Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 29

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 930

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Cold Harbor, June 3 to 10, 1864; Petersburg, on the raid to the Virginia & Tennessee rail-

June 15 to 30, 1864; Deep Bottom, July 27, 1864; Reams Station, August 25, 1864; sec- ond Deep Bottom, August 14 to 20, 1864; charge on works at Petersburg, October 27, 1864; Hatcher's Run, Adams' Farm, Suther- land Station, and Farmville, March 21 to April 7, 1864; and Lee's surrender.

In May, 1863, the regiment was attached to Averill's mounted force in West Virginia, and in detachments served in Philippi, Bev- erly and Webster; and later, in a body at Philippi, had a smart skirmish with Con- federates surrounding the post at Beverly, July 2d, forcing them to withdraw, and again at Huttonville, on the 4th. At this time the battle of Gettysburg was reported in progress, and the cavalry division was ordered to join the cavalry of the Potomac. This was not accomplished till Lee's army was safely across the river into Virginia. In pushing forward in pursuit the Rebels were encountered near Martinsburg, on the 15th.

During the month of August the regiment was in a continuous series of skirmishes and battles, at one time, near the Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs, fighting dismounted, repelled the infantry charges-in this alone losing eighty men.

In November, 1863, the regiment was in the Droop Mountain raid, engaged the enemy, fighting on foot, and drove them from their position.

Again, December 8th, the regiment moved road, where heavy damage was inflicted by the destruction of bridges (railroad), Rebel stores, etc., and in the retreat occurred an incident the survivors of the war frequently refer to as one of the memorable events of their service. At Jackson river the 14th Cav- alry, being in the rear with trains which it was almost impossible to move, got separated

One hundred and thirty-seven men at mus- ter out represented the old regiment, with a from the main force and was surrounded by

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

the Confederates. Under a flag of truce a railroad. On May 10th, at Cove Gap, in a surrender was demanded, but the men cor- fight with the enemy, it lost fifty men killed ralled the train and set fire to it. The com- and wounded, besides losses in minor skir- mand swam the river and drew the guns mishes. with them across, cheered by the Confederates The regiment was next in the campaign under General Hunter, as part of the regi- ment was engaged at New Market, and again at Piedmont, dismounting and charging earthworks when advantage was to be gained by it. while crossing. While the colonel seemed to be in a study what to do, walking back and forth with arms folded, waiting a further communication on terms of surrender, a pri- vate called from the ranks, "death in prefer- ence to Libby prison," which was echoed by a hundred voices, which decided the matter.

It participated in the fight at Lexington, June 12th, and skirmished nearly all day Their ammunition was all drowned, so the June 13th, and again at Lynchburg on the 15th. Again on the 17th at Liberty, in a sharp fight for several hours, it succeeded in holding a large Confederate force in check while the forces under Averill and Crook were retiring to the Kanawha. The loss here was about twenty-four, and the regiment suffered a further loss of eight men near Salem in a charge by Schoonmaker's brigade, to recover guns taken in an unexpected charge by Rosser's Confederate cavalry.

order was given to sling their carbines and draw their sabres, and a break was made for freedom. We quote the words of one who was in this desperate charge: "We selected Jackson's cavalry, and broke for them-they thought they had us, and were so surprised they fled in every direction, and we fairly flew through; our pieces of artillery seemed to scarcely touch the ground as they went, and before the Confederates recovered from their surprise we were almost out of range." From the same soldier we gain the informa- tion that at Craig's creek the cold was so in- tense as to freeze their horses' manes "stiff like a board," and we quote from Averill's report : "I was obliged to swim my command, and drag my artillery with ropes across Craig's creek seven times in twenty-four hours."

The 14th, in its retreat, encountered more frozen streams; the horses being smooth shod, they were compelled to walk most of the time for three days. A few already crippled tried to ride, and we know of some yet living who were yet further injured by their horses falling with them. The loss to the regiment in this third raid was about fifty. From Bates' History we quote : "In recognition of the great service which the command had performed, the war department ordered the issue of a complete suit of clothing to each member of the command as a gift from the government." From one of the men we quote : "Our shoes were worn out so much our toes stuck out to the cold, and several liad their feet frozen badly." Averill's of- ficial report says, "my command has marched, climbed, slidden, and swam three hundred and forty-five miles since the 8th inst."

