Bio: John L. Drew : Pittsfield, Merrimack County, New Hampshire

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Submitted by: Rick Giirtman rickman@worldpath.net
Date: March 12, 2001
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From the Book
'History of Pittsfield, N. H. in the Rebellion'
by H. L. Robinson, published 1893


JOHN L. DREW

was born in Quincy, Mass., September 7, 1840, and was a son of John P. and
Mary W. Drew. He removed to Strafford, N. H., with his parents, where he
lived until he was nineteen years of age. He then came to Pittsfield and
worked at his trade, shoe making, until he enlisted, September 10, 1862,
being at that time 22 years of age. He was assigned to Company G, Fifteenth
New Hampshire volunteers. He was mustered into the United States service
October 11, 1862, for the period of nine months; was mustered out August 13,
1863, by reason of expiration of term of service.

He reenlisted in 1864, and was mdstered into Company K, First New Hampshire
heavy artillery, on the second day of September, for the period of one year,
or during the war. Was discharged June 5, 1865, at Washington, D. C., by
reason of General Order No. 5 (close of the war).

During his first enlistment he was engaged in both battles at Port Hudson,
besides taking part in the siege of that place, which lasted from May 27
until July 8, 1863. On the evening of the first battle, a call for
volunteers to go on advance picket was issued, and young Drew was one of the
number who presented himself and was accepted. During the siege he was
always ready to carry rations to those on picket duty or working in the
trenches, when others declined the risk. One night, while his company were
engaged in undermining the citadel of Port Hudson, Drew was engaged in
carrying food and drink to his comrades, when a shell burst, knocking him
over; he was taken up for dead, but soon recovered after reaching camp. He
was very handy in caring for the sick and wounded--a natural nurse--and
many a poor soldier has reason to remember him for this. He was standing
near Lieutenant-Colonel Henry W. Blair, since United States senator, when
the latter was wounded, and he at once produced a tourniquet to place on
the officer's arm.

During his second term of service he was assigned to a responsible position
in the quartermaster's department, the duties of which he performed to the
satisfaction of his superior officers, and credit to himself. He is now
living near Barnstead Center, N. H.