Soldier Story: Private John "Albert" Sunday 96th Pennsylvania Infantry

 

John Albert Sunday (Known as Albert) was born on the outskirts of Hamburg Pennsylvania on May 12^th 1845 to John and Margaret Sunday.

At 18 he joined company G of the 96^th Pennsylvania Infantry and mustered in in Pottsville PA on October 23^rd 1861.

After the Battle of Gettysburg, the 96th Regiment, along with the rest of the Army of the Potomac, pursued General Lee's army southward. By October 1863, they were stationed along the Rappahannock River. During a subsequent battle near Bristoe Station, Albert was captured and swiftly sent to the notorious Andersonville Prison in Georgia.

Andersonville Prison

He and two other Union soldiers managed to escape the prison in early September...

The story was relayed in the August 10^th, 1893, National Tribune

“A very pleasant reunion recently occurred in Chicago, involving Comrades William Gannon of Hartland, Michigan; John A. Sunday of Hamburg (Pennsylvania); and Robert Commons of Chicago. On September 11, 1861 (Should be 1864), these three men escaped together from Andersonville. After traveling for nine days, or rather nights, they reached the Union lines 12 miles south of Atlanta. They attribute the success of their escape to a blunder.

When leaving the prison, they followed a little stream for several hours, only to find that it brought them back to their original starting place. This fortunate error meant the hounds, which were put in chase immediately upon the discovery of their escape, did not track them, as the roundabout circuit proved too much for the dogs. Mr. Gannon said that Comrade Commons was nearly played out during the escape, having five gangrene sores on his legs and feet.

"We could not leave him behind, or would not, so we made bandages from our shirts to protect Mr. Commons's feet, as we were all barefooted. It was difficult to get anything to eat. By eating berries and green corn, we pulled through. One colored man gave us some flour. We tried to make a fire but had to put it out because of the smoke, which might have led to our capture. General McArthur was the first Union man we met, and we were sent to Atlanta, arriving after its fall. General Sherman was reviewing the troops. We were provided with clothing and transportation to our respective commands. We parted at Indianapolis, and in the excitement of parting, we neglected to take each other's addresses."

After the war John returned home and became a dealer in Horses and cattle on the corner of 3rd and Walnut in Hamburg

John is buried at St. Johns Church in Hamburg Pennsylvania

Soldier Story: David Vetter New Ringgold PA

 

David Vetter was born in Pottsville PA on February 22^nd 1843 to John and Mary Hetzel. He started off working as a boatman on the Schuylkill Navigation and then moved to New York State where he worked as a boatman on the Erie Canal.

After the war broke out, this is where he joined the 120^th New York Infantry company H in at Kingston New York in August of 1862 under the command of Colonel George Henry Sharpe

 

Henry Sharpe

The 120th New York Infantry, also known as the Ulster Regiment or Washington Guards, was recruited from Greene and Ulster counties. The regiment assembled at Kingston and was mustered into U.S. service on August 22, 1862, for a three-year term. In July, August, and October of 1864, its ranks were bolstered by veterans and recruits from the 71st and 72nd New York regiments.

 

The regiment, 900 strong, left the state on August 24, 1862, and proceeded to Washington, D.C., where it encamped near the Chain Bridge. In early September, it was attached to the renowned Excelsior Brigade (Sickles' 2nd Division, 3rd Corps) and saw its first combat at Fredericksburg.

 

According to Col. Fox, in his account of the three hundred fighting regiments, the 120th was actively engaged at Chancellorsville, then part of Berry's Division, demonstrating commendable steadiness and efficiency. The regiment suffered 4 killed, 49 wounded, and 13 missing in that battle.

In June David received leave to return home to marry his sweetheart (and second cousin), Mary Hetzel.

At Gettysburg, now in Humphrey's Division, it was caught in the disaster of the second day's battle but managed to retreat in good order to the second line, fighting as it went. The casualties at Gettysburg totaled 30 killed, 154 wounded, and 19 missing, with 8 officers killed and 9 wounded.

 120th Monument at Gettysburg

After the 3rd Corps was merged into the 2nd, the 120th was placed in Brewster's Brigade of Mott's Division and continued to fight under the 2nd Corps flags, retaining their old 3rd Corps badge. When Mott's Division was discontinued, the Excelsior Brigade became part of Birney's (3rd) Division, later becoming the 4th Brigade. General Mott eventually commanded this division, with Col. McAllister leading the brigade.

 

The regiment faced significant losses in several battles: 5 killed, 48 wounded, and 8 missing at the Wilderness; 8 killed, 30 wounded, and 21 missing at the Boydton Road; and 6 killed, 32 wounded, and 46 missing at Hatcher's Run. During the Virginia campaigns of 1863, following Gettysburg, the regiment lost 140 men killed, wounded, and missing. It also suffered heavily in the trenches before Petersburg, with 51 casualties.

 

In the final campaign, culminating in Lee's surrender at Appomattox, the regiment's losses totaled 52 killed, wounded, and missing. The 120th displayed remarkable bravery and discipline, notably rallying three times around its colors on the second day of Gettysburg.

 

The regiment participated in 17 significant battles, including Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Spotsylvania Where David was wounded in the side.

Then the 120^th moved on to fight at North Anna, Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Strawberry Plains, Poplar Spring Church, Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher's Run, and White Oak Road. It was also present at Fredericksburg, Wapping Heights, Kelly's Ford, Po River, Deep Bottom, Sailor's Creek, Farmville, and Appomattox.

 

The 120th was mustered out near Washington, D.C., under Lt. Col. Lockwood on June 3, 1865. Throughout its service, the regiment enrolled 1,626 men, with 51 dying in Confederate prisons, 11 officers and 140 men killed or mortally wounded, and 3 officers and 179 men dying of disease and other causes.

