Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Thomas Spafford Butler - update 8/20/2016

Thomas Spafford Butler was born October 2, 1840, in Eaton Rapids, Eaton County, Michigan, the son of Chauncey (1793-1858) and Aurelia (Baldwin, 1798-1847).

Chauncey (born in New York) and Aurelia (born in Connecticut) were married in May of 1815 in Eaton Rapids, MIchigan but by 1821 were living in Conewango, Cattaraugus County, New York. By 1825 the family was in Sheffield, Ashtabula County, Ohio and by 1827 back in Eaton Rapids where they resided for a number of years. The moved to Kansas City, Missouri by late 1833 but by 1840 had returned to Eaton Rapids and were still living in Eaton Rapids when Aurelia died in 1847. The family was still living in Eaton Rapids in 1858 when Chauncey died.

By 1860 Thomas was a day laborer in Lansing’s Third Ward, Ingham County, and working for John Godley who kept a livery and stable in Lansing; he may also have worked as a printer in Lansing. When the war broke out Thomas joined the “Williams’ Rifles” of Lansing, a local militia company that would serve as the nucleus for Company G of the Third Michigan infantry.

Thomas stood 5’8” with blue eyes, dark hair and a dark complexion, and was 20 years old and probably still living in Lansing (or Ingham County) when he enlisted in Company G with the consent of the Justice of the Peace on May 10, 1861. According to Frank Siverd of Company G, Thomas was in the “measles infirmary” shortly before the regiment left Michigan on June 13, 1861. (Siverd also reported that Regimental Surgeon D. W. Bliss, in order “to prevent the disease spreading, as soon as the first symptoms appear,” had all the measles cases “removed to the house of a physician, some three miles from camp.”)

It is also quite likely that Thomas was one of the three dozen or so men of the Third Michigan who were left behind in Grand Rapids to recover their health when the Regiment left for Washington in mid-June.

In any event, Thomas apparently recovered and eventually rejoined the Regiment in Virginia, but by late November of 1861 was again sick, suffering from “fever” and was presumably in the hospital. In fact, according to the War Department he was admitted to the Columbian College hospital on 14th Street in Washington, DC, on November 20, 1861, suffering from remittent fever, and was transferred on December 3, 1861. He was sick in April of 1862 suffering from “general debility” and typhoid fever in Chesapeake hospital at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, and was sent home on May 24, 1862. In fact he entered Judiciary Square hospital in Washington on May 25 and was discharged from the army for general debility on June 12, 1862 at Judiciary Square hospital in Washington, DC.

He enlisted on September 4, 1864, at Jackson, Mississippi, in Company C, 2nd Regiment, Veterans Reserve Corps (VRC) and was honorably discharged from the VRC on November 11, 1865.

It is possible that Thomas returned to Michigan after his discharge. In any case he was probably living in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska where he married Omaha native Sarah H. Thompson on March 31, 1867; they had at least one child a daughter Eleanor (b. 1869).

They were still living in Omaha in 1869, and by 1880 he was working as a farmer and living with his wife and daughter in Bloomington or Grant, Franklin County, Nebraska. Thomas may have been living in St. Ignace, Mackinac County in 1883, but by the turn of the century he was residing in Los Angeles, California.

In 1879 he applied for and received pension no. 188,454 (dated 1879).

Thomas was living in Los Angeles when he died of consumption on July 10, 1905, and was buried in Santa Ana Cemetery, Orange County, California.

His widow was living in California in August of 1905 when she applied for and received a pension (no. 605335).


Tuesday, January 29, 2008

John Butler

John Butler was born in 1832, reportedly aboard a boat on Lake Erie.

In any case, by the time the war broke out John was living in Western Michigan.

John stood 5’6” with gray eyes, brown hair and a dark complexion, and was a 29-year-old lumberman possibly living in Newaygo County, Michigan, when he enlisted in Company C on May 23, 1861. He was taken prisoner on November 12, 1862, at Rappahannock, Virginia (possibly while on picket duty) and confined at Richmond the same day. He was discharged by order of confederate General Winder on February 22, 1863, (probably in consequence of being exchanged), and returned to his Regiment. John was wounded, probably in one of his legs, at Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863, and sent to the hospital on May 8. He was sick in the hospital through June, a provost guard in July and in the hospital in August and remained hospitalized until he was discharged on May 18, 1864, at St. Elizabeth’s hospital, Washington, DC for an amputated right leg due to gunshot wound.

It is not known if John ever returned to Michigan after the war.

In 1864 he applied for and received a pension (no. 26888).

He was probably living in Port Orange, Volusia County, Florida, when he died and was buried in Spruce Creek cemetery in Port Orange.

In 1920 there was one Benjamin F. Butler, born around 1869 in Michigan, then living in Port Orange, Florida.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Alfred M. Burns

Alfred M. Burns was born 1838 in Berks County, Pennsylvania, the son of James (b. 1815) and Allace (b. 1820).

James and Allace were both born in Pennsylvania and probably married in Pennsylvania sometime before 1838. (In 1840 there was one James Burns living in Bethel, Berks County, Pennsylvania.) In any case, Alfred’s parents moved from Pennsylvania to New York sometime between 1838 and 1840, and by 1842 they had settled in Michigan. In1850 Alfred attending school with his siblings and living with his family in Lyons, Ionia County. By 1860 his family was still in Lyons, although Alfred was not listed with them. In fact he was working as a carpenter and joiner with Benjamin Donaldson in Saline, Washtenaw County.

Alfred stood 5’8” with blue eyes, sandy hair and a light complexion and was a 23-year-old mechanic in Ionia County when he enlisted as Third Sergeant in Company E on May 13, 1861. (Company E was composed in large part by men from Clinton and Ingham counties, as well as parts of Ionia County.)

Alfred was most likely the subject of the following story, reported in the Sturgis (Michigan) Journal in August of 1861:

A gentleman by the name of Burnes [sic], a member of the Third Michigan Regiment, was captured soon after the Federal forces retreated [from Bull Run], and was put in irons. After which he was robbed and then subjected to many indignities, among which he was forced against a tree and then a bayonet was thrust at him so as just to graze the body and pinion his clothes to the tree. After awhile the persecutors of Burnes left, to engage in the more refined business of plundering the dead; and he finding that one of the handcuffs was not clasped, succeeded in getting it off, and, watching an opportunity fled, and though fired upon by the rebels succeeded in making good his escape.

Alfred was discharged on July 29, 1861, at Hunter’s Farm, Virginia for “an oblique inguinal hernia left side which incapacitates him for performing the duties of a common soldier and it was caused by” extreme “exertion and fatigue and made its first appearance during the march . . . from Washington to Bull Run”. Another member of Company E, Charles Finch stated years later that the hernia occurred while Alfred was “in action” at Blackburn’s Ford, Virginia, on July 18, 1861. In fact, Alfred himself said some years afterwards that the rupture occurred while they on a double quick march to support their skirmishers at Blackburn’s Ford that he stumbled and fell.

Following his discharge Alfred returned to Michigan and he was probably the same Alfred M. Burns who enlisted as a 23-year-old Corporal in the First Michigan Lancers on December 7, 1861, at Coldwater, Branch County for 3 years, and was mustered on December 31, 1861, at Detroit. The Lancers were organized at Detroit, Saginaw and St. Johns, between November 30, 1861 and February 20, 1862, and mustered out of service on March 20, 1862. As a result, Alfred was transferred as a Private on February 28, 1862, to Company K, First United States Sharpshooters, and was mustered on March 20 (the day the Lancers were mustered out) at Detroit, listing his residence as Wayne County. (The First U.S. Sharpshooters were comprised of companies from several different states; Michigan was represented in Companies C, I and K.)

On March 22 the regiment moved to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, and subsequently participated in the advance on and siege of Yorktown April l-May 4, the Battle of Williamsburg on May 5, the battle of Hanover Court House May 27, the Seven days before Richmond June 25-July 1, the Battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines’ Mill, White Oak Swamp, and Malvern Hill. The regiment was on duty at Harrison’s Landing until August 15. It also participated in the Battle of Groveton August 29-30 and the Maryland Campaign September 6-22: the Battle of South Mountain and Antietam September, as well as the battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, December 12-15.

It also made the notorious “Mud March” of January 20-24, 1863, and remained at Falmouth, Virginia, until April. It was in the Chancellorsville Campaign April 27-May 6, and the Gettysburg Campaign June 11-July 24. It participated in the Mine Run Campaign November 26-December 2, and in the battles of the Wilderness May 5-7, Spotsylvania May 8-12, the North Anna River May 23-26 and Cold Harbor June 1-12.

The regiment joined in the siege of Petersburg from June 16 to December 31, 1864, and the numerous engagements fought in that area. The veterans and recruits of the regiment were assigned to Companies I and K in August of 1864, when the regiment was mustered out, and consolidated with the Second U.S. Sharpshooters on December 31, 1864.

It is not known if Alfred ever returned to Michigan.

He was married to Margaret Jane Jewell in Bethel, New York and they had at least one child, a daughter Lillie.

Alfred was apparently a single man by the time he was admitted to the National Military Home in Togus, Maine (no. P-867027).

He received pension no. 867,027.

Alfred died on December 19, 1898 in Togus, and was buried in the Togus National Cemetery: west cemetery, section J, row 3, no. 34, grave 1462.

Sometime in 1916 his daughter tried to reestablish contact with him, not having seen him since she was a little girl. It is not known if she was ever informed that her father had died many years earlier.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Zimry W. Burnham

Zimry W. Burnham was born 1824 in Steuben County, New York, the son of Charles (b. 1787) and Irene (b. 1791).

New York natives Charles and Irene were probably married in New York and lived there for many years before emigrating westward. Zimry (also known Z. W.) moved with his family from New York, eventually settling in western Michigan by 1850 when he was working as a carpenter and residing with his family in Grand Rapids, Kent County.

He was quite likely the same “Zimri N. Burnham” who married one Sally Patterson in Kent County on February 2, 1851; it is quite possible that they had at least two children: Warren (b. 1852) and Wayne J. (b. 1854).

By 1859-60 he was working as a carpenter and boarding at Morris Todd’s in Grand Rapids, and in 1860 Zimry was either widowed or divorced, since the census listed him as working as a carpenter and joiner and living with his two sons in Algoma, Kent County, but there is no mention of a Sally.

Zimry stood 5’8” blue eyes, brown hair and a light complexion and was 37 years old and probably still living in Algoma when he enlisted as Corporal in Company B on May 13, 1861. He was discharged for “hemorrhoids of long standing and rheumatism both of which existed previous to enlistment” on November 6, 1861, at Fort Lyon, Virginia.

After his discharge from the army Zimry returned to western Michigan and was probably living in Kent County when he married his second wife, 19-year-old Charlotte Youngblood (b. 1844) on June 29, 1862, in Kent County.

At some point Zimry moved to Nebraska where he was living in 1869 and again in 1873. During his time in Nebraska he had two more children, possibly by Charlotte: a son Laplace (b. 1869) and Martha (b. 1873).

Zimry eventually returned to Kent County and by 1880 he was working as a carpenter and living in Grand Rapids’ Fifth Ward; also living with him were his two children Laplace and Martha.

He was living in Grand Rapids in 1883 when he was violently assaulted one evening in August. At about 11:00 p.m. on Monday, August 18, “A criminal assault from the result of orchard depredations occurred.”

