Civil War Blog

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on October 20, 2013

Finding the obituary of the William Weaver or Wilhelm Weaver who served in the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry has helped clarify some information about him.  The obituary appeared in the West Schuylkill Herald on 4 March 1910:

WILHELM WEAVER

A funeral cortege passed through town on Saturday forenoon bearing the remains of an old soldier to his last resting place in Hoffman’s Cemetery.

Wilhelm Weaver was a member of Company I of 177^th Regiment Pennsylvania Drafted Militia and served in the Civil War from 25 November 1862 to 5 August 1863, B. J. Evitts, Captain.  He was born on the Weaver homestead about one mile east of town in Lykens Township and died at the home of Adam Schreffler in Mifflin Township with whom he lived since his house and barn burned four years ago.  He was 75 years old.  Rev. C. P. Wehr and H. H. Krauss had the service.  He is survived by Clara, Harrison, Riley, John and Peter.  Also two sisters, Mary and Emma.

Previously on this blog, information appeared about a William Weaver who served in Company I of the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry as a Private.

Hoffman’s Cemetery, also known as St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Cemetery, is located in Lykens Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.  Wilhelm’s gravestone and that of his wife Rebecca are pictured at the top of this post.

Additional information is sought about William or Wilhelm Weaver.  Of particular interest are stories and pictures.  Send to the Civil War Research Project via e-mail, or attach comments to this post.

Category: Research, Resources, Stories | Comments Off on Wilhelm Weaver of the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry
Tags: Lykens Township, Mifflin Township

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on October 18, 2013

Some additional information about Cornelius Martz has been located.  Cornelius died young, at the age of 36, of a condition resulting from his service in the Civil War.

The obituary of Cornelius C. Martz was located in the Millersburg Herald, 30 December 1881:

Cornelius Martz

Cornelius Martz, son of Charles Martz, died on Monday of consumption.  He was a soldier of the late war, having served in the 9^th Pennsylvania Cavalry.  He received the germs for his disease while in the army.  He leaves a wife and three children, and will be interred in the Oak Hill Cemetery.

Cornelius was married to the former Mary Buffington, at Pillow, Dauphin County, in 1866.  The three children who survived him were Minnie Martz (1869-1956), Laura Martz (1871-1944), and Roscoe L. Martz (1878-1965). At this time, it is not known how Mary Buffington connects with the pioneer Buffingtons  who settled in the Lykens Valley at the time of the American Revolution and who trace their ancestry to the immigrant Richard Buffington.

According to the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Index Card File, available from the Pennsylvania Archives, Cornelius Martz was a shoemaker at the time of enlistment in the 9^th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, as a Private.  The 5’6″ Martz was 19 years old, had dark hair and eyes and a ruddy complexion.  He served from 27 May 1864 until his honorable discharge on 18 July 1865.  Cornelius also served in the 26th Pennsylvania Infantry (Emergency of 1863), Company K, as a Private, from 18 June 1863 to 30 July 1863, although that fact is not noted in his obituary or in the pension application file.  This emergency service in the militia sometimes was not counted by veterans, but nevertheless there is significant proof in the documents of other veterans that it was included in their accumulated war record.

In the files of theGratz Historical Society are copies of papers from the widow’s/minor’s pension application file.  The Pension Index Card (shown above), from Ancestry.com, indicates that the minor children of Cornelius Martz were supported by a government pension, but that Mary [Buffington] Martz did not receive a widow’s pension, although she applied.  Other records indicate that Mary [Buffington] Martz died in 1889, before her application was completely processed and all appeals on denial had been exhausted.  Harry Neitz is named on the Pension Index Card as the guardian for the surviving children.  Minnie Martz made an appeal to an initial pension denial which was based on the Pension Bureau’s contention that the death of Cornelius Martz could not be linked to his service in the army.  The Gratz Historical Society has copies of the overturning of the initial pension rejection which contain testimony from comrades of Cornelius Martz who verified that he was sick from lung disease while in the service.  The result of the overturning of the initial decision was that Minnie Martz received pension benefits for the period from her father’s death to the date of her majority – benefits which she was denied when she was a minor.  The complete pension application files are available at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Pension application file. Click on document to enlarge.

