Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year

Just a quick note to wish all of my readers a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year. 2008 was a tumultuous year for many, though many good things happened as well. Here's hoping for a better 2009 for everyone.

Housekeeping

Finally took some time today for some blog housekeeping (I tried 'blogkeeping' and it just didn't look right). The observant reader will note several new additions in the recommended blogs to the right. The housekeeping highlights:

Updated the links for Hoofbeats and Cold Steel and Civil War Memory.

Added several new links. Robert Grandchamp's 7th Rhode Island Volunteers is a new blog that shows great promise, and will give me yet another perspective on presenting regimental histories. Jim Lamason's Thoughts of a Native Son of New Jersey also shows promise. I find Jim Beeghley's Teaching the Civil War With Technology, with many interesting ideas. I have added Jim Bissland's Blood, Tears, and Glory and the collaborative Army of Tennessee to provide some western theater balance to the blog for the new year. Although BT and G isn't currently being written, it ties in well with the wealth of Ohio regulars that I've turned up this year.

I've also added a site that's probably not new, but is new to me. Gettysburg Daily looks to be a very interesting site.

The next round of updates will include distinct lists between 'normal' blogs and 'information compilation' blogs, but there wasn't time for that today.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Company F, 6th US Cavalry Roster, Part I

Company F was recruited in Pittsburgh by Lieutenant Hancock T. McLean. By January 1862, he would command the company, as Captain Joseph H. Taylor had moved to Brigadier General E.V. Sumner's staff in November 1861.

The company was officially organized on August 16, 1861 at Camp Scott, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Its captain was Joseph H. Taylor, nephew of former president Zachary Taylor. The first lieutenant was his first cousin, Hancock Taylor McLean. No second lieutenant was assigned until Isaac M. Ward was assigned to the company on November 5, 1861. Captain Taylor left the company that same month for a variety of staff positions, and McLean and other lieutenants commanded the company throughout the war. A total of 182 enlisted men served in the company during the war, 31 of whom joined from volunteer units in the fall of 1862. The majority of these soldiers came from the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, the 1st Minnesota Infantry, and the 9th Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. 52 of them joined the regiment in the fall of 1864, many as draftees or their substitutes.

The roster below lists all of the enlisted men assigned to the company during the war. The rank listed is the highest rank achieved. The date listed is the date the soldier enlisted into the 6th US Cavalry. The officers are not posted, as they appear in separate Fiddler's Green entries.

Brown, John M., First Sergeant, July 1, 1861. Enlisted as a private at Pittsburgh by LT McLean at age 23. Acting 1SG of Company F in March 1863. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 1, 1864 at Lighthouse Point, Va.

Swartz, Emil, First Sergeant, 1861. Enlisted into Co E, 1st US Cavalry October 1, 1855 by Captain Sturgis in Harrisburg, PA. Re-enlisted into the same company by LT Ingraham at Fort Smith, AR on September 1, 1860. Transferred to 6th US Cavalry, date unknown. First Sergeant of company during Peninsula Campaign. Discharged for disability in camp near Falmouth, VA as a First Sergeant. Enlisted into General Service, Adjutant General's Office, HQ Army by MAJ Williams on February 26, 1863. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on February 26, 1868 in Washington, DC, a sergeant. Born in Berks County, PA. Originally enlisted at age 25, auburn hair, blue eyes, fresh complexion, 5'8" tall. Former trade, butcher.

Wallace, Robert, First Sergeant, July 6, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 6, 1864 at Lighthouse Point, VA as a sergeant.

Buckton, John, Sergeant, July 10, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 10, 1864 at Lighthouse Point, VA, a sergeant.

Croy, Levi B., Sergeant, July 3, 1861. Enlisted at Pittsburgh by LT McLean, age 32. Promoted to sergeant September 1862. Captured at battle of Fairfield, July 3, 1863. Discharged in the field at the expiration of his term of service on July 3, 1864.

Everson, Richard, Sergeant, July 3, 1861. Born Newport, England. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean, age 40. Described as short. Promoted to Commisary Sergeant before the Regiment reached Washington. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 5, 1864 at Lighthouse Point, VA.

Hutchison, William, Sergeant, October 28, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Reenlisted on February 9, 1864 at Camp 6th Cavalry, VA by LT Tupper. Discharged February 8, 1867 at the expiration of his term of service in Jacksboro, TX as a sergeant.

McMasters, Robert H., Sergeant, July 6, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA on July 6, 1864 as a sergeant.

Piedfort, Albert, Sergeant, August 15, 1863. Born in Havre, France. Enlisted in New York City by CPT Arnold. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on August 15, 1868 at Fort Larned, KS as a sergeant.

Stinson, Sam'l. F., Sergeant, December 7, 1864. Enlisted in Philadelphia by CPT Rodenbough. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on December 6, 1867 at Camp Wilson, TX as a sergeant.

Walsh, Michael, Sergeant, July 4, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 4, 1864 at Lighthouse Point, VA as a sergeant.

Wiederway, Frank, Sergeant, August 8, 1861. Originally enlisted into Company G in Rochester, NY by CPT Cram. Transferred from Company G to Company F, February 27, 1864. Re-enlisted into Company F by LT Tupper at Brandy Station, VA as a private.

