USA > Pennsylvania > Luzerne County > Wilkes-Barre > A history of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania : from its first beginnings to the present time, including chapters of newly-discovered early Wyoming Valley history, together with many biographical sketches and much genealogical material. Volume IV > Part 26
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
In November, the Governor designated the quota of Luzerne County and a few days later Captain Dana was handed the following communication on the part of his company:
"To E. L. Dana, "Capt'n Wyoming Artillerists, "Sir:
The undersigned members of the Wyoming Artillerists report themselves to you in readi- ness to enter the service for the Mexican War, whenever your orders therefor may be received agreeably to General orders No. 6 of the date of Nov. 18, 1846.
E. L. Dana
Geo. Collings Edward M. Flynt
Patrick Ring
Jno. B. Vaughn
E. B. Collings
John Sisk
D. R. S. Whitzell
F. L. Bowman John Frace
C. W. Lutes
John Sliker
H. T. Vaughn, providing the Co. is called on.
D. C. Kitchen
James Smith
Hiram Spencer
Geo. F. Slocum
James H. Stephens
Wm. St. John, providing the Co. is called on.
A. D. Jones
Wilson E. Sistz
A. H. Goff H. Titus Chas. Bennet
E. L. Cooper
John Howard
Hemzah Hovenbrot
Wallace Belding
William Demorest
Thompson Price
William Huffman
J. W. Potter
Nicholas Fell
M. M. DeBurger, Carbondale
Thomas Huffman
Edward Hughes Bernard Hose
James B. Clark Patrick O'Brien William Vaudenbark
John Smith
J. W. Myers
A. J. Baldwin
William Spencer
George W. Fell
Chas. Seefrit Walsingham G. Ward
Samuel Wiggins John Pittinger
1958
T. S. Hillard
Samuel Hunt
Charles Johnson
Hiram Moore
Joel Smith
Wm. Willis
Patrick O'Donnell
Charles Tripp
Patrick Fling
H. S. Larrison
Chas. H. Lacye
James F. Dill
John Smith James Megan
Gershom B. Vangordon"
Ir Gia Danal
Capit Wyoming Artillerich. Sir
The Undersignedi Mitrutens of this Morning artilleros report chemie to you is wearing to enter the service for the Mexican Har whichin your wiers cheifer
be received a grically to Generale ordered to 6.
thu date of Nov 18. 16. 9. 6. Li Dana
Routey
3 38. Ano. O. Valghu
Les Codat
Y
49 PM/Mindel leone, 65V. I. Vaniglia wording
6 Heraus Afuncar Cione
8
WYOMING ARTILLERISTS ENLISTMENT ROLL
Captain Dana lost no time in getting this application to Harrisburg and on November 29, 1846, he had the satisfaction of issuing instruction to the com- pany in this form:
"By this morning's mail I have the acceptance by the Governor of the Wyoming Artillerists as one of the ten companies forming a regiment required of Pennsylvania to serve to the end of the War with Mexico unless sooner dis- charged."
The 6th of December, 1846, was set for the company's departure. Major Bowman, whose interest in the company had not abated, now found himself out of it. He held a staff position in the state but was no longer on the roll of the Artillerists. With characteristic energy he resigned his staff commission and enlisted with his old command.
Captain Dana immediately appointed him to a vacancy in the list of first lieutenants and the local company had the satisfaction of seeing him elected major of the regiment when the whole command was assembled at Pittsburg.
Days preceding the departure of the Artillerists from Wilkes-Barré were filled with excitement and interspersed with many functions arranged in honor of the company. Headquarters were established at the Dennis hotel. At a farewell dinner given at the Phoenix hotel, Captain Dana was presented with a handsome sword.
