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Record of Service

OF

Company K, 150th O. V. I.

' 1864.

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Record of Service

..OF..

Company K, 150th O. V. L

1864.

JAMES C. CANNON

Reunion Secretary for Co. K. 1903.

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INTRODUCTION

This record grew out of my work as Reunion Secretary of Company K in trying to locate members of the company. The varied paths of hfe have led most of us far from each other, and the scene of our military service. Death, too, has been busy in the work of separation. i

In the course of this correspondence many have shown an appreciation of the time and labor involved, and on my part thanks are due those who have so cheerfully responded to the re- quests made for information. Letters and facts of value have been received from every non-commissioned officer living, also from Comrades Bedient, Chapman, C. F. Hall, A. Hawley, L. L. Hudson, Hinman, Jeffers, Johnson, Kaiser, McWade, Minor, Scovell, Street, Todd, Van Antwerp, Van Fossen, H. L. Warren, Wildman, A. A. Wright and W. E. C. Wright.

Some have not responded, but doubtless will. It would be a pleasure to have their replies. Additional information will be sent to every comrade as it comes in.

The brevity of this record cannot be regretted by any more than it is by myself. No one of us can ever regret the offer he made to his country when he risked health and life in the memor- able "One Hundred Days" of 1S64.

J. C. C.

RECORD OF SERVICE

OF

COMPANY K, J 50th O. V. I., 1864.

When Gov. Brongli called for 100 clays' men in the spring of 1864, the 37th Battalion, O. N. G., was composed of two com- panies and was under the command of Major Laundon of Elyria. Company B was the Elyria company, while Company A was com- posed almost entirely of students pf Oberlin College. The Ober- lin boys had seen many of their classmates march away to the battlefield, at each fresh call for troops, and it had cost them a hard elifort to keep out of the contest. But, with the aid of the pleadings of dear friends, the stress of their critical circumstances in life, and the prayers of mothers for their only sons, they had thus far battled successfully against the loud call of their own patriotism.

But in the spring of 1SC4 a wave of enthusiasm swept over the country which carried away the last props, and launched their ship upon the troubled sea of war. On March 1, 1804, President Lin- coln signed the bill reviving the grade of Lieutenant General of the Army, and at once nominated Gen. Ulysses S. Grant for that position. This action gave the people increased confidence in the situation, and Gen. Grant soon announced his plan of campaign, in which he used the following words to indicate his chief object :

"Item 2nd. * * * To hammer continuously against, the armed force of the enemy, and his resources, until by mere attri- tion, if in no other way, there should be nothing left to him but an equal submission with the loyal section of our country, to the con- stitution and laws of the land."

These earnest words induced a disposition among the loyal citizens everywhere to furnish all necessary materials to enable Gen. Grant to make a vigorous campaign, and one that would probably be decisive. Whitelaw Reid says: "Gov. Brough of Ohio was the first to comprehend the situation and divine its wants." A conference of the governors of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, called by Gov. Brough in Washington, resulted in the following remarkable document :

"To the President of the United States: — We. the governors of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. ofYer to the Presi- dent infantry troops for the approaching campaign as follows :

Ohio ^^0,000

Indiana 20,000

Illinois 20,000

Iowa 10,000

Wisconsin 5,000

"Signed, etc."

The leading- points of the arrangement were that the term of service should be one hundred days, and that the troops should be mustered into the U. S. Army, with equipment, subsistence, transportation and pay, same as other U. S. Volunteers. The President accepted the of¥er. and the following telegram flashed over the wires :

"Washington, D. C, April 23d. "B. R. Cowen, Adj. Gen., Columbus, O. :

"Thirty thousand volunteer militia are called from Ohio, the larger portion for service out of the State troops, to be mustered into the service of the United States for ONE HUNDRED DAYS, unless sooner discharged. This is of the utmost impor- tance. Set the machinery at work immediately.

"John Brough."

On Monday, April 25. the following order was issued :

General Headquarters State of Ohio, Adjutant General's Office, Columbus, April 25, 1864. General Orders No. 12.

The regiments, battalions and independent companies of in- fantry of the National Guard of Ohio are hereby called into active service for the term of one hundred days, unless sooner discharged. They will be clothed, armed, equipped, transported and paid by the United States Government.

These organizations will rendezvous at the most eligible places in their respective counties (the place to be fixed by the command- ing officer, and to be on a line of railroad if practicable) on Mon- day, May 2, 1864, and report by telegraph at 4 o'clock P. M. of the same day, the number present for duty.

The alacrity with which all calls for the military forces of the State have been heretofore met furnishes the surest guaranty that the National Guard will be prompt to assemble at the ap- pointed time. Our armies in the field are marshalling for a de- cisive blow, and the citizen soldiery will share the glory of the crowning victories of the campaign by relieving our veteran regi- ments from post and garrison duty to allow them to engage in the more arduous labors of the field.

By order of the Governor.

B. R. Cowen, Adjutant General, Ohio.

Congress was prompt in passing an appropriation bill for $25,000,000 to equip, transport and sustain the one hundred days' men, so prompt, indeed, as to draw an exclamation of surprise

5

from the editor of the New York Express. "What," he said, "twenty-five milHon dollars in three minutes !"

When the call reached Oberlin, Company A responded to roll-call without delay, and its members bej^^an at once to prepare for the service. Those who resided in Oberlin held fireside coun- cils to decide whether they could break in upon the plans their parents had made for them. Some of these homes had been made in the collej^e town for the single purpose of a college edu- cation, and a break of one hundred days would mean a serious loss of time and planning, certainly the risk of health, through diseases incident to camp life, and possibly the crowning sacrifice of Hfe itself.

Those from abroad who decided to go left immediately for their homes to arrange for the absence, and to bid good-bye to home and sweetheart. Those who found it impossible to go with the company had to arrange for a leave of absence from the service for this period of time. Among these latter were some of the most popular members of their respective classes, such as Will Keep. F. D. Allen. D. R. Haynes, A. S. Walsh and Wm. Kin- caid, the idol of the Juniors. Though heavy at heart themselves, they showed a laudable pride in the representation their several classes had in the number who coidd follow the flag.

Thus the call of April 25 thrilled the entire body of students, for some who were not members as yet of Company A enlisted promptly to fill out the ranks. It seemed to them the chance of a lifetime to strike a blow for their country. Every man would count as a veteran added to Grant's army, and would thus be able to put vears of service into one campaign. On Sunday, May 1, a great meeting was held in the First Church, at which Professor Peck made a patriotic and religious address to the company. On the next day we took our seats in wagons and went to Elyria over a fearfully muddy road, and in a storm of rain and sleet.

We were ciuartered, or rather for the most part entertained, at the homes of the patriotic citizens of Elyria, and during that week spent many hours in faithful work at drill. All over the State similar prompt movements were made. Gov. Brough, in his address of thanks, May 3, says: "You have responded in a manner that challenges my admiration, and will command the gratitude of the country. The prayers of the people of the State will follow you. May your return be as glorious as your going forth is noble and patriotic."

At 7 P. M., May 2, the following telegram was sent from Ohio to the Secretary of War :

"More tiian :^(),0()0 National Guards are in camp ready for muster."

On the Till furloughs were granted until tlie following Mon- day, and many took this opportunity to visit home once more. In Oberlin class parties were held for a final farewell to class- mates. About one-third of each college class was to leave for a

while, and some forever, the ranks that had been accustomed to meet in the recitation and lecture rooms. Those who remained in OberHn over Sunday had the pleasure of hearing a thrilling discourse from that prince of orators, President Finney.

In an issue of about May 5, the Cleveland Leader contained this item: "Capt. Safford of Oberlin was in town yesterday consulting- with the officers of the 29th in reference to uniting his company with that regiment." Of the company, the Leader of May G says: "It is a splendid company, composed largely of students. Its captain, second Heutenant and orderly sergeant be- long to the theological course, and the first lieutenant to the Junior Class." In the next issue the Leader contains this item : "A telegram received last evening from Gen. Barlow states that the Oberlin company is assigned to the 2'Jth regiment." Some feeling was shown in Elyria over this assignment, and it was said that, while we were being hospitably entertained and cared for by Elyria people, we were plotting separation from Company B, thus showing ingratitude : further, some said that the Company A boys felt above companionship with the clerks and farmer boys com- posing Company B. But these charges were not very well founded, for as to the first, nothing is more certain than that we appreciated very highly the care and entertainment enjoyed at the hands of the Elyrians, and had no thought of attributing their kindness to any other motive than true patriotism.

The intimation of an} unworthy pride on our part was also not in harmon}^ with fact, for a large portion of the 25)th regiment was made up of clerks and mechanics, and a large part of Com- pany A were themselves farmer boys, and not a few of them working their own way through college. The fact was the battalion was not likely to be assigned to the same regiment anyway, and each company was perfectly free to seek any assignment that cir- cumstances might favor. However, this feeling was turned to influence the voters against Professor Peck at the next election, probably instigated with that end in view from the first by the few who were opposed to him. The separation of the battalion left Major Laundon oflficially stranded.

