Hyde County, SD History - Books .....Chapter 10 G. A. R. 1908 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/sd/sdfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 February 11, 2010, 3:47 am Book Title: History Of Hyde County CHAPTER X G. A. R. Whenever the words "Grand Army of the Republic" are spoken, it awakens in the mind of he who hears them, a feeling of profound respect for every one of the boys in blue, who, when the Republic was in danger, when an armed force was gathering in southern states for no other purpose than to destroy the Union, they enrolled themselves as loyal citizens of the country to fight for the preservation of the United States, its liberties and its institutions, and marched to the front where many laid down their lives; others have carried the scars of the conflict through life, and some of them still survive who command the highest of respect from a grateful .people. As these veterans, pass one by one over to the silent majority they are kept in memory by an annual pilgrimage to their graves, where loyal and loving hands lay upon their mounds in the cemetery flowers and tokens of remembrance. The members of the post here were quite numerous at one time, but death and the removal of some have greatly diminished the ranks so that now but few remain. We would gladly have given a complete record of each individual member of the post, past as well as present, but we are unable to do so; we can only give fully those who are with us, where we can learn it from their own lips. John A. Dix Post was organized in Highmore in 1883. Its first, or what is.generally called charter members, consisted of the following, named old soldiers: Jacob T. Haight, who entered the service August 30, 1861, in Co. G 2nd Iowa Cavalry, was corporal and was discharged May 15, 1865. Mr. Haight was an attorney at Highmore for several years and was County Judge. He now resides at Hydro, Oklahoma. Edson O. Parker, who enlisted August 21, 1861, in Co. F New York Volunteers as musician, and was discharged May 27, 1865. Mr. Parker came to Highmore at an early day, held several important offices, and now resides at San Diego, California. John Blundell enlisted in Co. F Wisconsin Volunteers, in June, 1861, and was discharged July 27, 1865. He was one of the early residents and was section foreman here for several years. He now resides at Sioux City, Iowa. Benjamin A. Foote, who is more particularly mentioned further on. James Garvie entered the service in September, 1864, in Co. E. 4th Iowa Volunteers and was discharged June 15, 1865. He was an early settler in Highmore, engaged for several years in the lumber business and died at Hot Springs, S. D., in 1907. John C. Stoner, mentioned further on. G. Barkhurf enlisted in Co. D, 30th Missouri Volunteers August 27, 1864, and was discharged in June, 1865. He was one of the early settlers here, he died about twelve years ago. Samuel Major entered the service July 4, 1861. He enlisted and was 1st Sargeant in Co. D. 2nd Maryland Volunteers and was discharged in October 1865. He was here at quite an early day, kept the only stopping place at the old section house. He died several years ago at a soldiers home in the State of Washington. Norman F. Bates enlisted in October, 1861, in Co. E. 4th Iowa Cavalry and was discharged in August, 1865, acting as Sargeant. He opened an agricultural house in Highmore at an early day, moved to California several years ago, and still resides there at San Diego. James B. Babcock enlisted Sept. 3, 1864, in Co. F. 1st Wisconsin Volunteers and was discharged June 26, 1865. We do not know his present address. James Barber enlisted August 15, 1862, in Co. J. 92nd Illinois Infantry and was discharged June 8, 1865. He was one of our earliest settlers. He died July 27, 1900, leaving his wife and several children, who still reside in Hyde county. Francis McKirk enlisted Oct. 24, 1861, in Co. H. 55 Illinois Infantry and was discharged in August, 1865. S. R. Meigs is mentioned later on, also C. E. Case. Benj. F. McCutcheon enlisted August 20, 1864, and was discharged in August, 1865. He served in Co. F. 8th Illinois Infantry. Paul Hendricks was Sergeant in Co. C. 1st Iowa Cavalry, and enlisted August 15, 1862, discharged March 15, 1866. He was an early resident in Hyde county and much to the regret of all of us moved to Miller, S. D., about two years ago where he still resides. E. E. Barnes enlisted August 1, 1861, in Co. E. 27th Indiana Infantry and was discharged December 15, 1864. Geo. W. Sanders enlisted in Oct., 1861, was Captain in Co. B. 85th Pennsylvania Volunteers and discharged December 15, 1865. Samuel G. Trine enlisted April 4, 1862, and was Sergeant in Co. F. Illinois Infantry, discharged September 28, 1864. He was an early resident of Highmore; was a painter by trade. He died in Pierre, S. D,, in 1907. The above list comprises as near as we can tell by the records, the original or charter members of John A. Dix Post at Highmore. In all there have been about fifty enrolled upon the books