Military history of Wayne County, N.Y. : the County in the Civil War, Part 87

Author: Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Sodus, NY : Lewis H. Clark, Hulett & Gaylord
Number of Pages: 944

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THE DE ZENG FAMILY in this country descends from Frederick Augus- tus, Baron de Zeng, who was born in Dresden, the capital of Saxony, in 1756. He received a military education and was commissioned February 11, 1774, as "Lieutenant of the Guard" in the service of the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel. He was in actual service in the cam- paign of Moravia and Bohemia soon after his appointment. May 19th, 1776, he received the appointment of "Gentleman of the Chamber" to his Serene Highness, Frederick of Hesse Cassel. During the few years succeeding he made the acquaintance of the Baron de Steuben ; an acquaintance renewed many years afterwards in America.

Baron de Zeng was a Captain in the regiment of the "Hereditary Prince." This was one of the regiments ordered to America to assist the British army pursuant to the convention entered into by the Brit- ish government with the Prince of Hesse Cassel, the Duke of Bruns- wick, and other German Princes.

The Baron himself did not, however, come to America till quite late in the war, at the close of 1780 or beginning of 1781. When the war closed he made this country his future home. His resignation from the German army was accepted November 8, 1783. The next year he was married in Trinity Church, New York, to Miss Mary Lawrence, daughter of Caleb Lawrence, of Flushing, Long Island. The Baron settled at Red Hook, Dutchess county, and purchased an estate there. In connection with Chancellor Livingston, he became joint owner of a large tract of land in Ulster county. He was naturalized November 3, 1789, dropped his hereditary title, and after that wrote his name simply Frederick A. de Zeng. He was commissioned by Governor Clinton in 1792,as Major in the militia in the mountain towns of Ulster, "westerly of the towns of Woodstock, Hurley, Marbletown and Rochester ;" an ap- pointment that did not savor very much of his early Baronial honors, but which gave to him the title by which he was afterwards known. His subsequent career was an active one. Between 1790 and 1800 he made extensive personal explorations of this State from Albany to the Gen- esee River. He was several times appointed by his friend, Governor Clinton, a commissioner to negotiate important matters with the In- dians.

Major de Zeng was one of the earliest promoters of internal improve- ments in this State. He was connected with General Schuyler in the " Western Inland Lock Navigation Company." In the prosecution of this enterprise he resided for a time at Little Falls. Here the Baron Steuben paid him a visit, and a son born at that time, March 16, 1793, received the name of William Steuben-a compliment which so delighted the batchelor Steuben that he remembered his name-sake with a gift of a thousand acres of land.

In 1796, Major de Zeng and others established a manufactory of window glass near Albany. This occupied his attention for many years. In 1822, Major de Zeng suggested the enterprise which resulted in the formation of the "Seneca Lock Navigation Company." He was active in the earlier explorations which, at a later day, led to the construction of Chemung Canal. He resided for many years at Kingston, Ulster county, and subsequently at Bainbridge, Chenango county, where he built and owned the bridge over the Susquehanna.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The son, William S. de Zeng, of Geneva, owning large tracts of land in this vicinity, the Major became interested in Clyde. In 1817, the Legislature granted a charter authorizing the construction of a dam across the Clyde river. The dam was built pursuant to that charter, and Major de Zeng erected the first grist-mill at Clyde. It stood on the south side of the river, just above the present lower bridge. The remains of the dam are still to be seen when the water is low. William S. de Zeng built the glass works at Clyde, and was prominent in all the early business of the place. Major de Zeng closed his long and active life at Clyde, dying at the residence of his son-in-law, William S. Stow, April 26, 1838. His remains are buried in Maple Grove Cem- etery.

His children were: Ist, George Scriba, who died at Grand Gulf, Miss., in 1829; 2d, Richard Lawrence, who settled at Oswego, and was prominent in real estate operations ; 3d, Philip Mark, who spent most of his life at Clyde, and died March 15, 1862 ; 4th, William Steu- ben, who settled at Geneva, and died August 16, 1882 ; 5th, Arthur Noble, who died in Ohio in 1829; 6th, Ernestine Jeannette Frederika Augusta, who married James H. Houghtaling ; she died at Oswego ; 7th, Maria Augusta, who married William Stow, Esq., of Clyde ; she died December 25, 1873; 8th, Amelia Clarissa, who married Addison C. Griswold ; she died in Syracuse, September 30, 1881.

Major Philip Mark de Zeng, of the Sixty-seventh New York Volun- teer Infantry, war of 1861-'65, is a son of the Philip Mark above men- tioned.

