Freemasons of New York State in the Civil War
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- Edward M. Slayton
- Sloat, Charles Watson
- Slocum, Dr. John O.
- Smallman, Joshua
- Smith, Andrew J.
- Syracuse
"Big Car Truck Company" - Largest Enterprise Ever Organized by Port Byron Capitalist- Looking For A Boom - Great Things Expected From The New Car Truck Company Which Has Been Organized With A Capital Stock of $200,000 - Cayuga- One of the largest enterprises ever organized by Port Byron capitalists has just been incorporated under the laws of New York. The company is to be known as the Port Byron Car Truck Company and numbers among its stockholders several prominent capitalists and substantial business men. The capital stock is $200,000, most of which is held by Port Byron men. The company is organized for the purpose of manufacturing and selling six-wheel radial street car trucks. The truck is the invention of John P. Faye of Binghamton. The company was organized through the efforts of Charles Thompson, a mechanical engineer of New York. John W. Barrus is president of the new company. The vice-president is Edward M. Slayton, postmaster. From the Auburn Citizen newspaper: Slayton Narrowly Escaped Serious Injury and Possibly Death. Port Byron, March 9 (1914) — E. M. Slayton narrowly escaped injury and possibly death recently. He had gone to a neighbor's for a pail of water and, returning unconsciously stopped. As he did so about a ton of ice and snow slid from the roof of a house and fell immediately in front of him. Had he taken a step forward he would have been buried underneath the mass. Mrs. Slayton, who witnessed her husband's narrow escape, was overcome. From the Cayuga Chief newspaper: 17 Jul 1915 - E. M. Slayton. who recently returned from a visit to Fairfax. Va., is seriously ill at his home. Mr. Slayton contemplates moving his family south just as soon as his health improves.
Sloat, Charles W., was born in the village of Great Bend, Jefferson county, N. V., October 10, 1840. He acquired a liberal education from the public schools of the towns of Pamelia and Watertown, and when the call for volunteers was issued he was among the first to answer and enlisted in Co. H, 94th N. Y. Vols., and served his country faithfully for three years, being discharged in 1864 as first lieutenant. After the war he returned to Watertown and purchased a planing mill, and after two years formed a co-partnership with L. C. Greenleaf under the firm name of Sloat & Greenleaf, and has since been engaged in the lumber and milling business. Mr. Sloat has served on the Boards of Aldermen and Education of the city and as one of the supervisors from the city on the county board. He is a member of Watertown Lodge, F. & A. M., and of the G. A. R., of which latter organization he is past commander. He was married in 1868 to Miss Ada L. Budlong of Clinton, N. Y. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nyjeffer/cwbsloat.htm Charles Watson Sloat Union Soldier - Distinguished Service
HIS MEMORIES Of GETTYSBURG - ONE SOLDIERS EXPERIENCES SOMEWHAT BRIEF STORY BY CHARLES W. SLOAT Veteran of 94th Infantry Taken Prisoner on First Day of Fight But Was Paroled After Battle. The following paper on the battle of Gettysburg was . . . written by Charles W. Sloat, a veteran of the 94th New York Infantry who participated in the battle. I am to remember for you over a space of 50 years the part my regiment, the 94th NY, took in the campaign into Pennsylvania in 1863 and who participated in one of the Worlds greatest battles, the battle of Gettysburg, who's adventure in itself was so damaging on the morale of the North, could have been wished in connection to the situations all of Vicksburg, it marked the limit of the highest hopes of the southern confederates and foretold its final hours as a separate nation. The confederate commander, Gen. Lee, who had stood during the winter of '62 and '63 across the road of the Union march to Richmond, and had to his credit the defeat of Burnside at Fredericksburg and Mine Run, and of his successor, Hooker, at Chancellorsville, in June, '63, boldly struck camp, and made for the Shenandoah valley and for an invasion of the Northern States. It would be tiresome for you, as it was to us foot soldiers at the time, to follow his northern march, and our strenuous endeavor to head him off, before he could work too much havoc among cities, towns and homes of our own. Probably the march of troops in war meant more to the welfare of the world and the destinies of free institutions, than did that of the hordes of both sides, struggling northward on those burning days of the summer of 1863. Rumor, of which there was usually an abundance in the army, had so far failed to keep the boys in the ranks posted as to the movement and location of Lee's army, and on the evening of June 30 some 15 miles out from Gettysburg, on the Emmetsburg road. It seemed to be a historical fact that neither Meade nor Lee were looking for trouble at Gettysburg, so when on the morning of July 1 Buford's cavalry discovered a considerable body of enemy not very far distant in a northwesterly direction from the peaceful village, it found both armies with forces badly scattered. Of these the First and Eleventh corps were the nearest to the scene and hurried orders were sent for their presence there. The First, our corps, out on the Emmetsburg pike was the first to start. Wadsworth's Division, leading these two corps, as I remember the situation, had spent the night of June 30th on or near the Emmetsburg road, and probably about eight to twelve miles from Gettysburg. At this time, the evening of June 30th, to the rank and file of the army, there was nothing to indicate the stirring times so near at hand and not until the middle of the forenoon of the 1st of July was there much to disturb the usual orderly march of troops. At this time the rapid movements of aides