CIVILWAR

Schuylkill Haven in
The Civil War

The office of the Adjutant General of the United States says that Charles E. Brown was issued the Congressional Medal of
Honor 1 December, 1864, for meritorious conduct at Weldon Railroad, Virginia, 19 August, 1864, while serving as a
sergeant in Company C, 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry. The citation says briefly: "Capture of the flag of the 47th
Virginia Infantry, Confederate States Army."

His newspaper obituary notice says that Captain Charles Brown, "in command of Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Veteran
Volunteers in the Civil War," died at his home on Dock Street, Schuylkill Haven, on February 20, 1919. It notes only that
he won the "Medal for the Legion of Honor."

Wallace's "Memorial of Patriotism," page 355, notes that "on the 19th of August the Regiment, with its Division,
participated in a movement on the Weldon Railroad, resulting in gaining possession of the important
point. It was not accomplished though without a severe fight. It continues, quoting a correspondent of the press, "...The
50th Regiment of Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers captured a stand of colors from the 47th Virginia. Emblazoned upon
the red, white and red folds were inscriptions of thirteen engagements in which the Regiment had fought - from Bull Run to
Mine Run."

Brown was active in the 50th Regiment Association after the war and was associated with General Samuel Schwenk who
preceded him in death by only a year. Shortly before his death at the age of 78, he attended a meeting of the Veterans
Volunteers in New York, he offered his services to his government in World War I.
After the close of the Civil War, he operated a boat on the old Schuylkill Canal. After the canal closed, he went to New
York where he operated boats for a time between New York and Connecticut. He was also, for a time, gate tender at the
entrance of the county almshouse at Schuylkill Haven. (1)

At left is a picture of the 50th
Regiment of the Pennsylvania
Infantry. Could Henry Hill of
Schuylkill Haven be one of them?

Pottsville 1843, Corporal, Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Infantry. Wilderness, Va., 6 May 1864. Citation: 23
September 1897 reads "This soldier, with one companion, would not retire when his regiment fell back in
confusion after an unsuccessful charge, but instead, advanced and continued firing upon the enemy until
the regiment reformed and regained its position." (3/4/99 - from the papers of Brevet Major General St. Clair
A. Mulholland) It seems that Corporal Hill is the only Schuylkill County soldier to win the Medal of Honor
during the Civil War by NOT capturing or re-capturing a flag on the field of battle. Hill, a native of Pottsville,
spent most of his life in Schuylkill Haven and spent his early days on the local canal boats. Upon his death on
August 3, 1909, at Schuylkill Haven at the age of 66, Hill's obituary said "he was severely wounded by a
bursting shell at Cold Harbor and was voted a medal for bravery." The battle of Cold Harbor began June 3,
1864, and Henry Hill served a three year enlistment in Company C, then re-enlisted and took part in battles in
the Shenandoah Valley and at Spottsylvania, Beaufort, Cold Run, Chantilly, Antietam, Fredericksburg,
Wilderness and Cold Harbor. Henry Hill spent his post war years employed as a night watchman and turnkey
at the Schuylkill County Prison. Died August 2, 1909, buried Union Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven, Pa. (1)

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS

During the Civil War, two residents of Schuylkill Haven received
the country's greatest award for heroism, the Medal of Honor. Here
are brief histories of both men.

A family by the name of Ditzler owned a store in Schuylkill Haven in the approximate location of Lewis' News
Agency. The store was in business during the Civil War and many locals believed the proprietor to be in
sympathy with the Confederate cause. It was reported that Union soldiers on furlough, aware of this, made
raids upon Mr. Ditzler's establishment.
Perhaps Mr. Ditzler was a "copperhead". This was a term used during the war to describe Northerners who
opposed the war and favored a negotiated settlement with the South. The term originated in the New York
Tribune in 1861 to refer to the copperhead snake that strikes without warning. Most copperheads were from
the Midwest although they were known to exist within our area.

Schuylkill Haven, as did many towns, had a branch of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) Post in town. This
group consisted of veterans from the Civil War. On February 8, 1867, the Jere K. Helms Post No.26 was
formed in Schuylkill Haven. Many local men joined the post whose meeting place in the P. T. Hoy building
contained war mementos including a few flags and a stack of cannon balls.
This post was named in honor of Jeremiah Helms, a boy less then fifteen who served as a drummer boy with
Company C of the 50th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. At the Battle of Antietam, on September
17,1862, Helms was performing his duty when the soldier next to him was killed. Jeremiah laid down his
drum, seized the musket and entered the ranks. A minie ball found it's mark in his head and he died a few
days later from the wound. Helms was one of six brothers, two of whom were also in battle at Antietam.   They
visited him in the field hospital prior to his death.
The chief factor in establishing the Schuylkill Haven Post was Captain James K. Helms, Jere's eldest brother.
Lieutenant Samuel A. Losch and others assisted him and their efforts resulted in a large membership and
became important in the display functions of town. The Post took charge of preparations for observing
Memorial Day after it's inception in 1867. Parades were organized which ended at the Union Cemetery.
William Guertler, who served a long time in the dreaded Libby Prison, always carried the colors in the parade.
Captain Beckley was frequently the featured orator at the ceremonies. The Post was never self-sustaining
and relied on fairs, campfires and contributions to maintain it's existence. Irving Tyson held the position of
Adjutant for many years and was meticulous in keeping records, insuring each veteran's grave was
decorated on the 30th of May.
The Post purchased a plot on the Union Cemetery for war veterans and the local Patriotic Sons of America
purchased a gate and fence to surround the plot. Until at least 1950, Memorial Day commemorations were
held at the plot. This plot is still visible today.

At left is the tombstone
of Charles Brown on the
Union Cemetery. The
flat stone in front of the
large stone indicates his
Medal of Honor status.

On this page information relating to Schuylkill Haven's involvement in the Civil War will be
presented. As it progresses it will concentrate on individuals, unit rosters and stories
unique to Schuylkill Haven residents.

Charles Brown's Personal Account

The following is an account of how the 2nd Flag of the 47th Virginia was captured at Weldon Railroad, as written by
Charles Brown of the 50th PVI.

We received orders to charge on the balance of the rebels. As soon as we began to charge on them they took to their
heels and retreated as fast as possible. We took a great number of prisoners. We are now at the breastworks and are
charging right on. Now we have taken the breastworks. There was not more then one out of every ten that escaped.
While at the breastworks I heard a peculiar sound coming from the other side of the works. I crawled on top of the works
and looking around saw Charles Oswald and Joe Long fighting two rebels. They seemed to have the best of the rebels.
Looking ahead about fifty yards I saw a rebel sergeant and two color guards working their way through the wood. I was
then wearing a sword and had no gun, but I jumped down and picked up a Belgian rifle. I thought she was loaded and ran
after the sergeant and color guards. When I got close to them and commanded that they surrender, one of the guards
attempted to raise his gun and I said "drop that" and then made them turn around and marched back to the breastworks.
I then threw down my rifle and took the flag from the sergeant and got to the top of the breastworks and waved it. Our
whole regiment cheered me. But my waving drew the entire rebel fire at me. The soles of my shoes were shot off as also
the rim of my hat. Many shots went through my clothing and it got too hot and I jumped down back of the breast works. In
shooting at me the rebels killed Charles Burkett, Adam Burkett and William Wagner. After the firing was somewhat
lessened we examined the flag and found that it belonged to the 47th Virginia and it was presented by the Ladies of
Richmond. It had the marks of many battles on it that were fought in Virginia. The sergeant and color guards sitting
nearby cried bitterly that the flag which they had prized so highly had been taken from them. I then stuck the staff in the
ground and lay down beside it and went to sleep. General Wilcox came by and awakened me and said "Brown while you
were asleep I heard all about the capture of the flag and the sergeant and the color guard. Now the law of the
government requires me to send this flag to Washington for safe keeping and it will be labeled by whom and how it was
captured so that future generations can view it". He said he would see that I was properly rewarded. (This account
compliments of Stu Richards)

Note: Research has found that the three men killed in this tale were also from Schuylkill Haven as were Joe Long and
Charles Oswald. Long was later killed in action on December 31,1864 and Oswald survived the war.

At right is a
representation of
the flag captured by
Brown.

If you have any ideas for posting on the Civil War as it relates to Schuylkill Haven, please email it to:
civilwar@schuylkillhavenhistory.com

At right is the headstone on the
Union Cemetery of Henry Hill.