of this Post and at present there are living in Hyde county the following named old soldiers: CAPT. O. R. VAN ETTEN Capt. O. R. Van Etten, the veteran temperance lecture, is a native of New York. He was born on a farm in Cayuga county, July 14, 1834, and his early day education was obtained in the county schools, with other farm boys, until at the age of 17, when he attended Moravia Seminary, where at the age of 20, he commenced teaching school, until the breaking out of the civil war, when he enlisted as a private in First N. Y. Battery, which was raised in the city of Auburn. Going through the war, he was engaged in 33 hard fought battles with the 6th army corps of the Potomac and at the close of the war came out Captain of the battery to which he belonged. He was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864, and carries a souvenir of the event in the shape of a bullet which passed almost through his right arm and which he himself removed with a razor, Another leaden missile passed through his left leg, which he says moved so rapidly that he did not catch it. An incident worth mentioning is, that while at home on a furlough with his wounded arm in a sling, he was invited to make an address in the city of Auburn for the benefit of sick and wounded soldiers, while addressing, he fainted and fell over, after which the hat was passed and a collection taken, which amounted to $1635.00 Captain says he delivered many other addresses after that for the same cause, but was never able to faint although he tried hard. At the close of the war, Capt. Van Etten was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Cayuga county, N. Y., in which office he gained quite a reputation as a private detective, and it was, while engaged in this work, that there was born within his soul, the urgent desire to be an instrument in the hand of God for putting down one of the greatest curses of our nation, the liquor traffic; to which cause he has since given 30 years of his life. He has lectured all the way between the two oceans, twice from California to Maine, and has crossed the ocean and lectured in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, also in Canada. In his wanderings over the earth, he was mostly attracted to the Dakotas, which he says is the "Hub of the Universe" and he never loses an opportunity to speak its praises in which ever country he may be. In November, 1883, the day after the survey was made, he filed on a tree claim in Hyde county, S. D., and on the 12th day of December he put up the first building in what is Illinois township. In the spring of 1884 he first went to his new home driving an ox team from Huron to his claim, 77 miles. He then commenced breaking and improving his farm, but continued his lecture work from fall until spring, each year, and kept improving his farm and increasing it until it numbered 480 acres. In the fall of 1889 he was elected to the last Territorial Legislature. During that time he introduced House Bill 55, which was to strike out the word male from our laws in regard to who had a right to vote. In his lecture work in the Dakotas, he has delivered 1876 lectures. The entire number of lectures delivered in various places on temperance numbers over 8,000. The Captain although having given 30 years to the temperance work, is still hale and hearty as a man of 50, and has great hope that the "White Flag" will float over every home at no distant day. Captain Van Etten married Matilda S. McLean, a lady of Scotch descent, in 1857. She was a woman of kind and charitable nature, respected by all who knew her. She was with the Captain in all his Hyde county experiences on the claim and died here in 1905. Her portrait is on another page. Later on in 1907 he was married to Mrs. Mary Charlesworth. Their home is in Hyde county, although the Captain spends the greater part of his time in the lecture field, accompanied by his wife. Their portrait is on another page. JOHN C. STONER, SR. Was born February 21, 1844 in Muskingum county, Ohio; removed with his parents to Williamsport, Warren county, Indiana, in the spring of 1849; his father died there in November, 1853; removed with his mother and two brothers younger to his mother's family in Grant county, Wisconsin, arriving there on January 1, 1854; lived there until November, 1857, then removed to Harrison county, Mo.; resided there until March, 1883; then came to Hyde county, South Dakota. •Entered the army in Co. G. 7th Missouri Infantry September, 1861; six months troops as a musician; was discharged about March 20th, 1862, on account of expiration of term of service; re-enlisted March 29th, 1862, in Company E, 3rd Regiment, Cavalry, Missouri Volunteers; was captured by the Confederates at fight at Newtonia, Missouri, on the 13th day of September, 1862; was in the Old Indian Fort at Fort Smith, confined in the old guard house until in November of that year; was also held prisoner at Little Rock, Ark., and finally sent to Hellany, Ark., and turned over to the Federals to await