Bopenhagen, August, Corporal, July 3, 1861. Born in Germany. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean at age 21. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 3, 1864 at Lighthouse Point, VA.

Donaldson, James, Corporal, July 29, 1861. Captured at the battle of Funkstown, MD as a corporal on July 7, 1863. Discharged July 29, 1864 at the expiration of his term of service as a private.

Froben, Louis H., Corporal, July 3, 1861. Also Von Froben. Born in Germany. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean, age 21. Discharged at Light House Point, VA July 3, 1864 at the expiration of his term of service. Enlisted into General Service by LT Carpenter in Washington, D.C. on August 10, 1864. Discharged September 20, 1866 per Special Order 464, Para. 1, HQ Army, AGO, September 18, 1866.

Simonet, Peter, Corporal, July 25, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 25, 1864 as a corporal.

Slattery, Michael, Corporal, July 5, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 5, 1864 as a corporal.

Closz, John, Bugler, July 22, 1861. Also Closs. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Transferred Company F to regimental band November 6, 1861. Discharged July 22, 1864 at the expiration of his term of service at Camp 6th Cavalry, VA.

Curthin, John, Bugler, July 22, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service in the field on July 22, 1864 as a bugler.

Dietz, Frank A., Bugler, July 23, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged for disability on January 12, 1863 in Washington, DC, a bugler.

Adams, Benjamin F., Private, November 21, 1864. Born in Montreal, Canada. Enlisted in Cincinatti by CPT Gordon. Deserted October 15, 1865.

Aldrich, William, Private, November 7, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Coats. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on June 20, 1864 as a private.

Archible, John, Private, July 29, 1864. Enlisted in Rochester by LT Simson. Deserted July 24, 1865.

Armbruster, Jacob, Private, July 9, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged July 9, 1864 at the expiration of his term of service, a private.

Bailey, Cloyed, Private, December 10, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinatti by LT Sweatman. Deserted January 31, 1865.

Bailey, George, Private, December 16, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinatti by LT Sweatman. Deserted January 29, 1865.

Baker, Archibald, Private, October 27, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinatti by CPT Gordon. Deserted December 10, 1865.

Balk, Stephen S., Private, July 1, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Dropped by appointment as 2nd LT, 6th US Cavalry, August 26, 1861.

Company F, 6th US Cavalry Roster, Part II

Bappenger, August, Private, July 3, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged July 3, 1864 at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA, a private.

Barlow, George, Private July 3, 1861. Called "Billy". Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged July 3, 1864 at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA, a private.

Bates, Butler H., Private, October 25, 1862. From Erie Co, NY. Prior service as private in Company E, 3rd WI Infantry. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Coats. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on June 29, 1864 at Camp 6th Cavalry, VA as a private.

Belote, James, Private, October 28, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Prior service in Company G, 1st MN Infantry. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on May, 19, 1864 as a private.

Bemis, Joseph G., Private, October 25, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Coats. Prior service as private in Company G, 1st MN Infantry. Killed at Fairfield, PA on July 3, 1863.

Besk, John, Private, December 14, 1864. Enlisted in Philadelphia by CPT Rodenbough. Deserted January 29, 1865.

Besser, Adam, Private, July 15, 1861. 27 years old at time of enlistment. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Wounded on July 3, 1863 at Fairfield, PA, saber wound on head. Hospitalized August 4, 1863 in Annapolis, MD. Hospitalized April 9, 1864 at Annaplois Junction, MD. Hospitalized June 7, 1864 at Pittsburgh, PA. Discharged July 25, 1864 at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA, a private.

Bichler, Thomas, Private, July 11, 1861. Also Behler and Bishler. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Detached duty as butcher Oct 1861. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 11, 1864 at Lighthouse Point, VA, a private.

Blacksmith, Andrew, Private, October 28, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Enlisted as a private in Company G, 9th PA Reserve Corps on July 24, 1861. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 24, 1864 at Lighthouse Point, VA as a private.

Bock, Jacob, Private, July 15, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted from Camp East of Capitol, Washington on November 28, 1861. Separate record says died of pithias pulmonalis at Washington, DC, a private.

Brooks, Robert F., Private, July 6, 1861. Enlisted at Pittsburgh by LT McLean at age 21. Transferred from Company F to Company C when he was re-enlisted by LT Tupper at Brandy Station on February 8, 1864.

Brown, James, Private, November 22, 1864. Enlisted in Harrisburg, PA by LT McDonald. Deserted July 19, 1865.

Brown, John C., Private, December 16, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinatti by LT Sweatman. Deserted January 26, 1865.

Buck, George, Private, July 26, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted November 21, 1861.

Campbell, Bernard, Private, November 9, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinatti by CPT Gordon. Died of tuberculosis December 3, 1865 at Hicks Hospital, Baltimore, MD, a private.

Center, Charles W., Private, October 22, 1862. Prior service as a private, Company A, 78th NY infantry. Deserted from May 11, 1863.