The morning of the 6th dawned black and dreary and a heavy snow stormn enveloped the command as it was mustered on Franklin street. From here, Captain Dana marched his men to Old Ship Zion, where services had been
Granius Able
Wm. H. F. Owen Patrick Fallon Uriah Bonham
William A. Drips David H. Hamarell
Arnold C. Lewis A. Beaumont, Jr Sm. S. Kutz O. P. Hart Frederick Lehman
James McGinnis
1959
arranged and where an overflow crowd had gathered. Dr. Thomas W. Miner preached a farewell sermon, goodbyes were hastily said and the men marched to a packet boat anchored in the Hollenback basin of the canal.
The complete muster roll of the Artillerists is given below. Those mentioned as recruits at the foot of the roll did not leave Wilkes-Barre with the command but joined it later in Mexico as replacements:
"Roll of officers and men of Company 'I' First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, who served in the war with Mexico:
Captain Edmund L. Dana, returned with the company.
Ist Lieutenant, E. B. Collings, discharged at Vera Cruz.
Ist Lieutenant, F. L. Bowman, elected major.
2d Lieutenant, A. H. Goff, killed at Perote.
2d Lieutenant, Jacob Waelder, returned with the company.
1st Sergeant, Arnold C. Lewis, appointed 2d Lieutenant returned with the company.
2d Sergeant, Joseph W. Potter, discharged at Perote.
3d Sergeant, Dominick Devanny, returned with the company.
4th Sergeant, Joseph W. Miner, elected Ist Lieutenant.
Ist Corporal, Wm. H. Beaumont, appointed Ist Sergeant, returned with the company.
2d Corporal, D. W. Kitchin, wounded at Cerro Gordo, and discharged.
3d Corporal, Charles W. Stout, appointed lieutenant, 11th infantry.
4th Corporal, John B. Vaughn, discharged at Jalapa.
Drummer, Wilson B. Comor, discharged.
Fifer, Wallace J. Belding, discharged.
PRIVATES
1. Grandison Abel, returned with the company.
2. Joseph Alward, returned with the company.
3. John Barnes, left sick at Cincinnati.
4. Alfred Bentley, died at Jalapa.
5. Luke Burke, returned with the company.
6. Obed C. Burden, returned with the company.
7. William Bachman.
S. Lloyd M. Colder, died at Perote.
9. George Collings, appointed corporal, returned with the company.
10. Jacob L. Cooper, returned with the company.
11. Wm. H. Carkhuff, died at Perote.
12. James F. Dill, died at Perote.
13. Thomas G. Dripps, appointed sergeant, returned with the company.
14. M. M. Deberger, discharged at Vera Cruz.
15. John C. Drinkhouse, discharged at Vera Cruz.
16. James Ellis, discharged at Vera Cruz, June, 1848.
17. Levi Emery, returned with the company.
18. George W. Fell, returned with the company
19. Luke Floyd, wounded, and returned with the company.
20. Samuel Fox, discharged at Jalapa.
21. Frederick Funk, returned with the company.
22. Joseph C. Garey, discharged at Vera Criiz.
23. Patrick Gilroy, discharged at Vera Cruz.
24. Aaron Gangawere, returned with the company.
25. Magnes Gonerman, died at Perote.
26. John Goodermooth, died at Puebla.
27. Henry Hernbroad.
28. Peter Hine, discharged at Vera Cruz.
Nathaniel G. Harvey, died at Perote.
29. 30. Alexander Huntington, returned with the company.
31. John Hunt, discharged at Jalapa.
John Howard, returned with the company.
David H. Howard, returned with the company.
33. Anthony Haberholt, returned with the company.
34. 35. Charles Johnson, returned with the company.
36. Patrick King, returned with the company.
37. Lyman C. Kidder, discharged at Jalapa.
38. Frederick Lehman, discharged at Vera Cruz.
Joseph Leopard, returned with the company.
39. 40. Samuel A. Lewis, returned with the company.
Charles W. Lutes, discharged at Vera Cruz.
41.
42. John W. Myers, died at Perote.
43. John Morehouse, returned with the company.
44. David R. Morrison, killed at the battle of Cerro Gordo.
45. Walker B. Miller, discharged at Vera Cruz.
46. Samuel Marks, returned with the company.
32.
