Martial Deeds of Pennsylvania, Samuel P. Bates, 1876 - Part 2, Chapter 13, 848-
895

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                         MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA
                                       by
                                SAMUEL P. BATES.

                     PHILADELPHIA: T. H. DAVIS & CO., 1876.

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 848

                              Part II.  BIOGRAPHY.

                                  CHAPTER XIII.

  WILLIAM WOODS AVERELL, Colonel of the Third cavalry, Brigadier and Brevet 
Major-General, was born on the 5th of November, 1832, at Cameron, Steuben 
county, New York.  He was the son of Hiram and Huldah (Hemmingway) Averell.  His 
paternal grandfather, Ebenezer, was a soldier of the Revolution, and his great-
grandfather, Solomon, one of the early settlers of Connecticut.  He became a 
cadet at West Point in 1851, graduated in 1855, was made Brevet Second 
Lieutenant in a regiment of mounted riflemen, and sent to garrison Jefferson 
Barracks, Missouri.  In 1856 he was transferred to the cavalry school at 
Carlisle, and in the following year was ordered upon the frontier in New Mexico.  
On the 7th of December, 1857, he had a brisk skirmish with a band of Kiowa 
Indians, near Fort Craig, routing and destroying them.  In 1858 he went upon the 
Navajoe expedition, in which encounters were frequent, engaging at Chusca Valley 
with Kyatano's band, and at the Puerco of the West, where he was severely 
wounded, the savages attacking the camp at night.
 When rebellion reared its threatening head, he was sent as bearer of despatches 
to Colonel Emory, at Fort Arbuckle, in the Indian Territory, performing a 
journey of 1800 miles in fourteen and a half days.  During June and July of 1861 
he was on mustering duty at Elmira, New York, and subsequently was Adjutant-
General to General A. Porter, in the first Manassas campaign. On the 23d of 
August he was commissioned Colonel of the Third cavalry, and given command of a 
brigade posted in front of Washington.  He led the advance of McClellan's army 
on Manassas in 1862, and was in active service throughout the Peninsula 
campaign, bearing a part in the operations at Yorktown, Williams-

WILLIAM W. AVERELL - 849

burg, Fair Oaks, and Malvern Hill, and routed the rebel cavalry in a skirmish at 
Sycamore Church, on the 2d of August.  He was prostrated by sickness, and was 
absent during the Second Bull Run and Maryland campaigns.  Upon his return he 
was promoted to Brigadier-General.  He went immediately to the upper Potomac, 
where he employed in frequent skirmishing, and when the army advanced was hotly 
engaged along the passes of the Blue Ridge.  During the winter of 1863 he had 
command of the Second division of cavalry.
  Averell was a good disciplinarian, and troops under his command were rapidly 
transformed to real soldiers.  In the spirit of banter, Fitz Hugh Lee, the rebel 
cavalry leader, who had been his companion at West Point, invited him to come 
over the river and visit him, and bring him a bag of coffee, a rare luxury in 
the rebel camp.  Averell is one of those men to whom bold exploit is meat and 
drink.  He at once determined to accept the invitation, and summoning to horse 
on the 17th of March, 1863, rode to Kelly's Ford, crossed the Potomac, attacked 
and won a decided victory over Lee and Stuart, tempering their appetites for the 
coffee which he had brought, and returned in good order, with only slight loss.  
This was the first considerable cavalry victory of the war. It went to the heart 
of the North a thrill of joy.  It disclosed what a skilful and bold leader could 
effect.  "For gallant and meritorious services" in this battle, General Averell 
was brevetted Major in the regular army.  When the Chancellorsville campaign 
opened he was charged with demonstrations upon the upper Potomac, and in the 
direction of Gordonsville.  Heavy rains interfered with efficient action, and 
little was accomplished.
  In the reorganization of the army which shortly after took place, Averell was 
sent to take command of the cavalry in West Virginia-a difficult country in 
which to operate, and intensely wearing to the troops.  At Beverly on the 4th of 
July, 1863, at Hedgeville on the 19th, at Moorfield on the 7th of August, and at 
the Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs on the 26th, he led his mounted command in 
brisk actions.  At Droop Mountain the enemy had intrenched upon the summit, and 
was well supplied with artillery, and here on the 6th of November Averell 
attacked;

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 850

and though the force was formidable he flanked it, and completely routed the 
foe, capturing guns and trains.  For his gallant conduct he was brevetted 
Lieutenant-Colonel in the regular army.  He was scarcely settled in camp, when, 
on the 8th of December, he again led his command southward on one of the most 
daring raids in all his stirring campaigns.  Its object was the destruction of 
the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, and the immense stores there collected.  By 
rapid marching he arrived at his destination on the 16th, and commenced the work 
of devastation.  Several bridges and miles of track, depots, mill with warehouse 
and grain, meat, salt, clothing and merchandise, to the value of millions of 
dollars, were given to destruction.  The enemy hurried forward troops in large 
force and put them upon his track.  It was mid-winter, the roads icy, his beasts 
smooth-shod, and the streams swollen; but that indomitable will and cool daring 
which at Kelly's Ford, Moorfield, and Droop Mountain had gained him the victory 
were not wanting; and though foes were pressing on every side, he eluded all, 
and brought off his command triumphant.  In his report he says: "I was obliged 
to swim my command, and drag my artillery with ropes across Craig's Creek, seven 
times in twenty-four hours."  The creek was deep, the current strong, and filled 
with drifting ice.  And in concluding his report he says: "My command has 
marched, climbed, slidden, and swum, three hundred and forty-five miles since 
the 8th inst."  For this campaign he was brevetted Colonel in the regular army.
  In the spring of 1864 he commanded a division in West Virginia, and was 
engaged at Cove Gap on the 10th of May, where he was wounded, and in the 
destruction of the Tennessee Railroad on the 12th.  He thence marched across the 
Allegheny Mountains to Staunton, where he joined Hunter in his descent upon 
Lynchburg, and with that General made the famous circuit by the Kanawha and Ohio 
rivers to Parkersburg, and thence by rail to Martinsburg.  On the 20th of July 
he defeated Ramseu's division at Carter's Farm, and had a sharp encounter at 
Winchester four days after.  When McCausland made his escape from the burning of 
Chambersburg, Averell moved in pursuit, and at Moorfield overtook and routed his 
division.  The skir-

JOHN I. GREGG - 851

mishing at Bunker Hill and Martinsburg towards the close of August heralded the 
dawn of a glorious day for the Union arms in the Shenandoah Valley, and the 
victories at Winchester, Fisher's Hill, and Mount Jackson followed in quick 
succession, which swept the enemy and made the Valley thenceforth untenable. So 
complete was the destruction that it was facetiously said that if a crow would 
fly from Winchester to Lynchburg he would be obliged to take his provisions with 
him.  General Averell was brevetted Brigadier and Major-General in the regular 
army in recognition of his services at Moorfield and throughout the war.  He 
resigned his commission on the 18th of May, 1865, and in 1866 was appointed 
Consul-General of Canada.

  JOHN IRVIN GREGG, Colonel of the Sixteenth cavalry, Brevet Brigadier and 
Major-General, was born on the 26th of July, 1826, at Bellefonte, Centre county, 
where his family had resided for nearly a century.  His father, Andrew Gregg, 
was for two terms State Senator.  He received a sound education in the academies 
of Centre and Union Counties.  In stature he is six feet four inches in height 
and well formed.  In December, 1846, he volunteered as a private for the Mexican 
War, and on reaching Jalapa received notice of his appointment as First 
Lieutenant in the Eleventh infantry, one of ten new regular regiments.  He was 
subsequently promoted to Captain, and served with honor to the close of the war, 
when these regiments were mustered out of service.  Captain Gregg returned to 
Centre county, where he engaged in the manufacture of iron.  He served in the 
militia as First Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and Lieutenant-Colonel.  He was 
married in November, 1857, to Miss Clarissa A. Everhart, a lady of rare 
amiability and beauty, whose early death was deeply and sincerely mourned.
  At the breaking out of the Rebellion he was made Captain and Colonel of the 
Fifth Reserve, but was shortly after appointed Captain in the Sixth Untied 
States cavalry.  His duty in the field commenced with the Peninsula campaign 
under McClellan, as a squadron.  He was present at the battle of Williamsburg on 
the 5th of May, Kent Court House on the 9th, and on the 11th had possession of 
White House on the Pamunkey.  He

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 852

was with the Union advance at Ellison's Mills on the 21st, and at Hanover Court 
House on the 27th.  In the preliminaries to the Seven Days' battle he skirmished 
with the rebel infantry, and narrowly escaped capture.  Then followed days and 
nights of weary marching, while the army of McClellan was fighting its way to 
the James.  Captain Gregg subsequently did important service in the retirement 
from the Peninsula, and in the campaigns of Second Bull Run and Antietam.  In 
November, 1862, he was selected to command the Sixteenth Pennsylvania cavalry.  
Early in January, 1863, he joined the Army of the Potomac, and was assigned to 
Averell's brigade.  During the remainder of the winter he performed important 
outpost duty, and acquired a reputation for efficiency which was never lost.  
The first and only battle in which Colonel Gregg participated as a regimental 
commander was at Kelly's Ford, on the 17th of March.  The numbers on either side 
were about equal, and the advantage gained by the Union force was decisive, 
marking a new era for that arm.  At Brandy Station, on the 9th of June, nearly 
the entire cavalry of the two armies was engaged.  Here Colonel Gregg led a 
brigade.	
  At Aldie and Upperville the fighting was severe, the combatants coming hand to 
hand.  In the battle of Gettysburg his command was posted so as to protect the 
right flank of the Union army, and was engaged during the afternoon of the 
second day, and during the third.  After Lee made his escape to Virginia, 
Gregg's brigade with the entire division was sent across the Potomac to follow 
up the rebel rear, and ascertain his whereabouts.  But the rebel chieftain 
covered his movements by leaving near the mouth of the valley his best fighting 
troops.  At noon on the 18th, while near Shepherdstown, the Union skirmishers 
were driven in, and close upon their heels the enemy advanced in force.  For 
eight hours, and until night put an end to the contest, the fighting was of the 
most determined character and the carnage terrible.  The enemy was well supplied 
with artillery, which was effectively served.  At first he concentrated his fire 
on the right, then on the left, and finally, just as the sun was sinking, a fire 
of unwonted power and destructiveness was opened upon the right centre.  The 
enemy charged repeatedly,

JOHN I. GREGG - 853

coming on in three columns, and gaining at times a point within thirty paces of 
the Union line; but nothing could withstand the withering fire that swept that 
gory field, and until darkness separated the combatants Gregg's small brigade 
held fast its position, and when the remnants of his faithful band were ordered 
to retire, bore away the mangled forms of one hundred and fifty-eight of their 
comrades.
  In the movement to Culpeper, Gregg was with the advance, and in conjunction 
with Kilpatrick's men captured a body of the enemy who were there cut off.  When 
General Lee commenced his flank movement towards Centreville, one regiment of 
Gregg's brigade was left on the south bank of Hedgeman or Upper Rappahannock 
river, charged with picketing in the direction of Jeffersonton.  At eight 
o'clock on the morning of the 12th of October, the enemy were reported advancing 
in force.  With two small regiments of less than six hundred men, from early in 
the day until nightfall, Colonel Gregg succeeded in checking the right wing of 
Lee's army and delaying his passage of the stream.  The stubborn resistance 
which this devoted band here made was of signal service, as Meade was enabled to 
complete the crossing of the stream, and gain a day's march on his antagonist.
  In November Gregg was ordered to Washington, where he remained the greater 
part of the winter under medical treatment.  In the Wilderness campaign, which 
opened in May, he was in Sheridan's column, and for three days was engaged near 
Todd's Tavern.  On the morning of the 10th Colonel Gregg had the advance in the 
movement upon Richmond, and soon after starting encountered the enemy in force.  
A brisk skirmish ensued.  On the following day Gregg was of the rear-guard, and 
before the column had all moved the enemy attacked with great impetuosity, 
doubling up a part of his brigade, and was near throwing the whole Union force 
into confusion.  At this juncture Gregg brought his artillery into position, and 
when the rebels were at close quarters, gave them grape and canister in rapid 
rounds, which sent them back in utter rout.  It is impossible, as it is 
unnecessary, to follow Colonel Gregg through all the intricate mazes in which he 
led his brigade and division.  He particularly distinguished himself in the 
actions of the 12th of May