exchange; from there he was sent to parole camp at St. Louis, Mo.; after a furlough was sent to Company at Oceola, Mo., April 1st, 1863. During absence from the Regiment it had been consolidated with the 6th Missouri Cavalry and then served in Co. G. of that Regiment until June, 1864. On October 4, 1863, was captured with the entire command at battle of Neoshoe, Mo., but they were paroled on the ground, and declared exchanged during the winter of 1864. In June, 1864, re-enlisted as a veteran in the 13th Regiment Cavalry Missouri Volunteers. Served in the Indian war on the western plains until Sept., 1865; was detailed as a clerk at Department Headquarters at St. Louis in September the same year, and was finally discharged at St. Louis February 11, 1866. The above is a statement condensed of Mr. Stoner's army record. He was an early settler in Hyde County and a charter member of the John A. Dix Post. He has held the office of County Judge, Clerk of Courts and Auditor in Hyde County, and has been a Justice of the Peace for many years, all of which establishes his favorable standing with the people of Hyde County. B. A. FOOTE Benjamin A. Foote was born in New York state on the 21st day of September, 1843. He was married to Miss Lydia M. Burrows Sept. 22, 1870. He left New York state with his wife in March, 1872, and went to Nebraska where he farmed, and under the adverse conditions of that new country at that time, his four years of farming were wasted, for the grasshoppers harvested the crops. In 1876 he left Nebraska and went to Iowa where he lived until the spring of 1883, when he moved to Hyde County, S. D., where he took up a government claim, opened a farm and once more was up against the unfavorable circumstances of a new country, but wrestled through it, until in 1896 he was elected to the office of Register of Deeds and held this position for four years. Following that he was elected Treasurer of Hyde County which office he held for four years. During the Civil War Mr. Foote took part in it from start to finish. He enlisted November 30th, 1861, for three years or during the war, and was soon after appointed Commissary Sergeant of the regiment. His first enlistment was in the 76th Regiment, New York Volunteers but served only two years, for the reason that the government desired a re-enlistment at that time, for three years more, making a five years service, hence he re-enlisted Jan. 1st, 1863, and at the expiration of the term of service of his regiment, while in the field at Culpeper, Virginia, he was transferred as Commissary Sergeant to the 147th New York Regiment, and at the end of the term of service of this regiment was transferred to the 91st Regiment as State Commissary Sergeant and held this position until the close of the war. He was with the Army of the Potomac in all its campaigns, at Fredericksburg, Bull Run, Chancellorville, Wilderness, Antietam, Gettysburg, and at all other places where the Army participated, and was present and saw the surrender of General Lee's army at Appornatox April 9th, 1865. From there he marched with his regiment to Washington, D. C, and took part in the two days grand review of General Grant and General-Sherman's armies and was discharged July 3rd, 1865. Mr. Foote is a quiet but highly respected citizen of Hyde County; is prominently identified with the Methodist Church, has been very efficient as a public officer and his integrity has never been questioned. He is still in the treasurer's office acting as deputy. He has four daughters, Alice E! who married S. S. Meigs, Amy J. who married H. A. McDonald and Rose G. who married W. G. McLaughlin, all of whom reside in Highmore. The youngest daughter, Eennie Bee N., is still with her parents but is attending school, at Huron. RICHARD P. PILKINGTON Mr. Pilkington was born in Bedford Burrough, Bedford Co., Pa., July 22, 1840. He enlisted in the service at his home town in response to the call of President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand volunteers, on April 26th, 1861. The call was for three months service, which ended July 30th, 1861, when Mr. Pilkington received his discharge at Harrisburg, Pa. He then re-enlisted Sept. 5, 1861, in Company E 76th Pennsylvania Infantry, and his service in the Civil War continued until the 18th day of July, 1865. During the three months he was under the command of Gen. Patterson and after his re-enlistment he was under several different commanders among whom were Generals Hunter, Mitchell and Gerry and was in the southern department until in 1864, when his regiment was made part of the Army of the Potomac. He was in frequent engagements among which was the battle of James Island, Morris Island, Tybe Island and the reduction of Ft. Pulaski; was front of Fort Sumpter and Charleston about a year, firing at intervals on both, and made two charges on Ft. Wagner; was in Spotsylvania a short time, went to Cold Harbor, then front of Petersburg and after that at Deep Bottom. At this latter place he was wounded which sent him to