Civil War Blog

Posted By Brian Tomlin on April 23, 2012

Jesus Loves Me: Lyrics originally written as a poem recited to a sick child in the 1860 novel Say and Seal, and William Batchelder Bradbury set it to music in 1862. The original lyrics are below, the image contains the more popular version which was edited to be less frightening to children.

Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong;They are weak, but He is strong.

Chorus:

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! This I know,As He loved so long ago,

Taking children on His knee,Saying, “Let them come to Me.”

Jesus loves me when I’m good,When I do the things I should,

Jesus loves me when I’m bad,Though it makes Him very sad.

Jesus loves me still today,Walking with me on my way,

Wanting as a friend to give Light and love to all who live.

Jesus loves me! He who died Heaven’s gate to open wide;

He will wash away my sin, Let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! Loves me still

Tho’ I’m very weak and ill; That I might from sin be free

Bled and died upon the tree.

Jesus loves me! He will stay Close beside me all the way;

Thou hast bled and died for me, I will henceforth live for Thee.

  (more…)

Category: Culture | Comments Off on Four Hymns that Comforted War-Weary Nation
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Posted By Norman Gasbarro on April 22, 2012

Jacob McCoy (1847-1929)

When there were only five veterans of the Civil War living in the vicinity of Lykens Borough, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, a local newspaper featured them in a lead article:

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.

When Capt. Jacob B. McCoy passed away on 4 October 1929, his obituary appeared in the local newspapers.  The picture at the top of this post was from one of the obituaries:

Capt. J. B. McCoy Dies After Three Day’s Illness

Capt. Jacob McCoy, 82, one of the five Civil War veterans of this place, died at his home in South Second Street, Friday afternoon, 4 October, at 3:50 o’clock, following a three day illness, death having been caused by kidney disease and complications.

Capt. McCoy was born in Lykens Valley and was the son of the late William McCoy and Eva McCoy. He was twice married, his first marriage to the late Eva Smith of Germany, and the second to Bessie Love of England, the ceremony being performed in Shamokin in 1917.  His wife, one son, Willis McCoy of Shamokin; five stepsons, James Hall of Binghamton, New York; Alfred Hall, of Hamilton Square, New Jersey; George Hall, of St. Louis, Missouri; William Hall, of Mahanoy City; Richard Hall, of Conklien, New York; eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren, survive. Fraternally he was a member of the K. of P. and the Shamokin Post G.A.R.

During the strife between the North and South, Capt. McCoy enlisted in the Union Army when but 16 years of age, being discharged three years later at Austin, under the command of Gen. Philip Sheridan.  While in the exciting period of the Pittsburgh Riot, he served at Lieutenant of Company E, 7th Regiment of the Pennsylvania National Guards.  Later he was advanced to Captain of Company K of the 12th Regiment of the Pennsylvania National Guards, which position he held until the organization was disbanded.  For many years he was a member of the local Heilner Post 232, G.A.R., acting in the capacity of Captain until his transfer to the Shamokin Post.

Funeral services were held from his late home in South Second Street, Monday evening at 7:30 o’clock, Rev. C. S. Holsten, pastor of the Grace M. E. Church, officiating.  Tuesday morning at 8:30 o’clock the funeral cortege left town for the home of his son, Willis McCoy, Sr., at 15 South Third Street, Shamokin, where further services were held that afternoon at 2 o’clock in the Chestnut Street M. E. Church, Rev. Edward Jackson, assisted by the Rev. Clyde S. Holston, officiating. Burial was made in the Shamokin Cemetery.

The following attended from a distance:  Andy Koppenhaver and wife; Mrs. Ed Feese and Mrs. Harman Witt, Shamokin; Jacob Bitterman, Howard Bitterman, daughter Mrs. Parfet and Mrs. Maud Prim, Harrisburg; Mrs. Josephine Love, son Perry Love and wife and James Love, Wilkes-Barre; Richard Hall and wife, and Jane Hall, Binghamton; William Hall, wife and daughter and son William Hall and wife, Mahanoy City; Mrs. William Weinick and Mrs. Colebreaker, Nanticoke; Mrs. Elsworth Fidler and daughter of Trevorton; Mrs. Eva Booker, New York City; Willis McCoy and wife, Miss Pearl McCoy and Ralph McCoy, Shamokin; Frank McCoy and wife, Mt. Carmel; Ed McCoy, Tharptown.

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LYKENS, 27 October 1929 —  Funeral services for Jacob B. McCoy, 82, a Civil War veteran, who died Friday, will be held at the home here at 7:30 o’clock this evening with additional services in the Chestnut Street Methodist Church, Shamokin, tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock.The Rev. Clyde Holstein, pastor of the Lykens Methodist Church, will officiate at both services.  Burial will be in the Shamokin Cemetery.

McCoy was one of the five surviving Civil War veterans in Lykens.  He was a member of the Knights of Pythias.

He is survived by his second wife, Mrs. Bessie Love McCoy, formerly of Cornwall, England, to whom he was married in 1917; a son, Willis McCoy, of Shamokin; five stepsons, James Hall,Binghamton, New York; Alfred Hall, Hamilton Square, New Jersey; George Hall, St. Louis, Missouri; William Hall, Mahanoy City, and Richard Hall, Conklin, New York; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The undated obituaries and articles were supplied by Sally Reiner of the Lykens-Wiconisco Historical Society.  Further information is sought on the life and military record of Jacob McCoy.

Jacob McCoy is named on the Lykens G.A.R. Monument as a charter member of the Heilner Post and his rank is given as “Private.”  The military rank of “Captain” was achieved post-Civil War while he was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Note:  Jacob’s brother, Jeremiah McCoy also served in the Civil War and some information was provided about him in a previous post entitled Sweitzer’s Memorial Cemetery, Berrysburg.

Category: Research, Resources, Stories | Comments Off on Death and Funeral of Jacob B. McCoy
Tags: G.A.R., Lykens Borough, McCoy family

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on April 21, 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 yesterday and continuing intermittently for eight posts until concluding at the end of this month, a brief sketch of each of the newly added names will be presented along with a hyperlink to a specific post of list of posts where the name appears in the blog.

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D

William Danbert (1817-xxxx) served in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Private.  At the time of his enrollment at Bradford County, he indicated that his residence was Tremont, Schuylkill County and his occupation was laborer.  In 1864, he transferred to Company K.

Isaac H. Dornsife (1820-xxxx)is buried in the Odd fellows Cemetery in Shenandoah, Schuylkill County.  At the time of his enrollment in Pottsville in Company A, 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, as a Private, he was a a butcher residing in Schuylkill County.  A few months into his service he transferred into Company I, but at muster out, he was absent due to being in the hospital.  The name is sometimes spelled “Darnsife” in the records.

Jeremiah W. Dornsife (1850-1926) is also sometimes found as “Darnsife.”  He served in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A and Company I as a Private, later promoted to Corporal.  He was a laborer and a Schuylkill County resident.  At the time he filed for his pension, he was living in Massachusetts.  He married a woman named Mary J.

