G rand army scout

Newsletter of the

GAR Civil War M u s e u m & L i b r a r y

Summer 2012

Where the Civil War comes alive!

GAR CIVIL WAR MUSEUM PRESERVATION LUNCHEON ANOTHER SUCCESS!

On Saturday, April 14, 2012 some 65
members and friends of the Grand Army
of the Republic (G.A.R.) Museum and
Library gathered at the Cannstatter
Volksfest Verein (Club), 9130 Academy Rd
Philadelphia, PA, for the organizations
annual preservation luncheon.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
ERIC J. SCHMINCKE
Executive Director
HUGH BOYLE
Vice President
ANTHONY WASKIE, PH.D.
Treasurer
MICHAEL E. PETER
Secretary
MARYANN HARTNER
President Emeritus
ELMER F. ATKINSON
MARGARET E. ATKINSON
ALBERT EL
KATHLEEN M. SMITH
EDMUND J. ZONGOLOWICZ

This event provided not only an

opportunity to enjoy a hearty repast in the
company of fellow Civil War history
enthusiasts, but also a means to help
ensure that the Museum can continue to
promote its missions: that is, the
preservation of its collection of Civil War
and G.A.R. artifacts and documents, the
availability of its specialized library and
rare archival materials, and its general
commitment to keeping alive the memory
of the Grand Army of the Republic and its
members.

BOARD OF ADVISORS
EDWIN BEARSS
DR. GARY GROVE
ROBERT E. HANRAHAN, JR.
LEON KING, ESQ.
JAMES M. Mc PHERSON
EDWIN MOORE III, ESQ.
JOHN RUAN
DR. RICHARD A. SAUERS

Many attendees arrived soon after the

doors opened at 11:00 a.m. so as to have
ample time to visit with friends and to
peruse the wide array of Civil War books
on display and available for purchase from
Jim Schmick of Civil War and More,
based in Mechanicsburg, PA.

HON. JOHN TAYLOR, PA STATE REP.

HISTORIC RUAN HOUSE

4278 GRISCOM STREET
PHILA. PA 19124
(215) 289-6484
garmuslib@verizon.net
Newsletter editor
GrandArmyScout@gmail.com
Incorporated as: PHILADELPHIA
CAMP SONS OF UNION VETERANS
OF THE CIVIL WAR

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:

www.garmuslib.org

As usual the Cannstatter bar did a brisk

business during the 12-1:00 pm cocktail
hour, and then, after the invocation and
welcoming remarks, guests enjoyed a
multi-course luncheon consisting of salad,
entre, and desert.
Now replete, the audience was ready
to hear Dr. Matthew Pinsker of Dickinson
College give an informative, thoughtprovoking talk entitled Boss Lincoln:
Abraham Lincoln as Partisan-in-Chief.

GAR Museum Vice President

Andy Waskie thanks Luncheon
Guest Speaker,
Dr. Matt Pinsker.

Luncheon attendees browse

the impressive collection of
books and memorabilia
courtesy of Civil War & More.

Then it was time for the award ceremonies.

Thunderous applause greeted the
announcement that the recipient of the 2012
Old Baldy Award (formerly Presidents Award)
was none other than Hugh Boyle, who is not
only G.A.R. Museum Executive Director, but
also one of the founders of the Del-Val Civil War
Round Table, a noted expert Lincoln scholar, a
teacher at the Manor College Civil War Institute,
and much more.
The second major award of the day, the
Grand Army Award, was given this year to the
General Meade Society; Meade Society.
Treasurer Jerry McCormick and Secretary, Mike
Wunsch accepted the award on behalf of the
Society.
After the distribution of raffle prizes,
including two fine works of Civil War art, it was
time for the convocation and closing remarks.
Congratulations and many thanks are in order
for all who worked so hard to make the 2012
G.A.R. Preservation Luncheon so successful! All
of us who attended enjoyed ourselves, with the
added satisfaction of knowing that we had
collectively abetted a worthy cause.

