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John I. Hagerty (Ancestor)
John I. Hagerty and wife Ann (Sharp) Hagerty lived in Clarion County, Pennsylvania and had 10 children (7 sons and 2 daughters).101
The youngest of these 10 children was Samuel "Saul" Hagerty who was born June 24, 1823 in Venango County, Pennsylvania. Samuel "Saul" Hagerty became the founder of the Hagerty Brothers Company of Peoria, Illinois.
Silas Hagerty (Ancestor)
Silas Hagerty was born circa 1821 and at about age 19, married Eliza Downing May 9, 1840, in Rockland Township, Venango County, Pennsylvania by acting Justice of the Peace J. Daniel Smith.95 No record of the marriage existed, but the facts were sworn to September 19, 1865, in support of an Application for Widow's Army Pension. At the time of the wedding, Eliza (Downing) Hagerty was 18 years old having been born in Clarion County, Pennsylvania August 11, 1821.7
Silas Hagerty worked at the different iron furnaces in Clarion County, Pennsylvania.7 Together with son Saul A. Hagerty (age 17), Silas (age 40) enlisted in Company G of the 103rd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Infantry thereby joining one of the more unfortunate Regiments in the Union Army during the War Between the States (Civil War). According to the Adjutant General's Office February 3, 1868, Silas Hagerty enrolled December 1, 1861, in Clarion County, Pennsylvania and was mustered into the Army as a Corporal February 22, 1862, at Camp Orr, about a mile north of the Kittanning town limits, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.95 The Regimental History book identified entry as January 10, 1862.88 Later, Silas Hagerty became a Private, although no documentation explains the reduction in rank. Silas Hagerty, an infantry Private and Saul A. Hagerty, a Regimental Musician stayed within Company G throughout their service.
Over 400 pages detail the account of the 103rd Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers in History of the 103d Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865; Luther Dickey; Chicago, 1910. An interlibrary loan may be required for reading and may be retained only in the reference area. That history condensed here indicates that at 10 a.m. Monday February 24, 1862, this regiment including Silas and Saul A. Hagerty embarked aboard a train, traveled and then stayed in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Baltimore, then arrived in Washington March 3, 1862. While in Harrisburg at Camp Curtin; named for then Governor Curtin, the Regiment marched to the capitol building and during the afternoon, February 26, 1862, received their flag directly from the Governor. Otherwise, their trip to Washington via Baltimore was uneventful. Assigned (Chain of Command) 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 Potomac (Major General George B. McClellan), they camped on Meridian Hill just north of W Street and between 14th and 16th Avenue now known as Columbia Heights, Washington, DC.
Beginning March 28, 1862, they began "The Peninsula Campaign" by first marching across the "Long Bridge" to Alexandria, Virginia when about noon March 31, 1862, they boarded the transport Hero landing at Ft. Monroe, Virginia April 3, 1862. By April 16th, the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers began their march towards Richmond and saw minimal action during the siege of Yorktown as well as the later battle of Williamsburg (May 5 - 7, 1862), became separated from their full complement of tents, knapsacks and blankets, and were exposed to wet and cold.88, 90
Between May 7 - June 4, 1862, the Regiment became heavily engaged culminating in retreat May 31, 1862, after the Battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks - same battle; two different names. Controversy occurred related to this regiment reportedly "running 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 3/4 mile to the rear. General Casey ordered General Wessells to send the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment forward to support the advanced Union pickets (guards) 3/4 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. Company B and G were placed south of the Williamsburg Road to protect the Union's left flank. Members of this regiment who were on the front lines 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 prevented the regiment from falling back in an orderly fashion and caused them to emerge from the woods fragmented. Casey's Division on the south bank of the Chickahominy River, just east of Richmond, Virginia and heavily outnumbered by 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. The Union forces failure during this battle rests solely with the Generals at the highest levels - McClellan who was eventually fired by President Lincoln.88
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 engaged, 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.88
One footnote from the Battle of Seven Pines, a Confederate Sergeant who was an aide-de-camp to Confederate General Joe Johnston was allegedly wounded in his right wrist and subsequently received a commission. That soldier, Henry Wirz, would eventually be held accountable for the sufferings at Andersonville Prison.88, 90, 91