Thomas T. Davis (1844-1888) was located in the Calvary Cemetery, Wiconisco, Dauphin County where it was noted that he had served as a Civil War soldier.  Records were located for him in the 5th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery as a Private and the Independent Battery H, Pennsylvania Light Artillery.  When he died, he left dependent children, for which Daniel Bowman was appointed guardian.  His wife’s name was Mary.  For prior post, click here.

Thomas Dawson (1842-1919) was an immigrant from England who served in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Private.  He was discharged on a Surgeon’s Certificate of Disability, date unknown.  At his enrollment, he was living in Llewellyn, Schuylkill County, and employed as a miner.  There is also a record that he served with the 53rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company E, as a Sergeant, for one month in 1863.  Thomas was married to Rebecca .  He is found  in the records of the veterans’ homes in Hampton, Virginia, and Johnson City, Tennessee, where he resided for a time.

Asel Thomas Day (1828-xxxx) was the father of David W. Day (1847-1924) who also served in the Civil War.  Asel was a Corporal in Stephens’ Independent Company I of the Militia of 1863.  He lived in York County.

James Degnan (1838-xxxx) joined the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a substitute and at the rank of Private.  Records indicate he was a laborer from Philadelphia.

Daniel DelCamp (1837-1929) served in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, along with his brothers William DelCamp and Joseph DelCamp.  He was a miner from Schuylkill County.  In 1984, he transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps.  Daniel married Sarah Eisenbach.

Joseph DelCamp (1834-1915) was married to Rosanne E. Gunsette and is buried in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Mt. Carmel, Northumberland County.  He was a miner who resided in Schuylkill County at the time of his enlistment in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A.  He also served in Company K of that regiment.  Earlier in the war, he had served in the 6th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G, as a Sergeant.  See also Daniel DelCamp and William H. DelCamp.

William H. DelCamp (1842-1864) was the unfortunate brother of the three who served in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Corporal as he was killed at the Wilderness, Virginia on 6 May 1864.   See also Daniel DelCamp and Joseph DelCamp.

Albert Dennis (1847-xxxx), a miner from Cumberland County, was born in Schuylkill County.  He served in the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G, as a Private.  After the war, he moved to Iowa and it was from there that he applied for a pension.

Samuel Detwiler (1827-1906) was an attorney in Dauphin County who took on the controversial defense of the Halifax Bank robbers in 1901, where a Civil War veteran, Charles W. Ryan, was killed in the course of the robbery.  Samuel was married to Elizabeth Matter.  No record has been found of Civil War service for him.

Henry Dietrich (1836-xxxx) was a clerk residing in Millersburg, Dauphin County, at the time of his enrollment in the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, as a Private.  He later enlisted at Lykens Borough in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, where he received promotion to the rank of Quartermaster Sergeant.  He was not found on the muster out roll.  His wife’s name was Bridget.  Henry had not been previously identified in the post, Dietrich Family in the Civil War.

Barnhart Dillman (1826-1872) married Louisa Spander.  He was an immigrant from Germany who served in the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, as a Private.  Draft records indicate a residence in Schuylkill County.  He is buried in Old St. Mauritius Cemetery, Ashland, Schuylkill County.  His first name is sometimes found as “Barnhardt” or “Barnhard.”

Jesse Ditty (18xx-1899) was identified as a Civil War veteran via a list of burials at Oak Hill Cemetery, Millersburg, Dauphin County.  No other information is known about him at this time.

John P. Ditty (18xx-1862)was also found on the Oak Hill Cemetery, Millersburg, Dauphin County, list as a Civil War veteran.  He died during the Civil War, but it is not known if his death was war related.  No other information is known about him at this time.

Theodore C. Dechant (1825-1902), who was known as “Theo” and was married to Hannah Elizabeth Patten, served in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, as a Private (and possibly also as a Corporal), later transferring to Company K.  He enrolled at Berrysburg, Dauphin County, giving his residence as Dauphin County.  A carpenter by trade, he appeared in the Census of 1870 and the Census of 1880 as a resident of Millersburg.

William Dodd (18xx-xxxx) has a military grave marker in Calvary Cemetery, Wiconisco, Dauphin County, which notes service in the 8th U.S. Cavalry, Company L, as a Corporal.  There are no dates on the stone and there is no bronze G.A.R. star-flag holder.  It is possible that the noted service was post-Civil War.  Additional research is necessary. See:  Calvary United Methodist Church & Cemetery, Part 4 of 6.

James Dolan (18xx-xxxx) was first identified as a Civil War veterans through the Joliett, Porter Township, Schuylkill County, Veterans’ Census of 1890, where it was indicated that he was a marine on the U.S.S. Miami.  Previously, he was mentioned in the blog post entitled At Sea: Sailors, Marines, Merchant Seamen, Blockaders, Revenue Service.

Thomas Dolan (18xx-xxxx) was mentioned in a article that appeared in the Citizen Standard on 25 June 1993 entitled, “Some Locals Served with Confederacy.”  Thomas was from Minersville, Schuylkill County, and supposedly served with the Louisiana Cavalry (Confederate).

John Donnelly (18xx-xxxx) was identified as a Civil War veteran through the Veterans’ Census of 1890 for Joliett, Porter Township, Schuylkill County, as having served in the 96th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company H.  His wife’s name was Mary, but no other information is known about him at this time.

John Wesley Dory (1847-1914) was mustered into the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, at Williamsport, Lycoming County, as a substitute.  He held the rank of Private.  He married Sarah Emily Burkley and is buried in Hillcrest Cemetery, Clearfield, Clearfield County.

William Emile Doster (1837-1919) was a Provost Marshal of Washington, D.C. during the Civil War.  His home was in Bethlehem, Northampton County.  Prior to becoming Provost Marshal, he served as a Major with the 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry.  During the trial of the conspirators in the Lincoln assassination, he served as the lawyer for George Atzerodt.  He is buried at Nicky Hill Cemetery, Bethlehem, Northampton County.

Ethan Allen Doty (1837-1915) married as his second wife, Elizabeth Louise Scheib of Gratz Borough, Dauphin County.  His first wife was Ellen Elizabeth McFarland.  There is no record of Civil War service for Ethan although he was of the age to serve.  He was a wealthy paper manufacturer who established his business in the Reading, Berks County area now known as Papermill Road.

John Dougherty (1844-1862) was located in Matter’s Cemetery, Washington Township, Dauphin County with a G.A.R. marker at his grave.  It is possible that this is the same John Dougherty who was killed at Fair Oaks, Virginia, 31 May 1862, while serving with the 23rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company E, as a Corporal.  However, the date of death on the stone appears to be 10 days earlier than the date of death in the military records – a possible error in either case. More information is needed to confirm the identity and service of this individual.

Levi Doutrick (1842-1864) died during the Civil War while a prisoner at Andersonville, Georgia.  He was serving with the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A and Company I, as a Private.  He is buried at Andersonville National Cemetery.

Israel Doney (1831-1906) is also found as “Downey” and “Danney.”  He is in the Dalmatia, Northumberland County, veterans’ list but nothing is know of his exact service at this time.  He was married to Sarah Catherine Campbell.

Charles W. Dreibelbis (1845-1864) served with the 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company M, as a Private.  He died 15 December 1864, at the U.S. General Hospital in Annapolis, Maryland and is buried at the Annapolis National Cemetery.