LAST UPDATED: MARCH 7

AGLEY, SAMUEL PVT	Died in Andersonville Prison, date unknown.
BARTOLET, ALBERT	Killed at Cold Harbor VA on June 3, 1864
BENEDICT, JACOB	Killed at Spotsylvania Courthouse Va on May 12, 1864.
BERGER, AUGUSTAS PVT	Killed at Antietam September 17, 1862.
BURKERT, CHARLES	Killed in action on August 19, 1864.
DENTZER, JOHN CPL	Died of wounds received in action.
EBERT, DANIEL	Killed in action in the Wilderness May 9, 1864.
ECKEL, EMANUEL	Killed at Cold Harbor VA on June 3, 1864.
FRITZ, JOHN	Killed in action on April 2, 1865. Son of Peter Fritz, below.
FRITZ, PETER	Killed in action in the Wilderness, May 6, 1864.
FOX, WILLIAM CAPT	Killed at Fredericksburg December 12, 1862.
GETLER, JACOB PVT	Killed in action June 17, 1864.
HELMS, JEREMIAH	Killed at Antietam September 17, 1862. Drummer boy.
HILL, WILLIAM SGT	Killed in action in the Wilderness, May 6, 1864.
HINEY, GEORGE PVT	Killed at second Battle of Bull Run.
HINEY, WILLIAM 1ST LT	Died July 8, 1864 of wounds received in action June 1,1864
KISSINGER, WILLIAM SGT	Died May 24, 1865 from wounds rcv'd in action May 12, 1864.
LONG, JOSEPH PVT	Killed in action, December 31, 1864.
MARTZ, SAMUEL	Killed in action in the Wilderness, May 6, 1864.
REED, JOHN	Killed in action on May 25, 1864.
SIMPSON, GEORGE PVT	Died of wounds received in action, date unknown.
WAGNER, WILLIAM PVT	Killed in action, August 19, 1864.
WARNER, LEVAN	Killed in action in the Wilderness, May 6, 1864.
WILLIAMS, PATRICK	Died as prisoner of war, date unknown.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN'S
HONORED DEAD

The plaque above is located on the war
memorial located in Bubeck Park. Click
on it to read the names of those who
died in the Civil War.

Below is the list of those Schuylkill Haven soldiers who gave their lives in the Civil War
and information related to their deaths.

Below is the front page of the Pottsville Republican from June 10, 1907
paying tribute to Captain J. K. Helms, Civil War patriot of Schuylkill
Haven. The article is long but interesting. The engraving of James
Helms also appeared in the newspaper.

PERPETUATE
MEMORY
OF CAPT. J. K. HELMS

Members of the Patriotic Order of Sons of
America and Other Citizens Join in Paying
Tribute to an Honored but
Deceased Patriot

THE MONUMENT WAS UNVEILED

The memory of the late Capt. J. K. Helms was suitably honored at Schuylkill Haven this afternoon when the
spot which marks his last resting place was unveiled a massive and stately headstone of granite suitably
inscribed. The dedicatory services took place at Union Cemetery and were participated in by
representatives of the P. O. S. of A. from many different parts of the state. Capt. Helms was the first National
President of this order and it was largely through his efforts that what was known as the Junior Sons of
America was rejuvenated into the Patriotic Order Sons of America. He is regarded in a certain sense
therefore as the father of the order. But not only was his memory extolled by the orators of the trade of the
interest and activity he exhibited in this order, but also for the influence he swayed as a citizen and a soldier
on the field of battle.

The services today were under charge of the Union Veteran's assn., with the following committee or
arrangements: H. J. Stager, chairman, F. E. Stees , secretary, F. P. Spiese, W. H. Schwartz, J. A. M. Pasemore.
Their efforts were supplemented by the following local committee: C. S. Blackburn, H. Schumacher, J. C.
Paxson, W. C. Saylor, J. K. Helms, S. M. Helms, an ex-state president of the order who is now president of the
Veteran's Association, was in direct charge of the demonstration, while the parade was marshaled by another
ex-state president, John R. Mast. The Veteran's Assn. is entitled to the credit of raising the splendid piece of
granite which will testify to Capt. Helms worth to future generations as they purchased the stone and also
bore the expenses of the dedicatory services.

The procession formed at the hall of the local Camp 47 at two o'clock and marched over the direct route from
the hall to the Union Cemetery. Eiler's cornet band headed the procession, followed by the members of Jere
Helms Post No. 26, GAR, the committee and the speakers, the camps and the delegations and last of all the
members of the Veteran's Assn.

Immediately upon arrival at the cemetery the exercises under the auspices of the sub-committee began.
Eiler's Cornet Band played the dirge "King David's Funeral March" and H. J. Stager, chairman of the Veteran's
Assn. Committee made a brief but very appropriate introductory address. Rev. D. M. Moser, pastor of St.
Matthew's Lutheran Church of Schuylkill Haven, offered prayer and then the veil which enshrouded the
monument was drawn aside by S. M. Helms. Another selection from the band followed after which the choir
of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church sang the anthem "I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes". Address by R. H. Koch, C. N.
Brumm and Capt. George West Blake were next on the program. These addresses were interspersed by
anthems by the choir. The benediction pronounced by Rev. O. B. Wengert, of the Schuylkill Haven United
Brethren Church and the taps "Good Night" ended the exercises and the vast concourse returned to town.
There were hundreds of visitors present, nearly all the state officers of the P. O. S. of A. attending while
scores of camps were represented by their officers or prominent members. The Pottsville camps were
particularly well represented.

R. H. Koch in his eulogistic address on Capt. Helms entered into the details of his life. He was born June 11,
1842 in Myerstown, Lebanon County. In 1852 his father moved to Pottsville crossing the Blue Mountains in
wagons, it being before the era of railroads in this section. After remaining here two years his father
changed his residence to Philadelphia. Here young Helms first displayed the ability which afterwards gave
him such success by capturing the first prize at school and enjoying special mention. Rev. William Barnes
was pastor of the Nazareth M. E. Church which he then attended. This minister will be remembered by many
of the people of Pottsville as having been pastor of the local church. From Philadelphia the Helms family
removed to Schuylkill Haven and from there James enlisted in the cause of the Union at the outbreak of the
Rebellion. He first joined Col. Nagle's Infantry in the six months service and at the expiration of that time
reenlisted in Co. D, 48th Penna Infantry. From a private he rose through meritorious conduct to the captaincy
of his company. He participated in all of the Burnside's corps engagements up to and when he was wounded
at the battle of Petersburg and carried from the field. He returned home with seven balls in his body.
After the war he was appointed clerk in the provost marshal's office under Capt. Bowen of Pottsville and was
successively appointed revenue storekeeper,revenue appraiser and revenue inspector. He finally received
the appointment of a clerkship at Harrisburg at a salary of $1400 a year. This position he turned over to the
late S. A. Losch who was then a baggage master on the Mine Hill Railroad, thus giving Losch his start in
politics. The people of Schuylkill Haven elected Capt. Helms as a justice of the peace and a school director,
which positions he held many years and up to his death. As previously stated he was the first National
President of the P. O. S. of A. as well as one of the earliest state presidents.
Capt. Helms was a brother of Jere H. Helms who enlisted as a drummer boy in Co. F 50th Penna. Infantry and
was killed at the age of 15 years at the battle of Antietam. It is for him that the Helms Post of the GAR is
named.
P. D. Helms, deputy U. S. Marshal, is a brother of Capt. Helms. Like his other brothers, P. D. was a gallant
soldier having enlisted in Co. H Cameron Dragoons afterwards known as the 5th Penna. Cavalry.

The parade was a picturesque one. The members of Eiler's Cornet Band wore white duck pants and blue
coats. The members of the Jere Helms Post wore the old fashioned uniform of the Civil War and carried
guns. The P. O. S. of A. Camps lent life to the scene by the profusion of national colors. Besides the local
organizations the following Camps were in line from out of town: Camp 49 of Pine Grove, Camp 247 of
Landingville, Camp 307 Summit Station. There were also good sized delegations from Pottsville, Port Carbon
and other towns present. The parade was headed by the local committee of Camp 47 of Schuylkill Haven.
Most of the businesses and houses along the route of the parade were well decorated, although some
neglected to exhibit the colors. The decorations at the post office, E. C. Saylor's music store, Stitzer's Café,
Central Hotel, Pflueger's news stand, Binchley's restaurant, Keller's store, H. J. Moser, A. R. Kauffman, Dr. D.
Dechert, Dr. Detweiler and others were very beautiful and evinced artistic taste.
At the cemetery several thousand people witnessed the unveiling ceremonies. The headstone which was
fully described in yesterday's Republican was much admired by everyone. It is a splendid ornament to Union
Cemetery.

Here are the images of
the two Medal of Honor
recipients from Schuylkill
Haven.

Local GAR Post

Was Mr. Ditzler a Copperhead

VETERAN ASSN. IN CHARGE

CHARLES E. BROWN

HENRY HILL

CIVIL WAR VETERAN'S
CARD FILE

In 1869-1871, index cards were created on Civil War
veterans with personal information. Below are the
cards of Schuylkill Haven men killed during the war
which could be located.
Names of the men are under their card. To view the
information, click on the card.
These cards were initially prepared to serve as an
index to Bates' "History of Pennsylvania Volunteers".
The Office of the Adjutant General later expanded the
scope of the cards by transcribing onto them data
found on the original Civil War Muster Rolls.

AGLEY, SAMUEL

BENEDICT, JACOB

BERGER, AUGUSTUS

BURKERT, CHARLES

EBERT, DANIEL

ECKEL, EMANUEL

FOX, WILLIAM

FRITZ, JOHN

FRITZ, PETER

GETLER, JACOB

HELMS, JEREMIAH

HILL, WILLIAM

HINEY, GEORGE

HINEY, WILLIAM

KISSINGER, WILLIAM

LONG, JOSEPH

MARTZ, SAMUEL

REED, JOHN

SIMPSON, GEORGE

WARNER, LEVAN

WILLIAMS, PATRICK

The information on the cards of these 21 men reveals much. Eleven of
them were boatmen on the canal which was far out of proportion to other
occupations which included a tailor, a miner, a blacksmith and a painter
among others. Their average age at enlistment was about 23 and in
comparison to men today, their average height was only 5'5". The dead
included a father and son and also a pair of brothers.

