Civil War Blog

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on October 23, 2019

Daniel Messner (1834-1904) served in both an infantry and cavalry regiment during the Civil War. He died on 23 December 1904 is is buried in the cemetery in Lykens, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, and is also recognized on the Lykens G.A.R. Monument at that place.

At the time of his death, the Lykens Standard, on 30 December 1904, published the following obituary:

DEATHS AND FUNERALS

DANIEL MESSNER

Daniel Messner, of North Street, a veteran of the Civil War, ex-assessor of the East Ward, and a resident of this place for the past 40 years, died Friday last of heart trouble, aged 70 years, 11 months and 11 days.  Deceased was born in Mifflin Township, this county.  On April 8, 1855, he married Elizabeth Buffington, and the fruits of this union were 11 children, only four of which survive, viz:  Sidney A. Messner, Mrs. Howard Machamer; Agnes C. Messner, Mrs. William F. Higgins; and Hiram M. Messner, of this place [Lykens]; and Charles M. Messner, of Ensley, Alabama.  His wife, one brother, Hiram Messner of Dallas Texas, four sisters, Mrs. Sarah Leiter of Buchanan, Michigan; Mrs. Mary Meck of Harrisburg; Mrs. Leah Dietrich and Miss Susan Messner of this place, also survive.  There are 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Messner was a carpenter by trade and for a number of years was boss carpenter at Short Mountain Colliery, which position he was compelled to resign several years ago on account of the danger of being seized with an attack of heart failure while at work on high structures, and perhaps dashed to death.  For the last year or two he was not able to do any work. 

His military record is good, as will be noticed by the following:  Enlisted August 9, 1862, in Company D, 127th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers [127th Pennsylvania Infantry]; honorably discharged at Harrisburg, May 29, 1863; re-enlisted February 28, 1865, in Company F, 16th Regiment [16th Pennsylvania Cavalry]; honorably discharged at Richmond, Virginia, August 11, 1865.

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, services being conducted at the Church of the Transfiguration by the pastor, Rev. A. H. Souillard, and interment was made in Odd Fellows’ Cemetery.  The pall bearers were Joseph Daniel, John Schaffner, Benjamin Witmer, George Hawk, Elijah Page, and William Primm.

Those from a distance attending the funeral were Mr. Feidt; daughter Alice Feidt; and Mrs. John Holtzman, Millersburg; William Wolf and wife, Gratz; Samuel Wolfe, Elmer Wolfe, wife and daughter Lillian Wolfe, Loyalton; Mrs. Mary Meck, Harrisburg; William Meck, Philadelphia; Charles Messner, Carlisle.

The floral tributes consisted of a beautiful pillow from the children and grandchildren, sheaf of wheat from his wife, and one from the Church of the Transfiguration.

As stated in the obituary, Daniel Messner‘s first enlistment was in the 127th Pennsylvania Infantry:

On 9 August 1962, Daniel Messner enrolled (as David Messner) at Harrisburg in the 127th Pennsylvania Infantry and was mustered into service at the same place on the same date in Company D, as a Private. He was 28 years old, a resident of Dauphin County, and a carpenter. The rord from the Pennsylvania Archives (above) indicates that he was musterd out on 29 May 1863.

On 28 February 1865, Daniel Messner enrolled at Harrisburg in the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and at that place on 1 March 1865, was mustered into service in Company F as a Private. At the time, he was 31 years old, stood 5 foot 8 inches tall, had dark hair, a light complexion, and light eyes. His residence was Dauphin County, and his occupation was carpenter. The record shows that he transferred to the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company F, on 24 July 1865, as a result of a consolidation of the cavalry regiments prior to discharge. His honorable discharge came on 11 August 1865.

According to the Pension Index Card found on Fold3 (above), Daniel applied for pension benefits on 13 May 1889, which he received and collected until his death.

Following his death, his widow. Elizabeth [Buffington] Messner applied for his pension, which she received and collected to her death, which according to genealogical records occurred on 27 December 1915. Above card from Ancestry.com.

