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 62
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
.
791
GEORGE VAN WIE.
convincing argument was, " somebody must go;" and after count- ing the cost, and fully realizing the dangers with which he would be surrounded, he resolved to take upon him the privations of a soldier's life. He therefore, July 17th, 1862, enlisted as a private in the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Company K, New York State Volunteers, then forming. He took his final fare- well of home August 16th, and on the 19th left Albany with his regiment for Washington.
His letters written to friends at home, were ever cheerful, and his expressions of love for his Saviour and his country were very fervent.
The following is a specimen of the letters that he wrote to his beloved parents:
FORT RENO, HEAD QUARTERS 7TH N. Y. ARTILLERY, NEAR WASHINGTON, April 29, 1863.
Dear Father-I received your letter this afternoon, and was much pleased to hear from you, and that you were all well. My health is good, which, next to the religion of Christ, is the greatest blessing a soldier can enjoy. The weather is splendid; fruit trees are in full bloom and everything has the appearance of approaching summer, which after the long winter we have had, will be very acceptable to us.
You wished me to give you my experience. I have not much time now; but I will improve the few moments I have; and after general inspeetion, which is to-morrow, I will write again.
I do not think I enjoy myself as well as when I left home; but I know I have a Saviour; one who died for me; one who is inter- ceding for me; one who has promised to be with those who love Him; and I feel thankful for all He has done for me. Although I am far from the comforts of a home, and the means of grace,' I have spent many happy hours. O, I never can forget those prayer and class meetings at home; how many times God has met with us and blessed us. But God is here. Yet I do not, and cannot attend our little prayer meetings often, on account of other duties. A soldier is deprived of many a happy hour he might spend in the prayer circle in the chaplain's little tent, on
792
GEORGE VAN WIE.
account of his military duties. But may God help me to be more faithful to Him: may I be more zealous in His cause; may God help me to be a shining light, doing good to my fellow soldiers; and may I be the means, with God's help, of bringing others to know of His goodness.
Pray for the soldiers. I feel I need the prayers of all God's people. I am in the midst of temptations, and I know not how soon I may be called on the battle field. But wherever I am may God be with me and with the whole army, and bless us; and if consistent, bring about a speedy peace. May the flag that so long floated over a free and happy nation, come out as clean as the snow that descends from heaven, and with not one star taken from it; may all who are in bondage be made free; and may reli- gion prevail throughout the land. Pray for me.
Your son, GEORGE VAN WIE.
For nearly two years his regiment was stationed at Fort Reno, D. C. ; but in the month of May, 1864, marching orders were received, and with brave and fearless hearts, this noble band of soldiers marched onward to victory, and alas ! how many to death ! All through the battles of the Wilderness they fought with unexampled bravery. Many were slain; hundreds wounded, and a large number taken prisoners. Among the latter was the subject of this sketch.
He was soon after conveyed to Andersonville, Georgia, where he remained a prisoner until the month of November, following, when he was exchanged and brought to Annapolis, Maryland. He was so weak, from disease contracted in prison, he could not be conveyed home.
Letters were received from him weekly, stating that he was daily gaining strength, and that the holidays would find him among his friends at home. But they were doomed to dis- appointment. In about one month from the time he reached Annapolis, word was received that he was failing fast, and that he desired his father to come to him.
His father hastened to the bedside of his dying son, and found
793
WILLIAM HAVENS.
the merest wreck of the noble boy, as he was when he cheerfully girded on his armor, and bade farewell to the loved ones at home. But the father found him ready, and waiting for the angel who was to release him from his sufferings and give him rest, where wars and rumors of wars can never come.
He talked cheerfully of death, saying that, "he had never thought that it would be so easy to die, and go to heaven. His sufferings had been terrible, but he had never regretted, for one moment, entering the army. He was willing to lay down his life for his country; and the enemy who had caused his bitter sufferings and death, he left in the hands of a just God."
In three days after his father reached him, he died shouting the praises of Him who had taken " from death its sting, and from the grave its victory."
His remains were embalmed and brought to the Rensselaer- ville Cemetery for interment, there to remain until the last trumpet shall sound and the dead arise.
