History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc, Part 32

Author:
Publication date:
Publisher: W. Taylor
Number of Pages: 1280

USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 32
USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 32

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).

Saturday, October 11, reviewing the troops. On the last named date he left for the West, dined at Shippensburg and reached Chambersburg the same even- ing. At this place tradition says he stopped and spent Sunday with Dr. Rob- ert Johnson, a surgeon of the Pennsylvania line during the Revolution. He passed through Chambersburg, and arrived at Williamsport, Maryland, on the evening of October 13, Monday. Early the next morning he set out for Fort Cumberland, where he arrived on Thursday, October 16, and the next day re- viewed the Virginia and Maryland troops under command of Gen. Lee.

"On Sunday, October 19, Gen. Washington arrived at Bedford, where he remained until Tuesday, October 21. The approach of the armed troops soon

*A village ten miles northwest of Chambersburg, where the troops were then encamped.

A. D. Herman M.L.

105

HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

cansed a cessation of hostilities. On the last named dato he set out on his re- turn. spending the night of Friday, October 24, at Shippensburg, and the fol- lowing night (Saturday) with Gen. Michael Simpson, in Fairview Township, York County, who then owned the ferry across the river and what is now known as the " Haldeman property " below New Cumberland. At this place he is supposed to have spent a quiet Sunday, as he arrived in Philadelphia on the following Tuesday morning.

"One time in the history of this great man's life he crossed the southern border of Adams County. The facts of this trip I will be pleased to furnish at some future time, giving exact facts and data from original documents, which are the only true sources of history."

In the Northwestern Indian wars of 1790-94. under Gens. Harmar, St. Clair and Wayne, Cumberland County was represented by a number of daring men, though no companies were raised or called for in Pennsylvania except west of the Allegheny Mountains. Dr. William MeCoskry, then of Carlisle but after- ward of Detroit, served as surgeon in the expeditions of St. Clair and Wayne; and Robert Mcclellan, son of a pioneer in East Penusborough, distinguished himself as a seout, winning the title "Fleet Ranger" by his exploits and daring.

In 1798. when a war with France was threatened, companies of militia were by order of Gov. Mifflin held in readiness for immediate service, and quite a speck of war cloud was visible above the horizon. Some of the people sympathized with the French, and affairs might have become very serious but for the accession of Napoleon Bonaparte to power in France, by which event the aspect was changed and France withdrew from her offensive attitude. To meet any emergency the Tenth Regiment of Pennsylvania troops was organ- ized under Thomas L. More, of Philadelphia, as colonol, and William Hen- derson and George Stevenson, of Cumberland County as majors. These men had been active in the Revolution. Maj. Stevenson had command of the recruiting service in that portion of the Stato west of the Allegheny Moun- tains. Alexander McComb-afterward a major-general and noted in the war of 1812-15-was an ensign in this Tenth Regiment, and Hugh Brady, also a general afterward, was a lieutenant.

War of 1812-15 .- Upon the call of the President for troops at the break- ing out of the second war with Great Britian in June, 1812, Pennsylvania responded quickly, and Cumberland County hastened to furnish her quota of soldiers. There was little opposition to the war in the county, and four full companies were speedily mustered and equipped at Carlisle, generally for six months' service, ready to march wherever ordered.

Principal among these was the "Carlisle Light Infantry," which, as seen, took part in the campaign against the whisky insurrectionists in 1794. It was originally organized in 1754, by soldiers who had served in the Revolution, and after its service in the second war it continued to exist until some time in 1854. From its organization its commanders were Capts. Magaw. George Stevenson, Robert Miller, William Miller, William Alexander (who was captain when the second war began, and had been, since July 1, 1802, printer and editor of the Carlisle Herald, established that year), Lindsey, Thompson, Spottswood. Edward Armor (1823), George D. Foulke ( 1827), John McCart- ney (1829), William Sterrett Ramsey (1535), William Moudy (1839), Jacob Rehrar (1840), George Sanderson (1842) and Samuel Crop (from November 24, 1545, to 1854).

