History of the Dewitt guard, company A, 50th regiment National guard, state of New York Part 5

He is one of the most una.s.suming, yet one of the n.o.blest and most generous young men of Ithaca.

JOHN C. HEATH, Wholesale and Retail Grocer, enlisted September 4th, 1860.

We know of no one who has devoted more time, or distributed more money to build up, keep in existence and sustain the military organizations of the day, than Quartermaster Heath. Whatever he becomes interested in, either in a military or business way, he invariably drives to a successful termination. In the organization of the Regiment he took an active part, and we know Colonel Barto must feel under great indebtedness to him for rendering invaluable a.s.sistance in organizing and mustering in the service many of the new Companies.

While connected with the Company he was one of its best members and warmest supporters; and although at the present time in no way directly connected with them as a Company, he still manifests a deep interest in its prosperity. His first office was fourth Corporal, from which he was promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant upon the non-commissioned staff of Col. H. A. Dowe, (since promoted to Brigadier General.) Upon the reorganization of the Regiment, he accepted the commission of Quartermaster upon the staff of Colonel Barto, which he now holds, the duties of which for the past year and a half have been onerous, having distributed to the various Companies of the Regiment all their arms, clothing and other equipage, besides performing other duties not directly in the line of his office. The officers, as well as the men of the 50th Regiment, owe Quartermaster Heath a debt of grat.i.tude, which we are led to believe will only be cancelled by their continuing to sustain and keep alive the interest they have recently manifested in their Companies, and make the Regiment one of the best in the State.

We congratulate our friend on being a.s.sociated in business with James B.

Taylor, Esq., the most celebrated of all Ithaca Grocery merchants. The firm of J. B. Taylor & Co. is known from New York to Chicago, and from Boston to New Orleans, as the most responsible and most accommodating of any establishment of the kind between these extreme points; also, for keeping the largest stock of goods, and selling them the cheapest, of any House outside of the great cities.

With Quartermaster Heath to look after the interest of the militia, and Alderman Taylor that of his const.i.tuents and the general welfare of our village, we may consider ourselves safe beyond the possibility of a doubt.

H. W. JACKSON, JR., Merchant, enlisted September 4th, 1860. Very soon after joining this Company he enlisted in the United States service, being one of the organizers of Company I, 32d New York Volunteers. Was elected first Lieutenant, which commission he held for about a year and a half, when his health failing he was compelled to resign. He was engaged in two or three battles under Gen. Franklin.

C. WOODWORTH, Merchant, enlisted September 4th, 1860. Mr. Woodworth was most an estimable man in every respect. During the short time he was connected with the Company, every member became warmly and firmly attached to him.

He removed from this place to Fon Du Lac, Wis., where he had been a resident but a short time when, in the all-wise Providence of G.o.d, he was called to that Heavenly City for which he, in a most eminent degree, was prepared to enter.

GEORGE H. GRANT, Clerk, enlisted April 23d, 1861. Served faithfully as a member of this Company, also in the United States army and in the United States navy. Was most thoroughly appreciated by the members of this Company. During the Elmira campaign he was one of the great alleviators of that terrible disease--homesickness. Will long be remembered as one of the celebrated Quartette--Grant, Wilson, Betts and Johnson.

E. J. FARNHAM, Clerk, enlisted April 23d, 1861. Was one of the first soldiers that enlisted from this place in the United States army. Served honorably in Company A, 32d New York Volunteers, until in consequence of disease contracted in the army, he was no longer qualified to serve and was honorably discharged. Was a good soldier, and sacrificed his health for the honor of his country.

ADNAH NEYHART, Speculator, enlisted April 23d, 1861. By reason of his profession, Mr. Neyhart was much of the time separated from the Company, but always prompt in meeting his obligations and sustaining the Company in every possible way, aside from being personally present. Furnished a subst.i.tute who represented him in the United States army, suffered many reverses in business, but fortunately his last investment was a good one--_he struck oil_--and is now again "_sound_."

We congratulate him; no one has worked harder for, or is better ent.i.tled to, a two hundred and fifty barrel well than Adnah.

THOMAS A. BROWN, Tin-Smith, enlisted April 23d, 1861. Was an active member during the short time he was a resident of the village.

