Ontario County Military News Items

From Ontario County Times 7 December 1870

SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL TABLET OF CANANDAIGUA - Any one who can give the information called for below, are requested to communicate the same to C. A. Richardson immediately. To what Company did the following named soldiers belong?

Alexander Blake - 26th U. S. Col'd Inf'y
John Dennis - 4th N. Y. Art'y
Adam Holland - 31st U. S. Col'd Inf'y
Edward Laker - 4th N. Y. Art'y
James S. Lyon - 58th N. Y. Inf'y
John N. Miller - 1st N. Y. Eng.
Augustus Smith - 26th U. S. Col'd Inf'y
Adrian W. Townsend - 16th N. Y. Art'y
James A. Furner - 33d N. Y. Inf'y
Peter A. Ellis, 160th N. Y. Inf'y

What are the dates of the death of the following names Soldiers?

Conrad Bancroft - Co. G, 148th N. Y. Inf.

From Ontario County Times 21 December 1870

SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL TABLET OF CANANDAIGUA - What are the dates of the death of the following named Soldiers?

Turner Cleveland, Co. C., 15th N. Y. Cav.
Wm H. Carr, Co. K, 98th N. Y. Inf'y
Stephen W. Clark, Co. G, 8th U. S. Col'd Inf'y
Frank Fisher
John Merriman, Co. E, 160th N. Y. Inf'y
Seymour Pratt, Co. C, 15th N. Y. Cav.
William W. Reeves, Co. C, 15th N. Y. Cav.
William Staulter, Co. C, 15th N. Y. Cav.
Jeremiah Tuohey, Co. K, 98th N. Y. Inf'y
Michael Haverlain, Co. E, 160th N. Y. Inf.
John Demerritt, Co. B, 85th N. Y. Inf'y
Michael McCarthy
Henry Wayer, Co. H., 4th N. Y. Artillery

From Ontario County Repository & Messenger 31 July 1872

SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL TABLET - The tablet is now ready for the intended inscriptions, and any information that can be furnished in the following cases should be given to C. A. Richardson as soon as practicable. The papers relating to these cases were destroyed in the recent fire of the Bennett building: What is the company, regiment, and date of death, of the following soldiers?

Frank Fisher and Michael McCarty

To what companies did the following soldiers belong?

Alexander Blake, 26 U. S. Col'd Inf'y
John Dennis, 4th N. Y. Art'y
Peter A. Ellis, 160th N. Y. Inf'y
David R. Fletcher, 14th U. S. Col'd troops
Chas. H. Freeman, 26th U. S. Col'd troops
Adam Holland, 31st U. S. Col'd Inf'y
James S. Lyon, 58th N. Y. Inf'y
Edward Laker, 4th N. Y. Art'y
John H. Miller, 1st N. Y. Eng.
David Mosher, 15th N. Y. Eng.
Geo. R. Squiers, 1st N. Y. Eng.
Augustus Smith, 26th U. S. Col'd Inf'y
Adrian W. Townsend, 16th N. Y. Art'y
James A. Turner, 33d N. Y. Inf'y
James M. Ward, 149 N. Y. Inf'y

What is the date of death of the following soldiers?

Conrad Bancroft, 148th N. Y. Inf'y
Turner Cleveland, 15th N. Y. Cav.
Wm. H. Carr, 98th N. Y. Inf'y
Stephen W. Clark, 5th U. S. Col. Inf'y
Mortimer Fuller, 15th N. Y. Cav.
Wm. Fox, 18th N. Y. Inf'y
Edward Laker, 4th N. Y. Art'y
John H. Miller, 1st N. Y. Eng.
John Merriman, 160th N. Y. Inf'y
Wm. W. Reeves, 15th N. Y. Eng.
James H. Simpson, 160th N. Y. Inf'y
Jeremiah Twohey, 98th N. Y. Inf'y
Michael Haverlain, 160th N. Y. Inf'y

What is the first name of _____ Hoag, Corp'l 8th N. Y. Cavalry; and what was his company?