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 854

inside the fortifications of Richmond, and at Trevilian Station, on the 11th of 
June, for which he received the brevet rank of Brigadier-General.  In the action 
at Deep Bottom, on the 16th of August, he was wounded in the right wrist.  He 
was also wounded in the ankle at Hatcher's Run, on the 6th of February, while 
attempting to charge at the head of a portion of his brigade against the enemy's 
infantry.  An amusing incident occurred in connection with the dressing of this 
wound.  At the time of the engagement, and for some days previous, a young 
German, the Baron Morehouse, a Lieutenant in the Prussian service and Aide-de-
camp to the King, who was here for the purpose of observing military operations, 
had been serving as a volunteer aid on the staff of General Gregg.  He had kept 
close to the side of the General throughout the battle, and in the midst of the 
sharpest firing.  While the surgeon was removing the boot from the wounded foot, 
seeing the bullet lying loose in the wound, he sprang forward in an excited 
manner, and seizing the blood-stained missile, exclaimed in his broken English, 
"Mien Gott!  I will carry him to Europe and show him to mien king." 
  General Gregg was again wounded at Amelia Springs on the 5th of April, 1865, 
in a skirmish on the occasion of Lee's retreat from Petersburg.  At the close of 
hostilities he was brevetted Major-General of volunteers for distinguished 
services during the war.  He also received the brevets of Major, Lieutenant-
Colonel, Colonel, and Brigadier-General in the regular army, for gallantry in 
action in the battles of Kelly's Ford, Middleburg, Shepherdstown, Wilderness, 
Sulphur Springs, St. Mary's Church, Deep Bottom, Stony creek Station, and 
Hatcher's Run.  Throughout his entire term of service, General Gregg displayed 
the best qualities of the intrepid soldier, and by his stubborn fighting on many 
fields fairly won the character of an heroic and reliable office, one who was 
not afraid to face superior numbers, even under the most unfavorable 
circumstances, and who made his dispositions with so much coolness and self-
possession as to reassure his own men and intimidate the foe.

ROY STONE - 855

  ROY STONE, Colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth regiment, and Brevet 
Brigadier-General, was born at Plattsburg, New York.  He was the son of Ithiel 
Vernon and Sarah (Gurner) Stone.  He was educated at Union College, and when the 
war broke out was a resident of Warren county, on the borders of the great 
forest where a hardy population dwelt.  Forming a company from among them, he 
sought acceptance in the three months' campaign.  Failing in this he kept 
together his men, and after fruitless waiting, started down the Allegheny river 
on flat-boats, with the design of joining McClellan in West Virginia, where a 
stirring campaign was in progress.  He was five days in making the run to 
Pittsburg, and on his arrival was summoned to Harrisburg to join the Reserve 
corps just then authorized.  His men were armed with their own rifles, and each 
wore a bucktail, as an emblem of hardihood and marksmanship.  They were merged 
in the Bucktail regiment, which became famous.
  Before entering upon the campaigns of 1862 the regiment was divided, four 
companies being assigned to Colonel Kane for special service, and the other six 
left to the command of Major Stone and going with the Grand Army to the 
Peninsula.  Recognizing their fitness for skirmish duty, General Reynolds gave 
them the advance in the movement upon Richmond, and at Mechanicsville and Beaver 
Dam Creek they were the first to meet the foe.
  From his camp-fire on the Chickahominy he wrote to his parents on the 28th of 
June: "At noon of the 26th, while on picket two and a half miles from our main 
body, I engaged a large force of the enemy and held them in check until I was 
entirely surrounded, giving our troops time to prepare for the attack.  I then 
cut my way out, and by a wide detour through the woods and swamps finally 
arrived at camp with the loss of seventy-five men.  My black horse, saddle, 
pistols, and boots, had to be left behind.  We had been given up as lost, and 
were received with the greatest demonstrations of delight by General Reynolds 
and all the brigade."
  The fighting at the intrenchments was determined, but the enemy could make no 
impression, and at night it was decided to withdraw the Union force to Gaines' 
Mill.  To Stone was given the place of covering the rear, which he accomplished 
with

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 856

entire success.  "General Reynolds," he says, "stayed with us a great part of 
the time, displaying wonderful courage and skill.  Cooper's battery also 
remained, and was most gallantly served.  Two small companies of Berdan's 
sharpshooters were also placed under my command.  As soon as it was light, the 
enemy, who had placed new batteries, and made all his dispositions under cover 
of night, renewed the attack in great force upon my front, which was the key to 
the whole position.  Again and again they formed for a charge upon our fords, 
and as often they melted away, before our steady fire, while their batteries at 
rifle range poured a most terrible shower of shell, grape and canister upon us, 
shattering the woods over our heads and tearing up the ground about us.  Still 
our protection was so perfect that the loss was comparatively light.  We had 
held them back for two hours and a half, our forces were nearly all safe behind 
the second line, and we were outflanked on the right and left, when General 
Reynolds sent us orders to fall back as best we could.  It was a desperate 
business.  We had three miles to go without any help, and the men were already 
exhausted.  Our loss here was fearful.  We had to traverse nearly a mile before 
we got out of range of the batteries, which had been firing upon us all the 
morning.  Many men fell while passing over that mile, and beyond that, every man 
who gave out on the double-quick had to be left behind.  I brought in the poor 
remainder of the Bucktail regiment, one hundred and twenty-five men and five 
officers, too much exhausted to stand, but full of pluck and covered with 
glory."
  In the action of that day Stone was again ordered in at four in the afternoon, 
and until sunset held his ground, when with the entire Union force engaged he 
retired behind the Chickahominy.  In closing the letter above quoted, he says: 
"No language can describe the glorious conduct of my officers and men.  It was 
more than heroic.  Their loss is great.  As for myself, I escaped with a slight 
bruise, though I had a ball through my bucktail and had my second horse shot 
yesterday."
  Major Stone took position at Charles City Cross Roads in rear of a battery of 
Parrot guns, and while the first charge was being delivered acted as a reserve.  
That charge was successful; but a counter charge in great force carried the 
Reserves back, and now

ROY STONE - 857
 
Stone received the rebels and in turn drove them.  But his men were too few, and 
they were compelled to retire.  Taking up a new position about four hundred 
yards to the rear he made it the rallying point for the Reserves, and soon had 
six standards.  With this force, which intuitively seemed to place itself under 
his command, he moved forward at dusk to the front, where the fighting was still 
fiercely raging. In his official report he says: "I moved by the flank up the 
Richmond road, and advancing steadily to the extreme front under sharp fire, 
halted to reconnoitre, on finding myself among the wrecks of our own batteries 
where the action commenced.  General McCall had come out of the woods wounded 
and alone, and taken his place at the head of the column.  After the halt the 
General took me forward a few paces with him, and in the darkness suddenly we 
found ourselves close upon the levelled muskets of a column of the enemy which 
filled the road in front of us.  We were ordered to halt and dismount, but I 
turned and escaped only slightly hurt, drawing two volleys.  General McCall was 
not so fortunate and is in the hands of the enemy.  I formed my first company 
across the road and went to the rear, by order of General Kearny, who had come 
up in search of a battery to sweep the road in front.  I soon became, however, 
so faint and dizzy from the effects of my hurt, that I was taken to the hospital 
and took no further part in the action, which soon terminated."
  The superior marksmanship of the Bucktails and their great value as 
skirmishers, under such a leader as Stone, pointed to the desirability of a 
brigade of such troops, and at the recommendation of Generals Reynolds, Seymour, 
and others, he was sent to Pennsylvania to recruit one.  Though the plan was not 
carried out, owing to his being ordered to the front when only two regiments 
were full, upon the occasion of the disaster at Bull Run, and advance of the foe 
into Maryland, yet he was eventually put in command of the brigade increased to 
four regiments, having in the meantime been commissioned Colonel of the One 
Hundred and Forty-ninth.  With this he took part in the movements preliminary to 
and in the battle of Chancellorsville.  It was incorporated in the First corps, 
and with Reynolds was on the ground at Gettysburg among the first troops.  To 
Stone's

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 858

brigade was assigned the open ground on the advanced centre of the line.  As 
they came upon the field they shouted, "We have come to stay," and with a 
heroism akin to martyrdom they proved their determination.  In the heat of the 
battle Colonel Stone was severely wounded and rendered incapable of further 
duty, a Minie ball striking him in the right hip.  He could not be moved from 
the field, and when, towards evening, the shattered corps was obliged to fall 
back, he was left in the enemy's hands.  During the two weary days, while the 
terrific fighting was in progress, he was in captivity suffering from a double 
torture.  When at length the foe, beaten and broken in spirit, began to retire, 
it conveyed to him the joyful tidings that his comrades were triumphant.
   He had recovered from his wound sufficiently, as he deemed, though contrary 
to the advice of his surgeon, to take the field before the opening of the 
Wilderness campaign in 1864, and on the morning of the first day was engaged 
with Ewell's corps with heavy loss and varying success, and in the afternoon 
made a strong attack upon the left flank of Hill's corps with triumphant issue, 
doubling his left wing back upon his centre, and opening a communication with 
the Pennsylvania Reserves, who had been completely cut off.  On the following 
morning the division advanced and occupied the Plank Road.  While this movement 
was in progress the wound which he had received at Gettysburg was reopened by 
the fall of his horse, and so serious was the hurt that he was unable again to 
take the field.  In September he received the brevet rank of Brigadier-General 
"for gallant services throughout the war, and especially at Gettysburg."
  General Stone was married in August, 1862, to Miss Mary E. Marker, of 
Pittsburg.  In person he is five feet nine inches in height, with a face 
peculiarly noble and attractive.  Though not bred a soldier he developed some of 
the highest qualities of the profession-a quick appreciation of the situation 
when in face of the enemy, and accurate judgment of the best to be done to meet 
him successfully, unquestioned courage, and a devotion that no danger could cool 
or suffering dampen.  Since the close of the war he has been engaged in active 
pursuits in the great lumber regions along the waters of the Allegheny 

HECTOR TYNDALE - 859

whence came the men who, as Bucktails, made for themselves and their leader a 
world-wide reputation.

  HECTOR TYNDALE, Brigadier and Brevet Major-General, was born on the 24th of 
March, 1821, in Philadelphia.  His father, Robinson Tyndale, a lineal descendant 
of the translator of the Bible, the martyr William Tyndale, was a native of 
Ireland.  His mother, Sarah Thorne, was born in Philadelphia, of a New Jersey 
family belonging to the Society of Friends.  He was offered the appointment to 
West Point, which at the solicitation of his mother he declined.  He was married 
in 1842 to Miss Julia Nowlen, a sister of Major Garrett Nowlen, who fell at 
Reams' Station.  In 1845 he accompanied an expedition upon the plains commanded 
by Major E. V. Sumner, of the First dragoons.  He was a member of the Washington 
Grays, and afterwards Captain of the Cadwalader Grays.  In politics he 
identified himself with the Free Soil party.  When the war opened he was absent 
on a business engagement in Europe, but relinquished it, and returning, tendered 
his services to the Government.  He was commissioned Major of the Twenty-eight 
and raised a battalion of five companies additional to the ten regularly 
required, a privilege granted at his solicitation; and participated in guarding 
the Potomac below Point of Rocks, coming often into collision with the partisan 
chieftain Moseby.  In the spring he advanced into Virginia, and having occupied 
Harper's Ferry and Leesburg, drove the enemy from the passes of the Blue Ridge, 
and upon the advance of Jackson, by a daring reconnoissance discovered and 
reported to General Banks the purposes of the rebel leader.  Soon afterwards he 
was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, and was employed in constant and arduous 
duty before Washington.
  In the battle of Cedar Mountain Colonel Tyndale was in command of the 
regiment, as he had been for a considerable time previous, and was ordered to 
retake and hold Thoroughfare Mountain, from which the Union signal officers had 
been driven.  This he accomplished, and during the battle guarded the right 
wing.  In the retreat of Pope's army he was of the rear guard, participating 
with Bohlen's brigade in the action at Freeman's

