USA > Pennsylvania > Luzerne County > Wilkes-Barre > A history of Lodge no. 61, F. and A. M., Wilkesbarr?, Pa. with a collection of masonic addresses > Part 18
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In 1842 a company of volunteer infantry-the " Wyoming Artillerists " -- was organized in Wilkesbarré, and Francis L. Bowmant was elected Captain, and E. I .. Dana First Lieutenant. Soon afterwards Captain Bowman was elected Brigade Inspector of the 2d Brigade, Pennsylvania Militia, and Lieutenant Dana was chosen Captain of the " Artiller- ists." In 1846 Captain Dana was still in command of the company, then an efficient and thoroughly drilled organi- zation. Upon the call of the United States Government for troops to aid in prosecuting the war with Mexico, he tend- ered his own and the company's services. On Wednesday, December 2d, 1846, orders from the Adjutant General were
* See biography of Hon. David Scott, post., for notice of Hon. Luther Kidder.
t See page 169, ante.
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received directing Captain Dana to proceed with his com- pany on the following Monday, December 7th, to Pittsburgh, the rendezvous of the Pennsylvania troops. On the day appointed the company of 124 men, in the presence of a numerous assemblage of citizens, embarked on a canal boat at Wilkesbarré bound for Pittsburgh.
On the threshold of their departure they were the subjects of some very affecting and interesting ceremonies in the Methodist church. An address was delivered by Dr. Thomas W. Miner, and bibles and testaments were dis- tributed to the members of the company.
The citizens of Wilkesbarré, at an entertainment given at the " Phoenix " hotel a few evenings previous to the depart- ure of the company, presented Captain Dana with an elegant sword.
It was snowing when the " Artillerists " left Wilkesbarré, and much of the journey was rendered uncomfortable by the ice, which hindered the passage of the boat. Arriving at Pittsburgh December 13th, the company adopted a uniform of dark blue pantaloons with white stripes, dark blue round- abouts trimmed with white, and a neat fatigue cap. On December 16th the company was mustered into the United States service to serve during the war. Only 94 of the 124 men could be accepted, however (that being the maximum number allowed for a company), so the remaining 30 joined other companies.
The "Artillerists" were assigned to the Ist Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Wynkoop, and were designated as Co. " I," and on the 22d of December, 1846, they left Pittsburgh for New Orleans on board the steamer " St. Anthony." Arriving at New Orleans they en- camped on the old battle ground, about seven miles below the city, where they remained until January 16th, 1847, on which day they sailed with three other companies in the
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ship " Russel Glover " on their way to Vera Cruz. Upon the arrival of the advance transport at Lobos (Wolf) Island, about twelve miles from the Mexican coast, Captain Dana was selected, because of his qualifications as an engineer, to make a survey of the harbor of Lobos. He and his com- mand were at the subsequent landing of the troops, partici- pated actively in the siege, and the several affairs preliminary to the siege, of Vera Cruz, and were part of the troops assigned to receive the surrender of the city and the castle of San Juan D'Ulloa.
After the capitulation of the city and castle Captain Dana accompanied General Scott into the interior of Mexico. He was in the battle of Cerro Gordo, April 18th, 1847, which resulted in the capture of a large portion of the Mex- ican army, and in dispersing the residue. He participated in the occupation of Peroté Castle and the cities of Jalapa and Puebla; with his company he was actively engaged in the siege of Puebla, and in General Orders received special mention for good and soldierly conduct ; he led the charge at El Pinal Pass ; subsequently marched to the city of Mex- ico; remained there until the treaty of peace, in June, 1848, and, returning with the army, was mustered out of the ser- vice with his company at Pittsburgh, Penn'a, July 20th, 1848.
On their journey home the " Artillerists " were met at Nor- thumberland by a committee of Luzerne county citizens, and, arriving in Wilkesbarré in the first week of August, they found the town crowded with citizens from the country round about, and extensive preparations made to receive them in a becoming manner. An address of welcome was delivered by Judge Conyngham in behalf of the citizens.