After the war David returned to Pennsylvania where he became the night telegraph operator at New Ringgold Station. in 1878 the Justice of the Peace for the area. In 1891 we became the station agent at New Ringgold, he also served as the US  Express Agent.

He fathered 8 children

David was laid to rest at Friedens Church Cemetery in New Ringgold, Schuylkill County where he served as Deacon for many years

He belonged to Doubleday Post 189 GAR and Washington Camp 100 POS of A

 

Soldier Stories: The Hatch Brothers of Port Clinton PA

 

Oliver, Arthur, and George Hatch were three of the four sons of David and Salome “Sarah” Hatch, with the eldest being Nelson. They grew up in the tranquil town of Port Clinton, nestled in the Schuylkill Gap. Their father, David, passed away in 1842 at the age of 52, and their mother, Sarah, followed him in 1860.

In 1861, as the Civil War broke out, Oliver (27) and Arthur (23) answered the call to arms and joined Company B of the 6th Pennsylvania Infantry under Colonel James Nagle. They saw their first action at the Battle of Falling Waters near Williamsport, Maryland, which was little more than a heavy skirmish.

When their three-month enlistment ended, they re-enlisted and mustered into the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry. Their older brother George (31) joined them there as well. The regiment headed south to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, where they were assigned to protect Fort Hatteras and Fort Clarke.

In March 1862, they joined General Burnside in the attack on New Bern, where they helped keep the armies supplied with ammunition during the battle. In August 1862, Oliver, now a 2nd Lieutenant, was wounded in the leg during the Second Battle of Bull Run, leading to the amputation of his leg. Tragically, the War Department mistakenly listed him as dead, causing distress to his wife, Mary, until he surprisingly returned home to Port Clinton.

Arthur and George continued with the 48th, participating in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. In the winter of 1863, they charged Marye’s Heights at Fredericksburg, Virginia. Arthur fell ill and died of heart complications in Newport News, Virginia, in February 1863.

George, the last remaining Hatch brother, fought with the 48th through Petersburg and assisted in building the famous mine at the Battle of the Crater. He was mustered out with the regiment on July 17, 1865, and returned home. Back in Port Clinton, he worked as a mechanic for the railroad until 1882, when a tragic accident occurred. While working on a train, a passing passenger train struck a crowbar on the tracks, which hit George, leading to his death that same day.

The Civil War was a time of profound tragedy, especially for families with multiple sons fighting side by side. Brothers who grew up together, shared childhood memories, and supported each other through life’s challenges found themselves facing the horrors of battle together. The bond that once brought them joy now became a source of immense sorrow as they witnessed each other’s suffering and, in many cases, death. 

The Hatch brothers’ story is a poignant example of this tragedy. Oliver, Arthur, and George Hatch, who enlisted together with hopes of defending their country, faced the brutal realities of war. Oliver lost a leg, Arthur succumbed to illness, and George endured the loss of his siblings before finally returning home, only to meet a tragic end himself. 

The emotional toll on these brothers, and countless others like them, underscores the devastating impact of the Civil War on families, leaving behind scars that would last a lifetime.

The little known battle of Cockle Creek

  Lately I have been reading alot of stories of the "unknown" battles of the Civil war. One of them happened at Chincoteque Island Virginia in 1861.

On the evening of September 28 1861, eight small boats were seen rowing toward Chincoteague Inlet Virginia from the mainland. An alarm bell rang at the W.H. Watson and Company warehouse, and 94 armed men from Chincoteague responded, taking up positions by their warehouses and docks. The boats, however, weren't attacking Chincoteague; they were marking the channel with lanterns for two sloops and a large schooner to enter the inlet.

 By dawn, the three ships anchored near Cockle Creek, replacing the British flag on the schooner, Venus, with the Confederate banner. On the afternoon of the 25th, an oyster sloop commanded by Edward Whaley Jr., crewed by William Lynch, John Jester, Henry Savage, and Robert Snead, set off to Hampton Roads to again warn the Navy. Escorted by guard boats to the flagship, the steam frigate USS Minnesota, they presented their case to Captain Goldsborough and then dined in Minnesota's great cabin. Four sailors from Minnesota, armed with rifles and cutlasses, accompanied them back to Chincoteague, pledging immediate aid.

On September 30, Navy Lieutenant Commander Alexander Murray arrived at Chincoteague with 90 men aboard the propeller-driven, iron-hull steamer, USS Louisiana.

Meanwhile, the Venus was quickly transformed into a privateer with ten guns: besides cannons, 1,000 New England rifles, shot, and three tons of powder were put aboard. This 135-foot (41-meter) schooner, with her broad beam and shallow draft, would have been ideal for preying on ships entering or leaving Delaware Bay.

But at 9 a.m. on October 5, two boats from Louisiana were launched and attacked the Venus with howitzers. Louisiana navigated through Chincoteague Inlet and fired her 32-pounder. A force of 300 Virginians tried to cut off the Louisiana's boats, but Federal crews attacked and boarded Venus. The heavy fire from Louisiana silenced the Virginian defenses, and the Federal boarding party set fire to Venus, burning her to the waterline before she sank in Cockle Creek. 

The two accompanying sloops were captured and taken to Norfolk as war prizes. Upon hearing the news, Winfield Scott reportedly ordered Chincoteague oysters and Bermuda onions at Willard's Hotel.

Soldier Story: Private Jesse Tyson at Antietam 162 Years ago today

 Jesse Tyson was a 30-year-old carpenter living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, near what is now Fairmount Park. He joined the 88th Pennsylvania Infantry on August 29, 1861.

On the afternoon of September 16, 1862, the 88th Pennsylvania crossed Antietam Creek. The Union Army prepared for a fight but only skirmished until darkness fell. The 88th rested on their arms in a patch of woods just beyond the famous cornfield.