An old man, Zimri W. Burnham, living in the last house on Fountain Street, on the north side of the road, heard a commotion in his orchard. Going out he found four young men helping themselves to the fruit, apparently undisturbed by his presence. He had taken a hoe with him to the orchard, and in a scuffle which followed the fellows got it away from him. The noise made roused the neighbors, who ran out to the old man’s assistance. Three persons heard cries of ‘kill him’, ‘knock him down’, and similar exclamations mingled with oaths and heard one of them strike the old man with the hoe. At that occurrence and at the presence of the neighbors they ran and were pursued, one William Vanderveer being captured by Mr. David Forbes. The police were notified and Officer Groff started for the scene but met the crowd at the top of Fountain Street hill with the prisoner, whom he took and lodged in headquarters. The old man’s injuries were found to be very serious and he now lies in a precarious condition. His head is cut on the left side back of his ear very badly and he was hit on the breast with a stone. Dr. Fuller was called and cared for the unfortunate man.

Zimry eventually recovered and was either divorced or a widower when he was admitted as a single man to the Michigan Soldiers’ Home November 25, 1885 (no. 97), discharged the following April, readmitted on May 20, 1889, and again discharged in February of 1892. In 1894 he was living in Wyoming, Kent County possibly with one Charles Burnham, and he was admitted to the Home the final time on July 18, 1900.

He was a member of the Old Third Michigan Infantry Association. In 1889 he applied for and received a pension (no. 790644).

Zimry died at the Home of marasmus on July 26, 1900, and his funeral service was attended by a son and daughter-in-law. He was buried in the Home cemetery: section 4 row 9 grave no. 29

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Sidney J. Burlingson

Sidney J. Burlingson, also known as “Burleson” or “Burlison”, born 1843 in Lenawee County, Michigan, the son of Sidney R. (b. 1806) Sarah (b. 1808).

New York natives Sidney and Sarah were married sometime before 1832 and resided in New York for some years. Between 1834 and 1836 the family moved to Michigan and by 1850 Sidney J. was living with his family on a farm in Bethel, Branch County. In 1860 Sidney (younger) was attending school with four of his younger siblings and living on the family farm in Bethel.

Sidney stood 5’8” with hazel eyes, black hair and a dark complexion, and was an 18-year-old farmer possibly living in Branch County when he enlisted in Company F on May 13, 1861. He was sick with diarrhea from July 19 to July 22 and suffering from debility from July 22 to July 29 when he returned to duty. He was reported absent on picket duty the end of October of 1861 and the end of February of 1862. He was again suffering from acute diarrhea on January 2 to January 3 but eventually returned to duty.

He allegedly deserted somewhere in the area of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July 3, 1863, or possibly on July 8 while en route with the regiment from Gettysburg to Frederick, Maryland. This was later noted as being an erroneous report.

In any case, he returned to the regiment from desertion on September 6, 1863, at Troy, New York, where the Third Michigan had been sent to maintain order during the draft. He was reported as suffering from fever between September 16 and September 21, 1863, and again returned to duty.

He reenlisted on December 23, 1863, at Brandy Station, Virginia, crediting Grattan, Kent County, was absent on veteran’s furlough in January of 1864 and probably returned to the Regiment on or about the first of February.

Sidney was possibly missing in action sometime in early May of 1864, and was transferred to Company F, Fifth Michigan infantry upon consolidation of the Third and Fifth Michigan Regiments on June 10, 1864. He was wounded severely by a gunshot to the left shoulder and left side of the chest on October 27, 1864, while the Regiment was engaged at the Boydton Plank road and Hatcher’s Run, near Petersburg, Virginia, and he was absent sick. He was probably hospitalized through December, but was reported as absent on furlough from December 24, 1864 until January 20, 1865 when he returned to duty. Sidney was mustered out on July 5, 1865 at Jeffersonville, Indiana.

It is not known if Sidney returned to Michigan after the war.

Sidney was apparently living at Bristol Station, Kendall County, Illinois when he suffered a fall from a horse and lingered for a week or so before dying on November 7, 1870, the result of fractured spine.

That same year his mother was working as a domestic for the Watson family in Coldwater, Branch County, Michigan.

In February of 1891 his mother Sarah was living in Coldwater, Branch County, Michigan, when she applied for a dependent mother’s pension (no. 503518). The application was apparently rejected since the soldier did not die during the time he served in the army.

Friday, January 25, 2008

John Henry and Thomas Burk

John Henry Burk, also known as “Burke”, was born April 1, 1843, in Brockport, Monroe County, New York, the son of John (1812-1883) and Bridget (1807-1874).

John and Bridget left Ireland and immigrated first to England and the on to the United States. By 1842 they were living in Massachusetts and eventually settled in western Michigan. By 1860 John H. was attending school and living with his family, including an older brother Thomas who would also join the Third Michigan, in Rutland, Barry County.

John (younger) stood 5’9” with hazel eyes, brown hair and light complexion and was an 18-year-old farm laborer probably living with his family in Barry County when he enlisted in Company E on February 8, 1864, at Grand Rapids for 3 years, and was mustered the same day, crediting Stronach, Manistee County. (His older brother Thomas Burk who would enlist in Company E on February 24.) John joined the Regiment on March 23, and was transferred to Company E, Fifth Michigan infantry upon consolidation of the Third and Fifth Michigan Regiments on June 10, 1864, where he was reported absent sick through November.

In fact he suffered from acute diarrhea during most of September and was apparently stricken with typhoid fever in October. He was furloughed on October 25, 1864 and returned to the regiment (at least one paper) on December 2, 1864. He was reportedly transferred on May 12, 1865, but it is not known to what entity. In any case he was mustered out on July 5, 1865, at Jeffersonville, Indiana, and eventually returned to western Michigan.

After the war John eventually returned to his family’s home in Barry County, and by 1870 he was working as a farm laborer (along with his older brother Thomas) and living with his parents in Hastings.

In 1878 he married Michigan native Jennie Gurnish (1858-1900) in Hastings, and they had at least one child: John Henry (1878-1963)

In 1880 John was working as a laborer and living with his wife and son and they were all living with Jennie’s father Amer E. Gurnish on Clinton Street in Hastings; John’s family lived a few doors away. He was still living in Hastings, Barry County in 1888, 1890, 1898 and in 1900.

He may have been a member of the Old Third Michigan Infantry Association (his death was mentioned in the association records).

In 1890 John was living in Michigan when he applied for and received a pension (no. 536778).
John died on November 17, 1906, presumably in Hastings, and was buried on November 18 in Riverside cemetery, Hastings: block B-west “free ground”, lot no. 4, grave southeast 1/4-2. (His parents, wife and son are all buried in Riverside cemetery as well.)

Thomas Burk, also known as “Burke”, was born 1840 in Lancashire, England, the son of John (1812-1883) and Bridget (1807-1874).

John and Bridget left Ireland and immigrated first to England and then on to the United States. By 1842 they were living in Massachusetts and eventually settled in western Michigan. By 1860 Thomas was working as a laborer and living with his family, including a younger brother John who would also join the Third Michigan, in Rutland, Barry County.

Thomas stood 5’7” with gray eyes, light hair and a light complexion and was a 24-year-old farmer living in Hastings or Maple Grove, Barry County when he enlisted in Company E on February 24, 1864, at Grand Rapids for 3 years, and was mustered the same day. (His brother John H. had enlisted in Company E on February 8, 1864.)

Thomas reportedly joined the Regiment on April 4 at Brandy Station, Virginia, but spent little if any time on duty with the Third and was absent sick in the hospital from May through June. In fact according to one postwar report he entered Harewood hospital in Washington, DC, on April 30, 1864 suffering from pleurisy and was subsequently admitted to Knight’s hospital in Connecticut from Harewood on May 11. He was still absent sick when he was transferred to Company E, Fifth Michigan infantry upon consolidation of the Third and Fifth Michigan Regiments on June 10, 1864, and remained absent sick through June of 1865. He was subsequently admitted to McDougall hospital in New York City on January 5, 1865, and then transferred to Harper Hospital in Detroit on April 28, 1865, suffering from “valvular disease of the heart”. He was mustered out from the hospital on May 27, 1865, at Detroit.

Thomas eventually returned to his family’s home in Barry County and was living in Hastings in 1868. By 1870 he was working as a farm laborer (along with his younger brother John) and living with his parents in Hastings.

Thomas married a widow, 54-year-old New York native Mrs. Elsie R. Maynard (b. 1823), on January 16, 1878, in Hastings.

By 1880 Thomas was working as a a laborer and living with his wife on Jefferson Street in Hastings.

In 1868 Thomas applied for and received a pension (no. 105186), drawing $8 per month by 1883.

Thomas died of lung disease and dropsy at his home in Hastings on November 7, 1883, and was buried in Riverside cemetery, Hastings: : block B-west “free ground”, lot no. 4 , grave northwest 1/4-1. (Both his parents as well as his brother John are also buried in the same lot.)

His widow Elsey was still living in Michigan in December of 1883 when she applied for and received a pension (no. 206641).

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Maynard E. Burgess

Maynard E. Burgess was born in 1840, possibly in Macomb County, Michigan, the son of Erastus (b. 1812) and Lucina (b. 1815).

New York or Ontario, Canada native Erastus married Ohioan Lucina and by 1830 he was probably living in Hudson, Portage County , Ohio. Erastus eventually settled in Michigan, and By 1840 one Erastus Burgess was living in Macomb County, Michigan. In any case, Erastus eventually moved his family to the west side of the state and by 1850 Maynard was attending school with his younger sister Matilda and living with his family on a farm in Plainfield, Kent County. In 1860 he was still attending school with Matilda and still living with his family but on a farm in Cannon, Kent County. (He was probably related to Charles Burgess who was living with his family in Ada, Kent County; Charles would also join the Third Michigan.)

Maynard apparently enlisted in Company C, Thirteenth Michigan infantry as a Corporal on December 2, 1861, at Cannonsburg, Kent County, for 3 years, and was mustered on January 17, 1862. (Charles Burgess, who had been living in Cannonsburg as well, enlisted in Company A, Third Michigan infantry the previous year.)

It seems that Maynard reportedly deserted from the Thirteenth Michigan on October 6, 1862, at Springfield, Kentucky (the regiment was in pursuit of Bragg’s forces from October 1-16 in the vicinity of Wild Cat, Kentucky) and remained a deserter through January of 1863. Apparently it was during this time that he attempted to enlist in the Third Michigan infantry. He was listed as 23 years old and possibly living in Kent County when he apparently enlisted on October 20, 1862, in Unassigned, Third Michigan, at Grand Rapids for 3 years, although there is no record of military service in any one of the companies of the Third Michigan.

In fact, it seems that Maynard eventually returned to the Thirteenth Michigan on April 24, 1864, probably while the regiment was stationed near Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, constructing military hospitals until September of 1864. The charge of desertion was never expunged but there is no mention of punishment in the available record. Furthermore, from July of 1864 through April of 1865 he was a Quartermaster’s clerk and on April 3 he was promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant.

The regiment participated in the March to the Sea November 15 to December 10, in the siege of Savannah December 10-21 and in the campaign in the Carolinas January to April of 1865. It took part in the surrender of Johnston’s army in late April. It also participated in the march to Washington in late April and in the Grand Review on May 24. The regiment then moved to Louisville, Kentucky from June 9-15. Maynard was mustered out with the regiment at Louisville, on July 25, 1865.

It is not known if Maynard returned to Michigan after the war.

In 1870 his father was working as a builder and living with his wife Lucina in Rockford, Kent County. By 1880 “Mainard” was working as a doctor and living with his parents in Solon, Johnson County, Iowa, where his father worked as a cabinetmaker.