and orderlies and the tense order of company and line officers of " close up men," was indication to all that war was about to again present her dread front. The occasional bark of a field piece and the rattle of musketry on the road ahead, were the nerve trying sounds that greeted us. Gettysburg lies in a more than usual fertile valley and is some 40 miles a little north and west of Baltimore, and some 70 miles from Washington. A place of then, perhaps, 2500 people, until this invasion of rebel hordes, it must have been the very example of peace and rural happiness. Its placidity was about to be rudely changed to the very opposite all that noise and confusion could create. On the west side of the valley, and about one half mile from the village runs a range of hills, not of great height, but enough to mark the western boundary of the valley called Seminary Ridge, on the northernmost extremity of which is called the Lutheran Seminary. It was on the plateau of this ridge and in front of the seminary building where the battle of the first day began and it was, perhaps, some 100 rods in front of the building where Geo. Reynolds was killed. It was in the cupola of the seminary that Reynolds found Gen. Ruford of cavalry fame and said "John, what's the matter?" In reply, John said, "The devil is to pay, which is no doubt so." It must have been about the time of this genial intercourse of these seasoned warriors that the 94th regiment back on the Emmetsburg Pike near the farmhouse of N. Cordon? got the urgent orders to take to the fields on the left to hurry forward to the assistance of their comrades at the front. As yet we had seen nothing of the village and we who had not access to the maps, knew no more of where we were, then we were in the State of Pennsylvania. On our arrival in front of the seminary, the battle for the moment had somewhat subsided, and after the usual delay, incident to uncertainty as to where we would be needed most, we were marched to a slope of the ridge looking towards the town and ordered to lie down. Unless there is a substantial earthwork in front of him, the order to lie down is the most unwelcome one a soldier gets. I think he is much less nervous when marching towards the enemy. I remember that while lying on this slope, of having my nerves as badly tried as they have ever been in battle. From some battery, some distance away, the rebels had gotten our range and were dropping an occasional shell uncomfortably near. A few rods north of this point was the grade, a cut and embankment, of a prospective railroad. The western end of the cut had already been the scene of desperate fighting and at the moment was in the hands of the Union forces. It now became time for our brigade and regiment to go forward and we were ordered across the grade of the railroad and through a considerable wood, and joined our right to the left of the eleventh Corps, which had established its lines north, and about a mile from the village. On getting to the farther, or northern, edge of the woods, we were in position to see the operations of the enemy in that quarter. Their skirmish line had been advanced towards the wood, to within some 40 rods and for the moment, were seeming to be waiting advance of the main line. We were ordered to advance and drive them out, which we proceeded to do. At the same time a large body of troops were seen approaching from the northern slopes. They were in line of battle and seemed to be moving with the easy confidence of hardened victors. It is known that they constituted Rhodes' division and in great strength. Its march proved so powerful that the lines of the Eleventh and right of the First, and finally the whole of the Union force was pushed back, and through the town. I, personally, have never dwelt with pride upon what I saw of our action at that time. We should, no doubt, have been over whelmed in the end, but after the march of Rhodes' men began there was practically no fight put up by the Union forces on the first day of the battle, unless, possibly, by the artillery. The retreat was akin to panic. The 94th had, for the moment, by the slight wounding of Col. Root, had been in command of its captain and of Major Moffat, who, in absence of orders, simply drifted back through the woods. At the point where the railroad cut went through the hills and of that in which our advance began, at about 4 p. m. my company found itself seeking a way to Gettysburg. The only available track was that of the railroad grade, which was completely filled with our army, foot, horse and artillery. A mouse would have found cramped traveling. The regiment had gone into line of battle as they came in sight of the enemy, at the northern edge of the wood, which formation was maintained by facing about on the retreat. The regiment at that time had only about 400 men with it, but it's line of battle was so extended that its left end was considerably nearer the village than the right and right center, which was at the railroad cut and grade which it found so congested and impassable. Further retreat towards the seminary was seen to be cut off by a line of the enemy, which was already well on its way to the village. The men of this line, that could be easily seen, were jubilant over their expected victory, which at that moment seemed assured. The writer saw an officer leading them, his hat held aloft on his sword, and shouting. "Come on, men, we've got 'em now." Seeing the futility of further attempts to escape in that direction, the order was given to the remnant of the regiment in the cut, some 60 to 80 in number to face about and be ready to receive the line of the enemy, which we knew to becoming behind. But before anything could be done, a voice was heard from the bank above "Hold on there, Yanks, we'll treat you well," and thus ended, for the time, the fighting career of the left wing of the 94th New York Volunteers. A