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 860	

Ford, and supporting the artillery at Warrenton Sulphur Springs.  The trains 
were cumbersome, but they were brought safely in to Kettle Run, where it was 
found that the enemy had broken the bridge.  By direct order of General Pope his 
regiment was detailed to destroy the immense trains there stopped.  While the 
army was retiring from Centreville Colonel Tyndale, with a small force in 
addition to his own command, was turned back to hold the bridges over Bull Run, 
satisfactorily executing the trust.
  On the 8th of September he succeeded to the command of the brigade, the First 
of the Second division, Twelfth corps, which he led in the battle of Antietam.  
He was early ordered into action, and for full seven hours combated the foe.  
Thrice the enemy charged but was as often hurled back, an entire battery and 
seven battle flags being captured, an achievement rarely paralleled.  In one of 
these charges, seeing a regiment waver, all the color-guard fallen, he himself 
seized the colors and, cap in hand, led it to victory.  At two P.M. his brigade 
was forced back.  While rallying and forming his command he was struck in the 
head by a musket ball, and his supposed dead body was dragged from the field.  
The resolute courage, conspicuous gallantry, self-possession and judgment shown 
in this battle, and previously, were recognized by his promotion to the rank of 
Brigadier-General.
  Not until June, 1863, was he able to resume his place in the field, when he 
was ordered to duty with General Dix at Fortress Monroe.  After commanding a 
brigade for a time here he was sent to the aid of Meade, joining the army just 
previous to the escape of Lee across the Potomac in his retreat from the battle 
of Gettysburg.  With the Eleventh and Twelfth corps he went west to the support 
of Thomas at Chattanooga, and on the night of the 28th of October, when Geary 
was attacked by Longstreet at Wauhatchie, Tyndale, who was commanding a brigade 
of the Eleventh corps and who was just in advance, moved rapidly to the 
assistance of the hard-pressed division.  When near Geary's position he 
encountered the rebels in considerable force, and with Colonel Smith's brigade 
routed them and gained a hill which threatened their way of retreat.  
Discovering his movement upon his rear, the foe quickly made dispositions to 
retire his 

GEORGE W. MERRICK - 861

whole force, giving up the contest.  General Tyndale was also engaged in the 
glorious battle fought a month later, when Grant, with Sherman, Thomas, and 
Hooker as his lieutenants, swept the enemy form the fastnesses of Missionary 
Ridge, and at its conclusion was hurried away with Sherman to the relief of 
Burnside shut up in Knoxville and nearly perishing and hunger, enduring in the 
march at this wintry season immense suffering and hardship.
  Before the opening of the spring campaign of 1864 General Tyndale, now in 
command of Schurz's division, was ordered by General Thomas to organize a body 
of loyal refugees, who had come in from Alabama, into a cavalry regiment.  In 
the meantime the Eleventh and Twelfth corps were merged in one and designated 
the Twentieth, to the command of the Third brigade, First division of which, he 
was assigned.  But disease contracted in the service had taken fast hold of him, 
and for days together he was unable to rise from his bed.  His sickness proving 
protracted, and unwilling to stand in the way of promotion of other deserving 
officers, in August, 1864, he resigned.  In March, 1865, he was brevetted Major-
General, for "gallant and meritorious services during the war."  In stature 
General Tyndale is above the medium height, of fair complexion, and of 
commanding presence.  His intellect has been improved by study, travel and the 
association with distinguished artists, literary, scientific, and public men, 
and his tastes are pure and cultivated.  He is a member of the American 
Philosophical Society, and the Philadelphia Academy of Sciences.  As an officer 
he was a rigid disciplinarian, but most kind and watchful for the comfort and 
safety of his command, being ever solicitous "for wisdom to see and strength to 
do his duty."

  GEORGE W. MERRICK, son of Israel and Julia Merrick, was born at Wellsboro, on 
the 27th of March, 1838.  He was made Sargeant of Company H, Sixth regiment of 
the Pennsylvania Reserve corps, upon its formation, and served with it in the 
battle of Dranesville, upon the Peninsula, and in the Second battle of Bull Run, 
where the entire command was subjected to hard marching and the most desperate 
fighting.  Sergeant Mer-

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 862

rick was at the time of the latter battle on the sick-list, but kept his place, 
and marched and fought with the rest.  For seventy-four fours he was without 
rations, and the suffering endured would have overborne a man less resolute.  
Finally broken by exposure and privation, in December, 1862, he was discharged 
on a surgeon's certificate.  He returned to the service as Captain in a six 
months' battalion, and subsequently became Major of the One Hundred and Eight-
seventh.  In the desperate action on the 18th of June, 1864, at Cold Harbor, 
Major Merrick was in command of his regiment, and while leading it with the most 
determined bravery, was struck by a Minie ball just below the right knee, which 
fractured the bone and lodged in the knee-joint.  He was carried from the field, 
and amputation was found to be unavoidable.  This closed his military career.  
He is described by his associates as one of the bravest of the brave. And in his 
personal bearing the pattern of a gentleman and a soldier.  He was married in 
1866 to Miss Ione Butterworth, a niece of the late David Wilmot.  Since the war 
he has studied law, and is in successful practice in his native place.

  THOMAS ELLWOOD ROSE, Colonel of the Seventy-seventh regiment, and Brevet 
Brigadier-General, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of March, 
1827.  He received a good education in the academies and schools of the county 
under the instruction of his father, evincing an aptness for mathematics, and an 
especial fondness for military history and geography, having at an early age 
read the accounts of many celebrated battles, and made a record of the character 
of ground on which they were fought, contiguity to streams, forests or towns, 
and the number, discipline, and dress of the troops.  In the three months' 
service he was a private in the Twelfth regiment, and at its close recruited a 
company for the Seventy-seventh, of which he was Captain.  It was sent west to 
the Army of the Cumberland, and was the only Pennsylvania regiment which 
participated in the battle of Shiloh.  In the early part of the battle of Stone 
River, fought on the last day of 1852, Lieutenant-Colonel Housum, the leader of 
the regiment, was killed, and the command devolved upon Captain Rose.  The enemy 
had suc-

THOMAS E. ROSE - 863	

ceeded, by a desperate assault on the Union right, in crushing it and forcing it 
back.  Captain Rose, in the midst of the disorder incident to the disaster, and 
the fall of the regimental leader, held his men well in hand, and did the most 
efficient service.  His gallantry secured him immediate promotion to Colonel.
  In the action at Liberty Gap, the brigade commander having fallen, Colonel 
Rose led it to the close of the engagement.  The action was stubborn and 
protracted, but the valor of the Union troops finally triumphed.  Colonel Rose 
won fresh laurels by the good judgment and bravery here displayed.  At 
Chickamauga his regiment, with the Seventy-ninth Illinois, was posted upon an 
important position, but isolated from the main line.  They were attacked by 
overwhelming numbers, and though making a gallant resistance, and for a long 
time repelling every fresh onset, were finally overpowered, and Colonel Rose 
with many of his officers and men fell into the enemy's hands.  He was taken to 
Libby Prison, where he soon formed a plan for tunnelling out, and organized a 
working party.  After seventeen days of the most severe labor a way of egress 
was opened and numbers escaped.  Colonel Rose made his way with great 
difficulty, and numerous hairbreadth escapes, to the Union lines, near Yorktown, 
but while within sight and about to enter them was captured and taken back to 
Libby.  For a time he was placed in close confinement, but was finally exchanged 
and returned to his regiment, now with Sherman on his famous Atlanta campaign.  
It was at Ackworth, on the 6th of June, 1864, that he resumed command.  On the 
26th, in the fierce fighting at Kenesaw Mountain, he was wounded.  The assault 
proved disastrous to the Union forces, and the movement by the flank was again 
resorted to, which eventually, after much hard fighting and severe losses, 
carried Sherman into Atlanta.
  In the separation of the army, which subsequently took place, Colonel Rose 
proceeded with the Fourth corps, under Thomas, to Nashville.  In the action at 
Franklin, and shortly afterwards in front of Nashville, he bore a conspicuous 
part, having his horse killed under him in the latter engagement.  In the 
reorganization of the forces after this battle Colonel Rose was assigned to the 
command of a brigade.  When the rebel 

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 864

armies in the East were finally overcome, he was ordered with other troops to 
Texas.  In June, 1865, he was made a Brigadier-General by brevet.  He continued 
in the service to the close of the year, when he returned and was mustered out 
with his regiment.

  JAMES TEARNEY, Colonel of the Eighty-seventh regiment, was born at Lancaster 
on the 9th of October, 1836.  He served as a private in the First regiment.  At 
the end of its term he enlisted in the Eighty-seventh, in which he was made a 
Sergeant.  He served in the campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley under Generals 
Kelly and Milroy.  When returning from veteran furlough in the spring of 1864, 
and while approaching the front, the troops being under the command of Sergeant 
Tearney, they were brought into action unexpectedly, before reaching their 
regiment, by the sudden attack of Ewell's corps.  When Early made his advance 
upon Washington in July, 1864, the Eighty-seventh was in that portion of the 
Sixth corps sent to Maryland to meet him.  At Monocacy a bloody battle ensued, 
in which the Union troops, vastly outnumbered, were forced to retire.  The 
regiment here suffered unprecedented loss.  It was also in the division which 
made the attack upon Early's front on the memorable morning on the 19th of 
September at Opequon.  Here Captain Tearney was wounded in the thigh.  The 
Eighty-seventh was now composed only of veterans and recruits, which were 
consolidated into a battalion of five companies.  A month later, at Cedar Creek, 
Captain Edgar M. Ruhl, who led the battalion, was instantly killed, and many of 
his men were lost.  In December, 1864, Captain Tearney took command.  Before the 
spring campaign opened five new companies were added, bringing it up to the full 
strength of a regiment.  In the final assault upon Petersburg he led his 
command, mostly raw recruits, over two lines of old troops, and with his own 
hands planted the first regimental flag of the brigade on the enemy's works.  
For the valor here displayed, he was given the rank of Brevet Major.  At 
Sailor's Creek he again made proof of his ability as a soldier, and was soon 
after commissioned Colonel.  He was mustered out of the service with his 
regiment on the 29th of June, 1865.

JAMES TEARNEY - AMOR W. WAKEFIELD - 865

  AMOR WILLIAM WAKEFIELD was born in Mifflin county, on the 30th of August, 
1829.  He was educated at the Lewistown and Tuscarora Academies.  He served in 
the ranks of the Seventh regiment for three months, and upon the organization of 
the Forty-ninth was commissioned a First Lieutenant, and soon afterwards 
Captain.  The regiment did excellent service in the battle of Williamsburg.  
During the entire Peninsula campaign Captain Wakefield was exposed with his 
command to the perils and hardships of the field.  In the battles of Antietam, 
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, the Forty-ninth participated, 
but was for the most part held in positions where it was exposed to a hot fire 
without the opportunity of returning it.  In the action at Rappahannock Station, 
on the 7th of November, 1863, a feat was executed which will always reflect the 
greatest honor upon the troops engaged.  The enemy occupied an intrenched 
position of great strength, defended by artillery.  It was stormed and carried, 
at the point of the bayonet, by Russell's brigade, of which the Forty-ninth 
formed a part.  The enemy had a bridge at his back; but so sudden was the 
attack, and so terrible the fire poured upon its approaches, that scarcely one 
escaped.
  To the time of the action before Spottsylvania Court House, on the 10th of 
May, 1864, the casualties in the command had been comparatively light.  But on 
the evening of that day, in a charge which lasted but a few minutes, greater 
losses were sustained than in all the three years of its previous experience.  
Sixty five were killed, including the Colonel and Lieutenant-Colonel, and one 
hundred and ninety-five wounded and missing.  Captain Wakefield came forth from 
the fearful ordeal unscathed.  At Cold Harbor the fighting was desperate, and 
here he was less fortunate, receiving a severe wound.  In June he was promoted 
to the rank of Major, and subsequently to that of Colonel.  After a service of 
over four years, he was mustered out at the expiration of his term. General 
Irwin, the original commander of the regiment, thus speaks of him: "At Cold 
Harbor and Spottsylvania he highly distinguished himself in command of the 
regiment, and won the praise of General David A. Russell, one of the best 
soldiers in the army.  I considered Colonel Wakefield an

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 866

admirable soldier, patient, courageous, strict in discipline, but utterly 
without cruelty, remarkably kind and generous, though firm and faithful in duty.  
He possessed at all times my entire confidence, and was as free from envy and 
malice as the human heart can be.  His career in the army reflects honor on his 
native State.  He is indeed a worthy son of Pennsylvania." 

