USA > Pennsylvania > Venango County > Venango County, Pennsylvania: Her Pioneers and People (Volume 1) > Part 54
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The foregoing regimental sketches and com- pany rosters were compiled from Bates' His- tory of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, a volu- minous . work and recognized authority. The histories of the different regiments have neces- sarily been greatly abbreviated, but rosters have been given of all the companies in which Venango county was represented to any ex-
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tent. Though there were also a number of other regiments to which the county con- tributed, it is believed that the essential par- ticulars regarding the part taken by the coun- ty have been given.
The Lamberton Guards was an organiza- tion formed in 1862 when Lee invaded Mary- land and threatened Pennsylvania. The offi- cers were: Capt. William M. Epley; First Lieutenant Pinkerton, and Second Lieuten- ant James Adams. They proceeded to Harris- burg, but returned after the battle of Antie- tam without experiencing any actual military service.
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The activities of the people on behalf of the prosecution of the war were not limited to the contribution of troops. There were a num- ber of Soldiers' Aid Societies throughout the county, and the contributions of money, hos- pital supplies, and other comforts and neces- saries made through these agencies represented in the aggregate a large expenditure of en- ergy and effort. There was a Home Relief Association and a Soldiers' Aid Dime Society at Franklin ; the Soldiers' Aid Society of Plum township was organized in the autumn of 1861, and a similar association in Sugar Creek was formed in September, 1862. On Aug. 11, 1862, a public meeting was held at the court house for the purpose of raising a bounty fund for volunteers from this county, James Bleakley presiding. After addresses by Arnold Plumer, Elisha W. Davis and others, a committee was appointed to request from the county commis- sioners an appropriation of fifty dollars to each volunteer. Throughout the war the commis- sioners contributed regularly toward the sup- port of the families of absent soldiers, and while organized assistance was thus rendered, public benefactions were augmented by many acts of private charity.
McCalmont. On the monument are inscribed the names of four hundred soldiers, "Venan- go's contribution to the death-roll of patriot- ism."
In Oil City a fund has been recently sub- scribed for a monument to the "Boys in Blue," and the money has been put at interest. In the near future this memorial of a people's gratitude will be erected to the heroes of two wars. the Civil war and the war waged "to make the world safe for democracy.'
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR
Keenly interested in the affairs of the wide, wide world as Venango county always has been, the events leading up to the Spanish- American war were the subject of grave con- sideration. Venango county, a spot on the map small to be sure, has by reason of its gifts become a radiating center. Far-flung are its productions, and men from western Pennsyl- vania are found laboring in their vocations in every country on the globe. Consequently the interest in Cuba at that time was intense. Grover Cleveland had said in his message to Congress that the situation there and this coun- try's duty could not long be unnoted, and must be acted upon. Some other means than war was expected to clear the way for health and happiness in that oppressed island. But when "reconcentrado" was a familiar word in every home, and meant a definite disturbing factor, men who hated war and feared it and who knew the nation's unpreparedness looked on with something like fear. William Mckinley, who like General Sherman knew what war is. held his country back until he was compelled by that raucous slogan, "Remember the Maine," to bow his troubled head to the on- coming storm. The full and free criticism possible in a republic had convinced many peo- ple that America had no navy, that she could be wiped out by a few Spanish ships. A shiver proceeded up the entire New England coast when Cervera's fleet was spoken of or even thought of in the dead watches of the night. It was not so bad in the daytime. when as a rule common sense reigns somewhat. But patriotism rose in a mighty flood at the idea of America being greatly disturbed, not to say conquered, by any foe. The situation in Ve- nango county may be given best by facts from the report of Col. (afterward Gen.) Willis Hulings to the adjutant general of Pennsyl- vania.
