Part 5 (1/2)
He is one of the most una.s.suming, yet one of the n.o.blest and most generous young men of Ithaca.
JOHN C. HEATH, Wholesale and Retail Grocer, enlisted September 4th, 1860.
We know of no one who has devoted more time, or distributed more money to build up, keep in existence and sustain the military organizations of the day, than Quartermaster Heath. Whatever he becomes interested in, either in a military or business way, he invariably drives to a successful termination. In the organization of the Regiment he took an active part, and we know Colonel Barto must feel under great indebtedness to him for rendering invaluable a.s.sistance in organizing and mustering in the service many of the new Companies.
While connected with the Company he was one of its best members and warmest supporters; and although at the present time in no way directly connected with them as a Company, he still manifests a deep interest in its prosperity. His first office was fourth Corporal, from which he was promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant upon the non-commissioned staff of Col. H. A. Dowe, (since promoted to Brigadier General.) Upon the reorganization of the Regiment, he accepted the commission of Quartermaster upon the staff of Colonel Barto, which he now holds, the duties of which for the past year and a half have been onerous, having distributed to the various Companies of the Regiment all their arms, clothing and other equipage, besides performing other duties not directly in the line of his office. The officers, as well as the men of the 50th Regiment, owe Quartermaster Heath a debt of grat.i.tude, which we are led to believe will only be cancelled by their continuing to sustain and keep alive the interest they have recently manifested in their Companies, and make the Regiment one of the best in the State.
We congratulate our friend on being a.s.sociated in business with James B.
Taylor, Esq., the most celebrated of all Ithaca Grocery merchants. The firm of J. B. Taylor & Co. is known from New York to Chicago, and from Boston to New Orleans, as the most responsible and most accommodating of any establishment of the kind between these extreme points; also, for keeping the largest stock of goods, and selling them the cheapest, of any House outside of the great cities.
With Quartermaster Heath to look after the interest of the militia, and Alderman Taylor that of his const.i.tuents and the general welfare of our village, we may consider ourselves safe beyond the possibility of a doubt.
H. W. JACKSON, JR., Merchant, enlisted September 4th, 1860. Very soon after joining this Company he enlisted in the United States service, being one of the organizers of Company I, 32d New York Volunteers. Was elected first Lieutenant, which commission he held for about a year and a half, when his health failing he was compelled to resign. He was engaged in two or three battles under Gen. Franklin.
C. WOODWORTH, Merchant, enlisted September 4th, 1860. Mr. Woodworth was most an estimable man in every respect. During the short time he was connected with the Company, every member became warmly and firmly attached to him.
He removed from this place to Fon Du Lac, Wis., where he had been a resident but a short time when, in the all-wise Providence of G.o.d, he was called to that Heavenly City for which he, in a most eminent degree, was prepared to enter.
GEORGE H. GRANT, Clerk, enlisted April 23d, 1861. Served faithfully as a member of this Company, also in the United States army and in the United States navy. Was most thoroughly appreciated by the members of this Company. During the Elmira campaign he was one of the great alleviators of that terrible disease--homesickness. Will long be remembered as one of the celebrated Quartette--Grant, Wilson, Betts and Johnson.
E. J. FARNHAM, Clerk, enlisted April 23d, 1861. Was one of the first soldiers that enlisted from this place in the United States army. Served honorably in Company A, 32d New York Volunteers, until in consequence of disease contracted in the army, he was no longer qualified to serve and was honorably discharged. Was a good soldier, and sacrificed his health for the honor of his country.
ADNAH NEYHART, Speculator, enlisted April 23d, 1861. By reason of his profession, Mr. Neyhart was much of the time separated from the Company, but always prompt in meeting his obligations and sustaining the Company in every possible way, aside from being personally present. Furnished a subst.i.tute who represented him in the United States army, suffered many reverses in business, but fortunately his last investment was a good one--_he struck oil_--and is now again ”_sound_.”
We congratulate him; no one has worked harder for, or is better ent.i.tled to, a two hundred and fifty barrel well than Adnah.
THOMAS A. BROWN, Tin-Smith, enlisted April 23d, 1861. Was an active member during the short time he was a resident of the village.
R. W. HEGGIE, Clerk, enlisted July 3d, 1861. No young man ever joined this Company that evinced more interest in its success and general welfare, than did Mr. Heggie, and no member was more respected. He was in every way calculated to win the esteem and friends.h.i.+p of all with whom he became a.s.sociated. He very readily became a perfect soldier.