CXLI.
WILLIAM HAVENS, OF BERN.
WILLIAM HAVENS, the son of WILLIAM and MARGARET HAVENS was born in Bern, December 30, 1835. He was an affectionate son, kind brother, and a youth of excellent habits. During a religious interest in the Reformed Dutch Church, in 1861, he was hopefully converted and joined the Methodist Church. He was a consistent and active Christian.
Although Mr. HAVENS was very reluctant to leave his wife and three little children, yet he felt it to be his duty to go forth and fight for his country. Accordingly he enlisted as a private in Company K., Seventh New York Regiment. For twenty months he performed guard duty at Washington. During this time he was in poor health, and was offered his discharge, but he declined it, as he was determined to see the war through.
794
ADDISON B. MILLER.
Ilis regiment was ordered to the front, and he participated in seven battles, in all of which he manifested the utmost fortitude and bravery. He fought at Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Tolopotomy Creek, Coal Harbor, and in the charge before Peters- burg. On the 24th of June, 1864, he was on picket duty within a mile and a half of Petersburg. The woods were discovered to be on fire, and he and his companions threw themselves upon the ground, thinking that the enemy would not see them. But he was shot at, and wounded in the foot. Two of his comrades carried him to the rear, and a portion of his foot was taken off. But the wound did not heal, and his sufferings were very intense. On the 19th of July his leg was amputated, at the Harewood hospital, in Washington. The following day he died from the effects of the operation.
He leaves a wife and three little children, in a destitute condi- tion, to mourn the death of a kind husband and affectionate father. After he was wounded he wrote twice to his family, commending them to the care of their Heavenly Father.
CXLII.
ADDISON B. MILLER, OF BERN.
ADDISON B. MILLER was the son of ALBERT and SOPHIA MILLER, and was born in Rensselaerville, August 18, 1845.
He was religiously educated, and early developed superior talents, a sound judgment, and correct moral principles. He was not a professed Christian, and when urging his parents to let him go to the war, his mother said that if he was a Christian she would give her consent. He replied: "Let me go, and I will try and become a Christian." When told of the hardships and dangers of a soldier's life, he said: "Some persons must go, and I am no better than others."
He enlisted in Company D, Sixty-first New York Regiment. After having experienced some skirmishing, he wrote home that
795
ADDISON B. MILLER.
he had no more fear while fighting than he had while writing his letter. The marches through which he passed were very severe, but he endured all without a murmur.
On the 13th of December, 1862, as he was bravely charging the enemy's batteries, a musket ball struck him in the right breast and passed through his lungs. He was borne from the field at night, and taken to a house in Fredericksburg, which was used by the Fifth New Hampshire Regiment as a hospital. His wound was dressed, and he lived until the next day, when he died at ten o'clock in the forenoon. His remains were wrapped in a blanket, and buried in a yard adjoining the house.
After he was wounded, he was conscious of his condition, and manifested a submission to the will of his Heavenly Father. He died putting his trust in God.
His letters which he wrote, have breathed the most earnest patriotism, and expressed his readiness to die for his country's cause.
The following is an extract from one. The date is not given:
Dear Father and Mother-As I have just fifteen minutes to write, I thought that I would let you know that I am well.
We left Boliver Heights last Wednesday, and have been march- ing ever since. Yesterday we were skirmishing all day. To-day I have been on picket duty in sight of the rebels. We expect a battle soon, and they must fight or run. This may be the last that you will hear from me, but I hope that I shall meet you in a better world than this. It does not make much difference where or when we die, if we are only prepared. I hope and think that I am.
Your affectionate son,
ADDISON.
796
JOEL WILSON.
