USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > History of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania > Part 71
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Addison Zeigler, must, in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
(DMIPANY G.
John C. Snyder, capt., must. in July 22, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1804.
Charles S. Jones, Ist lieut., must. in July 22, 1864 ; must. ont with com- pany Nov. 11, 1864.
Wihner Atkinson, 2d lieut., must, in July 22, 1864 ; must. out with com- pany Nov. 11, 1854.
William F. Fanst, Ist sergt., must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with com- pany Nov. 11, 1864.
George W. Fischer, sergt., must. in July 18, 1864 ; must, out with comt- pany Nov. 11, 1804.
George W. H. Thomas, sergt., umst. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1863.
John A. Arnold, sergt., umst. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1804.
Isaac Templin, sorgt., must. in July 18, 1864 ; must, ont with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Owen S. Lowry, corp., must. in July 18, 1864 ; must, ont with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Edwin R. W. Sockel, corp., must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. ont with com- pany Nov. 11, 1864.
John V. Meckert, corp., must. in July 18, 1864 : must. ont with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Jacob T. Comly, corp., must. in July 18, 1864 ; must, out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
James S. Cassel, corp., must. in July 18, 1864 ; must, out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Frederick W. Ilorn, corp., must. in July 18, 1864; must. ont with con- pany Nov. 11, 1864.
Peter J. Boorse, corp., must. in July 18, 1864 ; must, out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Evan Ambler, corp., must. in July 18. 1864 : must, out with company Nov. 11, 1804.
Privates.
Thomas M. Arnold, most. in July 18, 1864 ; must. ont with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Albert Atwood, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Albert Atkinson, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Stephen II. Abbott, must. in July 18, 1864 ; minst. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Franklin Bertolet, must. in July 18, 1864; minst. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
John O. Bourse, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Richard Brown, must. in July 18, 1864 ; mmust. out with company Nov 11, 1864.
Thomas J. Birkbeck, minst. in July 18, 1864 ; must, ont with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Nathaniel J. Burnham, must. in July 18, 1864 ; trans, to Co, E Ang. ], 1864,
George W. Carr, must. in July 18, 1864 ; nmst, out with company Nuv. 11, 1864.
William H. Clark, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
John Dingee, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Daniel Dooley, must. in July 18, 1864 ; mmust. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Jos. H. Eisenbrey, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
James Eldridge, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
George C. Fithian, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Andrew Flammer, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
John Foreman, must. in July 18, 1864; must. ont with company Nov. 11, 1864.
William Fulmer, must, in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Nathaniel 11. Gerhard, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
James Getty, minst. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864. William Griffith, must. in July 18, 1864; trans. Sept. 5, 1864, organi- zation unknown.
Henry Gallagher, must. in July 18, 1864.
Frank Hoagland, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
William Hattel, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1964.
John Houck, must. in July 18, 1864.
Benjamin Jones, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
James 11. Jones, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Iginis Keene, must. in .Inly 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov 11, 1864.
Henry Koeler, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must, out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Edmund J. Lehr, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Hor. M. Marquart, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Samuel M. Moore, must. in July 18, 1864; must, ont with company Nov. 11. 1864.
Samuel Morris, minst. in July 18, 1864 ; must, out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
William HI. H. McCrea, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. ont with company Nov. 11, 1864.
John McDonald, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Camil's Mckinstry, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1804.
William Nortenheim, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. ont with company Nov. 11, 1864.
James O'Brien, must, in July 18, 1864 ; must, ont with company Nov. 11, 1×64.
John O'Shay, must. in July 18, 1864 ; nmist. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Thomas E. Palmer, must. in July 18, 1864; must. ont with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Ellwood Paxson, must. in July 18, 1864; must, ont with company Nov. 11, 1864.
James Peacock, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Judson Pugh, omst. in July 18, 1864 ; must, out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Albert Reichman, must in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nor. 11, 1864.
I. Comly Rich, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
John Radly, must. in July 18, 1864; nmust. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Charles F. Rerts, Jr., must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Richard K. Roberts, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
William II. Rountree, must. in July 18, 1864 ; trans. to Co. E July 20 1804.
285
THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
William Science, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
William B. Seckel, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Benjamin Y. Shainline, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with com- pany Nov. 11, 1864.
