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Following information largely obtained from "History of the 103rd Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865" by Luther S. Dickey, Corporal of Company G, with Sergeant Samuel M. Evans as Collaborator. Published in Chicago, 1910:
1861
Company G was chiefly recruited in Indiana and Allegheny Counties, by John Stuchell, James J. Morrow, of Indiana County, and William H. Irwin of Allegheny, Pennsylvania. The Allegheny County recruits came principally from the village of Tarentum and the adjoining township, who were recruited by William H. Irwin during the autumn of 1861. When Adjutant Irwin was recruiting, the citizens of Tarentum called meeting in the Tarentum school house to assist him, which was attended by nearly the entire male population of the village. A practical joke was played on one of the citizens of the town who was given to boasting of his prowess, the result of which was, that never after his experience of that night was he heard to express any desire of marital activity.
The company was organized at Camp Orr, Kittanning, Armstrong County Fair Grounds, Pennsylvania during the winter of 1861-62. Daily routine confined to squad and company drill was expanded to include regimental drill and dress parade. As Company G was among the last companies organized at Camp Orr, it never had the maximum enrollment, in fact, the total enrollment during the war was only 96, there being only four additions to the Company after it went to the front.
September 7, 1861
Sergeant Thomas Moore, age 32.
Corporal Jacob Weaver, age 31.
Private Thomas J. Laughlin, age 40.
Private George Shakely, age 30.
Private Albert M. Russell, age 16.
December 1, 1861
Private Absalom Emehizer, age 50.
Private James Frederick
December 7, 1861
Musician Loy B. Young, age 17 was mustered into service:
Private Thomas J. Laughlin
Private Albert M. Russell
Private George Shakely
Zachariah M. Cline appointed 1st Sergeant at organization of Company.
Regimental uniforms arrived in December, 1861
1862
January 1, 1862
Musician Loy B. Young and Private Absalom Emehizer transferred in from Company F
January 3, 1862
Sergeant Thomas Moore and Corporal Jacob Weaver transferred in from Company A
Private James Frederick discharged on Writ of Habeus Corpus.
January 10, 1862
Captain John Stuchell
Captain James J. Morrow
1st Lieutenant William H. Irwin
1st Lieutenant Zachariah M. Cline
1st Sergeant William C. Bell, age 22.
Sergeant George Baker
Sergeant John Black, age 24.
Sergeant John Clark, age 22.
Sergeant Joseph W. Pierce, age 35.
Sergeant Andrew Shankle, age 18.
Sergeant William J. Stuchell, age 33.
Sergeant Robert Whitacre, age 19.
Corporal Samuel Barr, age 16.
Corporal Joseph Foss, age 41.
Corporal Smith Kennedy, age 27.
Corporal William McGeary, age 40.
Corporal William Myers
Corporal Samuel Spencer
Corporal Christopher Stuchell
Musician Henry K. Barrette
Musician Saul A. Hagerty, age 17.
Private John Adams, age 19.
Private George W. Anthony, age 18.
Private Jacob Anthony, age 31.
Private Samuel Bagley, age 18.
Private Henry H. Bell (Promoted to Sergeant Major January 10, 1862)
Private David Best, age 18
Private William Oliver Black, age 25.
Private George W. Brink, age 24.
Private Frank Brothers, age 44.
Private George W. Brunner, age 16.
Private John F. Bruner
Private William Carson, age 18.
Private George W. Dies, age 18.
Private Hiram Donaldson
Private James Duncan
Private Peter S. Duncle
Private James Dunlap, age 20.
Private George M. Fee
Private Daniel Free, age 18.
Private Balser Graft
Private George M. Gourley, age 16.
Private Daniel Greek
Private Andrew Gregg
Private George W. Grubbs, age 18.
Private Silas Hagerty, age 40.
Private Washington Hazlett, age 22.
Private James Hopkins
Private Thomas Jewett
Private John R. Kron, age 18.
Private Isaac L. Kuhn
Private Thomas J. Laughlin, (Promoted to Company Sergeant)
Private David W. Lawrence
Private John Leslie, age 19.
