USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The heroes of Albany. A memorial of the patriot-martyrs of the city and county of Albany, who sacrificed their lives during the late war in defense of our nation 1861-1865 > Part 51
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645
CORPORAL JAMES YOUNG.
LXXXIII.
CORPORAL JAMES YOUNG.
JAMES YOUNG left the city of Albany in Company F. of the Forty-fourth Regiment. He was a cheerful and active young man, and was noted for his skill as a boatman, and in many athletic sports. He was the life of his company in the barracks and the camp, and had a most happy influence upon all his associates.
On the morning of the 27th of May, 1862, while on a march from the camp, he rebuked some who were complaining of their hardships, in the following language: "Come, let's have no grumbling; we came out here as soldiers, let us act like soldiers." That day, soon after the battle of Hanover Court House com- menced, he was struck, by a ball, in the leg, making what would be considered a serious wound by less courageous men. He stooped, examined it, and said that was not much of a hurt. He had scarcely straightened himself up, having loaded his piece, and was in the act of firing it, when a second ball struck him in the neck, killing him instantly. He was buried on the battle field.
646
CORPORAL ALONZO E. LEWIS.
LXXXIV. CORPORAL ALONZO E. LEWIS.
THE subject of this sketch was the son of THOMAS and NANCY Lewis, and was born August 4, 1844. He received a Christian education, and was distinguished for his excellent moral character and for the good influence that he exerted over others.
He enlisted October 14, 1861, and was connected with com- pany F, Third New York Regiment. He served his country with great faithfulness and bravery, until July 17, 1863, when he died of typhoid fever in Hampton Hospital, Virginia.
The following resolutions and letter, give us a view of his character and services:
At a meeting of the members of F Company, Third Regiment Infantry New York Volunteers, held at Camp Alford, near Ports- mouth, Virginia, the following preamble and resolutions were imanimously adopted:
Whereas, It has pleased the Almighty Ruler of the Universe to remove, by the hand of death, our esteemed and beloved comrade, Corporal ALONZO E. LEWIS, and,
Whereas, We have always found him, during his stay with us, a sincere friend and true patriot, as well as a brave and gallant soldier, therefore,
Resolved, That, in the death of Corporal ALONZO E. LEWIS, we are called upon to sustain the loss of a dear friend and brother soldier; one who has always commanded our admiration for his abilities and integrity as a soldier, and our esteem as a gentleman, for the uniform courtesy which marked his intercourse with all.
Resolved, That, while we deeply deplore his early death, we sympathize sincerely with his bereaved family, and we shall long
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CORPORAL ALONZO E. LEWIS
cherish the fond recollection of his many acts of kindness when living.
Resolved, That, as soon as practicable, we, as a company, will endeavor to have his remains sent to his family, that they may inter them by the side of those loved ones who have gone before him.
Resolved, That the above preamble and resolutions be pub- lished in the "Albany Evening Journal " and "Albany Times," and that a copy be transmitted to the family of the deceased.
THOMAS C. FLYNN, JAMES McCAFFREY, O. H. VAN VALEN, W. HI. H. KEARNS.
RICHARD V. LEWIS, Sec'y.
CAMP ALFORD, VA., July 26, 1863.
Dear Madam-As commanding officer of F Company, Second Infantry New York Volunteers, with which your son, Corporal ALONZO E. LEWIS, was connected, I trust you will allow me to bear testimony to his amiability, gentlemanly manners, and high toned principles as a man; to his faithfulness, constant attention to duty, and obedience as a soldier; and to offer, with his com- rades, my sincere sympathy in this time of your sudden and severe bereavement.
During our expedition, when we were encamped at Yorktown, I first noticed the illness of your son, and urged him, in strong terms, to go back in company with others who were sent at that time. But his courage was greater than his strength, and conse- quently he accompanied his company as far as the White House, when the Doctor found it absolutely necessary to dispose of his case at once. I regret that, being on the inarch, it was impossi- ble for me to do more for him in person. As it was, I saw him placed under the care of a skillful physician at the earliest pos- sible moment.
So far as his pay now due is concerned, I will draw it myself, if possible, and send it to you by express. If the Paymaster refuses to put me in charge of it, I will acquaint you at once
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CORPORAL ALONZO E. LEWIS.
with the proper means of obtaining it yourself. All his effects will be forwarded to you at once, if such is your desire.