Charlton Jr., Joseph, Private, July 11, 1861. From Allegheny Co, PA. Born in Newcastle, England. Enlisted at Pittsburgh by LT McLean, age 20. Wounded at Fairfield July 3, 1863. Discharged for disability July 29, 1864 in West Philadelphia.

Closz, Jacob, Private, July 22, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted from Camp Scott, PA on August 25, 1861.

Collins, Robert, Private, July 23, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted August 5, 1861.

Conley, Joseph, Private, November 9, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinatti by CPT Gordon. Deserted December 15, 1864, apprehended December 23, 1864, deserted July 1, 1865.

Conway, Michael, Private, July 3, 1861. Born in County Kerry, Ireland. Enlisted at Pittsburgh by LT McLean, age 32. Injured during training at Camp East of the Capitol when his horse carried him against a limb protruding from a stump, injuring him internally. Died of disease January 1, 1862.

Cook, James, Private, December 23, 1864. Enlisted in New York City by CPT Paulding. Deserted January 27, 1865.

Couse, James, Private, December 24, 1865. Enlisted in New York City by CPT Paulding. Deserted January 31, 1865, apprehended February 3, 1865, deserted February 9, 1865.

Craig, Louis Y., Private, December 7, 1864. Enlisted in Philadelphia by CPT Rodenbough. Deserted February 26, 1865.

Craven, John, Private, July 8, 1861. Born in Galway, Ireland. From Allegheny Co, PA. Ironworker by trade. Discharged for disability 30 July 1863 from General Hospital, Washington, DC, a private.

Daily, Patrick, Private, November 12, 1864. Enlisted in Harrisburg, PA by LT McDonald. Deserted May 27, 1865.

Dann, Almon C., Private, October 28, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Prior service as a private in Company G, 106th PA Infantry. Transferred from Company F to Company G, date unknown. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on February 28, 1865 at Winchester, VA, a private.

Davis, Chas., Private, November 16, 1864. Enlisted in Harrisburg, PA by LT McDonald. Deserted May 27, 1865.

Davis, Evan, Private, July 9, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 9, 1864 as a private.

Davis, Sidney M., Private, July 8, 1864. Enlisted at Pittsburgh by LT McLean, age 20. Captured at the battle of Fairfield July 3, 1863. Paroled September 23, 1863 at City Point, Va. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 8, 1864, a private.

Dawson, William I., Private, October 25, 1862. Enlisted as private, Company H, 28 PA Infantry on July 11, 1861. Transferred to 6th US Cav October 25, 1862. Captured at Fairfield July 3, 1863. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA on July 16, 1864, a private.

Dervin, John C., Private, October 25, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Coats. Prior service as a private, Company A, 3rd WI Infantry. Discharged June 29, 1864 at the expiration of his term of service at Camp 6th Cavalry, a private.

Drake, Ellis, Private, July 25, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged July 25, 1864 at the expiration of his term of service, a private.

Draker, Christian, Private, July 16, 1861. Born Hanover, Germany. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean, age 31. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 16, 1864 at Lighthouse Point, Va.

Elmer, Henry A., Private, December 24, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinatti by LT Sweatman. Deserted April 22, 1865.

Evans, James, Private, July 22, 1861. Enlisted at Pittsburgh by LT McLean, age 19. Killed at the battle of Funkstown, MD July 7, 1863.

Ewing, John, Private, December 14, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinatti by LT Sweatman. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on December 14, 1867 at Camp Wilson, TX, a private.

Ferguson, William, Private, July 3, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean, age 32. Deserted from Camp East of Capitol November 21, 1861. Joined from desertion at CEOC December 12, 1861. Discharged July 3, 1864 at Lighthouse Point, VA.

Fisher, William, Private, December 10, 1864. Born in St. Catherine, Canada West. Enlisted in Cleveland by LT Drummond. Deserted January 26, 1865.

Fleischer, Mathias, Farrier, July 3, 1861. Also Matthias Flascher. Born Konigsberg, Germany. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean, age 32. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, Virginia on July 3, 1864 as a farrier.

Gargan, James, Private, July 6, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Died of fever in Washington, DC on December 3, 1861.

Gargan, Peter, Private, July 6, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted from Camp East of the Capitol on January 27, 1862.

Gipson, Samuel T., Private, September 26, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinnati by CPT Gordon. No further record available.

Gorman, Patrick, Private, October 24, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville by LT Coats. Reenlisted on February 9, 1864 at Camp 6th Cavalry, VA as a private.

Grener, Adolph, Private, August 15, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Sick in Washington Jan-Feb 1862. Discharged for disability at Washington April 17, 1862.

Grisom, Franklin, Private, November 10, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinnati by CPT Gordon. Deserted July 30, 1865.

Gross, Sebastian, Farrier, August 9, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged for disability on July 29, 1864 in West Philadelphia, PA as a farrier.

Haffner, Louis, Private July 7, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged for disability August 6, 1862 in Washington, DC as a private.

Hargreaves, Henry, Private, July 8, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted to the enemy in November 1862.

Hefler, Charles, Private, July 13, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA on July 13, 1864 as a private.

Company F, 6th US Cavalry Roster, Part III

Henry, Mathew, Private, December 9, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinnati by LT Sweatman. Deserted January 25, 1865.

