History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 109

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490

USA > Ohio > Washington County > Marietta > History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 109

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).

His body was recovered from the battle- field, and now lies buried in the Mound Ceme- tery at Marietta. As a token of appreciation of the character and service of this noble Chris-

725

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

tian patriot and martyr, the society of the alumni, and his fellow-soldiers of the First Ohio Cavalry, placed a monument over his resting-place.

LIEUT. CHARLES BEMAN GATES .*- Look- ing back to the dark years when so many homes were made desolate that the whole coun- try seemed to sit in one common bereavement, there yet stand in the memory spots where the shadows rested with unwonted heaviness; where the time and manner in which death came, and the relations of the dead to the liv- ing, gave elements of peculiar and overwhelm- ing sadness to the sorrowful stroke.

Lieutenant Gates was the only son of Be- man Gates, Esq., and Betsy Shipman Gates, of Marietta. He was born October 30, 1844. and entered Marietta College in 1861.

Already in these early days of the war, his heart and soul were enlisted in his country's cause, and he entered college rather than the army, only because of his extreme youth. In the recruiting camp which was established at Marietta, the officers were drilled regularly by an army officer, and at his request his father obtained permission for him to join in the drill. He joined the force which was organ- ized in Marietta for defense and guard duty, and was present at Buffington when John Mor- gan attempted to cross the Ohio at that point. In this kind of duty he became proficient in the manual of arms, and satisfied in part his desire to help his country in her need, while at the same time he continued his studies.

Meantime the war raged on. Victories and defeats alike added to the nation's dead, and the voice of the mourning filled the land. Regiments which went away with full ranks, had come back piecemeal, on crutches, on cots, and in coffins. The day when man enlisted under the inspiration of fife and drum had passed away. The dark days of the spring of 1864 had come, and the government was la- boring desperately to recruit the armies which were melted away in the terrible battles of recent campaigns.

Young Gates felt that the time had come when he must give himself wholly to his coun- try's service. Friends tried to dissuade him, feeling that to break away in the midst of his education was a sacrifice that was not called for. But he remained firm in his conviction that it was his duty to go, and his parents yielded their consent, feeling that to withhold it would be to crush all manliness in him. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment, which was formed in response to the call of Governor Brough, was chosen first lieutenant of his company, and was duly com- missioned.

On the 23rd of May, at 2 o'clock P. M., he left with his regiment for the front by rail, via Parkersburg, to Harper's Ferry. When about five miles below Marietta the train was thrown from the track down an embankment; two of his fellow-students were killed, and he received severe internal injuries. Unwilling to turn back. he proceeded with his regiment ; but his injuries, aggravated by exposure to rain, marching and camping without tents, resulted in his death at Harper's Ferry, May 31, 1864.

Thus he was cut down at the very threshold of the service which he had longed for. He had followed Greenwood and Condit and Whittle- sev and Turner to their last resting place, and he entered this service with a full realization of the dangers involved, expressing his readiness to give up his life for his country. The saeri- fice was required of him, while the experiences which are dear to the soldier were denied him.

In his college course he developed business rather than professional qualities. He was es- pecially devoted to the more practical branches of study. He was greatly attached to his liter- arv society, and took an active part in the fre- quent debates upon the questions which were then absorbing the public mind. He read more for information than amusement, and his essays which were often upon some political subject showed quick perception, penetration and sound judgment. With his fellow students he was universally popular. Ile was thoroughly un- selfish, generous, often to his own detriment, as he frequently permitted his own record to suffer through a desire to serve others. Through all

*By Prof. D. E Beach

:726

HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

his intercourse with his fellows, there ran a thoughtful regard for the feelings of others, and a fine delicate sense of honor which won for him the warm affection and esteem of a large circle of friends, both in his own and the other college classes.

There were few residents of Marietta, old or young, to whom his bright intelligent face was not familiar : and his pleasant, respectful ways and frank, hearty friendliness had en- deared him to all. He was devoid of all affecta- tion, and slow to manifest the deeper feelings of his heart, yet no one who was intimate with him could fail to see that a deep reverence and affec- tion for his parents were the strongest senti- ment of his nature; so strong that it held him firmly from the temptations to which his so- ciable, funloving disposition rendered him pe- culiarly liable, and became a constant incentive to honorable effort.

He was maturing rapidly and gave every promise that he was passing to a successful and honorable manhood.

