Elgin County Branch
Ontario Genealogical Society

St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada

CIVIL WAR VETERANS 

of

ELGIN COUNTY, ONTARIO,  

by Bruce Johnson and Bob Moore 

Revised and posted 13 December 2008          

Many men with Elgin County connections were among the more than 50,000 Canadians that served on both sides during the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865. Most were already living in the United States when they enlisted, although some went directly from Elgin.

Some even joined as “replacements or substitutes” for conscripted men.  Most stayed in the United States after the War, some even receiving bounty land in Kansas and Nebraska.

Of course some returned to Elgin and while others came to Elgin for the first time after their service.           

We thank the Elgin Military Museum at 30 Talbot Street, St Thomas for their assistance.

We also thank The Col. George L.Willard Camp No 154 of Albany New York of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War for their information about those with New York State service.

We have attempted to list all who had any connection with Elgin County and would appreciate your help in adding names or adding to or correcting our information.

Contact Bruce at bcjohnsonjr@gmail.com or Bob at rmoore@wwdc.com 

INDEX

Person and their unit if known   

ARMSTRONG, William C. - 9^th Regiment Michigan Infantry Company “G”  

AUSTIN, Nelson  _  2^nd Missouri Cavalry, Merril’s Horse Regiment Company “H”   

AVERY, Alanson_  1^st Regiment Missouri Engineers Companies "B" and “K”   

BERRY. Mark_       Union Navy SS Santee  

BRADT, Christopher _ aka  Christopher Brott 6^th Regiment Michigan Cavalry   

BROWN, Hiram Partlo  _ Confederate Army  

BROWN, Miles O'Riley      

BROWN, Orange Oscar _ Confederate Army 9^thRegiment Missouri Cavalry (Elliots) Company “G”  

BURWELL, John Rice  _ 8^th Regiment Michigan Infantry Company “C”  

CARSON, Albert T.     _  8^th Regiment Illinois Cavalry Company “K” 

CLAY, W. George _  15^th Regiment Michigan Infantry Company “U”  

COFFEY, Thomas _ 25^th Regiment New  York Cavalry Company “E”  

COOKSON,  Calvin Wilbert   _   24^th Regiment New York Cavalry Company “D”  

DAW, Joseph  -      22^nd Regiment Michigan Infantry Company “K”  

FERRIN, Dr. Samuel Abbot, _ Surgeon in the 32th Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers 

GEDDES, 5 Brothers

               James Lorraine Geddes - 8^thRegiment Iowa Infantry Company “D”, Brigadier General

               William Geddes- 28^th Regiment Iowa Infantry Company “D” Sergeant

                Charles Geddes - 16^th Regiment Iowa Infantry Company “I”

                Andrew J. Geddes- 8^thRegiment Iowa Infantry Company “D”,  Lt Colonel                

                John Geddes- 18^th Regiment Iowa Infantry Company “H”

HOUGHTON, George L _ 104^th Regiment Illinois Infantry Company “D”  

HUFF, James  _   2^nd Regiment  Nebraska Cavalry Company “D”  

HUNT, Francis -   2^nd Regiment Vermont Infantr y “born Francis Hunt Carrigan” 

JENNINGS, William-  Scout at age 14 

JOHNSON, Howard likely 8^thRegiment of Michigan Infantry 

LEON, Alexander _  37^th Regiment Massachusetts Infantry Company “G”, and

                    20^th Massachusetts Infantry Company “C”  

LESLIE, George - 12^th Regiment of New York Calvary, Company “F” 

McKAY, Abner _  29^th Regiment Michigan Infantry Company “B”   

McKAY, Gilbert _ 14^th Regiment Michigan Infantry Company “A”   

McLAUGHLIN, Dr. Miar  _ Assistant Surgeon at the McDougal Civil War Army Hospital at Fort Schuyler, Throgs Neck, the Bronx, New York  

McMICHAEL,  Charles Patton - 7^thRegiment Michigan Cavalry Company “I” 

MILLER, David- 2^nd New York Heavy Artillery and

                  22^nd Independent Battery of New York Light Artillery. \ 

NICKERSON, David Robert  _ 9^th. Regiment Minnesota Infantry  Company "C"   

PRESTON, Jeremiah _ 7^th Regiment Michigan Cavalry Company ‘H”  

PURDY, Jeremiah  _ 7^thRegiment Michigan Cavalry Company “H”  

PURDY, John _   8^th Regiment Ohio Infantry Company “D” and

                - 55^th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Veterans Infantry Company “C”  

RAPELJE, Daniel Barclay _ 6^th Regiment. Michigan Cavalry Company "F" and           

                            - 1^st. Regiment Michigan Cavalry Company “K”   

RAPELJE, George Henry or Hiram _ 77^th Regiment Ohio Infantry Company “D”  

ROLLS, Alfred_  

RYAN, Micheal S.  _ likely Michigan 

SHOWERS, Michael - 22^nd Regiment Michigan Infantry, Company “A”   

SMITH, Samuel _  75^th Regiment Indiana Infantry Company “C”  

STANLEY, George -

STEELE, John   _ in a Regiment with McClellan’s “Army of the Potomac” 

THURSTON, Arba Oscar - 34^th Regiment Illinois Infantry; Company “F” and the 19^th U.S.  Infantry, and 14^th Regiment Veteran Volunteers, Hancocks Veteran Corps.     

TREADWELL Abram _  21th Regiment Iowa Infantry Company “B”  

TYLER, Emory  _ 107^th Regiment New York Infantry Company “B”  

WALKER, Henry Pinchery  -17^th South Carolina Regiment Charleston Battalion Confederate   

WALLACE, Octavius_ 2^nd Regiment Michigan Volunteers Company “I”  

WEAVER, Peter W  _   115^th Ohio Regiment Volunteer Infantry Company “C”  

WHITESELL, John William_ 32^nd Regiment Iowa Infantry Company “H”  

WHITESELL William _  52^nd Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry Company “G”   

WILLIAMS, Richard Franklin_ 

ARMSTRONG, Capt. William C.

Obituary From ST Times Journal , 1 August 1910, page. 1, column. 7

Died _  Capt. W.C Armstrong, 75 years, July 31, veteran of Crimean War and American Civil War; widow(er) of Mrs Sarah Armstrong, nee St John; father of Edward of the Herald in Duluth, George of Western Canada, Laura of the Southern Loan Company of St Thomas,  Lillian a nurse in Detroit and Miss Winnie Armstrong of Duluth He died at the home of his nephew, St John Adair in Toronto. William was born in Roscommon, Ireland in 1835; came to Euphemia Township, Lambton County with his parents in 1842; enlisted with the 100^th Royal Canadian Regiment and went to Gibraltar when  the Crimean war broke out. When the Civil War broke out he went to the States and enlisted in the Michigan Infantry, served through the whole war and obtained the rank of Captain; came to St Thomas in 1872 and was a conductor on the Great Western and Grand Trunk; retired 12 years ago, married in 1871 to Sarah St John, who died 19 years ago; funeral from Trinity Anglican church and burial Aug 2 to St Thomas Cemetery           

He enlisted at Detroit on 15 August 1861 at Detroit Michigan as a First Sergeant

He joined the  9^th Regiment Michigan Infantry Company “G” on 16 October 1861.

He was promoted to Full Second Lieutenant on 26 July 1862 and Full First Lieutenant on 27 February 1863.

He became a Full Captain on 27 Sept 1864 and resigned from Company ”G” on 20 April 1865

      His family (from 1881 and 1901 census) William Sr born 19 March 1835 wife Sarah born about 1852, children William Jr. born about 1874, George born about 1878, Laura born 24 December 1880, Lillian born 20 November 1884, Louis J. born 29 April 1886 and Sarah W. born 15 September 1895   

AUSTIN, Nelson            

Nelson Austin was born 1 March 1836 at Bayham Township, Elgin, County and was the son of John Austin and Sarah Burley. He was listed as age 16 in  1851 Bayham Township census with siblings, William age 22, labourer born Canada West, Aaron age 19,  Lavina age 11, Catherine age 7 and S. Ann age 2. The family lived near Lot 10 South Gore Concession Bayham.  Nelson married Martha Johnson of Bayham Township in 1857 and they had a son Harvey born about 1858. Nelson headed for Michigan and is listed in the Leonard Township, Mecosta County (Big Rapids Post office) census of 1860 as age 23 and a farm laborer. He was living with his brother Aaron age 23 and Aaron’s wife Amelia age 23 and their son James L .age 3 months

Nelson served in Merril’s Horse Regiment of the 2nd Missouri Cavalry Company “H” and at the time, he enlisted stated he was from Battle Creek Michigan.           

He returned to Mecosta County and on 29 March 1869 married Sefronia Declair who was age 19 in 1870 census of Austin Township Mecosta County with Nelson being listed as age 29. They were listed in the 1880 census of Austin Township as Nelson Austin, age 44, farmer, parents born in  New York State, wife Suphronia age 25, born Canada with children Carrie age 8, Jenne age 5 and Jessie age 2, all born in Michigan. In 1884, he was a farmer living on Section 29, Austin Township, Stanwood post office. By the 1910 census he was living in Barton Township, Newaygo County and was age 74, married 40 year and a general farmer with wife Sophronia age 55.married 40 years.

She had 3 children with none living. He died 3 May 1921 and is buried in Reynolds Township Cemetery, Montcalm Co., as is his wife Sophronia who died in 1936.        

Nelson’s father  John Austin was in First Regiment of East York Militia in 1828/9. The area included the Town of York (Toronto) and Townships of York east of Yonge Street and Scarborough Township.     
 

AVERY, Alanson                    

Alanson Avery Jr. was the son of Alanson Avery and Nancy Eglin and was born 31 May 1821 likely "En route" from New York State to Oxford County perhaps the Bay of Quinte area of Eastern Ontario as the Averys were moving from the Town of Johnstown, Fulton County to Oxford County. He was raised in West Zorra Township Oxford County Ontario but did not own any land in Zorra  He purchased 50 acres in Lot 186 North Talbot Road, Middleton Township, Norfolk County Ontario in March 1846. He sold the property on 25 November 1850 to Samuel Spicer for 42 Pounds. Whether he ever lived on the property is not known.            

At the time of the 1851 census (January 1852) he was living at home with his parents(age 29 Occupation labourer)  bothers Orin, William and Daniel and sister Eliza. He has not been found  in the 1861 Ontario census nor has there been any other reference to him found in Oxford County. He might have gone to Michigan or Indiana  (his uncle Cornelius Eglin was in Porter County Indiana. by 1850)             

He enlisted on 24 September 1861 at Ellison Illinois as a private with "B" Company of First Regiment of the Missouri Engineers and was mustered in on 31 December 1861 at Otterville Michigan. He also served in Company "K". He was discharged as a private and artificer at Chattanooga Tennesee on 1 November 1864.             