And now, my dear Madam, though the consolation offered by strangers may be, to a mother's wounded heart, but small indeed, yet be assured that there are many here who share with you this deep grief. For myself, I can say that during my association with him as a private soldier, I found him a firm friend and an honorable man, and that I mourn his loss the more because so few have so successfully resisted the contaminating influences of a military life.
Should you find it necessary to ask any items of information, my address, for the present, is: Camp Alford, near Portsmouth, Va.
Very respectfully, &c., F. A. SMITH,
2d Lieut. Com'd'y F Co., 2d N. Y. V. Mrs. NANCY LEWIS.
649
CORPORAL WILLIAM H. MOON.
LXXXV. CORPORAL WILLIAM H. MOON.
WILLIAM H. MOON, the only son of RICHARD and ANNA MARIA MooN, was born at Albany on the 22d June, 1844.
The most marked traits of his character, during boyhood and youth, were docility and obedience to his parents, united with tenacity of purpose.
He was a member of the Sabbath school of the Second Re- formed Dutch Church, where, by his correct deportment and amiable qualities, he won the regard both of his teachers and fellow scholars. From an early age until the time of his enlist- ment, he was a regular and punctual attendant at that school; and in the only furlough he enjoyed during a connection with the army of over three years, he showed his attachment by repeat- edly visiting his old class. He was also constant in his attend- ance at church, of which his parents were members.
At the age of fourteen years, he united himself with the Albany Division No. 4 of the order of Sons of Temperance. To his obligations as a member of this society he was always faith- ful, resisting the numerous temptations which assail a young man in the city or a soldier in the army, to indulge in spirituous drinks.
WILLIAM had, from boyhood, a strong inclination to military pursuits. He was at one time desirous of entering the military school at West Point, and took some steps toward procuring an appointment, but was not successful.
From the first outbreak of the war he was, although then a mere boy, (less than seventeen years of age,) and by no means of robust frame, very anxious to become a soldier. On the return of a brother-in-law, who went from Albany on the first
650
CORPORAL WILLIAM HI. MOON.
three months' term of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, his ardor was freshly excited. He plied his mother with solicitations to allow him to enlist. Hle would say: "I am no better than others, who are the only sons of their parents. ELLSWORTH was an only son," and he urged that it would be no harder for his mother to spare him, than it had been for ELLSWORTH'S parents. While thus earnest in his purpose to serve his country, he yet expressed his intention not to go to the war, unless his father and mother consented. At length, one day as he was persuading his mother, she said to him: "Well go, my son, and God be with you."
This point gained, he immediately went to his father, at his place of business, to get his acquiescence. The latter reminded him of the hardships and dangers which must be endured, and asked him if he could bear it all. He replied that he could, and the long looked for consent was granted.
He enlisted on the 10th of August, 1861, in Company A, Forty-third Regiment, organized by Capt. JOHN WILSON (after- wards Colonel), whose excellent character had great weight in inducing Mr. and Mrs. Moox to put their son under his care.
The officers bore testimony to WILLIAM's good qualities. But his letters to his friends show his unflinching determination to do his duty as a soldier, in spite of all hardships, privations and dangers.
He was connected, throughout his whole term of service, with the Army of the Potomac, and was a member of the illustrious Sixth Corps. He was in almost every battle of note, in which that army was engaged: Yorktown, Williamsburg, the seven days' battles on the Peninsula, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Sec- ond Bull Run, Antietam, etc., etc. It is remarkable that in describing these battles, he never utters a murmur or a fear. On one occasion, at the charge of the rebel forces on Fort Stevens, near Washington, which the Sixth Corps repelled, he was struck by a bullet, which passed through his pocket, carrying away a part of his wallet, but doing him no personal injury. In writing home of this incident, he expresses his gratitude to God for his deliverance.
651
CORPORAL WILLIAM H. MOON.
As before stated, only onee during the three years of his sol- dier life, did he leave the army. This was at the expiration of his first term of service, when he re-enlisted in the same com- pany for three years longer. He was now promoted to the posi- tion of Corporal.
His last battle was on the severely fought and gloriously won field of Winchester, September 19, 1864. He was struck in the head by a shell which killed him instantly. His company were at the time, by order of their commanding officer, lying down, and a comrade near him states that he thought that perhaps WIL- LIAM had fallen asleep. But it was the sleep of death.