His death came with a weight of swift sor- row which words cannot measure or express. A telegram brought to his parents the tidings of his critical condition, and they hastened to Harper's Ferry by the first train, but reached there only to find that he was already dead, and they returned, bringing with them the lifeless form of him who had left them a short week before in the strength and beauty of his early manhood.

In all the sad experiences of the war, per- haps nothing shows more strongly the fearful cost at which the country was saved than cases like this, when an only and tenderly loved son was taken, leaving a sharp sense of bereave- ment and irreparable loss which the passing years do not lessen, and which even religion can only soften, but can not take away.

LIEUT. RICHARD D. MASON, the subject of this sketch, was born in Adams township. Washington County, son of Adolphus and Betsey B. Mason. He received a common- school education.

He was elected second lieutenant of Com- pany B, Ninth Ohio Cavalry, which rendez-

voused at Camp Marietta, and was mustered in at Zanesville, January 17, 1863. From Zanes- ville the company moved to Camp Dennison, where they were armed and equipped. They then proceeded to Kentucky. Lieutenant Ma- son was with his company during its term of service up to the time of his death, acquitting himself with credit. After the siege of Knox- ville, Lieutenant Mason was promoted to first lieutenant, and soon after obtained leave of absence to return home. While at home he was married to Elizabeth Shepard. Returning to his company at Pulaski, Tennessee, he was taken with chronic diarrhea and died on June 2.1, 1864. "Thus perished as gallant a young patriot as ever drew sword in defense of his country."

LIEUT. RICHARD B. CHEATHAM, Sixty- third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, volunteered with J. W. Fouts, and was mustered in at the organization of the company, October 9, 1861, as first sergeant of the company, served in that capacity with his company up to the 26th of May, 1862, when he was promoted to first lieu- tenant of his company (D), served in that ca- pacity up to the time of his death. He died in eamp at Memphis, July 18, 1863, after a two (lavs' illness. Lieutenant Cheatham was a good soldier and an efficient officer, always ready for duty and seldom absent from his company, who deeply regretted his loss.

LIEUT. EDGAR P. PEARCE was born in Lon- don, England, November 27, 1840. Two years later his father removed with his family to this country, taking up his residence at Cleveland, Ohio : afterwards, in 1848, at Marietta. Here the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, passing through the public schools of the city. Having learned the printer's trade, he worked several years in the office of the Marietta In- telligencer. He then filled a clerical office at the the bank of Marietta for some years. In his 21 st year he enlisted as a private in the Seventy- seventh Regiment, and soon after was ap- pointed quartermaster sergeant of the regi- ment.

After the battle of Shiloh he was promoted

LUTHER HATHAWAY.

729,

AND REPRESENTATIV'E CITIZENS.

to first lieutenant and assistant quartermaster. He was next detached from the regiment and made brigade quartermaster : and when Gen- eral Steele was organizing his expedition to join General Banks, Lieutenant Pearce was ap- pointed chief quartermaster of the expedition. which position he filled with distinguished ability. He was always a favorite with his commanding officers, owing to his genial dis- position and peculiar talents and ability in the quartermasters' department. When the Seven- ty-seventh Regiment was reduced to a bat- talion. on account of its thinned ranks, a reduc- tion of regimental officers took place, and Lieu- tenant Pearce was honorably discharged, to- gether with others.

He was married on January 26. 1865. to Mary D. Ewart, eldest daughter of Hon. Thomas W. Ewart. of Marietta. As a partner in the firm of Pearce & Triem, he pursued the business of druggist for some years, in Mari- etta. Ile was the popular cashier of the Cald- well National bank, at Caldwell. Ohio. for sev- eral years. In the fall of 1872 he returned to Marietta in failing health. and died of con- sumption July 7. 1873, aged 32 years and seven months, much loved and lamented by a large circle of friends.

PARDON COOKE, JR., was born January 10. 1823. at Parkersburg ( West) Virginia, son of Rev. Pardon and Mary Cook. The family re- moved to Ohio in September, 1832. In March. 1852, he graduated at the Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio.

He was married in November, 1852. to Mary Ellen Hunter, eldest daughter of Hon. William Forrest Hunter, of Woodsfield, Ohio, soon after which he settled in Marietta and be- gan the practice of his profession.

He was commissioned as assistant surgeon of Ohio volunteers October 29. 1861, and as- signed to duty in General Cox's division, in the Kanawha Valley. In February, 1862. he was assigned to duty as assistant surgeon of the Seventy-seventh Regiment, and remained at his post until the time of his death, which occurred October 31. 1863. on a steamer, on

the White River, near Duvall's Bluff, Ar- kansas.