The " Artillerists " were brave soldiers, and did good ser- vice. Maj. F. L. Bowman, writing from San Angel, Mexico, to friends in Wilkesbarré, in January, 1848, said :
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« * * * The honor of old Wyoming could not have been placed in better hands than the 'Artillerists.' In all of my letters home I have spoken of their will to do and to dare. I felt confident of them before they were tried, but did not know that men could be so recklessly brave. The greatest fault found with them at the siege of Puebla, by Colonel Childs, was their frequent careless exposure to the fire of the enemy. No company in the army bears a higher reputa- tion for bravery. Wyoming may well be proud of her 'Artillerists.' About one quarter of our Company (' I') are dead, and more than that number discharged. Those that are left are hardy, jovial, and ripe for any expedition. * I like these boys. I love a brave man."
Captain Dana soon returned to the practice of his profes- sion. In 1851 he was a candidate for Congress in the district composed of the counties of Wyoming, Luzerne, and Columbia, but was defeated by the Hon. John Brisbin. In 1853 he was a candidate for State Senator in the district composed of Luzerne, Columbia, and Montour counties. His opponent, Hon. Charles R. Buckalew (afterwards U. S. Senator from Pennsylvania), was elected.
In September, 1860, Captain Dana was elected, and com- missioned by Governor Packer, Major General of the 9th Division Pennsylvania Militia, composed of the counties of Columbia, Montour, Luzerne, and Wyoming. This com- mission he continued to hold during the early days of the War of the Rebellion, and in the Summer of 1862 was ap- pointed by Governor Curtin commandant of a camp of organization and instruction, located in Kingston township, Luzerne county, and called Camp Luzerne. The 143d Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers was recruited and organized at this camp, being composed almost entirely of Luzerne county men. General Dana was elected its Colonel October 18th, 1862.
On the 7th of November, 1862, the regiment broke camp and proceeded to Harrisburg, where it was armed; thence to Washington, being assigned to duty in the northern
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defences of that city; and thence to the front, February 17th, 1863, going into camp at Belle Plain, where the regi- ment was attached to the 2d Brigade, 3d Division, Ist Army Corps, Gen. John F. Reynolds commanding. Colonel Dana, with his regiment, accompanied the division, April 20th, on an expedition to Port Royal, below Fredericks- burg, when a feint was made of crossing the river. On the 29th, with his command, he was exposed to a brisk cannon- ade from the opposite bank of the river, the sharpshooters on both sides being very active. On the morning of May 2d they marched to Chancellorsville, where they arrived at midnight, passing in the last three or four miles many wounded borne from the front, and through woods lighted up by the glare of bursting shells. The Ist Corps went into position on the extreme right of the army, on the Ely road towards the Rapidan, Colonel Dana's regiment being on the left of the corps. After the battle they returned by a tedious march and went into camp at Falmouth on the 8th of May.
A month later the corps started on the Gettysburg cam- paign, and the 143d was the first regiment of infantry to reach the field of action. Bivouacking on Marsh Creek, four miles from Gettysburg, on the night of June 30th, it moved forward on the morning of July Ist, and soon heard the cannon engaging the enemy's advance. Sometime before noon the brigade went into position on a ridge beyond that on which the Seminary stands, under a heavy fire, the 143d forming on the line of railroad. Early in the action the command of the brigade devolved on Colonel Dana.
" A terrific fire of infantry and artillery was brought to bear on the position, but it was manfully held, though the dead and wounded on every hand told at what a fearful cost. Repeated charges were made with ever fresh troops, but each was repulsed with fearful slaughter. Finally the enemy succeeded in flanking the position, and the line was
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pressed back a short distance, but made a stand in a field a little back from the railroad cut. Later in the afternoon the brigade was forced to retire to a position near the Semi- nary. When this movement became necessary, under the pressure of overwhelming numbers, and the command was given, the color-bearer and many of the men were with difficulty made to face to the rear, seeming determined to die rather than yield the ground. In executing this move- ment the color-bearer of the regiment was killed, still clinging to his standard. This incident is mentioned by an English officer who was at the time with the enemy : ' Genl.
Hill soon came up. He said the Yankees had fought with a determination unusual to them. He pointed out a railway cutting in which they had made a good stand; also a field in the centre of which he had seen a man plant the regimental colors, around which the enemy had fought for some time with much obstinacy, and when at last it was obliged to retreat the color-bearer retired last of all, turning round every now and then to shake his fist at the advanc- ing rebels. General Hill said he felt quite sorry when he had seen this gallant Yankee meet his doom.' The flag was rescued and brought safely off. Colonel Dana through- out the severe and protracted contest moved on foot through the fire along the line wherever his presence was required. When all hope of longer holding the ground was gone, the brigade fell back through the town and took position on Cemetery Hill, where the shattered ranks of the two corps which had been engaged were re-formed."-Bates' Hist. Pa. Vols., Vol. IV., p. 488.
