Civil War Blog

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on September 30, 2019

William H. Harris, an African American who was born in Henrietta County, Virginia, died on 14 October 1910 in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Several local newspapers provided a brief obituary:

From the Harrisburg Patriot, 4 November 1910:

W. H. Harris

The funeral of W. H. Harris, a Civil War veteran who died at his home, 326 Calder Street, early Saturday morning, will take place this afternoon from Zion Baptist Church. Rev. Walter Tolliver, the pastor, will officiate. Mr. Harris was a member of Post 520, G.A.R. and of the Baptist Church. Interment will be made in Lincoln Cemetery.

From the Harrisburg Telegraph, 17 Oct 1910:

W. H. Harris

The funeral of W. H. Harris, a veteran of the Civil War and a member of David R. Stevens‘ Post, No. 520, Grand Army of the Republic, who died yesterday afternoon at his home, 324 Calder Street, after a few days’ illness, will take place Monday afternoon at Zion Baptist Church, Rev. Walter Toliver officiating.

Mr. Harris was one of the most faithful members of Zion Church. He is survived by his widow and adult children in Virginia and Pittsburgh.

And, from the Harrisburg Daily Independent, 15 October 1910:

W. H. Harris

W. H. Harris, of 326 Calder Street, died at his home yesterday after a brief illness. He was a veteran of the Civil War and was a member of Post 520, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Harris was a faithful member of the Zion Baptist Church and had much to do with the growth of the church. He is survived by his wife, Jane, and several children.

The funeral services will be held at Zion Baptist Church on Monday afternoon. Rev. Walter Tolliver will officiate.

The death certificate of William H. Harris gave some additional information about him:

Some of the facts from the death certificate:

• Name: William Harris
• Sex: Male
• Color or Race: Negro
• Marital Status: Married.
• Occupation: None
• Parent’s Names: Unknown
• Date of Death: 14 October 1910
• Cause of Death: Auto intoxication due to intestinal obstruction, complicated by broncho-pneumonia.
• Place of Burial: Lincoln Cemetery

Information on Private Harris is presented in this blog not because he had a direct connection with the Lykens Valley area, but because he was one of the many African American soldiers living and working in Dauphin County who were denied full rights, including membership in the many “white only” posts of the G.A.R. The Stevens Post in Harrisburg, was specifically established as a “colored” G.A.R. post and was the only such post known in the county. One was its founders was John Peter Crabb, an African American native of Gratz, whose father, Peter Crabb, was one of the first settlers of Gratz. Some time after the Civil War John Peter Crabb moved from Gratz to Harrisburg and when denied membership in the two white posts, worked to establish the “colored” post, known as No. 520. William H. Harris served in the same type of segregated regiment as did John Peter Crabb, so researching his life and service may shed some light on the life and service of John Peter Crabb and some of the other African Americans with a Lykens Valley connection.

Research is ongoing into this veteran including confirming the regiment and company in which he served.

_____________________________________

News clippings from Newspapers.com and Free Library of Philadelphia.

Category: Research, Stories | Comments Off on W. H. Harris – 24th United States Colored Troops
Tags: African American, G.A.R., Gratz

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on September 27, 2019

On 24 March 1911, the Lykens Standard published an obituary of Henry Miller, a Civil War veteran who resided in Williamstown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.

DEATHS AND FUNERALS

After an illness of five months, Henry Miller, a veteran of the Civil War, died at his home on Market Street, Williamstown, Wednesday of last week. Deceased was born in Bavaria, Germany, August 17, 1839. He was the son of Peter Miller and Phillipani Monsweiler. When but 14 years of age he came to this country and located at Swatara, but afterward moved to Coaldale, then to Wiconiscso.

In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, 11th Regiment, Pennsylvania’s Cavalry [11th Pennsylvania Cavalry] and served until 1863. In December 1863, he re-enlisted and served until August 13, 1865, when he was honorably discharged at Richmond. He then returned to Wiconisco, where on the 21st of January, 1866, he was married to Magdalena Matter, who survives to mourn his loss. Two children blessed the union, both of whom preceded the father in death. One brother, Adam Miller, of Wiconisco, also survives.

The family moved to Williamstown 43 years ago, where they have since resided.

The funeral took place on Saturday. The services were conducted by Rev. Boyer at the United Brethren Church, after which the body was brought to Lykens and laid to rest in the P.O.S. of A. Cemetery.