He received land in Greenwood County Kansas under a US Government Act passed in 1870 providing land for  Civil War Veterans. He received a free deed in August 1876 to the West 1/2 of North East 1/4 Quarter (80 acres) and the South East 1/4 of the  North West Quarter (40 acres) of Section 33 in Township Number 26 South and Range 13 East  (Pleasant Grove Township in the South East Corner of Greenwood County)  The land is at the edge of the "Flint  Hills" area east of Wichita  (wheat growing and cattle grazing today in the area) (He sold this property in July of 1890 for $2500 and at the time declared himself a widower). He was married in Kansas for a short time but had no children

By October 1884, he had retired to a small house in the hamlet of Toronto in Woodson County Kansas. In October 1888, he gave power of attorney to his brother Orin to dispose of his property in Sanilac County. At that time he declared himself a single man.                

He purchased 2 lots in Toronto in August 1888 for $300  (He may have been living next door at the time)   He sold these 2 lots plus an adjoining lot for $500 in April 1901 (He was living in Gladwin Michigan at the time and one of the witnesses was Milford E. Raymond, husband of his sister Catherine Avery Moore's daughter Janet Moore Raymond.) 

Alanson seemed to have had to apply a number of times for a Civil War pension. The first record of an application was when he was still living in Kansas at age 58 years.  On 30 November 1879 a statement was given by John McNames age 50 and Peter McNames age 41, that they had known Alanson before he enlisted with the Missouri Engineers and that he was a strong, able bodied man free from disease. This statement was taken at Lexington in Sanilac County Michigan where both the McNames resided at that time.  Alanson next applied for a pension on 18 June 1886 at Coyville, Wilson County Kansas stating that the severe conditions of a march to New Madrid Missouri about 1 September 1863 had caused severe varicose veins in his legs. It appears that he was denied a pension as he made a further application on 28 June 1890 at Toronto, Woodson County Kansas  This application seems to have been approved as he applied for an increase in his invalid pension on 21 August 1891 (age 70) stating that the small fingers of his left hand had been injured by a shell at Fort Madrid as well as having other disabilities of old age.  

      In a statement in May 1893, a neighbour in Toronto Kansas, Henry Coburn, stated that Alanson had lived with him for 3 years, was disabled and did not partake of liquor.  Alanson also stated that he had to be lead during a "March" for several days in 1862 between Johnsonville and Raymond Springs Tennesee because of blindness. He was still living in Toronto Kansas in April 1898 when his niece Henrietta Avery Beardsley (daughter of his brother Henry Avery) died in Toronto in April 1898. She had moved there about 1894 and had married in January 1896 and had been looking after him.             

Alanson went to Gladwin Michigan, shortly after Henrietta's death, where he lived with his niece Nina Moore Wright (another daughter of his sister Catherine Avery Moore) until she died in 1904. He applied for a pension increase in 1901 (age 80) stating he was unable to preform manual labour and at that time signed the Document with an "X" (up to an including 1898 he had been able to sign his name).           

He moved to Croswell after Nina Wright's death and lived with his brother Orin and Orin's daughter Eliza Martin until he died 3 November 1912 from kidney disease at Croswell, and was buried in Croswell Cemetery in the Orin Avery Plot  At the time of his death it appears that he was drawing a pension of $20 per month             

His obituary in the Croswell "Jeffersonian"  stated he was a staunch Republican, a member of the United Brethen Church tho he united with the Baptist Church in Croswell, married while in Kansas but his wife had died many years before. The obit noted he was survived by his brother Orin, sisters, Mrs. Robert Moore of Idaho and Mrs L. Stevens of Chicago. His estate valued at $1375 was left to his brother Orin and included a lot in Croswell.             

Alanson was 6 foot 1/2 inch tall, had a light complexion and blue eyes. None of the rest of the family or any known relatives served in the Civil War.     

BERRY, “Captain” MARK           

Mark Berry was born on 25 September 1843 near Haslemere. Sussex County England He was the son of John and Ganer Berry and came to Canada in 1852, his father dying en route.His mother and the other children went  to Port Stanley, Elgin County in 1855.

In 1859 Mark went sailing on the Great Lakes out of Buffalo New York. He joined the Union Navy in April 1861 at Buffalo as an ordinary seaman and was discharged at Boston on 2 September 1862. He served on the USS Santee.

      He was wounded during the battle of Galveston (Texas). He was in the battle of New Orleans, there he was in the landing party that tore down the Confederate flag from the Court House and ran up the Union Stars and Strips.

      For several years after his discharged, he sailed to Africa, St Helena and South America.           

He returned to Port Stanley and married Mary Ann Hough on 1 January 1868 at the English church in St  Thomas. They had 10 children of whom 8 lived to adulthood.           

He sailed out of Port Stanley for a long time on sailing schooners on all the Great Lakes and earned the name “Captain Mark Berry”. About 1890 he retired from the lakes and opened a general store in Port Stanley and also worked for the Pere Marquette railway at St Thomas.           

He applied for a Civil War pension in March 1907 and again in June 1926, this time saying he had been an invalid for the past 2 years. In September 1938, at the age of 94, he went to Gettysburg Pennsylvania for a eight day reunion of the “Blue and Gray” forces of the Civil War.

      He died on 10 May 1939 at age 95 in Port Stanley and was buried in Braynes Cemetery Lot 14 Range 1 South of Union Road, Southwold Township with his wife Mary Ann 1848_1933 and several of his children. His five daughters survived him but his 3 adult sons predeceased him. 
 

BRADT, Christopher aka BROTT, Christopher

      Christopher Brott was pensioner, born May 1833 in New York State (1900 census of Ward 2 Mason, Ingham County Michigan) His wife was listed as Elmira Brott born February 1836 in Vermont, married 33 years with three child and one living .

He was listed as Christopher Brott in the 1890 Veterans census of Mason, Ingham County as a private with the 6^th Michigan Cavalry enlisting 11September 1862 and mustered out 10 July 1865 having served 2 years 9 months and 29 days. He was in Mason for the 1880 census age 46 born New York “works on track” , wife Phebe age 44 born Vermont (no children listed)

      Obit St Thomas Daily Times, 11 June 1910, Page 5, col 1 copied from Rodney Mercury

Died at the  home of his sister in Clachan where he had lived for the past 9 months _

Christopher  BRADT, 80  years, June 8, brother of Mrs M. (Margaret) PRICE of  Clachan and  Mrs S.  McMILLAN of Alberta; born in Canada; American Civil War Veteran, joined in 1862, honourably discharged and settled in Michigan until a year ago; in receipt of a pension from the US government  Funeral to Purcell  Cemetery, service at the house by Rev D. Barnett; pallbearers were John McLarty, Andrew Allan, Robert Johnston, Alex McIntyre, Patrick Doyle and Alex Campbell.  No monument found in Purcell cemetery _            

His sister, Margaret Bradt Price was born 7 April 1843 and in the 1881 census of Orford  Township, Kent County and was married to James Price age 59. She was in Aldborough Township, Elgin County for the 1901 and 1911 census and was widow in both. She had at leas 4 children.   
 

BROWN, Hiram Partlo            

Hiram Bown was born in Upper Canada on 4 October 1841and was the son of Benajah Malery Brown and Elizabeth Partlo. Benajah Brown was in the 1828 Militia Rolls for Malahide Township Elgin County.  Benajah’s older brother, Walter Brown stayed in Malahide while Benajah  migrated to Missouri before the Civil War and his sons ended up in the Confederate Army. In the 1860 census Benajah was in Carroll County Missouri, Mandaville Post Office  age 56, farmer, born New York State, real estate worth $960 and chattels worth $345 with wife Elizabeth age 51, born Canada and children all born Canada, Oscar O. age 21, Hiram J. age 18 and Miles O. age 13.            

In the 1870 census of Lafayette Township, Clinton County Missouri, Plattsburg Post Office, Banajah was listed as a farmer, age 64, born Canada with wife Elizabeth age 63, born Vermont. With them was son Miles age 23, farm laborer born in Canada. The next family listed in the census was Hiram Brown age 28, farmer born Canada, wife Elizabeth age 24, born Missouri and children George born Missouri age 5, Mary E. age 4 born Illinois and Ann age 2 born Missouri.          

From “The History of Clinton  County, Missouri, 1881, vol. 2, p. 205" "Hiram Brown, farmer, patentee and manufacturer of the Floral Washer, section  8, post office Stewartsville, was born in Canada West, Elgin County, October 4, 1841, and was reared and educated in his native state until sixteen years  of age. In 1853, he accompanied his parents to Carroll County, Missouri, where he followed the painting business. In 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate service, and was detailed as pilot.  He participated in the engagements at Boonville and Lexington, and in 1862, returned to Carroll County, and was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Teeter, a native of Missouri, born July 28, 1845. In the autumn of 1863, he removed to Illinois, near Quincy, engaged in farming for two years and in 1865, came to this county and settled near Stewartsville, and in 1867, purchased his present property, comprising forty acres of well improved land. In 1877, Mr. Brown invented the Floral Washer, a machine of superior merit, and the trade he has built up is a sufficient guarantee of its usefulness and labor saving qualities.

Their family consist of seven children living; George W., Mary, Anna E., Adda D., Effie M.,James O. and Charles H. Lost one son, Willard P.  Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Baptist Church."   

BROWN, Miles O'Riley              

Born at Upper Canada about 1846 son of Benajah Malery Brown (who was in the 1828 Militia Rolls for Malahide Township) and Elizabeth Partlo. In 1860 and 1870 census he was

age 13 and 23, single and was living with his parents (see Hiram Brown)

Civil War Pension filed in Missouri, widow Mary C. Brown  

BROWN, Orange Oscar            

He was born at Upper Canada about 1839 (ref 1860 census) son of Benajah Malery BROWN who was in the 1828 Militia Rolls for Malahide Township and Elizabeth Partlo. Oscar’s age given as 21 in 1860 census, living with parents. He enlisted with the Confederate army as private in the 9^thregiment of Missouri Cavalry (Elliot’s) Company “G”   
 

BURWELL, JOHN RICE           

John Rice Burwell was born on 21 February 1838 in Dunwich Township Elgin County and was the son of Lewis Burwell and Levonia Williams  and grandson of James Burwell.            

Giving his residence as Gratiot County Michigan John enlisted at Ithaca Michigan on

19 August 1861 in the 8^th Regiment Michigan Infantry as a private. He was killed a by a Confederate sharpshooter on 16 June 1862 at James Island South Carolina.           

In 4 years of service from 1861 to July 1865, when the regiment was disbanded, the regiment lost 223 soldiers killed in action and another 226 who died from disease.            

 Lewis Burwell was a mason for Col. Thomas Talbot and died 16 September 1855. 

Levonia Burwell later moved to Southwold Township and then to the hamlet of Fingal.

She drew a Civil war pension for many years before dying on 21 January 1912 at age of 97 years .She was buried in the Fingal cemetery with her husband Lewis.           