The 29th regiment was mustered into the United States service and became the "150th Regt. O. V. I."

On Monday, May 9, we reported at Elyria and marched to the train, which soon bore us to Cleveland. The Herald's issue of that date says: "The Oberlin company arrived this morning and has been designated Company K." We marched to the Pub- lic Square, and were quartered in the old National Hall on the south side of the Square, later known as "Odd Fellows Hall," where we were mustered into the United States service as Com- pany K, 150th Regiment, O. V. I.

The following extract from a letter from Geo. R. Gyger, Adit. Gen. of Ohio, written under date of May 1, 1902, indicates the status of the company during this period :

"The O. N. G. organizations were still recognized by the State as being retained in such service during the one hundred days they were in the United States service, and at the close of their United States service they assumed the O. N. G, relations which had been interrupted bv the active service from May 2 to Aug. 23, 18(U.'"

As we liad not yet drawn blankets, our first night in the United States service was, as Corporal Barnard says, "a tough one for us tender-footed fellows." On the evening of the 10th a prayer meeting was held in the hall, and through it all was evi- dent a spirit of earnest desire to be faithful and loyal in the patri- otic duty we had assumed. It would be far from the truth to suppose that Company K was a band like unto the "Roundheads" of Cromwell's time. We were young men, full of life, and enjoyed the jokes, pranks and activities natural to youth, yet we could not forget that our dutv to country was measured by our duty to God.

On the next day our equipments were given out, and on May 12 we filed out of the hall and formed on the east side of the Square. Then in marching order we took our way up Euclid ave- nue to the inspiring music of drum and fife, and cheered by crowds on both sides of the avenue. After reaching the railroad station at Willson avenue, and long waiting, the cars arrived, and we were ofif for Washington about noon.

Many pleasant scenes marked our way to the Ohio river, and waving hats and handkerchiefs were frequent dashes on the pass- ing landscape. From a large country residence in West Virginia, about opposite Wellsville, the American flag was waved by some ladies, and both the flag and the ladies were wildly cheered from our train. Popular war songs were sung with a will, and some few variations made in the words to suit our circumstances. For instance, while singing "John Brown's Body," Sergt. Fackler im- provised the extra verse, "Major Laundon is a private."

We arrived at Pittsburg about midnight, a sleepy and dusty crowd, but the ladies had a supper ready for us, and our actions, even more loudly than our cheers, told how much we appreciated their kindness.

Very much refreshed and with little delay, we sped on our way up the valley, over the ridge, around Horseshoe Bend and down the seacoast valleys, enjoying, as only students could, the beauty of the Juniata and Susc|uelianna rivers. Arriving at Bal- timore, we had a brief delay, sufficient for Sergt. Keyes and a few others to see Battle Monument, Peabody Institute and a few other sights, and get aboard the train in time. But Corporal Ryder and a few others were left behind. They took a passenger train for a station ahead, but our train did not stop there, so they were left again, but the wide-awake Fackler discovered a loose coupling pin, and soon the rear end of the train began to slack up and the laggard boys caught on before the break was remedied.

We arrived in \\'ashing-ton about 6 P. M. Saturday, and lost no time in scratching up some valuable experience at the far-famed "Soldiers' Rest."

On Sunday morning Barnard and Keyes went to the House of Representatives to hear a sermon, but were called out before the close in order to prepare for the march to our assigned posi- tion, under the following order :

Special Order No. 45. Headquarters Haskins' Div., 22d Army Corps, Department of Washington,

May 15, 18G4. The 150th O. V. M., Col. W. H. Hayward commanding, hav- ing reported to these headquarters for assignment, will occupy the following forts :

Two companies Fort Lincoln

One company Fort Thayer

One company Fort Saratoga

One and a half companies. Fort Bunker Hill

One-half company Fort Slemmer

One company Fort Totten

Two companies Fort Slocum

One companv Fort Stevens

R. Chandler. Asst. A. G. Companies H and K were the two companies assigned to Fort Slocum, to which we marched that Sunday afternoon, and found very good barracks that had been occupied by the 11th Ver- mont for nearly two years. Company L, 5th U. S. Artillery, was also stationed there, and the strictness of the regular army dis- cipline made a deep and valuable impression on our minds.

Bible classes were instituted on the first Sunday, and con- tinued regularly throughout our period of service.

, Company K soon fell into the routine of drill and work, ac- cording to the regular order of duty, and diary records mostly began with the date "May 1(>." Under that date, Sergt. Keyes made the following entry, which is probably a true type of many others, and which had a meaning lurking* in and around each letter we all could afterward easily discover.

"Monday, May 10. Drilled three times today. Poor fare." Guard duty became something important, and some of us took it very seriously and solenmly. One newly-fledged United States Armv sentinel, having received orders to halt anyone at- tempting to cross his lines, tried to halt the whole company one morning when their drill exercise threatened to bring them over his beat.

.So much is said about the soldier's fare that only one brief reference will be made to it here, and that is the actual account written home by one of the Seniors. He said: "On my plate I found a piece of pork one inch square surface, half an inch thick, and a piece of boiled turnip containing about two cubic inches.

9

But there was plenty of bread, and what in my inexperience I called coffee."

Some variation of the routine gave new interest to barrack life almost every day. On May 18 the regular drill was livened up by a change to the practice of Zouave Drill. Another day we were ordered out to march under sealed orders, and were led to the river, where the orders proved to be for a bath. In a week or ten days the change of living began to have its bad effect, and names of the sick began to be dropped from roll-call. The first to be taken to the hospital was Second Lieutenant Phinney.

Nearly every Sunday we listened to a sermon from H. S. Bennett, and Corporal Barnard conducted a Bible Class.

After supper. May 22, we moved over to Fort Thayer, about a mile and a half from the East Potomac, and during the hot weather we made good use of the yellow waters of that stream, for they were a few degrees cooler than the air, and seemed quite refreshing.

At Fort Thayer we bunked on the floor at first with Company E, as the barracks were occupied by the 10th Massachusetts Bat- tery, but they left the next day, and the quarters were at once thoroughly cleaned and fixed up. While here Comrade Geo. K. Nash was taken sick.

Our nearness to Washington waS; of course, a source of great pleasure to our student soldiery. It mattered little whether the day was clear or rainv, if we could get our passes for outside trips. On May 24, with the mercury at 05 in the shade. Bunkmate Fill- more and the writer visited the Senate while the internal revenue bill was under consideration, and from the gallery of the flousc looked with intense interest upon the able men guiding the ship of State, and especiallv noted the clerical outline of Fernando Wood and the massive frame of James A. Garfield.

Sergt. Keyes and E. P. Church went together one whole day inspecting many of the most interesting sights of Washington. One amusing experience was that of Sergt. Robbins on a trip to the city with the writer. We made an attractive pair, Robl)ins being six feet two in height. For some trivial and perfectly innocent reason the Sergeant wanted to buy a pair of overalls, but none of our blandishments could induce the store men to sell — they evidently suspected him of a scheme for desertion.

The first week of June passed with some hard experience of hot weather, and the drills were sometimes omitted. Usually ten or twelve men were daily on the sick list. Besides the attractions of the city were those connected with the picket posts and the othcf forts. I'rom I*"ort Thayer our pickets guarded the bridge at the historic town of Bladensburg. Another interesting post was under an oak tree just across the line in ^larvland. Corporal Otis was there with four men. May 2J) and :U).' On the hilltop across the road was the mansion of one of the old families, the home of a former I'niled Slates Minister to Belgium, then in the

1(»

Confederate ranks, and his son a prisoner on Johnson's Island. Another hillside home in view was that of John C. Rives.

As the novelty of the service wore away, thoughts of home were more with us. and we were hungry for letters. Mark Lin- coln acted for some time as mail messenger.

The band came over from Fort Saratoga one day, and we had an unusually fine drill and a faultless dress parade. Such occasions were not always satisfactory. Getting up a spotless uniform and polished brass and steel on buckle and bayonet was a little too strenuous business for some of the boys, and one of them once enjoyed the special escort of Corporal Barnard to the guard house for lack of zeal in this respect. However, it was whis- pered through the ranks that the inspecting officer on this occasion had quenched his thirst once too often to be accurate of eye and fair in judgment.

The next morning, June 5, the following order was read : Washington, D. C, June 4, 1804. 0 P. M. • Headquarters Haskins' Div., 22d Armv Corps. Col. W. H . Hay ward :

In compliance with orders from Department Headquarters, you will prepare your regiment, the 150th, for the field, with five davs' rations and 150 rounds of ammunition per man. You will notify these headquarters with as little delay as practicable when 3'ou can be in readiness to embark for Whitehouse.

R. Chandler. A. A. G. It is needless to say that Company K was not slow in starting to prepare for the new movement, and it furnished a theme for a few hours' excited talk as well as some serious conjectures. How- ever, on Jime 5. was issued "Special Order No. 03," which con- tained the following:

'Ttem 3. The order issued to the 150th Ohio yesterday is hereby revoked.