We give from Judd's History of the Thirty-third, the following notices of Colonel Joseph W. Corning, Captain Henry J. Draime, Major John S. Platner, and Adjutant John W. Corning :

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOSEPH W. CORNING was born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, November 4, 1813, and when eleven years of age removed with his parents to Rochester. The father losing all of his property through an extensive conflagration, the son was thrown upon his own resources, and resorted to various employments for a livelihood.

In 1829 he joined a military organization and devoted much time to the manual. During a part of the years 1833 and 1834 he resided in Waterloo, and there he was elected Captain of a Company of Fusileers.

In the Spring of 1834 he proceeded to Jefferson county and spent two years in teaching and agricultural pursuits. Here also he was chosen Captain of a Military Company. In the Spring of 1837 he started on a traveling tour, and spent several months among the western wilds, meeting with numerous adventures.

Returning to New York in December, he settled in Ontario, Wayne county, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1847 he removed to Palmyra, and embarked in mercantile business. May, 1850, he sailed for California, and after spending three years in mining operations, returned to Palmyra. He then commenced the study of law, was admitted to the bar in March, 1855, and continued the practice of his profession until the war broke out. He was chosen Justice of the Peace, Police Magistrate, President of the village, and filled other posi-

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tions of trust. In the Fall of 1860 he was elected by a heavy majority to represent his district in the State Legislature.

He took a prominent part in the various Legislative proceedings of the session, and when the South rebelled urged the enforcement of the most stringent measures for their subjection. On the adjournment of the Legislature he returned home, and the next day commenced recruit- ing a Company for the war. He was promoted from Captain to Lieu- tenant-Colonel of the Thirty-third in November, 1861, and was with the regiment in all of its encounters with the enemy, being frequently com- plimented by his superior officers for gallantry and courage.

CAPTAIN HENRY J. DRAIME was born in the city of Sadan, France, and coming to America with his parents settled in Canton, Ohio. March 27, 1839, he enlisted in the Fifth Regular Artillery, was soon promoted to a non-commissioned office, and remained in the service five years. During that time he was stationed at Detroit, Chicago, Buffalo, Sackett's Harbor, Fort Columbus, Fort Adams, etc. He fired the minute guns at Sackett's Harbor on the death of President Harri- son, and was ordered to Rhode Island with his Battery to assist in sup- pressing the insurrection known as the Dorrite war. After leaving the army he was engaged in various engineering operations at Rochester, Fredonia, and other places. He was residing in Palmyra when the war broke out. He enlisted as a private in Company B, of the Thirty- third ; was immediately elected Second Lieutenant, and promoted to First Lieutenant and Captain.

MAJOR JOHN S. PLATNER was born at Clyde, March 23, 1837. Dur- ing the month of April, 1857, he proceeded to Geneva and became assistant postmaster. On the following June he entered the dry goods house of S. S. Cobb, as an accountant, and in the Spring of 1859 became a partner.

When the Geneva Company was organized he enlisted as a private, his name being second on the roll. He was unanimously chosen First Lieutenant. On the promotion of Captain Walker to the Lieutenant- Colonelcy of the regiment, Captain Platner was appointed to succeed him. January 24, 1862, he was appointed Major of the Thirty-third, which position he filled with much distinction until the close of the two years service, participating in all the battles and skirmishes of the regi- ment and having two horses killed in action. He commanded the Thirty-third during the engagements at Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, and Malvern Hill, bringing it safely through all the toils and dangers of the retreat from before Richmond.

ADJUTANT JOHN W. CORNING was born in the town of Ontario, Sep- tember 8, 1841. At the age of six years he came with his parents to Palmyra, where he attended school and engaged in teaching until the fall of 1861. During the month of October he was active in recruiting men for Company B, of the Thirty-third. Barely twenty years of age, he received a commission as Second Lieutenant, and in May following was promoted First Lieutenant.

He had charge of his Company during the months of July and August, 1862, and acquitted himself with much credit at the battle of Golden's Farm and during the seven day's retreat. Returning to

MISCELLANEOUS.

Palmyra after the army reached Harrison's Landing, he was prostrated with a severe fit of sickness. Recovering he rejoined his regiment and was appointed Adjutant.

COLONEL JAMES P. FOSTER .- The brief notice in the list for Sodus gives simply his official military record. His services in 1861 began much earlier than December. As an only son he was associated with his father in an extensive mercantile and manufacturing business in the city of Hudson.

