Craft Masonry in Monroe County, New York - Onondaga and ...

Craft Masonry in Monroe County, New York
Compiled by R.’.W.’. Gary L. Heinmiller
Director, Onondaga & Oswego Masonic Districts Historical Societies (OMDHS)
www.omdhs.syracusemasons.com
March 2010
- Lodges in blue type (1st Monroe) and green (2nd Monroe) in the following listing are still active –
1789 - Ontario County was split off from Montgomery.
The actual area split off from Montgomery County was
much larger.
1802 - Genesee County was created by a splitting of
Ontario County. This too was much larger than the
present Genesee County.
1821 - Monroe County was formed from parts of
Genesee and Ontario Counties.
No. Lodge Name Village Chartered Notes
109 Valley Rochester 8 Jun 1846 consol with Frank L. Simes No. 990 to become Valley-
Simes No. 109, 17 Dec 1990
109 Valley-Simes Rochester 17 Dec 1990
154 Penfield Union Penfield 7 Dec 1849 prev. No. 335, 5 Apr 1821; surrendered 1828;
consolidated with Wakan-Hubbard No. 1054 to become
Wakan-Hubbard No. 154 in 1990
154 Wakan-Hubbard Penfield Jan 1990 116 Wakan No. 1054 Consolidated with Warren C. Hubbard
No. 964, Oct 1985, to become Wakan-Hubbard No.
1054; Penfield Union No. 154 consolidated with Wakan-
Hubbard No. 1054 to become Wakan-Hubbard No. 154,
Jan 1990
163 Yonnondio Rochester 8 Jun 1850 all charter members were former members of Valley
Lodge No. 109; consolidated with Genesee Falls No.
507 and Zetland No. 951, 25 Apr 1989, to become
Towpath No. 163
163 Towpath East Rochester 25 Apr 1898 formed from Yonnondio No. 163, Genesee Falls No.
507 and Zetland No. 951; merged with ERAC No. 943 in
May 2000 to become ERAC No. 163.
163 ERAC Rochester May 2000 123 East Rochester Ancient Craft Lodge No. 163; Ancient
Craft No. 943 and East Rochester No. 1020 merged 10
Apr 1990 to become ERAC No. 943; merged with
Towpath No. 163, May 2000, to become ERAC No. 163
173 Monroe Brockport 20 Jun 1850 130 preceded by Monroe No. 390c, 4 Jun 1824; dissolved &
returned charter, 28 Feb 1829
212 Harmony Riga 06 Mar 1813 ** returned' charter in 1826; succeeded by Churchville No.
667, dispensation of 9 Aug 1867; later of Monroe Co.
223 Morning Star Pittsford 08 Sep 1813 *** surrendered, but not received by GL by Sep 1836
282 Wells Gates 05 Jun 1817 43 extinct ca 1828 (of Rochester)
320 Union Star Honeoye Falls 10 Jun 1854 173
335 Penfield Union Penfield 05 Apr 1821 230 surrendered in 1828; revived as No. 154, 7 Dec 1849
[q.v.]
340 Parma Parma 07 Dec 1821 265
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350 Tompkins Scottsville 12 Jun 1822 329
380c Henrietta Henrietta 04 Jun 1824 29
390c Monroe Brockport 04 Jun 1824 29 dissolved and returned warrant, 28 Feb 1829;
succeeded by Monroe No. 173, 21 Jun 1850
426 Northfield Pittsford ca 1858
464 Brighton Brighton 10 Jun 1826 * Surrendered 1829
476 Fairport Fairport 05 Jul 1859 237
476 Fairport-Flower City Fairport 238
479 Etolian Spencerport 9 Jun 1860 239 consolidated to become Unity 479
479 Unity Spencerport
507 Genesee Falls Rochester 26 Jun 1861 consolidated with Yonnondio No. 163 and Zetland No.
951, 25 Apr 1989, to become Towpath No. 163; aka the
"Post Office Lodge" from the large number of post office
employees; membership in 1905 was 1,209; in 1929,
1,901; 1970, 679
526 Henrietta West Henrietta 1863 active in 1963
538 Webster Webster 1864 262
660 Rochester Rochester ca 1867
667 Churchville Churchville 09 Aug 1867
722 Germania (of Rochester ca 1872
Rochester)
722 Fame Webster ?
759 O-at-ka Scottsville 6 Jun 1875 336 preceded by Tompkins Lodge No. 350, 12 Jun 1822;
surrendered 1834
779 Clio Hilton 7 Jul 1878 341 fire 8 Nov 1903 and 21 Mar 1965
797 Frank R. Lawrence Rochester ca 1890
797 Seneca Webster ca 1890
805 Corinthian Temple Rochester 1893 consolidated with Charlotte No. 1088, 13 May 1986, to
become Charlotte-Corinthian No. 1088
910 Flower City Rochester ca 1914 Flower City 910 consolidated with Fairport 476 to
become Fairport-Flower City 476, 1 May 2002
920 Seneca Rochester ca 1914 Seneca 920 and Frank R. Lawrence 797 merged to
become Seneca 797, 19 Feb 1980
943 Ancient Craft Rochester 3 May 1917 consolidated with East Rochester No. 1020, 10 Apr
1990, to become East Rochester's Ancient Craft No.
943
943 East Rochester's
Ancient Craft
Rochester 10 Apr 1990 formed from consolidation of East Rochester No. 1020
and Ancient Craft No. 943
945 Fame Irondequoit 29 May 1917
951 Zetland Rochester 23 May 1918 ‘received charter' date; consolidated with Yonnondio No.
163 and Genesee Falls No. 507, 25 Apr 1989, to
become Towpath No. 163
964 Warren C. Hubbard Rochester 21 May 1920 aka ‘Schoolmaster’s Lodge’; Consolidated with Wakan
No. 1054 to become Wakan-Hubbard No. 1054 in 1986;
Wakan-Hubbard No. 1054 consolidated with Penfiled
Union No. 154 to become Wakan-Hubbard No. 154 in
1990. Named for Warren Calhoun Hubbard
969 Craftsman Rochester merged with John A. Robertson No. 1032, 18 May 1996
to become Craftsman Robertson No. 969
969 Craftsman
Robertson
Webster 16 May 1996 391 formed from Craftsman No. 969 and John A. Robertson
No. 1032
990 Frank L. Simes Rochester 1922
1020 East Rochester East Rochester 8 Jun 1923 consolidated with Ancient Craft No. 943, 10 Apr 1990
1032 John A. Robertson Rochester merged with Craftsman No. 969, 16 May 1996, to
become Craftsman Robertson No. 969
1054 Wakan Irondequoit 23 Jun 1923 Consolidated with Warren C. Hubbard No. 964, 1986 to
become Wakan-Hubbard No. 1054
1054 Wakan-Hubbard 1986 Wakan No. 1054 Consolidated with Warren C. Hubbard
No. 964, 1986 to become Wakan-Hubbard No. 1054;
Penfield Union No. 154 consolidated with Wakan-
Hubbard No. 1054 to become Wakan-Hubbard No. 154,
1990
1082 Orpheus Rochester 1928
1088 Charlotte Charlotte
(Rochester)
1088 Charlotte-Corinthian Charlotte
(Rochester)
12 Jun 1928 consolidated with Corinthian Temple No. 805, 13 May
1986, to become Charlotte-Corinthian No. 1088; aka the
"Kodak Lodge" for its many Kodak employees
13 May 1986 403 formed from Charlotte No. 1088 and Corinthian Temple
No. 805
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Genealogy of some Monroe County Lodges
ERAC No. 163
Rochester
May 2000
Towpath No. 163
East Rochester's Ancient Craft [ERAC]
East Rochester East Rochester
25 Apr 1898 10 Apr 1990
Yonnondio No. 163 Genesee Falls No. 507 Zetland No. 951 Ancient Craft No. 943 East Rochester No. 1020
Rochester Rochester Rochester Rochester East Rochester
8 Jun 1850 26 Jun 1861 23 May 1918 3 May 1917 8 Jun 1923
Valley-Simes No. 109
Rochester
Valley No. 109 Frank L. Simes No. 990
Rochester
Rochester
8 Jun 1846 1922
Wakan-Hubbard No. 154
Penfield
Jan 1990
Wakan-Hubbard No. 1054
Oct 1985
Warren C. Hubbard No. 964 Wakan No. 1054 Penfield Union No. 154
Rochester Irondequoit Penfield
21 May 1920 23 Jun 1923 7 Dec 1849
http://monroemasonic.com/history.htm
District Website: http://monroemasonic.com/
District History
The year was 1811. Our country with James Madison as President, was in turmoil. England had been for some time at war with
France, and had imposed a blockade against all shipping to the enemy country. Our young nation had retaliated by passing the
Embargo Act (1807) and the Non-Intercourse Act (1809), prohibiting all trade with England and her colonies. These acts stimulated
illegal trading with Canada, and helped build up the economy of the Genesee Country.
In that year (1811), a group of twelve brethren residing in the town of Riga, then in Genesee County drew up a Petition to the Grand
Lodge of the State of New York requesting Dispensation to form a Masonic lodge, "to be named Harmony Lodge of Riga." The
Petition was endorsed by Genesee Lodge 130 at Avon. The Dispensation was granted by De Witt Clinton, Grand Master, and John
Wells, Grand Secretary on February 7, 1812, and the Charter issued on March 6, 1813. The Lodge was formally Constituted and its
Officers duly installed by Genesee Lodge 130 on May 22, 1813.
If Harmony Lodge 212 was the first Lodge in Monroe County to receive a charter, it was not the first to be organized. That honor
goes across the river to the town of Pittsford, then part of a much larger town named Boyle. This area was one of the earliest to be
settled, and here a group of 24 Masons met on August 21, 1810 and drafted a Petition to Grand Lodge for dispensation to form a
Masonic Lodge "to be distinguished as the Morning Star Lodge and to be located in the Town of Boyle, Ontario County."
De Witt Clinton, then Governor of New York, also Grand Master visited the area in 1810 to tour the route that was laid out for the
projected Erie Canal. His diary records the following entry on July 27, 1810: "We arrived at Perrin's Tavern, - Boyle. The sign of the
tavern contains Masonic emblems. He behaved to me with great civility, conversed about Masonry and presented me with a
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Masonic sermon." Soon after Clinton's visit, the Petition was prepared. It carried the recommendation of Mt. Moriah Lodge 112,
Palmyra, and Zion Lodge 172, Bloomfield.
The Morgan Affair
William Morgan was born in 1774 in Virginia. In 1819 he was married to a girl sixteen years of age and two years later he moved to
Canada and became a distiller. Fire destroyed his brewery and reduced him to poverty after which he moved again. In 1823, he was
at Rochester, New York and took up residence in Batavia, New York in 1826. While he had visited Lodges before this time, there is
no evidence to show where (or if) he was Initiated, despite his rather complete knowledge of the Ritual. He was denied admission to
the local Lodge and Chapter (of York Rite Masonry) at Batavia for reasons unknown. (Refusal to admit a Mason to a Lodge meeting
is quite rare but does happen when a visitor's status as a Mason is in question.) However, it is confirmed that he received the York
Rite Royal Arch Degree at LeRoy, New York in 1825.
When a new Chapter was proposed in his own town, his name was on the Petition but objection was made to his being included and
a new Petition was prepared without it. Resenting this action, Morgan apparently became bitter and sought revenge. He entered into
a conspiracy with the local newspaper Editor to publish a malicious book on Freemasonry. (Some reports indicate that David C.
Miller, the newspaper editor, had received the Entered Apprentice - First Degree in Freemasonry but objections arose and he was
prevented from proceeding further. This, some Masonic scholars assert, could have given rise to his interest in taking part in the
scheme of Morgan's. There was great resentment in the town and the newspaper building was set on fire but no serious damage
was done. As a result of this hotheadedness, four Freemasons were indicted and three were sent to jail. In fact, the Masons
themselves offered a reward for the guilty party and some assert that Miller set the fire himself. There is, however, no proof as to
what actually happened.
Morgan was arrested several times on various claims, some real and some apparently 'trumped up,' possibly at the instigation of the
local Masons. In one of these instances, a man came to pay the bail for Morgan and from that day on, Morgan was supposedly
never seen again. Some 'eyewitness' reports tell of him being taken away by a group of men carrying torches. Other 'eyewitness'
reports indicate that he was given a horse and wagon and rode away alone. There were at least a half-dozen 'eyewitness' reports,
all of which were at odds with the other.
Those involved issued the following statement:
"The plan from inception to completion, contemplated nothing more than a deportation of Morgan, by friendly agreement between
the parties, either to Canada or some other country. Ample means were provided for the expenses and the after-support of Morgan
and his family. This plan had been perfected from the fact that the minds of Masonic Brethren had been agitated by rumors that
William Morgan was preparing an exposition and was preparing to give it to the public. It was then mutually agreed that Morgan
would destroy the document, refuse all interviews with his partner and hold himself in readiness to go to Canada, settle down there
and upon arrival he should receive 500 dollars with his written pledge to stay there and never return to the States. We also agreed
that Morgan's family should be cared for and sent to Canada as soon as a suitable home had been provided for them. What a
tremendous blunder we all made!
"It was scarcely a week until we saw what trouble was before us. Morgan had sold us out as he had sold his friends in Batavia.
Within forty-eight hours after his arrival in Canada he had gone. He was traced to a point down the river not far from Port Hope
where he had sold his horse and disappeared. He had doubtless got on a vessel there and left the country."
The political backlash was profound, "The pressure was so strong that withdrawals by individuals and bodies were numerous. In
1827, two hundred and twenty-seven Lodges were represented in the Grand Lodge of New York. In 1835, the number had dwindled
to forty-one. Every Lodge in the State of Vermont surrendered its Charter or became dormant; and the Grand Lodge, for several
years, ceased to hold its Sessions. As in Vermont, so also in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut; and in
lesser degrees in several other states. The Masonic Temple was cleft in twain; its Brotherhood scattered, its Trestleboard without
work; its Working Tools shattered. Thus Masonry endured the penalty of the mistaken zeal of those fearful Brethren who thought
that the revealing of the Ritual to profane eyes would destroy the Order and who hoped to save it by removing the traitor within the
camp."
Space here is not sufficient to re-tell the interesting, often exciting, and always varied story of the political campaigns which were
predicated on, and took much of their ammunition from, the anti-Masonic excitement which followed the Morgan affair. It is not to be
supposed that the abduction and alleged — never proved — murder of Morgan was the sole cause of this outburst, any more than
was the assassination in 1914 the sole cause of the World War. Both were triggers which set off guns which, in turn, caused other
explosions. Suffice it here that a wave of hysteria was seized upon by able politicians, fanned by demagogues, increased by the
righteous indignation of good men and true who saw not beneath the surface, helped onward by press and pulpit with the best of
intentions but little understanding, until the whole east flamed with passion and Freemasons were spit upon in the streets, lodges
threw away their charters, and Freemasonry bowed its head to a storm as unjust and undeserved as all religious persecutions have
always been.
Like any other hysteria, this passed. Passions wore themselves away. A few sturdy and brave men stood staunchly by a few Grand
Lodges with high courage and the strength of the right never ceased to proclaim their allegiance to the principles of the Order. Littleby-little,
Freemasonry raised its head; one-by-one, Lodges took heart; Brother-by-Brother, Craftsmen returned to their Lodge.
Prior to the Morgan Affair, a number of Lodges were developed in every corner of Monroe County — Morning Star in Pittsford, Wells
in Gates, Penfield Union in Penfield, Parma, Thomkins in Scottsville, Henrietta, Monroe in Brockport, Brighton, Union in Mendon,
Hamilton in Rochester, and Monroe Encampment in Rochester. But by 1830, all Masonic bodies in Monroe County had ceased to
exist.
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Valley Lodge No. 109, Rochester
WARRANT: The warrant in possession of the Lodge is dated 8 Jun 1846. Name or number has not been changed.
MINUTES: Intact.
OFFICERS NAMED IN WARRANT: Charles G. Cummings, Master; Samuel Richardson, SW; Charles C. Lathrop, JW.
CHARTER MEMBERS.
Henry A. Brewster.
Asahel A. Beers.
Nathaniel Clark.
Phineas B. Cook.
Lyman B. Langworthy.
William A. Langworthy.
Charles C. Lathrop.
William E. Lathrop.
Cyrus Knapp.
Marcus Moses.
Schuyler Moses.
Sylvester H. Packard.
Nicholas E. Paine.
Samuel Richardson.
Ebenezer Watts.
Two of the charter members were members of Wells Lodge, No. 282, of Rochester, which was warranted June 5, 1816, and went
down in the anti-Masonic persecution about the year 1828. The last returns made by this old Lodge was in 1827; at that time
CHARLES C. LATHROP was Junior Warden, and ERENEZER WATTS, Treasurer.
MEETING PLACES.
When organized, the Lodge met in Brewster Hall, 67 Exchange Street; in August, 1846, it moved to the John Burns Building, corner
of Main and State Streets, where it remained until the fall of 1858, when it moved to the Wilder Building, corner of Alain and
Exchange Streets, where it remained until September, 1872, when it again moved, this time to Masonic Hall in Smith and Perkins
Building, Exchange Street. This Hall was dedicated by M.'.W.'. CHRISTOPHER G. Fox, Grand Master, November 14, 1872. In 1898
it moved to the Masonic Temple, Clinton Avenue, North, where it still remains.
On April 24, 1889, Jubilee services were held in Washington Rink, Rochester, under the auspices of Valley Lodge, No. 109.
Yonnondio Lodge, No. 163; Genesee Falls Lodge, No. 507; Rochester Lodge, No. 660; Germania Lodge, No. 722, and Frank
R. Lawrence Lodge, U. D.
A press report said concerning this event: "They celebrated the freedom of the Craft of the State from debt, and they did it in a very
enthusiastic manner. Washington Rink echoed Masonic eloquence, Masonic applause and Masonic music for several hours."
The principal address was delivered by M.'.W.'. WILLIAM A.SUTHERLAND, who, at the time, was Master of Frank R. Lawrence
Lodge, U. D. In part, he said:
"The youngest child of the Fraternity, the newest of the nearly eight hundred Lodges of the State, acknowledges the compliment it
receives in an invitation to speak, through its Master, on this day of rejoicing. Bearing the honored name of our Most Worshipful
Grand Master, Frank R. Lawrence Lodge is especially gratified to join in the general rejoicings upon the completion of the Herculean
task so heroically undertaken and so magnificently concluded by him whose name is on the lips of so many thousands to-night.
"For years the task of extinguishing a debt of $500,000 seemed like attempting to scale an inaccessible cliff, the noble charity, for
the support of which the revenues of the Masonic building were to he devoted, was buried beneath the mountain of debt with which
that building was encumbered. But upon the election of FRANK R. LAWRENCE to the Grand Mastership? the sound of the gavel
was heard in the East, and the Craft were called from refreshment to labor.
"He it was who enkindled hope in the breasts of the doubting. The faint-hearted men enthused with his own dauntless courage.
Thus did our truly Grand Master set the Craft at work, giving them proper instructions for their labor. Thus, by a three years' journey,
has he led us out of the land of bondage. Now we are free! Now are we equipped for a charity magnificent and perpetual! To-day
our desires have culminated in assurance, and hope hath ended in fruition. With glad acclaim we salute the dauntless, the
matchless and peerless leader, and give cheers to the magnificence of his success. It has been deemed fitting that the youngest
Lodge in the State should he designated on this occasion, to clasp hands with the eldest. ... No Masonic assemblage can be justly
censured for a proud allusion to our past. So many great and good men have been prominently identified with our Order; on so
many public occasions have those high in public station officiated in our ceremonies, and so many times have prominent Masons
5

guided and managed the Ship of State, that the Masonic Fraternity may almost he said to be interwoven with the fabric of our
Government.
But brethren we do not live in the past. Our assemblage to-night is because of the achievements of the present. Our rejoicings,
while relating to that which now goes into history, also swell the bugle call to advance. The pathway of duty lies before us, we must
not be slothful idlers in the Masonic vineyard. Although our work is underneath the surface and may not often be heralded by the
trumpet of Fame, yet none the less are we important factors in the advancement of the human race to a higher civilization.
"When all meet upon a level, then all class distinctions disappear; bigotry and narrow-mindedness vanish from the midst of those
who insist only upon a firm belief in the Supreme Architect of the Universe and a just record after death for the deeds done in the
body. We are taught as Free Masons that all truth lies not in one depository, but that scattered fragments, like portions of a broken
image, may be found in all quarters of the globe and in diverse forms of belief. Unconsciously, perhaps, but nevertheless steadily,
the seekers after truth are gathering these fragments together and on some millennial day these sometimes hidden and often
obscure gems of truth, sometimes contributed from the teachings of Brahma, sometimes from the writings of Confucius, sometimes
from the Hebrew prophets and many from the followers of Him who was born in Bethlehem of Judea, shall be fitted together into one
harmonious whole. Truth herself shall then be known and recognized of all men. Till that day comes it is the province of Masonry to
teach toleration, to enforce the precept that no one man holds sure possession of the truth as of a chattel. To live in the fear of God,
to walk uprightly before God and man, to deal justly with all mankind, to perform unostentatious deeds of charity, remembering all
men, but especially the brethren, and to inculcate that broadminded charity which accords to another's beliefs the same respect
which each demands for his own—these be the principles of our Order, and these should our lives exemplify. . . . We do build a
Temple whose foundations are broad as the confines of humanity, whose walls are made up of deeds of charity, of puremindedness,
of uprightness and of steadfast performance of duty in every station of life, and whose vaulted dome reaches through
the clouds and into the eternal beyond."
The Lodge was present and participated in the laying of the cornerstones of the Monroe County Court House, the City Hall of
Rochester, the U.S. Post Office building in Rochester, the Masonic Temple at Rochester; also, was present at the laying of the
corner-stone and dedication of the Home at Utica.
The Lodge has been fortunate in the selection of its Treasurer and Secretary. MAURICE LEYDEN has been Treasurer since 1887,
with the exception of one year (1894). CLIFTON C. GIFFORD, the Secretary of the Lodge, was raised April 2, 1855, and on the
same evening he was elected Secretary, and, with the exception of one year (1894), he has held the office ever since he has been a
member of the Lodge—truly an enviable record: few indeed have held any office covering a period of over half a century.
GEN. ELY S. PARKER, who, for a time, was a member of Valley Lodge, was a full-blooded Indian, a grand-nephew of the famous
chief, Red Jacket. His Indian name was Do-ne-ho-ga-wa. He was born on the Seneca Indian reservation, Tonawanda, NY, In 1828:
became chief of the Six Nations; was a personal friend of Gen. U. S. Grant, and. during the Civil War was a member of his staff and
military secretary. In the latter capacity he drew up the first copy of the terms of capitulation at Appomattox. He was commissioned a
First Lieutenant of U. S. cavalry in 1806; brevetted Brigadier General, U.S.A., In 1807. He was made a Mason in Batavia Lodge,
No. 475; affiliated in Valley Lodge, May 6, 1850, and was the first Master of Akron Lodge, No. 527, under the warrant dated June
3, 1863. He died at Fairfield. Conn., August 30, 1895. An epitome of his life appears in the Grand Lodge Proceedings. 1896.
MEN IN PUBLIC LIFE.
George G. Clarkson, Mayor of Rochester.
Arthur C. Hastings, Mayor of Niagara Falls.
Frederick Cook, Secretary of State of New York.
John A. Reynolds, Gen. U. S. V., Civil War.
Gilbert H. Reynolds, Capt. U. S. V., Civil War.
J. George Cramer, Capt. U. S. V., Civil War.
Ely S. Parker, Gen. U. S. V., Civil War.
Maurice Leyden. Major U. S. V., War. Civil War.
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS.
Solomon M. Benjamin, District Deputy Grand Master. John Alexander, District Deputy Grand Master.
Charles S. Owen, Grand Steward.
1845. William A. Langworthy.
1845. Samuel Richardson.
1846. Asahel S. Beers.
1847. Charles G. Cummings.
1848. Charles G. Cummings.
1849. Nicholas E. Paine.
1850. Sylvester H. Packard.
1851. Ebenezer T. Oatley.
1852. Edward Whalen.
1853. Jacob Howe.
1854. Ebenezer T. Oatley.
1855. Ebenezer T. Oatley.
1856. Ebenezer T. Oatley.
1857. Ebenezer T. Ontley.
1858. Ebenezer T. Oatley.
1859. Ebenezer T. Oatley.
1860. Roswell H. Smith.
1861. John W. McElhinny.
1862. John W. McElhinny.
1863. Solomon M. Benjamin.
1864. Solomon M. Benjamin.
1865. Solomon M. Benjamin.
1866. Roswell H. Smith.
1867. Roswell H. Smith.
1868. Roswell H. Smith.
1869. Roswell H. Smith.
1870. Roswell H. Smith.
1871. Solomon M. Benjamin.
1872. John Alexander.
1873. John M. Brown.
1874. William O. Brown.
1875. John M. Brown.
MASTERS.
1876. Henry J. Durgin.
1877. William B. Mather.
1878. John H. Bird.
1879. Fred H. Beach.
1880. John H. Bird.
1881. B. Frank La Salle.
1882. B. Frank La Salle.
1883. John W. Merriam.
1884. John Alexander.
1885. Frank H. Vick.
1886. Abram J. Katz.
1887. Fred A. Moses.
1888. John W. Merriam.
1889. John W. Merriam.
1890. Frank H. Vick.
1891. Frank H. Vick.
1892. Edwin G. Howe.
1893. Edwin G. Howe.
1894. Edwin G. Howe.
1895. Charles L. Ball.
1896. Harry J. Mulligan.
1897. Charles S. Owen.
1898. John B. Mullan.
1899. Charles B. Rebasz.
1900. John C. McNab.
1901. J. Clifton Baker.
1902. Harry B. Guilford.
1903. Charles H. McDermott.
1904. Frederick B. Lyddon.
1905. George W. Cooper.
1906. Frank H. Mosher.
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http://www.nelsoncook.com/portraits_newyork.html
George G. Clarkson (1856) b. 1811 in Edinburgh, Scotland; d. 28 Aug 1905 in Rochester, NY; buried Mt. Hope Cemetery,
Rochester; married Mary M. Parcells, who died 8 Oct 1863 at age 50; briefly moved to US with father ca. 1810, returned to Scotland
for several years, and then permanently relocated to US in 1813; for many years President of the Rochester Athenaeum (today’s
Rochester Institute of Technology); Mayor of Rochester, 1874-1875; in 1876 with Rev Thomas Gallaudet, the eldest son of deafmute
advocacy pioneer Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, helped establish the Western New York Institution for Deaf Mutes, which
Alexander Graham Bell described as “the best disciplined and most admirably conducted institute in the country”; served as Vice
President and President of the Institution for many years; associated with area financial institutions, including the Monroe County
Savings Bank where he served on the Board of Trustees during the 1890s.
Mary Parsells Clarkson (Mrs. George Clarkson) (1856) b. ca. 1813; d. 8 Oct 1863; buried Mt. Hope Cemetery, Rochester, NY;
wife of George Clarkson, with whom she had at least one daughter, Mary M. and presumably a son, George P. [1835 – 1897], who
is buried in the same plot as Mr. and Mrs. Clarkson.
http://mcnygenealogy.com/bios/biographies016.htm
Mr. and Mrs. George G. Clarkson
Major Joseph P. Cleary has had an eventful career, and his days of greatest trial were allotted to him
when he was young. Born in the historic city of Limerick, Ireland, 11 Mar 1844, he came to America ten
years later. In 1857 he was working for the nursery firm of C. J. Ryan & Company. He made a visit to
Chicago, where he engaged with his brother in the nursery business, but remained at that industry only
a year. Then from growing trees he found employment with a doctor and worked for him a year. After
leaving his medical employer, he learned the carpenter's trade and followed that pursuit until 1860,
when he returned to Rochester where he again turned horticulturist and worked for C. J. Mills.
In 1861 he was on the farm of E. Stone, attending night school at Hopper's Hill, when the tocsin of war
was sounded, and he enlisted in Company E, 13th Regiment NY Volunteers, on 25 Apr 1861. He was
in the battles of Blackburn's Ford, first Bull Run, Siege of Yorktown, Hanover Court House,
Mechanicsville, Gaines Mills, and the second Bull Run. He was taken prisoner at Gaines Mills, but was
exchanged on 6 Aug 1862, and joined his regiment. On August 30 he was wounded in the head and
again taken prisoner, but on December 12 was exchanged and joined his regiment at the battle of
Fredericksburg. His regiment was mustered out in May 1863, and on June 29, he reenlisted as orderlysergeant
in the 14th NY Heavy Artillery. He was promoted in a short time and as 1Lt took part in the
battles of Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad and Pegram's
Farm, where he was promoted to Captain; for gallant conduct at the attack on Fort Steadman he was
brevetted Major. At the close of the war he was mustered out as Major and brevet Lieutenant-Colonel.
On 1 Dec 1866, he joined the Rochester police force and was successively roundsman, detective, lieutenant, assistant captain,
captain and superintendent. He became a member of O'Rourke post, G. A. R. in 1868, and was first commander of E. G. Marshall
Post. After receiving all the minor honors, Major Cleary was unanimously elected at Syracuse in Feb 1892, to be department
commander of the Grand Army of the Republic of this State. He has for six years been president of the Western New York Veterans'
association and is a member of the Monroe County Union Ex-prisoners of War association. Major Cleary is a member of Valley
Lodge, 109 of the Masonic fraternity, also of the Scottish Rite, 32nd degree; Knights of Pythias, and Odd Fellows. On 17Sep 1873,
he married Miss Annie Paterson.
7

http://books.google.com/books?id=IvssAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA573&lpg=PA573&dq=%22Joseph+P.+Cleary%22+%22patterson%22&so
urce=bl&ots=u9Etgbkvb3&sig=VW-_gtaJzloWNosP1seRB6aadM&hl=en&ei=CuTzS6H9HoG0lQfcsYjjDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%2
2Joseph%20P.%20Cleary%22%20%22patterson%22&f=false page 573.
Major Joseph P. Cleary, who has departed this life, was born in Limerick, Ireland, on 11 Mar 1844, and came to Rochester alone in
1857 when a youth of but thirteen years. He had a brother, M. F. Cleary, who arrived here before him and was a nurseryman in
Greece, NY. Major Cleary remained with his brother for some time and afterward went to Chicago, where he remained until 1860,
when he returned to Rochester and again became connected with horticultural pursuits and the nursery business, being in the
employ of C. J. Mills. In 1861 he was in the employ of E. Stone as a farm hand and at the same time was attending night school at
Hopper's Hill. When the call for troops was made, however, his patriotic spirit was aroused within him and he offered his aid to the
government, enlisting as a member of Company E, 13th Regiment NY Volunteers, on the 25th of April. He was in the battles of
Blackburn's Ford, first Bull Run. the siege of Yorktown, Hanover Courthouse, Mechanicsville, Gaines Mills and the second battle of
Bull Run. He was taken prisoner at Gaines Mills but was exchanged on 6 Aug 1862. and rejoined his regiment. On the 30th of
August following he was wounded and again taken prisoner but on the 12th of December was exchanged and joined his regiment at
the battle of Fredericksburg. That command was mustered out in Mav, 1863, and on the 29th of June Mr. Clearv re-enlisted as
orderly sergeant in the 14th NY Heavy Artillery. He was promoted in a short time and as first lieutenant took part in the battles of
Cold Harbor. Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Petersburg, Weidon Railroad and Pegram's Farm, where he was promoted to a
captaincy, while for gallant conduct displayed in the attack on Fort Steadman he was brevetted major. At the close of the war he
was mustered out as major and brevet lieutenant-colonel.
When the war was over Mr. Cleary returned to Rochester, and soon afterward went back to Ireland upon a visit to his people and his
native land. When he again came to this city he joined the
Rochester police force, being appointed a patrolman and he served successively as detective, lieutenant, assistant captain, captain
and superintendent, acting as chief of police for twenty years. He drilled the force for seventeen years and had a most thoroughly
organized and efficient police force. In this connection he did splendid service for the city, laboring untiringly to hold the lawless
element in subjection and to render life and property safe. He continued in the position until 1 Mar 1905, when he retired and his
death occurred very soon afterward, for he passed away on 25 Apr 1905.
Major Clearv was equally well known in political, social and fraternal circles. He was a republican in politics and at all times stood
loyallv by the party which was the defender of the Union iii the dark days of the Civil war. lie was a member of the Young Men's Club
of St. Luke's church an also a member of the Genesee Valley lodge and other societies. He belonged to the IOOF, to the Knights of
Pythias and to Valley lodge, No. 109, F&AM, while in the Scottish Rite he attained the 32nd degree. He was also very prominent in
military circles and rose to high rank in the Grand Army of the Republic. He became a member of O'Rourke post, G. A. R., in 1868,
and was the first commander of E. G. Marshall post. After receiving all the minor honors he was unanimously elected at Syracuse, in
Feb 1892, to be department commander of the Grand Army of the Republic of this state. He was for six years president of the
Western New York Veterans' Association and was a member of the Monroe County Union Ex-prisoners of War Association.
On 17 Sep 1873, Mr. Cleary married Anna Pat(t)erson, who was born on Spring street in Rochester and is a daughter of Richard
Patterson, who came to this county in an early day from Bantray, Ireland, where he was born. He had charge of the men who
quarried the stone for the old aqueduct here. Mrs. Cleary had a niece, Mary A. Wolcott, who lived with her. For many years Mrs.
Cleary had been one of the managers of the Oxfords Home and she was department president of the Women's Relief Corps for
many years. She was very active in many lines of charitable and benevolent work and is ever ready to do a good deed or speak a
kind word as opportunity offered. She had been one of the members of the board of the Andersonville Prison Society, which is now
engaged in the laudable purpose of making a beautiful park, and she is a member of St. Luke's church. In 1874 Major Cleary
purchased land at No. 26 Caledonia avenue and soon afterward built the home which he occupied until his death. Their only child.
Harriett:, died in infancy, and Major Cleary was one of the best known men of the city and a splendid representative of its official
service, giving an administration in the police department which was most commendable, winning him uniform commendation and
approval.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Cook_(politician)
Frederick Cook [Friedrich Kuch] b. 2 Dec 1833 Bad Wildbad, Kingdom of Wurttemberg; d. 17 Feb, 1905 Rochester, NY was an
businessman and politician. He came to the US in 1848, and changed his German name Friedrich Kuch to Frederick Cook. He first
lived in Buffalo, NY, and worked for his brother-in-law who was a shoemaker. Then he opened his own butcher shop at Batavia.
After that he became a brakeman on the Buffalo and Rochester Railroad, and later a conductor on the New York Central Railroad a
position he held for twenty years during which he became wealthy. (There is a story about this: Asked by Cornelius Vanderbilt how
he could buy vast pieces of real estate and live expensively on $75 a week, Cook is said to have answered "Oh, I makes (sic) my
money trading horses with Jockey Mason," which became something of a proverb at the time.)
In 1872, he left the railroad, and entered politics. Governor John Thompson Hoffman appointed him Judge Advocate of the 7th
Division of the National Guard. In 1874, he ran for Mayor of Rochester, NY, but was defeated by [Bro.] George G. Clarkson [q.v.]
while otherwise the whole Democratic ticket was elected. In 1875, Governor Samuel J. Tilden appointed him Assistant Adjutant
General and Chief of Staff of the 7th Division of the National Guard. He was a delegate to the 1876 Democratic National
Convention. He was Secretary of State of New York from 1886 to 1889, elected in 1885 and 1887.
In 1892, he sued the Silver Lake Ice Company, and tried to establish his claim to be the owner of the Silver Lake in Wyoming
County, NY. He was the President of the Rochester German Insurance Company, the German-American Bank of Rochester, the
Rochester Driving Park Association, the Rochester Telephone Company, the Rochester Street Car Company, Vice President of the
Bartholomay Brewing Company, and had interests in many other companies. He was married twice and had one daughter. He died
of apoplexy.
8

http://mcnygenealogy.com/bios/biographies027.htm
HON. FREDERICK COOK - The career of Hon. Frederick Cook, ex-Secretary of State,
affords a happy illustration of the fact that, under American institutions, character, ability
and energy are the leading factors in the attainment of positions of honor and trust. The
subject of this sketch was born in Wildbad, Württemberg, Germany, 2 Dec 1833. His father,
a contractor, died when Frederick was twelve years old, leaving a family of eight children.
The boy, who up to this time had been attending school, was now compelled to make his
own way in the world, and at fifteen coming to Buffalo, where a sister resided, he soon
thereafter secured employment upon the Central railroad between Rochester and Buffalo,
and within a short period was promoted to conductorship, retaining that position nearly
twenty years. On his retirement from that position in 1872 he was presented a fine silver
service by his fellow employees and patrons of the road.
At an early period Mr. Cook became interested in the Pullman Palace Car company and
with keen business foresight invested his savings in its stock. In 1870 he was appointed
Excise Commissioner of Rochester, and later was placed in nomination by the Democrats
for mayor of the city. In 1874 he was chosen vice-president of the Bartholomay Brewing
company, and in 1876 was elected president of the Rochester German Insurance company,
and in the same year was made president of the Rochester Driving Park association. In
1882 he was elected to the presidency of the Bank of Rochester, which has since been
reorganized as the German-American bank, of which he was president. Mr. Cook was
prominent in the political world for many years. In 1872 he received from Governor Hoffman
the title of Judge Advocate with the rank of Colonel of the 7th Division of the National Guard of the State, and in 1875; Governor
Tilden appointed him Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff of the division. In 1876 he was a delegate to the Democratic National
convention at St. Louis, and in 1880 was a delegate to the Democratic National convention at Cincinnati, of which he was a vicepresident.
In 1880 Governor Cornell appointed him a manager of the Western House of Refuge, and in 1883 Governor Cleveland
re-appointed him to the same position. In that year he was chosen Trustee of the Rochester Savings bank.
In 1885 Mr. Cook was elected Secretary of State on the Democratic ticket by a majority of 14,608. In 1887 he was re-nominated and
elected by a majority of 17,677. When he took formal leave of his associate State officers on 31 Dec 1889, Mr. Cook received from
his official associates a fine gold watch, which was presented to him by Governor Hill. The latter, on 1 Jun 1891, appointed him one
of the Board of Managers of the Rochester State hospital, the appointment being for nine years. At the first election of the Board,
Mr. Cook was chosen president. It is a generally admitted fact that he was one of the most popular citizens of Rochester of his day.
His distinguished ability, public spirit, broad philanthropy, and rare personal qualities form three elements of that popularity and
would have made him the candidate of his party for Governor of the State in 1894, had Mr. Cook himself not declined to entertain
the propositions which came from all parts of the commonwealth, voicing the strong prevailing sentiment, favoring his candidacy for
the Governorship. The unanimous expression of the party press, as exhibited on that occasion, superadded to the verdict of his
fellow townsmen, shows that the popularity of Mr. Cook is not fictitious or ephemeral - it was sound and lasting. A local Democratic
newspaper at the time admirably summed up Mr. Cook's political and business standing, when it stated that "While his Democracy
is sound, and his party status so broad-gauged that all divisions can heartily unite upon him, his great business capacity and
executive ability peculiarly qualify him for the office of Chief Executive of the State." Mr. Cook prospered in material affairs as well as
succeeded in gaining the confidence and respect of his party colleagues. He lived in one of the handsomest residences on East
Avenue - a home of comfort and refinement. He was married in 1853 to Miss Catherine Yaky of Rome, NY, who died in 1864. He
later married Miss Barbara Agne in 1865. An only daughter was the wife of Mr. Augustus MacDonnell.
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http://books.google.com/books?id=dkoWAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA355&lpg=PA355&dq=%22J.+George+Cramer%22&source=bl&ots=oE
6EZm8jc7&sig=jEUE6JYgXc-
UgsgShDCU8aJYJ1Q&hl=en&ei=DGb0S5DKIoH7lwebu5mNDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBYQ6AEwA
A#v=onepage&q=%22George%20Cramer%22&f=false page 246.
Major J. George Cramer, Captain Company D. 108th NY Infantry
The experience of this officer during the war was a succession of sharp, quick surprises.
When the war broke out he was Captain of Company H, 54th Regiment, New York State
National Guards. Fearing that his regiment would not be called to the front, he
volunteered his services in the 108th NY Infantry. He raised and became captain of
Company D of that regiment. In less than a month from the time he left Rochester he led
his company at the battle of Antietam, in which was experienced some of the most awful
events of the war. The boys of the 108th had for their baptism of fire to witness scenes
of carnage that can never be effaced from the memory, and one of the first tragedies
which these youths, fresh from the comforts and refinements of home had to encounter,
was the Bloody Lane in which over 200 men lay dead, piled four deep. Captain Cramer
had some close calls while leading his company at the battles of Antietam,
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. His clothing was pierced by bullets,
and he was knocked down by the windage of a shell which burst upwards instead of
downwards. Several times he escaped death by chance movements of his body which
seemed like the intervention of a guarding angel.
In July, 1863, he contracted scurvy on the leg so badly that the limb swelled from the
knee down, to terrible proportions. He was ordered to hospital by the surgeon, but rather
9

than lie idle he volunteered to continue duty while undergoing treatment, at Elmira, NY, where he was in command of the barracks
during the draft in 1863-64. He also served as acting quartermaster in the rebel prison, thus saving the services of an active officer
at the front who would have been detailed. Captain Cramer has, since the war, developed an important industry in the manufacture
of flour sacks and every variety of paper sacks, bags and devices for the handling of grains and perishable goods, in fact, he was
the pioneer in introducing the paper-bag, which has revolutionized the system of flour packing. He took a prominent part in the
erecting of a suitable monument to the heroes of the 108th on the field of Gettysburg. He has been always identified with the "art
preservative," and when he went to the war was presented with a handsome sword, belt and sash, and a revolver, by his friends on
the Post-Express and Democrat and Chronicle. He is a charter member of the old Genesee and the Rochester Yacht Clubs and
owns the famous yacht "Majel." which is considered by Lawley & Son, its builders, to be the best boat of its kind ever turned out of
their establishment. Captain Cramers office was at 53 East Main street, Rochester, NY, and he had a pleasant way of entertaining
his friends who call upon him.
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http://www.onlinebiographies.info/ny/niag/hastings-ac.htm
Arthur C. Hastings, was born at Brooklyn., NY, 13 Jul 1860, and attended the public schools of that city later he took a course in
Smith College, at Hatfield, MA, and was graduated from there in 1876. In 1877 he accepted the position of secretary of the
Rochester Paper Mill Company at Rochester, NY, which position he filled until 1889, when he came to Niagara Falls and in
company with J. F. Quigley, built the Cliff Paper Mill, which was completed in the same year and of which he remained as manager
until 1892, when the Cliff Paper Company was organized, of which company he was made secretary, treasurer and manager. He is
still an incumbent of that office and is also treasurer of the Francis Manufacturing Company since its organization in 1895. In 1896
Mr. Hastings was elected Police Commissioner of the city of Niagara Falls, and served as president of the board until he resigned to
become Mayor, to which office he was elected 2 Mar 1897. He was a K. T. and Shriner.
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http://mcnygenealogy.com/bios/biographies012.htm
B. F. & C. W. La Salle - Dr. B. Frank La Salle, son of Francis La Salle, was born in Paris, France, 29 Mar 1842, and came to this
country in infancy with his parents, who located in St. Lawrence county, where Dr. La Salle received his preliminary education.
Afterwards he entered the office of Dr. J. D. Huntington, of Watertown, NY, for the study of dentistry, where, after three years of
diligent work, he passed the State examination and began the practice of his profession in Oswego, NY. In 1876 he removed to
Rochester, where he has built up a very large practice. His son, Dr. Clint W. La Salle, who is a graduate of the Buffalo Dental
College, and who was the first student to matriculate in that institution, is associated with him under the above firm name.
Dr. B. F. La Salle is a member of the Seventh District Dental Society and was the organizer of the Rochester Dental Club, now the
Rochester Dental Society, of which he was president for one year. He is a member of Valley Lodge, No. 109, F&AM, and served it
as Master in 1881-82; he also belongs to Hamilton Chapter RAM, Doric Council, and Monroe Commandery, No. 12, KT.
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http://books.google.com/books?id=ivssAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA863&lpg=PA863&dq=%22Maurice+Leyden%22+%22rochester%22&sour
ce=bl&ots=mrAJrjhLS2&sig=bnhreCwgG2GOrOQtEn_ZqRldDU0&hl=en&ei=tF_0S9GmH4OClAeGoIWRDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result
&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22Maurice%20Leyden%22%20%22rochester%22&f=false page 863.
MAJOR MAURICE LEYDEN - In the history of Rochester's successful men, whose honorable records reflect credit upon the city, is
numbered Major Maurice Leyden, whose life work was of value to the home community and of far-reaching effect in its influences.
His death occurred 15 Aug 1906, but the true measure of his life cannot be ascertained until the interests which he established have
reached their full fruition as factors in the commercial and financial upbuilding of the city.
Major Leyden was a native of Onondaga county, NY, born in Collamer, on 18 Oct 1836. He is descended from Holland Dutch
ancestry, the record being traced back to the time when William of Orange in 1690 invaded Ireland with a large army. Among his
followers were several bearing the name of Leyden and, settling on the Emerald Isle, they founded there a family of which Michael
Leyden, Sr., was a representative. He wedded Mary Walton, who was of English birth and parentage and they became the founders
of the family in the United States, settling in that portion of Syracuse which was at that time called Salina. They afterward took up
their abode in Collamer in the town of Dewitt, where their remaining days were passed.
Michael Leyden, Jr., son of Michael and Mary (Walton) Leyden, was born in Ireland, 5 May 1809, and was a young lad when he
came with his parents to the new world. He completed his education in Onondaga Valley Academy and left the parental farm to
become a salesman in Syracuse in the employ of Dennis McCarthy, founder of the wholesale and retail dry-goods firm of D.
McCarthy & Sons and D. McCarthy & Company. His progress in the commercial world led him to establish business on his own
account in Salina, where he remained until the outbreak of cholera caused him to purchase and remove to a farm near Collamer in
the town of Dewitt, Onondaga county. There he resided until 1860, when he returned to Syracuse. He married Catherine Carhart, a
daughter of Isaac Carhart and a descendant of Thomas Carhart, who came to America on the 29 Aug 1683, as private secretary to
Colonel Thomas Dougan, English governor of the colonies. Several of his descendants aided in the struggle for American
independence and in other wars and all became loyal citizens of the United States. Isaac Carhart, born in 1789, removed from
Coeymans, NY, to Manlius, Onondaga county, in 1827, and there followed farming until his death on 17 Mar 1845. His wife, who
bore the maiden name of Hannah Rowe, was of Holland parentage. Their daughter, Catherine Carhart. who became the wife of
Michael Leyden, Jr., was born at Coeymans, 22 Jun 1813, and died at Syracuse in Feb 1889.
Major Maurice Leyden was the eldest of twelve children and at the usual age began his education in the district schools, afterward,
however, attending the high school in Syracuse and Cazenovia Seminary. In his boyhood he also became familiar with the duties
and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and developed thereby a strong and rugged constitution. When he had completed his
academic course he took up the study of dentistry in the office of Dr. Amos Westcott of Syracuse, then one of the leading dentists of
10

the country, at one time president of the American Dental Association. He was thus engaged in study and practice until 13 Jun
1861, when in response to the country's call for aid he enlisted as a member of Company B, 3rd NY Cavalry. He was promoted 2Lt
on 30 July following and 1Lt on 12 Jun 1863, while on 10 Oct 1864, he was made Captain of his company. Through injuries received
in the fall of Richmond he was reported as missing in action on 7 Oct 1864, when he was serving as lieutenant of Company C. On
21 Jul 1865, he was transferred to Company C. of the 1st NY Mounted Rifles, and on 13 Oct of the same year was breveted Major
of US volunteers by President Johnson, holding that rank until honorably discharged from the service at City Point, Virginia. Major
Leyden participated in many important engagements and in all of the marches and campaigns of his regiment and was frequently
assigned to important commands. He was in the battle of Balls Bluff and of Winchester and marched with Burnside to Newberne,
NC, participating in the battles of Trent Road, Little Washington, Tarboro, Goldsboro, Trenton, Bachelor's Creek, Warsaw Street
Ferry and others in that vicinity. He then returned with his regiment to Virginia and participated in all the battles of the Army of the
James, beginning with Stony Creek, 7 May 1864, and including the engagement before Petersburg, Roanoke Bridge, Reams
Station. Malvern Hill and Yellow Tavern, where he had command of the outposts when General Hill made an attempt to drive
General Warren from his position on the Weldon Railroad. He also took part in the battle of Prince George Courthouse and
proceeded to Johnson's Farm, three miles from Richmond, where on 7 Oct 1864, he was taken prisoner. For more than six months
he was incarcerated in Libby Prison, at Salisbury, NC, and at Danville, VA, and after a brief parole he returned to his regiment. He
was taken prisoner and was in three different prisons. In recognition of his services he was made a member of the American Military
Order of the Loyal Legion.
After the war Major Leyden located in Rochester. During his furlough in Mar 1865, while he was a paroled prisoner, he married Miss
Margaret Leora Garrigues (1841-1928), of Rochester, NY, and a graduate of the East Avenue Collegiate Institute in Rochester. Her
father was Cyrus Garrigues, a native of Morristown and an early settler of Rochester, and in both the paternal and maternal lines
she was descended from ancestry prominent in the Revolutionary war. Her mother. Mrs. Eliza Garrigues, was a daughter of Captain
Samuel Woodruff, an officer of the war of 1812, and her great-grandfather, John Acken, served in Washington's army in the
Revolutionary war, as did Jacob Garrigues.
Prior to the war Major Leyden had prepared for the profession of dentistry and following his return to Rochester opened an office for
practice in this city in connection with Dr. Frank French, under the firm style of French & Leyden. Two years were thus passed, at
the end of which time he joined George P. Davis under the firm name of Davis & Leyden in the business of manufacturing dental
and surgical instruments and materials which they sold to the wholesale trade. For eighteen years he continued in that business,
which was built up to extensive proportions.
In the meantime Major Leyden had become actively connected with political interests of the city as a stalwart republican. He served
as county and city committeeman and was a delegate to various county and state conventions, while for one term he represented
the old eighth ward in the board of supervisors. In the fall of 1885 he was elected county clerk and served for three years, from the
1st of January, 1886.
Major Leyden was one of the first men in this section to realize the importance of the searches made for land titles and to foresee
the extent to which such a business would grow. Accordingly he organized the Rochester Title Insurance Company, which was
incorporated in Feb 1887, with a capital of 150,000 dollars. He was chosen its secretary, treasurer and general manager on 1 May
1891, and continued in those positions until his retirement from active business life. This is the only organization of its kind in the
state outside of New York city and Brooklyn. The idea originated among a number of the leading and wealthy citizens, whose object
was to duplicate the records of the county and thus guard against the possible loss of the original copies and at the same time to
inaugurate a system of real-estate title insurance. The business developed into one of the largest in the country and its worth is
most widely acknowledged. His aptitude for finance secured for him the election to the presidency of the Rochester Saving & Loan
Association in 1889 and he continued in that position until ill health forced him to retire. Under his management this became one of
the strongest associations of the kind in the country and was the first in the city to do business outside of the state, operating in
Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Virginia, Ohio and Michigan. Major Leyden was also prominently connected with various
other enterprises of a public and private nature and such was his reputation for business capacity, enterprise and sound judgment
that all felt that his connection with any interest insured its successful outcome.
Major Leyden in his home and social relations was a most genial and companionable gentleman. Unto him and his wife were born
two daughters: Maude, who died in infancy; and Blanche Eloise, who was graduated from the Livingston Park Seminary in the class
of 1895. Major Leyden belonged to Valley lodge, No. 109, F&AM, and for twenty years prior to his death was its treasurer. He also
held membership in George H. Thomas post. No. 4, G. A. R., and was much interested in Grand Army affairs. Community interests
also awakened his earnest attention and hearty co-operation whenever he believed that the course inaugurated would prove of
public good. With strangers he was reserved but his courtesy was such as to attract even those with whom he was but slightly
associated and his charming personality drew about him from his earliest youth a large circle of loyal friends. He enjoyed, too, the
respect of his business associates and the public as well and in every relation of life was a high minded and honorable gentleman.
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11

Maj. Gen. Daniel Craig 'Dan" McCallum
http://www.freemasonry.bcy.ca/fiction/mccallum_d.html
Born in Johnston, Renfrewshire, Scotland on 21 Jan 1815 and moving to Rochester, New York
as a child, architect and builder, Daniel was General Superintendent of the bridges of the Erie
Railroad and Consulting Engineer of the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad and founded the
McCallum Bridge Company in
1858. He developed the
McCallum inflexible arched
truss, used in wooden railroad
bridges across the US and
Canada in the 19th century.
The advent of steel bridges
effectively made obsolete his
unique design. The only
remaining example in the
world of the McCallum truss is
the Percy Covered Bridge
(1861), an automobile and
footbridge. It crosses the
Chateauguay at Powerscourt, Québec, between Elgin and Hinchinbrooke.
He was Initiated in Valley Lodge No. 109, Rochester, NY, in 1850. Under Abraham Lincoln’s war
administration he was brevetted Major General while serving as General Manager of Military railroads.
Retiring from these duties, he later published The Water Mill and Other Poems, Brooklyn, NY: Privately
Printed, 1870. Two poems are noteworthy, "By Request of Sagamore Lodge, F. & A. M." and "The
Water-Mill," which may be read at
http://books.google.com/books?id=CN3Cip2aZzkC&dq=daniel+craig+mccallum&source=gbs_navlinks_
s He died 27 Dec 1878 and was interred in Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester on 1 Dec 1879.
Oh! Heavenly Father deign to bless
Us brethren of the mystic tie,
In love and truth, and righteousness,
Oh! draw our souls forever nigh.
From East to West, from South to North,
No narrow compass doth us bound,
This mandate Thou hast issued forth,
"All ills be thine wherever found."
By Request of Sagamore Lodge, F. & A.M.
Air, "Old Hundred."
Grand Architect supreme Thou art,
Before Thy Throne we humbly bow;
Receive this homage of the heart,
And list! oh! list, unto our vow.
In thee we trust, our God, our all,
We bless Thy name forevermore,
Till from this earth bright angels call
To Lodge transcending SAGAMORE
http://books.google.com/books?id=RRIlAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA434&dq=%22Daniel+Craig+McCallum%22&hl=en&ei=JODzS_-
gOoPGlQeV25GdDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CD8Q6AEwBjgK#v=onepage&q=%22Daniel%20Craig%2
0McCallum%22&f=false page 434.
Daniel Craig McCallum was born at Renfrewshire, Scotland, in 1814. His father, Peter McCallum, who was a tailor, emigrated to this
country in 1822, and settled in Rochester, NY. Not liking his father's trade, he left home with his entire wardrobe tied up in a
handkerchief. He walked his way to Lundy's Lane, where he apprenticed himself to learn the trade of carpenter. He became a skilful
architect, designing St. Joseph's Church, Odd Fellows Hall, the Mansion House Block, the Waverly Hotel, the House of Refuge, and
other prominent buildings in Rochester. He developed a strong taste for mechanical engineering, and made rapid strides in his
profession. He invented an inflexible arch truss for bridges, the use of which on various railroads brought him later an income of
$75,000 a year.
He entered the employ of the New York and Erie Railroad Company in 1848, and was appointed superintendent of the
Susquehanna Division in October, 1852. As stated above, he was made general superintendent in May, 1854. February 25, 1857,
he tendered his resignation, because "a respectable number" of the Directors differed with him in regard to " the discipline that had
been pursued in the superintendence of the operations of the road." The resignation was accepted, but the Board of Directors gave
him a letter of regret at parting with him, and President Ramsdell addressed him a long personal letter, assuring him, in substance,
that he was not one of the number in the management that did not approve of his discipline.
Ex-Superintendent McCallum devoted himself to his private business until 1862, when, February 1st of that year, he was appointed
by Secretary Stanton military director and superintendent of the military railroads of the United States, with authority to take
possession of all railroads and rolling stock that might be required for the transportation of troops, arms, military supplies, etc. He
ranked as a colonel. He found only one railroad in possession of the Government— the one running from Washington to Alexandria.
He speedily changed the state of affairs. His work in establishing the network of railroads that forwarded so materially the efforts of
McClellan, Burnside, Hooker, Meade, and Grant, respectively, in the Peninsular campaign, at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville,
Gettysburg, and other fields, belongs to the history of the Civil War, where it is amply recorded. During his memorable work of
hurrying troops forward to the rescue of 1¡rant when he was cornered at Chancellorsville, he placed Gen. Carl Schurz, under arrest
for officious meddling with his plans. McCallum saved 1irant at Chancellorsville, and was made a Brigadier-General by Stanton as a
reward for his services on that occasion. General McCallum built 2,105 miles of new railroad and twenty-six bridges, and rebuilt 640
12

miles of old railroad, to meet the necessities of the Union army during the war, besides confiscating and opening to the service of
the Northern generals the great network of old railroads without which our armies would have been powerless against the enemy.
He expended $42,000,000 of the Government money in his work, and accounted for every cent of it.
After the war, in 1865, he retired to private life, making his home at Glen Mary, at Owego, a place made famous by Nathaniel P.
Willis, who lived there at one time, and where he built an elegant residence.
General McCallum was a poet of .no mean order, one of his poems being "The Water Mill," known everywhere as a perennially
popular one, the rendering of the refrain of which, "The mill will never grind again with the water that is past," has brought fame and
dollars to many an elocutionist. When the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad was building he became consulting engineer. He
subsequently removed to Brooklyn, where he died, December 27, 1878. The introduction of iron bridges had relegated his wooden
truss bridge to practical uselessness in railroad construction, and his income from that source had been reduced to a small amount
during the later years of his life, and he left but a modest fortune to his family, which consisted of four sons and two daughters.
------
Nicholas E. Paine, formerly of New Hampshire, but who, at the time of his marriage to Abby M. Sprague, of South Berwick, Maine,
removed to Rochester. Abby was a direct descendant of the anti-Colonial Governors, Bradford and French, of Massachusetts Bay.
In 1885 they celebrated their golden wedding, but two years later Nicholas died. He served as Mayor of Rochester and at the time of
his death he was President of the Dakota Railroad Company.
------
http://tyrianlodgebyketchum.com/masonic_stories_-_2
Ely Samuel Parker was born near Indian Falls on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation
on 13 Oct 1829, the son of Seneca Chief William Parker, the grandson of Red Jacket.
Ely Parker was educated in Law and Civil Engineering, and at the outbreak of the Civil
War was employed as engineer at Galena, Illinois, then the hometown of Ulysses S.
Grant. They were friends when both joined the Army at the outbreak of the Civil
War. Because of Parker’s distinguished service at Vicksburg, he was selected to be on
General Grant’s Staff of Officers. On 2 Mar 1867, he became a Brigadier General in the
Army. By reason of their friendship, as well as of his excellent handwriting, General
Grant entrusted him as his personal and official secretary and at General Lee’s
surrender, Ely Parker drew up the first copy of the Articles of Capitulation. General
Parker resigned from the Army in 1869 to accept the appointment as Commissioner of
Indian Affairs from General Grant, and held this office until he retired in 1871. He died
On August 31, 1895.
Ely Samuel Parker was made a Mason in Batavia Lodge No. 88 in 1847 and affiliated
with Valley Lodge No. 109, of Rochester 6 May 1850. He demitted from there on 6 Sep
1858, to become one of the founders and first Master of Miners’ Lodge No. 273,
Galena, Illinois, serving from 1858 to 1860. In 1862 he demitted from Miners’ Lodge to
become the first Master of Akron Lodge No. 527 in Akron, NY, under the Warrant
dated 3 Jun 1863. Ely Parker Lodge No. 1002 of Buffalo, NY was named for him.
------
Gilbert H. Reynolds – brother of John A.
http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?page=1103
Gilbert H. Reynolds (1832-1913) was born in New York City and moved to Rochester, New York, with his parents at the age of
eighteen. A member of the New York State militia in the 1850s, Reynolds volunteered with his brother and others in Rochester to
form Battery L, First Regiment New York Light Artillery, in 1861. In Albany, the "Reynolds' Battery" joined a six gun battery made up
of about 150 men, and proceeded to Baltimore for equipage and drilling. Beginning in May, 1862, the battery saw action at Harper's
Ferry, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. Gilbert H. Reynolds assumed command of the company shortly
before the fight at Gettysburg in July, 1863, and was seriously wounded there, obliging him to leave the battery that summer. He
returned to live and work with his family in Rochester, and was active in the G.A.R. there until his death almost fifty years later.
-------
John A. Reynolds – brother of Gilbert H.
http://mcnygenealogy.com/bios/biographies005.htm
General John A. Reynolds, ex-postmaster of Rochester, NY, was born in New York city, 4 Oct 1830, and received his early
education in the public schools. In 1839 his father, Mr. Alfred Reynolds, removed to Webster, Monroe county, where for the next ten
years the family was engaged in farming, young Reynolds continuing the pursuit of his education at the public schools. In 1849 he
came to Rochester and with his father was engaged in the grocery business until 1861. At the outbreak of the War he was captain
and in command of the Union Greys, having been a member of the company for many years. He tendered the Greys to the
Government as an artillery company, but as no more artillery was needed at the time, the tender was declined. In August and
September following he recruited a company of 156 men, which was assigned to Battery L, 1st NY Light Artillery regiment, Colonel
Bailey commanding, and was mustered into service 17 Sep 1861. In the Spring of 1862 Battery L was attached to General Banks'
command in the Shenandoah valley, and rendered efficient and gallant service in the engagements of Harper's Ferry, Charlestown,
Cedar Mountain, Groveton, Rappahannock Crossing, Warrenton, Sulphur Springs, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain,
Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. After the latter engagement Captain Reynolds was commissioned Major and served
13

with the First corps until after the battle of Gettysburg, and was then assigned as chief of
artillery to the Twelfth Corps, and accompanied the corps to Chattanooga to the relief of
General Thomas. General Hooker then appointed him his chief of artillery at the battle of
Lookout Mountain. He was with Sherman on his march to Atlanta and to the sea as chief
of artillery of the Twentieth Corps, after which he was assigned by General Sherman
chief of artillery to the Army of Georgia. His services continued through the Carolinas to
the surrender of Johnston at Janesboro, and thence to Richmond. Major Reynolds was
brevetted Lieutenant-Colonel for gallant and meritorious service in the campaign from
Atlanta to the sea, and Colonel for subsequent service on the field. He was mustered out
of service in June, 1865. General Reynolds has been prominent in the Grand Army of the
Republic; he was one of the organizers and charter members of the first post in New
York State and was elected commander three times. He was elected commander of the
First Veteran brigade at its organization, and again in the following year. He was the
organizer and has been since its formation the commander of the George H. Thomas
post of this city. In 1884 he was chosen Department Commander of the Grand Army of
the State. For some years he engaged in the shoe trade in Rochester, finally retiring in
1889. General Reynolds was appointed to the office of postmaster in Rochester by
President Harrison on March 20, 1890, and held the office with much satisfaction to the
people of this city until relieved by his successor, George H. Perkins, June 1, 1894. He
married Marietta Pardee, b. 5 Nov 1836; d. 8 Feb 1903.
-----
John A. Reynolds, G.A.R. Past Commander, Department of New York, died in Fairport, NY, 30 Apr 1921, in his ninety-first year. He
was born in New York City, 4 Oct 1830. In Aug 1861, he recruited a Company of 155 men, which became Battery L, 1st NY Light
Artillery and saw much service. He became a Major after Chancellorsville. He was Chief of Artillery under Hooker and Slocum on
the march to the sea. He was brevetted Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel. He was mustered out in June 1865.
http://reynoldsbattery.org/history.html
After the disaster at Bull Run, President Lincoln put out a call for 300,000 more men for service. The Rochester Union Grays, a New
York Militia regiment at the time, answered the call. Recruiting was done by John A. Reynolds, Edwin Loder and Charles Anderson,
and men from Monroe, Ontario and Wayne counties flocked to the recruiting offices to join the artillery regiment.
On 8 Oct 1861, 81 men and officers swore an oath to the Union and were mustered into federal service while stationed in Elmira,
NY. Under the direction of the State of New York, twelve artillery companies were formed with Reynolds’ Battery given the
designation of Company L. They transferred to Albany on November 14, the training ground for all NY State Artillery, having
reached full strength of 115 men. On 23 Nov 1861 Company L reported for duty at Camp Barry, Washington, D.C. under the
command of Captain John A. Reynolds. John Reynolds used his own personal funds as a guarantee to secured the first six Model
1861 3” Ordnance Rifles from the Phoenix Iron Works. These guns would not arrive until May 1862, but would bring a great deal of
fame for Reynolds’ Battery as being the only battery in US Service to have the first six consecutive guns in any series of any cannon
in their battery. On 23 Feb 1862, Reynolds’ Battery was assigned to Baltimore, Maryland to guard the Capital. After six months of
waiting, they were called into action at Harper’s Ferry.
Other action the Battery saw during the War included:
Cedar Mountain (Aug. 9, 1862)
Gainesville (Aug. 17, 1862) August 14-16, 1862
Rappahannock River (McDowell’s Corps III)
Aug 26 - White Sulphur Springs, Virginia
Second Bull Run (Aug. 28-30, 1862) (Manassas)
Chantilly (Sept. 1, 1862)
Sep 14 - Battle of South Mountain (Hooker’s Corps I) present
but did not engage
Sep 17 - Battle at Antietam where the unit was positioned near
the Cornfield. After the battle Reynolds’ Battery was reduced to
a four-gun battery until the winter of 1863.
Dec 13–15 Battle at Fredericksburg, following the battle the
Battery went into winter quarters at Waugh Point, Virginia
May 1- 4, 1863 Battle at Chancellorsville
July 1-3 Battle at Gettysburg, the battery held their position
on McPhersen’s Ridge on the first day and on the East side of
Cemetery Ridge on the second and third day. The battery would
return to Rappahannock Station, Virginia by August where they
would stay through mid-September.
Mine Run (Nov 27-Dec 2, 1863) Nov 28 - After a brief encounter
with the enemy just outside of Culpepper, Virginia, Reynolds
Battery along with the 1st Corp bedded down for the winter.
The Wilderness (May 5-6, 1864)
Spotsylvania (May 8-21, 1864)
North Anna (May 23-26, 1864)
Tolopotomoy (May 28-29, 1864)
Bethesda Church (May 30, 1864
Weldon Railroad (Aug 18-21, 1864)
Pebbles Farm (Sep 30-Oct. 2, 1864)
Petersburg (Oct 5, 1864-Apr 1865)
John A. Reynolds, the original Captain of the Battery, was promoted in 1863 to Major and eventually he became Colonel, Chief of
Artillery of the XX Corps under Major-General William Sherman. He was followed by Gilbert Reynolds and George Breck. The
Battery mustered out of service June 17, 1865. Of the 115 men who had originally joined the battery, twenty-five remained at the
time they were mustered out of service.
A total of 320 men entered the service as members of Reynolds’ Battery L. Of these 320, 9 were killed or died from wounds
received in actions, while 14 died from sickness contracted during their service. The last member of the battery to die was Joseph
Smith, a Canadian, in 1933.
14

http://dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/artillery/1stArtLt/1stArtLtBatL.htm
The following is taken from Final Report on the Battlefield of Gettysburg (New York at Gettysburg) by the New York Monuments
Commission for the Battlefields of Gettysburg and Chattanooga. Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Company, 1902.
ADDRESS OF MAJ. GEORGE BRECK. – See Appendix I.
http://www.civilwarhome.com/jareynoldschancellorsvilleor.htm
Report of Capt. John A. Reynolds, First New York Light Artillery
APRIL 27-MAY 6, 1863.--The Chancellorsville Campaign.
Capt. T. E. ELLSWORTH,
Aide-de-Camp and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. BATTERY L, FIRST NEW YORK [ARTILLERY],
Near White Oak Church, Va., May 9, 1863.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my battery in the late engagement:
On the morning of April 29, at daylight, I took position with my battery, in accordance with orders received from Colonel
Wainwright, chief of artillery, First Corps, on the line of hills commanding the river and near Pollock's Mill. As soon as the mist rose
from the river, our infantry was discovered engaged with the enemy, who was in rifle-pits, and endeavoring to prevent the laying of
the bridge. Soon after, when the crossing was effected by boats, and the charge made upon the rifle-pits by the Sixth Wisconsin and
the Twenty-fourth Michigan, I directed a few shots, by order of Colonel Wainwright, at the retreating rebels. I expended 12 rounds at
this time.
About noon of the 30th ultimo, several shots from a battery of 20-pounder Parrotts were thrown near our position, but the
efforts of the enemy failed, nearly all of the projectiles falling short. No injury was sustained and no reply made.
At 3 a.m. on the 1st instant, I was directed to move my battery across the river and report to Brigadier-General Wadsworth,
which I obeyed, taking position on the plain just above the bridge and behind earthworks, which had been thrown up during the
night.
At about 9 a.m. on the 2d instant, when the First Division was about to retire across the river, a severe fire was opened upon us
by a battery of the enemy in our front and near the foot of the heights. They had a perfect range of my battery. Eight of my men were
severely wounded, 1 of whom died; 2 others received slight wounds. Ten horses were killed or disabled and 2 slightly wounded.
Three limbers were injured by the fire; on one an axle broken, on another, part of the lid to chest blown off, and, on the third, one
wheel knocked to pieces. The harness was also considerably cut up. The precise effect of our fire could not be observed on account
of the trees along the Bowling Green road obstructing the view from thence to the enemy's position. We saw one limber or caisson
explode, and the pickets, who could better observe, state that we disabled one of their pieces. The firing was kept up for about an
hour and a half before we succeeded in silencing the enemy, and was continued slowly for another half hour, during which time the
other troops were safely withdrawn across the bridge. I next withdrew my battery, piece by piece, keeping up the firing until the last
gun was removed. We expended 303 rounds in this action. The distance between the batteries was computed-at about 2,000 yards.
Our shell, as far as I could judge, worked very well, though many of the paper fuses are imperfect. The combination case-shot
worked admirably with this exception--in ramming them many caught on the end of the rammer, which had to be worked or turned to
disengage them, thus deranging the setting. I have since had the rammers reamed out more, thus obviating this difficulty.
The officers and men were cool and collected. Lieutenants Reynolds and Breck were especially so, watching carefully the
effect of the fire from their sections, and giving directions accordingly, inspiring their men with coolness by their example. Sergt.
Amos Gibbs is also deserving of especial mention. Though wounded in the shoulder by a shell, thereby rendering him unable for
duty, he persisted in remaining at his piece, and when by me ordered to go to the rear went to the bank, and in about a quarter of an
hour I again found him at his post. This time I positively ordered him to the rear and to remain there. Sergt. William Henry Shelton is
also deserving of special mention. He was as cool as on ordinary drill, and by his example inspired his detachment with courage and
coolness. The earthworks thrown up in front of the pieces afforded great protection to the men, who would undoubtedly have
suffered much more had they been entirely exposed, as several shots struck directly in front of the works and many pieces lodged in
them.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. A. REYNOLDS,
Captain Battery L, First New York [Artillery].
http://books.google.com/books?id=ivssAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA760&lpg=PA760&dq=%22valley+lodge+no.+109%22%22&source=bl&ot
s=mrAJqmkKK0&sig=o_n0-P943D9_9-
mAffqlbo4rsJs&hl=en&ei=RlnzS9rPCcKBlAevvcnyDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCAQ6AEwAw#v=onepa
ge&q=%22valley%20lodge%20no.%20109%22%22&f=false page 760.
Frederick S. Rogers, secretary and treasurer of The John Siddons Company, conducting a roofing and sheet metal business of
large proportions in Rochester, was born May 21, 1847, in the city which is yet his place of residence. He is of English lineage, his
father, Henry T. Rogers, having been born in London. Emigrating to the United States in his youth, he came direct to Rochester and
in his manhood attained considerable distinction as a prominent contractor and builder and as a man active and influential in the
affairs of the city. He served as alderman of the third ward for many years and his official labor was of a character that promoted
general progress and development, the citv benefiting by his co-operation and his practical methods. He died in 1878, while his wife,
who bore the maiden name of Eliza Stiles, and was also a native of England, passed away when her son Frederick was but four
years of age.
15

As a student in a private school Frederick S. Rogers acquired his early education, which he continued in Myron G. Peck's school.
When his textbooks were put aside he entered the employ of the Evening Express of Rochester, taking charge of the mailing
department, where he continued for six years. He next became connected with Pollock & Weaver, hardware merchants, as
bookkeeper, and after some years entered the employ of John Siddons as confidential
clerk and bookkeeper in 1878. His business worth and capacity being proven, he was
admitted to the firm and has since been active in the management of a business which has
had a continuous existence in Rochester since 1852. It was established in that year by
John Siddons and is the representative house in roofing and sheet metal work, including all
kinds of cornice work, ventilating systems and the manufacture of metallic burial caskets,
together with the manufacture of boiler breeching and smoke stacks. In 1878 Mr. Siddons
was joined by Charles and John 0. Vogel. In 1889 the business was incorporated under
the name of The John Siddons Company, with Mr. Siddons as president and treasurer;
Charles Vogel, vice president; Frederick S. Rogers, secretary; and John 0. Vogel,
superintendent. The founder of the business, John Siddons, died in August, 1890, after a
most active, successful and honorable career. At this time the following officers were
chosen: Charles Vogel, president; John 0. Vogel, vice president and superintendent; and
Frederick S. Rogers, secretary and treasurer. At the death of John 0. Vogel, in December,
1894, Mr. Rogers was elected vice president, secretary and treasurer. The last change in
officers was made in 1903, when Charles Vogel was elected president; Frederick S.
Rogers, secretary and treasurer; and Theodore J. Vogel, vice president and
superintendent. The trustees are Charles Vogel, Frederick S. Rogers, Theodore J. Vogel
and Louis C. Vogel, who own all the stock—fifty thousand dollars paid in full. The
enterprise was at first located on Main street and removed to the present location in 1890,
occupving a large building, which the company owns, at Nos. 61, 63 and 65 North Water
street. Both steam and water power is used and employment is furnished to fifty men.
In 1872 Mr. Rogers was married to Miss Emma L. Bennett, a daughter of Stephen D. N. Bennett, for many years owner of the
Bennett foundry. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were born three children, but one is now deceased and Mrs. Rogers died in 1899. The
living son, Louis Charles, is now with his father in business. He was born June 16, 1875, and was educated in the public schools
and is regarded as an enterprising young business man. He belongs to Valley lodge, No. 109, F. & A. M., and of all branches of
Masonry. The daughter, Mrs. Edmund M. Alling, is also a resident of Rochester.
Mr. Rogers has attained high rank in Masonry, being a member of Valley lodge, No. 109, F. & A. M.; Hamilton chapter, No. 62, R. A.
M., in which he has served as high priest and treasurer; Doric council, No. 19, R. & S. M.; Monroe commandery, No. 12, K. T., in
which he has served as eminent commander; Rochester consistory, S. P. R. S.; Damascus Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S.; and Lalla
Rookh Grotto Veiled Prophets. He has also served as treasurer of the Masonic Club and belongs to the Order of Exempt Firemen.
In politics he is a republican, giving support to the party on state and national questions, but often casts an independent ballot. He
resides at No. 200 Adams street, where he is pleasantly situated in life. He has made a splendid record in Masonic circles, as a
citizen and as a business man. Quiet and unassuming in manner, he nevertheless has a host of stanch friends who recognize and
appreciate his genuine worth and admire him for what he has accomplished in the business world.
------
http://mcnygenealogy.com/bios/biographies005.htm
Chauncey G. Starkweather, was born in Otsego county in 1840, a son of Chauncey G., Sr., who was a native of Connecticut, and
a blacksmith and farmer, coming to Brighton in 1861, where he was successfully engaged in a seed growing business. His wife was
Mary W. Bardon of Connecticut, and their children Chauncey G. and Jerry. He died in Florida in 1894, where he had gone for his
health. His wife died in Brighton in 1880. Our subject is a popular leader and representative man, a supervisor, and one of the
managers of the Rochester State Hospital. He began for himself, learning the patternmaker's trade in Chester county, Pa., at which
he worked four years. In 1863 he enlisted in Co. G, 124th PA Volunteers, and served nine months, participating in the battles of
Antietam and other engagements, receiving a slight wound. He was then in the government employ two years at Chattanooga,
Tenn. In 1866 he came to this town and engaged in the seed growing business with his father and brother, and four years later
bought out their interest in the farm, where he has since been extensively engaged in seed growing. For many years he has taken a
leading part in local politics, and in 1864 he was chosen as one of the building committee of the new Rochester court-house, which
is in the course of erection at the present time; and in 1895 he was appointed by Governor Morton one of the managers of the
Rochester State Hospital. He is a Master Mason of Valley Lodge, Rochester. In 1867 he married Emily L., daughter of Zachariah
and Elva S. (Hill) Lewis, and they have one child, Lewis C., and Albert J. Fish, a nephew, whom they brought up from a child. His
parents, Judson and Alvira Fish, died when he was but five years old. Zachariah Lewis was a pioneer of Brighton before 1812, in
which war he participated.
------
http://mcnygenealogy.com/bios/biographies012.htm
Henry H. Vick, was born on the homestead, 13 Nov 1857, and his education was obtained in the public schools, Satterly Institute,
and was graduated from Rochester Business University. He is a florist, seed grower, and market gardener by occupation. May 8,
1879, he married Carrie English, of the town of Greece, and they had six children: Lizzie I., Fern M., a baby boy who died in infancy,
Blanche L., Henry H., Jr., and Carry L. Mr. Vick s father, Joseph H., was born in Portsmouth, England, 14 Nov 1830, and came to
New York city with his parents in 1833. In 1834 the family came to Rochester, where he was educated in the public schools. His
father established one of the first and best boot and shoe shops in Rochester. At the age of eighteen Joseph H. had mastered the
art of boot and shoe cutting, and was foreman in his father s shop. In 1856 he married Eliza A. Hawley, of Janesville, Wis., formerly
of Gravesend, England, and six children were born to them: Henry H., as above, Arthur T., Clara L., Maude M., Frank J., and Albert
16

R. Henry H. Vick s grandfather, James Vick, purchased the homestead in 1850. He erected a shop and with his sons, George and
Joseph, followed the occupation of farming and shoemaking. James Vick, an uncle to Henry H., became the famous seedsman. He
began in a small way in 1857. In 1865 Joseph H. and family again went to Rochester, where they cultivated seeds, and in 1868
returned to Greece for permanent business, as foreman for his brother James, which he followed until his death, 8 Jun 1892. Mrs.
Vick s father, Nathan English, was horn in Carlton, Orleans, NY, 11 Nov 1820, was educated in the common schools, and a farmer
by occupation. 16 Nov 1842, be married Mary J. Hobbs, of Rush, Monroe, NY, and they had eight children: H. Eugene, Wells D.,
Louisa D., Nathan W., George C., Carrie, as above, Jennie and Newton. The family came to the town of Greece in 1847. Mrs.
English died 28 Jan 1890, and Mr. English 17 Dec 1890. Mr. Vick is a member of Valley Lodge No. 109, F&AM, Rochester, NY,
and of Lake Ontario Grange No. 311, Greece, NY.
Penfield Union Lodge No. 154, Penfield, NY
(now Wakan-Hubbard Lodge No. 154)
WARRANT: The warrant in possession of the Lodge is dated December 7, 1849.
The original Lodge organized in 1821 was numbered 335.
MINUTES: Not intact. The records of No. 154 are intact, but many of the records of the old Lodge are missing.
Penfield Union Lodge, No. 335, was organized in the early part of 1821.
The warrant was granted April 5, 1821, and named as officers:
NATHAN WORDEN, Master.
JONATHAN BAKER, Senior Warden.
MICHAEL, DUNNING, Junior Warden
The first recorded meeting after the warrant had been granted was held on June 7, 1821, when the Lodge was duly constituted
and the officers publicly installed in a grove which had been fitted up for the occasion.
An oration was delivered by Rev. OREN MILLER.
The Lodge continued to meet regularly for several years, but when the Morgan Furor began to make itself felt in the community
this Lodge, in common with others, was forced to cease its work.
Officers of Penfield Union Lodge, No. 335, in Penfield Monroe county, elected 18 Dec 1828:
A. S. Beers, Master; William R. Penfield, SW; W. Sheldon, Jr., JW; H. Ward, Treas; J. B. Bryan, Secy; D. Baker, SD; David
Wilson JD; Daniel Wilson and William C. Ross, Stewards; Charles Peet, Tyler. In 1828 it voted to surrender its warrant, and no
attempt appears to have been made to revive the Lodge until the summer of 1849.
On July 10, 1849, a dispensation was issued by .’. W.'. JOHN D. WILLARD, Grand Master, authorizing the organization of the
Lodge, at the request of the following petitioners:
Joseph F. Beach.
Joshua C. Eaton.
Samuel Strowger.
Montgomery Vosburg
David Dodge.
Jonathan Baker.
David Baker.
Henry Weed.
Elias Beach.
Alexander Voorhees.
Jesse Hanford.
Cornelius Conant.
Thomas Stratton.
William S. Armstrong.
Sephard Baker.
John Ricket.
Martin Stiles.
Ira Palmer.
Gasham (Gersham) Dunham.
Henry Lockwood.
Oliver Reynolds.
William Pope.
William Ross.
Benjamin Whitehead.
Elisha Mariette.
Samuel Watson.
John Scott.
Michael Elsworth.
John T. Whiting.
Mahlon Dean.
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nymonroe/bios/biographies007.htm
Gersham Dunham was a well-remembered pioneer of Penfield. He was for a period of eighteen years a justice, and for forty
years a deacon in the Congregational church.
The officers named in the dispensation were:
JOSEPH F. BEACH, Master.
JONATHAN BAKER, Senior Warden.
JOSHUA C. EATON, Junior Warden.
At a meeting held August 1, 1849, the Lodge completed its organization and selected the balance of its officers.
The first meeting place of the Lodge after its revival was in what was known as Shoecraft's Inn, where it remained until 1855,
when it purchased a dwelling and altered it for Lodge purposes. The Lodge prospered, and in 1903 it determined to erect better
quarters. This project was pushed forward, and the result was that on December 27, 1904, a commodious and well-arranged
Masonic Hall was dedicated by M.'. W.'. WILLIAM A. SUTHERLAND, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge.
Masters of No. 335
1821. Nathan Worden.
1822. Jonathan Baker.
1823. Isaac B. Barnham.
1824. Roswel Kimbal.
1825. John Hidge (Hodge?).
1826. Andrew Young.
1827. Asahel S. Burs.
1828. Asahel S. Burs.
17

1849. Joseph F. Beach.
1850. Joseph F. Beach.
1851. Jonathan Baker.
1852. Elias Beach.
1853. John Weaver.
1854. John C. Strowger.
1855. John W. Wilson.
1856. John W. Wilson.
1857. Joshua C. Eaton.
1858. Thomas B. Yale.
1859. Nathan N. Slocum.
1860. H. Nelson Curtice.
1861. H. Nelson Curtice.
1862. H. Nelson Curtice.
1863. Benjamin W. Crippen.
1864. Benjamin W. Crippen
1865. Benjamin W. Crippen.
1866. George Mulliner.
1867. George Mulliner.
1868. Abram Becker.
Masters of No. 154
1869. Abram Becker.
1870. Elisha Lamb.
1871. Elisha Lamb.
1872. George Rundel.
1873. George Rundel.
1874. Jerome Rundel.
1875. George W. Clark.
1876. George W. Clark.
1877. Myron Rundel.
1878. Myron Rundel.
1879. Jerome Rundel.
1880. George W. Clark.
1881. John S. Beaty.
1882. John S. Beaty.
1883. William H. Raymond.
1884. William H. Raymond.
1885. George W. Clark.
1886. George P. Strowger.
1887. George P. Strowger.
1888. John H. Chadsey.
Addenda to No. 154 – May 2009
1889. John H. Chadsey.
1890. Harmon S. Knapn.
1891. Harmon S. Knapp.
1892. Andrew H. Bown.
1893. Andrew H. Bown.
1894. Andrew H. Bown.
1895. Charles P. Bancroft.
1896. Henry C. March.
1897. Henry C. March.
1898. Nathan M. Humphrey.
1899. Nathan M. Humphrey.
1900. Nathan M. Humphrey.
1901. Charles N. Leonard.
1902. Guy McGowan.
1903. Guy McGowan.
1904. William W. Jacobs.
1905. Alfred Joyce.
1906. Charles N. Leonard.
1907. John Fahrer.
1908. Giles Enbury.
Wakan Lodge No. 1054 was formed in 1926 and met in the Town of Irondequoit. My Grandfather was a charter member and wrote
the early history that is on the web site.
Wakan Lodge consolidated with Warren C. Hubbard Lodge in 1986 to become Waken-Hubbard Lodge No. 1054. In 1990 Penfield
Union Lodge No. 154 consolidated with Wakan-Hubbard Lodge to become the current Wakan-Hubbard Lodge No. 154. I believe
that I need to work on the history portion of the web site to cover most of your comments. I did not include anything about Union
Lodge No. 335 as it went dark in 1829 and stayed that way. We do have the minute book and the charter, however. I should write a
history of it and put it on the web page (task for this summer, hopefully).
Glad you like the site. I try to keep it up to date and will review its layout periodically.
Charter dates, etc.
Warren C. Hubbard Lodge No. 964 - organized April 4, 1919,
Dispensation June 20, 1919, chartered May 21, 1920
Penfield Union Lodge No. 154 - dispensation August 1849, charter December 1849
Wakan Lodge No. 1054 - dispensation November 9, 1925, charter June 23, 1926
I am the Area 15 Historian.
S&F, John Zabel, Wakan-Hubbard Lodge Webmaster
http://www.wakanhubbard.org/html/penfield_union_lodge.html
Warrant: 26 Dec 1849.
Previously, on 5 Apr1821, a charter was issued to a Lodge designated Penfield Union Lodge No. 335 F&AM. The Principle officers
were: Nathan Worden, Master; Jonathan Baker, SW; Michael Dunning, JW. This Lodge dissolved and surrendered it's charter
during the "Morgan Episode" shortly after 1826.
Dispensation for the organization of Penfield Union Lodge granted 1 Aug 1849.
First meeting under Charter:
26 Dec1849 in Peter Shoecraft's Hall in Penfield NY.
At that meeting the following officers were elected, appointed and installed:
Joseph F. Beach Master
Samuel Strowger Secy
Jonathan Baker SW
Montgomery Vosburg SD
Joshua C. Eaton JW
Benjamin Whithead JD
David Bakery Treas
John Pickett Steward
Henry Lockwood
Elisha Marlett
Steward
Tiler
Minutes of 3 Mar1852: Lodge opened at 1:00 p.m.; MM Degree conferred on one brother; FC Degree conferred on three brothers
and a candidate was initiated as EA; another brother was made a MM. The length of time involved is not recorded.
02 Jan1856 - a committee reported the purchase of a house and lot previously owned by Joseph C. Rich, and for some time there
after Lodge met at that place.
20 May 1857 - Lodge voted to move the to Fairport; action was rescinded under date of 9 Dec 1857. Shortly thereafter, Fairport
Lodge No. 476 was constituted in lieu of transfer and those members of Penfield Union Lodge who had found the new location
advantageous to active participation were among the charter members of the new Lodge.
18

