open-hearted disposition, and served with faithfulness. On the 29th of
July, '63, he was detailed and sent back for duty at the General
Recruiting Station at Pittsburg, where he remained until the summer of
64, returning to command of K, and was with it till the Company was
disbanded, except that on several occasions, by virtue of his rank, he
had command of the Regiment. After the war he embarked in raising fruit
for the New York market, in Carituck, N.C., where through fever he
died, July 21, 1877, and was buried in the old Cross Creek village
graveyard. He was brevetted Major, April 9, 1865.
8. William Porter, West Alexander, quiet and unassuming, but ever ready
for duty, was another of the lucky ones, about all the time with the
Company, yet never wounded. He was promoted to be Corporal in the room
of Jno. F. Gardner, transferred to an artillery Company Dec. 17, '63.
In the quiet, faithful pursuit of his business, while alighting from a
horse, he was accidentally cut in the neck by a chisel and quickly died
from the wound Dec. 16, 1883, near West Alexander, Pa., in whose
cemetery he lies buried.
9. Milton R. Boyd, 2nd Sergeant, Claysville, possessed many of the
qualities of a good soldier, and bore well his part through the
campaign of '63 and early part of '64. But the severities of the
service were too much for him, his health was undermined, and in latter
part of term of service he was unable for field duty. After the war was
ended he went into the medical profession, entering on practice in
Silvan Springs, Arkansas. He died in that place from congestion of the
brain May 2, 1884, and was buried there.
10. Johnson Toppin, Millsboro, was wounded in the shoulder, Gettysburg,
second day of July, '63, and thereby rendered unfit for active service,
though ever ready to respond to calls of duty. Towards the close he was
transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. Little is known to us of him
after discharge. The only information obtained was that, about the year
1884, he was accidentally drowned near Pittsburg, being thrown from a
river barge.
11. Robert Meldoon, West Alexander, faithfully answered to all duty up
to Gettysburg. There, July 2, '63, he was wounded in face and leg, and
was in hospital or on light service there afterwards. Little seems
known or could be found out of him after his discharge. He was killed
on the railroad at New Castle, Pa., in June, 1885, and was buried
there.
12. William A. Ruffner, Mound City, did not seem to be physically able
for field service. When marching in December, 1862, to the front, he
gave out, and after some time spent in hospital, he was, by direction
of the surgeon in charge, discharged. And all the information we were
able to glean (and that comes from a comrade nearest to him) was that
he was killed sometime in 1886, in the coal mines at Coal Bluff,
Washington county, Pa.
13. Robert B. Dungan, Cross Creek, was not able to continue in the
strenuous service to which the Company was subjected. He was not with
the Company during latter half of our term of service, but did some
detail duty at office and hospital. And after muster out of service he
suffered from disease which had become chronic before his discharge
from the army, and from its effects he died in Leavenworth, Kansas,
Feb. 27, 1888.
14. Thomas L. Noble, Claysville, enlisted as a member of K, but in the
second month of service was promoted to Commissary Sergeant of the
Regiment, and he as such rendered excellent service, watchful for our
comforts and awake to our interests. "Tom," as he was known throughout
the command, was a genius, ready in wit and full of fun, and never
failing, after (as he himself said) he "got his hand in," to see that
the 140th and specially K, received our full share of rations. This
efficient service in the Q.M. Department, seasoned with good humor and
a generous spirit, was followed by a successful career in days of peace
and prosperity. He engaged in real estate and insurance business in the
west. He was noted as a strong and influential advocate of temperance.
His orations in this and in Memorial Day services were characterized
with ability and power. I quote here with pleasure a testimony
concerning Tom, given at a reunion camp fire by Comrade "Sandy" Acheson
(Capt. Alex. W. Acheson, Co. C): "After the war was over he emigrated
to Kansas, where he encountered the various shades of fortune,
sometimes doing well, and at others not, until at last, broken in
health, he floated to Texas. One day I was summoned hastily to see him,
when I found him already dead of heart disease. With all of the honors
a G.A.R. Post could bestow, we laid him to rest, beneath the Bur-oaks
of Texas, to await the reveille which will summon us all together at
the last day. It was in Dennison, Texas, he died, in the month of
September, 1890, and there in the northeast corner of Oakwood Cemetery
buried."