Maynard was married to Helen M. She was reported as his widow (of the Maynard who served in Company C, Thirteenth Michigan) and living in Solon, Kent County in 1890 and also listed as living at 91 Second Street in Grand Rapids in 1890. Helen was probably living in Algoma, Kent County in 1910.

(There is one Helen M. Burgess, 1842-1922, buried in Rockford cemetery, Kent County, section F, lot 11, grave 7; also buried with her in the same lot is one Fred Lewis Burgess, grave 8, 1866-1899. It is possible that she was the same Helen M. Lewis, b. c. 1841 in Michigan, who was living with her family in Cannon, Kent County in 1850 and living with her siblings with the Watkins family in Cannon, Kent County in 1860.)

No pension seems to be available.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Charles R. Burgess

Charles R. Burgess was born 1837 in Michigan, the son of John M. (1815-1891) and Catherine (1815-1860).

His parents were both born in New York and were married March 23, 1835, possibly in New York. In any case, Charles' family moved from New York to Michigan sometime before 1836. (In 1840 there was one John Burgess living in Avon, Oakland County and one in Burns, Shiawassee County; both had one male under the age of 5 living with them.) By 1850 the family had settled in West Michigan and Charles was attending school with his siblings and living with his parents on the family farm in Cannon, Kent County. In 1860 he was working as a farm laborer working and possibly residing in Ada, Kent County. (He was probably related to Maynard Burgess who in 1860 was living with his family in Cannon and who would join the Third Michigan in 1862.)

Charles was 24 years old and probably still living in Kent County when he enlisted in Company A on May 13, 1861. He was on duty with the signal service in October of 1862, but in February of 1863 he was a cook in the Regimental hospital, and from March through April he was a nurse in the Regimental hospital. He eventually returned to duty with the regiment and was shot in the head while the regiment was engaged in the Peach Orchard, on July 2, 1863 at Gettysburg.

According to one Charles Borst, Burgess “received a severe wound in the head soon after entering the field; that medical aid was rendered; and that, thus maimed he again entered the ranks and fought with heroic valor until an arm was severed from his body, which wound occasioned death.” On August 15, 1863 the editor of the Grand Rapids Eagle wrote that “Charlie, for 2 long years followed his Regiment through all its bloody conflicts, repeatedly signalizing himself for valiant and heroic deeds; and now, in the hour of dawning victory, he lies a sacrifice upon the altar of his country. He was a youth of promise, beloved and respected by all who known [sic] him. He leaves a bereaved family and desolate hearth-stone. May his silent sleep be the sweet repose of a soul conscious of heaven's approving smile, removed from the distracting scenes of chaotic strife, this dark heritage of sorrow and ‘vale of tears’, crowned the recipient of a paradise of life, an eternity of love.”

On October 13, the Eagle reported that “Funeral services in honorable memory of” Charlie Burgess, “will be held at Cannonsburg on the first day (Sabbath) of November next. And thus one after another of the brave men who left the Valley City with the glorious ‘Third, have passed away, filling patriot graves, until its ranks number but comparatively few of the original gallant band. Nearly every battle field in which the Army of the Potomac has been engaged, has been moistened by the blood of the brave boys of the Third Mich. -- Honored by the memory of the fallen brave, and green be the turf that covers their patriot graves.”

Charles was buried in Gettysburg National Cemetery: section A, grave 6, Michigan plot.

His father apparently remarried New York native Betsy F. Fallass (1814-1888) and by 1870 they were living in Cannon, Kent County and in 1880 in Fallasburg, Kent County. In 1890 his father was living in Lowell, Kent County when he applied for a dependent’s pension (no. 461378), but the certificate was never granted. John had apparently died in or about 1891.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Isaac Burbank

Isaac Burbank was born 1828 in Canada.

Both of Isaac’s parents were born in Canada.

Isaac left Canada and immigrated to the United States. By 1850 he had settled in Crockery, Ottawa County, Michigan where he worked as a carpenter and lived with the family of Dr. Charles Kibbey in Crockery. Also living with the Kibbey family that year was 12-year-old New York native Madora McMann and her two younger siblings.

Isaac married 13-year-old Madora McMann (1838-1911) on Christmas Day, 1851, in Crockery, Ottawa County; they had at least seven children: twins Annie and Willie, Charles (1853-1869), Mary (b. 1857), possibly another son Freddie, and a son Richard (b. 1861).

By 1860 Isaac was working as a carpenter and living with his wife and children in Crockery Township, Ottawa County. (Next door lived Thomas Somerset and his family; Thomas would also join the Third Michigan.)

Isaac was 29 years old and possibly living in Kent County or Crockery when he enlisted in Company F on May 13, 1861. In July of 1861 he reportedly injured his left thumb and was suffering from lung disease at Arlington Heights, Virginia. He was subsequently hospitalized for two months at Union hospital in Georgetown, and discharged for consumption on September 10, 1861, at Camp Arlington, Virginia.

Following his discharge from the army Isaac returned to Crockery where he reentered the service as Sergeant in Company F, Fourteenth Michigan infantry on December 7, 1861, for 3 years, crediting and listing Crockery as his place of residence, and was mustered the same day. The regiment was formally organized at Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, and Detroit between January 7 and February 18, 1862, ands was mustered into service on February 13. It left Michigan for St. Louis, Missouri, on April 17 and then on to Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee. It subsequently participated in numerous actions and operations in northern Mississippi and northern Alabama. It marched to Nashville, Tennessee, September 1-6 and was on duty there until December 26; it participated in the siege of Nashville September 12-November 7 but by January 2 it was guarding supply trains near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It remained there until March at it was at Brentwood guarding the rail line between Nashville and Franklin until early July.

For reasons unknown, Isaac was apparently reduced to the ranks, and he was reported as a Corporal and sick in Nashville, Tennessee on April 23, 1863. He was taken sick in July of 1863 suffering from fever and was sent to the regimental hospital where he remained about four weeks. After he recovered he was assigned on detail to cook for the officers but apparently continued to suffer from frequent attacks of illness sometimes lasting several days at a time.

The regiment was on duty at Nashville, Franklin and Columbia until May of 1864. In any case, Isaac reenlisted on January 4, 1864, at Franklin, Tennessee, and was mustered in as a reenlisted veteran on February 5 following his return from Michigan, where he had gone presumably on a veterans’ furlough. The Fourteenth participated in the Atlanta campaign from June to September of 1864, in the March to the Sea November 15-December 10 and the siege of Savannah December 10-21 and in the Campaign in the Carolinas January to April of 1865. It was also involved in the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina March 19-21, in the occupation of Goldsboro and Raleigh, North Carolina and the surrender of Johnston’s army. It subsequently marched to Washington April 29-May19 and participate d in the Grand Review on May 24, after which it was moved to Louisville, Kentucky on June 13. Isaac was mustered out with the regiment on July 18, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky.

After the war Isaac returned to his home in Ottawa County. By 1870 he was working as a carpenter and he was living with his wife and two children in Spring Lake, Ottawa County, and he was still working as a carpenter and living with his wife and children in Spring Lake in 1880. In fact, Isaac and his wife lived in Spring Lake, Ottawa County where she ran a confectionery shop and restaurant on Main Street and he worked as a carpenter until he was injured in January of 1881. Apparently he had cut his thumb on a piece of glass and gangrene set in and he nearly lost his arm.

He was living in Muskegon the following year when he contracted a lung disease and was reported to be in an emaciated condition when he entered the Michigan Soldiers’ Home for the first time on January 25, 1886 (no. 197). In his admission to the Home in 1886 he stated that he was married but that his nearest relative was a son and son-in-law (the latter probably Loren Beerman), although he also reported one Madora Burbank as dependent upon his support but he did not describe the nature of the relationship.

Isaac was discharged from the Home at his own request on January 16, 1887, and readmitted on May 19, 1888, discharged on November 9, 1888, when he returned to his home in Muskegon. He was admitted to the Michigan Soldiers' Home a third time on April 22, 1889 and discharged June 27, 1892 and was reportedly suffering from “general debility since the war” and paralysis. He was admitted a fourth time on January 5, 1893 and discharged on January 16, 1897; and admitted a fifth time on June 28, 1897 and discharged for the last time on April 5, 1898. During this period he would return to his wife’s home in either Ottawa or Muskegon County.

Sometime in November of 1900 until the spring of 1902 the two of them occupied two separate but adjoining rooms in the Rice block in Muskegon, Muskegon County.

In late summer of 1903 Madora served notice to the pension bureau that Isaac had deserted and abandoned her in May of 1902.

According to testimony he moved his furniture out of the Rice block without telling her and moved elsewhere in the city. He also attempted to have her committed to the Northern Michigan Insane Asylum (evidence of which attempt was a matter of public record as was the censure which Isaac was given in court for attempting such a thing to a person who was in fact not insane.)

On October 7, 1903, just a few weeks before Isaac died, Madora was living at 7 Miller Street in Muskegon when she wrote to the pension bureau seeking to access a share of his pension money. “I have been sick,” she wrote, “ and not able to do much when he left me the last time & I was sick he was gone over a week. I can’t just remember. He left me so many times. He always found a home ready for him. When I was able to work I never complained nor asked him for help until for the last year it is abuse I get he is so miserly.” She went on to describe how he often stays elsewhere in his own room and does his own cooking and that since her son died and her daughter married “that left me no home. He never has taken care of me nor his 7 children” and that when their third child was born she had to go home to her mother’s house to be cared for. She also claimed that he left her on May 16, 1902 and subsequently “served papers on me to put me in the insane asylum as an indigent insane person”.

In early November of 1903 Loren Beerman, who was living on Jefferson Street in Muskegon, testified that

About 1882 [Isaac] came to [his] house and said that his wife had ordered him to leave; that he went to [Madora] personally to bring about a reconciliation, but that she was very emphatic in her statement that she would never allow him to live with her again, and he does not think she has ever cohabited with [Isaac since]; that she has never acted the part of a wife to him, but on the contrary she has done everything imaginable to make life miserable for him; that part of the time they have boarded in the same house but have not eaten at the same table nor slept in the same room; that [Isaac] is not responsible for this estrangement; that he knows of his own knowledge that for the last fifteen years [Isaac] has contributed steadily all he could to his wife’s support, and he is still doing so; that [Isaac] has paid him for her board and has been responsible for her bills; that [he] would be willing to live with her if she would permit him; that no one could possibly live with her in any place.

Isaac was a member of the Old Third Michigan Infantry Association, and he received pension no. 419416 (dated September of 1883), drawing $12.00 per month when he was admitted to the Home in 1886 and increased to $30.00 as early as 1889.

Isaac died on December 13, 1903, of a stomach abscess at his daughter’s (Annie?) home in Muskegon, and the funeral was held at her home under the auspices of Grand Army of the Republic Kearny Post No. 7 (Muskegon). He was buried in Oakwood cemetery in Muskegon: range 13, block 15, lot 2.

In his obituary there is no mention of a widow.

Nevertheless, in December of 1903 his widow was granted a pension (no. 570852), drawing $12 per month. She died the following November but was not buried alongside Isaac. She was buried in Spring Lake in 1911 alongside five of her children.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Joseph P. Bundy - update 8/29/2016

Joseph P. Bundy was born 1819 in New York, probably the son of Caleb (b. 1783) and Polly (b. 1792).

Connecticut native Caleb married New York-born Polly and they settled in New York for some years. By 1850 Caleb had moved his family west and settled in North Plains, Ionia County, where Joseph worked as a farmer along with his father. Also living with the Bundy family was 10-year-old Catherine Dalrymple. She was probably the sister of 12-year-old Sylvester Dalrymple, who was himself living nearby with the George Kellogg family; Sylvester too would join the Third Michigan and was in fact a good friend of the Bundy family (see below) . George Kellogg was apparently the brother-in-law of Caleb Bundy.