01 Feb 1857 - permission was granted to brethren in Pittsford to form a Lodge, which became the present Northfield Lodge No. 426.
12 Apr 1863 - permission was granted to brethren in Webster to form a Lodge, which became the present Webster Lodge No. 538.
20 Dec 1922 - East Rochester Lodge No. 1020 created.
Throughout 1898-1903 the matter of building a new Temple was constantly before the Lodge. The site of our present Temple was
purchased 17 Mar 1903 from the Methodist Church. Construction began immediately, the Temple was dedicated 4 Oct 1904 and
has been occupied ever since, with modernization and improvements.
-----
1855 Officers and Members:
PENFIELD UNION LODGE. NO. 154. Penfield. Monroe County. Date of Charter, December 1th, 5849.
Meets on the First Wednesday preceding full moon; from November to May, semi-weekly.
OFFICERS.
John W. Wilson, Master,
Chas. H. Strowger, SW,
Edwin L. Bostwick, JW,
David Baker, Secretary,
Samuel Strowgu, Treas,
Hiram Auchatnpach, SD,
Wm. D. Strowger, JD,
Herman Hopkins, Steward
Oliver C. Merrit, Steward
Henry Lockwood, Tiler.
PAST MASTER. Jonathan Baker.
MEMBERS.
Hiram Bailey,
Siphared Baker,
Burritt A. Beard,
Henry Beckwith,
Gilbert N. Benedict,
John Brown,
James Burlingame,
J. L. Cady.
Arlington Chadwick,
Cornelius Conant,
Jacob Conklin,
Mahlon Crane,
H. Nelson Curtice,
Gersham Dunham,
Joshua C. Eaton,
Orteua C. Eaton,
Michael Elsworth,
Joseph C. Farmer,
Robt. Gilispie,
Wm. K. Goodrich,
Addison J. Haight,
E. Darwin Hewes,
John Higlie,
John Homewood,
Ansel Huntington,
Henry H. Norman,
Ira Palmer,
Albert G. Parker,
John Picket,
James Perrin,
Oliver Reynolds,
Elijah Rose,
Libbeus Ross,
John Scott,
Wm. Scott,
Peter Shoecraft,
Nathan N. Slocum,
E. Allen Smith,
Reuben Smith,
Thomas Stratton,
Martin Styles.
Bolivar J. Upson,
Jas. K. Vosburg,
Montgomery Vosburg,
Henry Ward,
John F. Watson,
Samuel Watson,
John Weaver,
John F. Whiting,
H. P. Wilbur,
Wilan E. Withe,
Thos. B. Yale.
-----
Elmer Jay Collier was born 21 Mar 1890, at Fair Haven, Cayuga County, a son of Lewis B. and Estella M. (Robinson) Collier.
Elmer Jay Collier was educated in the public schools of Canandaigua, Ontario County, and at the age of seventeen entered the
employ of the Rochester Railway and Light Company, acting as cashier for various of its stations in Canandaigua and Rochester.
Later he became manager of the Syracuse office of the Baker-Vawter Company of Benton Harbor, Michigan, manufacturers of loose
leaf and steel filing equipment. After five years of very successful work for this organization, he went to Cortland and there formed,
17 Dec 1923, the firm of Upson-Collier, Inc., and on December 1, 1924, the name was changed to the Collier-Chevrolet, Inc. So
successful has the corporation been that it erected in 1925 its own salesrooms and garage at Nos. 24-26 Port Watson Street,
Cortland, at a cost of $75,000, one of the best equipped and most-up-to-date buildings of its type in this locality. He has been active
in Masonic affairs, and is a member of Penfield Union Lodge, No. 154, F&AM: Central City Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite; Tigris Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and Keder Kahn Grotto, Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of
the Enchanted Realm, and the Y's Men Club, of Cortland. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church. Elmer
Jay Collier was married, 7 Jun 1911, to Margaret W. Kreuzer of Canandaigua, daughter of Frank and Margaret (Walberg) Kreuzer.
The family home was at No. 65 South Church Street, Cortland.
-------
http://home.earthlink.net/~washburnmaltby3/washburn_plymouth_44.html
Cornelius Conant, b. ca 1775 or 1788 in MA; d. 10 Jun 1856 in Perinton; m1. ca 1815 Mahala Tyler, b. ca 1789 Cheshire,
Berkshire, MA; d. 26 Feb. 1823 Perinton, Monroe, NY. They settled in Perinton. He was probably the Cornelius Conant living in
Perinton, Ontario Co., NY, near his brother Daniel Conant in the 1820 federal census, where he was a farmer and next door to his
brother Daniel Conant in Perinton, in the 1830 and 1840 federal censuses. He m2. Martha ____, b. ca 1795 in NY. They were still
living in Perinton in the 1850 federal census, where he was a farmer. He had at least 2 children by Mahala Tyler, and probably at
least 7 more children by Martha:
a. Alvarado Conant, b. 12 Nov. 1809 in Herkimer Co., NY; d. 29 June 1872 Fairport, NY; m. 1832 in East Penfield, NY, Lucy
Ann Carter, d/o Benoni and Hannah (Mansfield) Carter, b. 23 Apr 1814 Salisbury, Litchfield, CT; d. 12 May 1896 Fairport, NY.
b. Mahala A. Conant, b. Feb 1823 in Perinton, Ontario, NY; d. there 1882; m. Abel M. Smith, of Perinton ca 1842.
c. Cornelius B. Conant, b. ca 1824 in NY; He may have been the Cornelius Conant living in Flint, Genesee, MI, in the 1860 federal
census, with wife Sally.
d. Perlina Conant, b. ca 1828 in NY.
e. Frances Conant, b. ca 1832 in NY
f. Robert Conant, b. ca 1834 in NY
g. Polly Conant, b. ca 1836 in NY
19

h. Daniel B. Conant, b. ca 1838 in NY
i. Austin Conant, b. ca 1840 in NY.
Yonnondio Lodge No. 163, Rochester
WARRANT: The original warrant, issued June 8, 1850, is in possession of the Lodge.
MINUTES: Intact from organization to date.
The Lodge was organized in the early part of 1850. The first recorded meeting was held April 3, 1850. At this meeting Abram
Karnes was elected Treasurer and George B. Harris Secretary. Charles G. Cummings was appointed Senior Deacon and Lansing
B. Swan Junior Deacon. A subsequent meeting was held April 17, 1850. The following is an excerpt from the minutes:
"Lodge opened in due form, Worshipful Master Paine in the chair.
"The minutes of the last meeting were read by the Secretary. Senior Warden Lathrop stated that the Committee on By-Laws
asked further time, which was granted. The Committee of Conference not being present, no report was made.
"Senior Warden Lathrop moved that the fee for conferring the first, second and third degrees of Masonry in this Lodge shall be
$15, of which $10 shall be deposited with the petition of every applicant and the remaining $5 be paid before conferring the first
degree, which motion prevailed. There being no further business, the foregoing minutes were duly approved and the Lodge was
closed in due form.
"GEORGE B. HARRIS, Secretary.
CHARTER MEMBERS.
William Brewster.
Nicholas E. Paine.
Cornelius G. Palmer.
William F. Holmes.
Abram Karnes.
Charles G. Cummings.
William E. Lathrop.
Nathaniel Clark.
Lansing B. Swan.
George B. Harris.
The officers named in the warrant were:
NICHOLAS E. PAINE, Master.
WILLIAM E. LATHROP, Senior Warden.
WILLIAM F. HOLMES, Junior Warden.
All of the charter members were former members of Valley Lodge, No. 109.
The Lodge worked but a short time under dispensation. Application for a charter was made at a meeting of the Grand Lodge in
June, 1850; on June 6th the Committee on Warrants reported favorably; on June 8th the warrant was issued and on the 21st of the
same month the Lodge was duly instituted and the officers installed by W.'. JARVIS M. HATCH, of Utica Lodge, No. 47, who
subsequently affiliated with Yonnondio Lodge.
The Lodge was organized and held its first meetings in a building on the corner of State and Buffalo (now Main Street East)
Streets, in what is now known as the Elwood Block; subsequently it moved to the opposite corner in the Chapel (now Wilder) Block,
thence to 13-17 Exchange Street, known as the Masonic Temple.
The Lodge was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York February 17, 1870.
It participated in the ceremonies attending the laying of the cornerstone of the City Hall at Rochester, May 28. 1873. It was also
represented at the laying of the corner-stone and dedication of the Home at Utica.
On April 17, 1900, it celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. The services were hold in the old St. Paul's Church and attracted a large
gathering. M.'. W.'. WRIGHT D. POWNALL, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, and M.'. W.'. WILLIAM A. SUTHERLAND, Past Grand
Master, were the principal speakers.
MASTERS
1850. Nicholas E. Paine.
1851. William E. Lathrop.
1852. William E. Lathrop.
1853. William E. Lathrop.
1854. William E. Lathrop.
1855. William E. Lathrop.
1856. William E. Lathrop.
1857. William E. Lathrop.
1858. William E. Lathrop.
1859. Charles Vail.
1860. William W. Bruff.
1861. William W. Bruff.
1862. Alvah M. Ostrander.
1863. Alvah M. Ostrander.
1864. Alvah M. Ostrander.
1865. William F. Holmes.
1866. Charles W. Watson
1867. Henry P. Knapp.
1868. Henry P. Knapp.
1869. William S. Coon.
1870. William S. Coon.
1871. William S. Coon.
1872. James T. Southard.
1873. Frederick F. Boorman.
1874. John Mitchell.
1875. David K. Cartter.
1876. Thomas L. Turner.
1877. Thomas L. Turner.
1878. Henry M. Plant.
1879. Willard S. Brandt.
1880. John A. Davis.
1881. William J. McKelvey.
1882. Robert Salter.
1883. Alonzo D. McMaster.
1884. William II. Jones.
1885. Charles M. Williams.
1886. John W. McKelvey.
1887. Richard A. Searing.
1888. William J. Martin.
1889. Lewis S. Kendall.
1890. Joseph A. Crane.
1891. James R. Chamberlain.
1892. Frank B. Goble.
1893. J. Henry Anslinger.
1894. Charles P. Lyon.
1895. Thomas Dransfield.
1896. Fred G. Sweet.
1897. John B. Colman.
1898. George A. Benton.
1899. Frederick R. Smith.
1900. Charles W. Blodgett.
1901. Andrew Ludolph.
1902. Emil H. Schmidt.
1903. Fred L. Mvers.
1904. William C. Smith.
1905. Ward K. Angevine.
1906. Arthur Warren.
1907. Fred L. Dutcher.
1908. Raymond J. Ruliffson.
http://www.archive.org/stream/cu31924030288843/cu31924030288843_djvu.txt
Yonnondio Lodge, No. 163, F. & A. M. [1902]
Yonnondio Lodge, the second Masonic Lodge in Rochester, was organized April 3, 1850, chartered June 8, 1850, and incorporated
February 17, 1870. "Yonnondio," meaning " Great Mountain," was the name given to the lodge organized by William Brewster,
20

Charles G. Cummings, Nicholas E. Paine, William E. Lathrop, Cornelius G. Palmer, Nathaniel Clark, William F. Holmes, Lansing B.
Swan, Abram Karnes, George B. Harris, all of whom have long since passed to their reward in the Grand Lodge on high.
The name "Yonnondio," signifying "Great Mountain," had been selected for the new lodge upon the suggestion of Brother Eli
Parker, of Valley Lodge, and afterwards of Genesee Falls Lodge. Brother Parker was a full blooded Indian and Chief of the Six
Nations. He was afterwards Chief of the Staff on Gen. U. S. Grant's Staff and drew up the articles of surrender at Appomattox.
So great was the prosperity and so rapid the growth of Valley Lodge that encouragement was given a few of the brethren to take up
the burden of organizing this second lodge in 1850. The necessary permission was cheerfully given by Valley Lodge and on the first
of April that year dimits were granted the above named brethren and they received a God speed in their work of organizing
Yonnondio Lodge No. 163, an informal meeting being held Wednesday evening, April 3, 1850, with W. M. Nicholas E. Paine in the
east.
From the record of this informal meeting of the Lodge on that Wednesday evening, April, 1850, down to the meetings of the present
day, the large ledger volume of records contain a complete and accurate account of every meeting regular and special that this
Lodge has ever held. This seems to be quite remarkable in fifty-two years of history. The first candidate to receive the degrees in
this Lodge was Bro. George B. Redfield, September 25, 1850. The Lodge was formally instituted in due form by the authority of the
Grand Lodge, June 21, 1850, by Bro. Jarvis M. Hatch, of Utica Lodge No. 47. The growth of this Lodge in membership since 1859
has been steady and of a healthy character. In 1850 the Lodge started with ten charter members and in i860 had reached an
enrollment of 217; in 1870, 285; in 1880, 310; in 1890, 427; in 1900, 770; in 1902, over 1000. During the fifty years of its existence
the Lodge has received as members, 1529 persons, and during this period 1694 meetings have been held. It is an interesting fact
that among the members of Yonnondio Lodge today there are nine who came into the organization previous to 1860.
At the head of the list of veterans, as the oldest living member of Yonnondio, stands Bro. Dwight Knapp, who was raised to the
sublime degree of a Master Mason June 25, 1855. The eight other veterans are Brothers James S. Graham, 1859; Robert M.
Chapman, 1857; George C. Clark, 1857; James M. Dickinson, 1859; William Donaldson, 1859; John H. Howe, 1857; P. W. A. M.
Ostrander, 1858.
In the membership of Yonnondio Lodge there have always been many members who have been prominent in making our fair city
what it is although they have long since gone into that Lodge on High where they have heard from the Grand Master those welcome
words, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Such names as E. Darwin Smith, W. C. Storrs,
Andrew M. Sample, David Upton, John F. Whitbeck, Henry Wray, James F. Poole, Seth Green, Thomas Gliddon, William S. Ailing,
and many others are names all closely identified with the city's interest as well as revered members of Yonnondio Lodge.
"We'll not forget them, we who stay
To work a. little longer here;
Their names, their faith, their love shall lie
On mem'ry's tablets, bright and clear.
Farewell! loved companions; their worth we'll proclaim,
Their memory we'll cherish while life shall remain."
Two of the Grand Masters of the State of New York, General Lathrop and Bro. S. V. McDowell, have been from this Lodge, while the
High Priest of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masonry of this state, in 1900, was Wor. Bro. Joseph A. Crane, and the present Grand
Master of Royal and Select Masons of the State of New York is P. W. Willard S. Bradt. Of the twenty-two Past High Priests of
Hamilton Chapter living, fifteen are members of this Lodge, and of the forty-one Commanders of Monroe Commandery during the
last fifty years, twenty-two have owed their Blue Lodge allegiance to Yonnondio.
Yonnondio has been fortunate in the services she has received from the hands of her Masters in the years that are gone. There
have been forty Masters, thirty-two of whom are living today. Wor. Alva M. Ostrander is the oldest surviving Past Master, who,
though a Mason for nearly half a century, has lost none of his enthusiasm for the order and is a much more regular attendant today
than the younger members.
The following is the list of Yonnondio's Past Masters:
N. E. Paine, 1850 F. F. Boorman, 1873
William E. Lathrop, 1851-58 John Mitchell, 1874
Charles Vail, 1859 David K. Carter, 1875
William W. Bruff, 1860-61 T. L. Turner, 1876-77
A. M. Ostrander, 1862-64 Henry M. Plant, 1878
William F. Holmes, 1865 Williard S. Bradt, 1879
C. W.Watson, 1866 John A. Davis, 1880
H. B. Knapp, 1867-68 William J. McKelvey, 1881
William S. Coon, 1869-71 Robert Salter, 1882
J. T. Southard, 1872 A. D. McMaster, 1883
William H. Jones, 1884
Charles M. Williams, 1885
J. W. McKelvey, 1886
R. A. Searing, 1887
W. J. Marlin, 1888
L. S. Kendall, 1889
J. A. Crane, 1890
J. R. Chamberlain, 1891
Frank B. Goble, 1892
J. H. Anslinger, 1893
Charles P. Lyon, 1894
Thomas Dransfield, 1895
Fred G. Sweet, 1896
John B. Colman, 1897
George A. Benton, 1898
Frederick R. Smith, 1899
C. W. Blodgett, 1900
Andrew Ludolph, 1901
Emil H. Schmidt, 1902
The following is a list of Yonnondio's present officers [1902]:
Emil Henry Schmidt, W. M.
Fred. Louis Meyers, S. W.
William Carvey Smith, J. W.
Charles M. Williams, Treasurer
Charles Henry Carson, Secretary
Charles Deforest Gallagher, S. D.
Ward Kelly Angevine, A. S. D.
Arthur Warren,
S. M. of C
Fred. Louis Butcher, J. M. of C
Raymond J. Ruliffson, S. S.
William John Parker, J. S.
Fred. Albert Reynolds, Organist
Chas. Mackley, Assistant Organist
Cyrus VanNess Mills, Marshal
Albert C. Bostwick,
Master of Arts
Isaac P. Coddington. Chaplain
21

Fred. N. Lindsay, Assistant Chaplain Matthew J. Steele, Tiler
Quartette : John Louret, John W. Singleton, William W. Spragge, Charles V. Lansing;
James E. Carson, Jr., Soloist;
Finance Committee: Charles Price Simpson, Charles P. Lyon, Isaac DeMallie;
Trustees:
William H. Jones, Henry M. Plant, William J. McKelvy;
Member Masonic General Committee: Jos. A. Crane.
ERAC Lodge No. 163, Rochester, New York
Warrant: May 2000
Lodge Website: http://www.erac163.org/ [no history]
979 Bay Road, Suite 2, in Webster NY 14580-1736
Monroe Lodge No. 173, Brockport
WARRANT: The warrant in possession of the Lodge is dated June -21, 1850.
Name or number has never been changed.
MINUTES : Not intact.
CHARTER MEMBERS.
Joshua Field.
William Cook.
Joseph Greenleaf.
Benjamin C. Grinnell.
Lyman Warren.
Albigence W. Cary.
William E. Skidmore.
Henrv Adams.
Edward H. Raleigh.
James Benjamin.
OFFICERS NAMED ON WARRANT
JOSHUA FIELD. Master; WILLIAM COOK, Senior Warden; HENRY ADAMS, Junior Warden.
The Lodge participated in the ceremonies attending the laying of the corner-stone of the Masonic Temple at Rochester Nov. 1,
1901. also at the laying of the corner-stone of the Masonic Hall at Spencerport, September 23, 1905.
It was represented at the laying of the corner-stone of the Home at Utica, May 21, 1891.
MASTERS.
1850. Joshua Field.
1851. Joshua Field.
1852. Nathaniel I. Hall.
1853. Samuel M. Olden.
1854. Nathaniel I. Hall.
1855. Samuel M. Olden.
1856. Samuel M. Olden.
1857. Samuel M. Olden.
1858. Daniel Holmes.
1859. Samuel M. Olden.
1860. Samuel M. Olden.
1861. Enos T. Chappell.
1862. Samuel M. Olden.
1863. Ezra Greenough.
1864. Ezra Greenough.
1865. Gordon Height.
1866. D. T. Davis.
1867. J. B. Hartwell.
1868. Ezra Greenough.
1869. Ezra Greenough.
1870. Ezra Greenough.
1871. John A. Getty.
1872. John A. Getty.
1873. John A. Getty.
1874. W. G. Haines.
1875. John A. Getty.
1876. John A. Getty.
1877. Frank J. Conant.
1878. Frank J. Conant.
1879. Albert F. Avery.
1880. Albert F. A very.
1881. Wesley S. Merritt.
1882. John A. Getty.
1883. Samuel F. Parker.
1884. John A. Getty.
1885. Samuel F. Parker.
1886. Stephen P. Frost.
1887. John A. Getty.
1888. Stephen P. Frost.
1889. Alvin C. Madden.
1890. Alvin C. Madden.
1891. Alvin C. Madden.
1892. Alvin C. Madden.
1893. Harvey P. Crandall.
1894. A. G. Chriswell.
1895. A. G. Chriswell,
1896. John N. Drake.
1897. John N. Drake.
1898. George E. Locke,
1899. George E. Locke.
1900. Warren B. Conkling.
1901. Warren B. Conkling.
1902. Harvey E. Hamil.
1903. Warren B. Conkling.
1904. Edward W. Root.
1905. George C. Brown.
1906, Arthur G. Colernan.
1907. Henry S. Bushnall.
1908. Lewis W. Udell.
http://books.google.com/books?id=ejAfAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA275&lpg=PA275&dq=%22Joshua+Field%22+%22brockport%22&source
=bl&ots=YlKdnqs7lQ&sig=zSny9bFnei5G86IdL1uXCOnanDE&hl=en&ei=TG31S6DrEcX6lwe07eGDCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=r
esult&resnum=5&ved=0CB0Q6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=%22967%22&f=false page 404.
Joshua Field (Joareb, Samuel, Ebenezer, Zechariah, Zechariah, John, John, Richard, Will1am, William), b. 8 Feb 1785, Bergen,
NY; d. 1871; m1. 1815, Lydia Towle, b. 18 Aug 1797; m2., ca 1827, Betsey Heath, b. 24 Oct 1800; m3., Maria Green, b. 12 Aug
1805; m4., Delia A. Marsh, b. 11 Aug 1805. Res. New York.
Children:
i. WILLIAM H., b. 25 Jan 1816; d. 1828.
22

ii. HERMAN, b. 18 Feb 1818; m. Lucy Van Allen Trumbull, who d. ca 1895 in Lawrence, Kans.
iii. ADELIA, b. 18 Jul 1820; d. 16 Sep 1881; m. 1840, Josiah Harrison, b. 1808.
iv. EDWIN T., b. 05 Nov 1823; unm.
v. LYDIA BETSEY, b. 16 Sep 1828. Res. Brockport, N. Y.
vi. JOSHUA, b. and d. in infancy.
http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~monroenys/sketches-h.htm
Daniel HOLMES, now practically living retired, was the pioneer lawyer of Brockport and for many years a prominent attorney of the
Monroe county bar. He is a native of West Bloomfield, Ontario, NY, b. 11 Sep 1828, and has therefore reached the 79th milestone
on life's journey. His parents were Daniel and Susan (HALE-STUART) HOLMES, natives of Massachusetts, who, removing
westward about 1812, settled in Ontario county, NY, where they cast their lot with those who were reclaiming a frontier district for
agricultural uses. The father served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812 and participated in the battle of Buffalo. The maternal
ancestry of Mr. HOLMES was represented in the Revolutionary war, the grandfather, Thomas HALE, being a drummer boy at the
battle of Bunker Hill.
Daniel HOLMES was reared at Aliens Hill, NY, his father being proprietor of a hotel at that place for a number of years. After
mastering the elementary branches of learning he prepared for college at the Brockport Collegiate Institute and received his
university training at Yale, which he entered in 1846. He is numbered among the alumni of 1848, having been graduated with the
degree of bachelor of arts. Subsequently, in 1853, he received from the University of Rochester the degree of master of arts, and in
the fall of the same year was admitted to the bar, for which he had previously prepared. He immediately began the practice of his
profession in Brockport, where he has resided continuously since, having been in practice here for more than a half century. He was
the pioneer lawyer of the town and his ability enabled him always to maintain a place in the foremost ranks of its legal fraternity. In
recent years, however, he has retired from active practice to enjoy well-earned ease.
In early manhood Daniel HOLMES was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane HAWES, of Brookfield, MA, of whom extended
mention is made below. Theirs was an ideal relation, their mutual love and confidence increasing year by year as they met together
the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity, the disappointments and the pleasures which checker the careers of all. Closer
grew their friendship as time went by, the desire of each being always for the best interests and happiness of the other, but on 6 Oct
1907, they were separated through the death of Mrs. HOLMES.
Mr. HOLMES still continues to reside in Brockport, where for many years he has figured prominently in community affairs. For thirty
years he served as justice of the peace of Brockport, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial, so that he "won golden opinions
from all sorts of people." He was also clerk of the village for twenty years and in community affairs was actively and helpfully
interested, and is secretary and treasurer of the State Normal School at Brockport.
Mr. HOLMES is a member of Monroe lodge, No. 173, F&AM, of which he is a Past Master. He also belongs to Daniel HOLMES
Chapter, No. 294, R. A. M., and to Monroe Commandery, No. 12, K. T., of Rochester. He is senior warden of St. Luke's church at
Brockport. He is also a member of the Empire State chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and a member of the New York
State Bar Association. He is one of the oldest attorneys of Monroe county, and while his professional career gained him rank with
the leading lawyers of Brockport he has also been well known because of his activity in connection with the interests bearing upon
the general welfare of society and the upbuilding and improvement of the community.
Mary J. HOLMES - With one exception the works of no American novelist have been so widely read
as those of Mrs. Mary J. HOLMES, and Brockport was proud to number her among its citizens; but
while her name was a household word throughout the length and breadth of this land, in her home
town she was loved for personal traits of character that endeared her to all with whom she came in
contact. She was the wife of Daniel HOLMES, whose sketch is given above. In her maidenhood she
was Miss Mary J. HAWES, of Brookfield, MA, a daughter of Preston HAWES, a man of rare mentality,
while from her mother she inherited a love of poetry and of fine arts. When but three years of age she
began to attend school, studied grammar at the age of six, and began teaching school when but
thirteen years old. Her first article was published when she was only fifteen years old. Very early in life
she manifested rare ability for story telling, entertaining her young companions with tales of her own
invention. Her precocity has been borne out by the work of her later years, for there is perhaps no
American author whose works are more widely read than those of Mrs. Mary J. HOLMES.
Over two million copies of her books have been published and the demand for all of them continues unabated. The annual sale
amounts to almost 100,00 copies, and no better proof of their merit and popularity could be given. A list of her published works
includes the following:
Bessie's Fortune,
Cameron Pride.
Chateau D'or,
Christmas Stories,
Cousin Maude,
Daisy Thornton,
Darkness and Daylight,
Dora Deane,
Dr. Hathern's Daughters,
Edith Lyle,
Edna Browning,
English Orphans,
Ethelyn's Mistake,
Forrest House,
Gretchen,
Homestead on Hillside,
Hugh Worthington,
Lena Rivers,
Madeline,
Marguerite,
Marian Grey,
Meadow Brook,
Mildred,
Millbank,
Mrs. Hallam's Companion,
Paul Ralston,
Queenie Hetherton,
Rena's Experiment,
Rose Mather,
Tempest and Sunshine,
The Abandoned Farm.
The Cromptons,
The Merivale Banks,
The Tracy Diamonds,
West Lawn.
As an author she had a most happy career, with none of the trials which fall to the lot of so many writers, and
her publishers have always been her friends. G. W. CARLTON and later Dillingham had charge of the sale of
23

her books. Her first novel, Tempest and Sunshine, was published in 1854, and since that time her writings have been constantly on
the market. With the possible exception of Mrs. STOWE, no American woman has reaped so large profits from her copyrights, some
of her books having attained a sale of fifty thousand copies.
In commenting on this, the Brockport Republic said: "Her success as an author is said by some to be the result of her power of
description; others assert it was her naturalness, her clear, concise English and the faculty to hold the reader's sympathy from the
beginning to the end; others attribute it to the fact that there was nothing in her works but what was pure and elevating. We who
know her best, feel that all this has made her the successful writer that she was."
Mrs. HOLMES was deeply interested in benevolent work in Brockport and in those organizations which promote culture, charity and
patriotism. She was president of the Brockport Union Charitable Society and vice regent of the Daughters of the American
Revolution. She was indefatigable in the founding and sustaining of a free reading room and did everything in her power to
promote knowledge and culture among the young people, of whom she was particularly fond. She often talked to them concerning
art and foreign travel. on which subjects she was well versed, she and her husband having made various trips abroad, visiting the
noted art centers of the old world. As a hostess she was charmingly gracious and hospitable, having the ready tact that enabled
her to make all guests feel at home. Her benevolence was also one of her strongly marked characteristics. In early life she made it
her plan to give one-tenth of her income to charity and this she did ever afterward. St. Luke's Episcopal church, of which she was
a member, is greatly indebted to her for its prosperous condition. Her charitable work, however, was done quietly, and few people
knew the great amount of good she did. She cared not for public recognition of her benevolence, content in the consciousness of
having aided a fellow traveler on life's journey. While she had thousands of admirers throughout the country, in her home town
where she was best known she was much loved by the people among whom her daily life was passed.
The summer of 1907 was spent by Mr. and Mrs. HOLMES at Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, and while on the
return trip Mrs. HOLMES became ill. After improving to a slight degree she insisted on continuing the journey,
but lived for only a brief period after she reached Brockport, passing away on the 6th of October, 1907.
Perhaps no better testimonial of the regard in which she was held in Brockport can be given than by quoting
from a local paper, which said:
"During the many years of Mrs. HOLMES' residence in Brockport her influence for good has been constant and
unvarying, and every enterprise that made for the welfare of the village received her most hearty sanction and
support. With charity toward all, with malice toward none, she moved among us the very embodiment of
precious kindness. And so, in thousands of ways, her death will prove an inestimable loss to this community,
and today nearly every household is shadowed by a personal grief. `She went to her death wearing the white
rose of a blameless life.' The world is the poorer for her going."
-------
http://mcnygenealogy.com/bios/biographies010.htm
Byron C. Ketcham – b. in Sodus, Wayne, NY, 8 Sep 1837. His grandfather, Joseph A. Ketcham, was born in Pittstown, Rensselaer
county, NY, 28 May 1780; d. 14 Apr 1834, in Owego, Tioga, NY. His father [Abram F.] was b. 1 Mar 1801, in Pittstown, Rensselaer,
NY; d. in Hamlin, Monroe, NY, Feb 1878. His mother, Julia Ann Ketcham, was born in Grafton, Rensselaer, NY, 11 Sep 1805; d. in
Brockport, Monroe, NY, 17 Sep 1888.
They had seven children:
Caroline M., b. 11 Nov 1828 Pittstown, Rensselaer, NY; d. 22 Jan 1875.
Warren P., b. 14 Mar 1831 Owego, Tioga, NY; d. 12 Jun 1883, in Houston, TX.
Allen J., b. 07 Jun 1834 Owego, Tioga, NY; d. ca 1 Sep 1889, in Denver, CO.
Byron C., b. 08 Sep 1837 Sodus, Wayne, NY.
Spencer C., b. 06 Oct 1840 Sodus, Wayne, NY.
Richmond A., b. 06 Jul 1844 Sodus, Wayne, NY.
Gertrude E. b. 29 Jul 1847 Sodus, Wayne, NY.
His father in his early years was a teacher in the common schools during the winter months and farmer in summer held offices of
trust and responsibility in the town in which he lived. Byron was educated in the common schools with the exception of parts of
terms in the Academy at Sodus. In the winter of 1859 and 1860 he taught his first term in a district school in Sodus and his first vote
for Abraham Lincoln for president and ever after voted the Republican ticket.
At the breaking out of the Civil War he was engaged on a farm, but enlisted as a private 6 Oct1861, in Co. H, 64th Regt., N. Y. Vol.
Infantry. At the muster-in Byron was made 4th sergeant, promoted to 2Lt in same company 19 Sep 1862; to 1Lt and Quartermaster
24 Dec 1862, acting Adjutant of the regiment at Gettysburg in 1863, and Captain 18 Jun 1863. He was in command of the regiment
during a part of a quarter of 1864 on detached service to bring to the regiment the drafted men assigned to them 28 Jul 1863;
relieved from that duty in Nov 1863, and returned to duty with the regiment. He was wounded severely while on picket in the assault
at Petersburg, VA, 19 Jun 1864 and discharged 4 Dec 1864, by reason of expiration of term of service.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS, NEAR PETERSBURGH, Va., Sunday, June 19, 1864.
Quiet has prevailed to-day along the entire line, and less skirmishing has taken place than usual. This state of affairs will, by tomorrow,
have proved but one of those calms which precedes an inevitable storm, and which at this time must certainly be
anticipated by all who have watched closely the progress of events of late, as affecting the Army of the Potomac. Gen. GRANT
is not the man to allow the grass to grow beneath the feet of his army. . . .
ADDITIONAL LIST OF WOUNDED, FIRST DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, JUNE 19, 1864.
. . . Capt. B.C. Ketcham, H, 64th N.Y. – shoulder . . .
In the spring of 1865 he bought a farm near and adjoining his father's and lived upon it one year, after which he sold and moved to
Brockport, at which place he has made his residence. In 1867 he accepted a position in the drug and book store of Fogin & Haight,
and learned the business, and in 1873 formed a partnership with W. S. Merritt and continued until 1878 when Mr. Merritt retired and
the firm became Ketcham & Patten and continued until 1883 when Mr. Ketcham retired and entered into the business of Fire
24

Insurance. Mr. Ketcham served as Secretary of Monroe Lodge No. 173, F&AM; was secretary of the Brockport Union Agricultural
Society for several years, retiring some three years since; was town clerk of Sweden for several years, and clerk of the village Board
of Health for three years. He served as Commander of Cady Post No. 236, G. A. R., and was prominent in Grand Army circles.
Mr. Ketcham was first married 6 Oct 1863, to Esther S. Clarke, of Sodus, b. 1838 in MA; d. 4 Sep 1874.
Children:
i. Bertha B. 29 Nov 1894 in Painted Post, Steuben, NY; Educated in the State Normal School located in Brockport and
graduated in the Classical course in 1885; m 19 Sep 1888 Samuel J. Craig, of Canaseraga, Allegany, NY, who carries on an
extensive mercantile business in that village; two daughters, Esther B. and Gladys.
ii. Jennie M. b. 29 Oct 1866 in Brockport, NY; a teacher of vocal and instrumental music in Canaseraga, NY, having graduated in
the musical course of the Normal School at Brockport, NY, in 1882, at the age of 16.
Byron m2. 22 May 1890 Minnie Agnes Wadhams, only d/o Edwin and Lucia E. Wadhams, of Brockport, NY, b. 30 Oct 1860 in
Parma, Monroe, NY. One daughter: Gertrude Lawrence Ketcham.
Harmony Lodge No. 212, Riga
Petition: 19 Sep 1811, Riga (then in Genesee County).
First Officers to be: Elisha Smith, Master; Samuel Whedon, SW; Mathew Fitch, JW
Recommended: by Genesee Lodge No. 130, Avon , Ontario County; signed by Jehiel Kelley (?), Master; David Whitney, SW; Arnold
Markham, JW.
Warrant: 06 Mar 1813
Officers: Elisha Smith, Master; Samuel Whedon, SW; Benajah Holbrook, JW
Petitioners (alphabetized):
Church, Elihu
Farwell, David
Fitch, Matthew
Hill, Thomas (P.M.)
Holbrook, Benajah
Langton, Joseph
Constituted: 27 May 1813 by the officers of Genesee Lodge No. 130, Avon.
Langton, Reuben
Orton, Horatio
Peabody, Stephen
Potter, David
Smith, Elisha
Whedon, Samuel Jr.
Minute Book: 30 Jun 1814 to Aug 1825 was found in Berea College Library, Berea, Kentucky, in 1953 and presented to
Churchville Lodge No. 667, which in turn presented it to the Grand Lodge archives in 1955.
Expulsions:
Elisha Smith, for ‘anti-masonic conduct’ 28 May 1817; Joseph Sibley, Secy
William Chaffee, for ‘unmasonic conduct such as profane swearing and intoxication on 6th March last [1823]; Oliver Ide, Secy.
Last Return:
27 Dec 1825 to Dec 1826, which listed the following officers and members (alphabetized):
Thomas Bingham, Master
Albert Brewster, SW
Samuel Shepard, Jr. JW
Samuel Shepard, Treasurer
Rufus Hill, Secretary
Benajah Holbrook, PM
Samuel Bull, PM
Baldwin, Samuel C.
Church, Elihu
Church, Samuel C.
Cornwell, Cobben
Glason, Harry
Ide, Oliver
Minor, Linas H.
More, John
Rice, Zebina
Richmond, George
Rideout, John
Smith, Horace P.
Swain, Alphoso
Thurber, James
Turner, Melzer
Warren, Abram
Returns on file at Grand Lodge:
1813-14 Return
1814-15 Return
1814-15 Registry return
1815-16 Return
1815-16 Registry return
1816-17 Return
1816-17 Registry return
1818-19 Return & Registry
return
1819-20 Return
1820-22 Registry return
1820-21 Return
1821-22 Return
Jun/Dec 1822 Return
1822-23 Return
1823-24 Return
1824-25 Return
1825-26 Return (above)
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/c/h/u/Richard-L-Church/PDFGENE8.pdf
ELIHU CHURCH (RICHARD15, RICHARD14, SAMUEL13, EDWARD (DEACON)12, RICHARD11, RICHARD10,JOHN9, JOHN8,
ROBERT7, REYNOLD6, JOHN5, JOHN4, JOHN SR.3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born 16 Mar 1774 in Williamsburgh, MA; d. 23 Jul
1854 in Riga, Monroe, NY; m1. Lucinda Belden/Belding Oct 1799 in Ontario County, NY; m2. Charlotte Phelps May 27, 1823.
Children Elihu and Lucinda:
i. ELOISE CHURCH, b. ca 1805, Monroe Co., NY; d. aft 1880; m. ERASTUS SPRAGUE.
ii. DENNIS CHURCH, b. ca 1811, Monroe Co., NY; d. 1897, Riga, Monroe, NY; m. (1) JANE ANN P.; m. (2) MARY H. STEWART.
iii. HARRIET CHURCH, b. ca 1815.
http://books.google.com/books?id=VlIWAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA501&lpg=PA501&dq=%22Elihu+church%22+%22churchville%22&sourc
e=bl&ots=g7UwK98tgV&sig=sLcg9-
x5MyU3np6pzvAeaLtBZIk&hl=en&ei=PKfsS4aVL8X7lwfe09i0CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CCkQ6AEwBg
#v=onepage&q=%22Elihu%20church%22%20%22churchville%22&f=false page
REMINISCENCES OF ELIHU CHURCH.
25

I emigrated from Berkshire to Phelps, Ontario county, in 1796, and purchased land upon Flint Creek, where I remained until 1805. In
that year, Mr. Wadsworth's handbills had reached Berkshire, offering to exchange wild lands for farms, and had induced by brother
Samuel to come and see the country. I accompanied him to what was then West Pulteney [Riga]. We found it a densely and heavily
timbered wilderness; the only occupants, other than wild beasts, John Smith and his surveying party, their camp located on the
stream near my present residence. We explored the township, and were pleased with it. During the next winter, I selected for
myself, my present location, and for my brother, the site of the present village of Churchville. In March, 1806, I removed my family
from Phelps to my new location, expecting that I had a house ready for them, as I had contracted for the building of one; but on
arriving, we found ourselves houseless. William Parker, Samuel Shepherd and Amasa Frost, had preceded me a few days, with
their families, and were occupants of the surveyors' camp, where myself and family were hospitably admitted as joint occupants;
and a crowded household we had—28 of us altogether—all in one small cabin. We called it the "Hotel,'' and that gave the name to
the stream upon the banks of which it stood. Isaac, Elisha and David Farwell, then of "Springfield," now Wheatland, hearing that I
was houseless, generously came and helped me erect one. We put up the body of it in one day; had it ready to move into on the
fourth day. The floor was of split basswood, the roof of cedar shingles; no boards were used in its construction; I was farther
indebted to Elisha Farwell for a few nails. I had now fairly commenced a pioneer life, a small specimen of which had already
witnessed, and been a part of in Phelps.
All of us who located in the spring of 1806, raised small patches of summer crops. In the fall of that year, I had fifty acres cleared,
which I sowed to wheat. I had got in debt in clearing land and in building, and though I had an excellent crop of wheat, it was difficult
to pay debts with it; it would not command money. I exchanged some of it for labor, with new comers. In 1808, I took wheat to
Canandaigua: there was no price and no sale for it there; no exchanging of it for store trade. I removed it to Geneva, at a cost of 12-
1/2 cents per bushel, and paid a debt I owed there for a barrel of whiskey with it; the wheat finally netting me 12-1/2 cents per
bushel, or one gallon of whiskey for six bushels of wheat. We could get some store trade at Guernsey's store in Lima, in an early
day, for wheat. The first cash market was at Charlotte; price, 31 cents per bushel. In the cold season of 1816, when summer crops
were generally destroyed throughout the country, there was an excellent wheat crop in Riga. In the fall, I sold my whole crop to
Bond and Hatch, Rochester, for $2 per bushel; and after that, some of my neighbors sold their crops for $2 50 per bushel.
The first town meeting we attended was in Ogden, at the house of Esq. Willey, in 1807. Then the town of Northampton embraced
the northern towns of Monroe, west of the river; or "settlements," and "districts," as they were then termed. We made choice of two
Supervisors in succession, but their election was a nullity, neither of them being free-holders; free-holders were scarce in that early
day. We finally compromised the matter by appointing delegates from each settlement, to appoint town officers. The proceeding was
not exactly legal, but no objection being made, it all went off well enough. Our first religious meetings, previous to the organization of
the Congregational church, were held in my barn, it being the first framed barn erected in town.
. . . An excellent example was set by the venerable Pioneer, Elihu Church, Esq., in the spring of 1850. He invited to his ample and
hospitable dwelling, all the Pioneers of Riga, and they had a pleasant, social time of it. Old times were reviewed, anecdotes and
reminiscences related ; the memories of their departed friends and neighbors passed in review; old acquaintances revived and
friendships renewed ; toasts and sentiments offered ;—in all things, it was an agreeable and happy meeting. Present, as ' in every
good work," having reference to pioneer times, was the enthusiastic, kind hearted Scotchman, Donald M'Kenzie. It is to be hoped
that such social parties will be multiplied.
Among the reminiscences related, was that of Mrs. Emerson, who said that on one occasion, when their wheat was ripe, her
husband " cut it with a sickle, drew it out of the field upon an ox sled, threshed it with a flail, cleaned it with a hand fan, drew it to
Rochester and sold it for 31 cents per bushel." Elihu Church, Esq., related the affair of the cold bath in Black Creek, in the winter of
1807. Himself and brother Samuel, Amasa Frost, Samuel Shepherd, and their wives, were on their way to visit their neighbor, Jehiel
Barnes. Crossing the stream on their ox sled, the hind board come out as they were raising the steep bank, and the whole party
were drenched with water, in a cold night, two miles from the nearest house.
Elihu Church was Supervisor in 1811, '12, '13: and Horatio Orton, town clerk in those years.
------
Benajah Holbrook [4C], was born 19 Nov 1772, in Billingham, MA, and lived in Riga, Monroe County, New York. He served as
Major of Militia and was stationed in Buffalo. He was also a member of Morning Star Lodge No. 223, Pittsford [q.v.]
http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/abner-morse/a-genealogical-register-of-the-inhabitants-and-history-of-the-towns-ofsherborn--sro/page-23-a-genealogical-register-of-the-inhabitants-and-history-of-the-towns-of-sherborn--sro.shtml
Benajah Holbrook, Esq., emigrated in early life from Bellingbam to N. Adams, MA. Here he m. Judith Badger, and prior to 1810
removed to Riga, Monroe Co., NY. About 1840 be moved from Riga to Chili in the same Co., where his lady deceased. He then
went to Livonia, Wayne Co., Mich., where he spent the remainder of his days with his daughter, Roena.
He was by avocation a farmer, inherited an excellent constitution, was never sick until shortly before his death, and was to wise and
happy in the choice of a wife as to transmit his excellent constitution to his children; and if his example in this thing could reach and
control the future generations of the race, he would be one of their greatest benefactors. Mr. Holbrook served as Major in the militia,
in the war of 1812, and was for a time stationed at Buffalo. "He was never in any battle, yet constantly doing battle for Gen.
Jackson.” During his residence at Riga be transacted much public business, and was repeatedly elected a justice of the peace.
Children:
i. Judith m. Jan. 1826, Henry Ide, who d. 1833, and 2d, Davis, res. Mt. Morris, NY.
ii. Benajah, b. Jan. 26, 1805, was a merchant; res. San Francisco, CA, where he d. 27 Sep 1850. He m1. 13 Apr 1830
Jerusha E. Ingraham, b. Oct. 8, 1835; m2. Jane Herr, May 19, 1836, who res. with her children, at Plymouth, Mich.
iii. Henry B[adger] formerly a merchant, now res. a land agent at Grand Rapids, Mich., m. 18 Nov 1832, Sarah Woodruff.
iv. Mary Ann, m1. Dr. Willard Slocum, Aug. 31, 1831, who d. Jan. 17, 1847; and 2d, Jona. F. Chubb, Jan. 8, 1849, who res.
as a merchant at Grand Rapids
26

v. Charles m. Eliza Pinkney, Feb. 19, 1845, res. as a farmer at Lansing, Mich.
vi. Roena b. 14 Dec 1813, m. Julius C. Willcox, Dec. 31. 1840, who res. a farmer at Livonia, Mich.,
vii. Milton b. 14 Jan 1817, m1. Sarah A. Bronson, Dec. 2, 1844, who d. 9 Jan 1853; and 2d, Electa Woodruff, Oct. 4,
1855, sister of his brother’s wife, and lived at Detroit, a general collecting agent.
viii. DeWitt C(linton). Holbrook Esq., a lawyer of good standing in the profession, and a gentleman much esteemed in society, res. at
Detroit ; m. Sep. 26, 1850, Mrs. Mary A. Berdan, dau. of Thomas. P. May, Sr., of Plymouth, Mich., and formerly from London, Eng.,
ix. Ursula True m. Sylvester Fuller, ca 1853; res. at Utica, Mich.
“History of Detroit and Wayne County . . .” page 1121.
http://books.google.com/books?id=0zbiAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA1121&dq=%22Benajah+Holbrook%22&hl=en&ei=zCfsS4OoGcKAlAfB_5
i0CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22Benajah%20Holbrook%22&f=false
DE WITT C. HOLBROOK was born in Riga, Monroe, NY, 22 Aug 1819. His father, Benajah Holbrook, was formerly a resident of
Berkshire County, MA, and emigrated to New York early in the century. His son, D. C. Holbrook, received the usual education
supplied through the district school, and in August, 1832, came to Michigan, and was engaged in his brother's store in Plymouth. In
June, 1836, he came to Detroit a total stranger in search of employment, served as clerk in a dry goods store until July of that year,
and then obtained a situation in the Detroit post office, where he remained until December, 1837. He next became a teller in the
Detroit City Bank, remaining until 1840, when he entered the office of the late Alexander D. Fraser as a law student. Mr. Fraser
stood in the very front rank of lawyers composing the Detroit bar, which, in those days, was almost entirely composed of men of
finished education, nearly every one being a graduate of an Eastern college. Mr. Fraser was a severe legal instructor, eminent as a
chancery lawyer, and in his office and under his eye Mr. Holbrook, by the time he finished his term of study, had ripened into an
accomplished lawyer, and he has maintained that reputation through a professional life of forty years or more.
Soon after his admission to the bar in 1843, he was appointed Assistant Register of the old Court of Chancery, which office he held
until 1 Jan 1847, when he became County Clerk. He was nominated for the last office without his knowledge, and was the only
candidate elected on the Whig ticket. He served in this capacity for two years, and, under the law, was also at the same time Clerk
of the Circuit Court, and when his term ceased he had an extensive knowledge of the practice of the courts of chancery and of law.
On January 1, 1849, he entered into partnership with Alexander Davison, and commenced the practice of law. He subsequently
engaged in practice in connection with William A. Howard and Levi Bishop. Mr. Howard withdrew in 1860, and for some five years
the business was carried on by Holbrook & Bishop. In 1872 Mr. Holbrook was appointed City Counselor, which office he creditably
filled for six years.
His industry, faithfulness and loyalty to his clients, accompanied always with a fearlessness that quailed before no opposition, and a
spotless integrity, not only endeared him to his clients but commanded, at all times, the respect of his fellows, and the confidence of
the entire community.
Added to these traits of character there might also be accredited to him those graces that are born of a generous heart, and which
adorn every man who wears an open genial nature. No one who knows Mr. Holbrook well would hesitate to bear testimony to the
uprightness of his character, the industry of his daily life, his faithfulness to all trusts and duty, and all would award him the record of
an able lawyer, upright citizen, and honorable man.
Mr. Holbrook was married to Mary A. Berdan, 26 Sep 1850. She died in 1858, leaving one son, De Witt C. Holbrook, Jr., of Montana
Territory, and three daughters, Mrs. Col. F. W. Swift, Mrs. Frank Walker, of this city, and Mrs. White, wife of Rev. John H. White, of
Joliet, Illinois.
http://news.rootsweb.com/th/read/HOLBROOK/1998-04/0893386880
Here is an excerpt from an article written by Don Bryant for the Gen. Society quarterly. "Michigana" Vol. 44, No.1 March 1998 -
Western Michigan Genealogical Society
"... I continued to develop the HOLBROOK family lines for several months, making connections with other researchers and adding
my own research in the vital records and other sources for New England.
Then, in 1996, something new clicked. 16 years before, we purchased our present home in Heritage Hill in Grand Rapids. Part of
buying a home is to survey the property. The legal description for our property describes parts of two lots in Block 6, Holbrook
Addition to the City of Grand Rapids. In some of the older atlases, the Holbrook Addition is shown extending east and a little north of
our home. It was a neighborhood tradition that the three streets directly east of us were named for the real estate platter family
members. The street names are James, Henry and Charles. I did a little research and discovered that the HOLBROOK of the
"Holbrook Addition" was a man by the name of Henry B. HOLBROOK.
. . . Henry B. HOLBROOK when young lived in Riga, New York. He was about 21 years old when he came to Plymouth, Michigan in
1829. He was in the mercantile business in Plymouth during the 1830's and sold a store there in 1838 to Henry FRALICK. . . . Henry
was appointed Justice of the Peace under Governor Lewis Cass. In 1854, he moved to Grand Rapids and in 1860 was listed as one
of the most prominent real estate developers in the city. He was listed in 1860 Kent county census as being a clerk in the
agricultural implement dealership of Archibald CHUBB. He was also for some time in the brick making business with Charles
BARCLAY just east of Fulton and Lake Drive in Grand Rapids. By 1870, Henry HOLBROOK had platted the "Holbrook Addition" in
Grand Rapids. It lies from Union Avenue SE, and runs to the east covering most of what is known as "Cherry Hill." The streets
James, and Charles are named for sons, and Henry Street presumably for himself. Henry may have been another son but I have
found no evidence of him. There is a small portion of Kellogg Street between Packard and Eastern that was originally called
Holdbrook(sic) Street.
In 1872, Henry removed to Portland, Michigan, where he died in 1881. He left a widow and four children. Charles H. HOLBROOK,
27

Mrs. Robert WHITE of East Tawas, Mrs. A.H. DOTY of Detroit, and Mrs. S.K. PIERCE of Grand Rapids. Another son, James M.
HOLBROOK apparently had died previously. One source referred to Peru, Massachusetts where I discovered in the town vital
records Henry's birth and parents names. Using the extensive Massachusetts town vital records, I was then able to connect him to
my HOLBROOK tree in Bellingham, MA and - surprise - to my PARTRIDGE and MORSE families as well!
So, here I am happily researching away, discovering the intricacies of my ancestry, when up pops the very real world 3rd cousin
connection with the property I own-in fact, -three "cousinships!" What's next? Well, I have recently discovered that my grandfather,
Harry BRYANT had an uncle whose first wife was named Lydia HOLBROOK. One always needs another project.
In condensed form, I will outline these family connections. Following full names and birth and death years are names of parents,
grandparents, great-grandparents, etc., backward. Semi-colons separate generations and commas separate couples of the same
generation. All common ancestors are in bold italics.
The ancestry of Henry Badger HOLBROOK:
Henry Badger HOLBROOK, 1807-1881;
Benajah HOLBROOK & Judith BADGER;
Lt. Aaron HOLBROOK & Hannah PARTRIDGE, Henry BADGER & Judith COGSWELL;
John HOLBROOK & Hannah CHAPIN, Joseph PARTRIDGE & Eunice MORSE;
Peter HOLBROOK & Alice GODFREY, Josiah CHAPIN & Lydia BROWN, Eleazer PARTRIDGE & Elizabeth ALLEN, Jonathan
MORSE & Jane WHITNEY;
Thomas HOLBROOK & Joanna KINGMAN, Richard GODFREY & Jane TURNER, Samuel CHAPIN & Cicely PENNY, John
PARTRIDGE Sr. & Magdelen BULLARD, William ALLEN & Elizabeth TWITCHELL, Jonathan MORSE & Mary BARBER;
Thomas HOLBROOK & Jane POWYS, Henry KINGMAN & Joanna _____, John TURNER & Jane ____, John PARTRYDGE &
Jane HOGG, John BULLARD & Magdelen MARTYN, Benjamin TWITCHELL & Mary RIGGS, Daniel MORSE & Lydia FISHER,
George BARBER & Elizabeth CLARK;
William HOLBROOK & Edith? COLES?, William POWYS & Elizabeth _____, John TURNER, Bartylmew PARTRYDGE & Pernell
GREENE, Francis HOGG, William BULLARD & Grace HOWES, John MARTYN & Agnes _____, Edward RIGGS & Elizabeth
_____, Samuel MORSE & Elizabeth JASPER, Anthony Fisher & Alice _____."
http://www.parmenter-fam-assn.org/DJP%20Cln%20091119/b4135.htm
Zebina Rice was b. 16 Oct 1787 in Conway, Franklin, MA; d. 26 Nov 1873 in Dallas Twp, Clinton, MI. Probably buried at Rest
Cemetery, St Johns, Clinton, MI; m. 16 Mar 1809 in Shelburne, MA, Jael Fellows, b. 2 Mar1789 in Shelburne, MA; d. 13 Aug 1822 in
Byron, Genesee, NY. res. in Plainfield, Mass., Geneva and Riga, NY
Children:
i. Joel Baxter Rice b. 04 Dec 1809; d. 9 Jul 1816.
ii. Luther Otway Rice.
iii. Zebina H. Rice b. 10 Mar 1814; d. 9 Jul 1816.
iv. Mary Jemima Rice.
v. Zebina Baxter Rice.
vi. Jael F. Rice b. 09 Aug 1822; d. 1822.
m2. 1830 Mary Frost, b. 1790.
m3. 1848 Ann R DUTTON, b. 13 Jul 1808 in Cherry Valley, Otsego, NY; d. 8 May 1886 in Bingham Twp, Clinton, MI.
------
In 1823 Samuel Shepard was elected as one of two managers for Riga by the Monroe County Agricultural Society. He also served
as overseer of highways in Riga. Samuel Shepard died 21 Feb 1842 in his seventy-second year
------
http://www.monroemasonic.com/history.htm
In 1811 a group of twelve brethren residing in the town of Riga, then in Genesee County drew up a Petition to the Grand Lodge of
the State of New York requesting Dispensation to form a Masonic lodge, "to be named Harmony Lodge of Riga." The Petition was
endorsed by Genesee Lodge 130 at Avon. The Dispensation was granted by De Witt Clinton, Grand Master, and John Wells, Grand
Secretary on February 7, 1812, and the Charter issued on March 6, 1813. The Lodge was formally Constituted and its Officers duly
installed by Genesee Lodge 130 on May 22, 1813.
In 1818, Salem Town listed the officers as: Levi Bennet, Master; Samuel Buel, SW; Enos Hubbel, JW.
If Harmony Lodge 212 was the first Lodge in Monroe County to receive a charter, it was not the first to be organized. That honor
goes across the river to the town of Pittsford, then part of a much larger town named Boyle. This area was one of the earliest to be
settled, and here a group of 24 Masons met on August 21, 1810 and drafted a Petition to Grand Lodge for dispensation to form a
Masonic Lodge "to be distinguished as the Morning Star Lodge [No. 223] and to be located in the Town of Boyle, Ontario County."
De Witt Clinton, then Governor of New York, also Grand Master visited the area in 1810 to tour the route that was laid out for the
projected Erie Canal. His diary records the following entry on July 27, 1810: "We arrived at Perrin's Tavern, - Boyle. The sign of the
tavern contains Masonic emblems. He behaved to me with great civility, conversed about Masonry and presented me with a
Masonic sermon." Soon after Clinton's visit, the Petition was prepared. It carried the recommendation of Mt. Moriah Lodge 112,
Palmyra, and Zion Lodge 172, Bloomfield.
28

"A Sultry Calm" by George Harvey of Great Britain. Erie Canal just west of Pittsford, 1837.
Morning Star Lodge No. 223, Pittsford
Petition:
Bateman, Eleazer
Brown, William
Davis, Benjamin
Draper, Joel
Eaton, Stephen
Felt, Samuel
Recommended:
First Officers:
21 Aug 1810, to form a new Lodge in Boyle, Ontario County, signed by (alphabetized):
Hopkins, Caleb
Lewis [?], George M.
Lusk, John
M(?)worth, Asa W.
Marlett, Peter
Newcomb, Silas W.
Northrup, Isaiah
Peet, Ebenezer
Perrin, Glover
Ray, John
Rowell, Moses
Rowley, Joseph
by Mount Moriah Lodge No. 112, Palmyra, and Zion Lodge No. 172, Bloomfield.
John Ray, Master; Samuel Felt, SW; Glover Perrin, JW.
Scovil, Samuel Jr.
Spear, William
Stewart, George D.
Strowgin, John
Thayer, Joel
Walker, Otis
Letter: 29 Feb 1812 from Benjamin Davis to Hon. Philetus Swift stating he understood the charter had been granted but as yet it
had not been received.
Letter: 18 Sep 1812 from Mount Moriah Lodge to Grand Lodge stating they had been informed that the petition for Morning Star
Lodge had been held up because Mount Moriah dues had not been paid. Dues were paid up for 2 years on 4 May 1812 and they
therefore wish that the prayer of the petitioners may not be delayed any longer on this account.
Warrant: 8 Sep 1813; not on file at GL.
Surrendered: by vote of the Lodge but not received at GL by Sep 1836.
Meetings held at the houses of C. N. Boughton, Glover Perrin and John Acre [per Return of 19 Oct 1813 to 27 Dec 1815].
1813 John Ray
1813-16 Andrew Murray, pro tem
1816-17 Joseph F. Beach
Listed as P.M. on 1826-27 Return: Simeon Bristol
Letter: 24 May 1828, requesting remission of dues, as follows:
Masters, per Returns
1817-18 Rev. Chaunc(e)y Cook
1818-19 Rev. Chaunc(e)y Cook
1820-21 John Ray
1821-22 Nathan Nye
1824-25 Joshua C. Eaton
1826-27 David H. Rowland
“To the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New York.
“The undersigned were appointed a Committee by the Morning Star Lodge No. 223 Pittsford, Monroe County, at their last regular
Communication in April, to write to the Grand Lodge, give to that Grand Body a correct account of the situation of our Lodge
agreeable to resolutions passed at the Last annual communication of the Grand Lodge.
“You will perceive by the returns which accompany this that our Lodge is indebted to the Grand Lodge for three years dues & which
our Lodge have authorized us to request the Grand Lodge to excuse us from paying.
“A considerable amount of the funds within Six or Eight years have been expended in Charitable donations; between one and tow
hundred dollars have been lost in consequence of loaning to brethren who are not able to pay.
“About four years ago the Lodge was doing considerable business & the furniture & room being considered unsuitable, it was
agreed on by the brethren to procure a more suitable room and to purchase additional furniture.
“The expense of the furniture amounted to about $200, which, when paid reduced the funds very low. And since that time we have
but little business, especially the last two years; hardly enough to pay the rent of our room.
“Of the unhappy excitement which prevails in this country you are undoubtedly already appraised; yet none we presume can have
but a very imperfect idea of it, except those who reside where it prevails. We have thought best not to do but little business. Since
29

the excitement commenced; and in fact, for more than a year, it has been almost impossible to convene a sufficient no. to do
business.
“Several who belonged to the Baptist & Methodist Churches have not attended for fear of giving offense to their brethren of the
churches to which they belonged; Others have neglected (as they say) to attend, in order to preserve peace in their domestick
circle; Others we fear have absented themselves for fear of rendering themselves unpopular. In short, our situation is somewhat
unpleasant, which, we presume, we need not tell you. A few of us remain, who are not afraid to be considered “Free Masons” – and
although our situation is somewhat critical yet we wish to be recognized by the Grand Lodge as a Lodge, although we stand in need
of their assistance, at present with regard to our dues.
“The Constitution we have never acted upon but have mailed from time to time in order that we might have the opinion of a majority
of brethren and the Lodge as some (to attend?) once on the account, but it had not sufficient influence to cause but few to convene
– The name of our Lodge is Morning Star NO. 223, Pittsford, Monroe County, NY – Our Regular Communications (are on)Tuesday
on or preceding the full moon.
“Our Charter is dated Sept 8th AL 5813
“We confidently hope that you will take into consideration the situation in which we are placed, and grand us the relief we ask.
J. C. Eaton
Dated at Pittsford )
Levi Treadwell
24th May AL 5828 )
D. H. Rowland
Roster of members, compiled from Returns (alphabetized):
Acker (Acre), John
Fisher, Lewis
Adams, Jesse
Fox, Leavitt L.
Amsden, Henry
Freeman, Seldon
Arms, Daniel
Fuller, Daniel
Armstrong, William
Gage, Elishal
Arnold, Darius
Gallagher, James
Badger, Gideon
Goff, Squire
Baker, Jonathan
Gooding, John
Baldwin, Jedediah
Goodwin, Ebenezer
Barker, Philander P.
Goodwin, John
Barnard, Jehial
Gould, Richardson
Barnum, Isaac B.
Gregory, David
Barnwell, John C.
Gregory, William S.
Bateman, Eleazer
Griffin, William
Beach, Joseph F.
Harrington, Caleb
Bearn, Elie H.
Harrington, James
Billinghurst, William
Hartwell, John
Bradish, Joseph
Hartwell, Oliver
Brown, Warren
Hartwell, William
Bryan, Jacob B.
Hatch, John
Buckman, Cyrus
Hatch, Solomon
Burge, Elias
Hedge, John
Cady, Cholet
Hewes, Roswell B.
Cady, David D.
Holbrook, Benajah
Calkins, Benjamin
Hopkins, Caleb
Camp, Alva P.
Hopkins, John, NJ
Carter, James B.
Hopkins, Mathew
Case, Nathaniel
Hoyt, Nathan
Chamberlin, S. C.
Jarvis, Brewer
Colbreath, William
Jarvis, Warren
Cole, Heman
Jennings, Reuben
Collier, Jesse
Jones, Thomas
Cook, Rev. Chauncey Judson, Elisha
Crocker, Seth
Kellogg, Josiah J.
Culver, Oliver
Kempshall, Willis
Davis, Benjamin
Kingsley, Dr. Ray
Dunton, Samuel
Knapp, Luscomb
Eaton, Joshua C.
Lane, John
Eaton, Silas, Duanesburgh Lawson, Loton
Eaton, Stephen
Leland, Elijah, VT
Everett, Roswell
Loomis, Joseph
Fellows, R. S.
Lothrop, Sylvanus
Felt, James C.
Marlett, Peter
Felt, Samuel
Marlett, Reuben
Mathews, Henry
Mathews, Tobey
Merrifield, Joseph
Miller, Lyman
Mins, Aaron C.
Monroe, James S.
Morse, William
Munson, Asa
Munson, Moses
Murphy, John
Murray, Andrew
Newcomb, Silas W.
Northrup, Isaiah
Noyes, O. J.
Orcutt, John
Osborn, John
Parker, Richard, Eng.
Parker, Uriah
Patterson, Hutchinson
Peet, Ebenezer
Per(r)in, Glover
Perin, Asa
Perrin, Jonathan
Phillips, Aaron
Pierpont, H. B.
Putman, Cyrus
Rand, Alfred H.
Ray, Chauncey
Ray, Hiram
Ray, Israel
Ray, John
Reynolds, Oliver
Richardson, Jeremiah
Richmond, Loring
Ripley, Peter
Ripley, William
Rose, Elijah
Ross, Abijah
Ross, Peleg
Ross, Thaddeus
Ross, William C.
Rowell, Moses
Rowell, Otis
Rowland, David H.
Rowley, Sera
Scott, John
Scrantom, Hamlet
Simson, Bristol
Skiff, Seymour, CT
Slocum, Elisha
Smith, Auhalus G.
Smith, Israel
Smith, John
Smith, Major H., MA
Smith, Rufus
Spear, William
Spencer, Orange (Orrin)
Staples, Olney
Stevens, Andrew L.
Stillman, Southmayd
Stone, Isaac, 2d, Salem, NY
Stone, Simon
Tainter, Jesse
Taylor, Joseph
Taylor, William G.
Thimble, Roswell
Tillotson, Thomas
Tinker, Daniel
Treadwell, Levi
Treadwell, Seymour B.
Tuller, Onias
Vanderveer, Arthur
Vorhees, Alexander
Wager, George
Walker, Otis
Walker, Sylvester
Ward, Henry
West, Ira
White, Lemuel
Wickwire, Roswell
Wight, Asa
Wight, Lemuel
Wight, William W.
Wilson, Daniel
Woodin, Jeremiah
Wright, John
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~silversmiths/makers/silversmiths/15317.htm
Jedediah Baldwin b. 29 Mar 1768, Norwich CT; d. 1849, Rochester NY; son of Jabez Baldwin; m. 18 Apr 1791 Abigail ‘Nabby’
Jones, b. 26 Jun 1772 in Norwich. He signed as Lodge Secretary on the Return of 27 Dec 1822 to 27 Dec 1823 and the first
Secretary of St. Andrew’s Chapter No. 1 in New Hampshire, warranted 27 Jan 1807, but due to the War of 1812 was not chartered
until 7 Jun 1816.
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Silversmith and watchmaker; Apprenticed about 1781 to Thomas Harland in Norwich CT
Master to Jabez Baldwin abt 1790 in Northampton MA; Master to Zalmon Aspinwall abt 1790 in Northampton MA.
He was a partner from 1791 to 1792 with Samuel Stiles in Northampton MA as STILES & BALDWIN,
Advertised in the Hampshire Gazette, 6 Jul 1791, offering his services as a goldsmith.
He was a partner from 1792 to 7 Jan 1794 with Nathan Storrs in Hanover NH as BALDWIN & STORRS.
Advertised in the Spooner's Journal (New Hampshire), 7 Oct 1793, informing the public that he had ". . . served a regular
apprenticeship making and repairing watches and clocks, together with plate and jewelry, and begged to inform the public of
Hanover and towns adjacent that he proposed carrying on business near Dartmouth College, a few rods South of printing office." He
also offered "the highest price given for old gold, silver, brass, copper, and pewter."
He worked from 1794 to 1811 as a silversmith and watchmaker in Hanover NH
Appointed from 1796 to 1811 as Postmaster in Hanover NH
He worked 1811-bef 1818 as a silversmith in Fairfield, NY
He worked from 1818 to 1820 as a silversmith and watchmaker in Morrisville NY
He worked in 1834 as a silversmith and watchmaker in Rochester NY
3 Pleasant Street, Hanover, NH - 1800 (‘Green Store’) (‘Howe Bookshop’)
Jedediah Baldwin of Northampton, MA, had the shop built on Main Street. The building stood two stories high and had a small
dance hall above, occupying a lot two rods wide at the south end of
the Storrs lot. Thus it was the third building down from Wheelock
Street and occupied the present site of the Davison Block. The shop
replaced a 1795 two-story shop burned in 1800: John Robie and
Baldwin's watchmaking shop had occupied that building, with tailor
Herman Pomeroy renting the second floor. Baldwin also built the
house at 8 Lebanon Street; he used his Main Street building as the
Post Office during his tenure as postmaster from 1797-1811.
Townspeople knew the building as the "Green Store." The shop
passed in 1811 to John Wheelock, who left it to Princeton Theological
Seminary out of spite for the College during the controversy that
ended in the Dartmouth College Case. Several others used the
building after Wheelock, including the Post Office into the 1850s and
Howe's Bookstore in the 1860s. The building's owner moved it,
probably in the 1870s, to 3 Pleasant Street.
KEY TO THE MAP.
WEST SIDE OF THE RIVER.
1. The strata of rock that dips out the South side of Buffalo Street
2. House owned and occupied by Orin E. Gibbs, M. D.
3. School house, District No. 1, built Spring of 1814.
4. Lime Kiln.
5. Silas O. Smith's Store.
6. A frame owned by Henry Skinner, now the Eagle Hotel.
7. Log house built by Hamlet Scrantom, Esq., miller, occupied by
Henry Skinner, joiner.
8. Ira West's store.
9. Abriun Stork's grocery and dwelling house, (brick maker.)
10. John Mastick'g Law office.
11. Hervey and Elisha Ely's store.
12 Abelard Reynold's new house, (saddle and harness maker.)
13. Abelard Reynold's house and shop.
14. Jehial Barnard's tailor shop, used also on Sunday as a place
of religious worship.
15. New house occupied by Hamlet Scrantom, Esq.
16. House occupied by Wheelock, joiner.
17. House occupied by Aaron Skinner, school teacher.
18. House occupied by David K. Cartter, Esq., carpenter and
millwright
19. James B. Cartter's blacksmith shop.
20. Saw mill raised March 11th, 1814, by Hervey and Elisha Ely.
21. Log house built by Horvey for himself and hands while constructing the first bridge across the Genesee River.
22. Ruins of the old Allen or King's mill.
EAST SIDE OF RIVER.
1. First framed house occupied by Enos Stone, farmer.
2. Old plank house occupied first by Enos Stone, afterwards by Hamlet Scrantom, Esq
3. Saw mill owned by Enos Stone
4. First tavern in Rochester, owned and occupied by Col. Isaac W. Stone.
5. Col. Isaac W. Stone's barn.
6. Enos Stone's new house.
7. Bridge across the Genesee River.
-------
31

Isaac B. Barnum was a founding elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Rochesterville (organized in 1815), perhaps a good
reason why he signed the Declaration of Independence from the Masonic Institution adopted at Leroy, New York, on 4 Jul 1828,
incident to the Morgan incident.
------
Jehial Barnard
http://books.google.com/books?id=6bZBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA29&lpg=PA29&dq=%22Jehial+Barnard+%22&source=bl&ots=l3drHB9
HKW&sig=OnDU1UlSb2T0JRLHzPLgA-TpffU&hl=en&ei=9D7xSm8HYK8lQeMpaW1CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22Jehial%20Barnard%
20%22&f=false page 29.
For the first five years, this settlement, though acting as a little commonwealth, had no legal establishment. No village organization,
nor authority; and yet the conduct of each seems to have conformed to the will of all. Possibly they remembered their New England
ancestors, who, when they went out and founded the colony of Connecticut, soberly announced, that the law of God would govern
the colony until they had leisure to prepare some. Even in that circumstance, the lawyer might be very helpful, as there is no
difference between the law of God and the wise laws of men.
But little more than a year after John Mastick came, the thought of the people was directed to the need of a public school,—and in
line with the formality I have suggested, a public meeting was assembled, in Jehial Barnard's tailor shop, and it was decided to
build a free public school. We must understand this school was public, only in the sense that it was to be built by the voluntary
contributions of all the people, and was free, in that the door was open to all alike. It was not free from charge. The cost of
conducting it was met by the parents paying, in proportion to the number of children each sent to school. Those who had no child or
sent none to school escaped the expense.
As the settlers were at that time, inviting mechanics and laborers into the settlement for the building of raceways and mills, there
might be some children whose parents, however willing, were unable to meet the expense. To provide for this emergency, it is said
Jehial Barnard made a motion, that the eight bachelors of the settlement, should each pay the cost of maintaining one child in
school. As Mastick and Barnard were two of the bachelors, I hope John seconded that motion. However, it was carried, and the
bachelors made it unanimous, by establishing eight free scholarships. Probably the first established in the Genesee Country. The
building was completed and the school opened in the spring of 1814. There was no law to compel anyone to do his part in this
enterprise, yet tradition—which usually keeps no secrets—has not suggested that one resident failed in what his neighbors
expected from him.
When in the growth of the settlement it seemed desirable, it was decided, at a public meeting, that a night watch be established, and
that the unmarried young men, each in turn, regularly patrol the streets of the settlement throughout the night. This service was
entirely gratuitous, and it has never been charged that even one refused to take his turn and at intervals through the night twirl his
ratchet and cry out "Alls well in the Village." This system of policing continued well into the village days, even after constables were
elected and paid for day service.
In the same manner there were appointed fire wardens, health officers, street superintendents, and every needed supervision
supplied, without other authority than public opinion.
Jehial Barnard was the first tailor in the settlement and his shop was the public meeting place of the citizens. In the absence of
churches the first religious exercises were held there; the Episcopal service being read by some one of the residents, and the
singing led by Miss Delia Scrantom [dau. of Bro. Hamlet Scrantom – q.v.], the pioneer young lady of the settlement, who came
here to occupy with her parents, the first house that was going to be built.
Barnard in donating his shop for these exercises may not have seen in advance all the possibilities, but he certainly improved his
opportunity. He wooed and won the leader of the choir. They were married October 8, 1815, in the log house from which the
picture was made, that now adorns the stationery of the Historical Society, and then stood where Powers Block now stands. It was
the first wedding in the settlement, and revoked the first of those eight scholarships. And, like other undertakings of the pioneers, it
was not to be accomplished without overcoming difficulties. There was no minister in the settlement. One was found in Victor, Rev.
Reuben Parmele, who was duly engaged to perform the ceremony, but when he learned the marriage was to take place on Sunday,
he refused to proceed, giving a different excuse, which did not deceive the pioneer. This was some predicament. Every young
woman knows it is unlucky to postpone a wedding. What they said about that minister is not on record. But in true pioneer fashion,
they wasted no time in repining. They called on their friend Mastick, who, as a magistrate, performed the ceremony, and kissed the
bride. John had, quite providentially, been appointed a Justice of the Peace, a short time before; being the first Justice of the Peace
in the village. As this appointment also came from the Governor, I feel that, as to John's political standing "I guessed right the first
time." No doubt this circumstance opened up to our pioneer lawyer, a new source of income.
The wedding party was held the following evening and was a society affair. The first families all attended. Ira West, the first
merchant of the settlement, provided the wine, to carry out a bargain with Barnard, that whichever of them married first, the other
would provide this necessary delicacy. The music was furnished by a left-handed fiddler from the "Deep Hollow" and, as it was
announced that evening that West's marriage to Miss Eliza Stone was soon to follow, we were losing our free scholarships pretty
rapidly.
http://books.google.com/books?id=Zi4VAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA14&dq=%22hamlet+Scrantom%22&output=text#c_top page 14.
JEHIEL BARNARD - MR. BARNARD was born at Nine Partners, NY; came to Western New York in 1812, and lived at Ogden, at the
age of sixty-five years. We find a short notice of this worthy pioneer in the early history of Rochester, and it is rather to be regretted,
that in this connection, he has not furnished a more particular history of his life and times. We see him mentioned as the principal
early tailor of Rochester, and also as having been elected one of the first five trustees of Rochesterville in 1817. This latter
32

consideration is certainly a fair indication of the high estimate in which he was held by his contemporaries; and we doubt not, that a
few moments attention to the subject, on his part, would furnish many striking and interesting incidents worthy to go upon record and
to be read by posterity. Mr. Barnard was present at the first pioneer festival in Rochester, and enrolled himself among the members
of that society, and has since taken an active interest in its advancement towards the consummation of its original object. At that
meeting Mr. B. related the following incidents: in 1812 he put up a building eighteen by twenty-six feet, which subsequently became
the first tailor shop, the first shoemaker shop, and the first school and meeting house. The first meetings were well attended. The
pioneers were good singers and they did their singing after the old Congregational fashion, as it should be now. The whole country,
he remarked, was a wilderness and he often felt, when wandering about on the Sabbath, like Alexander Selkirk in his solitude. He
also related a snake story, in which six "rattlers" suffered death under the Falls, one Sunday, for which exploit he received six
shillings bounty money from Squire House. At the same meeting Mr. B. mentioned an encounter with a deer, in which the animal
came off best, suffering only a captivity of three days. The remarks made at this meeting by Mr. B. and others, serve to develop the
spirit of the times to which they refer more than to acquaint us with the particular history of the men constituting that society.
However, as indicative of the former, they are especially valuable, while at the same time, we are enabled to glean from them many
facts which are pertinent to the latter. That tailor shop we shall have frequent occasion to mention as the business, religious, if not
social centre, of much which appertains to the early history of the Rochester pioneers. It was the place of its day, and reminiscent
from garret to cellar, that is to say, if it had a cellar.
-------
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=llscott2000&id=I3792
William BILLINGHURST b. 26 Nov 1781 in Brighton, Sussex, England; d. 25 May 1838 in Pittsford, Monroe, NY; bur. Brighton
Cemetery, Monroe., NY, son of William JR. BILLINGHURST b: 1751 in Sussex, England, and Hannah BROWNE b: in England; m. 4
Jul 1802 in Pittsford, NY, Julia BRYAN b. 31 Mar 1786 in West Stockbridge, Berkshire, MA
Child: Daniel BILLINGHURST b: 26 NOV 1810 in of Brighton, Monroe, NY
http://www.libraryweb.org/rochimag/maps/towns.htm
Brighton (Town) - The first town meeting of Brighton was held in April 4, 1814 at the tavern owned by Orringh Stone. The town,
which once stretched from the western banks of the Genesee River to Irondequoit Bay, and from Lake Ontario to the Henrietta town
line, was named by William Billinghurst for his home in England. The town gradually became smaller beginning around 1823,
when the City of Rochester began appropriating land. In 1905 the city annexed the Village of Brighton itself, located at the presentday
site of Winton Road and East Avenue. The village had been incorporated in 1855. The village was moved to the Twelve
Corners area, previously best known as the site of Rochester Brick and Tile Works.
-------
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/b/u/c/Richard-Bucknam/PDFGENE16.pdf
CYRUS BUCKMAN (JEREMIAH5, ISAIAH4, JEREMIAH3, JEREMIAH2, JOHN1) b. 22 Mar 1795 in Bethel, Windsor, VT; d. 24 Aug
1872 in Rolla, Phelps, Missouri; m. 2 Feb 1823 in Potsdam, St. Lawrence, NY.SALOME ARMOUR, b. ca 1803 in NY; d. bet. 1850-
1860. He was in the 1830 Pittsford, Monroe, NY; in the 1840 and 1850 Mendon, Monroe, NY census, and in the 1860 Taylorville,
Christian, Illinois census in his daughter and son-in-law's household, age 64, b. VT.
Children:
i. MARTHA BUCKNAM, b. ca 1824, New York; d. aft 1840.
ii. JANE BUCKNAM, b. ca 1828, New York; d. aft 1840.
iii. ELIZABETH ANN BUCKNAM, b. ca 1832, New York; d. aft 1860.
iv. BURNS BUCKNAM, b. ca 1839, New York; d. aft 1880.
v. CORNELIA 'NELLIE' BUCKNAM, b. ca 1846, New York.
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http://www.quinnipiac.edu/other/ABL/etext/wallingford/genealogies1.html
Rev. Chauncey Cook, son of Stephen and Sylvia M. Cook of Wallingford, married 8 Jan 1812 Mary Carpenter who died 15 Dec
1814, at Adams, NY, age. 23. He afterwards married Almira [Cassitt (Cossett)] Hollister, 11 May 1850 who died 21 Dec 1842. He
died at the home of his son, Burton C., ‘more than age 80’ [21 Mar 1860].
Child by 1st marriage:
Patty
d. in childhood.
i. Eliza, b 21 Oct 1812; d. 2 Jun 1847; m. Chas. Campbell.
by 2nd marriage:
ii. Burton Chauncey, b. 11 May 1819, m Elizabeth Hunt.
iii. Mary, twin b. 09 Jul 1824; m. John Spice; no children.
iv. Sarah, twin b. 09 Jul 1824 in Chili, Monroe, NY; m. Simeon West Morse, 2 Dec 1847.
His father, Stephen Cook, was son of Capt. Stephen and Anna Cook, m, 20 Apr 1777 Sylvia Meigs, b. 27 May 1760 in New Haven;
d. 7 Sep 1849 at Adams Basin, NY, age 90. He died 18 Aug 1829, at Chateaugay, NY, age 75 years.
Children:
i. Chauncey (above) b. 09 Mar 1778, resided in Ottawa, Illinois.
ii. Solomon, b. 01 Apr 1780, resided in Grand Rapids.
iii. Betsey, b. 10 Sep 1782; d. 2 Aug 1800.
iv. Rebecca, b. 02 Aug 1785; d. 7 Aug 1825.
v. Sylvia, b. 03 Feb 1788, m J. Morton of Erie, PA.
33