Charles Drum (1825-1897) lived in Mifflin Township, Dauphin County, in 1850.  He was drafted into the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, as a Private.  His name is also spelled “Drumm.”  His wife’s name was Christianna and he is buried at the Lutheran and Reformed Church Cemetery, Lower Augusta Township, Northumberland County.

Alfred Duncan (1846-1926) was a southern-born (North Carolina) member of the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, who joined the Union cavalry at Motley Farm, Tennessee, in 1864.  Prior service may have been in the 2nd North Carolina Infantry (Union, Mounted Infantry) and he may also have served in a Confederate regiment (a person of the same name is found in Confederate records).  He was recorded as “absent on furlough” at the time the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry was mustered out.  He married a woman named Nettie and he is buried in Shady Grove, North Carolina.

Jacob Dressler (1840-1864) was a Private in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A.  He was captured and died at Salisbury Prison, date unknown.  At enrollment in Pottsville he had declared that he was a blacksmith and was born in Schuylkill County.

James Dunn  (1841-xxxx) was a member of the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A.  He was a Private in rank and the regimental records list him as a deserter as of 20 June 1865.  His original muster location was Philadelphia and he was a paid substitute.

Lewis F. Daniels (1831-1904) was possibly a member of the 33rd Pennsylvania Infantry (4th Pennsylvania Reserves), Company B, as a Private.  Also he was possibly a member of the 198th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company E, as a Corporal.  The records of this individual could be co-mingled with another of the same name.  A wife named Eziza J. is found in one record and there is confusion over the death date for Lewis – one record indicates a widow’s pension application in 1863 and there are two possible other death dates, 1897 and 1904.  There is a Lewis F. Daniels who is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Aston Township, Delaware County.  Help is requested in sorting out the records of what may be two or more veterans of the same name.

E

Edward Earley (18xx-xxxx) was the Bugler in the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company C.  Military records indicate he was “not accounted for.”  It is possible that he had a connection to the Lykens Valley area, but that connection has not yet been found.

George Dalles Eby (1845-1934) lived in Mifflin Township and Wiconisco in Dauphin County.  He was a member of the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G.  His rank was Private.  George married Emma C. Freeman.

William H. Eby (1841-1893) lived in Lykens Borough, Dauphin County at the time of his enlistment in the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, as a Private.  He was married to a woman named Emma L., and he is believed to be buried in Shamokin, Northumberland County. He was a laborer.

George Emerich (1842-1921), who is buried in Jacob’s Cemetery, Pine Grove Township, Schuylkill County, served in the 214th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company C, as a Private.  His wife’s name was Louisa and he was a worker in the coal mines.  He is also found in the records as “George Emerick.”

? Engelbert (1877-1902) is noted as G.A.R. at the grave in the Calvary Cemetery, Wiconisco, Dauphin County, but because the birth year is given as 1877 (if correct) this grave could not possibly be for a Civil War veteran.  More research is needed, including the discovery of the first name of this individual.  A prior post referred to the daughters of a Mrs. S. E. Engelbert of Wiconisco, so this could be the individual in question.

Henry Enterline (1829-1905) is buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Tamaqua, Schuylkill County.  He was married to Sarah Martz.  During the Civil War, he was a reportedly Captain in the 19th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F.  There is a Henry Enterline who is named in the Dalmatia veterans’ list, Northumberland County.  Research in on-going on this individual.

Gabriel Enty (1846-xxxx) was an African American who was a Corporal in the 43rd U.S. Colored Troops (USCT), Company D.  He married Julia Ann Tarr and is buried in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County.

Jonathan Enty (1844-1864) was declared missing in action at Petersburg, Virginia, 30 July 1864, while serving with the 43rd U.S. Colored Troops (USCT)  He was a farm laborer from the Fountain area, Schuylkill County, and of African American descent.

Jonathan D. Etsweiler (18xx-xxxx) is named in the Dalmatia, Northumberland County, Civil war veterans’ list.  Not much is known about his life or service.  Sometimes the name is spelled as “Jonathan D. Etzweiler.”

F

George Farber (1840-1900) was born in Germany and at the time of his enlistment, he was residing in Dauphin County where he was working as a carpenter.  He was a member of the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, serving at the rank of Private.  He married Caroline Goerlitz and is buried in the Dunmore Cemetery, Dunmore, Lackawanna County.

Matthew Farne (18xx-xxxx) was named in the Citizen Standard article of 25 June 1993, “Some Locals Served with Confederacy.”  According to the article, he was from Ashland, Schuylkill County, and he served with the Louisiana Cavalry (Confederate).

Cornelius Faust (1846-1903) married Wilhemena Engle and is buried in the Shamokin Cemetery, Shamokin, Northumberland County.  During the Civil War he served in the 84th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D, as a Private, and in the 47th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G, as a Corporal.  His name is sometimes found as “Cornelius Foust.”

Daniel E. Faust (18xx-xxx) is buried in the Shamokin Cemetery, Shamokin, Northumberland County.  There is a possibility that he is a brother to Cornelius Faust.  Daniel served in the 96th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company H, as a Private.

Jared Bohn Faust (1846-1911) was married to Hannah Schwalm whose mother was a Klinger.  He is buried in the Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County.  No Civil War service has been located for him, but he was of age to have served.  He was a sculptor, and and he designed and fashioned the 93rd Pennsylvania Infantry Monument for the Gettysburg Battlefield.  Jared’s father was Reuben Faust, of Gratz Borough, a cabinetmaker.  The monument was constructed by the P. F. Eisenbrown Sons and Company (Eagle Marble and Granite), of Reading, Berks County.

John Feisal (18xx-xxxx) was found in the Dalmatia, Northumberland County, veterans’ list for the Civil War, but no actual service information has yet been located.

John H. Felty (1840-1916) served with the 214th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company C, as a Private.  At the time of enlistment, he was employed as a laborer.  He married Elizabeth Behney and is buried in the Jacob’s Cemetery, Pine Grove, Schuylkill County.

Newton Ferree (1844-1928) was a soldier with the 84th Ohio Infantry, Company F and with the 157th Ohio Infantry, Company C, where he served as 2nd Lieutenant.  The Ferree family had roots in the Lykens Valley area and may have a claim to this veteran who supposedly discovered Abraham Lincoln‘s shirt collar in the State Box a short time after Lincoln was removed to the Petersen House. According to family records though, Newton was born in Fayette County, Ohio.  His wife’s name was Rose and he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

Daniel Fessler (1827-xxxx) was named in a Shamokin Daily Item article as a member of the 151st Pennsylvania Infantry from the Shamokin, Northumberland County area.  Not much else is known about him.

John R. Fetrow (1839-xxxx) had a wife named Ida and he is buried in Leon Cemetery, Leon, Butler County, Kansas.  He served in the 130th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company K, as a Private, and in the 47th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D, as a Private.

Samuel Fetterhoff (1838-xxxx) joined the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, as a Private and was later transferred to Company K.  He enrolled at Berrysburg, Dauphin County and declared his residence as Schuylkill County.  His occupation was sawyer and his wife’s name was Mary Ann.