GRAND ARMY SCOUT

A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS..Hugh Boyle, Executive Director - 215 638-4244
The Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum and Library is an all-volunteer
organization There are no paid staff, no personal profits derived from any activities of the
Museum. Our staff is proud to serve the mission of the museum because we all believe that the
legacy and the heritage of the men who fought in the war must be preserved for future
generations!
That same desire and passion is evident in the speakers and topics we present free to the
public, on the First Sunday of each month. So we ask you to join us, become a volunteer here at the museum. There is
always much to be done, to keep the museum in good condition.
Wherever lay your talents and interests we promise to find suitable tasks for you. You could help prepare for our
Sunday open houses, making sure our facility is clean and polished before we open our doors to the public. Perhaps you
would like to help individuals who visit or call us seeking information about their ancestors or you could find work in our
archives section or in our ever-expanding library.
This wonderful museum serves a fourfold purpose to the Civil War community! It is a museum of artifacts, it is a
research library, and it is a repository of archival materials. Finally, its programs educate and inform our membership and
visitors alike through first Sunday historical presentations, our newsletter, and timely email notices of events.
We need you and your passion for history! I promise you that becoming a volunteer will be one of your most rewarding
experiences! Knowing that you are part of preserving the heritage and memory of those who fought to keep this Union
together is a self gratifying experience! Becoming a volunteer does not mean you have to spend all your time here at the
museum. You choose -we are open every Tuesday and sometimes on Friday and on the first Sunday of each month for our
Open House. Whether you can give us one hour or eight hours a week we will be thrilled to have you! Just call me with any
question and we can work something out. Thanks!

GAR MUSEUMS ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

RD
IS SLATED FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 1PM
All members are kindly invited
and encouraged to attend this meeting.

The GAR Civil War Museum &

Library wishes to recognize the
following individuals for their
generosity!

Bob Campbell
(The late) Bill Bennett
Laurie & Kelly Parkhills
MOLLUS
Dr. Andy Waskie
Fred Maurer
Bob Fenner

Elections will be conducted for Board positions

whose three year terms have lapsed and detailed
accountings on the Museums finances, membership,
and upcoming activities will be among the topics
covered. Light refreshments will be served.

GHOST HUNTS RETURNING TO MUSEUM

Thank you, for your continued support of the

GAR Civil War Museum & Library!

South Jersey Ghost Research has scheduled 3

Saturday evening ghost hunts at the GAR
Museum. November 17th, December 8th & January
26th.
Contact the Museum for further information.

Nationall Association of Civil War Musicians.. courtesy

ourtesy of Andy Redmond
Nothing binds the minds and hearts of men more than serving in combat together. After the Civil War ended,
veterans went home to their families and homes, keeping in touch with
their comrades in any way possible. Some bore war-related
war
injuries and
+
others had experienced difficulty in collecting
ng well-deserved
well
pensions. To
Editors Note: In memory of Andy
resolve
these
and
other
problems,
an
organization
was
founded
in
Redmond, we publish this article on
Civil War Musicians. He had
Decatur, Illinois in 1866. Membership was open to veterans of all of the
graciously submitted this piece to the
armed forces who served between April 12, 1861 and April 9, 1865. It was
Grand Army Scout newsletter. Andy
called the Grand Army of the Republic.
was a dear friend to many members
of the Civil War Community and will
be deeply missed. Andy was a loyal
member of Co. C, 28th Penna. Vol.
Inf., Anna M. Ross Camp #1, SUVCW
and the GAR Civil War Museum. Andy
lost his valiant struggle against
cancer this past July.
Rest in Peace Andy.

The organization established local "departments" and "posts" not unlike

the Veterans of Foreign Wars today. The G.A.R set about providing
assistance in obtaining healthcare for wounded veterans, pension benefits,
etc. As time went on, they occasionally held encampments, often on the
sites of various battlefields. Musicians from different units from around
the country would get together and perform the tunes they knew so well.