vi. Sally,
b. 05 Jun 1790; m S. M. Moon of NY.
vii. Patty,
b. 05 Feb 1793, resided near Rochester, NY, a widow.
viii. Stephen, b. 15 Mar 1796, resided At Oberlin, Ohio.
ix. Anna,
b. 01 Feb 1799, resided at Plattsburg, NY.
x. Betsey, b. 13 Jul 1802; m. C. D. Graves, Rochester, NY.
xi. Lyman,
b. 20 Mar 1804, resided at Rochester, NY.
xii. Nelson,
b. 24 Sep 1806, resided at Half Day, Illinois.
http://books.google.com/books?id=lufNAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA344&dq=%22rev.+Chauncey+Cook%22&hl=en&ei=loLtS7ryD8OclgeS_
Km1CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CEUQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=%22rev.%20Chauncey%20Cook%22&f
=false page 344.
Rev. CHAUNCEY COOK died in Ottawa, Illinois, 21 Mar 1860, aged 82 years and 12 days. He was a son of Stephen and Sylvia
(Meigs) Cook, and was born in Wallingford, CT, 9 Mar 1778. He fitted for College with the Rev. Jeremiah Atwater, D.D., was
graduated at Middlebury, in 1808, studied theology with the Rev. Asa Burton, D.D., was licensed by the Eastern Vermont
Association, near the close of the year 1808, and then entered the service of the Vermont Missionary Society. By request of the
Directors of that Society, he was ordained as an Evangelist, at Cornwall, 22 Aug 1809, the Rev. John Hough, of Vergennes,
preaching the Sermon from 2 Cor. ii: 16.
For nearly three years he labored as an itinerant missionary in Northern Vermont, and New York. In those regions, Christians of
more than half a century's standing, still live, to remember him, with affection and gratitude, as their guide to Christ. He was installed
31 Jul 1811, pastor of the Congregational Church in Adams, NY, and dismissed from that pastorate in 1818, after which he
preached two years in Lima, NY, and two years in Pittsford, NY. In 1821, he was installed pastor of the Congregational Church in
Chili, NY, and was dismissed in 1828. He then preached two years in Greece, NY, and two years in Ira, Cayuga, NY, and in 1832,
was installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Aurora, NY. He was dismissed in 1837, and removed to Illinois, where he
preached two years in Hennepin, and in 1839, was installed pastor of the Congregational Church in Aurora. From this pastorate he
was dismissed in 1843, after which he preached two years in Bristol; and then, retiring from active service, removed to Ottawa,
where he resided till his death.
An obituary in the Independent, says of him: "He was greatly blessed with revivals during his ministry. His last public effort was a
testimony in favor of a special effort to save sinners. He was a progressive man to the last, and kept pace with the times in which he
lived. He took a deep interest in all the great moral movements of the day—especially in the progress of anti-slavery sentiment
throughout the country. As early as 1836, he had identified himself fully with this reform. The announcement that death was near,
only stimulated his mind. 'I have no fear of death,' said he. 'I am willing to leave this polluted world, and go and live with the blessed
Saviour.' 'I am concerned only to have God glorified in me, whether I live or die.' His faith never seemed to waver for a moment. As
death came nearer and still nearer, he testified that it was 'all well, all peace;' that Christ was 'near and precious." The instant before
his spirit fled, he opened his eyes, and looked upward, as if a vision of glory was revealed; then glanced at his beloved ones, and
rested from his labors."
He married, in 1812, Mary Carpenter, of Adams, NY, by whom he had one child— Eliza. In 1815, Mrs. Cook died; and in 1816, he
married Almira Hollister, by whom he had one son and two daughters.
Note: Almira Hollister was the sister of Abner Hollister of Cato and Meridian, Cayuga, NY. Abner Hollister was b. 26 Sep 1782; d.
13 Mar 1851 Cato, NY; m1. 3 Dec 1804, Polly Woodbridge Elwell [2c5r]; m2. 10 Mar 1843, Mrs. Nancy Kirkpatrick, of Syracuse,
NY. Petitioner for Cato Lodge No. 430, F&AM, 5 Feb 1825, and its first Master. He led the Militia to the Niagara frontier, built the
first frame house in Cato in 1810, and was one of the first merchants. He helped organize the First Presbyterian Church and Society
of Cato (1836). He was also a charter member of Hannibal Lodge No. 419, F&AM (1824). He was in and out of the Cato area for a
number of years managing a southern plantation, and after that venture returned to Cato [Meridian]. At the main northeast corner of
Meridian, was the site of the first tavern, which was built of logs and covered with bark. erected by Jesse Elwell [1c5r] (b. 30 Oct
1761, Palmer, MA), whose widow (Elizabeth McClanathan, b. 12 Aug 1764, Palmer, MA) sold to Abner Hollister in 1818. Hollister
operated the tavern until 1830, when he occupied the property as dwelling until his death. This property was later purchased and
expanded, housing on the second floor as “Spring Floor” ball room.
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http://cgi.ebay.com/1804-IRONDEQUOIT-NEW-YORK-Letter-Oliver-CULVER-/300427467764
Oliver Culver was one of the earliest and most interesting pioneers of Monroe County, contributing to its growth and developer, in
many ways. He was born in East Windsor, CT, on 24 Sep 1778. When he was five, his family moved to Orwell, VT, and later to
Ticonderoga, NY. In 1796 at age 18, he started west on foot to work with his friend, Sam Spafford, and Sam's father, Amos, on a
surveying job in Cleveland, OH. They were delayed in Schenectady having to wait more than a month for a boat to carry them west
on Lake Ontario. Too restless to sit around, Oliver hiked as far west as Irondequoit Bay, arriving at the Indian Landing on
Irondequoit Creek in March 1796. There, he hunted and fished, and his only human contact was with a family of squatters headed
by Asa Dunbar. Eventually, Culver got to Cleveland with a group of about 60 others. They all spent the summer surveying and
clearing land before returning east. Culver was dropped off at Irondequoit Bay along with his friend, Sam Spafford. They spent the
fall hunting and fishing and then, before winter set in, walked back east to Connecticut. The next spring they returned to Irondequoit
and the Indian Landing and then on to Cleveland for summer work.
Trips to Cleveland became routine for two years. Culver liked to tell the story of an incident that occurred in these early days in
Cleveland. Sam Spafford's father, Amos, obtained the first contract to distribute mail in the Cleveland area. On one occasion in the
dead of winter when the usual mail carrier was sick, Culver put the 20-pound mailbags on his back and traveled on ice skates from
Cleveland to Huron, covering the 40 miles in four hours. He continued working in Ohio during 1797-1798, clearing six acres and
planting corn on the present site of downtown Cleveland. He also worked on cutting a road from Cleveland to the Pennsylvania
34

order. Eventually, around 1800, Culver returned to the Indian Landing at Irondequoit Creek where Judge John Tryon had now built
a store. Known as the city of Tryon, the area consisted of the Tryon & Adams store, an ashery, a tavern, a tannery, a blacksmith
shop, and a shoemaker's facility. Culver and the Hatch brothers built the first sawmill in 1802 on nearby Allyn's Creek. To provide a
suitable income, Culver not only ran the sawmill but also tended John Tryon's store, operated the ashery, cleared land, hunted, and
trapped. On one occasion, Culver and his friend, Sam Spafford, were inspecting traps near the mouth of the Genesee River at Lake
Ontario. They caught three Indians trying to steal the traps, and a violent fight ensued. Culver received a severe tomahawk cut to his
head, which nearly killed him. They did, however, save the traps, and Culver would show his scar and tell the tale to any ready
listener.
Another incident occurred at Irondequoit Bay when Culver and Spafford spotted a bear swimming in the bay. They thought a
bearskin would fetch a good price and pursued the bear in a boat, armed only with their hunting knives. The bear, however, turned
out to be more than they bargained for. He weighed 400 pounds, and in the violent struggle, the bear almost capsized the boat.
They did finally manage to kill it, and the skin did fetch a good price. The incident also provided an entertaining story. Oliver Culver
boarded for some time at Orringh Stone's house (now the Stone-Tolan House). He lived very frugally, saving his money in order to
buy 105 acres in what was then a part of Brighton, but which today is in Rochester along the north side of East Avenue from Culver
Road west to Barrington Street and from Culver Road east to 1300 East Avenue. He paid $3 an acre and cleared some of the land,
planting wheat near what is now Culver Road. He has the distinction of having two Rochester streets named for him: Culver Road
and Oliver Street, which is one block west of Culver. He also persuaded his brother John, to purchase 150 acres which extended
from what is now Goodman Street to Barrington Street along East Avenue. This land included the current site of the George
Eastman House. The land was sold to Eastman by Charles Culver. Culver, however, did not initially stay in this area but decided to
move back to Vermont. He returned in 1812. At this point in his life, Culver had had no formal education. He did, however, value
education highly. The nearest school at the time was a few miles away in Pittsford. So, when he was 24 years old, Culver helped to
build a log schoolhouse near the Indian Landing. He hauled logs to the saw mill at Allyn's Creek to be made into boards for the roof.
And when the school was built, he attended it himself, even though he was older than the other students. His teacher was a man
named Turner who was also a clerk at John Tryon's store.
Around 1804, Culver began getting itchy to venture off on his own again. He started a trading company in partnership with John
Tryon. Trading in furs -- such as muskrat, mink, and bear -- as well as rum, brandy, produce, white fish, and cattle, the venture took
him as far west as Detroit. In, Cleveland, he traded 75 barrels of salt for 15 yoke of oxen, which he then drove back east to Tryon.
For years, there was only dense forest and a narrow Indian trail from Orringh Stone's tavern west. Col. Nathaniel Rochester
persuaded the Northfield town council to clear a road from Stone's place to the Genesee River. In 1805, the town appropriated $50
for the task and contracted Oliver Culver to clear it. He worked with Stone, Sam Spafford, and others to clear the land and lay a log
road. It took about an hour to haul a wagon over the logs from Stone's tavern four miles west to the Genesee River. At first, it was
called Pittsford Road, later Main Street, and finally, East Avenue. At the same time that he was building what was to become
Rochester's most elegant avenue, Culver also married Alice Ray and finished a house and barn on his property for which he had
finally secured firm title. Alice's parents were Isaac and Tabitha Ray, who had built a home on Landing Road. Tabitha Ray was
the sister of Israel Stone, one of the first settlers in Pittsford. In 1789, Isaac Ray and his cousin Simon Ray purchased for $30 all of
the land that became half of the present village of Pittsford. Dr. John Ray lived in Northfield on what is now Church Street in
Pittsford.
At the time that Culver built his house near East Avenue and Culver Road, there was only one other house to the west. This was the
home of Col. Josiah Fish, who was running the old Indian Allan mill on the Genesee Falls. To the cast, there were only four other
families living in Brighton. Both Oliver Culver and his wife Alice loved this area and lived here for the rest of their lives. They had four
children, three sons -- Henry, George, John R. -- and a daughter, Caroline. Dinah Walker was a domestic servant who lived with the
Ray family when Alice was born. When Alice married, Dinah also moved to Culver's house and stayed with them until she died. She
is also interred in the Culver family burial lot in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Culver loved water, felt at home on the Great Lakes, and this interest naturally turned his attention to boating. On one occasion, he
paddled a canoe up the Mohawk River to Oswego and along Lake Ontario to Lewiston. In 1805, he paid $55 for a very unusual
sailing vessel, which was a large canoe made of bark and carrying two sails. He filled it with over two tons of furs and set out to sail
the Great Lakes, trading and selling his wares and returning to Tryon 15 months later. In 1812-1813, he built a 40-ton ship called the
Clarissa, named after the recently deceased teenage daughter of his friend, Caleb Hopkins. He built this vessel on the farm of
Roswell Hart near the corner of Clover Street and East Avenue. It took 26 yoke of oxen to pull it to the Indian Landing into
Irondequoit Creek. In those days, very large schooners had no difficulty navigating up Irondequoit Bay and Irondequoit River, as the
creek was called in those days, to Tryon City. The creek was, of course, much wider and deeper than it is today. It emanates from
Mendon Ponds and flows 34 miles, dropping 416 feet to enter Irondequoit Bay. Culver also built lake vessels. One was called Lady
Culver and another, Lavanchia. In 1822, he got into the canal boat business, building the first canal packet boat in the area west of
Palmyra. His was the fourth canal boat launched on the Eric Canal.
The town of Brighton held its first town meeting in Orringh Stone's tavern on April 5, 1814 and elected Oliver Culver as the town's
first supervisor to serve until 1816. He was given the added responsibility of being its first coroner. Culver's businesses were
booming, and in 1817, the Erie Canal Commission hired him to construct a mile and a half of the canal including three locks in
Brighton. He employed Hamlet Scrantom [q.v.], the first settler west of the Genesee River, as sales agent in this construction
business. Culver was subsequently awarded a large four-year contract to build 10 locks in Lockport and one in Tonawanda. After
the completion of the Erie Canal, Culver started another venture, this time in flour milling. He bought the old Norton Mill in Honeoye
Falls in 1827, rebuilding it from a wooden building into a more permanent stone structure. Even though Culver's business
enterprises consumed much of his efforts, he somehow managed to find time to be active in political and religious affairs. He
became involved in state politics and served in 1820-1821 as an assemblyman in the state legislature where he was instrumental in
the formation of Monroe County. From 1838 to 1841 and again in 1844, he repeated terms as Brighton town supervisor. Culver,
along with Nathaniel Rochester and Silas O. Smith, was a founder of St. Luke's Episcopal Church and served as vestryman in 1817.
St. Luke's on Fitzhugh Street was rebuilt in stone in 1824 and survives as the oldest public building in Rochester.
35

http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA9&dq=%22hamlet%20Scrantom%22&ei=lVjxS_3fA8KAlAfB_5i0CA&ct=result&id=Zi4VAAAA
YAAJ&output=text page 10.
OLIVER CULVER'S native town was East Windsor, CT; he removed with his father, at five years of age to Ticonderoga, thence to
Orwell in the state of Vermont; from which latter place he came to the Genesee country in 1796, being then about 19 years of age.
He made the journey from his home to Irondequoit Landing on foot and in company with Samuel Spafford, a native also of Vermont.
They remained at the landing some six weeks, having no other society than a single Mulatto family, by the name of Dunbar. At the
close of this period, a company which had recently purchased the Connecticut lands in Ohio, their surveyors and two families, came
up the Lake in their boats. Messrs. Culver & Spafford according to previous arrangement, embarked in this expedition. The
Company's boats were built at Schenectady, taken up the Mohawk to Oswego, up Lake Ontario, drawn round Niagara Falls, from
whence they coasted along the south shore of Lake Erie. They found, at the mouth of Buffalo Creek, one solitary family, other than
which there was not an inhabitant until they reached Erie. At this latter point they found Col. Seth Reed. At length the party landed
on the present site of the city of Cleveland, and erected a small log house. They all returned to New England in the autumn of this
year. Early the following spring, Messrs. Culver & Spafford, abating nothing of the spirit of adventure, left their home again; directing
their steps to Irondequoit Landing, the then city of the west. At that point they hunted, trapped, and traded in furs, until the Cleveland
settlers again returned, when they joined them on a second expedition. In the year 1797, they cleared and planted to corn about six
acres, which is now the central portion of the city of Cleveland. During 1798, Mr. Culver was engaged in cutting a road from the
boundary line of Pennsylvania across the purchase of the New Connecticut company. The year 1799 was spent mostly at home, in
his native state. In 1800 he purchased his present farm, where he now resides, cleared seven acres the first season and raised a
fine crop of wheat. Apprehending, however, some difficulty in obtaining a valid title to the land, he went into the employ of Augustus
Griswold, at Irondequoit, where he continued for three successive years. In 1804, Mr. Culver opened a store at Cleveland. His
goods, groceries, and salt, were purchased at Schenectady and Salt Point, conveyed to Oswego, thence to Lewiston, on wagons to
Schlosser, by water to Black Rock, and from thence on board " The Good Intent" — the first vessel built on this side Lake Erie — to
Cleveland. These goods were designed for the Indian trade, the settlement in Pennsylvania, and exchanges in barter, with Detroit.
From this latter place he could obtain whitefish, apples, and some other articles of produce; from the former, the inhabitants brought,
on pack-horses, whiskey, cider, brandy, butter and cheese, and exchanged for salt at $3,00 per bushel, and other articles of
commerce equally extravagant in prices as contrasted with their present market value. He bought 15 yoke of oxen for 67i barrels of
salt, averaging 4£ barrels for each yoke, and drove them to Irondequoit. In 1795, Mr. C. returned by the lakes, in a bark canoe,
carrying 4,500 pounds of furs. This was the fifth time he had traversed the Lakes in an open boat, not including one trip made in a
larger boat. In addition to these voyages upon these internal seas, and in a craft of such frail texture, he made the same distance in
1798, by land, and at a time when there was no house between Buffalo and Ganson's, at LeRoy. This mercantile adventure settled
up, Mr. Culver returned to his farm in 1800, secured a good title, and about 1805 became a permanent resident of Brighton. It is
evident that our pioneer soon became possessed of considerable means, for, in the course of 7 years from this date, he was
enabled to build a vessel — " The Clarissa" — of 47 tons burden, which he drew from Brighton, where she was built, to the Landing,
with 26 yoke of oxen. In this schooner, Mr. C. made the port of Oswego over the same track and in the same storm in which two fine
vessels had recently gone down with all on board. Mr. Culver stood at the helm of his own boat, kept her all night quartering the
seas, and, when in the morning the wind veered to the north, blowing a violent gale, in a desperate exigency which leaves no
alternative, in the teeth of such a storm as even Lake Ontario S2es but few, he made the harbor of Oswego in safety. Hundreds,
who stood to view this exploit, in the rush of excited feeling, from the horribly foreboding to the rapturous admiration of noble daring,
were ready to admit that the thing was so incredible, that to be believed it should be seen.
The two vessels lost were the Julian, — a vessel in public service during the war, and which was wrecked at Pultneyville, Captain
Snow and twenty-three men perishing. The other was a schooner from Sackett's Harbor. She was lost and one man drowned in
attempting to make the harbor, which is now Port Ontario.
The Clarrissa, which deserves to be immortalized for posterity, was built in 1812 and 13. Mr. Culver subsequently built two other
vessels at Irondequoit,— The Lavanchia and the Lady Culver. Mr. C. is not a man who, from fear, dies many deaths. His courage
has been pretty fairly tested in his encounters with the Indians, the marks of whose deadly weapons he still carries upon his person.
At the call of humanity, he has, many times, voluntarily plunged into most frightful exposures. William Hencher, the first settler at the
mouth of the Genesee, had been bitten by a rattlesnake, and in circumstances apparently to forbid relief from any quuarter. Mr.
Culver, however, procured medicine from Dr. Ray of Pittsford — the only Doctor nearer than Palmyra — and with it, attempting to
ford the River in the night time, guided only by flashes of lightning, he was drifted down the stream into a deep eddy, from which he
was saved by catching the alders and drawing himself on shore.— Mr. C. must have been a young man of great endurance and
elasticity. He mentions of himself, that, on a certain occasion, in 1805, the mail-carrier being taken sick, he volunteered his services
and transported the mail through, on his back, running on skates from Cleveland to Huron, a distance of 40 miles in four hours — a
rate which the mail train, on the Central Road, would scarcely beat, at this day. Mr. C. has not claimed to be a political man, nor has
he aspired to office; still he has shared liberally in the confidence of those who have known him best, has been once a legislator
from his district — frequently supervisor, and has taken his turn in the Minor offices in his community. He has always been a man of
active business habits, and, now in his fair and green old age, after the toils and endurances of three quarters of a century, his
active mind and sprightly manner are more indicative of 40 than 75 years. He was a contractor for building the combined Locks at
Lockport on the original canal; he built the first packet boat, as far west as Brighton, and the fourth built for the Canal service;
assisted in cutting away the woods and constructing the road, which is now Main street in Rochester, has lived his contemporaries
into the period of sere decay, and yet himself and wife are still in the vigor of active life, moving about, and superintending a large
estate. His two sons were buried years gone by; his only daughter is Mrs. L. D. Ely who still resides in Brighton.
Mr, & Mrs. Culver, in company with their young grand daughter, have recently returned from a visit to the Crystal Palace in New
York, and also to their friends in New England. Over this mighty space, which, in their prime, was the journey almost of a month,
they have been whirled and trundled in a few brief hours, and are just now set down at their home refreshed in memory's new
creations, and better content to die, after having witnessed the wonderful productions of a wonder-working age, and after having
looked in the faces of endeared friends whom they expect not to visit again in this world.
------
36

The Eatons – Silas and Joshua C.
Memoirs of Lenawee County, Michigan, Vol. II, page 110.
http://books.google.com/books?id=xXaEwGmbkKUC&pg=PA111&dq=%22joshua+c.+eaton%22&hl=en&ei=k6fwS7KbMYX7lweTk5i
2CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CEAQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=%22joshua%20c.%20eaton%22&f=false
Stephen A. Eaton, president of the Boies State Savings Bank of Hudson, Mich., is a native of the state of New York, having been
born ten miles east of Rochester in Perinton township, Monroe county, that state, in 1825. His parents were Silas and Eliza
(Simmons) Eaton, both of whom were also natives of the Empire state. The father was born in Duanesburg, NY, and in 1810, when
he was twelve years of age, removed with his parents to Monroe county and settled in Perinton township, where he continued to
reside until 1834, when he decided to remove to Michigan, coming by boat to Detroit and thence with three three-horse teams to
Hudson township, arriving there on Sunday, Oct. 13, 1834, while Michigan was still a Territory. He secured 160 acres of wild
government land in Sections 7 and 8 and spent three years clearing and cultivating it, and then moved to a property he had
purchased two miles north of the present village of Hudson, where he remained until the railroad was located through the village in
1839, when he removed there and engaged in carpentering, which trade he had learned before coming west. He was prominent in
the politics of that day and served as township supervisor, and for twelve years was postmaster of Hudson. He and his wife were the
parents of four children, three sons and a daughter, of whom Stephen A. is the only survivor.
Stephen A. received his early educational training in the public schools of York state, and being only nine years of age when he
accompanied his father to Lenawee county, he spent three years after his arrival in attending a select school in Adrian. One of the
first positions he ever held was that of mail carrier between Keene and Adrian in 1838, when he was only thirteen years of age, but
his business career really began when he accepted a position as a clerk in a general store in Hudson and then worked in the same
capacity for four or five years in Adrian, after which he engaged in the dry goods business for a time in Hudson. On Jan. 1, 1884, he
became associated with Mr. Boies in the bank which Mr. Boies and brother, with Nathan Rude, had established in 1855, as a private
banking institution. Mr. Boies died in August, 1891, and in the following year the bank was incorporated as a state institution with Mr.
Eaton as president, which position he has since filled with eminent satisfaction to all concerned. The other officers of the bank are D.
J. Beachboard vice president, and Byron J. Foster cashier. It does a general banking business, and under the able and conservative
management of its officers the bank is known far and wide as one of the soundest financial institutions in Lenawee county. It has
weathered every panic and financial storm for over fifty years, and possesses the unqualified confidence of its patrons. Although Mr.
Eaton devotes his time sedulously to his business interests, he recognizes his political and social obligations to the community,
being prominent in the councils of the Democratic party which has twice elected him president of the village. He is not a member of
any religious organization, but usually attends the services of the Congregational church, of which he is a trustee. On Aug. 30, 1852,
was celebrated his marriage to Miss Amy A. Eaton, a cousin, born in Perinton township, Monroe, NY, and a daughter of Joshua
C. Eaton, who resided on the old Eaton homestead, settled as previously mentioned in 1810. Two children have blessed this union,
Mary, who died when three years old, and Addie G., who graduated from Lake Forest Seminary, after which she became the wife of
W. C. Pease, of Chicago, by whom she is the mother of a daughter, Kathryn. Mr. Eaton's only fraternal relations are with the
Masonic order, and he is one of the foremost figures in the Hudson chapter of that order.
“The Bean Creek Valley,” by James J. Hogaboam, 1876. page 37.
http://books.google.com/books?id=WlcTAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA37&lpg=PA37&dq=%22silas+eaton%22+%22simmons%22&source=bl
&ots=Rzv1cY0EEm&sig=W7uaV45ssdrYEo2bTQUOutxZ0Ok&hl=en&ei=ErDwS_36I4Odlgeo-
ZC0CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBoQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22silas%20eaton%22%20%22simmo
ns%22&f=false
. . . Silas Eaton has passed away; life's toils and pains, its joys and blessings are over. Mr. Eaton was born at Duanesburg,
Montgomery, NY, on 22 Feb 1798. When he was twelve years old his father removed to the Genesee country and settled at
Perrington, Monroe county. On 18 Nov 1819, he married Miss Eliza Simmons, of Victor, Ontario county. Mr. and Mrs. Eaton lived in
various localities in the State of New York, until the year 1834. While residing in that State the happy couple had five children born
unto them, one of whom had died. Those remaining were Harriet Newell (since the wife of Joseph M. Johnson), Stephen A.,
Constantine S. and Hervey U. In 1834 Mr. Eaton began seriously to think of making his home in the West. He came to Michigan in
the month of June, that year, and entered the west half of the northwest quarter of section eight, town seven south, one west—the
farm now occupied by Silas L. Allen, Esq. He returned home, and in October of that year removed his family to Michigan and settled
on his farm, where he remained nearly three years. In the year 1837 he removed to the village of Keene, where he had built himself
a frame house; there he remained until the spring of 1840, laboring at his trade—that of a carpenter and joiner. While there he was
appointed postmaster under Van Buren's administration. He held the office until his removal, when he was succeeded by Henry
Ames. In the spring of 1840, the Southern Railroad having been located through Lanesville, Mr. Eaton removed to the latter place,
moving not only his family and personal effects, but his house as well. In this village he resided all the rest of his life. He was
Supervisor of the township in 1848 and 1840, and was postmaster eight years—during the administration of Pierce and Buchanan.
Politically, Mr. Eaton was a Democrat of the straightest sect, and during his active life was held in high esteem in the councils of that
party. In all his acts, social, business, political, and religious, Mr. Eaton was ever governed by strong conscientious convictions, and,
if he erred it was an error of judgment rather than affections.
In early life, the winter of 1821-22, Mr. Eaton was made a Free and Accepted Mason in a lodge [Morning Star Lodge No. 223] at
Pittsford, Ontario, NY. He was a charter member of Morning Star Lodge [No. 26 *], Hudson, Michigan, at its organization on
Monday, 19 Jun 1848; was the first Senior Warden, and for several years held official positions [note: this Lodge was chartered by
E. Smith Lee, GM, and surrendered its charter 17 Nov 1859 - glh]. He was also a charter member of Warren Lodge [No. 147],
organized 24 Sep 1863, and was made an honorary member in 1871. He was made a Royal Arch Mason in Hudson chapter No.
28. His funeral on the 22nd was largely attended by members of the craft, and his remains were consigned to the tomb with mystic
rites. As a mark of respect and honor to the worthy dead—for one so early and so long identified with the moral and material
progress of this community—places of business were generally closed during the moving of the procession and the funeral
exercises, which were held in the M. E. church. The services consisted of the reading of portions of scripture by Rev. Mr. Roberts, of
the Wesleyan Methodist church, prayer by the Rev. Mr. Frazer, of the Methodist Episcopal church, sermon by the Rev. Mr. Gibbs, of
37

the Universalist church of Manchester, and appropriate singing by the Congregational and Methodist choirs—the large auditorium
being filled with sorrowing relatives and friends, brothers, neighbors and citizens, "who a last tribute would pay to a good man
passed away." The Hudson Post, a Republican newspaper, closed an appreciative obituary with these words: "Mr. Eaton leaves a
widow (the companion of his youth), two sons and one daughter, many grandchildren, and a host of friends to mourn his departure:
" 'But why weep ye for him, who having won
The bound of man's appointed years, at last.
Life's blessings all enjoyed, Life's labors done,
Warren Lodge, No. 147, Free and Accepted Masons, adopted the following resolutions:
Serenely to his final rest has passed;
While the soft memory of his virtues yet
Lingers like twilight hues when the bright sun is set?' "
WHEREAS, Our esteemed brother, Silas Eaton, has, at the ripe age of seventy-eight years, been called to exchange an earthly for a
spiritual state of existence;
Resolved, That while we are thankful to our Supreme Grand Master for the many years of social intercourse we have been
permitted to enjoy with our brother Eaton, we mourn his departure as a loss to ourselves and our noble craft, no less than to his
family and relatives.
Resolved, That we recognize in our departed brother a true type of the noble pioneers who converted the wilds of Michigan into
fertile fields, and that we recognize it as our duty to cherish the memory of those departed, and by kindly offices light the pathway of
those remaining,
Resolved, That we commend our sister, the widow of our departed brother, to the active sympathy of the craft, and that we extend to
our brothers (the sons of the deceased), and to his daughter, the hand of condolence in their sad bereavement; but as a source of
comfort in such trying scenes, remind them that his work was fully done, and that he departed full of days, with earth's honors
untarnished.
Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the village papers, and that copies be furnished the widow and children of our
departed brother.
* Morning Star Lodge, No. 26, Hudson, dispensation granted in 1848 by Grand Master E. Smith Lee; 17 members at close of that
year. Charter surrender 7 Nov 1859.
Maxson Lodge, No. 26, Hudson, dispensation granted by Deputy Grand Master William L. Greenly, 17 Nov 1859; 44 members at
close of year. Charter surrendered in 1880.
Lebanon Lodge, No. 26, Hudson, organized from the consolidation of Maxson Lodge, No. 26 and Warren Lodge, No. 147, both of
that place, under name of Hudson Lodge, No. 26, name afterwards changed to Lebanon Lodge. Present membership 120.
Occupied a fine Masonic temple valued at $9000.
------
Benajah Holbrook [4C], was born 19 Nov 1772, in Billingham, MA, and lived in Riga, Monroe County, New York. He served as
Major of Militia and was stationed in Buffalo. He was also a petitioner and Past Master of Harmony Lodge No. 212 in Riga.
http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/abner-morse/a-genealogical-register-of-the-inhabitants-and-history-of-the-towns-ofsherborn--sro/page-23-a-genealogical-register-of-the-inhabitants-and-history-of-the-towns-of-sherborn--sro.shtml
Benajah Holbrook, Esq., emigrated in early life from Bellingbam to N. Adams, MA. Here he m. Judith Badger, and prior to 1810
removed to Riga, Monroe Co., NY. About 1840 be moved from Riga to Chili in the same Co., where his lady deceased. He then
went to Livonia, Wayne Co., Mich., where he spent the remainder of his days with his daughter, Roena.
He was by avocation a farmer, inherited an excellent constitution, was never sick until shortly before his death, and was to wise and
happy in the choice of a wife as to transmit his excellent constitution to his children; and if his example in this thing could reach and
control the future generations of the race, he would be one of their greatest benefactors. Mr. Holbrook served as Major in the militia,
in the war of 1812, and was for a time stationed at Buffalo. "He was never in any battle, yet constantly doing battle for Gen.
Jackson.” During his residence at Riga be transacted much public business, and was repeatedly elected a justice of the peace.
Children:
i. Judith m. Jan. 1826, Henry Ide, who d. 1833, and 2d, Davis, res. Mt. Morris, NY.
ii. Benajah, b. Jan. 26, 1805, was a merchant; res. San Francisco, CA, where he d. 27 Sep 1850. He m1. 13 Apr 1830
Jerusha E. Ingraham, b. Oct. 8, 1835; m2. Jane Herr, May 19, 1836, who res. with her children, at Plymouth, Mich.
iii. Henry B[adger] formerly a merchant, now res. a land agent at Grand Rapids, Mich., m. 18 Nov 1832, Sarah Woodruff.
iv. Mary Ann, m1. Dr. Willard Slocum, Aug. 31, 1831, who d. Jan. 17, 1847; and 2d, Jona. F. Chubb, Jan. 8, 1849, who res.
as a merchant at Grand Rapids
v. Charles m. Eliza Pinkney, Feb. 19, 1845, res. as a farmer at Lansing, Mich.
vi. Roena b. 14 Dec 1813, m. Julius C. Willcox, Dec. 31. 1840, who res. a farmer at Livonia, Mich.,
vii. Milton b. 14 Jan 1817, m1. Sarah A. Bronson, Dec. 2, 1844, who d. 9 Jan 1853; and 2d, Electa Woodruff, Oct. 4,
1855, sister of his brother’s wife, and lived at Detroit, a general collecting agent.
viii. DeWitt C(linton). Holbrook Esq., a lawyer of good standing in the profession, and a gentleman much esteemed in society, res. at
Detroit ; m. Sep. 26, 1850, Mrs. Mary A. Berdan, dau. of Thomas. P. May, Sr., of Plymouth, Mich., and formerly from London, Eng.,
ix. Ursula True m. Sylvester Fuller, ca 1853; res. at Utica, Mich.
------
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nymonroe/bios/biographies018.htm
History of Rochester and Monroe County New York From the Earliest Historic Times to the Beginning of 1907 by William F. Peck
(1908), pages 503-504
Colonel Caleb HOPKINS, whose life history forms an integral factor in the annals of Monroe county, was connected with many
events which shaped the policy and molded the destiny of this part of the state. He was born in 1770 and died 14 Jan 1818, age 47,
three years before the county of Monroe was organized. He was a son of James HOPKINS and a grandson of Ebenezer HOPKINS
38

who removed from Connecticut to Pittsford, Vermont. Both the father and grandfather were farmers. James HOPKINS had two
sons, Caleb and James, and two daughters: Rhoda, the wife of Elisha HOPKINS, JR., and Susanna, the wife of Elijah KIRKHAM.
Colonel HOPKINS of this review was married, probably in 1795, to Dorothy MABEE, a daughter of Jacobus MABEE, who came to
western New York about 1791. Her death occurred 20 Aug 1847, age 79. Both she and her husband lie buried in the cemetery a
mile south of the village of Pittsford and beside them are the remains of three children: Clarissa, James and Marvin.
The life history of Colonel HOPKINS, covering a period of 47, was in many respects a notable one. In 1791 he started from Pittsford,
Rutland, VT, for western New York in company with General Jonathan FASSETT, and on reaching the Mohawk valley they were
joined by Jacobus MABEE. They settled in the wilderness of what was Ontario county. General FASSETT caused a plot to be
surveyed for a village nearly opposite Tryonstown on Irondequoit creek but the village never materialized and, becoming
disappointed and discouraged, he returned to Vermont, leaving Colonel HOPKINS in charge of his extensive land purchase.
The latter was only 21 years of age when he settled in this region. He was made of the stern stuff demanded of the pioneers and the
obstacles to be met in a new country only made him more persistent. In 1791 he built the first log dwelling in the present town of
Penfield. It was a large substantial structure, containing several rooms, and later many friends and strangers were there entertained.
He also cleared and sowed the first land which was cultivated in the town. Noting that the population was increasing much faster in
the vicinity of Stonetown than in his own neighborhood, Colonel HOPKINS moved to a point near there about the year 1800 and
erected a house about a half a mile south of the present village of Pittsford. He became one of the prominent and active business
men of the locality and for several years was engaged in mercantile pursuits in the village with Dr. A.G. SMITH, Nathan NYE and
John ACER, while at the same time he was interested in milling and in supervising his several farms. In 1809 he was elected
supervisor of the town of Boyle and in the same year was appointed by President Madison US collector of customs for the port of
Genesee, becoming the second incumbent in the office. He was reappointed at the end of four years and served until May 1817. He
also held the office of inspector of customs during the same time and his principal deputy was Jonathan CHILD, afterward the first
mayor of Rochester. During two years of the time he was US collector he acted by appointment of Governor TOMPKINS as bridge
commissioner for Ontario county, with Zacheus COLBY of Genesee county in building the first bridge across the Genesee river
below Avon.
While in office Caleb HOPKINS did not confine his attention entirely to civil pursuits. When the war of 1812 was declared he was
prompt to serve his country in the field and became an active and efficient officer on the Niagara frontier. Governor George Clinton
had commissioned him as a lieutenant of the militia in 1804 and Governor Morgan LEWIS had made him major in 1807. His further
promotions were to lieutenant colonel in 1812 and colonel in 1813, both of these being signed by Governor TOMPKINS. He was in
several battles and skirmishes and once received a wound in the shoulder. In one emergency General Peter B. PORTER placed
him in command of a band of Indian warriors and evidence is not lacking that he handled them skillfully. He received letters of
acknowledgement from General PORTER and when he resigned his commission Governor Tompkins wrote him a letter expressing
deep regret that such a course was necessary and also "tendering an acknowledgement of his approbation and gratitude." On 22
Mar 1816, Governor Tompkins had issued to Colonel HOPKINS a commission as brigadier general by brevet for gallant service
during the war. In 1814 the town of Smallwood was divided into Brighton and Pittsford, the latter being named by Colonel HOPKINS
in honor of his birthplace in Vermont. About the time the war closed in 1815 he bought the present large homestead farm in the
southwestern part of the town of Pittsford and built the house now owned and occupied by his grandson, Jared W. HOPKINS, and
formerly by his son, Marvin HOPKINS. After the war he was awarded several contracts for carrying the US mail in western New
York and Ohio. In 1815 he was employed for some time with his friend, Colonel Philetus SWIFT, of Phelps, as commissioner for
making alterations in the state road, now known as the Ridge road.
In 1816 Colonel HOPKINS interested himself in the Genesee Manufacturing Company, which was the first manufacturing company
in Rochesterville. He was a member of the general assembly of New York in 1816 and 1817 and served upon the committee in
military affairs. There is in possession of his grandson a fine oil painting of Colonel HOPKINS, painted when he was a member of
the legislature. It shows an intellectual and attractive face, indicative of strong character, not dissimilar to those of some of his
eminent ancestors. He was a lineal descendant of John HOPKINS, who came from England and settled in Cambridge, MA, in 1643
and two years later moved to Hartford, CT. The life of Caleb HOPKINS was not long, but a man of his intelligence, enterprise and
public spirit could not fail to leave an impress on the age in which he lived and the record left by him in civil and military affairs is a
source of just pride to his descendants.
------
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~elessar5/pafg482.htm#111221
Sylvanus Lothrop [5c5r] b. 5 Feb 1794 Enfield, MA; d. 1861 Alleghany PA; son of Alden Lathrop and Mary Stevenson; m. Caroline
Clayus in 1822 in Pittsford NY; m2. Stockton, Eliza Alden in 1831 in Alleghany PA; His great-grandmother Hannah Alden was the
great-granddaughter of John and Priscilla Alden. of the 'Mayflower'. He was a natural-born civil engineer and architect, and his first
contract was on the Erie Canal, embanking the Irondequoit valley and stream, one mile east of Pittsford, NY. In 1828, he became
engaged in the iron business at Pittsburgh, PA, and built the third rolling-mill there. He was a prominent engineer and businessman
who constructed the first locks and several major bridges on the Monongahela River in the 1830s and 1840s.
http://pghbridges.com/monongahela/0591-4450/williamsport.htm
39

This was the first bridge to cross the Monongahela River at the city which shares its name with the river. Parkison's Ferry and
Williamsport were the previous names of the town; the name was changed to Monongahela City, April 1, 1837. The narrow strip of
land formed by the outflow of Pigeon Creek into the Monongahela River is known as Whiskey Point -- a prominent site from the
Whiskey Rebellion (1791-1794) where farmers and political leaders protested the Federal government's excise tax on whiskey.
The ferry crossed "30 perches" (495 feet) downstream from the outflow of Pigeon Creek. The charter for the bridge specified that
the bridge would cross closer to Pigeon Creek. Construction on the Williamsport Bridge was begun in 1836. The massive stone
abutment which carried the bridge into Mon City still stands on the river bank. The lower sections show some frost and flood
damage but above the high water level, the joints remain remarkably tight.
The quoted length is 921 feet. Drawings show the bridge to have had four spans. Assuming the state-of-the-art in 1836 was
producing bridge spans locally of about 180 feet, the quoted length includes long approaches and an over water distance of about
720 feet.
Sylvanus Lothrop, who constructed the 1838 superstructure, is noted as the engineer responsible for the 1829 Allegheny Aqueduct
carrying the Pennsylvania Canal over the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh. He was also chief engineer for the Monongahela Navigation
Company which made the first efforts in building a lock and dam system on the river.
Lothrop and William Pagan (stonework) are also reported as involved in the construction of the Burr arch truss covered bridges at
1839 Hand St (Ninth St) and the 1838 Northern Liberties Bridge (Mechanics St, later 16th St) -- both bridges crossing the Allegheny
River at Pittsburgh.
Grandson of Seth Lathrop, b. 7 Jul 1729 in Easton MA.
Great grandson of Mark Lathrop, b. 9 Sep 1689; m. Hannah Alden, b. 1 Feb 1695/1696 in Bridgewater, Plymouth, MA.
GG grandson of Deacon Joseph Alden, b. 1667 in Bridgewater, Plymouth. MA, and Hannah Dunham.
GGG grandson of Joseph Alden, b. 28 May 1627 in Plymouth, MA, and Mary Simmons.
GGGG grandson of John Alden, b. 1598, and Priscilla Mullins.
Children:
i Hettie Stockton Lothrop.
ii Mary Stevenson Lothrop
iii Anne Buck Lothrop
iv Martha Stockton Lothrop
v Joseph Alden Lothrop
vi Clara Stockton Lothrop
------
Elijah Leland
http://books.google.com/books?id=ZkBSEwxTegwC&pg=PA233&lpg=PA233&dq=%22Elijah+leland%22+%22wakefield%22&source
=bl&ots=tzbnfUxumB&sig=38lwshTY04wblob027sEbB0VsoU&hl=en&ei=CyjzS_7QLYm29gSBxa3NDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=r
esult&resnum=1&ved=0CBcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22Elijah%20leland%22%20%22wakefield%22&f=false page 233.
Elijah Leland, b. 1775; d. 1828, Mendon, Monroe, NY; son of Abner Leland and Hannah Thayer; m. Anne Wakefield; farmer.
Children:
i. Amos b. 1797; m. Hannah Ratoon; of Norwich, NY; Tailor
ii. Hannah b. 1800; m. Wm. Gildersleeve; of Sunbury, OH; Clergyman
iii. Elijah (Jr.) b. 1804; m. Julia Sherwood; of Quincy, MI; Farmer
iv. Charles b. 1806; m. Charlotte Beers; of Victor, NY; Farmer
v. Nancy b. 1808; d. 1836, Mendon, NY
v. Mary b. 1810 m. Cyrenius Beer and Joseph Bristol, of Victor, NY
vi. Tirzah b. 1812; m. John Newton Wagoner; of Dearborn, MI and Janesville, WI; Shoe maker
vii. Sophia b. 1814; m. George Roberts; of White Water, WI; Grocer
viii. Joseph W. b. 1816; of Pascagoula, MS; Soldier, US Army
ix. George W. b. 1820; m. Lucy A. Paddock; of Mendon, NY; Farmer
x. Eliza b. 1823; m. Sweet W. Case; of Toledo, OH; Miller
------
Willis Kempshall b. 1790, England; d. 3 Jun 1870, Peoria, Peoria Co, IL; m. 27 May 1835, Rochester, NY, Amelia Ann KNAPP, d.
1900, Peoria, IL. Child: Amelia Ann KEMPSHALL b. 31 May 1837 in Rochester, NY; d. 28 Jun 1927 in Brooklyn, Kings, New York.
http://books.google.com/books?id=VlIWAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA604&lpg=PA604&dq=%22willis+Kempshall%22+%22Pittsford%22&sour
ce=bl&ots=g7UxEbbuiR&sig=HNlVI3sE9aOKFRDMgR06bCoyhgc&hl=en&ei=CBzzS6PIOYnW9ASLopXNDw&sa=X&oi=book_resul
t&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22willis%20Kempshall%22%20%22Pittsford%22&f=false page 604.
Richard Kempshall with a large family, was an emigrant from England, locating in a neighborhood of chiefly English families in what
is now Pittsford, in 1806. He died in less than a year, of the prevalent disease of the new country, after having expended all of his
small means in emigrating, making the first payment upon a tract of new land, in erecting a log house, and defraying other incidental
expenses, leaving a wife and ten children in indigent circumstances. With no ability to make the payments still due upon their lands,
they were obliged to let it revert, and destitute even of a home, the support of the large family devolved upon the widow, and the
eldest son, Willis, who was then but eighteen years of age. The family was broken up, but through the extraordinary exertions of
Willis, mostly found good homes under the roofs of the more fortunate Pioneers.
Willis Kempshall, having acquired from his father the trade of a carpenter, was as early as 1813 in the employ of the Messrs.
Browns, in Frankfort. He became a permanent resident in Rochester as early as 1814, where he has since mostly resided until quite
recently, he has purchased a farm in Wyoming, Wyoming county, upon which he now resides with a large family.
------
40

http://boards.ancestry.com/surnames.peet/348.1/mb.ashx
Ebenezer Peet [Samuel Wildman Peet6, Samuel5, David4, John3, John2, John1] b. 5 Oct 1772, Lower Merryall (New Milford), CT;
d. 10 Jul 1849, New York City; bur Lower Merryall Cemetery; m. 27 Mar 1793 in Congregational Society, New Milford, CT Deborah
Beecher, b. 1769 [or1775], New Milford, CT; d 1831; bur Oakwood Cemetery, Penfield, Monroe, NY.
Ebenezer settled in Penfield, NY before 1813, prob1806. In 1813, with his brother, Samuel, he located at corner of Ridge Road and
Five Mile Line Road in Webster, NY. Story of Ebenezer's arrival in Monroe Co. tired and thirsty after driving a herd of cows from
Connecticut along the Mohawk Trail -- he paused to rest and sat on the council rock while the cows grazed -- the council rock is on
the edge of East Avenue near the entrance to Rochester, NY and is where white settlers and Indians convened to settle disputes.
He was elected town clerk of Penfield April 26-28, 1814 and erected a distillery ½ mile north of Mr. Hipp’s homestead; “Northfield on
the Genesee…early times in Monroe County,” (1981, p 164) indicates that a distillery and a grist mill owned by Mr. Nathaniel Chase
was leased to Ebenezer, Minor A. and Stephen Peet along with five acres of land. Ebenezer was a signatory to petition to Grand
Lodge of New York State of 21 Aug 1810 recommending the establishment of a Masonic lodge in town.
Children recorded in New Milford, Litchfield Co, CT:
i Lucy Miranda b. ca 1796
ii Harmon H. b. 27 Sep 1810
iii Stephen Beecher b. Sep 1799
iv Minor Austin b. 1800
------
http://www.rochester.lib.ny.us/~rochhist/v54_1992/v54i3.pdf
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nymonnws/1880/OCT.html
Hamlet Scranton, of Durham, CT, arrived at the rapids of the Genesee River in April 1812. He
fastened his oxen and cart to the ferry and crossed the river poled by Gid Allen. On the west side of
the river was a poorly built cabin with a sign hanging crooked that stated this was the Isaac Castle’s
Tavern. The Scrantom’s spent the night in the tavern/inn, but they hardly slept, for all night they
heard the sounds of voices and settlers’ wagons passing by. The next morning, Scrantom and his
sons walked downriver to the Main Street bridge which was under construction. Most of the men
had fled an outbreak of Genesee fever. Scrantom found that the men had stopped work on his
cabin also. He crossed the river on the beams of the bridge and spoke to Enos Stone, agent for
Col. Rochester and owner of land on the east side of the river. He had just completed a frame
house he built with wood from his own sawmill. He offered the Scrantoms use of his abandoned log
cabin until their own could be finished.
In July 1812 the Scantoms moved into their own cabin, becoming the first permanent settlers on
the One Hundred Acre Tract. That fall the Main Street bridge was completed so that settlers no
longer had to risk their lives crossing the Genesee River.
Hamlet Scrantom, wrote in 1812, "The country is very pleasant and fertile, timbered with oak,
chestnut, hickory, black walnut, and white wood, some of enormous size. I saw one white-wood log
twelve feet long which produced 1000 feet of clapboards."
Hamlet SCRANTOM, the father of Edwin, after leaving Connecticut resided some time in Turin, Lewis county, in this state, where he
held the office of justice of the peace, and for a time was one of the judges of the county court. When he came to Rochester there
were only two or three log houses in the settlement, and he built the first log house that was erected on the west side of the river,
which was located on the spot where Power's commercial building now stands. Subsequently he purchased a farm near Mount
Hope, covered by their extensive nurseries. It was on this farm that Edwin SCRANTOM grew to manhood. Hamlet SCRANTOM's
family consisted of eight children, three of whom were residents of Rochester: Hamlet SCRANTOM (Jr.), Delia (Mrs. Jehial
BARNARD) and Miss Mary Jane SCRANTOM.
http://books.google.com/books?id=Zi4VAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA99&dq=%22hamlet+Scrantom%22&hl=en&ei=lVjxS_3fA8KAlAfB_5i0CA
&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22hamlet%20Scrantom%22&f=false page 9
HAMLET SCRANTOM. - THIS venerable and aged pioneer was a native of Durham, CT; and from that residence he emigrated to
Lewis county, NY, where he remained until 1812. In his journeyings westward during the year 1811, he visited his Connecticut
friends — the Wadsworth's — at Geneseo, and by them had his attention directed to the locality about Genesee Falls, as a place of
growing future importance. The Eagle Tavern corner was at that time, the property of Henry Skinner of Geneseo ; and this
gentleman, as a further inducement for Mr. Scrantom to settle at that point, proposed and attempted to erect upon it a log house for
his accommodation; but the work was broken off in consequence of the prevalence of the ague and fever among the hands
employed to do the work. But those were days of generous hospitality, when every man, in his neighbor near or remote, found a
brother, and a brother's house with the "latch string out." Mr. Scrantom was soon on the spot with his family, and having no house of
his own, he was allowed such a shelter as the times afforded, in a small shantee belonging to Hon. Enos Stone, and nearly on the
site of the present dwelling of Anson House. Here he resided until his log house on the Eagle corner received its climax, in the
shape of a tolerable roof, which was the desideratum during the "stop policy" of the ague and fever.
Mr. Scrantom was an experienced and practical miller, and as such, found ready employ in the establishment of Bissell & Ely. He
afterwards made some investments and purchase of property in the finest localities in and about Rochester. The lot on which is the
store of O. L. Sheldon, and the site of the old Graves' tannery, were his purchases. In 1814, a time of constant apprehension of
British invasion, Mr. S. bought a farm, designated as the Hawks' property, near Mount Hope, for which he paid four dollare an acre,
and erected upon it a log house and resided there as a place of far less exposure. At the close of the war, however, he returned to
his former residence and again engaged in the conducting of the milling business for the Messrs. Browns. More recently Mr. S. was
employed as the agent of Culver & Maynard, in constructing the first locks at Lockport. In this, and in every other responsible
41

position and relation in life, Mr. S. has been uniformly known as an efficient, upright man, and a truehearted Christian. He took a
lively interest in all the early religious organizations, and was one of the founders of St. Luke's church, and an exemplary member of
the same to the close of his life. He was an esteemed member of the pioneer fraternity, and his funeral was attended by more than
forty of those venerable men in a body. Mr. S. was not the earliest, but one of the oldest of the pioneers. Indeed, he is said to have
been a trustee of the first school and the first school district ever organized in Rochester, and helped to clear the road which is now
Buffalo street, through most of its length.
Mr. Scrantom died in 1850, at the age of seventy-seven. His wife survived him, and his sons remained in the city, on the spot where
they were reared, to enjoy the institutions and privileges, whose corner stones their venerable sire has labored permanently to lay.
Ibid. page 99
HANNAH SCRANTOM, widow of Hamlet Scrantom, was a native of Durham, CT, born in 1774. Her maiden name was Dimock. She
lived at home with her parents until twenty years of age, when she became the wife of Mr. Scrantom. In 1805, they moved to Turin,
Lewis, NY, where they remained until 1812, at which time they settled at Rochester. Mrs. Scranton and one sister were the only
survivors of her father's family of nine children. She recollects that two or three little shantees constituted Rochester at that period.
Capt. Isaac Stone kept his tavern in one of them, and in another Mr. Enos Stone and family inhabited, and in a small lintel or
addition on the back of Enos Stone's shantee, and subsequently in a log house where is now the Eagle Hotel, Mr. Scrantom lived,
until he built a framed house on Buffalo street, near where the bridge crosses the river.
Mrs. Scrantom bore the marks and infirmities of four score years. In her day, she had been a woman of great activity and
endurance, as were most of the pioneer women of this country; and we probably should not err in allowing to her fully the
excellencies of her class. As a mother, her children pronounce her blessed, as kind hearted, sympathising, friend of the poor, as an
exemplary Christian matron, and irreproachable in all the relations of life; we think her a model which posterity may advantageously
study and safely pattern. Life's sands with her are almost run, and when she lies down to rest, it is to be hoped that this rapid,
stirring age will at least, affectionately cherish the memory of those to whom it owes so much.
-------
Rev. Orange SPENCER [2c5r], b. 30 Jul 1765, Richmond, Berkshire, MA; d. 10 Jan 1843, Northeast, Erie, PA; bur. 14 Jan 1843,
Ripley, Chautauqua, NY; son of Jonathan SPENCER (1744-1821) and Ruth MUDGE (1748-1780); m. 4 Dec 1787 Sarah Canfield
BOSTWICK, b. 25 Dec 1768, Penn Yan, Yates, NY; d. 24 Jan 1845, North East, Erie, PA
Jonathan and 'Orrangh' Spencer are listed as serving in the Revolution in the 3rd Regt, Tryon [Montgomery] County Militia. Orange
stated in his pension application that he was born at Richmond, MA; that he was living at enlistment in the winter of 1778-79 in
Warrenbush, "now called Florida," Montgomery Co, NY; and that he moved from there about 1784 to Unadilla. This shows the
migrations of Jonathan's family. Orange later moved to Vernon, Oneida Co, to Monroe Co, and to Chautauqua Co, NY, last to North
East, Erie Co, PA.
At Monroe Co. he may be found in Pittsford as a member, age 57, of Morning Star Lodge No. 223, F&AM, having been Initiated
there in 5 Mar 1822, Passed 2 Apr, and Raised and Joined 30 Apr 1822 as 'Orrin' Spencer, Minister of the Gospel,' and residing in
Perinton. Three later Lodge Returns of Dec 1821/22 thru Dec 1826 record him as Orange Spencer.
Records of 'M. E. Spencer' give his place of death as Richmond, MA.
Children:
Philomena (1790-1859)
Orange Bostwick (twin) (1791-1872)
Ruth (twin) (1792-1831)
Gaius Lawrence (1794-1852)
Silvester (Sylvester) (1796-~1790)
Lena
(ca1798-1880)
Sena (Aseneth) (1800-1880)
Loomis Bostwick (1804-1804)
Gilbert (1804-1876)
Silas S.
(1809-ca1877)
http://www.dcnyhistory.org/books/murraypartIII3.html
CHURCHES OF MASONVILLE.
The first Baptist church in Masonville was organized January 27, 1810, by the adoption of articles of faith and a church covenant,
with eight members, namely: Caleb Bennett, Collins Brown, Joseph Sanders, John Balcom, Darius S. Smith, Louis Balcom, Zelphia
Smith, and Sally Welsh.
The first church was built in 1819 about one mile east of the present church. They had no facilities then for warming the house and
each one carried a foot stone to keep them warm during the service. The church was recognized and received into fellowship in
1812. The same year the church united with the Franklin Baptist association, in which it remained until 1854, when it joined the
Deposit association to which it now belongs. The successive pastors have been: Orange Spencer [1812-1819]. . . &c.
------
http://www.stillman.org/d58.htm
Southmayd Stillman [double 5c], b 24 Feb 1788, MA [CT?]; d. 16 Jun 1868 , Rosendale, WI; son of William Stillman and Mary
Goodrich; m. 7 Jan 1811 Phebe Stocking, b. 16 Mar 1788, Sheffield, MA; d. 26 Sep 1857, Belin, WI. Framer; lived with Phebe in
Harbor Creek, Erie, PA at 1840 census.
Children:
Albert F. Stillman b. 01 Nov 1811; d. 5 Sep 1814
Franklin Stillman b. 30 Jul 1814; d. 1 Sep 1817
Elizabeth Stillman b. 16 Dec 1815; d. 3 Sep 1817
42

Franklin Benjamin Stillman b. 02 Dec 1817; Pittsford, NY; d. 16 Nov 1897, Rosendale, WI; m. 17 Mar 1842 Clarissa Elliott, b. 25
Dec 1821, Harbor Creek, PA; d. 12 Aug 1901, Rosendale, WI
William Stillman b. 13 Feb 1820; d. 27 Aug 1822
Alexander Stillman b. 26 Sep 1821; d. 22 Apr 1825
Mary E. Stillman b. 03 Dec 1823; 22 Apr 1868
http://genweb.whipple.org/d0399/I67176.html
Isaac Stone (Captain),b. 13 Nov 1781, Salem, Washington, NY; d. 1861, Ray, Macomb, Michigan; son of Aaron Stone (22 Nov
1745 - ca 1814) and Elizabeth Rea or Ray (15 Aug 1755 -); m. ca 1809 Saloma Patterson
Children:
1. Melvin Stone b. 02 Apr 1810 Pittsford, NY; d. Apr 1850 Ray, Macomb, Michigan
2. Marvin Stone b. 14 Aug 1811 Pittsford, NY; d. 1866 of Ray, Macomb, Michigan
3. Minerva Stone b. 20 Oct 1812; d. young
4. Myron Stone b. 27 Jun 1814 Pittsford, NY; d. 1871
5. Miner Stone b. 16 Mar 1815 Pittsford, NY; d. Michigan
6. William R. Stone b. 12 Jun 1816
7. Minerva Stone b. 14 Sep 1818
8. Alma Ann Stone b. 07 Jan 1820; d. young
9. Isaac Stone b. 12 Jun 1822 Pittsford, NY; d. 12 Oct 1890 or 7 Mar 1891 Glenwood, , Florida
------
Sylvester Walker
Sylvester Walker is on the Return for Morning Star Lodge No. 223, Pittsford, Monroe, New York, having become a member there on
22 Nov 1825. He was not listed in the Return for the following year, but was again listed in the Return for 1826-27.
He was “entitled to a seat as a member of this Grand Lodge” [Michigan] at the Emergent Communication held at Detroit, 22 May
A.L. 5844, to represent what was then Napoleon Lodge No. 5. M.’.W.’. John Mullett, Grand Master.
He was listed among “persons (who) took seats as visiting brethren at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Michigan
at “Mason Hall,” Detroit, Weds., 13 Jan A.L. 5847. M.’.W.’. Ebenezer Hall, Grand Master.
Napoleon Lodge No. 5 (later No. 7) was a short lived Lodge (1841-1846) in Brooklyn, Jackson County, Michigan, per the below
historical sketch, from the Minutes of the Grand Lodge of Michigan.
“Freemasonry in Michigan: a comprehensive history of Michigan masonry . . .,” by Jefferson S. Conover. page 221.
http://books.google.com/books?id=P0NOAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA224&lpg=PA224&dq=%22napoleon+lodge+no.+7%22&source=bl&ots
=ynIgLsTzk3&sig=kp39m6SafFxr6ekl0F7tGaYaSqI#v=onepage&q=%22napoleon%20lodge%20no.%207%22&f=false
NAPOLEON LODGE, NO. 7, BROOKLYN, Jackson County, Michigan.
In the early part of the year 1841, the Freemasons residing at and near the village of Brooklyn, Jackson County, became imbued
with a desire to have a Lodge established at that place. A committee was appointed to secure information as to how to proceed to
accomplish this object. This committee entered into correspondence with the Grand Secretary of the recently formed Grand Lodge.
A portion of that correspondence is here given.
BROOKLYN, 19th August, 5841. DEAR SIR:—
The contents of your line to D. Thompson has been received by our Masonic Committee at Jackson, Respecting a Charter or
Dispensation for a Master's Lodge in this County, And in behalf of our committee I ask you to give us such Information as we need
in order to establish a Lodge—Please give us information to understand the age of your lodge &c., &c., &c., and the No. of lodges in
the State.
We meet on Tuesday next for the purpose of petitioning and selecting our three first officers. We are anxious to be prepared for
work soon. Please answer by return of Mail.
Yours in Masonic Esteem,
Wm. Jones. MR. A. C. SMITH.
To this letter Grand Secretary Smith replied as follows:
MT. CLEMENS, AUG. 25, 41. DR SIR & BRO:—
Yours of the 19th inst. is reed, & in reply I enclose you a form of a petition for a dispensation which you can fill up and have signed
by at least seven Master Masons in good standing & return the same to me accompanied with the constitutional fee, which is $10.
The recommendation of Bro. Martin Davis of Ann Arbor would be desirable, or some other known Masons in Detroit or elsewhere.
The history of the Grand Lodge, its origin, suspension of business, & final resuscitation last season cannot be given in the limits of a
letter. We believe, however, that it has been legally and masonically revived, & have no hesitation in resuming the jurisdiction in
Michigan. A correspondence is now opening with the various Grand Lodges in the union. I would send you a copy of our
constitution, but there are few copies new extant of the edition of 27, and as it will probably be revised another year it was thought
best not to print another edition until that , time.
The annual communication will be in Detroit on the first Wednesday in June next, at which time you will be able to obtain a charter
on complying with the constitutional requirements.
In the meantime a compliance with the instructions in the first part of this letter will obtain for you a dispensation which will be good
till next sum. The petition filled up, signed and recommended, with the fee should be forwarded to me & I will obtain a dispensation
from the proper source.
43

And now, my Dear Sir, by way of advice, be cautious who you fellowship as Masons. You must be aware that many discarded
Masons and Antis from N. York reside in Michigan. These remarks, I am sure, will be rec'd in the same spirit that dictates them, of
brotherly love & cordial confidence & good will to the whole human race, but more especially to the fraternity.
I am &c
A. C. S. To Wm. Jones Esq. for the Comt.
On the eighteenth of the next month the following petition was forwarded to Brother Leonard Weed, acting Grand Master.
To the R. W. Leonard Weed, Deputy Grand Master & Acting Grand Master of Masons in & for the Michigan jurisdiction.
The undersigned humbly represent that they are free & accepted Master Masons. That they have been members of regular Lodges
of such & have never been expelled or suspended & know no just cause why they should know that having the prosperity of the
fraternity at heart, they are willing to exert their best endeavors to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of freemasonry; that
for various good reasons they are very desirous of forming a new Lodge in the township of Napoleon, county of Jackson, to be
known and styled Napoleon Lodge; that in consequence of this desire, they pray for letters of dispensation to empower them to
assemble as a legal Lodge to discharge the duties of Masonry in a regular and constitutional manner, according to the original forms
of the order and the regulations of the Grand Lodge of Michigan.
They have nominated and do recommend Thomas Cotton to be their first Master of said Lodge; that if the prayer of the petition
should be granted, they promise a strict conformity to all the constitutional regulations of the said Grand Lodge of Michigan.
And as in duty bound will ever pray.
Dated at Brooklyn, Jackson County, State of Michigan, this 18th day of September, A. L. 5841.
Wm. Jones
Geo. T. Stranahan
Jesse Bivins
Bemiss Hamilton
B. F. Webster Samuel Stranahan
Sylvester Wallen [Walker] Stephen W. Palmer
M. N. Southworth Calvin Love
Thos. Cotton
John Curtis
Anson D'Lamatter
A. F. Botton [Bolton]
I recommended to the favorable notice of the Grand Lodge, the within petition. Dated at Brooklyn, this 18th day of September 5841.
Curtis Loomis.
The dispensation was granted October 5, of that year and Napoleon Lodge commenced work. This correspondence has been given
in full that the reader may see the warm undercurrent of true Masonry that pervades and permeates the whole, and also to acquaint
him with the forms and requirements for securing authority for a Lodge at that early day.
At the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge on June 1, 1842, a charter was granted this Lodge, with Wm. Jones as Worshipful
Master, Stephen W. Palmer, Senior Warden and Anson D'Lamatter Junior Warden. It was numbered five, and was changed to No. 7
when the present Grand Lodge was organized. Brother Jones was present and participated in the work of the Grand Lodge in both
of its sessions in 1842 and continued an active and influential member thereof until his Lodge ceased to exist. He was elected
Junior Grand Warden in 1842 and served one year. During this year he was appointed by the Grand Lodge to visit St. Joseph Valley
Lodge at Niles, then working under a New York warrant, and endeavor to influence the brothers there to unite with the Michigan
Grand Lodge. His mission was unsuccessful at the time, but paved the way for the accomplishment of that object as soon as that
Grand Lodge was "dissolved" and the present one formed.
Napoleon Lodge, with several others, became so unsettled by reason of failure of the Grand Lodge to secure recognition, that it
became delinquent in the matter of dues, and at the annual Grand Lodge meeting in 1845, this resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That a select committee be appointed, whose duty it shall be to inquire into and report at the next annual communication
of this Grand Lodge, what action ought, in the opinion of the said Committee, to be taken in regard to the general relations of this
Grand Lodge with Napoleon, No. 7.
Brother Ruel C. Baker, of Jackson, was appointed as such committee, and submitted a report at the following meeting, with a letter
from Brother Jones, stating the embarrassments of Napoleon Lodge, and asking the indulgence of Grand Lodge, whereupon the
matter was referred to the Committee on Grievances, who reported thereon as follows, the report being unanimously adopted:
The Committee on Grievances, to whom was referred the matter of Napoleon Lodge, No. 7, respectfully beg leave to report:—
That the Committee find said Lodge is considerably in arrear for dues to this Grand Lodge; but the specific amount has not been
ascertained by your Committee; and, in as much as, by section Eight of Article six of the Constitution, no Lodge can forfeit its
warrant for non-payment of dues, or non-report to the Grand Lodge, until after the lapse of two years, or in other words, a two years
neglect thereof; and in as much as our present constitution was adopted and put in force on the 17th day of September, A. D. 1844,
your committee are of the opinion that the warrant of Napoleon Lodge, No. 7 will not be forfeited until the I7th day of September,
1846, and your committee would therefore unanimously recommend that Napoleon Lodge be allowed further time until the 17th day
of September, 1846, in which to pay up its dues and receive a charter. Your committee would recommend the adoption of the
following resolutions:
Resolved, That Napoleon Lodge, No. 7, be allowed until the 17th day of September, 1846, to pay up their dues to the Grand Lodge
and receive a new charter; and that in case said Lodge shall neglect to do so within the time herein specified, the Grand Secretary is
hereby required to demand and receive of said Lodge their Warrant and Jewels,
Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be directed to transmit to Napoleon Lodge a copy of the foregoing resolution.
44

One year later, Brother Paul B. Ring, chairman of still another Grand Lodge Committee in the case of Napoleon Lodge, reported that
the existing condition was the result of the non-payment of dues on the part of the members of Napoleon Lodge, and recommended
that such members be summoned to show cause to Grand Lodge why they should not be suspended from all the rights and benefits
of Masonry.
Here all record of Napoleon Lodge, No. 7, seems to have ended, but it is made plainly apparent that the non-attention of its
members to the paying of their per capita dues was the prime cause of the loss of this Lodge to the Grand Jurisdiction. Filled with
zeal for the order on the start, the members were "weighed in the balance and found wanting" when called upon to shoulder their
share of the pecuniary obligations of the order, and their light flickered and went out in darkness, and the members who really
desired masonic affiliation found homes in other Lodges that were afterwards formed near that place.
Wells Lodge No. 282, Gates, New York
Warrant: 5 Jun 1817
extinct ca 1828 (of Rochester)
A. Hamlin, Master ca 1817.
[Their charter was indeed revoked on 17 Sep 1846 for failure to pay their dues.]
"In what Lodge, if any, William Morgan received his degrees in Masonry is not known, but he certainly was a visitor in Wells Lodge,
No. 282, at Batavia, established in 1817.
Masonic charitable activity had been carried out in an organized fashion by a consortium of Masonic Lodges in Rochester since
1810. Eminent among the early lodges was Morning Star Lodge No. 223 of Pittsford, NY. Morning Star gave consent to the
formation of Wells Lodge No. 282 which was chartered June 5, 1817. Wells’ Charter was signed by Grand Master DeWitt Clinton
and it was passed to the Rochester Historical Society in later years, a gift from Valley Lodge No. 109.
Wells Lodge, No. 282, of Master Masons, was installed in 1817. Its present officers [1827] are—
Robert Martin, W. M.
Charles C. Lathrop, J. W.
Phelps Smith, S. W.
Ebenezer Watts, Treas.
Bill Colby,
Sec'ry.
Regular communications, Tuesday of or preceding full moon in every month.
http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/john-c-yorston--co/a-portrait-gallery-with-biographical-sketches-of-prominent-freemasonsthroughou-574/1-a-portrait-gallery-with-biographical-sketches-of-prominent-freemasons-throughou-574.shtml
Early in 1817, Wells Lodge, No. 282, was instituted under a Charter from the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. It flourished
about eleven years, when it was obliged to succumb, with other Masonic bodies of that section, to the fierce crusade made against
them by the Anti-Masonic elements. The records of the Lodge have been lost; but tradition informs us that its meetings were held in
a building owned by Bro. Reynolds, and that he was among its principal members and prominent as an official. On the site occupied
by this meeting place, Bro. Reynolds, in 1828, erected the "Arcade," then the largest and most extensive building in the United
States, west of Albany.
Union Star Lodge No. 320, Honeoye Falls, New York
Warrant: 10 Jun 1854
Lodge Website: http://www.unionstarmasons.org/
3 North Main Street, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472
WARRANT: The original warrant dated June 12, 1854, is in possession of the Lodge.
The name or number has never been changed.,
MINUTES: All records from organization in 1854 to 1864 are missing.
Union Star Lodge was organized in the month of May, 1853. The petition was recommended by Union Lodge, No. 45, at a
meeting held May 18; 1853, and on June 10 a dispensation was issued which named as officers:
RUFUS RICHARDSON, Master.
MATTHEW OGDEN, Senior Warden.
ABRAHAM W. WILLIS, Junior Warden.
The first meeting under dispensation was held September 19, 1853. The first applicants for membership were William McK.
Williams and Omar J. Richardson.
The first initiate was William McK. Williams.
The first meeting after the warrant£ was issued was held June 28, 1854, with the following officers: '"
RUFUS RICHARDSON, Master.
B. H. BENHAM, Senior Deacon.
MATTHEW OGDEN, Senior Warden.
WARREN CUMMING, Junior Deacon.
ABRAHAM W. WILLIS, Junior Warden.
GEORGE B. McBRIDE, Master of Ceremonies.
JOHN B. CROSBY, Treasurer.
DANIEL T. HANNAH, Master of Ceremonies.
SILAS PIERCE,
Secretary.
A. W. PATTERSON, Tiler.
These officers were installed by Alexander Martin, Past Master of Union Lodge, No. 45.
The petition and dispensation are missing.
45

CHARTER MEMBERS
Rufus Richardson.
Matthew Ogden.
Abraham W. Willis.
Warren Cummins.
Daniel T. Hannah.
A. W. Patterson.
Samuel Sibley.
William W. Wood.
John Lloyd.
Andrew Ruland.
Alvin Baker.
John Wood.
Silas Pierce.
John B. Crosby.
B. H. Benham.
George McBride.
John H. Fox.
Benjamin Baker.
Alvin Dixon.
Francis Neafie.
John Newberry.
Horace Wheeler.
Charles Broderick.
John B. Yorks.
H. W. Passmore.
The first meeting place was in a building known as the "Stone Block." About 1860 it moved into the Brick Block of Pierce and
Briggs, where it remained until December 11, 1867, when this block was destroyed by fire, the Lodge losing nearly all of its property,
including its records. The Lodge with commendable zeal procured new quarters which it furnished and equipped and made
comfortable.
MASTERS
1853. Rufus Richardson.
1854. Rufus Richardson.
1855. Rufus Richardson.
1856. B. H. Benham.
1857. Abraham W. Willis.
1858. Matthew Ogden.
1859. Rufus Richardson.
1860. Christopher C. Davison.
1861. Rufus Richardson.
1862. Amos Dixon.
1863. Amos Dixon.
1864. George B. McBride.
1865. George B. McBride.
1866. George B. McBride.
1867. David Y. Smith.
1868. George B. McBride.
1869. Seymour Pierce.
1870. George B. McBride.
1871. Mozart H. Cutler.
1872. Mozart H. Cutler.
1873. Mozart H. Cutler.
1874. Seymour Pierce.
1875. Seymour Pierce.
1876. George St. John.
1877. Mozart H. Cutler.
1878. Arthur H. Hunt.
1879. Arthur H. Hunt.
1880. Arthur H. Hunt.
1881. Seymour Pierce.
1882. Seymour Pierce.
1883. Seymour Pierce.
1884. Sidney A. Hunt.
1885. Seymour Pierce.
1886. Seymour Pierce.
1887. Addison R. Holden.
1888. Addison R. Holden.
1889. Arthur H. Hunt.
1890. Seymour Pierce.
1891. Seymour Pierce.
1892. Henry S. Dennis.
1893. Henry S. Dennis.
1894. Henry S. Dennis.
1895. George H. Vallance.
1896. George H. Vallance.
1897. George' H. Vallance.
1898. Max L. Ney.
1899. Max L. Ney.
1900. Edwin G. Brooks.
1901. Edwin G. Brooks.
1902. Norman S. Yates.
1903. Norman S. Yates.
1904. Ernest U. Smith.
1905. Ernest U. Smith.
1906. George H. Vallance.
1907. James S. Brown.
1908. James S. Brown.
1909. William J. Kirkpatrick.
1910. William J. Kirkpatrick.
1911. William L. Palmer.
1912. William L. Palmer.
1913. A. Bruce Vallance.
A number of members of Union Lodge [No. 26; renumbered No. 45 in 1839] in Lima lived in the village of Honeoye Falls, and they
petitioned for a dispensation to form a Lodge in their village. The Lodge Charter for Union Star Lodge No. 320 was dated 12 Jun
1854. The first Master was Rufus Richardson. The Lodge met in several of the buildings near the center of the village and
eventually purchased the three story building that was the Wilcox Hotel. In 1920 they moved into the hotel building, where they are
presently located.
Henrietta Lodge No. 526 was chartered on 4 Jun 1863, and its first Master was Andrew S. Wadsworth. This Lodge met for many
years in the area of West Henrietta Road and Erie Station Road. Their Masonic Temple on Erie Station Road was dedicated on 24
Oct 1960. The merger of the two Lodges occurred 12 May 1997, and resulted in a strong single Lodge under the name of Union
Star No. 320.
The large Lodge room on the third floor provides
sufficient room for all Ritual work and has served as the
host Lodge for number of the District Schools of Ritual.
The Lodge room underwent a complete overhaul when
wallboard was applied to all of the internal walls, and
was painted by active Brothers. The benches on the
sidelines and all of the officer chairs were completely
redone. Additionally, a new public address system with a
portable microphone for the Master was added as well.
Senior Deacons were getting scorched fingers when
they turned off the lights at the altar, so pull-chain
sockets were added.
The second floor of the Lodge building has a large
recreation room with a billiard table, a pool table and a
ping-pong table. There is a large dining room with
adjacent kitchen that allows the members to serve
occasional meals. These rooms were recently
remodeled and pointed; this project included extensive work on the window.
Several business tenants occupy the first floor of the building, and help to keep the annual dues to a reasonable rate. Recent
improvements to the Lodge building include updating the electrical systems, reorganizing the telephone system and remodeling the
tenant’s quarters.
Currently there is a membership of approximately 125, and the spirit of the active members is strong. This energy should ensure the
Lodge will remain active for many years to come. [Ref. “A Masonic Portrait of the Empire State. 2002. Page 173].
http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sarakath/obitSidneyAHunt.txt
Sidney Alexander Hunt - "On Sunday, March 13th, 1921, in West Bloomfield occurred the death of Sidney A. Hunt, aged 83 years.
He was born in the Honeoye Falls, April 20th, 1838. Part of his early life was spent in California where he went during the gold
fever. He was married there and several years later returned to this state and has since resided in this vicinity.
46

During the past few years he has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. H. S. Brown, in West Bloomfield and died there last
Sunday. While living in California he joined the Masonic fraternity and upon his return transferred his membership to Union Star
Lodge, No. 320, Honeoye Falls, of which he was Master in the year 1884.
Surviving him besides his wife, is one daughter, Mrs. H. S. Brown, of West Bloomfield; three brothers, W. R. Hunt and A. H. Hunt of
this village and Barrett Hunt, of Rochester; two grandchildren, Harold and Henry Brown, of West Bloomfield. The funeral services
were held from his late home on Wednesday, March 16th, at 2:30 o'clock. Internment in North Bloomfield Cemetery. Union Star
Lodge, No. 320, conducted the services at the grave."
Penfield Union Lodge No. 336, Penfield, New York
Warrant: 5 Apr 1821
Surrendered in 1828; revived as No. 154, 7 Dec 1849 [q.v.]
http://www.wakanhubbard.org/html/penfield_union_lodge.html
Early History of the oldest lodge forming the current lodge
Our present charter, dated December, 26 1849, is the functional authority, granted by the Grand Jurisdiction-of the State of New
York, permitting us to operate as a recognized Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.
Previously, on 5 Apr 1821, a charter was issued to a Lodge designated Penfield Union Lodge No. 335, F&AM, which charter was
signed by M.’.W.’. Daniel P. Tompkins, then Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York and also Vice-President of The
United States. The Principle officers were: Nathan Worden, Master Jonathan Baker, Senior Warden and Michael Dunning, Junior
Warden. This Lodge dissolved and surrendered its charter during the "Morgan Episode" shortly after 1826.
Dispensation for the organization of Penfield Union Lodge [No. 154], F&AM, was granted 1 Aug 1849 and our first meeting was held
under authority of Charter 26 Dec 1849. The meeting was held in Peter Shoecraft's Hall in Penfield NY.
At that meeting the following officers were elected, appointed and installed:
Joseph F. Beach Master
Montgomery Vosburg
Jonathan Baker Senior Warden
Benjamin Whithead
Joshua C. Eaton Junior Warden
John Pickett
David Bakery Treasurer
Henry Lockwood
Samuel Strowger Secretary
Elisha Marlett
Sr. Deacon
Jr. Deacon
Steward
Steward
Tiler
We find the following recorded in the minutes of March 3, 1852: Lodge opened at 1:00 o'clock afternoon and a Master Mason
Degree was conferred on one brother. The Fellowcraft Degree was conferred on three brothers and a candidate was initiated as
Entered Apprentice to complete the day's labor another brother was then made a Master Mason. The length of time involved is not
recorded.
On January 2,1856 a previously instructed committee reported the purchase of a house and lot previously owned by Joseph C.
Rich, and for some time there after Lodge met at that place.
On May,20 1857 a vote carried to move the Lodge to the village of Fairport, but that action was rescinded under date of December
9, 1857. Shortly there-after, Fairport Lodge No. 476, F&AM, was constituted in lieu of transfer and those members of Penfield Union
Lodge who had found the new location advantageous to active participation were among the charter members of the new Lodge.
Also, under date of February l, 1857 permission was granted to brethren in Pittsford to form a Lodge- which was to become the
present Northfield Lodge No. 426, F&AM.
On April, 12 1863 similar permission was granted to brethren in Webster to form a Lodge, which subsequently became the present
Webster Lodge No. 538, F&AM.
On December 20 1922 our youngest was born; East Rochester Lodge No. 1020, F&AM.
Throughout 1898-1903 the matter of building a new Temple was constantly before the Lodge. The site of our present Temple was
purchased March, 17 1903 from the Methodist Church. Construction was started immediately and the present Temple was
dedicated October 4, 1904. We have occupied this Temple ever since, of course constantly modernizing and improving.
Parma Lodge No. 340, Parma
Warrant: 7 Dec 1821
Officers:
Peter F. Thatcher, Master
Samuel B. Bradley, SW
Austin Spencer, JW
http://mcnygenealogy.com/bios/biographies013.htm
from Landmarks of Monroe County, NY, by William F. Peck (1895), Part III, p. 182 - 183
R.’. W.’. James E. Henderson Sr.
47

Dr. Samuel B. Bradley was born in Westmoreland Oneida, and settled in Parma in 1820. He was a graduate of Union College, and
read medicine with Dr. Seth Hastings of Clinton, NY, then came to Parma two years later, however, going to Canada, where he
became a famous scholar, being conversant with Latin Greek, Hebrew, and many of the modern languages. He was also a
prominent botanist, and an authority on many of the leading questions of the day. He was elected to the Assembly in 1823. He
finally settled in West Greece, from which point he practiced medicine many years, dying 3 Oct 1880. His first wife was Cornelia
Bradley, and his second was Sarah Bartlett Crane, who bore him three children: Cornelia, William, and Sarah.
James Cromwell, was born in New York city, 11 Oct 1789, where he lived till 1823, doing a successful grocery business. On account
of his large family of sons, however, he determined to take up farm life, and accordingly bought the David Corser farm in Ogden
comprising 207 acres of good land, to which he brought his family, and in 1825 erected the large brick house now owned and
occupied by his son Gilbert. Mr. Cromwell died on the old place 8 Mar 1870, and his wife January 2, 1868. Their children were
Oliver, William Mary A., Bogart, Sally, George, Matilda, Margaret, James, Henry, John, Sally 2d, and Elizabeth.
Gilbert Cromwell was born 24 Oct 1834, on the farm he later owned, and with the exception of about five years had always lived
there. He led a quiet life, taking no part in he more active politics of his town. In 1869 he married Sarah Bradley (b. 23 Aug 1840),
daughter of Dr. Samuel B. Bradley, and had two children, Frank and Maude.
-----
Austin Spencer [5c4r] b. 24 Jul (Apr?) 1783, prob. in Haddam, CT; d. 8 Jan 1868, Spencerport, Monroe, NY, age 84; bur. Fairfield
Cemetery, Spencerport, NY.
He was the Charter Junior Warden of Parma Lodge No. 340, warranted 7 Dec 1821. He was also a Mason, being a Petitioner for
Etolian Lodge No. 479, F&AM, Spencerport, NY, in 1859. He affiliated from Rising Sun Lodge in June 1859, ae 75; his Grand
Lodge No. was 58174, indicating that he and Libbeus Foster Spencer [GL No. 58173] were most likely raised together in yet another
Lodge [or took their 3rd Degree at the same Lodge together]. Note: Grand Lodge Numbers in the early 58000 numbering series
were issued by them around the years 1859-60, per early entries.
An "Austin Spencer" is listed as being the (Charter) Junior Warden of Parma Lodge No. 340 in 1821 and 1822. 25 Masons
'gathered (October 8, 1821) [at the Trimmer Hotel where they maintained 'an elaborate room for its large membership," according to
Shirley Cox Husted in "Pioneer Days of Hilton, Parma and Ogden," 1959, pg 39] to sign the Petition to form this Lodge, "the most
forcible reason on which ground our request is the distance we live from any regular lodge, it being from Rochester eleven miles,
from Riga twelve, and from Murray fourteen." The Charter was issued 7 Dec 1821; the officers were installed on 7 Apr 1822. In a
letter to Grand Lodge (12 Jan 1827) this lodge requested to meet alternately at Parma, Greece and Ogden, "as the members
resided in these towns. On 6 Dec 1830 the lodge resolved to surrender is charter in the wake of the Morgan incident, "as it had not
done any business for four years past and there was no possibility of its revival." [Transactions of the American Lodge of Research,
Vol. VIII, No. 1 - 1960 - "History of Masonry in Monroe County, 1810-1830", by Herman A. Sarachan.]
Ref: le Despenser, Vol. 13, No. 3., Jul 1989, pg. 100 "Insights by Dana R. Spencer," a descendant of Daniel, for the following:
" . . . With the westward movement following the Revolutionary War, western New York State was opened for settlement. AUSTIN,
and his brother DANIEL, along with other members of the family, started out from East Haddam for New York State.
While DANIEL continued to the area west of Rochester, AUSTIN, ARNOLD, his brother, and his father TIMOTHY settled in Otsego
County near Springfield. AUSTIN was both a school teacher and surveyor, as well as a farmer. This he undoubtedly put to good use
in clearing and settling the new land.
On 6 Feb 1808 [1806?] AUSTIN married POLLY ELWOOD, daughter of Richard and Catharine (Bell or Pell) Elwood, in Springfield,
NY. While [the] Ellwood [sic] Genealogy gives POLLY Ellwood's birth date as 6 Jul 1788, research by R. Milford Spencer, lists it as
1789 in Canajoharie, NY."
. . . ". . . After his marriage to POLLY . . ., [Austin] hired a man and train and followed his brother DANIEL to Ogden (later called
Spencerport, NY) where he purchased and cleared land for a home and farm. AUSTIN was always prominent in civil affairs and
served as town supervisor for a number of year - 1819, 1825, 1829-33, 1839 and 1846. He was also Justice of the Peace for 16
years. He was one of the founders of the Ogden Center Presbyterian Church and later was instrumental in the organiztion of the
First Congregational Church within the village of Spencerport."
Further data regarding POLLY's grandmother, 'Mrs. Bell,' is as follows:
. . . " In the book "Drums Along the Mohawk," by Walter D. Edmonds, the author cited [that] Miss Catharine Bell's mother as being
the one scalped and left for dead while she was pregnant with Catharine. Edmonds stated that he tried to stay with the facts when
he said, "the women wer[e] Mrs. Leppard and Mrs. Hawyer and young Bell's wife"; however, it is believed he took the incident from
the French and Indian Wars and placed them in the 1777 to 1778 Revolutionary War period.
In [the] "Monroe County Biographical Record," 1902, pg. 411-414, ' . . . when the French and Indian War was in progress, when an
Indian [attack] was imminent, Captain Herchamer [Herkimer] issued orders calling all settlers to take refuge in the fort, but by an
oversight Mrs. Bell and her family were left unwarned. They were surprised, her husband and two children were killed and an
infant's brains were dashed out while she was scalped and left for dead. Mrs. Bell suffered severely from the shock and was several
times at [the] point . . .
. . . in 1751, Mrs. Bell (Pell) the mother of Catharine Bell (Pell), was tomahawked, scalped, had her nose cut off, and a severe
wound made in her right thigh and was left for dead . . . regaining consciousness during the night, she crawled into Fort Herkimer
where her wounds were dressed and she recovered.' It was her daughter, Catharine, who was born three months later."
48

http://files.usgwarchives.org/ny/monroe/bios/ogden/spencer-austin.txt
Ogden Centennial Pioneer Reminiscences, 1802-1902, compiled by Mrs. Augusta E. N. Rich, assisted by Mrs. Sarah Flagg Smith
and Mr. H. H. Goff, Press of John C. Moore, Rochester, NY.
Austin Spencer, 24 Jul 1783 – 8 Jan 1868, the third son of Timothy and Sarah Arnold Spencer, was born in East Haddam, CT.
When a young man he came to Otsego county, NY, where he taught school, and where he married Polly Elwood (a sister of Isaac
and Dr. Elwood, of Rochester) in the year 1808. In March of that year, immediately after his marriage, his brother Daniel having
settled in Spencerport, he hired a man and team to bring himself, wife and household goods here, where he purchased and cleared
for a home the farm where he resided till a short time before his death, and which is now owned by his nephew, Joseph Spencer.
He had five children, Laura Henrietta, Nelson Elwood, Emily Louise, Riley Austin and Catharine Melissa [Mrs. Catharine M. Carle],
of East Troy, Wis., and Mrs. Emily L. Jones, of this village. He was not only a farmer but a land surveyor, and a teacher in the district
schools of the town. He was also prominent in public life, having served this town as supervisor a number of terms, and justice of
the peace for sixteen years. He was one of the founders of the Ogden Center Presbyterian Church, and remained in its communion
till the wants of the people demanded a church at Spencerport, when he at once actively engaged in the work which resulted in the
organization of the First Congregational Church of this village. He remained a leading member of this church and was a deacon at
time of his death, which occurred January 8, 1868, in the 85th year of his age.
http://wayne.nygenweb.net/ontario/cowlesontario.html
Peter Thatcher in 1807 settled with his family in the north part of the town [of Ontario, Wayne Co.] in a log cabin which he had
caused to be built the year before. He came in a one-horse wagon from Oneida county, and was the pioneer blacksmith in Ontario,
building a log shop near his home in 1811.
Tompkins Lodge No. 350, Scottsville, New York
Warrant: 12 Jun 1822
The Lodge was probably named after Daniel D. Tompkins, Grand Master of New York State from 1821-1822.
1827 The charter was surrendered because of the anti-Masonry movement resulting from the Morgan incident in Batavia, New York.
1895 A chair which was used as the Master's Chair in the old Tompkins Lodge was donated to Oatka Lodge No. 759 by a member's
widow. The chair can still be found in the lodge room today.
Henrietta Lodge No. 380, Henrietta, New York [a country Lodge]
Warrant: 4 Jun 1824
Monroe Lodge No. 390, Brockport, New York [a country Lodge]
Warrant: 4 Jun 1824
Dissolved and returned warrant, 28 Feb 1829; succeeded by Monroe No. 173, 21 Jun 1850
Northfield Lodge No. 426, Pittsford, New York
Warrant: ca 1858
Lodge Website: http://www.northfieldlodge.org/ [no history]
17 Church Street, Pittsford New York, 14534
49