the hospital at Fortress Monroe about a month. He left the hospital in October, 1864, and was afterwards at Bermuda Hundred under the command of General B. F. Butler. They undertook to reduce Fort Fisher and Fort Buchanan in North Carolina but were unsuccessful, but under Gen. A. H. Gerry another attempt was made in which they succeeded. They then marched through North Carolina in the spring of 1865 and joined the army of Gen. W. T. Sherman. While between Wilmington and Raleigh they heard the good news of the surrender of Lee's army, and the sad news of the assassination of President Lincoln. Was at Raleigh when Johnson surrendered, and remained there until July, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. Mr. Pilkington went into the army as a private, but a few months afterward was promoted to sergeant. After that he was further promoted to 2nd lieutenant, then to 1st lieutenant and then to that of captain, which rank he held at the time of his discharge. Some years afterward he went into the mining district of Nevada, and in 1880 by an explosion in a silver mine he lost his eye sight entirely and has remained blind ever since. He settled in Washington Township, this county, in April, 1883, and put up the first claim house, 12x16, in that township. He has remained in the county since that time and now resides with his wife in Highmore. The people of Hyde County need not be told that Captain Pilkington is one of the best of men for they know it already. He commands the respect of all. WILLIAM B. HAMLIN Mr. Hamlin was born at Pottsdam, St. Lawrence County, New York, March 22, 1841. He enlisted at Bellville, in Jefferson County, New York, as a private, April 7, 1861, in Captain Jack Barney's Co. K 24th New York Volunteer Infantry for the period of two years., The regiment was organized in Elmira, New York, and left there for Washington July 1st, 1861, and reached their destination in time to spend the 4th in the capital city. They went into camp on the 17th near Georgetown, and received their first arms, the Harper's Ferry musket, old flint locks made over into cap locks. They were then drilled continually in the manuel of arms and target practice until Sunday, the 21st day of July, when they were marched to the arsenal where the old guns were turned in and in their places they received the Enfield rifle. The regiment then marched across the long bridge into Virginia and advanced about ten miles to Baily's cross roads where they met McDowell's retreating army which had been defeated and demoralized at Bull Run. They remained in that vicinity as a part of McClellan's grand army until the spring of 1862 when they advanced on Manassus, capturing the line of fortifications which the "Johnnies" had occupied during the winter of 1861-2. In the spring of 1862, when McClellan embarked his army for the James, they were left with McDowell's army which advanced to the Rappahannock River and captured the city of Fredericksburg. Their first great battle was the second Bull Run under Gen. John Pope. Here Mr. Hamlin was wounded and was taken prisoner; was paroled on the field and sent through the lines under a flag of truce to Alexandria where he remained until he was exchanged. He then rejoined the army under Burnside, engaged in the battle of Fredericksburg and Chancellors-ville under Gen. Hooker and was mustered out of service May 29th, 1863, which was the expiration of his enlistment. He then re-enlisted as sergeant in Company F ist New York Veteran Cavalry on the first of Sept., 1863, for three years or during the war. He joined the army of the Shenandoah at Harper's Ferry, took part in the campaigns under Siegel, Hunter, Crook and Sheridan, and after the valley campaign ended in the fall of 1864, was sent to the Kanawah Valley where they were engaged in scouting and bushwhacking until the close of the war. He was mustered out of service July 20th, 1865, after having served a little more than four years. Mr. Hamlin came to Hyde County in the spring of 1883 from Chicago, Ill., and settled on a government homestead. We asked him what he had to say for himself since his arrival here and replying said he had no great success but had always managed to pay his debts and keep the wolf from the door, but the writer will add to this that Mr. Hamlin and his family, after residing on the farm several years, moved to Highmore, bought a very fine residence property and are taking life easy. He has been police justice several years and is now chief of police in Highmore. His oldest son, Norman, is a prosperous former near Sioux Falls, S. D.; his son, Will, is a highly respected citizen of Hyde County living on his farm near Holabird. James and Mary are both at home in Highmore while Grace is married to Fred Corwin and they reside at Puyallup, Washington. HENDERSON WINANS Mr. Winans was born in Miami county, Ohio, on December 12, 1835, and his likeness, seen on page 35, was taken on his 72nd birthday in 1907. He came to Wisconsin with his father and four brothers in 1843 and they