considerable number of the other wing of the regiment succeeded in getting through Gettysburg, and were finally formed upon Cemetery Ridge and became part of the line that successfully resisted the onslaughts of the following day of battle. The interest which st??ches to soldiers that have become prisoners of war is not of a thrilling nature, so as this paper has already become too long, I will, in as few words as possible, tell what became of us. The capture was made by a North Carolina regiment, commanded as we understood by a Col. Dan??? W???her, a relative of one of President Wilson's cabinet, also from North Carolina, I am able to say. A body of us prisoners were assembled on the knoll overlooking the field towards the village, when one of our batteries from the cemetery opened on us with shell which was unpleasantly frequent in their delivery. Our captors said to us "Well, you'd better get out of here; you don't want to be shot by your own men." We were marched to the rear of their line and corralled in a field near some farm buildings. We had plenty of company, there were some 4,000 in this squad. The next day we were in one long line and addressed by the Confederate commissary of prisoners, who explained an order issued by our government, which announced that paroles on the field would not be recognized, and that men so paroled would be returned to their commands. However, command of the 94th did accept the paroles and when the battle was over were retained at Gettysburg for a time to assist in the care of sick and wounded until such time as their cases could be determined, the final result being that we were returned and took part in most of the further operations of the Army of the Potomac, and those who re-enlisted were allowed to take part in the final campaign, the result of which was Appomattox, the 50th anniversary of which was celebrated April 9 of this year. Your superintendent honored me by an invitation to talk to you of Gettysburg. You have seen my capture on the first day of the battle, that my opportunity of observation of that field as a whole was greatly curtailed, as that like all the rest of you I am dependent upon history for the operations of the following day. I did see something of the rebel army and of their way of doing things in my short stay with them, in a way they were our brothers, but the influence of the environment of most of them made them a mighty interesting lot, and their outfit was so curious a character as to make us wonder to their efficiency. Their wagon trains, comprising their transportation facilities, were made up of all sorts of vehicles, and showed the straits to which they were put to keep themselves in the field. The participants in that great war are rapidly passing on, but as one of them, I should feel that I had been remiss in duty if I did not lend my voice to warn against the resort, except in the direst necessity to the arbitrament of war. War is looked upon as a dreadful thing, but If you have not met it face to face, you cannot appreciate its awful mien. "Let us have peace." Watertown Daily Times Thursday, August 23, 1924 FALL FATAL TO CHAS. W. SLOAT WELL KNOWN BUSINESS MAN AND VETERAN DIES FRACTURED LEG ON MAY 19 Had Been Confined To His Bed Since That Time - long Prominent In Civic Affairs. Charles Watson Sloat, 83, died at his home, 406 Franklin street, at 11 this morning following an illness of long standing, death being directly the results of a fall which Mr. Sloat suffered on May 19 at his home at which time he suffered a fractured right leg. Mr. Sloat suffered a stroke about four years ago and for a time he was partly paralyzed. He recovered from the effects of the stroke and had been in good health up to the time he fell about ten weeks ago. Since the fall he has been confined to his bed nearly all of the time. His condition showed marked improvement during the last three weeks and he had been critically ill only a few days. The seriousness of the fall was enhanced by Mr. S1oat's advanced years. Charles W. Sloat was one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of the city, having been a prominent lumber dealer in the city for many years. He was also prominent in the affairs of the city, having served on the board of education and the old public works board. He was for many years the senior member of the lumber firm of Sloat and Greenleaf of this city. He was also a veteran of the Civil war. Mr. Sloat was born in this city 10 Oct 1840, the son of the late John and Lydia Doane Sloat, and had spent practically all of his life here. On his 21st birthday, 10 Oct 1861, he enlisted as a private at Watertown in Company H of the 94th NY volunteer Infantry. Shortly after his enlistment he was made a sergeant and on 19 Jun 1863, he received the commission of second lieutenant, which rank he held until the expiration of the three year enlistment term, he being discharged from the Union forces in December, 1864. He was taken prisoner by the Confederate forces during the first day's fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was also engaged in the battles of Cedar Mountain, the second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Mine Run, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor and the assault and siege at Petersburg. He was paroled soon after his capture at Gettysburg. Mr. Sloat told many interesting stories of the war of the rebellion. In 1914 there appeared an article in The Times in commemoration of the birthday of Lincoln which was written by Mr. Sloat. In the article the former soldier told an interesting story of seeing the war president review the Union forces under Pope, at which time Mr. Sloat saw Lincoln. In the article Mr. Sloat paid a high tribute to Abraham Lincoln and vividly described him riding a horse as he passed down the long columns of soldiers. Mr. Sloat was married in Clinton, NY, on 17 Jun 1868, to Miss Ada L. Budlow of that village. After his marriage he returned to this city and entered the lumber business. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sloat, all of whom survive him. Mr. Sloat received his education in the schools of the city. He was a student at the Stone school house on Bradley street and at the old Institute on the present site of the State street school. He first went into the lumber business with his uncle and later on 30 Mar 1876, he organized the lumber firm of Sloat and Greenleaf and continued to be senior member of the business for a number of years. About eleven years ago his son, Wallace B. Sloat, entered into partnership with his father and the business later became known as the firm of Sloat and Son. Mr. Greenleaf, the former partner of the firm, died about two years ago. The firm of S1oat and Son is one of the best known in the city and for many years has done an extensive business in lumber and mill work, paints, glass, roofing material and all kinds of builders' supplies. The mill and offices of the company are located at 408-420 Mill street. 17 Jun 1918 was the golden anniversary of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Sloat and the occasion was celebrated by a reception to old friends and relatives at their home. Rev. William P. Payne who married them 50 years ago previous was present at the reception. Mr. Payne was pastor of the Clinton Universalist church at the time he married Mr. and Mrs. Sloat. Last October Mr. and Mrs. Sloat were the guests of honor at a family dinner party in honor of their birthdays which fell near together; both in the best of health. Mr. Sloat is survived by his widow, Mrs. Ada B Sloat, two daughters, Mrs. C. E. Pierce and Miss Helen M. Sloat, all residing at the family home 406 Franklin street and by one son, Wallace B. Sloat of 327 West Main street, this city. The funeral services will be held from his late home, 406 Franklin street Sunday afternoon at 2. Rev. Harry Westbrook Reed, pastor of All Souls Universalist church officiating. Burial will be made in Brookside cemetery. Sources: Jefferson County Gen Web, US Civil War Service Records, "Electronic," for Charles W. Sloat Jefferson County Gen Web, CITY OF WATERTOWN CIVIL WAR VETS FROM 1890 CENSUS Jefferson County Gen Web, Brookside Cemetery Records, Watertown, NY. for Charles Sloat Newspaper - The Watertown Daily Times - TUESDAY, MAY 27, 1913 Our Country And Its People - A Descriptive Work On Jefferson County, New York - Edited by Edgar C. Emerson The Boston History Company Publishers, 1898 Biography of Charles Sloat Newspaper - The Watertown Daily Times - Thursday, August 23, 1924
Dr. John O. Slocum (surgeon in the army, and brother of the late Maj.-Gen. Henry W. Slocum); Charter member of Sapphire Lodge No. 768, Camillus, Onondaga, NY. (papers at the Onondaga Historical Association) SLOCUM, JOHN O. Age, 42 years. Enrolled at Syracuse (122nd NY Inf – Ruggles’ Regt), to serve three years, and mustered in as assistant surgeon, August 14, 1862; discharged, July 1, 1863, by promotion to surgeon, One Hundred and Twenty-first Infantry. Commissioned assistant surgeon, September 10, 1862, with rank from August 14, 1862. Sly, Norman A., 124th Vols, Warwick, 544 Smallman, Joshua, x, Ellicottville, 307 From “Cattaraugus County in the Civil War”: Aug. 1862, 20th Conn. (New Haven), Age 48 in 1865; Born in Ireland; Served 16 months; Discharged for disability 28 Sep 1863; Spine injured by fall of tree while building huts at London Valley, VA.
Smart, J. H., x, Old Oak, 253 Smith, A. H., x, Genoa, 421 Smith, Adam, 64th Vols, Phoenix, 262 Smith, Albert, x, Walton, 559 Smith, Almon В., x, Olive, 575 Smith, Andrew, (Sergt.) 134th Vols, Cobleskill, S94
SMITH, ANDREW J.— Age, 25 years. Enrolled at Syracuse, to serve three years, and mustered in as adjutant, July 26, 1862; as captain, Co. G, October 8, 1862; discharged, June 6, 1865, to accept appointment as major and assistant adjutant-general of Volunteers. Commissioned first lieutenant and adjutant, September 10, 1862 with rank from July 26, 1862, original; captain, November 7, 1862, with rank from October 8, 1862, vice H. H. Jilson died of disease. Captain, Co. G: ANDREW JACKSON SMITH, from October 8, 1862, to June 6, 1865. Adjutant: ANDREW JACKSON SMITH, from July 26 to October 8, 1862. http://74.125.45.104/search?q=cache:zh0cT2qomaQJ:query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html%3Fres%3DFB0912F73F5F1B738DDDAE0A94DC405B8685F0D3+%22andrew+jackson+smith%22+%22syracuse%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us From The Syracuse Courier. Col. Andrew Jackson Smith, Governor of the Soldiers' Home at Leavenworth, Kan., previous to going West lived in this city. At the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted and went through that sanguinary conflict with an excellent reputation for bravery. He was a personal friend of Gen. "Phil" Sheridan, and it was owing to the influence and recommendations of Sheridan that Col. Smith received the appointment as Governor of the Soldiers' Home at Leavenworth. Col. Smith has undoubtedly instituted many practical reforms, and has been indefatigable in his efforts to promote the interests of the National Keeley League, of which he was elected President at Harrisburg- last year. Twenty years ago no man was better known or more esteemed in Syracuse than Andrew J. Smith. He was a. member of the insurance of Hinman & Smith, his partner being James H. Hinman, who now resides in Chicago. Col. Smith was a very popular citizen, a great practical joker and story teller, and his wit was recognized on all sides. It was these Qualities which attracted Gen. Sheridan to him and gave him at that period almost a National fame in army circles. The Colonel prided himself upon his accomplishment as a public speaker and was an elocutionist of no mean repute. In his younger days his oratorical efforts attracted the attention