VETERANS NAME	CERTIFICATE	INJURY	RATE	DATE
BERGER, FRANKLIN W.	138016	Gunshot wound of the left side	$2.00	2/1876
BOMBERGER, SAMUEL	159362	Gunshot wound of the right arm	$4.00	4/1879
BURKERT, DANIEL F.	55324	Gunshot wound of the left shoulder	$15.00	1/1866
BURKERT, GOTTLIEB	146172	Gunshot wound of the left leg	$1.00	6/1877
DAUBERT, CATHERINE	130707	Widow	$8.00
GARRETT, ALEXANDER P.	190269	Gunshot wound of the back	$2.00	6/1881
GREEN, HENRIETTA	193602	Mother	$8.00	11/1881
GUERKKER, WILLIAM B.	28811	Gunshot wound of the left hand	$4.00
HANDLEY, HESTER	27292	Widow	$8.00
HANNUM, AMELIA	65321	Widow	$17.00
HARRISON, WALTON	105940	Gunshot wound of the left arm	$6.00	10/1870
HELMS, JAMES K.	36809	Gunshot wound of the leg and deaf	$16.00	6/1865
HILL, HENRY	131833	Gunshot wound of the left leg	$6.00	2/1875
HILL, MARY	40253	Widow	$8.00
HOFFMAN, SAMUEL	133329	Gunshot wound of the left arm	$4.00	4/1875
LLOYD, ADAM	207741	Gunshot wound of the left leg	$2.00	4/1882
LOYD, HANNAH	150659	Mother	$8.00	5/1871
LUDWIG, MILTON	12949	Injury to abdomen	$4.00
MARTZ, DANIEL	120937	Gunshot wound of the right foot	$4.00	1/1873
MELLEN, AUGUSTUS	90420	Gunshot wound of the right leg	$6.00	6/1869
MICK, JOHN	197853	Chronic rheumatism	$18.00	11/1881
MILLER, THOMAS	66527	Wound to the leg	$14.00	6/1866
PAUL, PETER	132?71	Gunshot wound of the right shoulder	$6.00	4/1875
RAUDENBUSH, DAVID	153031	Chronic diarrhea	$6.00	5/1878
REICHART, ELIZA	110747	Widow	$8.00
REPPHARD, WILLIAM	51367	Gunshot wound of the right arm	$18.00
SHAPPELL, CHARLES	90596	Gunshot wound of the left hand	$4.00	12/1868
STROUSE, JOHN F.	176075	Gunshot wound of the right leg	$2.00	10/1880
TYSON, IRVING W.	182749	Gunshot wound of the right hand	$2.00	2/1881
WEBBER, CATHERINE	63339	Mother	$8.00	1/1866
WILDERMUTH, WILLIAM	176388	Gunshot wound of the right leg	$2.00	10/1880
YEAGER, AUGUSTUS L.	131016	Total blindness	$72.00	12/1874

PENSIONERS

Soldiers wounded or injured during the Civil War were entitled
to pensions later in life. If they were deceased, their widows
could apply for the benefit. Below is a list of men or widows
under the Schuylkill Haven Post Office who received
government pensions. It contains their name, certificate
number, injury, rate of benefit and date of application.

Pottsville Republican of February 20, 1919

DEATH OF CIVIL WAR VETERAN

Captain Charles Brown, aged 79 years, died at his home on Saint John Street Schuylkill Haven after a short
illness. Captain Brown was born in this section of the county and has lived here all the years of his life. He
was a member of the Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven. Years ago he operated one of the boats on the
Schuylkill Canal and when it was closed, he went to New York for a short time where he operated a boat
between New York and Connecticut. The deceased bore a splendid war record. At the outbreak of the Civil
War he recruited a company in Schuylkill Haven, which was known as Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Infantry
and became its captain. The company fought all through the four years of the war, and Captain Brown was
recommended for bravery several times. He was a member of the Legion of Honor, to which only men who
have been recommended for bravery can be members. He was very active in the 50th Regiment Veteran
Association. At the outbreak of the world war, Captain Brown went to New York and offered his services to
his country if he could be used in drilling troops or in any other way. He has been living retired in Schuylkill
Haven for a number of years and is survived by his wife, two sons, Warren G. of Schuylkill Haven and Arthur
of Chicago. Mrs. Thomas Stitzer of Mahanoy City and William Brown of Cressona are also a sister and brother.

Pottsville Republican of January 22, 1908

HAD FINE WAR RECORD - Death of W. D. Guertler, Veteran of Civil War at Schuylkill Haven

William D. Guertler, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Schuylkill Haven and a veteran of
the Civil War passed away at the residence of his sister, Mrs. James A. Roan, on Union Street shortly after
noon on Tuesday. Mr. Guertler was born March 7, 1844, and was therefore in his sixty fifth year. He was a
native of Schuylkill Haven and was one of a family of thirteen children of whom only two survive, a sister and
a brother, Mrs. James A. Roan of town and John A. Guertler of Philadelphia. He had been ill since last March
and was bedfast since October, but up to within two days of his death his mind was perfectly clear and
although in great pain he was a patient sufferer and passed the time relating to friends who called to see
him, incidents of the great rebellion.
William D. Guertler entered the service as a private on July 31, 1862 and was mustered in at Harrisburg on
August 10 following in Company H, 125th Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was honorably discharged owing to
expiration of term of service on May 18th 1863 and on April 15th 1864 reenlisted in Company C, 50th
Pennsylvania Volunteers and was mustered out at the close of the war. Among the engagements in which he
participated were, Kearneysville, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, Nye River,
Virginia, Spottsylvania Court House. He was twice wounded, first at Fredericksburg where a fragment of shell
tore open his forehead and at Chancellorsville where he sustained a gunshot wound of the arm.
During the battle of Spottsylvania Court House on May 12th 1864, by a flank movement of Confederate forces
a number of Union soldiers were taken prisoners and Mr. Guertler and a number of his Schuylkill Haven
comrades were among those captured. Among the prisoners were: William D. Guertler, David Raudenbush,
John Doudle, Peter Daukle, Elias Berger, William Haines, Jacob Hehn, Henry Hehn, Garrett Kerrigan, William
Williams. Peter Daukle and Henry Hehn died while in prison.
Captain Dan Burkert who commanded the company, had been wounded the day before the capture. Of this
list, David Raudenbush is the only one now living. The prisoners were taken successfully to Gordonsville,
Virginia, Lynchburg, Danville, Charleston, South Carolina, Florence, South Carolina, Augusta , Georgia and
Andersonville whence they were paroled December 11th, 1864.
Mr. Guertler's reminiscences of the war would fill a book. The most interesting were his accounts of the
terrible privations endured by the prisoners in the notorious Libby prison. While standing near the deadline
one day, a prisoner by his side famished from hunger and almost crazed from thirst reached over the fatal
line to catch in his tin cup a little water from a pool and was instantly shot through the heart by the sentry.
Mr. Guertler always maintained that the horrors of Andersonville had never been fully revealed.

OBITUARIES OF SCHUYLKILL
HAVEN CIVIL WAR VETERANS

Perhaps the best record of Schuylkill Haven's involvement in the Civil War is recorded in a recent
book, "A History of Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regiment", written by
John "Stu" Richards of Orwigsburg. I highly recommend this book, which is told almost exclusively
through the viewpoint of the soldiers via their letters home and their post war recollections. The
information on Company C that follows is from that book with the gracious permission of Stu
Richards. Please check out his blogs at:
http://coalregionhistorychronicles.blogspot.com/
http://schuylkillcountymilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/

