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 33

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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 33
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 33

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Seventh Reserve .- A company known as the Carlisle Fencibles, was ready for service in April. 1861. With a beautiful satin flag, bearing the motto, "May God Defend the Right," the gift of Mrs. Samuel Alexander, grand- daughter of Col. Ephraim Blaine, the company left Carlisle, on June 6. for Westchester, its organization consisting of the following officers : Captain, Robert MI. Henderson: first lieutenant. James S. Colwell: second lieutenant, Erkwries Beatty; orderly sergeant, John D. Adair.

Capt. Henderson, wounded both at Charles City Cross Roads and Bull Ruu, was promoted to lieutenant colonel. July 4, 1862, his position being filled by Lieut. J. S. Colwell. The latter being killed at Antietam, September 17. 1862. Lieut. Beatty became captain, Samuel V. Ruby and D. W. Burkholder became first and second lieutenants, respectively.

Almost simultaneous with the organization of this company, one was raised at Mechanicsburg, with Joseph Totten as captain: Jacob T. Zug. as first and Geo. W. Comfort as second lieutenant, and John W. Cook as first sergeant Capt. Totten was promoted to lieutenant-colonel soon after the departure of the company, and was followed by Henry I. Zinn, who, resigning November 30.

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was succeeded by Samnel King. The latter remained with the company till it was mustered out June 16, 1864. Jacob Zug lost an arm by a wound Decem- ber 30, 1862, when he resigned as first lieutenant and was followed by Jacob Heffelfinger. George W. Comfort was killed at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.

These companies, on their arrival at Camp Wayne, became Companies A and H of the Seventh Regiment of Reserves, whose officers were: Colonel Elisha B. Harvey. of Wilkes Barre; lieutenant-colonel, Joseph Totten; major, Chauncey A. Lyman, of Lock Haven. The regiment was ordered to report to Washington, D. C., where on the 27th of July, it was mustered into the United States Service, and finally attached to the Brigade of Reserves under command of Gen. George G. Meade. Having spent the autumn and winter in north- ern Virginia, the regiment was given active service in the Peninsular cam- paign. At Gaines' Mill it was called upon to meet an impetuous attack on Butterfield's artillery. Though met by overwhelming numbers it saved the caissons, Capt. King, however, being taken prisoner with twenty of his men. The loss of the regiment was large, embracing about one-half of its effective force. In the succeeding seven days' fighting, June 26 to July 2, it was con- tinually occupying posts of danger and death, the muster revealing the fact that the loss was 301, embracing, among the wounded, Capt. Henderson and Lieuts. Zug and Beatty, and that only about 200 of the men who started on the campaign were ready for duty. Promotions changed the stations of officers, and Capt. Henderson became lieutenant-colonel.

In August following this brigade was sent to the Rappahannock, and joined to the Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by Gen. Pope. At Groveton, after two days' severe skirmishing, the regiment was engaged in a spirited battle, with heavy loss and the wounding of Col. Henderson. It followed the Army of the Potomac again, under command of Gen. Mcclellan, the successor of Pope, to Washington; thence through western Maryland to South Mountain and Antietam. At the latter place (September 17), the Seventh took an im- portant part, but suffered heavily in killed and wounded. The explosion of a shell either killed or wounded mortally, Capt. Colwell and Privates John Gallio, Leo Faller, David Spahr and Wm. Culp of Company A.

A few months later, viz., December 12, it participated in Gen. Burnside's unsuccessful attack upon the Rebels at Fredericksburg. Crossing the river in the face of the enemy, it was subjected to a galling fire from Stuart's battery; but moving up the height, leaping ditches, it penetrated Longstreet's lines, capturing and sending back more than 100 prisoners. Though finally repulsed, the captures by soldiers of Company A alone embraced the swords of three rebel captains and the battle-flag of a Georgia regiment. Corp. Cart was given a medal for capturing the colors. The losses to the regiment were heavy, embracing 6 killed, 72 wounded and 22 missing. After this sanguinary bat- tle the regiment was called to perform duty around Washington, where it re- mained till the next spring, when it moved out on the Campaign to Richmond. In the Wilderness, near Chancellorsville, 272 officers and men, pursuing the enemy, were captured on the 2d of May, 1863. The soldiers were taken to Southern prisons, notably Andersonville and Florence, where many of them died under most pitiable circumstances. The officers, taken to Macon, were sub sequently exposed to the fire of Federal guns at Charleston, to defend the city against attack. A fragment of the regiment not captured, increased by re- cruits furnished by Capt. King of Company H, participated in the Campaign against Richmond in 1864. At the expiration of its service it was mustered out June 16, 1864 at Philadelphia.