The “germs for his disease”, referred to in the obituary (above, near top) were noted in the pension application, which states “from exposure while with Gen. W. T. Sherman in march to the sea contracted severe cold, resulting in consumption which continued until his death which occurred at Millersburg, Pennsylvania.”

In recognition of his service in the Civil War, Cornelius Martz is honored on two Lykens Valley soldier monuments:

1) Millersburg Civil War Soldier Monument.

2) Lykens G.A.R. Monument.

Cornelius Martz is named on the section of the Lykens Monument that recognizes the service of men who were not members of the Heilner Post of the G.A.R.

Cornelius is buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Millersburg.

His grave marker was “government issue” and the application for the stone was made by his family and can be found in the database “Headstones Provided for Deceased Union Civil War Veterans, available on Ancestry.com.

A brief biographical sketch of Cornelius Martz can be found on Findagrave.

No picture has yet been located of Cornelius Martz, although theGratz Historical Society possesses two different pictures of his daughter Minnie who made the successful appeal of the initial denial of pension benefits she believed she was entitled to as a result of her father’s death.

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The transcription of the obituary of Cornelius Martz is from the files of the Gratz Historical Society.

Category: Research, Resources, Stories | Comments Off on Cornelius Martz – Died of Consumption – Honored on Lykens and Millersburg Monuments
Tags: G.A.R., Lykens Borough, Millersburg, Pillow

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on October 16, 2013

A quick walking trip around center city Philadelphia at noon on Columbus Day exposed the economic effects of the on-going government shutdown.

In Philadelphia, the Mid-Atlantic Branch of the National Archives was closed – as were all branches of the Archives and its main operational centers in the Washington, D.C. area.  In addition to the more than 200,000 federal employees who have been furloughed, those researchers who use the facilities of the Archives – for school projects, writing and publishing of information, etc. – were turned away by the ubiquitous signs posted at the entrances to all federal installations.

Union and Confederate Civil War records housed at Philadelphia were inaccessible – including records of military service of veterans from Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The special collections housed at Philadelphia include documents of the Provost Marshal’s office of the 14th Congressional District of Pennsylvania (which included Gratz and Harrisburg) as well as other Provost Marshal records from other Pennsylvania districts.

At the main offices of the National Archives in Washington, D.C., a volunteer project to get the Civil War Widow’s Pension Applications scanned and placed on line was stopped dead in its tracks.  This project is a cooperative effort of the military records website Fold3 and the National Archives.

Any researchers who have sent payment for copies of military records and pension records can expect long delays as there are no staff members available to fulfill their requests.

Just up the street from the National Archives Mid-Atlantic Branch in Philadelphia is the Independence Hall Park where the Liberty Bell resides and where normally on a holiday, the park and streets surrounding it are filled with visitors.  But all was quiet, except for a small line waiting to peer through a window to see the Liberty Bell.  Foreign tourists appeared bewildered that the birthplace of American freedom was shuttered and gated.  These tourists may only have one chance in their lifetime to visit Philadelphia where the Declaration and Constitution were born.

More of the ubiquitous signs indicating the shutdown were seen throughout the park.

Carriage operators, food concessionaires, tour guides, and others (private individuals, not government employees) who normally make their living from the visiting crowds were standing around waiting for the tourists who never came. The restaurants in the area were also empty.  These businesses are suffering losses that cannot be made up – and the effects will surely trickle down to the families of the owners and employees who are forced to go without income.

Gates even blocked off park benches so that the few tourists who were in open areas of the park had no place to sit.

And the public rest room facilities were closed.

The visitor’s center was also closed.

In walking around Independence Hall, only a few guards could be seen in what is usually a busy attraction.

Even the web site of the National Park Service was shut down.  A search for the Gettysburg National Battlefield produced another of the notices:

Because of the federal government shutdown, national parks are closed and the National Park Service website is not being maintained.