On May 5, 1868, the G.A.R. designated May 30th as Memorial Day, in memory of all veterans who have made
the supreme sacrifice. Americans have celebrated this holiday ever since with parades and memorials.
At the end of the Civil War, the bond between many musicians grew stronger, leading to the growth
g
of the
fife and drum Corps movement in the United States. A spin-off
spin off from the G.A.R., the National Association of Civil
War Musicians, published the American Veteran Fifer in 1905.
Pocket-size,
size, this wonderful book contains 158 fife tunes, camp duties
duties and calls that are often played today by
Civil War reenactors and Ancient-style
style fife and drum corps musicians alike. It was a principal music source
during the fledgling days of the fife and drum corps movement and still is today. Taking the time to peruse
pe
the
pages, one can view not only the music, but the names and units of the musicians who contributed the various
pieces. For example: Haste
Haste To The Wedding and White Cockade
Cockade were "donated" by John Benjamin, Co. G.,
30th Michigan Volunteer Infantry. One
ne of my life
life-long favorites, The
The Dashing White Sergeant,
Sergeant was contributed
by E.G.H. Higgins, Springfield, Ohio, Orderly Sergeant, Co. A., 184th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Biddy Oats and
Montezuma came from J.E. Blatchley, of Co. E., 2nd New York Heavy Ar
Artillery.
tillery. Taken from the recollections of
actual Civil War musicians, these tunes are easily certified to be authentic to that conflict and some from much
earlier times.
The final encampment of the G.A.R. took place in Indianapolis in the year 1949. The last surviving member,
Albert Woolson, died in 1956 at the ripe old age of 109. During the Civil War, he was a drummer boy who
undoubtedly had played
yed many of the tunes that were later
later published in this book.

GRAND ARMY SCOUT

Stories of Posts of the Grand Army

Dr. Andy Waskie

At its heyday, there were thirtythirty-six (36) Posts of the Grand Army in
Philadelphia alone. This is part of a continuing series on GAR Posts and GAR
History that will appear in the Grand Army Scout.

Lt Robert Beath, Co. A, 6th USCT

Co. A, 6th USCT most notable record was gained at the

battle of Chaffins Farm (New Market Heights), where it
lost most heavily. Here a company, led by Capt. John
McMurray, went into the charge with thirty-two men
and returned with but three. This was the greatest
average company loss recorded of any troops in the
course of the war. It was in this charge that Captain
Robert B. Beath subsequently commissioned LieutenantColonel, lost his leg.
Past Commander-in-Chief Robert B. Beath died at his
home in Philadelphia, Pa., November 25, 1914. He
enlisted in April 1861, as a private in the 23rd
Pennsylvania Volunteers. Reenlisted in September 1861,
in the 28th Pennsylvania and was promoted sergeant and
second lieutenant. He was commissioned as captain in the
6th USCT and was wounded at the second Battle of Bull
Run. He lost his right leg at Chapin's farm n 1864 and was
commissioned as Lt. Colonel in 1865.
He was a charter member of the first post organized in
Pennsylvania in October 1866 and from that moment, his
interest and activity in the organization never flagged.
Then 48 years later, he peacefully and painlessly passed
from this life to that great beyond.
In 1866, he became commander of Post No. 2. In 1867
junior vice department commander, 1869 to 1872
assistant adjutant general, and in 1873 department
commander. Under Commanders-in-Chief Burnside,
Hartranft and Wagner he served as adjutant general and
in 1883 was elected commander-in-chief.

When it became imperative that a history of the

Grand Army of the Republic should be written it was
unanimously conceded that the one man who was
eminently fitted for that task was Robert B. Beath.
And so that history was written and will always
remain a monument and reminder to his comrades
of his interest and devotion to their interests. He
long served on the committee on rules and
regulation and to his untiring labors upon that
committee we owe our present system of
conducting our affairs. He was the author of the
Grand Army Blue book and at the time of this death
was a member of the board of trustees of the
permanent fund.
Below is a quote from his obituary written by his
longtime friend, Comrade C.C. Royce, Washington,
D.C.
He was 75 years old at the time of his death. Of
Scotch descent, he possessed many of the
characteristics of that intense and vigorous race.
Firm in his convictions of right and wrong, no
influence could swerve him one iota from doing the
one or avoiding the other. Just in his judgment, so
far as the light of evidence was open to him, he was
generous without stint in both mental and material
sympathy toward his comrades, and in his affection
these comrades stood second only to his immediate
family. His race is run, his work is done. 'God's finger
touched him and he slept'. He was born in
Philadelphia, Pa., on January 25, 1839.
---*****--Source:
Journal of the 49th National Encampment, Grand
Army of the Republic, Washington, D.C.
September 27-October 2, 1915. Pages 299-300.
Trivia Question.answer on page 9
Name the soldier in the Civil War who was the
only person to be awarded two Congressional
Medals of Honor?