1960
47. John B. Price, died at Jalapa.
48. John Preece, killed at siege of Puebla.
49. Jules Phillips, returned with the company.
50. Isaac Rothermell, died at Vera Cruz.
51. James W. Rigg, returned with the company.
52. John Shadell, returned with the company.
53. Levi H. Stevens, returned with the company.
54. James Stevens, discharged at Vera Cruz, wounded.
55.
John Swan, returned with the company.
56.
Hiram Sp neer, discharged at Perote.
57. John Sliker, died at Perote.
58. James Sliker, returned with the company
59. Thompson Price, discharged.
60. Wilson E. Sisty, discharged at Perote.
61. Charles Tripp, died at siege of Puebla.
62. George Tanner, died at Perote.
63. William C. Toby, discharged at Jalapa.
64. John Smith, died at Perote.
65. Norman Vanwinkle, discharged at Perote.
66. Holdin P. Vaughn, discharged at Jalapa.
67. Gershon B. Vangordon, died at Perote, May 23, 1847.
68. Edmund W. Wandell, returned with the company.
69. Walsingham G. Ward, discharged at Vera Cruz, April 3, 1847.
70. Thomas G. Wilson, died at Jalapa, May 20, 1847.
71. William Vanderberg, returned with the company.
72. William H. Whitaker, returned with the company.
73. Thomas J. Wright, returned with the company.
74. Armon Westhoren, returned with the company.
75. Daniel W. Witzell, returned with the company.
76. William T. Wilson, returned with the company.
77. Daniel W. Yarlott, returned with the company.
78. William Diamond, discharged at New Orleans, January 16, 1847.
79. Elias Klinger, died at sea, January 31, 1847.
80. Patrick O'Donnell, died at New Orleans, January 2, 1847.
81. Samuel Knorr, lost; supposed killed at National Bridge, January, 1847.
RECRUITS
82. Augustus Ehles, returned with the company.
83. Landlin Fist, returned with the company.
84. John Gaul, returned with the company.
85. Charles Gordon, returned with the company.
86. Ernest Gordon, returned with the company.
87. William Hillsman, returned with the company.
88. Frederick Musler, returned with the company.
89. John MeKeoun, returned with the company.
90. Anthony Vernet, returned with the company.
91. Michael Wolstein, returned with the ompany.
92. Henry Wehle, returned with the company.
93. Adam Robinholt, died on Ohio River, July 13, 1848.
94. George O'Craft, lost, July 3, 1848; supposed drowned. Total 109; of whom 51 returned with the company."
The following account of the campaign experiences of the Artillerists, was published in 1860 by Pearce in his Annals of Luzerne County. As they were fresh in mind at the time and were gathered from reliable sources by that his- torian, the present writer quotes them at length:
"The company was transported to Pittsburgh by canal, where it remained long enough to complete its equipment. and be mustered into the service of the United States as a part of the 1st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, to serve during the war. This company was desig- nated 'I' in the regiment; and after filling the vacancy occasioned by the election of Major Bowman, started for New Orleans on the 22d of December, 1846, on board the steamer St. Anthony. After their arrival, they encamped on the Old Battle Ground, about 7 miles below the city, where they remained until the 16th of January, 1847. On that day they sailed in the ship Russell Glover, with three other companies, and were conveyed to the Island of Lobos (Wolf Island), which they reached February 1st. The passage to this point was stormny and tedious. The ship is represented to have been a miserable transport; and 400 men were compelled to live below ahtches in a crowded, suffocating space, for a period of two weeks, with little light, fresh air, or comfort of any kind. The island where they landed is about 12 miles from the Mexican coast, and 120 miles north of Vera Cruz. It is about one mile in circumference, and was covered with a thick growth of chaparral; and the water used by the troops for cooking was of a brackish character, being sea-water filtered through the sand. The United States forces had not been a week on this island before they were attacked by disease. The Mississippi Regiment became
1961
infected by mumps, and, it is said, they lost six men per day during their stay on Lobos. Small- pox next made its appearance in the 2d Pennsylvania Regiment.
