CIVIL WAR: Co D, 149th PA; A - E, biographies of the original members. Transcribed and contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Gary & Bettie Morrow, October 1999. 2morrow@icubed.com USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. Biographies of the original members who served in Co D, 149th PA during the Civil War. Taken from a book entitled, " General History of Company D, 149th Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1862 - 1865 & Personal Sketches of the Members," compiled by John W Nesbit, printed by the Oakdale Printing & Publishing Company, 1908. Asterisk in front of a name denotes there is a picture of that individual in the book. *ALEXANDER, James Boyd James Boyd Alexander enlisted as a private August 22, 1862, and served with the company, taking part in all the battles in which the Regiment was engaged up to the Battle of Yellow Tavern, where he was wounded and captured August 21, 1864. He was taken to the Rebel prison at Salisbury, N. C., where he died from exposure and starvation November 27, 1864. Private Alexander was an earnest and conscientious soldier, with strong convictions of duty, and this suffering and death were deeply deplored by his comrades and friends. He was a son of John Alexander, one of the early settlers of Allegheny County, and a brother of the late George M. Alexander, of Pittsburgh, Pa. *ALEXANDER, Samuel Corporal Samuel Alexander was mustered in as a Private and served in that capacity until February 20, 1864, when he was promoted to Corporal for faithful and soldierly qualities. He served continuously with the Company, taking part in every battle from Chancellorsville to Hatcher's Run. When Capt. Jack organized a battalion of sharpshooters for service with the Fifth Corps headquarters, during the campaign in front of Petersburg, Corporal Alexander was detailed as one of the four men taken from Company D. This battalion was armed with globe-sighted rifles, and did effective work until the close of the war. Corporal Alexander served with the battalion until the Regiment was ordered to duty at Elmira, N.Y., and was mustered out with the Company. After the war he resumed farming, taking charge of the home farm near Bridgeville, Pa., where he lived until his death, which occurred March 28, 1895. Corporal Alexander was a brave and efficient soldier, popular in the company and Regiment, and after his death was buried by his old army company, the simple service of the Union Veteran Legion being recited over his grave. Corporal Alexander was a son of Thomas Alexander, who was a prominent citizen of Allegheny County during his lifetime. He was buried in Melrose Cemetery, and is survived by his sister, Mrs. Jane A. Gilmore, of Bridgeville, PA. *ALLISON, George Alexander Private Allison enlisted August 22, 1862, and served with the company, taking part in all the marches and battles in which the Regiment participated, up to July 01, 1863, when he was taken prisoner, when the First Corps was forced to fall back from Seminary Ridge. He returned to the company August 16, 1863, and served in the ranks until May 10, 1864, when in the fighting near Laurel Hill he was severely wounded. He was sent to a hospital, recovered and returned to the company October 08, 1864. He continued with the company until the Regiment was mustered out. He was one of the best men in the company, ready for duty at any time, and popular with his comrades. After his discharge he engaged in business as a carpenter and contractor, and is now a resident of the North Side, Pittsburgh. *BALDWIN, Joseph Henry Private Baldwin enlisted at the "Hill Church meeting," and was enrolled with the company August 22, 1862; served with the Regiment, taking part in all the marches and battles up to July 01, 1863, at Gettysburg, where he was killed in the final movement of the Rebel lines on Seminary Ridge. He was an excellent soldier, popular in the company and Regiment, always in line for duty, and known for his cheerfulness and ready wit. He was buried on the battlefield where he fell, and remained there until October, 1863, when his remains were removed to the home cemetery at Noblestown, Pa. In 1888 he was again removed and reinterred in the "Hill Church" cemetery, where he now lies near the place where he first enlisted in the service of his country. Private Baldwin was born October 08, 1843, near Noblestown, Pa., his father, Milton E. Baldwin, being a prominent citizen of that locality. He is survived by his brothers, Thomas M. Baldwin, of Kansas, and Geo. W. Baldwin, of Wilkinsburg, Pa. *BARCLAY, James C. (also see JOHNSTON, William J.) Private Barclay was enrolled August 22, 1862, served continuously with the company, taking part in every battle in which the Regiment was engaged until the Battle of Dabney's Mills, February 07, 1865, when he was severely wounded and sent to the division hospital. After much suffering he recovered and was mustered out of the service and returned home, where he died a few years since from the effects of his army service. Private Barclay was an excellent soldier and always ready for duty. He was known through the Regiment for his