CXLIII. JOEL WILSON, OF BERN.
JOEL WILSON, son of WILLIAM and MARY ANN WILSON, was borne in Bern, October 24, 1842. He was a dutiful son, a kind brother, and a youth of excellent moral character. He desired, at the commencement of the war, to enlist in the army, but, like many others whom we have already sketched, was prevented by the entreaties of his friends. At last they yielded to his earnest patriotism, and, October 7, 1862, he joined Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh New York Regiment. An incident occurred, after he joined the army, that made a deep impression upon his mind. One of his associates, with whom he had been intimate from childhood and who enlisted with him, lost both of his eyes by an accident. JOEL was deeply moved with sympathy for his friend, and did all in his power to alleviate his sufferings. He manifested towards him the kindness of a tender and affec- tionate brother, and he became himself more serious, and loved to attend religious meetings. We hope that at that time, he gave his heart to Jesus, and made his peace with God. But of this we cannot speak positively.
JOEL was ordered, with his regiment, to Bonnet Carré, Louisi- ana, and remained there until the 7th of May, 1863, when they started for Port Hudson. He was left at Baton Rouge, sick, and remained there until the 21st of July. He partially recovered and joined the regiment again at Port Hudson. At that time he wrote a letter to his friends, in which he expressed the fond hope of soon meeting again the loved ones at home. But, on the 8th day of August, he went into the hospital with chills and fever, and worn down with exposures and privations.
Soon, however, his regiment received orders to return home, and went on board a transport. But the order was counter- manded, and, as JOEL stepped from the boat, he said, with a sad heart, "I shall never see home again." And so it proved. He was able to walk about, but, on the morning of the 18th of
797
AZOR T. HAYES.
August, just after he had taken his breakfast, he fell and instantly expired.
His remains were interred, near the hospital, on the 19th of August. They were, however, subsequently taken up and carried home, and, on the 29th of December, were deposited in a burial place near his father's house, where he was born.
CXLIV.
AZOR T. HAYES, OF BERN.
AZOR T. HAYES, the son of THOMAS J. and MARY HAYES, was born in Bern, November 27, 1843. At the age of nine years he became a Christian, and united with the Lutheran Church at Bern. While at school he was distinguished for his excellent deportment, his fine oratory and his fondness for history.
At the commencement of the war he desired to enlist to fight for his country; but his mother felt that he was too young, and that he would be exposed to many temptations in the camp. Besides, she was a widow, and dependent, in a great measure, upon him for a support. He however, told his mother of several noble men who had been earnest and self sacrificing patriots, and who had won for themselves a prominent place in history; and he thought that perhaps he might become distinguished.
Before he was eighteen years of age he enlisted in Company E., Ninety-third N. Y. Regiment. He served faithfully for two years when his time expired. He re-enlisted, and was with the regiment in all the battles in which it was engaged, up to the time of his death. Of the circumstances of his death and burial we know nothing.
In the letters which he wrote to his mother he expressed the deepest interest in the cause to which he had devoted himself, and said that, if he fell in battle, all would be well. He leaves a widowed mother, several little sisters and brothers, and a large circle of friends, to mourn his loss.
798
JOIIN Q. A. CROUNSE.
CXLV. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS CROUNSE, OF KNOX.
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS CROUNSE was the son of JOHN CROUNSE and MARGARET VAN AERNAM. He was born on the 30th day of April, 1829. in the town of Sharon, county of Sehoharic.
He was from youth a person of correct habits, and as soon as he attained that age in which young men of purpose naturally decide for themselves, he became anxious to obtain a thorough education, and as far as opportunity and means would admit, he diligently pursued his purpose.
From his early years he suffered greatly from dyspepsia, and this finally broke him down, while he was connected with the army. Those who knew him best were apprehensive, at the time of his entering the military service, that his constitution would give way under the severities of camp life; and so, alas ! it finally proved.
JOHN was a youth of great industry and energy, and at several academies and seminaries, he prosecuted his studies with diligence and enthusiasm.
He graduated at Union College, and was familiar with various branches of mathematics, and different languages. He was par- ticularly well informed in the German and French languages, to which he gave special attention. His habits of reading and study led him to collect scientific and literary works, and when he entered the army, he had accumulated quite a large and valua- ble library.
His political opinions were of the most decided character, and they were the result of thought and honest convictions. Hc made many speeches and wrote a great deal for the advancement of the cause of freedom. He never understood either the wis- dom or statesmanship, in the idea often advanced by others, that because a man was ignorant and defenceless, therefore he should be made a slave. He supposed that one great object of all true
799
JOHN Q. A. CROUNSE.
governments was to keep the strong and powerful, from usurping the rights and privileges of the weak.