of a prominent Episcopal clergymen in Syracuse, himself a dramatic pulpit orator, and by his influence Mr. Smith was induced to study for the ministry. The ladies of the congregation made him a present of a handsome gold watch, and he went to Geneva. I believe, to enter upon his studies for the ministry under the auspices of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Smith, however, soon found out that he was not fitted for the ministry, and he returned the gold watch the ladies had given him and decided to try for the stage. He went to New-York with that object in view and succeeded in obtaining a hearing from Edwin Forrest, the eminent tragedian, who patiently listened to his recitations and then advised him not to go on the stage. Mr. Smith came back to Syracuse and, the war breaking out, enlisted and went to the front. After the war Mr. Smith frequently acted on the stage in company with other amateurs for charitable objects. He was an intimate personal friend of Edwin Adams, the tragedian, and was not satisfied until he appeared in conjunction with Mr. Adams at the Wieting Opera House. The play was "Damon and Pythias," Mr. Adams acting Pythias and Mr. Smith Damon. The house was crowded, and the performance was a great success. Mr. Smith's Damon was very creditable, and he was greeted with hearty applause by his friends, who had packed the theatre. Col. Smith was a great admirer of Roscoe Conkling, and was fond of imitating the haughty manner and lordly bearing of that gentleman. He had his speeches down fine. He often amused his coterie of friends by imitating Conhling's style of oratory. No man could do this better than he. As a wit and humorist, Syracuse never had a superior to Col. Smith, with the exception of his brother, D. Lewis Smith. One day Col. Smith went into his office and announced to his partner and one or two friends present that he had fulfilled another duty of citizenship by becoming a. freeholder. "Yes," said he, "I feel now as if I was really beginning it in the proper manner. I have bought a fine house, an imposing domicile. It will give me credit and standing to be known as its owner. It has a fine, large cupola on it, and, I must add, a mortgage bigger than the cupola." Wit ran in the Smith family. All of Col. Smith's brothers were witty and original, and the Colonel himself in those days was a type. He is a magnificent man physically, and. it is said, was one of the most dashing and handsome soldiers in his army. Smith, Charles, x, Architect, 519 Smith, Clark E., x, Island City, 586 Smith, C. W., (Musician) 3d Mich. Infantry, Phoenix, 2(И Smith, D., (Capt.), Randolph, 359 S  mith, Elisha Brown, (Col.) 114th Inf. Vols (killed at Port Hudson), N orwich, 302
http://library.morrisville.edu/local_history/sites/gar_post/chen_gar.html 114th NYSV. Born Feb. 7 (17), 1817 in the village of Norwich to Judge Elisha and Adosha Smith; elected to several town offices; under-sheriff 1844-47; a Mason, Norwich Lodge No. 302; Democratic delegate to the NYS Constitutional Convention; his Hunker (conservative) stance in the Democratic party lost him his postmaster position in 1854 (he served through 1853); the county war committee unanimously chose him as commander of the regiment to come from the 23d Congressional District; raised the regiment; served as acting brigadier general from the time his unit went to the Dept. of the Gulf; led the 114th at Bisland; sick in New Orleans, but left when informed of the planned attack on Port Hudson; commanding General Weitzel's brigade for the day on June 14, 1863, he went down with a third of his regiment in that day's assault; died June 19; his remains left New Orleans on June 30; funeral in Norwich on July 12. http://library.morrisville.edu/local_history/sites/gar_post/83-post4.jpg SMITH, ELISHA B.— Age, 45 years. Enrolled at Elmira, to serve three years, and mustered in as colonel, 8 Sep 1862; wounded (in the spine) in action, 14 Jun 1863, and died of his wounds, 19 Jun 1863, at Port Hudson, La. History of the 114th Regiment. 1866. Pages 309-317 “Record of the 114th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.,” by Harris H. Beecher, page 206. http://books.google.com/books?id=k8HlonpY5CcC&pg=PA534&dq=%22Elisha+B.+smith%22+%22port+hudson%22#PPA206,M1 As soon as the Brigade had formed as good a line as the nature of the ground would permit, Colonel Smith ordered a charge. With a yell of defiance the men jumped forward. The rebels, with renewed vigor, hurled forth a withering storm of bullets; but still the boys kept on their course, scrambling over logs and bush heaps. At this time a staff officer from General Weitzel ordered Colonel Smith to halt the Brigade, and re-form his lines, before making the final effort to mount the works. Under the partial protection of a small ridge, the men laid flat upon the ground, to await further orders. Colonel Smith went busily to work to make a new alignment. While standing upon a small knoll, and in foil view of the rebel sharp-shooters, giving some directions relative to the formation of the line, he was hit by a musket ball, which entering his abdomen, passed out through the spine. He fell helpless upon his face, and refused for some time to be earned off the field, saying to those who offered their services: " You must not stop on my account; your duty is to be in the advance." There now being a little lull in the firing, the whole line made another forward movement, and this time the Regiment went within four or five rods of the entrenchments, and took shelter in a little gully that ran parallel with the works. Here they remained some minutes, and then made another trial. This time they went clear to the ditch — some of the men into the ditch — but the enfilading fire was so galling, the impossibility of getting across the ditch and over the works so apparent, that they were obliged to fall back again under cover of the ridge.