Heverin, Thomas, Private, December 30, 1861. Enlisted in Cincinnati by LT McLean. Reenlisted July 9, 1864 at Brandy Station, VA by LT Tupper into Company B as a private. Discharged February 10, 1867 at the expiration of his term of service at Austin, TX as a private.

Heyse, Julius, Private, July 6, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted July 8, 1862.

Hoffman, Lewis, Private, July 7, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged for disability August 6, 1862 in Washington, DC as a private.

Hollister, George N., Private, October 28, 1862. From Glastonbury, CN. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Prior service as a private in Company E, 1st MN Infantry. Discharged April 29, 1864 at the expiration of his term at Camp 6th Cavalry, VA as a private.

Hopfengarten, Christian, Private, August 7, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Died of disease October 26, 1862 at Washington, DC. Buried in Military Asylum Cemetery.

Howenstein, George W., Private, October 28, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Enlisted as a private on May 4, 1861 in Company G, 9th PA Reserve Corps. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on May 6, 1864 in the field as a private.

Huber, John, Private, October 28, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service at Brandy Station, VA on April 28, 1864 as a private.

Irons, James A., Private, July 25, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted from Camp Scott, PA on August 23, 1861.

Jeffcoat, Emanuel, Private, December 31, 1864. Enlisted in New York City by CPT Paulding. Deserted September 27, 1865.

Jefferson, Rufus H., Private, October 28, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Prior service as a private in Company E, 1st MN Infantry. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA on July 24, 1864.

Jewell, Benjamin H., Private, October 25, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Prior service as a private in Company G, 1st MN Infantry. Discharged for dysentery on November 16, 1863 from General Hospital No 21 near Richmond, VA as a private.

Keene, Saml., Private, December 16, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinnati by LT Sweatman. Deserted July 31, 1865.

Kelly, John, Private, October 31, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinnati by CPT Gordon. Deserted November 24, 1864.

Kelsey, George B., Private, October 28, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Prior service in Company E, 1st MN Infantry. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on May 23, 1864 at Camp 6th Cavalry, VA as a private.

Kettelburger, Jacob, Private, July 26, 1861. Born in Altdorf, Germany. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean, age 21. Died November 18, 1863 of pneumonia while a POW in a general hospital in Richmond as a private.

Kirk, Hugh, Private, July 23, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted January 17, 1863.

Kirk, Peter, Private, December 10, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinnati by LT Sweatman. Deserted January 27, 1865.

Kohlhepp, Wilhelm, Private, July 13, 1861. Also William. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged November 25, 1862 by order of the Secretary of War at Belle Plain, VA as a private.

Kohlmeier, Karl, Saddler, July 23, 1861. Also Charles A. Kohlmeyer. Born in Bavaria on July 4, 1838. Enlistedin Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged in the field at the expiration of his term of service on July 24, 1864.

Larimore, John, Private, October 25, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Coats. Prior service as a private in Company B, 3rd WI Infantry. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on June 29, 1864 at Camp 6th Cavalry, VA as a private.

Leonard, John, Private, July 11,1861. Born in Staffordshire, England. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean, age 22. Discharged on July 10, 1864 at the expiration of his term of service at Light House Point, VA.

Lewis, James T., Private, December 15, 1864. Enlisted in Philadelphia by CPT Rodenbough. Deserted January 26, 1865.

Lewis, William, Private, July 16, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted May 10, 1863.

Luh, Casper, Private, July 3, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA on July 3, 1864 as a private.

Manell, Matthias, Private, October 28, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on June 29, 1864 at Camp 6th Cavalry, VA as a private.

Maenner, Charles, Private, July 15, 1861. Also Maners. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA on July 15, 1864 as a private.

Mariony, Eugene, Private, November 25, 1864. Born in Troy, France. Enlisted in Cincinnati by CPT Gordon. Deserted May 31, 1865.

McAlligott, Charles, Private, July 9, 1861. Born in County Kerry, Ireland. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean, age 20. Deserted July 19, 1863, apprehended October 6, 1863. He was discharged July 9, 1864 at Lighthouse Point, VA as a private.

McHarnas, William, Private, July 11, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA on July 11, 1864 as a private.

McKeefery, Thomas, Private, July 8, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA on July 8, 1864 as a private.

McKibbin, John W., Private, July 6, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA on July 6, 1864 as a private.

Miller, Joseph, Private, October 25, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Coats. Enlisted as a private in Company H, 28th PA Infantry on July 11, 1861. Discharged April 25, 1864 at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA as a private.

Miner, Henry, Private, October 31, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinnati by CPT Gordon. Deserted April 24, 1865.

Mittelstetter, John, Private, July 5, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 5, 1864 as a private.

Montgomery, Thomas, Farrier, October 28, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Reenlisted on February 9, 1864 at Camp 6th Cavalry, VA by LT Tupper.

Motts, Phillip, Private, October 28, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Prior service as a private in Company B, 33rd IN infantry. Discharged July 16, 1864 at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA as a private.

Muller, Gottlieb, Private, July 16, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 16, 1864 as a private.