To a mind imbued with such principles, it was perfectly natu- ral, when the slaveholders inaugurated the rebellion for the pur- pose of establishing an empire, the corner stone of which edifice should be slavery, that he should be against the conspiracy, and all who in any way aided or sympathized with the plot, and the overthrow of the government.
As early as May 4, 1861, while he was attending Union Col- lege, he wrote to his parents at Sharon, in which letter he first intimated a desire to enter the service. He said:
"I reached Schenectady Tuesday afternoon, at two o'clock, and, on arriving at college, found almost every body talking of enlisting for the war. I was asked to volunteer myself, and said I would think about it. I have thought about it, and have come to the conclusion that, if it meets with your approbation, I will enlist. Prof. PEISSNER is organizing a company, which he will take command of himself. Quite a number of the students have already gone, and more will follow, to the seat of war."
His worthy and venerable parents, although not less zealous in the cause than their son, could not be prevailed upon to con- sent to his going. They had already yielded to the importuni- ties of one son, who was, at that time, in the military service; but in this case they were apprehensive of the results, as they fully realized that JOHN could not endure the hardships of war. Therefore they dissuaded him from the undertaking, and he yielded to their request.
After he left college he became a teacher in the academy at Knoxville, Albany county, and taught there for some time, to the entire satisfaction of all. He raised that institution to a very prosperous and thriving condition. But the situation of the country still preyed upon his mind, and he felt that he ought to make sacrifices as well as others. He saw his comrades and associates going to the scenes of conflict and of danger, and he could resist no longer. Contrary to the expectations and wishes of all his patrons, at the close of the term, when the school was in the most prosperous condition, he came to Albany, and in the
800
JOHN Q. A. CROUNSE.
month of July, 1862, enlisted as a private in the Eleventh New York Havelock Battery, for three years. There was no difficulty at that time in his getting a commission in some other company then forming, but he chose to go as a private in this battery, as the young men composing it, were represented as persons of cor- rect moral and religious habits.
He left Albany almost the same day he enlisted, and became very soon engaged in active service. He was with the Army of the Potomac, and participated in nearly all the battles in Vir- ginia. He was also at the battle of Gettysburg, in which the battery performed a very active part. He possessed courage of the highest order; a courage sustained by strong moral convic- tions; and under all circumstances he was a faithful soldier.
But the forces of his constitution were gradually giving away, under the severe hardships and exciting dangers that he was called to encounter.
He was in the terrible battle at Chancellorsville, and he said in writing to a friend, that the Sunday, on which that battle was fought, was to him, one of the most terrible days he ever saw on earth. The continuous roar of cannon; the fierceness of the con- flict, and the awful carnage of the day very deeply affected him. While he was in camp, he still cherished his fondness for study. HIe wrote several times to a friend at Albany, for some French and German books, that he might review some of his favorite studies.
It was evident from letters received by his friends, that he was conscious that the hardships of camp life were destroying his health, and he was induced to seek for the position of a teacher of the freedmen, which, unfortunately, for some reason, he did not obtain. Could he have been assigned to some respon- sible position in that department in time, his life might have been saved, and the cause of human freedom would have had a most faithful and efficient champion; one whose whole head and heart would have been most earnestly engaged, in elevating and directing the minds of an oppressed people. He, however, gradually sunk under the service, until almost reduced to a skeleton; when he was removed from City Point to the Baptist
801
JOHN Q. A. CROUNSE.
hospital at Alexandria, Virginia, where, on the 12th of Novem- ber, 1864, he died.
About two weeks before his death, a telegram was sent to his parents at Sharon, Schoharie county, informing them of his con- dition. His father was, at the time, in Nebraska territory on business; but his aged and venerable mother, although feeble in health, hastened to his relief, and for nearly two weeks had the consolation of alleviating his sufferings.
