Civil War Blog

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on May 3, 2012

William Boeckler [also known as William Bueckler, William Bokeler and William Bucker), died in 1917.  For many years, he was the “Barber of Lykens.”

Death of Wm. Boeckler

Old Lykens Barber Passed Away at His Son’s Home in Reading

William Boeckler, one of the earliest barbers in Lykens, died at the home of his son George in Reading [Berks County, Pennsylvania] at 1 a.m. Monday of last week, at the age of 87 years.  Mr. Boeckler was born 5 January 1840, at Keinerlaudern, county of Rheinpfaltz, Bavaria, and came to this country in 1860, locating in New York and later to Shamokin, where he worked as a barber for Henry Nichoff, and — he was married 25 May 1866 to Christina [Schwartz] Dieter, widow of John R. Dieter, who died in the army of sickness, and who had surviving him three children:  Louisa Dieter of Philadelphia; James E. Dieter of Reading; and Amanda Dieter of Wiconisco.

Mr. Boeckler was the father of eight children, two of whom (William Boeckler and Emma Boeckler) died in infancy, and Albert Boeckler, later in life.  The surviving children are:  Henry Boeckler, Charles Boeckler, and Oscar Boeckler, of Lykens;  George Boeckler of Reading;  and Clara [Boeckler] Koppenhaver (Mrs. Clinton Koppenhaver) of Shamokin.

He came to Lykens in 1866 where he engaged in the barbering business until he had arrived at the age of 75 years of age having devoted 50 years to this calling.  He was the oldest citizen of Lykens, highly respected and admired for his principle of giving unto all others the right of their own opinions.

His wife preceded him in death 30 May 1915, since which time, he had made his home with his children residing here, Charles and Henry and George of Reading, to which place he went four weeks ago.

Deceased was a veteran of the Civil War.  He enlisted as a private in Company G, 52nd New York Volunteer Infantry [52nd New York Infantry], September 1861, at New York, and was sent to Washington, D.C., then Alexandria, Virginia, where he was located during the winter of 1861-1862.  He then was sent to the front and engaged in the battles of Bull Run and Manassas, when he was sent back to the neighborhood of  Alexandria, then by water to Ship-a-Point, then toward White House, Virginia, then to Fairfax.  On 1 June 1862, he was taken prisoner and sent to Richmond, Virginia (Libby Prison); then to Saultzburg (North Carolina ) Prison, from there back to Belle Island, near Richmond, exchanged, put on James River and taken to Annapolis, Maryland, then to Alexandria, Virginia, camp of parole, 186, remained there until examined and received an honorable discharge 5 January 1863.

His funeral was held from the home of his son Henry on East Mall Street at 1 o’clock Thursday afternoon of last week.  The services were conducted by L. Burch Wilson, Free Thinker of Reading.  Burial took place at P.O.S.A. Cemetery.

The following relatives from out of town attended the funeral:  George Boeckler, wife and daughter; James Dieter of Reading; Mrs. Clara Koppenhaver, Shamokin; William Jentsel and wife of Wiconisco;  Henry Grim, Tower City; August Schwartz and wife, Mrs.Daniel Koons, Mr. Savage and wife; Richard Mosser and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Ressler, Frank Geist and family of Hegins, Pennsylvania.

The family extend their sincere thanks to friends and neighbors for the kind assistance given them during their hour of sorrow.

The Pension Index Card is shown below indicating that his only service was in the 52nd New York Infantry, Company G.

For his service, William Boeckler is recognized on the Lykens G.A.R. Monument:

The above article, supplied by Sally Reiner of the Lykens-Wiconisco Historical Society is from her collection and was supplied by her for this post. Pension Index Cards are from Ancestry.com.  There is no record at the Pennsylvania Archives for William’s Civil War service because he served in a New York regiment.  Additional information is sought on the life and military experiences of William Boeckler – especially pictures and stories, but any information provided will be helpful.

Category: Research, Resources, Stories | 4 Comments »
Tags: Boeckler family, Hegins, Lykens Borough, Regiments, Tower City, Wiconisco

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on May 2, 2012

Anthony Fisher (1846-1910), the “Barber of Tremont,” was the son of John Fisher and Bibliana Keyser.  He was born in Baden, Germany, and came to America with his parents in 1855 when he was 9 years old. The family settled in Tremont where John Fisher was a watchmaker.  When the Civil War began, Anthony Fisher enrolled in the 96th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company H, as a Private, in which he served until he was wounded in September 1862.  After he sufficiently recovered, he transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps.  His discharge is dated 22 October 1864.