settled at Council Hill, a small town near Galena, Ill. In 1856, in company with two friends, he went to the "Pineries" as central Wisconsin was then known, locating near Stevens Point, in which county (Portage) he remained a number of years. He engaged in the lumber business until his enlistment in Co. B. 14th Regiment Wisconsin Infantry in 1863. Was married Jan. 2, 1860, to Lavinia E. Woodworth. He left his wife and baby, A. D. Winans, a year old when he joined his company at Madison, Wisconsin, January 4, 1864. He participated in the siege of Atlanta where he received an injury to his spine, which left him unfit for manual labor for nearly two years. He was at Vicksburg with Grant, with Sherman at Atlanta, with Thomas at Nashville and Canby at the taking of Mobile. He was in the hospital forty days, from where he was sent to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, reporting to Surgeon General E. B. Wolcott, and later discharged with the balance of his company at Madison, Wisconsin, in October, 1865. He came to Beadle county, S. D., in 1883, and to Hyde county in March, 1884, settling in Van Order township, where he resided for five years. In 1892 he purchased the dray business of Wm. Little; the succeeding fall himself and son bought the livery stock of Clark & Hague and after five years he sold out his interest to his son, A. D. After spending the summer trying to find a better location, he returned to Hyde count}7 and rook a homestead in Eagle township, proved up in five years and has resided in Highmore ever since. He is a loyal member of John A. Dix Post and has been for 16 years. He attended two national encampments and five state reunions. Mr. Winans and wife still reside in Highmore, taking life easy, and they command the highest respect of the community. ADOLPH WALTHER Mr. Walther has not been long a resident of Hyde County, came to Highmore in March, 1906, built a very nice residence and takes life easy. He was born in Germany in 1836, emigrated to this country and took part in the civil war. He enlisted in Company E 20th Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers at Watertown, Wis., on the 12th day of August, 1862, and received an honorable discharged at Galveston, Texas, in 1865. He was in nine important battles among which were Prairie Grove, Springfield, Mo., Mobile and Fort Morgan. He is a quiet, unassuming man and a good neighbor. CHARLES E. CASE Mr. Case was born in Williamstown, Oswego county, New York, March 23, 1842. On the 23rd day of August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A 110 New York State Volunteers for three years or during the war. He enlisted at Oswego City, where his regiment was organized, went from there to Baltimore, and then spent two months drilling at Patterson Park, Md. Went from there to New Orleans in the fall of 1862 and made winter camp at Algiers. In the spring of 1863 his regiment went north into the interior of Louisiana near Opelousas, where they performed provost duty, which resulted in their return to New Orleans with a train load of contraband negroes and cotton from up the Mississippi river. Went to Port Hudson in June, 1863, where a charge was made, and soon after, Vicksburg surrendered, also Port Hudson. They then went from that point to Dry Tortugas, Florida, which was in the spring of 1865, where they performed garrison duty until August, 1865, when orders came to proceed to Albany, New York, for final discharge and Mr. Case was discharged September 28, 1865. He was under the command of Gen. Banks at first, and while at New Orleans under the command of Gen. Butler. In 1863 while marching to Opelousas they encountered a rebel force, which made a stand and threw up breastworks, but were routed, but a comical feature of the conflict was, their fighting was mostly on a sweet potato patch, where the fighting soldiers between times would dig out a potato with their bayonet, and were munching these while pouring the lead into the enemy. Mr. Case came to Hyde county in 1884, settled on a claim in Illinois township, and in 1893 secured residence property in High-more, where he and his wife now reside. Mr. Case bears his sixty-six years lightly, is active and respected as a citizen. JOHN E. WHIPPLE Mr. Whipple is a Vermont Yankee, born in Brattleboro, that state, August 29, 1835. He enlisted in the 1st Vermont Cavalry September 1, 1861, at his native town for three years. His regiment was organized at Burlington, Vermont, and from there went to Washington, D. C, and was under drill during that winter. Joined the army of the Potomac. Was under General ' Porter and also under Gen. Banks. Was with Banks in his retreat across the Potomac to Winchester, and after that under Gen. Pope. Was in the Cedar Mountain fight and in the second Bull Run fight, also in the fight at Gettysburg, and afterwards started for Antietam, but was changed over to the defense of Washington. After that went with Gen. Grant to the Wilderness, and then with Gen. Sheridan to the Shenandoah. Valley and while