Murphy, Frederick, Private, November 22, 1864. Enlisted in Harrisburg, PA by LT McDonald. Deserted January 27, 1865. Was shot for desertion at Harpers Ferry, VA on March 3, 1865 per Special Order 20, Middle Military District, dated February 28, 1865.

Murry, Andrew, Private, November 15, 1864. Enlisted in Harrisburg, PA by LT McDonald. Deserted July 30, 1865.

Nellis, Dennis, Private, July 13, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Reenlisted on February 9, 1864 at Brandy Station, VA as a private.

Newell, Alonzo, Private, October 28, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Prior service as a private in Company K, 3rd WI Infantry. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on June 29, 1864 at Camp 6th Cavalry, VA as a private.

Nold, Frank X., Private, July 24, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service at Lighthouse Point, VA on July 24, 1864 as a private.

Noon, Martin, Private, November 11, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinnati by CPT Gordon. Deserted on July 30, 1865.

Norris, James, Private, August 29, 1864. Enlisted in Harrisburg, PA by LT McDonald. Deserted on August 21, 1865.

O'Brian, John, Private, December 5, 1864. Also O'Brien. Enlisted in Cincinnati by LT Drummond. Deserted January 10, 1865.

O'Connell, James, Private, July 19, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted October 18, 1861, apprehended September 4, 1863. Discharged February 24, 1864 as sentence of General Court Martial, HQ, Cavalry Corps at Camp 6th Cavalry, VA as a private.

Perveil, Laughton, Private, October 22, 1864. Born in Toronto, Canada. Enlisted in Cleveland, OH by LT Drummond. Deserted April 24, 1865.

Pierce, William A., Private, July 4, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service in the field on July 4, 1864 as a private.

Pinkerton, Eli, Private, November 21, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by CPT Hays. Died of typhoid fever on May 31, 1865 at Judiciary Square Hospital, Washington, DC as a private.

Plate, Henry, Private, July 3, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted to the enemy in November 1862.

Powell, Patrick, Private, July 4, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted August 13, 1863, apprehended October 18, 1863. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 4, 1864 in the field as a private.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Company F, 6th US Cavalry Roster, Part IV

Purath, August, Private, October 25, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Coats. Prior service in Company B, 3rd WI Infantry. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on June 29, 1864 in the field as a private.

Purcell, John, Private, July 3, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted September 1, 1861.

Purcell, Patrick, Private, July 26, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted December 3, 1861.

Reinel, Henry, Private, July 19, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 19, 1864 in the field as a private.

Riely, Henry, Private, July 6, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 6, 1864 as a private.

Ritz, Henry, Private, July 6, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 6, 1864 as a private.

Roehl, Frank, Private, July 16, 1861. Also Rohl. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 16, 1864 as a private.

Ryan, Patrick, Private, November 16, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinnati by CPT Gordon. Deserted May 1, 1865.

Schafer, Sebastian, Private, July 16, 1861. Also Schaler. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Died of disease in Washington, DC on July 18, 1862 as a private.

Scheide, George, Private, July 6, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged due to disease on November 6, 1861 at Washington, DC as a private.

Schilling, Jacob, Private, July 11, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 11, 1864 as a private.

Schilling, John, Private, July 26, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 26, 1864 as a private.

Schilling, William, Private, July 12, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 12, 1864 as a private.

Schmuckler, John, Private, July 9, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted November 21, 1861.

Schnell, Augustus, Private, July 18, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged for disability April 15, 1863 in Baltimore, MD as a private. Enlisted again July 21, 1863 at Harrisburg, PA by LT Cramer into the same company. Discharged May 19, 1865 for disability at Carlisle Barracks, PA as a private.

Schowalter, John, Private, July 9, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted November 30, 1861.

Schumacher, John M., Private, July 29, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged for disability on March 3, 1863 at Camp near Falmouth, VA as a private.

Schwab, John, Private, July 26, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 26, 1864 as a private.

Sebolt, Michael, Private, August 15, 1861. Also Seabolt. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Deserted August 4, 1863, apprehended February 28, 1864. Discharged August 15, 1864 at the expiration of his term of service in the field as a private.

Sharkey, Chas., Private, November 21, 1864. Enlisted in Harrisburg, PA by LT McDonald. Deserted on January 29, 1865.

Simoner, John P., Private, July 6, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 6, 1864 as a private.

Smith, Harve, Private, December 9, 1864. Enlisted at Carlisle Barracks, PA by LT Johnson. Deserted October 5, 1865.

Smith, James, Private, November 21, 1864. Enlisted in Harrisburg, PA by LT McDonald. Deserted January 12, 1865.

Smith, Thomas J., Private, February 11, 1864. Enlisted by LT Tupper at Brandy Station, VA. Died in Salisbury, NC on January 15, 1865 as a private.

Stample, Nicholas, Private, July 23, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 23, 1864 as a private.

Steeb, Michael, Private, July 29, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. No further data available.

Stevens, James P., Private, October 29, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Claflin. Enlisted as a private in Company G, 9th PA reserve Corps on May 4, 1861. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on May 4, 1864 as a private.