From Ontario Repository and Messenger 27 August 1873

The picnic and reunion of this Regiment took place at Seneca Point last Friday. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. Mr. Green, Hon. Wm. H. Lamport, Capt. Isaac Seamans and others. Mr. Wm. Beebe of Penn Yan, was elected President for the ensuing year, and Wm. Rapaylee, of Farmer Village, Secretary. It has been decided to hold the next meeting at Penn Yan. The following members were present, most of them accompanied by their families:

Major Charles A. Richardson, Canandaigua
Surgeon Charles S. Hoyt, Albany
Captain J. A. Seamans, Naples
Lieutenant C. W. Watkins, Naples
Lieutenant J. H. Hulburt, Naples
Lieutenant Dewitt C. Farrington, Canandaigua
Lieutenant Henry M. Leu, New York City

Co. A - W. W. Betts, Penn Yan; Wm. Baker, Penn Yan; James Taylor, Penn Yan; David D. Taylor, Penn Yan; Patrick Manly, Penn Yan; Wm. J. Pool, Benton Centre; F. E. Pool, Benton Center; Phineas Tyler, Branchport; O. R. Linkletter, Naples; John Harris, Italy Hill; L. T. Partridge, Canadice; Alex. Mosher, Rushville.

Co. B - William Beebe, Ithaca; Chas H. Dunning, Penn Yan; L. C. Lott, Penn Yan; Orin Bates, Breesport, Chemung Co.;

Co. C - Thomas M. Woodworth; John D. Ryno; Peter W. Rappleye; William W. Rappleye; Eugene Holton; all of Farmer Village

Co. D - H. N. Grimes, Canandaigua; O. C. Castle, Canandaigua; Parker Eldridge, Naples; Wm. R. Chambers, North Bloomfield; H. Gillett, Naples; Frederick Ebert, Rushville; A. S. Daniels, Honeoye; W. S. Townsend, Canandaigua; G. W. Peek, Allen's Hill; Frank Young, Canandaigua; Martin Pierce, Honeoye Falls; Edgar Oatman, Canandaigua.

Co. E - Fayette Green, Rushville; Stephen Walker, Middlesex; Maurice O. Cornell, Victor; B. W. Scott, Geneva.

Co. F - C. Taylor, Millers Corners; Geo. McOmber, Canandaigua; Erasmus D. Derr, Shortsville; C. H. Proudfit, Stanley's Corners.

Co. G - Wm. M. Demest, Tyre.

Co. H - Wm. F. Lamunyon, Port Gibson; C. H. Sheffer, Shortsville; Daniel Phipps, Chapinville.

Co. K. William Seamans, Naples; Andrew Cady, Canandaigua; Frederick Geiger, Canandaigua.

From Geneva Gazette 26 March 1875

Ira N. Deyo of Naples was a soldier of the 85th N. Y. V. During the war he and a comrade named Wetmore were taken prisoners, and while being conveyed by rail through South Carolina, both jumped from the train near Kingstree and attempted to escape. Deyo was successful. His comrade was shot and killed by the guard, and buried where he fell. Recently Mr. Deyo visited the spot, had the body of his friend disinterred, and removed to the cemetery at Florence at his own expense. Such act of devoted friendship is worthy of all commendation.

From Ontario County Times 9 January 1878

An artillery company has been organized in Clifton Springs with the following civil organization:

President - Henry C. Harmon
1st vice-pres't - Wm. W. Hibbard
2nd vice-pres't - Robert Harris

Sec'y - Simeon Remer
Treas'r - Charles L. Short

The military organization is as follows:

Captain - N. B. Briggs
Senior 1st Lieut. - R. Le B. Goodwin
Senior 2nd Lieut. - W. W. Hibbard
Orderly Serg't - Henry C. Harmon

Serg'ts - Joshua Cox, H. Fleming, M. E. Bartlett,
Geo. White, James McGeary
Com. Serg't - H. K. Carpenter
1st Bugler - M. H. Fuller

From Geneva Gazette 30 January 1880

Capt. Folger has enlisted over sixty enthusiastic, young, intelligent and healthful men in his Independent Company in Infantry. The style and color on their uniform has been decided upon. It is of gray color and the same as the seventh regiment of New York, excepting the black bars across the breast. The following are the officers:

Captain - C. W. Folger
1st Lieut. - H. J. Eddy, Jr.
2d Lieut. - Geo. S. Prince
Orderly Serg't - Theo. Sill
Q. M. Serg't - W. P. Neele
1st Serg't - Geo. C. Schell
2d Serg't - O. H. Wright
3d Serg't - R. E. Tindall
4th Serg't - W. H. H. Butterfield