Robert Mickey

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HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

CAVALRY SERVICE.

In 1861, Cumberland County furnished two companies of cavalry at a time when this branch of the service was fully appreciated. One of these was known as Big Spring Adamantine Guards, and had had an organized exist- ence for fifty years. It embraced IOS men, under command of Capt. S. Woodburn. After a year's service he was mustored out by special order Au- gust 28, 1862, when his position was filled by Wm. E. Miller, promoted from the second lieutenancy. The first lieutenants in order were Wm. Baughman and E. L. Cauffman. The second lieutenants in succession were Win. E. Miller, Louis R. Stille and Elwood Davis. It became a part of the Third Cavalry under command for a time of Col. Wm. H. Young. Under the rigid disci- pline of Col. W. W. Averill, at Washington, it became highly efficient, and engaged in the movement southward in March, 1862, participating in the siege of Yorktown. With Averill it participated in the severe campaigns of McClel- lan near Richmond, at Harrison's Landing, and during the Maryland invasion at Antietam.

When Col. Averill was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, the regi- ment was commanded (November, 1862) by Col. J. B. McIntosh, its operations being in Virginia mainly during the remainder of the year. When its term of service expired, a veteran battalion was formed, which participated with the Army of the Potomac in its active operations preceding, during and subsequent to the Battle of Gettysburg, where the regiment did such valiant service against Stuart's cavalry.

The second company recruited under authority of the War Department by W'm. B. Sipes, of Philadelphia, was formed in small part from Fayette, but mainly from Cumberland County. It was joined to the Seventh Cavalry with Geo. C. Wyncoop as colonel and Wm. B. Sipes as lieutenant-colonel. Of this company, David T. May, of West Fairview, was the first captain. After his death at Chickamauga, September 21, 1863, James G. Taylor became captain. His death ensuing. Wm. H. Collins assumed the place. Joseph G. Vale, of Carlisle, was first lieutenant, but in August, 1862, he was promoted captain of Company M of same regiment. This regiment was sent west to the Depart- ment of the Cumberland, where, in 1862-63, it did efficient service. It partici- pated in the Chickamauga battle, in which Lient. Vale was wounded. In 1864 most of the men re-enlisted at Huntsville, Ala. After various services in Georgia and other States. it was mustered out at Macon, Ga., August 13, 1865.

In 1562, two companies of cavalry were authorized by the Secretary of War to be organized for three years' service. They were known as H and I of the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Company H was recruited by David H. Kim- mel, afterward promoted (May 22, 1563) to be major. Wm. H. Shriver, pre- viously a first lieutenant in Company I succeeded him for half a year, when his resignation gave the position to Thomas W. Jordan. Company I was under the command of Capt. H. W. Mccullough, who was killed at Moore's Hill, Ky., June 6, 1862, and was succeeded by Wm. H. Longsdorf, who, after two years of service, became major, his former position falling to O. B. McKnight.

The regiment bore the name of "Lochiel Cavalry," and was commanded successively by Edward C. Williams, Thomas C. James and Thomas J. Jor- dan. Its service was, during the first two years, mainly in Kentucky and Ten- nessee, but subsequently with Sherman in his "march to the sea."

The Anderson Troop was an independent company which was recruited at Carlisle Barracks during the closing part of 1861, from various parts of the United States. In it were some young men from Cumberland County. Of this number, Edward B. Inhoff, of Carlisle, was a representative, being ap-

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pointed quartermaster-sergeant of the regiment. It operated in Kentucky and Tennessee, with Gens. Buell and Rosecrans, until by the latter it was ordered mustered out of service March 24, 1863.

NINE MONTHS' MEN- ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTIETH REGIMENT.

The notion was still entertained in 1862 that the war would not continue much longer, and that enlistments for a period of nine months would be suffi- cient. The One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment, with five full companies and a part of another from Cumberland County, was organized on this sup- position. In this regiment, organized August 17, 1862, were the following field officers: Colonel, Henry I. Zinn, Mechanicsburg; lieutenant-colonel, Levi Maish, York County; major, John Lee, Cumberland County.

Company A was made up at Carlisle early in the summer of 1862, and selected Wm. R. Porter as captain, which position he held during his term of service. First lieutenant was John R. Turner, who was subsequently chosen quartermaster of the regiment; second lientenant, John Hays, finally becoming first lieutenant and then regimental adjutant (February 18, 1863). John O. Halbert was, at first, its orderly sergeant and then second lieutenant. He was succeeded by Alphonso B. Beissel March 1, 1863.