R. W. HEGGIE, Clerk, enlisted July 3d, 1861. No young man ever joined this Company that evinced more interest in its success and general welfare, than did Mr. Heggie, and no member was more respected. He was in every way calculated to win the esteem and friends.h.i.+p of all with whom he became a.s.sociated. He very readily became a perfect soldier.

With a fervent love for his country, and a desire to do something for its defence in the hour of its peril, he enlisted, August 26th, 1863, in Company G, 15th New York Cavalry; was soon elected first Sergeant, and May 24th, 1864, was commissioned Lieutenant. Was engaged in many battles, in one of which he was wounded and a short time separated from his Company. He was a courageous officer, always ready to dash into the conflict. Several times he was in command of troops, conveying them from Boston to Charleston; was then entrusted by Government with a position of great responsibility and importance, but at all times was equal to his duties. He faithfully served until the close of the war, and was honorably mustered out. Is now connected with one of the largest cotton establishments of the South, and located at Galveston, Texas.

JOHN S. GAY, Clerk, enlisted July 3d, 1861. Was a member until July 7th, 1865; was with the Company during their term of service in the army; a good soldier that could be trusted, and he accompanied several detachments to the front. Is now engaged in business at Cairo, Ill.

W. H. KELLOGG, Tobacconist, enlisted July 3d, 1861. Served as a member until July 7th, 1865. Volunteered in the United States army Sept. 2d, 1864, and honorably served the full term of his enlistment.

HENRY A. ST. JOHN, Merchant, enlisted July 3d, 1861. Although his name is recorded as enlisting July 3d, 1861, he had, however, been connected with the Company a long time previous to that date, but in a capacity that would not admit of his signing the roll and becoming a regular member under the statute. Displaying a taste for the science of military while a mere boy, he was elected by the members of this Company one of their markers. At the time he became a full member he was well versed in the school of the soldier, and familiar with the school of the Company.

Was soon elected fourth Corporal, being the youngest member that had ever held office; was gradually promoted until he reached the post of second Sergeant, which position he now fills. Sergeant St. John particularly distinguished himself while at Elmira; was one of the best non-commissioned officers of the Regiment. Col. R. P. Wisner, commanding the 58th Regiment, twice appointed him to fill vacancies occasioned by absence of officers of his staff. Was the first Sergeant detached from the Regiment and placed in charge over subst.i.tutes and deserters, en route for City Point, arriving at his destination without the loss of a man. He fully understood his duty, enforcing strict discipline, and requiring his men to conform to all the regulations and articles of war, but equally careful not to exceed the bounds of his authority.

He is one of the most active men of the Company; always first in any enterprise, the object of which is the good of the organization. He has contributed much toward this History by giving a detailed and very accurate account of the Elmira campaign, which may be found on another page. It is a pleasure to be a.s.sociated with him as a soldier, or socially in the ordinary walks of life. Is a member of the firm of G. W.

Baker & Co., the popular Dry-Goods House of the place.

M. L. GRANGER, Merchant, enlisted July 3d, 1861. In time and money Mr.

Granger has sacrificed much for the sake of being a soldier. Always present at parades, drills or meetings, and always prompt to meet his obligations. He volunteered in the United States service with the Company in 1864, shared the pleasures and deprivations of camp life with his comrades. For the fatherly care and attention shown the younger members, and those who needed a.s.sistance in any way, he was named and known in camp by the t.i.tle of "Uncle Amos." He honestly served out the term of his enlistment and was honorably discharged. Is partner in the firm of J. S. Granger & Co., a very extensive Dry-Goods House, who enjoy the reputation of keeping the most carefully selected stock of goods of any establishment of the kind in Central New York.

ROBERT GOODWIN, Baker, enlisted July 3d, 1861. A good soldier and an upright man. Was employed in the Bakery department of the extensive establishment of John L. Whiton, Esq. Removed West about three years ago.

JAMES STANYON, Blacksmith, enlisted July 3d, 1861. Was Company musician, and served as such until he volunteered in the United States service. He was a worthy and honorable soldier, engaged in many battles. We have been unable to obtain his war history for publication.

HENRY W. COLLINS, Clerk, enlisted July 3d, 1861. Like Sergeant St. John, Mr. Collins was one of the Company markers long before he became a regular member. Was a soldier of merit, and liked by all the members.