162 years ago today, the 88th Pennsylvania was ordered to fall in. When the sun first peeked above the horizon, the enemy’s cannon opened up.

From the regimental history of the 88th:

“Directly in front and to the right of the regiment was an immense cornfield occupied by the enemy, to whom the men sent their leaden compliments as fast as they could load and fire, the graybacks doing the same favor in return. A burning barn was fiercely blazing a little to the left, while to the right heavy lines of the enemy were in sight, apparently bearing heavily on the regiments farther to the right. The Confederates in the immediate front of the regiment were mostly concealed, and it was extremely difficult to get a fair shot at them, but their fire told very severely on the ranks of the command, the men dropping like autumn leaves in a storm.”

They pushed out of the woods and met with heavy resistance, eventually pushing them back.

At some point, Private Jesse Tyson joined more than 4,000 soldiers who lost their lives that day.

88th PA Private John Vautier wrote of Jesse in his diary:

"Visited the battleground again today. Saw the ground on which we fought. Saw the graves of our beloved and noble comrades who had sacrificed their lives…the ground is still red with their blood. I made a headboard for Jess Tyson’s grave, and wrote on it.

Jesse Tyson

Co. I 88th Regt. Penna. Vols.

Killed Sept. 17, 1862

A brave Soldier and Kind Comrade

Rest in Peace"

According to the Elliot map of burials at Antietam, two of the 88th’s ten dead were hastily buried just north of the Mumma Farm where there used to be a road. Thanks to battlefield preservation, it may have been the spot circled in the overhead map.

Private Tyson was disinterred from the makeshift burial and moved to the National Cemetery in Antietam, where he rests today.

The Devastating effects of the Civil War to Berks County

Just a few days ago, I had the privilege of walking with my local Historical Society on the fields of Gettysburg. I served as a tour guide, highlighting our local heroes who fought in that epic battle.

One of our local units was the 9-month 151st Pennsylvania Infantry. 

The 151st played a crucial role in several key battles, most famously at the Battle of Gettysburg. 

During this pivotal conflict, the regiment was part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, I Corps, and faced intense combat on the first day. Despite being heavily outnumbered and suffering significant casualties, the 151st Pennsylvania Infantry held their ground, contributing to the Union’s eventual victory.

As part of my examples, I handed out a list showing 206 men who, in the span of 20 minutes, were killed (red), captured (blue), wounded (yellow), or missing (green) at Herbst Woods and the area in front of the Lutheran Theological Seminary. Being a very visual person, I felt this was a stark representation of the tragedy of war in such a short span of time.

The 151st brought 446 men and 21 officers to Gettysburg. Of these, 79 men and 2 officers were killed, 172 men and 9 officers were wounded, and 71 men and 4 officers were captured or went missing. Their total loss over those three days was 322 men and 15 officers.

(cont after the list)

Bernville, PA, founded in 1819, was a small but growing community that served as a local hub for the predominantly agrarian society. The nearby Union Canal played a significant role in the area’s development, facilitating the transport of goods. The town housed a few essential establishments, including general stores, blacksmith shops, farms, and churches.

Just a few miles north, a newer community, Strausstown (established in 1840), sat at the base of the sleepy Blue Mountains. Both of these communities, though small, were typical thriving German heritage Pennsylvania farming communities.

Company G of the 151st came from Strausstown, and Company H from the Bernville area. 

In the course of 20 minutes on July 1st, 1863, Bernville, with a population of 350 residents, and Strausstown, with a population half that, lost 63 of their sons, wounded and killed. For those small communities, that number was devastating, and it wasn’t the full complement of those lost during the war.

These were not light wounds either. Reading through the muster roll, you find that 20-30% of the wounded ended up losing an arm or leg.

In Company G men like Jared Dunkelberger would be shot in the eye blinding him for the rest of his life. Isaac Kalbach was shot in the left shoulder and part of his finger shot off. Henry Kitzzel would be shot in the left temple, Levi Kline in the left shoulder blade.

William W Strause, one of five first cousins to fight in the 151st was hit by an exploding shell in the leg, six pieces had to be removed and his bone was shattered. 

In Company H Alfred Lacy would be hit in the back of the head by a bullet and a two inch piece of his skull would be removed. John McIntyre shot in the forehead and blinded, James Edwin Maddison would lose an arm, William Sweetland...a hand. 

On July 27th, less than a month after the horrors of Gettysburg, the 151st was mustered out and sent home. Those who were able made their way back to Harrisburg and from there returned to their communities.

Besides their physical wounds, they also suffered from the mental anguish of war. Although the idea of PTSD and therapy weren’t even a thought in those days, many of the men likely tried to find their own ways of dealing with the pain of what they experienced.

Throughout the course of my project, I found that many soldiers ended up taking their own lives, turning to alcohol, or being confined to mental institutions as they tried to deal with the horrors of war that no doubt played in their minds often.

When these men came home, they found their jobs gone or filled by others. Sometimes jobs that were saved were no longer accessible because of a loss of a leg or arm. If they couldn’t find someone to work the land, their farms suffered from neglect.

They returned as broken men and sometimes fought with those in the communities that didn’t serve.

Veterans organizations like the GAR and the Woman’s Relief Society, as well as a pension from the government, worked to aid the returning soldiers as much as they could, but it would take years, even centuries, for their communities to recover.

This situation would play out all over the Commonwealth and the Country showing that even though the war was over the battles had just begun.

William G.W. Iaeger

 

A little quiz for you dear readers....

What does Hamburg Pennsylvania,  a retort (a device used for distallation), The Dominican Republic, and a tiny town in the West Virginia Appalachias have in common?