Peter Augustus Filbert (1833-1924) was a 2nd Lieutenant with the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D and a Captain and Lieutenant Colonel with the 96th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company B and at Headquarters.  During the 1863 Emergency, he served as a Major with the 39th Pennsylvania Infantry (Militia) at the Headquarters.  He was married to Theodocia “Dotsie” Reitzel.  His burial place is St. John’s Cemetery, Pine Grove, Schuylkill County.

Jared Fisher (1821-xxxx) was living in Lykens, Dauphin County, and working as a blacksmith when he enlisted in the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G, as a Private.  His records show that he was born in Northumberland County and married a woman named Elizabeth.

Benjamin J. Focht (1841-1894) was a member of the 6th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G, as a Corporal and the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Corporal and Sergeant.  He was discharged from the service on a Surgeon’s Certificate of Disability on 18 October 1864.  He wife’s name was Annie and he is buried in the Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County.

Joseph Ford Jr. (1845-1918) was a Private in the 150th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company K.  He was married first to Sarah Elizabeth Peters and second to Mary Elizabeth Lober.  According to information in the Dietrich family, he helped guard the Executive Mansion (White House) in Washington, D.C. from November through December 1863 along with fellow soldiers John Shoemaker and Henry W. Hoffman.

David Fornwalt (1837-1913) married Margaret Weiss and is buried in Bismarck Cemetery, Quentin, Lebanon County. He served in the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company E, as a Private and Corporal and on 13 September 1864, he transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps.  For a time, he lived in the veterans’ home in Dayton, Ohio.  David’s son Percy Fornwalt died in Tower City, Schuylkill County, and a grandson Edwin Fornwalt was a professional boxer.  The name is also found spelled “Farnwalt.”

Edward J. Fortman (1843-1914), a laborer from Lykens Borough, Dauphin County, enlisted in the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, as a Private, and later in the 173rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, as a Private.  His wife’s name was Lavina.  It appears from available records that he spent some time in a veterans’ home and was eventually buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.  He could have had a sister Ann who was living in Tower City, Schuylkill County in 1904.  The records of this veteran could be co-mingled with another veterans of the same or a similar name.

Abraham Fortenbaugh (1838-1927) was born in York County and made a name for himself in banking and finance.  Although he registered for the draft in 1863, no record of Civil War military service has been located for him.  He was the president of the Halifax National Bank and present at the bank when it was robbed in 1901 and head cashier and Civil War veteran, Charles W. Ryan, was killed.

William W. Fortenbaugh (1847-1911) was born in York County and served in the 77th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, as a Private, and the 194th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company E, as a Private.  He had a wife or wives named Avilda and/or Alice C.  He is buried in the Harrisburg Cemetery, Harrisburg, Dauphin County.

Christopher Fox (18xx-xxxx) was located in a cemetery list of Oak Hill, Millerburg, Dauphin County with an indication that he had served in the Civil War.  Specific regimental information has not yet been determined.

Peter Fox (1845-1864) served in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Private.  He had enrolled at Pottsville and had given his occupation as engineer with a Schuylkill County residence.  He was killed at Petersburg, Virginia, 17 June 1864, and is buried in the Poplar Grove National Cemetery, Petersburg, Virginia.

Thomas Foy (1838-xxxx), a member of the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, may have also served in Company K.  He is listed in the records of both companies with the same muster dates.  This could be two persons or one person with an error in the records.

John L. Fralick (18xx-1898) is mentioned as a Civil War veteran in the records of the Oak Grove Cemetery, Millersburg, Dauphin County.  More information is needed to determine the specifics of his service.

John Frank (18xx-xxxx) is also mentioned as a Civil War veteran in Oak Grove Cemetery, Millersburg, Dauphin County, records.  Additional information is sought on his service.

Christian Frankhauser (1830-1863) is buried in Lebanon National Cemetery, Lebanon, Marion County, Kentucky.  He was a member of the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, and a Private in that regiment.  He was not present on the muster out rolls.

James Freeland (18xx-xxxx) is buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Millersburg, Dauphin County, with an indication in the records that he was a Civil War veteran.  More information is needed to determine the specifics of his service.

Charles Wesley Fribley (1835-1864) is the namesake of the G.A.R. Post in Williamsport, Lycoming County.  He served in the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Private, and in the 84th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, as a Captain.  On 23 November 1863 he took command in the 8th U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) and died in February 1864.  He was married to Catherine “Kate” Ault.

Jeremiah Fry (1847-xxxx) served in the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G, as a Private.  He was born in Northumberland County and resided in Derry Township, Dauphin County, at the time of his enlistment.

Samuel Fryberger (1846-1896), who is buried in the Soldiers’ Circle at the Shamokin Cemetery, Shamokin, Northumberland County, was a member of the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company H, in which he held the rank of Private and Drummer Boy.  On 17 September 1862, he was discharged on a Surgeon’s Certificate of Disability and in 1864 joined the Veteran Reserve Corps. He was married to Margaret Gearing.  See also prior post:  How Many Samuel Frybergers?

Philip Furkel (1830-xxxx) was a member of the drafted 177th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, and he served as a Private.  Nothing much else is known about him.

Jacob Frick (1825-xxxx) served in the 129th Pennsylvania Infantry and according to family members has a connection with the Lykens Valley area.  Additional information is needed for confirmation.

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The list will continue on Tuesday, 24 april 2012, with surnames beginning with G through J.

Category: Overviews, Queries, Research | Comments Off on 2012 Additions to Civil War Veterans List – D to F
Tags: African American, Berrysburg, Dalmatia, Fountain, G.A.R., Gratz Borough, Halifax, Joliett, Lincoln Assassination, Lykens Borough, Mifflin Township, Millersburg, Pine Grove, Porter Township, Regiments, Tower City, Tremont, Washington Township, Wiconisco

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on April 20, 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 today and continuing intermittently for eight posts until concluding at the end of this month, a brief sketch of each of the newly added names will be presented along with a hyperlink to a specific post of list of posts where the name appears in the blog.

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A

William Adams (1794-1871) is buried in Sweitzer’s Memorial Cemetery in Berrysburg, Dauphin County.  This is believed to be a different William Adams than the one in the Tower City list.  Although there is a G.A.R. marker at his gravesite, the year of birth suggests that he was too old to be a Civil War veteran.  No military service record has been located.

George W. Allison (1842-1889) served in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, and claimed residence in Berks County and birth in York County.  He is buried in Salem Union Cemetery, Jacobus, York County.  His wife’s name was Carolina.

James W. Allison, brother of George W. Allison, also served in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B.  He was born in York County and resided there at the time of enlistment.  He is buried in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Springfield Township, York County.  It is possible that he died of either an injury received in the war or a disease contracted during the war.

George Anthony was a member of the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G.  Born in Germany, he was a resident of York County at the time of enlistment.

Enos R. Artman (1838-1912) served in the 213th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, as a Captain and as a Major.  He als0 served in the 104th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, as a Lieutenant.He was married to Deborah L. Beaver and Carolyn Foedre.  Maj. Artman is buried in the West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cyndwyd, Pennsylvania.

