Civil War Blog

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on March 11, 2013

John H. Meredith, Civil War veteran of the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry, died on 24 April 1914, at the age of 71 years, 4 months and 27 days.  So reads his grave stone at Long’s Cemetery, Halifax, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania,  Using a date calculator in this case, two results occur – his birth date was either 27 November 1842 or 28 November 1842.  An explanation as to why two different birth dates occur from some calculations is found at timeanddate.com.  When the smaller units (days) are subtracted first, the result is Monday, 28 November 1842, and if the larger units (years) are subtracted first, the result is Sunday, 27 November 1842.  To find his actual birth date, other records will have to be consulted.

In the 1850 Census, John H. Meredith is living with his family in Halifax Township.  His parents were Charles C. Meredith, a farmer, and Ann Catharine [Chubb] Meredith, and he had an older brother Joseph R. Meredith (born about 1840), and a younger sister and brother, Mary E. Meredith (born about 1846) and Daniel F. Meredith (born about 1849).  By 1860, the father had become a merchant in the township, older brother Joseph was working as a clerk, and John was working as a laborer.  Three younger children were in the household:  Charles Meredith (born about 1851); Sarah Meredith (born about 1854); and Benjamin Meredith (born about 1858).

When the Civil War began and for a few years into the war, there is no record that John H. Meredith served or attempted to serve.  It was not until 8 February 1865 that he enrolled at Harrisburg in the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry – as a replacement soldier in a regiment that had been reorganized, according to the official history, one year earlier.  That official history, reprinted below, highlights the actions of the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry prior to John’s joining it:

The 13th Cavalry, the 117th Regiment of the line, was recruited in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to form a squadron of Irish Dragoons to be attached to the Irish Brigade, and was mustered into the U.S. service at Philadelphia in the fall of 1861 for three years’ service. It was ordered to Baltimore and while there was organized into a regiment by the addition of six companies in July, and August 1862. On 24 September it left Baltimore, three companies were posted along the Potomac between Berlin and Edwards’ Ferry on guard duty, and the remaining companies occupied in Loudoun and Jefferson Counties to prevent communication between the inhabitants and the enemy. In February 1863, the 13th was sent to Winchester, where the tenth company joined it in March. Here it undertook many excursions into the surrounding country, often encountering the enemy’s cavalry, and losing a considerable number. At Middletown, on 11 June 1863, it had a sharp engagement and for several days following was active at Winchester, returning to Harper’s Ferry with only half of its members fit for active service. Leaving Harper’s Ferry on 30 June 1863, it joined the Army of the Potomac at Boonesboro on 8 July 1863, and was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, (Col. J. I. Gregg) of Gen. D. McM. Gregg’s Division, with which it encamped at Amissville and Jefferson and was engaged at Culpeper in September 1863. After a month at Catlett’s Station, it returned to Culpeper, where it received a new company from Huntingdon County. It then moved to Jeffersonton, where it was attacked in October, and forced to retire. Two more companies from Huntingdon County joined the regiment in November, as it returned from Mine Run, and the command was assigned to duty along the Orange & Alexandria Railroad near Bristoe Station during the winter of 1863-64.  The regiment was reorganized on 8 February 1864, twelve companies being formed from the original fifteen. In the Wilderness Campaign it was on duty with the 9th Corps at the rear until 5 May 1864, when it went into action and was with the advance of the army for a number of days. It rejoined the brigade at White’s Tavern on May 26, and shared in the expedition of Gen. Sheridan toward Richmond, being engaged at Haw’s Shop. The next action of importance was at Trevilian Station in June 1864, followed by fighting at Jones’ Bridge, and Samaria Church. In July, it went to the support of Wilson’s cavalry as it returned from the Danville Railroad, after which it shared in the raid on the Jerusalem Plank Road and a movement to Lee’s Mill. A detail of 50 men, engaged in guarding supplies of the commissary department, was captured by a large force of Confederates. In September 1864, the regiment was closely engaged at Wyatt’s Farm; fought in the several engagements at Hatcher’s Run and Dabney’s Mill, where Gen. Gregg was wounded.