"March 3d, the company left Lobos and sailed for Anton Lizardo, 9 miles below Vera Cruz, where they arrived two days later. On the 9th of March, a landing was effected on the Mexican coast, at a point 3 miles south of Vera Cruz. The fleet had hardly swung to its cables, when General Worth's division, with wonderful celerity, filled the surf-boats, and, at a signal from the ship of the commander-in-chief, darted for the shore. By nine o'clock of the night of that day 12,000 men had landed without firing a gun, and were marshalled within 2 miles of the city. "After resting that night on the beach, the army commenced the next morning its march through the thick chaparral and sand-hills, for the investment of Vera Cruz. The day was in- tensely hot, and many men were striken down by sun stroke. To add to their sufferings, they dared not drink the water of the springs of the country; for a report was abroad that they were poisoned by the enemy. It was the fortune of the Wyoming Artillerists to receive the first fire of the Mexicans. Passing through the chaparral by a narrow path, along the base of a gen le declivity, the enemy poured their fire upon them, when the company was halted, and delivered their own with admirable coolness. The enemy fled to the city. The company participated actively in the investment of the place, and were engaged throughout the siege. The trenches were opened on the 22d, and after a terrible storm of iron had been blown on the city for a few days and nights, it surrendered to the American army on the 29th of March, 1847.
"In April, the volunteer division left the city for the interior, under the command of Major- General Patterson. Having arrived at Place del Rio, 50 miles from Vera Cruz, they found General Twiggs with his division of regulars already there. The Mexicans, under General Santa Anna, were strongly posted in the pass of Cerro Gordo. On the morning of the 18th of April, the American army attacked the Mexican lines. The volunteer brigade formed the left wing, under the command of General Pillow, to which the Wyoming Artillerists were attached. The brigade took a position within 200 yards of the Mexican batteries, which opened upon them a tremendous fire of grape. The Wyoming boys suffered but slightly; but the 2d Tennesseean Regiment, occupying more elevated ground, suffered severely, and General Pillow himself was wounded. In twenty minutes the line of attack was completed, and the brigade moved forward towards the batteries. The Mexicans now displayed the white flag from their defences, for their left wing had been completely routed by the forces under General Twiggs, Shields, Worth and Quitman. The fruits of this victory were 3000 prisoners, 5000 stand of arms, 43 cannon, the money-chest of the Mexican army, containing $20,000, and a free passage for the army into the interior of the enemy's country. In this action David R. Morrison, of the Wyoming Company, was killed, and corporal Kitchen wounded.
"After the battle, the volunteer force encamped 3 miles west of Jalapa, where they re- mained about three weeks. They were then ordered to Perote, a place about 35 miles west of Jalapa, on the main road to the capital. Here they took up their quarters in the celebrated castle of Perote, and formed its garrison. The period of their stay here was the most melancholy of the whole campaign, for the burial of the dead was the principal feature of their soldier life.
"Typhus fever, broke out and made fearful havoc in their ranks. For many weeks was heard, almost constantly, the melancholy strains of the dead march accompanying their mess- mates to lonely and forgotten graves. It was a joyful day when they received orders to leave the gloomy castle and dreary plains of Perote. About the 2d of July they marched for the city of Puebla. On the night of the 4th, when the soldiers had taken to their blankets, the camp was alarmed by an attack on the pickets, which were driven in. Satisfied with this the enemy retired.
"Having reached El Pinal, or the Black Pass, General Pillow anticipated a fight, for the enemy were posted there, prepared to dispute the passage. The Wyoming boys formed part of the storming party, and behaved gallantly; but when the light troops had scaled the heights commanding the gorge, the Mexicans abandoned their position, and fled.