Private William Love
Private Patrick McBride
Private William C. McCluskey, age 23.
Private Andrew McCullough, age 23.
Private William McCullough, age 19.
Private John Maynard, age 16.
Private Alexander Maul
Private John Miller, age 31.
Private Allison Mitchell
Private Robert Montgomery, age 16.
Private Caleb E. Moore, age 31.
Private Martin Neff
Private Samuel Oiler, age 35.
Private Robert A. A. Paterson, age 19.
Private George C. Pierce, age 21.
Private James H. Rager, age 18.
Private James Randolph
Private George Schell, age 28.
Private Elijah M. Shierer, age 17.
Private Moses F. Steele, age 19.
Private John Spencer, age 22.
Private Jesse G. Stephens
Private William B. Swan, age 45.
Private John M. Trimble
Private Jesse Uptegraph
Private Jetho Warner
Private John T. Weaver, age 17.
Private Daniel White
Private Joshua H. Wright, age 37.
Private Henry Wyant, age 40.
February 24, 1862
At ten o'clock a.m., Monday, February 24, 1862, Company G as part of the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment left Camp Orr, marching through Kittanning to Allegheny Valley Railway station; boarded freight cars to Pittsburgh and march to old City Hall for supper. They reboarded the train and arrived next day, Tuesday, February 25, 1861, at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. While in Harrisburg at Camp Curtin; named for then Governor Curtin, the Regiment marched to the capitol building and during Wednesday afternoon, February 26, 1862, received their flag directly from the Governor. The flag resembled the United States flag, but with the stars rearranged on the blue portion to accommodate the placement and centering of the emblem of Pennsylvania. Additionally, the Regimental Identification was placed on one red stripe fairly centered on the flag. Later, battle honors would be added.
March 3, 1862
Arrived in Washington having traveled uneventfully through Baltimore, Maryland. The regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade (Brigadier General William H. Keim) who later died and was replaced by Brigadier General Henry W. Wessells), Third Division (Brigadier General Silas Casey), 4th Corps (Brigadier General Erasmus D. Keyes), Army of the Potomac (Major General George B. McClellan). The regiment camped on Meridian Hill just north of W street and between 14th and 16th Avenue now known as Columbia Heights, Washington, DC.
March 28, 1862
Beginning March 28, 1862, they began their part of "The Peninsula Campaign" by first marching across the "Long Bridge" to Alexander, Virginia. About noon March 31, 1862, they boarded the transport "Hero".
April 3, 1862
The Regiment landed at Ft. Monroe, Virginia. Unable to take part in this campaign, Private James Randolph, died of Typhoid Fever at Washington and was buried in "Mil. Asy. Cem., DC."
April 16, 1862
Broke camp about nine in the morning and began the march up the Peninsula forming the left flank (southern side) of the march westward towards Richmond, Virginia seeing minimal action during the siege of Yorktown.
May 1, 1862
Private Thomas Jewett was detached from the unit as a Teamster.
May 5, 1862
Following the end of the siege at Yorktown, the Confederates began retreating and then evacuating Williamsburg, Virginia. Although the Company saw minimal action during the battle of Williamsburg (May 5 - 7, 1862), Private Alexander Maul, was reported by comrades as being "killed at Williamsburg"; records say discharged -- no date given. During the ensuring days, the entire 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment became separated from their full complement of tents, knapsacks and blankets, and were exposed to wet and cold; but were advanced towards battle near Richmond, Virginia.
May 7, 1862
Private Daniel Greek was placed on detached service with the 1st NY Artillery.
May 31, 1862
Following the battle of Williamsburg, Casey's Division, in advance of the army, crossed the Chickahominy and took position at Fair Oaks. Fully one-half of the regiment was engaged in constructing rife pits, slashing timber or on picket duty. During their efforts to fortify their position on May 31, 1862, they were attacked. The Battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks -- same battle; two different names, culminated in retreat and originated in a controversy related to the regiment reportedly "running away from enemy fire." At the start of the battle a few minutes past noon Saturday, May 31, 1862, three Confederate cannon balls passed overhead landing 1/4 of a mile to the rear. General Casey ordered the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment forward to support the advanced Union pickets (guards) 1/4 of a mile ahead of the redoubt (fortification containing several cannons). The regiment hurriedly moved forward with the various Companies filling numerous spots along the front.