Upon return to Tremont, Schuylkill County, after the war, Anthony Fisher married Philibina Munitz and the couple had five sons:  Henry Fisher, born around 1868; William Fisher, born around 1870; Charles Fisher, born around 1874; Frederick Fisher, born around 1876; and John A. Fisher, born around 1879.

Anthony Fisher was a barber and continued to work in Tremont until very close to the year of his death in 1910. He spent his last days at the home of his youngest son in Philadelphia.

Anthony Fisher was very active in G.A.R. affairs and in 1899 attended the National Encampment in Philadelphia representing the Tremont Post.  In Philadelphia, he was afforded the opportunity to ride in a new mode of transportation – an electric automobile!  The story of how that came about was reported in the Philadelphia Inquirer of 9 September 1899 (story appears below).

Anthony Fisher‘s death notice appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer on 8 August 1910.

FISHER — On 7 August 1910, ANTHONY FISHER, aged 64 years old, late of Tremont, Pennsylvania.  Relatives and friends may view remains on Tuesday evening, 9 August at residence of his son John A. Fisher, 444 N. 60th St. [Philadelphia].  Services and interment at Tremont, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, at 2 p.m.

The Pennsylvania Veterans’ File Card for Anthony Fisher is shown below.  Other than his age, which he claimed to be 18 at the time of enrollment, no other personal information is given.  His actual age was probably closer to 15 when he joined the army.  His transfer to the “Invalid Corps” (also known as the Veteran Reserve Corps) is properly noted.

The Pension Index Card for Anthony Fisher indicates service in the 96th Pennsylvania Infantry but does not note his service in the Veteran Reserve Corps.

LAST DAY’S RIDES

The Inquirer’s Automobile Trips Give Pleasure to Many Visiting Veterans

FROM FIFTEEN STATES

Hundred’s of the City’s Guests Were Treated to the Novel Experience

The third and last day of The Inquirer‘s complimentary automobile rides for veterans was a huge success as the two preceding days – if not more so.

Promptly at 9 o’clock the two handsome electric carriages drew up in front of The Inquirer building, and just as promptly they were filled with Grand Army men and their wives.  At the signal from The Inquirer‘s representative in charge the drivers sounded their gongs, the electricity was turned on, and away sped the automobiles up Market Street.

Long before 9 o’clock, however, applicants for a chance to enjoy the novelty of a trip in a horseless carriage began to appear at The Inquirer office, and from then until noon, when the automobiles were sent to the barn to allow re-charging of their batteries, a second Inquirer representative was kept busy hustling to register visitors’ named and issuing the coveted bits of pasteboard entitling the holders to a ride.  Many of the grizzled veterans had their wives along, some their daughters, and still others their granddaughters.  But the representatives of the gentler sex were made as welcome as the men so long as they were with a wearer of the Grand Army badge or button.

From Fifteen States

Fifteen states were represented in the long list of The Inquirer‘s automobile guests, and almost every section of those stated.  Every rank too, from private to general, took a ride, and one enjoyed the fun full as well as the other.  Along the route, from the start to the finish, the two automobiles, with their loads of veterans, attracted more attention than anything else on the streets.  Few, indeed, were the persons that did not stop to take a look at them.

One thing The Inquirer regrets, by the way, and that is the rush of G.A.R. members prevented extending the pleasure of the automobile trips to visiting Sons of Veterans, many of who asked to be allowed to go.  But the Sons of Veterans are young, and will have plenty of time in the the future to take automobile rides, while the veterans are growing old, and some of them may not again have the same opportunity.

The unanimous verdict of the hundreds who enjoyed The Inquirer‘s unique method of extending hospitality was that the horseless carriage is a great institution, and The Inquirer a great newspaper.  A second verdict was that every man and woman of them all would have an experience to talk about when they got back home that would make the eyes of their friends and acquaintances open wide.  To see an automobile would have been a treat to many of them — to actually have a ride in one was the treat many times multiplied.

The Inquirer is glad to have had the pleasure of providing the treat.  When next the National Encampment is held in Philadelphia something else as new and as novel in the line of vehicles as the automobile may have been invented.

If so, the veterans will find it at their disposal by The Inquirer if money can procure it.

Those Who Rode

Below will be found the names and residences of those who rode yesterday:

[Note: The full list is not repeated here, but included in the list was Anthony Fisher, Post No. 136, Tremont, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania – which the Inquirer incorrectly noted as “Fremont”].

A direct descendant of Anthony Fisher has provided a complete copy of his pension application file to the project.

The Veterans’ Memorial at Tremont recognizes “all who served.”  The G.A.R. star and flag holder is a tribute to Anthony Fisher and others from this place who served honorably in the Civil War.  See prior post:  Robert C. “Pete” Wiscount Veterans Memorial Park, Tremont.