Siblings of John Rice Burwell were Maria (Johnson), Jane (Berdan) Peter, Richard, Hercules, Samuel and Amy (Kennedy). Maria‘s husband Howard Johnson also served with the Union forces in the Civil War  
 

CLAY, W. George              

George Clay was born 24 October 1819 in New York State likely near Plattsburg

He married to Agnes Segal on 1 January 1856 at Phelpstown, Ingram County Michigan

She was born 27 January 1832 in Germany. She received a Government pension after the death of George Clay for the rest of her life and died 23 March 1920 at Saginaw Michigan

They had 3 children, Celia born Nov 11 1856, John L. born Nov 27 1858 and Edwin G. born June 24 1861.  

        George lived at Williamstown, Ingham County Michigan at the time of his enlistment

and enlisted at Jackson Michigan on 7 April 1865 at age 44 with 15^th Regiment Michigan Infantry Company “U” as a private and as a substitute for Russell Hammond of Wheatfield, Ingham County.             

Two soldiers of his company stated that “They traveled together from Jackson to Harts Island where they went into barracks. There George Clay spent his time digging a well and wheel borrowing dirt.  He took sick as he had been worked too hard on the army rations of which he was unaccustomed to and of which they did not have enough of.”  The next day the company went by steamer to Morehead City North Carolina where he was very sick, he was then taken back to Davids Island.            

He died on June 1865 at De Camp General Hospital at Davids Island in New York Harbour New York of phthisis pulmonalis and chronic diarrhea and was buried in the National  Cemetery, Brooklyn New York, Grave #3055             

His father was Paul Clay born 24 June 1792 in Vermont and served in an Infantry regiment from New  York in the war of 1812/14. He received warrants for 160 acres of land at Plattsburg for his militia service. Paul was married at Plattsburg N.Y in 1813 to Sarah Rand who born 14 April 1796 in the USA. Paul died 14 June 1871 and Sarah died 25 April 1881 Both died Southwold Township, Elgin County Ontario and was buried in the Fingal cemetery Southwold Township. Sarah drew a pension from the US government as a widow of a soldier in the war of  1812.

      Paul Clay had purchased the North ½ of Lot 10, North Talbot Road Southwold Township

(100 acres) in November 1828 tho he may have been there as early as 1821.  
 

COFFEY, Thomas            

obit St Thomas Daily Times 13 January 1912, Page 1, col 5   

Died   Thomas  Coffey, Jan 13 , Civil War Veteran , died in the International Hotel,

St  Thomas where he was proprietor; lived in St Thomas 40 years; born Sligo County, Ireland and came to America when 14 years old; located in New York and worked as a silk weaver in the mills of A. P. Stewart at Patterson, New Jersey; when he was located at Trenton, New Jersey, the U. S. Civil War broke out and he enlisted in the Federal Army.  Saw active service and at the battle of Wilderness was wounded and again at the battle of Gettysburg. Came to St Thomas in 1872 and went into partnership with Mr. Shaw in conducting a hop yard where Still's mill is now located. He went to work for B. F. Queen in a hotel, then conducted the Martin House on Talbot St west and then to the Western Hotel on St Catharine St.  He sold out to his son Joseph Coffey and he went to Niagara Falls, Ontario conducting a hotel there.  Returned at the end of the year to take over the Balmoral Hotel for a year and then purchased the International Hotel and with his son, Robert conducted this until his death.              Survived by wife, (Mary tho not named); father of 2 sons and 1 daughter,  Robert of the International Hotel and Joseph of the Loney House at Port Stanley and Mrs Mark Vincent a GTR (Grand Trunk Railroad) conductor of Station St.  Funeral Jan 15 from the home of his son Robert Coffey, 9 Alma St to Holy Angels' Church.             

Thomas enlisted as a private at New York City on 11 March 1864. He joined the25^th Regiment of New York Cavalry Company “E”on 14 April 1864 . He was promoted to full Sergeant on 1 June 1865 and mustered out on 27 June 1865 at Harts Island, New York City Harbor.

      1881 census of St Thomas

Thomas Coffee age 48, teamster, born Ireland, Catholic, wife Mary age 28, born USA

children Joseph age 9 born USA, Mary age 7 born Ontario, Robert age 5 born Ontario

Buried plot 185 Holy Angels' Cemetery at St Thomas

Thomas Coffey     _1912. wife Mary Coyne 1850_1917 and sons Joseph and Robert   
 

COOKSON, CALVIN WILBERT           

Calvin Wilbert Cookson was born on 8 September 1845 at Linneus, Restisouke County, Maine USA and was the son of Calvin Grey Cookson and Mary Dow. The family came to Vienna, Elgin County in April 1862 where Calvin Sr became a lumber dealer.             

Calvin Jr. went to Buffalo New York and enlisted as a private on 29^thOctober 1863 in the 24^th Regiment New York  Cavalry Company “D”. He was promoted to full corporal on 1 May 1865 and Transferred to First Provisional Cavalry Company “D” on 17June 18965  was mustered out on 19 July 1865 at Clouds Mills,Virginia.

      Calvin returned to Vienna and married 8 November 1868 to Sarah Harvey who was the daughter of Henry and Jane Harvey of Houghton Township Norfolk County. He lived in the Vienna for 23 years before moving to Concession One, Bayham Township (Nova Scotia line) before 1900. He was the first inspector of the Port Burwell Harbour development scheme and had cleared the right of way for Tillsonburg and Lake Erie Railway between Port Burwell and Tillsonburg.

      He died 14 September 1930 at age 85 and was buried in St Lukes Cemetery at Vienna

with his wife Sarah who died in 1923. His surviving children included Frank born about 1869 and who in 1930 lived in Batavia New York, Nellie (Mrs. A J McKibbin) born about 1877, Flossie (Mrs. Leslie Bradley) born 9 March 1881, Cora P (Mrs. William Price) born about 1885

Three of Calvin’s children predeceased him, William Henry born 1886 and died 1919, Mary J. born 1872 and died 1875 and Anna Belle born 1874 and died 1881.

DAW, JOSEPH           

Joseph Daw was born May 1835 in England and came to the US in 1860.  He enlisted as a private on 29 July 1862 at age 27 at Lexington Michigan in the 22^th Regiment Michigan Infantry Company K, He was discharged because of wounds on 2 June 1864 at Detroit.           

He married Phebe A. Purdy of Vienna Elgin County who was born November 1835 and was the daughter of Obadiah Purdy and Priscilla Anderson who lived Lot 16 Concession 3 Bayham Township Elgin County. Phebe’s brothers Jeremiah and John Purdy both served in the Civil War (see their bios in this publication).            

In 1870 and 1880 Joseph was a wagon maker in Lexington Township, Sanilac County Michigan and in 1900 was farmer in Bridgehampton Township, Sanilac

      They had 8 children in 1900, all born in Michigan, Ann, John, Elias, Catharine, Amelia, William, Obadiah and a second Amelia who died before 1879. Joseph died between 1900 and April 1904 when Phebe drew a widows pension  of $12 per month. Joseph Daw was buried at the East Marion Cemetery Sanilac County.   
 

FERRIN,  DR. SAMUEL ABBOT            

He was born in St Thomas, Elgin County on 19 January 1831,the son of Samuel and Harriet Ferrin. In the 1842 census, Samuel Sr. was a grocer in St Thomas (Yarmouth Township) his father was listed as general merchant and in the 1851 census Samuel Sr. was listed as a general merchant and Samuel Jr was listed as a tinsmith.

      Samuel Jr. went to the USA where he graduated from Rush College in Chicago as a doctor. He went into practice in Highland Iowa with his brother in law, Dr. Andrew, but moved to Montford, Grant County Wisconsin by 1857.  He enlisted as an assistant surgeon on

14 September 1864 with the 32^nd Wisconsin regiment.  He resigned because of disability on

11 May 1865 where upon he undertook his old medical practice at Montford, but found the duties were too heavy for his constitution.            

In 1871 he was elected to Wisconsin State legislature but the workload took its tole and he died, age 44 years 2 months and 10 days on 29 March 1875 at Mineral Point Wisconsin .

He was survived by his wife Mary who he married about 1853 and 4 children, Elizabeth born about 1853 in Canada, Charles born about 1855 in Canada and Frank born about 1857 and Samuel born about 1859 in Wisconsin.            

He was also survived by his mother and his sister Louisa H. born about 1822 in the USA who married David Parish of St Thomas on 5 September 1843. He also had a brother Edward born about 1844. Ref  Obit from Canadian Home Journal of 14 May 1875 (published

St Thomas)   and census and marriage records 
 

GEDDES,  5 Brothers

      Alexander Geddes and his wife Elizabeth Careless had twelve children, seven sons, five of whom of whom served in the civil war. Alexander was born 19 December 1799 in London England and married Elizabeth on 9 September 1926 in Edinburgh Scotland. The five oldest children were born in Scotland. Between April 1836 and December 1837,the family came to Ontario, with William, Charles, Andrew and John being born at or near St Thomas. By the time of 1851 census, Alexander and some of the family were in Westminister Township Middlesex County. By 1853 or 1854 Alexander and some of family were back in St. Thomas. Shortly after 1860 Alexander and family when to Iowa settling at Vinton, Benton County. Elizabeth died

9 March 1873 at Vinton. In the 1880 census Alexander was a widower living with his son James, still at Vinton Iowa.  Alexander died 25 October 1883 at Ames Iowa.

      The daughters of Alexander and Elizabeth were

-Hannah Patricia born 13 October 1829 at Edinburgh died 1919 Vinton Iowa

She was listed in the 1851 St Thomas census as a servant.

-Catherine born 15 July 1831 Edinburgh married Jacob Sutton in Ontario to Iowa before 1855

-Margaret born 15 December 1837 in Ontario

-Elizabeth born 2 April 1851 in Ontario, died 1920 at Bremerton Washington State

-Wilhemina born 12 October 1853 in Ontario, died 1922 in Colorado

Other sons were

-Alexander was born 39 January 1834 in Edinburgh. He married Margaret Fivies (Children?)

He was listed, single living with a group of men,  age 37 and occupation cook in the 1870 census of the second ward of San Francisco. He died 14 July 1870  at San Francisco

(tho some sources state he too was in the Union army I (RGM) have not found any record of him)

-William died young in 1836 
 

GEDDES, James Lorraine

      James was born 19 March 1827 in Edinburgh Scotland and came to Canada with the family. In 1843 he returned to Scotland and then to India where he studied at Calcutta in the British military academy. He entered the British Army in the Royal Horse Artillery and distinguished himself in the Punjab campaign in the First Anglo_Afghan War, particularly at the Khyber Pass .

      He came to Ontario and married Margaret Moore on 14 October 1856 in Ontario.