Jonas Artz (1833-1917) was suggested by a family member for inclusion as a possible veteran of the Civil War but no military connection has been located.  He was married to Elizabeth Buffington.

B

Martin Bachman (1818-1900) is believed to be the same person who was found in the Dalmatia veterans list and who is buried in Trinity Church Cemetery, Dalmatia. Two persons of this name have been found in the military records, one who served in the Independent Battery I, Light Artillery as a 1st Lieutenant, and the other in the 79th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company E, as a Sergeant.  It is possible that they are the same person since the dates of service are consecutive, not concurrent.  Possible wives of a person named Martin Bachman are Sarah Elizabeth and Katie Peiffer.

Solomon Bachman (18xx-xxxx).  A person of this name is said to be buried in the Zion Cemetery, Hickory Corners, Northumberland County, with possible service in the 41st Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I as a Private.  More information is needed.

Romeo R. Bacon (1837-xxxx) was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, but resigned on 1 February 1863.  It is believed that he was a resident of Philadelphia.

Adam Badeau (1831-1894) was the secretary and historian of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and a close friend and tutor of Edwin Booth who supposedly intervened after the Lincoln assassination to keep Edwin Booth out of jail.  As a member of Gen. Grant’s staff, he was well-known to all who served under Grant.

Augustus Bademan (1826-xxxx) was suggested for inclusion through the Dalmatia veterans list but his military record has not yet been located.  He was married to women named Mary and Rebecca.  The spelling of his surname could be “Badman” or “Bateman.”

David Ballow (1842-xxxx) served in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Sergeant.  His enrollment was at Gratz Borough and he gave his residence as Tremont, Schuylkill County. It is possible that this is the same person as David Bellon.

Joseph K. Barnes (1817-1883) was from Pennsylvania and was the Surgeon General of the United States from 1864-1883.  He was married to Mary Fauntleroy and is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

Frank H. Barnhart (1840-1896) served in the 6th Pennsylvania Infantry and the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A where he rose in rank from Private to Captain.  After the war he served in the Regular Army.  He married Catherine P. Sessions and is buried in the Reformed Church Cemetery, Branch Township, Schuylkill County.

William H. Baugher (1839-1915) served in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Bompany B, as a 1st Lieutenant.  He was a carpenter from Cumberland County after the war lived in Maryland, where he applied for his pension.

Charles Beach (1842-1864) was killed at Petersburg, Virginia, while serving in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Private.  He was from Schuylkill County and had enlisted at Pottsville.  He is buried in Poplar Grove National Cemetery in Virginia.

James A. Beaver (1837-1914), Governor of Pennsylvania from 1887-1891, had served with several Pennsylvania regiments including the 148th Pennsylvania Infantry, the 45th Pennsylvania Infantry, and the 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry.  His final rank was Brevet Brigadier General.  He was married to Mary McAllister. He was also an amputee as a result of a Civil War wound.  He is buried in Union Cemetery, Bellefonte, Centre County.

BEISEL FAMILY:  It has been suggested that the following members of this family may have had some connection to the Lykens Valley area.  More research is needed to establish the connection. 

Aaron E. Beisel (1839-1880) was a Wagoner who served with the 41st Pennsylvania Infantry, Company E and lost an arm during the war.  He was probably from Northampton County, where he is buried in the Schoenck Moravian Cemetery, Bushkill Township.

Alphonso B. Beisel (1838-1909) was believed to be from Carlisle and served in the 130th Pennsylvania Infantry as a Corporal.  His wife was Sarah R. McCommon.

Franklin P. Beisel (1846-1930) served with the 47th Pennsylvania Infantry and the 7th Pennsylvania Infantry, was married to someone named Sarah, and is buried in Union West End Cemetery, Allentown, Lehigh County.

Fred V. Beisel (18xx-xxxx)  served in the 63rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D, but not much else is known about him.

George M. Beisel (18xx-xxxx) was with the 55th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company K.

George S. Beisel (18xx-xxxx) served in the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D.

Harrison Beisel (18xx-xxxx) – no military regiment identified.

Henry H. Beisel (18xx-xxxx) was on the Beisel list of Civil War veterans-with no further identification.

Isaac A. Beisel (18xx-xxxx) served in the 198th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F.

John Beisel (1829-1890) a twin, was one of five brothers who served.  He was a member of the 82nd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company B and is buried in Drums Methodist Episcopal Cemetery, Drums, Luzerne County.

Nathan H. Beisel (18xx-1863), one of the four Beisel brother,was killed at Gettysburg while serving with the 151st Pennsylvania Infantry.

Peter Beisel(1827-1884), one of the five brothers, he served with the 153th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D, and is buried in Drums Methodist Episcopal Cemetery, Drums, Luzerne County.

Reuben Beisel (1839-1897) one of the five brothers who served but not much else is known about his service.

Tilghman A. Beisel (1829-1879) the last member of the five brothers, was a member of the 176th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company B and is buried in the St. John’s Cemetery, St. John’s, Lebanon County.

Samuel Bender (1836-1913) joined the 36th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company C, as a Private for the Emergency Militia service of 1863.  He was from Perry County and was married to Martha Gray.

Peter S. Bergstresser (1836-1913), previously featured here on this blog, was a member of the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry as well as the 192nd Pennsylvania Infantry where he served as a Captain.

John B. Beshler (1839-1869), a medical doctor who is buried at Peace Cemetery, Berrysburg, Dauphin County, served as an Assistant Surgeon at the headquarters of both the 81st Pennsylvania Infantry and the 88th Pennsylvania Infantry.

J. William Bettleyon (18xx-xxxx) was suggested for inclusion but more information is needed.

Andrew Betz (18xx-xxxx) is possibly the same person who is listed as Nathaniel Betz or Anthony Bates (18xx-xxxx).

William R. Bickel (1844-1911) served in the 195th Pennsylvania Infantry and is possibly the one listed in the Dalmatia, Northumberland County, list – or it might be a different one.

John H. Bickley (1838-1921) enrolled at Lykens Borough in the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry claiming residence in Pottsville.  His occupation was given as overseer.  He was married to someone named Anna Maria and was living in New Jersey in 1890.

Nicholas Biddle (1796-1876) was a servant of Capt. James Wren and traveled to Baltimore with him and the First Defenders.  He was considered to be the first man whose blood was shed in the war. See post entitled:  Soldiers Monument of Schuylkill County.

Charles Biehl (1828-xxxx) was with the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A.  He was an immigrant from Prussia and his wife’s name was Barbara.

Alexander Bingeman (1835-1896), the brother of William S. Bingeman who was a veteran, served with the 178th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D, and is listed as deserter as of 12 November 1862.  He is buried in Stone Valley Cemetery, Hickory Corners, Northumberland County.

Daniel Binkley (1842-1864), a member of the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, was captured and died of disease as a prisoner during the war.  He had enrolled at Pottsville, and was a laborer from Berks County with a wife named Harriet.

Edward Bixler (1845-1865), was captured and died of disease while a member of the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A.  He was the brother of Jackson Bixler and was a laborer who was born in Dauphin County and enrolled at Pottsville.