Stevens, William C., Private, July 12, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 12, 1864 as a private.

Stewart, James, Private, July 26, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Reenlisted on February 9, 1864 at Brandy Station, VA as a private. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on February 8, 1867 at Jacksboro, TX.

Strine, Jeremiah, Private, November 12, 1864. Enlisted in Harrisburg, PA by LT McDonald. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on November 12, 1867 at Camp Wilson, TX as a private.

Sullivan, John, Private, November 3, 1864. Enlisted in Harrisburg, PA by LT McDonald. Deserted December 11, 1864, apprehended December 13, 1864, deserted December 18, 1864.

Sullivan, Thomas, Private, December 14, 1864. Born in Montreal, Canada. Enlisted at Carlisle Barracks, PA by LT Johnson. Deserted May 31, 1865.

Taylor, Lucius S., Private, November 21, 1864. Born in Montreal, Canada. Enlisted in Cincinnati by CPT Gordon. Deserted November 4, 1865.

Termaine, William, Private, November 18, 1864. Also Termayne. Enlisted in Cincinnati by CPT Gordon. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on November 18, 1867 at Austin, TX as a private.

Thorn, Gustav, Private, October 25, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Coats. Prior service as a private in Company B, 3rd WI Infantry. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on June 29, 1864 at Camp 6th Cavalry, VA as a private.

Uffelmann, Melchior, Private, July 19, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 19, 1864 at Fort Adams, RI, as a private.

Vicell, Spencer, Private, October 25, 1862. Also Viall. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by LT Coats. Prior service as a private in Company F, 3rd WI Infantry. Killed in action June 9, 1863 near Beverly Ford, VA during Battle of Brandy Station. Born Corydon, PA.

Walter, Harry, Private, November 22, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinnati by CPT Gordon. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on November 21, 1867 at Camp Wlson, TX as a private.

Warner, John, Private, July 11, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 11, 1864 at Lighthouse Point, VA as a private.

Watson, George, Private, November 21, 1864. Enlisted in Harrisburg, PA by LT McDonald. Deserted January 7, 1865.

Watson, John W., Private, December 5, 1864. Enlisted in Cleveland by LT Drummond. Deserted January 12, 1865.

Webb, Edward C., Private, November 7, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinnati by CPT Gordon. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on November 7, 1867 at Camp Wilson, TX as a private.

Weisenberger, John, Private, July 15, 1861. Also Weisenbiher. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Discharged for disability on December 2, 1862 at Camp near Falmouth, VA.

Werner, John, Private, July 11, 1861. Enlisted at Pittsburgh by LT McLean. Baker Sep 1861. Baker in commisary Dec 1861-Jan 1862. Post baker, CEOC, Feb 1862. Captured at Funkstown, MD on July 7, 1863. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service on July 11, 1864 at Lighthouse Point, VA as a private.

Weston, John, Private, December 8, 1864. Enlisted in Cleveland by LT Drummond. Deserted January 29, 1865.

Wilkes, David, Private, November 21, 1864. Enlisted in Cincinnati by CPT Gordon. Discharged for disability August 8, 1865.

Williams, Charles, Private, November 7, 1864. Born in Montreal, CAN. Enlisted in Harrisburg, PA by LT McDonald. Deserted November 21, 1864.

Wilson, James L., Private, July 17, 1861. Enlisted in Pittsburgh by LT McLean at age 23. Deserted August 8, 1861.

Wise, George W., Private, October 28, 1862. Enlisted in Knoxville, MD by Lt Claflin. Previously served in Co G, 9th PA Reserve Volunteers. Died of disease at Andersonville Prison on November 15, 1864.

Young, George, Private, December 4, 1864. Enlisted in Philadelphia by CPT Rodenbough. Deserted May 1, 1865.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays to all of my friends and readers, regardless of your religious persuasion! We actually had a party this year on Festivus, though not in honor of the holiday, as I'm apparently the only one in the family who remembers that episode from Seinfeld.

As you're celebrating the holidays with friends and loved ones, please take a moment to remember those serving overseas who don't have that opportunity this holiday season and keep them in your prayers.

I hope everyone is getting a chance to spend some relaxing quality time with their families, and hopefully some quiet moments for reflection as well.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Fiddler's Green: Adolphus Lapoint

Taking a much needed break from the 6th Cavalry, I thought I'd write a bit about one of the Canadian-born regular cavalrymen who fought during the war and after.

Adolphus Lapoint was born in Three Rivers, Canada in 1840. He moved to New York upon reaching adulthood, and was living in Granwich, New York and working as a shoemaker according to the 1850 census. Adolphus was working as a lumberman in New York at the outbreak of the Civil War, and enlisted in Company A, 93rd NY Infantry during the first week of September 1861.

By the fall of 1862, Adolphus had apparently reached the conclusion that infantry life wasn't for him. He was enlisted into Company E, 4th US Cavalry by 1st Lieutenant Joseph Hedges on October 21, 1862 at Pleasant Valley, Maryland. His enlistment documents describe him as 5'8" tall, with blue eyes, blond hair, and a dark complexion.