Research continues on the life and military experience of “The Barber of Tremont.”  Anyone who has information on Anthony Fisher is urged to contribute it either by commenting on this post or by submitting it directly to the Civil War Research Project.

Pension Index Cards are from Ancestry.com.  Pennsylvania Veterans’ Index Cards are from the Pennsylvania Archives.  News clippings are from the on-line resources of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Category: Research, Resources, Stories | Comments Off on Anthony Fisher – The Barber of Tremont
Tags: Fisher family, G.A.R., Tremont

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on May 1, 2012

Isaac Garber

LYKENS, 2 March 1933 — Isaac Garber, 83, Civil War veteran of this place and well known in this section, died at his home in South Second Street, Thursday morning at 12:15 following four years’ illness of complications.

Mr. Garber was born in Lancaster and was a resident of Lykens for the past twelve years.  He attended and was a member of Christ Episcopal Church.

Funeral services will be held from his late home tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock with Rev. J. H. Benner, pastor of Christ Episcopal Church, and Rev. E. E. Foulks, former pastor of the local church, now residing in Newport, will officiate.  Burial will be in the Lykens Cemetery.

Although the above picture and accompanying article below were previously featured here on this blog, it is appropriate to repeat it in this current post in that Isaac Garber, one of the longest-living Civil War veterans from the Lykens Valley area, was part of a small group of veterans comrades who lived into the late 1920s and early 1930s.

The Ages of Five Remaining Civil War Veterans of Lykens Totals Over 4 Centuries

The above picture represents five survivors of the Civil War who reside in Lykens.  Their combined ages total 425 years.  Reading from left to right they are:

William Irvin, born 1841; enlisted in Pottsville in the First Defenders in 1861; re–enlisted in Company I, 96th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry [96th Pennsylvania Infantry]

Jacob McCoy, born 1847; enlisted in 1864, in Troop M, 6th United States Cavalry; discharged in 1867 at Austin, Texas.

Isaac Garber, born 1849; enlisted in April, 1865, in Company H, 215th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry [215th Pennsylvania Infantry], discharged in July 1865.

R. F. Martz, born 1843; enlisted 21 September 1861, in Company B, 9th Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry [9th Pennsylvania Cavalry]; discharged 31 December 1863; re-enlisted 1 January 1864, as Veteran Volunteer 9th Cavalry, discharged in July, 1865.

Henry Kaiser, born 1840; enlisted in April, 1861, in Company E, 10th Regiment [10th Pennsylvania Infantry], three months service; discharged in July, 1861; re-enlisted 23 September, 1861, in Company G, 96th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry [96th Pennsylvania Infantry]; discharged 16 March 1864, on account of re-enlistment Veteran Volunteer after 30 days’ home leave; re-joined his regiment and was consolidated with the 95th Philadelphia Volunteers [95th Pennsylvania Infantry]; finally discharged in July, 1865.

Despite the fact that Isaac Garber lived in Lykens Borough for a time and is buried in the Union Cemetery in Lykens Borough, he is not mentioned on the Lykens G.A.R. Monument.  It is unusual that he was not included in that Henry Keiser, who was responsible for determining who would be listed on the monument when it was erected in 1925, is standing next to him in the photo of the five survivors (above).

Isaac Garber‘s military service is noted on his Pension Record Card:

The Civil War service was with the 215th Pennsylvania Infantry.  The post-Civil War service was with the 5th United States Infantry and the 37th United States Infantry.  A card referencing his Civil War service was also located at the Pennsylvania Archives:

His grave marker is shown below:

Pennsylvania Veterans’ File Cards are from the Pennsylvania Archives.  Pension Index Cards are from Ancestry.com.

Some of the information for this post came from Sally Reiner of the Lykens-Wiconisco Historical Society and was from news articles in her collection.  The new historical society in the Lykens Valley area is finalizing plans to move into the old G.A.R. building in Lykens where it will have its headquarters for meetings, house its collections and exhibits, and have a research library.  Anyone interested in participating in the activities of the Lykens-Wiconisco Historical Society can contact Sally via her e-mail.

Category: Research, Resources, Stories | Comments Off on Isaac Garber – 215th Pennsylvania Infantry & Regular Army
Tags: G.A.R., Garber family, Lykens Borough

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on April 30, 2012

Veterans of the Civil War identified as having some connection to the Lykens Valley area and included in the Civil War Research Project was updated 19 April 2012.  In a series of post beginning Friday, 20 April 2012 and continuing intermittently for seven posts until concluding today, a brief sketch of each of the newly added names is presented along with a hyperlink to a specific post or list of posts where the name appears in the blog.