During the ensuing Seven Days Battle, the Regiment supported 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 it 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, though 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, 1862.88
While at Harrison's Landing, reportedly, the first playing of Taps occurred. Also, the Army of the Potomac was visited by President Abraham Lincoln July 8, 1862 for a review. Retreating east, by August 18, 1862, the 103rd PA 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 eventually engaging in more notable battles at Antietam, Maryland, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Petersburg, Virginia. Some remnants of the 4th Corps including the 103rd PA Volunteers stayed at Ft. Monroe until September 18, 1862, when they headed for Norfolk and Suffolk, Virginia. The autumn of 1862 saw the regiment involved in several expeditions and minor skirmishes in the Blackwater area of southern Virginia. Eventually, they left Suffolk December 5, 1862, reaching the Chowan River and boarded the transport Northerner; arriving in New Bern, North Carolina December 8, 1862.88
Early on December 11, 1862, they began a march westward towards Goldsboro, North Carolina; defeated the Confederates December 14, 1862, across the Neuse River at Kinston, 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 three 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, 1862. 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.88
The regiment left New Bern, North Carolina May 2, 1863, aboard the transport Thomas Collyer and arrived the next 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.88
By the time the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers 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. Placement of the other forts, Comfort, Wessells, and Gray formed a small semi-circle around the town. Company A and G were assigned to reside inside Fort Williams. During these days, time did permit the individual soldier to take care of necessities like writing letters home.
Two of the letters written by Silas Hagerty to his wife from Fort Williams remain within the family; the first surviving letter written June 2, 1863.
Plymouth North Carolina
My dear I take this chance to let you know that we are both well at this time and I hope this line may find you all well also well.
I send you sixty dollars move to Rimersburgh and if you haint got that other fifty you can wait about - 3 - days after you get this and you can go and get the money all at once we got two months pay to day. Now ther will be one hundred and ten dollars that I have sent to you in the inside of 2 week, now my dear I want you to take good care of this money use it to the best advantage if Isabella needs any money give her some. She is a good girl and all the girl we have and rite as soon as this comes to hand and tell me how much the postage is on this money and how you are all getting along. I have got but one letter from you since we came here and none from any others. Well I will quit riting for this time I remain your affectionate husband Silas Hagerty to Eliza my dear and all of my dear children give my respects to Mrs. Isabella Briggs, and James if he is at home be shure and give us some news in your next letter well be good to yourselves and remember us at a throne of grace. Goodbye.
Fone this time oh I could rite all night to you. I have you and the children standing in front of me and I talk to you all but none of you will say one word to me. Well I must quit.
I send you a tract we have no preacher of our ohn now but we have preaching once a week.
While in Plymouth, the regiment conducted several expeditions often making use of the Roanoke River for transportation. July 5, 1863, using the gunboat Commodore Perry, 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 the gunboats and returned to Plymouth. They staged raids from Plymouth at least weekly. July 10, 1863, for unknown reasons, Company G relocated outside Fort Williams. While on an expedition four days later, the company captured a rebel artilleryman who was foraging 12 miles from Plymouth. August 8, 1863, the regiment received their Springfield rifles replacing their Austrian muskets.88
The swamps near Plymouth caused a malarial effluvium that depleted the effective numbers of troops available for service. Because of the widespread numbers taken ill, those not excused for duty were often on picket (guard duty). The other letter that remains within the family written by Silas Hagerty to his wife from Plymouth appears to have been hand delivered by William R. Graham of Company F 103rd PA Vol:
Nov 12th 1863 co G. 103
The surviving letters appeared to have a gap; believe the following is a continuation of the above letter:
have had this foul we have had about five or six white frosts and varry cold nights but no appearance of snow. The nights varry cold but the days are varry nice and warm the roads are dry and dusty and the ground is dry for two foot down - our men are pretty near all well again well I think I have told you all I have rote twice to my Brother Saul since I left home and got no answer I have wrote twice to Elias too and got no answer either. Well I must conclude for tonight it is past ten oclock and I have to go on picket tomorrow and I will get no sleep tomorrow night.
