"Major Barry: No words that I may speak can express my feelings
on this occasion. But a few days ago I left behind me a brave
band of tried and true men, whose warm expressions of concern
for my safety and speedy return scarcely die away in the
distance, ere I am followed by a more substantial token of their
esteem for me, and kindness of heart, in the shape of this
beautiful sword. Coming, as it does, unexpectedly and in so
delicate a way, it is not a wonder that my eye should express a
feeling that is foreign to my heart. We are bound together in a
brotherhood, by ties more binding and endearing than those which
make up friendship in civil life. With the same old flag
floating over us, sharing a common and imminent danger
perpetually about us, with the thousand other incidental and
reciprocal acts of courtesy attending well ordered camp-life, it
would be strange if we did not become brothers in feeling, as
well as in action. As I felt a gladness a few days ago, when
departing from camp on a short furlough to visit my many friends
here, so now on returning I feel my heart bound at the thought
that I shall soon hear the cheers of comrades, and feel the warm
grasp of their stout hands. We have ever remembered and looked
upon you, Major Barry, as the father of our Company, and feel
proud that we bear the name of the Barry Guard. When the boom of
the gun of treason first rolled through the land, and the harsh
voice of actual war broke upon the startled ears of our peaceful
and happy people, your voice called us together, gave our zeal
direction, and cooled our excitement to concentrated action; and
not one of us will ever cease to regret that other duties
prevented your accompanying us in a cause we all know has your
whole heart and sympathy. This splendid gift, then, comes to me
with double effect. It is like the donation of brothers tendered
by the hand of a father, and so I receive it. And I here swear
never to dishonor the blade nor disgrace the donors, but
whenever I can strike a blow for the right, for our cause, for
our flag and the Union, it shall leap from the scabbard, and God
helping me, shall not be again sheathed while this right arm can
strike a blow, or victory remains uncertain."
SHERMAN K. HALL, Grocer, enlisted December 2d, 1851. Remained with the
Company but a short time.
WILLIAM O. BRYAN, Shoemaker, enlisted December 2d, 1851. Removed from
town very soon after enlistment; is now engaged in the Drug and Medicine
trade of the West.
F. A. PARTENHEIMER, proprietor of the "Continental Boot and Shoe Store."
A strong desire to become a military gentleman led Mr. Partenheimer to
enlist in the militia of the State, which he did January 1st, 1852, when
he found that he possessed all the proper qualifications of a good
soldier. Undoubtedly, however, these necessary qualifications were more
apparent to others than himself, as he was soon elected Corporal, from
which he was promoted to Sergeant, and most worthily did he fill his
office, until having served his seven years he was granted an honorable
discharge. Our sincere regrets are extended to any Company which does
not number among its members at least one man like Sergeant
Partenheimer. A more true and devoted soldier never existed; but upon
him nature had bestowed a great deal more than the ordinary amount of
original wit; and at times, when not on duty, our Sergeant would furnish
innocent fun for a Regiment. At Camp Burnett, Sept. 1859, he was the
life of the camp, and many of his jokes are not, to this day, forgotten.
It gives us pleasure to state, that now Mr. Partenheimer is sole
proprietor of one of our most successful and enterprising Boot and Shoe
manufactories, and is receiving that portion of public patronage which
he merits.
CHARLES F. BLOOD, Merchant Tailor, enlisted January 1st, 1852. In
joining this Company, Mr. Blood's first and greatest ambition was to
become a thorough soldier, which object he successfully accomplished we
shall proceed to show.
Very soon after becoming a member of the Company, he was elected their
standard-bearer. His strong desire to become familiar with all the
rudiments, and to become perfect, not only in the school of the soldier,
but also of the Company and Battalion, led him to devote but little time
to the duties of his new office. So anxious was he to learn, that with
the Tactics for his drill-master, and a borrowed gun for an assistant,
he would by himself combine the theoretical with the practical. We say
without fear of contradiction, that to-day a man more conversant with
the theory and practice of the science of military, cannot be found.