Brighton Lodge No. 464, Brighton
Warrant: 10 Jun 1826
Officers: Joseph G. Wheeler, Master; Roswell Hart, SW; John Hatch, JW.
Surrendered: 1829, by vote of the Lodge.
Return: 1826 to 1828: Fourteen of whom were ‘installed’ on 13 Jul 1826.
Amsbary, Hamlet
Beckwith, Samuel
Blossom, Benjamin B.
Dailey, George
Foot, Elias
Hart, Eber J.
Hart, Roswell
Hatch, Solomon, Secy
Hatch, John
Perrin, William
Root, Erastus
Saring, Jacob H.
Soper, Amos
Soper, Jessey
Taylor, Martin L.
Thorp, [Rev.] Charles
Walker, Ansel W.
Wheeler, Joseph G.
White, Abner
http://genforum.genealogy.com/amsbary/messages/25.html
Hamlet Amsbary, b. ca 1784; d. 2 Feb 1846 Illinois; br. Old Cemetery, Washington, Tazewell, Illinois; son of William Amsbary \
Amsbury (~1750->1809) and Julia Denn.
His wife was undoubtedly Freedom Bascom. As Mrs. Freedom Amsbury she died on 2 Feb 1839 in Mason County, Virginia. She
was age 55, born about 1784. Her mother, Mrs. Esther Bascom died 3 Feb 1839 in Mason County, Virginia, age 85. Shortly after
1840 Hamlet and the two boys, Don Carlos and Seneca were in Illinois. Seneca named a daughter Freedom. There were
undoubtedly other children born to Hamlet and his wife. There had been speculation prior to locating this that Hamlet and his wife
remained in New York and did not go to Mason County. However, it would appear that they did go to Mason County. According to a
letter written 30 Jan. 1855 by Samuel Mason Ayers of Iroquois City, Iroquois Co., IL, Hamlet had 5 or 6 sons who were younger than
Don Carlos and Seneca and by 1855 they were apparently all living in Tazewell Co., IL.
On the 1810 Federal Census, Hamlet Amsbary is shown in Cayuga co., NY on page 95. He is shown as being 16 and up with a son
under 16 and a female 16 and up, so was recently married. The son under 16 would be the two year old Seneca. In 1820 Federal
Census, they are in Cayuga Co., NY in Mentz Twp. on page 56.
Children
1 Seneca Amsbary b. ca 1807/1808 Chautauqua, NY; d. 22 Feb 1864 Illinois; m. Aurelia J. Ayres
2 Don Carlos Amsbary b. 5 Sep 1815 Chautauqua, New York; d. 15 Apr 1863 Illinois; m. Marilla J. Ayres
3 Amelia M. Amsbary b. ca 1819 New York; d. ca Feb 1853 Mt. Vernon, Jefferson Co, Illinois; m. Daniel Cavin/Caven
4 Theodore Amsbary b. ca 1822 New York; on the 1850 Federal Census living in Tazewell Co., IL, occupation blacksmith;
m1. Mary Jane Gilkison; m2. Sarah Royce
5 Calvin Amsbary m. Susan Cullen
6 Andrew J. Amsbary b. ca 1827 New York; 1860 Federal Census shown in Tazewell Co., IL, Tremont Twp., living two
houses away from Don Carlos Amsbary and family; m. Sarah Ann Hampton
7 Wm. Wallace Amsbary (Twin) b. 21 Oct 1830 Jamestown, Chautauqua, NY; d. 15 May 1910 Champaign, IL; m. Harriet
Eunice Harlow
8 Robert Bruce Amsbary (Twin) b. 21 Oct 1830 New York; d. 1888
-----
Rochester Republican – 29 Jul 1839
SUDDEN DEATH - We regret to learn that Mr. SAMUEL BECKWITH, a valuable and much esteemed citizen of the town of
Brighton, (formerly one of the Supervisors of this county,) died very suddenly at about 2 o'clock on Saturday morning - He was in
this city on Friday forenoon, and on returning home labored at his harvesting during the remainder o f the day, and retired to rest in
his usual health. He was attacked so suddenly in the night, that before the members of the family could be summoned from their,
rooms in another part of the house, Mr. B. was a corpse! We have not, learnt the particulars of his complaint; but are led to infer that
it was a fit of some description - His age, we understand, was somewhere about 48.
He died without a Will, leaving Catherine, widow, who died 11 Jan 1880 and Henry, age 60, John K, age 59 and Catharine A. age
49 and now Catherine A. Blossom children and only heirs.
-----
Elias Foot
http://books.google.com/books?id=f1dMAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA97&lpg=PA97&dq=%22Benjamin+blossom%22+%22brighton%22&sou
rce=bl&ots=AqQsUkj4vo&sig=AQFqITiuNyE4LyScoJnwfkD3pF4&hl=en&ei=pn3S8ujDMH6lwf5vOTfCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22Benjamin%20blos
som%22%20%22brighton%22&f=false page 212
ELIAS FOOTE, (261, 80, 25, 9, 3,) b. West Stockbridge, MA, 15 May 1799. Son of Charles Foote, Jr. and Sarah Day. He removed
with his father's family to New York State the following year. After short stays in Litchfield and Bloomfield, they settled in Mendon.
He m. Matilda Thorpe, of Gilbertville, NY, 15 May 1829, and engaged in woollen manufacture in Brighton, NY, and afterward in
Batavia, NY, where he d. 23 Jan 1875. His wife d. 8 Nov 1888. Both were buried in Batavia.
Children, all born in Batavia:
i. ELIZABETH F., b. 23 Aug 1830; m. 6 May 1852, Henry Worthington, of Lenox, MA. He d. same year, and buried in Lenox.
ii. EDWARD T., b. 31 Jan 1832; m. 1860, Helen Case of Honeoye Falls, NY. She d. 1880, and buried there. He d. 1870.
iii. CHARLES H., b. 28 Jun 1834; d. May 1856; buried in Batavia.
iv. GEORGE A., b. 06 Mar 1836; d. the same year; buried in Batavia.
v. FRANCES M., b. 23 Nov 1839; m. 1857, Dr. Wells, of Clinton, Virginia. He d. 1890, and buried in Stevensville, Mont.
vi. JENNIE, b. 23 Aug 1846; m. 15 Jan 1866, Dr. James Rogers, of Sedalia, MO.
50

----
Roswell Hart, b. May 1823 in Brighton, NY, son of Eber J. Hart (of Bristol, CT) and Sophia Root (b. 1 Apr 1788) m. May 20, 1849.
In 1854 they removed to Hartford, Mich., where Mrs. Hart d. Aug. 8, 1900.
http://users.rcn.com/harts.ma.ultranet/family/andrews/p432.html#n1871
Eber Jerome Hart, Bristol, second son of, born 12 Sep 1791; m. Mar 1815, Sophia Root, d/o Elijah Root of Plainville, CT, and Ruth
(Judd), born 1 Mar 1788. They removed from Bristol, CT, to Brighton, Monroe, NY. They had six children, and two of his sons are
married.
Roswell Hart, Bristol, third son of Benjamin Hart and Mehitabel Jerome, born 21 Feb 1795; m. 27 Jun 1820, Phebe Johnson, sister
of his brother James’ wife. They removed to Brighton, NY. She died 24 Sep 1823, aged 27 years.
----
John and Solomon Hatch came from MA in 1806 and built the first saw mill at Allyn's Creek, Brighton, NY.
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=llscott2000&id=I3147
Maletiah HATCH b. 22 Jul 1764 in Lee, Berkshire, MA; d. 28 Feb (Jul) 1812; son of Malathiah HATCH b. 8 Jul 1727 in Mansfield,
Barnstable, MA, and Mary WEST b: ca 1727 of Mansfield, Bristol, MA; m. 29 Jan 1787, Stockbridge, MA, Elizabeth JARVIS b. 10
Nov 1760 in Danbury, Fairfield, CT
Children:
1. John HATCH b. 25 Dec 1784 in Stockbridge, Berkshire, MA
2. Polly HATCH b. 24 Aug 1786 in Stockbridge, Berkshire, MA
3. Solomon HATCH b. 01 Feb 1789 in Rensselaerville, Albany, NY
4. Ira HATCH b. 25 Jul 1791 in Rensselaerville, Albany, NY
5. William HATCH b. 17 Oct 1793 in Rensselaerville, Albany, NY
6. Aurelia HATCH b: 7 JUL 1795 in Rensselaerville, Albany, NY
7. Matilda HATCH b: 3 JUL 1797 in Norwalk, Fairfield, CT
John HATCH b. 25 Dec 1784 in Stockbridge, Berkshire, MA; d. May 1842; son of Maletiah HATCH b: 22 Jul 1764 and Elizabeth
JARVIS b. 10 Nov 1760; m. 8 Jan 1807 Betsy MC ELWAIN b: 1785 of Middlefield, Hampshire, MA
Children:
1. Polly HATCH b. 11 Apr 1808 in Lebanon, Madison, NY
2. Jarvis Malatiah HATCH b. 24 Jul 1810 in Lebanon, Madison, NY
3. Polly Maria HATCH b. 21 Jan 1812 in Lebanon, Madison, NY
4. Jane Elizabeth HATCH b. 18 Feb 1814 of Brighton, Monroe, NY
5. Harriet HATCH b. 3 Nov 1816 in Brighton, Monroe, NY
6. Henry Horace HATCH b. 12 Nov 1818 in Near Batavia, Genesee, NY
7. Hiram Frank HATCH b. 02 Mar 1821 of Batavia, Genese, NY
8. Reuben B HATCH b. 20 Mar 1823 in Brighton, Monroe, NY
9. Sarah A HATCH b. 04 Sep 1825 of Batavia, Genesee, NY
10. Aurelia HATCH b. 05 Oct 1727 of Brighton, Monroe, NY
Solomon Hatch
http://files.usgwarchives.org/ny/orleans/bible/hatch.txt
Marriages
Solomon Hatch & Sarah McElwain -
Solomon Hatch & Esther Dryer -
July 31, 1810; Middlefield by Rev. J. Nash
Oct. 07, 1824; Brighton by Rev. C. Thorp
Births
Lorenzo Hatch -
Cornelia Hatch -
Matilda Hatch -
Delia M. Hatch -
Mar. 01, 1842; Barre
Oct. 15, 1840; Geneseo
May 25, 1843; Barre
May 09, 1850; Barre
Catharine B. Hatch - Nov. 01, 1848; Barre
William A. Hatch - Mar.0 2, 1858; Brighton
Hellen A. Hatch - July 26, 1855; Barre
Henry A. Hatch - Nov. 20, 1855; Battle Creek, Mich.
Births and Deaths
Solomon Hatch - Feb. 06, 1789; Rensselaerville; Apr. 26, 1854; Barre [Oleans Co., NY]
Sarah McElwain - Mar. 30, 1787; Middlefield; Apr. 26, 1823; Brighton
Esther Dryer - Mar. 20, 1799, West Stoukby; July 8, 1876, Mich.
Children:
Jane M. Hatch - Dec. 17, 1811, Lebanon; Mar. 14, 1814, Brighton
Jane M. Hatch - Mar. 10, 1815, Brighton; Feb. 01, 1840, Barre
Lorenzo Hatch - May 04, 1817, Brighton; Feb. 25, 1875, Mich.
Cornelia Hatch - Sep. 10, 1819, Brighton; Mar. 29,1 900, Barre
Matilda Hatch - Aug. 16, 1825, Brighton; July 18, 1901, Mich.
Delia M. Hatch - Oct. 01, 1827, Brighton
Catharine B. Hatch - Jun 29, 1829, Brighton; Nov. 06, 1876, Holley
William A. Hatch - Jan. 27, 1832, Brighton; Nov. 06, 1874, Brockport
Hellen A. Hatch - Mar. 21, 1834, Sweden; Apr. 28, 1881, Binghamton
51

Henry A. Hatch -
Esther A. Hatch -
----
Mar. 21, 1834, Sweden
Dec. 07, 1837, Barre; Mar. 09, 1846, Barre
http://genforum.genealogy.com/cgi-bin/print.cgi?soper::1175.html
Jesse Soper, b. 1752 in Huntington, NY; d.1832 in Plattsburgh, NY; m1. Fanny ____; m2. 1790 Rebecca Thayer
Children:
Ira W. Soper b.ca 1795
Amos Soper b. ca. 1798; d. aft 1880 in Clayton, Lenawee Co., Michigan, with dau. Mary [39 yrs]
Jesse Soper b. ca 1801 in NY; d. aft1882 in Montcalm Co., Cato with Robert & family; Cooper; m. Elvira Holland, b 17 Jan
1809 in NY; d. 17 Jan 1874, Sterling, Macomb, MI; d/o of Robert Holland
Child of Jesse: Aurora Elvira Soper b. 12 Dec 1828 in Pittsford, Monroe, NY; d. 31 Dec 1903; m. 31 Dec 1843, in Sterling,
Macomb, MI, Henry H. Cooley, b. 13 Apr 1824 in Lower Canada Michigan; d. 12 Jun 1912 in Cass City, Michigan. 1834, when
Aurora was 6, her parents moved to Brighton, NY; 1836, moved to Sterling, Macomb Co., Michigan (when it was a wilderness).
----
http://books.google.com/books?id=zvAUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA307&lpg=PA307&dq=%22Ansel+W.+walker%22&source=bl&ots=lP7Kx
SXFK0&sig=0oqN7l7uI9c_HguazyvrJ2_sQTw&hl=en&ei=CKj3S82OCYHGlQfotaj3Cg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&
ved=0CBcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22802%22&f=false page 246.
OTIS WALKER, of BRIGHTON, NY.
I. CHAUNCEY, b. 17 Jan 1798; d. 14 Aug 1827; m1. 16 Feb 1819, Clarissa Morse, d. 19 Jun 1825; m2, 1827, Sarah Bradford.
He was a farmer, and had 4 children. Res. Brighton, NY.
II. ANSEL W. Walker b. 11 Jan 11, 1800; m1. 29 May 1825, Naomi Jeffords, d. 1828; m2, 15 Oct 1829, Mary D. Roberts;
carpenter; 8 children. Res. Detroit, Mich.
L LOUISA, b. 01 Jun 1826; m. 2 Nov 1847, Wm. Langley, a mason. Res. Detroit. ch.
II. NAOMI Z., b. 15 Nov 1830; m. 16 Nov 1855, David Barrows, a cabinet maker. Res. Detroit. ch.
III. GEORGE O., b. 06 Nov 1831, a carpenter and joiner, in died unm.
IV. RICHARD J., b. 13 Feb 1834, a mason.
V. JAMES EDWIN, b. 01 Jan 1837; m. 17 Aug 1858, Fanny Rogers; a joiner; 1 son, Res. Detroit.
VI. JULIA E., b. 02 Apr1840. Res. Detroit.
VII. ANSEL W., b. 28 Aug1844.
VIII. CHARLES W., b. 28 Oct 1846.
III. GEORGE, b. 18 Nov1801; d. 14 Sep 1836, Rochester, NY; m. 18 Jan 1826, Hannah Benton; tinner; 4 ch.
IV. EMILY, b. 31 Jan 1804; d. 19 Jun 1811.
V. MELINDA, b. 23 Mar 1806. Res. Detroit, Mich.
VI. THOMAS, J., b. 21 Sep 1809; d. 6 Aug 1851, in Detroit, Mich; m. 1 Jun 1835, Sarah Bisbee; 5 ch. He was a farmer and
Justice of the Peace. She res. in Oivet, Eaton Co., Mich.
VII. EDWIN, b. 09 Nov 1811; d. 19 Aug 1836; m. 1832, Sabrina Ludden, in Rochester, NY; 1 ch.; tinner; rem. to Marshall,
Mich., in 1836, where they died.
VIII. WILLIAM H., b. 30 Sep 1813; d. 4 Mar 1843 Marshall, Mich; m. 1833, Eliza Lyport, in Rochester, NY; 2 ch.; rem. to Mich in
1837, was a tinner.
IX. CLARISSA, b. 27 Sep 1815; m. 1 Jul 1840, Benj. Scott, a joiner; res. Detroit, Mich.
X. ELIZA A., b. 17 Dec 1817; m. 5 Nov 1847, Henry Langley, a mason. res. Detroit, Mich.
Fairport Lodge No. 476, Fairport, New York
Warrant: 5 Jul 1859
Merger of Fairport 476 with Flower City 910 to become Fairport-Flower City 476, 1 May 2002
The original charter for this lodge was obtained by the following-named Masons, who petitioned the Grand Lodge for same, to wit:
Joshua C. Eaton,
Thomas B. V. Durund,
J. K. Burlingame,
Henry Van Buren,
Otis B. Fullam,
Seymour Palmer,
John Palmer,
. C. Eaton,
Elisha Marlett,
Willard K. Goodrich,
William Wilcox,
S. Prentiss Noyes,
Jacob Chase,
Roswell B. Howes,
Fayette Lupham.
The above were the original charter members.
First meeting of the lodge was held 16 Apr 1859. The first officers were—
Joshua C. Eaton, WM;
Thomas B. V. Durund, SW;
James K. Burlingame, JW;
Omar Wilcox, Sec'y pro tem;
Remson Vanderhoof, Treas.;
Otis B. Fullam, SD;
Seymour Palmer, JD;
. C. Eaton, SMC;
John Palmer, JMC;
Elisha Marlett, Tyler.
The present officers [1877] are—H. W. Couch, W. M.; L. J. De Land, S. W.; L. M. Powers, J. W.; H. H. Howell, Treas.; J. S.
Ramsdell, Secy; D. Tallman, Jr., S. D.; L. M. Shaw, J. D.; M. E. Hazen, Tyler; . C. Moore, S. M. C; George W. Bowerman, J. M. C.
-----
Arabella R. M. Boyd, born in 1819, married Thomas B. V. Durand, a son of Louis V. Durand, by his first marriage. They were
married in 1839 He is a superior physician, and they reside at Fairport, Monroe, NY. Their children are Susan Ann, Louis, and
Rebecca.
52

http://www.fultonhistory.com/Process%20small/Newspapers/Fairport%20NY%20Monroe%20County%20Mail/Fairport%20NY%20M
onroe%20County%20Mail%201934%20-%201935%20Grayscale/Fairport%20NY%20Monroe%20County%20Mail%201934%20-
%201935%20Grayscale%20-%200177.pdf
Fairport Herald-Mail – 24 May 1934
. . . A souvenir program of 20 pages and cover is being printed, and in the program will appear the history of the Lodge in two
sections. The first section is a reprint from a history of the Lodge prepared by the late C. C. Moore and presented to the Lodge by
the late Levi J. DeLand. It is as follows, covering the period from 1859 to 1889.
On a Saturday night, thirty years ago the 16th of this month, Joshua C. Eaton, T. V. B. Durand, H. H. Van Buren, Jas. K.
Burlingame, Remsen Vanderhoef, O. B. Fullam, Seymour G. Palmer, John G. Palmer, Elisha Marlatt, Ortis C. Eaton, M. K.
Goodrich, W. M. Wilcox, Samuel P. Noyes, Jacob Chase, Lafayette Lapham, and Asa Wight, sixteen Master Masons, assembled in
the building now occupied by DeLand & Co., as an office, and under a dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge, held the first
communication of what afterwards became Fairport Lodge No. 476, F&AM.
This occurred at a time when there was still an undercurrent of public opinion in opposition to Masonry, the prejudice of Anti-
Masonic days was firmly rooted and it required men of integrity and perseverance to overcome the opposition, and build up a new
Lodge and place it on a permanent basis. Only those who have passed through such an experience can conceive of its trials and
disappointments, but these men were equal to the task they have undertaken, and the Lodge today bears testimony that its
foundation was firmly and enduringly laid.
The first petition received under the dispensation was that of Oliver C. Scribner, although the honor of the first degree was conferred
jointly upon C. J. DeLand and Jarvis Eddy, April 26, 1859.
Under the dispensation which was for only three months, C. J. DeLand, Jarvis Eddy and Daniel B. DeLand were the only Master
Masons made.
The Charter was granted Jul 5, 1859, to the sixteen original members and was presented to the Lodge at a regular communication
held July 12, 1859, by Right Worshipful Drew G. Lecturer, who installed the new Lodge the same as held office under the
dispensation, which were:
Joshua C. Eaton, WM
T. B. V. Durand, SW
J. K. Burlingame, JW
H. H. VanBuren, Secretary
R. Vanderhoof, Treasurer
O. B. Fullain, SD
S. G. Palmer, JD
Ortie C. Eaton, SMC
J. G. Palmer, JMC
Elisha Marlatt, Tyler.
Thus with nineteen Master Masons, Fairport Lodge No. 476 was founded in brotherly love with the assurance of a bright and
successful future, since which time its fortune has been varied.
During the first decade its success was at high tide, and the new Lodge drew to itself men, who not only labored for the success of
the Lodge, but have also been identified with the success and prosperity of the town. It was at her altar that such men as Dan’l B.
DeLand, C. J. DeLand, Jarvis Eddy, G. L. G. Seeley, Albert G. Norton, Wm. Henry, Myron Palmer, Jacob J. Wells, and scores of
others plighted their faith to Masonry and receive its lessons of Faith, Hope and Charity.
Under the Charter, O. C. Scribner was the first to receive the degree of Master Mason. Joshua C. Eaton the first Worshipful Master
was twice re-elected, thereby serving three successive terms and incident that occurred only twice since in the history of the Lodge.
Whatever the future may develop, it cannot be said of the past that members of this Lodge have been of a race of office seekers, as
the honor of presiding over the Lodge has fallen only upon twelve different persons in thirty-one years of office holding.
During the second decade, the Lodge did not enjoy the same prosperity as it did during the first although many of our most valued
members of today united during that time.
At about the close of this decade, almost discouraged by lack of interest, the life of the Lodge almost reached it ebb; but the zeal of
the few who had labored long for their favorite Lodge did not wane, and perhaps to no one during those dark days does the Lodge
owe more for its existence and present prosperity than to Brother L. H. Powers, for it was he and his few faithful adherents that
turned the tide that has since led to success, and each succeeding year has added interest, enthusiasm and accessions until tonight
we feel that our later years are the crowning ones of our history. . .
Of the sixteen original members, only five, Remsen Vanderhoof, Seymour G. Palmer, Jas. K. Burlingame, Otis B. Fullam and John
G. Palmer are living, and with those present share the pleasures of this occasion. To those not with us but gone before and holding
jubilee tonight in the Celestial Lodge above, we cannot express our obligations, but will ever cherish their names in grateful
remembrance.
The history from 1889 to the present, prepared by Past Master Stewart S. Pierce and Grand D. Kelsey, secretary of the Lodge, is
substantially as follows.
Our historian, Bro. C. C. Moore, who wrote the foregoing sketch, was later elected Worshipful Master and served during the year
1892. He has told us of the pioneer days and of those sturdy, resolute Brethren who started seventy five years ago tonight and who,
53

although they were few in numbers and had but little to work with, built by their untiring efforts and personal sacrifice, the splendid
foundation of Fairport Lodge No. 476, which is so dear to all of us today. . .
The Spanish-American War claimed the life of one of our members. George G. Kelsey, a brother of our present secretary, enlisted
in the 2nd Separate Naval Division. Brother Kelsey died, while in service at Norfolk, VA, on Oct. 9, 1898. He was buried with
Masonic honors.
Two years prior to that date, we note with great interest that Bro. Clarence S. Greene was elected to the office of treasurer. Let
honor be given by all to him who is with us tonight and still holding the same office which he had filled continuously for 38 years.
Next on the honor roll, for length of service comes Bro. Grant D. Kelsey, who has served as secretary since 1913, Our Chaplain,
Bro. Herbert R. Saunders, has guided us in the teachings of the Great Light for a period of 19 years. . .
The World War was a period of great activity for Fairport Lodge. Our members responded most nobly to the call of the Government
and one made the supreme sacrifice. Brother Howard L. Shepard died in France on Oct 1, 1918, of wound received in action on
Sept. 29th. As a fitting memorial, the retiring Master, Bro. F. B. Miner, presented the Lodge with a service flag with five stars
representing the Brothers called to the service, who were: Howard L. Shepard, S, D, Arns, Stanley H. Peacock, E. G. Lusink and
Walter Wegner. Others who saw service and later became members were Hugh Arnold, Geo. W. Bodenburg, Fred Chesbro, Lynn
Dodge, Howard Filkins, Ross A. Roberson, Roy G. Hinch, George S. Price, Howard C. Pyhus, Robert Sayles and J. Sidney Villere.
In a material was we also did our part. To the War and Relief Fund we donated $537.50 and to the Maintenance Fund for the
Masonic Memorial hospital we gave $1275.00, payment of which was completed early in 1929.
For may years our Lodge meetings were held in the Henry block on South Main Street. Our present temple was bought in January
1916. The money for this purpose was raised by the sale of bonds to the members. All of these bonds have either been retired or
were donated to the Lodge by Brothers who had bought them. . .
http://www.rrlcnewspapers.org/Fairport%20NY%20Herald%201873-february-december/Fairport%20NY%20Herald%201873-
february-december%20-%200110.pdf
Fairport Weekly Herald - 5 Sep 1873
DEATH OF JOSHUA C. EATON.
EATON. - In the village of Hudson, Mich., on the morning of July 18 th , Joshua C. Eaton, aged 78 years.
Mr. Eaton: came into the town of Perinton with his father from Dwuaynesburg, in 1809, and resided on the same farm 63 years.
Upon the death of the elder Eaton the homestead passed into the hands of his son Joshua, who retained possession of it until 1872
when he sold the premises to B. Vanzandt who stills lives on the place. After haying sold, Mr. Eaton went to Michigan on a visit to
his daughter and a brother, where he died. He was a kind neighbor, an indulgent father, and one of the most exemplary men in all
respects. In his time he was an industrious and one of the best practical farmers in the town, and was highly esteemed by a large
circle of friends and acquaintances. He was one of the first pioneers of Perinton. He had been married three times, his first wife
being the sister of our present townsman, T. A. Slocum. His last wife survives him, and three children by his first and second
marriage.
Joshua C. Eaton was a charter member of Fairport Lodge No. 476, F&AM, and was elected its first Master. He was one of the oldest
Master Masons in Western New York, and as a man and a Mason he had few equals and no superiors. The prosperity which the
fraternity in this place have enjoyed is due in a great measure to his untiring zeal and indomitable energy.
"Mark the perfect, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.''
http://www.lvx.org/files/QuickSiteImages/PFC_Masonic_Affiliations.pdf
Paul Foster Case was made a Mason in Fairport Lodge No. 476 in Fairport, New York; EA 22 Mar 1926; FC 12 Apr 1926; MM 26
Jun 1926. Affiliated 5 Sep 1944, Hollenbeck Lodge No. 319 (now Norwalk Lodge No. 315 of Whittier), 2130 East Fifth Street, Los
Angeles, CA; withdrew 2 Jun 1953. Affiliated 2 Jun 1953 with Eagle Rock Lodge No. 422 in 1953 (now South Pasadena Lodge No.
290), 5016 Caspar Avenue, Los Angeles, CA.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Foster_Case
Paul Foster Case b. 3 Oct 1884; d. 2 Mar 1954, was an occultist of the early 20th century
and author of numerous books on occult tarot and Qabalah. Perhaps his greatest
contributions to the field of occultism were the lessons he wrote for associate members of
Builders of the Adytum. The Knowledge Lectures given to initiated members of the
Chapters of the B. O. T. A. were equally profound, although the limited distribution has
made them less well known.
A modern scholar of the occult tarot and Qabalah, Paul Foster Case was born at 5:28 p.m.,
3 Oct 1884 in Fairport, NY. His father was the town librarian and a Deacon at the local
Congregational Church. When he was five years old, his mother began teaching him to
play the piano and organ, and later in his youth, Case performed as organist in his family's
church. A talented musician, he embarked on a successful career as a violinist, and
orchestra conductor.
Case was early on attracted to the occult. While still a child he reported experiences that
today are called lucid dreaming. He corresponded about these experiences with Rudyar
Kipling who encouraged him as to the validity of his paranormal pursuits.
In the year 1900, Case met the occultist Claude Bragdon while both were performing at a
charity performance. Bragdon asked Case what he thought the origin of playing cards was.
54

After pursuing the question in his father's library, Case discovered a link to tarot, called 'The Game of Man,' thus began what would
become Case's lifelong study of the tarot, and leading to the creation of the B. O. T. A. tarot deck, a "corrected" version of the Rider-
Waite cards.
Between 1905 and 1908 (aged 20–24), Case began practicing yoga, and in particular pranayama, from what published sources
were available. His early experiences appear to have caused him some mental and emotional difficulties and left him with a lifelong
concern that so called "occult" practice be done with proper guidance and training.
In the summer of 1907, Case read The Secret of Mental Magic, by William W. Atkinson (aka Ramacharaka) which led him to
correspond with the then popular new thought author. Many people have speculated that Case and Atkinson were two of the three
anonymous authors of The Kybalion, an influential philosophical text.
Dilemma: music or the mysteries - Case reported a meeting on the streets of Chicago, in 1909 or 1910, that was to change the
course of his life. A "Dr. Fludd," a prominent Chicago physician approached the young Case and greeting him by name, claimed to
have a message from a "Master of Wisdom" who, the Doctor said, "is my teacher as well as yours."
The stranger said that Case was being offered a choice. He could continue with his successful musical career and live comfortably,
or he could dedicate himself to "serve humanity" and thereby play a role in the coming age. From that time on, Case began to study
and formulate the lessons that served as the core curricula of the "Builders of the Adytum", the school of tarot divination and
Qabalah that Case founded and that continues today.
In 1916 Case published a groundbreaking series of articles on the Tarot Keys, titled "The Secret Doctrine of the Tarot," in the
popular occult magazine The Word. The articles attracted wide notice in the occult community for organizing and clarifying what had
been confusing and scattered threads of occult knowledge as allegedly foundational to that illustrated and illuminated by the Tarot.
Whitty and Alpha et Omega - In 1918, Case met Michael James Whitty (d. 27 Dec 1920 in Los Angeles, CA), who was the editor
of the magazine Azoth (and would become a close friend). Whitty was serving as the Cancellarius (Treasurer/Office Manager) for
the Thoth-Hermes Lodge of the Alpha et Omega. Alpha et Omega was S. L. MacGregor Mathers' group that formed in 1906 after
the demise of the original Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in 1903. Whitty invited Case to join Thoth-Hermes, which was the
direct American lodge under the A.O. mother lodge in Paris. Case did and quickly moved up initiations in the Rosicrucian Grades
(True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order). Case's aspiration name in A.'.O.'. was Perserverantia ( Perseverance, or I Persevere).
Whitty republished Case's attribution of the Tarot keys (with corrections) in Azoth. That same year, Case became Sub-
Praemonstrator (Assistant Chief-Instructor) at the Thoth-Hermes Lodge. Also during that year he finished a set of articles on the
Mystical Rosicrucian Origins of Faust & published by Whitty. The following year, he began to correspond with Dr. John William
Brodie-Innes (Fr. Sub Spe).
Between 1919 and 1920, Case and Michael Whitty collaborated in the development of the text which would later be published as
The Book of Tokens. This book was written as a received text, whether through meditation, automatic writing, or some other means.
It later surfaced that Master R. was the source. On May 16, 1920 Case was initiated into Alpha et Omega's Second Order. Three
weeks later, according to the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn's bio-page on Case, he was named Third Adept.
In December 1920, Michael Whitty died. Case believed Whitty's health problems were attributable to the dangers that arise or may
arise in the practice of Enochian magic. He later corresponded with Israel Regardie about those concerns.
Controversy with Moina Mathers - Because of his quick advancement through the Grades of the Order, Case may have sparked
some jealousy among the other Adepts. Moreover, others may have thought some of his teachings inappropriate. On July 18, 1921,
Moina Mathers (1865-1928) wrote Case regarding complaints she had received regarding some of his teachings. Apparently, Case
had begun discussing the topic of sex magic, which at the time had no official place in the Order curriculum. Since no knowledge
lectures exist on the subject, whether sex practices were ever taught in the Golden Dawn has been a long standing question. In her
correspondence with Case, Moina wrote, "I have seen the results of this superficial sex teaching in several Occult Societies as well
as in individual cases. I have never met with one happy result."
But to Case, sexuality became an increasingly important subject. In his Book of Tokens, a collection of inspired meditations on the
22 Tarot Keys of the Major Arcana, Case comments on the sex function, "You must wholly alter your conception of sex in order to
comprehend the Ancient Wisdom. It is the interior nervous organism, not the external organs, that is always meant in phallic
symbolism, and the force that works through these interior centers is the Great Magical Agent, the divine serpent fire." In his works,
The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order and The Masonic Letter G, he writes of certain practices involving the redirection of the
sexual force to the higher centers of the brain where experience of supersensory states of consciousness becomes possible.
Some members also complained about a personal relationship between Case and a soror, Lilli Geise. Case confessed the matter to
Moina: "The Hierophantria and I were observed to exchange significant glances over the altar during the Mystic Repast... My
conscience acquits me... Our relation to each other we submit to no other Judge than that Lord of Love and Justice whom we all
adore." In time, Case married Geise, who died a few years later.
Perhaps Moina's correspondence also touched a sensitive area for Case. In her July 18 letter, she tells Case, "You evidently have
reached a point in your mystical Way where there would appear to exist certain cross-roads. The artist in you, which I recognize,
and with whom I deeply sympathize, would probably choose to learn the Truth through the joy and beauty of physical life." She
continued, "You who have studied the Pantheons, do you know of that enchanting God, the Celtic Angus, the Ever Young? He who
is sometimes called Lord of the Land of Heart's Desire?" Angus rescued Etain, the Moon, who had been turned into a golden fly. But
Etain had to choose between bodily existence in the land of mortals and everlasting life. She continued still, "The artist in us may
have lingered in that land for a moment. But you and I who would be teachers and pioneers in this Purgatorial World must be
prepared before all the Gods to be the servants of the greatest of them all... the Osiris, the Christ, the God of the Sacrifice of the
Self." Moina then asked Case to resign from his position as Praemonstrator.
55

Case resigned as Praemonstrator, responding to Moina, "I have no desire to be a 'teacher and pioneer in this Purgatorial World.'
Guidance seems to have removed me from the high place to which I have never really aspired. The relief is great."
Apparently Case had already begun work on establishing a Mystery School of his own—the School of Ageless Wisdom, which later
became Builders Of The Adytum.
Builders of the Adytum - After Case left Alpha et Omega, he vigorously pursued the organization of his own Mystery School. In the
summer of 1922, Case put his first efforts together preparing a comprehensive correspondence course. In one year it covered what
the B.O.T.A. presently cover in over five years. He called the course The Ageless Wisdom, and it covered just about the whole of
Hermeticism. By 1923 Case formed The School of Ageless Wisdom, probably in Boston.
Within a few years he moved to Los Angeles, abandoning, once and for all, his career as a musician, and established the Builders of
the Adytum (B.O.T.A.). Still in existence today, B.O.T.A. claims to be an authentic Mystery School. Over the next three decades,
Case organized the curriculum of correspondence lessons covering practically the whole corpus of what is called the Western
Mystery Tradition: occult tarot, Qabalah, and Alchemy.
Views on Enochian- In the "Wheel of Life" Magazine, in March 1937, Case described B.O.T.A.'s relationship to the Golden Dawn,
and his views on the Golden Dawn's use of Enochian material.
"B.O.T.A. is a direct off-shoot of the Golden Dawn, but its work has been purged of all the dangerous and dubious magic
incorporated into the Golden Dawn's curriculum by the late S.L. MacGregor Mathers, who was responsible for the inclusion of the
ceremonials based on the skrying of Sir Edward Kelly.
"There is much in these Golden Dawn rituals and ceremonies that is of the greatest value; but from the first grade to the last it is all
vitiated by these dangerous elements taken from Dee and Kelly. Furthermore, in many places, the practical working is not provided
with adequate safeguards, so that, to the present writer's personal knowledge, an operator working with the Golden Dawn
[Enochian] rituals runs very grave risks of breaking down his physical organism, or of obsession by evil entities."
Case died while vacationing in Mexico with his second wife, Harriet. His ashes lie in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendate, CA.
Fairport-Flower City Lodge No. 476, Fairport, New York
Warrant: 1 May 2002
Merger of Fairport 476 with Flower City 910 to become Fairport-Flower City 476, 1 May 2002
Etolian Lodge No. 479, Spencerport
Warrant: 9 Jun 1860
Consolidation of Etolian 479, Charlotte-Corinthian 1088 to become Unity 479, 24 Aug 2004
http://www.ogdenny.com/data/documents/PathwaysPhotos2003.pdf
Eleven Spencerport men [4 from Valley Lodge; 7 from Yonnondio Lodge] met in 1859 to organize a lodge of Free Masons,
chartered as the Etolian Lodge No. 479 in June 1860. Originally, they congregated in the Sons of Temperance Hall, but laid the
cornerstone for their own Temple in 1905. The building was completed in 1906 and its hall became the site of many public events. In
1911, an early morning fire began in an outhouse and spread to the drugstore's storage barn. The presence of multiple chemicals
hindered the firefighters' efforts to quell the fire, and it spread to a nearby house used as offices of the Ogden Telephone Company,
from which it spread to the Temple. The Temple's brick walls led firemen to believe they had contained the fire at the telephone
office, until the roof became engulfed in flames. Chief W. J. Ireland was almost knocked off the roof by a powerful burst of water
from a hose, and saved himself by hanging on to a cornice. The next day, water still cascaded down the stairwell and the basement
had four feet of standing water. The drugstore’s storage barn was a total loss, but the Temple was restored.
56

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~colby/colbyfam/b307.html
Oscar P. COLBY was born on 26 Apr 1841 in Ogden, Monroe, NY. He appeared in the census in 1850 and 1860 in Ogden,
Monroe, NY. (living at home with father and mother.) He served in the military from 8 Aug 1862 to 20 May 1865 in Civil War.
Burial location Fairfield Cemetery, Sec. IX, range D, lot 13-15 Division 1
Born Apr. 26, 1841 Spencerport, NY
Enlisted Aug. 8, 1862 Ogden, NY; Corporal; Co. A, 140th NY Vol. Inf.; Civil War; Discharged May 20, 1865 (not given)
Died May 31, 1910 at Spencerport, NY aged 69
Oscar P. COLBY, who is re-nominated for Justice of Sessions, was born in Ogden April 26, 18-- (1841?). His grandfather came to
Ogden in 1803, he and one brother being the first settlers of that town. Mr. Colby was educated in the common schools of the town
and also attended Satterlee of Dexter's Collegiate Institute in this city in 1857 and 1858. From that school he went to the Brockport
Collegiate Institute where he remained until the spring of 1862. Then he enlisted in Company A, 140th Regiment and went to the
front with that gallant band of soldiers. Private Colby was wounded at Little Round Top at Gettysburg, where Col. O' RORKE met his
death. Since the war Mr. Colby has resided in Ogden. During the administration of Sheriff SCHOEFFEL from 1882 to 1885 he
served as a deputy. For three years past he has acted as a justice of the peace in his town, and during 1890 he served as a
member of the Democratic County Committee. Mr. Colby has made many warm friends in this city during his term as Justice of
Sessions, who will warmly congratulate him on his re-nomination.
“History of Rochester and Monroe County New York From the Earliest Historic Times to the Beginning of 1907" by William F. PECK,
The Pioneer Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1908.
Oscar P. COLBY, in former years connected with agricultural interests, his attention, however, being now given to the discharge of
the official duties which devolve upon him as justice of the peace and clerk of the village board in Spencerport, was here born 26
Apr 1841, his birthplace being the farm which was settled by his grandfather, Abraham COLBY, in 1802. Here the grandson has
spent his entire life with the exception of three years when he was a soldier of the Union army in the Civil war. His parents were
James and Martha W. (PECK) COLBY. The father was also born at the old COLBY homestead, where he spent his entire life,
passing away at the age of 85 years. He followed the occupation of farming and thus provided for the support of his family. His wife
was born in Rehoboth, MA, and became a resident of East Bloomfield, Ontario, NY, where she was residing at the time of her
marriage. She had previously engaged in teaching in the town of Ogden. Unto Mr. and Mrs. James COLBY were born two children,
the elder being Adelaide, who became the wife of James C. ROSS and died about 1905.
Oscar P. COLBY acquired his early education in the public schools and also attended the Rochester Collegiate Institute and what is
now the Brockport Normal School. He assisted in the work of the home farm during the periods of vacation and after he had put
aside his text-books. On 8 Aug 1862, he offered his services to the government in defense of the Union, enlisting as a member of
Company A, 140th NY Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel O'RORKE. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and
Mr. COLBY participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, where he was under fire for the first time. He afterward took part in all of the
engagements that led up to Gettysburg, where on 2 Jul 1863, he received a ball in the right leg at Little Roundtop. It was at that time
that his colonel was killed. Mr. COLBY carried the ball for six weeks before the surgeons could locate it. After he had sufficiently
recovered from his injuries he was assigned to detached service at Sickel's general hospital at Alexandria, Virginia, where he
remained until the close of the war.
Mr. COLBY was a brave and loyal soldier, never faltering in the performance of any duty, whether it called him to the lonely picket
line or to the firing line. Soon after his return home he was married and began farming on the old family homestead, continuing to
engage actively in general agricultural pursuits until about 15 years ago, when he was elected justice of sessions and served for two
terms on the bench with Judge William E. WERNER. For 15 years he has lived in the village of Spencerport and for a similar period
he has filled the office of justice of the peace, while he later served as clerk of the village board. In his political affiliation he has been
true to the teachings of the COLBY family, who through several generations have been stalwart democrats.
It was in 1865 that Mr. COLBY was united in marriage to Miss Hattie E. ROSS, a native of the town of Ogden, and to them have
been born two children: Alexander G., who is now upon the old homestead farm; and Ida V., who is with her parents. Mr. COLBY
has sold a part of his farm to his son but still owns about one hundred acres of land which is very valuable and productive.
Fraternally he is connected with John H. MARTINDALE Post, No. 270, G. A. R., of Spencerport. In 1863 he joined Etolian Lodge,
No. 479, F&AM, of Spencerport, being one of its oldest members. He is a worthy representative of a prominent pioneer family, the
name of COLBY having ever stood for good citizenship, for progress in business and for fidelity in social life. His record is in
harmony with that of an honored ancestry and it is his personal worth which entitles him to mention in this volume.
Parents: James COLBY and Martha W. PECK.
Spouse: Harriett E. ROSS. Oscar P. COLBY and Harriett E. ROSS were married about 1865 in New York. Children were: Alexander
G. COLBY, Ida V. COLBY.
COLBY, OSCAR P. - Age 21 years. Enlisted [140th NY Inf. Vols.], 8 Aug 1862, at Brockport, to serve three years; mustered in as
Corporal, Co. A, 13 Sep 1862; wounded in action, 2 Jul 1863, at Gettysburg, PA; discharged, 20 May 1865.
-----
Annual Report of the Department of Agriculture ..., Volume 3, by New York. Department of Agriculture, page 1559.
http://books.google.com/books?id=8sEjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA1559&dq=%22Etolian+Lodge+No.+479%22&hl=en&ei=OOTkTsmAHM
PY0QHgts3cBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CEMQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22Etolian%20Lodge%20No.
%20479%22&f=false
57

IN MEMORIAM
Just previous to the going to press of this report the wires flashed the news of the death of Institute
Conductor Fred E. Gott. Therefore, I hasten to record therein this tribute.
Mr. Gott was born October 13, 1851, at Beachwood Farm, Spencerport, Monroe County, where his
grandfather settled early in the nineteenth century, when western New York was a new country.
Something over a year ago Mr. Gott was offered an attractive price for this farm and, although he had no
sons to succeed him and was beginning to experience the heart trouble which proved fatal, he refused
the offer and chose to die where he had lived and labored. Here his life was spent. He drained the fields
which were unproductive and thus increased their yield manyfold, and planted orchards. All this he did
while burdened with debt; but lived to see his outlay justified and to enjoy the fruits of his labors.
He was educated at Spencerport public schools, Parma Institute and Brockport Normal. For thirteen
years ho was justice of the peace. In 1891 he was elected supervisor of the town of Ogden and held the office seven years. In 1892
he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention at Minneapolis. In the fall of 180G he was elected to represent his district
in the Assembly. He was a member of the Grange, also of Etolian Lodge, No. 479, F&AM. For over thirty years he has been a
member of the First Congregational Church at Spencerport and was at one time superintendent of the Sunday school. He was
always actively interested in whatever pertained to the civic welfare of his town, county or state.
For the past twelve years he has been connected with the Farmers' Institute work of the state as lecturer and conductor. For three
years — until the districts were done away with on the writer's appointment as Director — he had entire charge of the work in the
twelve counties bordering on the Great Lakes and in western and central New York. As the writer has visited these counties, he has
been gratified to find the growing esteem in which Mr. Gott was held by the people in this district.
Ho was a student of the fundamental principles of agriculture and exemplified the practical workings of them on his own farm. He
had the ability to so present both principles and practice that they were easily grasped by his hearers, and the strong personality of
the man readily inclined them to follow his advice.
A coworker of wide experience from another state last winter remarked, that he had learned more from Mr. Gott than from any man
with whom he had ever been associated. A state worker said recently to the writer, "Mr. Gott was one of the very few men who
never exaggerated." Though so strong physically and mentally, he was as modest and sensitive as a child. Only his keen sense of
duty induced him to undertake service which made him conspicuous. After a serious sickness in the spring of 1912, he came to
Albany with the intention of retiring from the work, but on finding that another was compelled to do so, he remained in the harness
against the advice of his physician and nearest friends. In spite of failing strength through loyalty to the work and the writer he took
charge of a force the entire past winter with cheerfulness and zeal. As a fitting tribute to such loyal and effective service, ho was
selected with one accord by his associates to preside at the closing banquet of the institute workers at Ithaca, and most graciously
did he do it.
Retiring to his loved farm and home in the spring, he seemed to regain his old-time vigor and did not a little outside service in the
way of personal advice, particularly in matters pertaining to orchard and drainage. Not a few trees and many fields will, for years to
come, bear silent but abundant testimony to such work of his.
Ho had gathered his harvest into his barn. With his own hands, on Friday, the 19th, ho sowed a field to alfalfa and had his farm work
in a condition to leave on the Tuesday following to give service and advice to farmers along the line of the Northern Central
Railroad. Thus, with his homo work well in hand ho was prepared to assume the broader duties of the morrow. Who shall say he did
not — although on .Monday, July 21st, "toward evening, as the day was far spent," the summons came and the brave heart stopped
beating. But the real man, made in the image of his maker, entered into the abundant life that the Master came to bestow.
On the Thursday following there gathered at his home — with his wife so sorely bereaved and the company of neighbors and friends
who knew and loved him well — of his associates in the agricultural work, the writer; D. P. Witter, of Berkshire; A. J. Nicoll, of Delhi;
John H. Barron, of Nunda; J. G. Curtis, of Rochester; John A. Ennis, of Pattersonville, and Boy P. 31cPhcrson, of Le Roy; to pay the
last deserved respect to our fellowworker. Bright was the sunshine as we laid his body in the beautiful village cemetery just beyond
his home, and, though sad our hearts, there was a brightness there also, for what better earthly end could we wish for our brother
than that in the place of his birth, with his good wife not distant, surrounded by the accumulative works of his hands for nearly fifty
years, with his eye not dimmed and apparently his natural strength not abated, his day's work well done, his house in order, ready
for new duties, than to be called higher!
The words of holy writ come to me with a new meaning. "If a man die, shall he live again? Yea, saith the Spirit, they rest from their
labors and their works do follow them."
-----
"There is no death. What seems so is transition.
This life of mortal breath
Is but a suburb of the life Elysian,
Whose portal we call death."
History of Rochester and Monroe county, New York: from the ..., Volume 1, by William Farley Peck, page 457.
http://books.google.com/books?id=IvssAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA467&dq=%22Etolian+Lodge+No.+479%22&hl=en&ei=g9zkTuzBFaXv0g
GdnM3gBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CD0Q6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=%22Etolian%20Lodge%20No.%204
79%22&f=false
58

Nicholas H. Hoy - The name of Hoy in Monroe county is synonymous with business integrity and activity. He of whom we write was
born in Rochester on 10 Oct 1832 [d. 1907], his parents being Patrick and Lorana Hoy, the former born in Ireland, while the latter
was a native of Cherry Valley, NY. The father came from the Emerald isle to the new world and while living at Cherry Valley lost his
first wife, after which he was married again. There were three children by the first marriage. It was in the first year of the cholera
epidemic that Patrick and Lorana Hoy removed to Rochester and both died in Penfield. They had three children: Mrs. Julia Johnson,
deceased; Nicholas H.; and Mrs. Betsy Perkins, who has also passed away.
Nicholas H. Hoy was but two years of age when his parents removed from Rochester to the town of Penfield, where he resided until
1870. He then came to the town of Ogden, where he has resided continuously since. When a small boy he learned the blacksmith's
trade with his father at Penfield Center and throughout his entire business career he followed that pursuit, carrying on a smithy until
about ten years ago, when he retired to private life. The only interruption to his active business career was caused by his service in
defense of the Union at the time of the Civil war. In the spring of 1862 he became a member of Company L, Eighth New York
Cavalry, under command of Captain McNair of the Army of the Potomac and enlisted as a blacksmith, serving for three years or
until discharged at the close of hostilities. His record as a soldier was characterized by bravery in every position in which he was
placed and by unfaltering allegiance to the nation's starry banner.
On 18 Apr 1854, Mr. Hoy married to Lydia Ann Balcom, b. in Penfield, 20 Jun 1833, and has spent her entire life in Monroe county.
Her parents were Leander and Nancy (Clark) Balcom, natives of Richfield, NY, and of Long Island respectively. They were married
in Orleans county, this state, whither they removed with their parents in childhood days. About 1830 they arrived in Monroe county
with three children, while Mrs. Hoy was the only one of the family born here. The others were Mrs. Alzina Holdridge, Mrs. Julia
Eldridge and George Balcom, all now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hoy have been born two children: James Eugene (b. 9 Dec
1857), a resident of Spencerport; and Jennie, the wife of Joseph V. Rogers.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoy have now traveled life's journey together for fifty-four years and during this long period they have shared with each
other in the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which come to all, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the
years have gone by. They hold membership in the Presbyterian church of Ogden Center and Mr. Hoy gives his political support to
the republican party, which was the loyal defense of the Union in the dark days of civil strife and has always been the advocate of
reform and progress. Somewhat prominent in local political circles, he served as overseer of the poor for the town of Ogden for two
terms and was assessor for two or three terms. Fraternally he is connected with Martindale post, G. A. R., and Etolian Lodge No.
479, F&AM, both of Spencerport.
Mr. Hoy is one of the oldest native residents of the county, having for three-quarters of a century made his home within its borders.
Great indeed have been the changes which have occurred in this period as Rochester has emerged from villagehood to take on
metropolitan proportions.
HOY, NICHOLAS H. - Age 28 years. Enlisted [8th NY Cav.], 30 Aug 1862, at Rochester; mustered in as blacksmith, Co. L, 30 Aug
1862, to serve three years; transferred to Co. O, 1 Nov 1861; mustered out, 26 Jun 1865, at Washington, DC.
Unity Lodge No. 479, Spencerport, New York
Warrant: 24 Aug 2004
Genesee Falls Lodge No. 507, Rochester, New York
Warrant: 26 Jun 1861
Consolidated with Yonnondio No. 163 and Zetland No. 951, 25 Apr 1989, to become Towpath No. 163; aka the "Post Office Lodge"
from the large number of post office employees; membership in 1905 was 1,209; in 1929, 1,901; 1970, 679.
http://www.archive.org/stream/cu31924030288843/cu31924030288843_djvu.txt
Genesee Falls Lodge, No. 507, F. & A. M.
The dispensation for the organization of Genesee Falls Lodge, No. 507, F. & A. M., was issued in 1860, and its first meeting under
dispensation was held August 14, 1860. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in June, 186 1, the lodge was constituted
under its charter by Past Master William Brewster, acting as Grand Master.
Gen. William E. Lathrop was installed first W. M.; Dr. John F. Whitbeck, S. W., and David P. Richardson, J. W. As one recent writer
has said: "It is now the largest lodge numerically in the United States, and undoubtedly the largest in the World, bearing on its rolls
more than 1076 members in good standing. In the year 1900, 118, and in 1901, 153 were raised to the third degree.
Following is a list of the Past Masters of the Lodge, with the dates of their service:
Wm. E. Lathrop, 1860-61 Franklin S. Stebbins, 1873 John H. Putnam, 1882
John F. Whitbeck, 1862 Julius L. Townsend, 1874 William H. Whiting, 1883
Hiram D. Vosburg, 1863 Daniel T. Hunt, 1875 William H. Bosworth, 1884
John F. Whitbeck, 1864-65 Walter Liddell, 1876 Asa B. Norcross, 1885
Jeffrey W. Vary, 1866-67 William H. Bosworth, 1877 Thomas C. Hodgson, 1886
William Shelp, 1868-69 Samuel C. Pierce, 1878 Philip A. Clum, 1887
Luther J. W. Vary, 1870 Varnum M. Colvin, 1879 George F. Loder, 1888-89-90
George F. Loder, 1871 W. Lincoln Sage, 1880 S. D. W. Cleveland, 1891-92
Everett C. Bradstreet, 1872 Thomas A. Raymond, 1881 George F. Loder, 1893
Franklin W. Morse, 1894
Horace G. Oliver, 1895
Henry Lampert, 1896
Clarence E. Hedges, 1897
Franklin S. Stebbins, 1898
Morley B. Turpin, 1899
Charles M. Colton, 1900-01
The officers for the year 1902 are:
Master,
I. C. Edington
Senior Warden, D. C. Hebbard
59

Junior Warden, George E. Hatch
Treasurer, E. F. Pillow
Secretary, Fred. M. Young
Chaplains, Rev. Murray Bartlett, Rev. Thomas Cardus,
Rev. Francis Lippitt, Rev. J. Lyon Caughey, Rev. Francis C. Woodward
Senior Deacon, M. Van Valkenberg
Assistant Senior Deacon, George W. Milby
Junior Deacon, Edward Lynn
Assistant Junior Deacon, E. M. Bentley
Senior Master of Ceremonies, W. L. Fisk
Junior Master of Ceremonies, E. Tracy Otis
Senior Stewards R. E. Westbury
Junior Steward, E. O. Gibbs
Marshal, G. H. Pardee
Assistant Marshal, David O. Cloud
Master of Arts, Frederick Fish
Tyler,
M. J. Steel
Organist, C. W. La Salle
Assistant Organist, D. M. Cotton
Quartette: George W. Walton, director, John Singleton, C. V. Lansing, W. H. Earned
Trustees, F. S. Stebbins, George F. Loder, Joseph S. Vick
Member of General Committee, George J. Oaks.
-----
A complete military history and record of the 108th Regiment N.Y. vols ..., by George H. Washburn, page 196.
http://books.google.com/books?id=dkoWAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA196&lpg=PA196&dq=%22Abel
ard+Reynolds%22+%22lodge%22&source=bl&ots=oF1D1u7oh1&sig=FsZ0MpWhJYEAUkc
SWLVA2BOe0MQ&hl=en&ei=g2XnTv-
9OoHm0QHo4ZWYCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&sqi=2&ved=0CCYQ6A
EwAw#v=onepage&q=%22Abelard%20Reynolds%22%20%22lodge%22&f=false
DE. JOHN FONDA WHITBECK, Surgeon 108th Regiment New York Volunteers.
b. 27 Sep 1812; d. 8 Dec 1880, aged 68 years.
Dr. Whitbeck, was born 27 Sep 1812, at Claverack, Columbia, NY. In early boyhood he
removed to Herkimer County, and there began the study of medicine, graduating at the age
of twenty-five from the Fairfield Medical College in that county. He began the practice of
medicine at East Avon, NY, where he spent a few years, afterwards removing to Lima, NY.
His next residence was Rochester, NY, where he moved some thirty years ago. Since that
time he has lived in the city in the constant practice of his profession. He was married to
Miss Elizabeth A. Ward of East Avon, 20 Jan 1836. In March 1854, his wife died, and
subsequently, in November of the same year, he was married to his present wife, then Miss
L. E. W. Smith, d/o Peter Smith, an old resident of this city. The immediate relations of Dr.
Whitbeck who survive him, are his wife, Mrs. L. E.W. Whitbeck, and Dr. J. W. Whitbeck,
Mrs. M. H. Merriman, Mrs. C. R. Parsons and Miss Jennie Whitbeck, his children. There are
also brothers and sisters as follows: J. B. Whitbeck of this city, Volkert Whitbeck of
Geneseo, Mrs. Franklin Carter of Lima, Mrs. Bradley Pierson of Lima and Mrs. Dr. Caulkins
of this city.
Dr. Whitbeck was a prominent member of Genesee Falls Lodge No. 507 (through which he entered masonry), Ionic Chapter and
Cyrene Commandery of the Masonic Fraternity, and was at different times the presiding officer of each of these bodies. When his
death was announced to one of the younger leaders of the order by a reporter of this paper, he said, "He is the last of the group of
patriarchs and old time workers in the society, of which W. F. Holmes, Abelard Reynolds, William Brewster and Messrs. Watson
and Burtis were honored members." For many years he had held the office of prelate in the Cyrene Commandery— the similar
position to that held for so many years by his old friend Abelard Reynolds in Monroe Commandery. He was past master of
Genesee Falls Lodge; past high priest of Ionic Chapter; past commander of Cyrene Commandery. He was also a member of the
various bodies of the Scottish Rite. In the fraternity he has always been active and has commanded the respect of his brethren in as
great a degree as any other mason in the city.
He entered the army in August, 1862, and was commissioned as surgeon of the 108th Regiment New York Volunteers, under
Colonel Oliver H. Palmer; left for the seat of war with the regiment and was with that regiment through the battles of Antietam,
Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, but was compelled, after less than a year's service to tender his resignation on account of
sickness.
As a physician and surgeon he was noted throughout Western New York. The above is a mere outline of the career of one who
cannot be sufficiently honored in a brief obituary notice. As a soldier, mason, physician, citizen, friend and a gentleman of the old
school, he was known and honored. He had reached a good age, and had exerted all his powers to the end of a most useful and
upright career.
Masonic burial services were performed at Mt. Hope Chapel, under the auspices of Genesee Falls Lodge.
60

A quartette consisting of Messrs. Arnold, Monroe, Oaks and Bottnm sung a beautiful chant entitled "Put us Not to Rebuke." The pall
bearers were Drs. W. S. Ely, J. J. Kempe, C. S. Starr, C. E. McKelvey, E. V. Stoddard, C. D. Wooden, Charles Buckley and R. M.
Moore. Honorary bearers were: Drs. H. F. Montgomery, E. M. Moore, Sr., H. H. Langworthy, C. E. Rider, A. Backus and J. Beahan,
of Rochester; Drs A. Mercer, Syracuse; G. H. Bennett, Lima; F. Edson, Scottsville; M. W. Townsend, Bergen, and Potter of Webster.
WHITBECK, JOHN P. - Age 49 years. Enrolled [108th NY inf. Vols.], 5 Aug 1862, at Rochester, to serve three years; mustered in as
surgeon, 18 Aug 1862; discharged, 6 Jan 1863. Commissioned surgeon, 9 Sep 1862, with rank from 5 Aug 1862, original.
-----
Ibid. page 214.
George H. Washburn, Company D, 108th Regiment, New York Volunteers.
The only son of Charles and Ruth A. Washburn was born on 29 Oct 1843, and raised on
what was then called Corn Hill, Third Ward, in Rochester, NY. Young Washburn entered
old public school Number Three, situated on what was then called Clay, now Tremont
street, his first teacher being Miss Sarah Frost. In 1852, during the great siege of cholera,
his father died after a short illness, leaving a widow and two children, his younger sister,
Dora, now Mrs. Franklin E. Purdy, and himself. Shortly afterwards he concluded to try and
see if he could not lessen the burdens of his widowed mother and endeavor to add his
mite towards the support of the family. His grandmother, Mrs. Hannah Tozer, was then
living with his mother as one of the family. He applied for a situation as check boy in the
old dry goods establishment of Timothy Chapman, at No. 12 State street, and went to
work at 75 per week, and remained there
till Aug 1862, when he enlisted as a
private in Captain J. Geo. Cramer's
Company D, 108th Regiment, New York
Volunteers. In the meantime the
establishment had changed into the
hands of Tuller & Nichols—Horace S.
Tuller and F. H. Smith. Washburn's first
experience in military service was not
with the old 108th, but with the "Zouave
Cadets," composed of young lads from
public school No. 3.
Private Washburn left for the seat of war with his regiment, 19 Aug 1862. At the
battle of Antietam, 17 Sep, the first battle the regiment was engaged in and suffered
so terribly, one of his tent mates and Sunday school teacher previous to enlistment,
Joseph S. Delevau, was badly wounded in the groin, and with the assistance of
Sergeant John H. Jennings, another tent mate, they carried their wounded
companion off the field and laid him in a place of safety, returned to the regiment
and remained during the battle. He was with the regiment on the march to Bolivar
Heights, near Harper's Ferry, and while there was assigned to duty as one of the
guard on the Balloon Corps. When the regiment moved on to Fredericksburg, the
guard followed in the rear and joined the regiment at or near Snicker's Gap, and
when the regiment went into winter quarters at Falmouth, VA, did picket and guard
duty; was in the battle of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and after the last
named battle was sent to Findley Hospital, Washington, DC, and remained there a
long time, sick with the typhoid fever. (At the time of enlistment was five feet three
inches, and weighed 112 pounds.)
After his recovery he was detailed at headquarters by Dr. W. A. Bradley, surgeon in charge, and shortly afterwards ordered to report
to Brigadier General J. H. Martindale's headquarters, corner 19th and I streets, who at that time was Military Governor of the District
of Columbia. When General Martindale rejoined his brigade, Washburn was assigned to Major Breck's Bureau in the War
Department, Adjutant General's Office, and later on transferred to headquarters 22d Army Corps Department at Washington,
commanded by Major General C. C. Augur, at the corner of 15th street and Pennsylvania Ave., and remained there till mustered out
19 Jun 1865. After receiving his discharge, he made application for a situation in the Treasury Department, and being backed up by
strong testimonials from General Augur, Colonel J. H. Taylor, chief of staff, and many of the staff officers at headquarters, received
an appointment as first class clerk by Hon. Hugh McCullough, Secretary, and assigned to duty in the Internal Revenue Bureau,
remaining there till 1868, when he returned to Rochester, NY, and entered the dry goods business again, remained a short time and
then entered the clothing business; continued till the fall of 1889, when he received an appointment as clerk in the Blue Line and
Canada Southern Line office, Powers Block, where he is at the present time in charge of the mileage desk.
He was married 24 Nov 1869, in Rochester to Lillian De Ette Inman, only daughter of Isaac L. Inman (formerly of his company), and
has one son, Percy L. Washburn, 22 years of age, and 2d Lieutenant of C. A. Glidden Camp No. 6, Sons of Veterans.
Comrade Washburn is a member of Genesee Falls Lodge No. 507, F&AM; Flower City Lodge, No. 555, I. O. O. F.; Lallah Rook
Grotto No. 3, Order of Veiled Prophets; Golden Rule Chapter No. 59, Order Eastern Star; Grace Rebecca Lodge No. 54, I. O. O. F.
Assistant Adjutant-General, National Staff, Union Veterans' Union; Assistant Adjutant-General, Department New York, Union
Veterans' Union (for the past four years); Past Inspector-General, National Staff, Union Veterans' Union.
61

Past Aide on Department Staff, G. A. R.; Past Adjutant, E. G. Marshall Post 397, G. A. R: Past Adjutant, G. B. Force Command, No.
13, Union Veterans' Union; Adjutant, W. T. Sherman Command, No. 2, Union Veterans' Union; Secretary, 108th Regiment, New
York Veteran Association, for the past twelve years.
Comrade Washburn, through his endeavors, was the means of gathering together the survivors of the old regiment for a social
reunion, and in 1879 they held their first reunion at Newport House, Irondequoit Bay, and at that time he commenced to gather
together items relative to the regiment, and through the assistance of many of the members of the organization he has been able to
place before the survivors and their many friends this souvenir, trusting that what errors have been made, that they will be cheerfully
overlooked by the many admirers and friends of the Old 108th Regiment, New York Volunteers.
WASHBURN, GEORGE. - Age 19 years. Enlisted [108th NY Inf. Vols.] at Rochester, to serve three years, and mustered in as
private, Co. D, 11 Aug 1862; wounded in action, 3 May 1863, at Chancellorsville, VA; transferred to Co. B, 20th Regiment, Veteran
Reserve Corps, no date; discharged, 19 Jun 1865, at Washington, DC, as George H .
-----
Ibid. page 220.
CHARLES B. AYRES, Lieutenant 108th Regiment.
MR. GEORGE H. WASHBURN:
ROGERS, ARKANSAS, Monday, March 16th, 1891.
Dear Sir,—I have been a long time complying with your request for some particulars concerning Mr. Ayres' early history, but have
failed to get much information from friends whom I thought could post me. I hope the meager items I can give you may be made
available, and not too late to do you any good.
Mr. Ayres was born in Bergen, N. Y., July 11th, 1842, and came to Rochester when quite young, where he attended school at
Satterlee's Institute and also Eastman's Commercial College. He entered the army in 1862 and was discharged April 9th, 1864.
After leaving the army he was employed by the Fish & Heath Transportation Company, being in their office at New York city. Upon
returning to Rochester in 1866 he received a position in the Rochester Savings Bank as bookkeeper, which position he held up to
the time of his death, May 30th, 1870. The cause of his death was cebro-spinal, caused by overwork and locative parts in the
different organizations with which he was connected, some seven or eight in number. I inclose a slip which possibly may be of use
to you, and you can return it to me at your leisure.
I thank .you very much for the kind attention given my last communication. I was unable to get the information desired, and left it to
my lawyer to ascertain from Washington. I wrote to Mr. Parsons, but he could not recall the circumstances of Charlie's discharge,
though writing me a letter quite like the good friend he was of old.
Hoping this may be of some use to you, I remain, very truly yours,
FUNERAL OF CHARLES B. AYRES.
MARY A. WING.
Yesterday afternoon the obsequies of the late Charles B. Ayres were observed at the Central Presbyterian Church. The church was
crowded to its utmost capacity, and an impressive discourse was preached by Henry W. Morey, of Westminster Chapel, after which
the choir sang "Rest, Spirit, Rest." The funeral was conducted by the Masonic fraternity, under the Marshalship of William F.
Holmes, and the procession, headed by Scott's Band, moved to Mount Hope in the following order: Light Guard, in citizens' dress;
Brigadier-General Clark and staff; Atheneum board of the present and of former years; the chief and engineers of the fire
department and Active Hose in uniform, and wearing crape as an escort of honor, a mark of respect to Alert Hose of which
deceased was foreman: Genesee Falls Lodge, F&AM; the hearse, with bearers representing the different organizations of which
deceased was a member. As a guard of honor, upon each side of the hearse marched the order of A. and A. rite thirty-second
degree of Masonry; mourners; Alert Hose in citizen dress and wearing black fatigue caps; Unique Club; carriages, etc.
While the funeral procession moved through the streets the city hall bell tolled. The Alert Hose carriage, tastefully dressed in
mourning and decorated with bouquets and other emblems, stood in front of the Rochester Savings Bank. A likeness of deceased
and his trumpet and lantern were appropriately placed upon the carriage, and deeply draped in mourning.
At the grave the ceremonies were of the most solemn and impressive character. As the procession moved to the grave the band
played "Rest, Spirit, Rest." After the lowering of the coffin to its final resting place, Brother William Shelp, D. D. G. M., announced
that Brother Otis Cole, thirty-third, would pronounce the eulogium on behalf of the ancient and accepted rite, of which deceased was
the late Grand Recorder.
The late Illustrious Charles Benjamin Ayres, S. P. R. S., thirty-second degree, departed this life on the second day of the second
week, the 29th of the month May, 5620, aged twenty-seven years.
AYERS, CHARLES B. - Age 20 years. Enrolled [108th NY Inf. Vols.], 6 Aug 1862, at Rochester, to serve three years; mustered in as
sergeant major, 16 Aug 1862; as 2Lt, Co. G, 1 Jun 1863; discharged, 9 Apr 1864. Commissioned 2Lt, 22 May 1863, with rank from
11 Mar 1863, vice G. G. Griswold, promoted.
-----
62

Ibid. page 284.
GEORGE F. LODER, 1st Lieutenant Company F.
George F. Loder, son of the late Daniel B. Loder, was born Irondequoit, NY, 21 Sep
1844. In his early childhood his parents moved to the city of Rochester, NY. He
received his education in Public School No. 14, and in Satterlee's Institute. He
commenced business when a lad by carrying newspapers for the Union and
Advertiser and the Democrat and Chronicle companies. He afterwards learned his
trade of John Siddons. At the breaking out of the late war, being connected with one
of the leading military organizations of his native city, he evinced a strong desire to
serve his country, and in 1862, when President Lincoln issued his call for 300,000
volunteers, Lieutenant Loder, with General Francis E. Pierce and Captain Samuel
Porter, commenced recruiting for a company to be assigned to the 108th Regiment
then organizing. After the quota of 100 men had been enlisted, the company was
assigned to that regiment and named Company F, with the following as duly
commissioned officers: Captain, Francis E. Pierce; 1st Lieutenant, George F. Loder;
2d Lieutenant, Samuel Porter. He left with the regiment for Washington 19 Aug 1862,
and remained with the regiment until Jan 1863, when he was sent to the hospital at
Washington, DC, and was shortly afterwards discharged on account of sickness
contracted while in the service. After his arrival home he was constantly under the
care of a physician for the period of fifteen months. After his recovery he resumed his
old occupation and was afterwards appointed superintendent of the Rochester post
office, which position he held for eleven years, and its promotion from number sixteen
to a number one post office is largely due to his ability in connection with its
management. He held this responsible position until 30 May 1886, when he resigned
t» assume the responsible position of manager of a large life insurance company. He
remained at this for a short time when he commenced the manufacturing of military
and society goods, in which business he is now actively engaged.
He held the office of Supervisor of the 7th Ward two terms; commander of the campaign clubs 1880; Brigadier-General of Plumed
Knights, two regiments, 1884. Has been captain of Company A, Boys in Blue since 1888. He is past master and life member of
Genesee Falls Lodge No. 507, F&AM; member of Hamilton Chapter No. 62, R. A. M; Doric Council No. 19, R. & S. M.; Past E. C.
of Monroe Commandery No. 12, KT; E. C. of Monroe Commandery Drill Corps; Rochester Consistory A. A. R. 32nd degree; Past
Grand Commander Knight Templars, State of New York; Potentate of Damascus Temple order of the Mystic Shrine for nineteen
years; P. D. Imperial Potentate of the Imperial Council of the TJ. S. P.; D. D. Grand Master 22d Masonic District; P. E. R. Rochester
Lodge of Elks No. 24; P. D. D. Grand Master of the State Aurora Grotto No. 39, K. of P.; Central Lodge No. 666 I. O. O. F.; Monroe
Council R. A. No. 243; Potent Monarch of Lallah Rooke Grotto No. 3; Order Veiled Prophets; C. J. Powers Post No. 391, Grand
Army of the Republic; and W. T. Sherman Command No. 2, Union Veteran's Union.
LODER, GEORGE F. - Age 22 years. Enrolled [108th NY Inf. Vols.], 9 Aug 1862, at Rochester, to serve three years; mustered in as
1Lt, Co. F, 18 Aug 1862; discharged for disability, 28 Dec 1862, at Falmouth, VA. Commissioned 1Lt, 9 Sep 1862, with rank from 9
Aug 1862, original.
-----
Ibid. page 439.
WILLIAM GRAEBE, Captain Company I.
William Graebe died at 7 o'clock on the morning of 20 Nov 1879, in Nagle's hotel, Hoboken. He had landed in New York on the
previous day from the steamer Gellert, on which he took passage from Hamburg to New York. A dispatch to his friends brought the
news that he had arrived in a weak state, but they were wholly unprepared for the telegram announcing his death. Mr. Graebe and
his wife sailed for Germany in June, 1878. The trip was made in the hope of improving his health. At Cassell, his native place, he put
himself under the care of a physician. Later he visited Carlsbad, Frieburg and Buchhalz. The tumor in the stomach from which he
had been suffering was removed, and for a time his recovery seemed assured. About a month ago he wrote to Mr. Fred. Cook that
he had given up an intended trip to Switzerland, and would start for home as soon as the doctors would allow him to make the
journey.
Mr. Graebe was forty-four years of age. He studied medicine and law in Germany. He came to this country about the year 1854,
finished his legal studies, was admitted to the bar and began practice in Rochester. He edited the Beobachter in 1861 and 1862
during Mr. Nolte's absence. In the latter year he enlisted in the 108th Regiment with the rank of captain, and, after hard service for
two years, resigned on account of ill-health. For a number of years he has been a director and the attorney of the Rochester
German Insurance Company, and of the Bartholomay Brewing Company. He never held public office, simply because he refused all
offers of that kind. He leaves a wife and three children. The latter, who remained with Mr. Andrew Kaltenbaeh, of Niagara Falls,
during the absence of their parents, had returned to this city in readiness to meet them. Mr. Graebe had no other relatives here
except his brother-in-law, Mr. Charles Miller. He was an active Mason, being a member of Genesee Falls Lodge, Germania Lodge
of Perfection, and the Western New York Masonic Relief Society.
63

ACTION OF THE COUNTY COURT.
November 21st, 1879.
Mr. Humphrey, yesterday afternoon, announced to the county court the death of Mr. Graebe. He said: "May it please your honor, it is
my painful duty to announce to the court the death of William Graebe, Esq., an esteemed brother of our guild, which occurred this
morning at Hoboken, as he was returning to his home from an extended foreign tour. Of his worth as a man, of his learning and
integrity as a lawyer, I need not speak here, where he was so well known. We all recognize the fact that in his departure the court
has lost a faithful counselor and advocate, his large circle of clients an honest guardian of their every interest, the bar, a warmhearted
and genial associate, and the community, a high-minded and upright citizen. I, therefore, move, that as a tribute of respect
to his memory, the court do now adjourn."
Judge Rowley then said, from the bench: "I fully concur in all that has now been said in respect to the learning, ability, honesty and
integrity of Mr. Graebe. It has been my pleasure to know him from the time that he commenced to practice law until the time he left
for Europe. I have watched his course with no small degree of interest, because I have observed his industry, his honesty, and his
integrity, both in his dealings in his profession and as a man. I feel, in common with the profession, the loss of such a man; it is
indeed a loss. It was as much upon him as upon any other young man of his years that the profession looked for its lights and its
pillars in other days when the older members shall have passed away. I am inclined, and so direct, that the address just offered be
entered upon the minutes of the court. I regret to say, however, that, as much inclined as I should otherwise be to adjourn the court
out of respect to the memory of our deceased brother, that, at this time and at this stage of the term, the amount of business on the
calendar, the fact of the attendance of so large a number of suitors and witnesses, I think we should scarcely be justified in
suspending the business now waiting to be done. I shall be happy to join the members of the bar in any other or further action of
respect which may be proposed. I think we can do that further and better without incommoding those now waiting to have their
business attended to."
Jacob Spahn, Esq., then paid an eloquent tribute to the talents and character of his deceased friend. He thought that the
adjournment of the court as a mark of respect suited to the occasion, would excite a grateful response in the breasts of the German
citizens of Rochester.
Judge Rowley said: "The remarks by the counsel might be construed as a reproof to the court in not paying attention enough to a
man because he was of a particular nationality. I remember that he was a German by birth. He was also an American citizen by
adoption. I was regarding the case as I would that of any other American citizen, and not as the case of a man of any particular
nationality. When a man comes here and makes his residence here, and makes himself one of us, we suppose him to be and
regard him as an American citizen, and that is a proud enough distinction for any man. Of course it could by no possibility detract
from the honor of being an American citizen that he was German born, nor do I know that it could add to it."
Judge Rowley then stated that he would adjourn the court at an earlier hour than usual, as a mark of respect to the memory of the
deceased. There being a jury out at the time, the court allowed another jury empanelled to be ready for morning, and then excused
them for the day; and after the jury then out came in, the court was adjourned for the day.
108th REGIMENT VETERAN VOLUNTEERS.
At a meeting of the comrades of the 108th Regiment Veteran Volunteers, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, it has pleased divine Providence to take from our midst our esteemed comrade and soldier, Captain William Graebe, who,
from his faithful services with the regiment, endeared himself to every comrade, and we can but look upon his death as an individual
affliction, therefore be it
Resolved, That as a mark of respect to the deceased, and as a slight expression of our sympathy with the bereaved family, we
attend the funeral in a body, and that the usual badge of mourning be worn by the comrades for the period of thirty days.
Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be entered on the minutes of the secretary's books, and published in each of the
daily papers, and that an engrossed copy be sent to the family of the deceased.
GEO. F. LODER,
J. GEO. CRAMER,
ALFRED ELWOOD,
JAS. PLUNKETT,
JAS. WESTCOTT,
GEO. H. WASHBURN, Secretary. Committee.
FUNERAL SERVICES.
Yesterday afternoon the funeral services over the remains of the late Captain William Graebe were conducted at the house, No. 6
Pleasant street, by the Rev. Charles Siebenpfeiffer, of the German Evangelical Salem Church. A very large gathering of friends
were present, including the directors of the Rochester German Insurance Company, the Solo Club, the Maennerchor Society,
besides deputations from the Monroe county bar. The floral offerings were of the costliest kind. The pall bearers were Louis Ernst,
Caspar Wehle, Joseph Erbelding, John Weis, Solomon Wile, and Geo. H. Humphrey, while the quartette consisted of Mrs. Eugene
H. Satterlee, soprano; Miss Marie Haas, contralto; Mr. J. J. Van Zandt, tenor; and Dr. Oaks, basso. After the services at the house,
a procession was formed, including the members of Germania Lodge of Perfection and Genesee Falls Lodge F. & A. M., besides a
very long line of carriages. At the grave the ceremonies were conducted by Rev. Dr. Siebenpfeiffer and M. W. Stebbins, according
to the Masonic ritual. The Maennerchor sang two selections, and all that was mortal of William Graebe was deposited in the ground.
64

GRAEBE, WILLIAM. - Age 28 years. Enrolled [108th NY Inf. Vols.], 9 Jul 1862, at Rochester, to serve three years; mustered in as
Captain, Co. I, 18 Aug 1862; wounded in action, 13 Dec 1862, at Fredericksburg, VA; discharged, 16 Feb 1863. Commissioned
Captain, 9 Sep 1862, with rank from 9 Aug 1862, original.
-----
Ibid. page 467.
GEORGE H. HARRIS, Honorary Member 108th New York Volunteers.
George H. Harris, the well known Indianologist and student of local history, died 5 Oct 1893, at the Jackson Sanitorium at Dansville,
where he had been under treatment four weeks. Mr. Harris was never in good health, but he had not been considered ill until
several months ago. Early in September he realized that he was failing rapidly. Two weeks ago his condition became alarming and
Mrs. Harris went to his bedside where she remained until his death.
George H. Harris was born at West Greece, 29 Dec 1843. He had resided in Charlotte, Rochester, Hinsdale and Buffalo. He
removed to Green Bay and Fort Howard, Wis., when a lad. His health being delicate he spent a year among the forests and streams
of Wisconsin and there became an expert in the use of the rifle and the canoe and learned to love nature and adventure. At the age
of 15 he was apprenticed to a watchmaker, who was a student of literature and history. When 18 years of age he returned to
Rochester and entered Pierce's Military Academy, where he became an enthusiast, in military skill and tactics, and joined Company
E, of the 54th Regiment. Mr. Harris spent several years in the west and was the first mail clerk between Omaha and St. Joseph.
While Superintendent Stillson was at Mt. Hope cemetery he taught Mr. Harris surveying, landscape gardening and every detail of
cemetery work. In 1872 Mr. Harris married Miss Julia E. Hughes. They removed to Peterboro, Canada, where Mr. Harris improved
Little Lake cemetery, making it one of the most beautiful burial places in Canada. From there the family removed to Detroit, where
Mr. Harris took charge of Elmwood cemetery. Returning to Rochester he entered the employ of the late M. F. Reynolds, and for
sixteen years had general charge of the Arcade and other property of Mr. Reynolds. Last winter his health failed and since then he
has been able to do but little. During the winter he spent many weeks in Dansville and afterward returned to his home and business,
but never fully regained his strength.
Mr. Harris early in life became a member of the Masonic fraternity and was one of the three masons in this city who held life
certificates. When 21 years of age he joined Teoronto lodge, I. O. O. F., and was also a charter member and one of the first officers
of Orient lodge. He conceived the idea of a canoe club and was instrumental in organizing the Rochester and Genesee Canoe
clubs, being elected president of the latter upon its organization on 29 Sep 1882. He was an honorary member of the Livingston
county, Waterloo and Buffalo Historical Societies, and an active member of the Rochester Historical Society, the Academy of
Science and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Mr. Harris leaves a widow and three daughters, Orient D., M. Fidelia, and Georgia M. Harris, of this city, two brothers, Albert M.
Harris, of Detroit, and Chauncey L. Harris, of Butte City, Mont., and a member of Company F, 108th New York Volunteers.
Mr. Harris was known throughout the country as a close student of the history of the Six Nations and the early settlers of the
Genesee country. His research in this direction was pursued with such zeal and attention to detail that the results, which fortunately
he was careful to preserve in records, are of incalculable value. His death is an irreparable loss, for there is no one to take his place.
He left a mass of fragmentary notes and a most interesting collection of relics. It was his intention to compile for publication the
information he had secured from varied sources. Indeed, he had done some of this work. He contributed the opening chapters of
Peck's "History of Rochester."
Said Howard L. Osgood this morning: "Mr. Harris had nearly completed a life of Horatio Jones, who was one of the most prominent
of the early pioneers in the Genesee country. He had also collected a large amount of matter relating to the history of other pioneers
prior to the movement for settlement of the region in 1789. He was the friend and confidant of the leading Seneca chief now living.
He was an adopted Seneca and had been given by the Senecas the name of 'Pathfinder' on account of the valuable and accurate
information he had given them as to the trails through this region. He was a thorough and active investigator of all matters relating to
the Indians of Western New York and the adjacent regions, and had a very considerable collection of Indian relics. No man could
have been more conscientious in sifting facts to determine what was true history. His writings, principally published in the
newspapers, constitute most valuable contributions to the knowledge of the early history of Genesee valley, and it will be long
before his place is filled."
A gentleman, who was intimately associated with Mr. Harris, said: "It is difficult to speak of Mr. Harris' work except in a fragmentary
manner, because his whole life was characterized by attention to details rather than to generalities. One who knew him well, who
accompanied him upon his expeditions through this section, could chat for hours about the interesting incidents of those occasions
upon which Mr. Harris added to his store of knowledge by the collection of relics, or took pleasure in reviewing the scenes which had
become so real to him through his close study of history. I became acquainted with him a few years ago through his efforts to secure
complete information of the Markhams, early settlers in this section, of whom I am a relative. I have enjoyed many strolls through the
valley under his guidance, and, upon each occasion, I have been newly impressed with his wonderful store of knowledge. He knew
every Indian trail hereabouts. He has taken me over them to the site of old Indian villages — Indian castles they were called—and to
the old mills, and has recalled the intensely interesting history of the surroundings. It was a great pleasure for him to observe
anniversaries. For instance, upon the 200th anniversary of the invasion, by De Nonville, of the Indian towns in this vicinity in 1687,
Mr. Harris went down to the sandhills in Irondequoit, and marched up the valley over exactly the same route as was taken by the
invader, noting by name the location of each Indian village on the way, and the incidents which he had verified and in many cases
established by landmarks. These occasions, like all others connected with the early history of this section, were periods of
recreation for Mr. Harris. It was long before his work was duly appreciated, and none of it has ever brought him other value than the
pleasure of association with subjects he dearly loved. To all who knew how little time he had, compared with what he would have
liked for this work, there must have come a deep sense of admiration for the results accomplished. As an instance of the fascination
of his work I may relate that, upon one occasion, I went with him to a point up the valley where a farmer, in replacing an old rail
fence with one of wire, had dug into a skeleton in placing the posts. The skeleton was but three or four feet below the surface of the
65

ground. To an ordinary man nothing would appear more common-place than did those few bones. But Mr. Harris took a spade and
unearthed the fragments of bone, a pipe, a kettle and a skull; also several pieces of stone, which, when put together by Mr. Harris,
proved to be the head of a stone hatchet. The skull was that of an Indian and Mr. Harris noticed an indentation which led him to
send the skull to a physician for examination. The physician found imbedded in the skull a piece of lead which, upon close
examination, proved to be a bullet of "ancient manufacture. The spot where the skull was found was near a trail well known to Mr.
Harris, and, upon taking Guy Markham, the first white child born in this section, to the place, Mr. Harris learned that a settler's cabin
once stood near the spot. It was then easy to imagine that the Indian had approached too near the settler's home, and had met the
fate intended for the settler, literally dropping in his tracks, kettle, pipe and all. An almost endless number of incidents of similar
nature might be related of Mr. Harris' researches. Several of his articles were published in the newspapers, and I believe it was his
intention to compile all his notes into a book. It is certainly to be hoped that, should his family not desire to have this matter
published, the historical society or some kindred organization will endeavor to secure its publication. Otherwise, when all of the
present generation, familiar with the early history of this section, shall have passed away, there will be no way of obtaining what Mr.
Harris now has in fragmentary form."
On June 13th, 1884, Mr. Harris addressed the Rochester Historical society on "Aboriginal History of the Genesee Country and its
Terminology." On November 9th of the same year he read a paper before that organization on the "Pioneers of the Genesee Valley
— the Markhams."
Mr. Harris was a member of Genesee Falls Lodge, 507, F&AM, and honorary member of the 108th Regiment, New York Volunteer
Association.
Henrietta Lodge No. 526, West Henrietta, New York
Warrant: 1863
Webster Lodge No. 538, Webster, New York
Warrant: 1864
There were 13 members who petitioned the Grand Lodge of New York to organize the Webster Lodge No. 538. On 13 Jun 1863, the
first meeting was held with H. Nelson Curtice elected as the first master.
http://books.google.com/books?id=oC3OAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA341&dq=%22Webster+Lodge+No.+538
%22&hl=en&ei=VU_lTpr9L-
L00gHUvbzZBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CFIQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=
%22Webster%20Lodge%20No.%20538%22&f=false page 341.
Samuel Howard Burnett was born, in the town of Webster, NY, 18 Nov 1869, on a farm on the
shores of Lake Ontario. He received his early education in his home district school, later attending
the Webster Union School four miles away and graduating in June 1888. He entered Cornell
University in the Arts course, receiving the A. B. degree in 1892. After graduation, he taught in public
schools until 1895, when he returned to Cornell for graduate work in entomology and botany. He
received his M. S. degree in 1896.
From 1896-1899 he was professor of Biology and Natural Sciences in Fairmount College, Wichita,
Kansas, again returning to Cornell in 1899 for work in Bacteriology. He was assistant in Comparative
Pathology and Bacteriology in the New York State Veterinary College at Cornell University from
1899-1901, instructor from 1901-1908, being elected to Sigma Xi and receiving the D. V. M. in 1902;
he was assistant professor in Comparative Pathology from 1908-1914. In 1914, he was made professor of Comparative Pathology
and Bacteriology.
He was made a Mason in the winter of 1892-93, becoming a member of Webster Lodge No. 538 at Webster, NY, of which his
father was a charter member. He became a Royal Arch Mason in Hamilton Chapter No. 12 at Rochester, NY, in the spring of 1895
and was a charter member of the Cornell Chapter of Acacia.
He was married in 1903 to Nellie Marie Reed, Cornell '95, and has one daughter, Dorothy Reed Burnett, born in November, 1905.
Dr. Burnett is a member of the American Association of Pathologists and Bacteriologists. He has made a number of important
contributions to comparative pathology. Among these is a valuable book on "The Clinical Pathology of the Blood of Domesticated
Animals."
Rochester Lodge No. 660, Rochester, New York
Warrant: ca 1867
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=8330850
John H. Rochester, b. 1828; d. 23 Oct 1902, Rochester, Monroe, NY
DEATH COMES TO J. H. ROCHESTER
Well Known Citizen Has Passed Away
Prominent In Business
Death Followed a Long Illness and Was Not Unexpected -
Mr. Rochester a Member of the Family from which City was Named
66