Answer: William George Washington Iaeger (pronounced yeager and sometimes spelled Jaeger)

                                                                            William Iaeger

William was born March 25th 1830 in Hamburg (technically Klinesville between Hamburg and Lenhartsville) Pennsylvania. He was the son of Gottlieb and Mary Iaeger. Gottlieb, a clergyman, was originally from Baden-Wurttemberg Germany and came to the US in 1817. He entered into the Lutheran ministry in 1819 and was a pastor at many of the area churches. His wife Mary was born in Kutztown and would eventually bear 11 children. 

The rear of Gottlieb's tombstone reflects his years of service at many different area churches

Williams 1865 passport described him as 5'10" with brown hair, brown eyes, and a fair complexion

Unfortunately the time between  his youth and 1860 is shrouded in mystery...hopefully someone who is reading this can fill in the gap and email me at witscivilwar@gmail.com

However multiple sources say he was in the Mexican American war and tag him with the rank of Colonel. (cant confirm this) and multiple sources tag him with also being a friend of Abraham Lincolns (cant confirm this either). However these sources also say he was a Confederate (he was not) and he was a blockade runner (he was not) so with time, history was a bit twisted.

What we DO know (according the to 1860 census) is that he lived in Baltimore Maryland and owned a Lamp Black Manufacturer. 

Lamp Black is a finely powdered black pigment made from soot

It was around that time that he applied for a patent for a retort for distilling oil from coal to make that Lamp Black. A retort is a vessel used in the distilling process. 

I also do feel he may have been a friend or aquaintence of the president because in November 1861 he was tapped to be the United States Consul and commercial agent to the capitol of Dominica, Santo Dominica (Dominican Republic)

And this is where Williams Civil War service comes into play.

A little background on Santo Damingo. 

In 1860, the Dominican Republic was under the rule of President Pedro Santana. This period was marked by significant political instability and economic challenges. Santana, who had been a key figure in the Dominican War of Independence against Haiti, sought to stabilize the country by seeking protection from Spain. This led to the controversial decision to annex the Dominican Republic back to Spain in 1861, a move that was met with mixed reactions from the Dominican population. 

Spain moved in quickly since the United States who had financial ties to the area wasnt going to interfere because of country being occupied by its Civil War.

The annexation was intended to bring economic stability and protection from Haitian invasions, but it also led to the loss of Dominican sovereignty. Many Dominicans were opposed to this decision, leading to the outbreak of the Dominican Restoration War in 1863. This war was a struggle to regain independence from Spanish rule and was characterized by guerrilla warfare and significant sacrifices by the Dominican people.

By 1865, the Dominican Republic successfully restored its independence, marking the end of Spanish rule and the beginning of the Second Republic. Spain saw the writing on the wall with the end of the American Civil War and knew it was time to leave.  

In November 1861 when William took office Abraham Lincoln was making plans to purchase the Dominican Republic as a potential place for resettling freed slaves. However this plan would not come to fruition. 

The Domincan Republic was a safe haven for American slaves and many escaped there to work the docks and warehouses shipping sugar, coffee, cocoa and most importantly tobacco back through the Federal blockade to the United States

You can read the dispatches from William to Secretary of State Seward here... you will just need to flip ahead to after November 1861 (Starts on Plate 51)

These dispatches give us a unique view of the world beyond our borders during the Civil War. 

One of his letters speaks of the American Slaves in the Dominican Republic. A large group of African Americans wanted to work the docks, however the Spanish who owned the docks would not allow them to unless they had American citizenship. (which in 1862 was not yet a thing). They also had the choice to take Spanish citizenship and take fealty to the crown but none of the men wanted to do that.

The letter requests help from Secretary Seward (Plate 63)

 

By Plate 231 it is October 1863 and Domincan Rebels are fighting full force with the Spanish. The Spanish have fortified Santo Damingo and are losing every battle.

William ends his dispatch with..

 "A race of beings who glory in the ruin and desolation of my own native country, as these Spaniards have done, I have no sympathy for them and I doubt very much that their dear friend Jeff Davis can now assist them in crushing their revolution in Santo Damingo"

By 1865 the Spanish were excised from the island and the Dominicans once again had control.

After the war and his stint in the West Indies, William started coal and lumber companies in what is now McDowell County West Virginia. As his empire grew and he built more and more buisnesses he became the largest landowner in West Virginia being almost worth10 million dollars in todays money. Soon the area would be named after him, Iaeger West Virginia

On July 14th 1903 in Huntington West Virginia Colonel Ieager would pass away at the ripe old age of 80. 

His body would be returned to Hamburg PA to be buried near his birthplace with the rest of his family.

The family is buried at the foot of St. Johns Church In Hamburg Pennsylvania

160th Anniversary of the Battle of the Crater: Henry Clay Pleasants

 

Today on the 160^th anniversary of the Battle of the Crater, July 30th 1864. I remember Brevet Brigadier General Henry Pleasants. Henry Clay Pleasants was born on February 16, 1833, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pleasants moved to the United States at the age of 13. He later became a mining and civil engineer in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, a profession that would significantly influence his military career.

When the Civil War broke out, Pleasants enlisted as a second lieutenant in the 3-month 6th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.

By July 1861, he had joined the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry. Pleasants quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a captain and later a lieutenant colonel. He along with the 48^th fought in most of the significant battles of the eastern theatre.

Pleasants’ most notable contribution came during the Siege of Petersburg in 1864. Leveraging his engineering expertise, he proposed and executed a daring plan to dig a tunnel beneath the Confederate lines and fill it with explosives.

With no help from other federal forces, he and the other men from the 48^th dug a 500 foot tunnel with makeshift and hand made tools. A feat that many (including the head of Engineering for the US forces) said couldn’t be done.