It is at this point, that John H. Meredith, after being mustered in at Harrisburg on 14 February 1865, was sent to join the regiment.  The history of the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry from that date would include his experiences – but he certainly would have been aware of the past actions as there were a sufficient number of veterans in the regiment who could have relayed the regiment’s history and sacrifice to him:

[The 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry] was ordered to Wilmington, N. C., in February 1865, thence to Elizabethtown where it reported to Gen. Sherman and became a part of the 3rd Brigade, Kilpatrick‘s Division, Col. Kerwin, being placed in command. After the surrender the 13th was posted at Fayetteville to clear the country and preserve peace. On 14 July 1865 it moved to Raleigh and was mustered out on the same day.

The regimental and company records confirm that John H. Meredith was mustered out with his company – on 14 July 1865.  Thus, John’s experiences, while being part of a regiment that had a difficult history during the war, did not parallel that history.  However, he could claim that he served under Gen. Hugh Judson Kilpatrick – although in a mop-up, clean-up, or peace-keeping capacity.

In 1861, John H. Meredith had married Mary Ann Seiders at Matamoras, Dauphin County, and several known children were born of this marriage:  Arabelle J. “Belle” Meredith (born about 1865); Margarette A. “Maggie” Meredith (born about 1870); and Charles S. Meredith (born about 1872).  In 1870, the family was living in Halifax Township, where John was working as a laborer.  Census returns for John and his family have not yet been seen for 1880 or 1890, but in 1900, the family appears in Harrisburg, where John was working as a laborer in a machine shop, and son Charles, unmarried, was living in the household and working as a house painter.  By 1910, John had retired and was living on his “own income” (his Civil War pension), and in his household were his wife Mary Ann, son Charles, who was still working as a painter, and daughter-in-law Bertha M. Meredith, who, according to the census information had married Charles two years prior.

Having served during war-time for approximately six months, John H. Meredith eventually became eligible for a pension.  In 1890, when old age became a valid reason for the awarding of a pension, John H. Meredith applied and as the Pension Index Card shows (see above, from Ancestry.com), a pension was awarded.  Likewise, when John died in 1914, his widow became eligible.  As part of her application, she not only had to prove that she was married to John but also that she was married to no one else and that John had been married to no one else.   The “marriage certificate” that she submitted (below) became part of the pension file – and shows one of the types of information that can be obtained from these files, which are kept at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Finally, the matter of the actual birth date of John H. Meredith can be resolved from information in his pension application file.  Was he born on 27 November 1842 or 28 November 1842?

The official statement (above), made about one year before he died, and signed by John H. Meredith and Justice of the Peace Joseph Corbett at Millersburg declares that he was born on 27 November 1842, and that he was unaware of any church record made – and that the family record was lost by “moveing” from place to place.

Additional information is sought on John H. Meredith – particularly family histories and stories – and pictures, if available.  Add comments to this post or e-mail the Project.

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The Pennsylvania Veterans’ Index Card (shown above) is from the Pennsylvania Archives, and gives the Bates reference (Vol. 3, page 1304) where further information about John and the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry can be located.

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Tags: Halifax, Halifax Township, Matamoras, Millersburg

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on March 10, 2013

In a 1996 book, Lost Films: Important Movies That Have Disappeared, Frank Thompson, describes the preservation problem of old films, particularly those made during the silent film era (about 1893-1930) – films that were made on nitrocellulose stock, which, if not stored in the most perfect conditions, is known to deteriorate rapidly into a “bubbling goo, then dry to a mass of un-projectable material.”  In a comprehensive introduction, Thompson takes the reader through film history and explains the recent efforts that have been made to preserve and restore many of the films of the past, but sadly notes that perhaps as many as 90 percent of these old films are forever lost.  Each of the chapters of the book examines one of 27 classic films that are believed to no longer exist – including a film that was released in 1913, “The Battle of Gettysburg,” which was produced by the New York Motion Picture Picture Company in time for the 50th Anniversary of the Battle.  The director of this film was Thomas H. Ince, but beyond the certainty of that, such important information as the actual cast list, needs to be further researched and confirmed.