Two small companies of riflemen-one from Carlisle commanded by Capt. George Hendall, and the other from Mechanicsburg under Capt. Coover-were

106

HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

united into one company, George Hendall was chosen captain, and they went with the Light Infantry to the Niagara frontier in 1814. It is said of them: "Both companies participated in most of the battles and sorties of that hard fought campaign. In the battle of Chippewa they were a part of the detach- ment of 250 Pennsylvanians under the command of Col. Bull, of Perry County, who were sent with fifty or sixty regulars and 300 Indians, into the woods to strike the Chippewa Creek about a half mile above the British works. Here they were attacked by a party of 200 militia with some Indians, bnt so impetuous was the charge with which our troops met them that they were compelled to give way in every direction and were pursued with great slaughter up to the very guns of the fort. This little band of Pennsylvanians here found themselves forsaken by the Indians, and in the face of the enemy's main force and assailed by four companies on the left and flank. They were of course compelled to retire, but having gone about 300 yards they reformed and kept up a heavy fire for about ten minutes, when, being raked by a cannon on the right, outflanked and almost surrounded by the entire four companies now brought against them they were obliged to retreat. They had depended on and every moment expected a support from the main army, but as this was not given them. in season they retired in good order and keeping up a fire upon their assailants. They had fought more than an hour, had chased their enemies a mile and a half, and when exhausted by their exertions and extreme heat they rejoined their regiment, which they met entering the field under Col. Fenton. They then re-entered the field and bore their part as if they had been fresh from their tents. Not more than twelve men (and these on account of ex- treme exhaustion) were absent from this second encounter. Eight of their men had been killed in the woods and the number of their wounded was in the usual proportion. One hundred and fifty of the enemy's militia and Indians were left dead on the field. Col. Bull was treacherously shot down by the enemy after his surrender, and Maj. Galloway and Capt. White were taken prisoners. These two officers on their return home were received by their former compan- ions with great rejoicings. The time of enlistment for these companies was short, being not over six or nine months, but whether they continued during another term we are not informed."

Besides these Cumberland County troops there were other men from the county connected with the regular army on the same (Niagara) frontier. Among them were George McFeely and Willis D. Foulke. The former became a lieu- tenant-colonel in the Twenty-second United States Infantry, July 6, 1812, and colonel of the Twenty-fifth April 15, 1814. He had in the early part of 1812 been in charge of the recruiting service at the Carlisle Barracks. He left that place October 5, 1812, and proceeded to the Niagara frontier, with 200 men of the Twenty-second Regiment. With his men he was sent to the old Fort Niagara to relieve Col. Winder in the command of that station, arriving Novem- ber 14. In the artillery duel with Fort George on the 21st the British had the worst of the game. May 27, 1813, Lieut. Col. Winfield Scott ("to whom he yielded precedence") invited him to lead the vanguard in the movement into Canada. Col. McFeely was second in command in that expedition and had about 650 men under him. They routed a superior force of the enemy and captured Fort George, and subsequently suffered greatly during the cam- paign. Lieut. - Col. McFeely was sent to Lake Champlain later, and in June, 1814, was promoted to colonel, to rank from April previous. Reported to Maj. - Gen. Jacob Brown on the Niagara frontier again, and joined his new regiment under Gen. Scott. Held several responsible commands until close

" He was an excellent disciplinarian, had his troops under admirable of war.

107

HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

control, and was remarkable for his coolness under the enemy's fire and his patient hardihood under the soverest sufferings."

The . Patriotic Blues" was another company, commanded by Capt. Jacob Squier; first lieutenant. Samuel McKochan; second lieutenant, Frederick Foglo; and ensign, Stephen Kerr. The company was sent to Baltimore to assist in repelling the British attack upon that city, and was attached to the Forty- ninth Maryland Militia under Lieut. Col. Veazy. Took an important part in the actions of September 12-15, 1514, and on the 16th, danger being apparently ovor, left for home with the assurance that they had performed their duty honorably and well.