He was a clerk at Black’s store in St Thomas. He was also a lieutenant, adjutant and drill-master with the St Thomas (Ontario) volunteer militia Cavalry. The Cavalry presented him with a purse of 27 pounds 10 shilling on 19 June 1857 in appreciation of his services. He likely moved to Vinton Iowa at the same time where he taught school..

      He enlisted at Davenport Iowa on 16 September 1861 and was commissioned as a Captain of the 8^th Regiment  Iowa Infantry. He was promoted to Full Lieutenant Colonel on

23 September 1861 and a Full Colonel on 7 February 1862. He was wounded and captured by the Confederate forces with most of his regiment at the battle of Pittsburg Landing aka as Shiloh

(5-7 April 1862). He was imprisoned for a time at Madison, Georgia, and in Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia . After being exchanged in early 1863, he fought at Vicksburg and Jackson .

      In October 1863, he was given command of a brigade and sent to Brownsville, Texas . Subsequently, he served as the Provost Marshal of Federal occupied Memphis, Tennessee , which he saved from seizure by Confederate cavalry under Nathan Bedford Forrest .

He commanded a brigade in the Mobile Campaign and fought with distinction at the Battle of Spanish Fort . On 5 June 1865 Geddes was brevetted a brigadier general of volunteers for his distinguished war service. He resigned from Company D on 30 June 1865, and was mustered out of the service at Selma Alabama on 20 April 1866.

      After the war, James was principal of the Iowa College for the Blind at Vinton, and until his death was connected with the Iowa College of Agriculture at Ames, being military instructor and cashier in 1870- 1882, acting president in 1875-77, librarian in 1877-78, vice_president and professor of military tactics in 1880- 82, and treasurer in 1884-87. He wrote a number of popular war songs, including The Soldiers' Battle Prayer and The Stars and Stripes.

He died 21 February 1887 in Ames and is buried there.

      He and Margaret (who died May 1875 at Ames) had 6 children, Patricia, Phebe Ann,

James Lorraine, Margaret, Charles and Alexander   
 

GEDDES, William

      William was born 15 May 1840 at or near St Thomas Ontario. He went with the family to Vinton Iowa in 1858. He enlisted as a Second Sergeant on 9 August 1862 at age 22 and helped his brother James organize Company “D” of the 8th Iowa infantry. In as much as four of his brothers were already in the regiment he decided to enlist on 4 September 1862 in the 28^th Regiment Iowa Infantry Company “D”. He was promoted to a Full Sergeant on 1 January 1863 and received a disability discharge on 11 April 1863 at Helena Arkansas.

 He returned to Vinton and married on 6 June 1867 to Amanda Jane Marine. (Children?) After living in many areas of the country,  he moved to Washington D. C. near his brother Andrew. He died 7 December 1919. (not listed in Arlington National Cemetery)  
 

GEDDES, Charles

      Charles was born 15 August 1842 at or near St Thomas Ontario. He went with the family to Vinton Iowa in 1858. He enlisted as a private on 25 February 1862 in the 16^th Regiment Iowa Infantry Company “I”. He was wounded in the Battle of Shiloh in the left thigh but returned to his regiment. He was promoted to Full Sergeant on 4 September 1864 and Full First Sergeant on 4 June 1865 and a full Second Lieutenant on 5 June 1865.  He was mustered out on 19 July 1865 at Louisville Ky. He went to Colorado looking for gold with his brothers and homesteaded in South Dakota and Nebraska. He married Helen May Hayward on 15 June 1875 at Red Oak, Iowa . They had 6 children, George, Charles. Bessie, Mary Murray and Earl. He moved to Beatrice, Gage County Nebraska in 1889 and followed his trade as a shoemaker. He was listed in the 1890 census of Civil War Veterans at  Beatrice Ne. He died on 9 February 1932 at Beatrice and was buried in the Evergreen Home Cemetery at Beatrice. 
 

GEDDES, Andrew J.

      Andrew was born 17 August 1844 at or near St Thomas. He worked for a time at the office of the Canadian Home Journal newspaper in St Thomas before moving to Chicago and eventually to Vinton Iowa where his parents lived. He enlisted at Cedar Rapids Iowa on 24 April 1861 as a private in 1^st Regiment Iowa Infantry Company “K” giving his age as 18. He was mustered out of Company “K” on 21 August 1861. He joined the 8^thRegiment Iowa Infantry Company “D”, and with his brother James was captured at Shiloh. He was in a prison in Montgomery Alabama in May 1862. He was also at the battles of Springfield. Corinth, Iuka Vicksburg, Bradon and Spanish Fort (Ref C H J of 31 May 1866)    After being exchanged he was promoted on 1 October 1862 to Captain in the 8^th Regiment. On 1 July 1865 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He was mustered out at Selma Alabama on 20 April 1866

      Andrew remained in the regular army for 14 years after the Civil War ended and at one time was stationed at frontier post in Texas. After being discharged he went to Washington D.C. and served as chief clerk of the Department of Agriculture and filled a number of other government positions.

      He married Florence Towers and had 5 children, Elizabeth, Andrew, John, Riena and Esther. He was listed at Washington D C. in the 1890 census of Civil War Veterans

He died 3 November 1921 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery as Captain Andrew Geddes.           . 
 

GEDDES, John

      John was born 5 March 1847 at or near St Thomas. He enlisted as a private in

18^th Regiment Iowa Infantry Company “H” on 21 May 1864 giving his age as 18. He enlisted in 47^th Regiment Iowa Infantry Company “C”on 4 June 1864 and was mustered out on 28 September 1854 at Davenport Iowa. He died 2 September 1867 in Nebraska. 
 

HOUGHTON, George L.           

George L Houghton was born 28 August 1841 in Yarmouth ,Elgin County, and was the son of Rufus Houghton who was born about 1795 in New York State and Lucy U/K born about 1808 in Canada. Rufus with a family of 8 was listed in the 1842 census of Yarmouth Township, Elgin County with a farm of 100 acres. The family moved to Ostego, Allegan County Michigan about 1845 and onto Brookfield Township, Lasalle County Illinois by 1860. Rufus seems to have died between 1850 and 1860. In the 1860 census of Brookfield, George was listed as age 19, a farm labourer.            

George enlisted 27 August 1862 in Cook County Illinois and served as a private in

104th Illinois Infantry Company “D”. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor “Voluntarily joined a small party that under heavy fire captured a stockade and saved a bridge at Elk River Tennessee on 2 July 1863". The Medal was not until issued 27 March 1900.           

George was mustered out on 6 June 1865. In 1910 George was living in Christopher, Kings County, Washington State with his wife of nine years, Emma. George was a house carpenter. George died 25 February 1917 and was buried at Soldier’s Home Cemetery at Orting, Washington State (Tacoma area) Section 4 Row 9 Grave 42.           

His siblings, born in Canada included Lewis born about 1827, Edward born about 1833, Anna born about 1845, Olive born about 1837, Daniel born about 1839 and Lydia born about 1843 and siblings born in Michigan, Merrit born about 1846 and Julia born 1849.   
 

HUFF, James           

James Huff was born 20 March 1845 near Sparta, Yarmouth Township Elgin County.

His father Abraham Huff was listed in the 1842 census of Yarmouth as a farmer born in the USA on 100 acres. Abraham died before 1861 when the Yarmouth Township census listed Rachel, 

a widow born in USA age 37 and children John age 22, William age 19 and James age15            

In 1862 James together with his brother and sister settled near Bellvue, Sarpy County Missouri. On 18 October 1862 James enlisted as a private in the second Nebraska Cavalry Company “D” for frontier Indian Service at Omaha, Fort Kearney and Genoa Nebraska, protected the Pawney Tribe against the Sioux. He was discharged at Omaha on 18 September 1863.           

He was married on 6 April 1869 at Council Bluffs, Iowa to Laura Ellen Diskell and lived on a homestead near Scribner, Dodge County, Nebraska. He soon moved to Fremont Nebraska and there was a Justice of the Peace, acting Dodge County judge and secretary of a State Senate Committee. He was in Fremont for the June 1891 roster of ex Civil war soldiers living in Nebraska. He joined the Mormon Church in June 1887 and in June 1892 was ordained an Elder in the Church.  He moved to Omaha Nebraska in 1893, He applied for Civil War pension on

8 August 1890 because of kidney disease. He again applied for a pension in March 1907 and March 1915 stating he was five foot seven inches tall and had blue eyes and brown hair, and was a teacher. He was very active in the Mormon Church from 1892 onwards in North East Nebraska.           

He died 2 February 1929 at Omaha and was buried in Graceland Park cemetery Omaha. His wife had died 24 Sept 1919 at Omaha. He had two sons Lee and Dennis and three daughters May and Lyle Huff and Mrs A C. Congrove. 
 

HUNT, Francis aka Francis Hunt Carrigan

      Francis was born 6 July 1841 near Poutney Vermont and was the son of Patrick Carrigan and Margaret Hunt. He enlisted on 8 May 1861 in the 2^ndRegiment Vermont Infantry age 16.

His regiment was in the battles of Bull Run, Yorktown and Wiliamsburg tho he may not have been a participant. The carnage of war was too much for him and he was listed as a deserter on

8 May 1862.

      He came to Ontario and called himself “Francis Hunt”and worked as blacksmith in Norwich, Oxford County where he married Mary Ellen James on 19 January 1864.

He moved to Petrolia Lambton County in 1864 or 65. By 1867 had moved to Ingersoll, Oxford County. In the fall of 1872 attracted by the building of the Canada Southern Railway he moved to St Thomas, Elgin County where he worked as blacksmith.

      He serving on St Thomas School board and St Thomas city council and wrote a few articles for the local newspapers.

      He became city editor of the St Thomas Evening Journal Newspaper in September 1881

This lasted until 1886, when he moved to Talbot road in Southwold Township and became a farmer Township, He served on Southwold councils and became Reeve in 1898.

      He was appointed a police magistrate in St Thomas in 1903 and continued until the late 1920s. He and Mary had 6 children James, Arthur, Maggie, Edward, Mary and Francis Frederick

Francis Hunt died 5 January 1928 and was buried in the St Thomas cemetery on West Street in section “OSE”

      Francis wrote many articles on life in Elgin County and its peoples which were published in local newspapers. Over 30 of these articles were gathered and edited by the local

St. Thomas historian, the late George Thorman.

      The Elgin Historical Society published Thorman’s work in 1989 under the title

“Essays on Elgin County” “Pioneer Sketches by Francis Hunt”.  
 

JENNINGS, William  Arthur E.

      William Jennings was born in May 1849 in London England. At age 14 he was a scout in the American civil war. He was with Canadian forces and was wounded during the Riel Rebellion in the Canadian west.  He lived in West Lorne, Elgin County in 1911 before signing up for overseas duty in WWI at age 65 and was again wounded. After WWI he came to

St Thomas where he was in the contracting business for a number of years moving to Windsor about 1923. He returned to St Thomas in 1942 where he lived with his daughter Mrs W. F. Lang of Beverly Street. He died 2 October 1947, age 98  and was buried in South Park Cemetery St. Thomas.