After the defeat at Bull Run, public sentiment began to look to young Foster for military service. His father nobly said : "Go, my son ; I will manage to get along with the business. Go and show those Southern hot-bloods that all of us won't run." Captain Foster imme- diately gave himself to energetic and persistent work. Going to Cats- kill, in his native county of Greene, he soon enrolled a Company of one hundred young men that became Troop M, in the Fifth Cavalry. When the great defeat before Richmond rendered necessary the immense enlistments of 1862, Captain Foster came home and aided with voice, and labor, and means, to organize the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth, of which he became Major. In its after career it was his fortune to bear a distinguished part. In the battle at Fisher's Hill Colonel Foster led the skirmish line with the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth, captur- ing the enemy's out-works and holding them alone for several hours.

At this time General Philip Sheridan approaching the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth said : " Who is in command ?" Being told he rode up to Colonel Foster, personally thanked him, and added in his brusque style, " Damnation, Colonel, you are not afraid."

General C. Grover also said in his report :

"To shorten and strengthen our lines it became necessary to drive in the enemy's skirmishes and occupy their works. This was hand- somely done by the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth, Colonel J. P. Foster commanding, under a vigorous fire of musketry and most terrific shelling."

On the retreat through the Shenandoah Valley he directed Colonel Foster to pass through the enemy's lines and communicate with the rear guard at Sharpsburgh and Front Royal, which had been cut off by the enemy. Having executed the duty his small command returning cap- tured a train of seventy baggage wagons for which Colonel Foster re- ceived the thanks of General Hatch.

Again after Banks had reoccupied the Valley Colonel Foster went through the enemy's lines as bearer of dispatches to General McDowell.

While in the Department of the Gulf Colonel Foster was sent as bearer of dispatches to the commanding military officers and to Admiral Farragut, of the navy at New Orleans. Embarked on the steamer John Warner, convoyed by two gunboats, an attempt to run by the rebel batteries cost the destruction of both the gunboats and the trans- ports. The crews escaped to the shore. Colonel Foster, severely wounded by a shell, yet made, with the others, a march of nearly fifty miles.

After the war Colonel Foster engaged for a few months in trade, pur- chasing cotton and naval supplies at Wilmington, N. C. There, on the

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22d of February, 1866, (aided by J. H. Neff, a Union man, who had spent some months in prison for his refusal to swear allegiance to the Confederate government) he raised . a Union flag over the Custom House, the first that had floated to the breeze after the war closed from any public building in Wilmington. About that time he was appointed Collector of the Port of Wilmington as a reward for his distinguished services.

Subsequently Colonel Foster entered the ministry of the Episcopal Church having been ordained February 24, 1870. At the present time, 1883, he is Rector of the three churches in Sodus, St. John's, Sodus Village; St. Luke's, Sodus Centre, and Christ Church, Sodus Point.

NINETIETH INFANTRY.

William G. Ferguson, of Fast Palmyra, writing of the Ninetieth, makes the following summary statement :

The Ninetieth New York Volunteer Infantry was mustered into the United States service November 27, 1861, at East New York. Re- enlisted as Veterans at Bayou Boeuf, La., February 20, 1864 ; served in States of Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Louisana and in the Red River Campaign, and under General Sheri- dan in the Shenandoah Valley. Was mustered out at Savannah, Ga., February 9, 1866. Major J. C. Smart was killed at Cedar Creek October 19, 1864, before going into battle. It lost many officers and men in the summer of 1862, by yellow fever at Key West. Took part as a regiment in the following engagements: Franklin, La., May 25, 1863 ; Port Hudson, La., June 10 to 14, 1863 ; Cox's Plantation, La., July 13, 1863 ; Donaldsonville, La., June 28, 1863 ; Pleasant Valley, La., April 7, 1864; Pleasant Hill, La., April 8, 1864; Cane River, La., April 27, 1864; Avoyelles Prairie, La., May 13, 1864 ; Mansura, La., May 14, 1864 ; Yellow Bayou, La., May 15, 1864; Winchester, Va., September 19, 1864 ; Fisher's Hill, Va., September 22, 1864; Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864.

A PROPHECY .- In the fall of 1860, during the excited presidential canvass, Judge Byram Green, took a deep interest in public matters, as he had been wont to do through all his life. His residence at the west end of Sodus village, gave him a fine view of the long torch light processions that paraded through the streets so often during the closing weeks of the campaign. " Wide Awakes " and "Little Giants," representing respectively Lincoln and Douglass vied with each other in nightly marches and brilliant illuminations. Perhaps Judge Green had reached that age of which the poet wrote when he said:

" "Tis the sunset of life gives me mystical lore, And coming events cast their shadows before."