Decesased was a member of Chester Post, G.A.R., and of the I.O.O.F, both of which organizations and the Women’s relief Corps and Sons of Veterans Firing Squad, attended the funeral.

Among those from a distance who attended the funeral were Adam Miller; Margaretta Umholtz, Sarah Umholtz, and Edna Umholtz, Wiconisco; George Welker, wife and daughters; Mrs. Thompson; Mrs. James Pell; Mrs. Hammel, Lykens; Charles J. Matter and wife, Marion Heights; William Wert and Wife; Charles Wert and James Wert, Harrisburg.

Mrs. Miller desires to thank all who assisted her sad bereavement.

According to the Veterans’ Card available from the Pennsylvania Archives, Henry Miller, enrolled on 20 August 1861 in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, in the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. On 27 August 1861, in Philadelphia, he was mustered into service as a Private in Company D. At the time, he was 21 years old, stood nearly 5 foot 9 inches tall, had light hair, a light complexion, and grey eyes. He gave his occupation as miner and his residence as Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. According to the card, on 18 December 1863, at Portsmouth, Virginia, Henry re-enlisted. And, according to the card, he was mustered out with his company on 13 August 1865.

The two available Pension Index Cards are shown above. Both show that on 8 May 1879, Henry Miller applied for an invalid pension based on his service in Company C as well as Company D of the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. The widow Magdalena Miller, applied on 25 March 1911, from Pennsylvania. There is also an indication that someone named Albert Miller applied as “father” with “two sons” on 19 March 1879, but did not receive a pension. This application by “Albert Miller” seems to be based on some service in Companies E & I of the 95th Pennsylvania Infantry and is unexplained in other available records. Also not explained is Henry Miller‘s service in Company C, since the Pennsylvania Archives record only indicates service in Company D. Note: The top card is from Fold3 and the bottom card is from Ancestry.com.

The cut above from the 1890 Census confirms Henry’s service in Company D, but does not mention Company C. Also noted in that census, but not shown here, is Henry Miller‘s statement that he suffered from “kidney disease” as a result of the war.

According to his death certificate, Henry Miller died on 15 March 1911 of “cystitis and heart disease.”

Finally, on the Lykens G.A.R. Monument, there is a “Henry Miller” who served as a Private, but was not a member of the Heilner Post. Was this the same Henry Miller who lived the last 45 years of his life in Williamstown? It is possible that it is the same person, but there are others of the same name who lived in the Lykens Valley area, and it could be one of them.

Research is ongoing on this veteran and readers are invited to submit corrections or additional information.

Category: Research, Stories | Comments Off on Obituary of Henry Miller of Williamstown – Veteran Cavalryman
Tags: G.A.R., Lykens, Wiconisco, Williamstown

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on September 25, 2019

On 12 March 1888, George W. Lehman applied for a pension from Pennsylvania based on his service in the 27th Pennsylvania Infantry (Militia), Company I. At some point, he was awarded a pension based on the certificate number on the Pension Index Card shown above from Ancestry.com. However, someone later wrote “canceled” over the certificate number.

On the companion card from Fold3, shown above, the law under which George W. Lehman applied for a pension was given as “Spec. Act.” There is no indication on the Fold3 card that the pension was canceled.

In 1890, George W. Lehman, then living in Williamstown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, reported to the census that he had served in the 27th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I, as a musician, for one month and 15 days. His dates of service were given as 16 June 1863 to 31 July 1863. This regiment and company, if correct, was part of the Pennsylvania Militia that was called to meet the emergency of 1863. If this was the only military service by George W. Lehman, than he would have not been eligible for a pension under the laws in effect at the time he applied. Note: Click on image to enlarge.

In examining the roster of the 27th Pennsylvania Infantry (Emergency of 1863), no George W. Lehman is found. However, as shown by the screen capture from the Steve Maczuga Data Base from Pennsylvania State University, there was a George W. Shuman who served as a Musician in that regiment and company, for the approximate dates given by Lehman to the 1890 census.

The Pennsylvania Veterans’ File Card, shown above from the Pennsylvania Archives, indicates that at Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania on 16 June 1863, George W. Shuman enrolled as a musician in this militia regiment and company, and served until 31 July 1863, the exact dates given by George W. Lehman in the 1890 census. Furthermore, the age of the soldier at this time was 37, which matches the age of George W. Shuman who was born about November 1826 in Schuylkill County.