  DENNIS HEENAN, Colonel of the One Hundred and Sixteenth regiment, was born at 
Barris O'Kane, Tipperary county, Ireland, on the 18th of April, 1818.  His 
father owned and cultivated a large and well-stocked farm, where the son passed 
his boyhood and received his education. In 1843 he emigrated to this country, 
and settled in Philadelphia.
  He enlisted for the Mexican War, but his company was not accepted.  He served 
in the militia as Lieutenant, Captain, and Lieutenant-Colonel, in which capacity 
he acted in the three months' campaign.  Returning to Philadelphia, he commenced 
recruiting a veteran regiment, and in September, 1862, was commissioned Colonel 
of the One Hundred and Sixteenth.  At the battle of Fredericksburg he received a 
painful wound in the hand.  The bones were broken, and the limb was lacerated in 
a fearful manner.  After having his wound dressed he went again upon the field, 
and brought off the flag of the regiment, when the ground was found to be 
untenable.  He was highly commended by both Generals Meagher and Sigel.  On 
account of the great losses of the regiment it was consolidated in a battalion 
of five companies, and not being entitled to an officer of his rank he was 
mustered out of service and honorably discharged.

  EDWARD JAY ALLEN, Colonel of the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth regiment, was 
born on the 27th of April, 1830, in the city of New York.  He was the son of 
Edward and Amelia (Bindley) Allen, both of English descent.  He was a lover of 
books and received a good English education in the schools of Pittsburg, whither 
his parents had removed, and a classical training at Duquesne College. He was 
married in 1857 to Miss Elizabeth W. Robison.  His first military duty was as a 
volunteer aid to General Fremont, at the battle of Lewisburg, Vir-

DENNIS HEENAN - EDWARD J. ALLEN - 867

ginia, May 25th, 1862.  He continued with that officer throughout the campaign, 
and at Stone Run volunteered with a detail of twenty men to repair the road and 
bridges destroyed by Stonewall Jackson, executing the hazardous duty in advance 
of the Union skirmishers, and under the fire of the enemy's rear guard.  On 
approaching the Shenandoah River he again volunteered to aid in getting the 
pontoons across the north fork, which he did under fire.  He took part in the 
battles of Winchester, Mount Jackson, and Cross Keys where he won the 
commendation of his General.  A new regiment that had been recruited at 
Pittsburg towards the close of the summer of 1862 was organized in September, 
and he was selected its Colonel.
  Soon after taking the field the battle of Fredericksburg was fought, and he 
was put upon the fore front.  He was of the division of the intrepid General 
Humphreys, one of the last to go forward in the desperate struggle to break the 
enemy's line. "When the fire of the artillery ceased," says General Hooker, " I 
gave directions for the enemy's works to be assaulted.  General Humphreys' men 
took off their knapsacks, overcoats, and haversacks.  They were ordered to make 
their assault with empty muskets, for there was no time then to load and fire.  
When the word was given, the men moved forward with great impetuosity.  They ran 
and hurrahed, and I was encouraged by the great good feeling that pervaded them.  
The head of Humphreys' column moved to within perhaps fifteen or twenty yards of 
the stone wall which was the advanced position held by the rebels, and then they 
were thrown back, as quickly as they had approached.  They left behind, as was 
reported to me, seventeen hundred and sixty, out of four thousand."  In the 
midst of the operations on the enemy's front, the command of the brigade 
devolved upon Colonel Allen, who won by his gallantry the earnest praise of 
General Humphreys.  Soon after the close of this campaign he was prostrated by a 
rheumatic attack, and though he remained nominally at the head of the regiment 
until after the battle of Gettysburg, he performed no further field duty, and on 
the 25th of July was obliged to resign.

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 868

  HENRY RUHL GUSS, Colonel of the Ninety-seventh regiment, and Brevet Brigadier 
and Major-General, was born on the 28th of July, 1825, at Chester Springs, 
Chester county.  He was the son of Samuel and Sabrina (Ruhl) Guss.   He was 
educated in Philadelphia, and at the academy of Joshua Hoopes in West Chester.  
He was an original member of the noted National Guards of West Chester, 
organized in 1846, and for several years was its commander.  Captain Guss was 
one of the first to respond to the call for troops in 1861, and so great was the 
confidence in him that, in four days from the date of the requisition, he was on 
his way to Harrisburg with a force of three hundred men.  They were assigned to 
the ninth regiment, and served under Patterson in the Shenandoah Valley.  He 
assisted in recruiting the Ninety-seventh, of which he was Colonel, and which he 
brought to a high state of efficiency.  In November, 1861, he was ordered to the 
Department of the South, and arrived at Hilton Head on the 15th of December.  He 
was assigned to the expeditionary corps commanded by General H. G. Wright, and 
led his regiment with skill in the campaign which resulted in the occupation of 
Fernandina, Jacksonville, and other points on the Florida coast, early in 1862, 
and in the disastrous campaign on James Island in the following summer.  In the 
affairs at Grimball's Plantation, on the 10th of June, 1862, and at 
Secessionville a week later, he especially distinguished himself, and was highly 
complimented by General Wright.
  On the 1st of August, 1862, he was assigned to the command of the post at 
Hilton Head, the most important in the Department.  When General Hunter 
organized his forces for the reduction of Charleston he gave to Colonel Guss the 
First Brigade of Terry's division.  The campaign was unsuccessful, and upon the 
withdrawal of the troops he was ordered to the command of the posts successively 
of Edisto, Botany Bay, and St. Helena Island.  Upon the advent of General Quincy 
A. Gilmore to the head of the Department, Colonel Guss was again intrusted with 
the command of the First brigade, which he exercised with ability throughout the 
protracted and wearisome operations on Morris Island directed against Fort 
Wagner.  When the immense siege operations had been completed, and the third 
assault upon

Henry R. GUSS - JOSEPH S. HOARD - 869

Wagner had been ordered, he was selected to lead the storming party, to consist 
of his own regiment and the Third New Hampshire.  The plan of operations had 
been discussed and each soldier had pictured the part he was to bear, many 
sending messages of love to friends as for the last time.  Before day the enemy 
fortunately abandoned this stronghold.  The joyous news relieved many burdened 
hearts.
  On the 1st of October, 1863, Colonel Guss was ordered with his regiment to 
Fernandina, Florida, and directed to assume command of the post.  Until the 1st 
of April, 1864, he remained here, when, for the first time since his entrance to 
the service, he accepted a leave of absence, and with the members of his 
regiment who had reenlisted as veterans departed for home.  On the 14th of May 
following he resumed command of his brigade, now in the Army of the James.  This 
position he continued to fill during the time that active operations were in 
progress on the south side of the James, around Cold Harbor, and in front of 
Petersburg, until the 22d of June, 1864, when, for reasons of a personal nature, 
which, though regretted by his associate officers, were acknowledged to be 
imperative, he tendered his resignation.  One who knew him intimately says of 
him: "By the officers and men of his regiment and brigade he was highly 
esteemed.  The characteristics that made him popular at home served him better 
in the field.  He was emphatically a man of deeds, not words."  On the 23d of 
July 1867, he was brevetted Brigadier and Major-General for faithful and 
meritorious services in the field.

  JOSEPH SETH HOARD, son of Enos and Fanny (Perry) Hoard, was born in Oneida 
county, New York, on the 17th of April, 1818.  He was commissioned Captain of a 
company assigned for duty to the Eleventh regiment, Colonel Coulter, but was 
subsequently transferred to the One Hundred and First.  He was promoted to Major 
at the beginning of the year 1862, and with his regiment entered on the 
Peninsula campaign.  Major Hoard suffered from the miasmatic airs of the 
Chickahominy; but still clung to his post, and in the battle of Fair Oaks 
distinguished himself, receiving the thanks of General Casey upon the field.  
His regiment was posted on the extreme front, and to him belongs

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 870

the credit of advancing the picket line to a point on the Williamsburg Road 
nearest to Richmond.  On the 1st of July, 1862, he was promoted to the rank of 
Lieutenant-Colonel; but finding at the conclusion of this campaign that his 
health was seriously impaired, he resigned.

  JAMES THOMPSON KIRK, son of George A. Jane (Thompson) Kirk, was born on the 
21st of September, 1825, at Canonsburg.  The family were Covenanters of Scotch-
Irish extraction.  He was educated at Jefferson College, and previous to the war 
had held five commissions in the militia.  He was married in 1855 to Miss Mary 
Swan.  He served during the Rebellion in the Tenth Reserve regiment, as Captain, 
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Colonel in succession, and participated in the battle of 
Dranesville, soon after which he came to the command of the regiment, in the 
Seven Days' battle upon the Peninsula, Bull Run, South Mountain, and Antietam.  
Towards the close of the latter engagement he was placed over the brigade, which 
he led to the close of the battle.  His health having become much impaired, by 
the advice of his surgeon he resigned and returned to private life.  In May, 
1863, he was appointed Deputy Provost Marshal, which office he held to the close 
of the war.

  THOMAS F. McCOY, Colonel of the One Hundred and Seventh, and Brevet Brigadier-
General was born in Mifflin county, in 1819.  He was the youngest of nine 
children of John and Jane (Junkin) McCoy, of Scotch-Irish lineage.  At the 
breaking out of the Mexican War, having for seven years previous served in the 
militia, President Polk appointed him First Lieutenant in the Eleventh United 
States infantry, and with it he marched to the Rio Grande.  He was sent with the 
column ordered to Vera Cruz, and thence into the interior.  His first encounter 
with the enemy was at the National Bridge.  He was afterwards engaged at Passa 
La Hoya, and in a reconnoissance at Contreras, conducted by Captain Robert E. 
Lee, then of General Scott's staff.  In the battles of Contreras, Cherubusco, 
Molino del Rey, Chapultepec, and Garita San Cosme he took an active part, and 
was promoted to Captain for gallantry.  In the bloody battle of Molino

JAMES T. KIRK - THOMAS F. McCOY - 871

del Rey he found himself the ranking officer, four of his superiors having 
fallen.  Assuming command, he gathered up the thinned ranks of the regiment and 
led it to the close.  Of his conduct here General Cadwalader says: "A reference 
to the official reports will show that his services were not overlooked either 
by the late commanding officer of his regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Graham, or 
after his death by his successor, Major Hunter, and that he is also particularly 
named in high terms in my own report."  Returning to civil life with an 
honorable record, he was for two successive terms Prothonotary of Mifflin 
county.  On leaving this position he studied law with William J. Jacobs and D.W. 
Woods of Lewistown, and was admitted to the bar.  
  At the commencement of the Rebellion, he tendered his services to Governor 
Curtin, who, appreciating the value of his military experience, appointed him, 
in April, 1861, Deputy Quartermaster-General of the State, and in conjunction 
with the lamented R.C. Hale, chief of the department, labored assiduously 
through all the earlier months of the war in clothing and fitting the volunteers 
for the field.
  Upon the death of Colonel Thomas A. Zeigle, of the One Hundred and Seventh 
regiment, on the 16th of July, 1862, the line officers united in inviting 
Colonel McCoy to fill the vacancy.  His regiment was in Pope's army, and on 
taking the field was at once engaged in that unfortunate campaign which 
culminated in the battle of Bull Run.  Colonel McCoy joined it and assumed 
active command on the 15th of August near Cedar Mountain, and from this moment, 
through the long three years of battles and sieges, until the last gun was fired 
in front of Appomattox Court House, he was faithful and devoted in the discharge 
of his varied duties.  During this time he was frequently in command of a 
brigade.  General Duryea commends him for "his gallant conduct in the various 
battles of the campaign in Virginia," and designates him "as an officer, cool 
and deliberate under fire, and subordinate and respectful in an eminent degree, 
commanding the confidence of his companions-in-arms."
  At Fredericksburg he made a daring and successful charge, of which Colonel 
Root, then leading the brigade, in his official report spoke in high terms.  No 
less important was his conduct