at Cedar Creek his time expired and he was mustered out November 14, 1864. In April, 1884, Mr. Whipple came to Hyde county and settled with his family on a government claim and has resided here ever since. He has wrestled with the adverse conditions of a new country here in Hyde county along with the rest of us, but now owns two quarter sections of land is well-to-do and prosperous. As a citizen he is quiet and unassuming, but is the soul of honor and one of the best of Hyde county citizens. JAMES L. HUMPHREY Mr. Humphrey enlisted at Camp Butler in the state of Illinois and was enrolled Sept. 30, 1864. He could not have enlisted earlier in the War on account of his age, and as it was he did not reach the required age, which was eighteen, until a week after he was enrolled. He enlisted for one year or during the war and had no other expectation than to go at once into actual service and no doubt would have been so engaged, but for the close of the war in 1865. The government at that time was having serious work in rounding up men who had been drafted and in getting them to the front, in fact a large body of soldiers were detached for that very purpose. He enlisted in Company G 146 Illinois Infantry Volunteers and in service the headquarters of his regiment was at Camp Buttler. During the winter following his enlistment, he was engaged in that detached service of gathering up stragglers and drafted men and marching them to the front. There were then "bounty jumpers," men who had received a bounty and then deserted. Mr. Humphrey with his comrades had one fellow in the guard house who had jumped the bounty nine times, and caught at last he was soon after shot. They were in several different states, and constantly on the march. On account of sickness Mr. Humphrey went to the hospital and while at the hospital, having been there about a month, was honorably discharged from the service June 12, 1865. Mr. Humphrey was born in Washington, Kentucky, Sept. 15, 1846, moved with his father to Illinois in 1856, married to Elizabeth Moore December 27, 1868, and came to Hyde county in March, 1884, and still resides here with his wife. He is in good comfortable circumstances and commands the respect of his neighbors and of the community in which he lives. JACOB MYERS Mr. Myers was born in Washington county, Maryland, in 1848 and lived in Buckley county, West Virginia, during the civil war. He enlisted in the 3rd Virginia Cavalry Company C in 1863 for three years or during the war. Mr. Myers served under General Sheridan, who is known in history as one of the bravest and most gallant of military officers during that terrible conflict, and under the General fought in all the battles from the Potomac to the Shenandoah Valley and was at City Point when it was taken from them. When it was known that Johnson had surrendered they went to Washington City and then to Wheeling, where Mr. Myers was discharged. He was an early settler in Hyde county, and with his good wife has brought up their family here, all of whom still reside here. He is a good citizen, has a competence and in the enjoyment of good health. E. W. LOWE Mr. Lowe was born in New York state on the 4th day of August, 1833. He enlisted in Co. H New York volunteers on the 9th day of August, 1862. The regiment was mounted and went under the name "1st Regiment of Dragoons." After his enlistment he was promoted to corporal, and once at the front he was with his regiment in all their engagements, at Deserted Farm, Black Water, Franklin, Suffolk, Peach Orchard, on the Peninsula, and in numerous raids in other parts of Virginia. Late in the fall of 1863 the regiment was sent to the Rapidan and did picket duty that following winter, where the rebel army was on one side of the river and the union army on the other side. On May 5, 1864, the regiment broke camp and crossed the river at Early's Ford, when the battle of the Wilderness commenced, and it was decidedly a hot place. May 7, 1864, the regiment with other cavalry was .sent on a flank movement with their destination at White House Landing. It succeeded in flanking Fitz Hugh Lee's force, but a son of Gen. Lee scented their trail, made it hot for them all along the march, and at the Yellow Tavern near South Anna River the two forces met in a fierce artillery duel and cavalry charge. Here the rebel General Stewart was killed, they lost seven pieces of artillery and many prisoners were taken. Here Mr. Lowe was captured and taken to Libby prison and afterwards from there to Andersonville, where he remained until late in February, 1865. At that time he with others was paroled and taken to Willmington, where he met Col. Thorp and other officers of his regiment, and went with them on a boat to Annapolis, and was honorably discharged from the army May 9, 1865. After the close of the war he worked at his trade in Minneapolis, Minn., and moved from there to Hyde County, arriving here July 23, 1895. He brought with him five Jersey calves, his household goods and five dollars in money, went to