The 28th of May, 1856, he was elected and commissioned second
Lieutenant, which office he filled until August 25th, 1862, at which
time he was elected Captain. As a commanding officer Captain Blood could
not be excelled. The time he had so studiously devoted in the earlier
part of his military career to this object, he now discovered was of
great use to him. Combine with this knowledge his splendid voice and
fine military carriage, he was an officer of which his men were at all
times proud.
When the Company volunteered and were mustered into the United States
service, Captain Blood accompanied them; and through his exertions they
obtained a very desirable position in the 58th Regiment National Guard.
It was his chief and constant aim to see that his men were at all times
comfortable, and to see that they, as United States soldiers, had all
they were entitled to.
Very soon after joining the army, Captain Blood was detailed from his
Company and commissioned one of the court-martial of the Department of
New York, before which court was transacted a large amount of business.
The compliments that were bestowed upon Captain Blood as a member of
this court, by the Division and Post Commanders, and by other members of
the court, must, indeed, have been very flattering to him. In his
decisions (not one of which were ever set aside or annulled) he was
prompt and discriminating, always tempering his judgment with that
amount of clemency which he considered was best for the Government he
represented, and for the unfortunate delinquents who appeared before
him.
Notwithstanding he was so much of the time separated from his command,
still he endeavored to be in camp with them every night, and a large
portion of the time messed with them.
Captain Blood, as every person knows who is acquainted with him, was a
strictly conscientious man, and still he always enjoyed the sports and
harmless amusements of his men in camp, and at all proper times and
occasions would join with them. It is needless for us to say, that each
member of his Company became very much attached to him, not one of which
but would have sacrificed their all for his comfort.
His door was always open and he was at all times glad to see his men,
and his tent was Company Head-Quarters _indeed_. It was the remark of
very many officers and others who visited Elmira during encampment of
this Company, that Captain Blood was the most accomplished officer, and
commanded the best Company of men, that assisted in garrisoning that
post during the war.
The Captain always attended the religious services of the Regiment, and
by this means exerted a beneficial influence over his men. His example
was always that of an uncompromising christian, as well as a good
soldier and true patriot.
Immediately following the Elmira campaign, Captain Blood was elected and
commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the 50th Regiment National Guard, and
now holds that commission.
In this instance we see a private of Company A, by various promotions,
reach the rank second in command of the Regiment, and undoubtedly in a
short time will be in full command. No officer is more worthy the honor
than Colonel Blood.
In civil life he is none the less honored, having filled public offices
with equal success.
He has been not only a good soldier, a respected Lieutenant, honored
Captain and esteemed Colonel, but is a citizen of the highest standing
and respected by every one.
H. J. WILSON, Painter, enlisted January 1st, 1852. Mr. Wilson served his
full time and received an honorable discharge as a soldier, but is still
connected with the Regiment as a musician. It is the strong desire of
every member of the Company, as well as of the Regiment, that his
membership may be continued yet many years. Our excellent Band, without
Wilson, would be like tinkling brass--of uncertain sound. The rich, full
and expressive tones rendered by him on his powerful Tuba, fully prove
him to be a musician of no ordinary talent.
JACOB SAGER, Clerk, enlisted January 1st, 1852. Was Company musician,
which position he filled until his removal from the District. He was not
only a good musician, but a gentleman.
CLARK WILSON, Machinist, enlisted January ----, 1852. Mr. Wilson was
Company drummer for a time, but preferring a gun to a drum, took his
place in the ranks; served some time; is now Chief Engineer on Seneca
Lake.
HORACE ROOT, Brewer, enlisted March 17th, 1852. Mr. Root was always
promptly on hand at the drills and meetings of the Company while a
member. The record does not show how long he was connected with the
Company; our recollection is some three years.
CALEB BABCOCK, enlisted March 17th, 1852. His membership was short; very
soon after becoming a member he left the place. He is now an officer on
one of the New York and Liverpool Line of Steamers.
A. J. TERRY, Tobacconist, enlisted May 15th, 1852. Mr. Terry was a good
member of the Company and a good citizen. He died a few years ago, after
suffering the most excruciating torture of acute rheumatism.