Companies G and B, directed to take position, under command of Captain George W. Gillespie were placed south of the Williamsburg Road to protect the Union's left flank. Members of the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment were the closest any Union forces had come to the Confederate capital. The Regiment maintained its position until the attack pressed them from the right. Ordered to fall back slowly, then ordered to fall back quickly, the tangled undergrowth prevent the regiment from falling back in an orderly fashion and caused them to emerge from the woods fragmented. Casey's Division on the Chickahominy River, just east of Richmond, Virginia and heavily outnumbered 20,000 to 5,000 held the overextended front line for three hours even though grossly exposed and unsupported before eventually being overwhelmed; thereby permitting capture of Casey's redoubt. Nonetheless, the entire Division; the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment in particular gained an undeserved poor fighting reputation.
General Casey described the battle appropriately: "If a portion of the division did not behave so well as could have been wished, it must be remembered to what a terrible ordeal they were subjected. Still, those that behaved discreditably were exceptional cases. It is true that the division after being nearly surrounded by the enemy and losing one-third of the number actually engage, retreated to the second line. They would all have been prisoners of war had they delayed their retreat a few minutes longer. In my humble opinion from what I witnessed on the 31st, I am convinced that the stubborn and desperate resistance of my division saved the army on the right bank of the Chickahominy from a severe repulse, which might have resulted in a disastrous defeat."
Members of Company G wounded at Battle of Fair Oaks/Seven Pines, May 31, 1862 were Corporal Smith Kennedy, Corporal Jacob Weaver, and Private Balser Graft. Corporal Smith Kennedy was transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps as a result of his wounds, and never returned to the Company. Corporal Jacob Weaver was seriously wounded and subsequently died, but when and where is not recorded. Private Elijah M. Shierer also died from wounds. Wounded and taken prisoner was Private James Hopkins.
June 14, 1862
Private William Love discharged on account of herma.
June 15, 1862
Private Balser Graft died at Fortress Monroe, Virginia from wounds received at Battle of Fair Oaks/Seven Pines, May 31, 1862.
June 28, 1862
Private Jesse G. Stephens died after marching across White Oak Swamp, Virginia during "Seven Days's Battle."
June 30, 1862
Private Allison Mitchell wounded at battle of Charles City Cross Roads.
Following the Battle of Fair Oaks/Seven Pines, the ensuing Seven Days Battle, required the Regiment support the "controlled" retreat by the Army of the Potomac from White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, to Harrison's Landing on the James River. This same regiment "had the privilege of standing in solid line of battle and witnessing McClellen's Army of the Potomac flee from an inferior force almost as badly disorganized as was the "rawest" division of the army on the afternoon of May 31, 1862. For two days, these discredited troops stood guard between the entire army and a victorious foe, and succeeded in bringing off in safety all the wagon trains of this army, and placing them at Harrison's Landing two days after the battle of Malvern Hill. For 48 hours without sleep, except as could be snatched by small groups here and there, a few minutes at a time; drenched to the skin and chilled to the marrow by the cold drizzling rain, covered with mire to the knees, through which they had waded in following the trail of the army; at times so close to the enemy that orders were communicated in whispers; this same little group of men was the last to take its position with the rest of the army, which it did about midnight July 3, 1862."
July 3, 1862
As part of the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment, Company G arrived at Harrison's Landing, where reportedly, the first playing of "Taps" occurred.
July 8, 1862
Army of the Potomac visited by President Abraham Lincoln for review.
Musician Henry K. Barrette died during July, 1862 at Harrison's Landing, Virginia.
August 18, 1862
Retreating east, the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers again passed through Williamsburg this time through Yorktown and returning to Ft. Monroe, Virginia. Their records, supplies, and other essentials were shipped down the James River, but were lost when the vessel sunk. Later, the soldiers themselves would have to pay for replenishment. The majority of the Army of the Potomac left the Peninsula engaging in more notable battles at Antietam, Maryland, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Petersburg, Virginia. Some remnants of the 4th Corps including Company G stayed at Ft. Monroe until September 18, 1862, when they headed for Norfolk and Suffolk, Virginia.