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News articles from Newspapers.com.

Category: Research, Stories | Comments Off on Daniel Messner – Served in Infantry & Cavalry
Tags: Gratz, Loyalton, Lykens, Mifflin Township, Millersburg

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on October 21, 2019

Previously on this blog, a profile was published on Alexander McLaughlin (1841-1917), a veteran of the Civil War. At that time, his obituary from his local newspaper, the Elizabethville Echo, was not available to this Project. Here follows that obituary, from 26 July 1917.

Death of Alex. McLaughlin

Alexander McLaughlin, who was still in an unconscious condition as The Echo went to press last week, breathed his last between four and five o’clock Thursday afternoon, July 19th.  He lacked only two months of being 76 years old.  Mr. McLaughlin enlisted when a young man when the Civil War broke out, in the 50th Regiment Penn’s Volunteers [50th Pennsylvania Infantry], for three years, and at the expiration of his term, he re-enlisted and served bravely in an Artillery Company [2nd U.S. Artillery] until the war ended.

He was married in 1865 and was the father of nine children, four of whom preceded him in death, and his wife passed away two years ago last February.

He was a merchant at Enterline and Carsonville for thirty-five years, and postmaster at Enterline for eight years, and held various offices while living in Jefferson Township.  Four sons and one daughter survive:  John McLaughlin, principal of schools at Westfield, New Jersey;  Harry McLaughlin and Robert McLaughlin of Harrisburg; C. C. McLaughlin and Mrs. Fred Yerges of Elizabethville.

The funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon, the remains being taken to Enterline, where services were held in Bowerman’s Church, and the interment made.

Rev. James Shoop preached a very strong sermon in the German language from the text found in Ecclesiastes 9:10, the reverend himself being a veteran.  Quite a number of the P.O.S. of A. members were present, besides many of the former neighbors of deceased in Powl’s Valley.  The P. O. S. of A. Quartette, Messrs. Warren Swab and Percy Swab, C. E. Forney, and Mark Uhler sang a number of selections, the one at the grave being especially impressive.  Rev. C. P. Wehr read the burial service.  Funeral Director, I. T. Buffington.

The children tender their heartfelt thanks to the neighbors, and to the P. O. S. of A. for their kind assistance during the father’s illness and on the day of the funeral.

The text on which Rev. Shoop preached is as follows (King James Verson):

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

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News article from Newspapers.com.

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Tags: Carsonville, Elizabethville, Enterline, Jefferson Township, Powell's Valley

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on October 18, 2019

Isaac Mease died on 27 July 1912 and his obituary appeared in the West Schuylkill Herald (Tower City), on 2 August 1912:

Veteran Answers Last Roll Call

Isaac Mease, aged 77 years, a veteran of the Civil War, and a well known resident of Tower City, died at 10:30 o’clock Saturday night at his home on Colliery Avenue after a several years illness of a complication of diseases incident to old age.  He had been bedfast only a few days.

During the Civil War the deceased was a member of the 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry and served almost four years.  His company participated in many battles in all of which he took part.  He had an honorable war record.

His wife died a number of years ago since which time he had no permanent home.  About a year ago he went to the County Home at Schuylkill Haven, but later returned to Tower City.  The only other surviving relatives are a brother Gottleib Mease, residing near Pine Grove, and a sister, Mrs. Eliza Harry, who resides with her son near Annville.

The funeral took place Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock, Rev. I. F. Frankenfield of the Lutheran Church officiating.  Interment was made in Greenwood  Cemetery beside the body of his late wife.  The members of William Thompson Post, No. 174, G.A.R., of Tower City, had charge of the funeral and gave the body a military burial, though he was not a member of the post.

Previously, Isaac Mease was briefly mentioned in the following prior posts:

Greenwood Cemetery Burials

Tower City, Porter and Rush Township Veterans

4th Pennsylvania Cavalry – Pennsylvania Memorial at Gettysburg

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News article from Newspapers.com.

