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."
26
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.
31
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.
82
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.
33
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.
34
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.
35
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.
36
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
37
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.
39
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