FROM THE MUSEUMS BOOKSHELF Hugh Boyle

Midnight Rising by Tony Horwitz.
Henry Holt and Company, 365 pages, $29.00
Many of you have read and enjoyed Tony Horwitzs Confederates in the Attic. His latest
venture is the story about John Browns raid at Harpers Ferry in 1859. The title of the book is
Midnight Rising, John Brown and the Raid that Sparked the Civil War. Although most of us
know the story or are at least, familiar with it a good book is all in the story telling and Tony
Horwitz is a spellbinding story teller.
This accounting is the true, inside look at this pivotal event. Horwitz gives us a look at the real John Brown, his
ideas, his thoughts, his motives and his important philosophy that gave him his steadfast stance against slavery,
not just a stance but an obsession that drove him to disaster at Harpers Ferry. The author tells of who was with
him, who helped him, where the money came from, who were these men who were called The Secret Six and
who warned him not to do it.
Yes, John Brown was a complicated but single minded man who hated the travesty of slavery and believed
anything and everything should be done to end it. Yes, he was a murderer, and yes, due to his actions men went
to their deaths. Tony Horwitz gives the reader a full look at all these parts of John Brown. Brown was a troubled
soul, a firebrand, who was also called Gods Angry Man. The raid was not a success, nothing came off like he
had hoped and planned. Brown was captured and went on trial and sentenced to hang. He went to the gallows
stoically and bravely. A young actor who had come to the hanging sat dressed in an army uniform said He is a
brave old man and was impressed with a man so convinced of his opinions. That young actor was John Wilkes
Booth.
John Browns raid foreshadowed the rage, pain and anguish that would confront America in the bitter days
ahead. From the gallows he said, The sins of this land can only be purged in blood. John Brown was correct on
this account. Tony Horwitz has written a book that is easy to read, with compelling characters and story. It reads
like a novel and is hard to put down, Read it and add it to your library.
Happy Reading,
Hugh Boyle

'Bill Bennett'
William R. Bennett, born November 26,
1956 in Abington, PA died on June 15,
2012. Preceded in death by his wife,
Madeline Gager Bennett.
He is survived by his stepdaughter
Karen Chris Stanwood and
granddaughter Nora. Also survived by
his mother, Dolores Bennett, sister
Joanne Lou, nieces Kim Troy and Tina
Greg, and nephew Lou Amanda.

After graduating from Olney High

School, he enlisted in the Army, serving
in the 3rd Infantry Division as a
helicopter crew chief. He worked as a
track inspector for Septa Rail for nearly
25 years. Bill and his wife, Madeline,
met at the G.A.R. Museum and shared a
love of history. They became dedicated
Civil War re-enactors, and Bill also loved
to watch the Flyers and NASCAR.

He had been a resident of Pitman, NJ

for the past 8 years. He was buried with
his beloved wife in Manahath
Cemetery. Donations were made by
family, friends and his organizations in
his memory to: Grand Army of the
Republic Museum and Library.
Bill was a loyal friend, a board member
of the museum, a member of Camp #1
of the Sons of Union Veterans, the 28th
Pennsylvania Regiment and a Mason.

GRAND ARMY SCOUT

MEDAL OF HONOR SERIES
BEECH, JOHN P.

Entered service at: Trenton, N.J.

Rank and organization: Sergeant,

Company B, 4th New Jersey Infantry.

Born: 1 May 1844, England.

Date of issue: 5 June 1894.

Place and date: At Spotsylvania

Courthouse, Va., 12 May 1864.

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Citation: Voluntarily assisted in working the

guns of a battery, all the members of which
had been killed or wounded.

In upcoming issues of the Grand Army Scout each of our Board members will be profiled.