15. James K. McCurdy, Eldersville, when he enlisted in K was a
practicing physician. He was soon detailed as hospital steward and was
on Feb. 17, 1864, discharged by special order from War Department, and
transferred to the 153rd Regiment, P.V., being commissioned Feb. 26,
'64, as Assistant Surgeon, and served as such with credit. He died at
Burgettstown, Pa., Aug 12, 1891.
16. Jesse M. Carter, Millsboro, was a worthy soldier, ever faithful to
his country's service, and never murmuring against the hardships and
privations incident thereto. He was wounded on May 12, '64, but after
recovery from wound he resumed his place in old K to "battle manfully"
till the glorious victory was won and Lee's army was no more. According
to best information received he died some time in 1894.
17. Robert Lyle, Cross Creek, was among the older ones forming the
membership of K. He had the true spirit of service, but it soon became
manifest that he had not the physical strength and endurance essential
to active warfare; so that after the testing in the march to the front
and the severities of duties in the winter season at Falmouth, Va.,
with Lee's army across the river, on certificate of the Surgeon he was
discharged from service. He died July 1, 1894, and was buried in the
cemetery at Cross Creek Village, Pa.
18. James A. Fordyce, Claysville, too, was a man somewhat advanced in
years. But his heart was in the cause of preserving the Union, and he
gave himself unreservedly to soldier life and duty. He was wounded in
the summer of '64, in battle of Deep Bottom, Va., having a thumb shot
off. He was detailed part of time as teamster. He remained with the
Company till the last, though his health and strength were considerably
impaired. He died in Claysville, July 22, '95, age 75 years. His widow,
living yet in Claysville, says that he carried disease from the
exposure and severity of his war service.
19. Daniel J. Butterfoss, Paris, was possibly the oldest man enlisting
in K. In fact too old for the service. He could not endure the testing
in our going to the front, and was sent to the hospital April 21, '63,
and after that never was with the Company, though not discharged till
about the time K was mustered out. He is said to have carried mail till
a good old age, and spent his last days by his choice in the Erie
Soldier's Home, Erie, Pa., where he died of senile paresis, July 29,
1896, and was buried there.
20. John F. Gardner, Paris, the Corporal, readily responded to his
country's call for defenders, and made a fair record for himself. Was
with K only in the Chancellorsville battle, as after that he was on
detached duty, and was on Dec. 17, '63, transferred to service in the
Artillery Brigade. He died in Iowa, Oct. 1, 1896. Corporal Geo. Hanlin,
however, thinks it was in DeKalb County, Ala., in which he died. (The
members of K had in the 40 years since the war closed become so
scattered that it seemed impossible in a few cases to get definite
information. We did the best we could in weeks of visiting and many
months of correspondence.)
21. Isaac W. Chisholm, Candor, was a soldier whose bearing and manner
made a favorable impress upon his comrades; one of more than average
merit, of good business qualities, liked by all who knew him. He was a
little poetic in his literary effusions, as a leaf from his camp fire
reflections will show:
"Rules and Regulations of the Candor Mess.--Donaldson, McCalmont,
Geary, Chisholm, Will Powelson and Graham.
Corporal Donaldson is the cook,
And Captain of the mess,
He brings the water from the brook,
And then sits down to rest.
The other five get all the wood
And pile it in the corner,
And would do more if they could
To crown themselves with honor.
Profane swearing is not allowed,
Or vulgar language used,
Nor 'acts' that would disgrace the crowd
If we should be accused.
A member who should break these rules
Without regard to beauty,
Shall be kicked out like army mules
And placed on double duty.
Official: By command of
J. W. CHISHOLM, ISAAC DONALDSON,
Private and Adjutant. Corp'l Commanding."
He practiced medicine after the war in South Side, Pittsburg, where he
had been born, until 1877, when with family of wife and children he
located in New Concord, Ohio. There he died from heart trouble, Oct.
20, '97, and was buried in Concord cemetery.
22. Henry Dickson, Dunningsville, was among those always ready for
duty. He was wounded in the battle of Spottsylvania C.H. Was in
hospital till the latter part of '64, when he was transferred to the
Veteran Reserve Corps. Soon after the close of the war he went west,
first to Kansas. He died July 18, 1898, in San Diego, California.
Buried in the Washington (Pa.) cemetery.
23. Edward S. Alexander, West Alexander, 3rd Sergeant, possessed many
of the sterling qualities of a good soldier, never faltering when duty
called to hardships and sacrifices. His business abilities were often
recognized by calls or details to special and some detached duty. This
took him no little from the Company. But he was always found faithful
in the discharge of duty. Was wounded in hand and arm on July 2, '63,
Gettysburg. Tried in the furnace of conflict, the war over, he
re-entered his work of life with determination of success. The writer
regrets his inability to get definite information of him, though he
visited West Alexander in search. One thing seemed certain from the
cemetery records--he was buried there April 26, 1899.
24. Joseph C. Frazier, West Alexander, was with the Company till after
the battle of Chancellorsville, May 1-5, '63. After that he took sick,
was sent to hospital, and was discharged Sept. 30, '63, on Surgeon's
certificate of disability. And the writer failed to get any reliable
information concerning him after his discharge. From the Pension Bureau
it was ascertained that he died Nov. 20, 1900.
25. William R. H. Powelson, Cross Creek, 4th Corporal, was one of K's
most faithful and efficient members. He was a model in industry and
attentiveness to the requirements of camp and field, and was ever
looking ahead to secure best results and promote the best interests of
his comrades and himself. He was promoted Sergeant on the death of
Hayes, Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. He was with the Company all through
its service, save a few months when he was in hospital, having been
severely wounded at Spottsylvania C.H. in the charge on morning of May
12, '64, shot through both thighs as he leaped to the top of the rebel
breastworks. Was in all the important battles. When released from
military duty he moved with his wife and little daughter to his farm in
Dent county, Mo., which he had left in '61 on account of the border
troubles. His spirit of industry and his integrity secured for him a
pleasant and prosperous home and a good record in citizenship. He died
April 16, 1901, and was buried in the Laketon cemetery, Lake Spring,
Mo.
26. James E. Cochran, Paris, was nearly all the time with the Company.
Was absent sick a little, dropped out a little in the severe campaign
of '64, and was on detached duty some. It was almost impossible to get
any data of him after the close of service. James L. Noah said he went
west to Rock Island, in '65. From the Pension Commissioner's records it
appears that he died April 7, 1902, of pneumonia, Barnesville, O., and
was buried in cemetery there.
27. John M. Day, Morris Township, was a good-hearted man, but seemed
physically unable to withstand the hardships of active service. This
was attested on march to the front and in winter work at Falmouth, Va.
Before the winter was over he was sent to the hospital, and there
continued till discharged at Philadelphia, Dec. 12, '63, for
disability. He led a quiet life in his rural home, died from heart
trouble May 30, 1903, and was buried in Fairmount United Brethren
cemetery, East Finley Township.
28. Benjamin McCullough, Candor, was a man of excellent spirit and
truly loyal, but was not physically made for a drilled soldier. He was
detailed April 28, '63, as driver in the Ambulance Corps, and served a
good deal on detached duty. Mustered out with the Company. He died of
dropsy at his home in Steubenville, Ohio, July 15, 1904, while the
writer was about departing for his home in the west, after five weeks
of close work in the interests of the Company history. He was buried in
the soldier's lot in the cemetery. For months he was a great sufferer,
and Comrades Sweeney and Lyle were attentive to his wants and
ministered comfort and aid to him.
[Illustration: PHOTOS OF THOSE AT IMPROMPTU REUNION, BURGETTSTOWN,
PA., JUNE 25, 1901
Peter Andrews, James Worstell, Wm. Stollar, Geo. Johnson, Enoch
Mounts, Jno. McCalmont, Wm. Rea, Jas. Allison, Jas. C. Lyle, B. F.
Powelson, D. M. Pry, Alex. Sweeney, Ben. Buchanan, Ulysses Wheeler.]
29. George W. Johnson, East Finley Tp., was as true and faithful a
soldier as K had in its ranks--ever ready for duty. His soldiering was
characterized with cheerfulness, a trait that counted much in the
common soldier experience. He was wounded at Petersburg, Va. He was
practically with the Company all the way from start to finish, and no
one more than he enjoyed the Grand Review in Washington City, and no
one was more pleased than he to return, after the Union was preserved,
to the peaceful life of home amid friends and in time his own family.
He was faithful in the common pursuits of industry. The writer greatly
enjoyed a visit in his home in June, 1904, and when 14 of K met in
Burgettstown, Pa., in an impromptu reunion, he was there, as "happy as
a lark." But in August, being almost totally deaf, as he was crossing a
street at a crossing where the electric car line turned, a car struck
him and the injury therefrom, despite the skill of physician or care of
loving friends, resulted in his death Sept. 10, 1904. Services were
held at his residence, 213 W. Maiden street, Washington, Pa., and the
body laid to rest in the Washington cemetery.
30. Ulysses S. Wheeler, Eldersville, was a noble-hearted fellow and a
worthy soldier. He was closely connected with the fortunes of K
throughout, was slightly wounded at Chancellorsville, May, '63, and was
wounded in the battle of Todd's Tavern, May 8, '64. After the war was
over he was delighted in exchanging the weapons of strife for the
implements of industry; and he ever lived the life of a worthy citizen
on his farm near Eldersville. It was the privilege and great pleasure
of the writer in June, '04, to visit him there and enjoy a few hours
with him and wife. He had been suffering seriously from heart trouble,
but was jovial and contented. He wrote me a cheerful letter just three
weeks before his death. How pained I was when I received a card from
Comrade D. M. Pry, dated Oct. 5, 1904, saying, "Our old Comrade Wheeler
dropped dead this morning on his porch. He had his team hitched up
ready to start to our fair"--Burgettstown, Pa. He was buried at
Steubenville, Ohio.
31. Henderson Scott, Paris, was unable to withstand active soldier
life, and was among the first in K to be discharged. This was when the
140th was at Falmouth, before its first experience in battle, and by a
special order of the War Department. He re-enlisted in the 103rd Reg't,
P. V., when it was stationed at Roanoke Island, N.C., and remained in
garrison duty till the close of the war. Then like many a soldier he
cast his lot in the west and engaged in mining. Was severely injured in
a cave-in. When written to in Eagleville, California, he replied in a
very friendly letter. But in June, 1905, (a letter addressed him being
returned unclaimed) in answer to an inquiry the postmaster at
Sierraville, Calif., wrote me that Henderson Scott died in that place
Feb. 9, 1905, and that he had been buried there. That he had no family.
[Illustration: Comrades in Colorado
B. F. POWELSON J. K. MAGILL GEO. A. HANLIN]
Sketches of Those Living, Jan. 2, 1906.
And now there remains the mention of the forty-two of old K who are
living. Special effort was made to hear personally from all. Letter
after letter was written to secure this. Personal visits were made to
many and efforts made to see others as far as possible. These personal
interviews were a source of unbounded comfort and pleasure to the
writer. Everywhere he was most cordially received and welcomed. But to
the work before us:
1. Alexander Sweeney, Jr., First Lieutenant, was in December, '63,
appointed to duty at Division Headquarters, and served on the staff of
Gen. Barlow, and afterwards on the staff of Gen. Miles to the close of
the war. He was a genial and popular staff officer. He received the
rank of Brevet Captain March 13, 1865. Once again in civil life, he
followed the way of his father in mercantile pursuits. For quite a
while he was traveling salesman for the Arbuckle Company, and was very
successful. After that he was engaged some little time in the wholesale
grocery business in Pittsburg and in Youngstown, O. But for the greater
part of time in the last 25 or 30 years he has been associated with an
importing tea concern in New York; and is a rustler still in that
business, with his office in Pittsburg, and his traveling extending
over a good portion of eastern Ohio. "Aleck" still knows a good thing
when he sees it; so he attended the G.A.R. Encampment in Denver,
Colo., Sept. 4-9, '95, and enjoyed a wee Co. K reunion and
entertainment provided by his Colorado comrades, Hanlin, Magill and
Powelson, and visited the writer's home, much to his pleasure. And the
entire family say, "Come again, Uncle Aleck, you're ever welcome!"
Capt. Sweeney and family live in Steubenville, Ohio. His address is
Lock Box 627.
2. Benjamin F. Powelson, First Sergeant.--Chaplain Milligan says of him
in a college class history, "As Orderly Sergeant of Co. K, 140th P.V.,
for two years he was one of the bravest, quietest, most conscientious
and faithful soldiers in this crack Regiment of veterans. For a long
time he not only did the onerous work of First Sergeant, but really
commanded the Company whilst his superior officers were detailed to
other duties. He was a slender, delicate looking soldier, but he never
flinched in the fight. He was promoted to First Lieutenant Co. G, 41st
U.S.C.T., and was afterwards placed in command of Co. I of the same
Regiment. He was never wounded, though he was always in the front, and
participated in the battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe
Station, Deep Bottom, Ream's Station, Petersburg, Appomattox and many
other smaller engagements. He was in the advance line at the surrender
of Lee, the last in the fight, under Sheridan; after which he was
ordered with his Regiment to the Rio Grande border." He was mustered
out in New Orleans in October, 1865. Col. Moore, editor of the
Washington Reporter, on hearing this, wrote, "Among the thousands of
our youth who went out to confront the foes of our government on the
field of battle, no more worthy was to be found than Lieut. Powelson,
nor one who will be more warmly welcomed on his return." He entered the
full work of the ministry, in the Presbyterian church, in July, '67,
and has been ever since in active work, in Missouri, Kansas and
Colorado. And any of the old comrades will ever find an open door for
them and a welcome in his home in Boulder. His address is Box 143,
Boulder, Colo.
3. John A. McCalmont was a number one soldier and was attentive and
obedient to every call to duty. He won the high esteem of his comrades.
He was twice promoted. To Corporal on the death of Donaldson, Feb. 14,
'63, and to Sergeant when Graham was killed, March 25, 1865. He was
fortunate in all our engagements only receiving a slight wound. He
shared the fate of being a prisoner with Ralston and Abe Andrews, 24 of
the 140th and 26 of the 26th Michigan being taken in battle near
Farmville and released the third day after, at Lee's surrender. After
his return home he took up the role of a good citizen and became a
happy, prosperous farmer, and the writer, having spent several nights
in his home, most gladly proclaims Comrade McCalmont and his wife
princely entertainers. His address is Bulger, Washington Co., Pa.
4. Silas Cooke, 1st Corporal, proved himself a true soldier, and,
though not of a strong or robust constitution, yet he stood bravely the
soldier requirements, voluntarily on duty sometimes when he ought not
to have been. He was practically disabled by a wound at Spottsylvania
and was in hospital until Jan. 24, '65, when from the hospital in
Pittsburg, Pa., he was transferred for service in the 6th Regiment of
the Veteran Reserve Corps, Johnson's Island, Ohio. He was finally
discharged July 3, '65, Cincinnati, Ohio. After the war he resumed his
work of education and graduated from college and Theological Seminary.
Entered the full ministry in the Presbyterian church in '75, and has
made an excellent record in the noble cause he espoused. His
perseverance in scholarly attainments and his fidelity have been
recognized in the bestowal on him of the degree of Doctor of Divinity.
His address is Red Oak, Iowa, where he is pastor of the First
Presbyterian church.
5. John D. McCabe, 2nd Corporal, while willing and ready to shoulder
his musket in the defense and preservation of his country, found
himself physically unable to withstand the rigors of active military
service, and he was discharged. His few months' association with the
members of the Company established in him a strong attachment to them,
and he enjoys the "touch of elbow" with them still. The writer, in his
hunting for the boys and their doings, found him actively engaged in
mercantile business and enjoying home life in Burgettstown, Pa., where
he can be found or addressed. That he appreciates yet his membership
in K was evidenced in his and his wife's presence at the G.A.R.
Encampment in Denver, and visit to each of the three members now
living in Colorado.
6. William Hanlin, 8th Corporal, was a little above the average age of
the members of K, and enlisted from a deep sense of duty; and with
great fidelity he took up the burden of soldiering. But the Johnnies'
musket balls and shells at Gettysburg put a quietus on his active
service, and he was sent to the hospital at York, Pa., where after
treatment, he did light duty under direction of the surgeons, but they
did not report him for duty on account of disability in left leg. When
visited in June, '04, he was presiding well over an ideal farmer's
Pennsylvania home, and his true comradeship was evidenced by
large-hearted hospitality. His address is Hanlin Station, Washington,
Pa., R.D. No. 55.