During the winter of 1863-64, while sup- posed to be in winter quarters, having a gen- eral headquarters at Martinsburg. W. Va., it was kept on duty much of the time, and early 177th Pennsylvania Volunteers .- This regi- in the spring of 1864 it moved forward in ment was organized in the fall of 1862, for another raid upon the Virginia & Tennessee nine months' service, having Company K

We now pass to the time of Early's raid into Maryland in July, when the 14th had part in the attack at Winchester, July 20th, which was successful; but a few days later the whole force was compelled to fall back to Hagerstown, Md. After the burning of Chambersburg, Pa., the 14th was in the chase of the Confederates into West Virginia, and at Moorefield had a sharp fight, losing thirty- five men, in this fight having the satisfaction of completely routing the enemy.

Its next movements were in connection with the army under Sheridan in the valley, participating in all movements, being highly complimented for gallantry, especially at Winchester, Cedar Creek, Harrisonburg, Wier's Cave and Front Royal.

The winter of 1864-65 was a disastrous one, the regiment losing heavily at both Mill- wood and Ashby's Gap. We would be glad to add a complete battle record to this, but it was in almost continuous fighting for two years over so great an area, we do not see that we can do justice to it, but we do know that while the children of the survivors live the heroic deeds of the 14th Cavalry will be fireside stories to be remembered by the gen- eration to come. Captain Duff, of Armstrong county, under whom the Indiana county boys mostly served, has a warm place in their hearts, and we have heard Lieutenant Mc- Laughlin of this county highly commended.

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credited to Indiana county, recruited mostly sertions, nearly all from Harrisburg-these in that portion of the county adjoining the records may be unjust. The record would Cambria county line, and there were also men of this county in other companies. Hugh J. Brady, of Indiana county, was appointed lieutenant colonel. indieate that the men came home from Har- risburg, and failed to return until it had removed to the front, where they found dif- ficulties in the way of reaching it again, and never reported.

The more complete individual record of these men will be found in regiments in three-year and one-year service, and the his- tory of them would in a measure be a repe- tition of accounts given of the men of the 135th regiment.

In December, 1862, the regiment was for- warded from Camp Curtin by way of Wash- ington, D. C., to Newport News, and after- wards to Suffolk, reporting to General Viele, on the east bank of Nansemond river, where it was put to work at clearing away the for- est on the west bank of the river.

In January, 1863, while a strong recon- noissance was being made to the Blackwater, the 177th was left to guard the works at Suf- folk and was attacked by a body of Rebel cavalry. This occurrence eaused a strict vig- ilance on the part of the men, and General Corcoran returning to the works in the night attempting to pass without giving the count- ersign, "came near losing his life." The General afterwards complimented them for good conduct. In March, 1863, it was sent to Norfolk and ordered on duty at Deep Creek with Colonel Wiestling, of the 177th. in com- mand of the post. The duty here seems to have been as guard to prevent the carrying of mails to the South, as this business had been carried on much to the detriment of the Union army.

The 177th regiment has the credit of break- ing up the mail routes capturing a number of carriers, and considerable mail matter; also destroyed a large number of Rebel boats in the river, engaged in a sort of piratical business and bloekade running, conveying James, under General Ord. goods to the South.

So far as we have been able to gather in- formation, there were no deaths of Indiana county men, though the regiment suffered much from sickness, both at Suffolk and Deep Creek.

206th. Pennsylvania Volunteers .- This regi- ment was organized at Pittsburg, Pa., Sep- tember 8, 1864, by the election of Hugh J. Brady, of Indiana county, colonel; John T. Fulton, of Westmoreland county, lieutenant colonel, and Josiah B. Ferguson, of Indiana county, major. Colonel Brady had consider- able military experience, having served in the Mexican war as major of the 10th Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia, in the emergency call of 1862, was lieutenant colonel of the 177th regiment for nine months' service, 1862-63.

Companies A, C, D, F, G, H and I were recruited in Indiana county, Company B in Jefferson county, and E and K in Westmore- land county.

Most all the field and line officers had seen service in other regiments, and the greater part of the men who served in the 135th Penn- sylvania Volunteers' nine months' service of 1862-63, now returned to service again in this regiment.