Hi! I am Mary Ann Hartner. I am a member of the Museum's Board of Directors, serving in the
capacity of Corresponding Secretary.
The GAR Museum has held a special place in my heart for many years. Since the first time I arrived
on a trip to the Museum with fellow members of the Delaware Valley Civil War Round Table there
was no turning back, I was hooked! We had been recruited to help with a painting project but when
I began walking around and marveling at the exhibits I knew that I wanted to do more than just
paint a couple walls. I soon signed on as a regular volunteer and a member of the GAR Museum
and eventually joined the General Meade Society as well. Several years ago, I was asked if I was
willing to serve on the Museum Board. So honored and moved at this offer, I didnt hesitate to answer affirmatively.
I have been interested in history and historical subjects for most of my life. Ive often tried to recall what initially sparked
my interest. My earliest recollection was of watching a particular episode on the Wonderful World of Color, (Walt Disney)
that highlighted the bravery exhibited by a young drummer boy who faced the turmoil of war while men he looked up to
died all around him. Another spark was reading Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. She had had served as a nurse in
the Civil War. The book was initially published shortly after the war. The hardships faced by the girls in the novel and the
sacrifices that young girls like me, were expected to make in the name of the Cause had an impact on me. Even then, I
began to appreciate what our soldiers and heroes, men and women of all ages, have sacrificed for our Country and our
families, throughout history.
Growing up in Philadelphia only helped reinforce my burgeoning appreciation of this subject. Living in a city so steeped in
history, I had the opportunity to visit historical sites and museums with my family. I fondly remember attending Memorial
Day parades with my grandfather, who is a Pearl Harbor Survivor. He would crisply salute our flag while always checking to
ensure that I had properly placed my hand over my heart as our flag passed by.
On a personal note, my husband, John and I share a strong commitment to volunteerism and a deep appreciation for
history. John has served as a Boy Scout Leader for many years. Together and sometimes separately, we donate much of
our time and labor to a host of worthwhile causes. We have raised three sons, two of whom have served in the military.
Over the years, we have done our best to pass on to them an appreciation for our Nations rich history by visiting
museums, Forts and National Parks, across the Country.
Start your own legacy, come visit the Museum with your families and share your enthusiasm and love of history with

Mary Ann

them.

WOMEN IN THE CIVIL WAR Series by Margaret Atkinson

MARY TEPE (TEBE) - KNOWN AS FRENCH MARY
Mary Tepe, one of the best known vivandieres of the Civil War, was born Marie Brose, August 12,
1834, in Brest, France, of a French mother and Turkish father who died when Marie was 10 years
of age. Her mother eventually immigrated to America with her children. Nothing else is known
of her early life.
Marie, now using the name Mary, married Bernardo Tepe (also sometimes known as Tebe), who
was a tailor with his own shop in Philadelphia. At the outset of the war, he enlisted in Company I,
27th Pennsylvania Volunteers and asked Mary to remain at home to run the tailor shop. She
refused to do so and at the age of 27 followed him and the 27th acting as a sutler selling goods to
the soldiers, also serving as a nurse, cook, and seamstress. In 1862 she left her husband after
discovering he and other soldiers of the regiment broke into her sutlers tent and stole $1600 of her profits from her sales,
thus ending her association with the 27th.
She became interested in becoming a Vivandiere, women who wore the uniform of the regiment with a knee length skirt
over the pants, jacket, and slouch hat and carrying a cask over their shoulder from which they dispensed water, brandy,
wine and at times whiskey with some carrying a side arm for self-protection. Vivandieres originated in France in the 1700s
and served in both the Union and Confederate armies if their presence was approved by the men of the regiment.
Upon leaving the 27th Pennsylvania Volunteers, she joined the 114th Pennsylvania Infantry, known as Collis Zouaves, her
outfit featuring the knee length skirt over the baggy Zouave pantaloons, Zouave sash and belt, and a 44 caliber pistol.
While most women were sent home when the regiment headed for a battle, Mary went on to participate in thirteen
battles.
Her exploits at First Bull Run were written up in a local newspaper that stated The young woman showed she was a
better soldier than many of the men. She alternately fought and tended to the wounded and cared nothing for the singing
of bullets around her. At Chancellorsville she braved heavy fire with her skirt becoming riddled with holes from the
gunfire. She was the only enlisted woman at Gettysburg, where she carried water and treated the wounded. At
Fredericksburg, she was wounded in the ankle by a bullet, a wound that caused her pain the rest of her life.
She was awarded the Kearney Cross for her gallantry at Fredericksburg but would not wear it because she felt so many of
the soldiers in that battle deserved it, but did not receive the decoration. She made one exception when she went to a
photographer in Gettysburg and wore the medal for what became a well- known photo of her. Some historians feel she
was with the 114th Pennsylvania Infantry in the Grand Review in Washington, D.C. after the war.
Editors Note: Last month, at a joint meeting hosted by the California Department of the
Sons, Auxiliary, Daughters of Union Veterans, and Ladies of the GAR Bud and Margaret
Atkinson were individually honored at a banquet attended by over 350 persons. Bud
Atkinson was presented with an engraved plaque as a Lifetime Achievement Award for
his faithful service throughout the years in various positions with the Sons.