This same friend buried him on the field near the fatal spot, marking his grave. His remains were afterwards removed and brought to Albany, and interred in the Rural Cemetery.
652
CORPORAL ROBERT B. DARLING.
LXXXVI. CORPORAL ROBERT B. DARLING, OF WATERVLIET.
Among the noble band of young men who left their home, in Albany county, for the battle field, there are few more deserving of commemorative eulogy than ROBERT BURNETT DARLING.
Combining energy and perseverance in whatever he undertook, with high moral qualities, he endeared himself to a large circle of friends. His promptness and zeal in the discharge of his religious duties have rendered his memory precious in the church of God.
From his childhood ROBERT evinced a keenness of moral sen- sibility. Especially was this apparent in his solemn regard for the truth. Ilis abhorrence of falsehood, in every form, was a marked feature in his character. His brief history furnishes but few materials for a biographical sketch. He was born January 24, 1836, in Westford, Otsego county, New York. His father, Mr. JOHN DARLING, is the proprietor and cultivator of a farm located at Newtonville, town of Watervliet, Albany county. His mother's name is Mrs. ELIZA MYERS DARLING. To this estimable lady ROBERT was indebted, for many of those excellencies of character, which were so happily developed in subsequent man- hood.
It was intended by his parents, as he advanced toward maturity, that he should aid his father in the cultivation of his farm. But his frequently expressed desire for an education, and the indica- tions of more than usual powers of mind, induced them to place him at an academy, located at Wilbraham, Massachusetts, under the direction of Professor RAYMOND.
While prosecuting his studies there, he became the subject of
653
CORPORAL ROBERT B. DARLING.
renewing grace. There was, at this time, a revival of religion in the village, and many of the pupils were brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. Into this work of mercy, young DAR- LING entered with all the force of his earnest nature. His con- victions were pungent, and his joy and faith correspondingly elevated.
He was baptized, at Newtonville, on the first Sabbath of July, 1854. He entered at once and devotedly into the works of faith and labors of love, to which, by his profession he had been sacredly consecrated. Upon the prayer meetings of the church, he was a constant attendant, and never did he hesitate to take a part in prayer with his brethren. His labors as a Sunday school teacher were earnest and successful.
Having completed his academic studies at Wilbraham, he returned to the farm, and again engaged in aiding his father in the labors of the field. But his earnest desire for knowledge induced him, with the consent of his parents, to enter the Normal school, in the city of Albany, then under the charge of Professor COCHRAN. In that institution he prosecuted his studies during three terms, and graduated with the confidence and esteem of both his teachers and fellow students.
It is somewhat remarkable that a disposition so amiable and so full of kind and generous feeling should ever have cherished the least inclination for the clash of arms, and the perils and hardships of war. But ROBERT dearly loved his country and felt deeply indignant at the wrongs inflicted upon her, and the contemptuous insults poured upon her flag. When Professor KIMBALL, who had been his teacher in the Normal School, pro- posed to organize a company for the United States service, a number of his pupils engaged to follow him to the field. Young DARLING united with them, and enlisted in the service of the United States on the 14th of August, 1862, in Company E, Forty-fourth Regiment. Thus the beloved preceptor, who had led them in the paths of knowledge, was now to lead them into scenes of peril and sanguinary conflict.
ROBERT took an active part in all the battles in which his regi- ment was engaged, with the exception of Gettysburg. While
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CORPORAL ROBERT B. DARLING.
that sanguinary struggle was in progress, he was upon the sick list, and confined to the hospital. In every battle, he manifested a conrage. steadiness and soldierly bearing, that won for him the confidence of the officers and men.
But he was also a soldier of the cross. Amid the stirring events of the war, the deprivations of the camp, and perils by which he was surrounded, he ever bore with him the love of Jesus in his heart, and found in Him a blessed source of strength and consolation. He originated and attended the prayer meet- ings of his company, encouraging the hearts of his comrades to the exercise of a holy faith. As opportunity was offered him he stood, a servant of Christ, by the bedside of the sick, and into the ears of the dying whispered the words of consolation and hope. His presence was ever hailed with pleasure, because he everywhere diffused around him the sweet spirit of a sincere Christian. He was repeatedly urged to accept of a chaplaincy. His pastor was especially desirous that he should occupy this position, for the duties of which he appears to have been emi- nently qualified. But this office he steadfastly declined. His modest estimation of himself made him shrink from the responsi- bilities it involved. Indeed, he refused promotion to any rank, and to the solicitations of his pastor he replied: "No, I have enlisted in the ranks, and in that position intend to fight through the war." At the earnest and repeated solicitation, however, of his company, he accepted the post of Corporal, but no considera- tion could induce him to take any higher oflice.