John H. ROCHESTER died at 8:30 o'clock last night at his home, No. 56 South Washington street. Mr. ROCHESTER had been ill
for about two years. That length of time ago he was very feeble, but his health improved somewhat. For the past three months the
family felt that the end was near. He had been sinking rapidly since last Saturday. He had another sinking spell Sunday, and was
virtually unconscious for forty-eight hours before death came. For hours he had been as if in peaceful sleep. At 8:30 he slightly
turned his head and sighed, and the nurse told the family that the end had come.
He died surrounded by the immediate family, including one of his two sons, Paul F. ROCHESTER, of New York. Dr. Thomas Moore
ROCHESTER was unable to come to Rochester, being very ill at his home in Brooklyn. He returned last Tuesday from South
America, where he went for the voyage, in the hope of benefiting his health.
John Henry ROCHESTER was the last male descendant in this city of the famous Rochester family, by whom the city was founded
and after whom it was named nearly a century ago. He was born in this city April 20, 1828. He received his education in the schools
of the city, and at the age of 18 entered upon his life work in the Rochester City Bank, of which his father, Thomas H. ROCHESTER,
was president. He subsequently carried on a private banking business for five years with his brother, under the firm name of John H.
ROCHESTER & Co. Then he became cashier of the Flower City National Bank, a position which he held for three years.
When the Mechanics' Savings Bank was chartered and entered upon its career, he became its secretary and treasurer, which
position he filled for nearly thirty years, being the oldest banker in active service in this city. He was a man of extremely practical
ideas, a fact which made itself known throughout his entire business career.
Mr. ROCHESTER was a member of the Genesee Valley Club, of the Rochester Whist Club, and for three years of the Rochester
Club. He was the oldest member in St. Luke's Church in point of membership; for twenty-seven years treasurer of the Church Home,
a denominational establishment on Mt. Hope avenue under Episcopal control; treasurer of the Red Cross Society and yellow fever
fund and president of the Rochester Historical Society for two years. He was among the first to be appointed to the board of park
commissioners, and has been its vice-president for many years. He was seldom absent from the meetings of the board, and the
present magnificent park system of the city was brought about largely through his efforts. He was also president of the local chapter
of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Mr. ROCHESTER has traveled extensively, both in this country and in Europe, and was a well-informed man, with a wonderful
appreciation of the fine points of art and literature, having always been a generous patron of the fine arts. Throughout his life he has
been intimately associated with the social, religious and public life of the city. He always took a deep interest in public affairs. He
was not without clearly defined political convictions, but never sought or held a public office.
In 1853 he married Miss Elizabeth L. MOORE, in Vicksburg, MS, and had two sons, Dr. Thomas Moore ROCHESTER, b. 12 Nov
1854, a practicing physician of Brooklyn and Paul Affordby ROCHESTER, b. 23 Aug 1857, vice-president and general manager of
the Murray Line of steamboats as the old Hudson River Transportation Company is now called. There were two other children,
Francis C. ROCHESTER, b. 16 Mar 1856, d. 6 Jan 1857, and Susan B. ROCHESTER, who d. 1 Apr 1859. Through his son
Thomas, there are five grandchildren, Haydon, Thomas Affordby, John Cuming, Edward Fortescue and Katherine.
Mr. ROCHESTER was one of the few survivors of the California argonauts. He belonged to the courtly type, the old-school
gentlemen. Few men in the city were better known or more highly respected. In all measures for the general well-being of the city,
he took a deep interest, and was the kind of man who honors a city by his public spirit and enterprise. As husband, father, friend, he
was equally admirable and reliable, and as a business man was exceedingly capable, having a record that speaks with an
eloquence that will not be hushed for years to come. He was a man of a genial, warm hearted, social disposition, and he drew
around him many sincere friends whose companionship he regarded dearer than any practical worldly success.
Mr. ROCHESTER came from a family whose history is peculiarly interesting to all residents of this city. It has been traced back to
1558, in the county of Essex, England, Nicholas ROCHESTER was the first member of the family to come to this country. He settled
in Virginia in 1680, and his direct descendants were respectively, William, John, Nathaniel, Thomas H, and John H. ROCHESTER
the subject of this sketch. Nathaniel ROCHESTER, grandfather of the deceased, known as the founder of this city, born in February,
1752, Westmoreland county, VA, on the plantation on which his father, grandfather and great-grandfather had lived, afterwards
moved to North Carolina and then to Hagerstown, Maryland. It is said that the chief impulse to the exodus of Colonel ROCHESTER
from Maryland in Western New York was his aversion to the institution of human bondage.
In 1802 Nathaniel ROCHESTER, together with William FITZHUGH and Charles CARROLL, bought what was known as the
"Hundred Acre Tract," lying on the west side of the Genesee river, on the present site of this city. No steps were taken to settle this
land until 1810, and two years later the first post office was established by fifteen residents, and the name of Rochester was given to
the locality. In April 1817, however, the village was incorporated as Rochesterville, and in 1834, when the city was Incorporated, the
name was changed back again to Rochester.
Nathaniel ROCHESTER was instrumental in getting the establishment of the new county of Monroe, in 1817, the land then being
included in Ontario county. He laid the matter before the legislature, but his efforts in this direction were not successful until 23 Feb
1821. 5 Mar 1821 he was made the first clerk of Monroe county. In 1816 he was a second time elected a presidential elector, and in
the following year he was the secretary of the convention which met at Canandaigua to urge the construction of the Erie canal. He
was the first president of the Bank of Rochester, which was the last of his numerous public and corporate trusts. He was attached to
the Protestant Episcopal faith, and was one of the founders of St. Luke's Church. He was at once the builder of business
establishments, the promoter of public prosperity, and the founder of the present beautiful city of Rochester.
Nathaniel ROCHESTER died 17 May 1831, leaving twelve children: William Beatty, Nancy Barbara, Joan Cornelius, Sophia Eliza,
Mary Eleanor, Thomas Hart, Catharine Kimball, Nathaniel Thrift, Anna Barbara, Henry Elie, Ann Cornelia and Louisa Lucinda
ROCHESTER,
Thomas Hart ROCHESTER, father of John H. ROCHESTER, and son of Nathaniel, settled in Western New York with his father,
built the old Red mill with his brother-in-law, William Montgomery: superintended the construction of the Tonawanda railroad in
67

1834; was the first cashier of the Commercial Bank; member of the board of trustees of the Rochester Orphan Asylum in 1838, and
of Rochester City Hospital in 1847. Mr. ROCHESTER was a charter member of Rochester Lodge, No. 660, F&AM. He had a
strong attachment for Masonry. For many years he was treasurer of Rochester lodge.
He was mayor of the city in 1839, and throughout his life was one of the most highly esteemed citizens of the city. Besides John H.
ROCHESTER, he had five children: Thomas Fortescue ROCHESTER; one of the leading physicians of Buffalo; Nathaniel, who died
in California in 1849, a victim of the gold craze; Carolina Louisa ROCHESTER, who still lives in this city; Colonel Montgomery
ROCHESTER, who resides at Albany, and Phoebe Elizabeth ROCHESTER, who died in 1859.
Montgomery ROCHESTER, brother of John H., is well known in this city. He was quartermaster of the Old Thirteenth Regiment. He
has one son, Montgomery Hewson ROCHESTER, born in 1860. Another brother, Thomas Fortescue ROCHESTER, had nine
children, one of whom, Delaney, who is a practicing physician in Buffalo, was at the bedside of his uncle during his last illness.
Besides his wife the immediate relatives of John H. ROCHESTER residing in this city are Mrs. William PITKIN, of No. 104 South
Fitzhugh street, an aunt, who was Miss Louisa Lucinda ROCHESTER, youngest daughter of Nathaniel; Mrs. A. J. CUMING, No. 13
Meigs street, a cousin; and Mrs. Clinton ROGERS, of No. 127 Spring street, and Miss Jane E. ROCHESTER, of No. 99 Atkinson
street, both cousins, being daughters of Henry Elie ROCHESTER, the youngest son of Nathaniel ROCHESTER.
The death of John H. ROCHESTER is one that will be felt by every lover of the traditions of the Flower City, in that he was the last
resident male representative of the oldest and most distinguished family in Monroe county. When the bells of old St. Luke's toll his
funeral knell, the whole city will unite in the general feeling of sorrow.
The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock from St. Luke's Church. Burial will be in the family plot on Rochester Hill,
Mount Hope Cemetery, where five generations of the ROCHESTER family are buried.
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, Friday Oct 24th 1902
http://rocwiki.org/Thomas_Hart_Rochester
Thomas Hart Rochester was Rochester's sixth mayor. He was the
son of Nathaniel Rochester, and was born on 23 Sep 1797 in
Hagerstown, Maryland and moved with his family to Dansville, NY, in
1810. Rochester was the first of his family to move to the land his
father, Charles Carroll, and William Fitzhugh purchased next to the
High Falls of the Genesee River. When his family followed him to the
city two years later he decided to move briefly to Missouri before
returning and marrying Phebe E. Cuming, the daughter of the Village
of Rochester's first clergyman.
Thomas Hart Rochester's house, built in 1830. Photo c. 1920 In 1830,
he hired architect Daniel Loomis to build him a house on the southeast
corner of Spring Street and South Washington Street.
In 1838, he was elected as mayor, and he served as mayor until 1839.
He was succeeded by Samuel George Andrews.
Thomas died on 6 Oct 1874, and was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery.
After his death, the house was owned by many people. One notable owner was Mary Bliss, who operated a school in the house.
Another owner was the Mechanics Institute, who used it as a dormitory and fraternity house. It was sold to the Locust Club in 1921.
-----
http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/history_of_the_aaonms.htm
Walter Millard Fleming was born in Maine in 1830, and received his Symbolic Degrees in Rochester Lodge, No. 660, of
Rochester, N. Y. He was initiated 14 Dec 1868, passed the following day, and raised 11 Jan 1869. He dimitted 28 Nov 1870, and
affiliated with New York Lodge, 330, of New York City. He received the 32d degree in New York Consistory, A. A. S. R., 31 May
1871, and was crowned Hon. 33d degree. He was a member of Ionic Chapter of New York City and was Knighted in Columbian
Commandery No. 1, 19 Mar 1872. He subsequently became Commander of Columbian. He died 9 Sep 1913, and is buried in
Kensico Cemetery.
From 1865 to 1885 the old Varian homestead on the east side of Sixth Avenue, just below Twenty-eighth Street, was known as
Knickerbocker Cottage, and was conducted as a restaurant by William Fowler, Sr., Past Master of Metropolitan Lodge. The
building is now (in 1917) the uptown restaurant of the firm of Mouquin and has been remade. At that time it was a frame structure
with high basement, covering two fronts. The front room on the second floor above the street on the north side of the building
was given over to an informal club of Masons; nominally Masonic Veterans, but the room was open to Masons generally. Noble
William Fowler, Jr., under date of March 7, 1914, writes:
“We had there the Masonic Club. The membership consisted of those prominent in the Scottish Rite, and the first duty of one
joining the club was to send his picture to be hung upon the walls. At this time Dr. Fleming was in the height of his popularity
and was supported by Charley McClenachan, Henry Banks, George Millar, Bill May, Gen. Roome, Dr. Northrup, and many
others of note. I distinctly remember upon a certain Sunday afternoon my father coming down stairs and telling me that they
were hatching up in the club a new Order to be called The Mystic Shrine.”
It was natural, too, that Florence, bringing the new degree to his Masonic associates, should select Dr. Fleming as custodian of
the degree. He was popular and he was not handicapped by any embarrassing affiliations in the upper Bodies. Here, clearly, was
68

just the man to give his time and enthusiasm to the new Order, unhampered by any official connection with any of the Bodies. He
was personally popular with Masons generally, he was able to give his time to the Order, and he was possessed of skill as a
ritualist, as so many physicians are.
Dr. Walter M. Fleming received the Thirty-second degree in the old Aurora Grata Consistory, May 31, 1871, and
became a member of the Consistory of New York City when that Consistory came into being, February 26, 1880, by
the consolidation of Aurora Grata Consistory and Cosmopolitan Consistory.
Perhaps I can help you a little with some data from "other original sources," for some of the original sources are here in
Brooklyn. Nine of the Thirteen Founders of the Mystic Shrine—that is, of Mecca Temple—were members of Aurora
Grata Consistory at that time. They were:
William J. Florence,
Walter M. Fleming,
Charles T. McClenachan,
-----
Daniel Sickels
John W. Simons,
George W. Millar,
William S. Paterson,
John A. Moore,
James S. Chappelle.
http://newsfeed.rootsweb.com/th/read/NEWSPAPER-ABSTRACTS/1999-11/0943846237
Rochester, Monroe, N.Y. Union Advertiser AUG 9, 1901
FUNERAL OF CAPTAIN SCOTT
Services Held This Afternoon From the Family Residence.
Funeral services over the remains of the late Captain Alexander SCOTT, who died last Wednesday, were held this afternoon at
2:30 o'clock from the family residence, No. 491 Exchange St. Rev. James M. McELHINNEY of the Central Presbyterian Church
officiated.
The services at the house were largely attended by friends and acquaintances of the deceased. The floral offerings were many and
beautiful. Among them were set pieces from the 21st Cavalry, of which the deceased was a member during the Civil War, and
Rochester Lodge, No. 660, F&AM. The bearers were old comrades of Captain Scott's selected from Rochester Lodge and the 21st
Cavalry. The Fifty-Fourth Regiment Band escorted the remains to Mount Hope Cemetery, where the services, beautiful and
impressive, were conducted according to the ritual of the Masons.
SCOTT, ALEXANDER.—Age, 39 years. Enlisted [21st NY Cav.], 24 Nov 1863, at Rochester; mustered in as private, Co. L, 30 Dec
1863, to serve three years; mustered out with detachment, 12 Aug 1866, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; prior service, in Twentyseventh
New York Volunteers.
Churchville Lodge No. 667, Churchville, New York
Warrant: 9 Aug 1867
http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/hyland-clare-kirk/heavy-guns-and-light-a-history-of-the-4th-new-york-heavy-artilleryala/page-33-heavy-guns-and-light-a-history-of-the-4th-new-york-heavy-artillery-ala.shtml
Major Henry E. Richmond, of the 4th NY Heavy Artillery, was born at Churchville, Monroe, NY, 31 Aug 1822. He was educated in
the common schools in Churchville, N. Y., with the exception of one term in Lima in the winter of 1840. His father was a farmer
Billings Richmond. Henry E. was reared a farmer and understood well its practical work. At fourteen years he commenced working
in the summer months in his father's carding and cloth-dressing establishment, and worked more or less at this trade until he was 21
years old. He then engaged in blacksmithing and wagon-making for himself, and became quite proficient as a blacksmith. Went to
California in 1850, worked at blacksmithing, carpenter work, mining, and was engaged in the milk business in Sacramento for about
three years; came home in 1854, and from that time engaged more or less in farming and nursery business until the year 1862.
August 1862, he enlisted for the 140th NY Volunteers 23 men with his own means, and 30 Aug 1862, enlisted in Company G, 140th
NY Volunteers. Was mustered in as 1Lt; commissioned as 1Lt by Edwin D. Morgan, Governor. From 30 Aug 1862, served under
Warren in the Fifth Corps, also under Hooker, and was in Hooker's Grand Centre Division, under Burnside, at Fredericksburg, VA,
11-13 Dec 1862. Discharged for disability at Henry House, 19 Jan 1863. Recruited his health and four months thereafter he enlisted
fifty-two men for the 11th Heavy Artillery with his own means, and re-enlisted and was mustered into the 11th Heavy Artillery as First
Lieutenant, 21 Jun 1863, at Rochester. 14 to 25 Jul commanded sixty veterans at New York and Yorkville to suppress New York
riots under orders of General Brown, Commandant of New York Harbor. 10 Oct 1863, while at Fort Richmond, S. I. , he was
transferred to the 4th NY Heavy Artillery. Joined the regiment, 23 Oct 1863, at Fort Ethan Allen, VA. Was Post Adjutant at Fort
Marcy during the winter of 1863 and to about April 1864. Was commissioned as First Lieutenant, 4th NY Heavy Artillery, 30 Mar
1864, by Governor Horatio Seymour; was constantly on duty with Company I, 4th NY Heavy Artillery, from 4 May 1864, until the
surrender of Lee and muster out, 9 Oct 1865 ; was promoted to Captain before Petersburg, and commissioned as Captain by
Governor Horatio Seymour, 23 Dec 1864 ; was with the regiment from the Rapidan to the surrender of Lee; promoted to Major, 4th
NY Heavy Artillery, and commissioned by R. E. Fenton, Governor, 13 Jun 1865. Special Orders of muster out No. 220, were dated
26 Sep 1865, and the regiment was mustered out at Hart's Island, New York Harbor, 9 Oct 1865.
He has been engaged since the war in farming and nursery business. In 1876 was elected Sheriff of Monroe County, which term
expired 1 Jan, 1879. Since then he has been engaged in the coal and lumber business and selling farmers' goods generally, such
as salt, tiles, phosphates, and agricultural implements. Is married and has had nine children, three girls and six boys. Belongs to
Asa L. Goodrich, G. A. R. Post No. 433, at Churchville. Is Past Commander of said Post, Past Worshipful Master of Riga Grange
168, and Past Worshipful Master of Churchville Lodge 667, F&AM.
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RICHMOND, HENRY E. - Age 40 years. Enrolled at Rochester 140th NY Inf. Vols.], to serve three years, and mustered in as 1Lt,
Co. G, 30 Aug 1862; discharged for disability, 21 Jan 1863; subsequent service as Major, 4th Artillery. Commissioned 1Lt, 10 Sep
1862. with rank from 30 Aug 1862, original.
RICHMOND, HENRY E.—Age, 41 years. Enrolled, date not stated; mustered in as 1Lt, Co. A, 11th Artillery, 21 Jun 1863, to serve
three years, which became Co. I, this regiment [4th NY Artillery], 25 Jul 1863; mustered in as Captain, 6 Dec 1864; as Major, 26
Aug1865; mustered out with regiment, 26 Sep 1865, at Washington, DC; also borne as Henry B. Richmond; commissioned 1Lt, 11th
Artillery, 30 Mar 1864, with rank from 21 Jun 1864, original; C, 4th Artillery, 23 Dec 1864, with rank from 30 Oct 1864, vice A. C.
Brown, resigned; Major, 29 Jun 1865, with rank from 13 Jun 1865, vice Lee, discharged.
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/2158253
Letter by Lt. Henry E. Richmond, 4th NY Heavy Artillery, from Fort Richmond, dated 9 October 1863. Letter to his wife Harriet reads:
"…Capt. Church, myself & Lt. Smith were cited before the examining Board…as all the officers of the Battalion went before them. I
did also. If any of them are saved, I am confident the officers of our Co stand equally as good a chance. They required me to answer
arithmetical questions…I obtained correct results each time, but failed to give the Arithmetical Rule in the multiplication of Fractions -
- examined me as to my general knowledge of Geography, Artillery & Infantry tactics -- caused me to read, & required me to write a
short composition to see handwriting, punctuation, spelling, etc. on 'our National affairs, the Russian Ambassadors visit, or other
National affairs if I chose…I am pleased Sirs, to witness the attitude Now assumed by Russia, in controlling the affairs of, not only
Europe, but that of our own beloved country. With the hope that, the United efforts of these two great powers, will have a controlling
influence over the destinies of nations, I have the honor to be, Your most obedient Servant, H.E. Richmond."
http://www.joshuasattic.com/search/product.asp?ID=7081
Four page ink letter from Captain Henry E. Richmond of the 4th New York Heavy Artillery to his wife Harriet. Datelined: 30 April
1864, "Camp near Brandy Station, Va," This letter references Richmond's 15-year-old son, Addison, who served alongside him in
the regiment.
Text: "My Dear Harriet. Yours of the 23rd was received on the eve of the 28th with the slip from Sarah acknoweledging the recipt of
Express matter, but failed to mention in particular the arrival of the Gold Watch. I presume however you have rec'd all. Your letters
are truly gratifying to us~ the only fault I find with them is~ there are not enough of them. I was surprised to hear of the deaths &
marriage. "Bully for Samantha!" I would not buy a large hog but only enough young pigs to eat. I think you do well to have Lawby to
make the improvements spoken of, around the time when the lot is plowed so that there will be no need of getting them by close
ploughing. Enclosed find an Italian Chestnut which Sam'l may plant in a hill protected by sticks and see what it will do. Plant it just as
it is~ I think it will make a fine tree if successful. I hope you will be able to get the cow pastured this Summer~ It will be much less
trouble to the boys~ less damage to trees and more profitable in the end. I hope you will take good care of the dwarfs this Summer
as they will soon be very ornamental. Dont use my absence "cut down the cherry trees" in front of the house~ good deal danger of
that? I am gratified to say that we both are well now~ myself about an average~ and A[ddison] tip-top~ the "orderly" is now having a
time with him in their tent (he tents with the Orderly) and I guess by the sound the Sergt is spanking him. They have a good time
together. A[ddison] is quite a pet with the Co., and much comfort to myself, you may be assured. We mustered today for 2 months
pay but when we shall receive it is more than any of us can tell; with Good Luck perhaps in May or June. I shall not be bashful in
availing myself of your kind offer in means or Services if required and can be made available. I am quite tired tonight having closed
up all company business~ Muster Rolls~ Mothly Returns~ Reports preparatory to a man. We only have one return to make of
clothing, camp garrison equippage and our co. business was never more completely closed. I have labored hard to accomplish this.
Our own affairs seem to be assuming a more cheerful aspect. The $120 note~ the $80 a/c and $200 now due us, with what I can
earn, is blessed with good luck this Summer, will place us far beyond the importunities and unpleasant doggings of creditors. Let us
therefore be hopeful & happy~ animated with the hope of meeting again and enjoying happy years together with our children. But
Harriet~ should the coming campaign prove unfortunate to us~ should I ever be brought home to you for burial, I desire to be
buried under the Masonic Order, with the emblems, or representation of the 'Broken Column' etc. inscribed upon the slab that
marks my resting place. This may seem unbecoming in me, but I can not approach coming events without being thus mindful.
Billings will explain the language of the "inscription" . . . the "virgin weeping over the column, the book open before her, the Sprig
the.... with Time standing behind her, with folded hands in the ringlets of her hair" if such an occasion should require it. We expect
orders now, every day & hour & hence I avail myself of this evening to write you…If opportunity is offered I will write again tomorrow
eve or before we march. Accept a Husbands prayers for your own & our childrens well being & happiness in life and in death. As I
retire to dreaming, home and its loved inmates. Henry."
Richmond served in the 140th New York Infantry from 30 August 1862 to 21 January 1863, when he was discharged for disability.
He was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the 4th New York Heavy Artillery on 21 June 1863 and rose to the rank of Major
before mustering out on 26 September 1865 at Washington, D.C.
His son, Henry Addison Richmond, served in the 4th New York [Artillery] from 14 January 1864 to 26 September 1865.
70

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/4176883
Letter from First Lieutenant Henry Richmond of the 4th NY Heavy Artillery. Written in ink and datelined 26 October 1864,
''Fort Morton one and a half miles east from Petersburg, Va.,'' Richmond writes to his wife amidst the Siege of Petersburg: ''It seems
from all movements that our Divis & Brigade, the 1st Brigade & 1st Divis of 2d A.C., will be retained here a short time at least to
occupy the lines & defenses before Petersburg in the great struggle which is soon to come off for the occupation of P-g or
Richmond. One half of our Regmt are out in Rifle Pits. I took out 100 men last night as acting Capt, but was relieved by Capt. Gould
& I am now in command of the remaining forces in fort H. I am the only commissioned officer in our company since the 1st of Oct
out of 5.Capt Church went to hospital last Sunday, so I have to act as Capt of Co, Capt on Picket line & sometimes as Major comdg
Battalion. I think I ought to get some rest or recreation soon, don't you? A great move is soon to come off on the military & political
chess board. I hope U.S. Grant will jump into the King row and sweep the board. If he don’t, 'Old Abe' will.''
Richmond served in the 140th New York Infantry from 30 August 1862 to 21 January 1863, when he was discharged for disability.
He was commissioned into the 4th New York Heavy Artillery on 21 June 1863 and rose to the rank of Major before mustering out on
26 September 1865.
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/4176884
Letter from Captain Henry E. Richmond of the 4th New York Heavy Artillery. Datelined 28 December 1864,
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''Hd Qtrs 4th N.Y. Arty,'' letter reads in part: ''With all the cool weather we have had, the Army is making it hot for the 'johnies.' They
seem to be coming into our lines more now than usual; & we all begin to feel as if the shell of the sham Confederacy was being
effectually broken. A few more raps, or one vigerous summer's campaign will use up the rebellion & restore an honorable, lasting
Peace to Our afflicted people. I certainly feel encouraged, and glad to know you appreciate a 'husband' - 'a good looking husband' -
who is in the Army. I shall never regret the labors & hardships I have endured in the service, if I can but get out alive, with the loss of
one arm or leg even; for I shall then know I have served my country well in the most just & holy cause in which a people ever
engaged, to preserve their nationality & institutions of Freedom, civilization & learning. Beside I shall also feel as if I have discharged
my duty to my family, in promoting their interests & welfare.''
Richmond had prior service in the 140th New York Infantry, in which he was enlisted from 30 August 1862 to 21 January 1863,
when he was discharged for disability. He was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the 4th New York Heavy Artillery on 21 June
1863 and rose to the rank of Major before mustering out on 26 September 1865.
Germania Lodge No. 722, Rochester, New York
Warrant: ca 1872
Germania Lodge, No. 722, was organized 7 Mar 1872, with the following charter members:
George Merz,
George Gcrker,
John Neun,
Henry Aman,
Vincin Aman,
Charles T. Wolser,
John C. Gauger,
Charles Gilbert,
Fred. Zimmer,
John Dismeyer,
J. George Baetzel,
August Wetzel,
John Lets,
August Koeth,
Francis Boor,
Chas. Weissinger,
Chas. Vogel,
John Reinschenbach,
Christian Shaeffer.
The first officers were—
George Merz, W. M.;
John Neun, S. W.,
August Wetzel, J. W.;
August Koeth, Treas.;
Christian Shaeffer, See.;
George Baetzel, S. D.;
William Rueker, J. D.;
Charles Weisemyer , M. C.
and Chas. Vogel, M. C.
John C. Gauger, Organist;
Wm. Amos, Tyler.
The present [1877] officers of the lodge are—
George Baetzel, W. M. ; L. Westcrman, Sec.;
John Neun, S. W.; Casper Wohle, Treas.;
J. Stoppelbein, J. W.; C. Zellweger, S. D.;
http://mcnygenealogy.com/bios/biographies004.htm
Robert Stierle, J. D.;
J. Viehman, M. C.
J. Hilfreker, M. C.
J. C. Gauger, Organist;
August Averill, Tyler.
General Henry Brinker was born in Hanover, Prussia, in 1831, where he was partially educated. In 1851 he came to this country
and located in New York city, where he finished his education and embarked in the produce and commission business. In 1871 he
came to Rochester, where he conducted a branch of the same business, in connection with the New York concern, the firm being
Henry Brinker & Co. He has long been identified with the prosperity and welfare of his adopted country, especially Rochester, where
he was largely instrumental in causing the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad to enter that city. He sold them the right-ofway
through his property, and purchased the right-of-way of many others for the same purpose, thus increasing the shipping
facilities of Rochester, and paving the way for its greater prosperity. He is also a large stockholder in several railways. 17 Jun 1855,
he enlisted in the 3d Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Division N. Y. S. M., and 5 Aug 1857, was promoted 2Lt, rising finally to be Major-
General of the 7th Division, and he has done efficient service in many parts of the State. In 1863 he married Annie Bruns of New
York city, and they have four children: George H , Charles, Henry. Jr., and Josephine. The general is a member of Germania
Lodge No. 722, F&AM, Iona Chapter No. 210 R. A. M., Cyrene Commandery No. 39 K. T., and is also a 32d degree Mason.
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http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/william-f-william-farley-peck/history-of-rochester-and-monroe-county-new-york--from-theearliest-historic-ti-kce/page-71-history-of-rochester-and-monroe-county-new-york--from-the-earliest-historic-ti-kce.shtml
William Karle, possessing an ability that has enabled him to overcome obstacles which to others might have been insurmountable,
has steadily worked his way upward until he is today at the head of the Karle Lithographic Company, one of the largest and most
important enterprises of this character in Rochester. It was established in 1879 and incorporated in 1904, and from the beginning
William Karle has been the guiding spirit in its destinies.
He was born in Rochester, New York. 19 Sep 1854. His father, George Andrew Karle, a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, had
become a resident of this city in 1846, at the age of twenty years. In his native land, ere his emigration, he "had learned the cabinetmaker's
trade and followed that pursuit for some years in Rochester, after which he engaged in the hotel and restaurant business on
St. Paul street, near the present site of the Osburn Hotel. His business interests, his enterprise and his social abilities made him well
known here during the middle part of the nineteenth century. He was a member of the German Protestant church and died in 1870
at the comparatively early age of forty-nine years. His wife, Mrs. Juliana (Durst) Karle, of Bavaria, Germany, came with her parents
to Rochester in her girlhood days and was married in this city in 1850. She survived her husband for more than a quarter of a
century, passing away in 1896. They were the parents of three sons, George, John J. and William.
William Karle attended a private German school of Rochester and acquired a particularly fine education in the languages and the
sciences. In 1871 he became connected with the lithographing business in the employ of Muntz & Company, and when he had
become thoroughly acquainted with the business in every department he entered into partnership with Louis Ennecker and in 1879
opened an establishment of his own on a small scale, starting with a capital of only 300 dollars, which he had saved from his
earnings, after meeting the necessary expenditures for his own support. He continued in this business until today it is one of the
large concerns of the city, occupying a mammoth six-story structure located on Central avenue from Nos. 276-288 and Nos. 60-76
on Chatham street. In 1898 the company erected this building according to their own plans, suiting the requirements of their
72

usiness. It is a pressed brick structure, well lighted and admirably adapted for the uses to which it is put. The business was carried
on in the original building until 1904, when it was found entirely inadequate in its floor space to accommodate the trade and they
then added a building over half the size of the original one, so that they now have a structure 120 by 120 feet and six stories in
height. It is built along modern lines of construction for light and fireproof protection. The company makes a specialty of fine color
and commercial work, folding boxes, posters, show cards, labels, steel die printing, embossing, transfer ornaments, letter and bill
heads, checks, bonds, etc. Their color work is up to the highest standard and the greater part of their business is done in that line.
They have ten lithographic printing presses, two of which are two color presses. The building occupied by the company is one of the
most up-to-date in the entire country. It is improved with the latest mill construction, so that in case of fire a very small damage
would be done. All of the flooring is four inches thick, so that it would be almost impossible for fire to penetrate more than one floor.
Their machinery, too, is of the very latest type. One 125 people are given constant employment here and the work turned out by the
company is the very best obtainable. In 1904 the business was incorporated with William Karle as president: William J. C. Karle as
secretary and treasurer: and George J. Hafner as vice president. All these men possess well known business ability so that the
success of the firm is a well assured fact.
In 1878 William Karle was married to Miss Mary Eyer, a lady of German birth, who was reared, however, in Rochester. They have
two children: William J. C, who is now associated with his father in business as secretary and treasurer of the company; and Amelia
Mary, now Mrs. Heydweiller, of Rochester.
Aside from his other business interests Mr. Karle is a director of the Mechanics Savings Bank of Rochester. He is very prominent in
Masonry, being one of the best known and valued representatives of the craft in this city. He is a member of Germania Lodge No.
722, F&AM, of which he was Master for two terms. He is a member of Hamilton chapter No. 62, R. A. M.; Monroe Commandery
No. 12, K. T.; the Rochester lodge of Perfection; Rochester Council of Princess of Jerusalem ; Rochester chapter of Rose Croix and
Rochester Consistory, S. P. R. S., 32°. He also is a member of Damascus Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., and of Germania Chapter No.
72, O. E. S., of which he has been patron a number of years. He has every reason to be proud of his record in Masonry and though
of German birth has done active and effective work both in English and German lodges. In other fraternal societies Mr. Karle is a
member of Humboldt Lodge No. 138, I. O. O. F.; a charter member of Teutonia Encampment No. 55, I. O. O. F.; a charter member
of Germania Rebekah lodge. No. 83, I. O. O. F., and a member of Grand Canton J. W. Stebbins No. 2, I. O. O. F. In Odd Fellowship
Mr. Karle has held the highest offices to be attained outside of the grand lodge and in some instances having performed the
ritualistic work in both the German and the English languages in the same day. Mr. Karle is also a member of Bluecher lodge No.
93. Knights of Pythias. At all times his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of these orders and he s- thoroughly familiar with their
tenets. He is one of the directors of the Masonic Club and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Karle is a man of fine business ability and commanding presence, who stands high in social and industrial circles. Moreover, he
deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, having been both the architect and builder of his own fortunes. Of marked
activity, energetic, honest, far-seeing and public-spirited, he has operated continuously and by the stimulus of his exertions has
aroused the enterprise of others, while through this means he has added to his own labors and furnished to hundreds, lucrative
employment. He started out at little salary and in a comparatively insignificant but like other energetic young men who have left their
impress upon the magnificent development of the city, he did not wait for an especially brilliant opening. Indeed he could not wait,
and his natural industry would not have permitted him to do so, even if his financial circumstances had been such as to make it
possible. As an employee he performed all the duties that devolved upon him conscientiously and industriously and in the course of
time was enabled to start in business for himself. Like other business men, he may not have found all the days equally bright but the
threatened disaster has ever seemed to serve as a stimulus for renewed effort and success on his part. His strict integrity, business
conservatism and judgment have always been so universally recognized that he has enjoyed public confidence to an enviable
degree and naturally this has brought him such a lucrative patronage that through times of general prosperity and general adversity
alike he has witnessed a steady increase in his business until it is today one of the most flourishing in its line in Rochester.
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http://mcnygenealogy.com/bios/biographies034.htm
Charles Vogel, was born in Prussia, Germany, 31 Aug 1842, received his education in the schools of his native country, and came
to America with his parents in 1853, settling in Rochester, where his father, Johannes Vogel formerly a contractor and builder, died
in 1860. He first entered the employ of the late Louis Sacks, Sr. making band boxes, and in 1854 the family removed to Seneca
Falls, NY, where he worked in a foundry and pump factory. The next year they moved to Waterloo, whence they soon returned to
Rochester, where Charles Vogel was employed for one year by Smith & Harrington, manufacturers of and dealers in tinware. In
1857 he entered the, employ of the late John Siddons, manufacturer of tinware and roofing, where he remained until 1860, when he
went to California. Returning to Rochester in 1865, he became foreman for Mr. Siddons, and in 1873 was given and interest in the
business. In March, 1889, the John Siddons Company was incorporated, and Mr. Vogel became its vice-president, a position he
held until the death of Mr. Siddons in 1890, when he was elected president, which office he has since held, and to which was added
that of superintendent in 1895. The firm is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and one of the largest and best known roofing
concerns in the United States. Among the many buildings which contain its work, are the Michigan State Capitol, the Stockton, Cal.,
court house, the inner dome of the Illinois State House, the court-houses at Joliet, Ill., Marion, Ind., Elyria Ohio, Smethport, Pa., and
Lockport, N. Y., the U. S. Government buildings at Utica and Rochester, the City Hall at Rome, the Albright Library and High School
at Scranton, Pa., two of the Cornell University buildings, the Granite, Chamber of Commerce, Eastman, Powers, and Rochester
Savings Bank buildings and new court-house at Rochester, and many others. They also erected the copper statue of Mercury on the
William S. Kimball factory in Rochester, which was designed by the sculptor, Guernsey Mitchell. Mr. Vogel was a member of Valley
Lodge, F. & A. M., and for twenty-five years has been a member of Germania Lodge, No. 722, F. & A. M., of which he was a
charter member and formerly Senior Warden. He is a charter member of Germania Lodge of Perfection, Scottish Rite, and of the
Builders' Exchange, has served in Co. F, 54th Regt. N. Y. S. N. G., is a life member of the Council Princes of Jerusalem, Chapter
Rose Croix, and Sovereign Grand Consistory, a member of Rochester Turn Verein, and for twenty-five years has been a member of
the Mannechor. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, and has been three times recommended for the thirty-third degree, and for the
past eight years has served as T. P. G. M. of Germania Lodge of Perfection.
73

Fame Lodge No. 722, Webster, New York
Warrant: 1 May 2001
Germania 722 merged with Fame 945 to be known as Fame 722, 1 May 2001
Oatka [O-at-ka] Lodge No. 759, Scottsville, New York
Warrant: Jun 1875
Preceded by Tompkins Lodge No. 350, 12 Jun 1822; surrendered 1834. The records are of Tompkins No. 350 were reportedly
sealed in the foundation of the 'Mill House' Temple and not yet been discovered.
http://books.google.com/books?id=pY06AQAAIAAJ&pg=PA194&lpg=PA194&dq=%22Oatka+lodge+No.+759%22&source=bl&ots=z
V1iJS8Whb&sig=mCcWFlf54ZUsPGa34OwCZEJMV_I&hl=en&ei=0oTmToLjJufc0QGm283xCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&r
esnum=9&ved=0CE0Q6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=%22Oatka%20lodge%20No.%20759%22&f=false page 194.
Tompkins Lodge of F&AM, No. 350, was chartered in 1822, and held its sessions at Scottsville until 1834, when it ceased to exist.
Among the charter members were
Powell Carpenter,
Alvin Savage,
James Smith,
Francis Smith,
Samuel B. Graves,
Fowler Albright,
Mr. Cross,
Mr. Brown.
There are but two surviving members of the lodge—William Welch, of Scottsville, and Powell Carpenter, Jr., of Le Roy. These are all
that are remembered of seventy members when the charter was surrendered. The Masons held meetings within the upper room of
the school-house on Rochester Street, this upper story having been built by them and held from 1823 to 1834.
Since that date, 1834, no lodge existed until, on 15 Jan 1875, a dispensation was issued, and a charter granted on 22 Jun 1875, to
Oatka Lodge, No. 759.
John C. Hill, Master;
N. B. Jones, S.W.
T. R. Sibley, J. W.
George E. Slocum, Sec'y
J. C. Neafie, Treas.
George E. Muar, S. D.
T. A. Carson and E. H. Slocum were the remaining charter members.
J. C. Hill is the present [1877] Master
F. R. Sibley, S. W.
E. G. Armstrong, J. W.
J. C. Neaphie, Treas.
. B. Franklin, Sec'y.
B. L. Warren, J. D.
M. H. Pope, M. C.
J. S. Warren, M. of C.
D. B. Hitchcock, Marshal
George Rosa, Tyler
Meetings were held in Odd-Fellows' Hall, over the marble-shop. After charter was received, the lodge met in the hall over the store
of Neafie & Shadbolt. Membership, twenty-five.
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Lodge Website: http://www.oatkamasons.com/
5 Browns Avenue. Scottsville, New York
1821 Petitioned for a charter for a Master's Lodge to be known by the name of the Friendship Lodge at Scottsville, New York.
1822 Tompkins Lodge No. 350 was chartered. The Lodge was probably named after Daniel D. Tompkins, Grand Master of New
York State from 1821-1822.
1827 The charter was surrendered because of the anti-Masonry movement resulting from the William Morgan affair in Batavia.
1869 A brick structure on Brown's Avenue in Scottsville was erected as the new school building at a cost of $15,000.
1875 A dispensation was issued and a charter was granted on 9 Jun 1875 to the Oatka Lodge No. 759. "Oatka" is a Native
American word meaning "clearing in the trees."
1895 A chair which was used as the Master's Chair in the old Tompkins Lodge was donated to the lodge by a member's widow. The
chair can still be found in the lodge room today.
1900 The 25th Anniversary was celebrated in the Mill House.
1925 A year earlier the Lodge purchased Windom Hall, which is now the Scottsville Free Library, and where commemorations were
held for the 50th Anniversary of Oatka Lodge.
1929 The Scottsville High School moved into a new building and the Lodge purchased the old one on Browns Avenue in Scottsville.
The cost of the building was $2,000. With the move and occupation of the new Masonic Temple in Rochester Oatka Lodge secured
many of the furnishings from the old Temple building downtown. The total cost of the furnishings was approximately $8,000.
74

1950 The 75th Anniversary was celebrated with a dinner in the Lodge building.
1975 The booklet "One Hundred Years of Masonry" was published in recognition of the
Centenary Gala held at the Lodge.
2007 The furnishings of the Oatka Lodge as they appear today. >
Clio Lodge No. 779, Hilton, New York
Warrant: 7 Jul 1878
Fire 8 Nov 1903 and 21 Mar 1965
Frank R. Lawrence Lodge No. 797, Rochester, New York
Warrant: ca 1890
Seneca 920 and Frank R. Lawrence 797 consolidated to form Seneca 797, 19 Feb 1980.
A most unique Masonic event in Rochester . . . was the conferring of the M. M. degree on the sons of four prominent Masons by
Frank R. Lawrence lodge, No. 797, on April 24, 1904. The young men who received the degree were: James N. Robinson, son of
Grand Master F. H. Robinson, of Hornellsville; Carroll A. Sutherland, son of Past Grand Master Wm. A. Sutherland: James H. Smith,
son of J. Hungerford Smith, past District Deputy Grand Master, and Frank K. Woodworth, son of Frank E. Woodworth. Brothers
Sunderland. Smith and Woodworth are Past Masters of Frank R. Lawrence Lodge, and previous to the communication gave a
dinner at the Masonic Club to meet their sons. Both the dinner and the Lodge meeting were largely attended. Grand Master
Robinson and Benjamin Allen, Grand Master of Canada, assisted in the ceremonies.
http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~monroenys/sketches-g.htm
Fred B. Graves is one of the well known and enterprising business men of Rochester, engaged in the building and sale of
elevators. He was born in Worcester, MA, in 1854. His father, Lorenzo S. GRAVES, was a native of Connecticut and in 1850
removed to Rochester, where he began business as a shoe manufacturer. In 1860 he began the building and sale of elevators,
establishing the enterprise, however, on a small scale. Since that time the work has been carried forward by the father and son, the
latter joining the father in 1876. Lorenzo S. GRAVES continued an active factor in the business life of the city until his death, which
occurred April 4, 1904. He was a most highly respected man, prominent in industrial commercial circles, and further mention is
made of him on another page of this volume.
Fred B. GRAVES, reared in Rochester, passed through successive grades in the schools of the city until he was graduated from the
Rochester high school. He was a young man of about twenty-two years when he was admitted to a partnership by his father, since
which time he has been engaged in the construction and sale of elevators. To this end he owns a large and well equipped plant,
supplied with all modern accessories for carrying on the business. Employment is given to a large force of men and this is one of the
strong industrial and productive concerns of the city. He is also agent for the OTIS ELEVATOR. The business has kept pace with
the tendency of the times for improvement in all lines of manufacturing enterprises and the extensive patronage of the house is
incontrovertible evidence of the value of the manufactured product.
In 1876 Mr. GRAVES was united in marriage to Miss Frances OSWALD, of Batavia, NY. They have three children, all now married.
Mr. GRAVES is a prominent representative of Masonry, belonging to Frank R. LAWRENCE Lodge, No.797, F&AM, while he has
also attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite in the consistory. He belongs to the Mystic Shrine and to the Grotto, is a
member of the Rochester Whist Club and a life member of the Masonic Club. He is likewise a charter member of the Rochester
Yacht Club and his social qualities are such as have won for him a large circle of warm friends. Mr. GRAVES, spending practically
his entire life in Rochester, is well known in the city in business, fraternal and social circles, and the consensus of public opinion
regarding him is altogether favorable. It is true that he entered upon a business already established, but in successfully controlling
and enlarging this he has shown excellent business capacity and executive force and he does things with an ability and energy that
show he is master of the situation.
-----
75

William Andrew Sutherland - 30 May 1849-8 Mar 1908; Grand Master 1897-98
“A Standard History of Freemasonry in the State of New York,” Peter Ross. Vol II, 1901. pages 17-26; Vol. I, page 690.
The officers associated with John Stewart during his two terms as Master were in many respects as thoroughly devoted a body of
craftsmen as ever served the Grand Lodge.
William A. Sutherland, Deputy Grand Master during these years, and who in 1897 succeeded to "the purple of the fraternity" is one
of the best known lawyers in the western part of the State. He was born 30 May 1849, near Canandaigua, NY (Hopewell, Ontario
Co., NY), the son of Andrew Sutherland (b. 22 Jul 1818, New Fare, Niagara, NY; d. 27
Feb 1891, Rochester, NY, son of Andrew Sutherland and Naomi Cooley) and Mary
McLean (b. 16 Mar 1828, Dundee, Yates, NY; d. Nov 1899, daughter of William McLean
and Elizabeth DeGroot). He received his education at Genesee Wesleyan Seminary and
Genesee College, at Lima, N. Y., and read law in the office of Edwin A. Nash, now a
Justice of the Supreme Court; was admitted to practice in April, 1874, and, removing to
Rochester, entered into partnership with W. Dean Shuart, ex-Surrogate of Monroe
county, in January, 1884, which partnership continues to this day.
He was many years Secretary of the Republican County Committee of Livingston
County and has been a delegate to every Republican State convention for many years.
In 1892 he was temporary chairman of the State convention which met at Harmanus
Bleeker Hall, Albany, NY, and delivered the first philippic against Judge Maynard; in
1893 he was chairman of the Committee on Platform of the Republican State convention
held at Syracuse, when the principal issue before the people was the opposition to the
election of Judge Maynard to the Court of Appeals; he served as the member of the
Republican National Committee for the State of New York from 1892 to 1896, and was a
delegate from the Rochester district to the Republican National convention at St. Louis
in June, 1896. Mr. Sutherland's professional life has been a very active one, and he has
been concerned in the argument of questions of wide and far- reaching interest; he was
leading counsel on the Republican side in the management and argument of the cases growing out of the Senatorial election
contest in 1891, and was also retained to institute for the Republicans the attack on the constitutionality of the re- apportionment act
passed in 1892. W. A. Sutherland is one of the most eloquent speakers before the bar of New York and his Masonic addresses
have often thrilled vast assemblages. We would like to reproduce some of these, but space forbids. We, however, give one little
gem, part of the address he delivered at Rondout on Decoration Day, 1898, when unveiling a monument over the burial plot of
Rondout Lodge, No. 343: We are met in the city of the dead. We are engaged in a ceremony unique, if not unprecedented. That
which we here dedicate is to commemorate the stranger from afar, as well as those whose remains were followed to the cemetery
by the weeping faces of bereaved friends. About us are monuments erected by loving hands in memory of their departed kinsmen.
These other stones speak of family tics that have been sundered, and of friends, relatives, and life-long companions, whose heads
have been bowed in grief. To this plot Freemasons will come, bringing the stranger and the sojourner to his last earthly resting
place. Surrounding us are mounds hallowed by the remains of those torn from family circles, which, nevertheless, can here convene
to mourn their dead. But in this plot now lies one, and doubtless others will be laid, dying far from home and friends, save as
brethren have been found in Rondout Lodge. Because the portals of the tomb are ever open: because the shadow of the coming
throng ever falls athwart its gateway; because the sound of mourning is ever heard in some household; because the hand of death
does every day touch the heartstrings of some survivors as it snatches from sight beloved forms; because in the midst of life we are
in death, this monument will always be a joy to some, pointing as the index finger of Rondout Lodge from earth toward heaven and
saying: "The dead are not here, but yonder."
The stars that are not seen of day. and at night are oft times covered from our eyes by the overhanging clouds, do, nevertheless,
move in their majestic march through space, held in course by the hand that made us all. Though not seen by feeble eyes of men
they are there. But they who builded this monument, the members of Rondout Lodge, who, forty-two years ago, purchased this plot
of ground, the fair ones who so generously last winter aided your enterprise, aye, the six already buried here, believed in the, life
that is after this. Our friends that are gone we cannot see, and our puny hands cannot reach their touch, but the law that placed us
here, the law that removes us hence, the law that sent us without our bidding, the law that calls us in an hour that we think not, that
law and its Maker have taught us that beyond the reach of human hands, beyond the sweep of earthly eyes, we shall live.
Masonic Record:
11 Oct, 1870 Raised in Union Lodge, No. 45, at Lima, NY; Junior Warden of Union Lodge in 1873
1883-84 Master of Mount Morris Lodge, No. 122
1889 Charter Member and First Master of Frank R. Lawrence Lodge, No. 797
1889 to 1891 Deputy for the 22nd District
1891 Elected Junior Grand Warden
1893 Senior Grand Warden
1895 Elected Deputy Grand Master
1897-98 Grand Master
22 Feb 1871 Received the Royal Arch degrees, in Morning Star Chapter 107
1890-91 High Priest of Ionic Chapter 210
14 Mar 1884 Received the Knightly degrees, in Cyrene Commandery, No. 39; served as its Prelate 1886-91, inclusive.
In the Scottish Rite he received the degrees in Rochester Lodge of Perfection, Council, Chapter of Rose Croix, and Consistory, and
was Master of the Chapter from 1888 to 1892, inclusive.
76

21 Sep 1892 Elected 33 o at Providence, and was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General 19 Sep 1893, at the session of
the Supreme Council, NMJ, at Chicago.
http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=dbccbd&id=I1544
Col. Andrew Sutherland b. 3 Sep 1776 in Sutherland Falls, Rutland Co, VT; d. 27 Feb 1836 in Cambria, Niagara Co, NY; bur.
Glenwood Cem, Lockport, Niagara Co, NY.
From the Cooley Family Genealogy: ". . . res in the village o f Sutherland Falls, named for John Sutherland . . . Col. Andre w
Sutherland died 27 Feb 1836 in Cambria, Niagara, NY to which he removed in 1810 residing near Warren s Corners on Ridge
Road. He served in the Militia in the W ar of 1812, afterwards becoming a Colonel of Militia."
From the History of Macomb County (Michigan): ". . . (Andre w Sutherland) was a soldier of the war of 1812 and was promoted to
the Colonelcy of a regiment and was discharged with honor; his mother died at Romeo (Michigan) in 1871"
Father: Peter Sutherland b: 20 Feb 1756 in Probably Great Nine, Dutchess Co, NY
Mother: Carol Bush b: Bef 1754 in Probably Rutland, VT
Marriage 1 Naomi Cooley b: 6 Oct 1788 in Pittsford, Rutland, VT; daughter of Benjami N. Cooley III and Mary Needham
Married: 6 Jan 1807 in Pittsford, Rutland Co, Vermont 5 1
Children
1. Benjamin Cooley Sutherland b: 17 Jan 1808 in Sutherland Falls, Rutland Co, Vermont
2. Benjamin Cooley Sutherland b: 18 Jun 1810 in Sutherland Falls, Rutland Co, Vermont
3. Andrew Cooley Sutherland b: 4 Jun 1812 in Sutherland Falls, Rutland Co, Vermont
4. Carroll Sutherland b: 1 Mar 1814 in Cambria, Niagara Co, New York
5. Fletcher Sutherland b: 1 Mar 1816 in Pittsford, Rutland Co, Vermont
6. Andrew Sutherland b: 22 Jul 1818 in Cambria, Niagara Co, New York
7. Naomi Dorothea Sutherland b: 7 Sep 1822 in Cambria, Niagara Co, New York
8. Byron A. Sutherland b: 4 Feb 1824 in Cambria, Niagara Co, New York
9. Addison Sutherland b: 28 Jul 1826 in Cambria, Niagara Co, New York
10. Susannah Sutherland b: 7 Sep 1829 in Cambria, Niagara Co, New York
Andrew Sutherland b. 22 Jul 1818 in Cambria, Niagara Co, NY; d. 27 Feb 1891 in (probably) Macomb Co, Michigan
Parents: Andrew Sutherland b: 3 Sep 1776 in Sutherland Falls, Rutland, VT; Naomi Cooley b: 6 Oct 1788 in Pittsford, Rutland, VT
Married Mary McLean 7 Aug 1848
Bro. William A. Sutherland married Inez L. Jackson, 7 Mar 1878. In the 1880 Census, he and his wife Inez, appear on the Census
roles as follows (in bold type below), where they were either residing or visiting (at Henry K. Scoville’s Hotel?) at the time:
Census Place, Mount Morris, Livingston, New York
Henry K. SCOVILLE Self S Male W 44 NY Hotel Keeper CT NY
Mark L. SCOVILLE Brother S Male W 46 NY Clerk In Hotel CT NY
Ann SCOVILLE Sister S Female W 49 NY CT NY
Helen SCOVILLE Niece S Female W 24 NY Domestic Servant NY NY
Riley SCOVILLE Nephew S Male W 39 NY Servant NY NY
S. L. ROCKFELLOW Other M Male W 53 NY Supt. Of Mfg. Co. NJ NJ
Julia ROCKFELLOW Other M Female W 47 NY NOVA SCOTIA VT
Anna ROCKFELLOW Other S Female W 14 NY At School NY NY
W. A. SUTHERLAND Other M Male W 31 NY Lawyer NY NY
Inez J. SUTHERLAND Other M Female W 25 NY NY NY
J. E. COX Other M Male W 50 NY Cigar Maker IRE IRE
Fletcher Sutherland, uncle of M’.’W.’. Bro. William A. Sutherland, and his nieces,
the seven famous Sutherland Sisters of Lockport, NY.
Fletcher Sutherland b. 1 Mar 1816 in Pittsford, Rutland Co, VT; d. 6 Sep
1888 in Cambria, Niagara Co, NY
Note: Naomi's father, Col. Benjamin Cooley, died in Pittsford, VT, 27 Feb
1810. Her husband and she returned to Pittsford early in 1816 to settle
her father's estate and it was while they were there that Fletcher was
born. Thus the apparent anomaly of having Fletcher's younger brother,
Carroll, and the rest of his elder siblings born in Cambria, NY while he
was born in Vermont.
Father: Andrew Sutherland b: 3 Sep 1776 in Sutherland Falls, Rutland,
VT
Mother: Naomi Cooley b: 6 Oct 1788 in Pittsford, Rutland, VT
Marriage 1 Mary Brink b: Abt 1820 in Lyons, Wayne Co, NY
Children, all born at the ‘Sunderland Farm’ in Cambria (near Lockport),
Niagara Co., NY; all sisters buried at Glenwood Cemetery, Lockport, NY,
except Victoria:
For more about these sisters, and many more photos, see: http://www.rapunzelsdelight.com/images/sut/sutherland_sisters.htm
77

Mary Fletcher Sutherland b: ca 1846; d. 12 May 1939
Sarah Naomi Sutherland b: ca 1845/48; 9 Sep 1919, age 74
Victoria Sutherland b: ca 1849; 25 May 1902, age 53
Isabella Cooley Sutherland b: ca 1852; d. 1 Dec 1914; age 62
Grace Sutherland b: ca 1853/54; d. 13 Jan 1946, age 92
Charles Carrol Sutherland b: ca 1852/54
Naomi Sutherland b: ca 1856; d. 13 Jul 1893, age 35
Dora ‘Kitty’ Sutherland b: Abt 1858
Mary Sutherland b: Abt 1859
See also, “Introducing the Amazing Seven Sutherland Sisters” at:
http://www.sideshowworld.com/tgod7sutherlands.html
The Sutherlands might not have been as successful without the help of Merchant's Gargling Oil king (M.’.W.’.) John Hodge (Grand
Master, 1894), who operated successfully at the turn of the century when western New York was a popular base of pharmaceutical
manufacturing.
-----
http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/10,000_famous_freemasons/Volume_4_Q_to_Z.htm
Stuart Symington First Secretary of the Air Force, 1947-50; U.S. Senator from Missouri from 1952. b. June 26, 1901 in Amherst,
Mass. Student at Yale U., 1919-23, working summers as a reporter on the Baltimore Sun. Began in the steel business as a moulder,
in Rochester, N.Y. Worked with various radio and steel companies in an executive capacity from 1926-37, and in 1938 became
president of the Emerson Electric Mfg. Co. of St. Louis, Mo. Early in 1941 he went to England at the request of the War
Departmentto study airplane armament. Entered government service on July 16, 1945 as chairman of the Surplus Property Board.
Became assistant secretary of War for Air in 1946. In 1951 he was administrator of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation.
Member of Frank R. Lawrence Lodge No. 797, Rochester, N.Y.; received the 32° AASR (SJ) in Nov., 1954 at St. Louis.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_Symington
June 26, 1901 – December 14, 1988
William Stuart Symington was born in Amherst, MA, and grew up in Baltimore, MD. He
graduated from Yale University in 1923. At Yale he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilln
fraternity (Phi chapter), the Elihu senior society, and served on the board of the Yale Daily News.
During World War I, Symington enlisted in the US Army at the age of 17 and was later
commissioned as a 2Lt and discharged at that same rank.
In 1923, Symington went to work for an uncle in the shops of the Symington Company of
Rochester, NY, manufacturers of malleable iron products. Two years later he formed Eastern
Clay Products but in 1927 returned to the Symington Company as executive assistant to the
President. Symington resigned in 1930 to become President of the Colonial Radio Corporation. In
January 1935, he accepted the presidency of Rustless Iron and Steel Corporation (manufacturers
of stainless steel) but remained a director of Colonial Radio Corporation. When Rustless Iron and
Steel Corporation was sold to the American Rolling Mill Company in 1937, Symington resigned
and in 1938 accepted the presidency of Emerson Electric Company in St. Louis, MO. During
World War II he transformed the company into the world's largest builder of airplane gun turrets.
First Secretary of the Air Force - He resigned from Emerson in 1945 to join the administration of
fellow Missourian Harry S. Truman. His first positions were chairman of the Surplus Property
Board (1945), administrator of the Property Administration (1945–1946) and Assistant Secretary of War for Air (1946–1947). On
September 18, 1947, the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force was created and Symington became the first Secretary. Symington
had a stormy term as he moved to give the US Air Force (which previously had been part of the Army) respect. He had numerous
public battles with Secretary of Defense James Forrestal. During his tenure there was a major debate and investigation into
production of the Convair B-36 Bomber, which was the last piston-powered bomber at the beginning of the jet age. Major
accomplishments during his term as Secretary included the Berlin Airlift and championing the US Air Force Academy. Symington
resigned in 1950 to protest lack of funding for the Air Force after the Soviets detonated their first nuclear weapon. He remained in
the administration as Chairman of the National Security Resources Board (1950–1951) and Reconstruction Finance Corporation
Administrator (1951–1952).
U.S. Senator - At the urging of his father-in-law James Wolcott Wadsworth, Jr., , a former Speaker of the NY State Assembly and
U.S. Senator from New York, Symington decided to run for the U.S. Senate. In 1952, he was elected Senator from Missouri, scoring
a win for the Democrats in a year otherwise favorable to the Republicans. He was re-elected in 1958, 1964, and 1970.
Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees
As a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, Symington specialized in military affairs and
became known as an advocate for a strong national defense. He was also a strong supporter of the Air Force Academy. In 1954, he
charged that the Department of Defense had wasted millions of dollars on outdated weapons. He became a leading critic of U.S.
involvement in the Vietnam War (1957–1975).
In 1958, Symington accused the RAND Corporation of defeatism for studying how the United States might strategically surrender to
an enemy power. This led to the passage of a prohibition on the spending of tax dollars on the study of defeat or surrender of any
78

kind. However, the senator had apparently misunderstood, as the report was a survey of past cases in which the United States had
demanded unconditional surrender of its enemies, asking whether or not this had been a more favorable outcome to U.S. interests
than an earlier, negotiated surrender might have been.
Opponent of Joseph McCarthy
Symington was an especially prominent opponent of Senator Joseph McCarthy, to the vexation of the latter, who nicknamed him
"Sanctimonious Stu". He involved himself in the case of Annie Lee Moss, who had been brought before McCarthy's committee
under the accusation that she was a Communist spy. Evidence supporting this claim was given by an undercover FBI agent who
could not be cross-examined by Mrs. Moss or her counsel. As it appeared that Moss had been mistakenly identified, Symington
proclaimed before the packed audience that he believed she was not a Communist and had never been, receiving thunderous
applause from those present. Later that year, Symington took a lead role in censuring McCarthy during the Army-McCarthy
hearings, capitalizing upon his prominence and expertise as a former Secretary of the Air Force.
Presidential candidacy
In 1959, Symington, then Chairman of the National Security Resources Board in Washington, D.C., was preparing to run in the 1960
presidential election and won the backing of former President Harry S. Truman, but eventually lost the nomination to Senator John
F. Kennedy. On July 2, 1960, Truman announced that he would not be attending the Democratic National Convention in Los
Angeles. Truman was miffed that the convention was being controlled by the "overzealous" supporters of Kennedy. Announcing his
decision, Truman restated his support for the candidacy of Symington and added, "I have no second choice".
Symington, unlike Kennedy or Lyndon B. Johnson, refused to speak to segregated audiences in the southern United States and this
hurt his chances. He was considered Kennedy's first choice for Vice President but was dropped in favor of Texas Senator Lyndon B.
Johnson. He advised President Kennedy as a member of EXCOMM during the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
Symington was also committed to constituent services, answering letters from Missouri citizens both important, trivial, and
sometimes even zany. As an example, Symington once formally requested a report from military sources regarding the possible
existence of subterranean superhumans, which one of his constituents had become concerned about after reading a fiction book
and mistaking it for non-fiction. In 2002, this and Symington's other senatorial correspondence and papers were donated to the
Western Historical Manuscripts Collection of the University of Missouri and are now available to the general public.
In 1967 when Major League Baseball owners approved the move of the Kansas City Athletics to Oakland, CA, he threatened
legislation to revoke the league's antitrust exemption and vowed to support lawsuits challenging the legality of the Reserve clause.
Kansas City was awarded an expansion team, the Kansas City Royals, which was scheduled to begin play in 1971. Symington,
saying Kansas City should not wait, continued to threaten the league, and the team began play in 1969.
In 1976, Symington did not seek a fifth term and resigned on December 27, four days before the end of his final term, so that his
Republican successor, John Danforth, would gain a seniority advantage in the Senate.
Symington retired in 1978 to his home in New Canaan, CT, where he died on December 14, 1988. He is buried in a crypt in
Washington National Cathedral.
Seneca Lodge No. 797, Webster, New York
Warrant: 19 Feb 1980
Seneca 920 and Frank R. Lawrence 797 consolidated to form Seneca 797, 19 Feb 1980.
Lodge Website: http://www.seneca797.com/ [no history]
Corinthian Temple Lodge No. 805, Rochester, New York
Warrant: 1893
Corinthian Temple 805 consolidated with Charlotte 1088 to form Charlotte-Corinthian No. 1088, 13 May 1986.
"Masonic Fair Souvenir: held in Masonic Temple, Rochester, NY, December first to thirteenth, nineteen hundred two"
http://www.archive.org/stream/cu31924030288843/cu31924030288843_djvu.txt
79

Corinthian Temple Lodge, No. 805, F&AM.
The first regular communication of Corinthian Temple Lodge No. 865, F&AM, U. D., was held June 20, 1892. When organized it was
learned that another Lodge in the state claimed the name of "Corinthian," consequently the word "Temple" was added.
The Lodge was located during the first few months of its existence in Ashton's Hall, 279 Lake Avenue, corner of Glenwood Avenue,
until the growth of the Lodge made it necessary to find more commodious quarters. Then a change was made to the new hall, 68 1
Lake Avenue, which was built expressly and fitted up for the Lodge by Bro. John H. Ashton. The new building where the Lodge now
meets is known as Corinthian Temple. It is as tastefully fitted up as any lodge room in the country, having all the modern appliances
for the conferring of the degrees. One of the reasons for the popularity of Corinthian Temple Lodge is the excellent work done by its
officers and their zeal and proficiency in Masonic work.
The new hall was dedicated on the evening of June 22, 1893. R. W. William H. Whiting presented and read the warrant or charter
issued in form to Hon. Charles S. Baker as Master, John B. Colman as S. W. and Charles L. Yates as J. W. The Great Light in
Masonry is inscribed, "Presented to Corinthian Temple Lodge, F. & A. M., at its organization by Charles S. Baker, the first W. M.,
June 20, 1892."
The Lodge has a membership of 260 members. Its charter members at the time of its organization were;
Hon. Charles S. Baker, P. M.;
Phillip A. Clum, P. M.;
R. W. Charles L. Yates,
DeGarmo Robbins,
Joseph Cowles,
Samuel P. Moulthrop,
John B. Colman,
George Atkinson,
John R. Kay,
William Searles, P. M.;
Charles L. Raymond,
John F. Boyd,
Morris F. Clark,
Henry W. Hewer,
John H. Ashton,
William H. Duffett, P. M.;
James R. Tyler,
Silas A. Servis,
Henry Likely,
John H. Wallace.
The officers for the present year [1902] are:
George G. Davis,
Frank L. Sibley,
Merritt L. Hutchinson,
Joseph M. Acker,
WM
SW
JW
Treas
A. Dixson Davis, Secy
Loren E. Mason, S. D.
Herbert C. MacAlpine, J. D.
Henry Attridge, SMC
Frederick W. Fickett, JMC
T. Fred Barrows, S. S.
James C. ^rber [sic], J. S.
Quartette; George W. Walton, William C. Walker, William H. Learned, P. Cameron Shutt.
Rev. Curtin G. Roop,
Chaplain
A. W. Denio, Marshal
John F. Boyd, Marshal
Corinthian Temple Lodge meets every first and third Monday in each month. Since the date of its institution, eight members of the
Lodge have died.
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7258205
Charles Simeon Baker b. 18 Feb 1839, Churchville, NY; d. 21 Apr 1902, Washington, DC; bur.
Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester, NY, Plot: Range 5, Lot 30; US Congressman. Baker
attended the common schools, Cary Collegiate Institute of Oakfield, and the New York Seminary
at Lima. He trained as a lawyer before the outbreak of the conflict, and served during the Civil
War as a First Lieutenant in Company E, 27th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He
participated in the July 21, 1861 First Battle of Bull Run, where he received wounds severe
enough to force his mustering out of active service. Rising to prominence in the New York law
community, he served in the New York State Legislature and State Senate before he was
elected as a Republican to represent New York's 30th Congressional District in the United
States House of Representatives, serving from 4 Mar 1885 to 3 Mar 1891.
BAKER, CHARLES S. - Age 23 years. Enrolled [27th NY Inf. Vols.], 17 May 1861, at Rochester,
to serve two years; mustered in as 1Lt, Co. E, 21 May 1861; resigned, 26 Feb 1862;
commissioned 1Lt, 4 Jul 1861, with rank from 7 May 1861, original.
http://www3.rmsc.org/capsule/2000%201%20329a.htm
Transcription of Letter to Charles S. Baker from Abelard Reynolds
Rochester, April 10, 1872
Dear Brother Baker
In answer to your favour of the 8th requesting me to furnish you with some data relating to my birth
& Masonic history. Not having kept a record of my Masonic life, I shall have to rely on a frail
memory.
I was born on Sunday October 2 1785 at Red Hook New York. My Father might be denominated a
rol[?]. Soon after my birth he returned to Connecticute where he had formerly lived. at the end of
four years he continued to move from place to place, till he brought up at Washing[ton],
Massachusetts. Being now of lawful age, I settled in Pittsfield Mass. Where I married Lydia Strong,
who has proved an excellent wife. But getting a touch of the western fever, I told my wife that I had
a desire to seek a home in the western wilds. she saide "amen." We then broke up house keeping,
& I started to explore the western world.
< Abelard Reynolds
80

After visiting many places, I was incidentally to Rochester diverted–which had just been mapped as a village covered with the native
forests. The extent & availability of the water power, & the other un-developed advantages constituting in the agrigate, in my
judgment, the elements of a populous city, which only required the enterprize of Man to mould into form, for where nature had been
so bountiful art could well afford to apply its genius in giving life & beauty to the Slumbering rudimental de-posits. Although to a
casual observer the whole aspect of the place, would be most forbiding & undeisierable. This was in the Spring of 1812.
I purchased the two lots covered by the Arcade, & commenced building a house, and the next winter 1813 moved my family, & we
have never had cause to regret it. I build the first frame house, was the first Post Master, & held the office 17 years, was the first
Magistrate kept the first Tavern. I have been a free Mason 50 years, & a Knight Templar 46 years. I was elected Prelate of Monroe
Commandery No 12 in April 1854. 32 years of service, and I feel under great obligation to the commandery, for the uniform
kindness, & unbounded confidence they have reposed in me.
The infirmities of age must be my apology for this brief sketch.
Believe me fraternally yours or skeleton
Abelard Reynolds
Flower City Lodge No. 910, Rochester, New York
Warrant: ca 1914
Flower City 910 consolidated with Fairport 476 to become Fairport-Flower City 476, 1 May 2002
Seneca Lodge No. 920, Rochester, New York
Warrant: ca 1914
Seneca 920 and Frank R. Lawrence 797 merged to become Seneca 797, 19 Feb 1980
Ancient Craft Lodge No. 943, Rochester, New York
Warrant: 3 May 1917
Consolidated with East Rochester No. 1020 to form East Rochester's Ancient Craft No. 943, 11 Apr 1990
East Rochester's Ancient Craft [ERAC] Lodge No. 943, Rochester, New York
Warrant: 10 Apr 1990
Formed from consolidation of East Rochester No. 1020 and Ancient Craft No. 943.
Merged with Towpath No. 163, 28 Apr 2000, to become ERAC No. 163
Fame Lodge No. 945, Irondequoit, New York
Warrant: 29 May 1917
Germania 722 merged with Fame 945 to be known as Fame 722, 1 May 2001
http://www.wakanhubbard.org/html/wakan_lodge.html
No history of Wakan Lodge [No. 1054] would be complete without first briefly outlining the early history of our mother Lodge.
Fame Lodge No. 945. For a long time previous to the formation of Fame Lodge, reasons in Irondequoit were considering the
establishment of a new Masonic body. No definite steps were taken, however, until 1916. Irondequoit was then a farming community
and the influx of city folks had not begun. The town had a population of about five thousand and its chief industry was market
gardening. Those who were instrumental in the formation of Fame Lodge were Masons who for the most part were raised in the old
Rochester Masonic Temple on Clinton Ave., corner Division Street. The jurisdiction of the Rochester Lodges in 1916 covered all of
the Town of Irondequoit, and in order to establish a new Lodge it was necessary to obtain the consent of all the Lodges in the
Rochester jurisdiction. This consent was obtained late in 1916, and a petition for a Dispensation was drawn up and submitted to the
Grand Lodge in New York City. The name adopted by the twenty six original signers of the petition was "Irondequoit Temple Lodge"
and was the name that appeared on the Dispensation granted on Nov. 10, 1916. The first meeting of Irondequoit Temple Lodge
U.D. was held on Nov. 21, 1916, in the Irondequoit Grange Hall on Titus Avenue. Later on, however, it developed that there was
another Lodge at Dunkirk, NY having the same name. By a ruling of the Grand Lodge it was necessary to change the name, and of
two names suggested, "Fame" was the one decided upon, and was the name embodied in its charter when presented on May 29th,
1917, by R\ W\ Richard S. Folts, District Deputy Grand Master.
Dr. Alexander Walker was chosen the first Worshipful Master, our own Daniel DeLelys the first Senior Warden, and Henry Franke
Junior Warden. Lodge meetings were held in the Irondequoit Grange Hall. Under these able leaders Fame Lodge flourished, and in
a short space of time grew from a Lodge of twenty six members to one of over three hundred. It was not uncommon for them to
meet every week and work degrees, and on several occasions raise classes of as high as ten candidates. Under such conditions
the Officers and Members of the Lodge in 1921 decided to build a Temple for their own use. The site selected was on the corner of
St. Paul Boulevard and Titus Ave. West, on land owned by Henry Auer. A resolution to purchase this site was passed on March 7th,
1921, and immediately steps were taken to carry their plans into execution. Carl Ade, an Architect, was employed to prepare plans
and specifications, and on March 8th, 1923, just two years later, contracts were let for the new Temple, amounting to approximately
$60,000. The building was made larger than at first contemplated and when completed was found adequate to house more than one
81

Lodge. The financial burden was also larger than at first anticipated so the idea of the formation of another Lodge in Irondequoit
gained its inception.
Irondequoit was now a flourishing community; instead of a population of five thousand, it now had a population of seven thousand
five hundred, and the exodus of city people to the rural districts was in full swing. Instead of being purely a farming section,
Irondequoit was rapidly becoming a suburb of the City of Rochester. The idea of forming a new Lodge, therefore, was well received
and no difficulties whatever were found to hinder its progress. A year, however, elapsed from the time the Past Masters of Fame
Lodge suggested a new Lodge until definite steps were taken to bring this about. Early in 1925, R\ W\ Daniel DeLelys, Second Past
Master of Fame Lodge, volunteered to carry the plan into execution, and under his able leadership a petition for a Dispensation was
drawn up and presented at a meeting held at the home of Dr. Willis W. Bradstreet at Point Pleasant. The men in attendance at this
first meeting were Dr. Willis Bradstreet, Arnold G. Smith, Roy J. Riedesel and R\ W\ Daniel DeLelys. These men were the real
founders of our Lodge. They resolved to found a ideal Lodge with a new spirit and determination to equal the best in the land. With
this in mind they set out to obtain signers of the petition, and it was but a short time before a sufficient number of signers were
obtained to insure the success of the venture. Every effort was made to draw as few members from Fame Lodge as possible so as
not to injure them in any-way.
On May 5, 1925, the first official meeting of the signers was held at the New Irondequoit Masonic Temple. To say that this meeting
proved to be a huge success would be placing it mildly. Roy J. Riedesel was selected chairman and Daniel DeLelys secretary.
Other meetings were held on May 19th, June 2nd, June 16, and June 29th, and each were well attended. The following committees
were appointed: Committee on By-laws, Daniel DeLelys, Raymond H. Farmen and Oscar E. Zabel. Committee to chose Lodge
name, Dr. Willis W. Bradstreet, John H. Bradley and Arnold G. Smith. Committee on Finance and Equipment, Roy J. Ridedsel,
Harry S. Merriman and Otto A. Swansfeger. The Committees started to function immediately and within a short time made very
comprehensive reports. The Committee on By-laws submitted a set of By-laws which were adopted with but little discussion. The
Committee on Lodge Name submitted the following three names: Koda, Teyo and Wakan, all of which were Indian names. The
name "Wakan" an Indian word of the Iroquois Tribe, meaning "sacred" was the one finally chosen.
Zetland Lodge No. 951, Rochester, New York
Warrant: 23 May 1918
'received charter' date; consolidated with Yonnondio No. 163 and Genesee Falls No. 507 to become Towpath No. 163, 25 Apr 1989
Warren C. Hubbard Lodge No. 964, Rochester - aka ‘Schoolmaster’s Lodge’
Warrant: 21 May 1920
Warren C. Hubbard 964 consol with Wakan 1054 to become Wakan-Hubbard 1054, 16 Oct 1985;
Wakan-Hubbard 1054 consol with Penfield Union 154 to become Wakan-Hubbard 154, 31 Dec 1989.
Named for Warren Calhoun Hubbard
Warren C. Hubbard Lodge No. 964 enjoyed sixty five years of brotherhood under that name and chose to continue in Masonic
fellowship by a union with Wakan Lodge No. 1054. Warren C. Hubbard Lodge No. 964 "Whence came you and how have you
traveled?"
A meeting of Master Masons was called to order on Friday evening April 4, 1919 in Tuscan Hall, Masonic Temple, to consider the
advisability of organizing a new Masonic Lodge. The meeting was called by the Rev. Bro. Harry G. Greensmith and was presided
over by R.’. W.’. Wallace W. Rayfield, D.D.G.M. from Webster.
R.’. W.’. Bro. Rayfield supervised the election of:
Bro. Harry G. Greensmith Worshipful Master
Bro. Willard J. Smith Senior Warden
Bro. Ralph T. Coe Junior Warden
Bro. William R. Tuttle Secretary
Bro. Ernest Petry Treasurer
Bro. Greensmith suggested and moved that the name for the Lodge be presented to the Grand Master as Warren C. Hubbard
Lodge and that he be petitioned to grant the using of the name. There were twenty five signers of the petition to form the lodge."
(From minutes of 4/4/1919) On April 19th the second meeting was called to further the discussion and prepare for the work of the
lodge. The initiation fee wn5 set at $100.00. (I would comment that in retrospect to our fee today, they put a real value on their
membership.)
On Saturday, May 31st, in a meeting opened by Ancient Craft Lodge No. 943, Warren C. Hubbard officers took their stations and
places, presented the work of opening the lodge in due form and exemplified the 1st Degree in a satisfactory manner.
On Saturday June 7th, at a Special Communication of Ancient Craft Lodge, the officers of Warren C. Hubbard Lodge exemplified
the 2nd & 3rd Degrees in a satisfactory manner and received a Certificate of Proficiency from Ancient Craft Lodge.
The following was considered newsworthy at that time. Would it be today? On June 13, 1919 the Times Union published "New
Masonic Lodge to be Instituted", calling it the Masonic event of the season. On June 14th The Democrat & Chronicle headed a
column with "Will Institute New Lodge in Masonry." On June 19th The Post Examiner reported on the upcoming institution of thelodge
on June 20th.
82

The Provincial Grand Lodge, F & A M of the State of New York opened in due form at 7:15 PM on June 20, 1919. The Dispensation
from the Grand Master of Masons of the State of New York, M\ W\ William S. Farmer, for the instituting of Warren C. Hubbard Lodge
No. 964 was read.. Thus was Warren C. Hubbard Lodge No. 964 activated.
There were 43 charter members registered in the records. They came on demits from twenty three Lodges within New York State.
One week later June 27th, at the meeting before the summer recess, eighteen new petitions were received. Plans for the 1919 -
1920 year called for 6 1st degrees, 6 2nd degrees and 6 3rd degrees, in all 18 degree presentations.
To change course for a bit, let us recall to the scene two of the brothers involved.
Who was the Rev. Warren Calhoun Hubbard?
Born in Brooklyn on Jan 7, 1850. Studied for the Episcopal ministry and was ordained a Priest in Trinity Church, Seneca Falls on
May 1, 1873. In 1877 he was made Rector of St. Pauls church in Brooklyn and was called to the Rectorate of Trinity Church in
Rochester on July 15, 1890. This pastorate extended until December of 1889 when he returned to the staff of St. Lukes Church in
Brooklyn. It is said of him that "Brother Hubbard's utterances as a clergyman distinguished him as a man of unusual power and
eloquence.
R.’. W.’. Bro. Hubbard was made a Mason in Altair Lodge No. 601, Brooklyn in January of 1882. He received his 32nd Degree in
New York Consistory in March 1886. On Sept. 17 1889, in New York City, he received the highest honor in Scottish Rite Masonry,
being hailed a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33 Degree and Honorary Member of the Supreme Council. Additional Masonic
Activities were:
Worshipful Master of his Lodge 1886-88
Grand Chaplain of Grand Lodge State of New York, 1892-94
Exalted, Royal Arch Mason, Ionic Chapter No. 210 Dec. 26, 1890
Dubbed a Knight Templar, Cyrene Commandery No. 39 Feb 27, 1891
Served as Eminent Commander of Cyrene Commandery 1896
Member of Doric Council, Royal & Select Masters
Served as Grand Chaplain Grand Council and as Grand Chaplain of Grand Commandery 1905 until his death
Member of Damascus Temple
Commander in Chief of Rochester Consistory 1892. His election marked the beginning of a new era of prosperity in Rochester
hitherto unknown
(Condensed from a biography written by J. Hungerford Smith, 33º)
R.’. W.’. Warren Calhoun Hubbard was called to his eternal reward 31 May 1911.
Recognized as the founder and also called the "father" of Warren C. Hubbard Lodge was:
Bro. and Rev. Harry Gladstone Greensmith. He was born at Wombwell, Yorkshire, England in 1868 and came to Rochester in
1886. A graduate of the University of Rochester and Rochester Theological Seminary, he was ordained a Baptist minister and
served as pastor of North Baptist Church for sixteen years.
His Masonic affiliations were:
* Raised in Genesee Falls Lodge No. 507 on May 2, 1901.
* Exalted in Ionic Chapter No 210 and served as High Priest.
* Knighted in Cyrene Commandery No. 39, Dec.12, 1912.
* Greeted in Doric Council, No.19 Royal & Select Masters 5/22/16 Served as Illustrious Master, 1922 & 1923.
* Grand Chaplain, Grand Council 1930.
* Member, Damascus Temple, Lailah Rook Grotto, Rochester Consistory
W.’. Bro. Harry Gladstone Greensmith, after 76 years of service to God and man was called to the Eternal Realm Above on 5 Dec
1944.
We who are from Warren C. Hubbard Lodge No 964 do honor and give words of respect to these two men and Brothers whose
names are linked to ours. Originally, Warren C. Hubbard Lodge was known as the schoolmasters lodge and not without reason.
Many of the charter members were school teachers and leaders in the Rochester school system. A number of them were associated
with West High School. In a discussion recorded in the minutes of a meeting in May of 1919 they were concerned with limiting the
lodge membership to those living on the West side of the city This bias was overcome after a free discussion. They concluded that
the entire city was their field. By the year 1925 it was noted that these brothers among others were associated with education and
some were included in groups known as West High Class of Initiates.
High School Superintendants: (15 in all)
Arthur Simmons Jefferson High
Prof. William Hawley Monroe Jr. High
William Bennet West High
Frank Jenner Grade School Principle
Elmer Snyder Kodak School
Prof Nathaniel West No. 9 and West High
Prof Edward Bonner City Normal
Dr. James Spinning West High and Chairman Board of Education
Prof. Charles LaBounty
Prof. Charles Cook Teacher
83