COMPANY C 50TH PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY

Company C of the 50th Regiment was recruited in Schuylkill Haven, its organization taking place on
September 9, 1861, with Daniel F. Burket as the company commander. Burket opened a recruiting station at
the town hall in the summer of 1861 and began recruiting volunteers from Schuylkill Haven and nearby. After
recruiting ninety four men, Burket organized and put the men in military formation and marched them to the
railroad station. They traveled to Camp Curtin in Harrisburg and were assigned their unit designation.
Throughout the war they were an almost exclusively Schuylkill Haven resident unit. Nearly half the men were
boatmen and canal workers.
The company went to Washington on October 2 and then to Annapolis on October 9, sailing on transports to
the Carolinas on October 19. On the night of November 1, they encountered a gale off Cape Hatteras and one
of their vessels was saved only through the efforts of the men of Company C after the masts had been cut
away, everything on board jettisoned and the crew of the ship abandoning the transport.
They were first encamped near Hilton Head, but went to Beaufort on December 6, where on the night of their
arrival, they had their first engagement with the rebels, helping to drive them from the island. On January 1,
1862, they were engaged in force for the first time at the battle of Coosaw where a rebel fort was destroyed.
In May of 1862, Company C, under Colonel Benjamin Christ, were near Charleston and went to Pocotaligo to
burn the railroad bridge there. The only access to the place was a narrow causeway through a marsh and a
bridge which had the planks removed. The bridge was not burned and they were drawn from Charleston. In
July the company was ordered to Fortress Monroe and then to support General Pope in Virginia. It was
engaged at the battle of Second Bull Run for two days and while suffering numerous casualties, drove the
enemy in every encounter. They were severely shelled near Centreville and were also actively engaged in
the battle of Chantilly. It was again engaged at South Mountain, Maryland on September 14 and at Antietam
on September 17, 1862. At Fredericksburg, the company was not engaged but bore witness to the battle.
After action under General Ambrose Burnside, the company was sent west and took part in the siege of
Vicksburg and after the fall of that city went with General Sherman in his campaign to Jackson.
On August 10, 1863, the company returned to Kentucky and then to Knoxville. The company was very short
on men, many suffering from malaria. In October, Company C was sent to help repel the invasion of eastern
Tennessee, where it saw minor action. They were then sent to aid in checking the advance of Longstreet's
advance from Chattanooga, where they were forced to fall back. They fought hard at Campbell's Station
where they held the enemy for over seven hours.
On November 29, the company assisted in the defense of Fort Saunders and was skirmishing to the rear of
the enemy after the siege was raised. While camping at Blaine's Crossroads, almost the entire company
reenlisted on January 1. Shorty after, they moved to Nicholasville, a distance of two hundred miles, marching
the distance in ten days. They suffered greatly during the march.
The men came home to Schuylkill Haven on furlough and returned to the field in March 1864. On March 5,
they reached the field at the Wilderness, where they participated in heavy fighting, suffering heavy
casualties. The company was again engaged at Spotsylvania Court House, where it was involved in a charge
with the brigade and carried the heights, again with heavy casualties. On March 20, they went to Annapolis,
their numbers bolstered by recruitment.
The company was engaged in picket duty for more then a month around Petersburg, Virginia and on August
19 was engaged near Weldon Railroad. They were actively engaged around Petersburg for the remainder of
1864, going into winter camp in November, remaining there until the spring of 1865. In April 1865, the
company was part of the first regiment to enter Petersburg.
After participating in the laying of the cornerstone of the National Monument at Gettysburg they returned
home to Schuylkill Haven and were mustered out on June 6, 1865. During the war the company suffered
eleven killed, twenty five wounded and eleven missing. Company C was in thirty six regular battles during its
existence. In distance traveled and variety of service, it may be doubted whether any other Pennsylvania
unit equaled their record.
Company C saw action at many of the most famous of Civil War battles including Second Bull Run, Vicksburg
and the Wilderness. Men from Schuylkill Haven were wounded and died and some were held prisoner in the
infamous Andersonville Prison. All things considered, the contributions of this small town unit were great
during the Civil War.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN BECOMES INVOLVED IN THE WAR

On April 13, 1861, the residents of Schuylkill Haven were alarmed by the news of the Confederate attack on
Fort Sumter in South Carolina. News was slow during that time and most people had to wait for the evening
passenger train from Philadelphia to obtain news. Patriotism was at a high level during April and May of
1861. On April 20, at the railroad car shops of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, employees of the
company raised a large American flag, rousing the spirit of the community. A large flag was also raised at the
Michael Bassler home on the highest point in town. Patriotic speeches were given daily and local bands
played patriotic songs. On June 27, a 115 foot high pole was raised, bearing an eagle and a wooden cannon
pointing south.

Below are tombstones of some of the veterans of Company C from Schuylkill Haven. All but Israel
Oswald, buried in the Jerusalem Cemetery, are buried in the Union Cemetery of Schuylkill Haven.

Alpheus Combs, farmer,
served from April 16,
1864 until July 30, 1865.

Franklin Burns, boatman, served
only from March 27, 1865 until July
30, 1865 but was wounded in the left
side by a gunshot blast at
Petersburg, VA.

Isaac Eckert, boatman,
Corporal served from
September 9, 1861 until July
30, 1865.

Peter Paul, boatman, served from
September 9, 1861 until July 30,
1865. He was wounded by a
gunshot wound to the right
shoulder at Chantilly.

Daniel Martz, of Reading, laborer, served
from February 10, 1864 until May 16, 1865.
He had gunshot wounds to the right foot
and right arm bleeding in fifteen places.

David Raudenbush, carpenter,
sergeant served from
September 9, 1861 until July 30,
1865. He was wounded by a
gunshot wound above the right
knee at the Wilderness and was
a prisoner at Andersonville.

William Eckert, boatman, served from April
6, 1864 until July 30, 1865. He was
wounded at the Wilderness.

Israel Oswald, blacksmith, entered the
service on September 9, 1861 and
transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps
on January 1, 1865.

William Wildermuth, boatman,
Corporal, served from September
9, 1861 until July 30, 1865. He
was wounded by a gunshot
wound in the right leg in the
summer of 1864. He was one of
the last four members of the
company alive in 1916 living in
Schuylkill Haven.

New stories from the 1880s include J. K. Helms visits GAR
veterans in Altoona, Captain Brown relates the details from the
siege of Knoxville, two G. A. R. Posts haggle over who will care for
veterans in the Almshouse, the grand Decoration Day parade of
1886 and the controversy over payment for a speaker on
Decoration Day and his payment by the G. A. R. of town.
An early 1884 story recording a meeting of the G. A. R. and the
election of officers.
Obituaries of Captain Burkert, William Leffler and Christian Scheck
of town just posted.
These listings can be of assistance in genealogical research.
Images of tombstones of various Civil War veterans from
Schuylkill Haven are shown below.

THE PROCESSION

SERVICES AT THE CEMETERY

LIFE OF CAPTAIN HELMS

A PICTURESQUE PARADE

Captain
                Daniel F.
Burket
Charles E. Brown

First Lieutenant
George W. Brumm
William H. Hiney
John S. Eckel
Samuel A. Losch

Second Lieutenant
John F. Saylor
Augustus Mellon

First Sergeant
David Raudenbush
William Hill

Sergeant
Levi Eckert
Henry Hill
George Schwenk
Samuel Hoffman
James H. Levan
Alexander P. Garrett

Corporal
Henry M. Deibler
George W. Cake
Jacob Scheck
Charles Oswald
Isaac Eckert
William Wildermuth
Frederick Scheck
Gotlieb Burket
John Doudle
George H. Hoffman
Robert Bechtel
Benjamin Brown

Musician
William H. Genslin
Clestine McKibbons
Jeremiah Holmes

Privates
Agley, Samuel
Baker, Lafayette
Bowsman, George
Berger, David
Beeker, William
Boyer, Lewis
Bretz, William
Block, David
Burns, Henry
Burns, Franklin
Bryne, William
Brown, George W.
Berger, Elias
Belle, Volney
Benedict, Jacob
Bertold, Albert
Burkert, Charles
Berger, Augustus
Brosins, George W.
Burget, Elias
Brenner, Jonathan
Combs, Alpheus
Correll, Rolandus
Christian, Henry B.
Carrigen, Garrett
Dilcamp, Peter
Dupple, Gotlieb
Dankle, Peter
Eckert, John N.
Eckert, William
Eckert, John
Eiler, Charles
Eckert, Marks E.
Eckle, Emanuel
Ebert, Daniel
Emerick, William
Ellis, Thomas
Eilerding, Henry
Fisher, Franklin
Fritz, Peter
Fritz, John
Freistine, George
Fitzimons, Peter
Fohl, Richard
Fenstamacher, Fr'n
Fickenshee, Peter
Gulliver, Christian
Guertler, William D.
Garber, Mahlon

Graff, John
Getler, Jacob
Gilbert, Aaron P.
Gilmore, Robert
Hoffman, Jerome
Heebner, Edward
Harner, Romandes
Heebner, George
Haus, Thomas J.
Hehn, Jacob
Haines, William
Hoffman, William
Hehn, Henry
Harbst, Jacob
Hohl, Lewis
Hiney, George
Keighnor,
Stough'n
Kerrigan, Garrett
Koch, William J.
Koch, William
Knarr, Isaac
Knarr, George
Karney, Charles
Krebs, Andrew J.
Knarr, Benjamin
Knarr, Charles
Kraner, Jonas W.
Klingner, George
Llyod, Adam
Losch, William G.
Lindermuth, Jacob
Llyod, George W.
Lehman, Josiah D.
Long, Joseph
Llyod, Thomas
Long, Lewis
Little, John
Lendal, John L.
Martz, John B.
Machlin, William E.
Miller, Henry B.
Moyer, George
Marland, Edward
Mercer, William
Martz, Daniel
Martz, Samuel
Mussic, Daniel
Melley, Dennis
Martin, John
Malloy, Patrick

Meckenstorm, Charles
McHarque, Jonathan
McCullough, Patrick
McGlann, Daniel
O'Donnell, Franklin
Oswald, Israel
Oswald, Edward
Paul, Peter
Pugh, Morgan
Patton, William
Reed, George
Ryan, John
Reiger, Albert
Reiger, Edward
Reber, Lewis B.
Rupp, Thomas
Reilly, Michael
Reed, John
Reisher, Philip
Reinheimer, Frank
Sheck, Paul
Schwenk, Samuel
Smith, John
Sweeney, John
Seaman, Lewis
Seifert, John
Seifert, William B.
Schwab, Adam
Saylor, James M.
Sullivan, Daniel
Sirles, William
Sheppell, Charles
Sharon, Franklin
Schwartz, Lucian
Simpson, George
Tyson, William H.
Tyson, Irving W.
Venable, Arthur
Williams, Charles
Williams, William
Wesner, Samuel
Wright, Josiah
Wall, Augustus
Waliser, Thomas
Williams, Patrick
Wagner, William
Warner, Levan J.
Williams, Alex
Wise, Franklin