That Gettysburg National Battlefield was closed.  Considering that this happened during the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, and only days before the actual anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, is not only unfortunate, but disgraceful.  The museum at the visitor center is closed, as is the cyclorama.  Although the Gettysburg National Cemetery appears to be open, it is minimally staffed.  The planned commemorations for the Gettysburg Address anniversary may go on and the government may re-open prior to the actual date of the anniversary of the address, but the economic loss to Pennsylvanians, particularly those in Adams County who rely on public history and tourism, will surely be devastating.  Just as important also will be the negative psychological effects on the descendants of the dead who are buried there – knowing that the perpetual care they came to expect from the promises made by Lincoln may be compromised by a severely reduced staff and a government shutdown that didn’t have to happen.

Category: Reflections | 2 Comments »
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Posted By Norman Gasbarro on October 15, 2013

The obituary of George S. Klinger appeared in the West Schuylkill Herald, 9 February 1906, and included a summary of his military record:

George S. Klinger

On Wednesday noon 31 January 1906, George S. Klinger one of Gratz’s highly honored citizens and one of our country’s defenders departed this life and was mustered into eternity.  All who knew Mr. Klinger, knew him as a kind-hearted friend and as a loyal Christian, and a living example of sterling character.  While we deeply mourn his loss, we submit to the Divine will, realizing that our loss is his gain.  The deceased was born in Hubley Township, Schuylkill County, 12 August 1844 about one and one half miles Southeast of Klingerstown Gap.  He was baptized in infancy by the Rev. I. F. Stiely of the Lutheran Church.  During his youth he was educated in the public schools and received a comprehensive and practical training on the farm.  At the age of 17 years he enlisted in the Federal Army as a substitute for his father; the latter being one of the fortunate ones to be drafted.  He enlisted in the 173^rd Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers [173rd Pennsylvania Infantry].  Some time during the month of October or November 1862, he was mustered into service at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg.  The field officers of his regiment were as follow:  Daniel Nagle, Colonel; Z. P. Boyer, Lieutenant Colonel; Grant Neidman, Major.  The regiment was ordered to move to Washington on the 30^th of November from thence it was ordered to Suffolk, Virginia.  Their destination was however changed before they arrived at Suffolk.  Upon nearing Fortress Monroe, they were directed to Norfolk, instead of Suffolk. Upon their arrival at Norfolk, the regiment was reported to Gen. Vaile, who at once ordered them to duty in guarding the approaches of Camp Veile, about 3 miles north of Norfok.  At this place the regiment passed some time in the ordeal of drilling and disciplining.  After the regiment was thoroughly drilled two companies were stationed at Norfolk, one at Kingsville, 12 miles South East of Norfolk, one at the entrenched line which surrounded Norfolk at the North, from one shore to the other, and an officer and 10 men at Sewells Point, a non-commissioned officer and 25 men at Cape Henry Light House, 2 companies at David’s Mills Bridge, 13 miles South West of Norfolk, in the direction of Suffolk, a non-commisioned officer and 6 men for the guard to the mail boat Arrow sailing through the Albemarle Canal to Roanoke, a guard at the Indian Pole Bridge North of Norfolk, a guard at Great Bridge about 10 miles South of Norfolk at the Albemarle Canal at the Princess Anne road and a guard along Farmer’s Creek.  All of those detachments were regularly relieved at intervals of one week.  Sometime in early May 1863, the regiment was called to Norfolk for Provost duty.  At this place it was held until the 9^th of July.  On this day it was sent with the 177^th regiment to Washington from there to Frederick, Maryland, reporting to Gen. Meade, who was at that time moving in hot pursuit of the Confederates under Lee in their retreat from Gettysburg.  They were immediately ordered to report to Gen. Howard, commanding the 11^th Corps and were assigned to the 2^nd Division, which was associated with the 27^th and 73^rd and 154^th and 134th  New York Regiments.  They were now subject to long and tedious marches, to which they were little accustomed heretofore.  They crossed the Potomac River on a pontoon bridge at Berlin, about 4 miles below Harpers Ferry.  After this they were ordered to guard the Orange and Alexandria Railroad at Warrenton Junction, Bristow Station, and Manassas Junction.  The regiment was ordered to Harrisburg on the 13^th of August, its term of service having expired.  On arriving at Harrisburg, the regiment was mustered out of service on the 16^th, 17^th and 18^th days of August 1863.