Using resources such as the files of the New York Motion Picture Company, print periodicals such as Moving Picture World and Motography, some surviving stock footage that was used in other films, and photos made for publicity purposes, Thompson attempts to re-create “The Battle of Gettysburg” and tell something of its impact on audiences of the time.  The chapter gives a synopsis of the story and concludes with a report on it first showing on Sunday, 1 June 1913, at the New York Grand Opera House, where the audience “went wild as the stirring scenes and exciting incidents of the of the memorable battle were once more enacted before their very eyes.” (page 26).

Despite the fact that this film is probably lost forever (unless a print can be located somewhere where it has been kept in optimum conditions – and then carefully restored and preserved), there are many things that are known about the film – including a synopsis of it, which Thompson provides in the chapter.  Essentially, the film reproduced the battle, day by day, and was said to be “historically accurate in every detail.”  Interwoven throughout the film, which was five reels in length, was a love story and at least two appearances by Abraham Lincoln and one by Gen. Robert E. Lee.  Although depicting an area filled with “lush greenery” (the Pennsylvania countryside), the film was shot in the “scrub-covered hills” near Malibu, California.  There was literally a “cast of thousands,” and it took about four months to produce.

One of the puzzling aspects of this film – and something that remains to be discovered and confirmed – is the name of the actor who played Abraham Lincoln.  One cast list names Willard Mack while Thompson notes (in a footnote) that the director’s brother, Ralph Ince, was known for the portrayal of Lincoln in another film which had been released a year earlier. The IMDb database claims that Charles Edler was cast as Lincoln.

Two still photos of scenes including Abraham Lincoln, a small portion of which are reproduced here in low resolution, are found on pages 20 and 24 of Lost Films.  The first shows a somber Lincoln at the White House, reading reports from advisers as the battle progresses.

The second photo shows Lincoln at the Gettysburg battlefield as he is giving the Gettysburg Address.

Advertisements for the film, which usually appeared in local newspapers prior to screenings, and “reviews of the film,” sometimes written by studio publicists, were not included in the Thompson book.  Some of them are reproduced below as they appeared in three different Pennsylvania newspapers.

In Philadelphia, the film was shown at the Allegheny Theatre.

ALLEGHENY – Beginning with tomorrow’s matinee a spectacular reproduction of the  “Battle of Gettysburg” will be shown on the screen at the Allegheny Theatre.  An absorbing dramatic story leads up to the eve of the conflict.  The picture is replete with scenes of exploding cannon, bursting shells, thrilling cavalry charges, hand-to-hand encounters and other deeds of valor.  The battle will be reproduced three times daily, one performance in the afternoon and two at night. [from Philadelphia Inquirer, 8 June 1913].

Thrilling Picture at Allegheny.  “The Battle of Gettysburg,” a gripping photoplay, thrilled large audiences at the Allegheny Theatre yesterday.  Almost 15,000 actors appeared during the course of the realistic reproduction.  The picture was replete with scenes of exploding cannon, bursting shells, cavalry charges, hand-to-hand encounters and other deeds of valor.  [from Philadelphia Inquirer, 10 June 1913].

Later, it was shown at Willow Grove Park:

Included in the Willow Grove Park’s program was the last week of Victor Herbert’s Orchestra and at the Moving Pictures Theatre, the first production of 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, Saturday and Sunday.  [from Philadelphia Inquirer, 13 July 1913].