50th PA Regiment
Co. C

As recorded in History of Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-65 by Samuel P. Bates

Samuel B. Laubenstein, the son of Peter and
Maria Bauscher Laubenstein, was born in Wayne
Township on the family farm located along what
is now Kiehner's Road just north of the 443 and
183 intersection. The family were members of
St. John's Lutheran congregation at
Friedensburg. In the mid 1850's the family
removed to Schuylkill Haven where Peter had
purchased a home.
Samuel's first enlistment was with the Tower
Guards of Pottsville early in 1861. He later
served with the PA 48th, Co. H. and eventually
was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant.
In April of 1864, he was detached from active
service and sent to Indianapolis, Indiana in
order to take command of a company of Negro
soldiers and bring them back to Annapolis,
Maryland to the Army of the Potomac. After
resuming active service he was fatally injured
on May 31 of that year in skirmishes with
Confederate sharp shooters in the vicinity of
Tolopotomy Creek following the Battle of
Spottsylvania.
Following the war, Samuel's elder brother,
Jonas, was sent to Virginia to bring the body
home for burial. It was found to be in good
condition buried deep in dry sandy soil. Final
burial was in Schuylkill Haven.

SAMUEL B. LAUBENSTEIN

The story at left and the photo below
are of Samuel B. Laubenstein. A
picture of his ornate tombstone is on
the Union Cemetery page on this site.

Info and picture courtesy of his descendant, Ardith
(Laubenstine) Kull

At left, John N. Eckert,
boatman, served from
February 29, 1864 until
July 30, 1865.
At right,Irving W. Tyson,
boatman, served from
February 22, 1864 until
June 8, 1865. He was
wounded in the battle of
the Wilderness on May 6,
1864. He went back to
canal boating after the
war and worked on the
railroad for thirty years.
He retired to Schuylkill
Haven and was the last
surviving member of the
Jere Helms GAR Post. He
always claimed he voted
for "Honest Abe" while in
the field with the Army.

Peter Delcamp, boat builder,
served from March 8, 1864
until August 16, 1865.

Jerome Hoffman, boatman, served from
March 3, 1864 until July 30, 1865. His stone
is slowly sinking from view.

Lafayette Baker, boatman,
served from September 9, 1861
until July 30, 1865.

William D. Guertler, stone cutter,
served from April 16, 1864 until July
30, 1865. He was captured on May
12, 1864 and sent to Andersonville.
He was also wounded in action with
a gunshot wound to the right hand.

Captain Daniel F. Burket,
Harbor Master on the Schuylkill
Canal, served from September
9, 1861 until December 31,
1864. He recruited men for the
cause for three years. He was
wounded in the left shoulder at
Second Bull Run. His son
served as a drummer boy.

Samuel Hoffman, Sergeant, boatman,
served from September 9, 1861 until
July 30, 1865. He received a gunshot
wound to the left arm during the
Second Bull Run campaign.

Pottsville Republican of September 12, 1888

DEATH OF JEROME HOFFMAN

Death relieved Jerome Hoffman, of Schuylkill Haven, on Monday night from his great suffering which had
made him an invalid the past two years. The members of Camp 47, Sons of America, deserve much praise for
their liberal provision and attentive care bestowed on their brother during his entire sickness. Mr. Hoffman
was a well known soldier, having served in Company C, 50th Regiment, P. V. V. and he will be buried on Friday
at 1:30 pm with the honors of Camp 47 and Post 26, G. A. R. of which organization he was a faithful member.
All Sons of America and Grand Army members are requested to attend. Members of Camp 47 and Post 26 will
meet at their headquarters at one o'clock sharp.

Pottsville Republican of April 21, 1908

VANDALISM OF CIVIL WAR VETS GRAVES

Members of the Jere Helms Post 26, G. A. R. complained that vandals are making a practice of destroying the
G. A. R. markers on old soldier's graves in the various cemeteries and the vandalism is practiced to a great
extent in the almshouse burial plot more then elsewhere. The miscreants may be prosecuted if they are
caught but the G. A. R. men do not wish to resort to any harsh measures and believe that if attention is called
to the matter, there will be no further cause for complaint.

Pottsville Republican of January 24, 1928

WILLIAM WILDERMUTH LAID TO REST

With full military honors, one of the few remaining
Civil War veterans of Schuylkill Haven, William M.
Wildermuth, aged 86, was laid to rest in Union
Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. Due to the
advanced years of the surviving Civil War
veterans in Schuylkill Haven, John Minnich,
William Tyson and William Dewald, the Robert
Baker American Legion Post took charge of the
military service. The Legion members met at the
Legion home at 1:30 o'clock and marched to the
Wildermuth home, in charge of Post Commander,
Raymond Miller. Services were conducted at the
home at two o'clock by the Reverend a. T.
Sutcliffe, pastor of Saint Matthew's Lutheran
Church and later services were held at the grave.
Members of the Legion, Merton Suits, John Gray,
George Seider, Clarence Gray, harry Quinter and
Raymond Miller, acted as pall bearers and at the
cemetery the full G. A. R. military service was
used, with George Reider acting as chaplain. The
color bearers were N. A. Pritchard and Charles
Kauffman and the color guards, elmer Bubeck and
Percy Bubeck. The firing squad composed of
Lewis Dress, Allen Klahr, Fred Burkert, Warren
Burkert, Allen Knarr and William Hyde, and in
charge of sergeant John Dewald, fired a farewell
salute over the grave and taps were sounded by
Bugler H. A. Reber. D. M. Bittle was in charge of
the funeral.

William M. Wildermuth, Civil War
veteran, as seen in his later years.
PHOTO COMPLIMENTS OF TODD SEIGFRIED

The Call of July 13, 1923

JERE HELMS POST ORGANIZED IN 1867

Mr. Charles Leib, a Civil War veteran, is the authority for the statement that the Jere Helms Post Number 26,
G. A. R. of Schuylkill Haven was organized on January 30, 1867. William Eckert of Reading, formerly of town, is
the only surviving charter member. The first Decoration Day exercises were held on May 30, 1868. The
Reverend Yeiser was the speaker. The present membership of the post is but eleven. This is quite a small
number when it is considered some three hundred soldiers from Schuylkill Haven and vicinity went forth to
war between 1861 and 1864. The personnel of the post is as follows: John Minnig, Commander, Dr. C. Lenker,
Chaplain, Charles Leib, William Tyson, Henry Seigfried, William Wildermuth, of Schuylkill Haven; Albert Borda
of Girardville; Livingstone Saylor of Pottstown; William Dewald of Auburn; Charles Ryland of Cressona and
William Eckert of Reading.

These two images show
Schuylkill Haven men that
served in the Civil War. At
left is Ulysses A. Bast, a
lieutenant in Company B of
the 48th Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry and at
right is Lieutenant James
K. Helms, later a captain, of
the 50th Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry.

The Call of May 1, 1914

DEATH OF CIVIL WAR VET

David Raudenbush, this town's oldest Raudenbush for the past several weeks was confined to his home with
illness. Death was caused by ptomaine fever. For the past four weeks Mr. Raudenbush took little or no
nourishment and for the greater part of the last three weeks was in a semi-conscious condition. Deceased
was eighty one years, two months and thirteen days of age.
He was born in South Manheim Township February 14, 1833 and with his parents came to Schuylkill
Haven when one year of age. His parents resided on North Main Street within several doors of the
residence of the deceased. In his younger days, Mr. Raudenbush followed the trade of boatman on the
Schuylkill, having charge of a boat for contractor Kline, a resident of Schuylkill Haven. When boating was
discontinued, he secured employment with the Reading Company. He was an employee of the company for
fifty six years. He was pensioned by this company.
Mr. Raudenbush, besides being one of the oldest residents of Schuylkill Haven, was the oldest Civil War
veteran of the town. He was also one of the first young men to respond to the nation's call in 1861. It was
during the period he was employed as a boatman that he responded to the nation's call to arms and enlisted
in Company C, 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, which were drafted in Schuylkill County. The date of
enlistment was September 19, 1861. During his services he was promoted from corporal to sergeant and
later to first sergeant of the company. Mr. Raudenbush was taken prisoner at the Battle of Spottsylvania and
confined to the Andersonville prison for eleven months. While in this prison, he together with other
prisoners, underwent extreme cruelty and suffered great hardships. He was exposed to all kinds of weather,
having no shelter whatsoever. For nourishment, he with the other soldiers, was allowed but a one half pint
cup of ground corn. This corn contained a large percentage of the corn cob, as the cob was ground in with
the corn. When his release was obtained he returned to Schuylkill Haven greatly broken down in health. He
was reduced to 94 pounds in weight and was so feeble that he was taken off the train at the local station and
carried to his home on a pillow by his comrades.
Among the other Schuylkill Haven soldiers who were prisoners at the Andersonville prison with Mr.
Raudenbush, and who have all now passed to the great beyond, are William D. Guertler, Elias Berger, John
Doudle, Henry Haines, Samuel Achley, Daniel Martz and George Freistone. Mr. Raudenbush was one of the
most courageous members of his company. He was always in the fore of the battle and never hesitated in
complying with the orders of his superiors. He was in the most severe and decisive battles of the Civil War
namely: Fredericksburg, First and Second Bull Run, Battle of Antietam, Vicksburg, Spottsylvania Courthouse
and at Petersburg. Mr. Raudenbush was of a kind hearted disposition and was ever willing to assist his
fellow man. While in the Andersonville prison, Mr. Raudenbush risked immediate death by pleading with
Captain Wertz, the notorious and cruel prison warden, who history tells us was later hung for his cruelty to
Federal soldiers, to grant him permission to secure several boards, which were outside of the stockade.
With these boards, Mr. Raudenbush changed the course of a spring and drained the water to the inside of
the stockade which had previously gone to waste on the outside of the stockade while the prisoners
endured intense suffering for lack of water.
At the end of his three year enlistment, he reenlisted at Knoxville Tennessee in the same company and same
regiment. He was mustered out with the company July 30, 1865. His regiment at the close of the war was
selected by Washington authorities for its great gallantry displayed throughout the war and were accorded
the honor of assisting in laying the cornerstone of the National Monument in honor of the soldier dead in the
National Cemetery at Gettysburg.