The Soldiers' Monument, situated in South park at Franklin, was erected immediately after the close of the war, to express in endur- ing and appropriate form the appreciation of the county at large for the patriotic services and sacrifices of the citizens who fell "on the field of battle, in hospitals, and at home; who died of wounds received in battle, of sickness incurred in camp, of starvation in the hands of the enemy." The dedication occurred Sept. 10, 1866. The survivors of the war from this county marched in a body to the park, and it is estimated that ten thousand people witnessed the ceremonies. Revs. S. J. M. Eaton, D. D., M. A. Tolman and J. B. Lyon conducted the religious exercises; addresses were delivered It is a matter of rejoicing and of pardonable by Dr. Eaton, Galusha A. Grow, and John S. pride that the men of the 16th Regiment were
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of such splendid character. The boys from this country came from the homes of intelli- gence and culture. They deserved all the com- mendation they received. And it is a historical fact of importance that they were ably com- manded and led. The 16th Regiment was the only regiment in Pennsylvania, and so far as can be learned in the United States, that re- sponded to a man with a full quota of officers to the call of the president for volunteers. This word which came back to the homes from Mt. Gretna was greeted with joy. Not a fam- ily was willing that its sons should be the ones to break this splendid record. After a short time in (Florida, during which there were drills and field manoeuvers, the 16th was chosen with two others out of an army corps of fifty-eight thousand men to advance upon Puerto Rico. Major Reed meanwhile, and Lieutenant Colonel Rickards, had been or- dered to recruit men for the service and were eminently successful in that work. On July 2Ist the regiment sailed from Charleston un- der sealed orders. The destination was Fa- jardo. On arriving and finding no fleet there the men proceeded to search the coast for Gen- eral Wilson, who had sailed a day ahead. They found him and the fleet at Ponce, which city was then in the possession of the United States troops. The regiment moved forward under orders and found the Spanish hastening their departure, and the people generally glad to welcome the soldiers. But this condition was not continuous, and the troops advanced amid difficulties that tried them sorely at times. The country was entirely unknown to the men, and war was not a picnic at that time. The men from Venango county were equal to the occa- sion. Their courage and determination and skill in mastering problems have been admired and praised by historians, and by military men of long and varied experience. The battle of Coamo, in which so many Company D and Company F men took part, was one of the striking and spectacular engagements of the Spanish-American war. The officers of the regiment, the men of all companies, displayed true American nerve and dash. General Hul- ings' report makes especial mention of the work of Major Reed, Captains McElhinney and Lyons, and Lieutenants Bradley, Young and Daub. Private Jolly of Company F was wounded and bore his hurt with fortitude. During this action other captains were not so actively engaged as these mentioned by reason of their positions, but Captains James, Barr and Wheelock are spoken of as having played their part well. Major Reed, and Cap-
tains Burns, McElhinney and Lyons, were with Lieutenant Fennerty recommended for promo- tion for gallant conduct in the face of the enemy. General Hulings explains that in fair- ness others should have been recommended, but he could not include the entire roster. Ad- jutants Robertson and Scheide, and Lieuten- ants Hasson, Loomis, Turner, Johnston, Bradley, Young, Daub, Schaffer, all won hon- orable mention. The officers without excep- tion were commended. Lieutenant Corrin, Sergeant Major Richy and the Regimental Chaplain, W. B. Lowry, all received testi- monials to their efficiency.
Colonel Rickards under special orders was sent to Pennsylvania from Camp Thomas to recruit an additional battalion for the 16th Regiment. His success was surprising. In a short time he had mustered in four companies of three officers and 106 men. In three days he recruited forty-seven men in Oil City, closed the station, and hoped he was starting for the scene of war, but by reason of delays and arduous work he was prevented from joining the 16th until a later date.
Lieutenant Colonel Rickards reached Puerto Rico Sept. 22d, with the 3d Battalion. They remained at Ponce until Oct. 11th, when they sailed for the United States, and in December of that year were mustered out of service, after having been furloughed by the War De- partment for sixty days. Col. Willis J. Hul- ings was appointed brigadier general United States Volunteers, and Col. George C. Rick- ards assumed command of the regiment.