Elias Bixler (1841-1920) served in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Corporal.  He was married to Emma or Malinda (or both) and is buried in St John’s Cemetery, Pine Grove, Schuylkill County.

Jackson Bixler (1845-xxxx), the brother of Edward Bixler, was a member of the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A.  A laborer from Schuylkill County, he enrolled at Pottsville and during the war sustained a gunshot wound of the left arm.  His wife’s name was Mary and he is buried in the Harmony Cemetery, Milton, Northumberland County.

William H. Blanchford (1839-1912) also a member of the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, injured his spine while helping to move a wounded soldier.  He was a 2nd Lieutenant in the company.  He married Mary Clemens Gottshall and is buried in the Vincent Mennonite Church Cemetery, Chester County.

Charles Blessing (18xx-xxxx), served in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Private.  He was a saddler from Hummelstown.  During the war he transferred to Company K and then, following an injury, became a member of the Veteran Reserve Corps.  His wife’s name was Jennie.

Joseph Blouser (18xx-xxxx), of the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, was living in Hegins and Valley View, Schuylkill County, in 1890.  He suffered from dyspepsia at the time, which he blamed on his war service.

Preston John Blyler (1849-1933), also known as John Preston Blyler, was a member of the 13th Pennsyvlania Cavalry who was living in Hegins, Schuylkill County, in 1890.  He married Emma Bartho and is buried in Fairview Cemetery, Williamstown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.

William H. Blyler (1845-1905) was a resident of Gratz Borough, Dauphin County, who was working as a laborer.  He served in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, but was listed as a deserter on 11 May 1864 at Spottsytlvania Court House, Virginia.  Later he was found in the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry lists for Company G and Company F.  He was married to Mary Elizabeth Beck.  The records may be confused for this individual because he used the alias “William Clinger.”

Matthias Deibler Bohner (1828-1885), who is buried in the Greenwood Cemetery, Trevorton, Northumberland County, served in the 136th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company C, as a 5th Sergeant.  He married Maria H. Rothermel.

Adam Bokle (1826-xxxx), as a member of the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, deserted on 31 October 1863 at Louisville, Kentucky.  He was a powder manufacturer from Dauphin County.  It is believed that he was a German immigrant.  His name is found with various spellings including “Berkel,” “Berkle,” “Burkle” and “Burkel.”

Michael Boner (1839-1893) was born in Lancaster County and at the time of his enlistment in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, was residing in Berks County.  He was a laborer and is buried in Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  His name is also found in the records as “Bower.”

Henry Bordner (1836-1892), a draftee from Dauphin County, served in the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry as a Sergeant.  He was married to Emma M. Woods and possibly woman named Anna.  There are several persons with this name and the records may be co-mingled.  This Henry Bordner died in a Veterans’ Home in Marion, Indiana, and is buried in Marion National Cemetery.

Charles Albert Bosbyshell (1836-1915) was one of three brothers (and a twin) from near Pottsville who had Civil War service.  He was a member of the 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, and the 39th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company B (Emergency Militia of 1863).

Lebbeus Whitney Bosbyshell (1836-1886), the twin of Charles, served in the 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, as a Corporal.  He is buried in Charles Baber Cemetery, Pottsville.

Oliver Christian Bosbyshell (1839-1921) was a member of the Washington Artillists (First Defenders), the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry, and the 25th Pennsylvania Infantry.  This brother of Charles Albert Bosbyshell and Lebbeus Whitney Bosbyshell went on to write a history of the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry and also became Director of the United States Mint in Philadelphia.

Peter Bowen (18xx-1922) is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Millersburg, Dauphin County.  His Civil War service has not yet been identified.

John Bower (1838-xxxx) served in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Private.  He resided in Tremont, Schuylkill County, and worked as a laborer.

George Washington Bowerman (1841-1925) married Mary Ann Hoffman and is buried in the Methodist Episcopal Cemetery in Williamstown, Dauphin County.  He served in the 56th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G, as a Corporal.  In 1890, he lived in Carsonville, Wayne Township, Dauphin County.

C. L. Bowman (18xx-1914) is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Millersburg, Dauphin County.  His Civil War service has not yet been identified.

Jacob Bowman (1843-xxxx) is named in the Halifax veterans’ list.  Since there are several identified persons with this name, more research is needed to separate the information and determine the regiment and company of service.

John A. Bowman (1836-xxxx) served in the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, as a Private.  The veteran of this regiment resided in Harrisburg and was a plasterer at the time of enrollment.  He enrolled at Lykens Borough, Dauphin County.

William Bowman (18xx-xxxx) is found in the Halifax, Dauphin County, veterans’ list but there are several person of this name who have been identified so more work has to be done to separate the records.

Lawrence Boyer (1835-1920) was a member of the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, who later moved to Washington State.  His wife was Phoebe Elizabeth Faust.

Jeremiah B. Brandt (1833-xxxx) was a Captain in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, but he resigned on 26 July 1862 to serve as Assistant Surgeon in the 55th Pennsylvania Infantry, the 175th Pennsylvania Infantry, and the 110th Pennsylvania Infantry.  He is also credited with service as a Private in the 25th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company B and Company H.  He married a woman named Esther and is buried in the Llewellyn Cemetery, Minersville, Schuylkill County.

Joseph Brenies (1846-xxxx), whose name is also found as “Brenice,” was a member of the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A.  The records indicate that he was a substitute and deserter.  Not much else is known about him.

Henry Breslin (1846-1932) was from Pottsville and was a laborer.  He joined the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company F, as a Corporal.  He married Mary Daniel and is buried in the Irish Catholic Cemetery in Lykens Borough, Dauphin County.

Franklin Bressler (1846-1913), known as “Frank,” is buried in the Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery in Tremont, Schuylkill County.  He was a Private in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A.  His wife’s name was Elizabeth and he was a laborer.

Martin Bressler (1847-1908) served in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Private.  He was born in Schuylkill County and enrolled at Pottsville.  He was a laborer, his wife’s name was Kate, and after the war he moved to Grinnell, Iowa, where he is buried in the Hazelwood Cemetery.  Iowa cemetery records indicate he was a member of the G.A.R.

Patrick Blesson (1846-xxxx) [aka Patrick Brown] applied for a pension from Massachusetts giving an alias.  He served as a member of the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, as a Private, and during the war he was held prisoner for about five months.  He originally enrolled at Philadelphia.  The records also show that he served in the Regular Army with the artillery.

Anthony Paul Bretz (1825-1909) is buried at Calvary Cemetery, Wiconisco, and the possibility exists that he could have served in one or more regiments.  It’s also possible that this is the same person as Anthony Betz.

Franklin Bretz (1842-1899) was a Private in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, enrolling at Freemont (probably a typographical error – should be Tremont?).  He was a laborer and born in Schuylkill County.  He married someone named Elizabeth.  He is buried in Hetzel’s Rock Cemetery, Pine Grove, Schuylkill County.

John H. Bricker (1834-xxxx) was born in Lancaster County but lived in Dauphin County at the time of his enrollment in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, as a Private.  He was a boat maker and his wife’s name was Ann.