Served the Company as Secretary; his skillful penmans.h.i.+p, as shown upon the records, would be of itself a sufficient recommendation; but "_none need apply_," as he is now first book-keeper in the New York office of Adams' Express Company. His absence is temporary, however, as he still considers Ithaca his residence, and is still a member of this Company.

JOHN C. GAUNTLETT, Druggist, enlisted September 4th, 1861. Mr. Gauntlett has always been as popular as a soldier, as he is a citizen and a.s.sociate. He is of the cla.s.s that we would always like to retain as members; but to meet the demands of superior officers, we are obliged to relinquish our claim upon them. Starting from the ranks, Sergeant Gauntlett had reached the post of fourth Sergeant, when Colonel Barto selected him as Regimental Standard-bearer, which office he now holds.

Not feeling disposed to leave his old friends, however, he retains his members.h.i.+p and position in the Company, and still acts with them, except on Regimental parade. He volunteered with the Company in the United States service, and well and faithfully served out the term of his enlistment.

He is engaged in the Drug and Medicine business, and it is a matter of pride to him, and a source of gratification to his numerous friends, that he stands at the head of that branch of trade in Tompkins county.

IRVING W. NORTON, Cigar-Maker, enlisted September 4th, 1861. Was a good soldier while connected with the Company. Volunteered in the United States service, and received a bayonet wound near his right eye. By this he was prevented from being with his Company for a short time, when he again resumed his duties and served the full term of his enlistment. Mr.

Norton, and the night he was wounded, will long be remembered by the DeWitt Guard.

JOHN L. MANDEVILLE, Civil Engineer and Surveyor, enlisted October 2d, 1861. A prompt and systematic soldier, and a most excellent member of the Company. Although a resident of the town of Caroline, is as frequently at the drills as many who live in town. Has always taken a great interest in the Company, accompanied them to Elmira, and volunteered in the United States service. Was permitted to serve but a short time with the Company, however, as he was detailed chief Clerk at Colonel Moore's Head-Quarters; he was, nevertheless, always ready for any kind of duty, when not engaged in his office. While acting as sentinel (relieving one of the guard for a play spell) one night, he alone arrested two desperate characters, who were stealing from the camp of the 58th Regiment, for which he received a unanimous vote of thanks.

He served the full term of his enlistment, and was honorably discharged, since which time, until recently, he has been engaged in civil engineering in and around Was.h.i.+ngton and Baltimore. He has now returned, and can be addressed at Mott's Corners, Tompkins county, N. Y.

E. K. JOHNSON, Clerk, enlisted March 10th, 1862. Mr. Johnson, better known as "Kirk," was honored with a non-commissioned office. Served with the Company as Secretary, and from his records we make extracts elsewhere. Was a capital soldier, a perfect gentleman, and a first rate fellow generally. Volunteered and served in the United States service with the DeWitt Guard at Elmira. No more daring soldier ever stood up before a live Johnny, than he; was detailed as police--the celebrated quartette, Johnson, Betts, Grant and Wilson--and we can a.s.sure the reader that every thing within their reach was perfectly safe.

Consistent with their obligations as police officers, they watched the various hen-roosts, and other places likely to be disturbed by unruly soldiers; and not more than fifteen or sixteen times did they find in the cook stove oven of Company A, turkeys, chickens, ducks, and other domestic fowls. At the close of his term of service in the army, he made an engagement with a large establishment at the West, where he has since resided. He has warm and _peculiar_ attachments to the place of his birth, and we earnestly hope it may yet be his permanent residence.

A. H. PLATTS, Grocer, enlisted March 7th, 1862. Retained his members.h.i.+p but a very short time.

W. H. HOSFORD, Mechanic, enlisted August 6th, 1862. Served honorably in the United States army. We should have been glad to have published his war history, but have been unable to procure it.