"There were other companies," says Dr. Wing, "which went to Baltimore from the eastern towns in the county, and from what is now Perry Connty. It is said that these were in the detachment which was sent to lie in ambush by the route on which the British troops were expected to advance on its way to Baltimore. As Gen. Ross. the commander of these troops, was riding by the spot where they were concealed, it is said that two sharpshooters raised their pieces and were abont to fire. An order was given them to desist, but before one of them, whose name was Kirkpatrick, from over the mountains, could understand the order, he fired his gun and the British general fell. The re- sult was that a tremendous volley was fired into the thicket where they were concealed; but confusion was thrown into the plans of the invading party by the loss of their commander, and the idea of occupying Baltimore was given up."

In order to protect Philadelphia from possible violence at the hands of an invading force, a large body of troops was massed at that point, and among them was a company known as the "Carlisle Guards," who marched under Capt. Joseph Halbert early in September, 1814, and were encamped on Bush Hill, near Philadelphia, for nearly a month.drilling, constructing intrenchments, etc. They saw no onemy, but were subjected to as strict dicipline as troops at the front. Capt. Halbert, on the 3d of Angust, 1811, had been commis- sioned by Gov. Snider, a major of the Second Battalion, Twelfth Regiment Pennsylvania Militia, in First Brigade, Second Division, including militia of Cumberland and Franklin Counties. His commission was for four years from that date.

THE MEXICAN WAR.

When the Mexican war broke ont Carlisle Barracks was in command of Capt. J. M. Washington, Battery D, Fourth United States Artillery. This company of light artillery received recruits from various portions of the coun- try, and finally left Carlisle for the seat of war June 23, 1846. The organiza- tion was as follows: Captain, J. M. Washington: first lieutenant, J. P. J. O'Brien: second lieutenant, Henry L. Whiting; acting assistant quartermaster, Thos. L. Brent; surgeon, C. M. Hitchcock.

The company did valiant service with Taylor's army in Mexico. At the battle of Buena Vista the battery was divided into sections, one of which, con- sisting of three guns, under charge of Lieut. O'Brien, was captured, but not till every man was shot down and every horse killed. Lieut. O'Brien was wounded, but continued steadfast at his post till the last. In this engagement the casualties to the section were as follows: Killed, privates, Edwin Holley, Green. Weakley, Rinks and Doughty. Wounded: first lieutenant, J. P. J. O'Brien; sergeant, Queen; lance sergeant, Pratt: privates. Hannams, Puffer, Beagle, Berrin, Floyd, Hannon, Baker, Brown, Birch, Butler, Clark and Rob- bins.

On the 18th of January, 1847, an election of officers for an independent

108

HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

company of volunteers occurred at Carlisle, resulting as follows: Captain, John F. Hunter; first lieutenant, Marshall Hannon; second lieutenant, Wm. H. Gray; third lieutenant, Geo. L. Reighter.

This company, organized by Capt. Hunter under what was known as "the ten regiments' bill," embraced recruits from Cumberland, Perry and Franklin Counties, and probably some from others. They were enlisted to serve during the war, and were rendezvoused at Carlisle Barracks. The company required sixty-six men, but left Carlisle with some forty-six, additions having been made to it en route for Mexico. It was known as Company G, Eleventh Infantry. The following is the roster of enlisted men as it left Carlisle: first sergeant, E. G. Heck; second sergeant, Wm. Blaine; third sergeant, Alex. F. Meck; fourth sergeant, F. O. Baker; first corporal, S. W. Hannon; second corporal, Wm. Hipple; third corporal, Jacob Bender; fourth corporal, John Thompson; drummer, George King; fifer, Archibald Rowe; privates, Applegate, John Brannon, George Boyer, Samuel Baxter, Wm. Biceline, Crell, James Carey, Culp, Deung, John Evinger, Joseph Faust, James Gallagan, Graham, John Gill, Samuel Guysinger, George Hikes, Higbee, Wm. Hudson, Leonard Hoff- man, Wm. Hollinger, Hetrich, Wm. James, Kunkle, Casper Kline, George Lamison, McCracken, Wm. Moore, McIntire, Wm. McDonald, Misinger, Sam- uel Peck, Lafayette Searcy, Amos Steffey, Scheime, Samuel Swigert, Stein, George Shatto, Emanuel Weirich, Lewis Weaver, Wilde, Samuel Zell.