Isaac Shoemaker, must. in July 18, 1564 ; must. ont with company Nuv. 11, 1864.
Frank Smith, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. II, 1864.
William Stinson, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Washington Supplee, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
William Tracy, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Thomas Travis, must. in July IS, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1804.
Henry Walker, must. in July 18, 1864; disch. by S. O. Dec. 21,1864. John Weaver, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Charles Weber, must. in July 18, 1864; must, out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Enos Y. Wamboll, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Henry W. Wentzel, must. in July 18, 1864; must, out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
James Wilfvog, must. in July 18, 1564; must. out with company Nov. II, 1804.
James Wood, must. in July 18, 1864; must. out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
Frank Young, must. in July 18, 1864 ; must, out with company Nov. 11, 1864.
RECAPITULATION OF COMPANIES ORGANIZED AND ACCREE- ITED TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA.
Fourth Regiment, Companies A, B, C, D, E, I, K, 90 days' term.
Fourty-fourth Regiment (First Pennsylvania Cavalry), Company B, 3 years' term.
Fifty-first Regiment, Companies A, C, D, F and 1, 3 years' term.
Fifty-third Regiment, Companies A and B, 3 years' term.
Sixty-eighth Regiment, Company H.
Ninety-third Regiment, Company G, 3 years' term. Ninety-fifth Regiment, 3 years' terni.
One Hundred and Sixth Regiment, Company G, 3 years' term.
One hundred and Twenty-ninth Regiment, Company I, 9 months' term.
One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment, Companies A, C, I and K, 3 years' term.
One Hundred and Sixtieth Regiment (Anderson Troop), 3 years' term. One Hundred and Sixty-second Regiment, Company L (Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry), 3 years' term.
One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment, Companies A and 11, 9 months' term.
One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Regiment, Companies A and G, 9 months' terni.
INDEPENDENT CAVALRY COMPANIES.
Captain Samuel W. Comly's company, organized Sept. 15, 1862; dis- charged Sept. 26, 1862.
Captain Daniel H. Mulvany's company, organized Sept. 13, 1862; dis- chargeil Sept. 27, 1862.
Captain Samuel W. Comly's company, organized June 17, 1863 ; dis- charged July 30, 1863.
INDEPENDENT CAVALRY BATTALION,
Company B, Captain Frederick Haws, organized July 2, 1863; dis- charged August 21, 1863.
PENNSYLVANIA MILITIA.
Eleventh Regiment, Companies C, D, G and H.
Seventeenth Regiment, Companies Baud G. Nineteenth Regiment, Company E.
Twenty-sixth Regiment, Company F.
Thirty-fourth Regiment, Companies B, C, E, H, I.
Forty-first Regiment, Company B.
Forty-third Regiment, Company I.
One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Regiment (one hundred days' men). Companies F and G.
SIXTH REGIMENT NATIONAL GUARD OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Headquarters located at Norristown.
John W. Schall, colonel ; Perry M. Washabangh, lieutenant-colonel ;
Thomas C. Steele, major ; Thomas J. Stewart, adjutant ; Frank B. Rhoads, quartermaster; Jos. K. Weaver, M.D., surgeon ; Wil- liam J. Ashenfelter, M.D., John A. Fell, M. D., assistant surgeons ; Clement Z. Weiser, D. D., chaplain ; Horace F. Temple, sergeant- major ; Jacob B. Stanffer, commisary-sergeant; St. Julien Ozier quartermaster-sergeant ; Huizinga C. Byers, hospital steward ; L. D. Ilyate, Charles H. Earl, principal musicians.
Company A .- Located at Pottstown. H. A. Shenton, captain; Horace Evans, first lieutenant ; William E. Schuyler, second lieutenant.
Company C .- Located at Conshohocken. William B. Nungesser, cap- tain ; Franklin Morrison, first lieutenant ; George W. Royer, second lieutenant.
Company F .- Located at Norristown. llenry Jacobs, captain ; Henry R. Souders, first lieutenant; Eugene R. Hartzell, second lieutenant.