JAMES C. MCCLUNE, Lawyer, enlisted June 3d, 1852. Mr. McClune always
evinced the greatest interest in the welfare of the Company; he was one
of its best workers, was a first-class soldier, and was soon elected
Corporal from which he was promoted to Sergeant, which office he held
until November 29th, 1856, when he was removed by death. Upon receiving
intelligence of his death a special meeting was called, when the
following preamble and resolutions, offered by Lieut. King, were
unanimously adopted:
"WHEREAS, The Supreme Ruler of the Universe has, in the exercise
of His power and wisdom, seen fit to remove from our midst our
esteemed friend and fellow soldier, Sergeant James C. McClune,
therefore be it
_Resolved_, That we receive the sad bereavement as a mandate
from Him who doeth all things well.
_Resolved_, That we offer our sincere and heartfelt condolence
to the sorrowing family of the deceased, and we assure them that
we will ever revere the memory of their son and brother.
RESOLVED, That as a mark of our respect for the character of our
deceased comrade, we will attend his funeral, and escort his
remains to their last resting place with military honors.
RESOLVED, That we wear the usual badge of mourning for the space
of six months.
RESOLVED, That a copy of these resolutions, signed by the
Chairman and Secretary, be presented to the family of the
deceased, and published in the village papers.
P. J. PARTENHEIMER, _Captain_.
WILLIAM GLENNY, _Sec'y_.
JAMES H. GREENLY, Merchant, enlisted June 3d, 1852. Mr. Greenly was in
every respect a most estimable man, and as a soldier he had no superior.
Always manifested a lively interest in whatever conduced to the benefit
of the organization. He filled all the grades of non-commissioned
offices; was Orderly Sergeant at the time he removed from us. No member
ever left, carrying with him more well wishes and kind regards, than
Sergeant James H. Greenly. Success and prosperity attend him ever in all
his undertakings.
JACOB WARSHASKI, Clothing Merchant, enlisted July 1st, 1852. Was a
faithful and worthy member for a few years. Upon changing his residence
was granted an honorable discharge.
MAJOR A. O. SHAW, Blacksmith. To name a day as the one on which the
Major enlisted, is for us an impossibility, and we think it would be too
much of a task for him, even, to find out the exact year, say nothing
about the day. Suffice it to say, he has been honored with the title of
Major from the earliest recollection of the writer. He has seen the time
when he had command of more musicians alone than this Company at any one
time ever numbered as members. He always enjoyed being a military man,
and we believe there could be no greater pleasure for the Major to-day,
than to head a column of a few hundred men and march through the streets
of Ithaca, as he has done in years gone by. He has received three
honorable discharges, each being granted by reason of the expiration of
his term of service. This would give the Major twenty-one years in the
service, and how much he overran on time on each of the discharges, we
doubt if he knows. At all events he was a member of the DeWitt Guard
when the writer joined, (which was in 1855,) and served until last year
before he received his last discharge.
He has always been, and is to-day, one of the most accommodating
military men of our acquaintance. At any time the Company would like to
have him turn out with them, he is always ready, and invariably refuses
a single dime compensation. The Major has the respect, not only of the
Company with which he has so long served, but of the whole community. As
a citizen, his politeness and gentlemanly conduct attracts the attention
of every person who meets him; and the various positions he has so long
and creditably filled, is sufficient to show that he is properly
appreciated by the community in which he resides.
MOSES R. WRIGHT, Lawyer, enlisted July 8th, 1852. Was connected with the
Company but a short time; was a man of fine talent, and a lawyer of
great ability. He died in this village June 6th, 1855.
L. S. BLUE, Boot and Shoe Merchant, enlisted July 8th, 1852. Mr. Blue
served but a short time. Is now a resident of New York city.
JOHN PAGE, Shoemaker, enlisted July 12th, 1852. His membership was
short.