The morning of July 2d opened with artillery and picket firing, but in the afternoon a severe attack was made upon the left of the line in which General Sickles' corps was engaged, and Colonel Dana, with his brigade, was ordered to its support. The movement was effected under a heavy fire of shells, by which some loss was sustained, and a posi-
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tion taken on the left centre, in open ground, where the company rested for the night, having recovered several captured guns. At four o'clock on the morning of the 3d a heavy artillery fire was opened along the whole front, which was increased at I P. M. so as to envelop the Union line, shells and solid shot plowing the ground in every direction. Later in the afternoon the last grand infantry charge by General Longstreet was made upon the left centre, the strength of which fell a little to the right of the position where the brigade lay. This charge, made with great force and bravery, and pressed with unusual persist- ency, was completely repulsed ; large numbers were slain, many prisoners taken, and the enemy, retiring broken, did not again venture to renew the battle. The loss of the bri- gade in killed, wounded, missing in action, and prisoners, was more than half its entire strength. After the battle Colonel Dana accompanied and led his command in the pursuit of the Confederate Army, crossing at Berlin into Virginia. He participated in the movement to Centreville, and with his regiment and a battery of artillery aided in repelling a cavalry attack at Haymarket, October 19th.
In March, 1864, the 143d Regiment became a part of the Ist Brigade, Ist Division, 5th Army Corps. On the 4th of May, 1864, Colonel Dana, with his regiment, marched on the Wilderness campaign. The next day the enemy was encountered in large force in the woods, and the fighting became severe. Colonel Dana had his horse shot under him, and was wounded and taken prisoner with a number of his offi- cers and men. He was conveyed that night to Orange Court House, thence to Danville, and to Macon, Ga., and in June following to Charleston, S. C., where he was one of the fifty officers, including Brigadier Generals, Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, and Majors, who were placed under the fire of the Union guns, in retaliation for some supposed violation of the usages of war by the Federal Government in the siege
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of that city. Much hardship was endured by these officers from the nature of their confinement and the insufficiency and bad quality of their food. One day Maj. Henry H. Raymond, a Confederate officer, visited the prison. Colonel Dana recognized him as a former college-mate at Yale. The recognition was mutual and cordial, Major Raymond inquired into the wants and heard the complaints of the prisoners, and from that time forward their fare was improved, and in a few days they were removed to far better quarters. During the balance of their confinement Colonel Dana and his fellow-prisoners were kindly and considerately treated by Major Raymond. He granted no undue privileges, relaxed no necessary restraint, but harmonized the enforce- ment of prison discipline with the rule of doing to others as he would they should do to him.
Colonel Dana and his fellow-prisoners were exchanged for an equal number of Confederates August 3d, 1864, and early in September he joined his command before Peters- burg. On the first of October he was with his command in the movement upon the Vaughn road, and participated in the fighting of that day, and in the erection of breast- works in continuation of the line of investment. Returning to camp on the 4th he was assigned to the duty of guarding Fort Howard and two batteries in the investing line. On the 8th of October he was instructed to make an advance of the outposts, skirmish and picket lines of the 5th Corps. This was effected after a short encounter with the enemy's outposts. The General commanding the corps (5th) com- plimented Colonel Dana, in an official communication, for the creditable manner in which he performed the important and arduous duties incident to this affair.
Colonel Dana was at the first battle of Hatcher's Run, October 28th and 29th ; on the Weldon Raid from the 7th to the 12th of December, 1864; and in the second Hatcher's Run battle, of the 6th and 7th of February, 1865. Soon
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after this the " 143d," with three other regiments in the same brigade, was sent North. It was placed on duty at Hart Island, in the East River, New York, and remained there during the remainder of its term of service, guarding prisoners of war, and furnishing escorts for conscripts, recruits, and convalescents as they were sent to different points. The war being ended the regiment was mustered out of the service June 12th, 1865, and on its return to Wilkesbarré was received with those marks of esteem to which, for its severe and efficient service in the field, it was justly entitled.