Company D, recruited in and near Shippensburg, had as officers: Captain, James Kelso: first lieutenant, Samuel Patchell; and second lieutenant, Daniel A. Harris.

Company E was formed at Newville with Wm. Laughlin as captain; Joshua W. Sharp, first lieutenant; and Henry Clay Marshall, second lieutenant. Capt. Laughlin was killed at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, and Lieut. Sharp succeeded him. He was succeeded as first lieutenant by John P. Wag- ner. Henry Clay Marshall was appointed regimental adjutant August 17, 1862. First Sergt. Joseph A. Ege was promoted to be second lieutenant in place of Wagner.

Company F, from Mechanicsburg, composed largely of three months' men, had the following organization: Henry I. Zinn, captain; John B. Zinn, first lieutenant; W. A. Givler, second lieutenant; Levi M. Haverstick, first ser- geant. When Capt. Zinn was appointed colonel, August 17, Lieut. Zinn was promoted to be captain; resigning this place, March 19, 1863, he was suc- ceeded by Haverstick. Michael W. French rose from a sergeancy to first lieu- tenancy. William A. Givler was killed at Antietam, and was succeeded by M. W. French, and he by Wm. E. Zinn.

Company G was formed in and around Carlisle, with John Lee, captain; John S. Lyne, first lieutenant; Thomas D. Caldwell, second lieutenant. Lee was promoted to major; but after his resignation, February 5, 1863, was suc- ceeded by John S. Low.

Company H was seenred by Capt. John C. Hoffaker, mainly at New Cum- berland and West Fairview. The first lieutenant was George C. Marshall, and John K. McGann, second lieutenant. Capt. Hoffaker, resigning February 13, 1863, the lieutenants were regularly promoted, and Sergt. Chas. A. Hood became second lieutenant.

The day after the organization of the regiment it was sent to Washington, where it was assigned to French's division of Sumner's corps. Its first active service was in the battle of Antietam, where it lost forty killed and 256 wounded. Though new and undisciplined, its brave conduct elicited the strong commendation of Gen. French, its division commander. After camp- ing for a time at Harper's Ferry, it moved to Fredericksburg, and engaged in that sanguinary struggle, losing sixty-two killed or wounded, a large per cent

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of its depleted ranks. Among the killed were Col. Zinn and Capt. Laughlin. Lient. Huverstick was again wounded. Its next service was in the campaign around Chancellorsville, where Lient. - Col. Maish and Lieut. John Hays were wounded. Its term of enlistment having expired, the regiment was mustered out at Harrisburg ou the 21st of May, and its citizen-soldiers were welcomed home with great demonstration of feeling.

THREE YEARS' MEN.

The three months' men, already spoken of, who had served under Capts. Christian Kubus and Jacob Dorsheimer, re-enlisted and were mustered for three years' service. Christian Knhus was captain of the reorganized com- pany, and remained with it till April 2, 1863, when he was succeeded by First Lieut. James Noble. The company was known as Company A, of the Elev- enth Regiment, and served as an integral part of the Army of the Potomac in the Virginia campaigns. The second company, known as Company A, One Hundred and Seventh Regiment, of which Thomas A. Zeigle, of York, was colonel. was presided over by Capt. Dorsheimer for about a year, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Theodore K. Scheffer and Samuel Lyon. The regiment served also with the Army of the Potomac at Antietam, Chancellors- ville, Gettysburg, and in the usnal minor contests. These two Cumberland County companies, faithful from the beginning to the close of the war, having participated in the grand review at Washington May 23, 1865, were mustered ont of service with richly earned honors.

A number of men went from the county into Company A, of the One Hun- dred and First Regiment, commanded at first by Capt. David M. Armour, and afterward by James Sheafer. Active service was seen in North Carolina, where some of the men were captured and compelled to undergo the horrors of Andersonville.

In IS61 a part of a company was enlisted in Cumberland County, and joined at Harrisburg with men from Cameron County, forming Company G, of the Eighty-fourth Regiment. The company officers consisted of Capt. Mer- rick Housler, First Lieut. James W. Ingram and Second Lieut. Daniel W. Taggart. It operated in West Virginia during the early part of 1862, but par- ticipated subsequently at Bull Run (second battle). Chancellorsville, Gettys- burg, Wilderness and siege of Petersburg.