Category: Research, Stories | Comments Off on Obituary of Isaac Mease, 1912
Tags: G.A.R., Pine Grove, Tower City

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on October 16, 2019

Previously on this blog, two posts featured Capt. John McGann (1835-1905), but neither included the obituary of his local newspaper, the Elizabethville Echo. See:

• Capt. John K. McGann – 17 August 2012.
• Obituary of John K. McGann of Enders – 23 November 2014.

The following front-page tribute, including photo, was published by the Echo on 29 July 1909:

CAPTAIN JOHN K. MCGANN

Born in Philadelphia, May 28, 1835

Died July 21, 1909

The above named died on Wednesday, July 21st, about 1 a.m. on his farm, known as Wheatland Farm, south of Fisherville.  For several weeks before his death he was scarcely able to take any nourishment.

The funeral services were held at his late home at 10 o’clock last Saturday morning, Rev. S. A. Garnes of this place, and Rev. J. A. Lyter of Harrisburg officiating.  Services were also held at Fetterhoff’s Church, which was filled to its utmost capacity by relatives and friends from far and near who came to show respect for the departed.

Captain McGann was always a public spirited citizen, often sacrificing his own rights for his friends.  At one time he was the Captain of Jackson Guards of Jackson Township.  This company was organized in 1850 with Frederick N. Wise as Captain.  Solomon Bowerman was the second Captain and Captain McGann the third.  This company was composed of 100 men and they met for drill once a month.  Those of this company still living, so far as known, are Cornelius Bixler, Daniel Shoop and G. W. D. Enders.

In 1862, Mr. McGann enlisted in Company H, 130th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers [130th Pennsylvania Infantry], and was in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville.

At Fredericksburg he was wounded and after returning home he taught school and took care of his farm until the last draft was ordered, February 24, 1864.  He then formed a company of 42 men and joined Company E, 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry.  He fought in the battle of Cripple Creek, and was under Sherman’s Command.  In October 1864, he became Gen. Kilpatrick’s private secretary and remained with him until the close of the war.  At Lexington, North Carolina, July 20, 1865, Captain McGann received his discharge.

After the war he returned home and resumed teaching and farming.  Being a Republican in politics he was at one time clerk in the County Commissioner’s Office; also County Auditor, Assessor, Tax Collector, and for a number of years Justice of the Peace.  He was a member of Miller Post G.A.R.

John K. McGann was a cheerful man, believing “all doors are open to those who smile.”  Therefore he was popular throughout the County.  He was firm, yet always ready to scatter flowers in the pathway of his fellow men.  He will be greatly missed in the township in which he lived.  Men of his standing and education always are.

How sweet a life was his; how sweet a death;

Living to wing with mirth the merry hours,

Or with his genial tales the heart to cheer;

Dying to leave a memory like the heath of Summer, full of sunshine and flowers,

A grief and gladness in the atmosphere.

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News clipping from Newspapers.com.

Category: Research, Stories | Comments Off on Capt. John K. McGann – The Elizabethville Echo Obituary
Tags: Enders, Fisherville, G.A.R., Jackson Township

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on October 14, 2019

Henry Meckley was born 23 May 1828 and died on 15 February 1909. He is buried at Fetterhoff’s Cemetery, Halifax Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania,

During the Civil War, he served in the 210th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company A, as a Private, from 8 September 1864 through his honorable discharge on 30 May 1865.

At his death, his obituary was published in the local newspapers, as follows.

From the Elizabethville Echo, 18 February 1909:

Henry Meckley

The death of Henry Meckley who was in his 81st year, occurred at the home of his son, James Meckley, in Fisherville, Monday morning, February 15th.  His wife died last Fall.  The funeral was held at Fetterhoff’s Church, this, Thursday morning,  Rev. S. A. Garnes officiating.