During his protracted illness, his patience and fortitude never forsook him. He expressed his perfect trust in God, and his reliance upon divine mercy. On the day of his death, he requested the principal nurse to tell his mother to stay with him that night, for he thought that the crisis with him was near. And so it proved. His last words to his mother were: " Be composed for all is bright with me." Then, in a strong tone of voice, he added, "Tell my friends I die like a man in my country's cause, and am not afraid to die."
His mother caused his remains to be embalmed, and they were taken to Sharon, where his funeral was attended by a very large circle of friends. He was buried near and in full view of the home of his aged and afflicted parents, in a quiet rural cemetery, where the roar of hostile cannon, the conflict of fierce passions, and the oppressions of the poor and the weak of the earth, will never disturb him more.
His relatives in Albany county, in remembrance of his patriot- ism and his many noble and manly virtues, have recently, by voluntary subscription, raised a fund by which a suitable monu- ment has been erected to his memory.
51
802
ALANSON S. HOFFMAN.
CXLVI. ALANSON S. HOFFMAN, OF COEYMANS.
ALANSON S. HOFFMAN was born at Coeymans Hollow, October 18, 1839. Ile was of German descent; his ancestors having emigrated from Germany to this country about the year 1670, and settled at Claverack, Columbia county, State of New York. They continued to reside in that locality till shortly after the commencement of the present century, when his grandfather and father moved from thence to Coeymans Hollow, Albany county, where the deceased was born.
No event worthy of notice occurred during his childhood or youth. At school he was an apt scholar, and a general favorite with teacher and pupil. He was a young man of more than ordi- mary intelligence, and possessed a remarkably happy and genial disposition, and was liberal to a fault.
At the breaking out of the rebellion, he expressed his regret that we were about to be involved in a fratricidal conflict, but at the same time fully realized what was his duty, and what was the duty of every man in the north during that terrible struggle. His father was rather opposed to his going in the army, for he was the child of his old age. But he said his country was in peril and demanded his services, and that he did not think it was manly for his son to stand back when his neighbors were march- ing to the rescue of our government, some of whom were leav- ing wife and children, while he was a single man. To ALANSON, it was hard to leave friends, home, and business for the priva- tions of the camp and the perils of the battle field; but he said that duty called him, and if he died, he died in a good cause. After leaving home and entering upon the duties of a soldier, he kept his father informed of his movements.
The following are extracts from one of his letters:
BONNET CARRE, March 10, 1863.
Dear Father-Once more I take my pen to inform you that, through a kind Providence, my life and health have been spared,
803
ALANSON S. HOFFMAN.
and I hope I may be permitted to return to my home and friends once more. Life, I know, is uncertain, but I am now enjoying better health than ever before; still, I will not boast. * * *
We have an inspection every Sunday, and every man has his forty rounds of ammunition, in case of a surprise. A few nights ago, about twelve o'clock, when we were all nicely asleep, the long roll was beaten. I was awakened from sleep, and it was certainly the most solemn sound I ever heard. I did not lie long, you may be assured, after waking. I must admit that I was startled, but made up my mind to give the rebels at least one shot before running, so I put on my belt, caught up my gun, gave JERRY, my comrade, a kick, and ran out of my tent. I was the first one out, and the first in line of our company. Lieut. MIx came next. It was frightful to hear the officers calling the men out. The Major ran through the camp and demanded silence. It may be that there was not any shirking, yet I think that the darkness hid many a pale face. I will say nothing of my own, but I was bound to stick to the work. I am sorry to say that a few in our company did not face the music.
But this could not be said of our little drummer boy, who caught up a sword, and fell in line with the rest of us. We then marched out about six hundred yards, on the double-quick, and formed in line of battle. Our regiment was the first in the line.
Our Major (young NAPOLEON, as he is called, and whom nothing can frighten, ) marched us forward, gave us " right about face," ordered us to load, elevate our pieces, and fire. This order was given by the General through the Major, and the whole was accomplished in just six and a half minutes from the first tap of the drum. Is not that pretty quick work, for the men to dress, get on their accoutrements, and form a line of battle ? The Gen- eral rode along our line and demanded attention to orders, when he read an order from Gen. SHERMAN, to call us out and try us, as he said we might be called out to face the enemy some night, but if the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment was in the advance, he had nothing to fear.
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.