After Colonel Dana's return from his imprisonment in the South he was, during a long time, kept in command of his brigade, though holding the rank of Colonel. The offi- cers of the brigade presented a memorial to the War Depart- ment protesting against such injustice and asking that he be promoted. This paper, from some cause, never reached the Department, but on the facts becoming known through other channels Colonel Dana was brevetted Brigadier General " for long, faithful, and tried services," was retained in the service, and detailed on court-martial duty at Elmira and Syracuse, N. Y. He was honorably mustered out of , the service August 23d, 1865.
" His military record surpasses that of any other individ- ual in Northern Pennsylvania-it is great in extent, expe- rience, and brilliancy. As an officer his reputation is best attested by his old comrades in arms-the 143d Regiment- who worship him with a devotion rarely surpassed."
After his return to private life General Dana resumed the practice of law in Wilkesbarré, and in the Fall of 1867 was nominated and elected over the Hon. Henry M. Hoyt* (afterwards Governor of Pennsylvania) to the office of Ad- ditional Law Judge of the 1 1th Judicial District of Pennsyl- vania, comprising the populous county of Luzerne. He took
* See biography of Governor Hoyt, post.
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his seat December 2d, 1867, and served for the full term of ten years. For several years, in addition to presiding alternately with Judge Conyngham in the Courts at Wilkes- barré, he also presided as ex-officio Recorder in the Mayors' Courts of the cities of Scranton and Carbondale.
Prior to the expiration of his term of office 112 members (nearly the whole number) of the Bar of Luzerne county presented to Judge Dana a petition urging him to be a can- didate for re-election to the office of Additional Law Judge. The Judge was regularly nominated by the Democratic convention in the Summer of 1877, and when the Repub- lican convention met it made no nomination for Judge but passed the following resolution : "That this convention, having entire confidence in the learning, integrity, and ability of Edmund L. Dana, as illustrated by his administration of the office of Additional Law Judge of this District in the past ten years, hereby cordially recommend him to the voters of Luzerne county for re-election."
That year a new party had sprung into existence, known as the Greenback-Labor party. It was very powerful in Luzerne county, and had a most earnest and efficient organi- zation, but no one imagined that Judge Dana would or could be defeated for the office of Additional Law Judge. Demo- crats and Republicans appeared to be unanimously in his favor, and it was generally conceded that he, of all the can- didates for office in the field, would be successful.
His opponent-the Greenback-Labor candidate-was an unlearned, uncultured man, a ranting demagogue, and a. notoriously corrupt politician. On this account and because General Dana's nomination was acquiesced in by the two great political parties, the best citizens of Luzerne took very little interest in and did very little work in behalf of General Dana's campaign, feeling sure of his success. But the Labor party swept Luzerne like a tornado and carried all their men into office over both the other political parties.
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Of course Judge Dana went down with the rest, but his defeat did not detract from his high character and reputation as a jurist or lessen the regard of his friends and neighbors. The man who defeated him was, after a short period of ser- vice on the Bench, forced therefrom by the citizens and members of the Bar of his District because of incom- petency.
In 1878 Judge Dana was induced by a large number of prominent citizens of both political parties in Lehigh county, Penn'a, to allow himself to be nominated for the office of President Judge of that county. The Republican party made no nomination, but Judge Dana was defeated by the Hon. Edwin Albright by a small majority.
General Dana is a man of fine culture, scholarly and ar- tistic tastes, and considerable literary acquirements. In earlier years he was a fine musician. Over all his public and private traits there shines the serene beauty of the gentle- man.
There is a good deal of meaning in the figure of speech which likens a man's mind to a field of land which has been diligently tilled by the husbandman; and General Dana has been a careful and industrious husbandman in his own mental vineyard. During all the days of his maturity he has been a careful investigator and industrious student, who has worked in many fields of learning and in many direc- tions. " As a Judge he has earned for himself a reputation which will last while the hills of Wyoming may remain !"
He was the first President of " The Wyoming Historical and Geological Society," of Wilkesbarré, and from the date of its organization to the present time he has been a very active and efficient member of the Society. He is also a member of the following State Historical Societies: Penn- sylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and New Hampshire; and a member of the American Association of Science.
He was one of the incorporators of " The Wilkesbarré Law
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and Library Association," and is still a member of the same.