JAMES H. BISHOP, Carpenter, enlisted August 6th, 1862. August 16th, 1862, Mr. Bishop volunteered in the United States army for three years, unless sooner discharged. Soon after enlisting, he joined Captain John H. Terry's Company, which was connected with the 137th Regiment, commanded by Col. David Ireland, and subsequently by Col. K. S. Van Voorhees. Before leaving Binghamton was elected Corporal. The first camp duty performed by Corporal Bishop, was picket duty on Bolivar Heights; the weather becoming severely cold, and he being placed upon the "lookout," which was the highest point on the Heights, he suffered more from cold and exposure than he did during all the time he was in the service. This post he occupied one week; soon after this the camp was removed to Fairfax Station. April 27th was ordered to pack and be ready to move. The baggage of each soldier consisted of his clothes, tent, blankets, eight day's rations, and one hundred and sixty rounds of cartridges, with gun and accoutrements. Corporal Bishop was engaged in each day's battle at Chancellorsville, which were the 1st, 2d and 3d days of May. Was next engaged at the battle of Gettysburg, where he was constantly fighting for three days. After the return of the Regiment to Virginia, Corporal Bishop was detailed for special duty, and sent to Elmira on recruiting service, at which place he remained until April, 1864, when he again joined his regiment at Stevenson, Ala. Was engaged in the skirmishes around Resacca, and finally in the battle at that place, which was from the 12th to the 15th of May. Partic.i.p.ated in the sharp fight at Dallas Woods, also at Pine k.n.o.b and the severe battle of Peach Tree Creek. After these and many other battles of less account, the Regiment marched into the city of Atlanta at midnight, the band playing "The Campbells are Coming." Thus ended a campaign of four months.

Again taking up a line of march toward Milledgeville, the only obstructions they met were the railroads, which were speedily rendered useless by taking up the track, heating the rails in a fire made of the ties, and then twisting them around the nearest tree or stump. Being obliged to depend upon the country through which they pa.s.sed for subsistence, foraging parties were each day sent out, and supplies of sweet potatoes, pork and poultry would be brought in by them, upon which they lived like nabobs. After marching many days and much skirmis.h.i.+ng, they finally entered the city of Savannah about sunrise on the morning of the 22d day of December. From this time up to the time of the muster-out of the Regiment, Corporal Bishop was every day ready for duty, losing no time by sickness or otherwise. Was finally mustered out with his Regiment and honorably discharged. All honor to Corporal James H. Bishop of the 137th Regiment New York Volunteers.

He is now settled down again in his old home, receiving the congratulations of his friends, and prepared at all times to a.s.sist them "to a new house," or accommodate them in any way in the line of his profession.

A. L. BISHOP, Carpenter, enlisted August 6th, 1862. Soon after joining the DeWitt Guard, Mr. Bishop volunteered in the United States service, into which he was mustered Aug. 16th, 1862, in Captain J. H. Terry's Company, 137th New York Volunteers. Before leaving Binghamton, the first place of rendezvous of the Regiment, Mr. Bishop was elected and appointed first Duty Sergeant of the Regiment. He left Binghamton with his Regiment for the seat of war Sept. 27th, 1862. The first camp of any account was at Pleasant Valley, where our Sergeant experienced rather hard fare--being obliged to eat rations which would, by very fastidious persons, have been considered rather unpalatable--but of course soldiers must get used to most every thing, and so our friend made the best of his "hard tack" and _fresh meat_. On the 10th day of December he was elected and appointed Orderly Sergeant, filling the vacancy occasioned by the death of Orderly Sergeant M. L. Beers. Arrived at Aquia Jan. 27th, 1863. The duty here was very severe, consisting of camp guard, picket guard, ordinance guard, railroad guard and fatigue duty.

Remained in camp at this point until the last of April, when orders were received to be ready to march at a moment's warning, which orders were carried into execution April 27th, when the Rappahannock was crossed at Kelly's Ford, moving in the direction of Chancellorsville, where the Company were engaged the 1st, 2d and 3d days of May, on each of which Sergeant Bishop took an active part.

On the 8th day of June he was commissioned and mustered as second Lieutenant of Company D, vice Lieutenant Whitmore resigned. Was engaged the 2d and 3d days of July in the battle of Gettysburg. Was in command of troops that guarded the wagon trains from Nashville, Tenn., to Bridgeport, Ala. Also marched and guarded a wagon train to Chattanooga; arriving as far as Wauhatchie halted for the night, comfortably rolling themselves in their blankets preparatory to a good night's rest. About eleven o'clock firing was heard upon the picket line, when they were ordered out and soon in line, which had hardly been done before they received a sharp volley of musketry from the rebels. The fight lasted until three o'clock of the next morning. The killed, wounded and missing of the 137th Regiment in this engagement was ninety men. Lieut. Bishop also partic.i.p.ated in the famous fight at Lookout Mountain, and that of Ringold, Ga.