One of the original cracker boxes used to haul dirt

This ambitious project culminated in the Battle of the Crater on July 30, 1864. Although the explosion created a massive breach in the Confederate defenses, poor coordination led to a failed Union assault and heavy casualties.

Despite the setback, Pleasants’ ingenuity and leadership left a lasting legacy. His efforts demonstrated the critical role of engineering and innovation in warfare, highlighting the unique contributions of the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry under his command.

He is buried in Charles Baber Cemetery in Pottsville Schuylkill County. His tombstone is very humble and carries the words “UNTIL THE DAY BREAK AND THE SHADOWS FLEE AWAY”

Soldier Story: Captain Graeff gets in trouble.

Jacob moved to Leesport at 16 with his family and worked as a clerk at A.D. Himmelreich who ran a successful grain business in the basement of the Schuylkill Valley House in Leesport. Jacob also worked for a time worked at the hotel at 5th and Penn in Reading,
 

At 28 Jacob was commissioned in  Company E 151st Pennsylvania Infantry on September 25th 1863 in Reading as Captain. The 151st was mustered in as a 9 month term unit on October 29th 1863.

On November 26th the 151st moved to Washington DC and was attached to the 3rd Brigade Casey's Division as part of the defensive line around Washington DC

In February they moved to Belle Plains VA and were attached to the 1st Army Corp.

At the end of February they were on picket duty along Bull run when Captain Jacob got himself into a little trouble by leaving the picket line.

He would later be Court Martialed for this..

The following is a report from that Court Martial

Before a General Court Martial which convened at Centerville, Virginia, April 11, 1863, pursuant to General Orders, No. 38, dated March 31, 1863, and Special Orders, No. 36, dated April 3, 1863, Headquarters Casey’s Division, Washington, and of which Colonel George L. Willard, 125th New York Volunteers, is President, was arraigned and tried —

Captain Jacob S. Graeff, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteers.

Charge I. — “ Quitting his guard.”

Specification — “In this; that, Captain Jacob S. Graeff, Company ‘E,’ 151st Pennsylvania Volunteers, having been regularly detailed as officer of the picket guard for the right wing of the picket line extending from Union Mills to Blackburn’s Ford, along the general course of Bull Run stream, did, after having been duly placed in command of such guard, and after said guard had been posted, quit his said guard and leave the said picket line and go to the camp of his said regiment. This at or near Union Mills, Virginia, on or about the 9th day of February, 1863.”

Charge II. — “Conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline.”

Specification — “In this; that he, Captain Jacob S. Graeff, Company ‘E,’ 151st Pennsylvania Volunteers, while regularly in command of the picket guard of said Regiment — which guard was posted along the picket line from Union Mills to Blackburn’s Ford, along the general course of Bull Run stream, and while stationed at post number seven of said picket line, to wit, at McLean’s Ford, with a reserve of said guard— did, before he was regularly relieved, quit said post number seven, and go away from the said picket line to the camp of his said Regiment, and did so remain away for a long time This at or near Union Mills, Virginia, on or about the 9th day of February, 1863.”

To which charges and specifications the accused, Captain Jacob S. Gratff, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteers, pleaded “ Not Guilty.”

Finding.

The Court, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds the accused, Captain Jacob S. Graeff, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteers, as follows:

Charge I.

Of the Specification, “Guilty.”

Of the Charge, “ Guilty.”

Charge II.

Of the Specification, “Guilty, except the words, ‘and did so remain away for a long time.’ ”

Of the Charge, “Guilty.”

Sentence.

And the Court does therefore sentence him, Captain Jacob S. Graeff, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteers, “To be dismissed the service of the United States.

The proceedings of the Court in the case of Captain Jacob S. Graeff, 151st Pennsylvania Volunteers, have been forwarded to the President of the United States, who approves the sentence, but directs that it be mitigated to a forfeiture of pay for the period of three months.

After the Civil War Captain Graeff came home and became a proprietor of the Leesport hotel and also for a time was the postmaster of Leesport. 

He is buried at the Leesport Cemetery in Leesport PA

 

Soldier Story: Lieutenant Harry Hudson 88th Pennsylvania Infantry

 

A story I learned about while reading up on the 88^th Pennsylvania Infantry

23-year-old Harry Hudson from Roxborough Philadelphia joined the 88^th Pennsylvania Infantry on September 13^th 1861.

At the beginning of their service the 88^th would move to Washington and act as provost guard for Alexandria Virginia.

By August of 1862 he had worked his way up to 1^st Lieutenant. The 88^th had worked their way to Culpeper Virginia with General Popes Army of Virginia as he pursued General Jackson near the Shenandoah.

On August 9^th they stood in battle line two miles outside of Culpeper as General Banks moved to check the Confederate advancement which would eventually be called the Battle of Cedar Mountain.

The 88^th would stand in line until nightfall listening to the sounds of battle in the distance

After both armies pulled away from battle they would move to the Rapidan within cannon shot distance of the Confederates

On the 18^th of August reports were that the enemy was massing on the other side of the river and in the middle of the night the 88^th and the rest of General Towers brigade pulled away from the Rapidan.

Lieutenant Hudson and Company C were ordered to an Orange and Alexandria railroad bridge that crossed near Raccoon Ford to destroy it. When they reached the bridge pioneers had already cut the deck loose and unfortunately when Lieutenant Hudson stepped on it, it collapsed and crashed on top of him crushing him.

He would be rendered unconscious and would die the next day.

The 88^th would then pull back to near Kelly's Ford that crossed the Rappahannock River

He would be buried in an unmarked grave next to the river on the 20^th of August, just another of the thousands of men without a stone to remember him by, but whose story should not be forgotten

Soldier Highlight- "Blind" Mike

Michael Link was born in Wurtemburg Germany on September 7^th 1839. At a young age his family would move to Berks County Pennsylvania. At 21 Michael Link who worked as a Blacksmith in Reading PA,  joined Company E of the 151^st Pennsylvania as a bugler..