For more than thirty-five years he has been connected with St Stephen's Episcopal Church, Wilkesbarré.
He is a Companion of the First Class of " The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States," and a member and ex-Vice President of the " Society of the Army of the Potomac." From April, 1882, to April, 1885, he was President of the Wilkesbarre City Council.
Having a fondness for historical study and research, and being a graceful writer and pleasant speaker, Judge Dana has very frequently been called upon, on occasions of im- portance, to deliver addresses of an historical or a literary character. He delivered one of the addresses upon the oc- casion of the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Wyoming Massacre, July 3d, 1878. He delivered an historical address at New Town, N. Y., August 28th, 1879, at the centennial celebration of General Sullivan's victory over the British and Indians. "The battle of New Town (August 29th, 1779), with the subsequent destruction of the Indian country, was a retributive sequel of the massacre of Wyoming." Governor Hoyt, of Pennsylvania, and his staff were present at the centennial celebration, and the Governor followed General Dana in a brief address. The corner- stone of a commemorative monument was laid at this time with Masonic ceremonies.
General Dana delivered an address before the societies of Muhlenburg College, Allentown, Penn'a, at the Commence- ment exercises of 1880; and on the 28th of June, 1880, he delivered an address before the students and friends of Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Penn'a.
General Dana was made a Mason, and received the first three degrees of Free Masonry, in LODGE No. 61, December Ist, 1846, by virtue of a dispensation .* April 7th, 1849,
* See page 109, ante.
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after his return from the Mexican War, he became a member of St. John's Lodge No. 233, Pittston, Penn'a. He with- drew from that Lodge May 29th, 1855, and on the 14th of February, 1859, affiliated with LODGE No. 61. He was Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1868. By vote of the Lodge August 14th, 1878, he was made an honorary mem- ber, which entitles one to all the privileges of membership without payment of dues. At the present time he is one of the Trustees of the Lodge.
He has been for nearly thirty-seven years an active and loyal member of our Fraternity, and the members of LODGE 61 to-day hold him in high regard and Brotherly affection. When he rises to speak in the Lodge his first utterances are received with pleasure, and regret follows when he closes.
Brother Dana was " Marked " in Shekinah R. A. Chap- ter No. 182, May 15th, 1860. He received the Most Excel- lent Master's degree January 15th, 1861, and January 22d, 1861, was exalted to the Royal Arch degree. He was Secretary of the Chapter from December, 1865, to Decem- ber, 1867.
He is also a Sir Knight of Dieu le Veut Commandery No. 45, Knights Templar, having received the R. C. and K. T. degrees therein January 23d, 1872.
He became a member of Wyoming Lodge No. 39, I. O. O. F. (Wilkesbarré), in 1845, and several years there- after served as Noble Grand for one term.
General Dana was married in 1842 to Sarah Peters, daughter of Ralph Peters, Esq., of Philadelphia. He has one son-Charles Edmund-who for some years resided and traveled in Europe, engaged in the study of Art, in which he has made gratifying progress. He married a granddaughter of Jacob Cist, Esq., a prominent resident of Wilkesbarré many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Dana have two children, and are now residing in Philadelphia.
HON. GEORGE DENISON.
The ancestor of the Denisons of the Wyoming Valley was Col. Nathan Denison, a descendant of William Denison, who was born in England about 1586, and who came to America and settled at Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1631.
Colonel Denison came from Connecticut at an early day, and settled in the Wyoming Valley, under the Susquehanna Company. In 1769 he married Elizabeth Sill,* of Wilkes- barré, and their marriage is recorded as the first one ever celebrated in Wyoming between white people. The cere- mony was performed by the Rev. Jacob Johnson, in the Sill house. In 1773 a son was born to Colonel and Mrs. Den- ison-Lazarus-the first white child born in Wyoming.
During the Revolutionary War a more decided Whig and devoted patriot than Colonel Denison was not to be found. Wyoming was then almost a frontier settlem ent
* JABEZ SILL immigrated with his family to the Wyoming Valley from Connecticut in 1769, and settled in Wilkesbarré. He built the second house erected in Wilkesbarré, and it stood near what is now the corner of River and South streets-almost on the spot where the Thurlow-Lee mansion stands. In May, 1772, there were only five white women in Wilkesbarré, and one of these was Mrs. Jabez Sill.
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