'Ttem 4. The following disposition will be made of the 150th O. N. G. as soon as the 143d is ready for the field : "Two companies at Fort Lincoln. "One company at Fort Thayer. *'Two companies at Fort Totten. "One company at Fort Slocum. "One company at Fort Stevens."

We thereupon settled down again to the usual duties of drill and picket. Company K was designated to go to Fort Slocum, and six men were detailed with two days' rations to relieve the Fort Slocum pickets. One was stationed on that lone path on the hillside, with two or three small trees for shade, but the next day a furious storm blew down the bush hut which we had erected, and the picket was transferred to Chestnut Tree Post, and not relieved till after fifty hours on duty. The company went to Fort Slocum on the Sth. but the provisions did not arrive till afternoon, and Sergt. Keyes records that rations for dinner were redu.:ed to a small private stock of ginger cookies.

11

The season now approached when the numerous bushes around the forts began to furnish a supply of berries of various kinds, and, together with the vegetables, for which our energetic company steward, Corporal Warner, exchanged surplus rations, gave us good fare. The old jokes still lingered though, and Scovell, detailed in the cook room, would sometimes horrify the visitors by clapping two pieces of meat together over a swarm of flies and declare he was going to cook the whole lot for dinner.

The variations of our barrack life had a very wide range from grave to gay, waiting of daily journals, jotting down scientific notes from the last excursion, jolly times of singing, games, reading class lessons, the Seniors diving now and then into Plato, the Juniors into some other fountain of knowledge, all these and many more side issues filled the days and sometimes a large part of the nights. When W. E. C. Wright and Sergt. Keyes began a game of chess they were always surroimded by interested spectators.

We had taken to the artillery drill with great interest, and in that as well as the usual infantry tactics had now greatly improved. Corporal Barnard was detailed to give instructions in projectiles, and made us familiar with the qualities and uses of shells, case, canister, spherical, grenades, etc.

A favorite visiting place was the Soldiers' Home, where vet- erans of the Mexican War were happily spending their declining years. It was President Lincoln's summer home, and sometimes we would meet him coming from the city after the anxious work of the dav. Once we saw the old hero. Gen. Casey, white-haired and worn by -long service, sitting in his carriage at the gate.

As to t!ie ordinary incidents and accoriiplishments of the picket guard, Company K shared them all. It is even said that at times, when it seemed really necessary to add a relish to the even- ing mess, Com])any K boys seemed to have a happy knack of locating potatoes in the hill, and were ([uite skillful in hypnotizing the mild-eyed cow.

"Special Order No. 08. "June 14. 1804.

■'The company of the loOth at Fort Stevens will move as soon as practicable tomorrow to Fort Totten. The two at Fort Slocum will move tomorrow to Fort Bunker Hill."

Under the above order we went to Fort I'unkcr Hill on June 15. Here J. C. Fillmore was taken sick.

On June 17 Mrs. Stephen A. Douglass visited the fort, which aflforded an agreeable topic for camp talk. The next day was a red-letter day on account of the arrival of a box of cake from home to Corj^oral Ells, one of the five Seniors. Sergt. K. remarked: "How strange it tastes!" We also had a visit from "Theolog" Lincoln, a tall strong man, one of the unique characters of Oberlin College.

Sunday, Rev. Mr. .Adams of (^Icveland preached to us, and

during the day a prisoner was brought in. and placed in the guard- house under charge of Corporal Barnard.

The next to give up active duty and enter the hospital was Corporal Burrell, and this, too, when we were beginning to find the cherries and mulberries ripe. While here a volunteer was called for to carry instructions to Capt. Baird of Company H at Fort Slemmer. He was to ride the Captain's horse over and come back afoot. The proposed walk back was something of a draw- back, but the brave volunteer was rewarded by finding the Captain sick, and not in need of a horse, so he had the ride back again. This was a very trying week for heat, and at 4 A. M., just when we wanted to sleep, it seemed (as one comrade said) as though all the flies in Maryland wanted to visit with us. During the hot spell, brief windstorms swept over the hills, covering us in clouds of dust. Now and then some outside items of news came to us of special interest, as when we heard that Congress had made some increase in our pay. On the 1st of July the company was visited by Kincaid of the Juniors, whose genial nature gathered his class- mates and others around him in a jolly good social time. More brightness, too, w'as added to this day by the return of Burrell from his hospital cot.

The next day, Saturday, Sergt. Keyes was sent to Washington with three prisoners, one of whom ran away, but the Sergeant put a bullet hole in the fellow's hat as a souvenir of freedom.

During our stay Fort Bunker Hill was graced for a few days with the presence of Col. Hayward's wife and two daughters. The Seniors also here received word from Professor Peck to write and send on our Commencement orations. The service Sunday was held under a large tree near the fort. The dress parade was unus- ually good and honored by the presence of Col. Haskins.

Then we received, on July 4, "Special Order No. 77," the sixth item of which was: "Col. Hayward will order one company of his regiment from Fort Bunker Hill to Fort Stevens."

Under this order Company K was moved to Fort Stevens, which was soon to prove the special post of honor of the whole service.

We left M. M. Lincoln behind sick with Sergt. Keyes to care for him, but they both came over the next morning. On Thurs- day Sergt. Keyes, who had been so helpful to others, had to give up and report sick. In his place Sergt. Fackler took command of the picket guard.

Rumors of the advance of Early to Harper's Ferry, and of his march toward Baltimore, caused some excitement, and the guards were all ordered to be vigilant, for the enemy was possibly making for Washington. Saturday, July 9, Corporal Ryder took out another picket detail, and on the 10th Lieut. Col. Frazee or- dered all the picket posts to keep extra watch all night.

ATTACK ON FORT STEVENS.

The cavalry scouts reported Early's men comings in on the Rockville road, but they were later seen to turn eastward with the evident intention of reaching Seventh street.

Serg-t. Fackler had made picket headquarters at the Blair Place out on Seventh street, also known as Silver Spring, and placed Corporal J. F. Hudson at Chestnut Tree Post with three men. and on the post between were Geo. R. Morgan and Dick Holland. He- also posted a vidette of three men, Bedient, Chidester and Beech, on a hill about a mile further out on Seventh street. At the fort the men were all stationed and kept in readiness to take their places at the guns at a moment's notice. President Lincoln, with some members of his Cabinet and military of^cers of high rank, visited the fort and received the reports of the enemy's approach with evident anxiety. Very late Sunday night the 25th New York Cavalry arrived and camped in rear of the fort. The boys who had wanted to go to the front now found that the front had come to us.

.Sunday night was a very lively time out on the Seventh street road. A stream of fugitives poured in along the road all night, and the men at the vidette post w^ere expecting every m.oment to receive the fire of the enemy's skirmishers. By morn- ing Bedient had three prisoners. Corporal Ryder and his men were relieved at S o'clock Monday, 11th, and went back to the fort, where, after a few moments rest, they were put on duty at the guns.

At Silver Spring the picket had finished their breakfast, when a cavalry officer with his command came down the road on a run, and told Sergt. Fackler that the enemy's cavalry were coming on fast and that his vidette on the hill refused to come in without orders. The Sergeant started at once to order them to retire, but when he came in sight of the post he saw the men just climbing a fence and disappearing in a cornfield, and a moment later a gray and dusty cavalryman appeared on the hill and opened fire on the fugi- tives. Sergt. Fackler fired at the cavalryman, then turned and ran back to the post with bullets whistling over his head, and ordered a retreat to the fort. At the next post eastward, Morgan and Holland were fired upon, but escaped into the brush, from which Morgan, looking out, soon saw a greycoat mount a fence to look around. He at once drew his rifle and fired at the rash skirmisher, then retreated to the fort. After the battle, Morgan went to that spot and found the rebel's body just where he dropped from the fence. While this was going on, the men at Chestnut Tree Post, though they had heard firing for some time, could not see the enemy, and were eagerly watching for developments.

This post was located on a road which branched of¥ from Seventh street northeasterly. Corporal Hudson was in charge and with him were Hinnian, Hammond and Leach. It appears that the cavalry, after seeing the vidette and Silver Spring pickets

U

retreat, dismounted and worked their way slowly along both sides of Seventh street.

Before they were in sight Leach had received permission to take the canteens to fill them at a house back a short distance on the road to the fort, and in a field between this road and Seventh street. After he had left, Corporal Hudson noticed that the sounds of the skirmishing seemed to be coming more from his rear on the Seventh street side, and going through the scrub till he could see the open field, found that the enemy's skirmish line was nearer the fort than his position and between him and Seventh street, and that he would probably be cut off from Fort Stevens, but decided in that case to withdraw toward Fort Slemmer, the next fort east- ward. While thinking this over, he was startled by a cry from the direction in which Leach had gone. "Then," he says, "running out to the road, I met the other men there, and running down the road, about two-thirds of the way to the house, we found Leach shot through the thigh and bowels, while, down across the fields were the rebel skirmishers leisurely advancing toward the fort on a line that would pass us. * * * As they had fired across at Leach, it did not seem safe to stay there with a wounded man." Two Union cavalrymen were with them, who had come in shortly before, and one of them took Leach on his horse, and by an east- ward turn reached Fort Slocum. Leach's wound was mortal, and though he was kindly nursed by Comrade Wildman, he died on the 13th, having crowned his service with the sacrifice of his life for his country.