The Call of April 22, 1927

DEATH OF CIVIL WAR VET FARNE

Edward Farne, a veteran of the Civil War, died on Tuesday at the home of Mr. Earl Witman, with whom he
made his home for the past several years. He was in his 89th year. He had been bedfast for the past several
weeks. For many years he was employed by the Reading Company and was placed on the retired list and
honor roll eighteen or nineteen years ago. Deceased was a veteran of the Civil War and was proud of the
record he had as a veteran. He was one of the volunteers who answered the call to arms in 1861. He
enlisted in the Wetherill Rifles, one of the county's earliest military units. He was made the captain. He
served the three month enlistment and later served in Company I, 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry and Company
149, Second Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps. He was honorably discharged on June 30, 1865, having
served four years and five months. The funeral was held this afternoon, Friday, from the undertaking parlors
of C. G. Wagner. The American Legion of Schuylkill Haven will furnish an escort and guards, and the burial in
the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Pottsville, will be made with full military honors.

The Call of April 29, 1927

CIVIL WAR VET DIES

Charles Leib, one of the best known residents of Schuylkill Haven, passed
peacefully away Thursday afternoon at the home of his daughter on Paxson
Avenue. Mr. Leib had been confined in the house the greater part of the
winter. He was apparently improving in health until about a week ago when
he suffered a relapse and for the past several days was confined to bed. On
May 12, 1927, he would have been eighty years of age. Deceased was born on
Lebanon but lived in Schuylkill Haven since the year 1860. For many years he
was employed as a painter at the P and R car Shops. He was a Civil War
veteran, having served during the latter part of the war. His wife preceded
him in death thirteen years ago. Three children survive namely: Mrs. Mary
Lutz, of town; Harry and Walter Leib of Pottsville. Mr. Leib was a vocalist of no
mean ability. He was a member of the Saint John's Reformed choir for thirty
five years and had been the instructor and leader of the choir for six years.
For quite a number of years he was a member of local bands and orchestras
being a drummer. His love of music, of late years, had best been satisfied by
his presence at all events where an orchestra or band was in attendance.
This interest and evident delight in listening to music was followed by him up
until his very last years.

Civil War veteran
Charles Leib's picture
appeared with his
obituary in the Call.

The Call of April 6, 1928

CIVIL WAR VETERAN DIED AT AGE OF 81

Emanuel Shirley, one of the oldest Civil War veterans of Schuylkill Haven, died at the home of his stepson,
George Gaumer, of Dock Street, on Sunday morning at 7:30 o’clock. A complication of disease was given as
the cause of his death. He was taken ill Friday and grew rapidly worse and Saturday it was seen his end was
close at hand. He fell asleep and in this state passed away. He was eighty one years of age last October.
Deceased served as a cavalryman during the Civil War and gave eighteen months of service. He was born
near Sunbury and for a number of years resided in Frackville. For the past twenty three years, he has been a
resident of Schuylkill Haven. In his early days he was a coal miner, a shoe maker, a photographer and for a
number of years conducted a store in Frackville. In Schuylkill Haven he lived retired but for a number of
years found delight in making toys for children and in this he was quite skillful. His eyesight began to fail him
and at the time of his death his eyes were almost sightless. Deceased was twice wedded and both life mates
preceded him in death. He is survived by four sons, namely Howard Shiley of New Jersey, Charles of
Nashville, Tennessee, Elmer of Mount Union and Arthur of Philadelphia. One sister, Mrs. Klinger of Mount
Carmel, and one stepson, George Gaumer of Schuylkill Haven, survive. His funeral took place on Wednesday
afternoon and services were conducted by Reverend E. H. Smoll. The American Legion boys had charge of
the funeral and honored him with a military burial. D. M. Bittle was the funeral director.
director.

The Call of October 11, 1929

CIVIL WAR VET ECKERT BURIED HERE THURSDAY

Thursday afternoon, William Eckert of Reading, formerly of Schuylkill Haven, was buried on the Union
Cemetery at Schuylkill Haven, with military honors accorded him by the Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R.,
and the Robert E. Baker Post of the American Legion. There were gathered at the grave here quite a number
of local friends of the deceased. Reverend E. S. Noll conducted the services after which short burial rites of
the Grand Army were given and the firing squad of the Legion fired the salute for the dead and taps were
sounded. The funeral party arrived in Schuylkill Haven shortly after three o’clock, after prior funeral services
had been held at the late home of the deceased in Reading. Mr. Eckert’s death occurred early Monday
morning and was rather sudden although he had been in bad health for the past three months. Pneumonia
suddenly developed and caused his demise. He was eighty eight years of age. He was born in Barnesville
and came to Schuylkill Haven with his parents in infancy. For quite a number of years he boated on the
Schuylkill Canal. Later he embarked in the hotel business and for a number of years conducted the same on
Dock Street, in the property now the Gipe Auto Accessory Store. Deceased was a Civil War veteran and was
one of the six living members of the Grand Army Post of Schuylkill Haven. There are now but five. Mr.
Eckert, quite early in the Civil War was rudely made acquainted with its results when on the boat on which he
and his father were transporting cannon and ammunition from Philadelphia to Virginia. It was fired on by the
Confederate forces and an explosion resulted. Mr. Eckert and his father were thrown into the water but
fortunately were enabled to swim ashore. Later he served in Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Volunteers and
served under the command of Captain Burkert and of Captain Brown. His service was that of an eighteen
month period. He was wounded in the hand at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864. The deceased
was one of eight children of Benneville and Rebecca Eckert, early residents of Schuylkill Haven and always
prominent in its history. He is the last of the family. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Frank
Mertz and Mrs. Louis Rothrauff. Two stepsons, Walter Burkert of Reading and William Burkert of Philadelphia
survive. survive.

The Call of November 3, 1916

ONLY TWO DOZEN LOCAL VETERANS

In conversation with a Civil War veteran of our town this week we learned that of the 446 residents of
Schuylkill Haven that enlisted in the militia and navy during the Civil war, there are just about an even two
dozen living and residing here at this date. The Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R. of town has a
membership of twenty one but seven of the members reside out of town. There are about seven local Civil
War veterans who are not affiliated with the G. A. R. Post making the total number of war veterans here about
twenty four. Four hundred and forty six of this town’s sons enlisted in the different companies of the various
regiments of militia and in different branches of the navy during the bloody Civil War strife from 1861 until
1865. In one company, Company C, 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, there were 164 men
from Schuylkill Haven, including the two enlistments. It must be remembered that this one company was
throughout the entire war, an almost all Schuylkill Haven company.
Of the total number of men in Company C, there survive about forty, only a handful being from or residing
here at this time, namely Irving Tyson, Charles Brown, William Wildermuth, H. M. Deibler. During the year six
members of this company that were former residents of Schuylkill Haven or who enlisted in Company C from
this town passed away. They were Charles Knarr of Haas, Pa, Peter Paul of Schuylkill Haven, G. Schwenk of
Illinois, A. Williams of a Soldiers Home, Franklin Wise of Ohio and James Saylor of Philadelphia. There was a
total of nine deaths in Company C during the year. There were thirty three deaths in the entire membership
of the 50th Regiment leaving about 290 survivors in the regiment at this time. In distances traveled, in the
variety of their service and in the extremes of heat and cold to which they were subjected, it may be doubted
whether any other organizations of Pennsylvania troops paralleled or approached the 50th and 45th
Regiments. The itinerary of the 50th or the total number of miles traveled by this regiment on rail, foot and
water amounted to over 12,000 according to statistics gathered by writers and publishers of histories of the
war.