September 28, 1862
Private James Hopkins, previously wounded and taken prisoner during the Battle of Fair Oaks/Seven Pines, May 31, 1862, was exchanged and discharged at Ft. Monroe, Virginia.
October 22, 1862
Mustered into service were Private James Evrit and Private Peter Barr.
November 10, 1862
Private Andrew Gregg was discharged. Corporal Christopher Stuchell died of Typhoid Fever at Ft. Monroe, Virginia.
November 29, 1862
1st Lieutenant William H. Irwin was promoted to Adjutant.
During the autumn of 1862, the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment was involved in several expeditions and minor skirmishes in Blackwater area of southern Virginia. Eventually, they left Suffolk December 5, 1862, reaching the Chowan River and boarding the transport "Northerner"; arriving in New Bern, North Carolina December 8, 1862.
December 11, 1862
Early on December 11, 1862, they began a march westward towards Goldsboro, North Carolina and "behaved in an exemplary manner." They continued to advance the next day towards Whitehall; by the morning of December 17, 1862, within 2 - 3 miles of Goldsboro, they formed a battle line overlooking the target (the railroad line and bridge). Their mission was to cutoff supplies between the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia and the rest of the south. Bridges and railroad lines were often cut and quickly rebuilt during the war. Upon successful completion of their mission, the regiment began their return to New Bern, North Carolina arriving December 21, 1862, and camping east of the Trent River until February 2, 1863. During that time, they engaged in several raids and expeditions as part of the US designs of preventing or disrupting the Confederates use of the North Carolina ports.
Also discharged in 1862 were Private John Spencer, Sergeant Joseph W. Pierce, and Private George C. Pierce.
1863
January 25, 1863
James J. Morrow was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and Zachariah M. Cline was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.
April 15, 1863
The regiment left New Bern, North Carolina May 2, 1863, aboard the transport "Thomas Collyer" and arrived the following day at Plymouth, North Carolina located on the Roanoke River near the Albemarle Sound, and whose inhabitants totaled less than 500. The town of Plymouth gained importance as an area for coastal trading and a shipping point including an established Customs House. The residents like much of North Carolina citizens were drawn into the Rebellion by the leaders of North Carolina, but were friendly towards the US facilitating a peaceful occupation by Union forces who first arrived in early 1862. By December 10, 1862, however, the first of three battles for Plymouth occurred when Confederate forces attacked. The battle involved significant street fighting. Resulting largely from the firings of the Union gunboats, a fire occurred which burnt much of the town leaving barely a dozen buildings. Confederate forces also caused some burning to discourage refugees from going to Plymouth.
By the time the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers Regiment arrived, May 3, 1863, the town looked rather desolate. The regiment pitched camp and began building defensive fortifications around what remained of the town. A set of earthworks (walls built out of dirt) pretty much connected four forts. In the center, Fort Williams employed three thirty pounder cannons. Company A and G were assigned to reside inside Fort Williams.
July1, 1863
James J. Morrow was promoted to Captain and Zachariah M. Cline was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.
July 5, 1863
While in Plymouth, the regiment conducted several expeditions often making use of the Roanoke River for transportation. They staged raids at least weekly. Using the gunboat Commodore Perry, July 5, 1863, Company G was included on a mission towards Williamston, about 28 miles upriver from Plymouth. Upon finding Confederate forces camped out of range of the gunboats and unwilling to evacuate, the Union forces reboarded and returned to Plymouth.
July 10, 1863
For unknown reasons, Company G relocated outside of Fort Williams.
July 14, 1863
While on an expedition, Company G captured a rebel artilleryman who was foraging 12 miles from Plymouth.
July 24, 1863
Private Patrick McBride died and was buried in Cypress Hill Cemetery, Long Island, New York.
August 8, 1863
The regiment received their Springfield rifles replacing their Austrian muskets.