Proceeding to the front, it was attached to the 18th Corps, near Bermuda Hundred, but soon after moved to the north side of the James river, and was assigned to duty with the engineer eorps and built Fort Brady, north of Dutch Gap. In the latter part of October it was assigned to the 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 10th Corps, and went into win- ter quarters, its duties principally drill and routine camp duty.

Upon the reorganization of the army corps the 206th was assigned to the 24th Corps, and continued on duty with the Army of the

It was transferred to the Army of the 206th was ordered to remain in camp. doing Potomac, then in Maryland, in July, 1863, and assigned to the 12th Army Corps, but before it was called upon to do duty in battle line the enemy had retreated to Virginia again, but remained on Maryland Heights until ordered to Harrisburg, to be mustered out of service.

When the spring campaign opened the provost duty, and was thus partially pre- vented from participating in the historical events of the general assault upon the lines of the enemy; yet, upon the evacuation of Richmond. the 206th was the first to enter the city, a thing desired much by veterans in serviee long before. Some of the men com- posing the 206th had participated in the Pen- insular campaign under MeClellan, when the most ardent desire was to enter Richmond in triumph.

For a time the regiment did provost duty The record shows a large percentage of de- in the city, and afterwards, for a short time,

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

performed the same duty at Lynchburg. The Ansley. Ilugh J. Brady, of North Mahon- record of the regiment is not a bloody one, ing township, was appointed major of this and to the writer of this sketch, and prob- regiment. ably many others, it is a relief to write or speak of at least one company or regiment whose bodies do not lie buried in Southern soil.

Another company was recruited in the vicinity of Saltsburg, Capt. Hail Clark; Lieuts. Andrew D. Ferguson and William H. Juukins, but not assigned to any regiment.

The men did the duty assigned them, and in this stand on equality with their comrades in arms. The regiment had its place in the interim between September 4th and 12th, army and is entitled to share in the honor that crowned the Union arms in the cam- paign of 1865. It lived to see the result thousands died to accomplish, and to be the first to fling to the breeze in the Rebel capi- tal the stars and stripes of the Union.

Militia of Indiana County, 1861 to 1865 .- The militia organizations of the county in 1861 were but few and not much interest manifested; but such as they were, they formed the basis of organization of some of the companies of men recruited in 1861 for three years' service.

In 1862, when General Lee, after defeating our armies at Bull Run, moved northward vices to the State and nation were not yet into Maryland, the southern counties of, ended, as we shall see. Colonel Weistling at Pennsylvania were in danger of invasion, once proceeded to organize a regiment, se- and Governor Curtin issued a call for the curing as many of the men of the 23d militia people to arm (September 4, 1862), and a regiment as could go, and by the 20th of

little later issued a general order calling for volunteers to organize and arm for defense of the State (September 10, 1862) ; immediately following this with a call for 50,000 men (Sep- tember 11, 1862), promising the men they should be held for service only for the emer- geney, and should be mustered out as soon as, in the opinion of the executive, it would be prudent to do so.

The call was heralded throughout Indiana county, and so early as the 10th, the day the Governor called for actual enrollment of men, there were several companies ready to move. One company, Capt. Lawrence S. Cautrell. Lieuts. John Hill and Joseph K. Conner, get- ting transportation, was assigned to the 10th regiment as Company H. The other com- panies followed as fast as transportation could be procured, and by the 15th four more companies were to the front, assigned to the 23d regiment. Colonel Wiestling. These companies were Company B, Capt. Ephraim Davis, Lieuts. William B. Marshall and James E. Coulter ; Company II, Capt. Thomas R. McComb, Lieuts. Josiah Work and J. B. Hunds; Company I. Capt. Samuel J. Craig- head, Lieuts. Alexander Hazlett and Robert Anderson; Company K. Capt. George E. der of western Pennsylvania, and extending Smith, Lieuts. John Gibson and Josiah M. to Ohio. The general government, seeing the

These companies, forming almost a regi- ment of men, were all gathered together in the eight days. There were men in some if not all of these companies who had already seen service in the early campaigns of the war, and while they were not called upon to con- tend with the foe in deadly strife, the up- rising of an army in the space of a week in the State of Pennsylvania had an encourag- ing effect upon the weary troops of the Army of the Potomac, we judge equally dishearten- ing to the rank and file of the Confederate forces beaten and driven back from the bloody field of Antietam.