After sending their wounded comrade in. Corporal Hudson and his men saw the skirmishers turn toward the house mentioned, from which the other Union cavalryman was giving them a rapid fire with his carbine. Dropping behind a pile of rails, our men gave the enemy a volley and retired into the scrub in their rear some distance. Then Corporal Hudson mounted a fence, from which he saw half a dozen of the enemy scarcely two himdred feet distant. They saw him at the same time, and as he hurriedly dropped from his exposed position, a ball glanced from the lock of his gun, which, but for that interference would probably have pierced his body. They all made for the fort, arriving safely, though Hinman was several hours in hiding, and had some narrow escapes on the way. When Sergt. Fackler reached the fort he was sent out again with half a dozen men to a hill half a mile in front, and to the right of Seventh street, with instructions not to go beyond, but to observe the enemy's movements, and send a man in from time to time with information. The enemy was at that time approaching slowly along a ravine half a mile beyond Fackler's position and hidden by a thicket of small trees. But they did not open fire for fear of exposing their position.

They were Rodes' Division, which Early had ordered forward to take the works. Just as an order came for Fackler to return,

15

a line of Pennsylvania men, Oth Corps, came out. and by permis- sion three of Fackler's party volunteered to go with the Pennsyl- vania men.

Sergt. Fackler says Corporal Hudson was one of these. Be- dient was another, and from Bedient's account, it would seem that the tw^o lines soon met and a sharp firing began. Bedient was worn with his long and exciting period of duty, but the excitement bore him up and he joined in the fight with vigor until a bullet passed through his hat, when he ran to a fence, along which he came to the road, and soon was safe in the fort, though at first he thought he had been wounded. He was so exhausted that he was taken with the fever that night and was sent to the hospital next morning.

The enemy came within a short distance of the fort, but were driven back, and the line established half a mile in front of the w^orks. The fierce attempt of the Confederate force to carry the works came too late, and perhaps the explanation is found in facts stated by Gen. Meigs, who says in his report of Early's advance:

"Postmaster General Blair's house burnt. F. P. Blair's house topsy-turvy, all his liquors consumed, and papers ransacked."

President Lincoln was in the fort with Secretary Stanton and others, and exposed himself in quite a hazardous position in his anxiety to see what was going on in the field. His tall form was plainly seen by the enemy's sharpshooters, and a bullet struck the gun by which he was standing, and glancing off wounded Surgeon C. C. V. Crawford in the leg. The President then prudently with- drew to a safer position. During the day thirty were killed and wounded on the skirmish line. Our barracks were used as a tem- porary hospital and presented a sad sight, with blood stains every- where, faces paling with death and many amputated limbs scat- tered around.

Sergt. Keyes was sent out with L. L. Hudson and W. E. Minor and burned a house near the fort. Corporal Warner was in command of a gun which sent two shots through another house, which was protecting the advancing enemy. Sergt. Laird was in command of a gun near the angle between the old and new parts of the fort.

The writer was one of the crew of a mortar, and one of our shells burst over a group of officers who were horseback on a distant hill examining the fort through glasses. They suddenly separated and sought shelter. That day the guns of Fort Stevens fired about twenty shots at the advancing skirmish line of the enemy.

JULY 12.

The morning of the 12th opened with the singing of bullets as they flew over our heads and plunged into sod on the bombproof. Our guns were trained on two remaining houses in front of the works and they were soon burned to the ground. Firing was active between the lines through the day, Early being apparently

16

disappointed by the effective fire of the fort, and especially by the appearance of the 6th Corps. However, he decided late in the afternoon to advance his line, and the 6th Corps made arrange- ments to give them battle.

Of the following engagement Brig. Gen. Wheaton says in his report :

"At 5 P. M., the 7th Maine and 4oth and 19th New York were formed in rear of the line. A signal was made when they were in position, then fire was opened from Fort Stevens. As had been previously arranged, after the thirty-sixth shot had been fired from Fort Stevens, a signal was made from the parapet of that work, and we dashed forward, but found the enemy stronger than expected and ordered up the 77th and 122d New York and 61st Pennsyl- vania. The enemy were forced back to the former skirmish line when orders we're sent our men to attempt no more, and the fight therefore was over. In this battle there were 19 ofificers and 243 privates killed and wounded."

During the heat of the engagement a call was made for more ammunition and a detail was ordered from Company K to take a load of anmiunition out to the field in an old buggy. In mention- ing this, Sergt. Laird writes: 'T trembled when I read ofif the names of the men detailed to push the old buggy down the pike.' The boys came back unscathed, but that buggy was riddled. Last year Gov. Nash told me he drew a great breath of relief as I stopped reading when his name was next on the detail roll." Among those who shared in this hazardous duty were Morgan, Tod and Van Antwerp.

In his ofBcial report of the battle, Col. 'Hayward says : "Company K, Capt. Safford, was stationed at Fort Stevens, and did good work at the guns, showing that time had not been wasted in their artillery instruction. I have to report the loss of one man, Wm. Leach of Company K, who was severely wounded on picket."

Leach was the bunkmate of Wm. A. Minor, who relates that when Leach was detailed for that last picket duty, he said : "I am not coming back, take my watch and care for my things." Minor replied : "Well, if you feel that way stay here. I will put on my traps and go in your place." But Leach went out, and it proved indeed to be his last service.

On the I2th the guns of Fort Stevens fired sixty-seven shots.

Arthur Hawley was on gate guard the second day, 12th, when President Lincoln came through. Sergt. Keyes went out to the battlefield the next day and saw several of the dead not yet re- moved, and helped bury two.

Alongside of the barracks on the morning of the 13th was a long row of the enemy dead and dying. Before noon twenty- eight dead were buried in their uniforms, uncofBned, under a sycamore tree.

Several of the company were down with the fever, and on the 15th Henry A. Cowles died. His death caused unusual sadness

17

/

both on account of his personal attractions as a friend and com- panion, and because of the sorrow it would bring to the home where his place would ever after be vacant.

A Board of Claims was organized soon after the battle to take evidence in cases of claims for losses and damage. Col. Hayward was Chairman and Corporal Barnard Secretary of the Board.

During the next week considerable work was done by daily details of men sent out to cut brush and sod and strengthen the abba t is.

Two companies of Vermont Artillery arrived. They had helped build the fort, and felt very much at home — a little too much so, in fact, and swaggered around, some of the drunken and meaner sort talking about "cleaning out" the "hundred day men." But they were soon ordered elsewhere, and Company B came to bunk with us.

During the last week in July we were very much pleased to receive a visit from Professor Ellis, who made the old barracks seem quite college like, and gave us an interesting talk after supper.

Sunday, July 31, Companies K and D moved into Fort Saratoga.

Bunkmate Fillmore and Sergt. Keyes were sick, and Dr. Dut- ton took them to the hospital. Tod, Frazer and Bennett were also sick this first week in August. Edgar L. Beech died on the 1st, and on the .3d John Monroe passed away. Monroe was from Norway, and was not subject to military duty, but enlisted from pure love of the country he had adopted for his home. His body was embalmed and sent to Oberlin for burial. On the tth of August Ells died, thus making a vacancy in the Senior Class. Sickness was now making serious inroads into our ranks. In the hospital at this time were Morgan, Burrell, Hudson, Johnson, Jack- son and Partridge. Alorgan was so low that a telegram was sent for his father to come to the camp.

But now the period for which we had enlisted was fast drawing to a close, and on Aug. 11, after 9 o'clock at night, orders came for us to leave for home, and on the 12th we started with fifty-five men in the ranks. We rode up the Susquehanna \alley by moon- light, rejoicing that so many of us were safely through our time of service, yet with sorrowful thoughts for the five comrades who had given their lives to our country during this short time. Some sick were taken home on the train, being considere(,l strong enough to bear it. Morgan and Tod were left in Washington with ]\eves to look after them. On arriving in Cleveland we marched d(.)wn Euclid avenue sunburned and dusty, almost beyond the recogni- tion of our own people. Thousands shouted a royal welcome for us, and Company K marched to the armory of Company ]) and by their courtesy shared the home-coming feast their friends had provided.

18

We were mustered out of the United States service Aug. 23 by Capt. Thos. Drummond.

''It appears, then, that it was the fortune of Company K to have some share in turning back from the defenses of Washing- ton a rebel attack that might easily have proven disastrous to the Union cause. Sergt. R, T. Hall."

"Company K did not shine in some respects, as compared with others in the 150th, but when I consider the titled names and high rank many of its members have since won, I say there was good stuff in them. It pleased Providence to set us in the forefront at Fort Stevens, and history will yet recognize the importance of the position. Sergt. J. H. Laird."

19

20

21

ROSTER OF COMPANY K, I50th, O. V. L

Capt. A. A. Safford Demarest, Ga.

First Lieut. H. L. Turner. ... Chicag-o, TIL, 100 Washington St.