Re-enlistment January 1, 1864, promised large sums of money and a furlough home; many soldiers became "Veterans" including Silas and Saul A. Hagerty. Although the previous year included numerous rumors about a formidable iron-clad 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.88 That spring, the Regimental flag was sent north to have battle honors added.
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. 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. Accompanying the initial assault was the firing upon Fort Gray, just above the town on the Roanoke River. 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 Volunteers relieved Company G on the Washington Road. Fighting continued as the Confederate forces began to surround the town. 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. 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. Included in the 2800 prisoners were Silas and Saul A. Hagerty.88
Following capture, the prisoners were corralled nearby. Within days, they began a march towards Tarboro, North Carolina passing near Williamston reaching Hamilton, North Carolina by April 23, 1864. Monday April 25, 1864, they reached the bank of Tar River near the Tarboro Bridge. Embarking upon a train Friday April 29, 1864, the prisoners left Tarboro, stopping at Goldsboro and Wilmington, North Carolina and arriving 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, before reaching Andersonville, Georgia (Camp Sumpter) between 9 - 10 o'clock p.m., May 2, 1864. The next morning Tuesday, May 3, 1864, Captain Henry Wirz made his appearance; by early afternoon, about 400 members of the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers including Silas and Saul A. Hagerty entered the stockade.88 Within months, the overcrowded prison would breakdown men and take many lives.
"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." 88
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 Volunteers may have left between the 10th and 12th of September, in large the surviving members of the regiment within Andersonville "had bid adieu to Andersonville on the 10th day of September [1864]" . 88 Private Samuel J. Gibson, Company B, of the 103rd said he was among a group of 1380 prisoners who were packed 60 to a railway car and sent from there under heavy guard. The train arrived at Macon, Georgia at 2 a.m. the following morning, Augusta, Georgia, at 4 p.m., and finally arrived in Charleston, South Carolina on the morning of September 12, 1864.100 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.98 While confining the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers in Charleston, the Confederates were constructing a prison site at Florence, South Carolina. "On October 2, 1864, they moved us to Florence, S.C." 88
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.88
Meanwhile, 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. 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.
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, 1865.99 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. About this time, Saul A. Hagerty, son of Silas Hagerty, Company G, 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers was released and eventually returned home to Clarion County, Pennsylvania. By February 22, 1865, the fall of Wilmington, North Carolina to the Union forces permitted this town to be included as a release point. The same day, Charles Mosher, 85th New York Regiment who shared many of the battles and travels of the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers 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.92
February 1865: And by the end of the month, the Florence camp was silent.99
Leaving his widow Eliza (Downing) Hagerty and 6 surviving children, Silas Hagerty never returned home. S. Hagerty and George Schell died after being released from disease incurred while prisoners of war. Silas Hagerty; paroled; reported as died March 1, 1865; Veteran.88
September 1865, on an Application for Widow's Army Pension, Eliza (Downing) Hagerty states in part that Silas Hagerty whilst in the service of the United States and in the line of duty contracted chronic diarrhea and died of said disease at Florence, South Carolina on or about the 1st day of March A. D. 1865 leaving three children under the age of 16. Pension number 135058 assigned, Eliza (Downing) Hagerty began to receive $8.00 per month plus $2.00 per month for each of the three children under age 16 until they reached the age of 16. December 1865, the Adjutant General's Office reported the lack of evidence related to the death of Silas Hagerty.
