History of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Part 47

Author: Bean, Theodore Weber, 1833-1891, [from old catalog] ed; Buck, William J. (William Joseph), 1825-1901
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1534

USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > History of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania > Part 47

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Matthias Y. Sheffey, first sergeant ; Isaac Arb, second sergeant ; Josiah Christman, Jonas Yost, James Christman, musicians ; John Rees, George Sheetz, Joseph Moyer, Joseph T. Miller, William Benter, George Ben- ter, Isaac Linderman, Joshua Smith, Eli Shallkap, Oliver Kugler, Joha Smith, Jacob Hetflefinger, Benjamin F. Yost, Daniel Shallkap, William Boyer. Samuel Keeley, James Barlow, James Linderman, Reuben Moyer, Edward Kucher, Jerome Ruth, privates.

UNION RIFLE COMPANY, UPPER DUBLIN.

Robert Pollard, captain ; Vincent P. Montanua, first lieutenant ; Sllas A. Cope, second lieutenant.

Non-Commissioned Officers, Musicians and Privates.

Jacob ITess, Thomas P. Bright, George Rushion, Frederick Greea, Josiah A. Bright, Michael Dougherty, William George, Allen Thomas, George Shuster, William Acuff, Joseph Stillwell, Henry Shaffer, Jacob Shaffer, Abraham Lightcap, Martin Jones, William Neeman, James Mc- Adams, Lewis Langdale, Daniel Gilbert, George A. Henk, Jacob Hoff- man, Charles Stillwell, Samuel Evans, John Weeks.

RECAPITULATION.

Com. Officers.

Noa-Com. Officers and Mea.

First Troop Cavalry.

Second Troop Cavalry

Union Grey Artillerists

First National Dragoons

New Hanover Artillerists

Goschenhoppen Grays.

Washington Gray Artillerists

Montgomery Gnards

Sumneytown Artillerists

Lafayette Blues

Pennsylvania Defenders

Union Rifle Company .

Total

349

The Mexican War .- There was no company or regimental organization from Montgomery County that took part in the Mexican war; no publication of the names of those volunteering from the county has been preserved. Among those who entered the service of the United States at the time from Mont- gomery County was Andrew H. Tippen. He was ap- pointed and commissioned first lieutenant in the Eleventh Regiment of United States Infantry, and served with distinction. He survived the conflict, and served as colonel in the Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers during the great Rebellion. George Lower and his brother, Henry Lower, of Springfield town- ship, served as volunteers.

Henry died the first day of the battle of Cerro Gordo of brain-fever, and was buried at "Plan Del Rio," or the River of the Plains. His remains were subsequently brought home by his brother George, and interred in the graveyard at St. Thomas' Episco- pal Church, Whitemarsh. Joseph Cleaver and Michael Dougherty were enlisted in the Mountain Howitzer Battery. Cleaver is dead, and the present residence of Dougherty is unknown. Benjamin Ehler, of Montgomery County, enlisted in the Eleventh Regular Infantry, and still survives a resident of Springfield township.

Louis Monsert enlisted in the Second Pennsylvania

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THE GREAT REBELLION.

Regiment, and survives. He is at this time a resi- dent of Norristown, Pa. Mr. Monsert enlisted from Reading, Berks County, Pa. Albert Arthur enlisted and served in the same command with George and Henry Lower. He also survives, and is at this date a resident of Montgomery township. There are doubtless a number of others who served their country in this war, from Montgomery County, but no record of them or their services is obtainable.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE GREAT REBELLION.

THE violent conflict of political opinion which cul- minated in a breach of the public peace on the 19th of April, 1861, was sectional in its character. The cause which evoked the long and acrimonions dis- eussion involved a system of civilization with ques- tionable commercial values, and the overthrow of domestic institutions to which the people of the Southern States had become attached by interest, in- clination and climate. An " irrepressible conflict " suddenly became an " impending crisis," followed by the shock of arms. Northern statesmen of rare sagaeity and long experience in public life were blinded by their delusive hopes, and predicted a short struggle ' and easy triumph over the insurgents. The haughty and impetuous spirit of Southern leaders underrated the sturdy manhood and marvelous resources of the North, and, with more zeal than prudence, precipitated hostilities, the magnitude of which awakened the civ- ilized powers of the world to the importance of the conflict. Both sections sadly failed in their estimate of the relative strength and endurance of the combat- ants. The South obtained an early advantage in the first battles fought, and entitled themselves to the rights of belligerents, compelling the national govern- ment to treat with them as equals in war. The | being residents of the rural districts, had bastened to doctrine of a peaceable dissolution of the national town, signed the roll, and, returning to bid the dear ones good-by, thoroughly aroused the plain country- folks, hundreds of whom came trooping into town, " to see them off." government, intended by its founders to be perpet- ual, was strangely confounded with the rights of rev- olution, and dissenting minorities, to fatally obstruct the popular will as expressed by the national legisla- ture, naturally took refuge behind the indefinite reserved powers of the States. A well-marked differ- ence of opinion always existed in reference to the Constitution of the United States, and interpretations of the fundamental law by courts of last resort were not always accepted by the people as final. Early instances of the spirit of revolt, incident to all new forms of government, were experienced in the Shay Rebellion of 1784, in the Whiskey Insurrection of 1791, the Hartford Convention of 1814, and the at- tempted nullification of 1833. Slight wrongs, real or imaginary, such as induced violence and resistance to