Venango county met her returning warri- ors with proper pride and sufficient celebra- tion. They had faced danger, and had sur- vived, they had offered themselves in a true spirit of patriotism to their country, and no one at home was sorry that the war on that "Loud Sabbath" was ended so soon. There had been anxiety enough for all. There was "glory enough for all." Cervera going back to Spain on the old "City of Rome," detailed for that service, sitting in the room given to him surrounded by comfort, must have felt in perfect harmony with the pale blue decora- tions which covered its walls, for no sadder soul ever sailed the trackless sea. But he had nobility to recognize a foe who exacted no humiliating conditions and who paid him per- sonal respect. He spoke at home, it is told, of the experience of all officers and men of the courage and fine qualities of the young men of the New World.
The following members of the 16th Regi- ment were all from Venango county :
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W. H. Corrin, First Lieutenant and Quar- termaster.
John Russell Robertson, First Lieutenant and Adjutant.
William S. Couch, Quartermaster Sergeant. John L. Hay, promoted from Corporal, Com- pany D, to Quartermaster Sergeant.
Colonel, Willis J. Hulings, Oil City, Pa .; resident Oil City (N. G. P.) ; enrolled April 27, 1898; mustered in May 10, 1898; in com- mand of 3d Brigade, Ist Division, Ist Artil- lery Corps, from May 7, 1898, to July 4, 1898, inclusive ; in command of Regiment during en- gagement at Coamo, P. R., Aug. 9, 1898; com- missioned Brigadier General, U. S. V., Sept. 25, 1898; relinquished command of regiment, Oct. 17, 1898.
J. Murray Reed, Major, appointed to hold F. O. C. June 4, 1898; on recruiting service June 10 to 23, 1898; appointed Aug. 23, 1898, to hold Regtl. S. Cv., and relieved Sept. 16, 1898.
Alexander P. Richey, Sergeant Major.
Lieut. Col. George Collins Rickards, in com- mand of regiment May 17 to July 2, 1898; on detached service as mustering and recruiting officer July 2 to July 22, 1898, when assigned to command of 3d Battalion of this regiment, and continued in command of this Battalion to its arrival at Ponce, P. R., Sept. 22, 1898; re- porting to Brigadier General Henry, U. S. V., was there retained with Battalion; joined the regiment Oct. 11, 1898; commissioned colonel Oct. 12, 1898; accepted commission and assumed command of regiment Oct. 17, 1898; mustered in with new rank Nov. 30, 1898; and mustered out Dec. 28, 1898.
Millard Scheide, Second Lieutenant and Bat- talion Adjutant.
Company A: £ Privates George Gordon, Harry C. Hartley, William J. McGreevey, Al- fred H. Thumwood, John Thumwood.
Company B: Corporal Frank A. Zinn.
Company C: Privates Byron L. Cole, Wil- liam M. Montgomery, Fred G. Peterman, Clay- ton E. Poland, Fred E. Zubler.
Company D: Capt. David K. James; First Lieut. James Hasson; Second Lieut. William B. Loomis; Sergeants Harry L. Rogers (first sergeant), Nathan A. Beigley, John H. Camp, Albert S. Fry, Marcus Hulings ; Corporals Ed- win E. Beighley, Harry M. Berry, Fred P. Barbour, Harry M. Brown. Leroy S. Cousins, John L. Hays, Marcus Hulings, John W. Lynch, William S. Lytle, Harry W. Sherick, William V. Thomas, George W. Varnes, Ar- dell West; Musician Howard O. Bensinger ; Privates Frank L. Agens, Frederick P. Bar-
