The Roll of Honor - Those That Died as a Result of Serving in the Civil War
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THE HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR
Excerpts from History of the City of Grand Rapids
By Albert Baxter, 1891
Early Citizen Soldiery
On July 12, 1855, two local military companies were organized and their officers elected. One was the Grand Rapids Light Guards–W. L. Coffinberry, Captain; F. W. Worden, E. T. Nelson and A. L. Gage, Lieutenants; M. S. Littlefield, B. B. Church, S. s. Porter and G. M. McCray, Sergeants. The other was the Grand Rapids Artillery, a west side company–Lucius Patterson, Captain; Baker Borden, Wm. K. Wheeler and Alfred B. Turner, Lieutenants; Silas Hall, Wilson Jones, Gideon Cotlton and Johann Dart, Sergeants.
The first names of these companies was shortly after reorganized, with Daniel McConnell as Captain, and the name was changed to Valley City Light Guards, and subsequently further shortened to Valley City Guards. In 1856 Mrs. James Lyman started a movement to procure a banner for this company, and a beautiful silk ensign was made by the Misses Ferguson, the presentation of which to the company was an event of considerable public interest in those rather unmilitary days. Soon afterward the Ringgold Light Artillery was organized, with Stephen G. Champlin as Captain. About this time, the three companies were mustered into the Fifty-first Regiment Uniformed Michigan Militia, of which Daniel McConnell was Colonel; Orville C. Hartwell, Lieut. Colonel; S. G. Champlin and Ammon Wilson, Majors; Warren P. Mills, Paymaster; D. W. Bliss, Surgeon; Robert M. Collins, Quartermaster; Edward S. Earle, Judge Advocate. These three companies were out on parade for review, January 7, 1858.
Another company, the Grand Rapids Rifles, composed mostly of German citizens, was organized in 1859, and this as well as the Valley City Guards, when the war with the South broke out, went with unbroken ranks into the Union Army. So much for military matters and the martial spirit prevailing in Grand Rapids previous to the coming on of the War of the Rebellion in 1861.
The secession at the South and precipitation of the War for the Union was to the people of this valley like a peal of thunder from a clear sky. Almost half a century with no such trouble except the comparatively minor fight with Mexico, and lulled them into a feeling of repose; and, in the enjoyment of peaceful relations with other nations, the coming on of a civil conflict by the rebellion at home had been farthest from their thoughts. Thoroughly loyal themselves, they could scarcely believe that any difference in opinion as to State rights or popular rights or civil government in our land would eventuate in a clash of arms though the antagonisms of any portion of the people of our common country. Little attention had been paid to military training. The State Militia was a feeble force of less than 1,500 men and officers, poorly armed and equipped. Yet when the blow came, even that little frame served as a foundation for organization. In the sudden and alarming emergency, there was no hesitation, and the feeling of loyalty was instantly roused to put on inflexible determination.
Grand Rapids and Kent County in the War for the Union
The attack by the rebels of the Confederate Sates upon Fort Sumter, April 12, 1861, the fall of that fortress, and the proclamation, April 15, of President Lincoln, calling for 75,000 men for three months' service in behalf of the Union, roused the military ardor of our people to the highest pitch of enthusiasm. The response was prompt, and the rush to arms instantaneous. A war meeting was held at Luce's Hall, April 15, 1861, which was addressed by Col. A. T. McReynolds and others. The hall was filled to overflowing, and a spirit of intense patriotism was manifested. The pervading sentiment was to the effect that the Union must be preserved at all hazards and that the people of this county and valley would come to the front to a man, if need be, armed and equipped, for the support of the National Government. A second Union meeting was held on the 22d of April, which was marked by still greater intensity of feeling, and the determination to put forth every possible effort in the loyal cause. The ladies of Grand Rapids caught the patriotic fervor, and held a meeting, April 23, in Mills & Clancy's Hall, Mrs. S. S. N. Greely presiding, and Mrs. S. L. Withey acting as secretary, at which they resolved: "That the ladies of the Valley City are not unmindful of the perils which threatened our country, and they appreciate the patriotism which impels their fathers, husbands, brothers and sons to take the field in defense of the Flag of our Union."
On April 20, the officers of the enlisted military companies of the city held a meeting at the armory of the Valley City Guards. Brig. Gen. Wm. A. Richmond presided, and Harvey J. Hollister was Secretary, and then there was reported the organization of a regiment for the war. This was the Third Michigan Infantry. Here it may be remarked that on the 16th of April a State military meeting had been held in Detroit, at which it was estimated that $100,000 would be needed immediately, to meet the exigency of the occasion, though the President had only called upon Michigan for one Regiment of Infantry, armed, clothed and equipped. The State finances at this time being at a low ebb, it was determined at once to make an effort to raise the amount by subscription, trusting to the State for reimbursement, a confidence which afterward proved to be well founded. At that meeting $23,000 was subscribed, and in less than two months the amount reached $81,020. Ransom C. Luce of Grand Rapids subscribed $100 for this fund.
Filling a Regiment
The Third Regiment (Infantry) was encamped on the fair grounds, just south of the city-"Cantonment Anderson". It was mustered May 21 into State service, and June 10 into the service of the United States. The Valley City Guards tendered their services, were accepted, and formed a company in that regiment.
“The Boys are Marching”
Cantonment Anderson was a veritable beehive of busy preparation during the month of May. From all the country about came in the volunteers, and scores of enlistments were added daily, until the regiment started for the field June 13, with its ranks swollen to 1,040 men. On the fourth of June, a delegation of thirty-four young ladies, representing the States of the Union, visited the camp, bearing a beautiful silk banner, on which was the inscription in letters of gold: "Presented by the ladies of Grand Rapids, to the Third Michigan Infantry." This banner was fashioned and wrought by Miss Mattie Ferguson, and she did not live to see it again; though it came back after less than two years of service in the field, begrimed and tattered and torn, riddled with bullets, and its folds baptized in blood, but unstained by a single act of dishonor on the part of that gallant body of patriots. It was a notable day in Grand Rapids when these soldiers started out to take part in what proved to be the most sanguinary struggle of the Nation. There was a general suspension of business in the city, as the regiment marched in solid ranks through the streets to the railway station, a benediction of mingled pride and cheers and tears, and prayers for the success of the noble cause for which they had volunteered. No such pageant had ever before been seen here, though similar scenes were destined to become familiar before the trouble ended.
There was no abatement of this patriotic ardor, and determination to defend the Union cause, and support the arm of the Government. On the contrary it grew stronger and more intense as the conflict deepened. In response to the succeeding calls of the President in that year, for 500,000 men, here as well as elsewhere volunteers came rushing in for enlistment. In the language of the soldier boys of those days "the woods were full" of patriots. The pervading feeling and the strong beating of the public pulse were well indicated in the poetic response of Halmer H. Emmons, at a war-meeting held in Detroit in July, 1862, to the call of the President for 300,000 additional troops:
If you look up all our valleys, where the growing harvests shine,
You may see our sturdy farmer-boys fast forming into line;
And children from their mothers' knees are pulling at the weeds,
And learning how to reap and sow, against their country's needs;
And a farewell group stands weeping at every cottage door-
We are coming, Father Abraham, three hundred thousand more!
You have called us and we're coming, by Richmond's bloody tide
To lay us down, for freedom's sake, our brothers' bones beside;
Or from foul treason's savage grasp to wrench the murderous blade,
And in the face of foreign foes its fragments to parade.
Six hundred thousand loyal men and true have gone before-
We are coming, Father Abraham- three hundred thousand more!
Patriotic Boys
Even the youth caught the ardor of loyalty, patriotism, and military enthusiasm, and in May, 1861, while the "Old Third" was filling its ranks, the boys organized a military company which they called the Cadets, but soon changed its name to the Grand Rapids Greys. After a few months' of drill, many of the officers and members of this company, enlisted in the regular service, but the organization was kept up at home until near the close of the war.
The Service in the Field
PLEASE NOTE: Kent County sent 4,214 men to the war. However, there appears to be no record or list of individual names, nor did the men always write in their place of residence. Rather than attempt to create a list and inadvertently leave off a name, we have simply listed the regiments or units that Kent County men served in.
Of the regiments raised in this State, the Second, Third, Sixth, Seventh and Tenth Cavalry were rendezvoused while forming and mustered in, at Grand Rapids. Also the Third Infantry and the Third Infantry, Reorganized were mustered here. Of other regiments, any considerable portion of which was made up from Kent county, were the First Cavalry, mustered at Detroit; the First Engineers and Mechanics, mustered at Marshall; the Eighth Infantry, mustered at Detroit; the Fourteenth Infantry, mustered at Ypsilanti, and the Twenty-first Infantry, mustered at Ionia. The Fifth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth Infantry, and the Fourth Cavalry, had each some representatives for this part of the State. Companies B, C, and K of the First Light Artillery, and the Thirteenth Battery, also went from Grand Rapids. There were also volunteers from this county among the U. S. Sharpshooters and the First Michigan Colored Infantry [later renamed the 102 United States Colored Troops]. It may safely be said that no troops in the Union did more gallant service, or made a better record than those who went from this Valley. Of those of the above organizations which drew most largely from this city and valley, upward of 3,500 men were killed in action or died of wounds or disease while in the service-"fell under the flag in defense of the Union". There is no record to show the exact number of those who were citizens of Grand Rapids. Some soldiers from this section served in organizations of other States, but this number as compared with the whole number is inconsiderable; a few, also, were in the Regular Army. The sketches of regiments, batteries and other commands here appended are necessarily brief; and only those are included in which Kent County had a considerable representation. Nor does the proper award of praise for gallant services and noble deeds to the Boys in Blue from our own midst imply the withholding of just acknowledgment of the courage and bravery of their foes in the rebel army; for, however mistaken were the latter in their cause, and even in some instances atrociously inhuman, their valor is indisputable. Only the leading names of field and staff officers, as a rule, are given in these outlines; but in another place are presented in brief the military records of all commissioned officers of this city and county.
FIRST INFANTRY
This regiment was raised for three months, and afterward reorganized for three years' service; was then mustered at Ann Arbor, with a strength of 960 officers and men, and left the State September 16, 1861, in command of Col. John C. Robinson, then a captain in the U. S. Army. The reorganized regiment was officered principally by men who had served in the three months regiment. On its arrival at Washington it was reviewed by President Lincoln in person. It led the advance into Virginia, in the spring of 1862, under Col. Roberts, successor to Col. Robinson, who had resigned. During that year it participated in eight engagements, losing its Colonel, 88 men and ten officers. A considerable number of its officers and men were from Kent County. It performed well its part during the war, and was mustered out at Jackson, July 12, 1865, having lost in the line of duty, 243 men.
THIRD INFANTRY
The "Old Third" under command of Col. Daniel McConnell, who had for some time held a commission as a Colonel in the Uniformed Michigan Militia, was mustered in at Grand Rapids June 10, and left the State for the Potomac, June 13, 1861-Lieut. Col, Ambrose A. Stevens; Major, Stephen G. Champlin; Surgeon, D. Willard Bliss; Asst. Surgeon, Zenas E. Bliss; Quartermaster and Commissary, Robert M. Collins.
This regiment was attached to Richardson's Brigade, and in five days after leaving Grand Rapids was in the action at Blackburn's Ford. It afterward belonged to Berry's celebrated brigade, of Kearney's Division. Col. McConnell having resigned, it went into the campaign of 1862 under the command of Col. S. G. Champlin. It fought at Williamsburg May 5, at Fair Oaks May 30, at Charles City Cross Roads June 30, and on July 1 at Malvern Hill. At Fair Oaks its losses were severe- 30 killed, 124 wounded and 15 missing, including among the killed Capt. Samuel A. Judd and among the wounded Col. Champlin.
The Third was also engaged at the second battle of Bull Run, losing heavily, and at Chantilly. After the disablement of Col. Champlin, the regiment was under the command of Col. Byron R. Pierce, until his promotion to the office of Brigadier General. Under his command it was engaged at Chancellorsville, and afterward at Gettysburg. In all the annals of war, never was bestowed higher praise upon any body of men, than upon the gallant "Old Third" of Michigan. A correspondent of the New York Tribune, writing June 4, 1862, in relation to Michigan troops at Fair Oaks, said:
They fired away every one of their sixty cartridges to a man, and then gathered everywhere the unconsumed cartridges from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and economically used them. A North Carolina regiment, sent against the Third Michigan, had its front file wholly knocked down by a volley. The next file turned to run. A line of bayonets depressed behind them hold them fast. "Charge!" ordered the Michigan Colonel. Over the rail fence leaped our men, with a yell that ever smites terror. Their bayonet points were not waited for. The Carolinians broke and ran.
After Gettysburg in 1863, the Third was engaged at Wapping Heights, then in August proceeded to Alexandria, and thence to New York, to aid in preserving the public peace during the then pending draft, and later to Troy, N.Y., where it was stationed two weeks. Returning to the Army of the Potomac in September, it took part in the advance on Mine Run in November, engaged in several skirmishes, and finally encamped at Brandy Station on the 2d of December. Near the end of this month, 207 of the regiment re-enlisted as veteran volunteers. It afterward took part in the Battle of the Wilderness and engagements at various points in Virginia in May, and at Cold Harbor June 7, 1864. About this time four companies of this regiment were merged in the Fifth Infantry, and served with it until the close of the war.
The "Old Third" having been mustered out of service at Detroit, on the twentieth of June, 1864, orders were issued to reorganize the regiment, which was completed in the following October, under Lieut. -Col. M. B. Houghton, to whom that duty was assigned, with 800 officers and men on the rolls of the new organization. October 20, under Houghton's command, the regiment proceeded to Nashville, thence to Decatur, Alabama. Between that time and the close of the war it was engaged at many points in the South; moving in the latter part of 1865 into Western Texas, where it was engaged for a time on provost guard duty. Early in the spring of 1866, the regiment was ordered to Victoria, Texas, where it was mustered out of service May 26, and started for Michigan. Arriving at Detroit June 10, the men were there paid off and disbanded. The enrollment of this regiment was 1,109, its losses were 158, of whom two died of wounds, and 156 of disease, a heavy loss considering the time of service, owing largely to severe marching under a hot sun and in unhealthy country.
FIFTH INFANTRY
The Fifth was organized at Fort Wayne, and mustered into service at Detroit, August 28, 1861, with an enrollment of 900. This regiment took park in battles at Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Chantilly, Fredericksburg, and many other places, acquitting itself handsomely. It continued in active service until the close of the war, and was mustered out July 8, 1865. Not many of its men were from Grand Rapids, though 100 or more were from Kent County. Its ranks were considerably swollen toward the close of the war by consolidation with it of fragments of other regiments, so that during its service it had in all an enrollment of 1,950 officers and men. Its losses under fire and by disease footed up 398.
EIGHTH INFANTRY
The Eighth Infantry had its first rendezvous at Grand Rapids, and its companies were officered largely from this county. It was mustered in at Detroit, Sept. 21, 1861, and left the State on the 27th of that month. Colonel, Wm. M. Fenton; Lieutenant Colonel, Frank Graves; Major, Amasa B. Watson. October 19 it embarked as a part of the "Expeditionary Corps" under Gen. Sherman, for Hilton Head. During the time from its arrival there to the close of 1862, it had a dozen engagements with the enemy, at as many points in the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Maryland. Its assault upon the enemy's works at Secessionville, on James Island, June 16, 1862, was one of the most daring and gallant during the war. The regiment here suffered severely in the loss of men, and among the killed were Captains Benjamin B. Church of Grand Rapids, and Samuel C. Guild of Flint. In 1863 the regiment was transferred to East Tennessee, where it took part in several movements and battles. Again it returned to the Army of the Potomac, and in May, 1864, participated in the Battle of the Wilderness, where was killed Col. Graves, who was then its commanding officer. Col. Ralph Ely succeeded to the command, and the regiment, until the close of the war, continued to do gallant service, participating in many sanguinary battles. It was mustered out near Washington, July 30, 1865, and on August 3 was disbanded at Detroit. It had borne on its rolls 1,792 men, and had lost 403 by the casualties of war.
THIRTEENTH INFANTRY
This regiment was mustered into service January 17, 1862, at Kalamazoo. Colonel, Charles E. Stuart; Lieutenant Colonel, Orlando H. Moore; Major, Frederick W. Worden. Its first battle where it fought bravely, losing 95 men, killed, wounded and missing, was at Pittsburg Landing. Among its other important engagements, it participated in the bloody battle at Stone River, and also at Chickamauga. It had a very active and busy career from beginning to end of its service, closing with the Atlanta campaign and the march to the sea with Gen. Sherman. It was mustered out at Louisville, July 25, 1965, and two days later disbanded at Jackson. Its total enrollment had been 2,084, and its losses numbered 390.
FOURTEENTH INFANTRY
Organized and rendezvoused at Ypsilanti, this regiment was mustered February 13, 1862. It left Ypsilanti April 17, for Pittsburg Landing. Colonel Sinclair and his Lieutenant, Davis, resigned in September, and the regiment was commanded during the latter part of its service by Colonel Henry R. Mizner. It was a gallant organization, largely composed of volunteers of Irish nativity, who never knew when they were whipped. It took part in many sharp engagements, was in the Atlanta campaign, and particularly distinguished itself at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. 1, 1864. Its total enrollment was 1,806 and its losses were 247. It was mustered out at Louisville July 18, and disbanded at Detroit July 21, 1865.
TWENTY-FIRST INFANTRY
The Twenty-first Regiment was rendezvoused at Ionia, was raised in the Fourth Congressional District, and recruited largely from Kent and Ionia counties. It was mustered in at Ionia, Sept. 4, 1862, and left for the seat of war Sept. 12. This was eminently a fighting regiment, from the beginning to the end of its service. October 8, less than four weeks after leaving camp at Ionia, it was in the battle of Perryville, Ky. From there it moved to Bowling Green, and then to Nashville. It was engaged at Lavergne, Dec. 27, and at Stewart's Creek on the 29th, and also participated in the five days' battle at Stone River, immediately following. This regiment was in the hottest of the fight at Chickamauga, and there was distinguished for its courageous behavior. It served with credit in the Atlanta campaign and "march to the sea." During most of the two weeks prior to the evacuation of Savannah, in December 1864, the men of this regiment held a portion of the works in the most exposed position on the line in front of that place. Their rations were short, and they suffered much from hunger and cold, being obliged to lie in the trenches, without tents, and very lightly clad, few of them having blankets. During the twenty-five days occupied on the march from Atlanta, only two and a half days rations were issued to this regiment, and its subsistence was procured mainly by foraging upon the inhabitants of the country through which it passed. In the latter part of January, 1865, under the command of Capt. Arthur C. Prince, it marched up the Savannah River; in February crossed into South Carolina, and finally through into North Carolina. Encountering the enemy at Bentonville, it had there a sharp engagement with the enemy, suffering considerable loss. The regimental roster showed a total membership of 1,447, and a loss of 368 by the fortunes of war. It was mustered out at the District of Columbia, June 8, and reached Detroit June 13, 1865, where the men were paid and discharged.
TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY
This regiment was organized at Kalamazoo, and drew a portion of one company from Kent County. It was mustered into the service Sept. 22, 1862, and left Kalamazoo Sept. 29. It especially distinguished itself July 4, 1863, by its effective defense of a stockade at Tebb's Bend, in Green River, Ky., against the entire command of the rebel General John H. Morgan. It was engaged in the Atlanta campaign, and in Gen. Thomas' defense of Nashville. During 1864 it participated with credit in several battles in Georgia, and was finally mustered out at Salisbury, N.C., June 24, 1865. Its total enrollment was 968 men, and its total loss 166.
TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY
The Twenty-sixth was organized at Jackson, was mustered Dec. 12, 1862, and left the State the next day for the war. Co. I of this regiment was recruited at Lowell, Kent County. While in camp at Jackson the regiment was present by the ladies of that place with a magnificent silk flag. It was assigned to provost duty in Alexandria, Va., where it remained until April 1863. In the summer of that year it was part of the force that was sent to New York to assist in maintaining order during the period of mob lawlessness. After that it was in the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac until the close of the war, making for itself a praiseworthy record. It had a membership of 1,210, while its losses were 259. It was mustered out June 4, 1865, at Alexandria, and on June 7 disbanded at Jackson.
ENGINEERS AND MECHANICS
This regiment was organized under special orders from the War Department, to be composed, as the name indicates, principally of practical engineers and mechanics. Authority to raise it was given to William P. Ennes, a civil engineer, who was appointed Colonel, with full power to designate his officers. Enlistment began in August, 1861. It was rendezvoused at Marshall, was mustered into service October 29, and left the State December 17. Colonel, William P. Innes; Lieutenant-Colonel, Kinsman A. Hunton; Major, Enos Hopkins; Surgeon, William H. DeCamp. At this time it comprised ten companies, but was subsequently recruited to twelve companies of 150 men each, by Captain P.V. Fox of Company D. In the early part of its service six of the companies were commanded by Grand Rapids men. This regiment won special distinction, not only in its legitimate work as an engineering corps, but also on several occasions as a fighting force. Reaching the field in December, and reporting to Gen. Buell at Louisville, Kentucky, it was assigned to duty in four detachments- one to report to Gen. McCook, commanding at Mu1nfordville, Kentucky; one to Gen. Thomas, at Lebanon; one to Gen. Nelson, at New Haven, and the fourth to Gen. Mitchell, at Bacon Creek. These during January, February and March 1862, were engaged in various duties, the chief of which was building railroad bridges. In April, Col. Innes with his field and staff and eight companies, were with Buell's Army of the Ohio, in the march for the field of Shiloh, Mississippi, reaching there April 15. On the way they built several road bridges, and the celerity of their work, enabled Gen. Buell to reach the scene of action in time to aid Gen. Grant to bring compete victory out of threatened defeat. From its entry into the service, to the close of the war, this was an extraordinarily busy regiment. Sent here and there, detachments of the engineers were constantly at work, where building or repairs of roads or bridges were needed. Its services were especially valuable to the Government, and highly appreciated, giving it a National as well as a State reputation second to few or none in the history of the War of the Rebellion. Its three years' time expired October 31, 1864, and such of its officers as desired to leave the service were mustered out, including Col. Innes. But by re-enlistments it maintained its full strength and organization, until the close of the war, receiving frequently from Gens. Rosecrans, Thomas and others commanding, highly complimentary mention, of the labors and the gallantry of its officers and men. The amount of bridge and railroad building done by this regiment, looking back upon its record, seems almost marvelous. Besides its regular engineering duty, it participated in nearly a dozen serious engagements with the enemy; notably at Farmington and Corinth, Mississippi; at Perryville, Kentucky; at Chattanooga, Tennessee; at the siege of Atlanta, Georgia, and it won meritorious distinction in its gallant defense of Lavergne, Tennessee, during the famous battle of Stone River. Capt. P.V. Fox and the pontoniers under his command received special compliments from Maj. Gen. Thomas for putting a bridge across the river at Brown's Ferry near Chattanooga, October 26, 1863, during a sharp fight. The Engineers and Mechanics went into the field with an aggregate strength of 1,132, which during its service was increased to a total enrollment of 3,200, officers and men. Its losses were, thirteen men killed in action or died of wounds, one officer, Capt. James W. Sligh, by railroad accident, and 342 died of disease. The regiment was mustered out September 22, 1865, at Nashville, and three days later disbanded at Jackson. Surgeon William H. DeCamp, of this command was appointed Post Surgeon and Medical Director in charge of the hospitals at Harrodsburg, Kentucky, in October 1862, and for his efficient and humane management received a card of acknowledgment from fourteen surgeons of the Confederate Army. There were several thousand sick and wounded rebel soldiers in those hospitals.
FIRST CALVARY
The First Regiment of Michigan Cavalry was organized at Detroit; was mustered into service at that place September 13, and left for the front September 29, 1861. George K. Johnson of Grand Rapids was the first Surgeon of this regiment; after him Samuel R. Wooster; and about fifty of its men were from Kent County. This, with the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Regiments, constituted the celebrated Michigan Cavalry Brigade, of the Army of the Potomac. Going in with 1,144, it carried on its rolls during it services 3,244 officers and men. Its losses numbered-10 officers and 92 men killed in action, 5 officers and 46 men died of wounds, and 5 officers and 246 men died of disease. It was mustered out, paid off and disbanded March 10, 1866, at Salt Lake City, Utah.
SECOND CAVALRY
The Second Cavalry was organized by Francis W. Kellogg of Grand Rapids, then a Member of Congress, under authority given him by the Secretary of War, and was rendezvoused at this city. It was mustered October 2, 1861, at Grand Rapids, and left November 14 for St. Louis, where Col. Gordon Granger of the U. S. Army took command. Colonel Granger having been promoted to be Brigadier-General, on May 25, 1862, Capt. Philip H. Sheridan of the U.S. Army was appointed Colonel. Sheridan at once assumed command, was soon in the saddle, and in a few days in the spirited fight at Boonville, which resulted in a victory recorded as among the most notable of the minor achievements of the war. July 1, 1862, Sheridan was promoted to be Brigadier-General, and his subsequent brilliant career is well known to all readers of American history. Col. Archibald P. Campbell was then appointed Colonel. The Second was one of the noted active cavalry regiments in the Western Army, and did much to vindicate the cavalry branch of the service from the odium which some of the higher commanders seemed disposed to cast upon it at the beginning of the war. It took prominent part in nearly seventy engagements with in the military histories, and therein it made a record of which the State, as well as Grand Rapids, is justly proud. For a time in the fall of 1863, while serving in the First Brigade, it was in command of Major L. S. Scranton. It bore on its rolls during its term of service, 2,425 names, and encountered a total loss of 338 officers and men, of whom 70 were killed in action or died of wounds, and 266 died of disease. August 17, 1865, it was mustered out at Macon, Ga., and August 26 paid off and disbanded at Jackson.
THIRD CALVARY
Simultaneously with the Second, under the superintendence of Col. Kellogg, this regiment was organized at Grand Rapids; was mustered in Nov. 1, and left the State Nov. 28, 1861, under command of Lieut. Col. Minty, for St. Louis, where it was stationed at Benton Barracks. Colonel, Francis W. Kellogg; Lieutenant Colonel, Robert H. G. Minty; Majors, Edward Gray, William S. Burton, Obed H. Foote. The appointment of Col. Kellogg having been made by the War Department, he was mustered in with the regiment, but with his consent was soon after mustered out of service, and on March 7, 1862, Capt. John K. Mizner of the U.S. Army was commissioned Colonel. This was also a fighting regiment and made for itself a splendid record. During November and December 1863, it had very active service, being engaged almost constantly in scouting and various expeditions through Northern Mississippi and Western Tennessee, and at the same time having frequent encounters with the enemy. In January, 1864, 592 of its men re-enlisted, and were mustered in as Veteran Volunteers, after which it had a furlough of thirty days, with rendezvous at Kalamazoo. At the end of 1863 the Third Cavalry had marched more than 10,000 miles, exclusive of marches in separate companies and detachments, and had captured upward of 2,000 prisoners. Its total enrollment during its service was 2,560; total loss 414, of whom 375 died of disease.
The Third was mustered out at San Antonio, Feb. 12, and arrived at Jackson March 10, 1866, where it was paid off and disbanded.
FOURTH CAVALRY
This regiment went into rendezvous at Detroit, was mustered into service Aug. 29, and left for the front Sept. 26, 1862, under Colonel Robert H. G. Minty. About three score of its men were from Kent County. It was among the foremost of the fighting forces of the war, did splendid service in the campaign of the Army of the Cumberland, participating in more than a hundred battles and skirmishes, and gave the finishing stroke to the Rebellion by the capture of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, at Irwinville, Ga., under Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin D. Pritchard of Allegan. In reference to this and another important incident of the war, Chaplain George Taylor of the Eighth Michigan Infantry added the following stanza to a well-known poem:
Ericsson's Monitor with grace,
Michigan, my Michigan,
The Rebel Merrimac did chase,
Michigan, my Michigan;
Our Worden fought that iron-clad,
Yet Michigan more glory had,
When Pritchard caught the woman-clad.
Michigan, my Michigan.
At the close of service the Fourth had borne on its rolls 2,217 officers and enlisted men, and had suffered a total loss of 375, of whom 327 died of disease. It was mustered out July 1, 1865, at Nashville, and returned July 10 to Detroit.
FIFTH CAVALRY
This regiment had its rendezvous at Detroit, and was mustered into service there, August 30, 1862. Three or four of its Companies were recruited from Western Michigan, but not a large number of its men were from Grand Rapids. The regiment did hard work and made a splendid record in the field. Russell A. Alger, who went out as a Captain in the Second Cavalry, was made Colonel of the Fifth, February 28, 1863. William G. Beckwith, than whom few saw harder or more adventurous service, and who came home minus a leg, enlisted in Company B, and his record well illustrates the arduous and effective work of the regiment, which lasted until its muster out, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, July 1, 1865. First and last 1,998 names were on its rolls, and its losses numbered 98 killed in action, 24 died of wounds, and 236 died of disease.
SIXTH CAVALRY
Organized at Grand Rapids, under authority granted by the War Department to Francis W. Kellogg, Member of Congress, this regiment was mustered October 13, 1862. Colonel, George Gray; Lieutenant Colonel, Russell A. Alger; Majors, Thaddeus Foote, Elijah D. Waters, Simeon B. Brown. Its Quartermaster was Charles H. Patten and its Chaplain was Stephen S. N. Greeley, both of Grand Rapids. A large proportion of its company officers were from Kent County. It left for Washington Dec. 10, 1862. Upon its arrival at Washington it was assigned to the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, and during the following two years performed well its part in severe and continuous duty in that service. The rebel General Pickett, who was taken prisoner in one of the engagements near Five Forks, spoke of a charge made by the Sixth Michigan Cavalry as the bravest he had ever seen. Shortly after Lee's surrender, it was ordered to duty in the Far West, and had a hard campaign in that region. A flag, borne through many battles, and now in the possession of the State, was presented to this regiment while in the field in 1863, by James H. Kidd of Ionia, then Major. Another, a handsome silk banner presented by citizens of Ionia, in the latter part of 1864, carried by the gallant soldiery of this command to the close of the war, the first Union flag that floated over Fort Reno, but a few years ago remained in General Kidd's possession, a highly prized souvenir. The total enrollment of the Sixth was 1,624, and the losses by the casualties of war and by disease numbered 375. It mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Nov. 24, 1865, and returned Nov. 30 to Jackson, where the men received their discharge.
SEVENTH CAVALRY
This body was also raised by the Hon. F. W. Kellogg, of Grand Rapids, and was mustered in January 16, 1863. Colonel, William D. Mann; Lieutenant Colonel, Allyn C. Litchfield; Majors, John S. Huston, George K. Newcomb and Henry W. Granger. The first battalion, in command of Co. Mann, left for the seat of war Feb. 20, and the other companies joined it in May. The regiment did signal service with the Michigan Brigade in all their prominent battles, notably at Gettysburg. It was with the Sixth in repelling a large rebel force at Winchester, Aug. 11, 1864, and showed great gallantry during the closing movements of the war, and up to the final surrender at Appomattox. After this, it went with the Michigan Cavalry Brigade into the frontier service of the West, and, like the Sixth, made a grand record in the Indian campaign among the Rocky Mountains. Total enrollment, 1,179; losses, 322. The regiment was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Dec. 15, 1865, and returned to Jackson Dec 20, where it was paid and disbanded.
TENTH CAVALRY
The Tenth Cavalry was raised under the direction of Col. Thaddeus Foote. It had its rendezvous at Grand Rapids. Its recruitment began July 4, 1863, and it was mustered into service November 18. Colonel, Thaddeus Foote; Lieutenant Colonel, Luther S. Trowbridge; Majors, Israel C. Smith, Cicero Newell and Wesley Armstrong. The regiment left this city December 1, going to Lexington, Ky. In February, 1864, it moved into East Tennessee, where on the 25th of April it made a gallant and successful charge upon the enemy, at Watauga, driving the rebels from their works in great disorder; Major Israel C. Smith being the first man to enter the redoubt, and Captain Benjamin K. Weatherwax the second. The enemy took shelter in a large mill near at hand, and in an unsuccessful attempt to drive them from that position, Capt. Weatherwax lost his life. The Tenth was highly complimented by General Schofield for its behavior on this occasion. From the beginning of its service, the Tenth Cavalry was engaged in very lively work, participating during the fifteen months from January 1864, to the close of the war, in no less than fifteen battles and skirmishes. It has a brilliant record, and one of which any people might well be proud. It was mustered out of service at Memphis, Tennessee, November 11, 1865, and returned to Michigan in command of Col. I. C. Smith, arriving at Jackson November 15, where it was disbanded. Its total membership had been, while in the service, 2,050. Its losses were 271, of whom 20 were killed in action, 11 died of wounds and 240 of disease.
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
Battery B of the First Light Artillery was organized at Grand Rapids, and was raised at the same time with the Second Cavalry. All its officers were from Detroit. It was mustered November 26, 1861. Its first engagement with the enemy was at Pittsburg Landing, April 6, 1862. Its total membership was 235, and total loss 35. It made a fine record, and was mustered out at Detroit, June 18, 1865
The rendezvous of Battery C was at Grand Rapids, but none of its original officers were from this city. It left for the field in the Western Army, December 17, 1861. It had a busy and useful term of service, participated in engagements in most of the Southern States, and was mustered out at Detroit, June 22, 1865, having borne on its rolls 239 officers and men, and lost 34 by the fortunes of war.
Battery K was also organized at Grand Rapids, and here mustered into service February 20, 1863. It officers were from Detroit, and it was composed chiefly, if not wholly, of volunteers of German descent. It was a gallant and useful corps, and engaged during the war on duty in fortifications and on gunboats and transports, and saw much hard service. It went in with 104 names on the rolls, increased to 208 before it was mustered out, at Detroit, July 12, 1865. Its losses in service were only 14 men.
The Thirteenth Battery, organized at Grand Rapids, went into the U. S. Service Jan. 28, 1864. The most of its service was in forts and fortifications in the vicinity of Washington. After the assassination of President Lincoln, it assisted in the arrest of the conspirators, Harold and Mudd. It was mustered out of service July 1, 1865. Total enrollment during its term of service 257; losses, thirteen.
Two or three companies of the First and one of the Second Regiment U.S. Sharp Shooters were in part recruited at Grand Rapids. This was an arm of the service that was of great use in the war, much more valuable in fact than the slight prominence given it in the military reports would seem to indicate. Recruitment of Sharp Shooters began in the fall of 1862, but the First Regiment was not mustered n until July 7, 1863. The greater part of the campaign of these troops was in conjunction with the Army of the Potomac, and this force, then in the Brigade of Col. Ralph Ely, was the first to enter Petersburg when that place was surrendered to the Union arms. It took part in many important engagements in Virginia, and was mustered out of service July 28, 1865, and on the 7th of August was paid and disbanded at Jackson. Its entire enrollment was 1,364, and 263 was the total of its losses.
One regiment of colored men was raised in the State, originally known as the First Michigan Colored Infantry, afterward designated as the 102d Regiment U.S. Colored Troops. Its Colonel was Henry Barns of Detroit. Some of the companies of this force were filled in part from Grand Rapids. The regiment left Detroit March 28, 1864, and it is certainly true of this body at least, that on many occasions "the colored troops fought nobly." They were in ten different engagements between July 1864, and May 1865, in the State of South Carolina. September 30, 1865, they were mustered out at Charleston, and soon after disbanded at Detroit.
The Eleventh Cavalry, organized at Kalamazoo, had upon its staff Major Henry I. Wise of Caledonia, Kent County; also Assistant Surgeon O. J. Bissell and Chaplain Charles Clutz of Grand Rapids.
Company K. of the First (Lincoln) Cavalry- at regiment organized and commanded in the field by Col. A.T. McReynolds, of this city - was recruited here by Capt. Anson N. Norton, with Henry W. Granger and Franklin G. Martindale as Lieutenants, all of Grand Rapids.