      He married Jeanette C. Belton who was born in November 1865 and died 5 September 1942 at St. Thomas and was also buried in South Park Cemetery. Their child included Florence born August 1896, Lila B. born May 1899, John B, born May 1901, Edith born June 1905 and Thomas Arthur. born June`1910, George and Robert. 
 

JOHNSON, Howard

      Howard Johnson was born November 1834  and lived in the 1850s in either Southwold or Dunwich Townships Elgin County. He went to Michigan in the late 1850's with his family

He was married on 12 September 1858 at Pontiac Michigan to Maria Burwell, the daughter of Lewis Burwell and Levonia Williams She was born 26 June 1835 a mile west of Fingal in Southwold township and was the sister of John Rice Burwell (see write up) . They were listed in the 1860 census of Emerson Township Gratiot County Michigan (Ithaca Post Office) along with their son Charles age 1 .

      Howard also joined the Union army likely the 8^th Regiment Michigan Infantry as his brother-in-law, John Burwell was in that unit . The family lived after the war in Michigan for a time but were back in Ontario before the 1911census as Howard and Maria were listed in Essex (town) Essex county. Howard died in 1911 on a fruit farm at Essex Centre.

      In her old age Maria lived with her daughter Mrs R (Fannie) Kitchen at Eden, Bayham Township Elgin County, She died 27 January 1938 at age 102.

Howard and Maria also had an other daughter Mrs Edmond Parker of Kingsville, Ontario

In 1935. son Charles was living in Detroit. Daughter Fannie was born in 1867, died 1955 and was buried Eden Cemetery as Fannie Johnson, wife of C. Allemand 
 

LEON, Alexander              

Alexander Leon enlisted on 18 November 1863 as a Private at the age of 22 in

37th Regiment Massachusetts Infantry Company “G”. He transferred into 20^th Regiment  Massachusetts Infantry Company “C” on 19 June 1865 and was mustered out of Company “C” on 16 July 1865 at Washington D.C..(Seems strange mustered out before transferal)

Residence: St.  Thomas, Canada and his occupation: Farmer 
 

LESLIE, George 

      George Leslie born 15 August 1824 in Scotland and came to Canada as an infant with his parents living in Toronto. He enlisted in the 12^th Regiment New York Cavalry, Company “F” on 3 February 1863 at Buffalo New York as a private. Transferred to Company “E” on 2 May 1863 During the War he was promoted to Full Sergeant and Full Commissary Sergeant. He was mustered out  as a private on 19 July 1865 at Raleigh North Carolina having served 2 years 5 months and 16 days .

      He was married before 1859 to Susan U/K and lived many years at the Old Soldiers Home at Bath, Steuben County New York. He was there for the special 1890 census of veterans, it was noted he was disabled crossing a river. He was still in Bath for the 1900 census. In his old age he lived with his son Frank Leslie of Sydenham Street Aylmer, Elgin County He died there on 1 June 1909 and was buried in the Aylmer cemetery plot B280 1824-1909. His wife Susan’s name is on the G/S as Susan Leslie 1828-1880 as well as his sons Fred Leslie 1865-1898 and Frank Leslie 1863-1947

      He also had a son Norman Leslie who lived in Winnipeg in 1909 and a son A. Augustus born 27 September 1867 who lived in Aylmer in 1909 and was in the North Battleford area of Saskatchewan in 1810. 
 

McKAY, Abner         

Abner McKay was the son of William and Elizabeth McKay who lived 1853 to 1893 on Lots 1 and 2 Concession 1, Southwold Township, Elgin County. Abner was born 1839 in Nova Scotia. He enlisted as a private in the 29^th Regiment Michigan Infantry Company “B” at Hampton Michigan on 31 August 1864. He had a club foot and served as a cook.  He was discharged on June 16 1865 with service of 9 months and 15 days.

      At the time of 1871 Southwold Township census he was living with his parents, was single and a farmer. He went back to Michigan and was granted a pension in 1879 as an invalid.  

      In the 1880 census he was in Gilford, Tuscola County Michigan, single, and a farm labourer.  When the 1890 Special Veterans Census was taken, he was in Kent County Veterans Home. (Grand Rapids Michigan) and a report of 1895 stated he had paralysis. In 1910 he was in the Government Hospital for the Insane at Washington D.C. He died 23 October 1910 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery Washington D.C   Burial site 17818             

Family of William McKay 1805_1893 and Elizabeth Chrocheron 1806-1893 both buried McArthur Cemetery Southwold were

1. Gilbert born about 1829 (married Rhoda Berdan 3 children) member of GAR, killed 1862 and buried Corinth Mississippi National Cemetery

2. Elizabeth born about 1832 (married John Wells who was in Huron County Michigan in 1860

3. William born 25 Oct  1835 (married Jane Vale went to Michigan)

4. Abner born about 1839 in Nova Scotia died 1910 and buried Arlington National Cemetery Washington D.C

5. Isaiah born 15 Sept  1844 (1901  census) married with children lived Dunwich Township Elgin County

6. Cyrus born 12 Sept 1847 died 1924 never married, buried McArthur Cemetery     
 

McKAY,  Gilbert

      Gilbert McKay was the son of William  and Elizabeth McKay who lived 1853 to 1893 on Lots 1 and 2 Concession 1  Southwold Township, Elgin County. .Gilbert was born about 1822 in Nova  Scotia. He gave his residence as Sebewaing, Huron County Michigan when he enlisted as a private at East Saginaw Michigan on 25 November 1861 in the 14^th Regiment Michigan Infantry ,Company “A”   (His sister Elizabeth Wells and his uncle Ebenezer McKay were living at  Sebewaing).  He trained at Ypsilanti Michigan and was sent to Mississippi in the summer of 1862. He was killed on 22 August 1862 while on guard duty at Tuscumbia Alabama when the tree, that he was standing under was hit by lightning. He was buried in the National Cemetery at Corinth, Mississippi.            

His wife, Rhoda Bredan and his children, Arvilla, William born about 1856 and Jonathon born about 1860 returned to Ontario and moved later to Michigan when Rhoda remarried. William and Jonathon were with their grandparents McKay in the 1871 Southwold Township census.                  
 

McLaughlin, Dr. Miar            

Miar McLaughlin was born March 1840 on Lot 20, South of Talbot Road East, Southwould Township (Fingal). He was the son of Thomas and Lydia  (Pettit) McLaughlin, being one of ten children. Miar attended Victoria College Toronto and Bellevue Hospital Medical College New  York graduating as a doctor in 1865. He was appointed in June 1864 as an Assistant Surgeon at the McDougal Civil War Army hospital at Fort Schuyler (Throgs Neck,

The Bronx, New York). He served until fall and then again in 1865 until August when he was discharged, the Civil War being over. He returned to Fingal practicing medicine there until December 14 1869.

      He went to Jackson Michigan in February 1870 and was a physician there until after 1900. Miar died 2 March 1908 and was buried at the Mount  EvergreenCemetery Jackson.              

Miar married Emma A. Cromon of Jackson in April 1875. They had 4 children, Lawrence born about 1877, Lydia born April 1879, Mabel born Dec 1882 and Miar J. born September 11 1888. An application for a civil war pension as an invalid was made by Miar on June 18 1886, and an application for widow’s pension was made by Emma A. McLaughlin on 27 April 1908. On the index card was written "acting Asst Surgeon USA" (no regiment or dates).

Miar's son, Miar Jr. was also a doctor in Jackson Michigan in 1930.                     

Miar's siblings were John born about 1820, Thomas born about 1822 unmarried,  Nancy born about 1825 unmarried, William born 1826 married, Michael born about 1830, Lawrence born 1832, a medical doctor in Dunwich Township, James born about 1835, a medical doctor at Fingal, Daniel born about 1841 and Mary born about 1843.     
 

McMichael,  Charles Patton            

obit St Thomas Daily Times 20 May  1912 Page 4 col 3 

Died _  at home,  5  Wright Ave., Hamilton, Ontario _ Charles Patton McMichael, 67 years,

May  16, born in Brantford and moved with his parents to Woodstock;  husband of Mrs Annie McMichael; father of Cora McMichael and Stanley L. McMichael of  Cleveland; brother of

J. F. McMichael of Scott St., St  Thomas;             

Veteran of the American Civil War, enlisting as a volunteer in the sixties, serving several years as a private; moved to Hamilton 35 years ago;  burial Hamilton Cemetery

      Charles enlisted as a private at Flint Michigan on 13 February 1865 in the 7^thRegiment Michigan Cavalry Company “I”. He gave his age as 19. He was mustered out on 15 December 1865 at Fort Leavenworth Kansas. 
 

MILLER, David

      David was born 26 January 1843 in Germany and came to New York State with his parents. There was a David Miller age 17, born Germany  in the 1860 census of Lancaster, Erie County New York. He enlisted on 30 August 1862 at Batavia New York in the 2^nd New York Heavy Artillery Company “M”. To Ninth New York Artillery on 28 October 1862 and to Company “M” on 27 June 1865 .Mustered out on 29 September 1865 at Washington D.C.

      After the Civil War, he went to Ohio and in 1879 came to Rodney area of Aldborough Township Elgin County. He was listed in the 1881 Aldborough census as David Miller age 38, .farmer, Presbyterian, born Germany, with wife Catherine age 41 born Germany. Their children were Jacob born about 1861 (He may have been a son of Catherine from a previous marriage), Fred born about 1869, Henry born about 1869, Albert born about 1871, Martin born 1 December 1874, Louis born about 1876 and Benjamin F born 1 November 1877

      The 1891 census of Aldborough lists David Miller age 49, occupation teamster, his wife Catherine age 51 and children, Albert age 20, Martin age 16, Louis age 14 and Benjamin age 12

      David Miller died 4 September 1907 in Rodney and was buried in the Rodney cemetery though there is no Grave Stone.  His obit in the St Thomas Daily times stated he was survived by his wife and 4 sons (not named). He drew a pension as an invalid from about 1887 and his wife drew a widow’s pension from 1907.

      David’s son Benjamin Miller died 1 February 1928, age 50 and is also buried in Rodney

Cemetery with no grave stone. His obit noted he had brothers Martin, Louis and Fred.

David’s son, Martin Miller died 1940 and is buried with his wife Jennie Bell McCallum Campbell (1872-1955) in the Rodney cemetery as well.  
 

NICKERSON, David Rober            

David Nickerson was born Elgin County, Upper Canada, on January 1846, and was the son of David V. Nickerson and Jane McKenney Preston. The David Nickerson family was listed in the 1842 census of Southwold Township with 7 members on a farm of 200 acres, Lot 13

Range 2 North of the Lake Road. David Sr was son of Eluid Nickerson UEL and a brother of Levi and Nathaniel of Malahide Township Elgin County.