The 151^st was a 9 month unit that first saw slight action at the battle of Chancellorsville, but its main fight was at Gettysburg.

On July 1^st 1863 when the 1^st Corp under General John Reynolds arrived on the field, the 151^st was put in reserve at the Lutheran Theological Seminary.

As the battle swelled before them portions of the 1^st Corps were battered and began falling back. The 151^st was sent in as reserve. As they got into position the regiments that flanked them fell back or were shattered leaving the 151^st alone to stem the Confederate tide.

Michael struck in the eye. The bullet entered his left eye and emerged through his right destroying his sight.

He would survive and after a lengthy term in the hospital in Philadelphia, he returned to Reading. He would receive one of the highest pensions in Berks County (72$ a month) and with that he he would build two three story homes on Penn Street (114 Penn Street Reading) and opened a shop where he would cane chairs.

“Blind Mike” as he was now known, would give small concerts on the street to the delight of the Reading citizens and teach music lessons at his home.

Private Michael Link is buried at Charles Evans Cemetery in Reading Pennsylvania.

 

 

Soldier Highlight: John Varner 49th Pennsylvania Infantry

 

John Varner was born on July 6th 1836 in Fayette Township Juniata County. John is my third Great Granduncle.  And since today is his birthday and he is the ember that sparked my project I wanted to tell his story today.

 In December of 1863 John was living in Cocalamus Pennsylvania outside of McCallisterville with his Wife Elizabeth and three children, Barbara (5), William (2) and Levi (2 months) when he recieved his draft notice. 

From Cocalamus he travelled to Harrisburg where he was mustered in an attached to the 49th Pennsylvania Infantry "New" Company G

The 49th was much decimated from the battles they had been in over the first few years of the Civil War. By December of 1863 its numbers were so low that they had to consolidate their companies, giving them the moniker of "New" (ie New Company G etc)

On December 31st 1863 on a rainy, cold and muddy day, John and 55 other recruits arrived at the 49ths camp at Brandy Station Virginia. He would spend the next few months learning how to be a soldier, building winter quarters and enduring the snowy, rainy cold weather of upper Virginia winter.

In March of 1864 General Grant took over the Union Army and set forth on the 1864 campaign (The Overland Campaign) and the 49th was sent South on the quest to attack the Confederate Capitol of Richmond and end the war. 

On May 4th the men crossed the Germania ford on a pontoon bridge and entered the area known as the "Wilderness". This area was logged heavily for nearby Iron production leaving a labyrinth of gnarled trees, thick underbrush, and shadowed ravines near Locust Grove, about 20 miles west of Fredericksburg.

On May 5th as they continued south ont he plank road they heard firing in the distance. They turned right and faced the green wall of dense underbrush, on the order they moved in. 

(from the Regimental History of the 49th)

"Thursday, May 5, '1864. — We resumed our march on the plank road this morning, and Company C was deployed as flankers. Soon our skirmishers came in contact with the enemy, and about 9 A. M. the flankers were withdrawn and joined the regiment. We advanced about one mile through the forest in line of battle, or most of this time it was a charge. We drove the rebels in our front like a lot of sheep. On account of the woods and underbrush the four old companies and colors of our regiment was cut loose from our new companies, and are still going ahead. Colonel Hulings rode out and ordered us back. We must get reformed. Some of Company B starts to run down on an old road to the left. After running about 50 yards we capture a rebel Major and his horse. We came on him very unexpectedly, and in an instant the bayonets of the guns of William Blatt, Billy White, John Ginethan and R. S. Westbrook were not a foot from his head. It is a wonder that one of us did not shoot. The major threw up his left hand and surrendered. Ed. Miller and Peter McGonigal, of Company B, join us; they are wounded. They take charge of the major and his horse, and go back fast as they can. We now run back up the road about fifty yards, and with some others form. Now the 119th Pennsylvania Volunteers are coming up, and they fire into us. We drop to the ground, and are very angry. We say some bad words and fire a few shots at them and hollow that they are firing into the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Soon we get straightened out arid move back to the new companies and form. While going back we find James McCord, of Company B. He is standing up, holding his entrails in; a ball has cut him across the stomach. Our loss in the regiment is about thirty-four killed and wounded. We remained in the line during the night and had several more wounded."

They enguaged for a few days in the Wilderness then pulled out and moved South. For the next few months they would be enguaged in battle almost every day.

On May 9th they arrived at Spottsylvania Courthouse. It began to rain turning the area into a muddy mess. The Confederates had dug in pretty heavily creating well emplaced fortifications.

On May 10th Colonel Emory Upton led an attack with 12 hand-picked regiments (including the 49th). After 30 minutes of bombardment the regiments would rush across 200 yards of open ground and attack the Conffederate works. 

(from the Regimental History of the 49th)

"We are laying low, and not a word is spoken above a whisper in our ranks. We see the duty we are expected to perform, and orders are quietly passed along the line in a whisper. Soon as the order is given every man is to move forward on the charge, hollow and take the works. We are ready, and when we got the order, "Forward, charge!" every man in the twelve regiments is on his feet. Up we go, and no rebel army could have stopped us, and in less than ten minutes we have their works, artillery and about 1,000 prisoners. We have taken everything in our immediate front, but we had a hand to hand fight. No time now to load our pieces, and many of our boys are using bayonets, butts of guns and fists — anything to ,get the rebels back out of our way. Color Corporal Riden hit a big rebel with his fist because he forgot to drop his gun, and five minutes later the former was wounded. Color Corporal T. H. McFarland was wounded in the arm, and the boys told him to get back, but he said, "No, damned if I do," and over the works he goes. Lieutenant Howell is in a tight place, three rebels being at him. He cuts one over the head with his cavalry saber, he knocks the second over with his left hand, and Miles Wakefield put the bayonet into the third just in time to save the lieutenant, as the rebel's bayonet was within one foot of the lieutenant's stomach.