May 2d, 1864, he commenced the great Georgia campaign with Gen. Sherman; was engaged in the battle of Resacca from the 12th to the 15th of May, and on the 25th in the battle of Dallas Wood; the next engagement was at Pine k.n.o.b on the 15th of June; had continued skirmis.h.i.+ng until the 20th of July, when occurred the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga., after which they rested until the 23d, when they moved in front of Atlanta; marched into the city Sept. 2d at twelve o'clock, after a campaign of over four months.

October 24th Lieut. Bishop was commissioned and mustered first Lieutenant of Company D, vice Lieut. C. C. Kellogg resigned. October 25th he was sent out with a foraging party; were out four days and returned with five hundred wagon loads of forage. November 1st started for home on a twenty days leave of absence, and eight of the days were occupied in getting there; upon his return he found the Regiment at Savannah. January 27th he was ordered to the hospital, being wholly unfit for duty; was detained there twenty days: was again with the Regiment at Raleigh, N. C., where orders were received to be ready forthwith to march for Richmond, the Confederacy having succ.u.mbed to the government of the United States. Pa.s.sed through Richmond the 11th of May, crossed the Rappahannock at U. S. ford the 15th, and arrived at Alexandria on the 19th. May 23d he received an order stating that he was honorably discharged from further service by reason of physical disability; arrived at his home in Ithaca June 20th, 1865.

No more worthy soldier or respected officer ever enlisted or commanded a Company, than Lieut. A. L. Bishop; and a more honorable record than his cannot be produced--always ready to do his whole duty to his comrades and his country.

J. H. TERRY, Lawyer, enlisted August 4th, 1862. Had belonged to the Company but a short time when he enlisted in the United States service, and was elected Captain of a Company organized in this village. We have been unable to obtain his war history. He is now engaged in his profession at the West.

B. R. WILLIAMS, Junior Editor of the Ithaca Citizen and Democrat, enlisted September 3d, 1862. Captain Williams, while connected with the Company, was one of its most useful members, and it gives us pleasure to be afforded this opportunity to acknowledge our obligations, and also to accord to him the honor which is his due.

He was permitted to remain as a private in the Company but a very short time before he was elected Corporal, and by promotion reached the position of Sergeant, in which capacity he enlisted in the United States service with this Company in September, 1864; there, after a short time, the Company were deprived of his services by reason of his accepting a position upon the staff of Col. R. P. Wisner, which, however, did not separate him from his former a.s.sociates. Captain Williams, by his many acts of personal kindness toward the members of the DeWitt Guard while in the service, and particularly toward the officers, in rendering them the most invaluable a.s.sistance in arranging and closing up their account, was ent.i.tled to and received their most hearty thanks. He rendered very many acts of kindness officially which were in no way connected with the duties of his office, but it seemed to be a pleasure for him to do any thing for the officers and men of his former Company.

He was constantly on terms of the most perfect friends.h.i.+p with the officers and men of the Regiment, and was a particular favorite with all.

While a member of the Company he filled the office of Secretary, and we are permitted to copy extracts from his minutes which we do on another page. Very soon after returning from Elmira, he was commissioned Captain of Engineers in the 50th Regiment, National Guard. Notwithstanding his promotion, he still insists upon retaining his members.h.i.+p in the DeWitt Guard, against which not one objection is known to exist; it is the strong desire of every member of the Company that he may continue such, as long as they are in any way connected with said inst.i.tution.

M. L. THOMPSON, Speculator, enlisted September 8th, 1862. Removed from the District soon after enlisting; sought his fortune in the oil wells of Pennsylvania, which adventures, we are pleased to state, have been successful.

GEORGE E. HALSEY, Druggist, enlisted September 23d, 1862. Served with the Company until he represented himself in the United States army by subst.i.tution, when he withdrew from this Company. Is proprietor of the celebrated Fountain Drug Store of this village.