Joseph was probably still living in Michigan sometime when he married Sarah E. or C. Mills (1835-1905) on December 31, 1854, in Dallas, Clinton County; and they had at least one child: Ella (b. 1854).

By 1860 he was a farmer living with his wife in Bennington, Shiawassee County; also living with them in 1860 was one Martha Strickland, a domestic.

Joseph was 42 years old and possibly still living in Bennington when he enlisted in Company E on December 9 or 19, 1861, at Grand Rapids for 3 years, and was mustered on December 23 at Detroit.

On January 13, 1862, from the Regiment’s winter quarters at Camp Michigan in northern Virginia, Joseph wrote to his “Dear and beloved wife,”

I will pen a few lines to you to let you know what we are about. We have just received our pay and I will send you five dollars enclosed in this and I would send you more if I could but I want a little to use and I have sent for some books which I will send to you in about ten days. I would like to send you more and will as soon as I can. Try to keep up good courage for all will be well yet. I received your letter yesterday and was glad to hear that you and Elly was well and hope you will remain so ‘til I return. May God’s blessing rest upon you both through life. I am well as usual and so is George. You will hear from me as often as possible. We are a going to Stockton’s Regiment tomorrow to see some boys and when we get back I will tell you who I find there. It is about eleven miles there and will be gone two days and then I will write again. I will not say much more now for it is a getting late and I must stop. So good night. This from your dear husband, Joseph P. Bundy. To S. E. Bundy.Yours truly

Their friend Sylvester Dalrymple added in the same letter, “Sarah I though I would say a word or two. I am well and hope you are. We got our pay today and the boys are all happy. It is very pleasant here. We have had a long rain and it is quite muddy. We have lots of fun, plenty to eat and drink and it is good enough.”

Two weeks later Joseph wrote again to Sarah, his “dear wife,”

I received your kind letter today and was glad to hear that you were all well. . . . This is a very pleasant country. We have not had over three inches of snow here this winter and what did come did not last long. Sometimes we do have one inch at night and the next day it is all gone. It is cold and warm days. I would like to be there and take one good ride with you. I would like to have send grandfather but there’s no use talking. . . . When I left I went about one mile from camp yesterday to a planter’s residence and it was a nice place. There was no men there but some women and a few slaves. They were very glad to see us and we had a nice visit with them. The most of the people here don’t know as much as a last year’s bird nest with the bottom knocked out. I can’t tell you much about them now but when I get home I will tell you all about them. I have sent you five dollars an as I can get some more I will send you some more. I have sent four books and will send a few more. . . . The boys have sent for over fifty dollars worth of books from the tent that I am in and we expect to get them tonight. We are all well and hearty and I hope we shall remain so. We don’t think that the war will last long and I hope it won’t. I can’t think of much more to write. . . . Give my love to all who inquire about me but keep the most for yourself and Elley. The boys send their respects to you all and wish they could see you. No more at present so good night. And now Jane a few words to you. I want you to kiss the baby and Elley for me. You wanted to pray for you and I will begin now, O God be merciful until all my friends. This from yours truly Bundy,

Sometime in early summer of 1862 (probably during the Peninsular campaign), Joseph was taken prisoner near Richmond, Virginia, and soon afterwards exchanged. However, it is quite likely that he never rejoined the Regiment but was hospitalized instead, and indeed by July was reported absent sick in a hospital. He was soon transferred to the Episcopal Hospital at 708 Walnut Street in Philadelphia, where he arrived on July 28 aboard the Daniel Webster, a recently released prisoner of war.

Joseph died of consumption on August 4, 1862, at the Episcopal hospital in Philadelphia, and was originally buried in Glenwood cemetery but reburied at Philadelphia National Cemetery: section B, grave no. 16.

One E. W. Biddle who was serving in a spiritual capacity at the Episcopal hospital wrote on August 8 to Sarah.

Mrs. Bundy, It is with sincere sympathy I write to let you know that your worst fears with regard to your husband are confirmed – he is no more. He died August the 3rd. He was extremely ill when he came to the hospital and the physicians had hardly any hope he would rally. He grew weaker day by day, and it was found impossible to subdue his disease, which was chronic diarrhea, ending in consumption. I do not think he suffered very much except from extreme debility. You may rest assured that he received the best possible care, and that all that medical skill and kindness could do was done to restore him to health and add to his comfort. His spiritual wants too were attended to. The chaplain led a prayer with him frequently. In speaking with him one day of God’s mercy in delivering him from the dangers to which he had been [exposed] he seemed to be greatly impressed by it and said the balls & bullets fell around him like hail. I tried to press home upon him his duty to God. He said he had always been a kind neighbor, . . and had never injured any one. “Well then”, said I, “if you have thus done your duty to your neighbor, how is it with your God – have you loved and served him as you should?” “Ah,” said he, “there’s the trouble. I know I have not.” After a little more conversation I asked if I should pray with him and as I prayed he joined very fervently. I read the Bible & some hymns to him. After this I had not another opportunity for religious conversation with him for though he lived a day or two longer he was too feeble to bear it. I once told him he might die and asked if he had any messages for you. He said he would have to collect his ideas but he was evidently too much wasted and too weak to think to say much. He passed away quickly at last. May God strengthen and support you under the fearful trial and give peace to say “Thy will be done,” and to live henceforth a life of devotion to the service of your God and Savior. Your husband was decently buried in Glenwood cemetery in this city. He left a few articles of clothing, etc., which will be forwarded to you, if you will send us an order for them to Dr. Thomas, Episcopal Hospital, 708 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Truly your friend, E. N. Biddle

His widow was living in Bennington when she applied for and received pension no. 9136, dated 1863.

Sarah was living with the Moss family and working as a housekeeper in 1870 (no mention of either her daughter Ella or the “baby” referred to by Joseph in his letter of January 27, 1862). In any case, she was possibly living near her family. She eventually remarried to Joseph Helmer in 1873 (he died in 1891) in North Plains.


Thursday, January 17, 2008

Cyrus W. Bullen

Cyrus W. Bullen was born 1827 in New York, the son of Joseph (1796-1874) and Mary (1791-1857).

Joseph was born in New York and lived there for some years=, and was probably living in New York when he enlisted and fought in the War of 1812. Joseph and Vermont-born Mary were probably married sometime before 1827, possibly in New York where they lived for some years before moving to Michigan. Joseph settled in Walker Township around 1840 building a sawmill, and eventually donating some of his land to be used for Brooklawn cemetery. Cyrus’ brother Francis ran the post office in Walker until the mail was received at Grand Rapids. In 1850 Cyrus was living with his family and helping his father run the farm in Walker.

Cyrus was living in Walker, Kent County when he married Elizabeth H. Clark (d. 1859) on August 21, 1853, in Grand Rapids, and they had at least two children: Joseph Beaumont (b. 1854) and Edward (b. 1858).

Joseph himself remarried in July of 1857 to Vermonter Hannah M. Warner (1807-1890) in Kent County. That same year Cyrus purchased some 280 acres of land in Michigan, possibly in the Newaygo County area.

By 1860 Cyrus was working as a lumberman and living with his father and stepmother in Walker, Kent County.

Cyrus was 34 years old, a widower and listed his residence as Newaygo County, when he enlisted in Company K on May 13, 1861. He was a Corporal, possibly in the color guard, when he was killed in action by a gunshot wound to the chest on August 29, 1862, at Second Bull Run. Cyrus was presumably among the unknown soldiers killed at Second Bull Run whose remains were reinterred in Arlington National Cemetery.

In March of 1863 Joseph was granted a minor’s pension (no. 6851) as guardian for both of Cyrus’ children. Joseph and Hannah were living on a farm in Alpine, Kent County.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Daniel Bugel - update 1/28/2017

Daniel Bugel was born in 1835 in the Netherlands or Prussia.

Daniel was married to Prussian-born Anna Maria or Mary Brenitian (b. 1838) on November 7, 1854, at St. Mary’s church in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and they had at least five children: Mary (b. 1851), John (b. 1855), Adam (b. 1857), Anna (b. 1859) and Elizabeth or Bertha (Mrs. Brinker, 1861-1925). (The 1860 census lists their first child Mary as having been born in Prussia.)

Daniel and Anna Maria eventually settled in Michigan (he may in fact have been living there before his marriage) and were living in Grand Rapids, Kent County by the time their son John was born in 1855. By the time their daughter Anna was born they were reportedly living in New Salem, Allegan County. By 1860 Daniel was working as a clerk and living in Grand Rapids’ 3rd Ward, possibly running his own business (he owned $1,000 in real estate). Dan McConnell, who would command the 3rd Michigan in the spring of 1861, stated in late 1862 that in fact Daniel had clerked for him in his store and furthermore that he had known Daniel for some eight years prior to the war. That would place Daniel in Grand Rapids by 1852 or 1853.

Daniel was 26 years old and probably still living in Grand Rapids when he enlisted in Company F on May 13, 1861. (His family was still living in Grand Rapids in November of 1861 when his daughter Bertha was born.) Daniel was killed in action on August 29, 1862, at Second Bull Run, and was presumably buried among the soldiers whose remains were removed from the Manassas battlefield and reinterred in Arlington National Cemetery.

In 1862 his widow applied for and received a pension (no. 3670). In 1870 Mary was still living in Grand Rapids’ 4th Ward, along with four of her children who were attending school. Mary eventually remarried to Peter Mais and by 1890 Mary and Peter were living in Tallmadge, Ottawa County.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

George W. Bugbee - update 12/14/2016

George W. Bugbee was born on November 5, 1844, in Sylvan, Washtenaw County, Michigan, the son of Connecticut-born John Corbin Bugbee (1811-1862) and New Yorker Sabrina H. Blake (1822-1873).

By 1850 the family was living in Orangeville, Barry County where George was attending school with his older brother. (Lewis was living in Prairieville, Barry County in 1860.) George stood 6’1” with blue eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion and was 19 years old and working as a farmer in Orangeville, Barry County when he enlisted in Company E on January 1, 1864, at Grand Rapids for 3 years, crediting Orangeville, and was mustered on January 5 at Grand Rapids. (He was possibly related to Edward Bugbee who was also from Barry County and who enlisted in Company K in 1861.) George joined the Regiment on February 10.

He was shot in the left hip on May 12 at Spotsylvania, Virginia. On May 25 he was admitted to Armory Square hospital in Washington, DC, and transferred on May 28 to Mt. Pleasant general hospital, also in Washington.

George was still absent wounded when he was transferred to Company E, 5th Michigan infantry upon consolidation of the 3rd and 5th Michigan Regiments on June 10, 1864. he never did returned to duty and remained absent until he was discharged on February 17, 1865, at Mt. Pleasant hospital for gunshot wound of the left hip with “the ball entering the central part of his buttock where it lodged, and the wound was still open.”

George gave Prairieville, Barry County as his mailing address on his discharge paper, and indeed he returned there after he left the army. In June of 1865 he was living in Prairieville when he applied for pension no. 77,483, drawing $6.00 per month by 1869 and $12 by 1912.

George married New York native Ellen R. Bitgood (1848-1876) on June 14, 1868, in Orangeville, Barry County and they had at least one child, a daughter Grace (b. 1872, Mrs. Swanson).

By 1870 George and Ellen were living on a farm in Orangeville, and he was living in Prairieville in 1873 when he testified in the pension claim of another former member of the Old Third, Reuben Babcock (also from Barry County).