From the Lykens Standard, 19 February 1909:

FISHERVILLE

Special to the STANDARD

Henry Meckley, one of our aged citizens, died early Monday morning.  Aged about 81 years.  He was a soldier in the Civil War.  His wife preceded him in death about six months ago.  He was afflicted with quinsy.  He is survived by the following children:  William Meckley, of near town; Mrs. Charles Yeager, of Highspire; James Meckley, of town; and Mrs. Lincoln Harris, of Wilkes-Barre.  His body was interred at Fetterhoff’s Church Cemetery on this week, Thursday morning.  Services were conducted by Rev. S. A. Garnes, his pastor.

And finally, again from the Elizabethville Echo of 25 February 1909:

FISHERVILLE

Henry Meckley, an old respected citizen, died at the home of his son James Meckley, and was buried at the Fetterhoff’s Church last Thursday forenoon.  He was in his 81st year, was born and reared in Jackson Township, and served as a soldier in the Civil War.  His wife died about six months ago.

 

For his service in the war, Henry Meckley applied for invalid benefits on 21 August 1890, which he was awarded and collected until his death in 1909. Pension Index Card from Fold3.

A brief biography of Henry Meckley appeared in Captain Enders Legion. In that biography, it was mentioned that he had received a citation from President Abraham Lincoln.

Henry Meckley was born 23 May 1828 in Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. He married Eva Mary Fetterhoff, who was born 5 Aug 1834 in Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Their grandson, Frederick J. Meckley, was born in Fisherville, Pennsylvania, on 18 May 1892, the son of James Monroe Meckley and Sarah J. [Yeager] Meckley. He married Elizabeth May Enders on 20 Dec 1911 at Fisherville, Pennsylvania. “Lizzie.” as she was called, was born 18 Aug 1891 in Halifax Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Nathaniel A. Enders and Mary J. [Keiter] Enders. Lizzie and Frederick had six children: James E. Enders, Mary Enders, Sara E. Enders, Anna P. Enders, Ralph W. Enders, and Dick Enders. Frederick was a farmer, painter and paperhanger. He served on the Fetterhoff Sunday School Board as Secretary, was a member of the Jackson Township School Board and a member of the Executive Board of the Fisherville Community Grange.

Frederick died on 23 Dec 1954 and Elizabeth (Lizzie) died on 27 Sep 1967. Both are buried in the Fetterhoff Cemetery near Fisherville one grave from Frederick’s parents, James Monroe Meckley and Sarah J. [Yeager]Meckley. Sara J. died 1 Dec 1927 and James M. on 1 Jun 1928. Grandparents Henry Meckley and Eva Mary [Fetterhoff] Meckley are buried next to their son and daughter-in-law. Eva Mary died 5 Sep 1908 and Henry passed away on 4 Feb 1909. All six family members are located in Section B, Row 5. (No other family data is known at this time on Eva Mary and Henry).

Henry enlisted 8 September 1864 at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in the 210th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, Company A. He fought in numerous battles, such as Hatcher’s Run, the Bellefield Raid, and destruction of the Weldon Railroad, Dabney’s Mills, Gravelly Run and a final skirmish at Appomattox Court House. They were upon the front line to the last, the flag of truce proclaiming the Confederate surrender, passing through the lines of the Brigade in which it stood. During the three day battle at Gravelly Run, the regiment’s Commanding Officer, Colonel William Sergeant was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his command on 31 March 1865. Adjutant Morris Schlessinger, a scarred veteran and Captain John N. Hughes were also killed. Schlessinger, when found upon the battlefield, weakened by his wounds, exclaimed, “This is the death I have sought.” The regiment losses were 35 killed, 115 wounded and 150 missing. Henry marched in the Grand Parade in Washington and was mustered out with the company 30 May 1865 with the rank of Private.

Marilyn Wilbert, one of the Enders Family historians, recently talked with Pauline [Meecley] Novinger, great granddaughter of Henry Meckley. She stated”that President Lincoln gave Henry a citation, which was on display in the family home for many years, but it is not know at this time what happened to this historic document.”

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News clippings from Newspapers.com.

Category: Research, Stories | Comments Off on Henry Meckley – Veteran from Fisherville
Tags: Fisherville, Halifax Township