Henry Brodt (1833-1890) was a Captain in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A.  It is believed that he was an immigrant from France.  His wife’s name was Maria and he is buried in Clauser’s Cemetery, Branch Township, Schuylkill County.

Edward Brown (1842-xxxx) served in the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, as a Private.  At the time of enrollment, he was a mason residing in Lykens, Dauphin County.

James Brown (18xx-xxxx) is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Millersburg, Dauphin County, and it is believed he was a Civil War veteran although no regiment and company has been identified.

John M. Brown (1836-1914) of Tremont, Schuylkill County, in buried in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County.  He served in the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company K, as a Private.  His wife was Rebecca Zerbe.  John’s service is recognized with a brick at Wiscount Veteran’s Memorial Park in Tremont.

John M. Brubaker (1842-1917) could be confused with other persons of the name John Brubaker, of which there were several who resided in the Lykens Valley area.  It’s possible that this is one who served in the 34th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company K (Emergency Militia of 1863), as a Private, was married to Hannah Martin, and is buried at Otterbein Cemetery, East Salem, Juniata County.  See post:  Who was John Brubaker?  John R. Brubaker (18xx-1923) is probably the one buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Millersburg, Dauphin County.

Samuel H. Brubaker (18xx-xxxx) was a draftee from dauphin County who saw service as a Private in the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I.

Charles Napoleon Brumm (1838-1917) married Virginia Marlin James.  He was the brother of George W. Brumm.  After his service in the 76th Pennsylvania Infantry as Quartermaster and 1st Lieutenant and service in the 5th Pennsylvania Infantry, he was elected to the United States Congress.

Isaac Bubb (1835-1864) was killed in action near Marietta, Georgia, and is buried in the Marietta National Cemetery.  After serving in the 36th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F (Militia of 1863), he joined the Regular Army as a private.  There is another person of the same name and some of the records may be confused, but the one of this record is the one who was killed in Marietta.

John Buchen (1840-xxxx), a member of the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F, was a Private who claimed that he was a resident of Lykens Borough, Dauphin County, and a miner when he enrolled at Lykens.

Miles W. Buck (1848-1909), a twin of Milton Buck, served in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Private.  He was later transferred to Company K.  At the time of his enrollment, he declared residency in Lehigh County and was a laborer.  It’s possible that this is the same person who was also in the Regular Army and made a career there, including service in an army band.  His wife’s name was Hannah and he is buried in Grazierville Cemetery, Tyrone, Blair County.

Henry B. Buehler (1835-xxxx) was also known as “H.B.” and for a short time was a medical doctor in Gratz Borough, Dauphin County.  He was married to a woman named Elizabeth Christine.  During the Civil War he was Assistant Surgeon with the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry.  After serving as a doctor in Harrisburg, he took over his father’s insurance business there and became one of the most successful agents in Pennsylvania in the post-war period.  He was also active in the G.A.R. in Harrisburg and was one of the movers behind the building of the Dauphin County Civil War Monument.

Ernst Buhler (1845-xxxx) was born in Germany and took up residence in Jefferson Township, Dauphin County.  During the war he served in the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G, as a Private.  After the war he moved to Illinois and applied for a pension from there in 1920, but a pension was never awarded.

Joseph Buffington (1843-xxxx) is buried in St. James Cemetery, Carsonville, Dauphin County.  It’s possible that this is the same person who is already named in the Halifax list and/or the same person whose sister may have married Louis Goudy.  Military service was in the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G, as a Private.

George Johann Burkle (1838-1904) served in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B.  At enlistment he resided in Luzerne County.  He was born in Germany and was by occupation a baker.  During the war, he got sick, and while in the hospital was reduced to the rank of Private.  After he returned to service, a claim was made that he fired the last gun of the Civil War.  He used the notoriety as a means of becoming a politician in Scranton, Luzerne County.  He married Amelia Justian Puester and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Scranton, Luzerne County.

C

Carl Conrad (1843-1864), a Private in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, was killed at the Wilderness, Virginia, 9 May 1864.  According to his enrollment data, he resided in Wiconisco, Dauphin County, and was a laborer.

John Carl (1835-xxxx), who is buried in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Shamokin, Northumberland County, was a Sergeant in Company A of the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry.

Franklin Cash (1839-xxxx) was a sailor from Boston, Massachusetts who later resided in Chester County.  He was wounded at Averysboro, North Carolina, 16 March 1865, while serving as a Private in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B.

Benjamin Charlesworth (1830-1897) was living in Tower City, Schuylkill County, in 1890.  His name also appears in the Tower City veterans’ list.  He served in the 27th Pennsylvania Infantry (Militia), Company I for the Emergency of 1863.  His wife’s name was Elizabeth.

William Henry Chubb (1844-1914) is buried in Pittsfield Cemetery, Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.  He was a Private in Company A of the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry.  He joined the company as a substitute at Easton, Pennsylvania.  His wife’s name was Margaretha Anna.  After the war he moved first to New York where he applied for a pension and then to Massachusetts.

Andrew M. Clark (1839-xxxx) of the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, served as a Corporal before eventually being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant.  He was a resident of Wayne County.

Edward W. Clark (1842-1864) was captured and died as a prisoner while in service of the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A.  This Private was born in Northumberland County but resided in Schuylkill County when he enlisted at Pottsville.  At the time he was a laborer and was married to Ellen T. Currier.

William H. Clark (1838-1864) is also found as William F. Clark in the records.  He was killed at the Weldon Railroad, 19 August 1864.  In 1861, he had enrolled in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, at Mahantongo, Northumberland County and was a resident of Klingerstown where he worked as a laborer.

David Ramsey Clendenin (1830-1895) was born in Lancaster County and during the Civil War served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 8th Illinois Cavalry.  He was breveted Brigadier General and was appointed to the Military Tribunal for the Lincoln assassination.

Daniel Mountjoy Cloud (1837-1871) was a member of the  Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Class of 1857.  During the Civil War, he served as a Full 2nd Sergeant of the 7th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate).  He is buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi.  He has been connected to the 1864 plot to kidnap Abraham Lincoln.

Simon H. Clouser (1842-1874, also known as “Simon H. Clauser,” is buried in the Clauser Cemetery, Branch Township, Schuylkill County.  He received several promotions until he achieved the rank of Quartermaster Sergeant at the Headquarters of the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry.  His wife’s name was Sarah J. and his enrollment in the infantry was at Pottsville.

John C. Cole (18xx-1864) died at City Point, Virginia, of wounds received at Petersburg, Virginia, while a member of the 43rd U.S. Colored Troops (USCT).  He was from Pottsville.

Charles Coleman (1844-1915), a draftee of the 177th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, was a resident of Dauphin County.  He was married to Lydia Mathilda Rine.

Thomas Nelson Conrad (1837-1905) was a member of the  Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Class of 1857.  During the Civil War, he served as the Chaplain of the 3rd Virginia Cavalry, Company S (Confederate).  He is buried in Blacksburg, Virginia.  He has been connected to the 1864 plot to kidnap Abraham Lincoln.

Jay Cooke (1821-1905) was a Philadelphia financier.  He is buried in St. Paul’s Episcopal Churchyard, Elkins Park, Montgomery County.  No military service has been located for him.