December 21, 1863
Private Peter S. Duncle died of Chronic Diarrhea at Beaufort, North Carolina and buried in National Cemetery, New Bern, North Carolina, plot 7, grave 1,155.
December 27, 1863
Corporal Samuel Spencer died of Chronic Diarrhea at Beaufort, North Carolina and buried in National Cemetery, New Bern, North Carolina, plot 7, grave 1,113.
Discharged at New Bern, North Carolina, in 1863 were Private Frank Brothers, Private David W. Lawrence, and Sergeant William J. Stuchell.
1864
Re-enlistment January 1, 1864, promised large sums of money and a furlough home; many soldiers became "Veterans." Although the previous year included numerous rumors about a formidable ironclad boat named "Albemarle" being built on the Roanoke River, the early months of 1864 included a feeling that General Wessells, Commander at Plymouth, North Carolina, and Naval Commander Charles W. Flusser would be able to "handle the boat". Most of the Union soldiers were looking forward to the promised 30 day furlough having received new clothing; a neat appearance home was of utmost concern. That spring, the Regimental flag would be sent north to have battle honors added.
January 1, 1864
1st Sergeant William C. Bell
Sergeant George Baker
Sergeant John Black
Sergeant John Clark
Sergeant Andrew Shankle
Sergeant Robert Whitacre
Corporal Samuel Barr
Corporal William McGeary
Musician Saul A. Hagerty
Musician Loy B. Young
Private John Adams
Private George W. Anthony
Private David Best
Private William Oliver Black
Private George W. Brunner
Private William Carson
Private George W. Dies
Private James Dunlap
Private George M. Fee
Private Daniel Free
Private George M. Gourley
Private George W. Grubbs
Private Silas Hagerty
Private John R. Kron
Private John Leslie
Private William C. McCluskey
Private John Maynard
Private John Miller
Private Caleb E. Moore
Private Samuel Oiler
Private Robert A. A. Paterson
Private James H. Rager
Private Albert M. Russell
Private George Schell
Private George Shakely
Private Moses F. Steele
Private Henry Wyant
January 2, 1864
Promoted to Sergeant were John Black, Andrew Shankle, and Robert Whitacre. Promoted to Corporal was William McGeary.
January 22, 1864
Following capture while on reconnaissance at Colerain, North Carolina, Private John Maynard was sent to Andersonville, Georgia.
February 24, 1864
Private William M. Love, age 34, was mustered into service. Also mustered into service February, 1864 was Private Andrew Whitacre, age 18.
March 8, 1864
Private David Best died of Bronchitis at Plymouth, North Carolina.
March 21, 1864
Private Isaac L. Kuhn died in hospital at Beaufort, North Carolina, of lung disease and buried in National Cemetery, New Bern, North Carolina, plot 7, grave 1,225.
March 27, 1864
Private John Maynard, captured while on reconnaissance at Colerain, North Carolina, died nearly six weeks before his comrades arrived at Andersonville, Georgia. The first man of Company G to die at Andersonville Private John Maynard died of pneumonia. His grave number is 183, and the burial record credits him to the 105th Pennsylvania Regiment.
April 13, 1864
Private George W. Dies begins on detached service until after Company was captured.
April 17, 1864
US General Ulysses S. Grant decreed the ceasing of prisoner exchanges. His reasoning was that exchanging of prisoners benefited the Confederacy since those soldiers would typically rejoin units and resume fighting against the Union whereas the Union soldiers were often broken down in health from poor prison treatment making them incapable of rejoining the fight.
About 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon that same ideal spring day, when the weather was neither too hot nor too cool, in Plymouth, North Carolina, soldiers who were not on duty were in their tents awaiting the call for dress parade, writing letters home, or talking about their anticipated visits home. The second battle for Plymouth, North Carolina began when a few shots were fired in advance of the picket lines where upon US cavalry on the Washington Road (present day Wilson Road) was attacked and pushed back. Accompanying the initial assault was the firing upon Fort Gray, just above the town on the Roanoke River. It quickly became apparent this was more than an ordinary picket raid as frequently encountered. Company G of the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Captain James J. Morrow along with details from other regiments were sent out and engaged the enemy skirmishers. Except for some exchanges during the night, fighting largely ceased by darkness.
