Sanford,
336
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Henry Crane, John Johnson, Samuel Linehart, Griffin Stickles. Munson G. Hill, Albert H. Henderson, H. G. Staf- ford, John Huxley, C. J. Plum, Mason Lee, Wm. Kellogg, John H. Smith, N. B. Risley, John Allis, Benjamin Tusten, Elijah Brown, Lewis Knowles, John Little, Alfred Howell, James Coleman, John Carriff, David Hart, Stephen Patten, Gottlieb Albreze, Alexander Struchen, Valentine Natt, John Gratton, John Gramer, Michael Coonan, George Turner, John Held, Washington Everett, Elijah G. Demelt, H. H. Kelly.
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.