bour, John W. Bascom, Henry A. Bear, Joseph McE. Bell, Robert Bernard, J. Louis Bessler, Frank E. Bickel, William H. Blair, Robt. Bo- den, Chas. H. Bromley, George A. Brown, Harry M. Brown, Wm. S. Brown, Edwin W. Brush, John J. Cann, Milton M. Cochran, Harry Colbert, Burt A. Connor, Thos. C. Con- roy, Douglas T. Cooper, Jno. E. Corbett, Le- roy .S. Cousins, Clide Culp, Talbert R. Dale, Walter C. Dale, Floyd Davis, Frank J. Du- gan, Arthur W. Drohen, George E. Dunmire, William G. Eckert, Frank W. Estep, Joseph B. Fitzpatrick, Elton H. Folwell, Chas. H. Gayetty, Chas. F. Gilmore, Arthur R. Gra- ham, Edward Grasser, Roy O. Greenfield, Joseph A. Hanner, Frank J. Hanton, Chris- topher C. Heckathorne, Jno. Heckathorne, Arthur K. Helle, Chas. Hensell, Arthur Hut- chinson, Timothy Hynes, Wm. H. Kelley, Ar- thur C. Kightlinger, Charles D. Landis, Harry T. Seyland, Wm. B. Long, Jno. W. Lynch, Clarence E. Martin, Gilbert Martin, Edward J. McDonnell, Thos. J. McDonnell, Henry H. McGregor, Edward M. Mckinney, Roy C. Meals, Edward M. Metz, Rob- ert E. Moorhead, Leonard A. Mor- gan, George A. Morrison, Henry A. Morse, John H. Nilsson, Robert G. Prosser, William B. Ralph, Jr., Robert J. Rayner, John Ready, Edwin A. Reed, Birton G. Reninger, Harry L. Rhoades, James L. Robbins, Burt C. Rogers, Thadeus Ross, Frederick W. Schack, William F. Shanfelter, Harry W. Sherick, John W. Siegel, William G. Skelly, Thomas H. Stapleton, Charles W. Steen, Harry S. Stephenson, Jacob Swarteslander, Vernon S. Swisher, Samuel S. Sweitzer, Boon Turner, George W. Varnes, Matthew Welsh, Ardell West, Rene Wilhelm.
Company E: Capts. James McElhinney (Acting Major, 2d Battalion, June 10 to 22, and from Sept. 17 to Oct. 17, inclusive), Wil- liam Robertson ; First Lieut. Harry B. Brad- ley; Second Lieuts. Edwin Beaty, Harry C. Farringer; First Sergeant James G. Karns ; Quartermaster Sergeant Alfred Rodgers ; Ser- geants John W. Arters, Harry C. Farringer, Homer J. Hanna ; Corporals Claude E. Barnes, Charles P. Barnes, Clarence Gates, Parker R. Kinnear, Frank Moyer, Melvin A. Ray, Lovd Reed, Clinton B. Richey, Frank Robertson, William Robertson, Earl Slonaker, James T. Smith, Anson Snyder; Privates Ray M. Adams, George Daniel Baker, Charles P. Barnes, Harry E. Beers, Charles W. Bell, James F. Billingsley, Chas. E. Bishop, Jr., Frank P. Blair, Wm. H. Brandon, Alonzo Burch- field, L. Earl Burns, Crawford Burton, John
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W. Cauvel, John J. Clark, Dennis J. Connell, John Connery, Howard DeWoody, Fred O. Duffield, Jasper M. Duncan, Frank Engles, Charles A. Foster, John E. Fox, Philip R. Gardner, Edward A. Glass, Blake W. Gor- don, Ora M. Haizlett, John Harmon, Fred M. Henlen, Clifford Homan, George Hutchin- son, Sam'l Jones, Parker R. Kinnear, Guy H. Lupher, Donald W. Maddox, Jesse M. Man- son, George Marsh, Lewis A. Matteson, James A. McDevitt, John B. McDonald, Clyde L. Moore, Norman C. Neely, Wilbur Nelson, Kyle D. Noel, Harry Pick, John G. B. Plante, Loyd Reed, Duff Reynolds, Thos. B. Rey- nolds, Lewis N. Ribb, Frank Robertson, Wil- liam Robertson, Albert Rowley, Audley J. See- ly, Judd M. Sharp, Frederick Shearer, Jay H. Sigworth, Earl Slonaker, Geo. E. Smith, James T. Smith, Albert H. Snyder, Anson Snyder, Chas. A. Stockwell, Chas. H. Stover, Thos. D. Sullivan, Frank C. Tucker, Clarence E. West, Arthur A. Whittaker, Clyde R. Zuver.