Second Lieut. G. W. Phinney.D.

Orderly Sergt. J. H. Laird. .. Hinsdale, Mass.

Sergt. R. T. Hall New Britain Ct., 33 Lexington.

Geo. R. Fackler New York City, 120 Broadway.

" Geo. W. Keves Olivet. Mich.

" A. H. Robbins Meckling, S. D.

Corp. L. C. Warner New York City, 634 Broadway,

" W. H. Ryder Andover, Mass.

" J. F. Hudson Pittsburg, Pa., care of Dispatch,

" R. D.wight Burrell Canandaigua, N. Y.

T. W. Otis Prescott, Ariz., 129 Cortez St.

'' Edward A. Ells D.

" E. C. Barnard Whitewater, Wis.

" W. I. Squire D.

E. L. Beech D.

J, A. Bedient Los Angeles, Cal., 1057 Jasmine.

H. S. Bennett D.

Eugene Boise 'Grand Rapids, Alich., 74 Ottawa.

J. C. Cannon Lakewood, O., 3378 Detroit St.

E. A. Chapman Independence, Iowa.

Buel Chidester Alexandria, Minn.

E. P. Church D.

Findley Cleveland D.

W. E. Copeland Star, Kas.

H. A. Cowles D.

Chas. F. Dean D.

Albert Dwelle Chicago, 111., 301 W. Harrison.

Joseph Eccles D.

J. C. Fillmore D.

T. I. Frazer D.

Wm. Fuller D.

W. H. Gates D.

James R. Goss Rillings, Mont.

Chas. F. Hall Dundee, 111.

Chalmers Hanmiond D.

D. E. Hathaway D.

A. E. Hawley lirownhelm, O.

E. K. Hawley Cincinnati, O., care C.C.C. & I.Ry,

L. C. Hotchkiss Kalamazoo, Mich. (Asylum.)

L. L. Hudson Salt Lake Citv, 234 First St.

N. P. Hugus D.

Theo, Hulbert P)Oyd, Wyo.

E. H. Hinman Elvria, O.

H. P. Jackson Chicago, III., 381 W. Adams St.

22

John Jeffers New Florence, Mo.

C. M. Johnson Sharon Center, O.

Jay L. Judd Irving, Kas.

Amos A. Kellogg D.

P. H. Kaiser Cleveland, O.. 87 Brookfield St.

C. F. Krimmell T).

Wm. E. Leach D.

M. M. Lincoln D.

H. T. Marietta D.

Fred J. McWade Philadelphia, Pa. Broad St. Sta.

W. A. Minor ColHnwood, O.

John Monroe D.

G. R.» Morgan D.

Geo. K. Nash Columbus, O.

C. C. Neph D.

Thomas Orton D.

J. M. Partridge South Bend, Ind.

E. L. Plympton D.

Albert P. Reed.

J. T. Scovell Terre Haute, Ind.

E. C. Stickel Nashville, Tenn.

H. H. Straight D.

Horace Street Dixon, 111.

John Strong D.

James E. Todd 'Vermillion, S. D.

Carter Van Antwerp Vicksburg, Mich.

Levi Van Fossen Dunsmuir, Cal.

A. B. Warren D.

H. L. Warren ' New York City, 2 Maiden Lane.

C. M. Wells Burton, O.

A. R. Wildman Cleveland, O., 521 Jennings Ave.

L. E. Wilson Tarkio, Mo.

Albert A. Wright Oberlin, O., 123 Forest St.

W. E. C. Wright Olivet, Mich.

UNKNOWN.

Franklin M. Burns. J. C. Doughty.

Frank J. Call. Richard Holland.

Wm. T. Clark. E. P. Kingsley.

2'i

24

25

II.

Capt. Albert Allen Safford Age 24

O. C. '61. Studied theology. Returned to Oberlin. Mar- ried Miss Jarvis of 'G.5, O. C. Engaged in preaching and teach- ing. Went South in 1890. Postmaster, Demarest, Ga. Writes : "I regret to say that all my records in case of Company K have been lost."

First Lieut. Henry Lathrop Turner Age 19

O. C. '66. In command of company of convalescents at Fort Stevens, July 12. Re-enlisted ; was in the Fort Fisher expedi- tion. Was Colonel of 1st Illinois in the war with Spain; took part in operations against Santiago. President of banking house of H. L. Turner & Co., Chicago, 111.

Second Lieut. Geo. W. Phinney Age 30

O. C. '61. Theol. '64. Soon after the 100 days became pastor in Peoria, HI. Ten vears pastor in Geneva, O. Studied medicine at Hom. Coll., Cleveland, O. M. D. 1876. Took course in operative surgery. New York City. Special w^ork in Bellevue Hospital. A faithful scientific student, he always kept in touch with advanced methods ; especially skilled in electrical therapeutics. He was ever interested in his country's history and familiar with the causes and events of the Civil War. His "Memorial and Decoration Day Addresses," which he was often called upon to give, stimulated patriotism in thousands of hearts, and kept his own a living fire. From the activities of a busy day and evening, Oct. 31, 1894, he went to sleep as quietly as usual only to weaken and respond to the roll-call of veterans mustered out of earthly service.

At the time of his death he was Professor of Electrical Therapeutics in the Hom. Medical College in Cleveland.

Orderly Sergt. James Haves Laird Age 31

O. C. '60. A. M. '63. Now minister at Hinsdale, Mass. Writes :

"I revisited the site of Fort Stevens a few years ago, and stood upon the spot I! occupied during the attack. It was close by the bomb-proof, which was elevated some eight feet above the gun platform. Upon the elevation stood President Lincoln, Mrs. Lincoln, Secretary Seward and others. Rifle balls were flying freely about, and we felt it a duty to keep below the parapet when we were not occupied. Bedient, who was wont to speak' his mind, called out : 'President Lincoln, you had better get down, the rebs will shoot you.'

"We took some rebel prisoners that day who said that from the cupola of a brick house to the northwest they saw the Presi- dent and fired at him. * * » Our latchstring at 'Bergen- heim' is out to any of the comrades who may stray to the Berk- shire Hills. I can show them pieces of the old Roster."

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Sergt. Russell Thaddeus Hall Age 19

O. C. '65. A. M. 70. D. D. '94. Minister. Married Miss Mary Adelia Tyler of O. C. Literary '05.

.Sergt. Geo. W. Fackier Age 22

Returned to Oberlin ; in Junior Class, 18G5. In business, Cincinnati. O. State Agent for Equitable Life Ins. Co. Now engaged in manufactures in New York City. Writes :

"A day or two after the engagement, I was detailed with a squad of men to find and bring in some of the enemy left behind in the hurried departure. We found two or three, who were only too glad to accompany us. When we arrived at the lines outside the fort, the officer in charge insisted on taking our prisoners from us. This I opposed, as I had a written order signed by Gen. Augur to pass me with anv prisoners through the lines.

"They took us to headquarters, where a drunken colonel in- sisted on our giving up the prisoners. Judge Kaiser of Cleve- land was one of our party, and I give him great credit for quiet counsel and convincing arguments. We marched our prisoners into the fort, and next day took tliem to Washington, and Com- pany K got credit for the prisoners."

Sergt. Geo. Washington Keyes Age 25

Born Ashford, Conn. Entered Soph. Class, Oberlin, May, '62, Grad. '64. Returned to Oberlin ; in Mr. Goodrich's store till March. '66. Married Miss Belle A. House, November, '64; has two children. For a while in business in Duluth, Minn. ; now in Olivet. Secretary of Olivet College; postmaster; member of G. A. R.

Sergt. Anson Hart Robbins Age 26

O. C. '65. A. M. '68. Theolog. Sem. 1870. A/finister. For the last three years located in Meckling, South Dakota. Married Miss Lucy Caroline Kinney, O. C. Literary '67. Visited Fort Stevens in 1876.

Corporal Lucien Calvin Warner Age 22

Born in Cuyler, N. Y. O. C. '65. N. Y. Med. Univ. '67. A. M. '70. Practiced medicine six years at McGrawsville, N. Y. Acted as Commissary Sergeant with Company K. During Early's attack in command of one of the 80-pound rifled Parrott guns. About 1874 entered business, Warner Bros., New York City ; very successful; a generous supporter of Oberhn College. A Trustee for several terms. Was Chairman of International Committee of Y. M. C. A. of North America, President of Congregational Church Building Society, member of Executive Committee of American Missionary Society, Director of Home Fire Insurance Co. and Hamilton Bank, President of Woman's Hotel Co. and International Phosphate Co. At the close of the service had over $100 accumulated from trading rations for more acceptable pro- visions, which was divided among the company. In 1867 married Miss Keren S. Osborne, and of four children', two boys and two

27

girls, three are graduates of Oberlin, one of Vassar. Residence, Irvingt6n-on-the-Hudson.

Corporal William Henry Ryder Age 21

O. C. '66. A. M. '88. Andover Theol. Sem. '60. D. D., Iowa College.

"Saturday, July 0, detailed on picket, and on the 10th in- structed to keep awake at night, as rebels reported near. Relieved at 8 A. M., Monday, 11th ; marched into fort and took our places at the guns."