So, why was the soldier incorrectly recorded as “Shuman” and why was a pension given to “Lehman” but then later withdrawn or canceled? Answers to this question can probably be found in the pension application file available from the National Archives. This file was not consulted for this blog post because of the cost of obtaining it. Perhaps a blog reader has obtained the pension and can shed some light on this matter.

The death of George Washington Lehman occurred on 30 April 1903, as previously noted from the Pension Index Card. On 8 May 1903, the Lykens Standard, published his obituary:

GEORGE WASHINGTON LEHMAN

A well-known former resident of Williamstown, died at Gloucester, New Jersey, on Thursday morning of last week, of general debility, incident to old age, having attained the high mark of 76 years. The funeral was held last Sunday from his home in Gloucester.

Mr. Lehman was born in Schuylkill County, and was the oldest of a family of nine children, four sisters and five brothers. Abel Lehman, the able and faithful Williamstown correspondent of the Standard, the youngest brother, and Kate, Mrs. Samuel Whetstone of New New Mexico, the youngest of the family, and John Lehman of Iowa, are the only three surviving.

Mr. Lehman lived at Donaldson, where he married Miss Catharine Goldman. She died of cancer 36 years ago and left his six children. He was married the second time to Miss Sarah Dinger of Pine Valley, with whom he had 10 children. The widow and 11 children survive.

From Donaldson the family moved to Bear Valley, where they conducted a boarding house. Thence they moved to Williamstown, where they resided 30 years. Last fall, a year ago, they moved to Gloucester. In his younger days, Mr. Lehman taught school in Schuylkill County. He had great musical talent and was one of the old-time popular singing school teachers. For years he was the chorister of the Williamstown Lutheran Congregation. At one time he was borough supervisor. He spent most of his years at coal mining.

Mr. Lehman belonged to the Grand Army Post [G.A.R.], and was one of the first soldiers of our Civil War, belonging to the three months’ enlistment. He was reared in the Lutheran faith and was buried with masonic honors.

On account of bodily infirmity, our friend and brother “Abe” was prevented from attending the funeral.

___________________________________________

News clipping from Newspapers.com.

Category: Research, Stories | Comments Off on George W. Lehman – Why Was His Pension Canceled?
Tags: Bear Valley, Donaldson, G.A.R., Williamstown

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on September 23, 2019

During the Civil War, John H. Bricker served in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company B, as a Private.

The Veterans’ Card from the Pennsylvania Archives, shown above, indicates that a 30-year-old John Bricker enrolled at Harrisburg on 29 August 1864 and was mustered in at the same time and place in the company and regiment that was heavily composed of residents from the Lykens Valley area. At the time of his enrollment, he gave his birthplace as Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, his residence as Dauphin Borough, and his occupation as boat maker. He stood 5 foot 4 inches tall, had light hair, a fair complexion, and blue eyes. He received his honorable discharge by General Order on 29 May 1965.

On 10 December 1879 John H. Bricker applied for an invalid pension based on his service in the war. He collected the pension until his death, which occurred on 8 December 1920 in Decatur, Illinois.

On 9 December 1920, the Decatur Herald provided the following obituary:

JOHN H. BRICKER DIES ON MONDAY AT AGE OF 102

Decatur Man’s Formula for Long Life Was Regular Eating Habits

BORN IN PENNSYLVANIA

John H. Bricker, who lacked 39 days of living to observe his 103rd anniversary of his birth, died at 8 o’clock Monday night in the home of his daughter, Mrs. David M. Lewis, 1533 North Church Street.  He leaves besides his daughter, Mrs. Lewis, two sons, Harry R. Bricker and Albert I. Bricker of Baltimore; also one grandson, one granddaughter and one great granddaughter.  His wife died 15 years ago.

John H. Bricker was born January 8 1828 in Brickerville, Pennsylvania, of Pennsylvania Dutch parents.  During his young manhood he operated a canal boat, usually with a load of coal.  During the season when oysters were on the market it was common for him to cover the bottom of his boat with oysters in the shell and take them home to his family and neighbors.

Served in Union Army

He was fond in telling that in those days he could buy good whiskey for 11 to 12 cents a gallon and that he always had a barrel of whiskey on his boat where his friends and patrons helped themselves at pleasure.  He explained that whiskey did not cost much, that fellows liked it, and it helped his standing with his patrons and those who might become patrons to treat them generously.

He served in the Union Army as a member of Company B, 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry; he thought it something of a joke years later to tell that during his service one time his horse was killed beneath him, that he then caught an army mule and rode on with his companions.