One evening as he stood at the window watching the columns wheel- ing in front of his residence and the serried lines of torches blazing brightly, he said to Dr. W. M. Woodworth, who was with him, "EVERY TORCH WILL GROW INTO A MUSKET."

MISCELLANEOUS.

From the Rochester Express.

ANOTHER GALLANT SOLDIER GONE -- HORACE G. HILL.

ONTARIO, June 18th, 1864.

Editors Express :- I have just returned from the funeral services of my friend and acquaintance, Lieutenant Horace G. Hill, who lost his life on the 5th of May, during the first days' fight in the Wilderness. He was instantly killed while bravely and gallantly urging his men on to the strife. It is but just, that I should endeavor to pay this feeble testimonial to the virtues of the patriotic and noble dead. His mem- ory will ever be cherished with all that was dear and lovely in his character, by a large circle of friends. Lieutenant Hill was one whom to know was to love and respect ; a young man of fine abilities, of sterling integrity, of unbounded loyalty and patriotism, counting his life as nothing when called to protect the flag of his country. He was born in Ontario, Wayne County, N. Y., April 27th, 1841, being at the time of his death 23 years of age. How sad that his young and hope- ful life must be given as a sacrifice to this unholy and wicked rebellion. At the breaking out of the war, Lieutenant Hill was one of the very first to offer his services to the Government, his first enlistment being. in the old Thirteenth, and participating with that regiment in the battle of Bull Run .* He was afterwards discharged, and subsequently enlisted as First Sergeant, Co. A, One Hundred and Eleventh Regi- ment N. Y. V. Infantry. He was promoted Second Lieutenant, December, 1863; not long after First Lieutenant; and on the first day of May, 1864, he was promoted Captain, but did not live to receive his commission. Lieutenant Hill was almost idolized by the men under his command. He had gained that respect, not only by being an ever true and faithful soldier, but also by kindly caring for his men. His heart swelled with proud emotions at the thought of his country's glory, and he was ever ready to defend the stars and stripes from the insults of traitors. Though comparatively unknown his name may well stand side by side with Ellsworth, Lyon, Wadsworth, Sedg- wick, and a host of others; heroes whose names generations yet un- born shall love to read and revere. He fell as a hero falls. Amid the carnage of battle he yielded up his life, a noble sacrifice, for " God and home, and native land," and that God in whom he trusted will surely reward him. The funeral services were largely attended and were of the most impressive character. The discourse, by Rev. S. D. Merrick, of Webster, was an eloquent soul-stirring appeal, full of sound patriotism and loyalty. He paid a just tribute to the memory of the noble souls slain on the field of battle in subduing the rebellion. How bravely have they defended the cause which called them from their homes, and from all the associations of loving friends.

* By reference to a dairy kept by F. A. Hill, it is ascertained that Lieutenant H. G. Hill went to Rochester and enlisted on Wednesday, April 17th, 1861. As remarked in another place, it is not settled what Wayne County man first signed an enlistment roll after the call of April 15th, but there are few, if any, names earlier than Mr. Hill's.

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REV. HORACE EATON, D. D .-- On pages 300 and 333, of this vol- ume there are given eloquent extracts from two sermons preached by this distinguished divine, this beloved pastor. In the Palmyra list of soldiers, (Appendix A) there are also given several marginal notes with reference to his funeral services in memory of the brave soldiers who perished in the defence of the Union. He had taken much interest in this volume and kindly rendered assistance in its preparation. He has not lived to read its pages. Within a few weeks he has passed to his eter- nal rest. The memory of his life and labors remain as a blessed benediction to the people of Palmyra. None of the years of his resi- dence among them were more fruitful than those of 1861-'65. His pat. riotism was of a sterling, rugged type, but blended with tenderness and love. In all those heroic years he stood manfully for law and liberty, for truth and loyalty. We add a paragraph from an address pronounced at Marion, Oct. 28, 1883, by Rev. W. W. Runyan.

" Yea, verily, his was a fine courage. Underneath the lamb-like gen- tleness of the man there throbbed a lion heart. The heroic and chival- ric were cardinal elements in his make-up.