Good-bye, Colonel Smith ! As your love for your Regiment was unbounded, so shall your memory be cherished by your men, while they shall live; and dying, they shall leave posterity the record of your estimable qualities and noble deeds. Ibid. pages 507-513: COLONEL ELISHA BROWN SMITH The ancestors of the subject of this sketch were of English descent, and emigrated to Rhode Island about the time of the settlement of Providence, by Roger Williams. The lineage upon the paternal side is nearly related to the Rev. Charles Brown, who came over with Williams, and was the first Baptist clergyman in the Colony. Benjamin Smith came from Rhode Island, to Whitestown, Oneida County, about the year 1800. He had three daughters, a Mrs. Samuel Ladd, late of Sherburne, Mrs. Winsor Coman, of Eaton, one never married, and one son by the name of Elisha. Elisha Smith settled in Greene, N. Y., about the year 1803. He was sub-agent of the Lord Hornby property, an immense landed estate located in the south-west part of Chenango County. He was called the father of the settlement of the Hornby estate, himself clearing off large tracts of land. He kept a small store in Greene, and supplied the early settlers, who were generally poor, with grain and other necessaries of life. His generosity was proverbial. From 1804 to 1808 or '9, he was Judge of the County Court, and a magistrate about the same length of time. In 1810, Judge Smith married Adosha, daughter of Judge Wattles, of Unadilla. In 1813 they removed to Norwich. Four sons and two daughter were the fruits of their marriage, all of whom are dead except Charles Benjamin.
Elisha Brown Smith, the third child, and the elder son. was born in Norwich, February 17th, 1817. There was nothing in particular to distinguish his early life from that of other boys who are obliged to work their way up under adverse circumstances. With but a limited education, yet possessed of much native shrewdness and good sense, prepossessing in his appearance, and courteous in his address, while still quite young, various offices of trust were conferred upon him, and he gradually grew into the confidence of the public. In 1844 he was appointed Under Sheriff of the County, which office he retained for about three years. In 1846 he was elected a Delegate to the Convention to amend the Constitution of the State, and in 1847 was the Candidate on the Democratic ticket for the office of Canal Commissioner. In 1848 he was a Delegate to the National Convention held in Baltimore, which resulted in the nomination to the Presidency of Lewis Cass. In 1852 he was the Democratic candidate for Congress in the District of which Chenango formed a part, and came within a few votes of an election. In the spring of 1862 he was commissioned Postmaster of Norwich, which position he held for a year and a half. In September, 1840, he was married to Lucinda P., daughter of the late Whitman Willcox, Esq., of Norwich. General Bruce declining to accept the appointment tendered him by the War Committee, in July, 1862, as commandant of the Regiment to be raised in the 23d Senatorial District, Elisha B. Smith, unsolicited upon his part, was at once recommended. After prayerfully deciding what was his duty in answer to the calls of his country, he threw his whole soul into the work of recruiting his Regiment, and fitting himself for the responsible duties that devolved upon him. The result was, that in less than four weeks a Regiment one thousand and forty strong, composed of the best men of the County, were in readiness for the seat of war. On the 6th of September it took its departure. Its history is but a counterpart of the history of its commander, from that time to the day he fell. Whatever position he occupied, whatever duties he was called upon to discharge, however trying the circumstances, he was the same kindhearted officer, the same genial friend. It is not necessary to claim for Colonel Smith qualities that he did not possess. He had not received a military education, and it is not asserted that he was a great military man. Indeed, time and opportunity were not permitted him to develop his capabilities, or the power and extent of his military genius. Others, we know, not more promising or conspicuous in the beginning, have acquired national renown. In the ever-varying fortunes of the war, had he lived, it is not difficult to conceive of brilliant achievements, in the expanding career before him. It was the fortune of the writer (being in charge of a Post Hospital at Berwick City) to see much of Colonel Smith, during the time intervening between the battle of Fort Bisland and the siege of Port Hudson. In the seclusion and quietude of the sick chamber, during his illness last preceding his fall, there was a communion, a companionship, it is seldom one's privilege to enjoy. Of his family, which he devotedly loved, he spoke moat tenderly — of himself, calmly and freely. He said he had thought it all over; his mind was fully prepared; his arrangements were all made; he was in readiness for whatever might befall him. In fact, he seemed to have taken a rational and philosophic view of the vicissitudes and casualties of war, as perhaps few have done; considered what might be the end, from the beginning, and like a wise man, prepared himself for it. He was ready, and if necessary willing, to make the soldier's last sad sacrifice. His attachment to his Regiment was unbounded. With all the tenderness of his loving nature, with the solicitude and anxiety of a lather or a brother, he cared for his men, extending aid and sympathy in all their troubles and trials. He looked upon his soldiers as his children; they looked up to him as a child to a parent. In his anxiety to be with his command — from which he had been separated by serious illness — against the advice of his Surgeon, he hastened to join it, only a few days before the fatal 14th of June. His men immediately went to work to build for him is the woods a cottage of trees and boughs, and covered it with canvas. One day, while standing looking admiringly upon it, a fellow-officer riding past made the remark: - “You have a nice house, Colonel." "Yes," says the Colonel, "but it is not likely I shall occupy it long." How prophetic were those words I The result of that terrible day has passed into history, and the names and deeds of those who participated in that fearful struggle have