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. April 20, 1866, The Department of the Interior Pension Office requested official evidence of the date and cause of death of Silas Hagerty (appears to have requested this of the Surgeon General). November 10, 1866, Eliza (Downing) Hagerty requests an Increase of Widows' Army Pension as approved by law July 25, 1866. Attesting to her representation is son Saul A. Hagerty, having returned from the war. February 3, 1868, the Adjutant General's Office confirms both the original enlistment and the re-enlistment of Silas Hagerty. February 5, 1868, the Treasury Department reports it issued Treasury Certificate No. 257787 in favor of Mrs. Eliza Hagerty, widow of Silas Hagerty allowing her pay to include the 1st day of March 1865.95
In Clarion County, Pennsylvania September 2, 1869, Eliza (Downing) Hagerty sworn to the following statement: that she is the widow of Silas Hagerty late of said County, who was a Corporal of Co. "G" 103d Regt Penn Vol, and who died in rebel prison at Florence, S. C. about the first day of March 1865. He has never returned home, nor been heard from by any of his friends since that time. The last intelligence I had of him he was as the rebel prison aforesaid in the month of February 1865. He was there broken down in health from poor fare and bad treatment, and I have no doubt whatever of his death at or about the date above given. It is impossible for me to furnish positive evidence of the date of my husband's death. I have exhausted all the means of obtaining that information I could think of, but without success. September 21, 1869, the Claim for Widow's Pension with Minor Children was passed stating that Issue certificate for 8 dollars per month, commencing March 2, 1865, and two dollars per month additional for each of the above-named children, commencing the twenty fifth day of July, 1866.95
At the age of 77, Eliza (Downing) Hagerty died September 12, 1898. A letter written by her son-in-law, Elijah Slaughenhoupt, dated September 20, 1898, to the US Pension Office stated95:
U.S. Pension Com
Pgh Pa
Dear Sir My Mother in law Mrs. Eliza Haggerty of Callensburg Clarion Co Pa Died on the 12th of this month and their would be 2 month and 12 days pension due her. Would you kindly addvise me how to proceed to get said pension to pay on the funeral expenses as she had nothing left to bury her.
If necessary to adminsiter it would take about all for expenses.
Please advise by return mail & obligr
E Slaughenhoupt
Pollock Po
U. S. Pension Agency, Pittsburgh, PA September 24, 1898 reported that Eliza (Downing) Hagerty widow of Silas Hagerty, Private in Company G, 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers who was a pensioner on the rolls of this Agency, under Certificate No. 135058, and who was last paid at $12 July 4, 1898, has been dropped because of death! Date 12 Sept 1898.95
Eliza (Downing) Hagerty is buried in the Perryville Cemetery, Clarion County, Pennsylvania beside her son-in-law Elijah Slaughenhoupt. Silas and Eliza (Downing) Hagerty had nine children (6 sons and 3 daughters).
A. Matilda P. Hagerty
Daughter Matilda P. Hagerty appears to have married Jerry Switzer and lived in Limestone, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Two of her letters written during the Civil War era remain within the family. The first one written to her sister Isabella Hagerty January 20, 1862, while Silas and Saul A. Hagerty were at Camp Orr:
Dear Sister it is with pleasure I sit down to pen you those few lines to let you know that we are all well at present and hoping that those few lines may find you all in the same state of health. We received a letter from father and he said that he would be home against next Saturday and he wanted us to come down to see him and then it was in the newspapers yesterday that was Saturday that the soldiers that was in Camp Orr was to go to Washington City last Thursday and we did not answer paps letter for we thought it was no use if he was coming home so soon and I think if he would write again if he had time before he would go to the city but I want you to write to me by the returning mail and let me know if you ones heard any thing about them going to Washington City or if he wrote to you since he wrote to me the last one I got was the 7th. I want you to tell me how you and that young man fixed it about that serape of yours if you are good friends or not again. Jerry was up the creek last week and he stayed all night at Uncle Judes and Martha.
Jane has left home and is now at Jake Peases and they need a girl pretty bad and for Aunt Mary is expecting be sick in about a month and she is not able to do any work at al and Matilda and Parthena are doing the work themselves and Uncle told Jerry to tell you that if you would come and work for them he would give you a dollar a week in money and that every Saturday if you wanted it and he would want you as long as you would stay and if you will go write to us a soon as this comes to hand for if you go he wants Jerry to fetch you up to them we want to know so we can write to him that you are coming and let us know when you can get ready so he will know when he can go after you if you go. Uncle says that he blames Agnes for coaxing Martha Jane away for she expects to be sick before long but I suppose that mary was so cross to her that she wouldn't stay with them any longer. I want you and mother and all the children to come up to see us as soon as you can for I feel so lonesome when when I think about you all since father is gone to war. I would like to be handy to you so that I could see you often.