the old Thayer place in Highmore township, prospered from then on until he owns half a section of land, a considerable amount of stock and does not owe a dollar to any living man. GEORGE W. COMSTOCK On page 176 will be noticed a portrait of George W. Comstock and his wife. Mr. Comstock was a member of the John A. Dix post. He was born in New York state, enrolled in the service Feb. 10, 1864, in the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry and was discharged in July, 1865, being a corporal at that time. He settled in Eden Township in the early eighties and later was a resident of High more and died in Minnesota in 1907. He was an honest, conscientious citizen, and one of the best of men. His wife survives him, with two sons one John F., who is in business at the Cheyenne Indian Agency, the other, G. C, resides at Highmore. EBENEZER SHOFF Ebenezer Shoff is also a member of the post. He entered the service Sept. 1, 1861, in the 85th New York Volunteer Infantry and was discharged on account of disability in April, 1863. He resides on a farm in Union Township and is one of the substantial citizens of Hyde County. LEVI LOUCKS Levi Loucks was a member of the post, born in Michigan and died there several years ago. He enlisted in the 15th Michigan Volunteer Infantry May 2, 1861, and was discharged Sept. 18, 1865, after a service of more than four years. He resided in Hyde County for several years and later moved to Michigan. His two sons, J. R. and George, still reside here. SYDNEY A. DIMMICK Sydney A. Dimmick was a member of the post, was born in Pennsylvania, enlisted in the 144 New York Infantry Sept. 15, 1862, and was discharged in July, 1865. He died here several years ago, coming to Hyde County along among the first settlers. His wife now resides in Highmore. Dow G. FRANCE Dow G. France was an early settler in Hyde County, in Holabird Township. He was born in Sharon. New York state, and enlisted in the 10th Wisconsin Infantry Sept. 16, 1861, was discharged Nov. 4, 1865, and was a member of the post. He was an honest man, of decided convictions and never hesitated to express his opinion upon all subjects. He died in Missouri several years ago. HENRY P. FRENCH Henry P. French was born in the state of Vermont and enlisted in Co. A 9th Vermont Infantry Dec. 26, 1863, and was discharged June 12th, 1865. He resided in Hyde County several years, but went away several years ago and now resides at Owatonna, Minnesota. H. A. MILLER H. A. Miller was born in Germany, enlisted Sept. 7, 1864, in Company D 211 Pennsylvania Infantry and was discharged Aug. 28, 1865. He was an early settler in Hyde County, was prominent in his township and had the confidence of all who knew him. He was a member of the John A. Dix post. He died in Hyde County in 1907. D. O. WELCH D. O. Welch was a resident of Hyde Count}7 for several years and was a member of the post. He enlisted in Sept., 1864, in Co. D 189 New York volunteers and was discharged in July, 1865. He resided on a farm, raised his family here and some of his children being residents of Highmore now. The portrait of Mr. Welch and his wife will be seen on page 141. JAMES GARVIE James Garvie was born in Scotland. He enlisted in Sept., 1864, in Co. E 4th Iowa volunteer infantry and was discharged June 15, 1865. He resided in Highmore many years engaged principally in the lumber business. He died at Hot Springs, S. D., in 1907. He was a member of the post. G. BARKHUFF G. Barkhuff is enrolled upon the post records. He enlisted in the army Aug. 27, 1864 and served in Co. D 30th Missouri volunteers until June, 1865, when he was discharged. He resided at Highmore several years in the wagon repair business and died in the western part of the state several years ago. WILLIAM A. LOOMIS William A. Loomis, an early resident of the county and for whom Loomis township was named, was a member of the John A. Dix Post. No mention is made on the record as to his enlistment, but he served in the Civil War. He now resides at St. Lawrence in Hand County, S. D., and is further mentioned under the Loomis Township mention. WM. C. WOOLEY Wm. C. Wooley enlisted in Company H. of the 25th Michigan Infantry when that regiment was organized in 1862 and in October of that year the regiment left the state for active participation in the great struggle. In April, 1863, Mr. Wooley was made a regimental officer by being promoted from the ranks to Commissary Sergeant of the regiment. He thus served until the close of the war completing a service of three years and nine months. That regiment was in twenty two severe engagements. It left the state with 896 officers and men and returned at the close of the war with 353. Additional Comments: Extracted from: HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY SOUTH DAKOTA FROM ITS ORGANIZATION TO THE PRESENT TIME BY JOHN B. PERKINS 1908 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/sd/hyde/history/1908/historyo/chapter124nms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/sdfiles/ File size: 35.5 Kb