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 872

At Chancellorsville, holding the skirmish line on the left of the army for two 
days and nights without relief.  At Mine Run he was designated to lead the 
brigade in the charge upon the enemy's lines.  He commanded the brigade on 
perilous outpost duty at Mitchell's Station in the winter of 1864, with eminent 
caution and success.  In the advance to the James his regiment occupied an 
important position covering the movement, and successfully repulsed an attack 
when other troops gave way, which brought from General Crawford an expression of 
satisfaction "for effectually holding the position without support."  At the 
Weldon Railroad, Colonel McCoy was surrounded in the dense wood in which the 
battle was fought, and many of his officers and men were captured.  Although 
repeatedly summoned to surrender, he refused, and at the imminent risk of being 
shot down made his escape.  In the hottest of the battle at Dabney's Mill 
General Morrow, being dangerously wounded, turned the command of the brigade 
over to Colonel McCoy, together with its flag, which he had been carrying in the 
thickest of the fight.  McCoy, not to be outdone in such gallantry, seized the 
proud emblem and bore it triumphantly.  "I was wounded," says General Morrow, 
"in the first day's fight.  Colonel McCoy then assumed command, and I know his 
conduct through the whole engagement to have been gallant and skilful."
  Especially were Colonel McCoy's services appreciated in the battle of Five 
Forks, for which he was brevetted Brigadier-General.  He was fortunate in having 
the friendship and high regard of General Baxter, with whom he served more than 
two years.  "I wish to express," says that sturdy soldier, "my high appreciation 
and regard for the moral worth and integrity of purpose that has governed him in 
every action, and the promptness and ability with which his services have been 
rendered under all circumstances.  In the camp, on the long and tedious marches, 
and on the battle field, his duties have been performed with that decision and 
ability, that cannot but render a command effective and reliable, which his has 
ever been."  Not less complimentary was the commendation bestowed by General G. 
K. Warren, who characterized him as "one of the most worthy officers of his 
corps."  There is one merit due to General McCoy quite as

EDWARD O'BRIEN - CARLTON B. CURTIS - 873 

important as that of leading in the "imminent deadly breach."  In the course of 
his correspondence he casually remarks, "I feel sure that the highest type of a 
soldier is a Christian citizen fighting the battles of his country."  To model 
his command after that type was his constant aim.   To restrain hilarity and a 
tendency to riotous or immoral life in the camp was often unpopular, and unless 
judiciously done, was liable to draw odium upon him who attempted it; but the 
purity of life and the seasonable and sensible way in which General McCoy 
impressed his men and his associates with his own spirit, commanded respect.
  After the close of the war he returned to his home at Lewistown, where he 
resumed the practice of his profession.  He was married on the 22d of May, 1873, 
to Miss Maggie E. Ross, of Harrisburg.

EDWARD O'BRIEN, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Connolly) O'Brien, was born in 
Pittsburg on the 10th of October, 1823.  His maternal grandfather served under 
Washington in the patriot army.  He volunteered as a private in the Mexican War, 
was advanced to the rank of Lieutenant, and was wounded in the left eye  at the 
storming of Garita de Belen.  In the late war he was Captain in the Twelfth 
three months' regiment, and Colonel of the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth nine 
months'.  He was in the battles of Antietam, Shepherdstown, Fredericksburg, and 
Chancellorsville, in the latter having his clothing riddled with bullets and his 
horse shot under him, narrowly escaping with his life.  "Under my own eye," says 
Humphreys, in whose division he served, "Colonel O'Brien rode in front of his 
regiment and literally led in the last charge on the stone wall at 
Fredericksburg, just before dusk on the 13th of December. . . . He is in every 
way reliable, a good soldier and gallant leader, always attentive to duty, 
careful and considerate of those under his command, prompt in execution."

CARLTON B. CURTIS, Colonel of the Fifty-eighth regiment, was born in central New 
York on the 17th of December, 1811.  He removed to Pennsylvania in 1831, and, 
having read law, settled at Warren in 1834.  In the fall of 1836 he was elected 
to the Pennsylvania Legislature, where he served for two terms.  He

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 874

was elected to Congress in 1850, as the successor of the late Chief Justice 
Thompson, where he served as a Democrat until 1855.  Upon the repeal of the 
Missouri Compromise he abandoned his old political affiliations, and 
henceforward acted with the Republicans.  When war broke out, in 1861, he was 
made Colonel of the Fifty-eighth.  He was ordered to North Carolina with his 
command, where he was for the most part on outpost duty, arduous and perplexing, 
with frequent severe skirmishing.  In July, 1863, on account of failing health 
he resigned.  In the fall of 1872 he was again elected to Congress. 

CHANCY ALMERON LYMAN, son of Eleazer and Sally (Payne) Lyman, was born in Tioga 
county, on the 19th of July, 1820.  He entered the service in April, 1861, as 
Captain in the Seventh Reserve regiment, and was promoted in succession to Major 
and Lieutenant-Colonel.  He was engaged in the battles of Beaver Dam Creek, 
Gaines' Mill, Charles City Cross Roads, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, 
Antietam, and Fredericksburg.  He commanded his regiment at Antietam and held 
his men in good order until one-third were killed or wounded, and though the 
brigade was broken, still kept them in hand and retired leisurely, receiving the 
plaudits of General Meade.  By the wounds of his superiors the command also 
devolved on him on the field at South Mountain and Fredericksburg.  In February, 
1864, he resigned.  He was married in 1841 to Miss Celinda M. Ingraham.

ISAIAH PRICE, Brevet Colonel of the Ninety-seventh regiment, was born on the 
20th of May, 1822, in Chester county.  His father was Benjamin, son of Philip 
Price, an eminent teacher, both prominent members of the Society of Friends.  
His mother was Jane Paxson, also a Friend.  He received a liberal English 
education, with some knowledge of Latin, and graduated at the Philadelphia 
College of Dental Surgery in 1854. That a conviction of duty as revealed in the 
heart of each individual should be the paramount spring of action was held to be 
a leading tenet in the Quaker faith, and while peace and good-will among men was 
set as the end of their teaching, it was undoubtedly the promptings

CHANCEY A. LYMAN - ISAIAH PRICE - 875

of conscience which impelled many young Friends to join in the great contest 
between despotism and human freedom.  On the 18th of September, 1861, he was 
mustered into service as Captain of Company C of the Ninety-seventh.  With his 
regiment he proceeded to the Department of the South.  On the 3d of January, 
1862, he was detailed upon recruiting service, and ordered to report to 
Harrisburg.  Early in June with his recruits he rejoined his regiment at 
Legereville.  He participated in the engagements at Grimball's Plantation and 
Secessionville, on James Island, June 10th and 16th, and during the winter 
succeeding was detailed upon court-martial duty.  He led his company in the 
affair at Stephen's Landing on the 16th of July, 1863, and during the protracted 
siege of Forts Wagner and Gregg, on Morris Island, was in command of the 
regiment.  After the fall of these strongholds he was ordered to Florida, and 
upon the occupation of Fernandina was made Provost Marshal of the town.  In the 
spring of 1864 his regiment was transferred to the Army of the James.  In the 
advance upon the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad on the 9th of May, at 
Proctor's Creek on the 16th, and at Green Plain on the 18th, he exhibited a 
determined spirit that won the highest admiration.
  On the night of the 19th of May, Captain Price was in the picket line with one 
hundred and fifty men, and was several times attacked, but was able to hold his 
ground.  Reinforcements were repeatedly called for, but none came.  Finally 
three rebel regiments en echelon moved out from a concealed position and bore 
down upon his line.  A detachment upon his left broke at the first onset, 
leaving his flank exposed.  By his personal bravery he prevailed upon a part to 
return.  But it was impossible to stem the torrent of the attack, and his line 
was forced back.  In the midst of the struggle Captain Price was struck by a 
spent canister shot.
  He was in command of the regiment at Cold Harbor.  He also participated in 
carrying some of the enemy's works on the heights near Petersburg on the 15th of 
June, and in the assault on the 30th of July upon the occasion of the springing 
of a mine.  On the 6th of June he was commissioned Major.  At the close of his 
term, the regiment having been reduced below the number

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 876

required for two field officers, he, having been debilitated by an attack of 
fever, resigned and was honorably discharged.  In March, 1867, he was brevetted 
by Governor Geary Lieutenant-Colonel and Colonel.  After his return from the 
field he resumed the practice of his profession in the city of Philadelphia.  In 
1846 he was married to Lydia, daughter of Jacob Heald, of Delaware.
  An old companion-in-arms says of him: "There never was an officer more willing 
and anxious to hold himself up to the strict, stern, and varied requirements of 
his official duty than Major Price.  With him lofty and pure patriotism and a 
desire to do everything he could to further the interests of the public service, 
regardless of self, were the grand incentives."

J. WILLIAM HOFMANN, Colonel of the Fifty-sixth regiment, and Brevet Brigadier-
General, was born on the 18th of February, 1824.  He was the son of John and 
Anna Louisa (Eckhardt) Hofmann, both natives of Prussia, who emigrated and 
settled in Philadelphia, in 1819.  At the age of seventeen he learned calico 
engraving, and at the end of three years engaged in trade as a dealer in hosiery 
goods, the manufacture of which had been the occupation of his father.  In 1848 
he was married to Emma Margaretta Aunen, who, while her husband was in the 
field, acted the part of a real heroine in assuming the management of his 
business.  In 1840 he joined the Junior Artillerists, and three years later the 
Washington Grays, continuing in active duty for a period of ten years.  He 
served as a Captain in the Twenty-third regiment, and on being mustered out 
accepted the position of Major of the Fifty-sixth.  In October following he was 
promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.  In the battle at Gainesville Colonel Meredith 
was wounded, when the command devolved upon Hofmann, who led it in the actions 
of the two following days at Bull Run.  In the affair at South Mountain he was 
placed over the brigade, which he lead throughout the battle of Antietam.  Upon 
the advance of the army down the valley of Virginia, Hofmann was detailed with 
his brigade to operate with the cavalry under Pleasanton in clearing the passes 
of the Blue Ridge.  He soon after returned to the command of his regiment, and 
was, on 

J. WILLIAM HOFMANN - 877 

the 8th of January, promoted to Colonel.  In the sever battles of Fredericksburg 
and Chancellorsville he led with his usual intrepidity, and at Gettysburg had 
the honor of opening the battle on the part of the infantry.  He was sent soon 
after to Philadelphia to bring drafted men to the front, and while there was 
called to serve on a general court-martial.  He returned in time to take part in 
the movement upon Mine Run, and after the determination had been taken to retire 
without bringing on a general battle, he was detailed to destroy the bridges 
over that stream which had been constructed for the use of the First corps.  In 
the first day in the Wilderness his regiment suffered severely.  At noon of the 
following day General Wadsworth was killed in an effort to repel a charge of the 
enemy, and the division forced back.  As the regiments retired through the thick 
underbrush, they were much broken.  A number of these were rallied by Colonel 
Hofmann and reformed in rear of a line of works held by the Second corps.  At 
evening the enemy made a furious onslaught, and succeeded in forcing the troops 
out and in planting the rebel colors on the works.  At this juncture, with the 
fragments of nine regiments which he had rallied, numbering about 400 men, he 
attacked and drove the enemy out, and thus reestablished the main line of 
communication between the right and left wings of the army, which had been 
momentarily interrupted.  General Hancock, who was in command of the left wing 
and who was present, acknowledged the importance of this blow, which proved to 
be the final one on that sanguinary field.
  On the 21st of May, after having participated in the severe fighting at 
Spottsylvania and Alsop's Farm, he was assigned to the command of the brigade.  
At the North Anna, soon after crossing, he was heavily attacked, but succeeded 
in hurling the foe from his position.  On the 7th of June Hofmann was ordered to 
seize the railroad bridge over the Chickahominy.  By making a long detour he 
came upon the enemy unawares and put him to rout, sustaining only small loss.  
Having crossed the James, he joined on the 18th of June in the assault upon the 
works before Petersburg, where the loss was very severe.  In the movement upon 
the Weldon Railroad on the 18th of August, Colonel Hofmann's brigade bore a 
conspicuous part, making many captures, among which

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 878

were two field officers, nine line officers, and three battle-flags.  He was 
soon afterwards made Brigadier-General, and was by special order of the 
President assigned to duty according to his brevet rank.  In the action at 
Pegram's Farm, at Hatcher's Run, and in the raid upon the Weldon Railroad, 
General Hofmann led his command.  At the conclusion of his three years' term in 
March, 1865, he retired from the service.  In the fall of 1863 General Hofmann 
was the recipient of a jewelled sword, in silver scabbard, with belt, spurs, and 
sash, from the officers and men of his command.  In the summer of 1864 he 
received form the men of the Fourth Delaware of his brigade, a revolver and 
spurs which they had captured in battle.  By the members of his staff he was 
presented with an elegantly bound copy of Jomini's Life of Napoleon.  He enjoyed 
the confidence of his superior officers, having been honored with testimonials 
from Generals Meredith, Rice, Cutler, Wadsworth, Doubleday, Griffin, Ayers, 
Warren, and Meade, the latter bearing testimony to "his high character for 
intelligence, energy, and zeal in the discharge of his duties, and for 
conspicuous gallantry on the field of battle."