NOTE .- There is a large number of deceased and surviving soldiers who enlisted from and were accredited to Montgomery County, but not at- tached to the company organizations of the county. The names, rank and services of these men are not so recorded in the official records of the war as to he obtained for historical purposes. We sincerely regret that they are omitted, and trust that some means will yet be taken to preserve their names and honorable service. The official records of the Grand Army of the Republic will furmsh reference to a large number of the survivors of this meritorious class of soldiers, but it will not reach the cases of our dead comrades in arms who fell in battle or died in the prisons of the South during the conflict. Among the number who fall within this class was Captain John Kline, of Company H, Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was killed at Haws' Shop, Va., May 28, 1864, and his remains repose at Barren Ilill Church under a monument dedi- cated to his memory by his patriotic friends of Whitemarsh and vicinity. llenry Rosenburg, Company K, Forty-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, died at Andersonville Prison, Ga., March 24, 1864. Captain Thomas .1. Kelly, Company G, Thirtieth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Captain John W. Moore, Company G, Sixty-sixth Pennsylvania Volun- teers.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE GRAND ARMY OF TIIE REPUBLIC.
THIS society is believed to be the first organiza- tion of its kind effected in this country or else- where. It embraces within its membership all hon- orably discharged soldiers and sailors who have served in the army and navy of the United States. Army societies, composed of surviving commissioned officers and their descendants, followed the Revolu- tion, one of which still exists, the Society of the Cin- cinnati; army and corps organizations of the war of 1812 and the Mexican war have existed for social and convivial purposes ; but none of these have been based on the principle of mutual aid in time of need, or comprehended purposes so exalted as those em- braced in the declarations of the Grand Army of the Republic, viz. : "Charity, Fraternity and Loyalty."
Like many popular movements, the inception or original organization is involved in some obscurity. It is clear, however, that its origin was in the West. Adjutant-General N. P. Chipman, in his report to the National Encampment at Cincinnati, in May, 1869, says that the originator of the Grand Army of the
286
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Republic was Colonel B. F. Stephenson, and the first post was organized at Dakota, Ill., in the spring of of 1866. Posts increased rapidly among those who had then but recently returned to their homes, and with whom the associations of army life were fresh in mind. A State Department Encampment was organ- ized in Illinois on the 12th of July, 1866. In the month of November, the same year, a National En- campment was organized at Indianapolis, with rep- resentatives present from Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, Kentucky, Indiana and the District of Columbia.
The exact time of the formation of the first post in Pennsylvania is a matter of dispute, and will likely so remain, four posts having claimed the distinction of being No. 1,-Posts 1, 2 and 19, of Philadelphia, and No. 3, of Pittsburg. The organization of the Boys in Blue, in 1866, brought many of the rank and file of the army together, but, as this movement had a parti- san signifieance, it was found to be too narrow for the muster of comrades who, differing in political convie- tions, had fought side by side through the long con- fiet and were now desirable companions in the fra- ternal union of all loyal soldiers. Quickened by the martial friendships formed during years of warfare, it was natural that the survivors should come together to recount their remarkable experiences and unite in kindly offices towards each other. The Boys in Blue of Pennsylvania early learned of the organization in the West as the Grand Army of the Republic of the United States, concerning which they made due in- quiry, and found its provisions ample for effecting a permanent society. The first charter was obtained from the national headquarters for Post No. 1, and bears date October 17, 1866; that of Post No. 2, October 29, 1866, granted by the Department of Wis- consin. An Order No. 1 was issued from head- quarters Grand Army of the Republic, Springfield, Ill., November 22, 1866, establishing a Provisional Department of Pennsylvania and designating General Louis Wagner commander. Upon assuming com- mand General Wagner issued circulars and forms of organization for posts, and the work of "mustering in" reernits was zealously commenced. Posts multi- plied rapidly, and a membership of many thousands was enrolled. The transition from the Boys in Blue to the Grand Army was so sudden that many soldiers of strong political faith and convictions were unwill- ing to believe it was not the same exclusive order of men, having the same partisan object in view. The organization was, therefore, for a time, the subject of severe criticism, which, in some instances, was seem- ingly warranted hy the injudicious utterances of thoughtless members. That the organization should suffer under these adverse circumstances was but nat- ural, and for a time it lost its hold on popular favor with the old soldiers. But time and the devotion of those interested in preserving the spirit of comrade- ship soon convinced all of its usefulness and absolute
freedom from partisanship in the public affairs of the country. Its purposes are declared to be
1st. The preservation of those kind and fraternal feelings which have lxmud together with the strong cords of love and affection the comrades in arms of many battles, siegesand marches,
2d. To make these ties available in works and results of kindness, of favor and material aid to those in need of assistance.