Lieutenant G. E. Hackenberg, of Company I, grabs a stand of rebel colors from a big rebel, tears them from the staff and sticks them in his bosom. Bob Davison, on the left of the regiment, runs in the advance and captures a piece of artillery. All the rebels had left it but a boy, who sat on the gun until Davison laid hold of it and made him get down. On account of his grit Davison would not shoot him, but sent him to the rear. We are now to the second line of the works, or near it. It has taken several minutes to get the rebels out of our way. Here a rebel lieutenant, after passing to the rear, orders his men to pick up the guns that our dead and wounded have left on the field and fire on us from the rear. Sergeant Sam Steiner, of Company F, now a resident of Gallitzin, Pa., hears this order, and quick as lightning he puts a ball into the rebel's back, who threw his' hands up and dropped to the ground. This stopped the picking up of guns. God only knows what they would have done had Steiner not acted promptly. Some of our boys have reached the third line of works, and about twenty-five of us runs to the right about sixty yards for three pieces of artillery that have been giving us grape and cannister."

The battle over the next few days would be a back and forth wet slog of hand to hand combat

The 49th would continue to fight on, through the battles at Anna River, Cold Harbor and finally in the outer limits of the Dimmock line at Petersburg. 

Hearing that Jubal Early was on his way to attack Washington, regiments, including the 49th were sent north to reinforce Washington.

On July 10th the 49th left the trenchworks at Petersburg and headed to City Point where they boarded a ship and headed north.

After three months of almost daily constant fighting the men were grateful for a reprieve. All were battered and beaten and exausted.

When they reached Washington a good number of them (including John) were sent to the Hospital. 

On Friday July 15th 1864 while at camp at Poolville Maryland Troutman Burkhammer of the 67th New York was hung for desertion and acting as a spy. His body was left to hang in camp for most of the day and evening. After this act some of the men had enough...

The next day at roll call a few of the men including John deserted. 

I cant imagine what it was like to fight in some of the most horrific battles of the Civil War. With what we know of PTSD today you have to imagine the physical and mental toll fights like had on these men.

John probably was never the same as he returned to his wife and young family in Juniata County. Not only did he have to live with the horrors that he witnessed and no doubt committed but now he also had to live with the stigma of being a "deserter"

It is this story that inspired me to create this project. Stories like Johns should not be forgotten. Men like John should not be forgotten. All around the commonwealth stories like this are hidden underneath the silent stones of these soldiers final resting place.

I hope that through this project the stories of these brave men who fought to keep our nation whole is not forgotten.

You can find the route John took while in service on the map page of this site

Men of the 151st Pennsylvania Infantry in Northern Berks at Gettysburg 161st Anniversary

 The 151st Pennsylvania Infantry, also known as “The Schoolteachers’ Regiment” played a crucial role in the Battle of Gettysburg. Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel George F. McFarland from McCalisterville Juniata County, the regiment brought 467 men to the field on July 1, 1863. 

The Majority of the companies were from Berks County. 

Companies A and C, Susquehanna County

Company B, Pike County

Company F, Warren County

Company D, Juniata County

Companies E, G, H, K, and part of I, Berks County

Remainder of Company I, was from Schuylkill County

On July 1st ...the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the 151st Pennsylvania was positioned near the Lutheran Theological Seminary. At around 3pm the regiment was the last reserve of 1st Corp who had been diligently fighting the Confederates most of the day, and was ordered forward to fill a gap between the famed Iron Brigade and other regiments of Rowley's Brigade. 

Unfortunately for the 151st the Iron Brigade mistakenly pulled back thinking the 151st was there to relive them. On their left the other regiments were smashed leaving the 151st alone to face the Confederate tide. They were surrounded and decimated.

The regiment’s steadfast defense helped delay the Confederate advance, allowing Union forces to regroup on Cemetery Hill. Over the next two days, the 151st Pennsylvania continued to fight valiantly, participating in the defense of Cemetery Hill and repelling Pickett’s Charge on July 3

By the end of the battle, the 151st Pennsylvania had suffered devastating losses, with 51 killed, 211 wounded, and 75 missing. Their sacrifice was among the highest of any Union regiment at Gettysburg, with a casualty rate of 75%. Despite these losses, their actions were instrumental in the Union’s eventual victory at Gettysburg.

Today 161 years later I wanted to remember those men and mention the ones buried in our little corner of Northern Berks.

Buried at Zions Blue Mountain Cemetery Strausstown (all company H)

Private Daniel  L Bagenstose    (34)       

Private Elias M Boltz     (20)       

Private Joseph S Boltz (21)       

Private Joseph M Goodman (44) Wounded

Corporal Percival R Goodman  (31)       

Corporal Jonathan G Haag (29) Wounded: Lost Right arm

Private Levi B Kobel (18)             

Private John W Lengel  (23)       

Corporal Levi R Manbeck (33) Wounded

Private Andrew B Miller (38) Wounded: Lost Left Leg

Corporal Joseph N Moyer (29) Wounded: Lost Right Arm

Private Jeremiah M Reichert (20)           

Private Solomon Strauss (41) Wounded: Lost Left Arm

 

Buried at Ebenezer Cemetery Shoemakersville

Private Samuel Schlear (34)  Company E Wounded

 

Buried at Friedens Union Shartlesville

Private Benjamin Pearson (21) Company E wounded: fingers shot off

 