Cavalry life agreed better with Adolphus, and he was reenlisted into the same regiment and company by 1st Lieutenant Thomas W. Sullivan in Nashville, Tennessee on March 1, 1864. He remained with the regiment through the end of the war and its subsequent movement to Texas. He was again reenlisted into the regiment by 1st Lieutenant Justinian Alman at Brownsville, Texas on January 1, 1867.

Private Adolphus Lapoint drowned on January 4, 1868 after falling from a dam on the Ouachita River in Texas.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Who Says You Can't Take Them With You?

I posted sometime back about regular army officers taking favored enlisted men with them to volunteer units when they received volunteer appointments. The initial discussion was here about Captain J. Irvin Gregg of Company G, 6th US Cavalry, and how he had his first sergeant, Andrew F. Swan, commissioned after he took over the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Captain Swan commanded Company C.

Apparently the tendency ran in the family. When Captain Gregg's first cousin, David McMurtry Gregg, left Company E to command the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry, he took one of his enlisted men with him also.

Henry J. Ladd was born in Rome, New York in 1832. His enlistment documents describe him as 6 feet tall, with hazel eyes, brown hair and a ruddy complexion. He was working as a conductor at the time of his enlistment. Henry was enlisted into Company E, 6th US Cavalry by Lieutenant Wade in Cleveland, Ohio on August 14, 1861. He achieved the rank of commisary sergeant prior to his discharge on July 19, 1862 to accept an appointment as the second lieutenant in Company L, 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry at Harrison's Landing, Virginia.

There could be some other reason for this appointment other than the regimental commander's intercession, but I haven't been able to come up with another plausible one. I can't find any other connection between someone born in New York and working in Ohio with a Pennsylvania regiment. The arrangement apparently didn't work out, as Lieutenant Ladd was discharged for unknown reasons on April 27, 1863.

In another case, I have truned up several members of the 6th and 2nd Cavalry regiments who were enlisted into Adjutant General Office positions as sergeants later in the war by Major Lawrence Williams, who left the regiment in 1862 under dubious circumstances. Several of these sergeants received government positions shortly thereafter. More on this as I turn up more information.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Contemporary Account of Stoneman's Raid

We turned up a contemporary newspaper account of Stoneman's Riad in a Pennsylvania newspaper recently that I thought interesting. I considered saving it for posting in May, then considered the likelihood of me forgetting all about it by then and decided to put it up now. Unfortunately, I don't know who the "one who accompanied it" is. This article was originally published in the may 21, 1863 edition of The Alleghenian:

"Stoneman’s Great Cavalry Expedition

The following account of Gen. Stoneman’s remarkable expedition comes from one who accompanied it:

Gen. Stoneman with 2,700 picked men and a light battery of six pieces composed of a section selected from three batteries with special reference to procuring the best horses and men, started on the raid which has now become famous.

On the 13th of April, owing to heavy rains and various other circumstances, he did not cross the Rappahannock until ten days or a fortnight afterward. At the time of the crossing, General Averill started with a column along the end of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad with the intention of driving Lee and Hampton who were in that vicinity to Culpepper and Gordonsville, thus clearing the way for Gen. Stoneman’s body of cavalry who were to accomplish the real objects of the expedition.

General Stoneman crossed the Rappahannock at two places below where Gen. Averill crossed and advanced on the Shepherdsburg road. Sending out a party to reconnoiter toward Shepherdsburg, they came upon the rear pickets of the enemy who were in force between Stevensburg and the railroad with Gen. Averill in front. The nature of Gen. Stoneman’s expedition did not allow of his remaining there to fight, as to seek a battle would prevent the accomplishment of his designs; he therefore moved on to Raccoon Ford upon the advance. Reaching this place they found it defended by infantry and artillery. A detachment was therefore sent to cross the Rappahannock at a point some distance below Raccoon Ford and then to attack the enemy in the flank and rear. This was successfully accomplished and the main body crossed safely at Raccoon Ford. The command then proceeded down the direct road to Louisa Court House, sending out parties along every intersecting road to destroy bridges and telegraph wires and to obtain forage and provisions.

The bridges over unfordable streams, on the direct road, were left to be guarded by detachments in case they were required as a line of retreat. Reaching Louisa Court House on the line of the Virginia Central Railroad, expeditions were sent out along the road in either direction to destroy the road, telegraphs, burn the water tanks, depots and railroad ties. The expedition toward Gordonsville encountered a force of the enemy, who, by this time, had been driven from Culpepper and Gordonsville by Averill, who did not, however, effect a junction with Stoneman as directed. The enemy were in such force that re-enforcements were sent out and the Rebels were driven back to Gordonsville.
The destruction of the road was completed and a party proceeded to tear up the railroad between Gordonsville and Charlottesville. Parties were also sent out from Louisa Court House to destroy the bridges over the North Anna River. The command then proceeded through Sauceyville and rendezvoused at Thompson’s Crossroads.