By 1880 George was a widower, working as a laborer and as a servant in the boarding house run by his younger sister or sister-in-law (?) Lucy Bugbee in Orangeville. Also living with him was his daughter Grace.

George was living in Morley, Mecosta County in 1883, in Blain Township, Iosco County in 1890 and in Martiny (?), Mecosta County in 1894. By 1898 he was residing in Waitville, Monroe County and back in Orangeville by 1907. (He may again have been living with Lucy; she didn’t die until 1915.)

In 1907 George was living in Stokesville, Augusta County, Virginia.

George died on September 9, 1912, probably in Stokesville, Virginia and is buried in Mt. Zion Church Cemetery in Stokesville (so is his daughter Grace).

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Edward Denison Bugbee - updated 1/28/2017

Edward Denison Bugbee was born on March 13, 1843, in Bennington, Shiawassee County, Michigan, the son of New York natives Denison Salmon (1815-1901) and Mary Ann Hill (1824-1879).

Denison and Mary were married on November 2, 1837, in Pontiac or Bloomfield, Oakland County, Michigan, and they eventually settled in Shiawassee County. By 1860 Edward was a farm laborer working for with Isaac Keeler, a farmer in Middleville, Barry County; working at the same farm was Oscar Gaines who would also enlist in Company K. He was also living with his family in Thornapple, Barry County. His parents were still in Thornapple in 1860.

Edward was 18 years old and probably living in Hastings, Barry County when he enlisted in Company K on May 13, 1861. (He was the nephew of Alpheus Hill of Company K, and possibly related to George Bugbee who was also from Barry County and who would enlist in E company in 1864.) Edward was reportedly sick in the Queen Mansion House hospital in Alexandria, as of December 12, 1861, but by the end of April of 1862 was in the regimental hospital probably near Yorktown, Virginia. In any case, he died of pneumonia on May 3, 1862, at a hospital in Yorktown, Virginia.

According to the Regimental Surgeon Dr. Zenas Bliss, the regimental hospital was about a mile and a half to the rear of the regiment’s camp. It was “composed of log huts or barracks, built and formerly occupied by the 53d Virginia Volunteers (Confederate), upon a sandy soil, where we obtained an abundance of excellent well water. These barracks were well ventilated, and accommodated a large number of sick and wounded from both the regulars and volunteers. I saw all of the sick and what few wounded there were at this hospital and had immediate charge of very many sick who were members of various regiments; and nearly all of the cases were either low remittents or typhoid fever.” With the exception of one case of typhus, Bliss held autopsies on the six men who died under his charge.

He was presumably among the unknown soldiers buried at Yorktown.

In 1863 Denison was reportedly operating a flouring mill in Middleville. His parents were still living in Middleville in 1870. His father Denison eventually settled in Oregon, and in 1892 applied for a dependent’s pension no. 565453. He was boarding with the Mclarren family in Soda Springs, Oregon in 1900. He died in Washington state and it is likely that his remains were returned to Michigan. Denison is apparently buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Middleville

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Charles Buehl

Charles Buehl, also known as “Buchel”, “Buekele” and “Buckele”, was born 1816 in Germany.

Charles left Germany and came to the United States before the war broke out, eventually settling in Michigan. By 1860 he was probably working as a farmer (his name was spelled as “Biggle”) and living next to the John Harding family in Hinton, Mecosta County. (Harding too had been born in Germany.)

Charles stood 5’6” with gray eyes, dark hair and dark complexion, was hardly able to speak any English and was a 45-year-old farmer living in Deerfield (?), Mecosta County when he enlisted on May 23, 1861, in Company C. (Company C was made up largely of German and Dutch immigrants, many of whom lived on the west side of the Grand River in Grand Rapids. This company was the descendant of the old Grand Rapids Rifles, also known as the “German Rifles”, a prewar local militia company composed solely of German troopers.)

He was present for duty from the time the regiment arrived in Washington, DC, through the end of June of 1862. Sometime during the summer, though, he became quite ill -- he apparently have suffered a rupture as well as aphonia -- and was absent sick in the hospital at Harrison’s Landing from July of 1862 through October. According to a statement he made in 1884 “During the Seven Days fight in Va and on the 3rd day of the fight while slowly retreating and stepping backwards he was tripped by a stub and fell over backwards striking on a log or stump with the small of his back injuring the spine and also producing a rupture of [the] left side. He was immediately sent back with the wounded to Harrison’s Landing [and] was excused for duty until the first of October.”

He was left sick at Upton’s Hill, Virginia on October 11, and that same month he was also reported in a hospital at Yorktown, Virginia, and was eventually sent to a hospital in November, possibly as early as mid-October. Charles later claimed that he “was placed in a field hospital at Georgetown in a tent where he stayed about two weeks and was then sent to [the] Convalescent Camp in Va near Fort Richardson where he remained until discharged.” Although he was reported to be in a hospital in Washington from December through April of 1863, he was in fact at the Convalescent Camp in Virginia by April 24, 1863. In later years he claimed to have been injured by a fall during the war, but he was in fact discharged for “old age” and bronchitis on April 30, 1863, at the camp.

Following his release from the army Charles returned to Deerfield and by 1870 he was working as a farmer and living with the John Harding family in Deerfield. He may have lived for a time in Grand Rapids.

He was apparently married at one time but was listed as divorced by 1880 when he was living by himself on a farm in Deerfield

Charles was reportedly living in Stanwood, Mecosta County in 1884, 1888 and 1890.

In 1863 he applied for and received pension no. 596449.

He is quite possibly buried in Higbee cemetery, Morley, Mecosta County.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

William Buck - updated 1/28/2017

William Buck was born on January 5, 1838, in Onondaga, New York, the son of New York natives Orson (b. 1816) and Philisa Ann (b. 1820).

William’s family left New York sometime between 1842 and 1849, eventually settling in Barry County, Michigan. By 1850 William was attending school with his younger sister Sarah and living with his family on a farm in Maple Grove, Barry County.

He stood 6’2” with blue eyes, light hair and light complexion, and was a 23-year-old sawyer possibly living in the vicinity of Hastings, Barry County when he enlisted in the Hastings Rifle Company in April of 1861. The company was disbanded shortly after it arrived in Grand Rapids and its members dispersed to other companies of the 3rd Michigan infantry then forming at Cantonment Anderson just south of the city, and William eventually enlisted in Company K on May 13, 1861. During the opening phases of McClellan’s “Peninsular” campaign in the spring of 1862 he was left sick in the hospital at Yorktown, Virginia, and he was again reported hospitalized from July of 1862 through September.

According to Captain Almon Borden of Company K, Buck had “been totally unfit for duty” since April “by reason of a swelling on the lower part of the breast and is unable to carry his cartridge box or wear his belt.” Dr. James Grove, 3rd Michigan Regimental Surgeon certified that there was “an inflammatory tumor, probably malignant, of the lower part of the thorax involving the cartilages of the lower ribs -- right side.” Buck was discharged for a malignant tumor on December 4, 1862 at Falmouth, Virginia. The tumor was apparently not malignant, however, and although he recovered he reportedly suffered from an abscess in his side for years after the war.

After his discharge William eventually returned to Michigan.

He married English-born Sarah S. Stokes (1849-1919) in Maple Grove, Barry County, on December 30, 1863; they had at least three children: Edwin (1867-1869), Laura (b. 1871) and Egbert (1878-1955).

By 1870 William was working as a farmer and living with his wife in Maple Grove. However, by 1880 William had moved to Montcalm County where he was working as a farmer and living with his wife and two children in Evergreen. William was residing in Vickeryville, Montcalm County in 1883.

In 1863 William applied for and received a pension (no. 75,091), drawing $4.00 in 1883.

William died of chronic diarrhea or “spinal fever” on February 22, 1883, possibly at his home in Vickeryville. He was buried in Evergreen Township cemetery, Montcalm County (his son Egbert Sr. is also buried there). His son Edwin is buried in Barryville cemetery.)

Shortly after William’s death Sarah applied for and received a pension (no. 214113). She eventually remarried to William Webb.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Edwin Buchanan - updated 1/28/2017

Edwin Buchanan was born in February 14, 1838, in Steuben County, New York, the son of New York natives Corydon (b. 1808) and Lucy A. (b. 1808).

In 1840 Corydon was living in Wayne, Steuben County, New York. He eventually took his family and moved westward, settling in Michigan. By 1850 Edwin was living with his family when in White Lake, Oakland County, where his father worked as a cabinetmaker.

Edwin married New York native Martha (b. 1843). By 1860 Edwin and Martha had settled on a farm in Ensley, Newaygo County, Michigan. That same year his family was living in Walled Lake, Oakland County (Corydon would be appointed postmaster of Walled Lake in 1866). Edwin stood 5’5’ with black eyes, brown hair and a dark complexion, and was 24 years old and possibly still living in Newaygo County when he enlisted in Company B on May 13, 1861. Edwin was sick in a hospital in January of 1862, probably from chronic diarrhea, and indeed was discharged on February 10, 1863, at Camp Pitcher, Virginia for chronic diarrhea, which had reportedly plagued him since he first enlisted.

After his discharge from the army Edwin eventually returned to western Michigan. He married his second wife Pennsylvania native Sarah Adaline Losinger (1849-1940), and they had at least six children: Rosa Jane (1867-1957, Mrs. Losinger), May (b. 1871), Cora Minnie (1872-1905, Mrs. Segar), John (b. 1875), Charles (b. 1877) and Daisy (b. 1880).

By 1870 he was working as a farmer and living in Ensley, Newaygo County with his wife Sarah A. and daughter Rosa; also living with him was 20-year-old Marshall Buchanan, probably a younger brother. Living next door was Edwin’s father Corydon who was appointed postmaster of Ensley in 1875. By 1880 Edwin was working as a farmer and living with his wife Adaline and children in Ensley, Newaygo County (and Corydon was also still living in Ensley and working as a retail grocer). Edwin moved to Morley, Mecosta County where he was living by 1888 and in 1890 and in Aetna, Mecosta County in 1894 and 1900.

Edwin was a member of the Old 3rd Michigan Infantry Association, and in 1876 he applied for and received pension no. 435,368.

Edwin died of pneumonia on January 24, 1905, in Mecosta County, and was buried in Aetna Township cemetery, Mecosta County.

In February of 1905 his widow was living in Michigan when she applied for and received pension no. 597,029.

Sunday, January 06, 2008

William Bryce - updated 03/17/09

William Bryce was born May 10, 1835, in Warwick, Ontario, Canada, the son of James (d. 1871) and Elizabeth (d. 1902).

William’s parents were married on May 21, 1834, in Adelaide, Canada. Sometime after 1835 William’s family left Canada and came to the United States, and eventually settled in Brockaway, St. Clair County, Michigan. By 1860 William himself was working as a laborer for a wealthy lumberman named Wesley Armstrong in Hume, Huron County.