Company F: Capt. Frank Barr, on detached service at brigade headquarters, May 17-June 20, 1898, as acting Actg. A. A. G. per S. O. of Ist Brigade, Ist Division, Ist Corps; First Lieut. Chris. E. Johnson; Second Lieut. Bert S. Shaffer; Sergeants Clarence Wilson, Wal- ter E. Dunn, James A. Mawhinney, John E. Ritchey ; Quartermaster Sergeant Clarence Turner ; Corporals Robert P. Anderson, James B. Askey. William S. Fitzgerald, Myron M. Cutshal, Charles V. Duncan, Robert E. Lytle, Daniel McVey, William E. Moore, Nathan O'Connor, Thomas A. Walker; Privates George P. Albrecht, Fred R. Baker, James S. Barrett, Alexander Beers, Albert H. Bran- don. Charles H. Brennan, Wessel M. Brod- head, Robert C. Brundage, Edward L. Burn- ham. Harry E. Bushnell, John R. Canan, Cle- ment M. Carew, John A. Clark, Accie J. Col- lingwood, James Connell, Jr., Myron M. Cut- shall, James B. DeWoody, Thomas R. Dis- ler, Burton A. Downey, Charles V. Duncan, Thomas St. C. Elliott, Willoughby G. Engle, Francis J. Forquer, Ellery W. Frankenber- ger, Clyde French, Wade B. Gault, Arthur J. Griffin, Charles D. Grimm, Fred A. Hullett, Frank A. Hanes, James Hanna, Hans Hansen, Joseph I .. Harrison, Harry Hedglin, William Higgins, William A. Hoffman, William Ho- man, George S. Hugus, Harvey A. Johnson, Thomas H. Johnson, Errol V. Jolley, Ira P. Jones, Daniel Kaylor, Walter F. Keplinger, Ralph C. Lane, Peter Larson, Edward E. Leach, David T. Lewis. Frank L. Ludwick, Robert E. Lytle, Harry R. Marks, Charles L. Martin, Millard McClure, James G. McCon-
nell, Wade H. McKee, John W. Mckeon, Frank B. McVey, Speros P. Melonikos, Wil- kin T. Moffitt, Robert F. Moore, William C. Morris, William E. Murrin, Charles H. My- ers, Joseph L. Neeley, Francis C. Nicklin, Os- car L. Nitsel, Nathan O'Connor, Charles A. Remp, Henry J. Rice, Marcus M. Rose, Arthur V. Ross, Frank S. Ross, Aurie M. Rugh, Frank Savard, Frank J. Schmeltzer, Lewis Shorts, Edward T. Simpson, William O. Simp- son, Harry S. Small, Edward W. Smiley, Francis Smith, Leslie N. Smith, Harry B. Snow, George C. Stephenson, Edward E. Stokely, Monte V. Sutton, Thomas Thomp- son, John A. Titzel, Jr., Hosea Vincent, An- drew S. Voorhies, John E. Walbourn, Albert L. Wenzel, Charles E. Wood, Fred F. Ziegler.
Company H: Privates Jacob E. Fink, Rob- ert Funk, Frank Gormley, Charles Patterson, William Warham, George H. Williams.
Company I: Privates Manford L. Clark, Zack B. Cooper, Culver L. Courson, Fred W. Dolby, James Edwards, Edgar Mubghis, Win- sor H. Pieres.
Company K: Sergeant Simmons Clyde ; Corporals Harry J. Boles, Audley V. Zuver ; Privates William R. Barton, Henry S. Bates, Harry J. Boles. Clyde S. Coates, Fred Conway, Harry N. Feely, Charles Fleischman, Richard Fleishman, Clarence N. Gerin, Harry Gott- man, Elmer E. Grant, William W. Hause, James B. Lafferty, Samuel F. McLauchlin. Leon E. Odell, Frank O'Leary, Richard J. O'Leary, Barney Oney, John C. Reed. Mil- ford F. St. John, William Torpey, Audley V. Zuver.
Company L: Privates Herbert R. Burns, Jay W. Evans. James L. Foley.
Company M: Privates James F. Curran, Walter Shorthouse, Frank Silbert, William Thompkins, Ira H. Wilson.
