USA > West Virginia > History of the Fifth West Virginia Cavalry > Part 12
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
G A. QUIMBY.
JAMES L. WILSON
105
COMPANY HISTORY.
work before them. Turning to Quimby's mess he joined them, and said to Quimby, " It may be, 'Buddy,' this will be the last meal you and I will eat together"; then followed the battle, the heroic charge, and Lieut. Weaver in his best spirits, happy and cheerful, gave up his noble life for his country.
LIEUTENANT D. A. JENNINGS.
David A. Jennings was promoted to second lieutenant from private February 19, 1862, and resigned January 22, 1863. No date is availa- ble to give a sketch of his life. When he enlisted he was 20 years of age.
SERGEANT G. A. QUIMBY.
G. A. Quimby was born in Washington county, Ohio, August 6, 1841, of English descent, and remained on a farm until 13 years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the brick mason trade at Marietta. His parents died in 1847, leaving four boys and three girls, George being but 6 years old. He had no school privileges, reading being the only branch that he learned, until he was taught to write by his comrades, George Brown, J. P. Ford and W. R. Stewart, after they were in the field. He drifted from place to place, working at his trade, making Parkersburg his home in 1859. At the age of 13, he united with the Baptist church at Marietta, Ohio, and was always active in church duties. Quimby was one of the first to join the company, and his re- cord was that of a good soldier, never shirking duty, in his place on the march and in the battle, and missed but one fight in which the company was engaged, Allegheny Mt. He was then stricken down with typhoid fever. When his time was out, he enlisted for one year in Company G. Second W. Va. Cavalry, and was in the third brigade, third cavalry division, commanded by General Custer. He was in the battles under Sheridan in the valley, and at Petersburg, engaging in all that his brigade had a part in, until the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. At the close of the war he made Dayton his home, then married and moved to Colum- bus, (., where he engaged in contracting and building until 1880, when his health gave way under the effects of diseases contracted in the army, and is now a bookkeeper. He is a member and deacon of Hildreth Baptist church, was Sabbath school superintendent for several years, and is an active member of McCoy Post No. 1, G. A. R.
CORPORAL G. W. BROWN.
George W. Brown was born in Lancaster county, Pa., and left home at an early age and traveled through the west, learning cigar-making, which he was following in Kentucky, when the war broke out. Like many thousands of loyal men in the south, he was compelled to seek safety, and traveled through the woods until he reached the Ohio river, thence to Parkersburg, where he sought an opportunity to "get even " with his enemies, and he joined Company K. He was lively and agreea- ble, a favorite with his comrades. His courage in battle could not be
H
ยท
106
COMPANY K.
surpassed. After the war he settled in Parkersburg, where he was married and made that his home since.
LIEUTENANT J. L. WILSON.
James Lewis Wilson is the son of the late Capt. Daniel Wilson, of Company B, and was born at Phillippi, Va., December, 1848. He claims to be the youngest regularly enlisted soldier from West Virginia, who served during the war of the rebellion. being less than 14 years of age when he was mustered into the service as drummer of Company K. When he joined, Lieut. Weaver took him into his tent. and he shared with this brave officer his bed and board, until the lieutenant was killed. At the reorganization of the regiment in the fall of 1864, when the recruits and veterans were consolidated with the Sixth West Virginia cavalry, and took the latter name, and while at New Creek, and the mounted and available part of the command was in the field, the place was surprised and captured by Gen. Rosser's command. Nearly all the men were captured, and among the rest the young bugler. The men were hurried by hard marches through the mountains, without food or suitable clothes, or blankets, as everything had been taken from them, to Staunton, thence to Richmond, where they were confined in Pember- ton prison. In the building with 600 other unfortunates, he spent the winter of 1864-5, where they were all subjected to the hardships and privations incident to southern prisons. There he celebrated his six- teenth birthday. The heartless remark of " Old Boots." the jailor, that "here is a boy that would like to see his mother," as he with other officers passed along the line taking the names of those who could not stand the treatment much longer, will not soon be forgotten. A few days later, however, all in the building were paroled, placed in a vessel, steamed to City Point, thence north, where he joined his regiment. The regiment soon after went west, and saw service in Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming, against the Indians. His term of service ex- piring December, 1865, he was sent to Omaha for discharge, after three years and four days service. Just 17 years of age, he found himself on the then borders of civilization, far from home, with a few hard earned dollars in his pocket, a great deal of experience, and no education. He returned to his home in W. Va., started at once to a select school, then to Morgantown, where he was a cadet at the Agricultural college. re- maining one year. He then began the study of medicine under Dr. A. H. Thayer, his old surgeon. By the advice of Capt. Blue, one of his old regiment, he came before the Examining Board at Morgantown, in competition with others of the district, for admission to West Point. He was successful and was appointed in June, 1869, by Hon. J. C. Mc- Grew, and entered that famous military school in June, 1870. He was graduated No. 5 in a class of forty one, in 1874, joining his regiment, the Fourth U. S. Artillery, in California. He was graduated at the U. S. Artillery school in 1876, took part in the campaigns against the Sioux
IO7
COMPANY HISTORY.