1st Corp. - Robert Johnston, Jr.
2d Corp. - F. T. Savage
3d Corp. - T. F. Green
4th Corp. - Ernest Hayward
5th Corp. - W. F. Dorsey
6th Corp. - Joseph Wagoner
7th Corp. - Abram Hawkins
8th Corp. - Alonzo Barber

From Geneva Gazette 8 October 1880

The 50th Engineers held their reunion Wednesday last at Watkins. About one hundred veterans of that spirited and effective corps of the service were present and highly enjoyed the gathering and its attendant incidents. Speaking by Capt. Personius and Mr. Branday. All joined at dinner at Morgan's. Those present from Geneva were Levi Canfield, Stephen Soule and Fred Soule, Samuel Gardiner, L. M. Miller and James Morrison. The next reunion is to be held in Geneva, Aug. 25th, 1881. Levi Canfield was chosen President; Samuel Garner one of the Vice-Presidents; Charles H. Ramsey, Secretary; John E. Gowey, Treasurer. It is expected to have the 15th Engineers unite with the 50th on that occasion.

From Ontario County Journal 4 August 1882

The 25th Separate Company were ordered out for rifle practice last Monday. Twenty-one members of the Company qualified as marksmen, by scoring 25 or upwards out of a possible 50, at 100 and 300 yards, as follows:

Capt. John Raines
Serg. Edgar C. Lilly
Serg. Norman Foster
Corp. Andrew Brady
Corp. Chas. B. Osborne

Privates Geo. H. Bowdy, J. Milton Bowdy, Samuel A. Brandow, Henry Burns, Wm. S. Benham, Benj. F. Coye, Wm. F. Cooper, Chas. H. Hutchens, John E. Kimball, Elbert H. Randall, Noble B. Weaver, John Aiken, Henry S. Bement, Leroy Ingraham, Geo. L. Taylor, A. W. Crittenden.

From Ontario County Journal 16 March 1883

Bristol has a soldier and pensioner of the war of 1812 -- Mr. Thomas Peck, aged 90 years.

From Ontario County Journal 31 August 1883

The annual reunion of the 126th regiment was held at Padelford's station, near Canandaigua, on Wednesday. There was a fair number present, and the gathering was one of more than ordinary pleasure and enjoyment. Speeches were made by Hon. Wm. H. Lamport, Capt. John Raines and Hon. Edwin Hicks of Canandaigua and Gen. John B. Murray of Seneca Falls. The following are the names of the officers elected for the coming year: President, John T. Randolph of Penn Yan; secretary, John Harris of Penn Yan; executive committee, George Donalley of Waterloo, John Stevenson of Canandaigua, Herman F. Fox of Geneva and Richard Lockhart of Odessa; commissary, James Taylor of Penn Yan. . . . . . . The following veterans of the Regiment were present:

Canandaigua - Surgeon Charles S. Hoyt, Maj. C. A. Richardson, H. B. Ferguson, Levi N. Beebe, George W. Smith, H. McMillan, D. H. McCoy, O. C. Castle, and S. B. Mead;

Victor - Maurice O'Connell, Jas. G. Camp, F. D. Spring, W. A. Sibbetts, and A. B. Cooper;

Allen's Hill - R. M. Allen and G. W. Peck;

Canadice - L. T. Partridge;

Naples - Barber Eldridge, G. W. Watkins and Wm. Long;

Gorham - J. A. Yeckley;

Orleans - Captain V. B. Wheat;

Geneva - Henry G. Snelling;

Stanley - J. P. Fulton and James B. Detro

Clifton Springs - E. D. Copp

Phelps - G. W. Durkee

Shortsville - James Young and C. H. Sheffer

Port Gibson - W. F. LeMunyan

Honeoye - Barney Logan

Honeoye Falls - Hugh Giblin

Cheshire - Alonzo B. Lucas

Penn Yan - James Taylor and J. Sands

Italy Hollow - O. R. Linkletter

Italy Hill - John Harris

Middlesex - Alex Mosher

Glenora - Orin Bates

Crystal Springs - Ansel Brace

South Lansing - A. B. D. Covert

North Hector - John Bond

Odessa - R. C. Lockhart

Ovid Center - Geo. B. Scott

Farmer Village - Peter W. Rappleye, Eugene K. Holton, Thomas W. Woodruff

Lodi Center - C. Gunderman and J. M. Gunderman

Fayette - F. M. Rappleye

Ovid - Wm. C. Cheeseman

Waterloo - J. F. Aiken, F. Marshall and George Donnelly

Rochester - M. J. Bachman

Kendaia - D. S. Durkee

Fairport - N. S. Dickens

Cowdersport, Pa. - Lyman Toombs

Bearytown - Philip Garrett

McDougall - Wm. Springer

Seneca Falls - Stephen Weatherlow

Romulus - Charles R. Lisk

From Geneva Gazette 23 November 1883

The Veterans' association of Ontario county elected officers as follows, at Canandaigua, on Saturday last:

President - Lester P. Thompson, Phelps
Vice presidents - Horace Sisson, Bristol
                           Isaac Seward, Canadice
                           John Raines, Canandaigua
                           Thomas Sweeney, East Bloomfield
                           J. C. Berry, Farmington
                           A. Statenburg, Geneva
                           Deroy J. Harkness, Gorham
                           Ira Cooper, Hopewell
                           Charles Stevens, Manchester
                            I. A. Seamans, Naples
                           Van Buren Wheat, Phelps
                           Ira Deyo, Richmond
                           Charles Proudfit, Seneca
                           James Barrett, South Bristol
                           ____ Lane, Victor
                           Homer B. Webb, West Bloomfield
Secretary - Jay W. Neighbor, Phelps
Treasurer - F. O. Chamberlain, Canandaigua
Chaplain - Rev. S. E. Eastman, Canandaigua
Executive Committee - F. L. Brown; F. D. Copp, Charles H. Paddock, Roswell Wilcox

From Ontario County Journal 13 February 1885

There was a special meeting of the Company Wednesday, at which non-commissioned officers were elected as follows:

Sergeants-Corporals: Chas. F. Maggs and Geo. T. Reddington
Corporals-Privates: C. P. Buchanan, W. H. Whitmore, G. C. French, Chas. F. Sanders and Wm. S. Benham

These selections give great satisfaction in the company. A drum corps has been organized, consisting of Frank A. Osborn, Frank Decker, and Arthur Brace. The regulation uniform will be worn by the corps.

From Geneva Gazette 11 September 1885

Recruiting for the U. S. Army - List of applications at the Recruiting Rendezvous U. S. at Geneva, N. Y. for the month of
August 1885.

    Total number of applications - 21
    Total number rejected - 18
    Total number accepted - 3

    CAUSES FOR REJECTION

    Under weight and poor physique - 1
    Intemperance - 4
    Minors - 2
    Hernia - 1
    General unfitness - 1
    Varicocele - 1
    Moral disability - 1
    Over age - 1
    Bunions & varicose veins - 1
    Deformed feet - 1
    Loss of index finger -1
    Curvature of the spine -1
    Under weight - 1
    Burn scar on leg - 1

    NAMES OF MEN ACCEPTED

    Frank McLaughlin - age 24, born in Ireland, occupation laborer, residence Geneva, N. Y.
    Charles Shiel - aged 22, born in Auburn, N. Y., occupation moulder, residence Auburn N. Y.
    John D. Holmes - age 23, born in Phelps, N. Y., occupation machinist, residence Phelps N. Y.

     Average age of those enlisted - 23
     Average height of those enlisted - 5 ft 6 in.

As will be inferred from the above statement not every man who would is permitted to join Uncle Sam's army. Only men who are sound in every respect, of good moral character and of temperate habits are enlisted; all others are rejected. We should judge that there are a good many young men in Geneva and vicinity who would not only find the regular army congenial but lucrative, as the soldiers are furnished clothing, board, and in addition are paid a salary of from $13 to $30 per month. Particulars can be obtained of Lieut. L. P. Brant, Recruiting office, Geneva, N. Y.

From Ontario County Journal 26 August 1887

On Thursday of last week at the campgrounds, officers of the Veterans' Association were elected for the ensuing year as follows: President - Captain John Raines, of Canandaigua; Secretary - Herman Fox, of Geneva; Treasurer - N. B. Briggs, of Clifton Springs; Quartermaster, John Stevenson, of Canandaigua.