MILITIA OF 1862. '

The terrible defeat of the Union Army at the second battle of Bull Run afforded grave apprehensions of the devastation of southern Pennsylvania by Lee's soldiers. Gov. Curtin summoned 50,000, to be mustered at Harrisburg at once, to serve as protectors for the border. Everywhere did the people re- spond cheerfully to the call. Two columns, one of 15,000 at Hagerstown, and another of 25,000 ready to march from Harrisburg, if needed, attested the pa- triotic spirit of the Keystone State. Of these troops, so quiek to respond, Cumberland County furnished one regiment, which was held in service only two weeks. viz., September 11 to 25. Its officers consisted of Col. Henry Me- Cormick, Lieut .- Col. Robt. A. Lamberton and Maj. Thos. B. Bryson. The alacrity with which these troops appeared on the scene of action called forth warm praise from both Gen. McClellan and the governor of Maryland.

COMPANIES OF 1863.

Toward the close of 1862, some companies were gathered in the county, but did not get into actual service till the early part of 1863. One of these

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HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

was organized for nine months' service, with the following officers: Captain, Martin G. Hall; first lieutenant, Henry S. Crider; second lieutenant, Patrick G. McCoy. It became Company F, of the One Hundred Fifty-eighth Regi- ment, under Col. David B. Mckibben, and with its regiment served in North Carolina, principally assisting in the recovery of a Union garrison at Washing- ton from the clutches of Gen Hill; afterward it served with Gen. Meade in in the Army of the Potomac till Lee was driven across into Virginia. It was mustered out of service at Chambersburg August 12, 1863.

Company F, of the One Hundred and Sixty-second Regiment, Seventeenth Cavalry, was raised by Capt. Charles Lee, for three years. The regiment, colonels, Josiah H. Kellogg and Jamos Q. Anderson, was in Devin's (Iron) Brigade, and served with Hooker at Chancellorsville, Buford at Gettysburg, in eastern Virginia next year, with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, and with Army of Potomac when peace was declared.

Company B, of the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Regiment of drafted mi- litia, was formed in the eastern part of the county, with Abraham J. Rupp as captain, and Henry Lee as first lieutenant. It served from November, 1862, till it was mustered out July 28, 1863. There were also some men in the Eighteenth Cavalry (One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania), whose record can not be given.

COMPANIES OF 1864.

Portions of the Two Hundredth and Two Hundred and First Regiments were recruited from Cumberland County, one from the towns of West Fairview and New Cumberland. Company K, of the Two Hundred and First Regiment was mustered into service, for one year, at Harrisburg, August 29, 1864. Its officers were: Captain, Alexander C. Landis; first lieutenant, Alexander Stew- art; second lieutenant, John H. Snow; sergeants, Daniel F. Rohrer, John A. Witmer, S. G. Glauser, Henry G. Walters and Richard G. Moore; corporals, George Shields, Hiram C. Senseny, W. A. Clugh, Theo. Artz, Wm. H. Tritt J. O. M. Butts, Geo. McCormick and Thos. V. Baker ; musicians, Wm. W. Snyder, Jos. H. Snyder, Henry Dumbaugh and Henry Graves. This company was formed from Shippensburg and vicinity. The two regiments operated largely in eastern Virginia, and performed meritorious service.

Companies G, H and part of Company D, of the One Hundred and Second Regiment were formed from the county, and were commanded, respectively, by Capts. David Gochenauer, John P. Wagner and S. C. Powell. The regi- ment guarded the Manassas Gap Railroad, to keep it open for carrying army supplies.

Companies A and F, of the Two Hundred and Ninth Regiment, were mustered September 16, 1864, under Capts. John B. Landis and Henry Lee. Its colonel, Tobias B. Kauffman, Capt. Lee and Lieut. Hendricks, with nine- teen men, were captured November 17, while defending the picket line, and were held prisoners till the close of the war. The regiment remained in active service till the close of the Rebellion by Lee's surrender.

BUSINESS MEN IN THE ARMY.

The public men of the county took an active part in support of the Govern- ment during the war. Particularly was this true of the legal profession. Says Dr. Wing, in his History of Cumberland County, p. 137: "At the very first call, when the example of prominent men was of peculiar importance, a large number of these gentlemen promptly gave in their names and entered in most instances as privates until they were promoted to office. Ignorant as

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HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

they all were of military drill, they at once submitted to the instruction of a sergeant at Carlisle Barracks, and as soon as possible left their pleasant homes for the severities of an ill-supplied and perilous service. In most cases this was at the sacrifice of health and sometimes of life, and they were intelligent enough to know beforehand what these sacrifices were likely to be. They were not alone, for they were accompanied by many in every walk of life. Among them were R. M. Henderson, John Lee, Lemuel Todd, A. Brady Sharpe, Christian P. Humrich, C. McGlaughlin, George S. Emig, C. P. Corn- man, Joseph G. Vale, Wm. E. Miller, J. Brown Parker, Wm. M. Penrose, Joseph S. Colwell, S. V. Ruby, Wm. D. Halbert, D. N. Nevin, J. B. Landis, John Hays and J. M. Weakley. These took their places, not in some single company or regiment to which special eclat might be awarded, but wherever their lot happened to fall. As, however, the companies belonging to the One Hundred and Thirtieth were in process of formation at that time, most of them were connected with that regiment."