Azariah Sias
Melvin Coon
Prof. Seth Conklin
Charles Holsworth
Arthur Croop
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
R.’. W.’. Theodore T. Benz received the Community Service Award bestowed by-the Masonic Service Bureau on April 29, 1949. R.’.
W.’. Willard J. Smith served as Executive Director of the Masonic Service Bureau for a number of years. Over the years, Warren C.
Hubbard enjoyed many good times at picnics, Ladies Nites, trips, all of the usual pleasures which are so necessary to unite the
family as part of Masonry. My Particular recollection of one of these occasions is of the great clambakes engineered by Bro. Ted
Benz with the help of the Fellowcraft Club in the mid forties. A lot of work and a lot of pleasure.
In 1978 the City of Rochester started to levy a property tax on the Masonic Temple. This placed an added financial burden upon the
lodges from which many never recovered. Loss in membership, which was also a problem, added to the concern. Warren C.
Hubbard struggled until in 1985 action was taken.
Discussions began with Wakan Lodge No. 1054 to effect a con6olidation of the two groups. At a meeting on June 10, 1985 the
membership present unanimously supported the Agreement of Consolidation to form Wakan Hubbard Lodge No.1054. On October
16th, with the approval of and participation of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York the new lodge was instituted. In the five
years that have passed since the consolidation those who were members of Warren C. Hubbard have responded to the warm
welcome extended by our brothers of Wakan.
Craftsman Lodge No. 969, Rochester, New York
Merged with John A. Robertson No. 1032 to form Craftsman Robertson No. 969, 16 May 1996
Craftsman Robertson Lodge No. 969, Rochester, New York
Formed from Craftsman No. 969 and John A. Robertson No. 1032, 16 May 1996
Frank L. Simes Lodge No. 990, Rochester, New York
Warrant: 1922
Orpheus 1082 merged with and became Frank L. Simes 990, May 1981;
Frank L. Simes 990 consolidated with Valley Lodge No. 109 to become Valley-Simes No. 109, 17 Dec 1990.
East Rochester Lodge No. 1020, East Rochester, New York
Warrant: 8 Jun 1923
East Rochester 1020 consolidated with and became Ancient Craft No. 943, 10 Apr 1990.
John A. Robertson Lodge No. 1032, Rochester, New York
Warrant: ca 1924
John A. Robertson consolidated with Craftsman No. 969 to become Craftsman Robertson No. 969, 16 May 1996
Wakan Lodge No 1054, Irondequoit, New York
Warrant: 23 Jun 1923
Consolidated: Oct 1985 with Warren C. Hubbard No. 964, 1986 to become Wakan-Hubbard No. 1054
Consolidated: Jan 1990 with Penfield Union No. 154 to become Wakan-Hubbard No. 154
November 12, 1945
R.’. W.’. Stanley V. Peterson
October 15, 1990
No history of Wakan Lodge would be complete without first briefly outlining the early history of our mother Lodge. Fame Lodge No.
945. For a long time previous to the formation of Fame Lodge, reasons in Irondequoit were considering the establishment of a new
Masonic body. No definite steps were taken, however, until 1916. Irondequoit was then a farming community and the influx of city
folks had not begun. The town had a population of about five thousand and its chief industry was market gardening. Those who
were instrumental in the formation of Fame Lodge were Masons who for the most part were raised in the old Rochester Masonic
Temple on Clinton Ave., corner Division Street. The jurisdiction of the Rochester Lodges in 1916 covered all of the Town of
Irondequoit, and in order to establish a new Lodge it was necessary to obtain the consent of all the Lodges in the Rochester
jurisdiction. This consent was obtained late in 1916, and a petition for a Dispensation was drawn up and submitted to the Grand
Lodge in New York City. The name adopted by the twenty six original signers of the petition was "Irondequoit Temple Lodge" and
was the name that appeared on the Dispensation granted on Nov. 10, 1916. The first meeting of Irondequoit Temple Lodge U.D.
was held on Nov. 21, 1916, in the Irondequoit Grange Hall on Titus Avenue. Later on, however, it developed that there was another
Lodge at Dunkirk, NY having the same name. By a ruling of the Grand Lodge it was necessary to change the name, and of two
names suggested, "Fame" was the one decided upon, and was the name embodied in its charter when presented on May 29th,
1917, by R.’. W.’. Richard S. Folts, District Deputy Grand Master.
84

Dr. Alexander Walker was chosen the first Worshipful Master, our own Daniel DeLelys the first Senior Warden, and Henry Franke
Junior Warden. Lodge meetings were held in the Irondequoit Grange Hall. Under these able leaders Fame Lodge flourished, and in
a short space of time grew from a Lodge of twenty six members to one of over three hundred. It was not uncommon for them to
meet every week and work degrees, and on several occasions raise classes of as high as ten candidates. Under such conditions
the Officers and Members of the Lodge in 1921 decided to build a Temple for their own use. The site selected was on the corner of
St. Paul Boulevard and Titus Ave. West, on land owned by Henry Auer. A resolution to purchase this site was passed on March 7th,
1921, and immediately steps were taken to carry their plans into execution. Carl Ade, an Architect, was employed to prepare plans
and specifications, and on March 8th, 1923, just two years later, contracts were let for the new Temple, amounting to approximately
$60,000. The building was made larger than at first contemplated and when completed was found adequate to house more than one
Lodge. The financial burden was also larger than at first anticipated so the idea of the formation of another Lodge in Irondequoit
gained its inception.
Irondequoit was now a flourishing community; instead of a population of five thousand, it now had a population of seven thousand
five hundred, and the exodus of city people to the rural districts was in full swing. Instead of being purely a farming section,
Irondequoit was rapidly becoming a suburb of the City of Rochester. The idea of forming a new Lodge, therefore, was well received
and no difficulties whatever were found to hinder its progress. A year, however, elapsed from the time the Past Masters of Fame
Lodge suggested a new Lodge until definite steps were taken to bring this about. Early in 1925, R.’. W.’. Daniel DeLelys, Second
Past Master of Fame Lodge, volunteered to carry the plan into execution, and under his able leadership a petition for a Dispensation
was drawn up and presented at a meeting held at the home of Dr. Willis W. Bradstreet at Point Pleasant. The men in attendance at
this first meeting were Dr. Willis Bradstreet, Arnold G. Smith, Roy J. Riedesel and R\ W\ Daniel DeLelys. These men were the real
founders of our Lodge. They resolved to found a ideal Lodge with a new spirit and determination to equal the best in the land. With
this in mind they set out to obtain signers of the petition, and it was but a short time before a sufficient number of signers were
obtained to insure the success of the venture. Every effort was made to draw as few members from Fame Lodge as possible so as
not to injure them in any-way.
On May 5, 1925, the first official meeting of the signers was held at the New Irondequoit Masonic Temple. To say that this meeting
proved to be a huge success would be placing it mildly. Roy J. Riedesel was selected chairman and Daniel DeLelys secretary.
Other meetings were held on May 19th, June 2nd, June 16, and June 29th, and each were well attended. The following committees
were appointed: Committee on By-laws, Daniel DeLelys, Raymond H. Farmen and Oscar E. Zabel. Committee to chose Lodge
name, Dr. Willis W. Bradstreet, John H. Bradley and Arnold G. Smith. Committee on Finance and Equipment, Roy J. Ridedsel,
Harry S. Merriman and Otto A. Swansfeger. The Committees started to function immediately and within a short time made very
comprehensive reports. The Committee on By-laws submitted a set of By-laws which were adopted with but little discussion. The
Committee on Lodge Name submitted the following three names: Koda, Teyo and Wakan, all of which were Indian names. The
name "Wakan" an Indian word of the Iroquois Tribe, meaning "sacred" was the one finally chosen. Fees and dues were approved as
follows: Initiation $100.00, Affiliation $20.00, Annual Dues $8.00, $2.00 of which to be set aside and accounted in a Per Capita
Fund, and with which to meet Per Capita request by the Grand Lodge, and for the purpose of relief. The group of petitioners also
decided that the Charter Membership Fee should be $10.00, and should be limited to about thirty members. The charter members
were to be credited on life membership with their prior uninterrupted membership in their mother Lodge.
The Committee on Finance and Equipment were unusually fortunate in the receipt of donations from the charter members as well as
from friends who were vitally interested in the success of the new Lodge. The following articles were donated:
Stars and Stripes Arnold G. Smith
Officers' Jewels Roy J. Riedesel, Harry Merriman, Otto A. Swansfeger
Officers' Apron George B. Hunt
Gavels Otto A. Swansfeger
Ballot Box John F. Muxworthy
Working Tools George G. Schelter
Great Light in Masonry Fellowcraft Club of Fame Lodge No. 945
Senior Deacon's Tools Edgar L. Gould
Baton, Tiler's Sword and Sprig of Acacia James B. Pierce
Setting Maul, Gavel, Trowel for funerals, Hoodwinks and 6 Staffs Edward S. Warriner
Square and Compass for Bible Harold R. Davis
One Set of Small Squares and Compasses George A. Butler
24" Rule, Plumb, Square and Level B. LeRoy Findlay
Twenty five Dollars George W. Long, Jr.
On the evening of May 19, 1925, the first Officers were chosen. Each was chosen by ballot, Wro. Brother John F. Muxworthy,
Master of Fame Lodge, acted as Chairman, and Bros. William Hamann and Joseph Petz, both members of Fame Lodge, acted as
Tellers. For the Office of Wor. Master, two names were proposed - R\ W\ Daniel Delelys and Bro. Roy Riedesel. Bro. Riedesel
withdrew his name, however, and Bro. Daniel DeLelys was unanimously elected to be the first Master. The other Officers chosen
were the following:
Roy J. Riedesel
Raymond H. Farmen
Dr. Willis W. Bradstreet
Oscar E. Zabel
SW
JW
Treasurer
Secretary
Harry S.. Meriman
Arnold G. Smith
Fred 0. Buchan
Otto A. Swansfeger
Sr Deacon
Jr Deacon
SMC
JMC
Andrew S. Hamilton
George W. Long, Jr.
Edward Weyh
Sr Steward
Jr Steward
Marshal
All during these early meetings there were two men who were vitally interested in the formation of the new Lodge. One was Bro.
Thomas Clifford of Fame Lodge No. 945, and the other Bro. Thomas Merrill of Genesee Falls Lodge No. 507. Bro. Clifford was
appointed as Chaplain and Bro. Merrill as Tiler. The fact that Bro. Merrill was a life member of Genesee Falls Lodge was the only
reason he did not join with us. He, however, gladly consented to be the Tiler.
85

On June 23, 1925, the Officers qualified before Fame Lodge, and on August 10th, the petition for Dispensation was forwarded to the
Grand Lodge. The original petition had thirty five signers, but before being submitted to the Grand Lodge, two of the signers
withdrew their names. The following names appeared on the petition and eventually became the charter members of Wakan:
Harry J. Althoff
Dr. Samuel W. Bradstreet
Leland C. Benton
Dr. Willis W. Bradstreet
Fred 0. Buchan
George A. Butler
Ralph A. Cobb
Chas. W. Curtis
Harold R. Davis
Daniel DeLelys
George W. Farmen
Raymond H. Farmen
B. LeRoy Findlay
Edgar L. Gould
Andrew S. Hamilton
Arthur L. Hart
Chas. Himmler
Edward W. Howe
George W. Long, Jr.
Harry S. Merriman
William G. Martin
Ruden W. Post
Preston V. Pratt
Roy J. Riedesel
William P. Riley
Joseph Ringelstein
Arnold G. Smith
Frank E. Swansfeger
Otto A. Swansfeger
Edward 6. Warriner
Edward Weyh
Oscar E. Zabel
Dr. John F. Zabel
On August 8, 1925, a picnic was held at Dr. Willis W. Bradstreet's cottage at Canandaigua Lake. Nearly one hundred were in
attendance. Autos assembled at the Irondequoit Temple at 10:00 PM and drove to the cottage, some forty miles from Rochester to
spend a very enjoyable day. Bros. Hamilton, Gould, Otto Swansfeger, Smith, O.E. Zabel, R. H. Farmen and Riedesel composed the
committee in charge.
No word was received regarding the Dispensation until November. The Grand Secretary happened to be in Europe at that time and
the Grand Master M.’. W.’. A. Rowan held up the petition until the Secretary returned. Upon his return, however, the petition was
granted and on Nov. 9, 1925, R\ W\ .Bros. John C. Malloch, District Deputy Grand Master of the Second District of Monroe formally
presented the Dispensation. The Lodge functioned under Dispensation until April 15, 1926, when the Dispensation was surrendered
to Grand Lodge with an application for a Charter.
Before going any further it is quite essential that we relate the Historic events which took place while under Dispensation. Few
Lodges can boast of greater achievements. The following briefly states the most important events during this period:
Institution of Wakan Lodge, Nov. 9, 1925
1st Petition for Initiation received, Alexander Joseph Merkel, Nov . 23, 1925
2nd Petition for initiation received, Elmer H. Dake, Dec. 14, 1925
1st Petition for Affiliation, Bro. Thomas Clifford
1st Annual Dance, Thanksgiving Eve., Nov. 26, 1925
1st Degree Conferred, Dec. 28, 1925, on Alexander J. Merkel
Fame Lodge Fellowcraft Club amended By-laws including Wakan Lodge members also, and changed name to Fame- Wakan
Fellowcraft Club, Jan. 11, 1926
2nd Degree conferred on Alexander J. Merkel, Jan. 25, 1926.
1st Annual Banquet and Dance, Hotel Seneca, Rochester, Jan. 29, 1926
Exemplification of First Degree at the Monroe District Convention, Feb. 10, 1926.
St. Patrick's Day Dance, March 17, 1926
3rd Degree conferred on Bro. Alexander J. Merkel and Harry Paul Ruske, April 12, 1926
The outstanding event while under Dispensation was the exemplification of the 1st Degree at the Monroe District Convention, Feb.
10, 1926. No words can adequately express the wonderful work done by all the line Officers on this occasion. The work was letter
perfect, and was a tribute to R\ W\ Daniel DeLelys, our First Master, a tribute which but few have ever received. His heart and soul
was in the work and his enthusiasm was so contagious it spread to all the other line Officers. At rehearsals previous to the
Convention, the work was gone over and over with R\ W\ Daniel DeLelys as the instructor. his knowledge of the ritual was uncanny
for he knew it from beginning to end.
The Grand Lecturer, Horace W. Smith, who was present at the Convention, was so impressed with the work that he ventured the
following statement: "The work here this afternoon has been a revelation to me, and if the rest of the men in your jurisdiction can put
on the other degrees as Wakan Lodge, U.D. Monroe District will stand at the head of the list in the entire State of New York. During
the past fifteen years that I have been Grand Lecturer I have never heard the lst Degree exemplified any better by a Lodge under
Dispensation or a Lodge under Charter than it was today." Seldom indeed does it befall a new Lodge to be so highly complimented.
All the ritualistic work was carried on in this manner, and for a long time thereafter the term "In a Wakan Manner" became a byword.
On Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 26, 1926, the first Annual Dance was held. In order to get a better idea of the spirit and enthusiasm
prevalent at that time, I will relate briefly how rapidly tickets were sold. The capacity of the dance hall at the Masonic Temple was
approximately one hundred and twenty five couples and that was the limit set when the tickets were issued. At the first meeting at
which an accurate report on the ticket sale was made, one hundred and seventy five tickets had been sold and it was necessary to
immediately stop any further sale, in fact about ten couples were refunded their money. On the evening of the dance one hundred
and sixty five couples crowded into the Ball Room.
The Charter Constituting Wakan Lodge was granted in May, 1926, and was presented to R.’. W.’. Daniel DeLelys by M.’. W.’. S.
Nelson Sawyer, Past Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York on June 23, 1926. He was ably assisted by nine other
Grand Lodge Officers.
The following Officers were installed that evening:
Daniel DeLelys
Roy J. Riedesel
Raymond H. Farmen
Master
SW
JW
Thomas Clifford
Willis W. Bradstreet
Oscar E. Zabel
Chaplain
Treasurer
Secretary
Harry S. Merriman
Arnold G. Smith
Fred O. Buchan
Sr Deacon
Jr Deacon
SMC
86

Otto A. Swansfeger
Edgar L. Gould
Charles W. Curtis
JMC
Steward
Steward
Charles Himmler
Thomas Merrill
Marshal
Tiler
An elaborate printed program was prepared for the occasion and the Lodge Room was decorated with floor lamps, oriental rugs and
flower's. Approximately two hundred and fifty people were present, making it necessary for some to stand in the rear of the Lodge
Room. For a period of about five years following the receipt of the Charter, the enthusiasm prevalent at the Institution of the Lodge
continued unabated. Lodge meetings were well attended and the ritualistic work was carried on the same high level of perfection. It
was during this period that members often referred to doing things in a "Wakan Manner". The Officers were highly complimented for
their work and it was a real pleasure to sit in Lodge and see and hear the work done with such perfection. Toward the end of the
depression, 1929 to 1933, it became apparent, however, that a change had taken place in the Lodge and ritualistic work. A large
number of the members found themselves in financial difficulties and this without a doubt was a major factor in the loss of interest
and enthusiasm so prevalent in Wakan at its inception. By and large, however, our older members weathered the storm and for the
most part are still carried on our rolls.
1st Candidates - The first candidates after the receipt of the Charter were none other than H. Walter Hughes, 11th Master of Wakan
Lodge and Edward M. Banker. The 1st Petition for Affiliation, strangely enough, was received from Clifford L. Johnson, who
eventually became the 9th Master of the Lodge.
Code of Arms - At this point it might be well to mention by whom and how the Wakan Code of Arms was originated. The original
idea was presented by Arnold G. Smith. He submitted a rough sketch on the back of a dance ticket and from this sketch, Bro. O. E.
Zabel developed the present design. The only change made was to substitute a Grand Lodge Apron instead of a plain Masonic
Apron as shown in Bro. Arnold's original sketch. This Code of Arms has now been in use for nearly twenty years.
Lodge Picnics - In July 1926, the Second Annual Picnic was held at Doc. Bradstreet's cottage on Canandaigua Lake. Each year
thereafter, until 1937, picnics were held at various places, such as, Mendon Park, Hamlin Beach Park, Brady's Point (now part of
Durand Eastman Park) and Ellison Park. These picnics usually were well attended and everyone had a good time. In 1938,
however, it was decided to hold a clambake in place of the picnic and since then the clambake has become an annual affair.
One of the most useful gifts to the Lodge was made in 1926 by Bro. Edward S. Warriner. At the time but little note was made of the
gift, a large leather brief case, which was to serve such a useful purpose. At each meeting you could see Bro. B. LeRoy Findlay, and
the secretaries proceeding him, lugging the case in and out of the Lodge Room. It was used until 1943 when it virtually fell to pieces.
Early Social Events - In the early history of Wakan a large number of dances were held, some of which became annual affairs.
These continued until about 1931 when the depression cut down the attendance to such an extent that they could no longer be run
at a profit. Dances were usually held on New Year's Eve, St. Patrick's Day and Thanksgiving Eve. To give you some idea of the
profit made the outstanding examples are listed below:
1st Birthday Party Nov. 24, 1926 $84.77
St. Patrick's Dance Mar. 17, 1927 176.87
2nd Thanksgiving Eve Dance Nov. 1927 200.00
St. Patrick's Dance Mar. 17, 1928 146.70
St. Patrick's Dance and Carnival Mar. 17, 1929 1,257.88
70-7 Club - The Seventy Seven Club was organized along about 1926 in order to provide funds for carrying on the work of the
Lodge. It was composed of Lodge members and in the early years of our history was actively connected with all Lodge activities.
Meetings were held at the homes of various Lodge members and all plans were laid for social functions, such as, dances, carnivals
card parties, smokers, clambakes, tall cedars, etc. From 1926 to April 20, 1930, this organization turned over to the Lodge,
according to a report submitted by F. O. Buchan, $1,954.97. Since that time, a large number of dances, smokers, and card parties
have been sponsored by the club. The profits made, however, have not equaled those made when the club was first organized.
Meetings gradually became infrequent and now to all intents and purposes the 70-7 Club has ceased to exist.
Public Installations - From 1926 to 1932, Public Installations of Officers were held. On each occasion the Lodge rooms were
beautifully decorated with flowers and oriental rugs covered the floors. Printed programs and invitations were prepared and sent by
Lodge members to their friends and neighbors. Part of the meeting was tiled, but the Installation and other proceedings were public.
Due to the fact that some of the Lodges in the metropolitan District of New York took too many liberties, by ruling of Grand Lodge in
1932, Public Installation were forbidden.
Lodge Banquets - One of the outstanding social events when Wakan was first organized and up until about 1931 was the Annual
Banquet and Dance. The first one was held at Hotel 6eneca and the others at the Irondequoit Temple. Each year these parties
showed a small deficit. At first they were well attended but as the interest fell off they were finally abandoned.
Charter Members - In 1930 Bro. O. E. Zabel suggested that photographs be taken of all the living Charter Members and assemble
them in a frame which could be hung up in the Lodge Anti Room. Bro. O. E. Zabel was immediately appointed chairman of a
committee to secure these photographs. After much trial and tribulation, writing letters to relatives located as far west as California,
he was able to secure pictures of each member. This collection of Photographs was eventually presented to the Lodge by R.’. W.’.
Daniel DeLelys on June 8, 1931 at our 5th Anniversary and is still on display in the Lodge Anti Room. Of the original 33 members 16
are still active in the work.
Carnivals & Smokers - In the early years of Wakan Lodge we were always striving to raise money. Our Obligations were large and
the demands of the Irondequoit Temple Corp. never could be satisfied. The Lodge membership never rose much above one
hundred and to augment our income it was necessary to run a series of carnivals and smokers. The 1st Carnival was held in 1929
showing a profit of more than twelve hundred dollars. In 1930 a combined carnival run under the auspices of Fame Lodge, Wakan
Lodge and the Irondequoit Chapter of the Eastern 6tar, netted a profit of $3,541.91, which was equally divided among the three
87

odies. The last carnival was held in 1935 just as we were emerging from the worst depression in our history. The profits in this
case were in the neighborhood of one thousand dollars. The smokers held at various times were well attended but due to the size of
the Ball Room the profits never approached them made at the Carnivals.
Side Lights - Just in passing it might be well to mention some of the side lights incidental in the life of a Masonic Lodge.
Few, if any, recall the orthophonic victrola purchased in 1928 which was used for quite a number of years in our Degree work. It was
located in the balcony and suitable records were played by the Director of Music. John Perry Jackson and Wallace R. Macaulay, two
of the most active past masters, were elected to membership June 24, 1928. In 1929 our rent amounted to $4800.
The first Educational Program was started in 1929 General Theme, "History of Masonry.”
As a result of gas shortage in Jan. 1943, resolution was presented to hold communications monthly. Pleasure driving was banned
and all who lived at a distance had to come by bus. Resolution was laid on table.
The foregoing briefly relates some of the highlights during the first twenty years of Wakan. No attempt was made to cover everything
that transpired as a good many of the events are covered in detail in the Minutes. I have, however, tried to relate some of the things
which are not recorded and which in a short time will be forgotten. No mention was made of the trials and tribulations of the
Irondequoit Masonic Temple Corp. as this in itself would take up the equivalent time which was devoted to the History of Wakan.
January 25, 1988
W.’. O. E. Zabel
To continue with the history of Wakan Lodge written by W.’. Oscar E. Zabel, it is necessary to change the format because of the
change in Lodge activities reflected by the daily life style changes, changes which are too numerous to mention but were
experienced by all the brothers.
To add interest in Wakan Lodge activities the Fellowcraft Team was completely reorganized in 1945 and updated in 1951. Officers
were elected, separate meeting dates from regular Lodge dates were set, and the meetings were held outside of the Masonic
Temple. They were usually dinner meetings and a speaker or some program was presented. They even had a publication, "The
Fellowcrafter", that told the members of the activities scheduled. The Club has continued to the present time but not to the extent as
in the early days of reorganization. The Club still confers the second section of the 3° and has a summer picnic. Several times the
second section of the 3° was conferred in other Lodges, both in and outside of Monroe County. The summer picnics started at R.’.
W.’. Charles Thompson's cottage, but several times were also held at W.’. Robert Zollweg's cottage on Honeoye Lake.
The Problem of having a suitable meeting place at a reasonable rent was met in 1952 by moving from the Masonic Temple at the
corner of St. Paul Blvd. and Titus Avenue to the Grange Hall on Titus Avenue. In 1964 the Grange Hall was sold and we had about
thirty days to find another meeting place. Fortunately, Fame Lodge No. 945 had purchased the building on Culver Road and they
said that they could rent us the room but on a different meeting night. We agreed to move in with Fame Lodge and met on the
second and fourth Wednesdays. Beginning in 1966, we were able to return to the second and fourth Monday meeting nights.
During the first several years at the Fame Masonic Temple, the main floor and basement arrangements were not the best. We had
to enter the building by the door on the south side of the building and go to the basement, then up a stairway to the main floor; the
present stairs and entrance were added later. The main floor had a very high church ceiling and was rather cool in the winter
months. Wakan Lodge helped Fame Lodge in several construction and financial projects. We built the platforms in the East, West,
South and North. We also helped pay for the original carpet and contributed to the installation of the air conditioning equipment.
One of the projects of Grand Masters for every Lodge is to sponsor some community activity. In 1948 the Lodge sponsored a Boy
Scout Troop, Troop No. 83, which met in the Washington Street Firehouse, Brother Bert Lewis and W\ Harrison I. Grotzinger were
committee members. The scouts demonstrated their projects several times for the Lodge. It appears, however, that this did not
continue after 1949.
The several activities of the Lodge where the public could take part were Ladies Night held at the Lodge Hall after a short business
meeting, dinner dances at country clubs and party houses, clam bakes held at the Lodge Hall to raise money for the Lodge,
Christmas parties for the children, and family picnics. The participation varied year to year but all were successful. In 1984 Wakan
Lodge and Coronation Lodge in Weston, Ontario, Canada exchanged fraternal relations with their ladies in attendance. This has
continued to the present time.
Bylaws changes were made several times to help senior Masons in their dues payments. In 1955 the dues of members who were
65 years old and had been a Mason 25 years were reduced two-thirds the regular rate. This reduction was changed in 1971 to onehalf.
However, in 1982 a modification was made stating that brothers meeting the 65 years age and 25 years a Mason must also
have been a member of Wakan Lodge for a minimum of 10 years. Other changes were to eliminate the meeting days on the fourth
Monday of May, June, and December. Attendance in late June was usually very poor and the fourth Monday in May and December
were close or on a National Holiday. In 1957 the meeting time was also changed from 8:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Many other topics of interest have occurred since the last written history in 1945.
In 1953 dues were discounted $2.00 for several years if paid by June 1 (later July 1) of that year. This was later discontinued, mainly
because of misunderstandings regarding the discount.
The first past Master apron given to a Past Plaster was presented on behalf of the officers of the Lodge. The Lodge did not
purchase it; the officers donated the apron. However, in 1978 the Past Master apron was purchased and presented on behalf of the
Lodge.
88

In the later 1970's and early 1980's it was necessary to elect and/or appoint line officers during the year as officers dropped out of
line.
The 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lodge was celebrated at the Thunder Ridge Country Club on May 29, 1976 with 127
people in attendance.
Several Grand Masters attended stated meetings of the Lodge. M.’. W.’. Clarence J. Henry presented a 50 year pin to Brother
George Long in 1965 and M.’. W.’. Ernest Leonardi and M.’. W.’. Calvin R. Bond received donations to the Brotherhood Fund in the
1980's, The Grand Lodge of the State of New York made the following appointments since 1945:
R.’. W.’. Wallace R. Macaulay DDGM- 1951
R.’. W.’. Charles W. Thompson Grand Director of Ceremonies - 1956
R.’. W.’. Robert P. Zabel DDGM - 1967
R.’. W.’. Robert K. Orne Grand Sword Bearer - 1975
R.’. W.’. Joseph Savage Grand Director of Ceremonies - 1980
R.’. W.’. Fred Nielsen Grand Representative Queensland, Australia- 1981
R.’. W.’. Robert C. Pettit DDGM - 1982
R.’. W.’. A. John Tijou Grand Representative Brazil – 1984
The Dedicated Service Award has been give to:
W.’. Joseph J. Dimino - 1975
Roy E. Connolly - 1980
W.’. John J. Rees - 1984
W.’. Frank P. Denton – 1985
The following brothers have been crowned Honorary Members of The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite
of the Unites States of America:
R.’. W.’. Roy J. Riedesel, 33° 1951
R.’. W.’. John P. Jackson, 33° 1955
R.’. W.’. Robert P. Zabel, 33° 1962
R.’. W.’. Robert K. Orne, 33° 1971
R.’. W.’. Joseph Savage, 33° 1972
R.’. W.’. Fred Nielson, 33° 1973
R.’. W.’. Robert C. Pettit, 33° 1979
In addition to the Father and Son who became Masters of Wakan Lodge as reported in the 1945 history, there are also W.’. Oscar
E. Zabel and R.’. W.’. Robert P. Zabel.
Brothers who served as secretaries since 1945 are:
W.’. Edgar F. Malleck 1945-47
William G. Spicer 1948-51
Rutherford Paget 1952-55; 1958-59
W.’. Harrison I. Grotzinger 1956-57
W.’. Eric H. Lewis 1960-66
R.’. W.’. A..John Tijou 1967-70; 1977-79
R.’. W.’. Robert C. Pettit 1971-76
W.’. Edmund K. Lange 1977
W.’. Frank P. Denton 1980
Brothers who served as Assistant Grand Lecturers are:
R.’. W.’. Robert P. Zabel; R.’. W.’. Robert K Orne; R.’. W.’. Robert C. Pettit; R.’. W.’. A. John Tijou
It is also interesting to note that in 1945, the membership was 109. In 1955 it was 217 and reached a maximum of 268 in 1964. In
1975 it had dropped to 240 and at the time of the merger with Warren C. Hubbard Lodge it was still about 240 members.
In the 1945 history the Lodge names considered by a committee were mentioned, and it was stated that the name "Wakan" was an
Indian word of the Iroquois Tribe, meaning sacred. At the installation ceremony in January, 1960, W\ Oscar E. Zabel said that in
1952 Bro. A. C. Parker, a full blooded Indian, gave a talk on "Masonry among the Indians" and gave the true origin of the word
"wakan" with its correct pronunciation and meaning. The word comes from a Sioux indian expression "takoo-wakan" meaning
"Behold the sacred mystery". The word is pronounced wau-kan and means "mystery".
The following brothers served as Master of Wakan Lodge:
Daniel DeLelys 1925,1926
Roy J. Riedesel 1927
Raymond H. Farmen 1928
Harry S. Merriman 1929
Fred O. Buchan 1930
Edgar L. Gould 1931
Oscar E. Zabel 1932
George A. Butler 1933
Clifford L. Johnson 1934
Thomas Clifford 1935
H. Walter Hughes 1936
G. Theodore Gunkler 1937
John P. Jackson 1938
George W. Buchan 1939
Wallace R. Macaulay 1940
Leon P. Morey 1941
Harold B. McElwain 1942
A. Ried Vorhees 1943
Edgar F. Malleck 1944
Eric H. Lewis D.S.A. 1945
Herbert Sweemer 1946
Frederick L. Yackel 1947
Walter L. Hoffman 1948
Clarence W. Grey 1949
John J. Pittman 1950
Phillip A.Payne 1951
Harrison I. Grotzinger 1952
Henry G. Drury 1953
Charles V. Thompson 1954
Henry R. Parsons 1955
Wilford H. Crayton 1956
M. Donald Darrohn 1957
Roger B. Edwards 1958
George W. Lynch 1959
Robert P. Zabel 1960
Robert K. Orne 1961
David C. Graham 1962
Charles H. Farrell 1963
Fred Nielsen 1964
Erwin H. Keiser 1965
Vernon E.Bishop 1966
Eugene H. Waddington 1967
Edmund K. Lange 1968
Robert C. Pettit 1969
Joseph J. Dimino 1970
Glenn R. Goodno 1971
Henry M. Kascher 1972
Robert F. Zollweg 1973
A.John Tijou 1974
John J. Rees D.S.A. 1975
Frank P. Denton D.S.A. 1976
Eugene M. Brown 1977
Donald J. Brugger 1978
John Lawrence 1979
J. Webb L. Sheehy 1980
Leonard L. DuBois 1981
Derek Wiseman 1982
Michael Adamus, Jr. 1983
Robert I. Nichols 1984
Larry S. Beikirch 1985
89

In 1985 Wakan Lodge No. 1054 and Warren C. Hubbard Lodge No. 964 united and became Wakan-Hubbard Lodge, No. 1054.
This is a brief summary of the history of Wakan Lodge No. 1054 up to the time we became Wakan-Hubbard Lodge No. 1054.
Complete details of all events are covered in the minutes of the meetings.
Wakan-Hubbard Lodge No. 1054, Penfield, New York
Warrant: 1986
Warren C. Hubbard 964 consolidated with Wakan 1054 to become Wakan-Hubbard 1054, 16 Oct 1985;
Wakan-Hubbard 1054 consolidated with Penfield Union 154 to become Wakan-Hubbard 154, 31 Dec 1989.
Orpheus Lodge No. 1082, Rochester, New York
Warrant: ca 1928
Orpheus 1082 merged with and became Frank L. Simes 990, May 1981
Charlotte Lodge No. 1088, Charlotte [Rochester}, New York
Warrant: 12 Jun 1928
R.’. W.’. Robert P. Zabel
Consolidated with Corinthian Temple No. 805, 13 May 1986, to become Charlotte-Corinthian No. 1088; aka the "Kodak Lodge" for
its many Kodak employees.
Charlotte-Corinthian Lodge No. 1088, Charlotte [Rochester}, New York
Warrant: 13 May 1986
Formed from Charlotte 1088 and Corinthian Temple 805, 13 Mar 1986.
Merged with and became Unity 479, 24 Aug 2004.
Appendix I
John A. and Gilbert H. Reynolds
The following is taken from Final Report on the Battlefield of Gettysburg (New York at Gettysburg) by the New York Monuments
Commission for the Battlefields of Gettysburg and Chattanooga. Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Company, 1902.
ADDRESS OF MAJ. GEORGE BRECK.
COMRADES OF BATTERY L:
It is exactly twenty-eight years ago to-day since this organization was formed in the city of Rochester, and more than a quarter of a
century since we fought here, as Lincoln declared on this historic field that, " A government of the people, for the people, and by the
people, should not perish from the earth." In this long interval of nearly a generation, I believe that few, if any, of us have ever set
foot on this scene where for three days raged one of the fiercest battles of modern times, and where our desperate, courageous, but
misguided foes fought for their last great stake on Northern soil. As you recall your activity amid the death throes and din of that
tumultuous strife, you may well feel proud that Battery L was permitted to do its appointed share in securing the great victory which
settled the fate of the Republic. You may well reflect too that this triumph was not easily purchased nor cheaply won; and had we
suffered a reverse here of the magnitude of some of those which overcame the Army of the Potomac in its earlier history the face of
modern civilization might have been changed.
Suppose, for instance, the army of General Lee, with its sullen resolve and impetuous daring to strike panic into the Northern heart,
and hence to secure influential political allies in our rear, had successively occupied Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and New York,— what
might not have been the termination o f , the war? It is perhaps idle to speculate upon such a contingency. Yet we, who passed
through the greatest civil war in all history, all know that there is no such thing as certainty in the result of the clash of conflicting
armies, such as we witnessed here. But the victory was priceless all the same; and the survivors of this field, remembered by a
grateful people, have written over this undulating surface, in granite, and marble, and bronze, the story of that three days' triumphant
struggle, making this battlefield unique for all time. Pass over the fields of Waterloo, of Austerlitz, of Sadowa, or Gravelotte, and you
behold nothing to mark the gigantic strife of nations on those famous theatres of war. It has remained for America to remember her
sons who fell, as we see them, commemorated on these diversified acres; and certainly we cannot feel otherwise than proud that
not the least among the commands who have a monument here is our veteran battery, which I had the honor to command during
the latter part of the battle.
In keeping with the proprieties of this occasion I have prepared, with the assistance of Lieutenant Shelton, a sketch of the part which
this battery took in the action. I have also prepared a brief sketch of Battery "L," and a complete roster of the command from the
date of its organization until it was finally mustered out of service at Elmira, June 17, 1865.
Most of the data for the following sketch of Reynolds' Battery at Gettysburg are taken from the official report of General Wainwright
to General Hunt, chief of artillery, and bearing date July 17, 1863. We are indebted to the politeness of Major Cooney, at the New
York headquarters of the Gettysburg Monuments Commission, for access to the advance sheets of a government work on
Gettysburg not yet published, and which contains the report aforesaid.
90

On the night of June 30, 1863, Reynolds' Battery was encamped with the batteries and troops of the First Corps, about two miles
from Emmitsburg, along the Pike leading to Gettysburg. Marching orders were received about 8 o'clock on the morning of the 1st of
July. We were soon apprised of the presence of the enemy by the sound of skirmish firing ahead, and between 10 and 11 o'clock
the battery was drawn off the road and parked in a field, but a short distance from the Seminary Grove. Those of us who were
present at that time, will remember the clouds of cavalry skirmishers which, having been relieved by the infantry, were falling back
down the hillsides which hid the village of Gettysburg from our view. Leaving the caissons at this point, the battery advanced into the
fields between the town and the Lutheran Seminary. The first mention of the battery in the report says: "Directing Captain Reynolds
to move his battery of six three-inch guns forward, I rode up onto the ridge, but finding that the battery would be exposed and totally
without support, I withdrew it before it reached the crest." After occupying one or two positions advancing, Battery L was ordered to
relieve Tidball's Horse Battery, and it was during the execution of this movement that Captain Reynolds was wounded and the
command of the battery devolved upon Lieutenant Breck. Captain Reynolds is mentioned in the report as gallantly refusing to
leave the field. At this point the battery was certainly without infantry support and subjected to a severe cross-fire from our right.
"Both batteries," says the report, " were obliged to retire." Many of us can remember the plunging shots of the enemy throwing up
the black earth in rear of the carriages as they fell back across the soft stubble field to the next ridge. General Wainwright continues:
" Receiving another request from General Wadsworth for some guns in his front, I posted Lieutenant Wilbur, with a section of
Company L, First New York, in the Orchard on the south side of the Cashtown Road, where he was sheltered from the fire of the
enemy's battery on his right flank by the intervening houses and barn, and moved the remaining four pieces around to the south
side of the wood on the open crest."
Some confusion about the Seminary and Cemetery Ridges seems to have prevailed at this stage of the battle, and Colonel
Wainwright, understanding the former instead of the latter was to be held at all hazard, proceeded with his usual tenacity of purpose
to post his batteries at this end. The enemy's infantry, meanwhile, in two columns, having outflanked us to the left, formed in double
line of battle and came directly up the crest. * * * "The firing of Lieutenant Breck's guns was much interfered with by our own infantry
moving in front of his pieces. * * * I withdrew Lieutenant Breck's two sections when the first line was within about 200 yards, and
ordered him behind a strong stone wall on the Seminary Crest." At this juncture the infantry support was rapidly withdrawn by
conflicting orders, and it was not until such support was seen in full retreat towards the town that the limbers were ordered to the
rear, and the batteries moved at a walk down the Cashtown Road until the infantry had all left the road and passed behind and
under cover of the railroad embankment. By this time the enemy's skirmishers had lapped our retreating column within fifty yards of
the road. "The Pike being clear the batteries broke into a trot, but it was too late to save everything. Lieutenant Wilbur's last piece
had the off wheel-horse shot, and as he had just disentangled it, three more of the horses were shot down and his own horse killed,
so it was impossible for him to bring it off. It affords me pleasure to say that not the slightest blame can be attached to Lieutenant
Wilbur in the loss of this gun."
After passing through the village of Gettysburg the enemy was checked, and the national forces seized and held a position of great
importance on the Cemetery Ridge. At dusk the batteries outside the Cemetery Gate were reposted: Battery B, Fourth United
States, with four guns, across the Baltimore Road facing the village. Next it four guns of Battery I, First New York, Captain Wiedrich;
next Cooper's four-gun battery, and on the extreme right of this line, Reynolds' Battery, with five guns. This turn or refusal of the
line of batteries thus mounted thirteen three-inch guns and four Napoleons, and breastworks of the horse-shoe form were at once
constructed before the pieces. The Fifth Maine Battery is described as posted to the right and some fifty yards in front of this line, on
a small knoll, whence it commanded a flanking fire at close range upon any column attacking this front. "During the morning several
moving columns of the enemy were shelled at intervals, but no engagement occurred until about 4 p. m., when they planted a
battery of four twenty-pounders and six ten-pound Parrotts in a wheatfield in our immediate front, at about 1,300 yards, and opened
the most accurate fire I have ever yet seen from their artillery."
This engagement lasted for an hour and a half, when the enemy retired, hauling two of their guns off by hand. A portion of their guns
maintained a brief fire from a new position a little to the right, but were soon silenced. After this engagement Cooper's Battery was
relieved by Ricketts' Battery, giving the line two additional guns. About dusk (of the 2d) there was a general attack on our position
from the direction of the village by General Hays' Louisiana Brigade, and Hoke's North Carolina Brigade.
Quoting again from the report: "As their column filed out of the town they came under the fire of the Fifth Maine Battery at about 800
yards. Wheeling into line they swung around, their right resting on the town, and pushed up the hill, which is quite steep at this point.
As their line became fully unmasked all the guns which could be brought to bear were opened on them, at first with shrapnel and
afterwards with canister, making a total of fifteen guns in their front and six on their left Hank. Their centre and left never mounted
the hill at all, but their right worked its way up under the cover of the houses and pushed completely through Wiedrich's Battery into
Ricketts'. The cannoneers of both these batteries stood well to their guns, driving the enemy off with fence-rails and stones, and
capturing a few prisoners. I believe it may be claimed that this attack was almost entirely repelled by the artillery. My surgeon, who
was in town, and dressed many of their wounds, tells me that they reported their loss in this engagement as very great.'
On the third day the battery was not engaged, and from its position could take no part in the heavy cannonade which preceded the
great Pickett charge. From our sheltered position we could see gray figures moving among the guns and monuments along the
Cemetery crest, and listen to the awful chorus of batteries that ushered in the last act on this great field.
The following is a list of the casualties at this great struggle, as reported at the time to headquarters: Capt. G. H. Reynolds, lost his
left eye and bruised in left side; taken to hospital in town; taken prisoner, and found in Gettysburg on its evacuation by the
enemy. Edward Costello, killed. Michael Elringer, wounded in head. John Vallier, wounded in right foot and missing. Patrick Gray,
wounded in back by piece of rail, a shell striking it; missing. Edward Foster, wounded in left foot. George Morris, wounded slightly in
side. John P. Conn, fatally wounded. George Gavitt, wounded in face and leg, and missing. William Cronoble, wounded in the right
shoulder. Sergt. Charles A. Rooney, slightly wounded, and missing. Amos Gibbs, wounded in left wrist. Victor Gretter, slightly
wounded in leg. William Wood, slightly wounded in ankle. Corp. George Blake, slightly wounded in left side. Most of the above were
taken prisoners in Gettysburg, and found there on our army occupying the town. Isaac Weinberg, the battery's guidon, was
captured while attending to Captain Reynolds, but was released with him.
91