—————————–

W

George Wachtle (1837-xxxx) was a weaver from Dauphin County who served in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, as a Private.  It’s possible he is the same person who also served in the 15th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company C, as a Private, but that has yet to be confirmed.  The surname is also found spelled “Wechtle,” and “Wachtel.”

George H. Wagner (1829-xxxx) served in the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, at the rank of Private.  He resided in Mahantongo, Northumberland County, and was a tailor.

Jacob Walborn (1839-xxxx) was drafted into the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, as a Private, but was reported as deserted about 20 days after he was mustered into service.  He was from Dauphin County. It’s possible that he was the same person who also served in the 78th Pennsylvania Infantry, but that has not yet been confirmed.

Peter Z. Wald (18xx-xxxx) is named in the Dalmatia, Northumberland County, Civil War veterans’ list.  His specific service unit has not yet been determined.

William Wald (18xx-xxxx) is named in the Dalmatia, Northumberland County, Civil War veterans’ list.  His specific service unit has not yet been determined.

Jacob Walter (18xx-xxxx) was named in a news clipping as G.A.R. from Lykens Borough, Dauphin County.  Research is ongoing to determine who this is. For clipping see:  Lykens Postmaster Henry Feindt.

Wiliam Walter (1825-xxxx) was a miner from Lykens Borough, Dauphin County, who served in the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, as a Private.

Edward Walters (1845-1915) was said to be from Mifflin, Cumberland County [however, could be Mifflin Township, Dauphin County] whose occupation was miner.  He was born in Luzerne County.  He reported in the 1890 Census that he was getting a pension and was starved in the Andersonville Prison.  He served in the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G, as a Private.  His wife was Mary Elizabeth Orndorff.

R. H. Wambaugh (1836-xxxx), who is also found in the records as Bailey H. Wambaugh, was a draftee from Halifax, Dauphin County, who reported to camp for duty in the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, as a Private, and was discharged the same day on a Surgeon’s Certificate of Disability.  However, he is also listed as having paid a substitute. See:  They Paid Subs.

W. W. Waters (18xx-xxxx) is buried at Methodist Episcopal Cemetery, Williamstown, Dauphin County, with a G.A.R. marker and a government-issued grave stone.  However, this may be a Spanish-American War veteran, Walter W. Walters.  The marker is next to the grave of Benjamin A. Walters, his father, who was possibly a Civil War veteran.

Henry Harris Weaver (1841-xxxx) was a draftee who served in the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, as a Private.  He was from Lykens Township, Dauphin County, and his wife’s name was Sarah.  In 1850, he lived next door to Peter Crabb, a blacksmith.

Jacob Weaver Jr. (1836-1896) was a tailor in Elizabethville, Dauphin County, during the Civil War.  While he did not have any specific regimental military service, he mended and sewed uniforms for the area men who were serving.  His brother Benjamin Weaver did serve in the military.  Jacob was married to Lydia Ann Yount and is buried in Matter’s Cemetery, near Elizabethville.

John J. Weaver (1835-xxxx). a resident of Lykens Borough, was a cabinetmaker who served in the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, as a Private and as Principal Musician.  He also may be served as Drum Major.

William Weaver (1834-1910) may be confused with another person of the same name who was born about 1844.  The William Weaver of this record served in the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Private, according to the 1890 Census of Curtin, Mifflin Township, Dauphin County, and possibly had a wife named Rebecca, with burial in St. Peter (Hoffman) Cemetery, Lykens Township, Dauphin County.

Solomon C. Wiehry (1835-xxxx) enrolled at Donaldson, Schuylkill County, in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Corporal, but was discharged, date unknown, on a Surgeon’s Certificate of Disability.  In 1863, he was residing in Porter Township, Schuylkill County.  The surname is also found as “Weahry” and “Wiehrey.”

David Weiss (18xx-xxxx) served in the 36th Pennsylvania Infantry (Militia of 1863), Company C, as a Private.

William Henry Weist (1843-1865), a farmer from Dauphin County, was killed at Shady Grove, North Carolina, while serving as a Corporal in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B.  His name is also found in the records as “Henry William Wiest.”

William Welker (18xx-xxxx), a different one than the one buried at St. Peter’s (Hoffman) Cemetery, Lykens Township, is buried at Salem U.C.C. (Hepler’s) Cemetery, Rough and Ready, Schuylkill County.  He served in the 143rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D, as a Private.

Michael Wert (18xx-xxxx) was named as a Civil War veteran in the Dalmatia, Northumberland County, list.