Buried at Jacob Haag Cemetery Bernville

Corporal George D Farhrenbach (18) Company G

Corporal Lewis P Kershner (20) Company G

Private Monroe K Manback (18) Company H

 

Buried at St. Thomas Bernville

Private Daniel  Blatt (21) Company E   

Corporal Christian R Koenig (26) Company G   Wounded lost right arm

Private Daniel  Livers (18) Company G Wounded both thighs

Private Henry R Lutz     (19) Company H             

Private Alfred U Moll     (19) Company  H           

Sergeant Jonathan L.B. Reber  (22) Company G             

Private Alfred D Stoudt (18) Company G Wounded: Shot through left wrist and thigh

Private Frederick H Werner (41) Company G   

 

Buried at Greenwood Cemetery Hamburg

Corporal Benjamin Egolf (23) Company E Wounded: Shot Through right calf and just below the knee

Private Benjamin Ketterer (34) Company G

 

Buried at Bern Church Leesport

Private Ephriam Bingaman (21) Company K      Wounded

Private Erasmus H Gruber (24) Company G      Wounded Shot in left arm 6 inches below shoulder, lost arm

Private Joseph Hartline (42) Company G           

Private Israel D Heffner (29) Company G           

4th Sergeant Washington K Hiester (25) Company G   

Private William R Stamm (22) Company G        

Private Adam G Strause (23) Company G Wounded above right knee

Private Daniel  L Zechman (40) Company G     

Private William H Zechman (18) Company G Sent to hospital sick

 

Buried at Eplers Church Leesport

Private Ruben  Beecher (22) Company E Wounded, sent to hospital in Philadelphia where he died on 7/3

Corporal Peter K Harbach (21) Company K      

Sergeant Benneville F  Kramer (21) Company  G  Wounded

 

Buried at Gernants Cemetery Leesport

Private Isaac Hinkel      (21) Company E

Private Edwin Mogle     (30) Company G

Private George Rapp     (21) Company K

Private John Rothermel (36) Company H

 

Buried at Leesport Cemetery Leesport

Private Nelson Bodey   (18) Company  E Wounded

Captain Jacob  S Graeff (28) Company E            

Private Aaron   D Hains (32) Company E            

Private Israel  Marks (27) Company E  

Private Valentine Painter (29) Company G Wounded shot in head (survived)

 

Buried at Bellemans Church Mohrsville

Private Adam Greim (29) Company E   Missing at Gettysburg

Corporal Edmund Kauffman (23) Company E   Wounded

Private Paul Lengel (22) Company G    

Private Aaron Snyder (22) Company G

Zions Lutheran Cemetery-Womelsdorf PA

 

Today I completed the preliminary research for the 33 Civil War Soldiers of Zions Lutheran Cemetery in Womelsdorf. 

There were three units represented more than others in this cemetery. The 14th Pennsylvania Infantry, a unit organized in April 1861, immediately after Abraham Lincolns first call for 75,000 men for 3 months of service. The 42nd Emergency Militia, a unit organized for a little under two months to try to stop the Confederates from attacking Pennsylvania. And lastly, the 55th Pennsylvania Infantry, a regiment that spent time in South Carolina before joining General Grant in the Overland campaign at the end of the war.

You can find the full list in the cemetery section of this site.

The stand-out soldier of this cemetery for me was the tragic story of Private Henry Rittenhouse. 

Henry was 23 when he joined company C of  the 149th Pennsylvania Infantry in August of 1862. From its organization in Harrisburg the 149th moved to Belle Plains Virginia in the beginning of 1863 and hen joined with the Army of the Potomac in its ill-fated Chancellorsville Campaign.

After the loss at Chancellorsville it was hurried north to try to stop the Confederates incursion into Pennsylvania. In the beginning of July they reached Gettysburg where they participated in the first days battle along Chambersburg Pike and the famed "railway cut".

At Gettysburg they lost 66 men killed 159 wounded including Henry who was wounded in the nose and sent to the hospital.

After leaving the hospital he rejoined his unit as they chased after General Lee back into Virginia. In 1864 they joined General Grant and his Overland campaign as he maneuvered to attack Richmond. 

Unfortunately for Henry during the North Anna battle he was captured on May 23rd 1864. From there he was sent to the horrors of infamous Andersonville Prison in Georgia. 

Andersonville Prison, stands as a haunting symbol of the human cost of the American Civil War. Located in southwest Georgia, this Confederate military prison became notorious for its overcrowded conditions, inadequate supplies, and high mortality rate.

Originally covering about 16.5 acres, the prison was enclosed by a 15-foot-high stockade. Its rectangular shape, measuring 1,620 feet by 779 feet, allowed for a cramped space of about 5 feet by 6 feet per prisoner.

Confederate Captain Henry Wirz commanded the site, which suffered from inadequate water supply, insufficient food, and unsanitary conditions. Of the approximately 45,000 Union prisoners held at Camp Sumter during the war, nearly 13,000 (28%) died, primarily due to scurvy, diarrhea, and dysentery

When Henry was paroled in November he was sickly and suffering greatly from scurvy and other diseases and was sent to the hospital in Washington DC

After he was well enough to travel he headed home. Unfortunately the ravages of Andersonville would follow him for the rest of his life. He would never truly recover from the diseases he contracted and therefore could not work.

He received a measly 6$ a month pension and repeatedly petitioned the government for an increase because of his disabilities, which were subsequently denied.

In his 50s his health continued to fail him and his self-perceived uselessness caused great depression. Soon his eyesight began to fail him and on June 22nd 1896 he took his own life. 

Many took to the papers talking about what a horrible tragedy it was for a soldier to be treated this way.

The Civil War tends to be romanticized and this story is a stark reminder of the trauma that followed these soldiers for the rest of their lives.