M P Switzer to ISS Hagerty direct you leter to Limestone Post office Clarion County PA
To mother Eliza Hagerty March 6, 1865, Silas Hagerty already dead and Saul A. Hagerty on furlough somewhere between Annapolis, Maryland and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (probably status of both unknown to the family at that time):
Dear Mother I seat myself once more to drop a few lines to you to let you know that we are all well at present hoping those few ill written lines may find you enjoying the same blessing. I want you to answer this letter as soon as it comes to hand and tell me what day of last April pap and Saul wer taken prisoners and if you know long it was before they drawed their last pay and how long it has been since they have went into the rebel army and then Jerry will try and find out whether he cant get their back pay but I think that he can by writing to New York and I want you to write soon and let us know whether you have a house looked out to moove to yet or not and if you haint got one yet I want to know if you would moove up here if Jerry was to wrent one for you if we had of known that we would of staid about here this year. He would have wrote to you sooner about getting a house I dont know whether we will stay in this house yet or not but if we dont we wont moove father than Greenville anyway and be sure and write soon so that we will know before the house are all taken up about. Here I think that Jerry can get a pretty good house up at Craigs sawmill that is one mile from greenville and there is splendid water there and there are going to build a new wool factory right handy there and it will be a verry pleasant place to be and if old noll leaves another house that is there then we will moove to the sawmill too the house that I was speaking of getting for you we have the chance of it and or one in greenville but if you want it we will move to that one in greenville and if you want it write soon so that we will know for every person is out for houses and I will see about this one tomorrow and there will be no trouble about wood for there is plenty of it right at the sawmill and also everry place about there.
Well I guess I have nothing more to write at present so write soon
M. P. Switzer to Eliza Hagerty
B. Saul A. Hagerty
Son Saul A. Hagerty, born 1844 or 1845, enlisted at age 17, Musician, Company G of the 103rd Pennsylvania Volunteers and re-enlisted January 1, 1864, was among those captured at Plymouth, North Carolina April 20, 1864. The Regiment along with Saul A. Hagerty arrived at Camp Sumpter, Macon, Georgia (Andersonville Prison) May 2, 1864; and the following day entered the stockade.88 During his first month, like many fellow prisoners, Saul A. Hagerty contracted chronic diarrhea, and by August 1864, contracted rheumatism from exposure for which he received no medical treatment. Saul A. Hagerty indicated he left Andersonville late fall of 1864 when they were transferred to the Confederate Prison near Florence, South Carolina.94 Forty-four years later, in 1909, aged 64, Saul A. Hagerty provided the following statement about his imprisonment [note the reference to his father contradicts himself elsewhere as well as other sources]:
In the spring of 1865 I was reduced to skin and bone by starvation; I was afflicted with chronic diarrhea; my father died in Andersonville while I was there; I had only a suit of clothes to protect me, and the weather was cold. I knew I wouldn't live much longer, and to save my live, when an offer was made to liberate those prisoners who would enlist in the Rebel army, I accepted the offer. I was out of prison only eleven days, when I was returned to the prison, where I remained until I was discharged with my regiment, and thus I received an honorable discharge.
I enlisted in the Rebel army to save my life. I was so starved that a chance to get a meal looked better to me than all other things in the world. I never was furnished with arms by the Rebel authorities, and in fact would never have fired on the old flag. I hoped more than all else to get a chance to escape to the Union lines. The fact was that I was so reduced in strength by starvation at the time of my enlistment from Andersonville, that I was not competent to know and did not know what I was doing, otherwise I would have had enough sense to enlist under an assumed name in the Rebel Army, had I enlisted at all.94
Years after the war, a George W. Grubbs of Big Bend, Culhoun County, West Virginia reported that he was a comrade of Saul A. Hagerty of Company G 103rd PA Volunteers. I know that he had the chronic diarrhea while in prison with me at Florence Prison, South Carolina - the year before President Lincoln was assassinated. Some time before Lincoln was assassinated. I was a parol[e] prisoner just from Florence Prison when President Lincoln was assassinated. I heard him [Saul A. Hagerty] complain frequent[ly] of rheumatism while I was a comrad[e] in prison with him - and I know that he was afflicted with rheumatism for I bunked with him while in prison.