With a fervent love for his country, and a desire to do something for its defence in the hour of its peril, he enlisted, August 26th, 1863, in Company G, 15th New York Cavalry; was soon elected first Sergeant, and May 24th, 1864, was commissioned Lieutenant. Was engaged in many battles, in one of which he was wounded and a short time separated from his Company. He was a courageous officer, always ready to dash into the conflict. Several times he was in command of troops, conveying them from Boston to Charleston; was then entrusted by Government with a position of great responsibility and importance, but at all times was equal to his duties. He faithfully served until the close of the war, and was honorably mustered out. Is now connected with one of the largest cotton establishments of the South, and located at Galveston, Texas.
JOHN S. GAY, Clerk, enlisted July 3d, 1861. Was a member until July 7th, 1865; was with the Company during their term of service in the army; a good soldier that could be trusted, and he accompanied several detachments to the front. Is now engaged in business at Cairo, Ill.
W. H. KELLOGG, Tobacconist, enlisted July 3d, 1861. Served as a member until July 7th, 1865. Volunteered in the United States army Sept. 2d, 1864, and honorably served the full term of his enlistment.
HENRY A. ST. JOHN, Merchant, enlisted July 3d, 1861. Although his name is recorded as enlisting July 3d, 1861, he had, however, been connected with the Company a long time previous to that date, but in a capacity that would not admit of his signing the roll and becoming a regular member under the statute. Displaying a taste for the science of military while a mere boy, he was elected by the members of this Company one of their markers. At the time he became a full member he was well versed in the school of the soldier, and familiar with the school of the Company.
Was soon elected fourth Corporal, being the youngest member that had ever held office; was gradually promoted until he reached the post of second Sergeant, which position he now fills. Sergeant St. John particularly distinguished himself while at Elmira; was one of the best non-commissioned officers of the Regiment. Col. R. P. Wisner, commanding the 58th Regiment, twice appointed him to fill vacancies occasioned by absence of officers of his staff. Was the first Sergeant detached from the Regiment and placed in charge over subst.i.tutes and deserters, en route for City Point, arriving at his destination without the loss of a man. He fully understood his duty, enforcing strict discipline, and requiring his men to conform to all the regulations and articles of war, but equally careful not to exceed the bounds of his authority.
He is one of the most active men of the Company; always first in any enterprise, the object of which is the good of the organization. He has contributed much toward this History by giving a detailed and very accurate account of the Elmira campaign, which may be found on another page. It is a pleasure to be a.s.sociated with him as a soldier, or socially in the ordinary walks of life. Is a member of the firm of G. W.
Baker & Co., the popular Dry-Goods House of the place.
M. L. GRANGER, Merchant, enlisted July 3d, 1861. In time and money Mr.
Granger has sacrificed much for the sake of being a soldier. Always present at parades, drills or meetings, and always prompt to meet his obligations. He volunteered in the United States service with the Company in 1864, shared the pleasures and deprivations of camp life with his comrades. For the fatherly care and attention shown the younger members, and those who needed a.s.sistance in any way, he was named and known in camp by the t.i.tle of ”Uncle Amos.” He honestly served out the term of his enlistment and was honorably discharged. Is partner in the firm of J. S. Granger & Co., a very extensive Dry-Goods House, who enjoy the reputation of keeping the most carefully selected stock of goods of any establishment of the kind in Central New York.
ROBERT GOODWIN, Baker, enlisted July 3d, 1861. A good soldier and an upright man. Was employed in the Bakery department of the extensive establishment of John L. Whiton, Esq. Removed West about three years ago.
JAMES STANYON, Blacksmith, enlisted July 3d, 1861. Was Company musician, and served as such until he volunteered in the United States service. He was a worthy and honorable soldier, engaged in many battles. We have been unable to obtain his war history for publication.
HENRY W. COLLINS, Clerk, enlisted July 3d, 1861. Like Sergeant St. John, Mr. Collins was one of the Company markers long before he became a regular member. Was a soldier of merit, and liked by all the members.
Served the Company as Secretary; his skillful penmans.h.i.+p, as shown upon the records, would be of itself a sufficient recommendation; but ”_none need apply_,” as he is now first book-keeper in the New York office of Adams' Express Company. His absence is temporary, however, as he still considers Ithaca his residence, and is still a member of this Company.