Indians in 1876, the Nez Perces in 1877, the Bannocks in 1878, and the Apaches in 1881. He was professor of Military science and tactics, and of Mathematics, at the W. Va. University 1884 to 1888, He com- pleted the course of submarine mines and torpedo service, at the school of application for Engineers, at Willetts Point, N. Y., 1889. Lieut. Wilson was united in marriage with Miss Camilla Zantzinger, niece of Admiral Farragut, at the residence of the admiral in New York City, November 10, 1874, and has two daughters, Virginia Farragut, and Mary Angusta. He is now first lieutenant of the Fourth Artillery, and is located at Jackson Barracks, New Orleans, La.
CHAPTER IV.
THE QUARTERMASTER'S DEPARTMENT.
REGIMENT to be efficient, and to do its best service, must have a well equipped quartermaster department, administered by an intelligent, strong officer. Without this its strength will be sapped and its usefulness impaired. Such a department the regi- ment had, and it was a rare occasion when the men suffered from lack of supplies, and then never through the fault of our own quartermaster. Lieut. Webster A. Stevens was the first quartermaster of the regiment, who had the duty of organizing the department, and putting it in shape for good work. The command had been in active service less than one year, when he resigned the office, and on July 7, 1862, Lient. Alex. J. Pentecost was commissioned and appointed to the office. He had been in the department for a few months, and was acquainted with its duties, and when he took charge new life and vigor were infused into it. It was not a work that was entirely congenial to the lieutenant's taste, but he took hold of it with his usual energy. and became one of the best officers that served in our command. Prompt, vigilant, reliable and in- telligent, he met every demand made upon him, and was a model quarter- master. His choice was an active command, and at the head of a troop he would have been a dashing, brave officer, and would have won great renown. But at the request of his superiors he accepted this office, and there did a work that was, perhaps, of more benefit to the men he directly served, than if he had commanded a company or a battalion. For his fathful work, the men honor him. Associated with him were George H. Kirkpatrick commissary sergeant, and E. F. Seaman quarter- master sergeant, who were valuable aids in the onerous and responsible duties of the position, and Thos. S. Eichbaum, of Company A, was the lieutenant's clerk.
LIEUTENANT A. J. PENTECOST, R. Q. M.
Alexander J, Pentecost was born November 18, 1835, at Pittsburgh, Pa. When five years old, his father died, and in 1845 his mother moved to Allegheny. Since that time he has been a resident of the latter city.
109
QUARTERMASTER DEPARTMENT.