Bud & Margaret Atkinson

The Sons, created a new award to honor women who have done the most to assist the
Sons over the years. They selected Margaret Atkinson to receive the first award.
Margaret was presented with a gold medallion with an engraving of Dr. Mary Edwards
Walker on the front and a message on the back.
We congratulate both Bud & Margaret on their well deserved honors!

GRAND ARMY SCOUT

CABINETMAKER.Extraordinaire by Ed Zongolowicz
After the GAR Museum persevered in its legal proceedings to bring Old Baldy home another
dilemma presented itself. Old Baldy had been packed away in a storage crate and taken to a
warehouse at the Navy Yard, in South Philadelphia. During this process Old Baldys former
caretakers discarded the display cabinet he had resided in for many years.
The GAR Board needed a new cabinet and needed it quickly. Despite operating on a tight budget
the Board was unwilling to skimp on the cabinets construction. A search began for a cabinet
maker willing to take on the challenge of designing and building a museum-quality cabinet for
the treasured artifact.
Here, enters Phil Candando, having heard about the museums need from one of the board
members, with whom he has had a life-long friendship. He agrees to take on the task, but
declines any payment for what would be, well over a hundred hours of labor. Initially working
without specific dimensions (Old Baldy remained at this time, in the warehouse), he roughed out
the design. The museum wanted the case to be as air tight as possible, utilizing sensitive light
filtering glass and contain special air transfer vents to help capture any moisture in the air within the cabinet. For
occasional housekeeping purposes, the entire mounted artifact would need to slide
out of its base without toppling the case over. Phil addressed each of these
requirements and in ample time before the Grand Unveiling. Delivered by trailer,
this solid mahogany cabinet arrived in several large pieces. Phil and museum
volunteers over several days mounted Old Baldy onto a specially designed steel
reinforced sliding drawer, joined the cabinet pieces together and carefully installed
the large glass panels. The museum board was delighted, they now had their
museum-quality cabinet!
Phil Candando learned the secrets of woodworking from his father, himself, a talented carpenter and cabinetmaker. Since
early adolescence, Phil worked with carpenter tools and built countless projects of increasing complexity.
A veteran of the US Air Force, Phil, following his discharge, attended Temple University and received a B.S. degree in
Physical Therapy. He then went on to receive an M.S. degree from The University of Indianapolis. For many years, Phil
served part time as an Adjunct Professor at both Temple University and Harcum College. Although busy with a private
physical therapy practice that he both owned and managed, he always found time to work with his father on
woodworking projects. Phil and his Dad never shied from challenges. Together, they managed to build two single family
homes! Today, Phil is employed as a Physical Therapist and Center Manager for Novacare Rehabilitation.
Never too far from his hammer and saw, he recently completed a large family room
addition to his home in Jamison, PA. With three adult children of his own and three more
children from his wife Cathys first marriage, they can easily fill that new family room on
holiday gatherings.
Phil says woodworking and carpentry have always been his passion. These days he most
enjoys making furniture in his workshop, crafting items often earmarked for one of his
four grandchildren. His other hobbies include, archery, hunting and winter outdoor
sports.
Phil and Cathy attended the Gala Unveiling of Old Baldy at the museum. Phil said he has always had an appreciation for
history and was honored to have been asked to lend his support to the museum. He added he was pleased with how well
his cabinet was received. Standing in front of the famed artifact he said he hoped Old Baldy would reside safely and
securely in his new digs, for many years to come.