REPRESENTATIVES IN REGULAR ARMY.

Thus far the records have shown the work of men in volunteer service. Cumberland County had an honorable representation in the regular army, among whom we can specify the following only briefly :

Samnel Sturgis, born at Shippensburg in 1822, and graduated at West Point, served through the Mexican war with distinction, gave valuable aid afterward in suppressing hostile Indians, and with increasing and deserved promotions to the rank of brigadier-general, aided greatly in quelling the great Rebellion.

Washington L. Elliott, whose father, Com. Jesse D. Elliott, was second in command at the naval battle at Lake Erie September 10, 1813, was born at Carlisle in 1825. After three years' study in Dickinson College, he graduated at West Point in 1844. With the rank of second lieutenant he served effi- ciently in the Mexican war, and among the Indians with the rank of first lieutenant and captain. He served during the late Rebellion, with the ranks of major, colonel and brigadier general, in both the Eastern and Western Armies. In all the stations to which he was assigned, he demonstrated him- self to be an able and trustworthy commander.

John R. Smead was born in IS30 and graduated from West Point in 1851. When the war of the Rebellion began he was employed with Prof. Bache on the coast survey. He entered the artillery service, and as captain of a battery in the Fifth Artillery, he participated in the campaign around Richmond and in the second battle of Bull Run. At the latter place he was struck and killed by a ten-pound cannon ball, August 31, 1862.

Alexander Piper, graduate of West Point in 1851, and an associate of Smead, served through the Rebellion in various responsible positions, having attained the rank of captain and become Smead's successor after the battle of Bull Run. He died October 30, 1876.

LEE'S INVASION IN 1863.

The most exciting period of the war to the Cumberland Valley was that connected with the invasion of 1863. The devastating and demoralizing fea- tures of war were brought home to the citizen engaged in the lawful pursuits of every-day life. The advance of the enemy to the l'otomac in the region of Williamsport or Harper's Ferry was always a signal for a stampede along the valley in the direction of Harrisburg. Money and other valuables were removed, horses and cattle were driven ont of the country for their own safety and to

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HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

prevent giving aid to the Rebels, and a general restlessness and anxiety took possession of the people. When in May, 1863, after the defeat of Hooker's army at Chancellorsville, Gen. R. E. Lee made requisition on the Confederate commissary department for rations for his hungry men, he was answered, "If the General wants provisions, let him go and look for them in Pennsylvania." He came. On the 20th of June, Gen. Ewell's corps began to cross the Poto- mac at Williamsport and commenced to move in the direction of Harrisburg. Chambersburg was reached by a portion of Ewell's corps on the 23d, Gen. R. S. Ewell himself arriving on the 24th.

Gradually the troops marched along the valley, occupying Shippensburg on the 25th, and reaching Carlisle on Saturday, the 27th.

When the alarm of the Rebel approach was first sounded, companies of civilians were organized by Capts. Martin Kuhn, John S. Low, A. Brady Sharpe, David Block and Robert Smiley. These companies embraced the best elements of the community, the pastors of the Episcopal and the Reformed Churches entering as privates. In connection with these militia companies, Capt. W. H. Boyd, First New York Cavalry, with 200 of his men, performed picket duty.

As Gen. A. G. Jenkins' advance of 400 cavalry came toward town, these companies fell back. Jenkins was met en route by Col. William M. Penrose and Robert Allison, assistant burgess, and was requested to make no dash upon the town lest a panic among the women and children might ensue. He entered in good order, his men being on the alert against surprise. He demanded of the place supplies for men and horses. The citizens responded generously, and the provisions were stored in the stalls of the market house. A good supply of corn was also obtained from the crib of John Noble.

In the afternoon of the same day (Saturday), Rodes' and Johnson's divis- ions of Ewell's corps arrived, Early's division having crossed the mountains, via Fayetteville, to York. The band at the head of the column played "Dixie," the men conducting themselves with much decorum notwithstanding their ragged condition. Gen. Ewell established his headquarters in the barracks, he occupy- ing the dwelling of Capt. Hastings, while his staff took the adjacent buildings. The commanding general was well acquainted with the barracks and the town, having been stationed there in former years. In consequence of this acquain- tanceship, he spared the public buildings from being burned on the eve of his departure.

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

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