The Call of June 1, 1917

VETERAN DIES ON MEMORIAL DAY

Alfred B. Meck, a veteran of the Civil War, and a boatman on the old Schuylkill Canal, died Memorial Day
morning shortly after nine o’clock, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Bert R. Kaufman, on Main Street. His
death followed an illness of only nine days. Deceased was born near Shoemakersville and passed his
seventy third birthday anniversary on December fifth last. During the Civil War he served two enlistments or
four years. After the closing of the Schuylkill Canal, he assumed charge of a barge in New York state. About
fifteen years ago, he sustained a slight stroke and has not been in the best of health since that time,
although able to attend to his duties. Deceased was a member of the Saint John’s Reformed Church and
highly respected in the community. To survive, he leaves his widow, two sons, Charles C. Meck of Loraine,
Ohio, Warren A., three daughters, Alma, wife of Bert Kauffman, Misses Estella and Mary, all of town. Two
brothers and two sisters also survive, Jeremiah of Shoemakersville, Frank of Jersey City, Mrs. Adeline Moyer
of Shoemakersville and Mrs. Hannah Moyer of Frackville. His funeral took place this afternoon. Both the
services and interment were strictly private. O. A. Bittle had charge.
Charge.

The Call of December 1, 1916

BENJAMIN KNARR, CIVIL WAR VETERAN DEAD

Word was received in town on Tuesday evening announcing the death of Benjamin Knarr, at Glen Mills, on
Tuesday noon. His death followed a lingering illness of some years and was due to a complication of
diseases and infirmities of old age, deceased being eighty one years of age. He was born in Schuylkill
Haven, the son of the late Nathan and Sarah Knarr. In early youth he learned the trade of boat builder and
followed that occupation throughout his entire career. A large number of the boats that plied on the old
Schuylkill Canal, between Schuylkill Haven and breakwater points, were specimens of the handicraft of the
deceased. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company C, 50th Regiment under command of
Captain Burkett and later Captain Charles Brown. He served for a period of three years and was honorably
discharged. Between thirty and forty years ago deceased left Schuylkill Haven and located in Camden, New
Jersey, later moving to Glen Mills. Mr. Knarr was the father of thirteen children, the majority of whom are still
living. Two of the children, Mrs. Edward Wessner and Mrs. John Coller are residents of Schuylkill Haven.
One sister, Mrs. Eliza Berger and one brother, John F. Knarr, both of Schuylkill Haven also survive. The
funeral of Mr. Knarr took place this afternoon from his late residence in Glen Mills and was largely attended.
Surviving besides the sons, daughters, brothers and sister are a number of grandchildren. As a veteran of
the Civil War, deceased had a great record.

The Call of August 22, 1919

DEATH CALLS CIVIL WAR VET

Michael McGuggart, well known about the town, died suddenly on Tuesday at noon, while at work on the state
road midway between Hamburg and Molino, as a watchman. He sustained a paralytic stroke. He was removed
to Hamburg immediately but died before medical attention was procured. He had been at work the past two
weeks and had been in comparatively good health. His death was not only a surprise to his friends but quite
a shock to his family. Deceased was seventy five years of age. He was born, reared and spent his entire life
in this town, following for many years the occupation of boatman. He was also employed at the local car
shops for a time. He resided with his son in law, Peter Fox of Fairview Street. His wife preceded him in death
eight months ago. He is survived by the following children: James of Palo Alto; Joseph and Frank of
Schuylkill Haven; Agnes, wife of Peter Fox of Schuylkill Haven; Alice wife of John McCarty of Palo Alto; Lizzie
and Katie at home. Mr. McGuggart was a Civil War veteran having served for almost two years. Upon his
being discharged he was given the usual discharge papers but in some way or other mislaid them and not
until several months ago did they come to light and were then found reposing in a large book. He had never
been able to secure the pension due him from the government because of the loss of his discharge. It was
only recently that the machinery to procure the pension was set in motion. The funeral will take place
Saturday morning at 9:30 o’clock with services in the Saint Ambrose Church.
Church.

The Call of June 18, 1920

CIVIL WAR VET ANSWERS TAPS

Another one of the town’s Civil War veterans answered the final
taps and passed to the great beyond on Monday morning about 8:10
o’clock. He was Henry M. Deibler, residing on Canal Street. Death
was caused by catarrh of the stomach. For the past four and a half
months he had been confined to his bed. He had been in ill health
and unable to do any work since the second week in September of
last year. Uncomplainingly he accepted his affliction and patiently
awaited the end. He passed peacefully away surrounded by
members of his family. Deceased was well known in town. He had
been a resident for about fifty seven years. For fifty two years he
was a boatman, having boated on the Schuylkill Canal and upon its
abandonment, boated in and about the New York harbor. He
enlisted in the service of his country when eighteen years of age,
and was a member of Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry. He was in the service four years and during this time took
part in numerous decisive and engagements of this four year strife
as well as many minor engagements. In one of the battles he
received a flesh wound but continued in the ranks.
He was seventy six years of age. He was born in New York. For the
past two years he had been employed at the Walkin Shoe factory.
He was a member of the Grace Evangelical Church and the G. A. R.
of town. He was a quiet, honest and upright citizen and enjoyed the
respect and esteem of the entire community. He with his good wife
had the good fortune to keep death’s angel from their threshold
and to their union were born thirteen children all of whom are
living. These thirteen children with forty five grandchildren and
eight great grandchildren were frequent visitors to the homestead
and to the delight and pride of the deceased and his wife. The
funeral services took place on Thursday afternoon at two o’clock at
his late home and in the Grace Evangelical Church at 2:30.
Reverend Fassnacht conducted the services. The bearers were
sons and son in laws of the deceased, namely: Charles, George,
Samuel and Daniel Deibler, Edward Fisher and John Knarr. O. A.
Bittle was funeral director. To mourn his demise are the following,
his widow, thirteen children, forty five grandchildren, and eight
great grandchildren and one brother, David of Williamsport. The
children who survive are: Charles Deibler of Schuylkill Haven,
George Deibler of Pottsville, Mrs. Monroe Sherman of Germantown,
Mrs. Edward Fisher of Garfield Avenue, Schuylkill Haven, Mrs.
Howard Hill, Pottsville, Samuel Deibler of Williamsport, Mrs. John
Knarr of Schuylkill Haven, Mrs. Jacob Lindermuth of Summit Hill,
Daniel Deibler of Quarryville, William Deibler of Schuylkill Haven,
Mrs. Benjamin Herbst of Pottsville, Mrs. Edward Ossman of
Pottsville and Mrs. Guy Heiser of Cressona.
Cressona.

Above is an undated image of Henry Moses
Deibler. His records show he was captured
at Bull Run on August 29th, 1862 and
paroled on August 31st. He was wounded
on May 9th, 1864 and returned to duty on
May 15th, 1864.

Image and information courtesy of Susan Deibler.

The Call of October 20, 1916

AGED VETERAN CALLED HOME

Monday morning at 10:30 o’clock, another one of Schuylkill Haven’s Civil War veterans answered the last call
of taps and joined the army of the Great Commander. It was Mr. Samuel Reed of Main Street, who for the past
ten years has been in ill health and who for the past ten weeks has been confined to his home. Death was
caused by a complication of diseases. Mr. Reed was sixty seven years, nine months and thirteen days of
age. He was born in Friedensburg but spent the greater part of his life here. When but sixteen years of age
he enlisted in Company I, 87th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He served his full enlistment and
was honorably discharged at Washington D. C. on June 29th, 1865, at the close of the war. Entering the
company as a private he was promoted to corporal for gallant and meritorious service. He was present at
Lee’s surrender and was in many of the engagements of the war during his enlistment, among the more
important being the Fall of Petersburg, Bunker Hill, Wilderness, Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor. He also took
part in the Grand Review at Washington D. C. on May 24th, 1865. Mr. Reed found much pleasure in company
with other local war veterans in reciting the events and occurrences of the great struggle. An unusual
occurrence during his enlistment was that of his taking breakfast at Walker’s Farm near Clover Station while
seated next to a Confederate general, namely General Walker, the son of the owner of the farm where Mr.
Reed and several soldiers had been detailed to visit. The Union soldiers with their blue uniforms and the
Confederate general with is gray uniform at the same breakfast table must have been an odd sight. The
breakfast was eaten in complete silence, not a word being spoken.
Deceased in his early days followed the occupation of boating on the Schuylkill Canal. At the close of the
boating hereabouts, he secured employment with the P and R Company and for twenty five years served his
company faithfully in several capacities. Mr. Reed for a number of years was in the green grocery business
on Main Street. He retired about ten years ago on account of his failing health. He was a member of the
Grace United Evangelical Church. A charter member of Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R., he on December
9th, 1908 was elected Post Commander. This position he filled until the time of his death. His familiar figure
at the head of the members of the local G. A. R. years ago, when they participated in the decorating of the
graves of their comrades, will be recalled and long remembered. On February 2, 1868, deceased was united
in marriage to Miss Mary C. Kerkeslager. Besides the widow four children survive, namely, Mrs. Jacob Boltz
of Pottsville, Mrs. John Emery of Palo Alto, Samuel reed of Orwigsburg and Ellis Reed at home. Six
grandchildren survive, also two sisters, Mrs. Charles Mengle of Port Clinton and Mrs. Samuel Blackburn of
town, one brother, Morris Reed of Reading. Reading.