the existing government, readily yielded to wise coun- I cils and the prompt suppressive measures of the national government. But when a great evil, such as the enslavement of four millions of human beings, became a subject of political controversy, sectionaliz- ing thirty millions of people ; the North uncompro- mising in its hostility to the institution, the South wedded to it; the North insisting, by its majorities, upon union and universal freedom, the South fiercely maintaining the right to peacably seccde and estab- lish a rival republic,-these conflicting theories, agitated by astute statesmen through a formation period of fifty years, without significant or well settled precedent,-in view of such a contention, it will not, perhaps, be the subject of historical amazement that amicable adjustment defied the best efforts of political economists, and that brutal and terrible agencies of war were necessarily invoked to settle the dispute and vindicate the right.

The part taken by the people of Montgomery County during the four years' hostilities will possibly never be fully told. The novel and exciting ex- perience of those who responded to the first call of President Lincoln for three months' troops was memorable, if not so important as that which resulted from the long terms of enlistments following the dis- aster at Bull Run on the 21st day of July, 1861. The great uprising of the North which quickly succeeded the fall of Fort Sumter was a national impulse, and the movement of men to the defense of the capital was through an excited and indignant populace. Great as the perils of war were known to be, they were extravagantly magnified at the time, and the anxiety and solicitude for those who were the first to march was shown by every household in the county. Few among those who witnessed the memorable scene of the departure of the Fourth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers from Norristown, on the morning of April 20, 1861, will ever forget the event. The several companies from the borough had been hastily re- cruited to their maximum. Many of the members

Fort Sumter had fallen, its brave defenders had gallantly resisted the skillfully devised preparations made for its reduction, the flag of our country had been shot down, and although not a single man of the garrison had been killed, yet the loyal manhood of the North felt that the great wrong and insult must be promptly avenged. No response to country's call was ever more promptly made by more patriotic nien than those who filled the first quota of seventy-five thousand troops. True it is, in the light of the ter- rible struggle that subsequently ensued, the service now seems inconsiderable, but history will always accord to those who were first in the field of peril a

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

distinguished honor. Those who were present when the regiment was in line in front of the court-house surrounded by thousands of our best citizens and the families of those in the ranks, will recall the intense excitement that prevailed. The painful solicitude of the hour was deepened as the impassioned and elo- quent words of the Hon. Daniel Smyser, then presi- dent judge of the district, fell upon attentive ears from the steps of the court-yard. The word country had a new and deeper significance for the men of that generation than was ever felt before. The beautiful flag presented to these gallant men by the ladies of the county was felt to symbolize hopes and interests paramount to all other considerations, and for the time being all difference of political opinion was sub- ordinated to an exalted love of country. Men of all political opinions were requested to "put ont their flags," and it is due to truth to say that in deference to public sentiment, that stood not upon trifles, the request was complied with. The youth and manhood of the county were well represented in the rank and file of the command, and after receiving the public assurance of magistrate and people that their conduct was commended, and come what might, they would receive the hearty support of their friends, they wheeled into column, and to the quick time of stir- ring martial music, amidst the ringing of bells, the cheers of thousands of men, and tokens of love and admiration of their devoted countrywomen, they marched through the town to Bridgeport, where they took the cars for Harrisburg. The following con- densed statement contains the material facts of the short experience of the organization :

Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers .- The Fourth Volunteer Regiment originated in the First Regiment, Second Brigade, Second Division of the State militia, organized under the militia act of 1858. It consisted of six companies and had a full regimental organization, the officers holding State commissions. In response to the call of the Presi- dent, a public meeting was held at Norristown, Mont- gomery Co., on the 16th of April, at which the feeling of patriotic devotion to the cause of the government was emphatically displayed, and resolutions were passed pledging assistance to the families of such as volunteered. On the following day the services of the militia regiment were tendered to the Governor for the term of three months, and were accepted on con- dition that the command would report in Harrisburg within four days. The officers immediately com- nienced the enrollment of recruits, and at the expira- tion of the time appointed some six hundred men from Montgomery County and vicinity were ready to move.