Corporal James Fairchild Hudson Age 18

O. C. '67. Now journalist on the stafif of the Pittsburg Dis- patch. In charge of Chestnut Tree picket post when Early's skir- mishers arrived. In 1865 First Sergeant of Company A.

Corporal Dwight Robbins Burrell Age 21

O. C. '66. A. M. 'SO. M. D., Univ. of Mich. '68. Now in charge of Brigham Hall Hospital and Sanitarium, beautifully sit- uated near Canandaigua, N. Y.

■'One year ago (1900) I visited a part of our old line of forts. * * * My wife was with me, but I could not help thinking that, while she saw what T saw with the outward eye, how little it all was to her. What she did not see made me very sad. The thought of the awful war, the scattering of the boys never to meet again, the dead, the fact that those remaining are almost old men. How few of our dreams have been realized ! The material once gathered for a castle would now only make a woodshed, yet I take comfort in the thought that 'The Lord got on without me a great many years,' as President Fairchild once said to a graduating class."

Corporal Theodore Weld Otis Age 28

O. C. '65. Now in Prescott, Arizona. Writes : "As to my career since, I have tried to stand for-good citizen- ship and right manhood in this once wild frontier. My life as postmaster in this city front '75 to '84 gave me a wide ac- quaintance. The whole of Northern Arizona was dependent on my office for its mail. We have had our share in contention against municipal corruption. Some of us believe in good, clean city administration, and to that end we spend time and money. In affairs relating to the Kingdom, my purpose is as ever to stand with them who try to do as 'Christ would if he were in Chicago.' In family affairs, have one daughter, who, in turn, has three chil- dren as bright and beautiful as the sun shines upon. The oldest, Frank, is six. God gives no gifts like clean loving souls."

Corporal Edward Augustus Ells Age 18

Class of '64. Born in Newark, O. Came with his parents to Oberlin in 1849. In service acted as dispatch messenger. Was injured once by a fall from his horse. Was taken with typhoid and died in Saratoga Hospital, Aug. 4 ; buried in Oberlin, Aug. 9,

28

1804. Comrade Ells was a cheerful, courteous classmate — a faith- ful intelligent soldier.

Corporal Elihu Cooley Barnard Age 28

O. C. '60. A. M. '03. D. B., Chicago Theol. Sem., 1866. "When the call came I was teachmg a select school on Kelly's Island, Ohio. I closed it up, and went to my company in response to the call of good, loyal old Gov. Brough. As to the almost forty years that have passed, well, the world has done well with me — have been pastor in Griggsville and Moline, 111., and here in Whitewater. Married Sarah L. Snider, 1864. She is still with me. W'e have three children — one daughter teaches in the State Normal here, Arthur is a member of the Faculty of the .School of Education, part of the University of Chicago ; Herbert is with the American Water Works Co., Pittsburg. Looking back, I can almost see Laird calling roll, Phinney in his rather loose-fitting coat, Saflford biting his whiskers and Turner giving us drill."

Corporal W. Irving Squire Age 20

O. C. '68. After leaving college taught for some years, then engaged in the book business, and built up a large trade. He was prominent in G. A. R. work; was present at the Cleveland Encampment in 1901. We were soon after startled to hear that he was taken sick soon after returning to his home in Toledo, and had been claimed i)y death, Oct. 9, 1901.

Edgar L. Beech '. Age 18

Not an Oberlin student. Was on the vidette with Bedient, July 10 and 11. The dangers and exertions of that fearfully hot Monday told severely on his strength, and in less than three weeks after he died. F. J. McWade says :

"His father had been notified that Beech was ill, and came on East. When he arrived at the entrance to the hospital, he inquired of the doctor, who happened to be passing, how Beech was. 'Beech,' said the doctor. 'Beech is dead.' The poor man fell down in a heap, stricken with sorrow to the heart."

John Amos Bedient Age 23

O. C. "66. Joined Company A when first organized, and was one of its members when disbanded. May 1, 1866, and gave the casting vote to give its remaining funds of about flOO for a monu- ment in Oberlin. Was on the vidette beyond Silver Spring, and the nights of the 9th and 10th of July were times of imminent danger and intense vigilance for this vidette. He writes :

"Several times during the night the muzzle of my cocked musket was within eighteen inches of men who only stopped at the third halt and click of the lock."

As the result of want of sleep, and of his active exertions, he was taken down at once with fever, which nearly proved fatal. Of his later life sixteen years were spent in the Southern States ; has no children ; was granted a pension a year or two ago.

29

Henry Stanley Bennett .Age 2G

O. C. '00. A. M. 'Vi'A. Born in Brownsville, Pa. Came to Oberlin in fall of 1855. Married Lydia S. Herrick, 1863. Was pastor at Wakeman. O., when the call was made. Comrade Ben- nett was the recognized leader of the company's religious life. His faithful services to his sick comrades will never be forgotten. In 1807 he was chosen Professor in Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn. Outside of university work, he did valuable service in the public schools, and was many }ears Superintendent of the Sunday school in the penitentiary. His health failing, he returned to Oberlin about 1893. Died Aug. 5, 18!)5. His first wdfe had died in 1889. He w^as afterward married to Miss Anna M. Cahill, an asso- ciate teacher in Nashville, who ministered to him in his last illness. Seven children survive him, three or four of whom have graduated from Oberlin and one from Harvard. His body was interred in Nashville.

Eugene Boise Age 19

O. C. '07. M. D., Univ. of Mich. '09. M. D., Columbia, '70. Practicing medicine in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Franklin M. Burns Age 20

Not a student, enlisted after the call. Detailed at times as driver in the Commissary Department.

Frank J. Call Age 20

After the 100 davs' service, re-enlisted and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in 5th U. S. C. T. Afterward in business in Chicago.

James C. Cannon Age 22

O. C. '04. A. M. 'OS. Enlisted after the call. Returned to Oberlin. Was Treasurer of Company A in '05. Engaged in min- istry and teaching at Cleveland, Hiram College, Hopeton, Cal., Greenville, Miss. ; also several years as stenographer with Standard Oil Co.; now in Postoffice at Cleveland. Married, 1808, to Miss AHce A. Amidon, Lit., Hiram College, 18(58. Three sons — James A., Chicago; Henrv L., Leland Stanford LTniv. ; Nelson A.. Cleve- land, O.

Edgar A. Chapman Age 17

From Bloomingdale, 111. In junior Class; bunkmate, Van Antwerp ; came in from Silver Spring ])icket post the morning be- fore Early's arrival ; served on a howitzer, of which one shell un- roofed the s(|uarc house down in front of l'"ort Stevens. Returned home; taught ten winters; went to Independence, Iowa. 1884. Has one daughter, who graduated from Conservatory of Music, Ober- lin, now at Fisk Universitv. One son will finish in Oberlin, Class of 1903.

Buel Chidester Age 21

I'^rom Columbia. ( X So])hom()rc in 1804. Writes:

;u)

"The Sunday night that Early advanced was on vidette beyond Silver Spring with Bedient, and had orders not to let any pass either way. I tell you Bedient was a 'brick' that night."

In real estate business; Adjutant of G. A. R. Post, Alexan- dria, Minn.

Edward Payson Church Age 28

O. C. '63. A. M. '06. Born in Orwell, Vt., Dec. 12, 1835. Began at Oberlin in '57, and worked his way through college. Went to Hawaii, Processor of Mathematics, and afterward Presi- dent of Oahu College ; resigned in 1875 ; spent one year in travel and special study at Harvard. Was for thirteen years Superin- tendent of Schools in Greenville, Mich., and four years at Cadillac. Came to Lansing in 18!)3 as Superintendent of INlichigan School for the Blind. Died June 4, 1901. Married Frances A. Lord, 1865, who. with three children, survives him.

"During the eight years as Superintendent he made the insti- tution one of the best in the world. In church and social relations he endeared himself to everyone with whom he was associated." (Lansing Republican, June 5.)

At Fort Stevens he served at one of the Parrott guns, and the cannonading permanently affected his right ear. His fatal illness was caused by abscesses in the back of that ear. Interred with high honors in Forest Home Cemetery, Greenville, Mich.

William T. Clark Age 21

In Prep. Class, "63. Bunkmate of A. R. Wildman.

Findlev Cleveland Age 1 8

Health not good while in the service ; returned to his home in Hinckley, O., and soon after died from nieasles.

William E. Copeland Age 18

Was from Kansas and preparing for college when the call came.

Henry Augustine Cowles Age 18

Sophomore, 1863. In going with Company K on this service,

he prevailed against the strongest home ties, so that the sacrifice

of his life was one of the saddest scenes of all the 100 days.

He was taken with the dread fever, and died at Washington,

July 15, 1864.

Charles Frederick Dean Age 20

O. C. '66. Teacher nearly thirty years, Fjlanchester. Ironton and Washington C. H., O. Married, 1873 ; four children living. Died of heart disease, Jan. 11, 1901.