From Ontario County Journal 5 September 1890

The survivors of the 148th Regiment N. Y. Vols. held a happy reunion at Shortsville last week Thursday. At noon a large number of the boys in blue with friends had assembled, and they did full justice to the bountiful and extremely palatable refreshments served by the ladies of Shortsville in the G. A. R. hall. Captain Homer B. Webb, of West Bloomfield, opened the exercises and after prayer had been offered by Rev. J. C. Lenhart, the veterans were felicitously welcomed by O. S. Titus in behalf of the citizens. Mr. Lenhart then delivered a formal address of welcome, and was followed by Col. G. M. Guion, of Seneca Falls. Interesting speeches were made by Major Hiram Schutt, of Port Gibson, Capt. F. L. Brown, of Shortsville, J. H. Hitchcock, of Geneva, and Capt. Homer B. Webb, of West Bloomfield. The necrology showed that the following members of the regiment have died during the past year: Co. B - Duncan Paul, Canandaigua; Capt. Harrison H. Hopkins and Henry C. Hopkins, Phelps. Co. D - J. W. Neighbor, Phelps. John T. Watkins, of Phelps, paid a feeling tribute to the memory of the last named.

The officers of the association for ensuing year are: W. S. Huie of Rushville, President; C. A. Gillett, of Hopewell, Secretary; N. H. Green, of Rushville, Assistant Secretary; O. S. Titus, of Shortsville, Treasurer. The vice presidents are: Co. C - C. T. Severance, Phelps; Co. D - Thomas Baird, Geneva; Co. E - Col. Shepard, Seneca Falls; Co. F - D. J. Harkness, Rushville; Co. G - Jay W. Allen, Cheshire; Co. H - L. P. Baird, Waterloo; Co. I - W. W. Becker, Benton Center; Co. K - John Rodney, Manchester.

From Ontario County Journal 31 July 1891

Naples' veterans and dependent claimants for pensions are having good success. The latest issues are to Elether Mosher, South Bristol, dependent father, $12 per month with a large allowance of back pay. Morrison H. Parks, dependent father, $12 per month since Aug. 7, '90, and James O. Porter, veteran, $12 per month since July 8, '90.

From Geneva Gazette 12 February 1892

A Notable Reunion

Mr. Editor:

It is not often it falls to our lot to record such a pleasant episode as occurred at the residence of James Purdy in Benton, on Wednesday the 3rd inst. It was a reunion of some of the survivors of Co. A. 3rd Reg't and 4th Brigade of mounted volunteers which was disbanded about 1850. Co. A. was the Geneva Co., and at one time was commanded by Cap't Thos. W. Hall, who afterwards became Colonel of the Reg't. The guests were:

Col. Thos. W. Hall of Seneca, age 80, Jan 31st '92
Ord. Serg't Paul F. Bill of Seneca, age 76 June 29th '91
Musician E. N. Hall of Seneca, age 70 June 2nd '91
Corporal H. S. Barnes, Torrey, age 79 May 15th '91
Corporal Wm. T. Barnes, Geneva, age 74 Aug 15th '91
Private James H. Purdy, Benton, age 75 Apr. 13th '91
Cap't of Penn Yan Co. Levi Speelman, Torrey, age 82 Oct 13th, '91

About 2 P. M. we sat down to a bountiful dinner provided by S. L. Purdy and wife. Divine blessing being invoked by H. S. Barnes, the company proceeded to do full justice to the good things before them. Before leaving the table, the following poem written for the occasion was read by the author, A. T. Barnes, which was followed by a vote of thanks.

After adjourning to the parlors, time seemed "fleet-footed", but was fully occupied in conversation. The tender tones and glistening eye denoted deep feeling, while often the laughter bespoke the mirth-inspiring memories; and thus went on "from grave to gay, from lively to severe." But the parting time came. Expressing the enjoyment they had derived from the reunion all reluctantly bade host and hostess and each other good bye, hoping again to meet in the coming years.

Friends and Comrades, we meet here today
Our tribute of friendship to gratefully pay;
The long misty past again to review,
Our life-long friendships again to renew.
Sweet recollections come clustering round;
By their magical power together we're bound.
Grim Reaper's been busy in long years of yore
Leaving our number not half a score.
Though few in number we've proved ourselves men,
And all have passed over three score and ten.
Strong as we are, we scarcely could feel
To again mount our horses and handle the steel;
At the word of command forward to dash
Mid the smoke of the powder and the sabre's bright flash.
Pledging each other while here we stand
To be true to each other, our God and our land;
And when the great Captain gives the last call
"Break ranks" to officers, privates and all;
When the Great Book is opened in the high courts of heaven,
May a glad welcome to each one be given.
And onward through Eternity as the ages doth roll
Not a name be "marked missing" on the company's roll.