At the age of twenty years, having served an apprenticeship at the machinist's trade, he became a member of the firm of Pentecost, Gra- ham and Bole, engine builders, Allegheny. He disposed of his interest in this business, and three years later, when the discovery of gold at Pike's Peak created so much excitement, started west in search of for- tune. Going by way of Leavenworth, Kansas, and across the plains, he arrived at a point about fifteen miles from the base of the "Rockies" in the month of June, 1859. Here he found an Indian lodge, and met General William Larimer, a Pittsburgh banker, who had taken up his abode in an old log hut near-by. Upon this spot the beautiful city of Denver, Colorado, has since arisen. Continuing their journey to the mountains, young Pentecost spent several months exploring the "wild west " and prospecting for gold, and returned home in the spring of 1860.
When Sumter was fired upon, and President Lincoln's call for troops was issued, Mr. Pentecost was among the first who responded to that call. It was his intention to recruit a company at Neville hall, but the city guards, under the command of Colonel Alexander Hays, had taken possession of the hall, and his plans were frustrated. Pentecost then enlisted with the Washington Rifles, afterward Company A, being re- cruited at old Lafayette hall. This company, in response to a call from Governor Frank H. Pierpoint, of Virginia, went to Wheeling and entered the service of Virginia. They were ordered into service soon after muster, taking charge of the B. & O. railroad. At this juncture Cor- poral Pentecost was detached from the regiment to assist in organizing a quartermaster's department at Grafton, Virginia. In September, 1861,
he was ordered to the Kanawha valley, and returning to Wheeling in December, reported to Governor Pierpont. The latter desired him to assist Colonel Harris recruit the Tenth Regiment of Virginia Infantry at Clarksburg; but prefering to remain with his regiment, which was then in winter quarters on Cheat Mountain, he immediately reported at regi- mental headquarters, was assigned to the quartermaster's department, and July 7, 1862, was commissioned first lieutenant and regimental quartermaster, vicc Lieutenant W. A. Stephens, resigned.
Lieut. Pentecost rendered active and efficient service in the following, and several other notable battles: Rich Mountain, Gauley Bridge, Mc- Dowell, Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, Kelly's Ford, White Sulphur Springs, Waterloo Bridge, Gainesville, Second Bull Run, Beverly, Rocky Gap, Droop Mountain, Cotton Mountain, Cloyd Mountain and Jackson River. He is the possessor of numerous commendatory letters, com- plimenting him upon his valor on the battlefield, from which the writer has selected the following on account of its brevity:
PITTSBURGH, PA ..
A. J. PENTECOST, EsQ.
SIR :- It affords me great pleasure to say, that while you were under my command in West Virginia, acting as Regimental Quartermaster of the Second Virginia Infan
IIO
QUARTERMASTER DEPARTMENT.
try, you discharged your duties with energy and marked ability, and that at the battle of Droop Mountain you participated in the action with great gallantry, contributing much to the success of your regiment, although your legitimate duties might have been a reasonable excuse for not taking part therein. The reports of your regimental commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, were always most complimentary to you. Wishing you every success in civil life, I remain,
Your Obedient Servant,
WM. W. AVERELL, Late Brig. Gen'l, U. S. V.
He comes of a military family, being the great grandson of Colonel Dorsey Pentecost, who took active part in the revolution, commanded the military forces of Washington county in 1781, was one of the first justices of the peace at old Fort Pitt, a member of the supreme execu- tive council of Pennsylvania 1781 to 1783, and president-judge of court of common pleas of Washington county. Colonel Dorsey was also the great grandfather of Colonel Jos. H. Pentecost, commander of the One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, who was killed in battle at Fort Steadman, March 25, 1865.
In civil life, Mr. Pentecost has occupied numerous positions of public trust, and has been most successful in business. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity on the retired list, having been made a mason at Allegheny City in 1867. March 13, 1865, he was brevetted captain, U. S. V., by the President of the United States for gallantry and meritori- ous conduct during the war, and in 1867 was commander of Post 91, G. A. R., department of Pennsylvania. October 31, 1873, he was com- missioned major and aid-de-camp of the National Guards of Pennsyl- vania, by General John F. Hartranft, and assigned to the Eighteenth division. In 1888, at the annual meeting of the Society of the Army of West Virginia, held in Columbus, Ohio, he was elected one of the vice presidents, and in 1887-89 was appointed treasurer of his regimental association. He was a member of Allegheny city councils in 1874, has at different times held the offices of president and treasurer of the third ward school board, and in 1887-'89, was a member of the high school committee, and member of the board of school controllers of Alle- gheny City for twelve years.