These militia forces were disbanded upon the retreat of the invading foe, but their ser- November the organization of the 177th Penn- sylvania Volunteers, for nine months' service, was effected. Maj. H. J. Brady, of Indiana county, Lieutenant colonel of the regiment ; of this we give history elsewhere. (See 177th Pennsylvania Volunteers.)

In the spring of 1863 Lee, repulsing our attacks upon his stronghold at Fredericks- burg, planned a second invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania, the blow being most direct- ly struck at Pennsylvania, and as introduc- tory to the action of our citizens at this mem- orable time, we should recall the fact that much discontent was felt at the North, and opponents of the war were at work with a will, adding fuel to the fire of discontent, and disapproval of the war. Lee was for several days in advance of the Union army, finding no considerable force in his way. Capturing a portion of General Milroy's force at Win- chester, and compelling the balance to seek safety in the works of Maryland Heights, opposite Harper's Ferry. he triumpantly marched into Pennsylvania. The only small force in the way at all was that under General Couch, with headquarters at Harrisburg, Pa., and General Brooks' small force on the bor-

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Very few regiments from Pennsylvania were organized until the decisive battle of Gettysburg was fought, July 1st to 3d, yet we shall see that Indiana county "came to the front" with a will, for we find it had eight companies mustered into service as ear- ly as July 3d to 8th, and followed this with six more before July 23d. There was some dissatisfaction on the part of some troops on account of being mustered into United States service, and Governor Curtis, being called upon, assured the troops that they would be discharged as soon as danger to the State was averted, and more than this gave them the choice to elect to serve six months, or during the emergency. We do not learn that there was much demur among Indiana county men, the first companies all being sworn into United States service 'on the plighted word of Gover- nor Curtin that they would not be detained beyond the exigency calling them to arms.

The 54th regiment, Colonel Gallagher, of Westmoreland county, was mustered July 4th, with Thomas K. Weaver, of Indiana county, lieutenant colonel. Company A, Capt. Joseph K. Weaver, with Lieuts. John Hill and J. K. Anderson, was nearly all from Indiana county ; Company D, Capt. John H. Devers, Lieuts. Byron Porter and Josiah Henderson, all from Indiana county ; Company E, Capt. Nelson Henry, Lieuts. D. A. Ralston and James Patton, largely of Indiana county; Company H, Capt. (Rev.) Samuel Hender- son, Lieuts. Robert Smith and David Reed, all of Indiana county.

Smith, Lieuts. Robert N. MeCombs and Wil- liam C. Gordon ; all of Indiana county.

danger, called for troops from the nearest States, asking of Pennsylvania 50,000 men. The people were disheartened by Confeder- The next six companies were organized , into an independent battalion, under John C. Lininger, of Indiana county, as lieutenant colonel, including three other companies, the first, Company B, under command of Charles McClain, from Jefferson county, partly made up of Indiana county men; the second, Com- pany C, Capt. William Neel, Lieuts. Thomas ates successes South, and diversions in their favor in the North, and responded slowly, no considerable force of militia being organ- ized until Lee's army, 100,000 strong, was on Pennsylvania soil, levying contributions of money and material upon its defenseless towns, asking the town of York, Pa., alone, for $100,000 in cash ; and $28,000 was actually K. Hastings and W. C. Brown, was made up paid, besides food and clothing furnished.

very largely from Indiana county, the bal- ance from Jefferson county; the third, Com- pany H, Capt. Charles W. Whistler, mostly from Westmoreland county.

The other companies, A, D, E, F, G, and I, we claim as Indiana county companies. Com- pany A, Capt. Thomas J. Moore, Lieuts. Daniel C. Davis and Marion M. Davis; Com- pany D, Capt. John W. Coleman, Lieuts. George W. Wilson and William T. Jackson ; Company E, Capt. William P. Altemus, Lieuts. William W. Altemus and George R. Bolar; Company F, Capt. Daniel Tincom, Lieuts. Samuel W. Campbell and O. S. Mc- Henry ; Company G, Capt. Robert L. Ritchie, Lieuts. Benjamin F. Speedy and Daniel Latshaw (in this company probably enough men to balance what we allow Jefferson county, in Captain Neel's company) ; Com- pany I, Lieut. William B. Marshall. This battalion was elected to serve for six months, and was so mustered into the United States service.