"On the 7th of July, they approached the fine old city of Puebla. Here General Scott, by the first of August, had concentrated about 11,000 men of all arms. On the 7th of that month the army left Puebla for the city of Mexico. The Wyoming company, with five others of the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment, remained behind, constituting, with a company of United States ar- tillery, and one of cavalry, the garrison of Puebla. They were about 600 men, under the command of Colonel Childs. To this small force was intrusted the charge of 2000 sick men, and an immense amount of government property. The population of the city was turbulent and warlike, and evinced an uncompromising hostility towards the Americans. The place now was besieged by the Mexicans, who harassed the garrison, day and night, with alarms and attacks. This continued for forty days; but our men, occupying strong and favorable positions, maintained their ground and the enemy failed so far as not to succeed in driving in a single sentinel.
"In this siege John Priest was killed in an engagement with guerillas, outside the city walls. Luke Floyd, a brave old soldier, who, with Priest, was a member of the Wyoming company, was severely wounded.
"The arrival of General Lane, with 3000 men, on the 12th of October, put an end to the siege. In this arrival there were four companies of the Ist Pennsylvania Regiment, which had been left in garrison at Perote. They had participated in the fight at Huamantla, under the command of Major F. L. Bowman, of Wilkesbarre. His conduct on this occasion was highly spoken of by all who witnessed it. Not long after the raising of the siege the regiment, now united, left Puebla, and, on the 7th of December, 1847, arrived in the city of Mexico, where they remained about two weeks. They were then quartered at San Angel, 7 miles from the city, until the treaty pf peace, in June, 1848.
"They now returned to their country at New Orleans, and passing up the Mississippi and Ohio to Pittsburgh, they were honorably discharged at that place, and mustered out of service
1962
by reason of the expiration of the term of enlistment, July 24, 1848.
"The Columbia Guards, of Danville, Pennsylvania, constituting a portion of the 2d Regi- ment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, was composed in part of volunteers from Luzerne County, under Edward E. Leclerc, of Wilkesbarre, who was elected 2d lieutenant of the company. Among the names of privates who united with the Guards under Lieutenant Leclerc, were Norman B. Mack, Peter Brobst, Abram B. Carley, Randolph Ball, George Garner, Oliver Helme, Joseph H. Stratton, William Kutz and William White.
"On the return of the volunteers to their homes, they were greeted at every point by the enthusiastic demonstrations of the people, who welcomed them with shouts and the roar of ar- tillery. When the Wyoming troops reached the valley, they found Wilkesbarre crowded with citizens from the country round about, and extensive preparations made to receive them in a becoming manner. While the body of the people manifested their rejoicings in tumultous shouts and with the thunder of guns, the relatives and friends of the returned soldiers met them with tears of joy, and the demonstrations of deep and quiet affection."
In connection with the valor of services rendered by the Artillerists, a letter from Major Bowman to friends at home created great public enthusiasm and paved the way for a magnificent reception on their behalf when the war was concluded. In part the letter is as follows:
"San Angel, 26 Jan'y, 1848.
"To J. P. Dennis, A. Yobe and Milton Dana. "My dear boys: ' * *
* I am pleased to see that the honors won by our boys are par- * *
ticipated in by their friends at home. *
"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 than men could be so recklessly brave. The greatest fault found with them at the siege of Puebla, by Col. Childs, was their frequent careless exposure to the fire of the enemy. No company in the army bears a higher reputation for bravery. Wyoming may well be proud of her Artillerists. * * *
"About one quarter of our Co. '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.
"F. L. BOWMAN."
As early as the first of July, 1848, preparations were being made in all the settlements of the Wyoming Valley for a gathering, in celebration of the return of survivors of the Artillerists, such as had never before been witnessed. Couriers brought news of approaching packet boats which were bringing forward the veterans and their baggage from Pittsburg. At Bloomsburg, July 29th the packets were met by a delegation of local citizens, accompanied by a band. If an ovation attended them at all points along the line of approach, it was to be outdone as the boats entered the confines of Luzerne County. Shortly before noon, July 30, 1848, the boats reached the receiving lock above Nanticoke. Triumphal progress was made to a basin of the canal near South street, thousands of men and women trudging along the tow path as the boats advanced. Previous to their arrival, an arch had been erected across Franklin street in front of the home of Captain Dana. A huge bower of flowers and greenery had likewise overspread a portion of the Ross lawn on South Main street where the formal program of welcome was to find expression.