In Harrisburg, the film was screened at the Victoria Theatre:

Victoria Theatre.  Monday has been dedicated as G.A.R. day as the “Battle of Gettysburg” in five reels will be shown.  This film is the most expensive picture which ever came to this city.  Hundres of men were employed to produce this picture.  You see all the principal battles that took place and the third day’s battle is produced in its entirety….  [from Harrisburg Patriot, 5 July 1913].

Victoria Theater To-day, by Special Request – The Battle of Gettysburg – 5 Acts – $75,000 Production.  Admission 5 cents.  [from Harrisburg Patriot, 13 October 1913].

VICTORIA THEATRE.  The management of this theatre has had many requests of late to get the famous war picture again entitled “The Battle of Gettysburg” in five acts.  It will be shown again today.  You see the late war from the beginning to end.  The third day’s battle is a wonderful piece of motion picture work.  It cost many thousands of dollars to produce this film and every soldier and son and daughter of a soldier should see this picture today.  [from Harrisburg Patriot, 13 October 1913].

AT THE STAR AND UNIQUE.  The Battle of Gettysburg, a thrilling five reel war drama, will be shown at the Star and Unique Theatres Friday and Saturday.  The picture was made at enormous expense, requiring four months for its completion and the employment of thousands of soldiers.  The plot the picture is based on goes back to 1863.  in June of that year Stonewall Jackson had been killed and General Grant was besieging Vicksburg.  To relieve the South, and if possible capture Washington, Lee made a fighting attack on the North.  He was met by the Federal forces at Gettysburg, Pa., and here, July 1, 2 and 3, 1863, ensued a fierce battle in which thousands of lives were sacrificed in the sensational cavalry and infantry charges and hand-to-hand combats.  The opposing artillery mowed the struggling men.  The charge of Gen. Pickett with 4,900 men was noted as the most thrilling incident of the war.  The Union army at this battle numbered 77,000 while the Confederate forces totaled 59,000 men.  [from Wilkes Barre Times Leader, 28 May 1913].

THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG.  In Five Parts.  By Request Return Engagement.  UNIQUE & STAR.  Public Square.  E. Market St.  JULY 4th. 

During this the 50th anniversary of the three days’ battle at Gettysburg, July 1, 2, 3, 1863, the veterans numbering thousands which is a small number compared to the vast army in that memorable battle, are now encamped on the Battlefield.  It is fitting that this thrilling military picture which we have secured at a great expense, be shown to you on this day.

ADMISSION:  Adults, 15 cents.  Children, 10 cents.  [from Wilkes Barre Times Leader, 2 July 1913].

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A previous post, The Battle Cry of Peace, told of another lost, silent film that featured Abraham Lincoln – portrayed by William J. Ferguson, a silent film actor who was actually a witness at the Lincoln assassination.

News clippings are from the on-line services of the Free Library of Philadelphia.  This is the 78th post in an on-going series of blog posts on the Battle of Gettysburg.

Category: Research, Resources, Stories | 2 Comments »
Tags: Abraham Lincoln

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on March 9, 2013

Davis Peters (1842-1894) is buried at Long’s Cemetery, Halifax, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.  At the time the above photograph was taken, there was no indication at his grave site that he was a Civil War veteran, although there are records to confirm that this is the same Davis Peters who was a member of the 208th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D, who served as a Private from 7 September 1864 through his discharge on 1 June 1865.

The Pennsylvania Veterans’ Index Card (above), from the Pennsylvania Archives, provides little information on Davis Peters – except the Bates reference of Volume 5, page 700.  Even the Bates reference (shown below) provides little more insight into who he was.

Click on document to enlarge.

Fortunately, a biographical sketch of Davis Peters can be found in Captain Enders Legion, a book which was reviewed here on this blog on 20 November 2010.  See:  Enders Family Civil War Veterans.  The summary given below was modified from pages 172-173 of that book:

Davis Peters was born 27 December 1842 in Halifax Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, and was the son of Philip Peters and Elizabeth [Fackler] Peters.  David’s paternal grandmother was Susannah Enders (1791-1864) who in turn was the granddaughter of Capt. Johann Philip Christian Enders, the pioneer settler in the area of Jackson Township and Halifax Township.