He stood 5’10” with gray eyes, brown hair and a light complexion, and was a 26-year-old laborer possibly living in Hume Township, Huron County when he enlisted in Company G on June 10, 1861, three days before the regiment left for Virginia. In March of 1862 the regiment left its winter quarters, along with the rest of the Army of the Potomac, and southward from near Alexandria, Virginia, eventually disembarking from the transports near Fortress Monroe, on the tip of the “Virginia Peninsula”. On March 26, William wrote home to his father

I received your letter and was glad to hear from you. We left Camp Mich[igan] the fourteenth of March to sail to Fortress Monroe. There has been boats running ever since from Washington to this place, from 12 to 15 a day. The number of men I don’t know; there must be over sixty thousand here now. There is six Mich[igan] regiments here. The 1[st], the 2[nd], the 3[rd] 4[th] 5[th and] 6[th besides Stockton’s Independent reg[iment]. They expect a heavy battle at Norfolk. That is over 12 or 15 miles from here. . . . The city of Hampton where we are encamped now the rebels evacuated last spring and burnt the city. . . . It lays at the head of Chesapeake bay and at the mouth of [the] James River. When we take up the line of march the whole army will march. It is the opinion the rebellion will soon be crushed. I know that if we had lost as many victories as they have that we would feel very uneasy. The men are all in good spirits. We lost a man since we came here. He is the first man that died out of our comp[any] since we came to Washington. He has [had] been delicate ever since he came here. He felt better coming on the boat than he had since he [had] been here. On the 20[th] he was taken sick and died the 23[rd] yesterday. He was buried in military style. I am well at present. We have not had any pay for three months. We don’t expect [any] till the next paid day. If I should die or be killed it would be worth your while to look after my pay. There would be between three or four month’s pay at the rate of 13 dollars per month besides the bounty money [of] one hundred dollars. Our colonel commanding [is] S. G. Champlin, a resident of Grand Rapids, the captain of our company name is R. Jeffords. I received a letter from Uncle Joseph yesterday. I have had two letters from home before this one that I have not answered, one from Jacob [his younger brother?] and one from you.

He was present for duty from January of 1862 through June, was wounded on August 29, 1862, at the battle of Second Bull Run, and was subsequently hospitalized. As of October 6 he was reported to have been recently discharged from Presbyterian Church hospital in Georgetown, and he returned to the Regiment on October 19; he may in fact have been absent on a furlough in November In any case, William was present for duty by December 23, 1863, when he reenlisted as a Corporal at Brandy Station, Virginia, crediting Brockaway, St. Clair County. (He actually signed the reenlistment papers on December 15 and was mustered on December 24.)

William was absent from December 30 on veterans’ furlough and present for duty from January of 1864 (presumably following his return from furlough) through April. He was transferred as a Corporal (some sources list Sergeant but this cannot be verified) to Company F, Fifth Michigan infantry upon consolidation of the Third and Fifth Michigan Regiments on June 10, 1864. He wounded slightly on June 15, 16 or 18, 1864, probably during an attempt to storm the defenses around Petersburg, Virginia. William was subsequently hospitalized on June 27 at Grant hospital, probably in New England, and eventually rejoined the Fifth Michigan.

On October 12, 1864, from the trenches in front of Petersburg, Virginia, William wrote to his parents urging his father to be a staunch supporter of Lincoln in the upcoming presidential election.

I sit myself down to write you a few lines with pleasure. I am well and I hope these few lines find you the same. Father I wrote a letter the 27th I think and sent ten dollars in it. I will send some more for you to keep for me when I hear from that we have pretty good times here now. We have a good deal of picketing to do and some fatigue duty but that is better than fighting. We like better anyhow. There has been very heavy fighting on our right and left all quiet in front of Petersburg. Well father, I hope you are a Lincoln man . . . the soldiers want you all to be Lincoln men. I hope you all will and there is no doubt but this rebellion will be put down. The rebels is lost and there is no it if they can’t get a peace president they are gone up. Their only hope is in McClellan being our next president but we can’t see the point to elect him. We must reelect old Abe and everything will go on all right and the rebellion put down and the union restored as it should be. Curse the man that says the rebels can’t be whipped for they can and will be and that before six months I hope. I am sorry that John Erels and John Brown is drafted. I don’t like to see them leave their families.

William was wounded again and taken prisoner on October 27, 1864, while the Regiment was engaged at the Boydton Plank road near Petersburg, Virginia, and was confined in Libby prison, Richmond on October 28. From Richmond he was sent to Salisbury, North Carolina and paroled at N.E. Ferry, North Carolina, on March 1 or 2, 1865. He reported to Camp Parole at College Green Barracks, Maryland on March 13, and was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio on March 14. According to the war Department William was mustered out with the Fifth Michigan on July 5, 1865, near Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Apparently William returned to Michigan soon after his arrival at Camp Chase, probably arriving at the family home around March 16.

William died of dropsy on May 23, 1865, at his parent’s farm near Brockway center, St. Clair County, and was buried in McFadden cemetery, Brockway Township.

His father died in Brockway, St. Clair County, in 1871 and in 1885 William’s mother Elizabeth applied for and received a dependent mother’s pension (no. 237930), drawing $12.00 per month by 1902.

Saturday, January 05, 2008

George S. Bryant

George S. Bryant was born 1832 in Erie County, Ohio.

According to the 1880 census George’s father was born in Vermont.

George was probably still living in Ohio when he married Ohioan Emerette Crawford (1832-1901), on July 4, 1854, in Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio, and they had at least six children: Clarina (b. 1855), Alfred (b. 1857), Ahira or Harry (b. 1859), George (b. 1862), Ford (b. 1866), and Charles (b. 1870).

George and Emerette left Ohio and settled in Michigan sometime between 1855 and 1857. By 1860 George was working as a farm laborer and living with his wife and three children in Orange, Ionia County.

He stood 5’8” with brown eyes, black hair and a dark complexion, and was a 30-year-old farmer probably living in Orange, Ionia County when he enlisted in Company F on February 20, 1862, at Saranac, Ionia County for 3 years, and was mustered on April 30. He joined the Regiment in Virginia and was present for duty during the “Peninsular” campaign when he was taken ill with measles in June. He may have returned to duty, but was sick with chronic diarrhea in July at Harrison’s Landing, Virginia. George was absent sick suffering from chronic bronchitis at Patterson Park hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and at the hospital in Cumberland, Maryland, from August through November, and was dropped from the company rolls on December 30, 1862, at Camp Pitcher, Virginia. In fact he was discharged on December 23, 1862, at Cumberland, Maryland, for “chronic bronchitis the result of an attack of measles.”

After his discharge from the army George returned to Ionia County, and by 1864 was living in Berlin, Ionia County. By 1870 he was working as a farm laborer and living with his wife and children in Saranac. By 1880 he was working as a farmer and living with his wife and children in Boston, Ionia County. He was living in Lowell, Kent County in 1888. Two years later he was residing in Boston, Ionia County, suffering from chronic Bright’s disease.

In 1864 he applied for and received pension no. 27,698, drawing $6.00 per month by 1888.

George died, probably from Bright’s disease, at his home in Boston Township, Ionia County or in Lowell, Kent County, on February 25, 1893, and was buried on February 27 in Saranac cemetery: lot 6, Ionia County.

His widow was living in Lowell or in Boston, Ionia County in 1895 when she applied for and received a pension (no. 429,353.)

Friday, January 04, 2008

Emery D. Bryant

Emery D. Bryant was born in September of 1824 in Swansea, Bristol County, Massachusetts, the son of Massachusetts natives Caleb Bryant (b. 1781) and Avis Round (b. 1784).

His parents were married in Rehoboth, Massachusetts on April 1, 1804.

According to one source, sometime in October of 1838, Emory enlisted in Captain Hannibal Day’s company (Company F), in the Second Regiment of Infantry, in Boston, Massachusetts, for five years, and subsequently fought in the Seminole War in Florida. It was further claimed that he was discharged at Buffalo, New York, on February 2, 1843. (He was probably only 14 at the time he enlisted although he later claimed to have been 21.) Another source reported that he had “served four years in the army in Florida, and also as First Lieutenant in the Massachusetts volunteers in the Mexican War. He was through many of the principal engagements, and was wounded at the battle of Monterey [sic].”

His parents were living in Smithfield, Rhode Island in 1850 and also in 1868 when Emory died. His mother was living in Providence, Rhode Island in 1875.

By the mid-1850s Emery had left Massachusetts and moved westward eventually settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and for some years worked as a cordwainer/shoemaker.

He married Michigan native Louise V. Smith (1834-1902) on July 30, 1860, at Richland, Kalamazoo County; they had at least one child, a son, Emory Addison (b. 1863). Louisa had been working as a school-teacher in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County where she lived with her widowed mother and two brothers Willliam and Addison, both of whom would also join the 3rd Michigan.

By early 1861 Emery had left Grand Rapids and moved to Muskegon where he resumed his trade as a shoemaker. Because of his military background he soon became closely involved in the first “Union” meetings held in Muskegon soon after the fall of Fort Sumter in mid-April. These meetings soon resulted in the organization of a local militia company, the “Muskegon Rangers”, captained by Bryant, and which would form the nucleus of Company H of the Third Michigan infantry. According to local newspaper accounts, Bryant drilled the men several hours every day.

On Wednesday evening, April 24, a large number of citizens in Muskegon held a “war” meeting in the basement of the Methodist church,

for the purpose of taking some measures for the organization of a volunteer military company, and for raising money to aid the State in equipping the brave soldiers she will send forth to battle for our country’s flag and the nation’s honor. The large room was crowded and the enthusiasm manifested, showed plainly enough that the citizens of Muskegon of all political parties, are [devoted] to the Union, and will [support] the Government and uphold the Administration and [rally] to the [call] in defense of the Stars and Stripes. Eloquent and patriotic speeches were made by the Rev. A. St. Clair, Hon. Chauncey Davis and W. H. Smith, Esq., which were interrupted by frequent cheers from the enthusiastic audience. W. V. Wood, C. Davis, R. W. Morris, and A. Trowbridge, were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions towards the state loan. It was determined to make an effort to organize a military company at once, and several signed their names on the spot as volunteers.

The next evening another meeting was held at the church, “at which there was an even larger attendance than at the first. Speeches were made by the Hon. C. Davis, Rev. L. Earl, Dr. C. W. Bigelow, W. H. Smith, E. D. Bryant and H. Nicholson, Esq.” there was yet a third meeting planned for Friday evening.

These “union” or “war” meetings proved very effective in recruiting men for the militia company Emery was then in the process of organizing.

On Friday, April 26 Bryant wrote to Michigan Adjutant General John Robertson informing him that “Muskegon is wide awake and responds freely to the call of our beloved country. Since last Wednesday I have enrolled sixty names and will soon have my complement required by law. I would like you to send me all the necessary papers to organize a company of volunteers under the laws of Michigan [and] the tactics you wish me to drill by so we may be in readiness when called upon. We wish to organize and report next week, please notify me what provisions the State has made in regard to the equipments, pay, when it commences how much, etc. Our company is to be called when organized the Muskegon Rangers.”

On Saturday evening, April 27, “another large and most enthusiastic Union meeting was held at the basement of the Methodist Church” in Muskegon. “Patriotic and stirring speeches were made by Hon. C. Davis, W. H. Smith, Esq., and others.” On the following day, the Muskegon Rangers “marched to church . . . both in the forenoon and evening, to the music of drum and fife.”

On Wednesday evening, May 1, “an immense crowd assembled at the” Methodist church, “again to manifest their devotion to the Union. Capt. T. J. Band presided. The room was tastefully and appropriately decorated. Many ladies were present, and the Muskegon Rangers were out in full force, with music, flag and badges. They presented a really fine appearance. The assemblage was addressed by Rev. L. Earl, Rev. A. St. Clair, Dr. C. P. Bigelow and W. H. Smith, Esq., of this place, and Hon. W. M. Ferry of Ferrysburgh. Each of the speakers addressed some appropriate remarks to the Rangers, telling them, if called upon, to defend their country’s flag on the field of battle, never to falter in the fight, and sooner than see the Stars and Stripes dishonored, to perish every one of them. The Star Spangled Banner, the Red White and Blue, and other patriotic airs were sung by the Muskegon Union Glee Club in an excellent manner.” It was reported on May 4 that the citizens of Muskegon also subscribed $1,200 “for the benefit of the volunteer company just organized here. The families of our noble volunteers will not be allowed to suffer.”

According to the Muskegon Reporter of May 4, the “Rangers . . . a fine volunteer company, numbering one hundred men, has been organized in our village. They are a fine looking set of young fellows, and for patriotism and pluck, bone and muscle, we do not believe they can be surpassed by any other volunteer company in the State. They are now drilling six hours each day, and are making good progress.” The “Rangers” were commanded by Captain Emery D. Bryant and First Lieutenant Charles D. Spang and Second Lieutenant William L. Ryan. “It is expected that this company will form a part of the Third Regiment, and will probably be ordered away soon. We believe the Muskegon Rangers will give a good account of themselves, when the hour of conflict comes.”

Recruiting men for the new company had indeed been successful and by the middle of May the “Rangers” had reached full capacity of nearly 100 officers and men. On May 14, the Muskegon Rangers, under the command of Captain Emery Bryant, left Muskegon on the tug Ryerson and arrived in Grand Haven where they took supper. “A fine military company,” wrote the Grand Haven News on May 15, “numbering ninety-five volunteers from Muskegon, passed through our village yesterday on the way to their place of rendezvous, Grand Rapids. Muskegon has certainly patriotically responded to the present emergency of our country, and her example is worthy of imitation. May her soldiers win bright and fadeless crowns of honor and distinction.” The “Rangers” arrived in Grand Rapids on Tuesday evening, and, with a reportedly full complement, the men spent the night at the Eagle Hotel and Barnard House. Although it rained all day on Wednesday, May 15, the Rangers reported to Cantonment Anderson, located about two miles of the city on the old County fairgrounds. Frank Siverd, who was from Lansing and had just enlisted in Company G described them as “a fine class of men”.

The company did not remain in camp that evening but instead returned to the city to spend the night in various hotels. Siverd wrote to the Lansing newspaper “They were dissatisfied about something and left for home the next day.” However, one “Ranger”, George Vanderpool, made no mention in his diary of the company leaving for home. On Thursday, the 16th, the Rangers did parade through the city and stopped at the Bronson House, but they did not return to Cantonment Anderson. The following day, Friday, the company was still in the city awaiting orders from Captain Bryant.

In fact, there had been “a serious misunderstanding” between the Rangers and Colonel Dan McConnell, commanding the Third Michigan infantry. Earlier in the month the company had received orders from McConnell to report to Grand Rapids to join the Regiment, then nearing its full capacity of 10 companies, but when it arrived it was discovered that a company from Georgetown in Ottawa County had been placed in the Third Regiment “and the Muskegon Company, so to speak, were ‘left out in the cold.’” Bryant was reported to have threatened to take the company to Detroit or perhaps to return to Muskegon. More specifically, what happened was

Colonel McConnell required two things, 1st, that the Company, after inspection by the regimental surgeon, should consist of only the number of men prescribed by the U.S. call; and 2nd, that there must be at least one person fully capable of instructing the Company in the prescribed drill. The colonel reserving a right, in case there should be no such person in the Company, to select one non-commissioned officer for the "Rangers". These were the primary causes of dissatisfaction. And from these have arisen a hundred rumors of a distorted and audacious character.

The superior officers to the colonel would have had just cause to censure him, had he disobeyed their orders; and he did only that which it was absolutely necessary he should do under the circumstances. So uncertain were the ultimate intentions of the Muskegon Company, that the Military Board did not assign them to our regiment; but placed the Georgetown company in the position which the "Muskegon rangers" were to have had. At length, (on Tuesday evening of last week) the Muskegon Company appeared in our city; and the next day, ascertained that they really did not belong to the 3rd regiment, at all, in addition to the other real or fancied grievances of which they complained. But Colonel McConnell immediately opened a correspondence by telegraph, with the military board at Detroit, and eventually obtained permission for the "Rangers" to be placed in the 3rd regiment, in case they complied with the conditions which had been accepted by the remaining companies. Further objections were then interposed, and the Rangers were allowed until 8 o'clock Thursday evening to decide upon their action. No answer being given, the Colonel received the Georgetown company, and ordered them to appear at Cantonment Anderson at as early a a date as possible. I understand that they will arrive in our city tomorrow evening.

This crisis soon passed, however. “We are pleased to announce,” noted the Grand Rapids Enquirer, “that all difficulties which may have existed in regard to the Muskegon Company have been satisfactorily arranged, and the ‘Rangers’ have been regularly received as a component part of the ‘3rd Regiment’. This will be gratifying news, not only to our own citizens, but to the people of that region of country from which the ‘Rangers’ hailed.” At last, on Saturday, May 18, the company marched back to its quarters in Cantonment Anderson. The “Rangers” were designated Company H.

Emery enlisted at the age of 36 as Captain of Company H on May 13, 1861 (the day the Third Michigan was mustered into state service), although as we have seen the company did not in fact actually join the Third Michigan until May 18. Emery was joined by his brothers-in-law Addison and William W. Smith, who also enlisted in Company H.

When the Third Michigan left Grand Rapids for Washington on June 13, 1861, Emery was accompanied by his wife, Louisa. On July 5, Frank Siverd of Company G, wrote home to Lansing that Mrs. Bryant “is the only lady in camp. She moves about as if she were an angel of mercy, daily she may be seen carrying some nice dish to some of the sick members of the company; she has a smile and a kind word for everyone -- many times her presence is worth exceedingly more than a Physician's prescription, and I am sure she can exert as much influence, without speaking a word, as a dozen chaplains can by preaching.” (In fact she would eventually be widely noted for being a "volunteer nurse" and eventually burie din Arlington National Cemetery.)

During his service in the Third Michigan Bryant ran afoul of the military authorities on more than one occasion. On September 3, 1861, the Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac promulgated Special Order No. 28, which announced that Bryant was to be court-martialed, charged with violating Article 42. He reportedly left camp and remained AWOL overnight near Hunter’s Farm, Virginia. He was subsequently placed under arrest. The members of the court were appointed and the trial was set to begin at the camp of Israel Richardson’s Brigade (of which the Third formed a part) in Virginia. The trial was scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 5, but no further record of this court martial is found. However, Emery was still under arrest in October of 1861, but reported present for duty from November through December. (One of the members of Company H, Private Charles Brittain, wrote home to his family on October 9 that “the captain is not released yet and I don’t know when he will be. . . .”

As commanding officer of a company, one of his duties was to soothe concerns of families about the health and well-being of their sons and husbands. On November 21, 1861 he replied to inquiries from the father of George Lemon, one of the men in Company H.

I received your letter today [Bryant wrote] concerning your son George W. Lemon who is in my company. The reason of your not hearing from [him] is undoubtedly since he has been in the hospital he has been too sick to write, and they have not the conveniences near them. He has had the typhoid fever, he was taken to our Regimental Hospital (which is on our grounds and I can see them every day) about four weeks ago. He has been a very sick boy, but is now convalescent, is considered out of danger if he does not have a relapse. I went to see him as soon as I received your letter. He told me to write you [that] he had the best of care a plenty to make him comfortable. The food is generally what the boys mostly complain of, that is when they begin to get better, their appetite craves more than their stomach will digest and the doctors are very particular about what they eat and how much while they are in the hospital. Our doctors have had better luck with the typhoid fever than any other Regiment around us. They have not lost one patient and we have had as many as twenty at a time in the hospital. This disease is a lingering one,it takes one some time to get over it. It will probably be some weeks before he will be able for duty. He complains much of his feet being sore; if it weren't for that he would be able to walk out now. Anything I can do or my wife for his comfort we shall do willingly. My wife has a particular interest for him as a cousin of his (Martha Hurlburt) and she used to be schoolmates. She and George often conversed about Mishawaka, South Bend and those he knew of her acquaintances. I will see that George is furnished with stationary at the hospital so he may write you. If he should have a relapse and does not get along as well as he ought I will let you know.

On January 7, 1862, while the Third Michigan was in winter camp in Virginia, Emery applied for a leave of absence of 15 days due to ill health. “I think,” he wrote to the assistant Adjutant General from Camp Michigan, “a change of climate and diet for a few days will tend to restore my health.” The same day Regimental assistant surgeon, Dr. George B. Wilson, certified that having “carefully examined this officer” he found “that for about six weeks past he has had a severe cough -- the result of bronchial irritation -- which has not been relieved by the ordinary remedies, but continues to harass and weaken him.” In Wilson’s opinion, Bryant was “unfit for duty” and would remain so for at least 15 days. And furthermore, “under the circumstances a temporary change of climate would materially expedite his recovery.” According to Wilson, Bryant intended to visit his family home in Massachusetts.

It is unknown if Bryant received his furlough. In fact, he was under arrest in late January of 1862, when he was court-martialled for allegedly stealing property from a private home near Pohick Church, Virginia. Held at Johnson’s House, opposite General Heintzelman’s headquarters near Fort Lyon, Virginia on January 30, 1862, the Court charged Bryant with violation of the 54th article of war. Specifically, in that he “did enter a house and take therefrom and carry away, a window sash, and glass therein contained. He then and there, not having been ordered so to do, by the commander-in-chief of the armies of the United States. This near Pohick Church, Va., on the 25th day of Dec. A.D. 1861.” To both charge and specification he pled not guilty. The Court proceeded to take extensive testimony. Major Byron Pierce of the Third Michigan was the first witness called; all other persons required to give evidence were directed to withdraw and remain in waiting until called for.

Question by Judge Advocate: Do you know Capt. Emery D. Bryant?
Answer: I do.
Question: Do you know of his taking any property from any house on or about the 25th of Dec. last?
Answer: I know nothing of the taking of any property. I saw him with some property. Question: Where did you see him and what did you see in his possession?
Answer: On a reconnaissance made that day to Pohick church, I saw him on horseback, half way between Pohick church and our camp, returning to the camp, with a window sash and lights.
Question: Do you know where he got the property?
Answer: I do not.
Question: Do you know what he did with that property?
Answer: [I] do not; it was the only time I saw it.

Lieutenant Robert M. Collins, Regimental Quartermaster was then called to the stand and sworn in.

Question: Do you know Capt. Emery D. Bryant?
Answer: I do.
Question: Do you know of his taking any property not his own from any house on or about the 25th of Dec. last?
Answer: No sir; I don't know that I do.
Question: Did you see him with any property not his own that day?
Answer: I saw him with a window sash on his horse on that day while returning from a reconnaissance about half or three quarters of a mile this side of Pohick Church.
Question: How do you know that it was not his own property?
Answer: I have no knowledge that it was not his own property.
Question: When did you first see him with that property?
Answer: Coming from a small house about three quarters of a mile this side of Pohick Church. Question by the Court: Was the house occupied when you passed it?
Answer: It was not, it was nearly torn to pieces.
Question by the Court: Have you seen the window sash since?
Answer: I have, or one that much resembled it.
Question by the Court: Where have you seen it?
Answer: In Capt. Bryant's tent door.
Question by the Judge Advocate: How lately, before passing the small house had you seen him?
Answer: Not since leaving Pohick.
Question: Did you see him at the house?
Answer: I did not.
Question by the Court: Did the accused make any remarks to while in possession of the sash? Answer: I told him the Col. had just given orders for every one to come away from that house and let things be, and I said to Capt. Bryant “you are setting a bad example”, he replied, “I might as well have it to save it”.
Question by Accused: Who was present when that conversation took place?
Answer: Surgeon Bliss was riding along with us.
Question: Was there any one else within talking distance?
Answer: I think not.