The excitement and gloom incident to their de- parture can only be felt by a people unused to war. All business was suspended, and the whole population appeared upon the streets. Flags were provided by the ladies of Norristown, which were presented with

appropriate ceremonies. On Saturday, April 20th, the command proceeded by rail to Harrisburg, and reached Camp Curtin at two o'clock P.M. It was the intention to have remained in camp till a sufficient number of men could have been procured from Mont- gomery County to fill the regiment to its maximum number; but the urgent necessities of the govern- ment rendered this purpose impracticable, and orders were issued to form a regiment immediately from such companies as were in camp. This order had the effect to change the command from a militia to a volunteer organization.

An election was accordingly held, which resulted in the choice of the same field officers as those hold- ing the militia commissions, which were as follows: John F. Hartranft, of Norristown, colonel; Edward Schall, of Norristown, lientenant-colonel; Edwin Schall, of Norristown, major. Charles Hunsicker was appointed adjutant.

Scarcely was the organization completed when marching orders were received. Leaving Camp Cur- tin on the evening of the 21st of April, the regiment proceeded by rail to Philadelphia, where it was ordered by General Patterson to report to Colonel Dare, of the Twenty-third. Taking one company of his own and the Fourth Regiment, Colonel Dare proceeded by rail to Perryville, Md., and took posses- sion of the town, making such disposition of the troops as would prevent a surprise.

On the following day General Patterson ordered the regiment to proceed without delay to Washington. Immediate application was made to Colonel Dare for transportation by steamer to Annapolis, the route by Baltimore being then closed. Not feeling secure from capture, Colonel Dare only gave transportation for one wing of the regiment, which embarked under command of Colonel Hartranft. Arriving at Annap- olis, the troops were disembarked and quartered in the buildings belonging to the Naval Academy, by order of Major-General Butler, then in command of the town. The left wing, under command of Major Schall, was detained several days at Perryville for the security of the port.

It was expected that the men would be fully clothed, armed and equipped at Harrisburg before marching. But when the urgent appeals came from Washington for troops, it was not the time for the patriotic citizen- soldier to hesitate, and the regiment marched without uniforms or equipments, the men being armed with muskets, and provided with ammunition, which they were obliged to carry in their pockets. Clothing was sent to the regiment on the 28th of April, but not until some time in June were proper uniforms supplied.

In pursuance of orders, the regiment proceeded, on the 8th of May, to Washington, and was quartered in the Assembly buildings and in a church near by. Transportation and camp and garrison equipage not having been supplied by the State or national govern- ment, the regiment was prevented from going into

GEN. JNO, F. HARTRANFT.

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THE GREAT REBELLION.

camp. The close confinement of the men in crowded quarters soon produced its legitimate results. Sick- ness, which, .up to this time, had been scarcely known in the regiment, now began to prevail to a considera- ble extent. As soon as tents were received it was at once established in camp, about two miles from the city, toward Bladensburg. When the necessary equip- age was furnished regimental drills and inspections were commenced, and vigorous measures taken to make the regiment effective. On the 24th of June it was ordered to Alexandria, in anticipation of an attack by the enemy, and was soon after placed in camp on Shuter's Hill, where the regular drills and inspections were resnmed.

On Sunday, June 30th, at two o'clock in the morn- ing, the pickets of the regiment, stationed on the old Fairfax road, under command of Lieutenant M. R. Mc- Clennan, were attacked by about thirty of the enemy. They were repulsed by our pickets, only three in num- ber, who killed Sergeant Haines, previously a clerk in the Treasury Department at Washington. Threeothers of our pickets on the outer post, intending to go to the rescue of their comrades, came in contact with the en- emy's force, in which Thomas Murray was killed and Llewelyn Rhumer was severely wounded. The third, dropping upon the ground, escaped without injury, the enemy, in the excitement and darkness, passing over him. The trails of blood, discovered in the morning, showed that they had likewise suffered in the encounter.