John C. Doughty Age 17

In Preparatory Class ; came from Lake City. Minn. After muster out went to Iowa.

Albert Dwelle Age 20

Returned to Oberlin, and in '66 was in Junior Class.

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Joseph Eccles Age 20

From Mt. Gilead, O. Soph. '(14 ; returned home, taught a few years in Morrow County with success. In 1869 sold his in- terest in the home farm and went to Carthage, Mo. The balance due him ($1,000) was sent him, and he acknowledged its receipt. He was never heard from again. His people believe he was killed and robbed. He was not married.

John Comfort Fillmore Age 21

O. C. '00. A. M. '70. Bunkmate of J, C. Cannon. An ac- complished musician, finishing at Leipsic in '66. Returning from Europe, he took charge of music at Oberlin one year, then went to Ripon College. Instituted Milwaukee School of Music '84 ; in '95 taught in Pomona College, California. Comrade Fillmore was of frail physique and his digestion was much impaired while in the army. While at Oberlin married Miss Hill ; had three children, of whom only one survives, Thomas Hill Fillmore of Milwaukee. His death occurred Sunday, Aug. 14, 1898, at Taftville, Conn., from a severe attack of cholera morbus.

Thomas Jefiferson Frazer Age 22

Not an Oberlin student ; came from Marseilles, O. The post- master there states that Frazer died "several years ago."

William Fuller Age 19

Was in the Preparatory Class, but did not return to finish ; went into the photograph business. Died Feb. 19, 1899.

William Henry Gates Age 19

O. C. '07. Died at New London, O., Oct. 18, 1808.

James R. Goss Age 17

From near Brighton, O. In Preparatory Class ; returned to Oberlin ; bought a paper route from Van Fossen ; studied law ; now a Judge in Billings, Mont. Was at G. A. R. Encampment, Washington, 1902.

Charles F. Hall Age 18

Member of Company A at its organization ; was employed in a store in Oberlin ; now proprietor of a large department store, Dundee, 111. His bunkmate was Edward L. Plympton.

Chalmers Hammond Age 20

From Tabor, Iowa. Was in Preparatory Class. On picket July 10 with Corporal Hudson. Re-enhsted in Company F, 112th New York. Was at storming of Fort Fisher ; wounded in the side. Returned to study a while, but soon w^ent home and engaged with Standard Oil Co., as his wound prevented work on the farm. Went to Omaha to take a place as clerk of a hotel there, but was suddenly attacked with erysipelas of head and face. Became de- lirious, and in absence of nurse wandered outdoors, and this ex- posure added congestion of the lungs to his other trouble. One week after leaving home he was brought back a corpse. Died July :n, 1868.

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Daniel Elijah Hathaway Age 27

O. C. 'G5. Preached several years in Ohio, then went to a field in the West. He died at Crete, Neb., Dec. 16, 1888.

Arthur E Hawley Age 18

From Brownhelm, O. In Preparatory Class. Was on gate guard, July 12, when President Lincoln came into the fort. After service married and engaged in business at Port Clinton ; later in Chicago as bookkeeper about three years. His wife is not liv- ing; he has a daughter married; his son was in the Cuban war in the 6th Ohio ; re-enhsted and went to the Philippines. Comrade Hawley receives a pension.

Edward K. Hawley Age 20

After return was in the photograph business in Oberlin; went to Cincinnati in 1892 ; was conductor of parlor car for fifteen years ; now is conductor of passenger train between Cincinnati and Chi- cago. Headquarters, Grand Hotel, Cincinnati.

Edgar H. Hinman Age 17

Preparing for college when the call came. Resumed study after the service. Has long been Probate Judge at Elyria, O. Was on Chestnut Tree Post, July 11. The ball that proved fatal to Comrade Leach passed through Hinman's canteen. Writes of July 12 :

"There was an interesting little incident on the afternoon of the 12th of July which possibly you may have forgotten and which may be of interest in any little history that you may get up. Presi- dent Lincoln visited the fort that afternoon accompanied by Sena- tor Zack Chandler of Michigan. The enemy was firing lively from the bushes in front of the fort and it was dangerous for any person to look over the parapet. Chandler hugged close to the parapet, but the President was bound he would look over and see what was going on. Soon a sharpshooter fired at him and he dodged, in doing so tipped over the pass box on which he was sitting and tumbled down. The ball fired at him struck one of the large guns, glanced back and went through a (surgeon's) soldier's leg on the look-out. Lincoln gathered himself up and laughingly said : 'That was quite a carom.' I was standing Ijack of him at the time and was curious to know what a carom meant, and so I asked one of the boys versed in billiards and he told me that it was when you shot at one ball and hit another. Some of those standing by thought the President was given to a little too much levity and that the remark was a little too jocose for the occasion, but he did not realize what had happened until after he said it."

Richard Holland Age 17

Was living in Oberlin, but not a college student. Known as "Dick," a stout, stuttering lad, active in body, keen of mind and fearless on the field. During July 11 and 12 he was much of the time, with or without orders, out on the skirmish line. After muster out he re-enlisted with |700 bounty.

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Lucius C. Hotchkiss Age 31

After service returned to farming at Whiteford, O. He was afterward engaged in printing. His health failed and his mind be- came affected. In 1884 he was admitted to the insane asylum at Pontiac, Mich., and transferred to Kalamazoo in December, 1885. His affliction is not of the violent type.

Lyman L. Hudson ■

In Preparatory Class. Re:enlisted in the band of the 17Gth Ohio and served till the close of the war. Went West in 1867; now on a ranch near Salt Lake City. Bunkmate with Hinman, Was on crew of one of the Parrott guns. Has four children, one boy and three girls.

Nicholas Philip Hacke Hugus Age 17

In Freshman Class in '63. Born in Allegheny City, Pa. After the service he went to Pittsburg and was with the Liggett Spring and Axle Works. Married M^iss Liggett in 1876 In 1887 be- came manager and Vice President of the Sheldon Axle Co. in Wilkes-Barre. His death (July 7, 181)6) was preceded by only a few day's illness, being taken with a chill after a horseback ride, which developed into heart trouble. Left a widow and three sons. Said to have carried a large life insurance.

Theodore Hulbert Age 18

From East Winfield, N. Y. After the service became a ma- chinist. Went to Boyd. Wyo.

Harlan Page Jackson Age 18

In Preparatory Class. After service went into business and is now in a railroad office in Chicago.

John Jeffers Age 21

O. C. '67. Went to New Florence, Mo., where he has since resided. In service he was mostly detailed on hospital service ; was on picket duty, July 11, when Early's skirmishers drove them into the fort. Has two sons and three daughters living. The old- est son is teaching Latin in the State Normal, California, Pa. All have had a college education, mostly at Ann Arbor.

Cyrus M. Johnson Age 20

After service returned and studied at Oberlin. Now living at his old home farm in Sharon Center, O. Writes : "Please tell the boys that I am a Socialist."

Jay L. Judd Age 18

Was not a student at Oberlin. After service went West, and at last accounts was in Irving, Kas.

Amos A. Kellogg Age 18

Was from the neighborhood of Oberlin. After the service enlisted in the band of the 176th Ohio. No particulars of his death.

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Peter Henry Kaiser Age 19

O. C. '67. A. M. 70. L. L. B., Ohio and Union Law Col- lege, '69. Superintendent of Elyria schools one year. Studied law ; admitted to the bar in '69 ; began practice in Cleveland in 1870: admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United .States, 1901; Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, 1880-81, County- Solicitor, 1894-03, of Cuyahoga County, O., Trustee of Oberlin College one term. Married Helen M. Shepardson of Literary '08. O. C, who died in 1875. In 1878 married again ; has a daugh- ter at Smith College, and a son in last year of East High School, Cleveland, O. Practicing law at office in American Trust Building, Cleveland, O.

Eugene P. Kingsley Age 19

From Worthington, O.

Charles Frederick Krimmell Age 19

O. C. '65. A. M. '70. Took up study of law ; became member of Ohio Legislature. Died Dec. 26, 1889.

William E. Leach Age 20

From Litchfield, O. In Preparatory Class. Fatally wounded by a shot from one of Early's skirmishers as they advanced toward the fort on the morning of July 11, 1864. He was taken in from the field on the horse of a cavalryman and died July 13 at Fort Slocum.

Marcus Morton Lincoln Age 20

O. C. '66. Received commission as Captain of Companv A, May 4, 1865. Died Oct. 11, 1866.

Henry J. Marietta Age 17

From Brighton, O. Went West and died Nov. 23, 1897.

Frederick J. McWade Age 17

O. C. '67. Became interested in railroad business, and is now General Baggage Agent for the P. R. R. Co., in the general ofSce, Broad street, Philadelphia, Pa. Writes :

"I was too young at the time to derive the greatest benefit from the service. With the better powers of observation of a ma- ture age, a better appreciation could have been had of the great significance of the events in which we were taking part. But time has been powerless to dim the memory of that summer ; the drill- ing at 01)erlin, the start in the snowstorm for Elyria, the equip- ment at Cleveland, the ride over the Alleghenies, which seems like a veritable wonderland ; the first sight of the dome of the Capitol, the march to the fort, singing 'John Brown's Body,' etc.; it does not seem possible all this occurred nearly thirty years ago."