His death occurred on the 19th of June, 1864. On the mor- ning of that day he was in the trenches directly opposite Peters- burg, and in near proximity to the enemy. Having raised his head above the bank, a bullet from the rifle of a rebel sharp- shooter, sent with unerring aim, struck him immediately above the left eye, penetrating the brain. The blow was mortal. He fell and instantly expired without uttering a word, nor did a sigh or groan pass his lips.
Ilis remains were interred by his comrades near the Norfolk and Petersburg railroad, and although his grave had been care-
655
CORPORAL ROBERT B. DARLING.
fully marked with his name, company and regiment placed at the head, his bereaved friends have sought for him in vain.
Thus passed away a useful and very lovely life. A painful bereavement, indeed, to those who are more immediately con- nected with him. But there is light amid the gloom, and a sweet solace to their sorrows. They have the precious consolation, which the gospel affords, that ROBERT now rests not only from the alarms of war, but from all the trials and sorrows of earth, in the bosom of his covenant God.
"Champion of Jesus, man of God, Servant of Christ, well done. Thy path of thorns hath now been trod, Thy red cross crown it won.
"Champion of Jesus. on that breast, From whence thy fervor flowed, Thon hast obtained eternal rest, The bosom of thy God."
656
CORPORAL PHILIP VAN DENBURG.
LXXXVII. CORPORAL PHILIP VAN DENBURG, OF GUILDERLAND.
PHILIP VAN DENBURG, son of TEUNIS and MARIA VAN DENBURG, was born in the town of New Scotland, Albany county, March 13, 1841. His early life was not marked with anything of more than ordinary interest. As a son and brother, he was very affec- tionate, kind and self-denying. He was modest in his deport- ment, and loved retirement.
In childhood, he had no fondness for books, but at the age of fifteen, through the efforts of an excellent teacher, he became interested in his studies, and soon loved them. Early in the morning and late at night he was found devoting himself with enthusiasm to the work of obtaining a thorough and complete education, and very soon he surpassed some who had been his superiors in study.
At the age of seventeen, through the influence of his elder brother, he was converted to Christ, in the town of Knox, and soon after united with the M. E. Church, of which his parents and three sisters were members.
As a Christian, he was devoted to his Master, and patient and forbearing under severe trials. Living in a neighborhood where true Christians were few, his only counselors were his parents, his brother and sisters; and his Bible, which was his daily com- panion. Often would he be found in his room, upon his knees, reading the words of life. Once he remarked to his sister: "The word to me is made plainer when I read it thus."
After his conversion, his desire for knowledge increased, and during the winter months he devoted all his leisure hours to
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CORPORAL PHILIP VAN DENBURG.
study. During the other seasons he was obliged to labor on his father's farm.
He taught one year, when his health failed, and he could neither study nor labor. In a letter to his brother at that time he says:
" I dare not study much now, yet nothing would suit me better than to be with my books all day. I have thought strongly of enlisting in the army, but mother and father will not hear of it in my present state of health; but I think it would be for my good. I am certainly not good for much here, and in the army I might be useful. If I am killed. I shall only go home to Jesus. I should not think of going to the war if I had no hope in God, for without religion I should make a poor soldier. But I believe I am ready to face death for our country, and who should be ready to go if not Christians. I shudder when I think of men going to battle without a hope of Heaven. I can scarcely keep easy when I think of it, so great is my desire to go. If it were not for mother's entreaties, I believe I should in spite of all other obsta- cles. For this I am thankful, that I can pray for my country if I may not fight for her, and perhaps I can do more by prayer than with a gun or sword. I mean to try, anyway."
This was at the time of the first call for volunteers. Soon after he spoke to his physician about enlisting in the army, and being told that a soldier's life might benefit him, he could be detained no longer, and he immediately joined a company which was being raised in the town of New Scotland, by his uncle, Capt. CROUNSE. This was in July, 1861. Before enlisting, he wrote to his parents, asking their consent and advice. And as if fear- ing opposition, he says, " you ought not to oppose me, when ministers are bidding their sons ' God speed.' I feel it to be my duty, and I know that I am prepared for all that may come: even for death. It will, indeed, be hard to part with you all, but that time must come sooner or later. It will be less pain- ful as we know that we shall meet in Heaven, if never again on this earth."