LUTHER HATHAWAY .- In looking over the chapter of a life, especially after it is closed, we can readily see the leading characteristics. am- bitions and desires that prompted the course of that life: and in the study of biography the chief benefit is derived from these salient points. We can gather from the field of every life, many flowers, many examples that may stimu- late others to noble endeavor. Let us gather only these. Thus far will the general reader be interested and no farther. More than that is for local consumption of friends and rela- tives. The life before us presents many such points, of which we mention but a few.

First-Devotion to the cause of the coun- try. For a year before the war Mr. Hathaway was in Kentucky, where every business inter- est would have prompted him either to oppose the Union or remain indifferent, but his letters of that period show that he stood by the Union as it was without equivocation ; and upon his return in 1861 he at once enlisted as a private in the United States service. He placed his life in the scale. No higher duty can be dis- charged, or greater sacrifice made by a citizen than that.

Second-We would mention a pure life. Having been converted in early life he united with the Baptist Church, and ever after re- mained a consistent member thereof.

Third-A high appreciation of education as a means of development and as the right road to advancement. In one of his last letters to his wife. he tells her that no sacrifice they might make in educating their children would be too great for the end to be attained. His constant effort and solicitude was to bring up and educate his children properly.

Luther Hathaway was born at Savoy, Berkshire County, Massachusetts. December 31. 1817. He was the youngest son of Na- thaniel Gilbert and Vashti ( Seymour) Hatha- way, and counted among his ancestors, on the. paternal side, Governor William Bradford and Sir Humphrey Gilbert, the navigator and dis- coverer.

730

HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

His father and mother were both born at Taunton, Bristol county, Massachusetts, from which town they removed to Savoy.

From Berkshire his father removed to Macedon, Wayne county, New York, where Luther and his brothers and sisters received such education as was customary in New Eng- land families of those days. He was married August 29, 1842, to Clarissa Louise Ripley, daughter of John and Betsey ( Elliot ) Ripley, at Macedon, New York. The children of this marriage were Seymour Judson, and John Gil- bert Hathaway.

Mr. Hathaway with his family removed to Marietta in the spring of 1853, where he re- sided until the breaking out of the war, when, upon his return from Danville, Kentucky, he enlisted in Company B, Thirty-ninth Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, July 22, 1861. Upon arriving at Camp Colerain, near Cincinnati, he was ap- pointed hospital steward of the regiment. Soon afterward the Thirty-ninth left for Missouri, and he accompanied the regiment on all its hard and extended line of march over that State dur- ing the winter of 1861-62; having for a mess- mate and friend the Rev. B. W. Chidlaw, chap- lain of the regiment.

After the fall of Island No. 10, a general hospital was organized at New Madrid, Mis- souri, and Mr. Hathaway was designated to take charge of the same, being detached from the regiment. He so remained detached up to the time of his death.

During the winter of 1862-63 preparations were made for an advance on Vicksburg, the next Rebel stronghold below Island No. 10, and he assisted and superintended the fitting up, at Columbus, Kentucky, of the large Mis- sissippi steamer "Nashville" for a floating hos- pital. When completed he was placed in charge. General Grant soon began to con- centrate his forces for an advance on Vicks- burg, and when the army and flotilla arrived in front of that city, the "Nashville" was anchored in the river ready to receive the sick and wounded soldiers.

Before leaving Columbus, Kentucky, Mr. Hathaway's health was in such condition as would have warranted a release from duty, but

he stood to his post. While at New Madrid he had been detailed as physician and surgeon to accompany various cavalry expeditions into the enemy's country. This was a position he had an ambition to fill, and he was fast becom- ing competent to fill it successfully by the study of medicine during his spare hours, and by his varied experience in camp and field. In these expeditions the active life on horseback pre- served his usual health and vigor, but when he started south on the "Nashville," the confine- ment and care of the hospital, and the heat and malaria of the southern rivers began to tell upon his health. Upon arriving at Vicks- burg he was in reality unfit for duty, but he still remained at his post. He died April Ist. His remains were embalmed and sent to Mari- etta. He was buried with Masonic honors in Mound Cemetery, April 14, 1863, being a member of American Union Lodge, No. 1, F. & A. M.

The family then removed to Macedon, New York, where Clarissa L. Hathaway, his wife, died December 27, 1863.

His son, S. J. Hathaway, having begun preparation for college at Marietta in the win- ter of 1863, remained and graduated at Mari- etta College in 1869.