LATEST MILITARY ACTIVITIES
Turning the new leaf of military history of Venango county, we find the same devotion to an ideal that has persisted through the years. Were the ear delicately attuned the echoes of marching feet might be heard. The footsteps of Venango county men from Revolutionary days down to 1918 have tended toward the front. Nothing ever gave the idealist so fer- vent hope as the response made by the youth of the land to the thrilling call of war in 1917. Through the world, it seems, will al- ways go this surge of life clear and pure and strong. The boy who, to quote Kipling, "started as a average kid, became a thinking
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man" at once. That he was needed by his country was an idea so great and so beautiful that it could not be resisted by many a youth who had to forget the exact date of his birth in order to enlist.
Company D and Company F were soon at full strength and needed nothing but adequate training to become worthy of all past tradi- tion. After some months spent in Mexico in a purely military atmosphere and in healthful surroundings the soldiers returning surprised their old neighbors by their superb bearing. The time seemed short to those who loved them until they went away one day in early spring to the camps which were but gateways opening upon a wide and fearful field. Who that heard it will forget the bugle note that called them together for the last march along the home road toward the camp and then to "Somewhere in France"? They went away with light upon them from their father's eyes, and said farewell to mothers whose faces brought to mind Murillo's masterpiece, for upon them had come the look of one who gives a Messiah for the world's deliverance. Knights of Christ those boys became from that day forth.
The tales they told, the letters they wrote, all tended to stimulate patriotism. Volun- teers were numerous. The aviation schools called many, and all modern lines of military activity lured these ardent young sons of Venango. When conscription became the law of the land the feeling that it was just, that America played no favorites, stirred every heart. The country turned out in imposing parades to honor the registrants, many of whom were soon to answer the roll call at the Draft Board rooms. New and strange as it all was, the county took up its work. There was work for all. The enormous number of men to be made comfortable found the old mother with her knitting needles and the young one with her skillfully made surgical dress- ings, equally needed. History repeated itself, but with modern embellishments which added new interests and new terrors. In nearly every home in this county the Red Cross hung its pathetic appeal in the window. Money was poured out like water. "Over the top" went everybody in giving and in that deep enthu- siasm which is translated into energy. On days when draftees went away business was suspended in the towns and thousands of men and women and little wondering children lift- ed their eyes toward the Star Spangled Ban- ner of hope and light. The names of these men are given in this volume, but no volume
can enshrine adequately the deeds of heroism and of sublime sacrifice these sons of Venan- go have performed. To be worthy of those who return will be difficult, but to be worthy of those who sleep in graves in France, with the home flag waving gently above their rest and with France like a brooding mother watch- ing over them, will be more difficult still.
Mention must be made of the patriotic im- pulse which made the war gardens a factor in winning the war. Men who had never seen a hoe, except perhaps in the picture of Millet's, or looked into the eye of a potato, had new joys and trials in their novel gardening. The conservation of food and all that it implied made the life of homekeeping women one of strenuous endeavor. Women who for twenty- five years had never varied a recipe evolved new methods of doing things, and applied all the fervor of discoverers to small economies. All these things played a part which in the aggregate must have been large, since the re- sults are spectacular. Every suggestion of the Fuel department was considered. The name of Hoover became a household word. Chil- dren ate crusts rapidly lest Hoover might "get them." Women watched the outgoings from the sugarbowl with solicitude. These all have place in the annals of the military history of Venango county. The acceptance of condi- tions and the enthusiastic response to all ap- peals was simply unanimous and in spirit splendid. A community of feeling between widely separated groups of women is one of the rich results of this war. The mother of the millionaire soldier and that of the poorest shop boy to-day belong in America to a proudly ac- knowledged sisterhood.
Nearly two thousand men entered the serv- ice from Venango county, enrolled in the avia- tion branch, the navy, the artillery and vari- ous infantry organizations. All their names should appear on the "Rolls of Honor" of the Franklin and Oil City Districts, on which en- tries are yet being added slowly. That of Franklin at present contains about three hun- dred names, Oil City's over a thousand. In time these lists will probably be about the same size. Besides the ordinary delays experienced in attempting to make up accurate records, both towns have had trouble in getting the printing done, and procuring the markers which designate the wounded, the killed, and those who have died from other causes. The lists of the Home Service Section of the Red Cross in each of these towns are much fuller than any other lists in existence. Many of the names which they have do not appear on
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