EDWARD OVERTON, JR., son of Edward and Eliza (Clymer) Overton, was born at 
Towanda, on the 4th of February, 1836.  He was educated at Princeton College, 
graduating in the class of 1856.  He entered the service as Major of the 
fiftieth regiment in September, 1861, and was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in 
August, 1863.  He served with Stevens in the Department of the South, and with 
the Ninth corps in the fierce engagements at Bull Run and Chantilly, leading his 
regiment in the latter and continuing at its head in the battle of South 
Mountain and at Antietam, where he was severely wounded.  He returned to duty in 
time to go west with the Ninth corps, and was with Sherman at Vicksburg and 
Jackson, and subsequently bore a part in the defence of Knoxville in its 
protracted siege by Longstreet.  On the bloody battle ground of the Wilderness 
he was where dangers were thickest, and at Ny River, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, 
Mine Explosion, and Weldon Railroad, shared the fortunes of his regiment, facing 
the foe in one of the most sanguinary campaigns of the Rebellion.  Since the war 
he has held 

EDW. OVERTON, JR. - WM. F. SMALL - JAS. GWYN - 879

the position of Register in Bankruptcy for the Thirteenth Congressional 
District.

WILLIAM FRANCIS SMALL, son of Thomas and Sarah (James) Small, was born in 
Montgomery county on the 16th of September, 1819.  He commanded the Monroe 
Guard, a militia company, in the riots of 1844, and led it throughout the 
Mexican War, especially distinguishing himself at Puebla, charging with only 
sixty men a battery strongly defended.  After his return he rose to be colonel 
and Brigadier-General of militia.  In 1860 he recruited the Washington brigade, 
and tendered its service to Mr. Buchanan, which was declined.  When hostilities 
opened in April, 1861, he attempted to pass through Baltimore with his command 
with the Massachusetts Sixth, but not being armed was attacked by the mob and 
driven back, having several men wounded.  He was commissioned Colonel of the 
Twenty-sixth regiment.  In the battle of Williamsburg, while leading with great 
heroism upon a bastion of Fort Magruder, he was severely wounded and borne 
helpless from the field.  Being incapacitated for duty, he resigned in June, 
1862.  He recruited and commanded the Sixtieth militia when the State was 
invaded in 1863.  Previous to the war he was a member of the State Senate.

JAMES GWYN, Colonel of the One Hundred and Eighteenth regiment, Brevet Brigadier 
and Major-General, was born at Londonderry, Ireland, on the 14th of November, 
1828.  He was the son of Alexander and Catharine (Garvin) Gwyn.  He was educated 
at Foyle College, and for a time studied surgery.  On coming to this country he 
settled in Philadelphia, where he was connected with the mercantile house of 
Stuart Brothers.  In February, 1850, he was married to Miss Margaretta E. Young.  
At the opening of the Rebellion he was commissioned Captain of the Twenty-third 
regiment, and when it was reorganized for veteran service he was again 
commissioned Captain and went to the field under the gallant General Birney.  
With him Captain Gwyn fought at Fair Oaks, and at the close of the Peninsula 
campaign resigned to accept promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel of the One Hundred 
and Eighteenth.  Its first engagement was at 

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 880

Shepherdstown, soon after the battle of Antietam, where it fell into an 
ambuscade and was fearfully decimated.  In the battles of Fredericksburg, 
Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, with all the incidental skirmishing and 
fighting, Lieutenant-Colonel Gwyn maintained his character as a valuable and 
reliable officer, and at the close of these campaigns was promoted to Colonel.  
On the first day in the Wilderness he was severely wounded in the right thigh.  
He rejoined is regiment in front of Petersburg.  On the 30th of September, 1864, 
Warren attacked the enemy in his works at Peeble's Farm.  Gwyn, as the senior 
Colonel, commanded the First brigade, First division.  With great gallantry he 
led forward his men, reduced by repeated losses to about eight hundred, and 
captured two earthworks and fortified line.  For this action he was brevetted 
Brigadier-General, and assigned to duty in accordance with the brevet rank.  At 
Five Forks, in April, 1865, which was the beginning of the end, General Gwyn's 
brigade captured a large number of the enemy and many battle-flags.  He was 
immediately thereafter promoted to Brevet Major-General.  At the close of the 
war he returned to mercantile business.

WILLIAM HENRY BOYD was born on the 14th of July, 1825, at Quebec, Canada.  His 
father was a soldier in the British army.  At the breaking out of the war he was 
in the Directory publishing business in Philadelphia.  He recruited a company of 
cavalry for Schurz's National brigade, which became a part of the First New York 
(Lincoln) Cavalry, and which he led on the Peninsula as escort to General 
Franklin.  After the Maryland campaign this regiment was left with Milroy at 
Winchester, and fought the advance of Lee in his march towards Gettysburg.  Boyd 
was detached to save the wagon train and brought it safely to Harrisburg, after 
which he operated in the Cumberland Valley both during the advance and retreat 
of the enemy from Pennsylvania, rendering important service.  He was shortly 
after commissioned Colonel of the Twenty-first cavalry, which in the Wilderness 
campaign he led as infantry, and at Cold Harbor was severely wounded, the ball 
piercing his neck and lodging in one of the vertebrae, where it remained for 
five months and was only

W. H. BOYD - F. S. STUMBAUGH - O. S. WOODWARD - 881 

extracted after three unsuccessful attempts.  In 1868 he was an agent of the 
Treasury Department.

FREDERIC SHEARER STUMBAUGH, Colonel of the Seventy-seventh regiment, was born on 
the 14th of April, 1817, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania.  He was the son of 
John Stumbaugh, a descendant of Lawrence, who emigrated to this country from 
Strasburg, Germany, in the year 1751, and Sarah (Shearer) Stumbaugh.  He was 
married in September, 1841, to Anna Sophia Cressler.  He was appointed Colonel 
of the Second regiment organized in the State, having for fifteen years previous 
been connected with the militia.  At the expiration of the three months' term he 
was made Colonel of the Seventy-seventh.  It was sent for duty to Buell's army 
in Kentucky, which was ordered to the support of Grant at Shiloh.  At the 
opening of the battle the Seventy-seventh was a long day's march away.  Early 
the dull sound of artillery told that the struggle had commenced.  It was 
spring, and the ways were unsettled.  But fired with zeal to reach the ground, 
they moved rapidly forward, and at four on the following morning, April 7th, 
were embarked upon the Tennessee for the Landing.  During the early part of the 
day the Seventy-seventh was held in reserve, but was attacked, and successfully 
repulsed a cavalry charge.  At one in the afternoon Colonel Stumbaugh was placed 
in command of a brigade under General McCook, and so led his force in the heavy 
fighting which ensued as to win the hearty applause of that soldier.
  In the campaign before Corinth, he was in command of his regiment; but soon 
after was prostrated by sickness, which proved to be of such a lingering nature 
that he offered his resignation, and was mustered out of service in December, 
1862.  In November preceding he was nominated, by the President, Brigadier-
General.  Since the war, he has for several terms served as a member of the 
Pennsylvania Legislature, where he has always taken a leading rank.

ORPHEUS S. WOODWARD, Colonel of the Eighty-third regiment, and Brevet Brigadier-
General, was born in Erie county, on the 1st of May 1835.  He was the son 
Ebenezer and Cornelia 

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 882

(Prindle) Woodard.  He served for three months in the Erie regiment, and at the 
conclusion became Captain in the Eighty-third, accredited with more battles than 
any other Pennsylvania regiment.  In all these engagements down to the 5th of 
May, 1864, with the exception of Bull Run and Fredericksburg, he took part.  He 
commanded his regiment at Gettysburg in one of the most trying positions of the 
war.  He was promoted to Colonel in July, 1863, and to Brevet Brigadier-General 
in March, 1865.  He was slightly wounded in the left arm at Malvern Hill, and 
severely in the right knee-joint on the first day in the Wilderness, losing his 
leg, which ended his active service.  The pain experienced during the ten days 
between the wounding and the amputation, in which he was constantly moving, was 
excruciating.  Since the war he has served two terms in the Pennsylvania 
Legislature.  He was married in 1861 to Miss Marietta Hemrod.

ROBERT MILLER HENDERSON, Colonel of the Seventh Reserve regiment, and Brevet 
Brigadier-General, was born in Cumberland county, on the 11th of March, 1827.  
He was a farmer's son, and was educated at Dickinson College.  He chose the law 
as his profession, and before he had attained his majority was admitted to 
practice.  He was soon after elected a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature, 
where he served during the sessions of 1851-'52.  He married Miss M.A. Webster, 
of Baltimore.  When the war opened he entered the volunteer force as a Captain 
in the Seventh Reserve.  His two brothers accompanied him, but one of them, 
William M., was compelled from ill health to resign, and in less than a year 
died.  During the Seven Days' battle upon the Peninsula, Captain Henderson 
shared in the hard fighting, receiving a wound at Charles City Cross Roads.  
Four days thereafter he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, General Seymour 
recommending the advancement on the ground of "brilliant gallantry." After 
returning from the Peninsula, Colonel Henderson marched to Kelly's Ford, and 
finally to the second Bull Run battle-ground, where, in the severe struggle 
which ensued, he led his regiment with such coolness and courage as to elicit 
the warm commendation of Generals Reynolds and McDowell. Late in the 

R. M. HENDERSON - I. ROGERS - T. H. GOOD - 883

action Colonel Henderson was severely wounded and carried from the field.  After 
partially recovering, he resigned his commission, to accept the office of 
Provost Marshal of the Fifteenth district of Pennsylvania.  At the close of the 
war he returned to civil life and resumed the practice of his profession.  He 
was brevetted Brigadier-General.  The position of Judge Advocate-General of the 
Army of the Potomac was tendered him by General Meade, in a communication dated 
October 20th, 1864, but this for private reasons he was obliged to decline.

ISAAC ROGERS, son of John and Matilda (Gorsuch) Rogers, was born on the 5th of 
November, 1834.  Entering the service as a lieutenant in the One Hundred and 
Tenth regiment , he rose to Captain, Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Colonel in 
succession.  He was with Shields at Winchester, and in the battles of Cedar 
Mountain, Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Wilderness he bore himself 
with heroic courage.  At Laurel Hill, on the 12th of May, 1864, he was mortally 
wounded, and expired eleven days thereafter, having endured intense suffering.  
He left his home a year before with a presentiment that he would never return.  
His last message to his family was: "Tell them I have fought and fallen for my 
country." And died commending his comrades to heaven.

TILGHMAN H. GOOD, Colonel of the Forty-seventh regiment, was born in Lehigh 
county, on the 6th of October, 1830.  He was the son of James and Mary A. 
(Blumer) Good.  At the age of twenty he joined the militia, and in 1856 was 
Brigade-Inspector.  He married, in 1851, Miss Mary A. Trexler.  In 1858 he was a 
member of the Pennsylvania Legislature.  When troops were called for the three 
months' service, his company, the Allen Rifles, was the first which arrived in 
camp, reporting at Harrisburg fully armed and equipped on the 20th of April, and 
became a part of the First regiment, of which he was Lieutenant-Colonel.  He was 
made Colonel of the Forty-seventh regiment, and was sent to the Department of 
the South, where he participated in the battles of Pocotaligo, South Carolina; 
St. John's Bluff, Florida; and in Louisiana at Sabine Cross Roads, 

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 884

Pleasant Hill, Cain River Crossing, and Morganza.  In July, 1864, the Nineteenth 
corps to which he belonged was ordered north, and upon its arrival at Fortress 
Monroe was hastened forward to the Shenandoah Valley.  At Berryville, 
Winchester, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek, he was among the most reliable and 
skilful leaders who had a place in the glorious column that followed Sheridan to 
victory.  The most notable exploit of his military life was that at Pocotaligo, 
where the brigade which he then commanded had the advance, and in fact fought 
the battle.  Colonel Hawley, of the Seventh Connecticut, says of his conduct 
here: "Throughout this terrible engagement he displayed such marked coolness, 
indomitable bravery and skill as to win the admiration of all the officers and 
men in the expedition."