The evidences on every hand pointed unmistakably to an early advance of the army. Inspections were careful and minute. All surplus baggage was sent to the rear, together with knapsacks and overcoats, the men retaining only their blankets. The Fourth Regi- ment was assigned to the First Brigade, Third Divi- sion 1 of MeDowell's army. The division moved from camp by the Fairfax road, reaching Sangster's Station on Thursday evening. The enemy set fire to his stores and retreated, as the column advanced. Firing was heard in the direction of Blackburn's Ford, occa- sioned by Colonel Richardson's reconnoissance in that direction. On Friday the division moved to Centre- ville, where the entire army of McDowell lay en- camped. On Saturday, the 20th of July, the question of muster out was freely agitated, the term of enlist- ment expiring on the following day. Desirous of re- taining the regiment in his command till the antici- pated battle should be fought, General McDowell issued an order, making the following appeal :

"The General commanding has learned with regret that the time of service of the Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, is about to

expire. The services of the regiment have been so important, its good conduct so general, its patience under privation so constant, its state of efficiency so good, that its departure at this time can only be considered an important loss to the army. Fully recognizing the right of the regiment to its discharge and payment, at the time agreed upon, the agreement of the government in this respect, the General command- ing, nevertheless, requests the regiment to continue in service for a few days longer, pledging that the time of muster out of service shall not exceed two weeks. Such members of the regiment, as do not accede to this request will be placed under the command of proper officers, to be marched to the rear, nmstered out of service, and paid, as soon as possible, after the expiration of the term of service."

Differences of opinion prevailed in the regiment upon the question of compliance with this request. While many were willing to re-enlist for two weeks longer, some were desirons of being mustered out in accordance with their contract with the government. When it was ascertained that unanimity of sentiment was not likely to be secured, it was decided by the commanding general that to break up the organiza- tion and to take a fragment of the regiment into battle would not be prudent; orders were accordingly issued for its muster out of service. Several causes conspired to create an aversion to remaining. The regiment had been subject, during its service, to hardships which are, perhaps, inseparable from new and hasty organi- zation, but which bore somewhat heavily upon the men, a detail of which it is unnecessary here to give. It was at a time, too, when great activity prevailed in the organization of new regiments for the three years' service, the officers of this regiment having already taken steps for making new organizations, in which considerable strife was manifested to get the trained men. Their decision was, accordingly, made more with reference to their own advantage and that of their officers than to any ulterior results.

General MeDowell, when he found himself defeated in the battle which ensued, looking about for some causes to which he could attribute his failure, towards the close of his official report drags in this regiment for a share of blame, to whose service he had no more rightful claim, and whose conduct he conld no more justly censure, than that of the regiment a week or a month earlier discharged.

The subsequent history of the men composing this regiment dispels any doubt that may, at the time, have been raised of the rectitude of their intentions Under the command of the lieutenant colonel, it marched to Washington, from whence it was taken by rail to Harrisburg, where it was soon after mustered out of service. But measures were immediately taken for the organization of new regiments, in which the men immediately enlisted for the war, and fully attested on the bloody fields of Fredericksburg and Antietam, and in numberless hard-fought battles of the war, their patriotism and their valor.

The colonel of the regiment (since major general), John F. Hartranft, desiring to remain with the army of MeDowell, offered his services, and was assigned to duty on the staff of Colonel Franklin, commanding the First Brigade. In the terrible ordeal to which the division of Ileintzelman was exposed, and when the

1 Organization of First Brigade Colonel W. B. Franklin, Third Division, Colonel S. P. Heintzelman (the three brigades of the division were commanded respectively by Colonels W B. Franklin, O. O. Howard and O. B. Wilcox) .-- Rich.et's Battery of the First United States Artillery ; Fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, Colonel Lawrence ; Eleventh Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, Colonel Clark ; First Regiment Minnesota Volunteers, Colonel Gorman ; Fourth Regiment Pennsyl- vania Volunteers. Colonel Hartranft.

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

regiments were broken and disorganized by the heat of the enemy's fire, Colonel Hartranft rendered inval- uable aid in hokling the men to their duty, and in raHying the regiments which had been thrown into confusion.

Captain Cook, of Company K, also remained, serv- ing on the staff of Colonel David Hunter, and was officially commended for his gallantry.

FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS.

John F. Ilartranft, col. ; Edward Schall, col .; Edwin Schall, maj. ; Charles Hunsicker, adjt. ; W. II. Yerkes, q mn. ; James B. Dunlap, surg. ; Charles W. Rodgers, assist .- surg. ; T. W. McDaniels, chapl. ; Martin Malony, sergt .- maj. ; William MI. Mintzer, q.m .- sergt.

REGIMENTAL BAND.

D. II. Stubblebine (leader), Edmund Smith, Alfred Caldwell, Samuel Weis, Georgr Evans, Daniel Ruch, Ephraim Hale, James Longan, Jacob F. Ganger, Alphens Mixell, John Peterman, Andrew Peterman, Han- mond Winters, William Gibson.