Mr. Pentecost has been married twice and has four sons and four daughters now living. April 2, 1863, he wedded Miss Virginia H. Andrews at Pittsburgh. Three children-Grant Meigs, Alexander J., and Daisy V.,-were the result of this marriage, but the mother and daughter both died.
His second, and present wife was Miss Emma P. Marcy, a relative of the late General R. D). Marcy, and of Mrs. General George B. Mc- Clellan. They were married in Allegheny City in January, 1874. The children of this marriage are three sons-Howard M., Dorsey D., Frank Pierpont; and five daughters-Nellie S., Adelia R., Bessie B., May B., and Emma D.
He has a beautiful and happy home in Allegheny City, ranks among
ALEXANDER J. PENTECOST, FIRST LIEUTENANT AND BREVET CAPTAIN U. S. V. MAJOR N. G. P. 1873.
ELIAS F. SEAMAN, QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT.
IJI
QUARTERMASTER DEPARTMENT.
the most successful real estate dealers in Pittsburgh, commands the honor and respect of all who know him, either in business, public or social life; and his many old comrades who peruse this volume will be glad to know that in health and physique he is perfect. A most entertaining and witty conversationalist, he can relate innumerable interesting anec- dotes of both the sorrowful and amusing phases of a soldier's life, as well as of the bravery and endurance of the "boys in blue."
E. F. SEAMAN, Q. M. SERGEANT.
E. F. Seaman was born in Zelionople, Butler county, Pa., December 26, 1842. His parents were both natives of the state, and his grand- parents were Germans. Mr. Seaman received a common school educa- tion, and at the age of 15 years left his home, and went to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he worked at gardening a few miles below the city. Shortly before the war broke out, he began to learn the trade of roll turning, which he followed until the call to arms, when he enlisted as a private in Company D. Not being able to enlist in any of the many companies forming in his city, on account of his youth and slender build, he boarded the steamer McCombs for Wheeling, Va., where the rules were not so strict, and joined the company then being formed on Wheeling Island. This company was composed almost wholly of men from Pitts- burgh and vicinity. He remained with his company, participating in all the battles in which the regiment took part, until July, 1863; and when it was mounted, he was promoted to quartermaster sergeant of the regiment, in which capacity he served until his term of enlistment expired. Returning to Pittsburgh, he again took up the trade of roll turning, and served his apprenticeship. He has had charge of the roll turning department at the Black Diamond Steel Works, of Park Bro. & Co., Pittsburgh, for the last twenty years, and it is the largest works of the kind in the country. On December 24, 1865, he married Miss Carrie Sold, of Allegheny City. Their union has been blessed with five children, three boys and two girls, the oldest and youngest being the latter, aged respectively 23 and 9 years. Comrade Seaman is a well preserved man of 47 years, in the prime and vigor of health. He is a prominent member of the Union Veteran Legion, as well as other societies, and is the life of whatever company he may join. During his service he was brave and true, always at his post, and a comrade that had the love and respect of all his associates. He was very thoroughly tried on the great Salem Raid, when he was one of the party commanded by Lieut. Pentecost in the retreat, and he was of invaluable service on that occasion. It required courage of the utmost staying quality, and Sergt. Seaman displayed his full share of it. In all other positions in which he was placed he was just as brave and true. In his official capa- city, he was very efficient, and rendered full service to his country. In the regimental association and Society of the Army of West Virginia, he is a whole host in his good nature and entertaining qualities, and is the
II2
QUARTERMASTER DEPARTMENT.
life and spirit of the gatherings. In the work of preparing the regi- mental history, and placing his command in its proper place before the people, he has been of invaluable aid to the Historian, and much is due to him for the completeness of the work. Comrade Seaman is one of the best types of American manhood, and very properly enjoys the respect and confidence of all that know him.
HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT.
For the following history of the Quartermaster's department, the His- torian is indebted to Lieut. A. J. Pentecost, its able head. The reports. official orders, etc., are exact copies of the originals, and the anecdotes, and incidents of battle, are told in Lieut. Pentecost's own language, as follows:
" During the winter of 1861-2, while in winter quarters on Cheat Mountain, and for some time afterwards, provisions were plentiful enough; requisitions approved by regimental commander and signed by commander of the company, would procure all the rations and clothing required, and officers had the privilege of purchasing provisions from the department at cost of same. In April, 1862, we were ordered to the front, and on May 13th our headquarters were at Franklin, Va., where we joined General Fremont. Then followed Fremont's campaign, his resignation and the advance of the army under General Pope.
The following order was issued soon after this:
HEADQUARTERS, IST CORPS, ARMY OF VIRGINIA, Aug. 4, 1862. Special Order, No. 1:
Quartermasters of regiments and batteries will make requisition for ambulances, horses and harness, and send them to chief quartermaster's office without delay. Each regiment is entitled to three two-horse ambulances and one transport cart.
The ambulances now in use by regiments and batteries, will be deducted from the number allowed, as above, by the respective quartermasters.
By Command of MAJ. GEN'L SIGEL, Per F. A. MYSENBERG, A. A. G. To A. J. PENTECOST, IST L'T and R. Q. M.
At the time this order was issued, we were camped near Woodville, transportation was excellent, and there was an abundance of clothing, camp equipage, etc., but this prosperous state of affairs did not last long. During the next few days the following official orders were issued:
HEADQUARTERS INDEPENDENT BRIGADE, CAMP NEAR WOODVILLE, Aug. 7, 1862. Special Order, No. 3:
Private Charles Stratton, Company D Second Regiment Virginia Infantry, is hereby relieved from duty as clerk in Provost Marshal'sgoffice of this brigade, and will report for duty to Lieut. A. J. Pentecost, Quartermaster Second Regiment Virginia Infantry, as clerk in his department.
By Order of BRIG. GEN. R. H. MILROY.
HENRY C. FLESHER, Captain and A. A. A. G.
HEADQUARTERS MILROY'S BRIGADE, CAMP NEAR WOODVILLE, Aug. 8, 1862. Special Order, No. 4:
The Quartermaster Sergeant will remain with the train during the march.
By Order BRIG. GEN. R. H. MILROY.
FIELDING LOWERY, Captain and A. Q. M.
GEORGE H. KIRKPATRICK, COMMISSARY SERGEANT.
+
THOMAS S. EICHBAUM, CO. A.
113
QUARTERMASTER DEPARTMENT.
We had now received orders to move to the front and on the evening of August 9, arrived at Cedar Mountain. That night and the following day there was some skirmishing. We were holding a flag of truce. The offices on both sides were riding around conversing with one another. A confederate officer approached me and inquired what state I was from. I replied: 'From Pennsylvania.' 'Indeed" said he, So am I. I am from Monongahela city. I am Captain Dushane, General Ewell's chief of staff.' 'I was very sorry to witness the death of Colonel S. W. Black, an old Pittsburgher. Hle was killed in a battle near Rich- mond a few days ago.' After a little further conversation Dushane rode away. I hardly believed it possible, in the excitement of battle, for him to have seen Colonel Black killed, but when we got to camp, and received our mail, letters from Pittsburgh corroborated his statement. On this same day Generals Stonewall Jackson and Stuart, confederates, Generals Sigel and Milroy, union, were riding over the field, when some officer would ask, pointing to one of the latter: 'Can you tell me who that officer is?' The question would, of course, be answered by one of our men; and it was all wrong, for General Milroy being a very large man, and General Sigel rather small, it gave confederate sharpshooters an advantage they should not have had. It was stopped as soon as dis- covered by the officers. I recollect going over the battlefield and ex- amining some wagons, Stonewall Jackson had left behind, in his retreat. They were built like scows, and fashioned after the old Conestoga wagons used in Pennsylvania fifty years ago.