John Corey (18xx-xxxx) was a member of Thompson’s Battery, Light Artillery who was attending the play, Our American Cousin, on 14 April 1865, and has been credited with carrying Lincoln across the street to the Petersen House.

Horace Gates Crabb (1830-1903) [aka Homer Nelson Gates?] has some connection with Sunbury and Northumberland County.  He was a West Point graduate but no Civil War connection has been located.

Jeremiah Crabb (1826-1899) is possibly a member of the Crabb family of Gratz, who for some unknown reason was located in the post-Civil War records of the 24th U.S. Colored Troops at a fort in Spokane, Washington in the 1890s.  He is buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Spokane.  Two different names appear as possible wives:  Lucrea (or Lucretia) and Mary.

William Clevenger Crabb (1808-1876) has a possible connection with the Crabb family of Gratz.  He was found in the records of Fayette County and Ross County, Ohio, but no Civil War service has been located for him or for his descendants.

Albert G. Cummings (1844-1911) served in the 1st New Hampshire Infantry, Company F, as a Private and was promoted to the rank of Captain in the 5th New Hampshire Infantry.  After the Civil War, he located in Millersburg, Dauphin County.  He married Ellen T. Currier and is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Millersburg.

Andrew Gregg Curtin (1815-1895) was the Civil War Governor of Pennsylvania and was commander-in-chief of the Pennsylvania state forces.  He served from 1861-1867.  Curtin married Catherine Irvine Wilson and is buried in Union Cemetery, Bellefonte, Centre County.

John I. Curtin (1837-1911) was Gov. Andrew Gregg Curtin‘s cousin.  He served in the 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry as a Private, and the 45th Pennsylvania Infantry as a Captain, and eventually rose to the rank of Brevet Brigadier General.  He is buried in Union Cemetery, Bellefonte, Centre County.

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The list will continue tomorrow with surnames beginning with D through F.

Category: Overviews, Queries, Research | Comments Off on 2012 Additions to Civil War Veterans List – A to C
Tags: African American, Berrysburg, Branch Township, Carsonville, Dalmatia, G.A.R., Gratz Borough, Halifax, Hegins, Hickory Corners, Jefferson Township, Klingerstown, Mahantongo, Millersburg, Pine Grove, Tower City, Tremont, Valley View, Wayne Township, Wiconisco, Williamstown

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on April 19, 2012

Recently, some portraits were located of Millersburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania Civil War veterans and members of their families.  Included in this post are portraits of Andrew J. Pontius and John L. Freck.

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Andrew J. Pontius (1838-1885).

Andrew J. Pontius, who is named on the Millersburg Soldier Monument as “A. J. Pontius,” served with the 1st Battalion, Company A of the 16th U.S. Infantry during the Civil War.

A biographical sketch of Pontius is found in A Celebration of Millersburg’s Bicentennial.  Highlights are given below:

A. J. Pontius was born on a farm in Washington Township [Dauphin County] on 7 February 1838.  He taught school for a time and then studied dentistry at Lykens under Dr. A. J. Polk.  In October 1863, he was drafted for three months military service and served as a Lieutenant during the period under Capt. Cornelius Harper.  Dr. Pontius reenlisted 25 February 1864, for three years as a Private under Captain Arthur Allyn in Company A, 1st Battalion, 16th Regiment, U.S. Infantry.  He was wounded near Atlanta, Georgia, by a gunshot to the right hand that caused the loss of his index finger, and he was later discharged.  After the Civil War, Dr. Pontius came to Millersburg and in 1873 was associated with Dr. Polk in the practice of dentistry….

It was a very common practice at the time to visit patients on their farms or in small villages and often dentists were away from home for several days.  On New Year’s Day 1884, while tending to a patient, Dr. Pontius contracted a severe cold that settled in his lungs and developed into consumption.  His health gradually became worse, and on 2 February 1885, he died at age 47.  Dr. Pontius left behind a wife and five young children.  The couple also had two children who died, Nora, at age eight and A. L. at age nine months.

The youngest of the surviving children, a son, Pierce, who was six years old, was admitted as a ward to Girard College in Philadelphia in 1887.  Girard College had been founded in 1848 by the terms of the will of financier and banker Stephen Girard, the French-born businessman…. At the time of young Pierce’s admittance, the college was set up for “poor white male orphans.”

In September 1888, Joseph D. Pontius, Dr. A. J. Pontius‘s brother, whom the family had come to count on for support, dropped dead in the street in Matamoras.  Joseph was unmarried and only 47 years old….

After the death of Joseph Pontius, the family home on Union Street was sold to E. W. Steever….

Dr. A. J. Pontius‘s widow, Sallie, left soon after to return to her family home in Limerick, Montgomery County [Pennsylvania].  When she died at age 72 on 26 May 1915, she was brought home to Millersburg and buried with her husband in Oak Hill Cemetery.

The family of Andrew J. Pontius applied for and received a military headstone as the above card shows.  Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Millersburg.

As the Pension Index Card shows, the widow, Sallie Pontius was able to collect Andrew’s pension. after his death.

No picture of Dr. Pontius has yet been located.

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John L. Freck (1839-1912).

John L. Freck appears on the Millersburg Soldier Monument as “J. L. Freck.”

John was born in 1839, the son of Mathias Freck and his wife Eliza.  During the Civil War, he served in the 127th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company K, as a Corporal.  When he returned to Millersburg after the Civil War, he married Mary Elizabeth Frederick.

Many in the area believe that John Freck and other residents who lived near him erected the first bridge across the Wiconisco Creek (at their own expense) to connect with Woodside Station (a stop on the Lykens Valley Railroad).  In the 1870s, John Freck owned the Millersburg Ferry and was involved in the manufacture of shingles and staves.  He erected a mill and hired his own teamsters, one of whom lost a leg when his horse threw him into an oncoming train.  Additional expansion of Freck’s enterprises occurred into the 1880s, but by 1887, a fire destroyed much of the old mill.  Freck also started a brewery and bottling works and had economic interests as far away as Delaware.  Then around 1890, Freck moved to Shamokin, Northumberland County, but for whatever reason returned to Millersburg in 1893.  He was then involved in the carrying of mail to the train station at Lenkerville (see post on Lykens Valley Railroad at Millersburg), as the new station in Millersburg had not yet been built.  Freck expanded the shuttle service to the Lenkerville Station by carrying passengers.

According to old newspapers accounts, John L. Freck‘s real passion was racing horses.  He traveled west and to Canada to purchase horses and often was found wagering on the streets of Millersburg with races to follow.  Freck also sold horses to those who needed them to pull carriages.

John L. Freck died on 25 Mar 1911.  He was 72.  His wife Mary died in 1933.

No picture is currently available of John L. Freck, but his a picture of his father is available and is presented below:

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Each of the above biographies is found in greater depth in A Celebration of Millersburg’s Bicentennial, page 141 and pages 165-166  Copies of this book, which was published in 2007, are still available in Millersburg at the historical society museum.  To contact for information, click here.

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Tags: Freck family, Lenkerville, Lykens Borough, Matamoras, Millersburg, Pontius family, Washington Township, Wiconisco, Woodside