Battery L, or Reynolds' Battery, as it is always better known, was organized in the city of Rochester, September 17, 1861. Thirteen
men enlisted that day for three years' service in the volunteer army, forming the nucleus of an organization which in a few weeks
was filled to the maximum number of a six gun battery, consisting of 150 men. The company, before its full completion, departed for
Elmira, October 7th, and the event was duly celebrated by the old Union Grays of Rochester firing a salute, and by Hill's Union
Blues acting as an escort to the depot. On the 25th of October, the company was mustered into service, numbering then 81 men,
with John A. Reynolds as captain, Edward A. Loder, first lieutenant, and Gilbert H. Reynolds, second lieutenant. On the 13th of
November the company left Elmira for Albany, where it received a sufficient number of recruits to entitle it to two additional
commissioned officers. Charles L. Anderson, of Palmyra, and George Breck, of Rochester, were made second lieutenants, G. H.
Reynolds being promoted to be one of the first lieutenants. The company remained at Albany until November 21st, when it was
ordered to Washington. Here it was quartered at Camp Barry for about three months, during which time the battery was fully
equipped with horses, six three-inch rifled cannon, caissons, forge and battery wagons, and everything to perfect its organization.
On February 25, 1862, the company received orders to proceed to Baltimore, and the following day it encamped in that city at Camp
Andrew, or Stewart's Mansion, where it remained some three months, pleasantly located, doing holiday soldiering and practicing
almost daily in artillery drill. On the 25th day of May, on a bright Sabbath afternoon, the company received its first marching orders
for active field service. It was ordered to Harper's Ferry from Baltimore, with all possible despatch, and at an early hour the next
morning it had reached its destination. Stonewall Jackson was making his famous raid in the Shenandoah Valley, repulsing General
Banks's army and threatening the capture of Harper's Ferry and the city of Washington. The whole North was in commotion over
this strategic movement of the Rebel forces, and there was a hurrying of Federal troops to Harper's Ferry to avert the impending
danger. It was then and there that Reynolds' Battery first began to soldier in good earnest; and not until the close of the war was
there any suspension, for any length of time, of hardship, marching, and fighting. Its halcyon days of military life, as experienced in
Baltimore, were at an end. Henceforth it was to confront "grim-visaged war " for the preservation of the Republic, and how well the
company did its work is a matter of record. It was an organization of which Rochester and Monroe County could be and were proud.
From Harper's Ferry the battery began to move up the Shenandoah Valley, attached to General Sigel's Division, in pursuit of
Jackson's army. It was a long and hard chase, attended with many incidents; but the day came when disaster was turned into
victory. Then followed the great retreat of the Union army upon Washington, one of the leading events of the war. Reynolds'
Battery took an active part in it. At about the commencement of the retreat the battery was near the Rappahannock River, which
stream it crossed and recrossed several times in the movements of the army. It was at Rappahannock Station, about half-way
between Culpeper and Warrenton Junction, that the battery engaged in its first real fight. It fought in company with General Patrick's
Brigade, of McDowell's Corps, and performed efficient service. The first member of the company who was wounded in the battery's
service was Sergt. William H. Bower, then acting as lieutenant, and subsequently promoted to a lieutenancy. It was here he lost his
left arm by the fragment of a Confederate shell.
The company's next engagement was at White Sulphur Springs, Va., where John F. Deitz was badly wounded. Then followed the
battle of Gainesville or Groveton, one of the hottest and severest engagements which the battery ever participated in. Here brave
John Smith and gallant John Van Zandt were killed.
Then occurred the second battle of Bull Run, and here the battery won additional credit for gallantry and efficiency. The company
could muster now but seventy men and needed new recruits. For several months there had been almost constant marching and
fighting, and the severest hardships had been experienced. And then occurred the battle of South Mountain, where the battery was
held in reserve; and, following this, was the great battle of Antietam, on the 17th of September, 1862, just one year from the date of
the organization of the company. In this fierce and bloody conflict the old colors of Battery L were conspicuous from the
commencement of the struggle until its close. Here Myron Annis was killed and Peter Proseus had both legs badly shattered.
With the grand Army of the Potomac the battery again turned its face in the direction of Virginia in the latter part of October, 1862,
and "Onward to Richmond" was once more the cry. In November, General Burnside was placed in command of the army, and in
December following, the battery was engaged in the battle of Fredericksburg. Here David Morrison, of Scottsville, was mortally
wounded. Then followed the "masterly retreat" from that historic battlefield, and the battery went into camp for four or five months at
Waugh Point, the monotony of which was relieved for a little time when General Burnside made his famous mud movement in the
latter part of January, 1863, in which the battery took an active part
Shortly after this General Hooker assumed command of the Army of the Potomac, and the battles of Fredericksburg and
Chancellorsville were fought May 2d, 3d, and 4th, in which the battery, still in the First Corps, was hotly engaged, particularly below
Fredericksburg, three or four miles on the south side of the Rappahannock, where brave Charles Carpenter was killed and several
of the men were wounded. The attacks of the enemy's batteries were gallantly repulsed, two of his caissons being blown up and two
guns dismounted, It was here that General Reynolds, commanding the First Army Corps, came on the ground where the battery
was in action and complimented it by remarking: " If that battery continues to stand such a fire as it is receiving, it will stand
anywhere." It was in the latter part of May, that John A. Reynolds, the chief organizer of, and for more than a year and a half the
captain of the battery, was commissioned as major in the First New York Light Artillery Regiment, and subsequently was assigned to
the Army of the Cumberland as chief of artillery of the Twentieth Army Corps. First Lieut. G. H. Reynolds was commissioned as
captain and took command of the battery. George Breck was made first lieutenant; Charles L. Anderson, second first lieutenant;
and William H. Bower was promoted from first sergeant to a second lieutenancy.
About six weeks after was fought the greatest battle of the war — the battle of Gettysburg. In this terrible conflict Battery L was an
active participant from the first to the close of the third day's fighting. In this engagement the battery lost its first gun, on the first
day's encounter with the enemy, a detailed account of which, with the operations of the battery through the three days' fight, has
already been described.
Following the battle of Gettysburg was a multiplicity of incidents and movements culminating in the battle of Mine Run, where the
battery was closely engaged. It lay at Culpeper in winter quarters until May 4, 1864, when the last great general movement of the
Army of the Potomac, under command of General Grant, was begun. The battery took part in the battles of the Wilderness,
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Spotsylvania, North Anna, Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor (where Lieutenant De Mott was killed), Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon
Railroad, and Peebles' Farm; and upon its colors are inscribed the names of these battlefields and others in which it participated.
On the 31st of May, 1865, the company broke camp near City Point, Va., and made its first movement homeward bound. The orders
disposing of the battery as one of the batteries of the volunteer artillery of the Army of the Potomac were issued about May 3oth,
and on the 6th of June following, the company bade adieu to Washington and started for Elmira, the original place of mustering into
service, arriving there two days subsequently. On the17th of June, Reynolds' Battery was duly disbanded and the members, with
glad hearts, went to their respective homes. Of the number of men who originally joined the battery, twenty-five remained at the time
it was mustered out of service. One hundred and sixty joined in 1861, 44 joined in 1862, 100 joined in 1863 and 1864; 11 men were
killed or died from wounds received in action and 29 died from sickness contracted in service.
Thus, comrades, have I sought to briefly trace the succession of events, when, as citizen-soldiers, we first took service in the
artillery, at the very threshold of manhood, until we again disappeared in the civic pursuits of life. If we have regrets to utter to-day, it
is over the memories of those who did not live to enjoy the fruits of that great struggle which left us a permanent Union, but fell upon
this and other fields. Nor is it probable that we shall ever again be gathered in such a reunion and amid such surroundings as these;
but true as that may be, each for himself will long cherish the recollection that on the twenty-eighth anniversary of the formation of
this battery, neither our patriotism nor our estimate of heroic deeds was inadequate to the true appreciation of the sacrifices made
here at Gettysburg.
http://dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/artillery/1stArtLt/1stArtLtBatLCWN.htm
1st Artillery Regiment (Light) - Battery L
Civil War Newspaper Clippings
FROM REYNOLDS' BATTERY.—A gentleman who left the Rappahannock on Wednesday last reports that he saw on that day all
the officers of Capt. Reynolds' battery. No casualties had occurred additional to those already reported.
Departure of Major Reynolds' battalion.— The 1st battalion of the 14th Heavy Artillery will leave for New York, by a Special train, at
9 o'clock this morning. Major W. H Reynolds, of Utica, is in command. The 1st battalion embraces the companies of Captains
Trowbridge, Randall, Green and Jones, representing an aggregate of 560 men. Major Reynolds is ordered to report to Gen. Canby,
at New York, and will probably be assigned to the harbor defences. The 2d battalion is to leave early in the ensuing week, under
command of Lieut. Col. Corning.
Reynolds Battery.— A letter was received yesterday by the friends of Lieut. Geo. Breck, from that officer. It is dated in the field near
Spottsylvania C. H., May 11th. The battery had been doing considerable skirmishing, but up to that time no serious casualties had
occurred. A Sergeant, whose name is not given, was slightly wounded, and Lieut.. Breck, himself had been struck in the leg by a
spent ball.
REYNOLDS' BATTERY, The Palmyra Courier states that O. H. Carpenter, who was killed, and W.S. Chase, who was wounded in
Reynolds Battery during the late battle on the Rappahannock, were from Palmyra.
A SQUAD.-—Lieut. JONES, of Capt. Reynolds company, brought a fine squad of men to the city last night, from Otsego county.
"Squads" are uncommonly unfrequent just now, and it is refreshing to note such arrivals. Capt. REYNOLDS himself is at West
Winfield, and will probably be in "directly." with large reinforcements for Gen. SCROGGS.
BATTERY L.—Messrs. Anderson and Shelton, of Reynolds' Battery, are making good progress in recruiting. They will soon get the
number of men they require. The Battery is popular in the army and at home, and it is one of the most healthy organizations in the
service. There can be no more desirable place in the field for a soldier than in this Battery.
FROM REYNOLDS' BATTERY.-A letter from Reynolds' Battery says that in the recent engagement they had one killed and seven
wounded. The battery did splendidly in covering the crossing of the troops at United States Ford. The prisoners taken, the writer
says, are mostly Carolinians, are poorly clad and do not look as rugged as our troops. The battery also did good service in the
recrossing of the river by the troops, who were delayed some time owing to the rising of the river and the reconstruction of the
pontoon bridges.
DEPARTURE of CAPTAIN REYNOLDS. — Captain Gilbert H. Reynolds, of Reynolds Battery, left to rejoin his command on the
Rappahannock, last evening. He has been at home a few weeks suffering from a wound received at the Battle of Gettysburg, by
which he lost his left eye. He has recovered and goes back to the field short an eye, but with sight clear enough in the one
remaining to enable him to see the Rebels and point those guns at them which have heretofore done such capital execution. During
the absence of Capt. Reynolds the Battery has been under command of Lieut. Geo. Breck, and the Captain assured us on leaving
that he should find it in the best possible condition when he returned, for Lieut. B. had not only the qualifications to command but to
please all who come in contact with him. The success of Reynold's Battery—and it ranks No. 1 in the army—is doubtless in a great
measure attributable to the fortunate selection of officers, who not only did their duty at all times, but maintained harmony and good
feeling among themselves and secured the fullest confidence of the men.
Healing-- Capt. F. W. Reynolds' wound, we are happy to state, is now healing quite rapidly. The Captain has borne up under the
severe pain consequent upon its frequent necessary attention, with great patience and courage. We believe he will in due time
come out all right. Our country could illy spare such a man in times like the present.
CAPT. REYNOLDS' COMPANY.—Capt. REYNOLDS was at West Winfield, Saturday night, stirring up the patriots of that village
and vicinity, to aid the war for the Union, and his company for the Buffalo Eagle Brigade in particular. An enthusiastic meeting was
held, attended by a vast crowd. Addresses were made by Major SCHOLEFIELD, ENOS CLARKE, Esq., and G. A. HARDIN, Esq.,
the People's nominee for Senator in the Herkimer and Otsego District. The meeting was attended with a good result, as might have
been expected. Capt. REYNOLDS' company, through the influence of the speakers, will be augmented by ten or a dozen first class
men.
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— Captain REYNOLDS' office is another attractive place for patriots who are anxious to enlist. The Eagle Brigade, to which his
Company is to be attached, is receiving large accessions of men, daily, from the western part of the State. Captain R. proposes to
raise a Company that shall compare favorably with any of them. He has advanced so far that he expects to be mustered early next
week.
FROM REYNOLDS' BATTERY.—A private letter from Maj. Reynolds, who now holds a temporary command in the reserve artillery,
to his friends in this city, states that he visited Battery L one day last week. Private J. P. Conn, who was wounded in the head at
Gettysburg died on the 12th lnst. Deceased was a worthy young man, and was formerly a compositor in the DEMOCRAT office. His
father resides in Van Wert, Ohio. The Major writes that private Aldridge was very ill of typhoid fever, and was to be sent to
Washington.
REYNOLDS' BATTERY,—-Capt. G. A. Reynolds received a letter from the Battery on Monday. The date was Aug. 6th. At that time
the Battery was at Rappahannock Station, the guns in position on the south side of the river, and the caissons on the north side.
Maj. John H. Reynolds is in command of the artillery in the 18th Corps—Gen. Slocum's command. This is a very desirable position,
and we are gratified to learn that our townsman has been assigned to it.
Personal-Lieut. Anderson, of Reynolds' Battery, was in town to-day. He left the battery last week on sick leave, but will shortly
return, as there is prospect of work for the Battery now which will require the presence of all who can go to the field. Lieut. A. resides
at Palmyra and took in a large number of men at its organization. He has been with this Battery in all its arduous service in the field
and feels, as he well may, a commendable pride in its success. He reports the officers and men generally well and the best feeling
prevailing. Wherever that battery is ordered it will do its duty, as it always has, and reflects credit upon itself and upon that section of
Western New York in which it was recruited.
Lieut. E.B. parsons, who performed the gallant exploit the other day in slaying the rebel who shot Col. Davis of the Eighth Cavalry,
arrived last night on short leave, having come as far as West Point in charge of the body of the gallant Colonel.
The Promotions in Reynolds' Battery-An army correspondent of the Wayne Sentinel writes as follows respecting the recent
promotions in Battery L, 1st N.Y. Artillery.
After being aligned and brought to a parade rest, Capt. Reynolds stepped forward, and in a neat and feeling manner announced to
us that he had been promoted to the field, and was to rank as Major. His remarks were of such a nature that told upon the hearts of
his men; not covetous, but gave justice to all. He attributed his promotion, and the good reputation of the Battery, to the bravery and
good conduct of his men. He gave us earnest assurances that his influence and best wishes would continue with us, and that he
would do all in his power it get assigned to our Brigade. Our feelings can better be imagined than we can describe them in losing our
brave and respected Captain, who has led us into so many terrible conflicts and brought us out masterly and with so little loss. That
our good wishes and a God speed go with him, we are confident he is aware. His departure from us brings forth other promotions
which we are really pleased to announce.—, Lieut. Reynolds now assumes command of our Battery. In making this announcement,
we gladden the heart of every member of our Battery. That he is a brave officer and a gentleman, we all know; and we can assure
our friends that under his guidance they may look for new won laurels in our coming campaign. Lieut. Anderson also ascends a
round in the ladder of fame, He now ranks as first Lieutenant. It seems unnecessary to say this promotion met the hearty approval of
us all. That he is a brave, energetic officer and gentleman, we all know; and you would say he is a fighting man had you seen him
acting a No. 1 on the gun at Bull Run last summer, when we were short of cannoniers.— He is respected by us all. There is another
promotion, one which gladdens the hearts of every one—Orderly Sergeant Bowers, who lost an arm at the battle of Rappahannock
Station last summer. He is to rank as 2d Lieutenant. Lieut. Bowers is at home at present, but on his return he will be received with a
warmth such as is only known by genial companions in arms. With such a corps of officers, can our friends doubt of renewed
successes by our battery ?— These are not forced compliments to our officers, for they are only echoings of the rank and file of our
Army Corps.
FROM REYNOLDS' BATTERY.—Private letters received from officers of Reynolds' Artillery Battery, dated as late as 25th inst.,
state that the Battery was then at Warrenton Junction, near the place occupied last year, the guns directed toward the Sulphur
Springs. Requisition has been made for two guns, to replace one disabled and another lost at Gettysburg, and when received the
Battery will be once more fully equipped. It has 123 men and a full complement of horses. All were well. Major Reynolds is in
command of five batteries, and serves as Inspector of Artillery also. The army passed over nearly the same route as that pursued
last year, when Lee was followed on his retreat to the Rappahannock. The country is laid waste completely by the repeated passage
through it of hostile armies.
— We are glad to add that Capt. Reynolds is now rapidly recovering from the effects of the wound he received at Gettysburg, and
will probably be able to return to duty at the expiration of his leave.
DEATH OF MYRON H. MATTHEWS.—-A letter from Lieut. Geo. Breck of Reynolds' Battery, published in the Union of yesterday,
announced the death of Myron H. Matthews of that Battery. The sad news also reached the friends here in a letter from Corporal
Riggar of the same company.
Lieut. Breck says :
We reported to Gen. Gibbon, 2d Corps, Monday afternoon, and took position to enable him to take possession of a bridge across
the above named river. It was while in this position that private Myron Matthews, of our battery, was shot through the neck by a rebel
sharpshooter, the ball passing through near the left shoulder. He was conveyed to a hospital and though the wound was a serious
one, it thought it would not prove fatal. Young Matthews died, however, Wednesday, and is buried not far from the hospital and from
where I am now writing. This is the only casualty that has happened to the battery. We have been wonderfully preserved. We feel
and deeply regret the loss of our comrade, and sympathize with his friends and relatives in their bereavement.
Mr. Matthews was well known in this city, to which he came when very young, in which he passed his childhood. He was for a long
time employed in the office of the Daily American in this city, and after the consolidation of that paper with the DEMOCRAT, still
continued to work at his trade.
He was at various times connected with the Indianapolis Journal, the Memphis Appeal and a daily published in Chicago, and for a
long time was a correspondent of the Chicago Times and this paper. At the breaking out of hostilities he was doing business in
Chicago. He went to the army with the celebrated Chicago Zouaves, but was stricken down by typhoid fever after an absence of
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only thirty days.— Upon his recovery he returned to this city, joined Reynolds' Battery, and went with it to the field. He passed
through many battles, and never received a wound, until the one which caused his death. He was much beloved be all who knew
him, and his death will be seriously mourned by a large circle of friends. He entered the army from motives of the purest patriotism,
and served his country with great efficiency. Indeed, his patriotic impulses were so strong that nothing could induce him to remain at
home, when he knew that his country was in danger.
The very day of his death he wrote a letter to his mother from his cot in the hospital, in which he said he was severely wounded, but
in the opinion of the doctor would get well. He had the use of but one arm, and evidently wrote with extreme difficulty. He died that
same evening at eleven o'clock.
Deceased was a brother of Quartermaster George Matthews, of the 8th Cavalry, James Matthews of the 14th Artillery, and Henry
Matthews of the DEMOCRAT. He was 32 years of age.
From Reynolds' Artillery—Extracts from a Private letter by a West Bloomfield Boy.
Headquarters CAPT. REYNOLD'S BATTERY, CAPITOL HILL, WASHINGTON, Dec.27th, 1861.
Dear Father—Our Christmas dinner has arrived. St. Nicholas comes to the aid of the Quartermaster. What matters it that the dinner
came two days after the day? What does it signify that I, individually, stood guard on that most festive day of the whole round year?
If there be enough of food left in the good city of Rochester to victual a ten days' siege from the expected foreign foe, all this most
independent Battery asks is that they may be left unmolested on this side the Potomac, until the stock of provisions now on hand,
can be consumed. To particularize, the boxes arrived on the company's grounds, a little before dinner today and immediately after
that meal the men were drawn up in line before the Captain's quarters, and the individual packages were delivered as the names
were called. The company then made a countermarch by file left, and as the line passed the officers' tent, each right hand filled itself
with small cakes, while almost every left was tugging at its owner's personal share of the booty. For the next hour newly discovered
packages were coming to light, and cannoniers were momentarily surprised with fresh testimonials of home generosity, and home
bounty. Even as I write, the officers are passing round the lines of tents distributing new shares from new boxes, and meeting fresh
cheers from crowds of grateful recipients.
Indeed, such distributions are so often repeated that a new arrival is getting to be looked upon as a good joke, and the growing
collection of boxes, kegs, bags, and jars, is in fact quite laughable. Poultry is especially plenty. There are at least a half dozen
stuffed fowls in each tent, and spiced meats such as Jacob loved. Lordly turkeys have bowed their red crests to the rites of the
feast; spiteful geese, rich with stuffing and brown with baking, have hissed their last hiss and quiet domestic chickens, once "laid" in
the nest, are now "laid" on the platter. Nothing has been forgotten. Rolls of rich yellow butter appear from the folds of clean white
napkins, short flaky pies, sit flat as journeymen tailors, on the board; preserved fruits peer with flushed cheeks through the
confinement of their crystal cells; cakes of the smaller species are well represented; and the huge brown ham is in its place, with
casks of sharp pickles, and bundles of crisp celery for relishes.
The twin brotherhood of the fragrant tobacco leaf—the smokers and the chewers—are we supplied for many a dreamy hour;
Besides we are the grateful recipients of crackers and cheese, apples and oysters, sugar and nuts, sausages and gingerbread, and
roast ducks, and—and excuse me, I haven’t time. Truly, St. Nicholas comes to the aid of the Quartermaster, and the bounty of the
Christmas store, eclipses all the fair pretensions of open-handed but plain Uncle Sam.
We have eaten and are satisfied and many baskets remain. We are almost as grateful to our distant friends, as were the famished
thousands to the Master of the miraculously increased loaves and fishes. Plenty has a charm which never lessens, while the
peculiar attractions of a particular goose or pie diminish as the appetite becomes surfeited. So it is, that after unlimited access to our
Christmas dainties, our appreciation of animal relish is destroyed; while there is left to our exercise a more than sleepy after dinner
satisfaction.
It would be an unpardonable neglect, almost an insult to the ladies if the gaily colored, and softly netted caps, which came with the
eatable things should be forgotten. If they are for smoking we thank them in the connection for the accompanying cigars and
tobacco. If they were intended for skating, wherefore was the ice withheld. If they are for neither use in particular, they will serve a
most useful purpose while sleeping in the tents. Thank the ladies for the night caps.
By the by I am not so sure that the slippers enclosed in my bundle are very far from hospital duty, for I fear I shall be under the
surgeon's care long enough before all my provisions are exhausted. When I look into the box I am compelled to exclaim in the
words assigned to King Cotton on the occasion of a smoking shell being served at his kingly board, "Isn’t that a dainty dish to set
before a King." Instead of sending us the requisites for a Christmas dinner, you have provided an abundance for a holiday carnival. I
assure you that instead of engendering a home-sick feeling, the box will ward off all yearnings for home privileges, at least until the
good things are gone, and I am inclined to believe that the final change to our old fare will convert plain rice and split pea soup into a
temporary luxury. The H-s and myself send greeting to Mrs. J. P., and desire to express our gratitude for the package of maple
sugar which she so kindly included in our store.
Believe me we shall ever feel a lively gratitude towards our New York friends for their very bountiful consideration, and Rochester
and vicinity will always look fairer for this testimonial of her bounty.
Before closing this sheet I have the pleasure of stating that our new invoice of United States clothing has arrived. The blankets
come in the guise of a friend in need, but the other articles of wardrobe are about as needful for our comfort as was the daily change
of brocade or muslin to the fastidious lady of Madison Square.
* * * * *
Our most common expression on the receipt of new things is, "Who wouldn’t sell a farm to go as a soger;" but the appropriate ditty
begins, " Oh I'm glad I'm in this Army, &c."
* * * * *
The late Battles in Maryland—Description Given Lieut. Breck, of Reynolds' Battery.
The following letter received this morning from Lieut. Breck has been rather slow in coming to hand, but it contains much that will
interest the reader, and we give it to the exclusion of some other matter to-day:
BATTLEFIELD NEAR SHARPSBURG, MD.,
September 18th, 1862.
DEAR UNION : Long before this reaches its destination you will have heard of the great battle of yesterday, near the place
mentioned in the date of my letter. It will be known, probably, as the Battle of Sharpsburg, and known, too, as the greatest and most
terrific battle ever fought, as yet, on the American soil. So it is pronounced by many here on, the field who participated in the seven
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days' battle before Richmond, and in other engagements connected with the rebellion, and by those who have witnessed the
severest contests since the war commenced, What the number of killed and wounded may be I do not know, but it must be very
great, and much greater on the Confederate side than on our own, as was evident on going over the battle field this morning. Many,
nearly all of our own dead were buried, and the wounded had all been brought off, and so had the Confederate wounded, with few
exceptions; but their dead lay in files - in winrows—many rods long, and so closely that their bodies touched each other; and then all
over the field, wherever the battle was waged, scattered here and there, were the lifeless remains--terribly mangled in some
instances by shot and shell of the rebel force. In greater numbers they lay, I was told, in some woods held by the enemy, where
were poured shot and canister from our guns and cannon, in the most destructive manner.
Reynolds' Battery was in the fight from its commencement till near its close, and at times was engaged in very hot work. Before
narrating the part we took in the strife, we will inform our readers that we broke up camp at Lisbon, where my last was written, on
Friday noon of last week, and took up our line of march on the Baltimore and Frederick turnpike road, passing through Poplar
Springs and Ridgeville, arriving at Newmarket quite late at night, where we encamped till the next morning. When we left Lisbon, we
expected to march as far as Ridgeville only, but the rebels having evacuated Newmarket, we pushed on to that place, a distance of
eleven or twelve miles from Lisbon.
At Ridgeville the Union flag was displayed, which created some enthusiastic cheers amongst our brigades, and at Newmarket there
was a still greater display of the good old flag, and one or two buildings were illuminated. The fact of finding such a strong Union
sentiment in these towns, or villages, so recently occupied by the rebels, caused our soldiers to give many an energetic cheer on
reaching them. A Union man in Newmarket informed me that where our battery encamped the night we were there a rebel battery
was placed the night previous, and in the same field, which was his property, two or three thousand of Stewart's Cavalry were
quartered. The rebels had appropriated some twenty-fire or thirty tons of his hay, paying him in part with Confederate scrip and the
balance with nothing. They found but few sympathizers in Newmarket.
Saturday we marched to Frederick City, arriving there about six p. M., and encamped on a hill this side of Monococy River—a
position commanding a fine view of the whole city. Monococy Bridge is a venerable curiosity. It was built in 1809. It is constructed
entirely of stone, with four large arches, is about one thousand feet in length, and a view of this structure beneath it, form either bank
of the river, is one of the grandest sights we almost ever saw in the way of bridge architecture. Its immensity is one of its most
striking features. At the east end of the bridge is a stone tower, resembling somewhat in appearance of a Turkish mosque. Inscribed
on it are the names of the builder of the bridge, the architect, the superintendent of the turnpike road at the time of the construction
of the bridge, and several other inscriptions.
Sunday morning we marched through Frederick city amidst the waving of flags and the huzzas of the citizens, demonstrating very
clearly the loyalty and patriotism of the place. Many of the ladies had Union badges attached to their dresses; boys and girls were
decorated with miniature flags; old men looked exultant, and a perfect ovation was received by our troops. Across one of the streets
were unfurled the Stars and Stripes, inscribed with the words of the old hero and patriot, Andrew Jackson, "The Union; it must be
preserved." Yes, and it shall be preserved, was the response of every soldier's heart as he read the sentiment and witnessed the
affection displayed for our country's banner in the city of Frederick. Such demonstrations of patriotism, so unlooked for, had a
marked effect in inspiring the Union troops, and they marched along up the steep hills and mountains with a firmer and more elastic
step.
We reached Middleton about noon, and just before our arrival Gen. McClellan passed along the road with staff and cavalry escort.
The enthusiasm displayed on seeing him was unbounded. We shall have something more to say on this point before closing this
letter. During our march cannonading had been heard most of the way, and on reaching the top of Cachotin mountain we saw the
smoke of both Federal and rebel batteries on or near the slope of South Mountain. At Middleton we went into a field to rest a little
while, but no sooner had we got unhitched than orders came to hitch again and move forward. We did so, taking our position in a
small field on the right of the turnpike, South Mountain being about a mile in front of us. We did not unlimber, our services not being
needed, or if needed, almost impossible to render any efficient service on account of the nature of the battle ground. A few pieces
only of artillery could be served effectively, as no position could be obtained to plant more. The rebels were on top of the mountain
in the woods, and artillery was principally used, to ascertain, if possible, the position of the enemy.
About 8 o'clock in the afternoon our forces were drawn up in line of battle, under command of Gen. Hooker, and began to move
simultaneously up the slope of the mountain from the right, left and centre. Correspondents have furnished a full account of the
battle that ensued, and our battery not being engaged, I shall not attempt to give any description of it myself. Suffice is to say, that
soldiers never fought more valiantly than did ours, and never under more, and in all the battles I have witnessed, and never under
such disadvantageous circumstances. To attack an enemy many thousand strong, and apparently very securely and safely lodged
in mountain fastnesses, to march up a very high and rugged mountain, exposed to the most deadly of fires, in a steady and
unbroken line, to encounter the enemy, provided with a strong defence in munitions or war, covered by woods and concealed
behind stone walls, and then fairly and squarely beat the enemy, drive him up to the top of the mountain and cause him to fly
precipitately down the other side, capture a large number of prisoners, and hold possession of the whole battle ground, this certainly
may be called a true and decided victory, and such was the result of the battle of South Mountain, or of Hagerstown Heights, as
called by some. We have to mourn the loss of a brave General killed in that desperate engagement—Gen. Reno. The Pennsylvania
Reserves and King's Division fought nobly; They were determined to drive the rebels from the mountain at any cost of life, and so
they did, and we are glad to say without a great sacrifice of life.
Sunday night, regiments and divisions passed us on the road to Hagerstown, including many of the new troops. Monday morning we
saw the 108th N.Y. Regiment. The fineness and newness of the men's clothes was considerably worn off, and they looked as if they
had already seen some hard service. Lieut. Bloss entertained us for a while with some amusing accounts of the experiences the
regiment had undergone since breaking up camp on the other side of the Potomac. A child must learn to walk before he can run,
and to insist on his doing the latter first, and expect he will do it with the ease and grace of one who has had experience in running
matches, is asking and expecting too much. But there is nothing like being "broken in," and becoming accustomed to a thing.
We took up our line of march again Monday morning, but lay in the road all the forenoon, which was crowded with troops and
wagons. The number of wagons in our army is immense, we were about to remark equal to the number of men, but not as bad as
that. So much luggage and "stuff" must impede the progress of the army in many instances, when rapid marches have to be made.
We passed through Boonsboro late Monday afternoon, and encamped near the town that night. At Boonesboro we saw a number of
rebel prisoners, and a citizen told us that the Confederates had passed through there that forenoon in full retreat. Two or three
companies of the 8th Illinois Cavalry chased about a hundred of Stewart's Cavalry through the town and beyond it, making them run
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their horses as if for dear life. Some captures were made. This citizen also informed us that Jackson and Lee had utterly failed in
getting recruits for their army in Maryland. Perhaps three or four hundred joined the rebel ranks, and that was all. The towns and
villages which they had invaded were mainly loyal, and in many cases the citizens had fled to Pennsylvania or adjoining settlements
for fear they might be impressed into the rebel service. The statements of this gentleman were true, as borne out by facts since
learned, and we know what a total failure Jackson has made coming into Maryland. Instead of obtaining thousands to join his rebel
horde, he has lost them in killed and wounded on the field of battle, and his deluded army have had all their bright visions of plenty
to eat and drink and wear, and a good time generally in our Northern States, dissipated like a dream. We may not be able to "bag"
them, as fondly hoped and wished, before they make their escape from Maryland, but we have whipped and dispirited them terribly.
Many of the rebel wounded and prisoners say if they are obliged to go back into Virginia again, they will desert the army.
Tuesday morning we moved on towards Sharpsburg, but on arriving at a little settlement called Cheapville, I believe, we found most
of our army drawing up in line of battle, on a hill far in front of us, this side of a ravine or river. The Rebels were throwing shells into
our advanced forces, but a sharp and lively reply was elicited from some of our batteries which soon silenced the enemy's. We were
stationed in a field on the left of the road till the afternoon, when we moved forward a short distance, crossed the road to our right,
marched up a hill and then advanced thro' a piece of woods, crossed the river, and then went forward about two miles through
grass, ploughed, and corn fields, and about 8 o'clock at night, we took up our position near some woods, where the fighting
commenced. During this forward movement of our battery, heavy cannonading was going on at intervals, with now and then some
infantry firing. While marching up the road, Gen. McClellan, with staff, rode by us, and what do you suppose "little Mac" did. Why he
saluted every driver individually, and every cannoneer if marching singly, in the same way. And he did it with that pleasant smile of
his, which has been so often remarked about. And this was done by Major General Geo. B. McClellan, who commands all the forces
of the Potomac, who ranks over all other generals in our great army, excepting Gen. Halleck. Which of our other great generals ever
did this, or is in the habit of doing this, while passing a company of artillery, roughly dressed and roughly looking from the effects of
long marches, severe fighting "and hardships of many kinds?" Soldiers have written, and are writing, constantly about the
enthusiasm manifested at the sight of McClellan. It is all true, every word of it. We can't describe it. It beats everything we ever
witnessed, and it comes from the heart. McClellan has the hearts of the whole army, every one of them. What a cheering there was
yesterday noon, near the close of the battle as he rode along the lines of the different brigades and divisions! The soldiers were
perfectly wild with ecstatic delight. Caps, blankets and coats went up in the air, and the men shouted and yelled, and some of them
actually cried with joy, at the, sight of their General. They know he is a patriot, and they know he is a soldier. They love him, they
trust him, and they will follow him no matter where he leads. And I tell you it is no unworthy love, no unwarranted trust, no following
after an inefficient, unskillful and ignorant General. McClellan is a General, a great general. It was exhibited in yesterday's battle,
and has been exhibited in all of his previous battles. He may have been and may be defeated, but it has been and will be, we
believe, the result of circumstances over which McClellan has had or can have no control— circumstances superseding his power to
manage. But perhaps more about Gen. McClellan in a future letter.
At different times last night there was a sharp rattle of musketry by our and the enemy's pickets, who were almost on a. line with
each other, in some places so near together that our own pickets quarreled with the enemy's, to see which side of a certain fence
they should occupy. Very early this morning, I think I may say before daybreak or just at dawn, there was a loud volley of musketry,
followed by another and another, which made infantry, cavalry and artillery spring to arms, and which proved to be the
commencement of the day's battle. It was begun by the Pennsylvania Reserves, under command of Gen. Seymour. As they lay
asleep, their arms stacked along the edge of the woods, a volley was fired upon them by the rebels, knocking down the guns, but
creating no panic or confusion, for immediately the brave boys from the old Keystone State sprung tip, seized their faithful weapons
and went to work in good earnest, pouring volley after volley into the rebels ranks, and driving them back. The desperate struggle
had begun, and for ten or twelve hours it continued with unabated violence. Occasionally for a few minutes there would be a lull, but
then the conflict would be resumed with renewed energy and greater desperation on the rebel side. The volleys of musketry seemed
to be louder than ever, and the roar of artillery shook the earth.— All our previous battle scenes, observations and experiences were
small compared to this. But it is not for me to enter upon a general description of the battle. More graphic and able pens than mine
must do it, and have done it ere this. My acquaintance with the scenes, incidents, the various regiments, batteries, &c., associated
with and engaged in the terrible conflict is necessarily very limited, as it was necessary for me to remain with our battery, which was
in three or four different positions only, and at times, considerably isolated from the main forces that were engaged. The line of
battle extended as far as I could judge, about a mile and a half, from a mile to three or four miles this side of the Potomac, and was
waged in open fields, woods, on hills and over an extent of ground of hundreds of acres. The rebels, as is customary, fought as
much under shelter as they possibly could, but they fought to kill.
We opened with our battery on some high ground in the field, where we encamped during the night, firing on a rebel battery about
150 yards opposite us, more or less concealed by woods. Their reply was directed to our left, principally, where our infantry were
engaged, supported by other batteries. We fired for about an hour and a half, when one of Gen. Patrick's aids, riding up, told
Captain Reynolds that the General wanted us to come and: support his brigade. We proceeded to do so, marching through a grove
and across a ploughed into a grass field. On reaching here Gen. Hooker ordered us to file to the left and try and form in battery on
the right of a piece of woods. It was at this time that our forces had been flanked by the enemy and driven back very nearly a mile,
and the rebels were charging on them in a corn field not many yards in front of us.
When we went to take a position, Thompson's battery, attached to Gen. Duryea's brigade, was engaged in pouring canister into the
rebel ranks, then advancing and forcing our troops to retire! It was planted on the brow of a small hill, just this side of the corn field,
and we had been ordered to go in with our battery on their left if the ground would admit. It would not admit of our doing so, and an
officer rode up and remarked that it would be folly to attempt it. The balls were then flying about us, and onward was coming the
enemy. Thompson's battery continued to fire round after round, but at the loss, either killed or wounded, of nearly every cannoneer,
who were being picked off by the rebel sharpshooters. Almost every horse was killed and the pieces were obliged to be left, but
were afterwards recovered.
The 105th N. Y. regiment were falling back in a hurry and Gen. Duryea, who was on foot, was trying to rally them in line again. It
appeared doubtful for awhile, but it was finally accomplished.
We remained at a rest, our guns limbered, anxious to get to firing if possible, but it was madness to undertake it, unless we wished
to lose our pieces, horses, and very probably our lives. We therefore retired with the infantry, they falling back gradually. The cause
of their repulse, I have been informed, was owing to new regiments ordered forward for their relief; but they could not or did not
stand the destructive fire of the rebels, and so broke and ran, running through the old regiments, and for a time creating a kind of
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stampede. Matters looked dubious enough about now, and the tide of battle seemed to be going hotly and greatly against us. The
rebels were yelling to the top of their voice, confident that the day was theirs. We had lost all the ground that we had gained, and
could it be recovered? Patrick's brigade had borne a noble part in charging upon and driving the enemy, and not until they were out
of ammunition did they not until they were out of ammunition did they fall back. And there they checked the advance of the rebel
horde, and with the assistance of a battery kept it bay until reinforcements came up. The rebels did not remain long victorious. Fresh
regiments of troops came to the rescue, and now the clear and distinct hurrah could be heard, which we knew came from our men,
so greatly in contrast was it with the savage yell of the rebels. The hurrah assured us that our troops were recovering their lost
ground. The enemy was being driven back.
We were ordered into the field again and opened fire on a battery on the right of the grass field above mentioned. The rebel battery
was throwing shot and shell in our midst very lively, and it was a question whether we should be able to silence it. Our ammunition
was fast becoming exhausted, our horses not being able to draw a full supply. We would fire what we had and accomplish what we
could. The result was favorable. We put a stop to the firing of the hostile battery and have since learned that we damaged it greatly;
not, however, without two of our men being wounded. Corporal Peter Proseus from Palmyra, while in the act of pointing and ranging
his piece, was struck in both legs by the explosion of a shell. One leg received a terrible flesh wound and the other was broken. He
fell, and on going up to him he remarked, "Keep on firing. Never mind me, and be sure you give it to them." Noble man-a hero,
indeed. There he lay with both legs—one mangled and the other broken-and both, it appeared, must be amputated but not a
murmur escaped his lips. On the contrary, he would not have his gun cease firing on his account, and laughingly said, "I guess I am
not hurt so badly after all. He was carried from the field and it is thought both legs will be saved. We saw him this morning and he
was in the best of spirits.
Cornelius Roda, from Rochester, was wounded slightly in the shoulder in this engagement. When the retreat took place and the rifle
and musket balls were flying in our midst so profusely three of our men were wounded, one quite seriously. Myron Annis, from
Scottsville, was wounded in the breast and hand by a ball, the ball lodging in the palm of his hand. He was doing very well from last
accounts. Levi Sharp, from Penfield, was slightly wounded in the head. Frederick Deits, from Scottsville, was slightly wounded near
his side. Captain Reynolds had a narrow escape. A fragment of a shell passed under his arm, slightly grazing it.
We had six horses killed and wounded, and one wheel disabled.
Our last engagement was in the ploughed field, with a section of another battery, where our guns were served very efficiently. We
got out of ammunition, but finding a limber in the field that had been abandoned we went to it and emptied its contents, consisting of
about twenty shell and some canister, which we fired.
About noon the rattle of musketry, which had been incessant since daylight and the loud peals of artillery, ceased. The victory was
ours. There was cannonading commenced by the rebels not long after, but our batteries silenced it a short time.
The carnage had been awful. Nine of our Generals had been killed and wounded. The nation, will mourn deeply the loss of that
venerable and experienced general, Gen. Mansfield. Every general in the field seemed to be foremost in the battle, leading and
cheering on their respective commands. They appeared to be regardless, though not reckless, of all danger. And the men! Most
splendidly and heroically did they perform their duty. Every regiment in Patrick's brigade captured a rebel flag!
But again, (I have written too long a letter) and a very unsatisfactory one, it seems, to your correspondent. Many items have been
omitted, which, I think, are of interest, but time and space will not admit mentioning them at present, I have watched a spare
moment here and there amidst the pressure of business matters to write and writing a letter, for public perusal, under such
circumstances or in such a manner isn't at all satisfactory.
It is very quiet to-day. Occasionally the firing of a gun can be heard. Our dead are being buried, and our wounded have been taken
to the various hospitals about the field. Nearly one third of the wounded are Confederates. The rebel dead lie all over on the battle
ground What the number of killed and wounded is I am unable to state. Many of our regiments were badly cut up, and the rebel
ranks were mowed down in swaths. How many... like this must there be before... Another one is expected to-... Bad news from
Harper's... victories and success of the... State of Maryland.
Yesterday was the anniversary of... zation of Reynolds' Battery… tember, l861, and the 17th of... are two days that we can never...
was a remarkable event in our ... as was... name down on the enlistment roll, and the second certainly not less so.
G.B.
FRIDAY, Sept.19.
The rebels are gone, have skedaddled across the river. They stole a march on our army last night. Maryland is again free. The
traitor Lee will not issue any more of his insulting and treasonable proclamations in this State. A pity we could not have "bagged"
Jackson and his horde before he made his escape. The whole army have advanced. We are now encamped in the woods the rebels
occupied yesterday. They left all their dead unburied. A horrible, horrible sight we witnessed on reaching the rebel lines, in the
vicinity of which, or on this side our forces were not allowed to pass yesterday. We saw hundreds of dead bodies lying in rows and
in piles, and scattered all over, looking the picture of all that is sickening, harrowing, horrible. O what a terrible sight! Some of the
rebel wounded were left on the field. Many of the dead had on Federal uniforms. The woods bear marks of the destructive work of
our shells. Great limbs of trees are torn off, and a house near the woods is literally riddled by balls. We found a large iron cannon left
behind, and every thing indicates a speedy flight of the rebels. We rest tonight to go forward again early to-morrow morning.
From Reynolds Battery.
CAMP NEAR WAUGH POINT, Va.,
April 24,1863.
DEAR UNION: The non-commissioned officers of a company hold a very significant relation to that company, and determine in a
great measure its character and efficiency. In its workings and connections they are the connecting link between the commissioned
officers and the rank and file. Upon them devolve certain duties, important and responsible, on the faithful discharge of which are
the interests of the company, as also their own personal interests and advancement. In a limited sense they are commanders, and
respect and obedience is to be rendered to them by those under their command just as much as to the captain of a company or to
the General commanding an army even. Military rule is very plain and strict about this matter, and the private who is disrespectful to
his Corporal or Sergeant, and is disobedient to his orders, cannot properly escape with impunity. He commits an offense which
military law, in some instances, according to the degree of the offence, follows with very severe and shameful punishment. As has
often been remarked, obedience in military service is the first and great law, and the non-observance of it renders it impossible to
have discipline, efficiency, or anything else, except demoralization, in a military organization, however small or extensive that
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organization may be. This obedience must begin, way up with the Major General, and extend down to the private soldier. A slight
disobedience of orders, anywhere along the scale, may disarrange and upset the most skillful and important plans and
combinations, and be productive of disastrous consequences. This has too frequently been sadly illustrated in the conduct of our
unhappy civil war.
As with commissioned, so with non-commissioned officers, it rests with them, to a great extent whether the respect due them, shall
be given heartily and cheerfully, or reluctantly, and forcibly. The display of manly and soldierly qualities will be almost sure to win for
the noncommissioned officer that esteem and confidence, and ready obedience, which are so necessary to gain in order to make a
military position an effective and pleasant one, and which, when rendered, greatly relieve military service of those rigid, and I may
say, machine-like features that are attributed to it. Soldiers under our volunteer system are not regarded as "mere machines,"
however they may be estimated in the regular army, and hence the necessity of treating them like men and companions in a
common cause, and yet, in doing this, the proper etiquette and rules relating to soldiers and their superiors in office, need not, ought
not to, for the good of the service, be departed from.
But I am deviating too many lines upon this matter, when my object was to introduce and chronicle anew the names of the noncommissioned
officers now belonging to Battery " L," in consideration of the changes and promotions that have been made in the
company since it was first organized, and in justice to the officers themselves. The names of officers supporting straps are often
seen in print, sometimes, it may be, to the expulsion and injustice of their subordinates who wear chevrons, the latter, in many
cases, deserving more conspicuous and honorable mention than the former. A Captain's or Lieutenant's reputation for valor or
efficiency in the field is not infrequently achieved for him by the good conduct and qualities of his non-commissioned officers.
Especially is this the case in the artillery service, where a Sergeant is Chief of a piece, and a corporal has command of a gun
detachment, and the pointing and firing of that gun.
The following are the names of the non-commissioned officers of battery "L," 1st Regiment N.Y. Light artillery:
Orderly Sergeant--Charles De Mott.
Quartermaster Sergeant—Wm. P. Hays.
1st Sergeant, Thos. Steenstra; 2d do, Windfield S. Chase; 3d do, Wm. H. Shelton; 4th do, Amos Gibbs; 5th do; Chas. A. Rooney;
6th do, Wm. Connor.
Corporals—Melville Buell, Andrus H. Holcombe, Myron H. Mathews, Webster Eaton, John G. Campbell, Egbert Hoekstra, Henry W.
Sherman, Geo. F. Tillotson, Chas. W. Hale, Andrew Turley, Frederick Deits, Geo. Blake.
Battery: "L" has always been favored with non-commissioned officers, who, with few exceptions, have done credit and honor to
themselves and the company. In camp, on the march, and in the field, they have proved worthy of their appointments and
promotions. I should like to begin at the head of the list herewith published, and particularize the characteristics, personnel, &c., of
each non-commissioned officer, but time will not permit at present a hasty description of more than two or three.
There's Orderly Sergeant DeMott, who was formerly 1st sergeant, and whose connection with the Battery dates back to its earliest
organization. I person he is tall, with a good display of limbs, not over graceful in his movements, they denoting more vigor than
elegance. His red hair, shaven quite closely to his head, his small eyes, which are generally half closed when engaged in
conversation, and his heavy beard and moustache of quite a fiery color, covering and very nearly concealing his face, give him
rather a singular looking appearance. He entered the service of his country from motives of the purest patriotism and his love for the
Union and devotion to its cause have not diminished in the least belong service, but increased if anything. Whatever may be the
conduct of the war, the policy of the administration, the blunders committed, the defeats sustained, Orderly DeMott's motto is, "The
cause is as good and pure as it ever was, and to abandon it or despair at success, is cowardly and unmanly." His honesty and
uprightness of character, regard for truth, correct and exemplary deportment, combined with his prompt, faithful and obedient
qualities as a soldier, have, of course, gained for him that respect and esteem which such characteristics and qualities always
command. His sincerity and earnestness of manner in the discussion of any subject, is immediately apparent, as also a certain
amount of excitability of temperament. He fills the position of Orderly Sergeant well, a post which every soldier knows is one of labor
and responsibility.
Quartermaster Sergeant Hays, is an Ohioan, a thorough, full-bred Buckeye, an excellent representative of that corn-growing, stockproducing,
large, magnificent and patriotic State. Of medium height, stout, strong, fleshy; a large, head, a round, full-orbed face,
lighted up with a couple of little eyes, whose diminutiveness is increased by their being half shut most of the time, and that shine out
from under scanty brows, which by no means overshadow them. His nose is neither Roman nor Grecian, but strictly home-made,
purely American style, (my readers must imagine what style that is) which with his small, partially compressed mouth, is indicative of
energy, persistency, and I may add, a spirit of pugnacity, which, however, has never particularly manifested itself, excepting in time
of battle, when the rebels have found him a hard customer to deal with. His plain, ample, honest, good-natured countenance, the
yellowish tinge of his hair and whiskers, and the open, frank expression of his features, have given him the expressive sobriquet of
"Sunflower," a flower that is supposed to turn its face ever to the sun, and proclaiming more geniality than beauty.
Quartermaster Hays' connection with the Battery may be said to have been accident, a fortuitous one, as it has proved, to the
company. He was passing through Rochester from Columbus, Ohio, his native home and, residence, en route for Boston, to enter
the service of the Navy, when he was induced to stop in Rochester a day or two, putting up at the New England House, where his
attention was arrested by a conspicuous recruiting bill, setting forth in patriotic and persuasive language, and vividly portraying in a
picture representing a mounted battery coming into action—the duty of every young man to enlist in defence of his country, and the
great desirableness of serving in the artillery branch of service in preference to any other. Reading the one and looking at the other,
caused the young man to call at the recruiting office of the then organizing Reynolds' Battery. The result was his enlistment in the
company, and another volunteer added to the army. Though a perfect stranger, he forthwith began to work for the practical
conversion of others to the Federal cause. He had been a first-class locomotive engineer on a railroad in Ohio, over which he
always made rapid speed with his steam horse, never failing to make time, but generally ahead. His go-a-head-it-ive-ness was
illustrated in the enterprise of recruiting, and has been amply demonstrated all the time he has been in the company.
On the arrival of the company in Washington he was appointed 1st Corporal, and before we left there he was promoted to a
Sergeant. No drivers, cannoneers, horses, gun or caisson in the battery received more attention than his. Always on hand, ready to
do anything or go any where whenever ordered.
In consequence of the sickness, and absence of Quartermaster Sergeant A. A. Ganyard—recently discharged from service on
account of continued disability -- it became necessary, at the commencement of last fall's campaign, to appoint some member of the
company to act in his place. Who should he be?
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Do my readers know anything about the duties of a Quartermaster and Commissary in the army? Suffice it to say it is the hardest,
most perplexing, trying, thankless, difficult post to fill satisfactory there is. A Quartermaster and Commissary is supposed, one would
infer from the demands made upon him, to possess the attributes of omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence. Soldiers must
be fed daily and kept clothed, and horses must eat, and if supplies are furnished promptly, no matter what the circumstances may
be about the difficulties of procuring them, of transportation through unfathomable seas of mud, &c. Alas for the pious benedictions
bestowed on the poor man!
Now, a Quartermaster Sergeant in a six-gun battery has 110 horses to supply constantly with forage, 150 men to supply daily with
rations; has charge of and is responsible for the transportation and safety of all stores required for the company, and his position is
one, especially in active service, that demands energy and force of character or action, the qualifications of industry, promptness,
faithfulness.
Sergeant Hays possessed all these, and he must therefore act in the capacity of Q. M. Sergeant, and so he did, and to-day he fills
that position in the most satisfactory manner. No man in the company is more popular than he— a popularity most meritoriously
won. A characteristic of his is, that in the discharge of his duties, ho goes to work as if the fate of the nation hung suspended on his
correct performance of them. He displays an earnestness and practicalness worthy of emulation by some of the nation's higher
officials.
...mention of Sergeant William H. Shel- ...I will close. He enlisted when he ...y was in Elmira and was among the first [appointed]
Sergeants. He hails from Bloomfield, which is unquestionably a better and more desirable field to bloom, that is, to live in, than the
tented fields. Sergeant S. however, like thousands of other patriotic young men, could not resist the desire to take part in the
struggle for country and nationality, and so down went his name on the enlistment roll and doffing his citizens dress, he arrayed
himself in the livery and armor of Uncle Sam. He had just come from the "classic halls of lore," and he brought with him into the
army the acquisitions of learning, such for instance as a cultivated taste; an easy; interesting and graceful pen that has occasionally
entertained the readers of your cotemporary across the way; treasures of literature, to all this, he brought with him the qualities of a
bright, genial and companionable character, and a spice and originality of conversation. Of course, the change from the seat of
erudition to the seat of war, from the refinements and luxuries of a pleasant home and civilized society to the roughness, hardships
and privations of camp and the field, and the atrocities of warfare was a very sudden and a very great one for Sergeant S. to
undergo; when the Battery began its first vigorous and active campaign and soft bread was exchanged for hard tack, fresh beef for
raw salt pork, comfortable sleeping quarters indoors or under the spacious cover of a Sibley tent, for a bed on the hard ground,
outdoors with the sky for a covering and other changes of a kindred nature were made, no wonder the Sergeant— considering too
that he was seriously indisposed at the time, and had been quite sick for several days—remarked to his company commander :
"Captain, I never can bring myself down to living on hard tack." He was simply mistaken, that's all, as facts afterwards
demonstrated, for it was not long before, with all the rest of the company, officers and men, he began to appreciate the beauties and
nourishment of a single "hard tack." The health and ruggedness of his personal appearances attest the good that camp and field life
has accomplished for him and I venture to quoth, he is now ready to invoke blessings on the man who first invented hard tack. He is
very observant of things and persons and nothing escapes his eye on a march. Is never in a hurry, but takes matters, whether in
camp or exposed to a storm of balls and bullets on the battle field, very coolly and tranquilly.
But no more biography for the present.
G.B.
April 25.—The same old story to relate, namely, " All quiet on the Rappahannock.'' We have occupied our present Camp, four
months and three days, a longer period than we have ever occupied any one Camp before. Who would have believed, four months
ago, that the Army of the Potomac would have remained inactive, for a third of a year! Nobody's fault, perhaps. Marching and
fighting versus rain, snow and Virginia mud, are not an equal match, and the latter has completely triumphed. But surely, there must
be a change soon.
It rained nearly all day yesterday, and the day previous it rained a heavy, steady stream, but last night the moon and stars came out
brightly, and to-day, it is pleasant and cloudless, though a most violent wind is blowing.
The Paymaster is here paying off Gen. Paul's Brigade, and next Tuesday he says, Battery "L" shall be paid up to March, four
months pay. He will be welcomed, but the "Greenbacks" will be welcomed more.
Rifle Pits have been thrown up in the vicinity of our camp, which, when the army moves, will be used against any rebel raids that
may be made around here. Dismounted Cavalry will be posted in them, there being, I am told, two thousand cavalry in the army,
whom it is impossible, at present, to furnish with horses.
G. B.
Army Correspondence.
CAMP OF REYNOLDS' BATTERY, Va.,
Friday Night, May 15,1863.
DEAR UNION:—Since the date of my last we have changed camp twice. Our present encampment is still near White Oak Church,
but a decided improvement on the first near the same place. That was old and worn out, having been occupied by troops for
months, treeless and grassless, its hard, well trodden sandy and clayey grounds, reflecting the suns rays like a mirror. This is new,
in a grove of fine maple and poplar trees, mostly the former kind, under which are pitched tents and paulins, and in whose shade the
horses are picketed. In front of the grove, just beyond a little knoll, the battery is parked. Everything is fresh and clean, there is a
nice spring of pure drinking water not many yards distant, a good creek to water horses, and surrounding us are hills, fields and
woods, green with grass and leaves, dotted with tents, and presenting a picture worthy of an artist's pencil. Indeed, what artist could
justly portray the scene?
Were it not the business of a soldier to fight especially now, when vigorous work with sword, musket and cannon is imperatively
demanded, we might confess a wish, certainly a willingness, to tarry in this pleasant spot all summer. What soldier loves to fight for
the mere sake of fighting? What soldier delights to encounter the whistling zipping Minnie ball, the whizzing, screeching, crushing
cannot shot or shell, or the bayonet's sharp thrust? Where's the soldier who is really "eager for the fray," unhappy restless, vexed,
because he is not allowed to smell the smoke of a battle field, and to meet, hand to hand, it may be, in fierce and deadly conflict, the
enemy? It may be music and poetry to the ears and minds of some soldiers, the din and carnage of the field of strife. And there may
be those who are actually "spoiling for a fight." Our acquaintance, however, with such brave-like, audacious, and sanguinary spirits
in the field, who have fully tasted the glories of war at the "front," is limited in the extreme.
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When Shakespeare spoke or wrote of "glorious war," he must have referred to it as illustrated in the " tented field" and not on the
battle field. We do not dispute that it is sweet and glorious to suffer or die by the hand of warfare, for the sake of country, still, what
soldier is there who would not, if he could do so consistent with duty, dispense with such sweetness and gloriousness, preferring to
remain gloriously situated in camp, as just at present Battery L is?
But my pen is wandering. The vicissitudes of war may oblige us to vacate our pleasant quarters to-morrow, possibly before the
break of day, for we know not how soon orders to move may come. Present appearances indicate a spell of inactivity, albeit the
troops have been ordered to keep their haversacks and knapsacks supplied with eight days rations. The enemy may attack us
before we do him, for it was no longer ago than last night, about the hour of 12, that the whole first corps, excepting the batteries,
was suddenly ordered to be under arms, in anticipation of an attack by the rebels, who, it was reported, were moving in large force
down the river, with pontoon bridges, with the intention, apparently, of crossing. Tents were struck, baggage and wagons were sent
to the rear and there was every token of a visit from Gen. Lee and his army, or a part of it. But they failed to come, and to-day
nothing of a warlike character has manifested itself. The quiet on the Rappahannock is again resumed. Near the banks of each side
of the river, in fields of grass or clover, Federal and Confederate army horses are grazing, grateful, no doubt, after their late severe
toils, for such luxurious bounty and repose.
This morning I visited the hospital where three of our wounded boys — Sergeant Clare and privates Husted and Turley— are lying,
they not having been removed to Washington yet. They are doing well and are favored with excellent quarters, for a field hospital.
There are about thirty or forty patients here, most of them occupying a large, double, two-story brick house, and the rest are in tents.
This residence is or was the property of Major Henry Fitzhugh, an officer in the rebel service reported to have been killed when the
34th Michigan and 6th Wisconsin regiments crossed the Rappahannock and seized the Heights on the opposite side on the 29th of
April. If this report be true, the owner of this stately mansion and magnificent estate was killed in plain view of his house, for it is
situated about a quarter or half a mile, directly in rear of where the crossing of the river was effected, the house being located on a
high rise of ground, which descends in a gentle slope to an extensive plain of hundreds of acres, reaching as far as the
Rappahannock. An oval fence surrounds the eminence just where it begins, and the grounds about the house are adorned with
trees and are exceedingly beautiful. A number of white frame huts and a small brick building, are in close proximity to the old
Virginia mansion; the former, once the habitations of slaves, and the latter now occupied by the wife and family of the rebel Major.
The slaves are all missing, the large barns are nearly torn down, the house with its once costly and rich furniture is greatly
despoiled; its rooms, are tenanted by our sick and wounded, and the place, though not a total wreck, is one of the many thousand
illustrations of the devastating effects of this civil war. What know the people of the North, materially considered, about the terrible
waste and havoc caused in Southern fields and homes by this cruel war? Literally nothing, for their own pleasant and beautiful
homes have not been visited by war's ravages, in the destruction of property, the cessation of business, etc., as evidenced in the
striking contrast presented between the two sections of the country. The ground is strongly taken by some persons, especially
among soldiers and officers, that the North will not become fully aroused as to the necessity of sending every available man into the
army and using every possible means for crushing the rebellion, until some of its homes have been invaded and desolated by the
Southern forces, until its people have tasted the bitter fruits of the war in the waste and ruin of their real estates, of their lands,
farms, gardens and residences. Then there will be such a rising of the people, that the rebellion must speedily and inevitably be
crushed. Then the war will be prosecuted with unsparing and unceasing vigor. We confess we are not at all desirous for the invasion
of Northern homes by rebel hordes and bless Heaven that they have been permitted to remain unmolested in this respect. The
numberless hearts and firesides that have been made desolate by the war, are enough or surely ought to be, to convince the North
how necessary it is to put forth every effort for the immediate suppression of the rebellion, and to stimulate it to the most energetic
action. If wholesale destruction of a mortal character, if the immolation of thousands and tens of thousands of human beings, from
Northern villages, towns and cities, is not sufficient to impart a realizing sense of the absolute necessity of employing every means
for giving a speedy death blow to this monster rebellion, will material ruin and destruction, help the matter any? It might, when we
consider how much more sensibly some, if not many persons, are affected, by touching their material interests, than those relating
directly to the loss of human life in their own community, a loss occasioned by the carnage of war.
Since the late battles, there has been a change effected in the organization of the artillery attached to Army Corps, owing to the
reduction of the strength of the infantry of divisions.— There is now quite an excess of artillery in proportion to infantry, and a large
artillery reserve has been constituted as a consequence, under command of Brig. Gen. B. O. Tyler. The artillery assigned to each
corps, is constituted a brigade or battalion under command of the Chief of Artillery of the corps, who is responsible to the
Commander of the Corps, and to the Chief of Artillery of the army for his command and administration. The batteries in the 1st corps
now number five, whereas there were ten, and constitute a battalion, under command of Col. Wainwright. Battery L is one of these
five batteries. They are all camped near each other.
The 88d and 27th N.Y. Regiments started for home to-day and nearly all the two years' troops must be home or homeward bound
ere this. The nine months men will follow shortly, and when they are gone, the Army of the Potomac, taken in connection with the
loss of the services of 15,000 soldiers as the result of the recent " brilliant achievements" will be greatly shorn of its strength. A
Conscription Bill was passed two or three months ago, if we are not very much mistaken, but like some other acts we have read
about, it appears to be as "inoperative as the Pope's bull against the comet." What's the difficulty? Is there nobody to draft, or can't
the draft be enforced? We don't believe the former and as to the latter, we humbly and respectfully suggest to our worthy President,
that he appoint the two years' troops who are now at home or going home to put... tion the aforesaid Conscription bill, and our word
for it, there will be such a speedy and vigorous enforcement of the bill, as to create a terrible rattling among the "dry bones," and to
confound with amazement Jeff Davis and his satellites, at the immediate and mighty increase in strength and numbers of the
Federal army. We venture to say that the "Old Thirteenth" or the 88d Regiments would offer to enforce the Conscription Act free
gratis, if intimated, their assistance or agency was wanted, in the matter. The "old Veterans" of those noble, tried and war-scarred
organizations would make excellent " Provost Marshals." "Little Mac," when on the Peninsula, kept crying for "more reinforcements."
The President had none to send. A year, or nearly a year has elapsed since then, and the cry is again repeated by the entire army.
Are there none to send now ?
G.B.
In my letter descriptive of the engagement of our Battery May 2d, I was made to say in your columns that we had "ten men killed
and several slightly wounded." It ought to have read one man killed and nine men seriously and slightly wounded.
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From Reynolds' Battery.
IN CAMP, NEAR WHITE OAK CHURCH, VA.,
May 20th, 1863.
DEAR UNION,—It is with pleasure that we record several promotions which have taken place, very recently, in our company and
regiment. John A. Reynolds, the chief organizer of, and for more than a year and a half the Captain of Battery L, or as it is more
familiarly known, Reynolds' Battery, has been promoted to a Majorship in the 1st New York Light Artillery Regiment, his commission
dating back to March 6th, 1st Lieut. Gilbert H. Reynolds, has received the appointment of Captain, and now commands the
Battery. Charles H. Anderson, of Palmyra, has been promoted from 2nd to 1st Lieutenant, and William H. Bower, formerly First
Sergeant in the company, has been appointed 2nd Lieutenant. Need we assure our readers how eminently deserving of these
promotions the above named officers are? Their connection with the Battery and services in the cause of their country have been of
a character, which, your correspondent feels peculiarly qualified to say, entitle them in a marked sense to the honors of their new
positions.
This afternoon Major Reynolds had the company drawn up in line, and announced to the men the promotions that had been made,
and then addressed a few remarks expressive of the very pleasant and friendly relations which had always existed between him and
the Company, the prompt obedience and hearty co-operation they had always given him, the bravery and fortitude they had always
evinced in time of action with the enemy, and of his great indebtedness to them for the good name the Battery sustained, for their
good conduct in camp and in the field. He hoped and believed that they would display the same, manly and soldierly qualities under
the command of his successor, as they had exhibited under him. Though parting from them as their Captain, his interest in them and
the Battery would not abate, and he should continue to share with them the experiences of a soldier's life. Major B. eluded to the
fact, well known to most of the company, that the rank of Majorship was offered him soon after the organization of the company was
effected, but he refused it, and had always been glad that he did so. Now, however, he felt that he could not in justice to others
meriting positions or higher positions, act as a barrier to their obtaining them, and grateful for the honor that had been conferred
upon him, he should try and prove worthy of it. He had been assigned to no command as yet, and it might be he should have a
command in the Artillery Brigade of the 1st corps, in which case Battery L would doubtless constitute a part of his command.
At the conclusion of Maj. Reynolds' remarks, three hearty and vociferous cheers were given for him by the company, and these
were followed with three more for our new Captain, three for Lieut. Anderson, and the same for Lieut. Bower. The company then
marched to a long table, which had been constructed for the occasion and spread with paulins, in our beautiful camp, on which there
was piled up something more relishable than "hard tack," and on each side of the table, on the ground, were rows of twelve quart
buckets, filled with "nice cool lemonade." It was not a very sumptuous affair in point of a great variety of dishes, such as would
characterize a city entertainment of a festive character; but considering we are in the field, far away from large markets, large
grocery establishments and the like, with no or few facilities for obtaining anything outside of army rations, the repast was no mean
affair. At any rate, the company enjoyed it, and the occasion was one of much pleasure and jollification. The collation was gotten up
by Major Reynolds as expressing in a slight manner his affection for and gratitude to the company, and in consideration of his
leaving them as their commanding officer. We venture to say that every member of Major Reynolds' late command would like,
individually, to testify to the brave, faithful and energetic manner in which he has discharged his official duties, with what gallantry he
has led them in every, engagement, how he has shared with them their toils and privations, and has been with them almost
constantly through nearly two years' vicissitudes, marked not altogether by trials but by many happy features. One prominent
characteristic of Major Reynolds is a thoroughness and correctness in the performance not only of the outlines of duty but of all the
details, and be requires the same from those under his command. A superficial discharge of duties is not enough for him. The best
wishes of his late command, for his future success and welfare, will ever attend him.
It is expected and hoped that Lieut. Bower will be assigned to a position in the battery, in which he served so faithfully, and while
participating in its first engagement, was the first member of the company to be wounded. We can assure him, that he will receive a
welcome from his old comrades, of the most cordial and enthusiastic description. A most just and meritorious appointment is his,
bearing the evidence as he does, of having done his country noble service.
Lieut. Anderson, is at present, Acting. Ordnance Officer for the Artillery Brigade of the 1st Corps.
On Monday afternoon, our brigade was reviewed by Lord Abinger, a Lieutenant Colonel of the Scotch Fusileer Guards, in the
English Army. A jolly, portly looking man, thoroughly Englishfied in appearance. He wore a black fatigue coat ornamented with a
number of ribbons, a white sash apparently of a very delicate texture, and a Scotch plaid dap. What his impressions were of the five
batteries, we do not know, but if he has any doubts about their practical workings, we would respectfully suggest in case the British
Lion insists on hostilities with the American Eagle, that the noble lord pit five English batteries against them.
We have a large fine drill ground near our camp, and we have begun to make use of it in the execution of artillery manouvres at an
early hour every morning.
No signs of another campaign. We have heard it remarked that possibly we may remain here all summer. What do our readers say
to that? We wrote some time since about short, quick and decisive work being done this spring. Well, it has been accomplished, but
lo, how different the result from what was expected! Perhaps we foolishly built our hopes on a sandy foundation. Certain it is, we
shall make no more predictions.
Heavy siege guns, one hundred pounder Parrots, are being mounted in the heights of Falmouth. That looks like taking
Fredericksburg by siege.
The weather is very warm.
G.B.
From Reynold's Battery—letter from Lieut. Wilber.
In the field near Gettysburg, Pa.,
Thursday, July 2, 1863.
We had a hard fight yesterday. The first part of the 11th Corps was engaged. All o f the afternoon we had to change our position ,
and about 4 p.m. I was ordered to the front and right to assist our infantry, as the rebels had a much larger force than ours and were
driving us back. They drove us back through the town and now hold it. After going up to assist the infantry, I fired a few rounds and
then fell back about thirty rods and commenced firing again, and then when our infantry had got back to me I moved back again,
having to go some sixty rods before I could get a position to fire from. I then kept firing until all of the infantry had got back from the
position that I was in. Then I received orders to move back and save my pieces, if I could. I had got back on the road leading into the
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town when a lot of rebel infantry came up on my right and shot one of my wheel horses on the piece that was in the rear. I got the
horse clear of the piece, and I had got the piece started, when they fired a volley into me, killing the rest of the horses on the piece
and shooting the horse from under me. Then I gave the order for the remaining men to save themselves if they could. I then caught
up to my other piece and saved it. I had one man killed and eight wounded in my section. We then retreated through the town and
took a position just outside of it, and held the position. I was very slightly wounded in the left knee with a piece of shell, had a
musket ball pass through my whiskers, and another through my coat.
July 5.—Our captain was wounded in the face and side—not, dangerously. We had one man killed and thirteen wounded that day.
Thursday reinforcements came up, and at 3 p. m. the rebels attacked us. The fight lasted five and a half hours, but our army held
their position, repulsing the rebels at every place.
I was hit in the thigh with a piece of shell, giving me a bad bruise; but I did not leave the battery.
On Friday the battle opened at 4 a. m. on our right, with musketry and artillery. We silenced the artillery; the musketry lasted six
hours and a half, and was the hardest I ever heard. In the afternoon the fight opened with artillery and there was the most terrific
cannonading that I ever heard, and General Hunt, Chief of Artillery, says that it was the heaviest that was ever known in this war.
The rebels charged on our batteries with three lines of men. — The first line was all cut to pieces; the second badly cut, and the third
the same. Then our infantry charged on them, capturing a large number of prisoners. We had only one or two men slightly wounded.
We lost in the three days fight twenty-two horses.
B. N. W.
NEAR MIDDLETOWN, Md, July 9. I wrote to you last Sunday, giving you a short account of the three days' fight at Gettysburg, Pa.
Monday morning we marched back to Emmetsburg, Md.; Tuesday we marched to within six miles of Middletown, crossing that day a
very high mountain and over a very rough road. Yesterday we marched to where we are now, which is on the top of South
Mountain, where the fight was last fall. Our marches since we left Gettysburg, have been very hard, as it has rained most of the time
since the fight.
The 8th Cavalry were engaged yesterday in our front, and lost heavily, I understand. I have not seen any of them to find out if any
from our place were killed or wounded. The Colonel of our regiment says that was no disgrace in losing a gun, as I lost mine. We
expected a fight near here to-day, but it is now reported that a large part of their force had got back into Virginia.
I suppose that the people North will expect that we ought to have captured all of Lee's army, but they do not know what we have to
contend against. If we had had to attack the enemy at Gettysburg, we could not have whipped them, as they had a much larger
force than we had. The reports in the papers are very much exaggerated about the rout and number of prisoners that we have taken
from Lee's army. I think that there is no doubt but that we have taken near 8,000 prisoners. Some of the papers have it as high as
15,000; but it is not so.
REYNOLDS' BATTERY.
It was known that Battery L of the 1st New York Artillery was engaged in the Great Battle, but not until last night did we receive any
reliable information as to the part it took. Capt. Gilbert H. Reynolds arrived here wounded, and gives us interesting information.
His Battery was at Gettysburg when the rebels attacked and took the place. It retired with the rest of the army, and continued in the
fight that followed not far distant to the end. Capt. Reynolds was wounded by a shell, a piece of which struck the top of his nose and
destroyed his left eye as it glanced away. He was also struck in the side by a fragment, but there he was only bruised. He with
others wounded were put into buildings at Gettysburg, and when the rebels took the town they were nominally prisoners.
Subsequently the rebels retreated and they fell into the Union lines. They were not paroled. The Battery went under command of
Lieut. Breck as soon as Capt. Reynolds was wounded, and it was not captured as stated by the Democrat. Only the few wounded
men were left at Gettysburg as stated above.
Capt. Reynolds saw Lieut. Breck on Saturday after the battle and received a favorable report of his command after he left them. The
officers and men stood up bravely to the work and repelled some terrible assaults of the rebels. Battery L was one of five in a
brigade upon which the rebels made repeated charges. In one instance they came so near as to spike a gun in a Pennsylvania
battery. One of the gunners killed a rebel with a rammer and another used the bayonet with like result. Reynolds Battery lost 18
horses in this battle, an indication of the nature of the work.
The following is the list of casualties so far as Capt. R. could learn them:
Capt. Reynolds, wounded in left eye, and side slightly; Edward Costello, killed; Johd Volen, Oswego, shot in heel: John P. Conn,
badly in head; Amos Gibbs, through the wrist. Cramble, (detailed from a Pennsylvania regiment,) in side; Edward Foster, Rochester,
slightly; Sergeant Chas. A. Rooney, of Rochester, and Patrick Gray, of Oswego, missing.
Lieut. Wilber had a horse shot under him but was not injured.
Major Reynolds is reported safe.
List of Casualties in Reynolds' Battery
IN CAMP NEAR GETTTYSBURG, PA. ,
July 5, 1863.
DEAR UNION :— I have time to write but a few lines, scarcely more than to furnish a list of casualties in our battery in the battle of
Gettysburg. In the absence of Capt. Reynolds, who was wounded in the first day's fight, the command of the company devolves
upon your correspondent, and he has a multiplicity of matters to attend to, occupying for the present almost his entire attention. We
are active participants in the late great conflict, from its commencement to its close, and we never witnessed or experienced such
severe fighting. It was terrible, and the wonder is that we escaped as we did. We suffered badly the first day's engagement, losing
one piece with all the horses and every thing complete, and with a loss of several wounded. Lieut. Wilber had command of the
section containing the piece in another part of the field away from the rest of the battery, and was in the act of falling back with our
forces when the rebels suddenly opened a terrific fire on his right, killing all the six horses attached to the gun and shooting the one
under Lieut. W. It was impossible to save the piece. The enemy was almost within bayonet thrust. Wednesday's battle was against
us. We were driven back through Gettysburg to Cemetery Heights, and matters went badly nearly all day. Perhaps the death of
Major General Reynolds, so early in the engagement, was one result of it. Everything seemed— so at least to your correspondent—
to be in a greatly contused condition. There were conflicting orders and there was wanted a head. The rebels outnumbered us three
to one. But time will not permit me, as before remarked, to enter into details. The following is a list of our casualties:
Capt. G. H. Reynolds, wounded in left eye and bruised in left side. Taken to hospital in town, taken prisoner and found in Gettysburg
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on the rebels evacuating it. Sent to hospital in Baltimore. Doing well.
Edward Costello, killed.
Michael Elringer, wounded slightly in head. Doing well.
John Vallier, wounded in right foot and missing.
Patrick Gray, wounded in back by piece of rail, a shell striking it, is missing.
Edward Foster, wounded in left loot. In hospital.
George Morris, wounded slightly in side. In hospital at Gettysburg.
John P. Conn, wounded in scalp, and left arm and leg paralyzed. In hospital in Gettysburg.
George Gavitt, wounded in face and leg and missing.
William Cronoble, wounded in right shoulder. In hospital.
John Cronshaw, wounded in neck. In hospital.
Sergeant Charles A. Rooney, slightly wounded and missing.
Amos Gibbs, wounded in left wrist. In hospital.
Victor Gretter, slightly wounded in leg, but able to do duty.
William Wood, slightly wounded in ankle. In hospital.
Corporal George Blake, slightly wounded in right side, but able to remain in battery.
Most of the above were taken prisoners in Gettysburg and found there on our reoccupying the town. Isaac Weinberg was captured
while attending to Capt. Reynolds, but is now safe and sound with the company.
We took position Wednesday evening on the right slope of Cemetery Heights, and remained there till yesterday morning, fighting
Thursday and Friday, hotly and closely engaged with the artillery and infantry, encircled almost with a terrific fire, charged upon,
when a battery upon our immediate left had one gun spiked, by a rebel, who boldly rushed up and spiked it: lost twenty-two horses
killed and wounded, had a gun disabled, but considering the fire to which we were exposed, we came off almost miraculously.
Thursday afternoon and evening we fought for four continuous hours without cessation. Friday's battle was terribly severe and grand
beyond description. Most desperate were the charges made by the enemy to break and turn our right and left flanks, but they were
most handsomely repulsed, though with an immense slaughter on both sides.
We were relieved from duty yesterday morning, and are now encamped about two miles from the front. We are expecting, however,
orders, to move, at any moment. There they come now.
Major Reynolds returned Thursday night. He was seven days trying to find the battery.
G. B.
From Reynolds' Battery.
IN THE FIELD NEAR BEAVER CREEK, Md.,
July 11, 1863.
DEAR UNION—I will improve the present leisure moments in writing you a few lines. We are in position along the outskirts of a
wood, on a range of hills on the extreme right of the army, or rather, on the right in rear of one line of the army, for in front of us,
about three-quarters of of a mile distant, is another range of hills on which our troops are posted. On our immediate right the hill
descends to the creek mentioned in the caption of my letter, in the vicinity of which are a few scattering houses constituting a village.
Further to our right lies South Mountain, stretching far off to the north. Beautiful farms, with fields of ripe grain, some of it cut and
shocked, lie all about us. Here we are in battle array, with rifle pits, entrenchments and rail barricades thrown up in our front, ready
to receive the enemy, whenever he chooses to attack us. We are of the opinion, however, that Gen. Lee has had enough of
attacking the army of the Potomac in a strong fortified position, and that he will not molest it again while acting on the defensive,
especially under present circumstances, for Gen. Meade has made such a disposition of his forces on the high hills around here,
that it would be certain destruction for Lee to fight him, though the rebel General were greatly superior in numbers. But everything
indicates as if Meade was expecting an attack.
We took position here yesterday, marching from the west slope of South Mountain, where we lay encamped two nights and a day.
On arriving here, a cavalry force was skirmishing with the enemy a mile or two to the front, and there was quite a brisk cannonade.
The rebels were supposed to be in large force, and it was rumored they had been reinforced from Culpepper. There have been no
demonstrations to-day, with the exception of a few reports in the direction of Williamsport, which lies about eight miles from here.
The right wing of the rebel army rests there, and their left is at Funkstown, or was, for I have just heard they had evacuated that
place. But why mention these matters, when you doubtless have a knowledge of them already!
We began our pursuit of the rebels Monday afternoon , the 6th inst. Arrived as far as Cemetery Hill, where the most terrific struggle
of the three day's battle occurred, in which Lee seemed to stake everything in the attempt to break our lines, but most disastrously
failed— went into park and remained till the next morning. What a sight was presented here! This beautiful cemetery was completely
devastated. Monuments were broken to pieces, marble slabs were torn down, iron fences surrounding beautifully arranged lots,
containing the remains of the dead were almost destroyed, graves were almost destroyed, graves were trampled upon and many of
them showed deep furrows where cannon balls had plowed up the earth, carcasses of dead horses lay scattered about; here and
there were soldier's tents, and then at the foot of one side of the hill where the fierce and deadly onset of the enemy was made,
there lay a multitude of wounded confederate soldiers, who had been gathered in from the fatal battle field, and were waiting to be
carried away in ambulances. The sufferings of most of them were intense, and their groans were heartrending. A number of their
comrades was dying, and not far away were being deposited in the "cold earth" without coffins, their remains simply wrapped up in
blankets, several of these poor men, who had paid the penalty of fighting against their country, with death. One poor fellow was in a
delirium, and crying for his mother. Another was begging for mercy and deliverance from on high. Others were sad and silent, their
looks expressive of their distressful situation. And again, there was a wounded sergeant who did not seem to mind his wounds, but
was laughing and talking with our own soldiers, discussing the merits of the two armies, arguing the justness of the southern cause,
&c. I conversed with a number, two or three of them officers, and found them men of interest and intelligence. One, a lieutenant, a
very pleasant and intelligent man, said that one of the divisions which made the charge on the left, was almost annihilated. It
numbered some 8,000 men. Mention was made of the death of Barksdale, and of his having been one of the instigators of the
rebellion. Yes, remarked the rebel Lieutenant, it is to be deplored that the war was ever commenced by either Northern or Southern
incentives. The remark was hitting the nail on the head, we thought. These wounded rebel officers and soldiers expressed a. wish
that the war was ended, but they appeared to manifest no disposition to yield first, notwithstanding they were experiencing in their
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minds and persons all the horrors of war. However bad the rebel cause may be, and however just the war is as waged against it, the
soldiers engaged in it have won the respect and admiration of their adversaries, the Federal troops, for their undaunted bravery and
fortitude. They are not a whit inferior in valor and soldier-like qualities to our own troops. Both sides are equally matched in that
respect.
The battles of Gettysburg, as remarked in a previous letter, were terribly destructive to life. The losses in both armies will figure up in
killed, wounded and prisoners, not less than 45,000. It may not generally be known that Wednesday's fight was attended with a
capture of 5,000 Federal officers and soldiers from the 1st and 11th corps, who were sent to Richmond. Such is the case, however.
One hundred and twenty odd officers were taken prisoners! The 1st corps found itself in a "hornet's nest" that day, and it was most
fortunate the rebels halted at Gettysburg after getting possession of the place instead of following up what proved transient success
in the end. Had they pushed on with their overwhelming numbers, we fear the nation would not have had occasion to rejoice over
such a splendid victory as resulted to our arms, under the blessing of God on the 3rd day of July.
On Monday we marched to within a short distance of Emmettsburg and took position on a rise of ground fronting Cotoctin
Mountains. The next morning we resumed our march, and that day and night witnessed the longest and the hardest, roughest,
severest march we ever performed as a battery. It rained all day, and though part of the route was over a fine turnpike, the rest of it
was over a road of rocks and through depths of mud, and the last four miles was up the highest peak of the Catoctin Mountain, the
summit of which we did not reach till after dark. It was densely wooded, and the darkness became Egyptian like. We had to feel our
way. We turned into a small rocky field on the mountain about 10 o'clock, and there encamped for the night, the rain coming down in
perfect torrents and officers and men were wet through. We had marched about thirty miles that day and were completely tuckered
out. Three hours after bivouacking, however, we were ordered to be ready to move out again at 3 o'clock in the morning. At the time
we were in readiness to go and moved to Middleton that forenoon.
Sunday, July 12.—We are still in the same position, but are under orders to be ready to move. What the enemy is about I do not
know. Report says he is fortifying on the old Antietam ground. Don't credit the stories about the demoralization or disorganization of
Lee's army. It is all fol-de-rol, and such reports do great harm. Expectations and hopes are raised in minds of the people at home
which are likely to result in unhappy disappointment. The Federal army won a great victory at Gettysburg, but Lee's army is not
destroyed. Far from it. There is more fighting to be done, lots of it, and thousands of more troops are needed.
Most of the wounded men in our battery are in Germantown hospital, and doing well.
Major Reynolds has been assigned to a command in the Reserve Artillery. We regret to part with him.
G.B.
From Reynold's Battery.
HEADQUARTERS BATTERY "L" WARRENTON JUNCTION, Va., July 28,1863.
Eds. UNION:—My last letter was written when we were in position near Beaver Creek Maryland, not far from Funkstown. Since then
we have made a number of marches, short and long, pleasant and severe ones; have traversed over old and new grounds: have
pressed hard and close after the enemy but been in no engagements; have crossed to the south side of the Potomac for the third
time and again "invaded" the sacred soil of Virginia, and to-day finds us at the well known locality of Warrenton Junction, encamped
near the railroad, over which the cars, loaded with supplies for man and beast, are running almost constantly. On leaving
Funkstown, where we were in position for two days, we moved to Williamsport, passing by some very formidable earthworks and
entrenchments the rebels had thrown up to resist any advance our army might make, and a sorry plight, indeed, our troops would
have found themselves in had they rushed on pell mell regardless of consequences. The enemy escaped, as is well known, but by
no fault of General Meade's.
From Williamsport we went to Crampon's Gap, passing through Smoketown, Kedysville and near the old battle field of Antietam.
Things looked natural in this section of the country, and traces of the memorable Antietam engagement were visible, very sadly so,
in the graves of many of the brave men who were sacrificed in that desperate conflict, and whose remains are now resting in a
pretty lot near Smoketown. On Saturday, July 18, we crossed the Potomac at Berlin, at the same place we crossed last fall under
M'Clellan, marching to Waterford, a real Union village, greatly in contrast with the town of Middlebury, to which place we moved the
following Monday, from Hamilton, arriving there about dusk and receiving a very dusky, gloomy reception. Not a house open,
windows closed tight, and everything and everybody savoring strongly of secesh. A party of guerillas captured Gen. Newton's Chief
of Staff and an aid at Middlebury, who crossed Goose creek but a little ways in advance of the army, and very suddenly found
themselves in rebel company while quietly enjoying a respectable dinner at a house just this side of the Creek. They were marched
through the town, very much no doubt to the entertainment of the inhabitants, and from last accounts were "onward to Richmond."
This was a very cool capture, for the two Staffs were not more than half a mile in front of our advance guard.
The 23d of July found us in Warrenton, making the fourth time we have visited that place during the war. Poor Warrenton! Once,
one o f the prettiest and most attractive towns in Virginia, marked by the wealth, intelligence and refinement of its people, and by the
blessings of peace. Now its beauty is despoiled, its male citizens, with few exceptions, are or were in the Confederate army, for very
many of them have been killed fighting for the rebel cause; and indeed there is scarcely a house that does not mourn the loss of a
husband, father, or brother. Nearly every lady is dressed in mourning, and probably no village or town in Virginia has suffered more
in the depletion of its population and the waste and desolation of property and homes by the rebellion, than Warrenton. It has been
occupied, ever since the war began, first by one army and then by the other, neither trying to hold possession of it, but evacuating it
as one or the other army approached it in any force. It is sort of a half-way station for the Federal, and Rebel troops as they come
and go north or south. We went into position at W., our guns pointing towards Sulphur Springs, but we saw no signs of the enemy.
Saturday morning we took up our line of march for this place. We do not anticipate remaining here long. We are replenished with
several days' supply of grain, and are expecting a supply of clothing for the men. Boots and shoes are in urgent demand, the long
and hard marches of the summer's campaign having told severely on shoe leather. We have replaced the lost gun with a new one,
and as soon as our draft of horses is honored, we shall be all ready to begin another campaign, or renew the recent one. Two of the
batteries in our brigade, Capt. Cooper's and Lieut. Stewart's, are at Rappahannock Crossing and Bealton with part of the 1st corps.
Gen. Buford's cavalry are at the former place, and pontoon bridges are expected to be thrown across the river to-night. We imagine
this will not be accomplished however, without a sharp fight.
Private John Conn, who was wounded at Gettysburg has since died from his wounds, and his remains are now resting in a
graveyard at Gettysburg. He was one of the first to join the battery, and we can never forget the generous qualities of his heart, his
intelligence and companionableness of character. He was wounded in the faithful and gallant discharge of a soldier's duty. We miss
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him much from our midst. He was a compositor in the office of the Rochester Democrat, and an occasional correspondent of that
paper, his letters possessing interest and considerable originality. The friends and relatives of the deceased have the sympathies of
the officers and members of Battery "L" in this their loss and our loss.
The want of time forbids me writing more, and so with this brief letter I must close.
G.B.
From Reynolds' Battery DEMOCRAT & AMERICAN
WEDNESDAY MORNING, AUG 5,
FROM REYNOLDS' BATTERY.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN, Md., July 9, 1863.
A few minutes from the press of duty I once more turn my attention toward the polar star of my earthly affections. Not that during the
whirl and excitement of battle, when grim death was reaping more than a bountiful harvest, the dear ones were absent from my
mind. More than once, amid the thundering roar of the awful conflict, when the missiles of death were falling thick and fast, moving
to my duty among the dead men and horses, my thoughts would take to themselves the wings of telegraphic speed, and dwell with
loved ones far away. But I have no time for silvery words. I can only tell events as they transpired in quick succession; have hardly
time for that. I am sitting on the very spot where, a little over one year ago, events were transpiring that will render this place
memorable in history. We reached the summit last night which has cost us two days of as hard marching as we have ever done. As
we moved in here last night, cannonading was heard but a little distance in our front, and troops were moving out to take position,
for to-day we all expected would be a battle day. Thus far all is quiet in our front, but around us is hurry enough- troops were moving
fast, and if the rebels are in front, we shall hear of it before long; a few miles will bring us to the battle ground of Antietam. I will stop
here till events develop, and return to Emmittsburg on our advance. We marched out of that place one week ago yesterday,
northward to Gettysburg, Pa., a distance of ten miles. We reached that place, I think, about ten o'clock A. M. Some half an hour
before reaching there heavy firing was heard to the left of the town, and curling smoke told the very spot from whence it proceeded,
and the practiced eye could tell at once that it was a strong one. But there was no time for calculations; we soon filed out of the road
and took our course across the fields, reached a ridge of land intervening between the town and the enemy's position, and in less
time than I am telling you, were in the hottest engagement, by far, I ever witnessed. We drove them from their position in our
immediate front, and the fight waxed fierce to our right. Here we were ordered with our battery. As we moved, the enemy poured
upon us a terrible fire of shot and shell, that ploughed the earth and filled the air, till one would think that shrinking demons and
flying, hissing serpents inhabited it, and on either side were evidences that fearful work had been done. Dead and wounded men
and horses, broken fragments of limbs, small arms, &c., lay strewn in abundance. But we were on the battle-field, and under orders,
and steadily, in the face of the raging storm, did we move to execute the order. Here our Captain was wounded, and I took him from
the field. The 1st army corps was alone in the fight, and it was soon evident that we were contending with the principal part of the
rebel army. Major General Reynolds, our corps commander, was killed—a very serious loss to us. We were obliged to retire before
the horde that pressed us; but it was slowly, and in the best of order; no panic, no flight. We were obliged to give up the town, into
which many of our wounded had been carried. These the rebels held while in possession of the town. In this day's fight we lost one
of our guns, which our men were bringing manfully from the field, when every horse was shot dead, and we were obliged to
abandon it, being pressed by the foe from three sides. We retired to the cemetery, the resting place of the holy dead. Here, amid
tombstones and monuments, amid years of gathered beauty, amid graves blooming with fresh flowers, and strewn with keepsakes
and toys of the departed, here on this elevated spot, covering and overlooking the country for miles, we took opposition for the
defense of the noble old flag. Not one inch did we retire beyond it. The 11th corps came up and joined their strength to us. Night
was fast coming on. It was evident neither party was sorry to have the darkness and stillness of night succeed the carnage of the
day. Thus ended the first day's fighting, but not our work; we were fatigued, worn out, and would have gladly welcomed rest and
sleep. We had somewhat exhausted our ammunition, and it must of necessity be replenished. This, as is always the case, fell to my
lot. I worked hard nearly all night, but considered myself ready for duty as the morning broke. This, the 2d day of July, was to be a
great day for the American Union. All was quiet, save the usual amount of picket firing and an occasional shot from the artillery, till
afternoon, when the battle opened in fury all along the line. But the 1st corps was not alone—the great Army of the Potomac was
here. It was evident that Lee's army, with all its strength and prowess, was here also. Now was to be decided, in open field conflict,
in fair, honest fighting, which was the superior—the Union or the Rebel army. Nobly, bravely and desperately did each contend for
the palm. They in vain threw their veterans against our left, until, shattered, torn and dispirited, they were driven back to their own
lines. Then they tried the mettle of which our right wing was composed, but here, too, they found the true steel. Charge after charge
did they hurl against the tried and true old corps, till a rampart of dead bodies was almost formed in front. Our infantry lay in a piece
of woods, and not a tree stood in their front but showed the marks of many bullets. They charged our battery, but we rained canister
in their pathway, and they recoiled before us. This was just as darkness was gathering over us, and we could not tell the effect of
our work; but as morning broke, the gray-coated dead lay cold on the sod that spread in our front.
Night has dropped the curtain—darkness like a funeral pall obscures the scene. It is fit that nature at this moment should put on its
robe of mourning. Night, as is always the case, brings a lull in the fight, but labor does not cease—damages must be repaired,
ammunition replenished, everything put in order for the emergencies of the coming day. The wounded, so far as possible, are to be
removed; the silent dead will do no harm. I start with my caissons for the ammunition train. The ambulances are put in motion and
soon flying in every direction. I pass on to execute my order so tired and sleepy that I can hardly keep my position on my horse. I
pass hospitals in my course filled with broken and shattered humanity. The moans of the poor fellows are enough to pierce a heart
of steel. At one place the houses, barns and sheds are literally filled with wounded loved ones. You would think as you gazed on this
scene of misery, it were sufficient for the whole world, but it is the receptacle of only one corps. I press on as best I can. The road is
crowded. As I pass one ambulance I hear a piteous moan, from another, as it jolts over the stones, comes a piercing shriek, and yet
from another, a prayer to God for a cup of cold water and the grave. I have told you of thundering artillery, the deafening roar of
musketry and the splendid bravery exhibited as line after line, as far the eye can reach, moves out in cool and steady order to the
desperate work. But this is drawing the curtain, showing war stripped of pomp. Go one mile to the rear of a battle-field and you will
always know what war means.
Morning again finds us at our post ready for duty as it comes. An effort is still made to drive our right wing, all in vain, they push
against a wall of stone. All becomes quiet again; still as though no work of death was going on around us until 2 o'clock P. M. This is
the last day's battle of Gettysburg; we know it not—our enemy probably do. The last great Herculean effort is to be made on our
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centre, all their strength is concentrated there. The hour has arrived, an hour of awful interest and importance to the American
Union; one in which undoubtedly is to be decided the destiny of the nation. A large and powerful army, in the hands of one of the
most skillful warriors of the age is within a few miles of the Capital, our lines are in such a shape that our centre once broken our
army is gone--the Capital falls—the rich and opulent cities, the virtuous and quiet homes of the North are open to the ruthless
avarice of more than a ruthless soldiery. The awful consequences of this hour's work sinks deep into each one's heart, and inspires
him with more than manly bravery.
But I am digressing. Look across the plain— a puff of white smoke ascends; you hear the thunder; it is the signal; the moment has
arrived. The next two are awful hours. The heavens are convulsed; the air shrieks, hisses and quivers about your ears; the earth
trembles beneath your feet. It is said that 150 pieces of artillery opened on our centre, and they were answered by as many more,
each sending forth a messenger on the awful errand of death.— Our infantry lay in front of us and we fire over them. Now is seen
one of the grandest sights to a military eye. The enemy are advancing across the plain in the line of battle, half a mile or more in
length. On they come amid the deafening roar. Artillery answers artillery, till the lines of fated men reach a certain point, when ours
is turned upon them. Nothing daunted, they press steadily on through the iron hail. The first line is literally demolished; the second
shares its fate, or nearly so, the third is badly cut up by our infantry and large numbers captured. I could but feel sad to see these
shattered and demoralized men turn their faces toward their own lines.
You may think this strange talk, but a thinking man can but have sadness mixed with his joy on such an occasion. Gettysburg battle
is evidently ended. We have seen too much of this work not to know the enemy have been too thoroughly beaten to try us again. I
have given you as good a description of this great battle as time and circumstances would allow. Remember we have hardly halted
for an hour since we came into Maryland, and then every one was glad to cast himself on the ground for sleep and r e s t . You will
hardly believe me, but a soldier can lay down on the field of battle after his day of bloody work is done, surrounded with the frightful
images of war, regardless of the destinies of the morrow, and sleep as sweetly as a babe on its mothers breast. I must hasten; time
is flying, and you anxious to receive this.
C.D.M
Letter from Reynold's Battery.
Hd'qrs Battery "L," 1st N.Y. Artillery
RAPPAHANNOCK STATION,
Aug. 13th, 1863
Battery "L" has left the "war path," so to speak, and we are now enjoying ourselves in an oak wood, near the Rappahannock river.
Everything is quiet, and we flatter ourselves that we are to remain so for some time to come. Some pretend to imagine that we are
to remain inactive till we are reinforced by the conscripts now enjoying civil life in the north. Quite a number of these conscripts, or
rather substitutes for conscripts, arrived here the other day from Philadelphia. They were attached to the 90th Pa. Vol. One of these
substitutes, who had received several hundred dollars for venturing into the field, was unfortunate enough to come in contact with
the 4th Md Vols., who pronounced him a deserter from their regiment and immediately arrested him as such, and he is now under
guard waiting his trial. My advice would be, if a deserter intends to come again as a soldier, to enlist and receive the big bounties
rather than come as a substitute, for it has been clearly illustrated that it is dangerous; for it may be impossible to tell what regiment
you may be connected with; this advise is gratis. Rochester papers are much sought after to-day, as they contain a list of conscripts
from Monroe county,— nearly every one of us have relatives and friends among them, but all feel perfectly satisfied with the choice
of the "Blind Poet," and are not disposed to find as much fault with the quality as the quantity; we only wish that the amount was
doubled. Our greatest fear is that the conscripts will come to time with $300, rather than risk their lives in Dixie. We had much rather
see them just now. Paymasters are busy paying off the army, and we daily expect to see Maj. Porter, our Paymaster, on hand with
our payrolls and a good supply of greenbacks. Our greatest trouble is water, but we expect plenty of that article soon, as the "boys"
are busy digging a well near by. We expect to get plenty of good water at the depth of twenty feet.
Of late we have been having very warm weather, and both man and beast have suffered a good deal from the effects of the heat
during the recent marches. Last night we had a terrific thunder storm, which lasted from midnight until sunrise; the thunder was
sharp and loud, and at times, the water fell in such sheets that it seemed as if our frail houses would be washed away by the flood.
The Rappahannock is very high in consequence of last night's rain; but the pontoon bridges remain firm. There is an abundance of
tree-toads in the woods around our camp, and as it has been cloudy all day, we have been well supplied with music. The health of
the Battery is good, and when compared with the health of the Battery a year ago, it is very good. The 6th Company of
Sharpshooters (formerly Gray's) are near us, on the opposite side of the Rappahannock. The Railroad Bridge at this place, which
was destroyed by our forces last year, has been rebuilt, and ready for use, but as the enemy occupy a hill a few miles from the
bridge, it is of very little use at present. We have but five guns in the Battery, but expect every day to receive the sixth one in place
of the one lost at Gettysburg, July 1st. It is the general opinion among the soldiers that we are to finish this job that we have on hand
before the coming winter; but, alas! we thought, or imagined we thought, the same thing a year ago, but as we are serving the
shortest half of our time, we can look forward to the expiration of our time, if not to the end of the war. We have just heard that the
5th Corps are on their way to Washington, and we imagine that there is a move on foot.
W. E.
From the Army of the Potomac - A Soldier's Views or Policy—Incidents and Movements-—Reynolds' Battery.
RAPPAHANNOOK STATION, Va.,
August 14th, 1863.
My last was written when we were in position on the south side of the Rappahannock. On Saturday evening last we were relieved
from duty, recrossed the river, and are now camped in the edge of a woods not far from the banks of the river. Our forces occupy
about the same position across the river that they did a week ago. No advance has been made by either army, to my knowledge. I
suppose that it is not contraband to say that our lines extend from Warrenton Springs to Falmouth. The enemy is in his old position
on Fredericksburg heights with one division of troops, and it is pretty well authenticated that Lee has massed the main portion of his
army on the other side of the Rapidan. There are no indications of a general movement at present. In fact, matters indicate inactivity
the remainder of the summer and perhaps far into September. Both Meade's and Lee's armies seem to have settled down for a
season of rest. Neither, it may be, is in fit condition to attack the other. Each is able to stand on the defensive. Both, doubtless, are
waiting for the same thing, namely, conscripts. Both need reinforcements to be able to assume the aggressive, and the army that
obtains them first and in the greatest numbers will probably be the first to begin active and offensive operations. Which army shall it
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e ? Oh, that Gen. Meade had a hundred thousand more men to-day! We do not believe his army would be lying still if he had.
There would be a pushing forward of his columns and more victories for him to win.
Men, men are what are wanted—& strengthening of our armies, numerically, and with this additional strength to move and operate
with now. Now, when the Southern army is so weak and contains apparently, if not in reality, the seeds of dissolution, and when a
merciless conscription is resorted to to fill up its decimated, exhausted ranks-would not the rebel armies be broken up and
dispersed? And, then, if at the same time this work was being performed, advantage should be taken by the "authorities" of the
unquestioned discontent and disaffection, which exists in some of the seceded States, by the adoption and application of a
conciliatory policy towards the southern people—a policy which would divide and alienate the people from their traitorous leaders,
instead of uniting and exasperating them,—how long would it be before we should again be enjoying the peace and blessings of a
restored Union? Does the word conciliation frighten any of my readers, or excite symptoms of indignation, or taint of "
Copperheadism?" No restoration of the Union without it, mark that, and that's what we are contending for as soldiers, the
preservation and maintenance of the unity and perpetuity of the American Republic. Nothing less, nothing more. Whatever other
beneficent results may accrue in the accomplishment of such a noble work. Fighting and beating the rebel armies alone will never
accomplish the work so long as the masses of the southern people remain organized in their opposition or resistance to the Federal
Government. They must be converted or won over to the Federal cause, and disarmed of their prejudices and erroneous opinions,
be made to believe that Government is their friend, the defender and protector of their rights, homes and families. Every
manifestation of feeling or sentiment, on the part of the Southern people, to come back into the old Union, must be recognized and
strengthened. Has not the ground always been taken by the North, that the rebellion was the work of ambitious and unscrupulous
men, who actually deceived the southern people with misrepresentations of what the purpose and object of the North was, and this
way "precipitated a revolution?" How undeceive the people by force of arms only? Can there be no liberal, honorable, magnanimous
concessions, made by the Federal Government, to bring back a deluded people, who are our own brothers, blood of our blood, and
race of our race? Must there be no cessation of " blood-letting," no yielding of anything on our side, until we have thoroughly
humbled and subjugated the South? Must there be no "backing down" from a rigid enforcement of the Confiscation and
Emancipation Acts? Must there be no discrimination made between the plotters and leaders of rebellion, and those, who by the
force of circumstances, were drawn into the waters of secession, or forced against their will, to come out against the Union? But
time forbids us to dwell on this matter any longer. We most sincerely trust, that wisdom and sagacity may mark the policy of our
rulers, in their dealings with the disaffected States.
We paid a brief visit a day or two since to the headquarters of Major Reynolds, who is now in command of the artillery brigade, 12th
corps, having been assigned lately to that corps. We found the Major pleasantly and loftily situated on a range of hills near Kelly's
Ford, his batteries in position on this and the other side of the Rappahannock, and camps scattered in every direction. The scenery
about this Ford is quite wild and picturesque, the river is very rocky and the water runs and dashes impetuously. We are located
three miles above Kelly's and about two miles below Beverly Fords. Here and there a miniature settlement can be seen consisting of
two or three rickety houses, their inmates, if they have any, being women and children. The recent orders causing all male
inhabitants residing along or near the railroad, between here and Washington, to be arrested and sent to W., whether loyal or
disloyal, will certainly clean out in this section of the country what few remaining male citizens there are, who, it may be, have
escaped the clutches of Davis' conscription act. A hot fire those Virginians are between who are loyally disposed. What a longing
they must have, it seems to us, for the war to close.
The temperature of the weather for the past week or two has been way up to the highest notch. It has considerably moderated,
however, since the heavy rain night before last, The rain fell in torrents, much to our discomfort for the time being, for our cotton
domiciles were all of a sudden flooded with water.
The "heated term" has produced some sickness in the army, but the troops are remarkably well considering. The Rappahannock
presents a lively scene every day about dusk. Officers and men crowd to its banks and plunge into its waters and troops of bathers
and swimmers are the visible result. A sad event occurred the other night while a party of Battery B's men were bathing. Two of
them were drowned. They got beyond their depth, in a whirlpool, I was told, and disappeared very suddenly, sinking when no one
was observing them. The river is quite deep and shallow in some places.
Digging wells has been and is now the employment of many of the soldiers. As I write the men in our company are hard at work just
in rear of our camp, picking and shoveling away, trying to strike water. They have dug down about twenty feet, and have a well that
would do credit to the most experienced well-diggers. Information comes to me that a "vein of water" has been "struck." Now for an
abundance of that blessed beverage, cool and refreshing as you please. We have been obliged to go a mile for the article. All praise
to the " boys" for their enterprise, the labor of two days.
SATURDAY MORNING, Aug. 15.—Our dreams of rest and inactivity are likely to be dissipated. Orders have just come to supply the
men with three day's rations, and to be ready to move at moment's notice. Rumors are afloat that Lee is moving, but in what
direction or for what point I do not know. The cavalry have just passed us on their way to Catlett Station. This is going to the rear. A
report is in circulation that communication between here and Washington is cut off. The company state their readiness to move, but
they would like to take their twenty-two feet deep well with them.
G. B.
From Reynolds' Battery.
RAPPAHANNOOK STATION, Va.,
Aug. 24,1863.
You perceive, from the caption of my letter, that we still remain in status quo. The orders to be in readiness to move at a moment's
notice have not been followed by any movement of a general character, though on Wednesday last, about twilight, there was
considerable motion in the 1st Corps, occasioned by the report that the enemy was coming in three heavy columns from Culpepper,
and an immediate attack was anticipated. We were ordered to harness and hitch up forthwith, take our battery across the river and
go in position at the front, half a mile in advance of our old position. Away we went, part way on a trot, and a little while found us,
with our six guns unlimbered and ready for action. A small regiment of infantry was the only support we had. Another battery of six
pieces was in our rear. We concluded that the rebels couldn't be in very close proximity to us, or in very large numbers, otherwise
we would be supported by a heavier force. Our conclusions proved correct, for we had not been in position more than ten minutes
when we received orders to limber up, go back to camp and un-harness. The whole affair was a hoax. One of our cavalry videttes
saw the rebel cavalry coming up in three columns, and he immediately conceived the notion that the whole of Lee's army was