3rd. To make provision, where it is not already done, for the support, care and education of soldiers' orphans and for the maintenance of the widows of deceased soldiers.
4th. For the protection and assistance of disabled soldiers, whether dis- abled by wounds, sickness, old age or misfortune.
5th. For the establishment and defense of the rights of the late soldiery of the United States, morally, socially and politically, with a view to in- culcate a proper appreciation of their services to the country, and to a recognition of such services and claims by the American people.
The organization numbers upwards of three hun- dred thousand in the United States, between thirty and forty thousand in Pennsylvania, with posts nnm- bering from one to four hundred.
There are five posts in Montgomery County, viz. : General Zook Post, No. 11, located at Norristown ; George Smith, No. 79, located at Conshohocken ; Graham Post, No. 106, located at Pottstown; Lieuten- ant John H. Fisher Post, No. 101, located at Hatboro'; Colonel Edwin Schall Post, No. 290, located at Lans- dale.
Posts never take the name of living comrades ; this honor is paid the name and memory of those who fell during the war, or who have died since. Posts meet once a week or semi-monthly ; their sessions are held with closed doors, guarded by sentinels, and their form- ula of business is conducted in accord with military usages. The officers of a post are commander, senior vice-commander, junior vice-commander, adjutant, quartermaster-sergeant, chaplain, officer of the day, officer of the guard and sentinels. The executive business of the post is referable to the council of ad- ministration, composed of three or five members. The State Department Encampment is composed of dele- gates from the several posts of the State, and the Na- tional Encampment is constituted by delegates elected by the several State Departments. The State Department Encampment assembles twice every year, and usually numbers about one thousand present. The semi-annual encampment is held under canvas, and usually assembles at Gettysburg, though some- times at other places. This historic battle field has many and enduring associations, and the surviving soldiery find pleasure and comfort in their visitations to it. The annual encampment convenes in the win- ter, and its sessions generally last for several days. Its proceedings are published in pamphlet form, and comprehend a summary of the history of the organi- zation.
Decoration Day is universally observed by the or- ganization. Previous to the ceremonial of decorating the graves of the dead each grave is marked with a minature national flag, and subsequently each grave is visited on the day named, and the laurel wreaths i or spring flowers are laid upon them. These ocea-
THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
287
sions have been popular since their institution, and posts are followed to cemeteries and places of burial by large concourses of people. The exercises are generally accompanied by vocal and instrumental music, prayers, poems and orations. While they re- call many sorrows and revive recollections of family affections rudely sundered, they also evince a State and national gratitude towards those whose patriotism and loyalty were equal to the demands of their country in its hour of peril.
General Zook Post, No 11, Department of Penn- sylvania, G. A. R .- General Zook Post was instituted
The post takes its name after Brigadier and Brevet Major-General Samuel Kosciusko Zook, who fell mor- tally wounded in the second day's battle at Gettys- burg, July 2, 1863. This officer was born March 27, 1822, near Paoli, Chester Co., Pa. His father, Major David Zook, moved to Upper Merion township, Montgomery Co. near Port Kennedy a few years later, where the son grew to manhood on his father's farm. He received the advantages of a fair academical training. Among his early teachers were Allan Corson, Jonathan Roberts and Professor Maralettee. He concluded his studies in his twen-
J. K. Zook
December 12, 1866, under Special Order No. 1, Pro- visional Department of Pennsylvania. Comrade Wil- liam M. Runkle, Third Pennsylvania Artillery, mus- tered James Dykes and George N. Corson. Ataspecial meeting held on the evening of December 14, 1866, William J. Bolton, Joseph K. Bolton, William Allebough, L. W. Reed, Samuel T. Pretty, James B. Heebner and Thomas C. Simpson were mustered ; subsequently R. T. Stewart, Thomas J. Owen, Joseph M. Cuffel, Samuel M. Markley, Freeman S. Davis and H. S. Smith were mustered, and together con- stitute those designated the charter members of the post. The charter is dated December 1, 1866.
tieth year, and was appointed adjutant of the One Hundredth Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia, on the staffof Colonel James Mills, November 3, 1842. In 1844 he was appointed superintendent of the New York and Washington Telegraph Company, and con- ducted the construction of the first line established by that pioneer organization through the South and West. He took an active part in quelling the great riots in Philadelphia in 1844, and subsequently was trans- ferred by the company referred to to New York City. In 1851 he was commissioned major in the Sixth New York Volunteers. In 1857 he was promoted to lieu- tenant-colonel of the same regiment. He served in
288
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
the same organization during the three months' cam- paign in 1861, and upon its return, after the battle of Bull Run, organized the Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, a three years' regiment. He was commis- sioned brigadier-general November 29, 1862, and assigned to the command of First Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps, Army of Potomac. His brevet commission of major-general bears date of July 2, 1863, for " distinguished gallantry on the battle- field of Gettysburg." His remains are buried in the Montgomery Cemetery, and are marked by a suitable and enduring memorial shaft ; a tablet is also erected near the spot were he fell on the battle-field at Gettysburg.1
1 We recall from the memory of almost twenty years ago the alarming scenes and depressing influences by which we were surrounded on the evening of July Ist. The long, hot and discouraging day closed in mar- tial gloom and sorrow. The position dremed important was lost. The gallant Reynolds was among the slain. Thousands of our comrades were captured, thousands more of our wounded and dying were from necessity left in the hands of the enemy. The devoted people of the town around which the conflict had been raging from morn till night were battle- shocked by tbe din and noise and horrid sights und scenes in their midst. The scene from the crest of the hill east of the town on that eventful eve as the sun went down in his sunnner splendor will never be forgotten by those who beheld it. The number and disposition of the enemy's troops, exposed to view by the open character of the country, betokened the re- newal of the battle with increasing fury on the morrow. Burning build- ings met the eye in every direction ; flying, panic-stricken families from the wide area of the fichl of battle were met on every road, and the poor cattle of the helds seemed to share the general sense of fear and terror of their owners, bellowing and bleating as they browsed in strange pastures driven by moving lines of battle from farm to furm.
Bitter as the reverse of the day was felt to be, inhuman as were the harrowing scenes and incidents of the hour to the gallant troops who reached the crest and turned upon the flushed and pursuing enemy, holding him at bay in the hope that marching troops would soon be with us, there was a deeper sorrow, a profounder solicitude possessing the heart of the patriot soldier suggested by the possibility that the field of Gettys- burg, where the greatest battle of the war was now impending, and from necessity must be fought, and fought to the bitter end, might be lost, with results upon the public mind in our own country, upon the cause for which so much had been sacrificed, and with probable effects upon the political powers of the earth, appalling to contemplate. It was the hour which preceded the midnight gloom of the Rebellion. This was the hield of mortal combat on which far-seving, courageons and sagacious inea be- lieved would be fought and lost or won the Union of our fathers. This was the bloody field of national peril to which troops were hurrying, among them the heroic Zook, to lay down his life in the whirlwind of the morrow.
The fall of General Samuel Kosciusko Zuok on the 2d was among the most conspicuous events of the day's conflicts, occurring at a point on the line of battle where the struggle for the final advantage of the day and the field was most deadly. llistory furnished no example of more notable gallantry than that displayed by General Zook in leading his brigade into action on the day of his mortal hurt. The ground occupied by General Sickles' left was coveted by Lee, and he directed Longstreet to carry it. All who took part in the caropaigns of the Army of the Potomac know the character of Longstreet's attacks. He was a "square fighter," and de- livered blows of the most destructive character. Hisattack upon Sickles' jeft was characteristic of the uran. "Although," says Meude, in his of- ficial report, "the Third Corps sustained the shock most heroically," its depleted numbers were unable to resist the renewed and increasing fury of his successive assaults. The troops composing the left of the Third Corps were giving ground. The Fourth New York Battery, placed in position to check the enemy's advance at the critical moment, having suffered severe loss in mien and horses, was in imminent danger of cap- ture ; the line across the wheatfield to Little Round Top was wavering ; the last regiment of the Third ('orps was thrown to the front, and yet it was painfully apparent that unless reinforcements were hastenel to the imperiled line all that had been contended for at a fearful sacrifice of life would be irretrievably lust.
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