USA > Pennsylvania > Mifflin County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 1, Pt. 1 > Part 50
USA > Pennsylvania > Perry County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 1, Pt. 1 > Part 50
USA > Pennsylvania > Union County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 1, Pt. 1 > Part 50
USA > Pennsylvania > Juniata County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 1, Pt. 1 > Part 50
USA > Pennsylvania > Snyder County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 1, Pt. 1 > Part 50
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It bivouacked upon the battle-ground and supported a battery in position on the York River Railroad. On the 27th it moved to the right, where a deadly conflict was raging, and was thrown forward to the assistance of Porter's
! Organization of the Third Brigade (Brigadier-General William H. French), First Division (Major-General Israel B. Richardson), Second Corps ( Major-General E. V. Sum- ner) .- Fifty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel John R. Brooke; Fifty-second Regiment. New York Volunteers, Colonel Frank Paul; Fifty-seventh Regi- meut New York Volunteers, Colonel Samuel K. Zook ; Sixty-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers, Colonel James C. Pinckney ; Second Regiment. Delaware Volunteers, Colonel Henry W. Wharton ; Battery B, First New York Artillery, Captain Rufus D. Pettit.
Aaron Sober.
Nelson Staples, captured; died at Florence, S. C., October 20, 1864.
Charles Stetler.
Henry J. Souder, died at Florence, S. C., Oc-
tober 20, 1861.
David Trutt.
Washington, D. C.,
June 24, 1862, of wounds received at Fair
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troops. It crossed the Chickahominy and came under fire of the enemy at Gaines' Mill. Form- ing in line of battle, the command covered the withdrawal of the troops, and at midnight silently recrossed the Chickahominy. Here began the memorable "change of base," in which it was the arduous duty of Sumner's corps to cover the rear of the retreating army. The post of honor and of danger-the rear of the rear-guard-was assigned to the Third Brigade. At Peach Orchard, on the 29th, it participated in a fierce engagement, in which a number of casualities occurred, but none were killed. Immediately after the close of the ac- tion General Summer rode up and complimented the regiment for its bravery, saying, " You have done nobly, but I knew you would do so." Moving to Savage Station, Sumner made another stand to check the enemy. The regi- ment occupied a position in a wood, parallel to the railroad, and was fortunately favored by the high-ranged shot and shell of the Confeder- ate artillery. After a short but desperate en- counter the enemy withdrew, and at midnight the line of retreat was silently resumed.
The march now began to test the endurance of the troops, and the situation became one fraught with peril. One small brigade, stand- ing fearlessly alone in midnight darkness, was holding in check, almost at the point of the bayonet, one-half the Confederate army, while friends from whom no succor could be expected were swiftly moving to the rear. Silently the command plunged into the deep shadows of White Oak Swamp. At daylight the regiment reached White Oak Creek, beyond which was its corps in bivouac. Crossing the ereck, it immediately began destroying the bridge. The advance of the enemy soon made its appearance, and commenced skirmishing, but was prevented from crossing the stream. Several of his batteries having been placed in position, opened fire and were very annoying. Although not actively engaged, the regiment had several killed and wounded.
Withdrawing at midnight, the Fifty-third arrived at Malvern Hill on the morning of July Ist, and was almost constantly under fire, although it did not participate in the engage-
ment. The duty assigned to it, in the retreat from the Chickahominy to the James, was of such an important nature as to merit and re- ceive the thanks of the commanding general, as well as of the intermediate commanders, and Colonel Brooke was highly complimented for the skillful and soldierly qualities displayed in conducting his command successfully through so many perils. Arriving at Harrison's Land- ing, the regiment remained until the 16th of August. Here the Sixty-fourth New York was temporarily attached to the Fifty-third for the purposes of drill, discipline and camp duty, all under command of Major Octavius S. Bull, who had been promoted to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Major Yeager, Colonel Brooke being in command of the brigade and Lieutenant-Colonel McMichael absent on account of sickness.
Moving ria Yorktown to Newport News, it embarked for Alexandria, where it arrived on the 28th, and encamped on the following day at Lec's Farm, near the Aqueduct Bridge. The cannonade of the contending forces at Bull Run was distinctly heard, and the men were eager to again meet the foe. At 2 A.M. of the 30th, in light marching order, the command moved toward Centreville. But the battle had been fought, and Pope's army was retreating to the defenses of Washington. Reaching Centre- ville on the 31st, it was promptly deployed in line of battle, protecting the exposed flanks of the Union army. Here again Sumner's corps was interposed between the enemy and our re- treating troops. Near Vienna the regiment and one section of a battery were thrown for- ward on the Leesburg turnpike to guard the flank of the column against any sudden attack of the enemy. A force of rebel cavalry made a dash upon the Union troops between the pike and Chain Bridge, entirely separating the regi- ment from the main column. Colonel Brooke, seeing the danger and the difficulty of cutting his way through, moved his command at double- quick down the pike and thereby insured its safety before the enemy discovered the manœu- vre. On the 3d of September it rejoined the army at Tenallytown. On the 11th, General French, who had endeared himself to the troops
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of his brigade, was assigned to the command of a division, and was succeeded by Colonel Brooke.
The enemy was now marching into Mary- land, and the Third Brigade moved rapidly through Washington to Frederick, and thence to South Mountain, where it was held in reserve during the battle. On the 15th it moved in pursuit, skirmishing during the morning with the enemy's cavalry, drove him through Boones- borough and Keedysville, and encountered his army in strong force on the highlands beyond Antietam Creek. The following day was oc- cupied chiefly in manoeuvring for position, the regiment being under artillery fire and suffer- ing some casualties. At 4 A.M. of the 17th the regiment left its position on the Keedysville road, and moving a mile to the right, crossed Antietam Creek at a ford. It occupied the ex- treme right of the division. In front was the " sunken road " occupied by the enemy's first line. His second line was protected by a stone wall on the hill beyond. To the right and rear was an orchard, immediately in front of which was the cornfield where, subsequently, the battle raged with great fury. It was important to drive the enemy from this position, and the Fifty-third was chosen for the charge. Chang- ing front to the rear, and advancing at double- quick, in a short but desperate contest it drove him from his well-chosen ground. The regi- ment was subsequently engaged in the hottest of the fight and shared the varying fortunes of the day. The position gained was of great impor- tanes, and was held with tenacity until the regi- ment was ordered to the support of a battery. The loss in killed and wounded was twenty- eight.
captured a number of prisoners. The object of the reconnoisance having been accomplished, the command returned to camp. Moving from Bolivar Heights on the 30th of October, it crossed the Shenandoah River, and proceeded down the Loudon Valley, participating in a skirmish with the enemy on the Ith at Snicker's Gap, driving him out and occupying it until the column had passed. It arrived at Warren- ton on the 9th, when General Burnside assumed command of the Army of the Potomac, and projected the movement upon Fredericksburg. The regiment proceeded to Falmouth, where it arrived on the 19th, and performed provost guard duty until the 11th of December, when it left quarters and took position nearly oppo- site Fredericksburg in support of the batteries that were engaged in bombarding the town. Early on the 12th it crossed the river, and, forming a skirmish line, drove the enemy's sharpshooters out of the city, with the loss of one mortally wounded, when it was relieved, and rested for the night on the river-bank. Early on the morning of Saturday, the 13th, under a dense fog, the regiment marched into the city and halted for half an hour under fire of confederate artillery. The fight was opened at the front, near Marye's Heights, by French's division, which was repulsed. Soon after the Third Brigade, led by the Fifty-second, moved, amidst a shower of deadly missiles, by the right flank, up St. Charles Street, and formed in line of battle along the edge of the town. The Confederate infantry, but a few hundred yards in front, was protected by a stone wall along a sunken road, while, immediately above, the hill-tops were bristling with cannon. At the word of command, Colonel Brooke, at the head of his regiment, led the charge, under a storm of shot and shell that swept the ranks with terrible effect. But, undismayed, they closed up and pressed steadily on till they reached a position within one hundred and fifty yards of the enemy's lines, which was held, despite every effort to dislodge them, even after their ammunition was spent. At evening. when the battle was over and the day was lost, what remained of the regiment retired
On the 22d it forded the Potomac at Har- per's Ferry, and encamped on the following day on Bolivar Heights. Here the wasted energies of the troops were recruited, and full rations and clothing, which had been much needed, were furnished. On the 16th of Oc- tober it participated, under command of Major Bull, in a reconnoisance to Charlestown, skir- mishing with and driving the enemy and occu- pying the town. Captain Mintzer, of Com- pany A, was appointed provost-marshal of the place, who at once instituted a search, and I silently from its position and returned to the
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city. It went into battle with two hundred and eighty-three effective men. Of these, one hundred and. fifty-eight were either killed or wounded.
The regiment now returned to its old posi- tion as provost guard to Falmouth. On the following week it formed part of a detach- ment, under command of Colonel Brooke, that crossed the river, under a flag of truce, for the purpose of burying the dead. During the two days occupied in this work nine hundred and thirteen were interred and six were dispatched to their friends. The Confederate soldiers had stripped the bodies of the dead in a most heart- less manner. In many cases fingers were eut off to get possession of rings. The Fifty-third remained at Falmouth until February 1, 1863. While here three companies, under command of Major Bull, were detailed as provost guard at division headquarters. The major was assigned to the staff of General Couch, and remained successively with Generals Couch, Hancock, Hays, Warren, and again with Hancock in the Wilderness campaign until the 18th of May, 1864.
On the 28th of April the regiment moved on the Chancellorsville campaign, and, crossing the Rappahannock at United States Ford, for three days was actively engaged, suffering consider- able loss. Upon the withdrawal of the army it returned to its old camping-ground near Fal- mouth. On the 14th of June the Fifty-third, which was now attached to the Fourth Brigade of the First Division of the Second Corps, left camp and marched to Banks' Ford to watch the movements of the enemy, who was about entering on his Pennsylvania campaign. With- drawing from the ford when it was found that the rebel columns had passed, the command moved forward with the army, and on the 20th made a forced march to Thoroughfare Gap, where it remained in position until the 25th, when the enemy attacked, driving in the pick- ets, and, as our column had now passed, the command was withdrawn. Marching rapidly towards Gettysburg, it arrived upon the field at eight o'clock on the morning of the 2d of July and took position in rear of the line of the Third Corps, then forming. Later in the day
it moved to the left, near Little Round Top, and at three o'clock P.M. became hotly engaged. A Confederate battery, posted upon an emi- nence beyond a wheat-field, had become very annoying to our troops. Colonel Brooke led a charge, in the face of its destructive fire, to capture it or drive it away. At the word of command the men dashed forward and, with loud shouts, drove the enemy, scattering his ranks, and gained the position. The lines upon his right and left had failed to advance as far, and, discovering that the enemy was taking prompt advantage of his fearfully exposed flanks, the colonel reluctantly ordered his men to retire to his first position, which was executed, but not without serious loss. On the 3d the regiment was under a heavy artillery fire, but was not actively engaged. In this battle . the command was much reduced in number, three companies being still on detached duty, and the remainder having but one hundred and twenty- four men. Of this number, only forty-five escaped uninjured. Six were killed, seventy- three wounded and missing. Of the latter were Captains Dimm and Hatfield and Lieutenants Pifer, Shields, Root, Smith, Whitaker and Mann and Sergeant-Major Rutter.
Remaining upon the battle-field until noon of the 5th, the regiment marched in pursuit of the retreating enemy, and arrived on the 11th at Jones' Cross-Roads, near which the Confederate army was in position In the evening it ad- vanced in line, driving back the enemy's skir- mishers, and during the following night threw up breast-works. On the 14th it was deployed in line at right angles to the Williamsport road, and advanced cautiously, only to discover that the Confederates had vacated their works and fled. After remaining for a few days in Pleasant Valley, it crossed the Potomac, and, marching down the Loudon Valley, made descents upon Ashby's and Manassas Gaps, passed White Plains, New Baltimore and War- renton, and arrived on the Ist of August at Morrisville, where it went into camp. In the toilsome campaigns which followed, ending at Mine Run, the regiment participated, encounter- ing the enemy at Rappahannock Station and at Bristow, and losing some men. It went into
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winter-quarters at Stevensburg, where the men re-enlisted, and on the 27th of December pro- ceeded to Harrisburg, where they were dis- missed for a veteran furlough. Upon their return to the army they again encamped near Stevensburg, in their old quarters, where they remained until the opening of the spring cam- paign.
On the 4th of May, 1864, the regiment broke camp, and crossing the Rapidan at Ely's Ford, marched to Chancellorsville. On the following day it moved forward and confronted the enemy in his earth-works, and again on the 6th was engaged, but without serious loss. At evening of the 9th it moved forward to the Po River, which it crossed, and at once met the enemy, the contest being continued with spirit for several hours, resulting in considerable loss to the command, but, owing to the woods and undergrowth taking fire from the explosion of the shells, without any decided advantage. Late on the evening of the 11th, withdrawing from its position on the Po, it proceeded about six miles towards Spottsylvania.
There, on the following morning, it stood in column in readiness to join in the grand charge of the veteran Second Corps upon the strongly- fortified position of the enemy. Advancing si- lently until within a short distance of his works, the well-formed lines rushed forward with wild hurrahs, and, in face of the desper- ate defense offered, carried the position, captur- ing an entire division. No more brilliant or decisive charge was made during the campaign than this. Captain Whitney and Lieutenant Foster were among the killed. Colonel Brooke was promoted to brigadier-general soon after this engagement, Major Bull to lieutenant- colonel and Captain Dimm to major ; subse- quently, upon the muster out of service of the latter, Captain William M. Mintzer was made major.
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The regiment remained in the vicinity of Spottsylvania, throwing up earth-works at dif- ferent points and almost constantly under fire, until the 25th of May, when it crossed the Pamunkey, thence to Tolopotomoy Creek, and on the 2d of June arrived at Cold Harbor. = was pushed close up to the enemy's entrenched
line and immediately threw up breast-works. At five o'clock on the morning of the 3d a furi- ous but futile effort was madeto drive the enemy from his position. Two other gallant charges were made, wherein men never marched to death with stouter hearts ; but all in vain. In these charges the Fifty-third suffered severely. General Brooke, commanding the brigade, was severely wounded by a canister-shot in the hand and thigh. Captain Dimm and Lieuten- ant Pifer were also severely wounded.
On the night of June 12th the regiment marched, and, crossing the Chickahominy and James Rivers, arrived on the evening of the 16th in front of Petersburg. In the afternoon a charge was ordered upon the enemy's strong works, which was gallantly executed, but was repulsed, the Fifty-third losing in this desper- ate struggle nearly seventy men. On the 22d an attempt was made to establish a new line, which proved alike unsuccessful. For several weeks digging and the construction of defen- sive works constituted the principal occupation of the troops.
On the 26th of June the regiment moved with the brigade to the right of the line, beyond the James River, and for two weeks was engaged in promiscuous skirmishing along the hostile works, after which it returned to the neighbor- hood of Petersburg. On the 12th of August the command again returned to the left bank of the James, where it skirmished heavily with the enemy until the 21st, when it recrossed the James and the Appomattox, and, passing in rear of the army to the extreme left of the line, commenced demolishing the Weldon Railroad, near Ream's Station. Five miles had already been destroyed when the enemy appeared in force, and a line of battle was hastily formed to repel his advance and protect the working- parties. His first charge wasgallantly repulsed. But reforming and massing his troops in heavy columns, he again struck with overpowering force upon the Union lines, and was partially successful in breaking them. But his advantage was gained at a fearful cost, and he was finally forced to abandon the contest, and the Union forces retired to their lines in front of Peters- burg. During the autumn and winter months
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the regiment was engaged in severe duty in the front lines before the besieged city. On the 18th of September, Colonel MeMichael having been discharged upon the expiration of his term of service, Lieutenant-Colonel Bull was pro- moted colonel, Major Mintzer lieutenant-colonel and Captain Philip H. Shreyer major. In November, upon the muster out of service of the colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel Mintzer was made colonel, Captain George C. Anderson lieutenant-colonel, and Captain George D. Pifer major.
On the 28th of March, 1865, the regiment moved on its last campaign, proceeding directly to the Boydton Plank-Road, where, on the 31st, it was briskly engaged. The Fifth Corps was now actively employed in pushing the enemy from his foot-hold about Petersburg, and in this the Second Corps was called to its aid. In the operations at Five Forks the regi- ment joined, charging the enemy's lines, driving him in confusion, and taking possession of a portion of the South Side Railroad. In this engagement Major Pifer led the Fifty-third, Colonel Mintzer having been placed temporarily in command of a detachment skillfully deployed to deceive a division of the enemy and prevent him from changing his position. For the suc- ress attained in this service Colonel Mintzer was promoted brevet brigadier-general. Fol- lowing up the retreating enemy, the regiment participated in the capture of his wagon-trains at Deep Creek, on the 6th of April, and was at the front on the day of the surrender of the Confederate army. Encamping for a short time near Burkesville, it proceeded from thence, through Richmond and Fredericksburg, to Alexandria, participated in the grand review of the armies at Washington, on the 23d of May, and was finally mustered out of service on the 30th of June, 1865.
Below are given rolls of the Juniata, Union and Snyder County companies of the regiment.
COMPANY E, UNION COUNTY .- The follow- ing is a list of the officers and men who served in Company E, Fifty-third Regiment :
Captains.
Thomas Church. Beach C. Ammons.
Daniel Artman.
First Lieutenant. Henry F. Menges. Second Lieutenant. Albert II. Hess. First Sergeant. John R. Smith. Sergeants.
William Ulrich. David Davis.
Joseph Hartly. John Milsom.
Corporals.
William Parry. William Byrne.
James Harvey. Ezekiel Gilham.
Archibald MePherson. John McCollum.
William Tovy. Musicians.
Jacob Bingaman. Daniel Bingaman.
Teamster. David Kohlen. Privates.
Daniel J. Bingaman. Jefferson Kaler.
James Bingaman, died William McCollum.
at Annapolis, Md, De- John McPherson.
cember 20, 1864.
Charles P. Marsh.
Sylvester Buoy.
John Oldfield.
John Cushion.
John Price.
Thomas Davis. Oliver P. Rearick.
Job Davis. William Sergeant.
Samuel Dickison.
Russel Slayman.
William Drum.
Samuel Snyder.
George Getz. William Stevens.
Richard Hancock. William H. Thomas.
William Hancock. Daniel Tovy.
James Hayden.
Eisle Ulrich.
George Heinback. Henry C. Walters.
Isaac Hess. David M. L. Wiehr.
Francis Hess.
COMPANY I, JUNIATA COUNTY .- The fol- lowing served in Company I, Fifty-third Regiment, which was recruited at Perryville, Juniata County :
Henry S. Dimm, captain, mustered in November 8, 1861, three years; commissioned major May 17, 1864; not mustered ; discharged September 14, 1864, for wounds received in action.
George D. Pifer, captain, mustered in October 10, 1861, three years ; promoted from second to first lieutenant December 13, 1862; to captain Sep- tember 14, 1864; to major December 13, 1864.
William Van Ormer, captain, mustered in October 10, 1861, three years; promoted from first ser- geant to second lieutenant May 17, 1864; to first lieutenant November 2, 1864; to captain Decem- ber 14, 1864; mustered out with company June 30, 1865; veteran.
Isaac T. Cross, Grst lieutenant, mustered in October 10, 1861, three years; killed at Fredericksburg December 13, 1862.
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John Whitaker, first lieutenant, mustered in October 10, 1861, three years; promoted from . private to second lieutenant January 1, 1863; to first lieu- tenant September 22, 1864; mustered out Oc- tober 8, 1864, expiration of term.
Henry Speice, first lieutenant, mustered in October 10, 1861, three years; promoted to sergeant; to first sergeant September 28, 1861; to second lieutenant November 2, 1864; to first lieutenant December 15, 1864; mustered out with company June 30, 1865 ; veteran.
Samuel Coldron, second lieutenant, mustered in Oc- tober 10, 1861, three years ; promoted to sergeant; to first sergeant November 2, 1864; to second lieutenant December 15, 1864; mustered out with company June 30, 1865 ; veteran.
Frederick Stroup, first sergeant, mustered in Oc- tober 10, 1861, three years; promoted to ser- geant; to first sergeant April 1, 1865; mustered out with company June 30, 1865 ; veteran.
George Meredith, sergeant, mustered in October 10, 1861, three years; promoted to sergeant January 1, 1863; mustered out with company June 30, 1865; veteran.
Enoch Hastings, sergeant, 'mustered in January 30, 1864, three years ; promoted from corporal to ser- geant April 1, 1865; mustered out with company June 30, 1865 ; veteran.
Thomas Crimmell, sergeant, mustered in October 19, 1861, three years; promoted to sergeant Novem- ber 2, 1864; mustered out with company June 30, 1865 ; veteran.
William Heim, sergeant, mustered in October 19, 1861, three years; promoted to sergeant Novem- ber 1, 1864; wounded in action March 31, 1865 ; discharged by General Order June 12, 1865; veteran.
William Harris, sergeant, mustered in October 10, 1861, three years; promoted to sergeant; died August 15, 1864, of wounds received at Deep Bottom, Va .; veteran.
Philip Keeley, sergeant, mustered in January 30, 1864, three years; died August 15, 1864, of wounds received at Deep Bottom.
Israel A. Kline, sergeant, mustered in October 12, 1861, three years; killed at Hatcher's Run, Va., March 31, 1865 ; veteran.
William A. Zeiders, corporal, mustered in October 10, 1861, three years ; promoted to corporal De- cember 1, 1864; mustered out with company June 30, 1865; veteran.
Henry Landis, corporal, mustered in October 10, 1861, three years; promoted to corporal August 16, 1864; mustered out with company June 30, 1865 ; veteran.
Isaac Coldron, corporal, mustered in February 27, 1864, three years ; promoted to corporal August 16, 1864; mustered out with company June 30, 1865.
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