Collins was excused and Regimental Surgeon Zenas E. Bliss was then called and sworn.

Question by the Judge Advocate: Do you know Capt. Emery D. Bryant?
Answer: I do.
Question: Do you know of his taking any property not his own from any house on or about the 25th Dec. last?
Answer: I know of his having certain property in his possession at that time.
Question: Did you see him enter any house? take therefrom any property and carry it away, not his own?
Answer: I did not.
Question: What was the property you speak of knowing that he had, and when did you see it? Answer: A window, near Pohick Church.
Question: Had you ever seen that window before?
Answer: I had not.
Question: Do you know whose it was?
Answer: Do not.
Question: Do you know where it came from?
Answer: Do not.
Question by the Court: How many lights had the window?
Answer: I should judge about six, from the way in which it was carried under his arm.

Captain Stephen L. Lowing of Company I was then called to testify.

Question by the Judge Advocate: Do you know Capt. Emery D. Bryant?
Answer: I do.
Question: Do you know of his taking any property not his own from any house on or about the 25th of Dec. last?
Answer: I was in company with him coming from Pohick Church; he rode around to the back side and called to me. I rode around to where he was, he asked me to hold his horse a short time. I did so. he went into the house, I heard a noise, and saw a window sash taken out from upstairs. Soon after Capt. Bryant came out with a window sash in his hand. He got on to his horse and carried the window away.
Question by the Court: Have you seen the window since?
Answer: I don't know. I have seen a window in Capt. Bryant's tent door, but don't know as it is that one.
Question by the Court: How does the window in his tent door correspond with the one you saw him bring from the house?
Answer: Should think it the same, am not very definite about it.
Question by the Court: How many squares of glass do you think there were in the sash? Answer: I think about six, am not certain.
Question by the Court: When you saw the window wrested from its place in the house did you see the person who took it?
Answer: I saw the man's arm but could not see the person enough to identify him.
Question by the Judge Advocate: was any one in the house at the time or before Capt. Bryant went in?
Answer: There was not that I saw, after he went in. I saw men go in at the front door. Question: How could see them?
Answer: Saw them through a window.
Question: Was the house in condition to be occupied when you first got there?
Answer: I don't know why not, everything seemed to be all right outside.

After Lowing was excused, Lieutenant Almon D. Borden of Company K was called and sworn.

Question: Do you know Capt. Emery D. Bryant?
Answer: I do.
Question: Do you know of his taking any property not his own from any house on or about the 25th of Dec. last?
Answer: No sir; I don't know that I do.
Question: Did you see him with any property at that time?
Answer: I saw him with a six-light sash on the road from Pohick Church, on his horse returning to camp about half a mile from camp.
Question: Do you know where that sash came from?
Answer: I do not.

Following the testimony of Almon Borden, Captain Israel C. Smith of Company F called to the stand.

Question by the Judge Advocate: Do you know Capt. Emery D. Bryant?
Answer: I do.
Question: Do you know of his taking any property not his own from any house on or about the 25th of Dec. last?
Answer: I don't know that I do, but while passing a house this side of Pohick I saw Capt. Bryant and three or four men, perhaps more, in the house. The Col. ordered the men out. I next saw Capt. Bryant at a stream about a mile this side, he then had a sash. This was the first time I saw him with a sash in his hand, when I saw him in the house I don't know that he had anything there.
Question by the Court: Do you know for what purpose Capt. Bryant was in that house? Answer: I do not.

Captain Smith was excused and the Prosecution called its last witness, Private Roderick R. Ackley of Company “and in response to questions said” that he had been “standing near my Captain's tent in camp, saw Capt. Bryant come into camp with a window sash, but don't know where he got it.”

The prosecution closed its case and the Court adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next morning, Friday, January 31, when Captain Bryant presented his defense. He called Private E. J. Wright of Company H to the stand.

Question by the Accused: Do you know the condition of a small two story frame house about half a mile this side of Pohick Church previous to Dec. 26th last, is so state its condition. Answer: About three weeks before the 25th I was in that neighborhood, there are two frame buildings near each other, one is of one story and the other of two. That of two, had the doors and windows all shattered, I don't think there was a whole pane of glass in the house. Question: Was there any furniture in it?
Answer: There was a chair and bureau broken.
Question by the Judge Advocate: When did you first see the house and what was its condition then?
Answer: More than two months ago. It was then in good condition a family had just left it. Question: When did you next see it?
Answer: I was there about two weeks afterwards, and the doors were then all to pieces, and the windows shattered, it was six weeks ago at least, that I first saw it in a ruinous condition.

Captain Bryant then presented his written defense statement.

It is with feelings of deep regret and sorrow that I am compelled to strand before you to defend and refute the charges brought against me by the Colonel commanding my Regiment. I am charged with the violation of the 54th article of war, but he has failed to bring one single evidence to substantiate the charge. The specification alleges that I did take and carry away a window sash from a house a half mile from Pohick Church, and he has brought two witnesses to prove the taking and carrying away a sash & glass as alleged in the Specification from the said house. I look upon the Charge as complaint, as one of annoyance and not for public utility or justice he would have filed in charges long ere this against officers of this Regiment who has torn down houses, barns, etc. and brought the roofs and boards in camp to cover log houses. It seems to me his complaint was brought for no other reason than to whip them over my back. The defendant's evidence introduced proved there were no whole sashes or doors in the house and had there been such taken as there were no whole sash in the said house. Therefore I submit the case to the wisdom to the judgment of the court.

As there were no witnesses who could place him as the culprit, the court found him not guilty and he was released from arrest.

Emery quickly resumed his duties and was present with his company in March and April of 1862. According to one source, in fact, Louisa worked with Dorothea Dix in caring for the wounded during and after the battles of Yorktown and Williamsburg in May of 1862.

In late April or early May Emery was listed as absent sick, possibly from consumption which would eventually kill him, and he was probably sent first to a hospital in Alexandria before he was transferred on May 7 to a hospital at Annapolis, Maryland. (However at least one source thought he was a malinger during this period.)

He remained at Annapolis through August, although he was supposedly on convalescent duty by perhaps as early as July 14. Bryant again ran into trouble with the authorities. In July the Regiment reported Bryant “absent sick without proper authority”, and in August he was listed as being AWOL since May 9, 1862 (about the time he was sent to the hospital).

In fact, Emery was on detached service at Fort McHenry, Maryland until he was dropped from the company rolls on September 20, 1862. He was honorably discharged on account of sickness by Special Order no. 289, War Department, dated October 11, following his resignation also dated October 11, on account of disability due to heart and lung disease on. (Curiously he was also reported as being dismissed on September 22, 1862, pursuant to Special Order No. 90, Army of the Potomac, regarding deserters.)

Although one source reported that both Emery and Louisa returned to Kalamzoo after his discharge form the army, it appears from correspondence found in Bryant’s pension record that he attempted to join the Veterans’ Reserve Corps in late May or early June of 1863, possibly in Michigan, but in any event he was apparently unsuccessful. He may have remained in Washington to pursue his entry into the VRC or perhaps he came back to Michigan and then sought to join the “Invalid Corps.” (The VRC was made up of men who while ambulatory were generally incapable of performing regular military tasks due to having suffered debilitating wounds and/or diseases and were assigned to garrison the many supply depots, draft rendezvous, camps, forts, prisons, etc. scattered throughout the northern cities, thus freeing able-bodied men for regular military duty.)

In any case, sometime in 1863 Emery applied for a pension (no. 9592) but the certificate was never granted. Dr. D. W. Bliss who had served as the first Regimental Surgeon in the Third Michigan and went on to command Armory Square hospital in Washington later in the war, wrote in late March of 1864 to the Pension Office that in his opinion he had always considered Bryant “a malinger. I know this to be the opinion of the Surgeon of his regiment (Surg. Z. E. Bliss) during the the Peninsular Campaign. I certainly do not believe he ever done [sic] sufficient duty or suffered exposure to produce permanent disability. He left the Regt at Williamsburg, Va. and fell out before the battle.”

Emery eventually did return to Michigan where reentered the service as First Lieutenant of Company H, in the First Michigan Colored Infantry (which became the One hundred and second United States Colored Troops), and was commissioned on January 20, 1864, listing his residence as Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County (recall that his wife's family was from Kalamazoo). “The First left the state March 28, 1864, for Annapolis, Md., where it joined the Ninth corps. It was soon detached and sent by transports to Hilton Head, S. C., where it arrived on the 19th of April. During the next two months the different companies were on picket duty at St. Helena and Jenkins Islands, and on Hilton Head Island. The regiment then occupied Port Royal and assisted in constructing fortifications and other fatigue duty.”

On May 23, 1864, the First Michigan Colored Infantry was reorganized as the One hundred and second U.S. Colored Infantry and attached to the District of Hilton Head, South Carolina (Dept. of the South) and District of Beaufort, South Carolina (Dept. of the South) to August when it was transferred to the District of Florida (Dept. of the South) until October. It was attached to the Second Separate Brigade (Dept. of the South) to November. One hundred and second United States Colored Troops (or First Michigan Colored Troops).

The 102nd USCT was garrisoned first at Port Royal, South Carolina from the time it was organized until June 15 when it moved to Beaufort and remained in garrison there until August 1. It was then moved to Jacksonville, Florida from August 1-3, on picket duty at Baldwin until August 15 and participated in the attack on Baldwin August 11-12 as well as in the raid on the Florida Central Railroad August 15-19. It was at Magnolia until August 29, moved to Beaufort August 29-31 and remained on duty there until after the first of the year, engaged in outpost and picket duty on Port Royal, Lady and Coosa Islands.

But Emery was still too ill to undertake any serious military responsibilities, and was apparently suffering from the debilitating effects of his lung disease. He was taken sick about September 10, 1864, and although he remained sick through the end of the year, in October he was reported to be serving with Company G, and was furloughed, probably as a result of his poor health, on December 26, 1864. He apparently returned to duty, however, and was reported as Captain of Company B or D by May of 1865, commissioned May 6, replacing Captain Arad Lindsey (also formerly of the Old Third), who had been killed on November 30, 1864.

The 102nd USCT participated in various actions throughout South Carolina, particularly in the Charleston area, throughout early 1865, and in fact moved to Charleston on April 29, thence to Summereville on May 7-8, to Branchville on May 18, to Orangeburg on May 25 and remained on provost duty there until they left for Winsboro, July 28-August 3, where they remained in garrison until September. The regiment moved to Charleston and Emery was mustered out of service with the regiment at Charleston on September 30, 1865. From Charleston the regiment returned to Detroit where it was paid off and disbanded on October 17, 1865.

After the war Emery returned to Michigan and settled in Kalamazoo where he was living in 1867 working as a shoemaker and cordwainer.

Emery died of consumption on November 18, 1867, in Kalamazoo, and was reportedly buried in Riverside cemetery, Kalamazoo.

Louisa applied for and received pension (no. 109,662), eventually drawing $17.00 per month.

She was living in Colorado Springs, Colorado Territory in 1869, but soon returned to Kalamazoo. By 1870 she was teaching school and living with her mother Rachel and her invalid brother William, who had also served in the Third Michigan in Kalamazoo village; another brother Addison too had served in the Old Third and had died during the war. Also living with her was her 7-year-old son Emery. Louisa was still in Kalamazoo in 1873, but eventually moved to Washington, DC. By 1883 she was residing at 915 F Street northwest, in Washington, DC. By the time she died in 1902 Louisa was living at 1332 New York Avenue in Washington.

Louisa was buried in the old Officer’s Section at Arlington National Cemetery (no. 1258); her headstone lists her simply as a “Civil War Volunteer Nurse.”