His son, J. G. Hathaway, after attending the Macedon Centre Academy, in Macedon, New York, for several years, returned to Mari- etta in the spring of 1869, and engaged on the engineer corps then surveying the Cleveland & Marietta Railroad until its completion, when he learned the photographer's business with J. D. Cadwallader, Esq., at Marietta. He was married in 1875, to Miss Annetta Morse, and removed to Portsmouth, Ohio, the same year.

Rev. B. W. Chidlaw writes in regard to Mr. Hathaway :

Of Luther Hathaway I have many pleasant mem- ories, and shall ever hold him in high esteem. * * : * He was a true friend, a sincere Christian, and a man of noble purposes. His death at the post of duty all his officers and comrades greatly deplored and sin- cerely mourned.

WILLIAM L. PORTERFIELD was born in Butler County, Pennsylvania, February 8, I839. At the age of 15 his family came to

731

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

Marietta, Ohio. Here he attended school and was graduated from the high school in 1859. He engaged in teaching until the breaking out of the Rebellion. In November, 1861, he en- listed in Company B, Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, then encamped in Mari- etta, and was appointed second sergeant of his company. In January, 1862, the regiment was ordered to Cincinnati, and soon after was sent up the Tennessee to Pittsburgh Landing, there to take part in the great battle of Shiloh. Por- terfield survived the first two days' heavy fight- ing, taking a gallant part therein, to be slain on the third day, April 8th, in the memorable charge of the Texan cavalry. He was almost instantly killed by a shot in the neck. 1 lis remains were brought to Marietta and interred in Mound Cemetery. Thus perished, in his first battle, this young soldier, at the age of 23.

JOHN ALEXANDER PALMER, fourth child of Jewett and Rachel ( Campbell) Palmer, was born in Washington County, Ohio, October 19, 1829.

He married Margaret McAfee April 6, 1856, by whom he had two children. His life was passed upon his farm, and his winters

usually spent in teaching, until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. In August. 1861, he enlisted in the company then being recruited in Salem by his brother, Jewett, for the Thirty-sixth Ohio Infantry. On the or- ganization of the company he was appointed first sergeant. He entered the field with his regiment, and bore his full share of its hard campaigning and battles. He was promoted to second lieutenant March 20, 1862, and to first lieutenant on the first of September follow- ing. Owing to the failure of his health, he resigned his commission on January 18, 1863, and returned home. He died on the 23rd of the following March, from the effects of ex- posure in the service, His high character as a Christian and patriot is well known. As a citizen and neighbor he was full of kindly im- pulses and quiet, good deeds. The organiza- tion and prosperous growth of the First Uni- versalist Church of Salem, this county, and of Palmer Lodge, of Odd Fellows, of the same place, are very largely due to his influence and earnest, energetic labors.

His life was gentle; and the elements So mix'd in him, that nature might stand up, And say to all the world-This is a man!

CHAPTER XXVIII

THE CIVIL WAR-Continued.

ROLL OF HONOR-THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.

The following is a list of volnteers in the service of the United States during the War of the Rebellion, compiled from papers of the military committee, Washington County, news" paper lists, assessor's lists, 1863-64, lists of deceased soldiers, adjutant general's report, West Virginia, 1864 and 1865, company rolls, so far as they could be obtained, and from per- sonal inquiry. Three persons spent over six weeks in preparing and correcting the same .*

The roll is as full and accurate as it can be made without great expense and trouble.

It will prove a source of just pride to the people of the county, generally, as well as to the descendants and friends of those whose names are here recorded, and will be a stand- ing challenge to the patriotism of the future to emulate the example of the volunteers of 1861-65.

Allison. James, age 37, volunteer, 1865, Thirty- sixth regiment, company C.

Allison, Stephen, age 25, volunteer, July 20, 1861, three years, Twenty-seventh regiment, company D. cor- poral, attained rank of captain, served four years, mus- tered out July 20. 1865; re-enlisted as a veteran.

Allison, C. M., age 28, volunteer, three years, Ninth cavalry, company B, corporal, died in May, 1865, at Decatur, Alabama, of diarrhoea.

Allison. Lucien, age, 33, 1865. Thirty-sixth regi- ment. company C.

Allison, Levi, Second regiment, company B.

Allison, Robert, age 24. volunteer. October 17, 1862. three years, Ninth cavalry, company B, private. served two and a half years, mustered out July 20, 1865.

Armstrong, I-aac, age 20, volunteer, July 20, 1861,

Miss Addie Irish, Mrs. Mary M. Hathaway and S J. Hathaway.

three years, Thirty-sixth regiment, company A, private, served five months, died in service December 9, 1861, at Somerville, Virginia.