David enlisted on 7 September 1864 at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in the 208th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D. They left camp on 13 September 1864 and were assigned to duty on the Bermuda Hundred Front.  They were engaged in picket duty, fatigue duty, building roads, and drill until 27 Nov when ordered to report to the Army of the Potomac.  They marched to the Weldon Railroad and returned without meeting the enemy.  Their winter encampment was without incident, including a movement to Hatcher’s Run in February 1865.  On 25 March, when the Union lines were broken at Fort Stedman, they moved hastily towards the scene of the disaster.  Near Fort Haskell they were pressed into action and fought gallantly.  After the re-capture of Fort Stedman, the regiment was returned to quarters.  On 2 April 1865 they joined in the attack upon the Confederate works in front of Fort Sedgwick.  On the morning of 3 April 1865, the 208th Pennsylvania Infantry advanced and found the works abandoned.  The regiment was speedily put in motion and on entering Petersburg, it was found that the enemy had escaped across the Appomattox River and fled southward.  The regiment moved with the First Division via the South Side Railroad to Nottoway Court House, which they reached on 9 April and received the news of Lee’s surrender.  On 20 April they returned via Petersburg to City Point and proceeded to Alexandria, Virginia, where they encamped near the seminary south of town.  On 1 June 1865, David was mustered out with the company at the rank of Private.

After the war, he resumed his carpenter trade.  In 1873 he married Minerva Wilbert who was born in Enders, Pennsylvania on 25 December 1857, the daughter of George Wilbert and Sarah Tyson Wilbert of Halifax Township, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania.  David and Minerva had four children:  Sarah Peters, born 1 November 1876; Charles Peters, born 21 November 1879; Caroline Peters, born 2 September 1882; and Mary Peters, born 8 September 1884.

Davis Peters died 5 October 1884 leaving four young children and a young wife.  He is buried in Long’s Cemetery, Halifax, Dauphin County Pennsylvania.  Minerva [Wilbert] Peters died 5 August 1920 and is also buried in Long’s Cemetery.

At David’s death, his widow, Mary [Wilbert] Peters, applied for pension benefits which she received and collected until her death in 1920 – about 36 years after her husband’s passing!  At this time it is not known whether David had sustained any serious injuries during the Civil War or whether his war service contributed to his early death.  In 1890, a “Mary M. Peter,” living in Harrisburg, reported that she was the widow of Civil War soldier “David Peter” who had served in Company D, 8th Pennsylvania Infantry, 1864-1864.  This is probably the same “David Peters” who is the subject of this blog post, the regiment being incorrectly given to the census in 1890.

The Pension Index Card is from Ancestry.com.

Additional information is sought on Davis Peters, his military service and his family.  Any pictures of stories which have been passed down in the family would be especially welcome.   At this point in the research, it is not believed that there were any male descendants, since the only known son, Charles Peters, appears to have died before his fifth birthday and is buried with his parents at the family plot in Halifax (see stone picture at the top of this post). Any descendants would therefore be through the daughters.

Comments can be added to this post or sent to the Civil War Research Project via e-mail.

Category: Research, Resources, Stories | Comments Off on David Peters – 208th Pennsylvania Infantry
Tags: Enders, Halifax, Halifax Township, Jackson Township

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on March 8, 2013

On the family grave stone of John Jacob Chubb (1818-1883) in Long’s Cemetery, Halifax, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, it is noted that Stephen Chubb, the son of John J. Chubb and Leah [Gaymon] Chubb was killed in the Battle of the Wilderness.  At the grave site, there is a G.A.R. star, also recognizing his service.  At this time it is not known whether Stephen Chubb is buried in Halifax, or whether the stone is only a memorial to him.