Feb. 3rd, '92

From Ontario County Journal 30 June 1893

The following citizens of Ontario County have signified their intention to Major C. A. Richardson, of attending New York Day at Gettysburg, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, July 1, 2 and 3. Rates have been placed from Canandaigua at $10.05 for the round trip:

Allen's Hill - Gilbert W. Peck, Richard M. Allen
Canandaigua - C. A. Richardson, George A. Smith, Dr. C. S. Hoyt
Cheshire - George Prouty, Peter Ginther
Clifton Springs - William Snyder, Charles D. Stephens, E. D. Derr
East Bloomfield - John C. Hanrahan, L. F. Partridge
Flint - Wesley D. Robinson, Abram M. Fiero
Geneva - Ambrose Bedell, Gilbert M. Bailey, George A. Carr, Thomas Costello, Daniel S. Durkee, Herman F. Fox, Oliver Fiero, Charles P. Gray, Edward Hindmarch, Abram D. Johnson, Charles R. Lisk, John R. Orman, Byron W. Scott, M. K. Simpson, William Springer, Alexander Thornton
Gorham - J. Arnold Yeckley
Honeoye - Bernard Logan
Italy Hill - John Harris, Cyrus Sherwood, Daniel Whipple
Miller Corners - Jeremiah Claflin
Naples - Barber Eldredge, George B. Johnson, William Long, Captain I. A. Seamans, J. Z. Sabin, C. Ward Watkins
Orleans - VanBuren Wheat
Oaks Corners - Edward T. Swan, Bennett L. Treadwell
Phelps - William D. Adriance, Charles D. Bigelow, Frank H. Spray
Port Gibson - Jordon Snook, W. D. Westfall, George B. Wilson
Reeds Corners - Levi Cole
Richmond Mills - John Barrett
Rushville - Fred Ebert, Charles W. Sterling
Shortsville - John Blausett, Edward Nelson, J. W. Overacre, James A. Young
Stanley - James P. Fulton, Charles H. Pondfit
Victor - Almond B. Cooper
Vine Valley - Alexander Mosher

From Ontario County Journal 8 September 1893

In August, 1862, Alvin L. Van Cott, now a resident of Shortsville, enlisted in Co. K, 1st New York Mounted Rifles. From that time until he was honorably discharged in June, 1865, he was continually in service. Not for bounty, not for the paltry pay of a soldier did Mr. Van Cott spend these years in the saddle, but from a sense of duty and a spirit of patriotism, such as was evinced by thousands of others who left pleasant homes and lucrative positions. He served through many arduous campaigns in order that this great nation might remain intact and unbroken. Co. K was employed largely in skirmish duty and reconnoitering. In the army of the James that company saw active service and every minute during those years of service Mr. Van Cott was found at his post of duty, not only ready but anxious to be where work was to be done and dangers encountered. At Bottom's Ridge, Va., his horse was shot under him, while again at the Isle of White Court House another horse was instantly killed beneath him. Fortunately for him he was never wounded, though so often in the midst of immediate dangers. Nevertheless, those years of hard riding and continual service in the saddle over the roughest kind of a country had told on even his hardy constitution. He incurred disabilities which have ever since been a source of annoyance, and have even prevented him from engaging in certain kinds of employment.

Shortly after the war Mr. Van Cott met with business reverses which compelled him to earn a livelihood for himself and family. For the past thirteen years he has been engaged as an iron moulder in the Empire Drill Works at Shortsville. Just after that company shut down work he received notice of the suspension of his pension. It was to cover just exactly such cases as this that the act of 1890 was passed, and under that act Mr. VanCott was drawing his pension. It was only $6 a month, but it helped out in hard times, such as the present. His friends told him that he was entitled to a larger pension, and acting under their advice he had already put in an application for an increase when the notice of his suspension arrived. Mr. VanCott has been a life-long Democrat of the old school. He voted the straight ticket last fall. Now, not only is he thrown out of employment by the business depression brought about by the elevation of the Democratic party to power, but his pension is suspended by the soldier-hating confederate who is in charge of the Department of the Interior. Such has been his reward.