become matters of record. There were none truer, braver, nobler, more patriotic, that day, than Colonel Elisha B. Smith. Temporarily in command of Weitzel's daring old Brigade, he fell at its head mortally wounded, leading in the charge. He was carried upon a litter to the Brigade Hospital, in the woods, where with others he received all the attention it was possible to bestow. To show his concern for his men, himself wounded unto death, a single instance is worthy of mention. Shortly after Colonel Smith, Captain Searles was brought into the hospital, terribly wounded in several places, the blood gushing from his mouth. He was placed upon the table, examined, and laid aside to die. Presently the Colonel inquired for Captain Searles. When told of his condition, and the probable result, he urged upon the Surgeon and Colonel Per Lee that he be brought back and re-examined. It was done, and to-day the Captain acknowledges the saving of his life to his dying Colonel. During the few days that intervened ere the lamp, nickering in its socket, was extinguished, Colonel Smith, perfectly aware of his situation, was as peaceful and serene as the ocean unruffled by a wave. He was comforted and sustained by the beautiful and inspiring thought, that though he and his brave comrades might perish, the Nation would still survive. His faith was stayed on God. He said that although he had never made a public profession of religion, although he had not lived in the popular acceptation the life of the devoted Christian, he felt that he was sustained by the arm of Him "who doeth all things well." A little past the hour of midnight, on the morning of the 19th, in the solemn wood, surrounded by his soldiers and a few personal friends, his spirit took its flight, and returned to God who gave it. His exit was calm and trustful — his end was peace. He fell asleep gently as a child, like one "Who wraps the drapery of his couch Around him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." His men shed tears of anguish when they thought that they should never look upon his like again in the flesh, but they were consoled in the cheering reflection that their loss was his gain, and that they might find him an inhabitant of that imperishable temple, secure from sieges, and conflicts, and war, into which death cannot intrude, and where life and bliss will be immortal and eternal. His body was taken to New Orleans, carefully encoffined and sent North, in charge of an officer, to be entombed in his own native village, in the burial place of his fathers. A telegram informed the people of Chenango valley that the steamer bearing the remains of Colonel Smith had arrived in New York. At Chenango Forks a delegation of citizens awaited the arrival of the body, to escort it to Norwich. As the mournful cortege moved up the valley, on Friday afternoon, July 10th, the road was lined with people, who with sad countenances and tearful eyes had ceased from their labors to view the sad spectacle. Both at Greene and Oxford the shops and stores were closed, and the whole population, with civic societies and fire companies, turned out in large processions, to escort the remains through their respective villages. The tolling of bells and the discharge of minute guns in both villages, added to the solemnity of the occasion. Early in the evening, the body, with its escort, reached the outskirts of Norwich. Church bells and deep-toned cannon summoned the people to join the procession that was conducting the remains into the town. Stores and shops were immediately closed, flags were lowered at half-mast, and everything gave evidence of the gloom that pervaded the breasts of the people. The family had anticipated, ere long, a short visit from the husband, father and son. He came sooner than looked for, and in a very mysterious manner. He came, attended by a large retinue — not in the garb of a laurel-crowned conqueror, but decked in the insignia of mortality. He came, not the vigorous, active, living being who departed scarcely a year before, full of hope and of promise. Instead of the living hero, he returned upon his shield. In the mellow sun-light of departing day, the cortege halted before the door of his late residence, but no parent, companion or son entered the dwelling. Amid the most expressive demonstrations of grief, the body was conveyed to the Court House, where it was laid in state in the centre of the hall. Here the coffin remained exposed to the gaze of throngs of tearful friends, till Sunday morning, when the last opportunity was given to pay their respects to the martyred soldier. Upon that day the people from every section of the County poured into the village, in carriages and on foot, to participate in the burial services. Two fire companies from Oxford, and one each from Sherburne and Smyrna, came to assist in the impressive ceremonies. Large number of Masons were also convened from Oxford, Ureene, Sherburne and Hamilton, to pay their respects to a deceased brother; Before the services, the coffin was beautifully draped, and gentle hands had adorned it with wreaths and flowers. Upon its top it bore the hat and sword of the deceased. Inscribed upon the coffin plate were these words: Col. E. B. SMITH, 114th Reg't. Wounded at Port Hudson, June 14th; Died the 19th, 1863, Aged 46 years. At 1 P. M., the remains were removed to the family residence, where short religious exercises were conducted by Rev. Mr. Scoville. The funeral procession was then formed under the superintendence of George Rider, Esq., Marshal, on the part of the Masons, and Colonel Rhodes on the part of the citizens, the following gentlemen, citizens and Masons, acting as Pall Bearers: H. R. Mygatt, Rufus Chandler, T. J. Noyes, Walter M. Conkey, B. P. Rexford, P. B. Prindle, Ezra Hewitt, Warren Newton, Roswell Curtiss, Thomas Milner, W. P. Noyes, J. W. Weller, Edward Childs, C., M. Lewis N. E. Beals, M. Wicks, J. T. Brennan, J. G. Thompson, B. B. Andrews, Lee Talcott, N. P. Wheeler, Daniel Cornell. The vast procession moved to the public square, the hearse being draped with the American Flag, and the coffin fully exposed to view. A solemn and affecting prayer was offered by Rev. A. N. Benedict, and a hymn sung by the united choirs of Norwich, when the immense audience of five thousand people were feelingly addressed by the Rev. Samuel Scoville, from the steps of the Court House.