The War Department, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, August 4, 1886, reported their records indicate that Saul A. Hagerty departed Salisbury, North Carolina having arrived there earlier [probably by train] from Florence, South Carolina [circa February 20, 1865] and was subsequently confined at Richmond, Virginia February 22, 1865. Paroled at Aikins Landing, Virginia February 24, 1865, back in the ranks of the Union Army, Saul A. Hagerty was transported probably by ship, then admitted the following day to Hospital Division No.1, Annapolis, Maryland. A 30 day furlough was granted March 4, 1865. The war ended April 9, 1865, Saul A. Hagerty was on furlough and then was transferred to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania May 30, 1865.94
Saul A. Hagerty was mustered out of the service in Pittsburgh June 26, 1865, and returned home to Clarion County, Pennsylvania. As part of the Application for Increase of Widows' Army Pension dated November 10, 1866, in Clarion County, the signature of Saul A. Hagerty attested to the validity of his mother's claim. It would appear that Saul A. Hagerty provided the "intelligence" referenced in a later document dated September 2, 1869, and signed by his mother Eliza (Downing) Hagerty as she described the reported February 1865 health condition of Silas Hagerty in the Confederate prison at Florence, South Carolina.95
From Clarion County, Pennsylvania, Saul A. Hagerty appeared to "head west". Nathan L. Brass of Juniata, Adams County, Nebraska reported that he knew Saul A. Hagerty in the years 1868 and 1869. That he worked with him in the lumber woods and on boats. That Saul A. Hagerty boarded with him during one year of that time. That he knows the said Saul A. Hagerty was incapacitated from Diarrhea and Rheumatism, from doing a full mans work. That he was discharged on one boat - on which both worked because of sickness. Said Nathan L. Brass always understood from the said Saul A. Hagerty that the diseases from which he suffered were brought on while in Andersonville prison.94
By November 13, 1885, Saul A. Hagerty, aged 41, was a resident of Lakin, Finney County, Kansas. His physical description on his submission for a Declaration for Original Invalid Pension included a height of 5 feet 8 inches, fair complexion, dark hair, and blue eyes. Saul A. Hagerty received Pension number 543708. Within two years, all papers of Saul A. Hagerty, including his discharge papers were destroyed by fire in Garden City, Kansas, 1887.94
Circa 1888, Saul A. Hagerty moved to a small town in Montana. During his stay, they had an election in which one Joseph Brein was a candidate for the Legislature on the Democratic ticket, and solicited [Saul A. Hagerty] to vote for him and work for his election, and on [Sauls] refusing to so the said Brein reported or caused a report to be filed with the Pension Department, through Congressmen Campbell of Montana who was also a democrat, to the effect that when I was taken out of the Confederate prison at Florence S. C. and taken to the Confederate camp at Florence, that I then and there served in the Confederate army and took up arms against the U.S. And that on this report [Saul] was [subsequently] stricken from the [Pension] roll.94
Stamped by a Pension office seal dated June 22, 1893, a General Affidavit from Basin, Jefferson County, Montana stated by John D. Allport and Isaac Griffith:
We have known Saul A. Hagerty intimately for the last five years and especially from the 2nd day of May A. D. 1892 to the 9th day of November A. D. 1892. We have heard him complain of heart disease and know that he has been afflicted with rheumatism, kidney trouble and diarrhea during all the time we have known him and his is so afflicted and is not able to perform more than one fifth of a mans daily labor which labor he depends on for maintenance. We do not believe his disabilities are due to vicious habits, as we have not known him to indulge in anything injurious to his health, nor do we believe they were brought on by previous bad habits. He is an honest man and is in every way entitled to all the pension he can get.94
June 4, 1898, age 54 to affect the forwarding of next quarterly payment, Saul A. Hagerty reported that he was not married, never was married, nor had any children.94
Stamped by a Pension office seal dated November 23, 1898, a General Affidavit from Basin, Jefferson County, Montana signed October 27, 1898 and stated by Morton L. Westfall and Isaac Griffith:
We have known the above named Saul A. Hagerty personally since the year A. D. 1892. We know of our own personal knowledge that he has been unable during that time and is still unable to do more than one fifth (1/5) of a days work owing to heart disease and general debility. We know of our own knowledge that such heart disease and general debility is not due and has not since May 2nd A. D. 1892 been due to vicious habits because we know of our own personal knowledge that he has no vicious habits. We also know of our own personal knowledge that when he attempts to do any hard labor it throws him into a fever and the fever leaves him sick and helpless so that he requires the attendance of a nurse. We also know of our own knowledge that the greater part of the time he is wholly unable to do work of any kind which requires much exertion.94
January 31, 1904, United States Pension Agency, San Francisco, California reported that Pensioner Saul A. Hagerty last paid $8.00 December 4, 1900, was dropped because of failure to claim. Document was stamped by the Finance Division March 2, 1904.94
By December 9, 1907, Saul A. Hagerty, age 63 was living in Yuma, Yuma County, Arizona Territory. In the matter of the restoration of Saul A. Hagerty to the Pension Roll of the United States, Saul A. Hagerty restated details on his original enlistment in Company G of the 103rd Regiment; details about his imprisonment in Florence, South Carolina, and circumstances surrounding his removal from the Pension rolls. Saul A. Hagerty stated that charges related to his imprisonment in Florence, South Carolina and originating from the politicians in Montana were false and that at the time that he was thus transferred he was so weak and sick that he could not have served in any army nor carried a gun, and the fact that all those that were in that camp were treated as prisoners, the same as in prison with a guard over them all the time, and they were not there to exceed three weeks when they were returned to the Prison. Saul A. Hagerty concluded with a request that an investigation of his record be had so that an injustice that has been done to an old soldier that served the Federal Army faithfully for three years and seven months be restored to the Pension Roll, now that he is so badly in need of the benefits of said Pension.94
Filing a Declaration for the Restoration of an Invalid Pension in Yuma, Arizona, February 3, 1909, Saul A. Hagerty, aged 64 years again explained the circumstances surrounding his "enlistment" in the Rebel army. Stamped on the documentation were three stamps; one said Validity accepted S. A. Cuddy, Chief, Law Division. The other two were both stamped February 9, 1909 (one by the Pension Office and the other by U.S. Bureau of Pensions).94 Circa 1913, Saul A. Hagerty was living "in the west." 7
C. John Wesley Hagerty
Son John Wesley Hagerty died as an infant.7
D. Silas Hagerty
Son Silas Hagerty was living circa 1913 "in the west".7
E. George Washington Hagerty
Son George Washington Hagerty was born September 5, 1851, when his mother Eliza (Downing) Hagerty was 30 years old. Present at the birth was nine year old Isabella Hagerty.95 Circa 1913, George Washington Hagerty was living "in the west".7
F. James C. [possibly Crum] Hagerty
Son James C. Hagerty was born May 8, 1857, when his mother Eliza (Downing) Hagerty was 35 years old. Present at the birth was a Mary A. Mobley of Callensburg Borough, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.95
G. Johnston T. Hagerty
Son Johnston T. Hagerty was born February 27, 1859, when his mother Eliza (Downing) Hagerty was 37 years old. Present at the birth was a Mary A. Mobley of Callensburg Borough, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.95 The family has possession of a Leave of Absence Department of Schools, Soldiers' Orphans certificate dated July 1874 (age 15) granting leave of absence from the Titusville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania Soldiers' Orphan School from the 13th July to September 1st 1874 for the purpose of vacation. It further reads: Should he fail to report promptly at the expiration of his leave of absence, he will be considered a Run-a-way and then treated accordingly. Circa 1913, Johnston T. Hagerty was living "in the west".7
H. Margaret Ann Hagerty
Daughter Margaret Ann Hagerty died as an infant.7
I. Isabella Hagerty
Daughter Isabella Hagerty was born in 1842 in Clarion County, Pennsylvania and at the age of 23, married Elijah Slaughenhoupt November 9, 1865.