Charles White (1843-xxxx) was born in Mercer County, New Jersey and resided at Lancaster County when he enrolled in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B.  He was a blacksmith.  Charles was captured at Rockingham, North Carolina, 7 March 1865.

Michael Whitmight (1831-xxxx), a draftee from Columbia County, arrived in camp for service in the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, as a Private, and was discharged on a Surgeon’s Certificat3e of Disability on the same day.  His surname is also spelled “Whitnight” and “Whitenight.”

Andrew William (18xx-1879) is named as a Civil War veteran in the Oak Hill Cemetery list, Millersburg, Dauphin County.  No regiment has been identified as of this writing.

Samuel F. Williams (1841-1864) was killed by the accidental discharge of a rifle at Brandy Station, Virginia, 24 February 1864.  He was serving in the 26th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D, as a Sergeant, and was a bricklayer from Philadelphia.  See:  Leap Year Day, 29 February 1864.

William D. Williams (1830-1864) died at White House, Virginia, on 9 June 1864, of wounds received at Cold Harbor on 3 June 1864.  He was serving with the 184th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, as a 1st Lieutenant.  A letter to his brother was published in the Citizen Standard, 25 June 1993, telling how he was killed.  The letter was first published in the Miner’s Journal of Pottsville, July 1864.  His brother was David Williams of Schuylkill County.

George D. Williard (1844-1902) has a P.O.S.A. marker at his grave in Zion (Klinger’s) Cemetery, Erdman, Lykens Township, Dauphin County.  Research is ongoing to determine whether he had Civil War military service.

Daniel H. Wingert (1844-xxxx) was drafted into the service of the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, as a Private.  He was from dauphin County.  His surname is found with various spellings including “Wingart” and “windard.”

John Francis Withers (1847-1898) is buried in Hampton National Cemetery, Hampton, Virginia.  Late in life he was a resident of the veterans’ home there.  He was one of the Withers brothers who served as musicians in various military units including the 12th New York Infantry (National Guard or State Militia) and the 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry.  It is believed that he is the same person who also served as an Assistant Engineer in the navy in 1864-1865.

Joseph H. Withers Sr. (1841-xxxx) was one of the Withers brothers who were musicians in the military, serving in the 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry and the 12th New York Infantry (National Guard or State Militia).

Reuben Withers (1844-xxxx) was one of the Withers brothers who were Civil War military musicians.   He served in the 12th New York Infantry (National Guard or State Militia), the 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry, and later in the U.S. Marine Corps.

William J. Withers Jr. (1836-1916) was the most famous of the Withers brothers who were military musicians during the Civil War.  He had the misfortune in being the orchestra leader at Ford’s Theatre as the time of the Lincoln assassination and was supposedly in the path of John Wilkes Booth as he fled from the theatre.  William served in the 12th New York Infantry (National Guard or State Militia), the 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry, and possibly the 41st Pennsylvania Infantry.  He was married  and divorced from Jeannie Gourlay, an actress in the Ford’s company.  He died in Brooklyn New York in a home for incurables.

Isaac Witman (18xx-xxxx) served in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, as a Private.

Cornelius Witmer (18xx-xxxx) was found in the Dalmatia, Northumberland County, veterans’ list as a Civil War veteran, but his specific regiment of service has not yet been identified.

Elias W. Witmer (18xx-xxxx) was found in the Dalmatia, Northumberland County, veterans’ list as a Civil War veteran, but his specific regiment of service has not yet been identified.

Ephraim Witmer (18xx-xxxx) was found in the Dalmatia, Northumberland County, veterans’ list as a Civil War veteran, but his specific regiment of service has not yet been identified.

Gabriel Witmer (18xx-xxxx) was found in the Dalmatia, Northumberland County, veterans’ list as a Civil War veteran, but his specific regiment of service has not yet been identified.

Jacob Witmer (18xx-xxxx)  was found in the Dalmatia, Northumberland County, veterans’ list as a Civil War veteran, but his specific regiment of service has not yet been identified.

John Witmer (18xx-xxxx) was found in the Dalmatia, Northumberland County, veterans’ list as a Civil War veteran, but his specific regiment of service has not yet been identified.

Peter Witmer (1841-1892) enrolled in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, as a Private, at New Market, Kentucky, but gave his residence as Dauphin County.  He was taken prisoner on 8 April 1865, but was present for muster out on 18 July 1865.  Peter had prior service in the 87th Indiana Infantry, Company E and Company D, as a Private, but was reported as deserted on 3 October 1862.  He was possibly married twice – to Angeline Overmayer and to a woman named Susan.  After the war he moved to Indiana and Kansas, the latter state from which he applied for a pension.