Fond of Hunting

He was fond of hunting when he was a young man for then in the mountains of Pennsylvania black bear and deer were numerous; if one preferred the fowling piece, each spring and fall there were flights of passenger pigeons in such numbers that persons who never saw them would not believe it if the numbers accurately were told.

He was a member of Dunham Post, G.A.R., and Sunday, January 28, 1928, members of the local post gathered at his home for a formal celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth.  He was the oldest member of Dunham Post.

Mr. Bricker told that both of his grandmothers lived to be more than 100 years of age, one dying at 102 and the other at 103; also he told that some members of his family were persons of large size, an uncle weighing 569 and an aunt more than 300 pounds.

Regular Eating Habits

He had no formula for long life but warned against eating at irregular hours, holding the opinion that irregularity was in part at least responsible for some forms of stomach trouble.  When he was 100 years of age, he proudly declared that he could eat anything that his daughter cooked.

Not until he was 100 years of age was he compelled to desist in reading, which had ever been his habit, but he found solace in others reading to him for he always sought  to keep in touch with current events.  For the last seven years he has been a resident of Decatur, making his home with Mrs. Lewis.

The body was taken to the undertaking rooms of L. A. Monson to await funeral arrangements.

The Harrisburg Evening News provided the following obituary on 11 December 1930:

Former Dauphin Resident Dies at Age of 103; Was Civil War Veteran

John H. Bricker, a veteran of the Civil War, who formerly lived at Dauphin, died on Tuesday at the home of Mrs. Mary E. Lewis, in Decatur, Illinois, aged 103 years.

Brief funeral services will be held on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock at the home of Mrs. Margaret Bricker in Dauphin, with further services in the Dauphin Evangelical Church.  The Rev. Mr. Firing will officiate.  The body my be viewed on Saturday evening after 7 o’clock.

Surviving besides his two daughters, are two sons, Harry R. Bricker and Albert I. Bricker, of Baltimore; one grandson, Albert Bricker Jr., one granddaughter and one great granddaughter.

During his youth Bricker operated a canal boat and later engaged in bridge building.  In the Civil War he saw action with the Union Army in Company B, 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry.

Also, the Harrisburg Telegraph of 12 December 1930 provided the following account of the funeral arrangements, but making an error as to his age at death:

FUNERAL SUNDAY FOR OLDEST RESIDENT OF DAUPHIN BOROUGH

Dauphin, December 12 [1930] — Funeral services for John H. Bricker, former resident, who died Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. David Lewis, in Decatur, Illinois, will be held from his former home here Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock, with further services in the Evangelical Church.

Friends may view the body Saturday evening at 7:30 o’clock in his old home, now occupied by Mrs. Margaret Bricker, where the Sunday afternoon services will also be held.

The church service to follow will be in charge of the Rev. H. A. Firing.  Burial is to be made in Dauphin Cemetery.  Mr. Bricker, who age is said to be 105 years, served in the Civil War, was interested in the canal boat trade of other days and was a bridge builder.

___________________________________________

John H. Bricker was previously introduced to The Civil War Blog on 20 April 2012.

News clippings from Newspapers.com.

Category: Research, Stories | Comments Off on John H. Bricker – Cavalry Vet Died in Illinois at Age 102
Tags: Dauphin Borough, G.A.R.

Posted By Norman Gasbarro on September 20, 2019

On 19 August 1861, an August F. Miller enrolled at Hegins, Schuylkill County, in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry and was mustered into service as a Private in Company A on 9 September 1861 at Harrisburg. At the time, he was 27 years old, gave his occupation as laborer, and his residence as Hegins. According to the information on the Veterans’ File Card, above from the Pennsylvania Archives, he was not on the muster out roll for this company and regiment. No Pension Index Card was located for this veteran in the Fold3 regiment file.

On 1 July 1863, an Augustus Miller, age 28, an unmarried millwright from Millersburg, Dauphin County, registered for the Civil War draft, as shown by the portion of the page (above) from Ancestry.com.

Was this the same person? The age is the same, but the location and occupation is different.

Why didn’t August F. Miller complete his Civil War service? Can he properly be classified as a Civil War veteran?

Information is sought from blog readers to get additional information on this individual.

Category: Queries, Research, Stories | Comments Off on Finding More About August Miller of Millersburg and/or Hegins
Tags: Millersburg