      The Nickersons were in Trenton Township, Dodge County Wisconsin by 1850 and were still there in 1860. David joined the 9^th Regiment Minesota Infantry on 2 March 1864 as a private and died on 1 August 1864.at Memphis Tennessee.  He was buried at the Memphis National Cemetery. David’s siblings were John born about 1837, Bulah J. born about 1842, George born about 1850 and Bianca born about 1851.   
 

PRESTON, Jeremiah             

 Jeremiah was the father of Delilah Preston who was the wife of George H. Rapelje, of Elgin County. Jeremiah Preston was born in New York State, aged 38, a laborer when he volunteered on 28 July 1865 at Pontiac, Oakland County, Michigan to be a private in

7^th Regiment Michigan. Cavalry, Company "H". He was last in service at Brownsville Texas on 15 November 1866. He applied for a pension on 27 April 1887 at Bay City Michigan but never received a pension and lived his life in poverty. He died 30 April 1904 at West Bay City, Michigan. Death Record no. 8703, Aged 85 years 8 months 20 days      Widowed (Parmelia (Maxon) Preston  He was buried Oak Ridge Cemetary, Bay City Section 452 South   
 

PURDY, Jeremiah             

Jeremiah Purdy was born 1830 at Vienna, Bayham Township, Elgin County, and was the son of Obediah Purdy and Priscilla Anderson who lived Lot 16 Concession 3 Bayham..

Jeremiah married in 1854 to Eliza Bemis in Erie County Ohio.            

He was a Private in the  7^th Regiment Michigan Cavalry Company "H". The 1880 census of Vevay Township, Ingham County Michigan lists Jerry Purdy, age 47, farmer, wife Eliza age 44 and adopted son Frank age 9. The 1900 census of Vevay Township lists Jerry Purdy born August 1833, farmer, married 45 years, born Canada, parents born New York State, wife Eliza born Ohio on July 1836.                       

Jeremiah died in Forester Township, Sanilac County Michigan on 19 August 1904 age 74 of Bright's disease and is buried in East Marion Cemetery, Section 25 Marion Township, Sanilac County with a GAR marker.  Eliza died 4 July 1903 in Forester Township and is buried in East Marion Cemetery with Jeremiah.   
 

PURDY, John            

John Purdy was a brother of Jeremiah Purdy and was born 10 March 1838 at Vienna, BayhamTownship, Elgin County and was a son of Obediah Purdy and Priscilla Anderson who lived Lot 16 Concession 3 Bayham. He moved with his parents to Sanilac County Michigan after 1844 but before 1850,  John married in Erie County Ohio to Frances L. Sweet on 17 October 1861 at Sandusky Ohio. She was born 1844 in Ohio.           

He enlisted on 29 April 1861 in the 8^thRegiment Ohio Infantry Company “D” at Norwalk Ohio and served until 18 August 1861. He then enlisted on 17 September 1861 and served until 31 December 1863 in the 55^th Regiment Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry Company “C”.

      He re enlisted on 1 January 1864 in the 55 ^th Regiment Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry Company “C”  at Lookout Valley Tennessee and was discharged at Louisville Kentucky on 11 July 1865. He was six foot tall, of light complexion, blue eyes and light hair.           

He became ill in Virginia, moved with Infantry to Savannah and to Atlanta after Savannah being placed in a cart to move with army where on 25 July 1864 he suffered

“exposure and contracted rheumatism and affection of head” (as per pension application)            

After the war he lived in Huntington County Indiana for 5 years, Ottawa County Ohio for 5 years and 2 years in Lucas County before going to Wood County Ohio.            

He was listed in the 1880 census of Oak Harbor, Ottawa County Ohio as John Purdy

age 42, works in a blacksmith shop, wife Frances age 36, born in Ohio and children William

age 18 , a common laborer, born Ohio, Orson age 13 born Ohio, Ernestine (married name Stuart) age 10 born Indiana and Leselle age 8 months born Ohio. John was a blacksmith for many years.           

John received a $25 a month pension for 8 years before he died on 30 January 1920 in West Millgrove, PerryTownship, Erie County Ohio and buried Riverside cemetery West Millgrove.  

RAPELJE, Daniel Barclay            

Daniel Rapelje was born 15 April 1849 in St Thomas, Elgin County and was the son of

Daniel Barclay Rapelje and Nancy Thayer, both born in Canada. Barclay was the son of Daniel Rapelje and Elizabeth Vandervoort, early settlers of St Thomas.           

Daniel volunteered on 23 March 1865 at East Saginaw, Saginaw County, Michigan. as Daniel L. Rapelje. He served as a private in the 6^th Regiment Michigan Cavalry Company "F" and as a  private in 1^st Regiment Michigan Cavalry Company "K". He was discharged from the service on 30 June, 1866 at Detroit Michigan as the war was over.           

He married as Daniel Lambert Rapelje to Mary Elisabeth Smith at London, Middlesex County, Canada on October 30, 1911.  The 1920 census of Mount Clemens, Macomb County, Michigan lists Rapelje, Daniel L. age 70 retired, to the US in 1865, wife Mary age 66 to US in 1909.   His pension was notarized March 30 1926 at St. Cloud Florida and commenced

April 15 1926 in the amount of $72.00 per month.  

      Daniel died June 2 1927 at 104 Chilson Street, Mount Clemens, Mi.   

RAPELJE, George Henry aka  Hiram              

George Rapleje was born in Canada about 1845 and was likely a grandson of Daniel Rapelje and Elizabeth Vandervoort, early settlers of St. Thomas.            

He enlisted 5 January 1864 at Mansfield Ohio as a private 77^th Regiment Ohio Infantry, Company “D” and gave his age as 18 and his occupation as a shoemaker. He was enrolled on

9 January 1864 in 42^nd Regiment Ohio Infantry Company “C”. He was discharged on

15 November 1865 at Washington D.C. as the war was over. He was 5 foot 7 inches tall, of fair complexion with grey eyes and brown hair and could read and write.                

He married on 22 July 1872 at Kawkawlin, Bay County Michigan stating he was age “22"

occupation shoemaker and born in Canada, to Lavina Preston age 17, resident of Kawkawlin,

and born at  Essexville, Mich.            

A declaration of the Original invalid pension was made in Bay County Michigan on 

17 March 1884 saying he was a resident of West Bay City, Bay County, and his wife was

Delilah Rapelje. He received a pension of $8 per month. He died, age 94 years 2 months 28 days (likely incorrect)   Informant “a” George Rapelje, 405 South Howard, Lansing Michigan

George was buried in Oakridge Cemetery at Bay City.     
 

ROLLS, Alfred

       Alfred Rolls was the fourth child of Dr. James Arnold Rolls and Maria Isabella Sims born March 26 1837 in St Thomas. His parents were  involved with Colonel Talbot and his settlement. His father was also one of  the first doctors/druggists in the area. Alfred Rolls went to the University of Toronto to get his medical training. He was married to widow Bellle Plunkett. When he  graduated the Civil War had broken out and he went to the Union army as a surgeon   remaining until the end of the war. He contacted smallpox ( the vaccination did not take) and died in Nashville Tenn. on 30 December1865,   
 

RYAN, Michael S.           

Michael Ryan was born at Lowell, Massachusetts on May 16 1848, the son of Michael Ryan of St Johns, Michigan; He served in the US Civil War and came to St.  Thomas in July 1883. (Because of the large number of Michael Ryans listed as serving from both Massachusetts and Michigan. It is not known what regiment her served with)

      His obit in the St Thomas Daily Times of 11 April 1914, noted he died at his home,

31 Jonas St., St Thomas in his 66th year on April 9. He was a Civil War Veteran and a Michigan Central Railroad train conductor for the past 37 years. He had started as a yardmaster in Detroit in 1877.

      He was survived by his wife Winnifred born 16 December 1857 (1901 census) daughters.

Mrs Charles Corbett (Catharine) of 16 Queen St., and Misses Wynn and Mayme at home.

He was also survived by sons John M. a conductor on the Pere Marquette of St. Thomas; and Neil at home as well as his mother, 5 sisters and 3 brothers, including H. B. Ryan a brother from Harbor Beach Michigan; sisters Anna and Nora Ryan from St Johns, Michigan;           

Michael was buried in the St Thomas, West Ave Cemetery  BL1283 large grey granite on grey granite base  Michael S. RYAN / died Apr. 9, 1914 / in his 65th year (tho the obit give 66^th year) ( also his son) / John M. RYAN / 1876_1954   
 

SHOWERS Michael

      Michael Showers III was born 4 September 1823 likely in West Zorra Township Oxford County.  He was the son of Michael Showers and Rosannah Thornton. He was the grandson of Michael Showers who was a Butlers Ranger and grandson of Abel Thornton and Rachel Burdick of Oxford County, Rachel Burdick was a sister of Caleb Burdick, Methodist preacher of Malahide Township Elgin County. Michael Showers had a brother Chauncy Showers born July 1824.

      Michael married about 1845 to Hannah McPherson in Ontario  She was born about 1815 and died on 24 May 1891 in Melita, Arenac County, Michigan.

      They had 4 children,

1. Angus Showers born on 13 February 1846 in  Middlesex County Ontario, 

2. Sarah Ann Showers born on 25 November 1847. She died in Dutton, Elgin County, Ontario, . She was married to Nelson Eastwood Cady on 6 June 1868.  Nelson Cady was born on 17 April 1845 and was the son of Isaac Cady and Elizabeth Harvey.  He died 1 April 1923 age 78, at Dutton and was buried Fairview Cemetery Dutton, no monument

      Their son, David Alonzo (Lon) Cady was born 10 April 1873 and died at Dutton about 10 May 1950 in his 78th year who married Mary Jane Sutton who was born 1876 and died January 1936 and who was also buried Fairview Cemetery Dutton. Township, and

      An other son, William Nelson Cady born 24 April 1879  joined Canadian Army at St Thomas, February 1916. He lived 87 Fifth Ave St Thomas, was a railway worker, died 9 April 1929 and was buried in Section F St Thomas Cemetery (West Ave)

3. David Showers born on 3 August 1850

4. James McPherson Showers born on 22 July 1853.

      Michael Showers left his wife, Hannah in Ontario and went to Michigan and married

Amanda Ann Smoke on 8 May 1861 in Oakland County, Michigan. She was born in Canada May 1846. They had 2 children, Alanson M P Showers born on 16 January 1861 and Susan Harriett Showers born on 14 October 1862 both born Oakland County Michigan

      Michael Showers enlisted at age 38, on 27 July 1862 in the 22^nd Regiment Michigan Infantry Company “A” ,as a private (age 38) at Pontiac Michigan . He gave his residence as Waterford, Oakland County Michigan. Although the regiment fought at battles at Chickamauga, Chattanooga and Kenesaw it is not known when or where Michael was captured by the Confederate forces. He was a prisoner at Andersonville (Georgia) prison camp for a time and was there treated for scurvy.