James G. Wolcott (18xx-xxxx) is buried at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Millersburg, Dauphin County, and is in the Civil War veteran list for that cemetery.  No regiment has been identified for his service.

Amos Mark Wolf (1841-1921) has a G.A.R. marker next to his grave at Calvary United Methodist Cemetery, Wiconisco, but he has not yet been located in the regimental lists.  His wife’s name was Sallie.

Elias Schlegel Wolf (1836-1910), a farmer from Dauphin County, enrolled in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, at Lykens Borough, Dauphin County. He held the rank of Private.  There is another person of the name “Elias Wolf” and their records might be co-mingled.  One of the individuals is buried at Witmer’s Cemetery, Union Township, Snyder County.  Wives associated with Elias could be named Elizabeth and/or Jane Strausser.

Gideon Wolf (1840-xxxx) is buried at Rough and Ready, Schuylkill County at Salem U.C.C. Cemetery.  He served in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Private.  According to information in the Klingerstown, Schuylkill County, lists, he was wounded while in the service.

Y

Andrew Yeager (18xx-xxxx) was found in the Dalmatia, Northumberland County, veterans’ list as a Civil War veteran, but his specific regiment of service has not yet been identified.

John H. Yeager (1842-xxxx) served in the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, as a Private.  At the time of his enlistment, he was a clerk living in Berrysburg, Dauphin County.

John Henry Yeager (1843-1863) could be the same person who served in the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry, but the records for this person point to the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company C, where he was a Private and the Bugler.  The residence at enrollment was given as Mifflin County (rather than Mifflin Township).  He died of chronic diarrhea at Alexandria, Virginia, 24 June 1863, and he’s buried in the Yeagertown Lutheran Cemetery, Yeagertown, Mifflin County.

Joseph F. Yeager (1843-1880) was a resident of Millersburg, Dauphin County, according to his enlistment information.  He joined the 6th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company E, as a Private.  There is also a record that this individual was a member of the 26th Pennsylvania Infantry (Militia of 1863), Company K, and possibly the 210th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company H, the latter company as a Corporal.  He married elizabeth Patterson.  After the war, he moved to Iowa.  His burial place is Clark Cemetery, Luther, Boone County, Iowa.

Josiah Yeager (1830-1890) has a G.A.R. marker at his grave in Peace Cemetery, Berrysburg, but no regiment has yet been identified in which he may have served.

Charles Yohe (1823-1898) has a G.A.R. marker at his grave in St. Peter (Hoffman) Cemetery, Lykens Township, Dauphin County, but no regiment has yet been identified in which he may have served.

Z

Jacob Zarber (1839-xxxx) enrolled at Berrysburg, Dauphin County, in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, as a Farrier and a Blacksmith.  This could be the same person as Jacob Zerby.

Emanuel Ziegar (1830-1880), a Private in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, was a teamster from Dauphin County who had enrolled at Lykens Borough.  He was an immigrant from Germany and was married to a woman named Susannah.  The surname is also found at “Ziegar,” “Zeigar,” “Zeeger” and “Zeiger.”

Daniel Zimmerman (1823-xxxx) joined the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G, as a Private.  He was a miner from Mifflin Township, Dauphin County.  His wife’s name was Sarah.  There was another person of the same name in Company H of this regiment who died in 1864.

Samuel C. Zimmerman (1831-1910) was a veteran who was married to Angeline Sheetz.  He had tree brother-in-law who also served, James Sheetz, Peter Sheetz, and William Sheetz.  Samuel was possibly a member of the 172nd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D, serving as a Private.  Samuel also had a brother who was killed in a mining accident at Stuart Mountain Colliery in 1888.

J. H. Zimmerman (1842-xxxx) resided in Llewellyn, Schuylkill County, at the time of his enlistment in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Corporal.

——————————

Category: Overviews, Queries, Research | 1 Comment »
Tags: Berrysburg, Dalmatia, Donaldson, Elizabethville, Erdman, G.A.R., Halifax, Klingerstown, Lykens Borough, Lykens Township, Mahantongo, Mifflin Township, Millersburg, Porter Township, Rough and Ready, Wiconisco, Williamstown

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on April 29, 2012

Veterans of the Civil War identified as having some connection to the Lykens Valley area and included in the Civil War Research Project as updated 19 April 2012.  In a series of post beginning Friday, 20 April 2012 and continuing intermittently for seven posts until concluding tomorrow, a brief sketch of each of the newly added names will be presented along with a hyperlink to a specific post or list of posts where the name appears in the blog.