According to available records, Stephen Chubb was the oldest child and the only son of John Jacob Chubb, a laborer, and Leah [Gaymon] Chubb.  He was born on 23 March 1838, probably in Halifax Township or Matamoras.  His younger sisters were:  Sarah A. Chubb (born about 184); Ann E. Chubb (also born about 1840, and possibly a twin of Sarah); Agnes Chubb (born about 1843); Mary Chubb (born about 1847); and Louisa Chubb (born about 1849).  In 1860, Stephen Chubb is found in the household of George Crawford, a farmer in Dunnstable, Clinton County, Pennsylvania, where he was working as a laborer.

Stephen Chubb was one of the first to answer the call to service in the Civil War, enrolling on 25 May 1861 at Snyder County, but because Pennsylvania had met its quota for 3-month troops, he was placed in “reserve” and not officially mustered into service until 27 July 1861.  The regiment to which he was assigned was the 35th Pennsylvania Infantry, which also had the designation of 6th Pennsylvania Reserves.  He reported to Washington, D.C., and became a Private in Company B.  From the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Index Card (shown above), available at the web site of the Pennsylvania Archives, it is learned that Stephen was 5 foot, 8 inches tall, had brown hair, dark eyes, and a “fresh” complexion.  Although he had given his occupation as “laborer” in the 1860 census, he told the military recruiters that he was a farmer.

From the official history of his regiment, the following is learned about his experiences in the war:

The 35th Pennsylvania Infantry, the 6th of the reserves, composed of men from all parts of the state, was ordered with the Kane Rifles to Maryland, then to Greencastle, Pennsylvania, Washington and Tennallytown. It was mustered in at Washington for three years on 27 July 1861 and at Tennallytown was assigned to the 3d Brigade of the Reserve Corps. This brigade won the brilliant victory at Dranesville in December and passed an uneventful winter in camp near Langley. It took part in the strategic movements on the Peninsula in the spring of 1862 and was actively engaged at the Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg, where the losses of the 35th were severe. It then went into camp near Belle Plain; took part in the “Mud March;” was ordered to Alexandria in February 1863, and to Fairfax Station in March, where it remained until the Gettysburg Campaign. It was closely engaged in that battle, joined in the pursuit of the enemy and the various marches of the army during the autumn, and went into winter quarters at Kettle Run early in December. In the spring of 1864 it participated in the engagements of the Wilderness Campaign in May and fought its final battle at Bethesda Church After that engagement the regiment started for Harrisburg, where it was mustered out on 11 June 1864, the veterans and recruits being transferred to the 191st Pennsylvania Infantry.

Unfortunately for Stephen Chubb, he did not survive the Battle of the Wilderness; he was killed in action on 8 May 1864, so the history of the regiment which followed that battle does not pertain to him  It is not known at this time whether his remains were found and identified at the Wilderness and returned to Halifax for burial, but he is recognized there for his service and sacrifice by his family and for succeeding generations by veterans groups who decorate the graves at Long’s Cemetery in Halifax.

Click on plaque to enlarge.

Stephen Chubb, a participant in the Battle of Gettysburg, is also recognized on the Pennsylvania Memorial at Gettysburg, on the plaque for the 35th Pennsylvania Infantry (or the 6th Reserves), as a Private who served in Company B.

After news was received of Stephen’s death, his father John Jacob Chubb applied for pension benefits, but they were not granted to him, perhaps because he was physically able to support himself and his family.  But after John Jacob Chubb died in 1883, Stephen’s mother was able to make a successful benefits claim.  She lived until 1908 and received government support for about 25 years, such support being based on the fact that her only son was lost in the war.  The Pension Index Card, shown above, is from Ancestry.com, and gives the file reference numbers for the pension applications, which are now located at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

The Civil War Research Project welcomes any additional information about Stephen Chubb that can be supplied by readers of this blog.