GEORGE ELWOOD JOHNSON, son of Samuel and Eliza (Keen) Johnson, was born in 
Philadelphia, on the 8th of December, 1824.  He entered the service as a 
Lieutenant in the Twenty-ninth regiment in May, 1861, and was promoted to 
Captain, Major, and Lieutenant-Colonel.  He was captured in the battle of Front 
Royal and was a prisoner at Salisbury three months.  He was engaged in the 
battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg-where he was captured but escaped-
Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold-where he was wounded severely-
Atlanta, in the March to the Sea commanded a battalion of pioneers for the 
Twentieth corps, and was with his regiment in the march north, participating in 
several minor engagements.  He was honorably discharged at the close of the war.  
He was married in 1848 to Miss Annie Burwell.  In 1868 he was chosen an Alderman 
of Philadelphia.

JAMES W. H. REISINGER, son of Charles and Providence (Roberts) Reisinger, was 
born on the 19th of January, 1833, at Beaver.  When the war came he with his 
brothers was in the oil regions.  Carried along by the current of fortune-making 
and speculation they had overlooked the claims of patriotism, when they were one 
day greeted with a note from their mother intimating her consent to their 
enlistment in the army of the Union.  That hint was enough, and her four sons 

G. E. JOHNSON - J. W. H. REISINGER - A. J. WARNER - 885

were quickly transformed to soldiers.  James W. H. became a Captain in the One 
Hundred and Fiftieth, with which he served until after Chancellorsville, when, 
form ill health, he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve corps, and 
subsequently was commissioned Major, and Lieutenant-Colonel of the Twenty fifth 
colored regiment, with a section of which he was in command at Fort Pickens.  
Napoleon B. served in the Seventeenth Indiana; Charles S. Lost a leg in front of 
Petersburg; and Roe, the youngest, received three balls in the right leg at 
Gettysburg.  At the close of the war Colonel Reisinger published a weekly paper 
in Venango county, and afterward became editor and proprietor of the Meadville 
Republican, having a daily and weekly issue.

ADONIRAM JUDSON WARNER, Colonel of the Tenth Reserve, and Brevet Brigadier-
General, was born on the 13th of January, 1834, in Erie county, New York.  His 
father was a native of Vermont, his mother of Massachusetts.  At the age of 
twelve the family removed to Wisconsin.  Four years after, his father died, and 
he, being the eldest of five children, remained at home and took the management 
of the farm, which had been broken anew on reaching the State.  By his own 
exertions upon the farm, and as a hired laborer and teacher, he not only 
obtained a liberal education at Beloit and the New York Central College, but 
continued the discharge of a filial duty by providing for the support of the 
family of his widowed mother.  In 1856 he was married to Miss Susan E. Butts, of 
Wayne county, New York, and soon after went to Lewistown, Pennsylvania, where he 
had previously taught, and became principal of the Lewistown Academy.  
Subsequently he was appointed Superintendent of the schools of that county, but 
resigned before the expiration of the term to take charge of the Union School at 
Mercer, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged at the breaking out of the war.  He 
had no military training, and on this account declined the offer of the place of  
Major, accepting the commission of Captain of Company G.  Before the opening of 
the Seven Days' battle on the Peninsula he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.  
In the actions at Beaver Dam Creek, Gaines' Mill, and Charles City Cross Roads 
his regiment was hotly engaged and suffered severe 

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 886

losses.  In connection with the first two of these battles Colonel Warner 
mentions an interesting fact.  "At Beaver Dam Creek, a request to be allowed to 
dig rifle-pits was hardly permitted by a regular army officer, and then only 
with an intimation that it was not evidence of true courage to get behind 
breastworks, and at Gaines' Mill it was impossible to get any attention paid to 
suggestions as to the propriety of throwing up temporary works, and no tools 
could be had for the purpose.  A year later no one was asked for permission to 
dig trenches."  At Charles City Cross Roads, when one wing of McCall's division 
was broken, after the most stubborn fighting, Colonel Warner, in conjunction 
with Major Stone and a few other officers, rallied disjointed troops, and when 
the enemy was about to charge, arrested a powerful attack, creating the 
impression that heavy Union supports were in readiness to receive it.
  After the return from the Peninsula, Colonel Warner rendered important service 
throughout Pope's campaign and at South Mountain.  But it was at Antietam that 
he gave the most signal proof of his ability as a soldier.  As the battle opened 
he was ordered by General Hooker to proceed to the extreme right of the line, 
and as far to the front as he could, and report the movements of the enemy.  As 
he went forward he discovered heavy masses of the foe pushing out upon that part 
of the field where Hooker was already most heavily engaged.  With the eye of a 
true soldier he perceived that, unless that assault could be checked, Hooker's 
centre would be pierced.  His resolution was instantly taken.  "I immediately," 
he says in his report, "threw out nearly the whole regiment into a corn-field, 
as skirmishers, placing the rest as a reserve under cover, and opened a sharp 
fire upon the enemy's moving columns.  This manoeuvre had the intended effect.  
The enemy evidently expecting an attack in force, halted his columns, formed 
line, and threw out skirmishers to engage us.  Meanwhile I sent a few chosen men 
further to our right, who crept up close enough to the rebel battery to kill the 
horses and pick off the gunners.  For about twenty minutes the skirmishing was 
kept up sharply, and the enemy's whole force was held at bay.  He evidently 
construed it into a movement on his flank.  I had ascertained and reported to 

ADRONIRAM J. WARNER - 887

General Hooker fully the enemy's movements."  By his prompt and skilful conduct 
the centre was relieved, and Hooker was enabled to make one of the most gallant 
and well-directed fights of the war.  But Colonel Warner, while doing bravely 
and well for his country, was himself sorely scourged.  Being the only mounted 
officer he was a conspicuous mark for the enemy's sharpshooters.  After having 
his horse twice struck, his sword once, one ball graze his right side and 
another pass through his coat, he was hit by a Minie ball in the right hip, 
which shattered the pelvis bone and buried itself, where for a long time it was 
inextricable.  Two unsuccessful attempts were made to find it, during which he 
suffered great anguish.  Not until the 8th of February, 1864, after an operation 
that lasted five hours, was it finally removed.  His subsequent field service 
was trying.  He could only walk with the aid of crutches or canes, which he 
carried fastened to his saddle and riding was exceedingly painful.  But the 
Gettysburg campaign was at full tide, the enemy already on the soil of his 
State, and he could not resist the desire to hasten forward to join in the great 
struggle.  As he was advancing into position across a spur of the Little Round 
Top, he received a severe injury from the fall of his horse.  "Once on the field 
of Gettysburg," he says, "I felt sure of victory; for it was the determination 
of the men to bravely withstand the enemy that won us the battle."  As soon as 
the conflict was over he was sent again to Washington for treatment.  He had 
been reported to the Secretary of War as unfit for duty, with wounds likely to 
prove fatal.  This prevented his promotion, which had been recommended by 
General Meade.  He was, however, advanced to Colonel, to date from April 25th, 
1863; but after Gettysburg, seeing no hope of being useful in the field, he 
accepted of a transfer to the Seventeenth regiment oft the Veteran Reserve 
corps, on the 23d of November, and in March following was brevetted Brigadier-
General.  In the meantime he was kept on court-martial duty, and was finally 
sent to Indianapolis, and placed in command of that post.  Bounty-jumping was 
here rife, a practice which he could not regard but with feelings of abhorrence. 
Indeed the whole system of giving bounties he condemned in unqualified terms.  
To break up this flagitious outrage he resorted to the most 

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 888

severe punishment, ordering the worst offenders to trial and execution, and 
binding whole gangs of others together and sending them thus yoked to the front.  
At the conclusion of his service he took up his residence at Marietta, Ohio, 
where he became President of the Marietta, Pittsburg, and Cleveland Railroad 
Company, in which position he is still employed.

LORENZO CANTADOR was born on the 10th of June, 1810, at Dusseldorf, Prussia.  He 
entered the Prussian army in 1832, as a volunteer, was promoted an officer of 
the Landwehr in 1833, and in the attempted revolution of 1848 commanded a body 
of the National Guard.  He was subsequently engaged in mercantile pursuits, and 
in 1861 was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel of the Twenty-seventh regiment, 
having in the meantime become a resident of Philadelphia.  He was in the battles 
of Cross-Keys, Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, and 
Gettysburg, and had two horses shot under him.  He resigned in November, 1863.  
He is six feet four inches in height, and well formed.

JOHN ELY was born on the 16th of January, 1816, in Bucks county, where his 
ancestors, who were of the Society of Friends, had lived for sic generations.  
He abandoned a lucrative trade in coal at the opening of the Rebellion, and 
contributed liberally to the formation of a company for colonel Baker's 
California regiment.  In August, 1861, he recruited a battalion of five 
companies for the Twenty-third regiment, of which he was appointed Major.  He 
was engaged at Williamsburg, and at Fair Oaks had a leg broken by a musket shot, 
but kept his horse until the fighting was over.  His promotion to Lieutenant-
Colonel followed close, and in the battle of Marye's Heights, in May, 1863, he 
acted a leading part in that daring charge which hurled the enemy from his 
stronghold, and received severe injuries from the fall of his wounded horse in 
the midst of the assault, which compelled him to tender his resignation.  In 
January, 1864, he was appointed Colonel in the Veteran Reserve corps.  From July 
to November, he was recruiting and disbursing officer in West Virginia, when he 
was transferred for similar duty to New Jersey.

L. CANTADOR - JOHN ELY - E. E. ZEIGLER - A. S. LEIDY - 889

In January, 1866, he was placed in charge of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen 
and Abandoned Lands in Kentucky, having in the meantime been advanced to Brevet 
Brigadier-General.  General Ely was twice married-in 1837 to Rebecca R. Winder, 
and in 1856 to Marie Antoinette Morris-and had one son, Samuel L. Ely, who 
served in the Eighth cavalry.  In person he was nearly six feet in height, deep 
chested, and of powerful frame.  General Ely was intrusted with responsible 
duties in the Freedmen's Bureau, which he resigned in 1867.  In 1869 he was 
appointed United States Marshal for the eastern district of Pennsylvania, but 
died suddenly on the 4th of May, soon after being inducted into office.

EDWIN E. ZEIGLER was born in Lewistown, in 1842.  He was a member of the noted 
Logan Guards, the van of the first column to reach the Capital in April, 1861, 
and with it served for three months at Fort Washington.  On being mustered out 
he entered the Forty-ninth regiment as a Lieutenant, where he served until 
March, 1862, when he was transferred to the One Hundred and Seventh, of which he 
became in succession Captain, Major, and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel.  In the 
stubborn battle at the Weldon Railroad on the 19th of August, 1864, he was taken 
prisoner and was incarcerated in the prisons at Salisbury and Danville until the 
spring of 1865.  General McCoy says of him: "Colonel Zeigler participated in 
nearly all the battles of his regiment, and was esteemed as one of its most 
courageous, faithful, and reliable officers."  At the close of the war he became 
an agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Huntingdon, and was 
subsequently promoted to a much more responsible position in Allegheny City.