William A. Minor Age 24

From Mayfield, O. Returned to Oberlin to study for a while ; has long been a resident of Collinwood, O., once Mayor of the town. Now engaged in building and renting houses. Married ; no children.

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John Monroe Age 22

From Norway : a student at Oberlin ; was the bunkmate of Bedient, who writes :

"Monroe was a prayerful man and a nobler soldier never bore a musket. He volunteered just before we left Oberlin. His sister met me on my return, to whom I gave his blankets, trinkets, etc., and |!22 of his pay. She, in tears, gave me a little rubber inkstand as a memento of her only brother. From it I am now writing. It bears the words, 'Fort Stevens, July 11, '(54,' cut in by Comrade Neph just after the battle."

Monroe died Aug. 3, 1861.

George Rodney Morgan Age 21

O. C. '61. Born in Masonville, N. Y. Came to Oberlin in 1859. Taught one year in Flint, Mich. ; studied law in Cleveland, O., and was admitted to the bar. Died June 12, 1868.

George K. Nash Age 21

Born in York, O. Studied at Western Reserve College and at Oberlin. After service returned to Oberlin, but did not finish the course ; taught school ; studied law and rose in his profession to Attorney General of Ohio. Received honorary degree of A. M. in 1879. Elected Governor of Ohio in 1900 ; re-elected for second term.

Chapman C. Neph .Age 22

From Corfu, N. Y. In early part of the war a missionary in New York City. In '64 a student at Oberlin. After muster out returned to study, and in '66 was in the Junior Class ; taught in Clyde, O., winter of '66 and '67; in JoHet,"lll., '68. Married Mrs. Goodale of Oberlin, 1868. Went to Kansas, then on account of failing health to Denver, Col. Died there about 1874 of con- sumption. Mr. B. H. King, his partner in the Clyde school, now in Joliet, 111., writes :

"I never knew a purer minded man, nor one more unselfish."

Thomas B. Orton Age 19

From Monterey, Mass. In Freshman Class, O. C. '64. After the campaign returned and took up special studies with the Sopho- more Class in '65. • Died in Monterey in 18(>7.

Joel Morgan Partridge Age 28

O. C. '64. A. M. '67. Hahneman Med. Col., Chicago, '68. Born in Gustavus, O. Entered Junior Preparatory, March, 1858. Practicing medicine in South Bend, Ind. Married Aurelia H. Chapman, of O. C. Lit. '65, in 1866. Has four children.

Edward L. Plympton Age 20

l*>om Ann Arbor Eaw School ; after service finished law course ; practiced in St. Louis, Mo. ; in 1870 went to Hudson, Mich., to spend a short time with his parents; his health failing he remained there until his death in 1875. Bunkmate of C. F. Hall.

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Albert P. Reed Age 18

An Oberlin student. After muster out he enlisted in the Engineer Corps, stationed at Governor's Island, N. Y., but left the army without a discharge. Still living.

Josiah Thomas Scovell Age 22

O. C. '66. A. M. '75. M. D. '68, Rush Medical College, Chi- cago. Was detailed as company cook for thirty days. On picket at Bladensburg and Silver Spring. July 12 was on guard duty at the gate of the fort. Writes :

'T can see Gen. Wrigh't, with slouch hat and high boots : the President, tall, thin, tired-looking, but twice within the few min- utes he was present the company were in laughter over some of his droll remarks."

Was for a time captain of one of the guns. Since the service has practiced medicine some, but has been teaching most of the tmie. Bunkmate of Wells.

Edwin Stickel Age 18

O. C. '69. A. M. '85. A. B. Amherst, '69. Andover, '74. Treasurer of Fiske University, Nashville, Tenn.

Henry H. Straight Age 19

O. C. '70. A. M. '76. Died in Pasadena, Cal, Nov. 17,^1886.

Horj^ce Street Age 18

From Barre Center. N. Y. Freshman in '64. On the morn- ing of the 11th of July was relieved from picket duty by the ar- rival of Corporal Hudson at Chestnut Tree Post. Has lived mostly in Dixon, 111. ; now in the coal business. Writes :

"For five years past have spent a good part of my time in Mississippi, and have learned to respect many of our late enemies, and number them among ray best friends."

John Strong Age 25

O. C. ^16. A. M. '70. Union Theol. Sera. '70. Died at Lewiston, Mich.. July 6, 1895.

James E. Todd . Age 18

O. C. '67. A. M. '70. Born Clarksfield, O. Studied at Shef- field in '70 and '71. Alarried Miss Lillie J. Carpenter, B. A., June 15, 1876. Member of United States Fish Commission, 1871-73; Professor of Natural Science at Tabor, Iowa, and Beloit, Wis.; Assistant Geologist. United States Survey, since 1881; State Geologist, South Dakota, since 1893; President South Dakota University, 1897-98. Has three sons, aged five, eight and eighteen years.

Carter Van Antwerp Age 17

Returned and studied at Oberlin till 1869. M. D., Univ. of Mich. '72. Married, November, 1872, to Miss Bella Beveridge, Freeland, III, who died February, 1874. After five vears' practice moved to Vicksburg. Married in 1885 to Miss Carrie Clapp of

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Niles, Mich., has no children. Spent seven months traveHng with his wife, visiting the Pacific Coast from CaUfornia to British Co- lumbia ; also in the East from Boston to Washington. Attended G. A. R. Encampments at Philadelphia and Columbus, O. Was with the squad detailed July 12, ISOi, to take the buggy load of ammunition out to the field. WVites :

"It was my privilege to hold a lanyard on a 32-pound Parrott, and so anxious to pull when the order came that I broke the string, and tried again."

Has not applied for pension. Is President of the Board of Education in Vicksburg, Alich.

Levi Van Fossen Age 23

From California. After discharge, completed a course of study at Northwestern University, '70; taught two years in Ten- nessee University, Knoxville, and was married there. Principal of public schools of Humboldt, Kas., two years; same position two years in Red Bluff, Cal. ; then took up mercantile business. Writes :

"Now I am out of all business, my son, Frank, looking after most of our afifairs. 1 have worked long enough to pay my passage the rest of the trip."

Now in Dunsmuir, Cal., a railroad town twenty-five miles southwest of Alt. Shasta.

Alanson B. Warren Age 16

From Russia, O. In Preparatory Class. Went West soon after his discharge and endured hardships as a pioneer. Died Jan. 0, 1900, in Wichita, Kas., where he had resided about twenty years. His last illness was a brain trouble, and probably came from an injury received in the service. He left a widow and two children. Buried with G. A. R. services by the Post at Wichita, of which he was a member.

Henry L. Warren Age 18

After service went into the jewelry business. Now in busi- ness at No. 2 Maiden Lane, New York. Residence, 084 St. Nicholas avenue.

Calvin M. Wells Age 20

From Burton, O. Still resides there on Willow-Brook farm; engaged in a large dair\- business.

Alfred R. Wildman Age 10

After the 100 days, enlisted in Company II, 2d Uhio Cavalry; was in Bladensburg the day of the Great Parade after the war. Then was ordered to Southwest Missouri, and mustered out at St. Louis in September, 1805. Returned to Oberlin ; in printing busi- ness. Started "The Oberlin (iazette" ; printed the first edition of "The Standard of the Cross." Came to Cleveland and engaged in work on the magazine of Western History, writing life of Harri- son and other articles. In 1883 was associate editor of "The

38

Cleveland Herald" ; afterward on "Cleveland Voice." Now proof- reader on "'Cleveland Plain Dealer." Married soon after the war. Has three children. Residence, 521 Jennings avenue, Cleve- land. O.

Lewis E. Wilson Age 18

From Tarkio, Mo. In Preparatory Class.

Albert Allen Wright Age 18

O. C. '65. A. M. '68. Taught Greek and Latin in Humiston Institute, Cleveland, O. Studied at Union Theol. Sem., 70, with Bedient, Strong, R. T. Hall and W. E. C. Wright; Professor^of Mathematics and Natural Science, Berea College, Kentucky, '70 to '73 ; Ph. B., Columbia University, '75 ; Assistant Geological Sur- vey, 1882-83. Was a member of the early military companies of Oberlin, the Scott Zouaves, H. L. Turner, Captain, and Chase Cadets, W. H. Rice, Captain. Was elected Second Lieutenant of Company A in 1865. Has a daughter teaching in Millbank, S. D. Has been for some years past\Professor of Geology in Oberlin College. yi

Walter Eugene Colburn Wright Age 20

O. C. '65. A. M. 'GS. Union Theol. Sem., '68. D. D., Oli- vet College, "94. Writes:

"In what varied fields members of our regiment and of our company have done the nation and the world good service since ! For myself, I have always prized that summer as a fruitful period in my training for later life."

Now in Olivet College, Olivet, Mich. Is a member of the G. A. R.

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mmmm'

lTbrary of congress

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