" But, though Dr. Eaton was a man with positive convictions and a marked individuality, he was not a man of one idea or a solitary hobby -mentally warped, or intellectually deformed. No. He was sym- metry itself embodied. He was cognizant of many relations to society and the world. His sympathies were wide, and his sensibilities, keen. He projected feelers and feeders in all directions. His nature was many-sided, as the Germans say, and it was receptive on all sides. In the words of Lord Bacon, Reading had made him a full man ; Writ- ing, an exact man ; and Speaking, a ready man. Permit me to add that travel and observation had made him a cosmopolitan, a citizen of the globe, in his range of thought. He loved science, poetry and art. He loved to trace the hand of God in current history He loved little children. Behold, how he loved them! He loved the birds, the lilies, the mountains, the deep, deep sea, and, next to the cross of Christ, the Flag of his native land. Yet he wandered amid the tombs of Westminster Abbey, that pantheon of Protestantism ; he stood be- neath the dome of St. Peters, the foremost temple of Catholicism ; he descended into the Catacombs and groped among the hiding places of the early church ; he climbed the Acropolis of Athens and mused amid the ruins of Parthenon, that bright consummate flower of heathen archi- tecture; and his large receptive nature took in all these with the intelli- gent recognition and liberal appreciation befitting a universal scholar and a lover of mankind.

" Best of all, he stood on the Hill Calvary, that focal center of proph- ecy and history alike, and there he threw the arms of a loving, humble faith around the cross of Christ. To lift up that cross before the eyes of dying men was the holy purpose and the best achievment of his useful life. He turned many to righteousness and doubtless he will shine as a star forever and ever.

MISCELLANEOUS.

" It is among the precious treasures of my future, that I have known this good man, and may remember him as a counselor and friend. To me it was like sunrise to meet him on the street-like the smile of a benignant Providence to see his face and share his converse in the privacy of his library, which he playfully called his " den." But none of us can monopolize him. All good citizens can claim a share in Dr. Eaton, for he was a friend of all. No denominational barriers can bound his fame. No sectarian channel can confine the rolling river of his influence, for ecclesiastical bars could not limit his charity, his ser- vices, his benefactions, or his friendships. Doubtless his name and his work will survive the flood of years, for the memory of the just is blest."

Literature of the kind gathered in this appendix is abundant through all the county. Only a few specimens more easily obtained than others, and for various reasons somewhat noted and prominent have been given.

During all the years of that eventful period, 1861-5, the newspapers were full of incidents; personal sketches appeared; the busy pens of letter writers were at work; hundreds of speakers were saying their best things, and poets were breathing out their flowing numbers. The labor of the author upon this volume is finished. Its intended limits were long since exceeded.

In a few brief years Wayne County will have reached the Centennial of its first settlement. A hundred years of county history !! It has been our work to trace the military events of the county and show something of the toil and sacrifice incurred by her heroic sons. No such volume would have been possible had there not been a people worthy of it-a people whose deeds have ennobled the name of the county and furnished ample and substantial material for the pen of the historian.

The years of war have passed away-perhaps never to return. That the arts of peace may flourish ; that prosperous labor and successful trade may accumulate wealth; that education and religion may adorn the future are aspirations worthy of a brave people whose blood has been freely shed to defend all the interests of civilization.

But the history of the past recorded here leaves no doubt that should the dread alarm of war again be heard on our borders, men will be found ready to do and die as in the years that are gone.

APPENDIX

MONEY RAISED BY THE COUNTY FOR WAR PURPOSES-BY THE TOWNS-NUMBER OF SOLDIERS FURNISHED-STATIS- TICS OF REGIMENTS FROM THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND NUMBER OF SOL- DIERS IN THE WAR FROM NEW YORK. 1

To find the totals of both men and money furnished during the four years of war, is only approximately possible. So far as bounties were voted and appropriations made by county or by town authority, the sums can be stated ; but if we examine into the voluntary contribu- tions made to promote enlistments at the outbreak of the war, or dur- ing the year 1862 ; if we attempt to give the money value of supplies furnished through ladies' aid societies ; if we attempt to state the amount paid for substitutes by individuals over and above the amounts returned in town or county bonds, we enter upon a field of investiga- tion where for most part only estimates can be given. The amount paid for exemption under the draft of 1863 might be more accurately determined ; but every three hundred dollars paid for exemption represents a soldier legally required from the county, so that care would be necessary not to duplicate the statements, and count the draft of 1863 both as men and money. With these explanations we shall proceed to give various statements as to the entire amount of money which the war of the rebellion cost the county of Wayne in one form or another. First we will examine the Supervisor's reports for official statements.

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Military history of Wayne County, N.Y. : the County in the Civil War, Part 87

Author: Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.) Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Sodus, NY : Lewis H. Clark, Hulett & Gaylord Number of Pages: 944

Author: Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Sodus, NY : Lewis H. Clark, Hulett & Gaylord
Number of Pages: 944