All military, civic, fraternal and religious bodies of the community were represented in a procession which started immediately upon disembarkment of the Artillerists. President Judge John N. Conyngham was selected to deliver the address of welcome. Captain Dana made the response. A barbecue and feast of unprecedented proportions closed a day that brought gladness to many families of the veterans and revived the heartaches of many more. In writing from memory of the event, in his Some Early Recollections, hereinbefore mentioned, the Hon. George R. Bedford recalled the following circumstances of the day:
"I came to know Wilkesbarre fairly well early in life and when the town had a popu- lation of less than three thousand, but was the centre of influence, social and civil, for all North- eastern Pennsylvania.
1963
"As already stated, I was a frequent visitor at the nearby villages of Kingston and Plym- outh, and I also visited relatives who lived in Wilkesbarre.
"I well remember the year 1848
because of an experience which made
a never-to-be-forgotten impression upon my boyish mind. That year marked the close of the Mexican War, and in July the company of soldiers known as the 'Wyoming Artillerists,' under the command of Captain Ed- mund L. Dana, who had gone from Wilkesbarre and served during the campaign under Major General Win- field Scott, returned home and was warmly welcomed by a turnout of practically the whole valley.
"Captain Dana's company ar- rived in canal packet boats, debarked along Canal Street, now Pennsylvania avenue, near South street, and was met by all the military organizations of the valley, commanded by their regimental officers. The reception and parade were followed by an address of wel- come by President Judge Conyngham. An evergreen arch of welcome spanned Franklin street in front of Captain Dana's home, a frame building on the site of the present church rectory, next St. Stephen's church."
The tattered battle flag of 2d LT. WM. RIDALE, WYOMING ARTILLERISTS, 1855 (Showing type of Officers Uniform of Mexican War.) the Artillerists, carried through- out the Mexican campaign and which was borne in the procession which marked their return, has fortunately been preserved. It is now a treasured possession of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society and is on exhibit- ion in its rooms. In a recent communication to the Society, Mrs. Sarah I. Camp, (nee Allabach) gives the following information as to the history of these colors of the Artillerists:
"The flag which my father, Peter A. Allabach of Wilkes-Barré, carried in the Mexican War is the actual flag now in your possession. He lived on Bowman Hill with his parents. When a youth he enlisted and went to Mexico as color bearer. At the battle of Chapulchepec, he placed this flag on the top of highest point of Chapulchepec. Other engagements in which he carried the colors were Palo Alto, Monteray, Cerro Gordo, Contreras and Cherubusco."
CHAPTER XLIV.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OF WYOMING-ITS DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURES -COMING OF THE EMIGRANT-THE CELTIC, TEUTONIC AND JEWISH WAVES IN TURN-ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW CHURCHES AND IN- AUGURATION OF NEW CUSTOMS-WYOMING'S FIRST STEAM ENGINE-ITS AMBITIOUS IRON WORKS-THE LUMBER INDUSTRY-ANTHRACITE'S SECOND EPOCH-COAL
LANDS AT FORTY DOLLARS PER ACRE-EN- TRANCE OF OUTSIDE CAPITAL-RUMB- LINGS OF CIVIL WAR.
Come, I will make the continent indissoluble, I will make the most splendid race the sun ever shone upon, I will make divine magnetic lands, With the love of comrades, With the life-long love of comrades.
I will plant companionship thick as trees along all the rivers of America, and along the shores of the great lakes, and all over the prairies, I will make inseparable cities with their arms about each other's necks, By the love of comrades, By the manly love of comrades. -By Walt Whitman.
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.