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advancing, and so without waiting to satisfy himself positively about the matter, he gallops off to convey, or have conveyed, to corps
headquarters the startling intelligence. The corps was soon under arms. The three columns of cavalry, however, turned out to be
rebel pickets, who were coming to relieve the pickets in their front, and, in coming up, they deployed out as skirmishers. A little
"scare," that's all.
It seems to be a question of great doubt whether the enemy is in much force or not at Culpepper or on the Rapidan. We have but
few troops now on the south side of the river, they have been mostly withdrawn. There is a perfect quietude of both armies, and that
old, oft-repeated, worn out story, "All quiet on the Rappahannock, " was never truer than to-day.
Batches of conscripts arrive almost daily, so I am told, but I have seen none myself. They have to undergo another medical
examination here in the army, but for what particular purpose I cannot say. They have been examined once, accepted and mustered
into service. Why they should be put into the surgeons' hands again, unless the first examination is regarded dubious, is a matter
requiring explanation. Many of the lucky ones or their substitutes have been pronounced totally unfit for service, physically. If they
are sent back, or mustered out of service, it may be a money making operation for the substitute, and the law may be so construed
to oblige the conscript to furnish another substitute or go himself. Perhaps the cheapest, safest and best way is to do the latter,
though fighting by proxy is certainly a matter of no little convenience, to say the least. Give us the men, at any rate, be they
conscripts or substitutes.
The weather continues very warm. The troops fully appreciate the rest they are enjoying.
A newsless letter, this, but there is no news. The approaching month will doubtless develop something of interest in the Army of the
Potomac.
G.B.
From Reynolds' Battery.
RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, Va.,
Sept. 13,1863.
If the Army of the Potomac for a long time past has been an object of little or no interest, on account of its inactivity, it will cease to
be so now that it is again in motion, and like our armies in the south and south-west, is advancing on the enemy. At present writing
only a part of the army is moving, two divisions of cavalry, the second corps and a portion of the fifth corps, so I have been informed.
Buford's cavalry and the second corps crossed the Rappahannock at this point, at an early hour this morning, and soon after
crossing, cannonading was heard, which grew less and less distinct, indicating that our forces were pressing forward.— The boom
of cannon now reaches our ears, at intervals, the firing being in the direction of Culpepper. It is reported in camp that our cavalry
occupy Culpepper, and I shall not be surprised to hear that they have pushed on to the Rapidan. I apprehend our forces will not
encounter any serious obstacles or adventures in reaching the Rapidan river, believing that Lee's army is mostly on the other side,
and has been considerably reduced by the withdrawal of his troops to other localities. Our own corps is under marching orders, and
I presume all the other corps are also. The forces that have crossed the river seem to have gone on a reconnaissance, and if they
succeed in establishing a line of defence on the Rapidan we shall probably take up our quarters in that vicinity, very shortly. This
movement was entirely unanticipated in the army. It was the general impression that the Army of the Potomac would remain
motionless, guarding the north banks of the Rappahannock, resisting any attack Lee might make, and of course covering, and
protecting Washington. What advantage is to be gained by extending our lines to the Rapidan, simply, without a further onward
movement, with a prospect of taking Richmond, I do not know. It will of course put us further from our base of supplies, and require
a larger number of troops to keep open our line of communications. Gen. Meade's army is not any too strong to operate with
aggressively. We understand that some of the regiments and batteries which went to New York have rejoined the army, and that the
others are about to return. This will augment the army considerably. Large and small squads of conscripts arrive almost daily, and
since the execution of the five deserters in the 5th corps few desertions have taken place. The punishment meted to those guilty
men has certainly had a very salutary effect. Conscripts or substitutes have been heard to say since that solemn affair, that they
didn't think such severe punishment would be visited upon deserters, though it had been threatened. They thought it was more talk
than reality, but have found out their mistake and begin to regard desertion from the army as a matter of sure death.
The 1st brigade, 1st division, 1st corps have been making extensive preparations for a flag presentation to take place this week
Thursday, the anniversary of Antietam. A large and beautiful evergreen arbor has been erected, where the presentation is to be
made. A race track has been laid out, and arrangements have been and are now in progress for one of the grandest affairs of the
kind that has ever occurred in this army. The expected movement of the corps, if it takes place previous to Thursday, as it
undoubtedly will if there is to be a general movement of the army attending the reconnaissance mentioned above, will of course
interfere with the flag presentation. The brigade is composed of Wisconsin troops, and has been associated with the Army of the
Potomac since its organization, has grown up with it, and as one of its officers remarked, will probably expire with it. No troops in the
field, from Virginia to Louisiana, have done better and nobler service, than these brave men of Wisconsin. Their record is eloquent,
of the highest courage the most heroic deeds, the most patriotic devotion. They have been first and foremost in the hottest and most
sanguinary conflicts, going in some instances, where other troops who were supporting them, did not dare to go, charging the
enemy at the point of the bayonet, up steep banks and rugged hills, in strong entrenchments and formidable rifle pits, routing and
discomforting the foe, capturing flags and whole regiments of the rebels. But all this has not been done without a terrible sacrifice of
life, as the diminished ranks of the brigade give plain and sad evidence. It originally numbered between four and five thousand men;
now it numbers between six and seven hundred, so fearfully have the destructive missiles of war told upon its ranks.
We were favored yesterday afternoon and last night with copious draughts of water, which the dry and cracked earth drank with the
avidity of a man suffering with thirst. For weeks not a particle of rain has fallen, and the hot sun had literally baked the earth and
desicated the air.
Capt. Reynolds returned on Friday morning, and we are glad indeed to welcome him back, looking so hearty and well.
G.B.
From Reynolds' Battery
CAMP NEAR CEDAR MOUNTAIN, Va.,
September 29, 1863.
The movements of the Army of the Potomac are just at present wrapped in no little mystery. Whether they are of an advancing or
retrograding nature, is a difficult matter for your correspondent to determine. The first corps are moving by slow and easy stages,
have moved three times since the date of my last, written near Poney Mountain, on the 20th inst., but we are not very far now from
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the above mountain. On Thursday last we moved to the position which had been occupied by the 12th corps a little south east of
Stevensburg, and near Raccoon Ford. We lay at this point till Sunday afternoon, when we moved about two miles, in a south
westerly direction, for a change of camp, and so be nearer Raccoon Ford, as was stated. We marched through a dense woods and
over a terribly rough and crooked road, and halted in a field of rocks and stones, surrounded with woods until yesterday morning,
when we advanced a mile further south west, and are now encamped near the road running from Culpepper to Raccoon Ford, not
far from the latter place, and as the caption of my letter states, near Cedar Mountain, which rises almost directly in front of us. There
are camps located at the foot of the Mountain, of the 2d corps, I believe, and one of the reserve batteries is stationed there. Our
remembrances of Cedar or Slaughter Mountain as it is sometimes called, are very vivid, for it was here, one year ago the 9th of last
month, that we first witnessed the realities of a battle and battle field. A desperate and sanguinary conflict was that, one of the
severest of the whole war, attended with a great and mournful loss of life. The enemy was treble our own numbers and vastly
superior in point of position, and the wonder is that Gen. Banks' forces were not all annihilated or captured.
Almost fourteen months have elapsed since that bloody and unfortunate struggle, which was quickly followed by Pope's disastrous
retreat to Washington, and now after this long interval we are again very nearly in the old position. Will Gen. Meade move forward
across the Rapidan, or will he fall back to the north side of the Rappahannock? is a question that puzzles many a thinking soldier in
Meade's army. The Army of the Potomac is weaker by two corps than it was one week ago to-day. This fact may not have been
developed to the public as yet, but will be in all probability before this reaches you. If it is contraband news of course you will not
publish it. The 1lth and 12th corps left for Alexandria on Thursday of last week, and embarked on board of transports or of cars, I
don't know which, for conjecture says Tennessee, to reinforce Burnside or Rosecrans, and again conjecture says for North Carolina,
and is so extravagant even as to suggest Texas as the place of destination, the policy of scattering the Federal forces as widely as
possible being greatly in vogue. A new idea surely, applying to the Army of the Potomac for reinforcements to send to the South or
Southwest when said army is in very great need of reinforcements itself. But Burnside or Rosecrans must not be sacrificed no more
than Washington must be taken, and so the Army of the Potomac, if it cannot win or be permitted to win offensive battles, can
defend itself when attacked as well as defend other armies also.
The taking away of two corps from Meade does not indicate a further advance on his part, unless Lee is very much weakened in
front, and we do not believe such is the case, notwithstanding Longstreet is with Bragg. At any rate, the south bank of the Rapidan
is strongly fortified, and to reach it by assault would cost an immense sacrifice of life. It is a common remark here in the army that
the Army of the Potomac has been transferred into an Army of Observation, and there may be a good deal of truth to it.
The shooting of deserters is of frequent occurrence now. A substitute in the 3d division of our corps was shot last Friday, in the
presence of the whole division. The scene was a most solemn and impressive one, the doomed men being conducted to the place
of execution by a band of music in front of the column playing a dirge, following which were six soldiers carrying a coffin, a rude pine
box, and after them walked the prisoner beside a chaplain, divested of coat and vest, his hands manacled behind him, his eyes cast
to the ground, a solemn expression on his face, but indicating no very visible emotions from the terrible fate soon awaiting him. He
was of medium height, rather slim, of good figure, and possessing a countenance expressive of intelligence and far from denoting
criminality, and yet he must have been a very bad character, for he confessed being a participant in the hanging of Colonel Brien in
the New York riot. Following the condemned man were several prisoners, probably conscripts, with their hands chained, and
attended by a guard of soldiers. The procession marched along the front of the line of troops with slow step, the band playing all the
while, and after reaching the end of the line moved to the spot where the grave was dug, and where the deserter was to suffer the
penalty of his disgraceful crime. His coffin was placed on the ground in front of the graves and in front of the prisoner, at ten or
twelve paces distant, stood a squad of ten soldiers, the executioners of the deserter. The chaplain kneeled down, the prisoner
kneeling beside him, and offered a fervent prayer, and then, arising, conversed with the guilty man, until a signal from a bugle
proclaimed that the time had arrived when the recreant soldier must die. His eyes were bandaged with a white handkerchief, he
stood in front of his coffin apparently with iron nerve, the soldiers leveled their muskets, there was a click of guns, then a volley, and
the unfortunate man fell backward across his coffin, killed instantly, the fatal bullets entering his heart. The price of desertion is
certain death now, and the soldier who deserts does so at the peril of his life. Sooner or later he is almost sure to be apprehended.
The infliction of the death penalty for the crime of desertion is having a marked and salutary effect on the army. Had it been inflicted
at the outset of the war, no doubt our armies would be stronger to-day by tens of thousands.
We are having beautiful weather, bright, warm golden days, but the nights are cold and the dew is heavy. Blankets are
indispensable. Since commencing this, the 1st corps have all moved up here, but it is doubtful about their remaining very long in this
locality.
Since I last wrote we have been visited by the paymaster, whose visits are much more frequent than they used to be. As a
consequence there is a profusion of greenbacks in the army.
G.B.
From the Army of the Potomac.
CAMP NEAR CEDAR MOUNTAIN, VA.,
October 7, 1863.
On Sunday morning last the quietude of the banks of the Rapidan was suddenly broken by the report of a cannon, and then by
another, and another, when, after five or six shots had been fired, the cannonading suddenly ceased and the original quietness was
resumed. The firing was not far distant from our camp, being in the direction of Raccoon Ford, and the bursting of the shells could
be distinctly heard. We knew they came from the other side of the river, and what did it mean? Had the enemy begun an attack, the
sequel of which was to be a grand onslaught on the army of the Potomac, by the combined forces of Gen. Lee. For a little while
there was a packing up of things, a blowing of bugles, a beating of drums, and a general hurrying to and fro, every one expecting
the receipt of orders to get ready for action. But the booming of cannon suddenly ceased, as I remarked above, and the excitement
occasioned by it soon died away. "Nobody hurt." The rebels fired into what they supposed was a wagon train, winding its way along
near the river, but which consisted of two wagons only, and which, of course, were not very long in disappearing from sight at the
compliments so unexpectedly and gratuitously bestowed upon them by a rebel battery. The cover of one of the wagons was shot
away, but no further damage was inflicted except to frighten the drivers. How our side came to ascertain the mistake of the rebels in
supposing they were firing into a long train of army wagons, it is not for your correspondent to publicly disclose. The secrets of the
enemy have in the same manner been unfolded more than once.
An order was issued a few days since to Volunteer commanders allowing them to fill their commands to the maximum strength, with
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men from volunteer infantry regiments belonging to the same State to which the batteries belong; these men to be permanently
transferred, their consent to the transfer being obtained in all cases. The result of this order has been to fill up the batteries
immediately, judging from the effect it has had on our own. Within two or three days after its publication more than fifty names were
handed in by infantrymen already attached to the battery, and by those in the infantry service. A brisk and most successful recruiting
service has been carried on in the company, without any effort being made comparatively to enlist men. The list of names, fifty or
more, has been forwarded to be acted upon, and in a few days we expect to have the full complement of men we first had on the
company's organization, and that is required by a six-gun battery. The infantrymen thus transferred do not reenlist, but simply serve
out the remainder of their time of enlistment in the artillery instead of the infantry service. This is certainly a great help, or as the
boys say, a "big thing" for batteries; but must have a depleting effect to say the least, on infantry organizations. The preference
given to the former branch of service by those who have served in both is extensively demonstrated. The 94th N. Y. regiment will be
well represented in Battery "L," when the transfer is perfected.
The orders from the War Department relative to recruiting Veteran Volunteers, are quite favorably received among some three years
organizations. The large bounty and premium offered, and the permission granted to the companies or regiments, whose term of
service expires next spring or summer, to go home this winter to reorganize, recruit, &c., on condition of reenlistment for three years
or during the war, are flattering inducements for "Veterans" to continue in the service another three years. The permission for going
home, with the prospect of remaining there two, three or more months, is the most attractive part of the orders to very many. I
understand that two regiments in the "Iron" or Wisconsin Brigade, have unanimously voted to reenlist upon the terms above
mentioned, and it is thought the other regiments in the brigade will do likewise. These do not apply to volunteers, who, at the date of
reenlistment have more than one year to serve, neither do they extend longer than 90 days from the 25th of last July. Surely, no
government in the world pays his soldiers, so well as does the American Government. God grant that this great and beneficent
government may escape the direful calamities which threaten to overthrow and ruin it, and retain its unity and integrity, a blessing,
as it ever has been since it was founded, to all who live under it and to all the nations of the earth.
The country about here is infested with guerrillas, as it is in many other portions of Virginia. A bugler, belonging to Capt. Cooper's
battery in our brigade, was snatched one afternoon last week between camp and a little ways beyond Culpepper by a small guerilla
band of two or three, but he managed to effect his escape come night and made his appearance at camp the next morning donned
in the uniform of a greyback. The troops have been warned about going far away from their quarters and all passes have to be
countersigned by division commanders.
When or where the army will next move is a matter known at headquarters only, if it is there even. It may depend entirely on the
movements and operations of Gen. Lee. In the meantime the bright, genial and beautiful days of October are quickly flitting away,
and the rains and storms, the cold and mud of a Virginia winter will soon be upon us. Will the army of the Potomac essay another
winter's campaign, or will the remembrances of Burnside's memorable wintry march serve as a preventive in the matter of future
winter campaigning?
G. B.
DEMOCRAT & AMERICAN
FRIDAY MORNING, NOV. 6
ARMYCORRESPONDENCE
From Reynolds' Battery
Camp at Bristoe Station, Va.,
October 28, 1863.
Thinking that the reader of the Democrat would like to know that Reynolds' Battery is still a thing of life, I write this hasty letter. Since
leaving Rappahannock Station, some two weeks since, we have been moving, stopping only a day or two in each place. It is
unnecessary for me to give a detailed account of the movements of the Army of the Potomac; for I see by the Democrat, which by
the way, is a most welcome visitor in our camp, that you are fully posted in our movements. As regards our Battery, we have been
doing nothing in the way of fighting in all these moves, but are as usual, ready to go in at a moment's notice, Thoroughfare Gap, we
found that the rebels had completely destroyed the railroad track they had torn off the rails and made fires of the ties and heated the
rails and bent them in all conceivable shapes, so as to unfit the cuts they had lain rails across each other in alternate piles and then
covered them up with dirt and stone; at other places destroying embankments, & c. Notwithstanding all these obstructions, our
efficient construction corps are completing from two to three miles a day of the road, and ere long it will be in complete order again
to the Rappahannock River. At Thoroughfare Gap our outer pickets had a fight with a force of rebel cavalry, who had surprised a
detachment of Kilpatrick's cavalry, who were going on to join the main body, and cut them to pieces, capturing four headquarter
wagons, and driving them in confusion into our lines. It being nearly dark the firing them by shelling the passage through the Gap
and the sides of the mountain for an hour after dark. In the morning we were marched through the Gap, and at night camped
immediately in front of and about one half marching orders, constantly, and are expecting to move any moment; but should anything
of interest occur, we will endeavor to keep you posted. Our battery is in its usual fine condition, and all the boys are in the best of
spirits and health, we having had very little sickness this summer. We are all feeling jubilant days at the prospect of once more, kind
Providence permitting, being among those we love and respect at home, for you will remember we are on the last year of our
enlistment. This, to us, is a cheering thought, and there are not a few speculations rife in camp as to what is going to be done, by
each one, should God, in his mercy, spare our lives, on his arrival home.
We are having very fine weather at present, but the nights are getting quite frosts.
H.W.S.
From Reynolds' Battery— Ready for the Forward March Toward Richmond.
CAMP NEAR BRISTOW STATION, VA.,
November 2, 1863.
Eight days' rest we have enjoyed here, unmolested, and nobody to make us afraid. Fully recuperated from our recent rearward
jaunt, we are all ready for another campaign, though by no means aching for one. Self-indulgence would keep us in our present
locality, for it is a pleasant and desirable place, an excellent encampment, and would answer the purpose of winter quarters first
rate. Wood, water and good grounds are favored us, and the matter of getting supplies is easy, for the railroad runs right alongside
of our camp, and Bristow Station isn't half a mile distant. But I suppose I ought not to mention "winter quarters" at present, when
there is a prospect of five, six, and even seven or eight weeks good campaigning weather before the rains, snows, thaws and mud
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of a Virginia winter shall have made their real appearance. If the first and second days of this month of November, on which we
have just entered, be an index of what its remaining days are to be, then the month will be all that Gen. Meade can ask for military
movements and operations. A bright genial sun shone all day yesterday, and is shining to-day, and the general exclamation is—;
what beautiful weather!
I understand that the railroad to Warrenton Junction is completed, and that it will soon be in working condition to Bealton or the
Rappahannock. Trains are running by our camp every few minutes loaded with army supplies, materials for repairing the railroad,
and this morning we saw two trains bearing pontoon bridges destined for the Rappahannock, unquestionably.
Fitzpatrick's division of cavalry were en route this forenoon in the direction of the Rappahannock with all their supply wagons,
ambulances, & c. There are indications of another movement and before this reaches you we may be in rapid motion again, but this
time in motion to the front and not to the rear. There's a report in circulation that the Fredericksburg route is to undergo another trial.
May better success attend it than has followed previous attempts to take Richmond by that route.
Lieut. Wm. H. Bower, of our battery, has tendered his resignation and it has been accepted. The loss of his arm incapacitates him
for active field service, and he is therefore obliged to retire from it. He does not intend, however, to leave the service altogether, but
purposes entering the invalid corps.
Lieut. Bower has been identified with Battery L since its earliest organization. In the first engagement in which the battery
participated he was the first member of the company that was wounded, and in consequence of the severity of the wound he was
discharged from service. Last June he was commissioned as 2d Lieutenant and assigned to duty in Battery L. His return to the
battery was cordially greeted by his old comrades, and now his second departure from them occasions much regret. His ability and
industry in the service, qualities brightly displayed in the fiery ordeal of the battle of Gettysburg, have won for him from the Colonel
of our regiment praise and commendation, and he has the respect and esteem of all the company. He goes from us attended with
the best and heartiest wishes of officers and men.
G.B.
From the Army of the Potomac— Reynolds' Battery— A False Motion.
near RAPPAHANNOCK STATION.
November 25, 1863.
We supposed that it was "contraband" to give publicity to any movements or contemplated movements of the Federal army which
might be of benefit to the enemy in any way, enabling him, possibly, to checkmate them, or to be fully ready to meet them. You need
not be told what the censorship of the press has been in this matter— how some journals have been made to suffer for what was
regarded a violation of the prohibitory news measure, and how, on the other hand, for an equal violation, some papers have
managed to escape with impunity. The Washington Chronicle of Monday, the 23d inst., took time by the forelock, and proclaimed to
both friend and foe (the latter no doubt received a copy of the paper before night) that Gen. Meade's army was under marching
orders at daylight that Monday morning, was to leave with ten days' rations in haversacks and wagons, and then mentioned the
Ford where the army would probably cross the Rapidan. This was certainly sounding the notes of alarm to Gen. Lee, and bidding
him to be prepared to receive his antagonist, Gen. Meade. Now that the army didn't move, and the contemplated movement seems
to be abandoned for the present, we will venture to write about it.
The army was under marching orders at daybreak yesterday morning, a day later than stated by the Chronicle; and a grand and
vigorous advance across the Rapidan and thence down to Fredericksburg, had been decided upon. The troops were supplied with
ten days' rations in haversacks and wagons, and at the appointed hour all were in readiness to move. Toward evening on Monday
the sky clouded up, and all that night it rained, a drizzling rain, and yesterday morning at the time for starting it was raining still. But
what of the rain! No postponement on account of the weather, surely. Not so surely, either, for just as we were about to harness and
hitch our horses and were expecting orders how to move out, an orderly came riding up with instructions rescinding the orders to
move for the present. They were received with a general shout from the company, and immediately there was a general unpacking
of things and repitching of tents. "I told you we wouldn't move," remarked Lieut. A., "I knew this rain would upset the affair." And sure
enough, my "chum" proved to be a true prophet. We were informed shortly afterward that orders had been issued from headquarters
directing that no movement should be made while it rained or threatened to rain. The character of the movement was to be such that
the cautiousness of General Meade would not allow of his running any undue risks in the matter and being baffled in the execution
of his plans by the same element that defeated Burnside's last movement when he had command of the Army of the Potomac,
namely,—Virginia mud. There may have been other reasons for delaying the movement, but this was one, so reported by pretty
good authority. Who knows but the Chronicle's premature report had something to do with capsizing the thing. We surmise as much.
It is bright and clear to-day and the mud is fast drying up under the sun and a strong wind. It is rumored that the army will be in
motion to-morrow mooring, perhaps to-night.
We have lain here a little over two weeks. The rail-road to Culpepper is in good condition, but that part just reconstructed was not,
we think, intended for army purposes all winter. Rather shaky many portions of it.
The Paymaster has been around again and left us his compliments in a large number of "greybacks." The Government is certainly
rich in paper money. There is a dearth of news, but if the army moves look out for something stirring.
G.B.
Reynolds' Battery--Getting into Winter Quarters—Deaths and Promotions.
CAMP NEAR KELLY'S FORD, Va.,
Dec. 17th, 1863. A cold, drizzling rain is falling, at times increasing in volume and coming down in torrents. It is one of Virginia's
worst and most disagreeable days. Of course, among its unpleasant features is that of mud, which has commenced its reign in
terrible earnest. You step outside your tent and you immediately encounter this formidable element which has so frequently baffled
the brave and indomitable Army of the Potomac. The sacred soil receives your feet with the softness and pliability of a mortar bed.
And yet, this is but a foretaste of what is in store for us during the coming days and weeks of our sojourn in this recreant State. We
wish that the pleasant weather we have been so long enjoying, with now and then a day's exception, might have been vouchsafed
to us a little longer, long enough until the completion of the stables for our battery horses, which all members of the company have
been busily and earnestly engaged working upon since Saturday last. The flooring is all laid, consisting of large split logs about
twelve feet long, all brought from woods a quarter or half a mile distant. The stables are in the form of three sides of a square and
are between three and four hundred feet in length. No small task, cutting, hewing, drawing and laying all this timber, and it will be a
greater one before the work is done, as we purpose stockading the stables with the same kind of material of which the flooring
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consists. And then some style of a covering must be gotten up, a thatched roof it may be, if we can run across some old hay or
straw stacks, which were once plenteous in this vicinity, but now, thanks to the soldiers, are few and far between. Other batteries
besides our own are employed in building stables, and the numerous Quartermasters in the army have been ordered to construct
places of shelter for the thousands of public animals the property of Uncle Sam and branded with his initials, committed to their care.
The troops have already made themselves comfortable, and numberless log huts dot hill and plain, field and wood along the Orange
& Alexandria Railroad, from the Rappahannock to the neighborhood of Culpepper, like beavers, the soldiers have been at work
since the late campaign preparing habitations wherein to dwell for the winter of 1863 and '64. Day and night the sound of axes has
rung upon the air, and large and dense woods have been cleared of the trees for miles around. Near Brandy Station, where the
army, or most of it, gets its supplies, timber has become so scarce that it is rumored the army will have to move across the river and
establish another depot where fuel is more plenty. The troops who have establish their winter quarters after the expenditure of so
much labor would become, perhaps, not a little "demoralized" if obliged now to leave them and establish new quarters. It would
affect their zeal materially in the matter.
Our Battery has recently been called to mourn the loss of one of its number, who died on the 12th inst. in the field hospital of our
brigade, of typhoid fever. The deceased's name was William Fraley, whose home was in Canona, Steuben Co., N. Y. He was one of
our buglers, belonging to Battery E of our regiment, the organization of which was broken up some time ago, and its members—
what few there were remaining— attached to Battery L. He was a bright little fellow, young, and small in stature, and we miss him
from our midst very much. His death was sudden, the fever being of a rapid and malignant type. Poor boy. He was anticipating a
furlough home this winter, but alas ! he was summoned to that long home "whence no traveler re turns." This is the first death by
disease which has occurred in our company for many months.
Charles DeMott, formerly 1st Sergeant of our battery, has been promoted to 2d Lieutenant and assigned for duty to Battery D, 1st
NY Artillery. The promotion is a just and worthy one. Lieut. DeMott has been in the service over two years, and most faithfully and
patriotically has he performed the duties of a soldier, and earned the appointment which has just been conferred upon him. He has
gone from us attended with the best and heartiest wishes for his future success and welfare.
Second Lieut. Benj. F. Fuller, Battery A, has been ordered to report to Battery L for duty.
A letter just received by Capt. Reynolds, informs us that Major Reynolds has been appointed on the staff of Gen. Hooker and is
Chief of Artillery, 11th and 12th corps. We congratulate our old commander on the honor he has received of so high and responsible
a position and trust and feel considerably gratified that it is represented by the first Captain of Battery L. We have tried him and can
assure Gen. Hooker that he has hit upon the right man for the place.
The judicious system adopted last winter of granting furloughs and leaves of absence, has been resumed by Gen. Meade, and
many soldiers and officers are improving it. Its effects will certainly be good, as Gen. Hooker found them to be. Soldiers desire
nothing better than sight and visit of home, and with old soldiers thirty or sixty days furlough, is the paramount inducement for reenlisting.
Reynolds' Battery--Getting Into Winter Quarters--Deaths and Promotions
CAMP NEAR KELLY'S FORD, Va.
Dec. 17th, 1863 A cold, drizzling rain is falling, at times increasing in volume and coming down in torrents. It is one of Virginia's
worst and most disagreeable days. Of course, among its unpleasant features is that of mud, which has commenced its reign in
terrible earnest. You step outside your tent and you immediately encounter this formidable element which has so frequently baffled
the brave and indomitable Army of the Potomac. The sacred soil receives your feet with the softness and pliability of a mortar bed.
And yet, this is but a foretaste of what is in store for us during the coming days and weeks of our sojourn in this recreant State. We
wish that the pleasant weather we have been so long enjoying, with now and then a day's exception, might have been vouchsafed
to us a little longer, long enough until the completion of the stables for our battery horses, which all members of the company have
been busily and earnestly engaged working upon since Saturday last. The flooring is all laid, consisting of large split logs about
twelve feet long, all brought from woods a quarter or half a mile distant. The stables are in the form of three sides of a square and
are between three and four hundred feet in length. No small task, cutting, hewing, drawing and laying all this timber, and it will be a
greater one before the work is done, as we purpose stockading the stables with the same kind of material of which the flooring
consists. And then some style of a covering must be gotten up, a thatched roof it may be, if we can run across some old hay or
straw stacks, which were once plenteous in this vicinity, but now, thanks to the soldiers, are few and far between. Other batteries
besides our own are employed in building stables, and the numerous Quartermasters in the army have been ordered to construct
places of shelter for the thousands of public animals the property of Uncle Sam and branded with his initials, committed to their care.
The troops have already made themselves comfortable, and numberless log huts dot hill and plain, field and wood along the Orange
& Alexandria Railroad, from the Rappahannock to the neighborhood of Culpepper. Like beavers, the soldiers have been at work
since the late campaign preparing habitations wherein to dwell for the winter of 1863 and '64. Day and night the sound of axes has
rung upon the air, and large and dense woods have been cleared of their trees for miles around. Near Brandy Station, where the
army, or most of it, gets its supplies, timber has become so scarce that it is rumored the army will have to move across the river and
establish another depot where fuel is more plenty. The troops who have established their winter quarters after the expenditure of so
much labor would become, perhaps, not a little " demoralized" if obliged now to leave them and establish new quarters. It would
affect their zeal materially in the matter.
Our Battery has recently been called to mourn the loss of one of its number, who died on the 12th inst. in the field hospital of our
brigade, of typhoid fever. The deceased's name was William Fraley, whose home was in Canona, Steuben Co., N. Y. He was one of
our buglers, belonging to Battery E of our regiment, the organization of which was broken up sometime ago, and its members—what
few there were remaining- attached to Battery L. He was a bright little fellow, young, and small in stature, and we miss him from our
midst very much. His death was sudden, the fever being of a rapid and malignant type. Poor boy. He was anticipating a furlough
home this winter, but alas! he was summoned to that long home "whence no traveler returns." This is the first death by disease
which has occurred in our company for many months.
Charles DeMott, formerly 1st Sergeant of our battery, has been promoted to 2d Lieutenant and assigned for duty to Battery D, 1st
N.Y. Artillery. The promotion is a just and worthy one. Lieut. DeMott has been in the service over two years, and most faithfully and
patriotically has he performed the duties of a soldier, and earned the appointment which has just been conferred upon him. He has
gone from us, attended with the best and heartiest wishes for his future success and welfare.
Second Lieut. Benj. F. Fuller, Battery A, has been ordered to report to Battery L for duty.
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A letter just received by Capt. Reynolds, informs us that Major Reynolds has been appointed on the staff of Gen. Hooker and is
Chief of Artillery, 11th and 12th corps. We congratulate our old commander on the honor he has received of so high and responsible
a position and trust, and feel considerably gratified that it is represented by the first Captain of Battery L. We have tried him and can
assure Gen. Hooker that he has hit upon the right man for the place.
The judicious system adopted last winter of granting furloughs and leaves of absence, has been resumed by Gen. Meade, and
many soldiers and officers are improving it. Its effects will certainly be good, as Gen. Hooker found them to be. Soldiers desire
nothing better than a sight and visit of home, and with old soldiers, thirty or sixty days furlough, is the paramount inducement for reenlisting.
G. B.
DEMOCRAT & AMERICAN
TUESDAY MORNING, JAN. 12
LOCAL AFFAIRS.
From Reynolds' Battery.
The following interesting letter from Reynolds' Battery, affords gratifying indication that the war spirit of these veteran artillerists has
not yet subsided, and that the re-enlistment fever, is not confined to any grade of service in the grand Army of the Potomac:
CAMP NEAR CULPEPPER, Va., Jan. 5, '64.
It will be seen by the date of this that we have again changed our camp. At Kelley's Ford, where we had gone into winter quarters,
as all supposed, we had nearly completed our huts and stables, and were just beginning to finish up for a comfortable winter, when
at one in the afternoon of the 23d ult., assembly was blown, and after being aligned, Lieut. Breck announced to us that we had
received marching orders. I will not attempt to portray the countenances, or describe the feelings of both officers and men, but leave
it with the reader to imagine, for I feel my inability to the task, but I can assure you the wind was taken completely out of our sails,
and all felt as though we had been deeply injured.
On the morning of the 24th, we struck tents and moved towards Culpepper; it being a bitter cold day and the wind blowing freely,
added largely to our discomfiture. About 2 P.M. we arrived at Culpepper, and were marched a mile and a half south of the village,
toward Pony Mountain, and went into camp on the margin of a pine grove, where to our surprise and gratification, we found the 8th
N. Y. Cavalry were encamped. Here, on Christmas, we had the pleasure of shaking the hands of Charley Cozou, Ed Bardwell, Ben.
Hubbard, and a number of other Rochester boys, all of whom were in fine health and spirits. At evening parade we were informed by
our officers that the 8th Cavalry were to leave on the following day, and we were to occupy their camp. This cast a gloom over the
cavalry-boys, for they, too, had built shanties for the winter, some of which were very nice and comfortable. After their departure,
and we understood they moved toward Warrenton, it was ascertained their camp could not be made convenient or comfortable for
our battery and horses, and here we are again, as busy as beavers, erecting houses and stables for the comfort of both man and
beast. There has nothing of note occurred along our lines since here. All seems quiet and peaceable. Our camp is about half way
between Culpepper and Pony Mountains, and we are at the front, there being nothing in advance but our picket.
There is a terrible fever prevailing in our army corps in regard to the joining of the veteran corps and receiving the large bounty, and
our Battery has largely taken the infection. We were, a short time since, informed by our respected Captain that a number of our
boys had put their names on the enlisting rolls, to fight three years more, if necessary, to plant our glorious old flag on the domes
and spires in every city and village and town throughout the Union. As I write an officer has arrived, and our boys are being sworn in
for the three years' service. As the veterans are entitled to a thirty-five day furlough, you will ere long have some of them among
you. Our Battery is in its usual good condition and fine spirits, and as soon as we get over our hurry of building, should anything of
interest occur, you may hear from us again. The weather is quite warm, and we are, today, having a flurry of snow.
H.W.S.
From Reynolds' Battery.
CAMP NEAR CULPEPPER, Va.,
January 17th, 1864.
After an absence of fifteen days I return to camp and find the battery located where I left it half a mile from Culpepper and near the
base of Pony Mountain. Just before my departure north the company, for the second time this winter, had begun to construct
houses and stables, nothing daunted because of labor lost in the extensive preparations of winter quarters at Kelly's Ford, which
marching orders to the front obliged the sudden abandonment of. The second edition of stables is nearly completed, the roofing
consisting of large fine slabs—of which the floor and stockade are also constructed—now being laid, and the men's log houses,
genuine castles of their kind, are, with few exceptions, all done, and occupied. The air of comfort which some of these residences
possess, with their fireplaces and mantelpieces, and cupboards are smoothly hewn floors, the walls artistically decorated with
pictorial representations from Frank Leslie's and Harper's Weekly, compare favorably with domiciles of higher pretensions. Every
man is the architect of his own house, as he is also the builder of it. The land costs him nothing and the material for building ditto.
About the only implements he requires are an axe, a shovel and a wooden trowel, and a pair of industrious hands to use them.
Virginia soil, saturated with a little water makes excellent mortar for filling up the cracks and crevices, and plastering the chimneys
and walls, and the same sacred soil is to the occupant of the soldier exempt from all taxes, and the ruthless invasions of a merciless
landlord. The only thing to disturb the soldier's home and possessions are the inevitable marching orders and Mr. Johnny Reb. For
the present, until the opening of the spring campaign, I do not think our company will be molested by either of the above. Our hostile
friends across the Rapidan are, from all accounts, as comfortably settled for the winter as ourselves, and both parties doubtless are
desirous of being "let alone" till the advent of milder weather and longer days. Then, as the Army and Navy journal says, speaking of
the approaching spring campaign, look out for a "war of the Titans that must shake the continent to its foundations."
Leaving Rochester on Tuesday at 8:55 p. M., I found myself in Albany the next morning at seven o'clock, an hour too late to take the
early train for New York via the Hudson Road. The Central Road, which seldom fails to make the proper time, failed on this
occasion, and a delay at Albany for two and a half hours was the consequence. I have nothing particular to say against the capital of
the Empire State, but to the subscriber it is not the most interesting city in the world, perhaps on account of past associations with
the Albany Barracks, where Battery "L" was quartered for a week before taking the field. Our experiences at this place were terribly
bitter. The mess rooms were a fit spot for the congregation of swine, and the rations that were served up, oh dear! I believe the 54th
regiment had a taste of the same last summer, and some of its members, I understand, were in consequence thereof effectually
cured of soldiering. But I am digressing from my travel southward. 'The Hudson road lost two hours running to New York, and it was
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past 5 P. M. before we reached there. Leaving New York at half-past seven in the evening for Washington, via Philadelphia, or the
Pennsylvania Central route, I arrived at W. at 9 A. M. the following morning, just in season to connect with the train running to
Culpepper. We ought to have reached Washington at 6 o'clock. A great deal of fault is found with the Penn. Central road. The
proper time is seldom made from New York to Baltimore, or vice versa, and these frequent delays have occasioned much grumbling
by the citizens of New York and Washington, and there is a strenuous demand on the part of many for a new line of railway between
the two cities. It is very likely that one will be built, though the policy of government undertaking its construction is a questionable
one. If a second road is really needed let it be constructed by private enterprise and not at national expense.
The facilities for reaching the army of the Potomac now from Washington, are very good. A passenger train, of second class cars,
runs regularly from Washington to Culpepper, daily stopping at several points along the Orange and Alexandria railroad, where
there are large encampments, Brandy Station being the principal one, that being the general depot for army supplies. The train
leaves Washington at 9:40 A. M., and arrives at Culpepper about 3 1-2 o'clock P. M. A number of civilians, including several ladies,
were aboard the cars I came down in, on their way to the army. During my absence from camp, an order was issued allowing
soldiers' and officers' friends and families to visit the army for a limited period. No doubt many at home will improve the opportunity
afforded for making such a visit, and rest assured they will receive a soldier's glad welcome, and all the hospitality that camp life
proffers. We bid our friends come and see us, promising the latchstring shall be out, and to acquaint them, to the best of our ability,
with all the beauties and pleasures of a soldier's life in winter quarters.
Quite an abundance of snow fell here during the prevalence of the late storm at the North; but the beautiful weather of the last two
days has dissipated it all.
The health of the Battery is very good, and but little sickness prevails anywhere in the army. The troops appear to be in the best of
spirits.
Re-enlisting has been going on very vigorously. Twenty-five have re-enlisted in our own company and been mustered in anew for
three years, receiving about $160 from Government to start with. There is much disappointment, however, felt by these re-enlisted
men at not receiving their thirty-five days' furloughs, as was promised on their re-enlisting. Only 600 enlisted-men are allowed away
from a corps at a time, but that number is not absent from the 1st corps on furlough, and there seems to be culpability in the matter
of our men not getting their furloughs, resting at corps headquarters. It will probably be made right very shortly, but the delay in
granting the furloughs as promised must naturally produce disappointment and dissatisfaction. Faith with the soldier should surely
be kept under all circumstances, if it is a possible thing. The many conflicting and retracting orders about re-enlisting have
discouraged many in the field from reoffering their services to the Government.
G.B.
THE EVENING EXPRESS
From Reynolds' Artillery
Headquarters Battery "L" 1st N.Y.
Artillery, Camp near Culpepper, Va.,
Jan. 18th, l864.
EDs Express:—Imagine anything worse, if you can, than to have to build winter quarters twice or, perhaps, three times during one
winter. This has been our bad luck this winter, for you are undoubtedly aware that we, with the rest of the first corps, went into camp
at Kelly's Ford, expecting to remain there until Spring, and with the experience of two winters in the field, we were enabled to build
comfortable winter quarters for ourselves and horses. This done, we expected to "lay on our oars" and do nothing but eat our
rations, write and receive letters from friends at home. Everything looked favorable. We had converted a wilderness into a fine
camp, and the finishing stroke was about to be made, when on the 23d of December, we received orders to march at daylight on the
following morning. You can well imagine that the exclamations made on that occasion were anything but of a pious nature, but,
notwithstanding, shortly after sunrise on the 24th, just as we were turning the corner of a piece of wood, we could look back and see
our log cabins (the work of weeks) with the mud chimneys and the stable in the rear-everything deserted. The whole of the First
Corps was on the move, and we were nearly in the rear.
Christmas we spent near Culpepper, waiting for the 8th N..Y. Cavalry to vacate their quarters so that we might occupy them. They
moved on the 20th, and we all secured a house. But here was bad luck again, for the cavalry moved but a few miles, and as their
houses were built of boards, they came back with their horses and carried of most of the lumber, so we were left out of doors again,
and for the past two weeks we have been hard at work building houses (if they may be called such) for ourselves, and stables for
our horses. But this work is nearly done once more, and we sincerely hope we will be allowed to enjoy them this time.
The Sanitary condition of the Battery is good, numbering in all one hundred and eighteen men present.
Our camp is situated neatly one mile east, of Culpepper, and near Pony Mountain. There is an abundance of good water and a good
supply of wood close at hand, making a camp all that can be in this country, and as our liberal "Uncle Sam" has made ample
provisions for food and clothing, we are enjoying ourselves as well as co'd be expected, and some of our "boys" have become so
habituated to a life in Virginia that they have determined to stay until the show is ended, and have accordingly re-enlisted as veteran
volunteers, and consequently expect a furlough of thirty or thirty-five days to visit home, and you may expect ere many days to see
some of them in Rochester.
The thirty days furlough is by far a greater inducement to re-enlist than all the money offered as bounties; in fact I am of the opinion
that very few would have re-enlisted without the furlough, even if the bounties were doubled.
Sutlers are becoming more and more plenty with us, and as sutlers' goods increase, the demand and prices decrease; and perhaps
before long, with the assistance of Provost Martial General Patrick, soldiers will be able to get what they need for its real value.
Trotting horses is the greatest amusement of the day. Every afternoon after returning from water, the horses are paraded in a ring in
front of the stables for exercise, and all have a chance at trying the speed of his horse at a trot, (no running is allowed) and in some
cases it gets quite interesting, even if the betting don't run very high and the speed of the horses not quite equal to the matchless
Flora Temple; but if we can't trot with fast horses, we can certainly throw as much mud as any of them. For the past few days we
have been favored with a clean covering for this Virginia mud in the shape of a few inches of snow, but now that has left us we are
in the mud worse than ever.
It might be proper for me to give you an account of the good fortune of some of our members by way of promotions. Among them
are: Serg't Charles De Mott, commissioned 2d Lieut, and at present doing duty with Battery "D," of this regiment, stationed near
Stevensburg; and private Michael Canfleld, appointed Serg't Major.
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Battery L, Base Ball
NEAR CULPEPPER, VA., March 10,1864.
News is a scarce commodity in the Army of the Potomac. Quietness reigns everywhere. The common monotonous routine of camp
life is performed day after day, though its monotony is greatly broken and relieved by various amusements, principally ball playing.
Every fair day, witnesses hundreds of officers and soldiers engaged in this favorite and excellent game. The members of Battery L
have a particular passion for it, and eagerly improve their hours in the sport which it affords. Some of them are old hands at the
game of base ball, and their names appear foremost in the honorable and distinguished record of the first ball clubs in Rochester
and vicinity. There is " Teddy" Adams, for instance who won such brilliant laurels in the famous "Lone Star" Club. It to a real treat to
see him catch a ball, he does it with so much ease and grace, arresting its flight and holding it with his fingers, with apparently a
slight of hand movement. Very seldom does the ball escape his hands, if it comes anywhere near him. And it is a difficult task when
he is "pitcher," for the "in" party to make the bases. He is hard to beat, is thoroughly conversant with the game, and every way fitted
to command a base ball club. And then there are Asahel Morse, Martin Annis, Garry Minnamon, Maurice King, Martin Blogett, and
others I might mention, who are admirable and skillful players of the renowned National Game of Base Ball.
A match game took place this afternoon on the drill and parade ground, front of our camp, between Battery L and the Excelsior B. B.
Clubs, the latter composed of "boys" in the Quartermaster Department of our Brigade, who challenged any nine men of Battery L to
play with or against them. It was a spirited and interesting affair and witnessed by a large crowd of officers and soldiers. The
"Excelsior" had the first innings and made so many "runs" that outsiders began to question the ability of L Club to cope with their
friendly adversary. But it didn't remain a question very long, for L boys entered the contest zealously determined to win, and by the
time the third innings were made, "Excelsior" was away behind, and at the completion of the seventh innings—nine was to be the
number—the Excelsior men threw up the game, declaring that L Club was altogether too much for them, and acknowledging
themselves badly and fairly beaten, 23 runs against 71. Not a very closely contested game that, but mostly on one side. The
following is the score:
Excelsior B. B. Club
"L" B. B. club
O R O R
J. D. McGlinchy, p 1 5 G. Minnamon, p 4 6
Lt. Corcoran, c 4 2 A. Morse, c 1 8
O. F. Wright, 1st b 2 3 G. E. Adams, 1st b 3 7
P. Flynn, 2d b 3 2 M. King, 2d b 5 6
D. Dimon, 3d b 3 2 A. Ades, 3d b 3 7
G. H. Marshall, s s 3 3 M. Abnis, s s 1 10
"Shorty," r f 1 1 J. S. Wells, r f 1 10
J. D. Plummer, c f 2 3 W. Gibbs, c f 0 9
T. Budsworth, l f 2 2 M. Blodget, l f 3 8
Seven Innings 21 23 Seven Innings 21 71
Umpire - Capt. Bartholomew, 76th N. Y. vols.
Scorer - E. Hoekstra, Battery L
Scorer - S. Williams, Excelsior
It is expected when Lieut. Gen. Grant returns to Washington that he will furnish this army with immediate employment of a different
kind than that of base ball playing, or perhaps I may say, a different kind of ball-playing, where the balls are not so easily batted and
pleasantly caught, and where even the agile and dexterous Adams, who elicited so much praise to-day, would prefer "dodging" to
"catching," Ball playing with Lee's veteran army! A most serious game. The Army of the Potomac has had several of them, and
behold the sad result. A hundred thousand men killed and wounded! Is the army in its future solemn games of war, to present a
duplicate record of that number of "outs?" We hope not, but may it count many great and glorious "innings.''
Our battery is filling up with recruits. Between thirty and forty new men have reported for duty. Of course, they are cordially
welcomed.
The furloughs for our second lot of veteran volunteers have not been returned yet. Only a limited number can be allowed from the
corps at a time.
G.B.
From Battery L—-In the Southward March.
The following letter from a favorite correspondent in Reynolds' Battery has been slow in reaching us. Though it relates to army
matters of some days since, it will well repay perusal:
In the Field, Near Hanover Town, VA.,
May 30,1884.
Within fifteen miles of Richmond. Another day's march would bring us within the precincts of the much coveted, long labored and
hard fought for rebel capital—the great goal— which has cost three years of the severest marching and fighting to reach, the
sacrifice of tens and thousands of lives, and the expenditure of countless treasure. But that day's march, which, if allowed to be
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performed without or with little opposition, would doubtless find us treading the streets of the great centre and strong-hold of the
Southern Confederacy before the rising of to-morrow's sun, is destined to be lengthened into many days, for is it not, of course to be
expected that literally every inch of ground between here and Richmond will be disputed by the enemy with the most stubborn
obstinacy, the strongest tenacity, the most unyielding hostility; and, indeed, is it not reasonable to suppose that if Lee is compelled
to retire behind the defences of Richmond that the result will be a hard and protracted siege of that city? As I write, picket firing is
going on in front, about two miles distant, which may ensue in a battle ere long. An hour ago there were a few reports of cannon—
from our side apparently. It is a warm, pleasant morning, a nice breeze is stirring, the air is a little hazy, and with the exception of the
sound of skirmishing everything is very quiet. Our battery, with nine or ten others of the 5th Corps, is parked in a large, level field,
horses unhitched and unharnessed, and grazing not far away. We have been in this locality since last evening. Yesterday afternoon
we advanced from Hanover Town about three miles back, which place we arrived at the afternoon previous, crossing the Pamunky
river between one and two o'clock P. M. The rebels made no opposition to our crossing, and it is said that the army's appearance at
the place of crossing was entirely unexpected to the enemy, and took them by surprise. It is certain that a few pieces of cannon
planted on the south bank of the river could have seriously interfered our troops from effecting a passage, and any considerable
force might have prevented the army crossing at all. The Sixth Corps, or a portion of it, had crossed the river in the morning.
But let me briefly relate our movements, from the time my last letter was written the 19th. inst. We were then in park near
Spotsylvania Court House. About five o'clock that afternoon an attack was made on one of our wagon trains on the Fredericksburg
road, directly in our rear by a part of Ewell's forces. It was suddenly begun, and for a little while it seemed as if success would attend
the musketry was very sharp, and the engagement lasted about an hour, resulting in a complete repulse of the enemy, though not
without a severe loss in killed and wounded on our side. The 2d battalion of the 4th Heavy Artillery was acting as skirmishers or
pickets at the time of the assaults, and I have been told that success on our part was due in a great measure to their stubbornness
in resisting the advance of the rebel line, until reinforcements came up. And then the timely arrival of a Maryland regiment returning
from furlough, coming from Fredericksburg helped materially in the repulse. Major Forsyth of your city, was also actively engaged
with a small force of cavalry.
Our battery was ordered in the same position occupied the day before, to the left and front, in anticipation of an attack from that
quarter. There was no demonstration made, however. We remained there all the next day. Towards evening, bands of music along
the federal and rebel lines, almost within sight of each other, struck up several airs most industriously. A Union band would play the
Star Spangled Banner with a response from rebeldom with Dixie. Then the lively music of Yankee Doodle or the patriotic strains of
Hail Columbia would be heard, followed on the other side by the Bonnie Blue Flag. The music was varieated with the occasional
whizzing and zipping of a sharp-shooter's bullet. Is there a greater anomaly in the world than this matter of fighting between man
and man?
On Saturday, the 21st inst., the army began what I denominate its third flank movement on the enemy's right. We took up our line of
march that forenoon in the direction of Guinney's Station—moved through a beautiful country, very level, well cultivated, but thinly
settled. The roads, as in fact are nearly all the roads we have traveled over since leaving Spotsylvania C. H., were lined on either
side with beautiful cedar trees, and were in excellent condition. Fine large plantations, with elegant mansions, were scattered here
and there, but their beauty and elegance, and all about them soon became destroyed and a waste as our army advanced, pillaging
and marauding being more characteristic of this campaign than any other I ever participated in. Houses have been thoroughly
ransacked and robbed of everything in a number of instances; elegant libraries, totally destroyed, and vandalism appears to have
had full sway. A shame and disgrace is all this to our army and cause, doing us no good, but working us great evil.
Encamping near Guiney's Station Saturday night, we resumed the march at 9 o'clock the following morning, over the Telegraph
Road, almost due south. It was warm and dusty. Marched about fifteen miles that day. There was some skirmishing in front of the
column. We took position once, but were not in action. That night we encamped near Pole Cat creek. The march was resumed the
next morning at 5 o'clock, Battery L following Ayer's division. It was a lovely morning, but the heat became quite intense by noon.
Fields of waving grain and beautiful landscapes were to be seen on every hand. For the first time during the campaign, it became
necessary for us to forage for our horses, the supplies of grain being limited and nearly exhausted. The country is well supplied with
corn, or rather was before the system of foraging was resorted to. We have seen nothing, from the appearance of the country or the
rebel prisoners, to indicate that starvation is or has been staring the to be hoped for "tottering" Southern Confederacy in the face. All
the prisoners I have seen looked strong and hearty, equally well as our own men.
We reached the North Anna river about 3 P. M. on the 23d inst. The 2d and Burnside's corps moved on our left, the 6th corps in rear
of the 5th. The advance of our corps crossed the river at Jericho’s Ford, by fording, and the speedy construction of a pontoon
bridge, soon allowed all the corps to cross. The banks of the river at this point, as all along the river, so far as I could see, are very
high and steep, and difficult of descent and ascent. The river is about the width of the Genesee. The enemy made no attempt to
impede the progress of our troops while crossing the river. Rifle batteries were put in position on the north banks, to cover the
passage of the troops. Our battery was on the extreme left, about a quarter of a mile below Jericho’s Ford. By 5 o'clock, the corps
By 5 o'clock, the corps being on the south side, with several light 12 pound batteries, an advance was begun by extending the left
and front of our lines. The right was left more or less exposed. The troops had not moved forward very far when all of a sudden, a
terrific musketry fire way opened, and at the same time, a rebel battery belched forth its shot and shell, by an enfilade fire, into the
midst of our troops, causing considerable disaster and disorder. This battery was to our left and front, about fifteen hundred yards
distant, and we had a good range of it. We opened fire, as did another battery on our right, and in ten minutes the hostile battery
was silenced.
In the meantime our infantry was hotly engaged with the rebel infantry, and were being roughly handled. In advancing they had
alighted on what was almost an ambuscade, and were received with such deadly volleys of musketry that they broke and began to
retire in great haste and confusion. These were not new men but old veterans who had borne the brunt of terrible battle time and
again, and had so distinguished themselves in the various conflicts in which they had fought that they had won the proud distinction
of the "Iron Brigade." But there are times when scarred and war-worn soldiers cower before the "leaden rain and iron hail of battle,
particularly when such a furious storm bursts upon them at an unlooked for moment. While our infantry were thus falling back in bad
order, and matters looked as though the who1e of the 5th corps would be driven into the river, the light twelve pounder batteries
were quickly put in position and began their death dealing work. Battery H of our regiment, commanded by Captain Mink, a brave
and fearless officer who has fought the rebellion from the beginning and whose battery did excellent service on Peninsula, poured
forth double shares of canister into the rebel ranks immediately in front; and very soon the onset of the enemy was stayed. The
infantry were rallied and in turn began to drive the rebels. Battery D of our regiment did good execution. Never was the strength and
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efficiency of the artillery arm of the service more marked than on this occasion. It saved the day, in all probability, saved the 5th
corps, or changed what was likely to prove a terrible disaster to our army into a victory. Those on the north side of the river, who had
an extended view of all that was transpiring on the south side, trembled for the result of the issue as they saw our troops breaking
and hurriedly falling back towards the steep banks of the river. The thought of another Ball Bluff disaster, or something similar,
occurred to their minds. Two officers of our regiment were wounded in this engagement, one mortally, Capt. Davis of Battery E
Brigade Inspector, who was shot in the neck and shoulder and died while being conveyed to Fredericksburg. He had been recently
promoted to a Captaincy and was a fine man and officer. Lt. Matthewson, in command of Battery D at the time of action, received a
flesh wound in his leg. He had just been relieved at his own request, acting assistant Adjutant General of the artillery brigade of our
corps in order to assume command of the above battery.
On Tuesday afternoon, May 24th, we crossed the North Anna and encamped near the river till the morning of the 26th, when we
recrossed the river, and again went into camp near the north bank. A heavy rain fell in the morning during our march, and all hands
got the benefit of a thorough drenching. The 6th corps had recrossed the river the night previous, and was on its way to the
Pamunky. Another flank movement by our army. Gen. Grant found Lee too strongly and formidably entrenched to turn his position
on the North Anna, and the disposition of our troops was such, owing to the nature of the river and the enemy's works, that it was
impossible to reinforce one wing or corps, by another in case of necessity, without first crossing the river and then re-crossing it—
which before that was accomplished Lee might be able to totally defeat a part of our army, by massing his forces at that particular
point. There is no mistake that our army was in a bad shape at the North Anna river, and Gen. Meade is reported to have said, when
the army had returned to the north side of the river, that it was a matter of congratulation the enemy did not take advantage to mass
his troops against any single corps or wing of our army.
The destruction of a portion of the Virginia Central R. R., leading to Gordonsville, was one thing accomplished by the movement to
North Anna river. I think the loss of life in the two or three days' desultory engagements, was greater on our than on the rebel side.
At 6 p. m., on the day of recrossing the river, we were ordered to be ready to move. After patiently waiting for nine long hours for the
movement to begin we moved out and marched very rapidly all day, reaching Brandy Mine at 9 o'clock p. m. Our march was through
a rich, fertile country and over fine roads, like the marches of the few preceding days. We passed a most magnificent plantation, the
property of a widow lady who has a son commanding a rebel battery. The negro huts, fifteen or twenty in number, were laid out in
the form of a semicircle of uniform size, and the mansion, the residence of the widow, was purely Virginian, of the real "manor" kind.
There were fifty negroes on the place when the advance of our column reached it, but we venture to say, that they have all availed
themselves ere now of the benefits of the emancipation. We saw two or three cart loads of big blacks and little blacks with all their
motley worldly effects, drawn by oxen, following in the wake of the army. So much more of the rebellion crushed, thought we, if
slavery has been the sole cause of it and is all that actually keeps it alive.
Early Saturday morning our march was resumed and the hottest and dirtiest one we have experienced in the campaign. I have
mentioned our arrival at the Pamunky, our crossing the river, and our movements up till to-day. As before conjectured, I think it
probable this campaign will terminate in taking Richmond by siege if Lee retires to its defences. Grant's object appears to be the
defeat and dispersion of Lee's army if possible, possession of rebel Capital being a minor consideration with him. We believe he is
right. It is the rat we are after, not so much the rat hole.
The army's base of supplies is now at White House Landing I have been informed. We are about eighteen twenty miles from there,
and communication is open and safe. Reinforcements continue to arrive daily, sometimes in groups of five thousand each. The
inhabitants the country which have passed are astounded at such multitudes men. They declare that Richmond must be conquered
by what they consider such countless numbers. woman not from hope that it might fall into the Yankees' hands before Saturday
night. She, like hundreds of citizens of the Old Dominion, of the war, and well they may be, have been stripped and robbed of
everything.
James W. Angus of Palmyra, one of the buglers of the company, has been missing since Thursday of the 19th inst. was dispatched
on an errand that morning, while we lay at Spotsylvania C. H. and has not been seen or heard of since. He was and is that he lost
strayed lines and was prisoner into the hands of some guerrillas.
G. B.
Tuesday, May 31,—As anticipated, the heavy picket and skirmish morning, resulted in quite a severe engagement before night. The
First division of the 5th corps had been gradually advancing to the left all the 2 clock in the afternoon the rebels were seen about in
front of the line of the 5th corps, drawn up for battle. They constituted a part of Ewell's corps and soon became engaged with our
troops. They made a furious charge on battery D of our regiment, approached within one or two hundred yards of it, when the
deadly and fearful effects of canister charges, and the volleys of musketry caused the rebels to break and run. Then ensued an
awful carnage. Hundreds were slain and wounded, and many were taken prisoners! Among the killed was a rebel Brigadier General
and a number of line officers. I visited the field morning where the was made, and the ground was strewn with the dead, presenting
one War's most horrid sights. A large pioneer corps has been employed all the forenoon dead and taking off their wounded.
In the midst of yesterday's conflict, and when it seemed as if the enemy would drive our troops, our battery was ordered to the front
on a double quick — or a in artillery parlance,— under the fire of We took positions on the left of where the charge was made,
immediately opened fire on the was throwing its destructive missiles our Half an hour's engagement sufficed to silence our hostile
neighbor, and we heard no more from it. We suffered no casualty.
There was heavy cannonading on the right of our lines, by Burnside's corps, I believe. There had been more or less firing in that
direction all this forenoon. seem be massing troops there. The flanks of our army are now more posed in this more open, level
country, and will have to be watched carefully, or Lee will be apt to attack one or the other with an overwhelming force. Our right
wing is said to rest within six or seven miles of Richmond. We wonder where the close of will find the army? This is the last day of
May. The last day of and what, and where then?
G. B.
From Battery L— Change of Base - - Death of Lt. De Mott.--Night Assaults
NEAR GAINES' MILL,
June 7, 1864.
The name of Gaines' Mill must sound very familiar to my readers, for it is the name of the first great battle that was fought at the
commencement of Gen. M'Clellan's preparations to change his base of operations against Richmond from the Peninsula to the
James river. Two years ago the 27th of this month this battle was fought, and although Gen. Porter was defeated it was a defeat
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which cost the enemy one of the severest and deadliest struggles to accomplish that have taken place during the war. All day long
the conflict raged, the rebels numbering two to one against the Union troops, and attacking every point of our lines in superior force
and the most determined manner. Seventy thousand troops against thirty-five thousand, how was it possible to contend successfully
against such overwhelming numbers, and yet, the point aimed at and desperately fought for by the enemy was not obtained, and
owing to the unequaled bravery, valor, and discipline of our men. And then the series of sanguinary engagements which followed
that of Gaines' Mill in daily succession, have made the ground all about this locality memorable and historic. Coal Harbor is near
here, where army headquarters have been established for about a week past. I think they were moved further to the left yesterday.
We have been here, encamped, since late Sunday night. Nearly all the 5th corps was in this vicinity, yesterday morning, enjoying a
season of rest, but two, if not three divisions, are now in position, or are moving to take one. The first division, Gen. Griffin, with
three batteries, has gone to Bottom's Bridge, and I understand that the whole army is soon to cross the Chickahominy. It seems to
be the general impression among the troops, that military operations are to be transferred to the James River, but it is next to
impossible to ascertain with any degree of positiveness, what is transpiring in the army, outside of one's own immediate command,
much more, what is going to transpire. There has probably never been a campaign when so little was known what was going on in
the field, or what movements were likely to take place outside of the commanding General. Corps commanders have been kept in
the dark, absolutely so, very frequently as to the main designs and plans of the General commander. It has been a matter of almost
as great conjecture to them at times as to what general army movements meant, as to subordinate officers. Perhaps the success
that has attended this campaign is due in a measure to the secrecy with which it has been carried on by Grant and Meade.
Since last writing our battery has been engaged two or three times with the enemy's batteries, but no causality has occurred. Last
Thursday we took position from the right to the extreme left of the 5th corps, the right of the 18th corps resting on our left, about a
mile distant. We advanced to the position under a heavy artillery fire and exposed to the fire of sharpshooters. It was a very difficult
matter to get range of the rebel guns, some of them 20 or 23 pounders, they being very much under cover and concealed by two
belts of timber. After a pretty hot artillery duel, both sides seemed to suspend firing as if by mutual consent, though we gave the last
shot The firing was renewed occasionally during the following day, we beginning it early the next morning, a general attack was to
be made that morning along our lines, so I was informed, but the fighting was confined chiefly to the right, between Burnside's and
Warren's corps, and a large force of the rebels. It was a desperate battle, the enemy trying to turn our right flank, and cause a
disastrous defeat to our army. He was driven back, however, with great slaughter, but not without inflicting a severe loss on our side
too. The afternoon previous, when the Fifth corps was advancing to the left, the rebels attempted to break our lines, but Burnside
was near by and saved the day.
All through this campaign, whenever a flank movement has been made, or when the lines have been extended to the left, the plan
has been to move the corps which was on right to the left, then the next corps to the left of that, and so on until the first corps thus
moved, became the right of the line again. A kind of telescopic plan of field manoevering.
The Change of Base-Crossing James River--Battery L
NEAR CHARLES CITY COURT HOUSE,
Va., June 15, I864.
Another movement of the Army of the Potomac by the left flank. Another change of ''base." The life of operations which Gen. Grant
tho't and declared he would use if it took all summer has certainly been abandoned, and that line is in process of adoption by which
Gen. McClellan first proposed to operate against Richmond, but which, for well known reasons he had to abandon for the
Chickahominy. We all believed that Grant was too much of a soldier and too great a general to adhere to a certain line of military
operations, when it became necessary to change it for a better and more practicable one, even though he had made a public and
official declaration that he should operate on such a line only. The change of base and operations to the south bank of the James
River is proof of Gen. Grant's wisdom and strategical abilities in accommodating himself to circumstances, and conforming his
conduct to such movements as will best insure the capture of Richmond and the defeat of Lee's army.
Before this reaches you, the whole army will doubtless have crossed the James River and begun operations on the south side of
that famed stream. Already a portion of it has crossed, part of the 2d corps and some of the 6th. I have been informed "Baldy"
Smith's troops have also recrossed, taking transports at the White House. My letter, you perceive, is dated near Charles City Court
House. It lies about a mile directly east of our camp and is the present location of Grant's and Meade's headquarters. South of us
about half a mile is the "beautiful James;" beautiful in itself and in its surroundings, a broad and placid stream, with picturesque
banks, reminding us of the beauties of our own "beloved Hudson." Sitting at our tent we can see the smoke of steamers or
propellers, lying at the landing—called Wilcox's - for moving up and down the river, and the occasional whistle of the engines breaks
the stillness pervading in camp.
We arrived at this point Monday night about 12 o'clock, leaving the Chickahominy that afternoon at 4 o'clock, and making a very
rapid march. Our own battery, with two or three others, and a brigade of the 4th division of the 5th corps, moved in rear of the 5th
corps with the remainder of the corps waiting till a later hour to move and taking a different route. We were on the south side of the
Chickahominy, near Bottom's Bridge, on Monday, for a few hours only, having crossed that war-historic stream early Monday
morning at Long Bridge, or between long and Bottom's Bridge, I don't know which. We moved up the river about two miles, halting
for the time above mentioned. The Chickahominy is too familiar to my readers to require any attention from my pen. Suffice it to say
that we saw all we wished of it, had no desire to remain and operate in its swamps, and were glad enough when we escaped its
unattractive and malarious district and entered upon the healthy and open fields in the direction of James River. What the
Chickahominy must have been when McClellan was operating along it and its vicinity, I never fully imagined, until I came to see the
sluggish stream buried in an almost impenetrable thicket of woods surrounded by huge swamps. Now, the grounds on which
McClellan's operations are conducted, are dry and easily traversed, a consequence of the splendid weather which has
characterized this campaign; but then, the heavy and constant rains made the soil vast beds of mud and slough, and the wonder is
how Gen. McClellan was ever able to conduct military operations at all, why he didn't give up in despair with such an array of
obstacles and elements to contend against, political and natural. His lofty and devoted patriotism, and his great military genius,
saved the army and saved the country.
The onward course of Grant from the Rapidan to the James is due not a little to the bright suns and genial air, to the incomparably
good roads with which the Lieut. General has been favored from the commencement of the campaign. And then, who will say that
mischievous politicians have not been kept at bay, that they have been allowed to interfere with the operations and movements of
the Army of the Potomac, counseling and advising Gen. Grant to do this and not to do that, and setting up their peculiar views as to
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how military matters should be conducted, in opposition to men of military education and science. And then again, and this has not
been withheld, but men and material have been given without stint, reinforcements have been furnished in full, responsive to all
demands for them, and in a word, most happily and rejoicingly, the conduct of the war has been entrusted, on the let alone principle,
to Lieut. General Grant, who has proved himself eminently worthy of the trust and responsibility committed to him, and who, we
devoutly hope, will become the hero of Richmond as he now is the hero of Vicksburg.
As I write, distant cannonading can be heard in the direction of the Chickahominy apparently. It has been exceedingly quiet for the
past few days. The enemy has not been disposed, seemingly so at least, to impede the army's movements, and few demonstrations
have been made. I suppose it is about time to hear from our cavalry who started off the other day on a general raiding and
destructive tour towards Gordonsville, Charlottesville, & c.
John C. Minnamon of our battery, wounded in the foot at Spottsylvania C. H., necessitating amputation, is reported to have died in
the hospital Washington. His death is a severe loss to the battery, as he was one if its best and truest members, a good, brave and
veteran soldier, a boon companion, beloved by his comrades and officers, who deeply mourn his loss. Precious indeed it that
country upon whose altar is voluntarily offered such a life as that of our late friend and comrade.
The weather continues beautiful and the troops are in the very best of spirits. The country about here is the finest I have seen in
Virginia, the greatest wheat growing district in the State, I understand. We are encamped in a large wheat field, or what was once
such, constituting part of an extensive and elegant plantation. A mansion across the road is said to have been the residence of
President Tyler. The infantry are crossing the river on trans-ports, and the batteries and trains, I have been told, are to cross over on
pontoons.
G.B.
From Battery L — The Hospitals-Explosion of the Mine and the Result.
FIFTH CORPS HOSPITAL
July 29, 1864
I did not think when I last wrote that three or of four weeks would elapse before writing again, and t hat my next letter would be
dated from a hospital. Your correspondent was congratulating himself on his fortunate exemption from sickness in the field, and was
disposed to lay the flattering unction to his soul that he should escape while in the service the many " ills which flesh is heir to." But
this malarious region of the country was too much for him. -Like hundreds, if not thousands, in the army who are or have been sick
with the same complaint, he was attacked with malarial fever, and this accounts for the delay in writing, and the place of date. A
resort to quinine — the all-healing antidote for malarial fevers, and the great preventive too, if used in season and judiciously-soon
disposes of this fever, and puts a man on his feet again, though his steps at first after recovery must needs be somewhat "shaky"
and few in number. Such is the experience of the writer, at any rate.
The Fifth Corps Hospital, and particularly the Artillery Brigade portion of it, is very pleasantly situated, on high, dry ground,
surrounded by scattering trees, a heavy woods extending to the left, airy, and free from dust. Across a narrow ravine in front is a
number of old rebel huts, pretty well dilapidated, but giving proof of former comfort and substantiality. They were probably built
during the Blackwater campaign in '62. North of the hospitals, about a mile and a half, are the 10th and 18th corps, near which the
enemy's works were unsuccessfully assailed, when operation first began here. Occasionally a stray shot or shell finds its way over
in this vicinity, but seldom, doing any harm.
There are those present about four hundred patients in the four division and artillery brigade hospitals of this corps, sick and
wounded, all doing very well, with few exceptions. The medical care, good nourishment and kind attention and treatment extended
to the patients are all that can be asked in the field, judging from what I know and have seen here in the artillery hospital. The
Sanitary and Christian Commissions have established stations here, whence are distributed in bountiful profusion stores, reading
matter and various supplies. An order from the surgeon will procure almost any delicacy to be found in a large city. The two
Commissions are both the Good Samaritans and the Good shepherd.
An order has been received since commencing this to send a large number of the sick and wounded in the several corps hospitals
to the general hospital at City Point, It is the current report that there is to be a general attack by our forces on the enemy's line tomorrow
morning and the above order goes to confirm its correct-ness. Sure it is that the most active preparations for something
have been in progress the past four weeks. New and large forts have been thrown up, the heaviest mortars have been put in
position and wherever it has been possible to plant a gun, light or heavy calibre, there one may be found strongly entrenched and
frequently made bomb-proof.
Battery L, commanded at present by Lieut. Anderson, has gone into one of the large square forts, recently built, a short distance to
the left and in the rear of the position occupied by the battery for the last four or five weeks. This fort lies on the west side of the
Jerusalem plank road and is intended purely for defensive purposes. It is about four hundred feet square, contains a brigade of the
3d division and two batteries including our own. Battery L is now in position facing the opposite direction from what it was, fronting
an imaginary or apprehended enemy, instead of a real foe, its guns pointing away from Petersburg, towards the South, in lieu of
pointing northward, in the direction of the city. This is to guard against an attack, which the enemy may possibly make in our rear.
Battery L's guns will necessarily be silent the battle of to-morrow, if there be one.
We have been favored with two good, heavy rain storm since my last, and I need not tell my reader how joyfully acceptable they
were. Sixty consecutive days' envelopment in heat and dust had produced earnest longings for rain. August and September will
doubtless be the severest months for the army.
July 30.
The great attack took place this - morning, lasting for three or four hours. The cannonading was as terrific as that at Gettysburg. The
fighting I am told, was of the most desperate character, and yet, the enemy was taken so much by surprise, and was so panicstricken
at the explosion of the mine, that our troops at first took possession of the first line of works with comparative ease. The
details of the fight I have not learned, further than that one, some say two, lines of works were captured in front of Burnside's corps.
How many guns and prisoners were taken, I do not know.
The action began at half-past four o'clock, the batteries first opening fire at a signal being given. This signal was the explosion of a
mine under the Battery or fort in front of the advanced position of Burnside's corps. The mine was sprung and immediately the
batteries all opened a most galling and destructive fire. The explosion of the mine, is described, by eyewitnesses, as one of the
grandest sights of the war, and yet, sad enough in its results to the enemy. A regiment of two or three hundred rebels, and a battery,
are said to have been destroyed, when the work blew up, ten or twelve men escaping, only, two or three of whom were captured,
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and reported the above. These prisoners stated that they had been told a mine was being dug under the fort, and they excavated to
the depth of fifteen feet, but finding no mine, concluded there was none. By digging five feet further they might have discovered it.
Twelve thousand pounds of powder were in the mine. At the explosion, the earth was thrown up, like a great water spout, fifty feet in
the air. It resembled a great cone, a mass of earth, mingled with smoke.
The plan was, as soon as the mine was sprung for a storming party to advance over the ruins of the explosion, and so soon as
entrance was effected a strong body of troops was to move to the right and left behind the enemy's line, to clear out his troops, and
move to the front to gain the crest of an important hill, and if possible to enter the town of Petersburg. This plan was carried out in
part, but the crest was not taken and the city of Petersburg is not ours yet. About nine or ten o'clock orders were issued from army
headquarters to suspend further action, and as I now write everything is very quiet, except the occasional firing of a gun or of
skirmishers. Whether the attack will be renewed to-day or to-morrow, or postponed for a season, I do not know. What our losses
have been I cannot tell but must refer my readers to other correspondents.
Battery L was not engaged, as none of the batteries or troops were on the extreme left of the 5th corps, and hence, fortunately, I
have no casualties to record in the battery.
Major R. H. Fitzhugh, on Col. Wainwright's staff of our regiment, was hit by a bullet in the right side while standing near a battery on
the extreme right of the 5th Corps; but he escaped with a flesh wound, and is here at the hospital lying on the left of your
correspondent, doing well. We like the Major. He is a "good fellow" and a brave officer. We console him, or try to do so, by assuring
him that his wound will take him home for thirty or sixty days, and that will "pay.'' The regiment could ill afford to lose Major Fitzhugh
permanently.
This is one of the hottest days of the season, sultry and oppressive. Fatigue admonishes me that I must close, and with the
expectation of delivering this personally, I remain, &c.,
G. B.
P. S.—News has just reached the hospital that the rebels have retaken the works we took this morning capturing a considerable
number of our troops in the bargain. This is certainly not very encouraging. After weeks of the severest toil at sieging, mining,
building forts, &c., after all the extensive preparations made for the taking of Petersburg, and after a partial success of the plans,
which were first put into operation this morning,—after all this, to lose all or the little we gained and the result of the most arduous
labors, and be put back exactly where the army had position previous to the attack, this is not a very cheering thought, surely. Well, I
suppose we must "up and at them" again. Endurance and pertinacity will conquer in the end, so it is said. But we predict a new base
or line of operations in a very few days.
I am reliably informed that had our troops pushed vigorously on at the attack this morning after taking the first line of works, the
second and third would certainly have been carried, the rebel forces would have been divided and a great victory would have been
achieved. Petersburg would have been ours. There was blundering somewhere. Our troops were halted after taking the first line of
works, and halted long enough to enable the rebels to rally to enfilade our forces with a murderous artillery fire, flank the negro
brigade, which caused the "colored braves" to break and run, and then there was confusion, disorder and disaster. Perhaps it will be
denominated another of those unfortunate " accidents" which we were told happened at the disastrous battle of Fredericksburg.
Army of the Potomac—Battery "L" in Winter Quarters—Rejoicing Over Victories—Promotions, &c.
BATTERY "L," CAMP WAINWRIGHT, Va.,
Dec. 24, 1864.
As the caption of my letter denotes, we are no longer stationed at Fort Keene, where we lay for nearly three months, but are now
three miles east of that Fort, in rear of Fort Stevenson, and about six miles from Petersburg. Fort Stevenson is located along the
rear line of works, fronting North and South, and is one of the largest fortifications there is in this field, capable of accommodating
thirty guns. All the Fifth Corps are at present in the reserve, encamped between the Weldon and Jerusalem roads. I say all, but this
is not strictly correct, for three of the 5th Corps batteries are now at the front, along the lines of the 9th Corps, and will remain there
two weeks, when they will be relieved by three more batteries from the same corps, and so on until all the batteries have served two
weeks, when they will again take their respective turns. Battery "L's" turn will come next month. Only the guns and gun detachments
go to the front, the horses, caissons, & c., remaining here in camp, which was named Camp Wainwright, in honor of Brevet Brig.
Gen. Wainwright, Chief of Artillery of the Fifth Corps. The camp is near Fifth Corps headquarters, and when the batteries have
completed their winter quarters, on which they are busily at work, it will be in every respect a fine camp. It is in the form of a square,
there being on each side from two to four batteries. Gen. Wainwright's headquarters are at the northwest corner, and so situated as
to overlook the whole camp. Inside the square the ground is well adapted for drill. Each battery has a front of about one hundred
yards. The men's huts are built in one row, thirty yards in rear of the park, each hut 12 by 14 feet and 6 feet high, calculated to hold
eight men and a non-commissioned officer. The internal arrangements are such as to give the non-commissioned officer in charge
of each hut the means of carrying out in the fullest manner the regulations prescribing the duties of a non-commissioned officer in
charge of a squad. The huts are certainly very nice and comfortable, each with a large fire-place in the rear and centre, and as to
Battery "L," it can boast of brick fire-places, with chimneys warranted not to smoke. Good stables will he built, and elaborate
preparations for a winter's sojourn in this locality are the order of the day. No positive orders have been issued from army
headquarters, but the matter was intimated by Gen. Warren of our corps, and that was amply sufficient for the troops to act upon.
They seem content to keep Gen. Lee's army at a stand still by simply confronting it, while Sherman and Thomas are making terrible
havoc with the rebel forces further south.
Last night news was received of the capture of Savannah with 15,000 men, the utter defeat of Hood's army, the hopeful prospect of
the fall of Wilmington, the straightened condition of matters at Richmond, the bronchial affection and confinement to the house of
King Jeff and the apparent speedy collapse of all rebellion generally. As these joyful tidings were communicated to the different
camps, the air resounded with cheers and shouts, with the beating of drums, the music of bands, the roar of cannon, and
demonstrations of delight and enthusiasm all along the lines. "The war is ended," shouted one soldier. "The rebels are played out,"
cried another. "Hurrah for Sherman, and bully for Thomas," said a third. "Glorious news, isn't it?" was the remark of all to each other.
Surely the Southern Confederacy, in a military point of new, is in a most damaged plight, and is truly "reeling" under the ponderous
blows of our noble troops. No wonder the Richmond Examiner utters a tirade of invective against Jeff. Davis and prophesies naught
but evil and disaster to the rebel cause if things go on as they have gone on in the hands of Hood. Bright and cheerful indeed is the
situation for our side. May it continue to grow more and more so until by the blessing of God the armed force of rebellion shall be
broken and Peace and Union shall be restored to our land! Heaven grant that from these great and glorious military victories over
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the enemies of our country may be evoked by wise, sagacious and practical statesmanship the fruits which such triumphant
successes ought to yield.
I have the pleasure of recording two more promotions in Battery "L." First Sergeants Charles A. Rooney and Frederick Deitz have
both been commissioned as 2d lieutenants in the First N. Y. Artillery Regiment. They joined the Battery at its earliest organization
and passed through the grades of non-commissioned offices, filling their positions with credit to themselves and dignity to the
company. Brave and reliable in battle, soldierly and faithful in camp, re-enlisted veterans in the service of their country, they have
justly won and will honorably bear their commissions.
Lieut. Rooney has been assigned to duty in B company, and Lieut. Deitz remains with Battery L. Lieut. William H. Shelton has been
transferred from D Battery to his old command, Battery L, and ordered to report immediately to the latter. Unfortunately he cannot do
that, as he is a prisoner in the enemy's hands, having been since the battle of the Wilderness. During his imprisonment he has been
prompted from a second to a first Lieutenancy. We sincerely hope to hear of his speedy release or exchange. He will receive a.
most cordial welcome from his old comrades.
The weather is very cold. The frigid temperature or something else causes deserters to come into our lines daily. I have seen
several the past few days, minus overcoats and blankets, and very scantily not to say shabbily appareled. And by the bye, speaking
of rebels' clothes, reminds me of what a certain member of Battery L (my readers may call him a loyal copperhead if they please) did
to-day. Seeing a pair of old, grim, dirty, worn-out pants lying on the ground in front of headquarters, formerly the property no doubt,
from their size, of a little "grayback"—for they were exceedingly small in dimensions—he very tenderly picked them up, hung them
on a tree and pinned thereto a piece of paper on which was inscribed the following significant quotation and record:
" FROM THE CRADLE"
Franklin …. 5,000
Nashville …. 10,000
Savannah…. 15,000
It was suggested that they be boxed up and sent to the Lieutenant General.
DAILY UNION & ADVERTISER,
FRIDAY EVENING, JAN. 13, 1865.
Battery L BATTERY "L," CAMP WAINWRIGHT VA.,
Jan. 5th, 1865.
One would scarcely know from observation and experience here in the army, that Christmas and New Year's days, the great
holidays of the year, had come and gone. It may be that their observance was more joyously and particularly marked outside of our
brigade command, but nothing of a very festal character occurred at Camp Wainwright. The men of the several batteries devoted
these time-honored days mostly to the building and completion of their log domiciles. The chimnies of most of the huts were
sufficiently advanced to admit of a visit from Santa Claus or St. Nicholas, had these generous and distinguished personages been
disposed to make a call. Indeed, so commodious are some of the chimneys that "Old Nick" might have entered and descended
them with his whole budget of holiday gifts, and then he might have got lost. These chimneys are remarkable on more than one
account; not only for their goodly proportions, so characteristic of those belonging to the mansions of the "Old Dominion," and
excellent drawing qualities, but they combine all the advantages of ventilation so essential in a sanitary point of view.
The day following Christmas, Batteries L and H were ordered to proceed to the field in front of Ninth Corps headquarters, about four
miles from Camp Wainwright, and fire a salute of one hundred guns in honor of the capture of Savannah. The order was complied
with at an early hour and the salute passed off satisfactorily. The salute was with blank cartridges, and not a shotted one, as is
customary in firing salutes along the lines of Petersburg. Loud demonstrations were in readiness to be made at the news of the fall
of Wilmington, but it fell not, and so our rejoicings for that long wished for triumph are postponed only for a short season, we hope.
Maj. Gen. Warren, commanding the Fifth Corps, extended an invitation on Monday of this week to any of his command to call on
him at his headquarters who felt so disposed. With few exceptions all the officers of the corps responded to the invitation and the
occasion was a very happy one to the General and the callers. There was a large turnout of shoulder-straps, sashes and sabres,
and Gen. Warren received his friends with a truly warm greeting and much hospitality. A fine entertainment was spread in an
adjoining tent, to which all were invited to partake of. This making and renewing the acquaintance of the general commanding the
corps and his subordinate officers is certainly a pleasant and desirable thing, considered personally, socially and militarily. Gen.
Warren is very agreeable and urbane in his manners, and is very much f liked and esteemed by his command. His black hair, dark,
swarthy complexion, keen black eyes, rather thin face with a prominent nose, and comparatively small figure, all combined have
acquired for him the sobriquet of "Little Indian." He is very quick and energetic in his movements, and is one of the hardest, most
indefatigable workers of all the officers in the army. He is pronounced one of the best engineers in the service, and several time it
has been rumored that he was to serve on Gen. Grant's staff as chief engineer. He is brave as the bravest, and is excelled by no
general, and equaled by few in forming, correctly and scientifically, a line of battle and making a proper disposition of troops in time
of engagement. If I mistake not, he is the youngest Major General of Volunteers in the Army of the Potomac. Gen. Warren is now on
leave of absence for fifteen days; but Maj. Gen. Crawford is commanding the corps.
The guns and gun detachments of Battery L are doing garrison duty along the lines of the 9th corps. They went to the front on
Monday to remain two weeks, when they will be returned to camp, where the rest of the Battery now is. One section of the battery is
where we were in position last summer, between Fort Davis (then Fort Warren) and "Fort Hell," in command of Lieut. Deits. The
other two sections are about a mile on the left, in Fort Hayes, and in command of Lieut. Perine. The pickets keep up a desultory
firing along the lines at night, and occasionally there is cannonading and mortar practice. Very seldom any casualties from all this
firing.
I will close this brief letter for the information of all concerned with a list of the noncommissioned officers of Battery L, now that the
company has undergone a partial reorganization since its original time expired, when it lost so many of its old sergeants and
corporals. The names of the present non-commissioned "staff" speak for themselves. It might not be regarded as exactly proper for
your correspondent to dilate upon their valor, efficiency, &c. Suffice it to say, that they have been tried in camp and the ordeal of
battle, and have been found not wanting:
First Sergeant—Victor Gretter; Second Q. M. Sergeant—James Kiggan; Duty Sergeants- George B. Blake, Charles T. Jones,
Adolphus S. Goodrich, Marshal Blodget, Joseph McIntyre, Judah S. Wells; Corporals—Arabel B. Morse, David Stewart, Thomas
Keate, Alert Ades, Morris King, Charles H. Koch, Frank Lake, George E. Adams, George S. Canute, George Eichorn, Charles H.
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Burdick; Buglars— Alexander Shults, A. Monroe Doane; Guidon— William P. Hughes.
G. B.
Battery L in the Late Fight at Hatcher's Run--Notes of what's Transpired.
BATTERY L, CAMP WAINWRIGHT,
Feb 12th, 1865.
Another left flank movement has been made by the Army of the Potomac, resulting in the extension of its lines about four miles, and
wresting from the enemy the ground in the vicinity of Hatcher's Run, where the scene of last October's unfortunate operations took
place. This result was accomplished with the loss of about one thousand men killed and wounded and taken prisoners on our side,
with a similar loss on the part of the enemy. The papers have furnished my readers the particulars of the movement, and so I shall
confine myself to the operations performed by Battery L and what passed under my own observation in the affair.
Three batteries, or rather two sections each of three batteries of the Fifth Corps, started off last Sunday morning, following Gibbin's
Division, namely, Batteries L and D 1st N, Y., and the 9th Mass. Battery. The guns and caissons were each drawn by eight horses,
and the men and animals were supplied with four day's rations and forage. We took the Halifax road, running nearly parallel with the
Weldon road, and then struck off in a north-westerly direction, to form a junction with the 3d corps, whose course was on the
Vaughn road. The roads were in a very favorable condition, admitting the passage of artillery and wagons with little trouble. Arriving
at Romanty Creek, or a stream which emptied into it, called Monk's Head, we found the bridge destroyed, which necessitated the
building of another, the bed of the stream being extremely marshy. This was done under the personal direction of General Warden.
Near the east side of this creek was a large frame house, surrounded by several barns, sheds and negro huts, which, before the
troops got across the stream, were all set on fire and consumed. Several buildings had been burned before this along the route of
march, but happily all deserted if I mistake not. In front of the above house, near the road, scattered on the ground, were human
bones—here the bone of an arm, there of a leg, burned and blackened, portraying fearfully the horrors of war. It was on this spot, so
I was informed, that some ambulances were abandoned or captured and destroyed by fire during Wilton's great cavalry raid on
Burkesville last summer. In these ambulances were some wounded Union soldiers, left to take care of themselves, which they were
unable to do in consequence of their helpless condition, and so they perished in the flames. The men who thus fired the buildings
were reported to have said that they wanted revenge for the fate of their burnt comrades.
In the course of our march on Sunday, we encountered no enemy, though in the afternoon the 2nd corps on our right, was hotly and
heavily engaged. We halted that evening, about six o'clock near the Vaughn road went into camp, but at 10 o'clock we were routed
up and proceeded to Hatcher's Run, reaching there about day light. Here we quietly remained on the west side of the run, while our
cavalry and infantry advanced and maneuvered against the enemy. The densely wooded character of the country hereabouts,
rendered it very difficult to use artillery on our side, and in fact, during the three days fighting, only six shots were fired by our
artillery, to my knowledge, and those were fired by a section of Battery L. on Tuesday afternoon, which, in obedience to orders
advanced to the line of our reserve pickets, and threw a few shell into some woods at an unseen battery, eliciting a reply, and the
unacceptable fire from hidden rebel sharp-shooters, who blazed away at us with their Minnie balls, hitting the carriage wheels,
sponge buckets and coming into very close personal proximity. That was no place for rifled guns, especially as not a rebel could be
seen, and so we were wisely ordered back into our old position.
But to return to Monday afternoon. The 5th corps troops were driving the enemy finely. Crawford's division was pushing forward
vigorously, supported by Griffins and Ayer's divisions and a brigade of the sixth corps. They drove the enemy full two miles from
where the Vaughn road crossed the run, and the south side road appeared to begetting within grasping distance. But just here,
matters took another turn, our line began to waver, then it broke, a kind of panic seized our troops, caused by our cavalry falling
back hastily, through our lines and by the sixth corps troops firing upon our men, and in a few minutes all the ground that had been
gained was lost and there was general confusion and disorder. The men were hurrying towards the corduroy bridge crossing
Hatcher's run, wagons and ambulances were beating a rapid retreat and in a word, there was " demoralization", and a regular
stampede.
Mounted officers and orderlies were hurrying to and fro, Gen. Warren was reported killed or captured and things looked extremely
shaky.— Bitterly L had not as yet been ordered into position, but a galloping orderly soon brought orders for us to take position, just
about where we were, and "in battery" we quickly went to await the onset of the advancing enemy, with double rounds of canister to
each gun. We thought the time had come when the true metal of the battery would be unmistakably told, and what wonder, if there
loomed up visions of Libby Prison, Andersonville or Salsbury? Our caissons and army wagons had been ordered across the Run.
The latter vehicle, while in transit over the bridge, was lifted up by the demoralized stampeders, and tossed into the stream, mules,
driver and all. The wagon was fished out the next morning, a broken concern. We very naturally regretted the wetting and loss of its
contents, containing as it did, rations, forage, baggage, &c.
The enemy after breaking our lines and driving our troops, failed to follow his advantages, and in a short time our lines were
reformed and a new start was taken from the first starting point. The rebels did not come near enough for us to fire at, and on the
reformation of our lines, we advanced to a temporary line of works where we remained in position, with the horses kept in harness
every day, until yesterday when we were relieved, as were Battery D and the Massachusetts Battery, by three other batteries of our
Brigade. We returned to camp, which is about eight miles from Hatcher's Run. Thus ended one of the severest campaigns for a
short one, as to weather, &c., we have experienced for many a month. We are now in the enjoyment of our quarters, snug and
comfortable, which took so long to build, but how long we shall tarry here is doubtful.
The 5th Corps (infantry) have not returned to their old quarters, but will occupy the new lines established on the left. The
headquarters of the corps have been moved. The batteries of our brigade continue to garrison some of the forts along the 9th
Corps. This is one of the beauties of being in the reserve, to be on hand for every movement and afford relief to those at the front.
I suppose, ere long, another attempt will be made to get possession of the South Side Road. Whether this last move was really for
that purpose or not I cannot say. I think it was made more for a diversion in favor of Sherman than any thing else, though the alleged
original object of the expedition is said to have been the capture of one of the enemy's trains on its way to Wilmington. This was
accomplished, or at least forty wagons were captured. We now hold Hatcher's Run, and have built formidable works just this side of
that stream, at Vaughn Road crossing. The entire length of our lines from the extreme right to the extreme left must now be in the
neighborhood of fifty miles. Of course the enemy's lines are proportionately as long, and yet where is the weak spot in either line, or
isn't there any? O ye despised and ridiculed spades of by-gone days, what power and virtue ye do now possess! Where the spade
was formerly used in the advance of miles by him who once commanded the Army of the Potomac, it is now used in the advance of
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yards by the army's present commander, and wisely so used.
Gen. Bragg's Brigade of veteran troops, who fought so heroically in the recent movement—a brigade of Gen. Crawford's Division—
started for Baltimore yesterday on business pertaining to the draft, we surmise. By-the-bye, speaking of the draft, we have not heard
from our honest appeal made in November last. We are waiting patiently. Come, good, loyal friends of Rochester, come, fill up the
ranks, step to the music of the Union, and don't delay for the draft or expend time and money in hunting up substitutes. Give a
helping hand to the "peace commissioners" of your heart and choice.
G.B.
Battery L to be Mustered Out of the Service.
BATTERY L, CAMP NEAR WASHINGTON,
May 30, 1865.
The Orders, disposing of Battery L as one of the batteries of the Volunteer Artillery of the Army of the Potomac, have been issued
and published, and in a few days said Battery will cease to be an organization. The Orders referred to were unexpectedly received
here this afternoon, and on making them known to the company were received with tumultuous shoutings and cheers, by those
members of the company especially who were not included under the recent orders mentioned in my last letter mustering out of
service those men whose terms of service expired before October next. Not only are such men to be mustered out and discharged,
but all officers and veterans and three years men, no matter when they enlisted or when their terms of service expire, if they belong
to the Volunteer Artillery branch of the service of this army, they are to go home. The orders to this effect were promulgated by the
War Department of Gen. Meade last evening or this morning, and in obedience to these orders the volunteer batteries of the several
corps and of the Reserve have been directed to turn in immediately their batteries, ordnance and ordnance stores at Washington
Arsenal, and their public horses and means of transportation at the Quartermaster depot. The organizations will be paid off and
mustered out of service in the respective States to which the belong. Those of the 1st N. Y. Artillery will proceed to Elmira, the
original place of rendezvous, and it is expected that by Saturday of this week we shall be en route to that place.
The batteries are feeling jubilant enough at the prospect of such a speedy return home.— There is wild enthusiasm in the camps of
the Reserve to-night, singing and dancing, torch light processions, and there is a happy time generally. Battery commanders and
their clerks are engrossed in business, making out the necessary papers preparatory to turning in their guns, horses, &c. To-morrow
night will probably see us on a "peace footing." The "dogs of war " which Battery L was wont to let loose on the would-be destroyers
of the great Republic, have done their work, and they are now about to be chained up with thousands of others like unto them, in the
nation's great kennel where are kept these frowning, angry, death-looking, war animals. May the nation never have occasion to turn
them loose again, except to celebrate over tidings of peace and joy.
My readers have read all about the grand review. We did not participate in it further than to enjoy a sight of the magnificent
spectacle. The Reserve batteries were counted out.
The illumination and torch light procession of last Thursday night, in the Filth Corps, was a grand affair, eclipsing everything of the
kind ever gotten up in towns and cities. Myriads of lights were moving and dancing on hill and plain, as far as the eye could reach,
presenting a brilliant and gorgeous appearance. It was an impromptu affair, but it couldn't have been improved, had it been long
arranged.
The want of time necessitates a brief and dull letter.
G. B.
DAILY UNION & ADVERTISER,
WEDNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 12,1865.
The Fall of the Confederacy.
BEFORE PETERSBURG,
April 4, 1865.
" Petersburg is ours! Richmond is evacuated! We have captured twelve thousand prisoners! Lee's army is gone up! The rebellion is
played out!" With such and kindred replies your correspondent was greeted on arriving at City Point and inquiring for the news.
Wasn’t all this intelligence enough to thoroughly electrify a returned Union soldier and officer to the army, and send thrilling through
soul and body, emotions of joy to deep for utterance.
Glorious news ! Magnificent news! Halleluiah! Let the people rejoice! Petersburg ours! Richmond ours! Surely, enthusiasm over the
consumption of such events, is perfectly allowable whether manifested by speakers or writers, and whose enthusiasm ought to be
greater than the men who for nearly nine long, weary, perilous months, kept watch before Petersburg and tried, time and again to
take the city, and who for nearly four years, essayed the capture of Richmond! The Herculean labors of the Army of the Potomac,
have at last been crowned with success, and the heart of the rebellion has been reached. The "Confederacy" has received its death
stroke, and when Europe hears of the fall of Petersburg and Richmond, the Southern Confederacy, which so long and earnestly
yearned for "acknowledgement," by European powers, will unquestionably be acknowledged by them, as a failure.
On my way to City Point, up the James, several large transport boats were met, en route to Washington, crowded with prisoners
captured in the recent victorious battles of Petersburg. On the wharf at City Point, thousands of more prisoners were guarded
awaiting shipment northward. Of course the sight of such vast numbers of the enemy confirmed the reality of the reports pertaining
to their capture. Between fifteen and twenty thousand rebels are said to have been captured by our forces during the week's
operations which culminated in the fall of Petersburg, and as to the capture of guns their number must exceed one hundred, or not
far short of it.
On my arrival at City Point, all was excitement, but of a very joyous and orderly kind. The news promulgated to the passengers
arriving in the steamer I took passage in, seemed too good to be true, but it came from such reliable sources, that it was not to be
doubted. As to the capture of Petersburg, I soon had the gratification of seeing and visiting the city myself, to which I will refer more
particularly before I close my letter. My first inquiry was for Battery L. I saw General Warren at City Point, and immediately accosted
him as to the whereabouts of the Fifth Corps. It was under command of General Sheridan, and moving with his cavalry in hot pursuit
of Lee's army, north of the Southside Railroad. Not very flattering prospect of reaching the Battery that night, but I must overtake it
speedily as possible. General Warren was in command, and is now of the forces at Petersburg and at Bermuda Hundred. His advice
was to take the cars and go as far as Meade's Station, eight miles from City Point, and then strike for the Fifth Corps. This station
was one of the nearest points to Petersburg, on the City Point railroad running to Hatcher's Run. Before arriving at Meade's Station,
a special train was met, conveying President Lincoln to City Point. He was returning from Petersburg. Of course he attracted no little
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attention from the passengers on our own train. There was no mistaking his face as we saw him seated in the car. It was rumored
that he was going to Richmond before returning to Washington.
At Meade's Station I ascertained that Battery L and three other batteries of the Fifth corps were temporarily assigned to the Ninth
corps, and had been ever since the preceding Wednesday. They had been engaged in attacking and taking the works in front of the
Ninth corps' line in connection with that corps while the Fifth corps, with the remaining five batteries, under Sheridan, was moving
around the enemy's right to flank and get in rear of him, which, as my readers will learn from other sources, was most successfully
and gloriously done, resulting in the capture of an entire division of Lee's army. I had not far to go, therefore, before I alighted on
Battery L, which I found encamped where I am at present writing, about a mile in rear of the Avery House, not far from Forts Morton,
Rice, Hell, and other forts adjoining them, that have become so familiarly known since the beginning of the campaign before
Petersburg.
Battery L was in position in a work in front of the Avery House, when the attack was made by the Ninth corps on the enemy's forts
confronting our own on Sunday morning before daybreak. The firing commenced about one o'clock, but soon after daylight, after
quite a spirited attack by our troops, four of the rebel forts fell into our hands, a number of pieces of artillery and two or three
hundred prisoners.— Into these captured forts the four gun detachments of Battery L were ordered to advance and work the guns
abandoned by the enemy.— This was promptly done, under command of Lieut. Deitz, who, with Lieut. Kinne, led the men on a
double quick, exposed to a severe fire of musketry and artillery which the rebels were pouring into the captured works, from forts on
either flank and in rear of them.
Arriving at one of the forts, the guns were found manned by others who had proceeded the men of Battery L for the same purpose.
They then advanced to another of the captured works, found one gun, but were unable to serve it in consequence of all the gun
implements being destroyed. They proceeded to another and found that occupied and manned also. After remaining for a while in
this work, and finding the guns efficiently served by other troops, Lieut. Deitz returned with the men to the battery, which, under
command of Lieut. Perine, engaged the enemy, whose guns were still directed at our forces in the line of works, wrested from the
rebels. The enemy made several endeavors to retake their works, but to no purpose. A desultory firing was kept up till a late hour
Sunday night, when Petersburg was evacuated, silently, but not without the Union troops perceiving what was going on. The blaze
of fires illuminated the air about Petersburg, which proved to be the conflagration of bridges, tobacco and warehouses, set fire by
the rebels in their evacuation of the city. Our forces took possession of the never to be forgotten city of Petersburg immediately after
its evacuation, which was formally surrendered at half-past four o'clock, Monday morning, April 3d, by the Mayor and Common
Council, with the request for the protection of the persons and property of its inhabitants. This request, I am happy to state, has thus
far been acceded to. No real damage of any kind has been committed by our soldiers in any part of the city. The citizens have been
treated as it is right they should be, notwithstanding the many hard things which have emanated from them against us "detestable
Yankees," with the greatest respect, much, it is reported, to their surprise. There has been but little pillaging or vandalism
perpetrated.
Our troops entered the city with banners flying, music playing and the loudest rejoicing.— The citizens appeared to receive them
with considerable cordiality, for the reason, perhaps, of their deliverance from impending starvation that seemed to threaten them.
There was a general destitution of every kind of subsistence. The colored population turned out in crowds, and their reception of our
army was wildly jubilant. They demonstrated their joy in true negro style, with songs and shoutings.
I visited Petersburg last evening with several other officers and saw the city by moonlight. I was agreeably disappointed in finding it,
with the exception of that portion immediately in front of our works, very little injured by the rain of shot and shell which our batteries
had poured into the city, for so many months. In the south part of the city, near the river, a number of buildings were destroyed,
including some public structures, but the greater and most handsome part of the city escaped undamaged. I saw many very
beautiful residences, blocks of large stores, some of them with magnificent marble fronts, and the whole city looks more like our
northern cities than any place I ever saw before in Virginia. Sycamore street is the principal business street, and nearly all the
streets are finely paved. The city is located on a slope of ground descending towards the river environed by hills and with very
handsome surroundings. The main road leading into the city from the direction of the Avery House, where the 5th corps formerly
had its headquarters, has high banks on either side, and on that side facing the city, I noticed a number of excavations, "gopher
holes" so called, which had been made for the protection of the inhabitants from the iron missiles of our guns. Here and there were
caves dug in the hills, with openings at the top in the centre, which had the appearance of chimneys. Although the gas works are
mostly destroyed, portions of the city were illuminated with gas. The city is supplied with water from a large reservoir situated on a
hill. A very pretty cemetery is on the south side of the town, which was exposed to the fire from our batteries in the siege of
Petersburg, but it is little injured.
Confederate notes in the city are at an enormous discount, worth about one cent per cord. Corn cob flour, in confederate money in
Petersburg, is worth six dollars a quart. Wheat flour twelve hundred dollars a barrel. The price of a shave by colored barbers, only
three dollars. All other prices in the same ratio.
I forgot to mention while speaking of the buildings, that I passed the Petersburg Express office which was dimly illuminated, and in
possession no longer of the former editor but of an editorial staff who issued from the office yesterday, in Petersburg, for the first
time since the commencement of the rebellion, a Union paper, called "Grant's Petersburg Progress." Its editors, assistant editors,
foreman and compositors are composed of officers and soldiers. I will enclose you a copy, which is by no means a bad sheet.
But I must close. An order has just come requiring your correspondent to send at daylight to-morrow morning sixty horses from his
battery, in charge of twenty men, to the front, to Gen. Wainwright in command of the artillery with the 5th corps. An officer of Gen.
W.'s staff is here, who reports that Gen. Sheridan is about thirty miles northwest of Petersburg, a little south of the Appomattox,
trying to get the start of Lee and prevent him from going to Lynchburg. This officer says that troops were never moved faster than
were those of the 5th corps yesterday. Had it not been that they felt so exultant over their great successes they never could have
marched so far and rapidly. The old Fifth corps has covered itself with glory in its brilliant achievements over the enemy.
The batteries moving with the corps are in urgent need of horses, and Battery L, being at rest at present, is called upon to furnish
them. We are to be supplied with new horses as soon as they can be had from City Point. I understand that all the batteries which
operated in the works in front of Petersburg, or along the 9th corps line, are to be sent to City Point to be held in readiness for any
point where most needed. In other words, another Artillery Reserve is to be organized for the Army of the Potomac. We don't like to
think of being detached from the Fifth corps, but I suppose soldiers have but little business to think. It is their business to obey and
say nothing. That part of the news communicated to me, that "Lee's army is gone up" is not verified yet, but what except almost a
miracle can save it? It is composed of brave men, valorous men, but unless they are actuated by desperation, what can they do in
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the face of their overwhelming reverses and against our troops enthusiastic with victory? Their capital is gone. There government is
without a "local habitation or a name." What wait the Southern people, and the Southern armies for now? We have an answer, but
never mind.
NEAR CITY POINT, April 6.
As expected, Battery L is now about a mile and a half from City Point, constituting for the time being, one of the twenty batteries of
the Artillery Reserve of the Army of the Potomac under command of Major Theodore Miller of the 1st Penn. Artillery Regiment. The
Reserve is divided into four brigades, consisting of five batteries each. Our Brigade is the 2d, consisting of Batteries "L," "E," "C" and
"G," 1st N. Y. Artillery, and Battery "E," 5th Mass., commanded by Brevet Major Charles Phillips of the Mass. Battery. How long this
Reserve organization will last, or how long we shall remain here, is uncertain. We are almost persuaded that the fighting days of
Battery L are ended, or nearly so, but we are by no means over-sanguine on this point.
The fortunes of war are very capricious, and the Southern Confederacy, or what is left of it, may struggle along for some time to
come, so long as it can keep a respectable army in the field. It is thought by some military men that Lee will push with all the army
he can gather, for the west banks of the Mississippi and make a stand in Texas, enter into an alliance with Maximilian and get up a
war with France with our government. This may seem a very wild and absurd idea, but as long as Gen. Lee does not surrender and
can keep together any kind of a force, what can he do and where can he go? It is useless to speculate on the matter, however. Let
us hope that the restoration of Peace Union will soon be ours to rejoice over.
The address of Battery L, is now,"2d Brigade, Artillery Reserve, City Point, Va.
G.B.
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