D. M. OLTZ, Carpenter, enlisted June 23d, 1853. Was a good soldier and a
good member of the Company; served for some time. His membership was
dissolved by his removal to Canada.
J. B. HAMMOND, Jeweler, enlisted June 23d, 1853. Served faithfully as
Company bugler until his removal to St. Louis.
MELVILLE WILKINSON, Clerk, enlisted July 4th, 1853. Was a good soldier
while connected with the Company, and a better one after leaving it. He
removed from the district after a membership of one or two years. Upon
the breaking out of the war he enlisted in the 23d New York Volunteers;
was soon commissioned Lieutenant; served his time; volunteered the
second time, and was elected Captain in the 107th New York Volunteers.
He was a brave and true officer; was engaged in many battles; was
transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps; afterwards held a prominent
position upon the staff of General Coxe, who commanded the Department of
Ohio. At the close of the war he devoted his time to preparing himself
for the ministry, and is now an Episcopal clergyman, located in Ohio.
THOMAS J. PHILLIPS, Miller. (Date of enlistment not recorded.) Mr.
Phillips was no ordinary soldier, as he most conclusively proved to a
Bank President at the Seneca Falls encampment. He was always careful to
know what his duty was, and then he was going to do it, let the
consequences be what they might. He was always good natured, perfectly
happy, and was poor society for those troubled with the _blues_. Never
wanted much to do with a person who did not feel as good as himself. Was
worth at the encampment spoken of above, more than some whole Companies.
Had the advantages of an early education and good bringing up, used to
living well at home, and believed in living well in camp--_and did_. No
person, although he might be President of all the Banks in Hungary,
could pass the line when he was the sentinel. He was athletic, not only
in person but in mind, and too much good cannot be said of him as a
soldier and a citizen. The Company sustained a severe loss when Mr.
Phillips removed from among them, and became the proprietor of the Danby
Spring Mills.
WILLIAM H. BROWN, Grocer, enlisted July 28th, 1853. Mr. Brown served his
full time and received an honorable discharge. He always felt a deep
interest in the welfare of the Company; particularly prompt to meet all
the demands made upon him; always gave cheerfully, and has in many
instances paid for others who could illy afford to pay for themselves;
was always careful to have no one know that he paid obligations other
than his own; always present at the drills and meetings of the Company,
and altogether Mr. Brown was one of the _solid men_ of the Company. He
has acted as Company Sutler at a number of encampments, and in this
capacity has given the most perfect satisfaction.
LEONARD STODDARD, Carriage Maker, enlisted July 28th, 1853. His
membership was short--removing from the district soon after joining. He
was employed in the extensive establishment of William S. Hoyt, Esq.,
the largest carriage manufacturer in Western New York.
SAMUEL STODDARD, Wool and Leather Merchant, enlisted June 29th, 1854.
In the DeWitt Guard, as well as in every other organization or
association with which Mr. Stoddard has been connected, he was, as he
would term his best grade of wool, super extra. He was an old militiaman
when he joined this Company, and had improved all the advantages to be
derived from the Old Guard, which in an eminent degree qualified him
for a good soldier in this, then new, Company. A peculiar trait in the
military character of Mr. Stoddard was, he invariably attended the
drills and meetings of the Company. Consider, with this fact, the large
business carried on by him, which one would suppose would require his
undivided time and attention, and we find he must have sacrificed a good
deal for the interest he felt in this Company. He would forego other
enjoyments for the sake of attending the weekly drills in which he took
much pleasure, believing that this exercise was of vast good to him. He
became a very proficient soldier; never would accept office of any kind,
though besought with tears; his highest ambition was to be a _good_ high
private; was one of the most liberal men in the Company, always
contributing freely, and many times more than his proportion; was always
in favor of paying promptly any demand made upon the Company, and
opposed to obligations or debts accumulating against them, and we find
it recorded in two or three instances where Mr. Stoddard moved that a
tax of two or more dollars be levied upon each member to pay up
deficits. He served his full time and was granted an honorable
discharge. For the high standing of the DeWitt Guard to-day, they are in
no small degree indebted to Mr. Stoddard. He has enjoyed the confidence
of the community sufficient to be elected several times to positions of
trust and honor. Long live Samuel Stoddard.