From Ontario County Journal 6 October 1893

On Saturday last Henry S. Squier, of this village, received a letter from Pension Commissioner Lochren, stating that the pension agent at Buffalo had been directed to resume payment in this case. It will be remembered by readers of the Journal that Mr. Squier's pension was suspended about the first of July. At that time a complete history of the case appeared in these columns. The facts then disclosed showed that a grave injustice had been done to a worthy veteran. In this case, as in many others, the Confederate Secretary of the Interior overstepped his bounds in his zeal to get even with the man who prevented the Southern States from seceding.

From Geneva Gazette 22 December 1893

Veterans' Meeting - At the regular meeting of Green Smith Command No. 6, U. V. U., Geneva, N. Y., held Dec. 12, 1893, the following officers were chosen for the ensuing year.

Colonel, Thos. Beard
Lieut. Col., John Dennison
Major, Alonzo F. Spears
Chaplain, John Vinn

Surgeon, Michael Campbell
Officer of the Day, Rob. B. Smith
Officer of the Guard, John J. Wheeler
Quartermaster, Chas. R. Lisk

The Adjutant, Quartermaster Sergeant and Sergeant Major will be appointed at the next muster.

AMBROSE BEDELL, Adjt.

From Ontario County Journal 8 June 1894

Port Gibson, N. Y. - The Memorial Day address given here by the Rev. S. G. Hopkins of Palmyra, was excellent in every sense, and was one which tends to arouse patriotism and love and respect for the old soldiers. The following veterans were in line: The Rev. J. C. Hitchcock, Capt. Hiram Schutt, William S. Westfall, Geo. B. Wilson, C. L. Bartholomew, Jordan Snook, William F. LeMunyon, Jas. H. LaRue, Charles Miller, Dr. A. P. Throop, James H. Irwin, Daniel Knight, Elias Dailey, Farrington Ferguson, Maple Grove Lodge 418, A. O. U. W., and Ontario Tent, No. 160, K. O. T. M., were present in a body.

From Ontario County Journal 6 July 1894

In Academy cemetery are entombed the bodies of the following patriots, who did duty in the several armies mentioned: In the war of 1812, Jasper Housel, John Penoyer, Benjamin Haight, John Brown, John Gage, David Davis; Ira Price, who served in the regular army; in the war of the rebellion, Charles W. Housel, I. H. Trembly, Dr. Mitchel, John Dennis, George Bunnel, Francis Bunnel, Garrett Freeland, Asit A. Stetson. The following, if their bodies had been redeemed from the battle fields, would have been buried here: Joseph Housel, John Horn, David McJannett, Charles Johnson, Francis Sanford, Gould Benedict.

From Geneva Advertiser 18 September 1894

The Veterans Reunion - On the third of September was held a reunion of the survivors of the old company of mounted Volunteers, disbanded in 1850. It has been their custom for several years past to hold a reunion yearly in February. The present occasion was the celebration of the birthday of one of the company, Alanson Ansley, aged 75 years, on Monday, Sept. 3d. Every member was invited, and all responded but two, Thos. Densmore and William T. Barnes, who were unable to attend on account of sickness, especially Mr. Barnes. They met at 10 a.m., at the beautiful country home of Mr. A., on the old Pre-Emption road south of Geneva. It was, as every other reunion of the old company has been, a season of great enjoyment.

Friends and comrades, again here we meet
Our hands to clasp, each other to greet,
While here to-day we would not forget
That two* have passed over since last we met,
And there's another** who'll meet us no more,
For his feet are now treading that dark mystic shore,
Patiently awaiting the call to obey
From Earth's weary trials to hasten away !

The following is a list of those present and their ages:

Captain Thos. Hall - 82 years
John Wheaton - 79 years
E. N. Hall - 73 years
Paul F. Bill - 79 years
H. S. Barnes - 75 years
Alanson Ansley - 75 years
James Purdy - 78 years
C. S. Van Wyck - 73 years
A. T. Barnes - 72 years

At 1 p.m. we were summoned to the dining room where a table was spread "and all things were ready." I will not attempt a description, but instead give an expression made by one of the guests. He said, "It was one of the finest dinners I ever sat down to." To say that the table was bountifully spread would be but faint praise. Divine blessing was invoked by H. S. Barnes, after which the company tried their best to show their appreciation of the good things before them, being well served by Mr. Ansley's son and wife, who were present on a short visit, and who added materially to the pleasure of the occasion.