This company was first under command of Capt. Hunter, but on reaching the field he was promoted to be major of the Eleventh Infantry, and Lewis Carr, of Philadelphia, was chosen captain. Lieut. Gray finally became com- mander of Capt. Waddel's company, Eleventh Infantry.

The company left Carlisle Barracks on Monday morning, March 29, 1847, for the field. Marching to town it was halted in front of the court house, where the men were addressed by L. G. Brandeberry, Esq., in a few appropriate and well-timed remarks. They were then presented, each with a new testament, by Mr. Samuel Ensminger, after which they marched to the cars to the tune of "The Girl I left Behind Me." Going by rail to Harrisburg, the company proceeded thence by canal-boat to Pittsburgh, whence it sailed by boat to New Orleans, and thence to the mouth of Rio Grande River via Brazos Island. After a time it sailed for Vera Cruz, but after eighteen days' deten- tion on the Gulf, it was compelled to stop at Tampico, where it lost about one- third of its number by yellow fever and other forms of disease. The company, from no fault of its own, never reached Vera Cruz, and did not fight.

Other companies were organized in Cumberland County and their services tendered to the Government, but not accepted. In this list is found a com- pany of young men organized, in May, 1847, with the following officers: Capt. R. M. Henderson; Lieuts. Hampton R. Lemer, Robert McCord.

In June, 1846, Capt. Samuel Crop tendered a company with full comple- ment of men known as Carlisle Light Infantry.

Edward Watts, formerly a student of West Point, established a recruiting station at Winrot's Hotel (now Mansion House) for a company of infantry. This was in June, 1847.

Capt. R. C. Smead, Fourth United States Artillery, superintended recruit- ing service at the barracks during several months in 1847.

From the time Capt. Washington relinquished command of the barracks (June 23, 1846) George M. Sanno, barrack master, had charge of the public property until the return of Col. A. C. May, August 25, 1847.

109

HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

CHAPTER VI.

MILITARY CONTINUED-CARLISLE BARRACKS-CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.

"N 1777, by the aid of the Hessian prisoners captured by Gen. Washington I at Trenton. New Jersey, certain buildings were erected in the edge of Car- lisle, and known thereafter as "Carlisle Barracks." Of the buildings thus constructed, one, situated at the main entrance to the ground and known as the "Guard House" still remains. These buildings, increased as necessity demanded, were used for military purposes afterward till they were diverted to their present purpose for the Indian Industrial School. The officials who, from time to time were stationed at the Barracks, constituted an active ele- ment of Carlisle society, and subsequently figured conspicuously in the war of the Rebellion.

The following officers served as commanders of Carlisle Barracks from IS38 to the commencement of the Rebellion, the facts being obtained from the War Department at Washington:

Capt. E. V. Sumner, Capt. R. S. Dix, Second Lient. A. J. Smith and First Lieut. R. H. West, First Dragoons: First Lieut. W. H. Saunders, Second Dragoons; Maj. C. Wharton, First Dragoons; Capt. J. M. Wash- ington, First Lieut J. W. Phelps and Lieut. Col. M. M. Payne, Fourth Artillery; Capt. Chas. A. May and First Lieut. A. Pleasonton, Second Dragoons; First Lieut. R. C. W. Radford, First Dragoons: Lient. - Col. P. St. G. Cooke and First Lieut. R. H. Anderson, Second Dragoons; Capt. A. J. Smith, First Dragoons; Capt. Chas. F. Ruff. Mounted Ritles; Col. E. A. Hitchcock. Capt. Geo. W. Patten, Capt. D. Davidson, Capt. C. S. Lovell, Capt. S. P. Heintzelman and Capt. H. W. Wessells, Second Infantry; Lieut. - Col. C. F. Smith and Col. E. B. Alexander, Tenth Infantry; Lieut. - Col. G. B. Crittenden and First Lieut. Julian May, R. M. Rifles; Capt. R. H. Anderson, Second Dragoons: First Lieut. D. H. Maury, R. M. Rifles; First Lieut. K. Garrard, Second Cavalry: First Lieut. Alfred Gibbs, R. M. Rifles; Maj. L. P. Graham, Second Dragoons.

Of the foregoing, it will be observed that Sumner, A. J. Smith, Pleason- ton and Heintzelman were major-generals during the Rebellion, and held prominent positions in the Union Army; R. H. Anderson was a major-general in the Confederate service, and commanded a division of Hill's Corps at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Cumberland County, like other portions of the Cumberland Valley and the Keystone State, always responded to any call which sought to defend the Nation against any foes, external or internal. When the wires announced that a portion of this country had raised the puny arm of revolt, and that the Na- tional flag had been insulted by those whom it had previously protected and honored, its citizens were fired with indignation, and responded, with patriotic alacrity, to the call of President Lincoln, but recently installed as the legally elected President of this great commonwealth. for 75,000 men to protect pub- lic property and maintain the supremacy of the Federal Union. The firing on Fort Sumter in April, 1861, and the surrender of Gen. Anderson to over-

110

HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

whelming forces of secessionists, stirred the patriotic heart of the country. In response to the President's call for 75,000 men to serve for three months, some three companies proffered their services within a week from the issuing of the proclamation. One of these companies, with 100 brave men, started from Car- lisle Saturday, April 13, and reached Harrisburg, the place of rendezvous, to be mustered, on the 23d instant. Three other companies in Carlisle and one in Mechanicsburg were awaiting orders to march to the front in a short time. By the 9th of June, they were mustered into reserve regiments, and shortly participated in the severest engagements of that early period of the Rebellion.

Sumner Rifles .- The first company was the Sumner Rifles with the fol- lowing organization: Captain, Christian Kuhns; first lieutenant, Augustus Zug; second lieutenant, John B. Alexander; sergeants, John S. Lyne, Barnet Shafer, John W. Keeney and John S. Low; corporals, Charles F. Sanno, Charles H. Foulk, Thomas D. Caldwell and John T. Sheaffer. It be- came Company C of the Ninth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, under the command of Col. Henry C. Longnecker, of Allentown.

Eleven days after its muster into service, viz., May 4, this regiment was sent for drill purposes to West Chester, where it remained in Camp Wayne till the 26th, when it was transferred to Wilmington, Del., to aid the loyal people of that State. Returning by way of Carlisle June 6, it was attached at Chambersburg to the Fourth Brigade of First Division, under Col. Dixon S. Miles. It performed faithful duty in West Virginia, in the region of Martinsburg, Falling Waters and Williamsport, till July 21, when its term of service having almost expired, it returned to Harrisburg to be mustered out. Many of its men re-entered the service for a longer period.

A second company of three months' men was that enlisted at Mechanics- burg with the following organization: Captain, Jacob Dorsheimer; first lieutenant, David H. Kimmell; second lieutenant, Isaac B. Kauffman; ser- geants, George M. Parsons, Benjamin Dull, Samuel F. Swartz and David R. Mell; corporals, Theophilus Mountz, Wm. H. Crandall, John G. Bobb, and Levi M. Coover. It was designated Company C, and was attached to the Six- teenth Regiment, under Col. Thomas A. Zeigle of York. It also belonged to the Fourth Brigade under Col. Miles, and had the same experiences as the company from Carlisle. When its term of service had expired, it was the first company from the Keystone State to re-enlist.