reckless bravery and other soldierly qualities, and was popular with his comrades. *BARTON, William William Barton enlisted as a Private when the company was organized, and served in that capacity until the close of the war; was severely wounded in the first day's fighting in the Wilderness and was sent to the hospital, recovered and returned to duty March 10, 1865. During his term of service he took part in every battle or campaign in which the company was engaged except when absent wounded. Private Barton was an intelligent and capable soldier, serving from a thorough conviction of duty. He was fully conversant with the early causes of the war, and was known in the company as authority on such matters. He was a credit to his comrades and was popular wherever known during his military service. Private Barton returned to the old homestead near Clinton, Allegheny county, Pa., after being mustered out of the service, resuming his occupation as a farmer until his death, which occurred March 27, 1897. He was a good citizen, was active in public affairs, served in the Legislature, session of 1885-86, and held other positions of honor and trust. He left a widow and two children and a sister, Miss Mary Barton, who now reside on the farm. *BELL, Joseph C. Private Bell was enrolled when the company was organized and served with the company through all the battles and skirmishes up to the Wilderness, where he was severely wounded May 05, 1864. He was sent to the field hospital and from there transferred to the general hospital, where, after some time, he recovered and was assigned to duty there, where he remained until July 12, 1865, when he was mustered out by a general order. Private Bell was a splendid soldier and popular in the company and Regiment. After his discharge he returned to Allegheny county, but in a short time engaged in business in Alliance, Ohio. He is now located there and is one of the prosperous business men in that city. BIBER, Godfrey K. Sergeant Biber enlisted as a Private August 22, 1862, and was appointed Sergeant when the company was organized. He served with the company through all the battles in which the company participated up to June 28, 1862, (book says 1862, but should read 1863) when he was taken sick at Frederick City, Md., on the march to Gettysburg, and sent to the hospital. After his recovery he returned to the company, having missed the Battle of Gettysburg, and served through the Wilderness campaign, taking part in all the battles and marches in which the Regiment was engaged up to September, 1864, when he was sent to the draft rendezvous at Pittsburgh on detached duty, remaining there until he rejoined the company at Elmira, N.Y., a short time before the close of the war. Sergeant Biber was slightly wounded June 17, 1864, in front of Petersburg, but remained with the company. He was prompt and efficient, a good soldier and popular among his comrades. He was mustered out with the company, and after his return to Pittsburgh entered the dry goods business. Sergt. Biber is now engaged in business at Monaca, Beaver Co., Pa., and resides there with his family. BOND, William Private Bond was enrolled August 22, 1862; served with the company, except when on detached duty, until broken down with sickness and exposure during the campaign of 1863. He was sent to the General Hospital at Alexandria, Va., where he died January 31, 1863. Private Bond was a faithful, conscientious soldier, and after his death at Alexandria was buried in grave No. 1356, in the Soldiers' Cemetery at that place. BOWERS, Philip Philip Bowers enlisted as a Drummer, but was after serving up to the opening of the Wilderness campaign assigned to duty as a Private, serving in the ranks and on detached duty of different kinds until the close of the war. Private Bowers was quite young and small, and on that account his duties were made as light as possible. He was full of energy and wit, and was a general favorite, was a good soldier, escaping without wounds or sickness, and was mustered out of service with the company. Nothing is known of his life since the close of the war. *BRICELAND, Charles Private Briceland enlisted when the company was organized, and served continuously with the Regiment, taking part in every march and battle up to May 10, 1864, when he was severely wounded in one of the charges made by our army at Laurel Hill. He was sent to the hospital, recovered and returned to the company September 30, 1864, serving in every move or battle in which the Company was engaged until the close of the war. He was a prime soldier, always ready for duty, and a favorite in the company. He was mustered out with the company, returned to his home and engaged in mercantile and other business, and is now a resident of McDonald, Pa. CALLAHAN, Henry Beltzhoover Corporal Henry B. Callahan enlisted when the company was organized. He was appointed Corporal at that time, and served continuously on duty with the company until July 01, 1863, when during the retreat of the First Corps from the heights around the seminary, he was captured on the streets of Gettysburg. He never returned to the company. After