From there three expeditions were sent out – one along the South Anna River to destroy the bridges across this unfordable stream; another to destroy the Fredericksburg and Richmond Railroad from Ashland down; also the railroad from Richmond to Hanover Court House to get as near Richmond as possible, and if practicable to cross over to Pamunky River, destroying such bridges as it was practicable to destroy and then to proceed down the Peninsula to West Point; the third expedition was to strike the James River at Columbia, break the locks of the canal and destroy the bridges as far down the river as might be. This expedition was to cross a small force over the James at Carterville and pass down and destroy the railroad bridge on the Richmond and Lynchburg Road, over the Appatuattox [as spelled in newspaper] River.

Gathering the balance of his force together at Thompson’s Cross roads, Gen. Stoneman prepared to return. By this time, Stuart, Lee and Hampton were in pursuit of the audacious party. The forces of the latter two were driven in the direction of Charlottesville and Stuart was drawn off in the direction of Guiney’s Station, by an apparent diversion of our forces in that direction.

Having thus separated Stuart’s command, Gen. Stoneman started on his return between the two bodies along the same route he went out. His scouting parties encountered the enemy’s infantry pickets on the road to Spotsylvania Court House but the command succeeded in safely re-crossing the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers, swimming the latter.

The feat of getting the artillery across the latter stream, the horses swimming and drawing the guns, is certainly worthy of notice. Only one man was lost by drowning.

The success of the whole expedition is mainly due to the deception practiced upon the inhabitants.

The force was everywhere magnified and, by scattering in small parties, the delusion was completed by dividing the command into different expeditions. They were enabled to supply themselves with forage and provisions and thus live upon the country through which they passed. Their pack-mules were sent back the first day out, and officers and men only carried what they could upon their horses.

For two days and three nights they never built a fire. In many places they camped as though intending to remain, giving out that they were merely the advance guard of the main army.

With telegraphic communication destroyed and railroads interrupted, this was only too readily believed. The inhabitants were paroled and sent to Richmond. The officers captured were detained as prisoners; among these was Major Johnston of Gen. Stuart’s staff.

At one place, two large houses were found, filled with hams. What of this was not needed was destroyed. Twelve hundred hogsheads of tobacco were also captured, most of which were burned. Such horses as could be found were taken and those worn out by the march were left in their places.

Gen. Stoneman reports large quantities of supplies in Albemarie county, gathered there by the inhabitants. It was to protect these that Lee and Hampton proceeded in that direction.

It is estimated that the total number of miles traveled by the different expeditions will exceed one thousand.

The men return in the best of spirits though of course, considerably fatigued by their march. It seems almost incredible that the battery should have made the entire march with the main body, and returned without accident. The roads were in wretched condition and all the streams considerably swollen. During the whole time Gen. Stoneman has had no communication with General Hooker’s army."

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Fiddler's Green: John Peffer

I received a request for information on an ancestor in the comments section without any contact info, so I'll post it here in hopes the requester will see it.

John Peffer originally enlisted in Company F, 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on June 22, 1861. Born in Buffalo, New York, he was 20 at the time of his enlistment. The following year, he was one of hundreds of volunteers who joined regular cavalry regiments.

John was enlisted into Company B, 6th US Cavalry in Knoxville, Maryland by Lieutenant Claflin on October 28, 1862 for the balance of his three year term. His enlistment documents describe him as 5'7 1/2" inches tall, with dark hair, dark eyes and a light complexion. He was discharged at the expiration of his term of service in the field in virginia on June 22, 1864 as a private.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Reinforcements for the Regulars redux

I've posted before on the way that the Regular regiments, cavalry and otherwise, received replacements during the war. The bulk of those posts focused on the volunteers which joined by the hundreds following the Antietam campaign from October to December 1862. For the cavalry regiments particularly, these replacements helped bring the Regular regiments close to their authorized strength.

There was, however, a catch. All of these volunteers enlisted in the Regular units for the remainder of their initial enlistment, not a fresh three year term. This was the same time period that the initial enlistments were running out for all of the 6th US Cavalry's personnel. As a result, the Reserve Brigade withered away during the summer months of 1864, losing literally hundreds of men per month. By the end of the summer, these regiments were shadows of their former selves, some literally reduced to the authorized strength of a company or two.

This led to a second wave of reinforcements for the Regulars during the fall/ winter of 1864. This wave, however, was much less effective than the first. This time, nearly all of the replacements were new soldiers, not veterans transferring from other units. Many of them were either draftees or substitutes for draftees. Surprisingly, roughly 20% of these replacements were born in Canada. An estimated 40,000 Canadians fought in the war, but this was the first time that I'd noticed them in any numbers.

The vast majority of them came from recruiting centers in Cincinatti, Harrisburg and Philadelphia, manned by veteran Regular officers who were often recovering from wounds. In Cincinatti, Captain David S. Gordon of the 2nd US Cavalry and 1st Lieutenant Robert Sweatman of the 5th US Cavalry figure prominently in the enlistment records. In Harrisburg it was Lieutenant John McDonald and in Philadelphia Captain Theophilus Rodenbough, both of the 2nd US Cavalry.

Unfortunately, the second wave wasn't nearly as effective as the first wave. Many of them had deserted before the spring campaign even started. The majority of them deserted during the summer of 1865, apparently deciding that their service should end once the war did. From the records that I've seen so far, roughly 25% of those who enlisted during this period completed their enlistments.