On one occasion, while in conversation with his mother, who was trying to prepare his mind for the realities of the battle-field,
42
658
CORPORAL PHILIP VAN DENBURG.
and said it was a dreadful place in which to die, he said, " I will not mind it at all if I only have an opportunity to pray before entering battle;" and to his sister he said, " there is nothing in this so hard, as for me to say, good-bye to mother." Yet when the hour came he said it bravely as a soldier, and spoke encour- agingly of coming home again. But his fond home where he was greatly beloved, he was never permitted to see again. Just before entering the army he sent his mother the following lines:
PARTING REQUEST.
Dear mother, now the time has come For me to go to war, To part with dearest friends and home, Perhaps to meet no more.
But when I've left you all so dear, And I am far away
Exposed to wiles of wicked men, Then, mother, for me pray.
And when upon the battle field 'Mid cannon's deafening roar,
And bullets flying thick and fast The earth with dead strewn o'er;
When those dread sights shall daunt my heart And my arm begins to stay
From striking for my country's flag, Oh, mother, for me pray.
I would nerve my soul for greater deeds, And drive my fears away,
To know my mother ceased to mourn, But never ceased to pray.
And should I live, we'll meet again, When war has passed away, Oh ! then you'll know that God doth hear, And answer those who pray. But if we never meet again, While in this house of clay, We'll surely meet when Jesus comes To take His own, who pray.
He was sworn in the service of the United States on the 30th of September, 1861, as Corporal of Company D, Ninety-first Regiment. He never was in battle, although he desired to be, and seemed impatient because his company was not sent forward
659
CORPORAL PHILIP VAN DENBURG.
into action. In a letter to his sister he says. " I am tired of this lying still, and long for action: I hope we shall soon be removed where we will have some fighting to do, for I am fully well drilled now. and believe I could do my part in a skirmish with the rebels: yet I would rather they would see their mistake, and lay down their arms. But that they do not seem inclined to do. therefore we must fight. and I am anxious to do my share." lle never uttered a complaint in any way, but rather presented the bright side of everything, especially when writing to his parents or sisters.
After faithfully serving his country, he was taken sick with typhoid fever. So rapid was his disease that in six days he died at Key West, Florida, April 29, 1862. He was buried there, having a soldier's funeral. A comrade, who lived to return home, told his sister that he never knew a person so uni- versally esteemed as PILIP was, and that there was scarcely a dry eye in the regiment, when he was buried.
Another member of the regiment but not of his company, was speaking of him to his aunt, not knowing she was his relative, and said, " There was one young man died at Key West whose loss was deeply felt. He was beloved by all. A truer, braver, soldier never entered the ranks, and a better christian never lived. He was always on duty, and ever ready to do his part at all times and in every place. A more patriotic young man I never saw."
Another, in writing to a friend speaks thus of PHILIP, "We have been called to-day to the painful task of laying beneath the sod one of our very best men. He was sick but a few days, and I was with him when he died. He was delirious, until a few hours before he died, when he seemed to be communing with his God. He sang a hymn through with a beautiful clear voice. A smile then lighted up his face, and a few moments after he expired. I believe he has gone to his better home.
" We all feel his loss deeply, and shall miss him much. He was one who conversed but little, and never burdened others with his troubles ; but kept them within his own breast ; so that few knew what he suffered."
660
CORPORAL PHILIP VAN DENBURG.
Captain CROUNSE writes thus in apprising his friends of his decease:
KEY WEST, FLORIDA, May 1, 1862. TEUNIS VAN DENBURG and family:
Dear Friends-I take this opportunity to give you the sad news, that Corporal PHILLIP VANDENBURG is no more. He died on the 29th of April, in the hospital. He was taken with the typhoid fever, and died in six days from the time he was taken. Hle was first put in the regimental hospital, and soon after removed to the general hospital, which is one mile distant.
I did not see him from the time he was taken until he died I was very busy and could not go to see him. Nor did I suppose him to be dangerously ill. I sent one of his comrades to see him two days before he died. He said he was pretty sick, but did not think him dangerous. I had him buried with funeral honors, covering his coffin with the flag of his country; and ser- vices were held at the grave.
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