After the exercises upon the public square, the imposing procession re-formed, and moving to the solemn strains of music, minato guns being fired, proceeded to the village cemetery. The body was committed to the earth, according to the beautiful and touching ceremonies of the Masonic ritual. Roewell K. Bourne, Esq., Master of the Norwich Lodge, read the impressive burial service. An appropriate and eloquent closing prayer was offered by Rev. William Searls, a member of the Order, in which he said: "Here we stand by the grave of a son. The mother that cradled him in infancy, stands alone upon the hill of yore, waiting for the gleaners to gather her to that rest in Heaven. Here lies her son, stricken down in the high-noon of life. She had thought that his arms would in due time bear her to the grave, and place the dust most artfully on her aged breast. But to-day she weeps that those hopes have been dashed aside and her son— her noble son — is dead. Lord ! may thy grace enable her to say ' Thy will be done.' "We stand beside the grave of a husband. Here, in mourning, is his early love —the choice of his youth— the mother of his children. She has shared with him the joy and sorrow of life. Long and pleasant has been their journey; but it is now ended — though not their love, for love can never die. She gave him one year ago to the God of battles, and he fell in the thickest of the strife. "We stand beside the grave of a father. Here are the children he so dearly loved. These tender plants, watered so often by the fathers tears, weep tears of keenest sorrow to-day. Temper the winds to these shorn lambs— thou God of the orphan and widow, hear our prayer, and bless these afflicted ones ! "We stand beside the grave of a patriot. These weeping thousands tell how dearly he was beloved, and how highly esteemed. These tell the great sacrifice he made, when he left the home and friends of his youth, in response to the call of his country. The riderless horse tells of his daring in the field; and this Fraternity, of which he was an honored member, tell of his generous deeds and noble heart.'' In the beautiful valley with which his name is so intimately associated, we leave our valiant leader in the grave of the soldier. Around him the everlasting hills keep eternal guard, and the unwavering love of his stricken family watches with tender devotion his sacred dust. Cycles may roll their untiring rounds, generations may pass from the stage of action, the works of man may crumble and decay, but the name of Elisha B. Smith will still be revered and honored. His fame shall grow brighter and brighter, as history shall more fully do justice to his memory, and as remote posterity shall proudly repeat the traditions of these days. "He was the noblest Roman of them all; His life was gentle, and the elements So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up And say to all the world, this was a man." [William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act V, Scene V]. Smith, Ezekiel, 107th Infantry, Union, 95 Smith, Francis A., (Lieut.) 3d Vols, Adirondack, 602 Smith, F. S., (Capt.), Windsor, 442 Smith, George, x, Glen Dale, 497 Smith, G. W., x, Silver, 757 Smith, Henry E., (Corpl.), Rockland, 723 Directory: sites -> default -> files -> history files -> Nstructions for Acquiring Excess Equipment online, through the 1033 Program files -> Occupational health and safety files -> The Black Panther Party’s Ten Point Program files -> International programs roel profile files -> Fermi Questions a guide for Teachers, Students, and Event Supervisors Lloyd Abrams, Ph. D. DuPont Company, cr&D/ccas experimental Station Wilmington, de 19880 files -> Personal Information Name: Maha Al-Ammari Nationality: Saudi Relationship Status history -> History of the Third Masonic District Grand Lodge of the State of New York history -> Grand Lodge of New York Masonic Lodge Histories Lodge Nos. 201-230 history -> Grand Masters of the United Grand Lodge of England [ugle] and of Scotland Download 13.54 Mb. Share with your friends:
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