      He was part of a prisoner exchange by the Confederates on 1 April 1865. He was among some 2000 Union men who were on the steamboat “Sultana” after being released by the Confederates. On 27 April 1865, one of the Sultana’s boilers blew up while on the Mississippi River just above Memphis Tennessee. The steamer took fire and about 1700 men mostly Union soldiers including Michael Showera  were lost. The boat should have only been carrying 376 persons The operator received $5 for each soldier carried and $10 for each officer.  

Michael’s widow Amanda drew a pension under the name Amanda Smoke and under the name

Amanda French . She remarried at Elmwood, Tuscola County Michigan on 15 October 1871 to Samuel French. In the 1880 census they were in Gifford Township, Tuscola County where Samuel was a farm labourer and by 1900 were in Windsor Township Huron County Michigan.  
 

SMITH, Samuel O.           

Residence: St  Thomas, Canada West. Enlistment Date: 05 July 1862. Distinguished Service,: Served: in Union Army for State of Indiana. Unit Numbers: 629 629.

He enlisted as a Corporal on 5 July 1862 in the 75^th Regiment Indiana Infantry Company ”C”

and was mustered out on 8 June 1865 at Washington D.C. 
 

STANLEY, George

George Stanley, 84 years, Oct 18, Civil War Veteran; a pioneer of Belmont, Westminster twp; never married and lived with his sister; bn in Shropshire, England in 1834 and lived under 4 British sovereigns; came to Canada with his parents when he was 14 years old and settled on the Peter Odell farm, Con 6 Westminster; Belmont in those days was known as Plymouth and the post office was a mile north and Squire Manning was postmaster; in 1860 he went to Illinois and when the civil war broke out he joined the Union army and for the rest of his life rec'd an American pension; returned to Canada after the war and located at Sparta to farm; he bought a farm at Gladstone in 1882 and sold it 12 years ago to live with his sister at Belmont; brother of Miss Phoebe Stanley of Belmont, James and Enoch of Sparta and Thomas Stanley of New Liskerd; funeral from home on Oct 20 to Mapleton Cemetery

STEELE, John           

John Steele was born about 1838 in Humberstone Township, Welland County. He was listed in the 1861 Yarmouth Township, Elgin County census as John Steel age 23 born Upper  Canada, single, a Quaker but no occupation was given. He was a nephew of Jonathon Steele and his wife Maria of Lot 1 Concession 4 Yarmouth.            

John enlisted in the Union forces in1861 and his regiment was with General McCellan’s “Army of the Potomac” and took part in all the principal battles including Malvern Hill and Antietam. John lost his right arm at Gettysburg. He died 25 September 1877 age 39 at the National Soldiers home in Virginia. (St. Thomas Journal of 12 October 1877)           

John may have been the “John Steel” age 14 and son of Jeremiah Steel listed in the 1851 census of Walpole Township Haldimand County. Siblings of this John were Ann, Edward, Mathias, William and Wesley.   
 

THURSTON, Arba Oscar             

Arba was born 10 May 1839 at Bayham Township, Elgin, and was the son of

Francis Thurston and  Harriet Tyrrell.           

Arba was served for 4 years and 8 months, in the 34^th Regiment Illinois Infantry

Company “F”, the 19^th U.S.  Infantry, and the 14^th Regiment Veteran Volunteers, Hancocks Veteran Corps.  He enlisted as a private on 12 August 1861 and joined the 34^th Regiment Infantry on 7 September 1861. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Tennessee, Corinth Mississippi,. Perryville and Frankfort, Kentucky, Hoods Gap and Chickanuaga, Tennessee (where he was taken prisoner)  He was confined in Libby's prison for 2 months; Danville, Virginia for 4 months; and  Andersonville, Georgia for 6 months and 2 days. During his service he was a commissary clerk and Sergeant Major.  After the war, he was a clerk in the War Department at Washington and at General Ord's Headquarters in Detroit, and in Quartermasters Department in Columbus Ohio for 2 years.            

He was married to Hattie Serena Olney on 3 November 1866 in Pontiac, Michigan who was born on 7 January 1847 in Gouvernor, St Lawrence County, New York.  She died on

27 September 1941 in Detroit, Michigan.              

Arba Oscar Thurston and Hattie Serena Olney had six children:  

1. Frank Webster THURSTON was born on 10 January 1869.  He died on 19 April 1874.  

2. Albert Irving THURSTON was born on 24 December 1870 in Owosso, Michigan. 

He died on 14 October 1932 in Detroit, Michigan.  He was buried in Elmwood Cemetery. 

In Detroit City 1893 directory he was listed as a sailor and in 1895/1896 directory as a candymaker.

In 1932 he was living at 1533  Ash Street.  His widowed  mother was listed as living at the same place. 

3. Edwin Arthur THURSTON was born on 3 April 1873 in Detroit.  He died on 19 June 1950 in  Chicago, Illinois.  He was buried in St Mary's Cemetery.  He was in the Spanish_American War, and had a military type funeral. 

4. Frank Clifton Thurston was born on 21 February 1875. 

5.William Elmer Sexton Thurston was born on 22 July 1881 in Michigan. 

He died on 28 May 1968 in Tampa, Florida. 

6.Sarah Edith Thurston born on 19 May 1885 in Detroit, She married Frank L. Preston

She died on 3 July 1964 in Detroit.

      At one time Arba had been town clerk in Taylor, Ogle  County, Illinois. He died on 23 May 1910 in Detroit, Michigan and was buried in Elmwood Cemetery Detroit. He was a carpenter.               

Arba’s father was Frances Thurston was born 1798 (1861 Bayham census) but Sheila Sander gives his birth date as 1792 and his birth place as New Hampshire)  She states he died in 1870. Frances’ wife was Harriett Tyrrell was born 20 Sept 1805 in Connecticut. and “died 25 Feb 1852 age 46 yrs 5 mons and 5  days  G/S  wife of Francis Thurston” buried Calton Cemetery Bayham Township. The Thurstons lived Lot 10 South Gore, Concession Bayham Township             

Francis was in the Militia in Elgin County in 1828/9 as age 30, Second Company of Second Regiment of Middlesex Militia under William Saxton  Captain  (information and descendants from Sheila Sander)_      

TREADWELL, Abram           

Abram Treadwell was born September 1832 in Malahide Township Elgin County, and the eight child of Tyron Treadwell who was born in New York State and Susan Smith born 1803.

She died in Malahide Township in 1846 , Tyron was in Malahide Township for the 1842, 1851 and 1861 census. Tyron was a farmer living on Lot 8 Concession 6 (Lot 81 North Talbot Road).

In 1851 census the family consisted of Descom born in 1830 and Ruth born 1835, Abram Treadwell and as well as Tyron and his new wife Christian (nee Bradt).           

Abram was in Iowa by 1856. In 1860 he was living at Strawberry Point in the south west section of Clayton County Iowa where he was farmer with real estate worth $500           He enlisted as a private on 12 August 1862 at age of 29 in the 21th Regiment Iowa Infantry giving his residence as Strawberry Point. He was promoted to a corporal in March 1863, to a sergeant in July 1863 and a Full First Lieutenant in November 1863. He was mustered out at Baton Rouge La on 15 July 1865.           

Abram was married on 24 September 1865 at Strawberry Point to Emily A. Gagen who was born Nov 1838 in Illinois. In the 1870 census Abram was still living at Strawberry Point and was a farmer with real estate worth $2000 and chattels worth $800. He continued to live there the rest of his life, dying on 15 January 1915. Emily had died between 1910 and 1915. The family had four sons, Mark, Ray, Lynn and Charles (or Clare).  
 

TYLER, Emory             

Emory Taylor was born 25 July 1848 at Fosterdale, New York and was the son of  Emery Foster Tyler, There was a Emery O. Tyler age 4 at Sullivan County New York in  1850 with his grandparents, Timothy Tyler and Hannah.

      He enlisted on 22 July 1862 at Elmira New York in 107^th Regiment New York Infantry,

Company “B “ as a private. He gave his age as 18. He was mustered out on 5 June 1865 at Washington D.C. He married Anna Sharpless Kreigh who was born at Catawiaga, Pennsylvania.            

The 1881 census for St. Thomas, Ontario, lists Emery Tyler age 37(ie born about 1844)   wife, Annie, 30, born US and children, Charles, 7, William, 4.  The 1901 census for St. Thomas states that Emery Tyler  was born at New York 1 April 1848.

      The 1911 census for St. Thomas states that Emery Tyler was born in 1851 and immigrated to Canada in 1878.             

Emery TYLER, died 14 March 1931 at age 82 and was a retired Michigan Central Railroad engineer. (Vital Records of Ontario)           

Obit of Emery O Tyler died 16 March 1931  St  Thomas Times Journal

Late Emery O Tyler was M.C.R Engineer

Lived in City Fifty Years Prominent in Masonic Circles.  After an illness of about a year

Emory O  Tyler retired MCR engineer died Saturday in the memorial hospital aged 82

Mr. Tyler was born in Fosterdale N.Y but came to St Thomas about fifty years and has been here ever since. He was well known in Railway and Masonic circles being a member of the

St Thomas Lodge, A F and A M No 44, Palatine Chapter No 54 Burleigh Preceptor No 23 Knights Templar and Moocha Temple of  the shrine.  Besides his widow he leaves three sons  William of Buffalo, Charles of New York and Glen of Toronto  The funeral will be held Tuesday from the  residence 89 Wellington Street at two o'clock to St Thomas cemetery. Rev Dr  Martin officiating and under the auspices of St Thomas Lodge.

Grave Stone St. Thomas Cemetery  

Karl Glendia TYLER /  1881_1961 / Sarah Jane PEACOCK / wife of Glen TYLER / 1880_1937 / TYLER /  Ana Sharpless KREIGH / wife of E. O. TAYLOR / 1850_1910 / Emory O. TYLER /  born 1848_died 1931 / aged 82 years / TYLER   

WALKER, Henry Pinchney            

Henry was born about 1841 in Jamaica and was the son of Benjamin Walker of

St  Thomas. The family came from Jamaica to Charleston, South Carolina.  Henry went to school at Citadel Academy in Charleston and upon graduating joined the 17^th Regiment South Carolina , Charleston Battalion as a Lieutenant. He was an adjutant to Colonel Gallard.           

Henry died 4 July 1862 at the Military Hospital at Hilton Head, South Carolina of wounds that he suffered in the battle of James Island, South Carolina in early August 1862.

He was to be buried in the Magnolia Cemetery. (All from the St Thomas Weekly Dispatch of

18 Sept 1862 quoting the Charles Courier of 16 August 1862)

      The 1861 census of St Thomas lists Benjamin Walker age 44, born England, barrister Church of England, wife Caroline age 32 born England with children Marie age 16, Charles

age 14, Fanny age 12, all born West Indies and Mary B. age 2 born Upper Canada.