After dinner all adjourned to the cool and pleasant veranda on the east and north sides of the house where time sped rapidly away till the western sun warned us of the hour to separate. A hearty vote of thanks offered by Captain Hall was given to our host and wife for their kind and generous hospitality. We bade each other goodbye, hoping to meet again in the near future.

* Captain Speelman and William Scoon
** William Barnes

From Ontario County Journal 14 June 1895

The seventh annual reunion of Western New York Veteran association of First N. Y. Mounted rifles was held Wednesday at the Webster House in this village. The officers of last year were all re-elected: President, Mortimer Sleght; vice-presidents, Charles D. Brooks, Willard Smith, A. G. Streavers, Jesse Miller, George B.Starbird; secretary and treasurer, Levi W. Totman. Those that were present were: Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer Sleght, Canandaigua; Truman Bishop, Livonia Station; Mr. and Mrs. George W. Farnum, Pittsford; Charles D. Brooks, Honeoye Falls; Mr. and Mrs. Levi W. Totman, Bristol Center; Alfred S. Van Cott, Shortsville; C. R. Cobb, Clifton Springs; John Halfer, Cold Water; Rufus W. Travers and E. W. Burge, Bristol.

From Ontario County Journal 20 March 1896

Ovid Chase, a well-known resident of Canandaigua, who has for a long time possessed a very rare collection of historical relics and curios, noteworthy by reason of Revolutionary wartime associations, has parted with a portion of the collection, nine articles in all, that were shipped yesterday to form a valuable addition to the Smithsonian institute at Washington.

Among the articles sold for this purpose by Mr. Chase were the following, all of which were collected by Samuel Chase, a Continental soldier, and grandfather of Ovid Chase, who was also "life guard" to General Stark:

1. Ink bottle from which General Washington took the ink with which the death warrant of Major Andre was signed.

2. Cover to the same ink bottle, made the day after the battle of Bennington, from a boot leg of Samuel Chase.

3. Ink bottle once owned by General John Stark, and presented to Samuel Chase by General Stark in person, in 1819.

4. A button cut from the coat tail of one of the parties who sallied out in the disguise of a Mohawk Indian at the "tea party" in Boston Harbor. The party having surreptitiously filled his coat tail pockets with tea, Jonathan Wilmarth, with his sword, cut off the coat tail, pocket and all, and emptied the tea in the harbor; this button was preserved and handed down from generation to generation, having passed from Jonathan Wilmarth to Sarah Wilmarth, Pike Chase, and thence to Ovid Chase, Sr., and lastly to Ovid Chase, Jr.

5. Watch key, once owned by Colonel Williams, that was taken from his person after his death at the battle of Crown Point, in September, 1748, by Samuel Chase. The valuable stone that was in the key is now in the possession of the heirs of Kate Sprague Chase.

6. Watch seal and stone worn by General Sumpter, the last of the Revolutionary generals, presented personally to Samuel Chase.

7. Watch seal and stone worn by General Sullivan and presented to the niece of General Stark, who in after years disposed of it to Molly Stanley Chase for a dress.

8. Watch worn by Samuel Chase during the Revolution and afterwards carried by President Washington.

9. Pistol taken from "Old Grimes, that good old man," of ancient ballad fame, by Samuel Chase, justice of the peace of the town Unity, New Hampshire, in 1800.

The description of these curios and valuable relics was taken from an ancient catalogue, made by Ovid Chase, the elder, and in which are recorded many other curious mementos of early Colonial days, but of which disposition has been made heretofore, or which the present owner is loath to part with for money consideration. The correspondent was shown one of these, namely, the first map ever made of the township of Unity, N. H., the greater part of which land was owned by Samuel Chase, and who, as selectman of the township, recorded the map as official, and gave his hand and seal to that effect in 1806.

Other curios still in Mr. Chase's possession are a fife that was carried and played by Fife-major Jonathan Wilmarth from the commencement to the close of the Revolution; a breast-pin taken from the body of General Ransom, who was shot in battle during the Mexican war; "ear bobs" worn over in the "Mayflower," by Jonathan Wilmarth's wife, and which passed by descent to Ovid Chase; watch key, used by many Revolutionary officers, and owned and carried during the war by Samuel Chase; an epaulet worn by General Thurber in the war of 1812; several Masonic emblems of great antiquity, and other curiosities of lesser historical interest. Democrat and Chronicle

071607

Updated 16 September 2008