Our trains were from one-half to three-fourths of a mile in length, and I had a desperate time that night trying to keep the teamsters awake. In riding along the line to see that all was right, I would suddenly dis- cover a break in the column, which was invariably caused by some one of the teamsters falling fast asleep on his horse. While on our march that led to the battle of Bull Run, I received the following orders:
HEADQUARTERS INDEPENDENT BRIGADE, WARRENTON, VA. Aug. 26, 1862. Special Order, NNo. 5:
During the temporary absence of Capt. Fielding Lowry, Lieut. A. J. Pentecost is detailed as A. A. Q. M. of this brigade.
By order of GEN. R. H. MILROY, HENRY C. FLESHER, A. A. A. G.
CAMP CEDAR RUN, VA., Aug. 27, 1862.
Special Order, No. 7:
LIEUT. A. J. PENTECOST, Quartermaster Second Regiment Virginia Infantry:
You will at once hold, subject to my order, three four-horse, or mule, teams, even if you have to empty the aforesaid wagons, and destroy the property when necessary.
By order of COL. R. E. CLARY, Chief Quartermaster Army of Virginia. FIELDING LOWRY, Captain and A. Q. M.
On this march I was with Gen. Milroy almost constantly, and well remember, when we reached Manassas Junction on the evening of the 29th, he said: 'We must take Jackson before night.' We lay on our .
114
QUARTERMASTER DEPARTMENT.
arms that night, and were in such a position that we could see all along Gen. McDowell's line of battle. He was trying to prevent Long- street's forces from joining Jackson's, and the continuous flash from the muskets of both lines, presented the appearance of a canal, or river, of fire. Gen. Schenck was with us for a short time during this memorable scene, and became so impatient that he finally exclaimed 'Can't we go and help them?' Although reminded that we dare not move from the position we were then in, he persisted in his desire to move up and pitch in to the rebels. We were so close to the confederates that night, we could hear their voices. Gen. Milroy was in the saddle next morn- ing at daybreak, and saluted us with the remark, .We must take them before breakfast.' The boys did not seem to appreciate this mode of warfare, but preferred to replenish the inner man first. After riding to the top of a small hill and being fired at by the confederates, the general returned in haste, and gave the order to the boys to make coffee. He had hardly finished speaking, when down went the fences, rail by rail, until there wasn't one left. The general rode around among the men, and seeing one of them had his coffee almost made, requested him to let him try it. He evidently did not like the quality, however, as he made a very wry face over it. During the engagement which followed, a company was sent out on our left. Colonel Latham and I were sitting on our horses together when he inquired: . Where has that company gone?' I replied I did not know, but would find out, and rode off in the direction indicated. I had not gone far when an orderly rode up to me and said: . General Milroy wishes to see you, on our extreme right.' I at once rode over to the general, who said: . You are making an unnecessary sacrifice of your life this morning. I want you to go, as quickly as possible, to Alexandria, where I understand all the lame and lazy are, and bring them all here.' This I considered a scheme to keep me off the battle- field for that day, at least: however I, of course, obeyed his orders. promptly. Upon arriving at Alexandria I procured all the surgeons I could find, had them examine a lot of men who were feigning sickness, and finally succeeded in getting quite a good command back to the scene of action, which we reached some time that afternoon. I rode up in the direction of the railroad cut, and there witnessed a scene beyond the powers of description. The enemy had taken a position behind this eut. Many of our men were lying in the cut, either killed or wounded, and every tinie one of the latter would attempt to rise from the ground, the rebels would fire. Both sides having ceased firing, our handful of men were again placed in line ready for an emergency, but remained inactive until about five o'clock. At this time, as Lieutenant- Colonel Scott and I were riding over the field, we noticed General Fitz John Porter, and his division, at the edge of a piece of timber. An orderly rode up to the general with a message, and, just as he was read-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.