Benjamin Walker was the secretary of the Elgin Flax association.   
 

WALLACE, Robert Octavius              

Octavius Wallace was born 1835 in St Thomas, the youngest of nine children of Patrick Wallace and Agnes McKay. (Aunt of K.W. McKay. the long time clerk of Elgin County).

The 1851 census for St. Thomas, Yarmouth Township, Elgin County lists him as Octovas Wallace, age 17, blacksmith, born Canada West, mother, Agnes Wallace, age 50 born Scotland, and a widow and a Ann M., 20 or 30 born England (may be a sister).           

Octavus is also given in the 1860 census for Kalamazoo, Michiganwith his mother and two sisters. He is 27, and a master blacksmith. He enlisted as a corporal for three years at Detroit Michigan on 25 May 1861 in 2^nd Regiment Michigan Volunteers. He was on the muster roll of company “I” for May 1862 when he was killed in battle on 5 May 1862 at Williamsburg Virginia.           

For photos of his fathers gravestone in the Old English Churchyard Walnut Street,

St Thomas  see:  http://ca.geocities.com/docmilner/pictures.htm 

It is believed that Octavius is also buried in the same plot and a GAR marker was placed on the grave in 2001.

Patrick Wallace /died Mar. 28,  1839 / AE 47 / Octavius A. / his son killed at the battle of / Williamsburg  Va./ May 5, 1862 /AE 26 / a Corporal of Co. I 2d / Reg Mich. V el.    
 

WEAVER, Peter W.           

Peter Weaver was born 1842 in BayhamTownship, Elgin County and was the eldest child of Thomas Edison Weaver and Tamar Haines Weaver. He enlisted on 13 August 1862,age given as 20 and He joined the 115th Regiment Ohio Infantry Company “C” on 19 September 1962

He was taken prisoner at Lavenge Tennessee on 5 December 1864 by the Confederate Forces and was in Vicksburg and Camp Chase as well as Andersonville Georgia prison camp after being shipped south by the Confederates.           

He was among some 2000 Union men who were on the steamboat “Sultana” after being released by the Confederates. On 27 April 1865, one of the Sultana’s boilers blew up while on the Mississippi River just above Memphis Tennessee. The steamer took fire and about 1700 men mostly Union soldiers including Peter Weaver were lost. The boat should have only been carrying 376 persons The operator received $5 for each soldier carried and $10 for each officer.           

Thomas Weaver lived Lot 2 Concession 1 Bayham. Siblings of Peter were Jane (Martin), James, Susan (Martin), Emeline, John, Judson, Sarah C, aka Kate, Benjamin and Ida .  
 

WHITESELL ,John William        

John was born in Yarmouth Township, Elgin County on 1 September 1821 and was the son of Aaron Whitesell and Lucretia Smith. John married first at Yarmouth Township, Elgin County Ontario on  21 March 1844, Sybil "Isabella” Wilton who was the daughter of William Nelson Wilton. She was born at Brighton, Somersetshire, England, on 19 April 1826.            

In January of 1851 the family moved to Illinois, then to Fort Atkison, Iowa, to

Cerro Gordo County, Iowa and then to Manes Grove in Franklin County Iowa. Three daughters were born in the U.S., Josephine, Harriet and Jane.             

John enlisted 32^nd Regiment Iowa Infantry Company “H” on 14 August 1862 giving his residence as Maysville, Iowa and his age as 40, Mustered in on 13 September 1862. Mustered out on 25 May 1865 in Davenport, Iowa. John was 5 foot 9 inches tall with a light complexion , blue eyes and fair hair.           

Isabella stated that John deserted her in July 1870 and believing John was dead, remarried in Iowa or Kansas, on 1 March 1874, to Gottlieb Langer. She deserted him and was divorced by Langer in 1880, after she found out that her first husband John Whitesell was still living in Ontario and had remarried. She died 19 March 1902 at Iowa Falls, Harding County, Iowa and is buried at the Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls,           

John Whitesell however was not dead but had gone back to Canada and married on

16 January 1871 to Martha Jane Nickerson, who was born about 1844 in Malahide Township, Elgin County and was the daughter of Levi and Sarah (Goff) Nickerson of Malahide Township. Ontario,  John and Martha had 5 sons. Two boys were burned to death in a fire. Charles moved to Western Canada, Orton moved to St.  Thomas, Ontario, and raised a family. George  lived in Detroit, Michigan and had no family." (From John Whitesell notes dated 10 August 1976)            

John died at St.  Thomas 3 May 1884. The St. Thomas Cemetery register gives a James

(sic _  error, should be John) "Whitsel",  died 2 May 1884, buried 4 May, in the Strangers Ground, age 63 years, 8 months and 4 days, of inflammation of the  lungs. No grave marker.           

After John died Martha married secondly to Mathew Morris. She died at St. Thomas, Ontario, 27 December 1890.           

Thus John was a bigamist with 2 wives. As John had served in the Civil War, his legitimate widow was eligible for a pension. This set off a court battle for the pension money and there is a great amount of information in the Army pension files for John Whitesell concerning his activities and his deceit with his two wives.   
 

WHITESELL, William               

William Whitesell was born in Malahide  Township,Elgin, Upper  Canada on

21 February 1831, and was the son of Daniel Whitesell and Elizabeth Felker of Malahide William was a cousin to John William Whitesell who also served in the Civil War.

William married Hannah L. Smith on 1 April 1858 who was the daughter of William Smith and Anna Emsley who was born 3 March 1836 in Lincoln County Ontario. William and Hannah Whitesell had one child, Albert Hamilton Whitesell born 1859.             

William enlisted as a private on the 26th of September 1861 at St. Charles, Illinois in the 52^nd Regiment, Illinois Volunteers Company “G” to serve 3 years. He was mustered in at Geneva, Kane County Illinois in October 1861 by Capt. F H Bowman of 52^nd Illinois Regiment Company”G”,. He began service 19 November 1861 at Geneva, Illinois. Whitesell was described as a native of Elgin County, Canada West, age 26 years old, 5 feet, 8 ½ inches tall, darkish complexion, brown eyes, black hair and by occupation a farmer,           

He died of typhoid fever at Camp Montgomery near Corinth, Mississippi. On the muster  Roll of Company “G” for the months of July and August 1862, it is reported "Died  in Hospital at Camp Montgomery, near Corinth, Miss. July 7, 1862."  He was buried at the Corinth Mississippi National cemetery           

 His wife Hannah applied for pension for herself and her only child, Albert Alexander Whitesell. US Civil War Pension File is No. 42697        

There is a letter dated 4 March 1910 by Hannah apparently just before she died to the  pension office concerning vouchers. He had been with the 52^nd Regiment till the time of his death which occurred July 7th 1862 of “brain fever”.            

“He left $24.05 which was paid to the U.S. Paymaster and Notes to the amount of $150 or there about which is now in my possession. He owes about $30 to William Mock of my Company. Send me the proper proof that you are his proper heir and I will send you the notes or leave them with who ever you may direct.”  An inventory of his possessions taken 10 July 1862 shows that he possessed notes signed at Pittsburg, Tennessee, Savannah and St.  Louis. It would appear that he did some traveling in the six months that he was serving with the Union Army.           

There is an Obit for William Whitesell, in the Elgin Gazette / Weekly Gazette, newspaper of 13 November 1861, page 4, col 3. It appears that he had been a former resident of Warwick Township, Lambton County. In 1871 census, Hannah "Whitesill" was a widow, age 35, living in Bosanquet Township Lambton County, Ontario. With her was her son Albert, 12.             

In  the 1881, 1882 directory for St. Thomas, Hannah Whitesell (widow of William) is a resident at 38 John Street. Her son Albert H. Whitesell,  engineer with Morse and Oill, boards at 38 John Street.  The 1881 St. Thomas census lists Hannah Whitesell as age 45, born Ontario, English origin, widow, with son Albert, 22, a factory engineer. Hannah died about 12 June 1910 in Georgetown, Halton County Ontario.           

Bruce and Letty Johnson visited the Corinth MS cemetery in March 2004 and took photos of the grave stone. which was in good shape. 

http://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/j2ee/servlet/NGL_v1 

WHITESELL, WILLIAM   Pvt. US Army Civil War Date of death: 07/07/1862 

Buried Section A Site 2249 Corinth National Cemetery  Corinth, Mississippi  
 

WILLIAMS, Richard Franklin            

obit   St. Thomas  Journal, 5 February 1916. Page 8, c 2 _

Died _ a resident of 84 Talbot St., St  Thomas _

Richard Franklin  WILLIAMS, 83 years on Feb 5, born in St Catharines in 1844 and a  resident of St Thomas for the past 38 years; a US pensioner who fought in  the war between the North and South; proprietor of a barber shop in the west end  (of St Thomas) survived by wife, 3 sons and 1 daughter, not named; brother of Mrs. Martha Moore of Buffalo.  Funeral February 7 from his home.             

Funeral  St Thomas Times Journal  8 February  1916 Page 8 co l6   _  

Richard Franklin Williams, Feb 7 from his residence, 84  Talbot St to St  Thomas Cemetery; Elder Errington of Toronto Seventh Day Adventists conducted  the service assisted by Rev John Taylor, Methodist minister of Chatham.              

Pallbearers were J. C. Gillan, John Heard, John Moore, Earl Freeman, Edwin Merritt and Charles Nichols.  Among those attending from a distance were Miss Mina Harris, Rochester and Mrs John Portese, London.  No gravestone found in St Thomas

1901  Census ELGIN(East)  St.Thomas E_1 Page 5 

Williams Rich M    Head Mar born Feb 21 1844 , bn Ont, African, Pres, barber 

wife  Williams Mary F   Feb 9 1862 age 39, bn Ont,  African

Williams Lorne M   Son S Mar 2 1882 age 19, bn Ont, African 

Williams John M    Son S May 8 1888 age 12, bn Ont, African 

Williams Harry M   Son S Oct 3 1891 age 9, bn Ont, African  

Coraline Leida F    Mother in Law W Apr 3 1831 age 69, bn US, em 1870, African

NOTE:   All listed as Black 

1911  / Ontario / Elgin West / 25  St. Thomas / page 10, 408 Talbot St;  

Williams Richard L   M Head M Feb 1844 67, St  Catharines, Catholic, Barber   

Williams Mary A   F Wife M Feb 1844 67, bn Oxford, 7th Day  Advent   

(Note birthdate appears to be in error by census taker)

Williams Lorne A H   M Son S Mar 1882 age 29, bn Oxford    

Williams Harry R   M Son S Oct 1892 19, bn St Thomas   

Williams Howard W   M Son S Jan 1904 7, bn St Thomas   

Cornilus Lydia A   F Mother_in_law  W Sep 1831 79, bn USA, Friends 

NOTE:  St Catharines and St Thomas  scratched out and Ont entered; all listed as Cana

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