COMPANY A.

Recruited at Norristown, Montgomery Co. Mustered in April 20, 1861. William J. Bolton, capt. ; Joseph K. Bolton, Ist lieut. ; William S. Ens- ley, 2d lient. ; Abraham L. Ortlip, 3d lient. ; George W. Guss, Ist sergt. ; John A. Wills, 2d sergt. ; Thomas B. Garner, 3d sergt .; William T. Roberts, 4th sergt. ; Samnel S. Fries, Ist corp. ; George Keen, 2d corp. ; C. Jones Iredell, 3dl corp. ; Charles A. Yost, 4th corp. ; William A. Lam- bert, Samnel G. Dond, musicians.

Privates.

Samuel Aikens, John Brookes, Edwin Boyer, David D. Bath, Benjamin Banks, George T. Carpenter, George Culp, John Deem, James M. Dond, George W. Dehaven, William C. Ensley, William P. Earle, Jonathan T. Ely, Jonathan B. Ellis, Augustus Feather, John P. Fitzgerald, Charles H. Fitzgerald, Sylvester Garner, Theodore Gilbert, Abraham Hartranft, Joseph Holt, John Jordan, John M. Johnson, Major L. Jenkins, John Jones, Benjamin F. Knipe, Henry S. Kelley, John S. Kelley, Thomas Kelley, Abraham H. Kirkbride, John Kanause, George II. Kulp, Elijah Lewis, Michael Lightcap, John S. Moore, William L. Mather, Joseph Ri. Moyer, William McCoy, James MeCartney, William B. Nungesser, Reese Pugh, John Richards, Robert Roberts, George MI. Randall, Thomas J. Reiff, Jacob Robbins, John Shoffuer, George W. Shoffner, John Y. Shain- line, Mifflin Smedley, James C. Saylor, Josiah Saylor, Charles Sntch, Henry II. Shainline, Abraham B. Sutch, Jacob R. Stephens, James Spencer, Henry S. Smith, Adun R. Slemmer. Theodore Selah, Isaiah Smedley, Valentine Schrack, Mathias T. Server, William II. Shamline, Benjamin Thompson, Henry Tippen.

COMPANY B.

Recruited at Norristown, Montgomery Co. Mustered in April 20. 1861. Robert E. Taylor, capt. ; Thomas Magee, Ist lieut. ; M. Robert M'Clen- nan, 2d lieut. ; Lane S. Hart, 1st sergt. ; William 11. Griffith, 20 sergt. ; Lorenzo D. Shearer, 3d sergt. ; George M. Culer, 4th sorgt. ; Joseph C. Reed ; David W. Roberts, Ist rorp. ; Thomas C. Simpson, 2d corp. ; John H. Kirkbride, 3d corp .; Israel W. Hart, 4th corp.

Privates.

deo. F. Altemus, Jacob Alker, James Ashburn, Howard Bruce, Jeremiah W. Buck, Isaiah B. Buck, Egbert B. Buzby, Jho M. Boyer, Harrison Bickle, Daniel W. Clemer, John H. Conlston, George N. Corson, Sammel 11. Detweiler, Charles Earls, John E. Essick, Charles B. Evans, Thomas S. Ewing, Allen HI. Fillman, J. Isett Freedley, Charles E. Frease, Jacob Fitzwater, Robert Grimes, Ellridge G. Griffith, James W. Hahn, Philip Ilalın, Jr., Ivens R. Hansell, James B. Hechner, John Heenan, Frank A. Hart, Edward Hocker, Henry C. Hughes, Davis Innsicker, George W. Henderson, John R. Jacobs, Henry Jacobs, Ferdinand P. Kirkbride, Sam- uel A. Kugler, Charles A. Keyser, Daniel Linker, Enos Mowder, Sammel Markley, Samuel Miller, J. Benton Major, William Montgomery, Court- land McCarte, Marshall McCarte, Samnel C. MeCombs, William Neiman, William W. Owen, John Rodenbangh, George A. Reiff, Charles A. Reiff, William S. Rapine, Samuel P. Stephens, John Spencer, Adam J. Schrack, Samuel R. Shupe, Lewis J. Syrkle, Samuel J. Shearer, Paul .1. Smith, Barclay Thomas, John M. II. Tomlinson, James H. Wilson, Ben- jamin Young.

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History of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Part 47

Author: Bean, Theodore Weber, 1833-1891, [from old catalog] ed; Buck, William J. (William Joseph), 1825-1901 Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1534

Author: Bean, Theodore Weber, 1833-1891, [from old catalog] ed; Buck, William J. (William Joseph), 1825-1901
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1534