D. L. AVERY, Merchant, enlisted June 24th, 1854. Mr. Avery was a young
man of fine attainments, and had every promise of a brilliant future. He
manifested much interest in the Company, and although connected with
them but a short time, yet sufficiently long to gain the esteem and
respect of each member. His death occurred August 24th, 1854. That the
loss of Mr. Avery was keenly felt by the Company, the following preamble
and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted, will show:
WHEREAS, It has pleased Divine Providence suddenly to take away
from our midst by death our much esteemed friend and fellow
soldier D. L. Avery, thus depriving us of an active and valued
member, and our citizens of one whom but to know was to esteem;
and Whereas, The officers and soldiers of the DeWitt Guard
feeling and duly appreciating the loss of our universally
esteemed member of our corps, and being desirous of giving
expression to a spontaneous sentiment of regard for our departed
brother in arms, it is therefore unanimously
_Resolved_, That we do most sincerely mourn the loss of our
late comrade, so suddenly and unexpectedly called away from our
ranks by the stern and unrelenting King of Terrors, and that we
tender to the partner, brother and sisters of the deceased our
heartfelt sympathies in their irreparable loss.
_Resolved_, That we attend in a body to assist in the last sad
duties and ceremonies of the funeral of our late brother, friend
and fellow soldier, and that we wear the usual badge of mourning
on all parades for thirty days.
_Resolved_, That the proceedings be signed by our Captain, and a
copy thereof be furnished the relatives of the deceased, and
also for publication in the village papers.
P. J. PARTENHEIMER, _Capt, Com'd'g_.
WILLIAM GLENNY, _Sec'y_.
M. E. ELMENDORF, Dentist, enlisted June 30th, 1854. Mr. Elmendorf was a
first-class soldier and a tip-top fellow generally. Was particularly
celebrated as a fine shot, taking a prize at each of the target shoots
while a member. Was an active, energetic young man, and very readily
became master of his profession, and is now a Dental Surgeon of
considerable note in the city of New York.
LOT S. HINDS, Currier, enlisted July 12th, 1854. Was a good, attentive
soldier and a faithful member; served some years with the Company;
removed from our village to Danby, where he now resides. Has a son in
the United States army.
J. S. PUTNAM, Hotel keeper, enlisted July 12th, 1854. Was a resident but
a short time.
IRA M. GARDNER, Mason, enlisted September 18th, 1855. Mr. Gardner served
faithfully his seven years, and received an honorable discharge. He has
always resided in Ithaca, is a good citizen, a respected man, and a
first-class mechanic.
WILLIAM H. HAMMOND, Gas Plumber, enlisted September 23d, 1855. Served
his full time and was honorably discharged. Held the office of Company
standard-bearer for some years. Was also armory keeper, keeping the guns
and equipage in perfect order. We believe the State honestly indebted to
him for services rendered, for which he ought to have his pay.
WILLIAM V. BROWN, Currier, enlisted September 26th, 1855. Mr. Brown was
celebrated for the great amount of artistic and thoroughly grand music
as produced by himself on the bass drum. He was Company musician, and
remained with them as long as he was a citizen of the place. He is now a
resident of Union Springs. "_Big Bill Brown, the Drummer_" will long be
remembered with gratitude by all those connected with the Company during
his membership.
K. S. VAN VOORHEES, Master Mechanic, enlisted July ----, 1854. Colonel
Van Voorhees entered the militia service of the State in Feb., 1835,
joining the first Company New York Cadets, which was attached as a flank
Company to the 2d Regiment N. Y. S. Artillery, (doing duty as Infantry,)
and known as the Governor's Guard. In the spring of 1839 he was promoted
from Orderly Sergeant, and commissioned as Captain of the Company by
Gov. W. H. Seward, he having been unanimously elected to that position
by the members of the Company. In the spring of 1840 he was presented
with an elegant sword bearing the following inscription: