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| Edwin Nickerson in Pentwater Cemetery |
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| Eli Johnson in Mt. Huftile/Randall Cemetery |
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| Isaac Reed in Hart Cemetery |
Showing posts with label Reed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reed. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Burials in Oceana County
Thursday, May 13, 2010
William N. Reed
William N. Reed was born in 1838 in Portage County, Ohio, the son of Asa (b. 1811) and Rebecca (Fuller, b. 1813) and stepson of Sarah (b. 1823).
New York native Asa married Ohioan Sarah and settled in Ohio where they resided for many years. By 1850 Asa was living in Nelson, Portage County. Sometime between 1850 and 1856, however, Asa moved his family to Michigan, and by 1860 settled in Mill Point, Spring Lake Township, Ottawa County, where William worked as a carpenter along with his father and his younger brother Asa.
William stood 5’9” with blue eyes, brown hair and a light complexion and was a 23-year-old carpenter probably living in Mill Point when he enlisted in Company A on May 13, 1861. William Drake also of Company A mentioned him in a letter on July 26, 1861. Drake wrote to one M.L. Hopkins in Mill Point that William Reed had been detailed as part of Birschschneider’s Sharpshooters during the federal retreat from Bull Run on July 21, 1861. William was discharged on September 16, 1861, at Arlington Heights, Virginia, on account of aphonia (loss of voice) and tuberculosis.
He returned to Michigan where he reentered the service in Company F, Sixth Michigan cavalry on February 11, 1865, at Grand Rapids for 1 year, and was mustered on February 14 at Jackson, Jackson County, crediting Spring Lake, Ottawa County. He joined the Regiment on March 19, and quite possibly participated with the regiment in Lee’s surrender in April. it is also likely that he was on duty when the regiment participated in the Grand Review in Washington on May 23.
The Sixth was transferred to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on June 1 where the veterans and recruits were consolidated into the First Michigan cavalry later that month. The First Michigan cavalry served was on duty in the District of Utah from November of 1865 until March of 1866. William was transferred to Company K, First Michigan cavalry on November 17, 1865, probably at Forth Leavenworth and was mustered out on March 25, 1866, at Fort Bridger, Utah Territory.
After the war William returned to Michigan, probably to Mill Point.
He married Michigan native Ellen or Nellie (b. 1842) and they had at least two children: Albert (b. 1864) and Willie (b. 1867).
By 1870 William was working as a carpenter (he owned $1200 worth of real estate and living in Spring Lake, Ottawa County. (His father was also living in Spring Lake, Ottawa County in 1870.)
In 1861 he applied for and received a pension (no. 322503).
William probably died in late 1907 or early 1908.
In early 1908 his widow, then living in Kansas, applied for and received a pension (no. 643895).
New York native Asa married Ohioan Sarah and settled in Ohio where they resided for many years. By 1850 Asa was living in Nelson, Portage County. Sometime between 1850 and 1856, however, Asa moved his family to Michigan, and by 1860 settled in Mill Point, Spring Lake Township, Ottawa County, where William worked as a carpenter along with his father and his younger brother Asa.
William stood 5’9” with blue eyes, brown hair and a light complexion and was a 23-year-old carpenter probably living in Mill Point when he enlisted in Company A on May 13, 1861. William Drake also of Company A mentioned him in a letter on July 26, 1861. Drake wrote to one M.L. Hopkins in Mill Point that William Reed had been detailed as part of Birschschneider’s Sharpshooters during the federal retreat from Bull Run on July 21, 1861. William was discharged on September 16, 1861, at Arlington Heights, Virginia, on account of aphonia (loss of voice) and tuberculosis.
He returned to Michigan where he reentered the service in Company F, Sixth Michigan cavalry on February 11, 1865, at Grand Rapids for 1 year, and was mustered on February 14 at Jackson, Jackson County, crediting Spring Lake, Ottawa County. He joined the Regiment on March 19, and quite possibly participated with the regiment in Lee’s surrender in April. it is also likely that he was on duty when the regiment participated in the Grand Review in Washington on May 23.
The Sixth was transferred to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on June 1 where the veterans and recruits were consolidated into the First Michigan cavalry later that month. The First Michigan cavalry served was on duty in the District of Utah from November of 1865 until March of 1866. William was transferred to Company K, First Michigan cavalry on November 17, 1865, probably at Forth Leavenworth and was mustered out on March 25, 1866, at Fort Bridger, Utah Territory.
After the war William returned to Michigan, probably to Mill Point.
He married Michigan native Ellen or Nellie (b. 1842) and they had at least two children: Albert (b. 1864) and Willie (b. 1867).
By 1870 William was working as a carpenter (he owned $1200 worth of real estate and living in Spring Lake, Ottawa County. (His father was also living in Spring Lake, Ottawa County in 1870.)
In 1861 he applied for and received a pension (no. 322503).
William probably died in late 1907 or early 1908.
In early 1908 his widow, then living in Kansas, applied for and received a pension (no. 643895).
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Samuel White Reed
Samuel White Reed was born on June 29, 1840, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, the son of Lemuel (1807-1875) and Marjorie (White (1814-1875).
His parents were married sometime before 1836 by which time they were living in Ontario, Canada. Between 1848 and 1852 the family left Canada and settled in Kent County, Michigan, and by 1860 Samuel was a farmer living with his family in Grattan, Kent County.
Samuel stood 6’0” with brown eyes and hair and a light complexion and was 20 years old and possibly still living in Grattan when he enlisted in Company D on May 13, 1861. While in the army he was constantly plagued by lung disease. On October 23, 1861, Captain Fred Shriver, of Company B, wrote that Reed “has been troubled with the lung fever about one year previous to his enlistment & has not done any duty since the Bull Run fight” of July 21, 1861, and in fact he was discharged for consumption on November 12, 1861, at Fort Lyon, Virginia.
Samuel returned to western Michigan where he was married to Michigan native Coralin L. Jones (1837-1914) on January 12, 1864, at Grand Rapids or Grattan; and they had at least five children: Lemuel Frank (b. 1864), William Sherman (b. 1868), Marjorie Emily (b. 1870), Gertrude Alzina (b. 1872) and Samuel White Jr. (b. 1878).
On March 15, 1865, he was drafted for one year and enlisted in Company F, Fifteenth Michigan infantry at Grand Rapids, crediting Grattan. (The very same day that Alexander Morton, also formerly of Company D, Third Michigan, and who had lived in Ionia County, enlisted in Company G, Fifteenth infantry.) He joined the Regiment on March 21, reportedly at Alexandria, Virginia, although the regiment was in fact in North Carolina, having just participated in the battle of Bentonville.
The Fifteenth participated in the occupation of Goldsboro and Raleigh, North Carolina and the surrender of Johnston’s army. It subsequently marched to Washington April 29-May19 and participated in the Grand Review on May 24, 1865, after which it was moved to Louisville, Kentucky June 1-6, and then on to Little Rock, Arkansas on June 28 where it remained on duty until August 13. Samuel was honorably discharged with the regiment on August 13 at Little Rock.
Following his discharge Samuel returned to Michigan and settled in Grand Rapids. He was working as a carpenter and living with his wife and children in the Fourth Ward in 1870. By 1880 he was working as a well digger and living with his wife and children on Grandville Avenue in Grand Rapids. He was still living in the city in 1888, but by 1890 had moved to Wyoming, Kent County.
He was a Protestant. In 1891 he applied for and received pension no, 826,678, drawing $12.00 per month in 1907 and raised to $19.00 by 1912.
He was admitted to the Michigan Soldiers’ Home (no. 4947) on April 3, 1907, was dropped on March 4, 1908, and reentered the Home on April 23, 1908.
Samuel died at the Home of “acute softening of the brain” at 2:50 p.m. on February 9, 1913, and was buried on February 11 in the Home cemetery: section 6 row 7 grave no. 5.
His wife was living at 243 Lyon Street in Grand Rapids at the time of his death. On February 12, 1913, she applied for and received a pension (no. 756289).
His parents were married sometime before 1836 by which time they were living in Ontario, Canada. Between 1848 and 1852 the family left Canada and settled in Kent County, Michigan, and by 1860 Samuel was a farmer living with his family in Grattan, Kent County.
Samuel stood 6’0” with brown eyes and hair and a light complexion and was 20 years old and possibly still living in Grattan when he enlisted in Company D on May 13, 1861. While in the army he was constantly plagued by lung disease. On October 23, 1861, Captain Fred Shriver, of Company B, wrote that Reed “has been troubled with the lung fever about one year previous to his enlistment & has not done any duty since the Bull Run fight” of July 21, 1861, and in fact he was discharged for consumption on November 12, 1861, at Fort Lyon, Virginia.
Samuel returned to western Michigan where he was married to Michigan native Coralin L. Jones (1837-1914) on January 12, 1864, at Grand Rapids or Grattan; and they had at least five children: Lemuel Frank (b. 1864), William Sherman (b. 1868), Marjorie Emily (b. 1870), Gertrude Alzina (b. 1872) and Samuel White Jr. (b. 1878).
On March 15, 1865, he was drafted for one year and enlisted in Company F, Fifteenth Michigan infantry at Grand Rapids, crediting Grattan. (The very same day that Alexander Morton, also formerly of Company D, Third Michigan, and who had lived in Ionia County, enlisted in Company G, Fifteenth infantry.) He joined the Regiment on March 21, reportedly at Alexandria, Virginia, although the regiment was in fact in North Carolina, having just participated in the battle of Bentonville.
The Fifteenth participated in the occupation of Goldsboro and Raleigh, North Carolina and the surrender of Johnston’s army. It subsequently marched to Washington April 29-May19 and participated in the Grand Review on May 24, 1865, after which it was moved to Louisville, Kentucky June 1-6, and then on to Little Rock, Arkansas on June 28 where it remained on duty until August 13. Samuel was honorably discharged with the regiment on August 13 at Little Rock.
Following his discharge Samuel returned to Michigan and settled in Grand Rapids. He was working as a carpenter and living with his wife and children in the Fourth Ward in 1870. By 1880 he was working as a well digger and living with his wife and children on Grandville Avenue in Grand Rapids. He was still living in the city in 1888, but by 1890 had moved to Wyoming, Kent County.
He was a Protestant. In 1891 he applied for and received pension no, 826,678, drawing $12.00 per month in 1907 and raised to $19.00 by 1912.
He was admitted to the Michigan Soldiers’ Home (no. 4947) on April 3, 1907, was dropped on March 4, 1908, and reentered the Home on April 23, 1908.
Samuel died at the Home of “acute softening of the brain” at 2:50 p.m. on February 9, 1913, and was buried on February 11 in the Home cemetery: section 6 row 7 grave no. 5.
His wife was living at 243 Lyon Street in Grand Rapids at the time of his death. On February 12, 1913, she applied for and received a pension (no. 756289).
Monday, May 10, 2010
James Lee and Merrick D. Reed
James Lee Reed was born on July 10, 1837, in Dundee, Monroe County, Michigan, the son of Peter (1791-1851) and Crusa (Parker, 1802-1878).
In 1839 his family moved from Dundee to Bellevue, Eaton County where, at the age of 16, James worked at the trade of tailor for one winter and then drove a stagecoach for some two years. By 1850 James (known as “Lee”) was attending school with his younger brother Merrick (who would also join the Old Third) and living with their family in Bellevue where his father worked a farm. In 1855 James learned the trade of blacksmith at Bellevue, and after completing his education moved to Hastings, Barry County in 1856.
James married his first wife English-born Sarah Jane “Jennie” Simpson (1839-1913) in February of 1858 or 1859, and they had at least one child, Addie Clara (b. 1860); some years later they adopted a son from the “Protestant Home” in Toledo, Ohio, and named him Fred T. (b. 1867).
In 1860 James was working as a blacksmith and living with his wife and child in Bellevue, and he continued to work at his trade until the war broke out.
James stood 5’11” with dark eyes, brown hair and a light complexion and was 23 years old and living in Barry County when he enlisted in the Band on June 10, 1861. (About the same time his younger brother Merrick joined Company E.) On July 20, James wrote home and described the recent action of July 18 at Blackburn’s Ford, near Bull Run, Virginia.
Today [July 20] finds us all well. A kind Providence has spared our lives through a terrible battle fought on Thursday [July 18]. Our regiment escaped unharmed except two wounded slightly. One of the wounded is James Beck, son-in-law of R. H. Stilson. The other I do not know. We ran into a regular hornet’s nest, and were driven back by the rebels. The Band marched into the field behind the Regiment. There were about 27,000 of our men, and we do not know how many rebels. Only about 4,000 of our men were engaged in the fight. Our loss is about forty, and it is supposed the rebels have lost a thousand men. -- The fighting was mostly done with cannon. When we were retreating they fired a canister shot at the Band and they struck all around us and passed all about our heads, but we escaped unhurt. The cannon balls passed all about us. We could hear them coming and drop on our faces upon the ground and let them pass over us. I expected every moment to be shot down. The Band has orders to remain, hereafter, with the physicians and help take care of the wounded, so that we shall not be so exposed again.
The N.Y. 12th regiment lost 18, and the Mass 1st, 30 men. . . .
Gen. Scott is here, and he says he is going to take the rebels without losing a man. We should not have lost many men before if Gen. Tyler had obeyed orders, which were not to march any further [sic] than Fairfax, and there await further orders. He want great renown, and lost all.
“Do not believe all you read and hear,” James added. “Our food is crackers, meat and coffee; I want nothing better.”
On August 4 James wrote the editor of the Hastings Banner to praise the boys from Barry County,
I take pleasure of addressing you with a few lines. I am proud to state that the soldiers of Barry Co. and vicinity have proved themselves true to their profession. They profess to be true patriots and their conduct has proven them so. Our noble men from the beautiful little village of Hastings who are honored with office in the Regiment, I am happy to say, during the battle at Bull Run were seen to stand up unshaken by the sound of the enemy’s cannon, and while the balls were whistling on all sides of them, all they seemed to want was to have the command to fire.
I am also happy to state that while other Regiments’ colors were not seen floating, ours, borne by our brave Flag bearer, Mr. W. K. F., [Washington K. Ferris] could have been seen at any moment during the battle waiving proudly over the column of the Mich. 3d. We believe our officers are of the best timber, and know the privates will back them.
Our boys were served up by the sound of well known “Dixie,” played by the Regimental Band, led by Prof. Steeg, late of Detroit, formerly of Cleveland, while entering the battle.
James was discharged “as a member of the band, not as musician” on March 24, 1862, at Hampton, Virginia.
After he was discharged James returned to Michigan where he reentered the service in Company C, Eleventh Michigan cavalry on October 22, 1863, at Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County for 3 years, and was mustered the following day, crediting Hastings, Barry County. The regiment was organized at Kalamazoo and Detroit between October 7 and December 10, 1863. It moved to Lexington, Kentucky December 10-22 and remained on duty there until April 28 when it commenced operations in eastern and then southern Kentucky through the summer in Tennessee by late fall of 1864 and southwestern Virginia by early 1865.
James served in the Regimental band from December of 1863 through April of 1864, in June he was at Catlettsburg, Kentucky guarding government stores, and was mustered out on March 3, 1865, to date December 28, 1864, at Louisville, Kentucky, to accept an appointment in the United States Colored Troops.
He reentered the service as Second Lieutenant in the One hundred twentieth United States Colored Troops, which was organized at Henderson, Kentucky, in October and November of 1864. The regiment was discontinued on June 21, 1865 after serving in various capacities in the Department of Kentucky. James served subsequently as First Lieutenant in Company F, Fifth United States Colored Cavalry, being mustered in as such on June 17, 1865, probably serving on the staff of General Burnbridge; the Regimental rolls to October 31, 1865, show him as absent on special duty with the Regimental band. The regiment had served in Kentucky and southwestern Virginia and was at Camp Nelson until August of 1865 when it was assigned to the Dept. of Arkansas, where it remained on duty until March of 1866.
After some three months on Burnbridge’s staff he was transferred to General Brisbin’s staff at Lexington, Kentucky, where he apparently served in the Regimental band from October through December. He was on a leave of absence in January and February of 1866, when he went home to visit his family, and he returned to duty still sick from a previous bout with malaria and jaundice. His unit had been ordered to Arkansas where they remained until February of 1866 when he resigned due to ill health. He was discharged subsequent to his resignation for malarial poisoning, at Helena, Arkansas to date January 18, 1866. (He would continue to suffer from bouts with malaria for the remainder of his life.)
After he left the army James returned to Barry County. He opened his first blacksmith shop in Hastings at the end of 1866, and continued in business until September of 1883 when he sold out and built another, larger shop. By 1870 he was working as a blacksmith (he owned $1200 worth of real estate) and living with his wife and child in Hastings. By 1880 James was working as a carriage builder and living with his wife and son on Apple Street in Hastings’ Third Ward; also living with them was one Dr. Arnold Bolt.
By 1886 he was engaged in manufacturing lawn seats and piano stools in Plainwell, Allegan County, although he continued to live in Hastings for the remainder of his life working as a blacksmith. That same year he declined to testify for the widow of Jacob Stegg, formerly of the Old Third’s Band, on the grounds that he had no information to provide her.
In 1889 James was living and working as a blacksmith in Hastings, in the Fourth Ward in 1890, in 1894 and by the 1890s was engaged in the manufacture and repair of wagons and carriages, and he was residing in Hastings in 1909, 1911, 1912 and 1914.
He was a widower when he married his Charlotte Barlow Russell (who had been widowed in 1901) on April 29, 1914, in Hastings. By 1920 James and Charlotte were living together in Hastings.
He was a firm Democrat, and served as Alderman for some five years, as supervisor of the Second and Third Wards of Hastings. James was a member of the Old Third Michigan Infantry Association and of Grand Army of the Republic Fitzgerald Post No. 125 in Hastings. In 1887 he applied for and received pension no. 400,299.
James died on April 20, 1921, at his home on 228 N. Church Street in Hastings, and, according to cemetery records, was buried on April 22, in Riverside cemetery, Hastings: block A-east, lot no. 11, grave NE 1/4-1; his headstone is next to Sarah’s but no date of death for James is inscribed.
Merrick D. Reed was born on August 3, 1840, in Dundee or Monroe, Monroe County, Michigan, the son of Peter (1791-1851) and Crusa (Parker, 1802-1878).
In 1839 his family moved to Bellevue, Eaton County (although Crusa may have returned to Monroe County when she gave birth to Merrick in 1840). By 1850 Merrick was attending school with his older brother James (known as “Lee” and who would also join the Old Third) and living with their family in Bellevue where his father worked a farm. (Next door lived Levi Booth whose father had remarried a Sarah Reed and who would also join the Old Third.) By 1855 Merrick was living with his family in Bellevue.
Merrick stood 5’11” with gray eyes, auburn hair and a light complexion and was a 21-year-old shoemaker or mechanic probably living in Barry County when he enlisted in Company E on May 10, 1861. (About the same time his older brother James joined the Regimental Band.) Merrick was present for duty through June 30, 1862, and reported AWOL in July and August, although he had probably been hospitalized near Yorktown, Virginia.
Merrick was not carried on the rolls from March of 1863 through May, although according to Andrew Kilpatrick, another member of Company E, Merrick was a Private present for duty in late May of 1863. And subsequent rolls through August 31 show him as present for duty. In September and October he was on detached service, probably as a teamster driving an ammunition train, and he reenlisted on December 23, 1863, at Brandy Station, Virginia, crediting Cascade, Kent County.
He was presumably on veteran’s furlough, probably at his home in Michigan, in January of 1864, and probably returned to the Regiment on or about the first of February, although he was reported was present for duty from January through April 30, 1864. He was transferred to Company E, Fifth Michigan infantry upon consolidation of the Third and Fifth Michigan Regiments on June 10, 1864, and was reported as a Corporal when he was mustered out on July 5, 1865, at Jeffersonville, Indiana.
After the war Merrick returned to Michigan, probably to Bellevue, Clinton County where he was living from about 1865 until about 1870.
He married Ohio native Elizabeth (1844-1928), and they had at least three children: George (b. 1866), Frank (b. 1867) and a daughter (b. 1870).
By 1870 he was working as a shoemaker and living with his wife and three children in Hastings, Barry County (James L. also lived in Hastings that year). By 1880 Merrick was working as a wagon maker and living on Railroad Street in Hastings’ Fourth Ward with his wife and children. He was still living in Hastings with his wife Elizabeth in 1920. In fact, he probably lived in Hastings for the rest of his life (as did his older brother James).
He was living in Hastings in 1883 when he was drawing $2.00 per month for partial loss of his right index finger (pension no. 176, 041, dated October of 1880), in December of 1888 when he became a member of the Old Third Michigan Infantry Association.
In 1889 Merrick was part of the reception committee welcoming his former comrades to the annual reunion of the Old Third Michigan Infantry Association held that year in Hastings.
He was living in the First Ward in 1890 and at 418 High Street from 1909-11, and probably in 1912 he was drawing $15.00 per month, and $72.00 by 1921. He was living in Hastings in 1891, in the First Ward in 1894, in Hastings in 1906-1907, 1912 and 1915. In 1920 he was living with his wife Elizabeth in Hastings.
Merrick died on October 3, 1921, and was buried on October 5 in Riverside cemetery, Hastings: block A-west “free ground,” lot no. 38.
In late October his widow applied for and received a pension (no. 911122).
In 1839 his family moved from Dundee to Bellevue, Eaton County where, at the age of 16, James worked at the trade of tailor for one winter and then drove a stagecoach for some two years. By 1850 James (known as “Lee”) was attending school with his younger brother Merrick (who would also join the Old Third) and living with their family in Bellevue where his father worked a farm. In 1855 James learned the trade of blacksmith at Bellevue, and after completing his education moved to Hastings, Barry County in 1856.
James married his first wife English-born Sarah Jane “Jennie” Simpson (1839-1913) in February of 1858 or 1859, and they had at least one child, Addie Clara (b. 1860); some years later they adopted a son from the “Protestant Home” in Toledo, Ohio, and named him Fred T. (b. 1867).
In 1860 James was working as a blacksmith and living with his wife and child in Bellevue, and he continued to work at his trade until the war broke out.
James stood 5’11” with dark eyes, brown hair and a light complexion and was 23 years old and living in Barry County when he enlisted in the Band on June 10, 1861. (About the same time his younger brother Merrick joined Company E.) On July 20, James wrote home and described the recent action of July 18 at Blackburn’s Ford, near Bull Run, Virginia.
Today [July 20] finds us all well. A kind Providence has spared our lives through a terrible battle fought on Thursday [July 18]. Our regiment escaped unharmed except two wounded slightly. One of the wounded is James Beck, son-in-law of R. H. Stilson. The other I do not know. We ran into a regular hornet’s nest, and were driven back by the rebels. The Band marched into the field behind the Regiment. There were about 27,000 of our men, and we do not know how many rebels. Only about 4,000 of our men were engaged in the fight. Our loss is about forty, and it is supposed the rebels have lost a thousand men. -- The fighting was mostly done with cannon. When we were retreating they fired a canister shot at the Band and they struck all around us and passed all about our heads, but we escaped unhurt. The cannon balls passed all about us. We could hear them coming and drop on our faces upon the ground and let them pass over us. I expected every moment to be shot down. The Band has orders to remain, hereafter, with the physicians and help take care of the wounded, so that we shall not be so exposed again.
The N.Y. 12th regiment lost 18, and the Mass 1st, 30 men. . . .
Gen. Scott is here, and he says he is going to take the rebels without losing a man. We should not have lost many men before if Gen. Tyler had obeyed orders, which were not to march any further [sic] than Fairfax, and there await further orders. He want great renown, and lost all.
“Do not believe all you read and hear,” James added. “Our food is crackers, meat and coffee; I want nothing better.”
On August 4 James wrote the editor of the Hastings Banner to praise the boys from Barry County,
I take pleasure of addressing you with a few lines. I am proud to state that the soldiers of Barry Co. and vicinity have proved themselves true to their profession. They profess to be true patriots and their conduct has proven them so. Our noble men from the beautiful little village of Hastings who are honored with office in the Regiment, I am happy to say, during the battle at Bull Run were seen to stand up unshaken by the sound of the enemy’s cannon, and while the balls were whistling on all sides of them, all they seemed to want was to have the command to fire.
I am also happy to state that while other Regiments’ colors were not seen floating, ours, borne by our brave Flag bearer, Mr. W. K. F., [Washington K. Ferris] could have been seen at any moment during the battle waiving proudly over the column of the Mich. 3d. We believe our officers are of the best timber, and know the privates will back them.
Our boys were served up by the sound of well known “Dixie,” played by the Regimental Band, led by Prof. Steeg, late of Detroit, formerly of Cleveland, while entering the battle.
James was discharged “as a member of the band, not as musician” on March 24, 1862, at Hampton, Virginia.
After he was discharged James returned to Michigan where he reentered the service in Company C, Eleventh Michigan cavalry on October 22, 1863, at Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County for 3 years, and was mustered the following day, crediting Hastings, Barry County. The regiment was organized at Kalamazoo and Detroit between October 7 and December 10, 1863. It moved to Lexington, Kentucky December 10-22 and remained on duty there until April 28 when it commenced operations in eastern and then southern Kentucky through the summer in Tennessee by late fall of 1864 and southwestern Virginia by early 1865.
James served in the Regimental band from December of 1863 through April of 1864, in June he was at Catlettsburg, Kentucky guarding government stores, and was mustered out on March 3, 1865, to date December 28, 1864, at Louisville, Kentucky, to accept an appointment in the United States Colored Troops.
He reentered the service as Second Lieutenant in the One hundred twentieth United States Colored Troops, which was organized at Henderson, Kentucky, in October and November of 1864. The regiment was discontinued on June 21, 1865 after serving in various capacities in the Department of Kentucky. James served subsequently as First Lieutenant in Company F, Fifth United States Colored Cavalry, being mustered in as such on June 17, 1865, probably serving on the staff of General Burnbridge; the Regimental rolls to October 31, 1865, show him as absent on special duty with the Regimental band. The regiment had served in Kentucky and southwestern Virginia and was at Camp Nelson until August of 1865 when it was assigned to the Dept. of Arkansas, where it remained on duty until March of 1866.
After some three months on Burnbridge’s staff he was transferred to General Brisbin’s staff at Lexington, Kentucky, where he apparently served in the Regimental band from October through December. He was on a leave of absence in January and February of 1866, when he went home to visit his family, and he returned to duty still sick from a previous bout with malaria and jaundice. His unit had been ordered to Arkansas where they remained until February of 1866 when he resigned due to ill health. He was discharged subsequent to his resignation for malarial poisoning, at Helena, Arkansas to date January 18, 1866. (He would continue to suffer from bouts with malaria for the remainder of his life.)
After he left the army James returned to Barry County. He opened his first blacksmith shop in Hastings at the end of 1866, and continued in business until September of 1883 when he sold out and built another, larger shop. By 1870 he was working as a blacksmith (he owned $1200 worth of real estate) and living with his wife and child in Hastings. By 1880 James was working as a carriage builder and living with his wife and son on Apple Street in Hastings’ Third Ward; also living with them was one Dr. Arnold Bolt.
By 1886 he was engaged in manufacturing lawn seats and piano stools in Plainwell, Allegan County, although he continued to live in Hastings for the remainder of his life working as a blacksmith. That same year he declined to testify for the widow of Jacob Stegg, formerly of the Old Third’s Band, on the grounds that he had no information to provide her.
In 1889 James was living and working as a blacksmith in Hastings, in the Fourth Ward in 1890, in 1894 and by the 1890s was engaged in the manufacture and repair of wagons and carriages, and he was residing in Hastings in 1909, 1911, 1912 and 1914.
He was a widower when he married his Charlotte Barlow Russell (who had been widowed in 1901) on April 29, 1914, in Hastings. By 1920 James and Charlotte were living together in Hastings.
He was a firm Democrat, and served as Alderman for some five years, as supervisor of the Second and Third Wards of Hastings. James was a member of the Old Third Michigan Infantry Association and of Grand Army of the Republic Fitzgerald Post No. 125 in Hastings. In 1887 he applied for and received pension no. 400,299.
James died on April 20, 1921, at his home on 228 N. Church Street in Hastings, and, according to cemetery records, was buried on April 22, in Riverside cemetery, Hastings: block A-east, lot no. 11, grave NE 1/4-1; his headstone is next to Sarah’s but no date of death for James is inscribed.
Merrick D. Reed was born on August 3, 1840, in Dundee or Monroe, Monroe County, Michigan, the son of Peter (1791-1851) and Crusa (Parker, 1802-1878).
In 1839 his family moved to Bellevue, Eaton County (although Crusa may have returned to Monroe County when she gave birth to Merrick in 1840). By 1850 Merrick was attending school with his older brother James (known as “Lee” and who would also join the Old Third) and living with their family in Bellevue where his father worked a farm. (Next door lived Levi Booth whose father had remarried a Sarah Reed and who would also join the Old Third.) By 1855 Merrick was living with his family in Bellevue.
Merrick stood 5’11” with gray eyes, auburn hair and a light complexion and was a 21-year-old shoemaker or mechanic probably living in Barry County when he enlisted in Company E on May 10, 1861. (About the same time his older brother James joined the Regimental Band.) Merrick was present for duty through June 30, 1862, and reported AWOL in July and August, although he had probably been hospitalized near Yorktown, Virginia.
Merrick was not carried on the rolls from March of 1863 through May, although according to Andrew Kilpatrick, another member of Company E, Merrick was a Private present for duty in late May of 1863. And subsequent rolls through August 31 show him as present for duty. In September and October he was on detached service, probably as a teamster driving an ammunition train, and he reenlisted on December 23, 1863, at Brandy Station, Virginia, crediting Cascade, Kent County.
He was presumably on veteran’s furlough, probably at his home in Michigan, in January of 1864, and probably returned to the Regiment on or about the first of February, although he was reported was present for duty from January through April 30, 1864. He was transferred to Company E, Fifth Michigan infantry upon consolidation of the Third and Fifth Michigan Regiments on June 10, 1864, and was reported as a Corporal when he was mustered out on July 5, 1865, at Jeffersonville, Indiana.
After the war Merrick returned to Michigan, probably to Bellevue, Clinton County where he was living from about 1865 until about 1870.
He married Ohio native Elizabeth (1844-1928), and they had at least three children: George (b. 1866), Frank (b. 1867) and a daughter (b. 1870).
By 1870 he was working as a shoemaker and living with his wife and three children in Hastings, Barry County (James L. also lived in Hastings that year). By 1880 Merrick was working as a wagon maker and living on Railroad Street in Hastings’ Fourth Ward with his wife and children. He was still living in Hastings with his wife Elizabeth in 1920. In fact, he probably lived in Hastings for the rest of his life (as did his older brother James).
He was living in Hastings in 1883 when he was drawing $2.00 per month for partial loss of his right index finger (pension no. 176, 041, dated October of 1880), in December of 1888 when he became a member of the Old Third Michigan Infantry Association.
In 1889 Merrick was part of the reception committee welcoming his former comrades to the annual reunion of the Old Third Michigan Infantry Association held that year in Hastings.
He was living in the First Ward in 1890 and at 418 High Street from 1909-11, and probably in 1912 he was drawing $15.00 per month, and $72.00 by 1921. He was living in Hastings in 1891, in the First Ward in 1894, in Hastings in 1906-1907, 1912 and 1915. In 1920 he was living with his wife Elizabeth in Hastings.
Merrick died on October 3, 1921, and was buried on October 5 in Riverside cemetery, Hastings: block A-west “free ground,” lot no. 38.
In late October his widow applied for and received a pension (no. 911122).
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Isaac D. Reed
Isaac D. Reed was born in 1833 in Ohio, the son of Jonathan (b. 1797) and Ruthanna (b. 1800).
His parents were both born in Pennsylvania and presumably married there. In any case, they moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio where they lived for some years before moving to Michigan sometime after 1843. By 1860 Isaac was working as a carpenter and living with his family in Hastings, Barry County where his father operated a farm.
Isaac was a 28-year-old carpenter probably living in Hastings when he enlisted in the Hastings Rifle Company in April of 1861. The company was disbanded shortly after it arrived in Grand Rapids and its members distributed to other companies of the Third Michigan infantry then forming at Cantonment Anderson just south of the city. Isaac eventually enlisted as Wagoner in Company K on May 13, 1861, along with Cody Reed (to whom he may have been related) and Henry Kingsbury. By the summer of 1861 Isaac was on detached duty with the Fourth Brigade, serving as a wagoner.
During the action at Bull Run, in late July of 1861, Isaac had remained at Camp Blair, along the Potomac just north of Washington, when the Third Michigan departed for the field of battle. He eventually rejoined the regiment at its new campsite, Hunter Farm, near Arlington, Virginia. On August 20, he wrote the editor of the Hastings Banner,
I have the honor of addressing you from the camp of the Mich. 3d which is most delightfully situated upon the lands of Lieut. Hunter, late of the U.S.N., on the banks of the Potomac. I shall endeavor to give you a little insight as to a soldier’s life and fare in the Mich 3d.
Reveille and roll call at 6 o’clock a.m. Beat for breakfast at 7, sick call 7 1/2. -- Morning drill from eight till half past 9. Dinner at 12. Battalion drill from 3 1/2 to 5, and then comes Dress Parade. Supper call at 6. Retreat at 6 1/2. Roll call at 9, taps at 9 1/2 and then the day’s toil is over, and the weary soldier packs himself away, to forget for a few short hours the danger and toil of the day that has passed. At this moment the Regiment is passing a review and inspection of arms, by an officer of the U.S.A. They are being ordered to carry 40 rounds of cartridges -- keep their guns in good order -- and be in readiness to march at 15 minutes warning. They are also required to keep on hand five days’ rations, which consists of soft bread, 22 oz. to each man per day; 1 1/2 lbs. fresh beef or 3/4 lb. salt pork. One pint of coffee or tea as they choose for supper. Bean soup three times per week, rice three times, vegetables, such as potatoes, peas, etc., twice a week. This is, I believe, a correct statement of the bill of fare, which no one ought to complain of, though there are always some men among so many, that will find fault. It is quite healthy here at this date, have had considerable rain lately and quite cool nights. There are not over 20 men on the sick list, and none dangerous. There is a flying report in camp that the rebels are marching on Washington and Alexandria. But I think Jeff. knows better than to lock horns with Uncle Sam. There are too many “Armstrong” and other “pattern guns” down on Arlington Heights and vicinity for Beauregard and Jeff., and then there are 5 or 6 batteries of Artillery and hundreds of Cavalry, also Fort Runion [Runyan], Fort Corcoran and Fort Albany, within one mile of our camp. There is a continual line of camps from Fortress Monroe to Harper’s Ferry, on the Virginia side of the Potomac. I cannot give a correct account of the number of our troops in the first division of the United States Army, but there are in the neighborhood of 150,000 men and I think it would take three times that number to take Washington. Our men are all determined and will fight like tigers. The Hastings Boys are enjoying good health and are ready to wipe out the disgrace of our arms; a thing the soldiers have a full determination to do at the first opportunity. With the restoration of order the public confidence has also been restored, and there is a general feeling of sure and abiding confidence in the ability of the army to protect and defend the Capital, and the Whole Glorious Union. The Hastings Boys fought as became brave men in the trying time at Bull Run. I was not there, having been detached to take care of camp and baggage. We were stationed at Camp Blair at the time. I have heard by letter from Hastings that W. K. Ferris threw the colors and ran from the field. But I have it from good authority that is false. He was sunstruck the first day and was carried from the field, but he was at his post and performed his duty during the whole of the last battle on the 21st.
We are going to remove to the Brigade Headquarters soon, which is composed of the N. Y. 12th, Mass. 14th, Mich 2d and 3d, Col. Richardson commanding.
Isaac was still on detached duty as a wagoner in the spring of 1862, serving under Captain Ben Tracy, formerly of Company F. Sometime in 1861 or early 1862 Benjamin “had been detached from the regiment to serve as asst. quartermaster 3rd brig 3rd div 3 army corps afterwards consolidated with 2nd corps. He thus became my immediate superior officer and our duties brought us together constantly. I well remember that about May 1862 Capt. Tracy became unable to mount his horse because of piles and at the same time he complained of diarrhea or dysentery. He was so bad that I had to run the wagon train alone for three or four days.”
Isaac was reported as a wagoner in July of 1862, a Brigade wagoner from August through September, and Brigade forage master in October and wagon-master from November of 1862 through January of 1863. In fact he served with the wagon trains through the war. He was serving with the Brigade wagon train from February through June, at Brigade headquarters in July, on detached service from September 19 and in October detached with the Third Brigade. In November he was at Brigade headquarters and he was wagon-master of the Third Brigade wagon train from December of 1863 through May of 1864. He was mustered out on June 20, 1864, at Detroit.
Isaac eventually returned to Michigan.
He married Ohio native Frances (b. 1848) and they had at least two children: Nettie (b. 1866) and Ulysses (b. 1868).
By 1880 Isaac was working as a merchant and living with his wife and children in Hart, Oceana County. He was probably residing in Hart, Oceana County in 1883 and 1888, and he was living in Hart in September of 1891 when he gave a statement in the pension application of Ben Tracy, former Captain of Company K. That same year Isaac himself applied for and received a pension (no. 842382).
He may be buried in Riverside cemetery, Hastings, Barry County.
His parents were both born in Pennsylvania and presumably married there. In any case, they moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio where they lived for some years before moving to Michigan sometime after 1843. By 1860 Isaac was working as a carpenter and living with his family in Hastings, Barry County where his father operated a farm.
Isaac was a 28-year-old carpenter probably living in Hastings when he enlisted in the Hastings Rifle Company in April of 1861. The company was disbanded shortly after it arrived in Grand Rapids and its members distributed to other companies of the Third Michigan infantry then forming at Cantonment Anderson just south of the city. Isaac eventually enlisted as Wagoner in Company K on May 13, 1861, along with Cody Reed (to whom he may have been related) and Henry Kingsbury. By the summer of 1861 Isaac was on detached duty with the Fourth Brigade, serving as a wagoner.
During the action at Bull Run, in late July of 1861, Isaac had remained at Camp Blair, along the Potomac just north of Washington, when the Third Michigan departed for the field of battle. He eventually rejoined the regiment at its new campsite, Hunter Farm, near Arlington, Virginia. On August 20, he wrote the editor of the Hastings Banner,
I have the honor of addressing you from the camp of the Mich. 3d which is most delightfully situated upon the lands of Lieut. Hunter, late of the U.S.N., on the banks of the Potomac. I shall endeavor to give you a little insight as to a soldier’s life and fare in the Mich 3d.
Reveille and roll call at 6 o’clock a.m. Beat for breakfast at 7, sick call 7 1/2. -- Morning drill from eight till half past 9. Dinner at 12. Battalion drill from 3 1/2 to 5, and then comes Dress Parade. Supper call at 6. Retreat at 6 1/2. Roll call at 9, taps at 9 1/2 and then the day’s toil is over, and the weary soldier packs himself away, to forget for a few short hours the danger and toil of the day that has passed. At this moment the Regiment is passing a review and inspection of arms, by an officer of the U.S.A. They are being ordered to carry 40 rounds of cartridges -- keep their guns in good order -- and be in readiness to march at 15 minutes warning. They are also required to keep on hand five days’ rations, which consists of soft bread, 22 oz. to each man per day; 1 1/2 lbs. fresh beef or 3/4 lb. salt pork. One pint of coffee or tea as they choose for supper. Bean soup three times per week, rice three times, vegetables, such as potatoes, peas, etc., twice a week. This is, I believe, a correct statement of the bill of fare, which no one ought to complain of, though there are always some men among so many, that will find fault. It is quite healthy here at this date, have had considerable rain lately and quite cool nights. There are not over 20 men on the sick list, and none dangerous. There is a flying report in camp that the rebels are marching on Washington and Alexandria. But I think Jeff. knows better than to lock horns with Uncle Sam. There are too many “Armstrong” and other “pattern guns” down on Arlington Heights and vicinity for Beauregard and Jeff., and then there are 5 or 6 batteries of Artillery and hundreds of Cavalry, also Fort Runion [Runyan], Fort Corcoran and Fort Albany, within one mile of our camp. There is a continual line of camps from Fortress Monroe to Harper’s Ferry, on the Virginia side of the Potomac. I cannot give a correct account of the number of our troops in the first division of the United States Army, but there are in the neighborhood of 150,000 men and I think it would take three times that number to take Washington. Our men are all determined and will fight like tigers. The Hastings Boys are enjoying good health and are ready to wipe out the disgrace of our arms; a thing the soldiers have a full determination to do at the first opportunity. With the restoration of order the public confidence has also been restored, and there is a general feeling of sure and abiding confidence in the ability of the army to protect and defend the Capital, and the Whole Glorious Union. The Hastings Boys fought as became brave men in the trying time at Bull Run. I was not there, having been detached to take care of camp and baggage. We were stationed at Camp Blair at the time. I have heard by letter from Hastings that W. K. Ferris threw the colors and ran from the field. But I have it from good authority that is false. He was sunstruck the first day and was carried from the field, but he was at his post and performed his duty during the whole of the last battle on the 21st.
We are going to remove to the Brigade Headquarters soon, which is composed of the N. Y. 12th, Mass. 14th, Mich 2d and 3d, Col. Richardson commanding.
Isaac was still on detached duty as a wagoner in the spring of 1862, serving under Captain Ben Tracy, formerly of Company F. Sometime in 1861 or early 1862 Benjamin “had been detached from the regiment to serve as asst. quartermaster 3rd brig 3rd div 3 army corps afterwards consolidated with 2nd corps. He thus became my immediate superior officer and our duties brought us together constantly. I well remember that about May 1862 Capt. Tracy became unable to mount his horse because of piles and at the same time he complained of diarrhea or dysentery. He was so bad that I had to run the wagon train alone for three or four days.”
Isaac was reported as a wagoner in July of 1862, a Brigade wagoner from August through September, and Brigade forage master in October and wagon-master from November of 1862 through January of 1863. In fact he served with the wagon trains through the war. He was serving with the Brigade wagon train from February through June, at Brigade headquarters in July, on detached service from September 19 and in October detached with the Third Brigade. In November he was at Brigade headquarters and he was wagon-master of the Third Brigade wagon train from December of 1863 through May of 1864. He was mustered out on June 20, 1864, at Detroit.
Isaac eventually returned to Michigan.
He married Ohio native Frances (b. 1848) and they had at least two children: Nettie (b. 1866) and Ulysses (b. 1868).
By 1880 Isaac was working as a merchant and living with his wife and children in Hart, Oceana County. He was probably residing in Hart, Oceana County in 1883 and 1888, and he was living in Hart in September of 1891 when he gave a statement in the pension application of Ben Tracy, former Captain of Company K. That same year Isaac himself applied for and received a pension (no. 842382).
He may be buried in Riverside cemetery, Hastings, Barry County.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Gordon Reed
Gordon, or Gurden Reed was born in 1846.
Gordon stood 5’5” with hazel eyes, brown hair and a light complexion and was an 18-year-old blacksmith probably living in Manistee, Manistee County, Michigan, when he enlisted in Company I on February 6, 1864, at Grand Rapids for 3 years, crediting Manistee, and was mustered the same day. He joined the Regiment on February 17 at Camp Bullock, Virginia. He was severely wounded in the thigh in early May, subsequently hospitalized and probably still absent sick when he was transferred to Company I, Fifth Michigan infantry upon consolidation of the Third and Fifth Michigan Regiments on June 10, 1864. Gordon remained absent sick through August, was promoted to Corporal on January 1, 1865, and mustered out on July 5, 1865, at Jeffersonville, Indiana.
It is not known if Gordon ever returned to Michigan.
He was married to Ann E (1844-1931).
In 1879 he applied for and received a pension (no. 187990)
Gordon was probably living in Endicott, Broome County, New York when he died on June 1, 1916 and was buried in Riverside Union cemetery in Endicott: section L-3, grave no. 1.
In 1916 his widow applied for and received a pension (no. 834832).
Gordon stood 5’5” with hazel eyes, brown hair and a light complexion and was an 18-year-old blacksmith probably living in Manistee, Manistee County, Michigan, when he enlisted in Company I on February 6, 1864, at Grand Rapids for 3 years, crediting Manistee, and was mustered the same day. He joined the Regiment on February 17 at Camp Bullock, Virginia. He was severely wounded in the thigh in early May, subsequently hospitalized and probably still absent sick when he was transferred to Company I, Fifth Michigan infantry upon consolidation of the Third and Fifth Michigan Regiments on June 10, 1864. Gordon remained absent sick through August, was promoted to Corporal on January 1, 1865, and mustered out on July 5, 1865, at Jeffersonville, Indiana.
It is not known if Gordon ever returned to Michigan.
He was married to Ann E (1844-1931).
In 1879 he applied for and received a pension (no. 187990)
Gordon was probably living in Endicott, Broome County, New York when he died on June 1, 1916 and was buried in Riverside Union cemetery in Endicott: section L-3, grave no. 1.
In 1916 his widow applied for and received a pension (no. 834832).
Friday, May 07, 2010
Cody M. Reed
Cody M. Reed was born around 1844 in New York.
Cody, also known as Milford C., left New York and moved west, eventually settling in Michigan by 1860 when he was living with the family of Dr. Albert Bomtul (?) in Hastings, Barry County. Also living with the same family was Henry Kingsbury who would enlist in Company K, and next door lived James Birdsall who, along with his son Daniel, would also enlist in the Third Michigan. Another resident of Hastings, Isaac Reed would also enlist in Company K and was possibly related to Cody.
Cody was 17 years old and probably still living in Hastings when he enlisted in Company K on May 13, 1861. He was reported sick in the hospital in August of 1862, and allegedly deserted on September 21 at Upton’s Hill, Virginia.
He returned to the Regiment on October 9 at Upton’s Hill, and transferred to the United States cavalry at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania on November 13, 1862. He reportedly served some 19 months in Company F, Fifth United States cavalry, and was probably mustered out in June of 1864 at the end of his term of service.
In any case, he was probably in Syracuse, New York when he enlisted on September 5, 1864 at the age of 23 and under the name of as Milford C. Reed in Battery E, First New York Light Artillery, and was mustered the same day. He was mustered out of service on June 16, 1865 at Elmira, New York.
It is not known if Cody returned to Michigan after he left the army.
He married New York native Angeline (b. 1851) and they had at least one child: Nellie (b. 1872).
They were living in New York in 1872, and by 1880 he was probably working as a commercial traveler (salesman) and living with his wife and daughter in Buffalo’s Third Ward, Erie County, New York.
In 1890 (?) he was living in New York when applied for and received a pension (no. 680607) for his service in the Third Michigan infantry, Fifth U. S. Cavalry and First New York Light Artillery.
Cody died on February 18, 1894, in the Marion National Military Home, in Marion, Indiana, but was apparently not buried in the national cemetery in Marion (he may have been admitted and buried as Milford Reed).
Cody, also known as Milford C., left New York and moved west, eventually settling in Michigan by 1860 when he was living with the family of Dr. Albert Bomtul (?) in Hastings, Barry County. Also living with the same family was Henry Kingsbury who would enlist in Company K, and next door lived James Birdsall who, along with his son Daniel, would also enlist in the Third Michigan. Another resident of Hastings, Isaac Reed would also enlist in Company K and was possibly related to Cody.
Cody was 17 years old and probably still living in Hastings when he enlisted in Company K on May 13, 1861. He was reported sick in the hospital in August of 1862, and allegedly deserted on September 21 at Upton’s Hill, Virginia.
He returned to the Regiment on October 9 at Upton’s Hill, and transferred to the United States cavalry at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania on November 13, 1862. He reportedly served some 19 months in Company F, Fifth United States cavalry, and was probably mustered out in June of 1864 at the end of his term of service.
In any case, he was probably in Syracuse, New York when he enlisted on September 5, 1864 at the age of 23 and under the name of as Milford C. Reed in Battery E, First New York Light Artillery, and was mustered the same day. He was mustered out of service on June 16, 1865 at Elmira, New York.
It is not known if Cody returned to Michigan after he left the army.
He married New York native Angeline (b. 1851) and they had at least one child: Nellie (b. 1872).
They were living in New York in 1872, and by 1880 he was probably working as a commercial traveler (salesman) and living with his wife and daughter in Buffalo’s Third Ward, Erie County, New York.
In 1890 (?) he was living in New York when applied for and received a pension (no. 680607) for his service in the Third Michigan infantry, Fifth U. S. Cavalry and First New York Light Artillery.
Cody died on February 18, 1894, in the Marion National Military Home, in Marion, Indiana, but was apparently not buried in the national cemetery in Marion (he may have been admitted and buried as Milford Reed).
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