We will follow each in a brief description of its duties. The 54th and 57th regiments were both assigned to the command of Gen. T. H. Brooks, and rendezvoused in the neigh- borhood of Pittsburg, Pa. The rebel cavalry leader, Gen. John H. Morgan then on a raid through Indiana and Ohio, had by this time got so far North as to make his escape some- what doubtful, and the more so after Lee had been driven back defeated into Virginia. The 54th, Colonel Gallagher, and 57th, Colonel Porter, were both moved down into Ohio, and posted at fords of the Ohio river, by some of which Morgan had hoped to make good his escape, the gunboats having effect- ually stopped him from crossing the river lower down, and he was also closely pursued by a land force under Generals Shackelford and Hobson. Attempts to cross over were made at several points, and some 500 of his men had effected a crossing at different points on the river. These, with the loss of 600 in prisoners in the engagement at the ford

The 57th regiment was mustered in by companies July 3d to 8th, and organized by electing Jomes R. Porter, of Indiana county. colonel. Company A, Capt. William R. Ford, Lieuts. Robert A. Henderson (provost adju- tant) and Alexander Craig; Company C, Capt. Hugh Weir, Lieuts. James B. Sansom (editor Democrat) and James Fleming (color company) ; Company E, Capt. Joseph Persh- ing, Lieuts. James P. McClelland and Hugh Pershing; Company F, Capt. George E. above Pomeroy, had reduced his force very

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

much, and made his chances for escape still less ; and, with the loss in prisoners at Belle- ville, left him with scarcely 1,000 men.

In the race for life, it was feared Morgan would cross, but the 57th regiment, by a quick movement of some three miles, reached the place, and being first on the ground Colonel Porter so disposed his men that any force attempting a passage to the river must have done so under a concentrated fire of the regi- ment, on a space where not over six abreast Militia of 1864-There were two companies largely made up of Indiana county men. could have formed to charge the obstructed path. Morgan then tried the position of the The first was mustered into service in July, 54th regiment, Colonel Gallagher, but found it impracticable also.

The Ohio militia in the meantime were pressing the Rebel chieftain closely, as also Shackelford and Hobson in his rear. Being Spencer afterwards recruited a company for thus closely pursued and environed, he sur- rendered to General Shackelford, and the work and duties of the Pennsylvania regi- ments over, they were soon disbanded.

The independent battalion under Colonel Lininger was retained in service over seven months, doing duty on railroad guard and at crossings on the upper Potomac river, with headquarters at Green Spring Run, W. Va. It is to the credit of these hastily summoned together troops for States defense that there was a willingness to move out of the State when necessary for the welfare of the country, and there is no doubt but the militia force mustered at this time had a wholesome effect upon the general result; and had it been in the field promptly at the call of the president, might have added very materially to the amount of material captured from Lee in his retreat, for there was but a small force in the army of the Potomac in fit condition to follow and harass General Lee in his retreat. Couch's militia, as well as Crook's, may have been laughed at as worthless, but we must not forget "what Washington, Gates and Jackson severally did with militia; but, though they had only been held in reserve or set to guarding trains, their presence would have had a wholesome effect," and we do know they did good service in the cam- paign, those in the west rendering effectual help in the capture of Morgan and his troop- ers, and those in the east disputing every foot in the advance of Lee's detached forces; and on looking over the field we believe would have prevented the crossing of the Susque- hanna, even if Lee had not ordered his de- tached force under General Early to return to the main body for the struggle with the Army of the Potomac at Gettysburg.

Many of the men in these Indiana county companies of 1863 had seen hard service be- fore, having been discharged from regiments in the Army of the Potomac for wounds re- ceived in action, and had now so far recovered as to be able for duty on a short term ; others, to whom this service was the beginning, en- listed in regiments and went to the front, and proved by future service that they had soldierly qualifications.

1864, and disbanded in the latter part of November, 1864; captain, J. G. Wilson; lieutenants, Samuel McHenry and Peter C. Spencer. Captain Wilson and Lieutenant

one year's service assigned to the 74th Penn- sylvania Volunteers, and Lieutenant McHenry and others recruited a company for one year service, assigned to the 67th Pennsylvania Volunteers.

The second company was mustered into service November 3, 1864, and served till August, 1865; captain, Joseph K. Weaver; lieutenants, Anthony Ewing and John W. Ellinger.

These did general guard duty whenever required, and were regularly mustered into the United States service, Captain Wilson's company doing duty on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 29

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 930

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 930