ASHER S. LEIDY, Colonel of the Ninety-ninth regiment, was born on the 30th of 
July, 1830, in Philadelphia.  He was the son of Philip and Christina Teliana 
(Maley) Leidy.  He was educated at the Philadelphia High School, the College of 
Pharmacy, and the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania.  He was 
active in raising the Ninety-ninth regiment, which he assisted materially in 
equipping, organizing, and disciplining, and was commissioned its Major.  He was 
severely 

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 890

wounded in the battle of Fredericksburg, the left thigh bone being fractured.  
By skilful treatment he recovered with only slight permanent disability.  He was 
promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel on the 1st of February, 1862, and to Colonel in 
June following.  On various occasions he was called to the command of Kearny's 
old brigade.  The most important battles in which he participated were Second 
Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, though he was conspicuous in a 
large number of less important engagements, notably at White's Ford, where 
Stuart's cavalry attacked and was repulsed, and at Wolf Creek Bridge, where 
Moseby was likewise driven in rout.  He was handsomely noticed by Kearny at Bull 
Run, by Birney at Fredericksburg, and by Ward, Birney, and Sickles at 
Chancellorsville.  He was honorably discharged on the 9th of April, 1864.
   
  THOMAS LEIPER KANE, Colonel of the Bucktail regiment, Brigadier and Brevet 
Major-General, second son of John K. Kane, was born in Philadelphia.  Having 
overtaxed himself in study he was sent, at the age of sixteen, to Norfolkshire, 
England, to reside with an aged kinsman, to whose property he was by family 
arrangement to succeed.  Finding it a condition of his fortune that he should 
become a British subject, he broke with his relative, and left England for the 
Continent, where his education was completed.  On his return to the United 
States he engaged with youthful ardor in various reforms designed to introduce 
advanced French ideas into American politics.  He drew about him a circle of 
young professional men, who, though varying widely in opinion, united in 
preparing articles of a progressive tone, the publication of which they pushed 
in newspapers and serials.  The little junto, however, split and went to pieces 
upon the slavery question, Kane with the minority being an unconditional 
abolitionist.
  In the meantime he had studied law and was admitted to practice: but an 
adventurous spirit possessed him, and he forsook his profession to find, in the 
western wilds of America, it satisfaction.  With his brother, Elisha Kent, whose 
exploits have filled the world with their renown, he had early planned extended 
travel, and when his brother entered upon his Artic

THOMAS L. KANE - 891

explorations he went west.  Fremont's journals had not then familiarized the 
reading public with the character of the national domain west of the Missouri.  
It had as yet been little explored, and the months of Kane's residence in the 
Indian villages of the plains were full of adventure.  He returned to 
Philadelphia the sworn defender of the Red Man.  The boldness of his attacks on 
the Indian rings at Washington conciliated prominent members of the Society of 
Friends, who led him to regard with favor their methods of advancing reform, and 
fed his zeal in the cause of the American slave.  He made southern trips to urge 
upon eminent salve-holders gradual compensated emancipation, and three voyages 
to the British West Indies to study the working of emancipation there, extending 
his researches to the Spanish Islands.
  In 1846, while on a confidential mission from President Polk to New Mexico, he 
fell in with the Mormons, just then driven from Nauvoo, whose wretched condition 
excited his pity and moved him to efforts for their amelioration.  Mr. Buchanan, 
in his message of 1858, alludes in terms of compliment to his mediatory offices 
in pacifying Utah.  In 1848 he was chairman of the Freesoil State Central 
Committee.  At the time of the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, he was 
a United States Commissioner: but spurning its provisions he resigned his place 
in a letter which was construed as a contempt of court.  The action of the 
District Judge in committing him was, however, overruled by Judge Grier of the 
Supreme Bench.  Kane, shortly after this, appears as a corporator of the 
Underground Railroad, asserting practically the abstract right of a member of 
society to break any law against his conscience, provided he does so openly, and 
was upon the platform at an anti-slavery meeting in the Tabernacle, New York, 
facing boldly the threats of violence, and at a similar assemblage in 
Philadelphia, to be addressed by George W. Curtis, resolutely advocated the 
meeting of force by force.
  But as a resident of Philadelphia, he found scope for his energies in more 
practical duties.  As a city director of the Sunbury and Erie Railroad he was 
influential in having its route changed to one running through a pass of the 
Alleghenies, which he had discovered in his summer explorations.  He was an 
active mem-

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 892

ber of the American Philosophical Society, a manager of the House of Refuge, to 
the success of which he largely contributed, and a familiar visitor to the 
almshouse and prisons of the city.  He was now able to reduce to practical 
operation some of the less Utopian theories of his youth.  He established and 
maintained, at his own expense, for several years, a large and most successful 
Salle D'Asile, the first working model in America of this excellent charity, and 
found coadjutors among the most sober and conservative of his fellow-citizens in 
another enterprise which he regarded as of great usefulness-the popularization 
of music in public schools and charitable associations for the training of 
youth.
  In 1860 the portents of storm in the political horizon made him uneasy, and 
abolitionist though he was, he deprecated war.  He counselled peaceful measures, 
advocated the Crittenden Compromise, and made numerous trips to Washington, as 
the winter advanced, to plead with his old Southern friends in Congress. Yet, 
when the Rebellion broke out, he dropped all his plans, and was the first 
volunteer from Pennsylvania for the war, reconciling his course with the peace 
principles which he had professed, on the score that he went forth as an armed 
policeman to restore order.  Although he had raised a regiment he was himself 
mustered in as a private.  When subsequently elected Colonel, he resigned on the 
following day in favor of one recommended by General Scott as a proficient in 
military tactics.  He was a rigid disciplinarian, but did not thereby forfeit 
the love and confidence of his men.  In the first victory gained in the Army of 
the Potomac his regiment was prominently engaged, he manoeuvring it with 
singular skill and receiving a ghastly wound in the mouth.
  While in winter quarters at Camp Pierpont, before Washington, in the winter of 
1861-'62, Kane wrote his Instruction for Skirmishers, a protest against the 
enforcement of European tactics upon American riflemen.  He claimed for its 
chief merit the employment of large bodies of men in dispersed order; deploying 
and bringing them together again more readily than by the prevailing system.  
His manuscript was submitted, by command, to General Casey, upon whose 
recommendation General McClellan issued an order, dated March 7th, 1862, to 
General McCall,

THOMAS L. KANE - 893

instructing him to "detail four companies of the Kane rifles to report to 
Lieutenant-Colonel Kane, and until further orders to be drilled by Colonel Kane 
exclusively in the system of tactics devised by him."  Under his instruction 
these companies became proficient.  He served in Bayard's brigade, and here 
found himself among officers whose tone was like his own.  Bayard was his 
personal friend.  But both were fighting for the Union against the sympathies 
and wishes of many of their family connections.  Their camp near Fredericksburg 
was set among the plantations of old friends and relatives, now estranged.  
Complaints of outrages committed by Union soldiers were often brought to his 
notice, and meddlesome persons sought to charge him before his former associates 
with instigating them, though without a shadow of foundation.
  It was a relief when spring came to turn from these painful scenes to active 
campaigning.  A specialty of Kane's tactics was a peculiar fatigue march, and in 
the movement to the Shenandoah against Jackson, his skirmishers kept pace with 
the cavalry, outmarching the rest of the column.  Kane was no less magnanimous 
than brave.  It was his fortune to hold a command opposed to Ashby through out 
that officer's career, and in 1861, when operating in the New Creek country 
against the Black Horse cavalry, he had ordered his men to respect Ashby's life.  
At Harrisonburg, Ashby made himself conspicuous, commanding Jackson's rear guard 
while Kane was pressing the pursuit. Kane was shot, as his men claimed, by Ashy-
a pistol ball having been extracted from one of his wounds-and they were intent 
to avenge the wrong.  This was finally accomplished by Fred. Holms, a Bucktail, 
who had himself already received his death-wound.  As Ashby passed near, Holmes 
raised himself on his arm and fired.  A Bucktail's aim none might elude, and 
Ashby fell.  The engagement at Harrisonburg gave occasion for a display of 
generous magnanimity worthy to recount.  Kan's fall left Charles F. Taylor, 
brother of Bayard, in command of the Bucktails.  Kane refused to be carried off 
the field at the peril of his men, and by his order Taylor withdrew them to a 
place of safety.  This done he returned alone to seek his wounded Colonel.  
Darkness had fallen, and Kane had been carried off the field by the enemy.  
Taylor surrendered himself, stating his

MARTIAL DEEDS OF PENNSYLVANIA - 894

errand.  His capture was reported to Jackson and Ewell, and an aid immediately 
brought him the offer of a parole.  Taylor declined it until he should first 
find his commander, whom he discovered next day, "hatless, coatless, shoeless, 
and out of his head," lying on an ammunition wagon in the blazing sun.  The 
offer of parole was formally renewed to both at intervals until accepted.  As 
they were carried across Virginia to Salisbury, North Carolina, Kane was again 
thrown among the companions of his boyhood.  At one point they passed a wounded 
man propped up against a tree.  It was a relative of Kane, who had been shot by 
the Bucktails and was dying.  Another cousin, unlike any other Southerner they 
met, shook the bed on which Kane was lying to arouse him, and addressing him by 
his Christian name taunted him with his wounds and captivity.  His own men 
removed the young Virginian forcibly, crying "For shame."  The obsequies of 
Ashby were being celebrated as they went through Charlottesville.  The funeral 
bell was heard tolling, the musketry firing over the hero's grave.  Passing the 
University of Virginia, a young gentleman came into the car where the two 
prisoners lay among the rows of wounded Confederates, and began giving them 
refreshments from a basket which he carried on his arm.  Approaching Kane the 
latter said, "We are Federals."  "These provisions are my father's" the lad 
answered courteously; "he meant them for gallant men.  I am sure you have been 
one, sir."  Kane asked his name, and when he gave it, recognized in him the son 
of one of his oldest family friends.  Everywhere he met with kindness; and when 
he reached home he sought to repay it.  He had seen enough of the misery of 
Southern hospitals, without ice, quinine, or chloroform, to pity the wounded 
there languishing.  One of his first acts was to dictate a letter to President 
Lincoln, requesting permission to send a schooner-load of these articles to the 
Southern hospitals at his own expense.  But the President was inflexible in his 
denial.
  In the meantime he had been promoted to Brigadier-General of volunteers and 
given a brigade in the Twelfth corps.  After Chancellorsville, a selection was 
made of regiments "warranted to stand fire" to defend the rear on the retreat.  
The honor of commanding this brigade was conferred on General Kane.  Perhaps the 
most important in its results of his irregular services 

THOMAS L. KANE - 895

was his rejoining his brigade before the battle of Gettysburg. He was intrusted 
by the War Department with the important message to General Meade not to place 
any reliance on the telegraphic cipher, as it had been intercepted and was 
understood by the enemy.  As the rebel General Stuart's command of horse was 
between the Capital and Meade's army, it was hazardous to attempt to reach it.  
A special train furnished him was ambuscaded above Poolesville, and he came near 
falling into the enemy's hands.  General Schenck, in command at Baltimore, 
detailed a barouche with spirited horses, in which he made his way to the Union 
head-quarters.  As was apprehended, he fell into Stuart's hands near 
Westminster, where he was arrested and examined, but it being in the sleepy 
hours before day, was allowed to pass on.  He reached Taneytown in the afternoon 
on the 1st of July.  On reporting to his brigade, it was ordered upon the front, 
and its place on the line on Culp's Hill is marked to this day by the severity 
of the fire.  During the afternoon of the 2d, while the sharp fighting was in 
progress on his left, he shifted and strengthened his position; but in the 
evening he was hurriedly ordered out to reinforce the opposite wing of the army.  
Before he was half way to Round Top, his destination, he learned that the enemy 
had been repulsed, at the same time detecting heavy firing in the direction he 
had left.  Instead of reporting and awaiting orders, he instantly 
countermarched, arriving at a critical moment.  The enemy was found in 
possession of his breastworks.  The night was far advanced; but he drove them 
out inch by inch, and retook in person a piece of rocky ground-a key-point in 
the hard fighting of the succeeding day.
  Having been disabled by wounds and sickness he withdrew from the active 
command soon after the battle, and on doing so issued to his brigade the 
following characteristic order, which may properly conclude this narrative: "The 
hard fighting seems over.  If there is to be more of it soon, I will be with 
you.  If not, farewell, and may God bless and reward you for your noble conduct, 
but for which, neither I nor any of the thousands of this army would have home, 
country, pride, or honor to return to.  If you should not see me again in the 
brigade I hope you will remember land and affectionately your friend and 
commander."