RESERVE REGIMENTS.

First Reserve. On the 20th of April, 1861, Gov. And. G. Curtin recom- mended to the Special Legislature of Pennsylvania, "the immediate organiza- tion, disciplining and arming of at least fifteen regiments of cavalry and in- fantry, exclusive of those called into the service of the United States." In harmony with this suggestion, a law was passed, authorizing a body of soldiers known as the " Reserve Volunteers Corps of the Commonwealth," to consist of thirteen regiments of infantry and one each of cavalry and artillery, and to be mustered for three years or during the war, for State or National service.

Under this call, the Carlisle Light Infantry, in existence since 1784, was reorganized and mustered in June 8, 1861, with the following commissioned and non-commissioned officers: Captain, Robert McCartney; first lieu- tenant, Joseph Stuart; second lieutenant, Thomas P. Dwynn; sergeants, John A. Waggoner, Andrew J. Reighter, Robert McManus and Abram Heiser; corporals, John A. Blair, William Corbett, Frederick Deemer, Frederick K. Morrison and Daniel Askew.

111

HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

Capt. McCartney resigning in August, 1861, his position was taken in Oet- ober following by Lieut. Dwynn, who was killed at South Mountain Septem- ber 14. 1562. His successor was F. B. MeManns, who retained command till the company was mnstered out, June 13, 1864. Lieut. Joseph Stuart was killed nt Gaines' Mill. June 27. 1562, and was succeeded by John A. Crowl, who was promoted from the ranks through the intermediate grades.

The Carlisle Guards, a second organization, was mustered June 10, with the following officers: Captain. Lemuel Todd: first lieutenant, George W. Cropp: second lieutenant, Isaiah H. Graham: sergeants, Wm. B. Wolf, James Broderiek, Robert B. Smiley. George A. Keller: corporals, T. B. Kauffman, Isaac Gorgas, J. T. Bailey and Levi H. Mullen.

These companies became Companies H and I respectively. of the Thirtieth Regiment, under the command of E. Biddle Roberts, colonel; H. M. MeIntyre, lieutenant colonel, and Lemuel Todd, major. The promotion of Capt. Todd to the majorship gave the position of captain to George W. Cropp. The place was subsequently filled. also, by T. B. Kauffman and Isaiah Graham. After the battle of Bull Run, the Thirtieth Regiment was ordered to Washing- ton, but stopping at Annapolis, it performed such efficient service in guarding railroad communication and preventing the smuggling of supplies into the South. as to olicit special mention by Gen. John A. Dix. On August 30, the regiment was sent, via Washington, to Tennallytown. Md., where it united with other reserves under Gen. MeCall. During the autumn and winter of 1561, it engaged in the Virginia campaign, near Dranesville, Manassas Junc- tion and Fredericksburg. In the engagements at Mechanicsville and Gaines' Mill, during the Peninsular campaign of 1862. the command suffered heavily, losing some fourteen killed and about fifty wounded. Among the former was Lient. Stuart of Company H. Subsequently, at Centreville and South Mountain. the regiment met its former foes and achieved new snecesses.

The same year it engaged in the severely contested battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg, and the following year was a part of the grand army which, at Gettysburg, turned the fate of the Confederacy July 1-3, 1863. Its services continned with the Army of the Potomac through the campaign of 1863 and early 1864 till June 13, when it was mustered out at Philadelphia. Its muster. rolls, originally, had 1.084 men. Of this number, 139 were lost by sickness and death on the field of battle, 233 were wounded, 258 were discharged for disa- bility, and 148 re-enlisted as veterans.

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.

Author: Publication date: Publisher: W. Taylor Number of Pages: 1280

Author:
Publication date:
Publisher: W. Taylor
Number of Pages: 1280