April 18, 1864
Upon daybreak Monday, April 18, 1864, cannonading resumed on Fort Gray; continued for several hours, and then resumed in the afternoon. At 8 o'clock that morning, Company F of the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment relieved Company G on the Washington Road. Fighting continued as the Confederate forces began to surround the town. First Lieutenant Zachariah M. Cline, killed by a fragment of a shell was from Cowanshannock Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania was the son of John Cline. He was unmarried, and from the time the Regiment left the state until his death, was continuously with Company G and was well esteemed by both officers and men of the entire Regiment.
April 19, 1864
About 3 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, 1864, the Confederates again opened fire on Fort Gray, during which time, the ironclad Albemarle slipped past and subsequently sunk the US gunboat Southfield and in the process killed Commander Flusser. The remainder of the US gunboat fleet fled the Roanoke for the safety of the Albemarle Sound, leaving the Union forces at Plymouth surrounded.
April 20, 1864
Upon pressing the battle, the Confederate forces caused the complete surrender of the Union forces by General Wessells between 10 - 11 a.m. Wednesday April 20, 1864.
Captain James J. Morrow
1st Sergeant William C. Bell
Sergeant George Baker
Sergeant John Black
Sergeant John Clark
Sergeant Andrew Shankle
Sergeant Robert Whitacre
Corporal Samuel Barr
Corporal William McGeary
Musician Saul A. Hagerty
Musician Loy B. Young
Private John Adams
Private George W. Anthony
Private Peter Barr
Private William Oliver Black
Private George W. Brunner
Private William Carson
Private James Dunlap
Private James Evrit
Private George M. Fee
Private George M. Gourley
Private George W. Grubbs
Private Silas Hagerty
Private John R. Kron
Private John Leslie
Private William C. McCluskey
Private John Miller
Private Caleb E. Moore
Private Samuel Oiler
Private Robert A. A. Paterson
Private James H. Rager
Private Albert M. Russell
Private George Schell
Private George Shakely
Private Moses F. Steele
Private John T. Weaver
Private Henry Wyant
Following capture, the prisoners were corralled nearby. Within days, they began a march towards Tarboro, North Carolina passing near Williamston.
April 23, 1864
Captured prisoners reached Hamilton, North Carolina.
April 25, 1864
Monday, April 25, 1864, prisoners reached the bank of Tar River near the Tarboro Bridge.
April 29, 1864
Embarking upon a train Friday, April 29, 1864, the prisoners left Tarboro, stopping at Goldsboro and Wilmington, North Carolina.
May 1, 1864
Prisoners arrived in Charleston, South Carolina Sunday May 1, 1864. The stay here was for a couple of hours whereupon they boarded open flatbed train cars and departed later passing through Savannah, and Macon, Georgia.
May 2, 1864
These prisoners arrived by train at Andersonville, Georgia (Camp Sumpter) between 9 - 10 o'clock p.m., May 2, 1864.
May 3, 1864
The next morning Tuesday, May 3, 1864, Captain Henry Wirz made his appearance; by early afternoon, about 400 members of the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment entered the stockade. The officers were taken to nearby Macon, Georgia. Within months, the overcrowded Andersonville prison would breakdown men and take many lives. The dead were buried nearby in what would later become a US National Cemetery dedicated to all POW and MIAs. "The haggard distressed countenance of these miserable, complaining, dejected, living skeletons, crying for medical aid and food, and cursing their government for its refusal to exchange prisoners, and the ghastly corpses, with their glazed eyeballs staring up into vacant space, with the flies swarming down their open and grinning mouths, and over their clothes infested with numerous lice, as they lay amongst the sick and dying, formed a picture of helpless, hopeless misery, which it would be impossible to portray by words or by the brush."
June 15, 1864
Private Henry Wyant died at Andersonville, Georgia and was buried, grave 1,974.
July 1, 1864
Private James Duncan was transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.
July 7, 1864
Corporal Samuel Barr died at Andersonville, Georgia and was buried, grave 3,019.