After being discharged Mr. Klinger and several of his comrades walked from Harrisburg to Gratz, by way of Matamoras Pike.

After his return, he followed the trade of masonry for some years and later purchased a saw mill about 4 miles east of Gratz.  In 1883 when he was engaged in cutting down trees at the mountain near his home, he met with a painful accident cutting the tendon of one of his legs, which resulted in an immovable joint at the knee.  During the year of 1883 he entered into the mercantile business in Gratz, in partnership with his brother Daniel, in which he was actively engaged for a period of 19 years.  Mr. Klinger was unmarried.  He was confirmed to membership in the Lutheran Church (Coleman’s) on 17 April 1864. Later on he became united with the Klinger’s Church, at which interment was made on Saturday, 3 February 1906 making him 61 years, 4 months, 19 days.  The Rev. C. Kuder of Elizabethville and Rev. Klick of Hegins officiated.

The above transcribed obituary is from the collection of the Gratz Historical Society.

Category: Research, Resources, Stories | Comments Off on Obituary of George S. Klinger from West Schuylkill Herald
Tags: Elizabethville, Gratz Borough, Hegins, Hubley Township, Klingerstown, Matamoras

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on October 12, 2013

According to information found in the Genealogy of John W. Deppen with a Brief History of His Ancestors, a copy of which is found in the Schwalm Library of the Gratz Historical Society, John Deppen, “perhaps in the company of others,” traveled to the Gettysburg battlefield and took a “spent cannonball” which was later passed down in his family.

John Deppen was born 14 August 1824, a son of William Deppen (1779-?) and Magdalena [Seiler] Deppen (1790-1862).

“John left Pennsylvania in 1845 with his brother Abraham.  They went to Ohio on horseback where Abraham bought land and John worked for him for four years. In 1849 John and five buddies left Ohio in a covered wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen to seek gold in California.  Two hundred miles later there were 15 teams and by the time they got to Illinois it was a large caravan.  They averaged about 12 miles a day through country without roads.  They cut down trees to build a roadway through swamps and drove through tall prairie grass.  At times they freed the oxen who would lead them to water.  John finally reached California and stayed 5 years prospecting for gold.  He returned to Pennsylvania with two companions by ox team.  In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, they sold the team and split the money.  John then walked home to County Line, Lower Mahanoy Township, in Northumberland County, where he knocked on the door and then asked his mother for a nights lodging.  After an absence of over nine years, bearded, sun-tanned, travel-stained and hardships stamped on his face, he was not recognized by his mother who told him to go to the nearest tavern.  He said, “Mother, don’t you know me?” which brought instant recognition.  He took his gold to Philadelphia where it was minted into $1,500 of gold coin, some of which he still had when he died.  He is buried with his wife Sarah at Malta, Pennsylvania.

“When news that the Union and Confederate Armies were locked in battle at Gettysburg reached Lower Northumberland County, John perhaps in the company of others, decided to go and offer their assistance.  They arrived in Gettysburg several days after the battle.  John picked up a spent cannonball and carried it home in a handkerchief.  He gave the ball to his son John W. Deppen who gave it to his son John Forrest Deppen.  The cannonball is now in the possession of John Forrest Deppen Jr.

“John had a child (Henry Deppen) by Sophie Wolf who was born in 1846 after John had left for Ohio.

“John and his wife Sarah had 11 children… all born near Malta.”

Source: Genealogy of John W. Deppen with a Brief History of His Ancestors, John W. Deppen Family History Committee, 1970, p. 14.

The only Civil War record in which John Deppen‘s name was located was the United States Civil War Draft Registration of July 1863.  At the time of the draft registration, John was a 40-year old farmer living in Lower Mahanoy Township, Northumberland County (see document below).

Click on document to enlarge.

The Deppen history was compiled in 1970, which was 43 years ago.  So, where is the cannonball today?

Category: Queries, Research, Resources, Stories | 2 Comments »
Tags: Lower Mahanoy Township