Armstrong, William, age 18, volunteer, October 17, 1862. three years, Ninth cavalry, company B, private, served two years and nine months, mustered out July 20, 1865.

Asbeenshhoen, Daniel. age 20, volunteer, October 14, 1862, three years, Ninth cavalry, company B, private, two years and nine months, mustered out July 20, 1865. Atherton, William H., age 40, substitute, Seventy- eighth regiment, company D, mustered out July II, 1865.

Augustine, John, age 23, Seventy-eighth regiment, company D, regular.

Augustine, Matt, volunteer, 1865, One Hundred and Seventy-eighth regiment, company D.

Badgeley, Isaac, age 27, Seventy-seventh regiment, company D.

Balch, John, volunteer, October 22, 1863, three years, Thirty-sixth regiment, company A, private.

Bowman, Ed, age 41, three years, Seventy-seventh regiment. company K, private, served three years, hon- orably discharged. re-enlisted as a veteran.

Bowman. William, age 19, three years, Seventy- seventh regiment, company K, served three years, re- enlisted as a veteran.

Brooker, Deemore, Seventy-seventh regiment, com- pany H.

Brooker, Darius, age 16, volunteer, February I, 1864, three years, Ninth cavalry, company B, private, served eighteen months, mustered out July 20, 1865.

Brooker, Brainard, age 23, volunteer, October 24, 1862, three years, Ninth cavalry, company B, private, served three years, mustered out July 20, 1865, marched with Sherman to the sea, permanently detailed with di- vision and ambulance train.

Brown, George W., age 21, volunteer, Seventy-sev- enth regiment, company K, died December 25, 1864, re-enlisted as a veteran, died at Little Rock, Arkansas. Brown, Charles, age 32, Thirty-ninth regiment, com- pany D.

Brown, William, age 26, August 8, 1864, Seventy- seventh regiment. company K. served one year and seven months. mustered out March 8, 1866.

Brown, Gartrail, age 52, volunteer, three years,

733

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

Seventy-seventh regiment, company K. re-enlisted as a veteran.

Purtis, John, Seventy-seventh regiment, company

H. Butts, George, Seventy-seventh regiment, company

Compton, Peter, Seventy-seventh regiment, com- pany H.

Compton, William, age 23, volunteer, February I. 1864, three years. Ninth cavalry, company B, private, mustered out July 20, 1865.

Compton, Johr, age 20, volunteer, February 1, 1864. three years, Ninth cavalry, company B. private served one year and five months, mustered out July 20, 1865.

Cutherwood, William, age 30, volunteer, October 17, 1862, three years, Ninth cavalry, company B. at- tained rank of quartermaster sergeant, discharged for disability Way, 1864. reduced to ranks after eighteen months of service.

Chandler, Albert, age 39. volunteer, September, 1861. three years, Seventy-seventh regiment, company K, captam, served three years, mustered out January 4. 1865. taken prisoner April 8, 1862.

Chapman. Rector. age 23. volunteer, October 17. 1862, three years, Ninth cavalry, company B. team- ster, served two years and nine months, mustered out July 20. 1865.

Cheesman, William E., volunteer, Seventy-seventh regiment, companies K and A. re-enlisted as a veteran.

Clay, Timothy, age 40, volunteer, October 15. 1862. three years. Ninth cavalry, company B, private, served two years and nine months, mustered out July 20, 1865. teamster.

Clay. Orange, age 44, volunteer, three years, Sev- enty-seventh regiment, company K. re-enlisted as a veteran.

Coffee. Adoniram, age 18. volunteer, October 21, 1862, three years, Ninth cavalry, company B. private.

Coffeen. H. T. C., age 24. Sixty-sixth regiment. discharged July 15, 1865.

Cobb, Joseph, age 20. 1863, Sixty-third regiment. company F. mustered out July 8. 1865.

Cobb, Isaiah, age 31, 1865, Sixty-third regiment. company F, private.

Coles, Isaac. age 21. volunteer. Sixty-third regi- ment. company F.

Cowee, F. P .. age 27. volunteer. February 15. 1864. three years, Thirty-sixth regiment, company F. private. served one year and four months, honorably discharged June 5. 1865, on account of wound.

Cowen. Reuben.

Crane, William G., age 21. volunteer, October 28. 1862, three years, Ninth cavalry, company B. sergeant. served two years and nine months, mustered out July 20, 1865.

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.

History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 109

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1490

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490