July 18, 1864
Private William Oliver Black died at Andersonville, Georgia and was buried, grave 3,600.
July 25, 1864
Private George Shakely died at Andersonville, Georgia and was buried, grave 4,012.
August 16, 1864
Private George M. Fee died at Andersonville, Georgia and was buried, grave 5,873.
August 18, 1864
Private Caleb E. Moore died at Andersonville, Georgia and was buried, grave 6,038.
August 21, 1864
Private James Evrit died at Andersonville, Georgia and was buried, grave 6,424.
August 22, 1864
Private Samuel Oiler died at Andersonville, Georgia and was buried, grave 6,658.
September, 1864
As US General William Tecumseh Sherman was advancing towards and eventually capturing Atlanta, Georgia September 2, 1864, the Confederates needed to relocate the 30,000 Union prisoners for fear that General Sherman would liberate these soldiers and suddenly increase his military manpower; however weakened their condition. Some members of the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment may have left between the 10th and 12th of September, in large the surviving members of the regiment "had bid adieu to Andersonville on the 10th day of September [1864]".
September 7, 1864
Private Peter Barr died at Andersonville, Georgia and was buried, grave 8,256.
September 10, 1864
A group of prisoners were packed 60 to a railway car and sent from Andersonville under heavy guard. Private Samuel J. Gibson, Company B, of the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment said he was among a group of 1380 prisoners who were packed 60 to a railway car and sent from there under heavy guard.
September 11, 1864
The train arrived at Macon, Georgia at 2 a.m., and Augusta, Georgia, at 4 p.m.
September 12, 1864
The train finally arrived in Charleston, South Carolina on the morning of September 12, 1864. There, they were unloaded and marched into the fairgrounds (race course) and stayed until October.
September 13, 1864
Orders were issued prohibiting additional prisoners being sent to Charleston, South Carolina because of the breakout within their ranks of small pox, yellow fever, and widespread starvation. While confining the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment in Charleston, the Confederates were constructing a prison site at Florence, South Carolina.
October 2, 1864
"On October 2, 1864, they moved us to Florence, SC"
By the middle of October, the 17 usable acres at this prison held over 12,000 Union prisoners. The great majority of them look emaciated and sickly and are full of vermin, and filthy in the extreme. Three-fourths of them are without blankets and almost without clothing. Few have a change of underclothing. As a consequence, there is a great deal of suffering these cool nights and much additional sickness must follow. Most of them have erected temporary shelters, which will protect them to some extent from rain and dew until better shelters can be constructed. The principal diseases are scurvy and diarrhea, which carry off from twenty to fifty per day.
October 27, 1864
During the night of October 27, 1864, the third and final battle for Plymouth, North Carolina occurred with the sinking of the Albemarle by Navy Lieutenant William B. Cushing.
November 1, 1864
Following the sinking of the Albemarle, the Navy took possession of Plymouth November 1, 1864 and the Union held it for the remainder of the war.
December 1, 1864
Sergeant John Black was paroled.
December 4, 1864
Private Robert A. A. Paterson was paroled.
December 7, 1864
Corporal William McGeary
Musician Loy B. Young
Private George W. Brunner
Private William Carson
Private George M. Gourley
Private George W. Grubbs
Private James H. Rager
Private Albert M. Russell
Private Moses F. Steele
December 11, 1864
Sergeant Andrew Shankle was paroled.
December 14, 1864
Private John R. Kron and Private George Schell were paroled.
Also during 1864, Private George W. Anthony supposedly died in Confederate prison. Private Jethro Warner, absent on detached service in battery of artillery when Company G was captured, returned to the regiment.
1865
January 25, 1865
Private John T. Weaver died at Florence, South Carolina.
February 1, 1865
Sergeant John Clark died at Florence, South Carolina.
February 11, 1865
Private James Duncan is discharged.
February 15, 1865
As US General William Tecumseh Sherman continued his march through the south, his advance near Florence, South Carolina cut the last railroad link to the area February 15, 1865. Although confusion developed the Confederate officials attempted to move all able-bodied prisoners to various locations such as Salisbury and Goldsboro, North Carolina where they were paroled through the Union lines.
February 22, 1865
The fall of Wilmington, North Carolina to the Union forces permitted this town to be included as a release point.
February 24, 1865
Saul A. Hagerty was released and eventually returned home to Clarion County, Pennsylvania.
February 25, 1865
Private James Dunlap paroled.
Also occurring in February 1865, Private John Adams died enroute from Andersonville to Federal lines for parole.
"And by the end of the month, the Florence camp was silent."
March 1, 1865
Charles Mosher, 85th New York Regiment who shared many of the battles and travels of the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment "reported that the survivors of Andersonville, Charleston, and Florence, typically mere skeletons, were ordered to pack haversacks, board a crowded boxcar headed for freedom. About 3 p.m. March 1, "tears flowed freely, couldn't help it," as the emaciated veterans reached Union lines near Wilmington, North Carolina and were helped out by men of the 25th Michigan. Glimpsing the Stars and Stripes for the first time in over 300 days, some of the men found strength enough to walk towards a grove of trees, flop to the ground and savor a cup of coffee and the once detested hardtack."
First Sergeant William C. Bell and Sergeant Robert Whitacre were paroled.
Private Silas Hagerty reportedly died, March 1, 1865, from disease incurred while prisoner of war after being released. Never returning home, he left a widow Eliza (Downing) Hagerty with 6 surviving children.
March 3, 1865
Private John Leslie died enroute from Confederate Prison, after entering Federal lines.
April 1, 1865
Private John Miller paroled.
April 20, 1865
Sergeant George Baker paroled.
Private George Schell died at Roanoke Island, North Carolina, and was buried in National Cemetery, New Bern, North Carolina, plot 7, grave 1,159.
May 1, 1865
Sergeant George Baker promoted from Corporal to Sergeant.
May 18, 1865
Private John R. Kron promoted to Company Sergeant.
June 25, 1865
Captain James J. Morrow
1st Sergeant William C. Bell
Sergeant George Baker
Sergeant John Black
Sergeant Andrew Shankle
Sergeant Robert Whitacre
Corporal William McGeary
Musician Loy B. Young
Private George W. Brunner
Private William Carson
Private George W. Dies
Private James Dunlap
Private George M. Gourley
Private George W. Grubbs
Private William M. Love
Private Robert A. A. Paterson
Private James H. Rager
Private Albert M. Russell
Private Moses F. Steele
Private Andrew Whitacre
June 26, 1865
Musician Saul A. Hagerty received Honorable Discharge by General Orders.
July 13, 1865
Sergeant Andrew Shankle received Final Discharge.
July 14, 1865
Private John Miller discharged by General Orders.
Thirteen of Company G were discharged by reason of disability incurred while in the service, on Surgeon's Certificate; eight were transferred, three of whom were promoted to field and staff. Twenty were mustered out with the Company, June 25, 1865. Eighteen of these belonged to the original enrollment.
1866
In an official ceremony in 1866, the Regimental flag was returned to the regiment. It may now be viewed by appointment through the Pennsylvania Capitol Preservation Committee, Capitol Annex Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Compiled by Evan K. Slaughenhoupt, Jr. (EvanSlaug@aol.com)
Genealogy: Private Silas Hagerty, my GGGF, served in Company G and never returned home.
Events of Uncertain Dates
Sergeant Thomas Moore
Corporal Joseph Foss
Corporal Smith Kennedy
Corporal William Myers
Private Jacob Anthony
Private George W. Brink
Private John F. Bruner
Private Hiram Donaldson
Private Absalom Emehizer
Private Andrew McCullough
Private William McCullough
Private Allison Mitchell
Private Robert Montgomery
Private Martin Neff
Private William B. Swan
Private Jesse Utegraph
Private Joshua H. Wright
Private Washington Hazlett
John M. Trimble
Private Thomas Jewett
Private Thomas J. Laughlin died enroute from Florence, South Carolina.
Private Daniel Free, Corporal Jacob Weaver, and Private Daniel White died; date not given.
Private Samuel Bagley Honorable Discharge; date not given.
Private Jethro Warner discharged on expiration of term.
End of Report