—————————-

 T

James R. Tanner (1844-1927), while serving with the 87th New York Infantry, Company C, as a Corporal, was wounded at 2nd Bull Run, 30 August 1862 which caused the loss of a leg and severe damage to the other.  During his recovery in Philadelphia he met agents of the Union League who assisted him. Later he learned shorthand in New York and moved to Washington where he got a job as government clerk. On the night Lincoln was assassinated, he offered his services to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and took down testimony of the early witnesses at the Petersen House.  The originals of that shorthand testimony were donated by Tanner to the Union League.  Also, during the war, the 87th Pennsylvania Infantry was briefly merged with the 105th Pennsylvania Infantry.

John Taylor (18xx-xxxx) was a member of the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company I.

David Newton Thomas (18xx-xxxx) served in the 87th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, as a Sergeant.  He was the brother of Findlay Isaac Thomas. David is buried in Vernon Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland.

Findlay Isaac Thomas (1842-1922) died in Lykens Borough, Dauphin County.  He married Agnes Elizabeth Kirk and is buried in Paxtang Cemetery, Paxtang, Dauphin County.  He was a Captain in the 87th Pennsylvania Infantry, Companies C and I, and on 2 April 1865 was promoted to Brevet Major.  In 1890, he reported that he had been wounded in the right thigh at Petersburg and also received a scrotal hernia.  His brother, David Newton Thomas, was also in the same regiment.

Elizabeth Thompson (18xx-xxxx) who was from Lykens Borough, Dauphin County, was the sister of William W. Thompson who died in the war and of Alexander F. Thompson, a veteran who later became an attorney and state legislator.  Elizabeth was a nurse and worked at Carver Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she died of disease while in service.  See:  William Thompson and Elizabeth Thompson Kimmel.

Robert Archibald Thompson (1821-1901) was York County and was a school teacher who served in the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G, as a Private.  He married Susan Elizabeth Grove and is buried in the Guinston United Presbyterian Cemetery, Chanceford Township, York County.

Elias R. Tobias (1844-1916) was a laborer from Dauphin County who enrolled in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, as a Corporal.  After the war he moved to Indiana and from there, he applied for a pension.  He was married to Sarah J. Harman and he is buried at Stony Point Cemetery, Clunette, Kosciusco County, Indiana.

John J. Tobias (1847)  joined the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, at Pottsville.  He served at the rank of Private.  He married a woman named Emma.

George Alfred Townsend (1841-1914) was a journalist who worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer and was a correspondent for them in the field during the Civil War.  He also was also involved in the production of the transcripts of the trial of the conspirators in the Lincoln assassination.  Those transcripts were published each day in the Inquirer.  George’s wife;s name was Elizabeth.   He is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia.

Robert H. Towson (18xx-xxxx) served in the 36th Pennsylvania Infantry (Militia of 1863), Company C, as a Private.  It’s possible he also served in the 130th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company C, as a Private, and the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company C, as a Private, but these latter tours have to be confirmed.  The records of the 130th Pennsylvania Infantry indicate that a “Robert H. Towson” deserted on 16 September 1862.

Joshua P. Toy (18xx-xxxx) is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Millersburg, Dauphin County, and the records there state that he was a Civil War veteran.  Research is ongoing to determine his actual service.

U

Note: The Uhler family, which had roots in the Lykens Valley area, named a number of descendants of Civil War age who served in military units during the war.  All are now  being researched as part of this project, although so far only three were identified as living in the Lykens Valley area at some point in their lives.

David K. Uhler (1844-xxxx) married Elizabeth C. Jack.  He served in the 195th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G.  [See:  Uhler Genealogy, p. 6-7]

Ephraim Uhler (1839-xxxx) was a member of the 1st U.S. Artillery, Battery F.  [See:  Uhler Genealogy, p. 9]

George H. Uhler (1835-xxxx) joined the 93th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A.  He was wounded on 5 May 1864. George married Elizabeth Dickson.  [See:  Uhler Genealogy, p. 29].

J. Clement Uhler (1843-xxxx) served in the 127th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company E.  He was married to Emma Conkling.  [See:  Uhler Genealogy, p. 12].

James M. Uhler (18xx-xxxx) married Elizabeth Anderson.  He was a resident of Harrisburg, Dauphin County.  During the war he served with the 149th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I.  [See:  Uhler Genealogy, p. 19].

John A. Uhler (1837-xxxx) was a Captain in D. M. Karmany’s Company of Independent Cavalry.  He was not married.  [See: Uhler Genealogy, p. 30].

John E. Uhler (1842-xxxx) was one of the first to volunteer as a member of the Allen Rifles (First Defenders).  He also served with the 93rd Pennsylvania Infantry and was transferred to the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, where he was discharged in March 1862 with a disability.  Being researched also are possible tours with the 26th Pennsylvania Infantry and 28th Pennsylvania Infantry, Emergency Militia.  His wife was Annie Cosgrove.  [See: Uhler Genealogy, p. 9-10].