DISCOVERING OUR ANCESTORS SERVICE an ongoing contributor series

MAJOR W. R. LONGSHORE, M.D. .... by Blair Thron
My ancestor was a prominent Hazleton surgeon born in Beaver Meadow, Carbon Co., PA., September 10, 1838, and is
descended from Revolutionary families on both sides, paternal and maternal. He died 1915 in Hazleton, Luzerne Co.
His father, Ashbel B. Longshore, worked on the same engineer corps as did the late A. Pardee Sr., afterward was a
merchant at Beaver Meadow and Berwick, then studied medicine and practiced in Wyoming and Luzerne counties, later
moving to Beaver Meadow.
Our subject spent part of his boyhood days in Philadelphia and vicinity, and when fourteen years old came to Hazleton, this
county. He was educated in Kingston Seminary and Lewisburg University, studied medicine with his father in Hazleton, and
attended Jefferson Medical College and the Pennsylvania College of Medicine in Philadelphia, graduating at the latter
institute in 1860. He then served as an assistant to Dr. Kirkbride at the Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane, in Philadelphia,
until the fall of 1862, when he entered the army as first lieutenant and assistant surgeon in Pardees the One Hundred and
Forty-seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, which was attached to the First Brigade, Geary's Second Division,
Twelfth Army Corps.
He tended to the wounded at some of the war's bloodiest campaigns. He was
promoted to major and surgeon in October, 1863, and took part in the campaign
of Wauhatchie Valley and the battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge.
After the Twelfth and Eleventh Corps had been consolidated into the Twentieth
Corps, they were sent to re-enforce Sherman; then went into camp at
Wauhatchie Valley part of the winter of 1863-64, and afterward into permanent
winter quarters at Bridgeport, AL.
At this place Dr. Longshore had charge of the Brigade Hospital, and was acting
brigade surgeon on Sherman's march from Chattanooga to Atlanta, which march
was commenced May 1, 1864. After the capture of Atlanta, he was made acting
brigade surgeon, and as such went with Sherman to the sea, afterward taking part in the
march through the Carolinas. Sometime during the 147th's march north through South
Carolina, Surgeon Longshore acquired a parchment document that was thought to be a
South Carolina Secession documents. He described the incident after the war as follows:
"We came north from Georgia through South Carolina in three columns. The eastern one
caused the fall of Charleston, the middle one burned Columbia, the western one, of which I
was a part, came north along the base of the mountains and one day overtook a
Confederate wagon train trying to escape from Columbia with vital state records. As I rode
up I saw a trooper pull this document from an overturned wagon and I asked him to let me
Civil War Era Amputation Kit
see it. He threw it to me and I put it in my saddle bag had it ever since, but the wagon train
was burned."
th

At Goldsborough, N.C., he obtained leave of absence, and coming north reached Philadelphia on April 14 just a few hours
before John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln in Washington. He then proceeded to Hazleton, and was married, April 25, 1865, to
Miss M. A. Carter, daughter of William Carter, a coal operator of Beaver Meadow. Twelve days later he was back in the
th
Army on May 7 . He took part in the review of Sherman's command in Washington, and was mustered out with his regiment
during the latter part of July, same year. He then settled in Hazleton, where he has practiced medicine ever since. On March
5, 1874, the Doctor was commissioned surgeon of the old Ninth Regiment, N.G.P., and served until the regiment was
disbanded; was with his command during the riots of 1874. In June 1890, he was commissioned surgeon of the Ninth
Regiment Infantry, Third Brigade, N.G.P.
He was a member of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Loyal Legion; Robinson Post No. 20, G.A.R.; Class 1 Insignia
4949. He had various degrees of Freemasonry; the Luzerne County Medical Society; the Carbon County Medical Society;
the Lehigh Valley Medical Association, the State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. Politically he has
always been a Republican, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860.

Trivia Answer from pg 4

Thomas Custer,
brother of George Armstrong Custer.

Editors Note: Many of our members have ancestors who

fought in the Civil War. If anyone would like to write a
brief account about their ancestors service and sacrifices
we would like to hear from you!
Please send to GrandArmyScout@Gmail.com

GRAND ARMY SCOUT

2012 GAR Museum Sunday Open House Schedule

1:30PM start.

Oct. 14th Rev. Joe DiPaolo - Colonel McCarter, the Fighting Parson of the 93rd PA Reg. - *Note date change*
th
Nov 4
Rich Wagner on the Civil War era breweries of Philadelphia
nd
Dec 2
28th PA Reg. Brass Band Playing the music of Christmas at the Front in 1862

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