his release he was detailed as a steward and served in that capacity until his discharge from the service, February 20, 1864. Corporal Callahan was a good soldier; was right up to the front when the Rebels overpowered the company near the seminary. After the war he drifted to the West, and died at Salem, Oregon, a few years ago. *CAMPBELL, Hugh Private Hugh Campbell was enrolled when the company was organized, and served throughout the war, being on duty continuously with the company, taking part in every battle, march or skirmish, and was mustered out with the company. Private Campbell was a good soldier, and was known throughout the Regiment for his cheerfulness and Irish wit. He escaped without wounds or sickness, and is now located with his family at Beechmont, Allegheny Co., Pa. *CAMPBELL, William Private William Campbell was enrolled August 22, 1862, and served with the company until compelled to be relieved from duty on account of sickness which proved to be typhoid fever. He was taken to the hospital and died November 04, 1862. Private Campbell entered the service from a sense of duty and patriotism; was an excellent soldier and a consistent Christian. His death was the first loss in the company. His remains were brought home by his friends and interred in the cemetery at the "Hill Church," near McDonald, Pa. Mr. Campbell was survived by a large circle of relatives and friends. His brother, Joseph Campbell, Jr., is a prominent farmer, now residing near Noblestown, Pa. COOPER, James James Cooper enlisted as a Private August 22, 1862, and served with the company as private, company cook, and with the Regimental wagon train as a teamster. He deserted July 07, 1863, and never returned to the company. COOPER, Richard Private Cooper was mustered in August 22, 1862, and served as private until April 14, 1863. Private Cooper did not have an opportunity to participate in active service. He suffered with rheumatism during the winter of 1862-63, and was discharged before the army moved for the Chancellorsville campaign. CROOKS, Andrew W. Private Crooks enlisted August 22, 1862, and served with the company through all the battles and campaigns up to the Battle of Gettysburg, where he was wounded July 01, 1863, in the fighting on Seminary Hill. His ankle was shattered by a ball, and when the First Corps was forced to fall back he was left on the field, falling into the hands of the Rebels. He was, however, properly cared for, and after his removal to a hospital his leg was amputated. Recovering, he was discharged from the service and returned to his home. He was a good soldier, and since his discharge has been an active and useful citizen, and is now a resident of Albany, Oregon. *CUBBAGE, George A. Sergeant Cubbage entered the company as a Private; was appointed Corporal when the company was organized; was promoted to Sergeant January 01, 1864, for good conduct and efficiency, serving continuously with the company until June 18, 1864, when he was killed in front of Petersburg in one of the first efforts made there by our army to break the Rebel lines. Sergeant Cubbage was a brave and conscientious soldier, and his death was a loss to both Company D and the Regiment. He was buried on the battlefield. After the war his remains were removed to Poplar Grove National Cemetery, and buried in grave No. 46, Section 11, Division C. Sergeant Cubbage was a son of John Cubbage, formerly of Mansfield, Allegheny Co., Pa., and a brother of James Cubbage, of McDonald, Pa. He left a large circle of friends and relatives. *DALGLIESH, William M. Lieut William M. Dalgliesh was commissioned as Second Lieutenant when the Company was organized, and served with the Company until the organization was complete and the Regiment ordered to Washington. There he was detailed as an Aid on the Staff of General Wadsworth, the Military Governor of that Department. This appointment was made permanent, but when the Regiment was ordered to the front, he was made a personal aide on the Staff of Colonel Roy Stone, then in command of the Brigade. At the battle of Gettysburg, July 01, 1863, his horse was killed under him, but he escaped uninjured and was at once assigned to the position of Acting Adjutant General of the Brigade. Having served through the campaigns of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, he was promoted to First Lieutenant, April 22, 1864. During the terrible fighting at Spotsylvania, May 10, 1864, he was severely wounded and it was supposed he could not recover, but after some time he was ready for duty and was assigned to Staff duty again, being ordered to Elmira, N.Y., where he served as Adjutant General on the Staff of the Provisional Brigade, stationed at that place. He was promoted to Captain June 14, 1865 returned to duty with the Company a few days before they were finally mustered out, and returned to Pittsburgh with the Company. Captain Dalgliesh was an excellent officer; well known throughout the Division and popular with his brother officers. He was a resident of Pittsburgh, Pa., making his home with his brother and sister. He died May 08, 1904, and was buried in the Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Pa. DOBSON, Samuel Private Dobson enlisted August 22, 1862, served during the greater part of his term of service with the company, and though quite young was a good soldier, ready for duty and in line when engaged with the enemy. Private Dobson was mustered out with the company June 25, 1865, and now resides at Rochester, Pa. *DORRINGTON, Frank C. Frank C. Dorrington entered the service as a Private August 22, 1862, was promoted to Corporal August 23, 1862, and made a Sergeant July 07, 1863, in place of Sergeant A.M. Stewart, who was killed at Gettysburg. He served with the Company up to May 08, 1864, when he was desperately wounded at the battle of Laurel Hill. The ball entered his body at the breast bond, cutting off two of his ribs; passing through the left lung and out under the left shoulder. He was supposed to be mortally wounded, but was packed with Sergt. W.R. Johnston and other wounded men in a heavy army wagon, with nothing but pine tops for bedding over rough corduroy roads, through Fredericksburg to Belle Plains Landing, a distance of about 25 miles, and then shipped by steamboat to Washington, arriving there on the sixth day after the battle, more dead than alive. While at Fredericksburg Sergeant Johnston, who was not so completely disabled, left the wagon to find some water for himself and his wounded comrades. On his return he found the wagon vacated by all except Sergeant Dorrington, who had been left for dead. Sergt. Johnston concluded to have him after a careful examination, but after leaving the wagon he returned and made another examination, when he found signs of life, and finally restored him sufficiently to have him taken to Washington, where, under careful treatment, he recovered, and at his own request returned to service August 06, 1864, while the Company was in the trenches in front of Petersburg. He served until the close of the war without further wounds or sickness, having taken part in every battle, march or skirmish in which the Company was engaged, except when absent wounded. Lieut. Dorrington was a gallant soldier. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant June 14, 1865, and was more than once complimented for bravery on the field. He now holds the position of Cashier in the City Treasurer's office, residing with his family on Atlantic Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. EASTON, William T. The subject of this sketch, when a youth of less than 19 years, enlisted immediately after the firing on Fort Sumpter, joining the Washington Infantry on the 17th day of April, 1861, (Company A, 13th Regiment, Pa. Vols.), served under General Patterson on the Potomac and about Martinsburg, Va., until his term expired. On his return home an attack of fever, brought on by exposure, prevented his returning with the 13th, recruited for three years as the 102nd Regiment. He was enrolled August 22nd as a Private in the organization which became Company D, 149th Penna. Volunteers; appointed Second Sergeant on August 23, 1862; appointed Sergeant Major on the field at Culpepper, Va., January 01, 1864; commissioned First Lieutenant 32nd Regiment U.S.C.T., March 24, 1864, detailed as A.A.D.C. on the staff of the commander of United States Forces, Morris Island, S.C., March 18, 1865, by orders from the War Department he was mustered as Captain and assigned to Company C, 103rd Division, U.S.C.T. During the summer of 1865, he was in command of the Regiment at Fort Pulaski, Ga., at which point were confined as prisoners of war the principal members of the Rebel Cabinet and other officials. October, 1864, he was detailed as Military Tax Receiver for the Post of Savannah, Ga., and December 15th detailed as Provost Marshal of the same Post. He was also on duty as a member of the Military Commission for the trial of Hugh Mercer, Brigadier General Rebel Army, Duncan of Andersonville Prison notoriety, and the "Semar" cotton cases. Captain Easton served with the Company in all its campaigning in the Army of the Potomac until transferred to the Department of the South, where he was on duty at the seige of Charleston and engaged in action at Lone Hill, James Island, Deveaux's Neck, etc., movements made in connection with Sherman's march to the sea. Stewart L. Wood, of New Jersey, (our late minister to Spain), who was Colonel of the 103rd Regiment, sent in his resignation. Captain Easton was examined by a board of officers and recommended by them for a Major's commission. Not having sufficient men to muster a Colonel the vacancy was not filled. May 05, 1866, he was mustered out at Savannah, Ga., after a service of almost four continuous years, and with the exception of a ten-day furlough, on duty daily. On return home he engaged in the dry goods business on Market street, Pittsburgh, and later formed the firm of Biber & Easton. In 1867 Captain Easton was married to Miss N.A. Richardson, at Heidelberg, Chartiers Valley. Four children have blessed their union; the eldest, Alpha T. Easton, First Lieutenant of the 28th Regiment, is now in the Philippines. Capt. Easton now resides with his family in the East End, Pittsburgh.