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Tags: G.A.R., Halifax, Halifax Township, Matamoras

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on March 7, 2013

Abraham F. Lantz (1841-1900) and his wife Harriet E. Lantz (1849-1925) are buried at Long’s Cemetery, Halifax, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, where Abraham’s Civil War service is recognized on his grave marker, and with a G.A.R. star mounted on the ground in front of his stone.  In various records he is found also as Abraham Lantz and Abraham Lentz.  He was the son of Michael Lantz, a farmer of Jackson Township, Dauphin County, and Sarah Lantz, and had a sister Elizabeth Lantz (born about 1839), and younger siblings, Elizabeth Lantz (born about 1843), Jacob Lantz (born about 1845), Hiram Lantz (born about 1847), and Sarah Lantz (born about 1849).

Abraham F. Lantz answered the call to service in the Civil War on 10 September 1864 when he joined Company A of the 210th Pennsylvania Infantry as a Private.  Not much information about him is found on the Pennsylvania Veterans’ File Card (shown above) which references his military record available at the Pennsylvania Archives and in Bates, Volume 5, page 732.  The Register of Pennsylvania Volunteers (from the Pennsylvania Archives) notes that he was 23 years old, that he enrolled at Harrisburg, and was mustered into service at Camp Curtin.

From the history of the regiment and company, the following information is available:

[The 210th Pennsylvania Infantry] rendezvoused at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, and was mustered into the U. S. service from 25 August 1864 to 24 September 1864, for one year.  A large proportion of both officers and men had been in the service before. As soon as it was organized it left for the front and joined the army of the Potomac before Petersburg, where it was assigned to the 3d Brigade, 2nd Division, 5th Corps. It was active for the first time at Hatcher’s Run in October, meeting with slight loss. It shared in the Weldon Railroad Expedition in December, suffering much from the intense cold and exposure, which caused many to sicken and die. It behaved with great gallantry in the engagement at Dabney’s Mill, in February 1865, where its losses were considerable. On the opening of the spring campaign it was heavily engaged from 29 March 29 1865 to 1 April 1865 at the Quaker Road, Gravelly Run, the Boydton Road and Five Forks, its loss being 35 killed, 115 wounded and 150 missing. Col. Sergeant was mortally wounded at Five Forks as were Adjt. Schlesinger and Capt. Hughes. It followed the enemy during his retreat from Petersburg and was at the front when Lee’s final surrender took place. It then returned to the vicinity of Washington, participated in the Grand Review, and was mustered out at Alexandria on May 30, 1865 when the recruits were transferred to the 51st Pennsylvania Infantry with which organization they served until their final muster out on July 28, 1865.

There is no evidence that Abraham F. Lantz was one of those who was transferred to the 51st Pennsylvania Infantry.  The available records all state that he was mustered out of service on 30 May 1865.

After the war, he returned to civilian life and settled in Jackson Township where he had been raised.  Around 1869 he married and he and his wife Harriet, settled in work at farming in the area.  Two known children were born of the marriage:  Elizabeth Lantz (born about 1871) and Ida B. Lantz (born about 1873).  The family appears in the 1880 census for Halifax, and in 1890, still in Halifax, Abraham complained of rheumatism, which he said he contracted as a result of his Civil War service.

The pension application for Abraham F. Lantz was submitted in July 1888, and as a result of this application, his benefits began, which he was able to collect until his death in 1900.  Harriet, as the widow, was able to get government support for 25 years following her husband’s death.

Not much more is known about Abraham F. Lantz, his family, or his military service, but more information is sought.  Perhaps a reader of this blog has obtained the pension application files of Abraham and Harriet from the National Archives and would be willing to share copies with the Civil War Research Project.

For a list of other Civil War veterans from the Halifax area, see the previous blog post:  Halifax Area Civil War Veterans.  The Pension Index Card is from Ancestry.com.

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Tags: G.A.R., Halifax, Jackson Township