John F. Uhler (1841-xxxx) married Hannah Louise Foster.  He served in the 4th Ohio Infantry, Company K.  [See:  Uhler Genealogy, p. 6].

John H. Uhler (18xx-xxxx) served in the 3rd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery.  He married twice – to Kate Kitzmiller and to Virginia Dietz.  [See:  Uhler Genealogy, p. 10].

Martin J. Uhler (18xx-xxxx) was a member of the 7th Illinois Infantry, Company I, and the 70th Illinois Infantry, Company B.  He married Mary Jane Truax.  [See:  Uhler Genealogy, p. 17].

Reuben D. Uhler (1838-1862) was killed in action at Gaines’ Mills, Virginia, while serving in the 36th Pennsylvania Infantry (7th Pennsylvania Reserves), Company C.  It is not known where he is buried.  [See:  Uhler Genealogy, p. 30].

Samuel Uhler (1846-1881) was held prisoner at Andersonville, Georgia, after being captured on the “Stoneman Raid” near the Chattahoochie River.  He was a member of McLaughlin’s Squadron, Company B, in Sherman’s Brigade.  Additional confirmation is being sought on the exact regimental designation of his service.  Samuel married Elizabeth Boney.  [See:  Uhler Genealogy, p. 4].

Simon George Uhler (18xx-xxxx) resided in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County.  He was wounded at Fredericksburg, 23 December 1862, while serving with the 129th Pennsylvania Infantry.  [See:  Uhler Genealogy, p. 7].

Uriah Uhler (1929-1884) married Elizabeth Nord.  He served with the Confederates but his specific regiment of service is not known at this time.  According to family legend, he was taken prisoner at Gettysburg, but released on a letter from President Abraham Lincoln. He died in 1884 at Shiloh, Ohio.  [See:  Uhler Genealogy, p. 5-6].

William Edward Uhler (18xx-xxxx) possibly served in the navy during the Civil War. He was aboard the U.S.S. Oneida which sunk in the China Sea in 1870.  [See:  Uhler Genealogy, p. 13].

William J. Uhler (1822-1898) is buried in Pottsville, Schuylkill County.  He was married to Emily Hartman.  During the Civil War he served in the 99th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company C, which he recruited.  He was wounded at Gettysburg and commissioned a Major in 1864.  In 1865, he was Breveted Lieutenant Colonel.  In 1869, he was a member of the Kentucky Legislature.  [See:  Uhler Genealogy, p. 31].

? Umholtz (18xx-xxxx) is buried at Calvary Cemetery, Wiconisco, Dauphin County.  There is a G.A.R. star-flag holder at the grave, but the stone is difficult to read and the first name unknown.

Augustus Umholtz (1842-xxxx) was a member of the 17th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company H, as a Private, and of the 39th Pennsylvania Infantry (Militia of 1863), Company E, as a Private.  His wife’s name was Mary Jane Strong.  His brother was Charles W. Umholtz.

Charles Edward Umholtz (1844-1869) served in the 43rd Ohio Infantry, Company C, as a Corporal.  He is buried in Shenango Valley Cemetery, Greenville, Mercer County, Pennsylvania.

Charles W. Umholtz (1846-xxxx) was the brother of Augustus Umholtz and served with him in the 17th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company H, as a Private and the 39th Pennsylvania Infantry (Militia of 1863), Company E, as a Private.  He was married to Caroline Elizabeth Deibler.

G. William Umholtz (1837-1898) is buried in the Peace Cemetery, Berrysburg, Dauphin County. He registered for the draft in 1863, but no specific regiment of service has been located.

William H. W. Umholtz (1843-1923) is buried in Shaeffer’s Valley Church of God Cemetery, Perry County.  His service was in the 187th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D, as a Private, and the 133rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, as a Private.

V

Tullio Suzzaro Verdi (1829-1902) was a medical doctor who was a graduate of the Homeopathic Medical College of Philadelphia.  He was Secretary of State William Seward‘s physician at the time Seward was attacked as part of the overall assassination plot in April 1865.  No military service has been located for him and it is not known at this time whether he was involved in the treatment of soldiers in Washington, D.C. area hospitals during the war.  His wife’s name was Rebecca.

——————————

The list concludes tomorrow.

Category: Overviews, Queries, Research | Comments Off on 2012 Additions to Civil War Veterans List – T to V
Tags: Abraham Lincoln, Berrysburg, G.A.R., Lincoln Assaassination, Lykens Borough, Millersburg, Pine Grove, Wiconisco