The Call of May 6, 1921

TAPS BLOWS FOR ANOTHER CIVIL WAR VETERAN

Moses Evely, one of the town’s best known aged residents, died at his home on Wil-
liams Street at 2:30 o’clock Thursday morning. He had been confined to bed for the
past four weeks having been taken ill on a Sunday. His strong constitution was the
means of prolonging his life fully two or more weeks. He passed away fully con-
scious but unable to even whisper a farewell to his family. He was in his 86th year.
He is survived by his wife, three children: Mrs. William Schwenk, Mrs. J. Kantner
and Elmer Evely all of town. Also ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
His funeral will take place on Monday afternoon with services at his home at 1:30
o’clock and in the U. B. Church shortly thereafter. In the passing of Mr. Evely,
Schuylkill Haven loses one of its esteemed residents and one of its few remaining
Civil War veterans. The deceased was born in this town and spent his entire life
here. For years he followed the occupation of boat builder and later worked at the
car shops. He was one of the many who at the outbreak of the Civil War volunteered
his services to his country. He served two enlistments. He was a member of the
116th P. V. V. Infantry. He participated in the decisive engagements of the war and
was several times wounded, once at Gettys-burg, once at Spottsylvania and at Cold
Harbor. In the last named engagement his two brothers in the same company were
also wounded, one so badly that he died on the battlefield. He was a member of the
local G. A. R. and one of those whose familiar figure will be missed on Memorial Day,
he during his life having always participated in these exercises and made it a point to attend the funerals of
his comrades as they passed one after the other. He frequently remarked to the writer, following the death
of one of his comrades, that it would soon come his turn to receive an obituary notice. It is here and it is with
a deep and sincere regret that this becomes our sad duty. Mr. Evely was a kind, considerate and pleasant
“old gent’. Despite his age he never seemed to be satisfied unless moving about. He was a great pedestrian
and enjoyed his frequent walks in this section to the fullest extent. He took delight in doing errands or acts
of kindness for his neighbors. To hundreds of persons through his gift as a “pow wow” doctor he brought
relief for various ailments, very often after efforts of physicians had failed. He was glad to walk long
distances that he might help someone in pain or distress. As a member of the U. B. Church he was an active
member and regular attendant, whenever the weather and his health permitted.

This image of Moses
Evely appeared in the
Call with his obituary.

The Call of June 24, 1921

VETERAN DOHNER LAID TO REST BY COMRADES

Henry J. Dohner, one of the town’s retired businessmen and veteran of the Civil War, was on Wednesday laid
to rest by his few remaining comrades and members of the Jere Helms Post of the G. A. R. Reverend M. A.
Kieffer conducted the regular funeral services at the late home of the deceased on Main Street and at the
grave. The Grand Army then took charge of the services at the grave. O. A. Bittle was the funeral director.
There were many persons in attendance as the deceased was one of the town’s best known and highly
respected citizens. He enjoyed the fellowship and good will of everyone and his death while expected was
received with sadness among friends and business associates. Mr. Dohner was born in East Hanover
Township, Lebanon County. He came to Schuylkill Haven about forty years ago and first was employed by W.
A. Gensemer as a shoe repairer in his shop at the Felix corner. Later he embarked in the shoe repairing
business for himself on West Main Street a few feet above the present Dohner residence. After a few years
he engaged in the retail business, the opening day being March 8, 1894. This business he conducted for
thirty five years. Five years ago it was taken over by his two sons, Harry and John, and the deceased retired
to private life. By conservative business methods, straight forward and honorable dealings he built up an
enviable trade. Mr. Dohner was a broad gauged, sympathetic Christian gentleman whom to know well was to
honor.
Deceased served in the Civil War under three enlistments. On June 23, 1863 he enlisted from Lebanon
County in Company A, 26th Regiment, P. V. M., under Colonel W. W. Jennings. He was discharged July 30th at
Harrisburg. In July 1864, he became a sergeant in Company d, First Battalion, P. V. I., under Colonel Charles
Stewart for one hundred days service. He was discharged November 11that the expiration of the term. On
February 12th, 1865, he became a member of Company F, 93rd P. V. I. for one year’s service and was under
the command of Captain B. F. Hean and Colonel C. W. Eckman. He received his discharge on June 28, 1865.
He was a member of the saint John’s Reformed Church and was a faithful and regular attendant not only at
the Sunday services but the midweek services as well. His declining years and feebleness made it
impossible to continue his regular attendance in the last several years of his life. He was a director of the
Schuylkill Haven Trust Company, having been one of the organizers and active workers in its interest. He
took great pride in its growth and was in attendance at every meeting of the board. His fellow directors
attended his funeral in a body and furnished from their number his bearers to his last resting place. He is
survived by his widow, nee Amelia C. Umberger and these children: Harry Dohner, Miss Mayme Dohner, John
Dohner and Lizzie, wife of William Raudenbush, all of town. One sister, Mrs. U. B. Seigrist of Lebanon and one
brother, Frank of Reading also survive.

The Call of December 11, 1925

DEATH OF CIVIL WAR VETERAN

John Seigfried, a Civil War veteran, a member of the Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R., of Schuylkill Haven
passed away at the home of his son Henry Seigfried in Jefferson on Monday evening. The cause of his death
was consumption. He had been confined to bed for the past two weeks. Mr. Seigfried was long a resident of
Schuylkill Haven. He was born in South Manheim Township and for the past year and a half resided near or at
Jefferson. Mr. Seigfried was seventy eight years of age. His wife preceded him in death about a year and a
half ago. He was one of the nine living members of the Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R., of Schuylkill
Haven. He served during a long period of the war. He is survived by the following children: Messiah of
Jefferson, John of Rock, Henry of Jefferson, Albert of Schuylkill Haven, Mrs. Robert Gehrig of Schuylkill
Haven, and Mrs. Charles Dewald of Schuylkill Haven. Several brothers and sisters also survive. The funeral
will take place Saturday morning at ten o’clock with services at the late home and in the Summer Hill church
at ten o’clock.

The Call of June 30, 1890

A VETERAN SOLDIER BURIED

Charles Hammes, who had served in the late war as a member of Captain Jones’ Company Departmental
Corps, was buried at Schuylkill Haven under the immediate direction of Jere Helms Post, Number 26, G. A. R.
The deceased had been suffering for some time from general debility and died at Manayunk on Wednesday
last, where he latterly resided. His remains were escorted to Schuylkill Haven by Comrades Robert Baxter
and Anthony Kern, of General G. K. Warren Post Number 15, Mr. Hammes being an active member of said
post. The funeral was from the house of Constable William F. Stitzer, a brother in law of the deceased. Mr.
Stitzer did all in his power to make the visitors, relatives and immediate friends comfortable. It was on
Sunday afternoon that the funeral took place. The heat was oppressive, it was hard work for the veterans
but they, with the P. O. S. of A. Drum Corps did nobly under the circumstances. A widow and six children
survive to mourn the loss of a kind father, a good citizen and a soldier who never shirked a duty. Reverend
Harrold of the United Brethren Church and Chaplain Beckley of the G. A. R. were the clergymen on duty for
this solemn occasion, while Major S. A. Losch and Captain James K. Helms attended to the arrangements for
the G. A. R. in the necessary absence of the regular officers.

THE CALL OF FEBRUARY 22, 1901

ISAAC KNARR A LIFELONG RESIDENT OF THIS BOROUGH ANSWERS THE FINAL CALL

Isaac Knarr, a venerable and well known citizen of this borough, died at his home on Saint John Street on
Sunday morning about 5:30 o'clock, aged sixty seven years, one month and six days. Deceased had been a
great sufferer of Bright's disease for the past five years and this was the cause of his demise. He had been
bedfast only five days. Deceased was the son of the late Nathan and Sarah Knarr and was born and raised in
this place. He was a boat builder by trade and for many years up to the abandonment of the Schuylkill Canal,
followed that trade. About thirteen years ago he was elected Borough Supervisor, which office he filled for
five consecutive years. He served as janitor of the public school building for a term of four years. He served
with Company C, 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers during the Civil War. He was a faithful member and
attendant of Messiah United Brethren Church and Sunday School for thirty years and always led a
conscientious and upright Christian life. He was also a member of Metamora Council, Number 66, O. U. A. M.
He is survived by his wife and six children as follows: George W., J. Isaac, Robert E. and Mrs. Adam Burkert of
this place, Mrs. George Reed and Mrs. George Jacoby of Pottsville. Three brothers and one sister also
survive: Charles of Mahantongo, Benjamin of Chester and John and Mrs. Eliza Berger of town. The funeral
was held from the late home of the deceased yesterday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock and was largely attended.
Commemorative religious services were held in the United Brethren Church and the body was laid to rest in
Union Cemetery. Reverend S. B. Wengert officiated. The pall bearers were Henry Hill, Charles Brown, Moses
Evely, William Loyd, Elijah Emerich and Samuel Hartranft. E. Ziegenfus was the undertaker.

The Call of May 17, 1901

AFTER MANY YEARS - FORMER SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MAN'S LONG SILENCE
Mourned as Dead For 33 Years - Daniel Raudenbush Writes to Relatives From Arkansas
HIS RECENT DEATH

Daniel Raudenbush, a son of the late Daniel Raudenbush of this place, was mourned for dead by his relatives
here for a period of thirty three years. During this time nothing had been heard from him, and when a few
years ago, David Raudenbush received a letter from his long absent brother, it seemed as though a message
had come from him from the grave. The letter stated that he (Daniel) was located in Arkansas, where he
engaged in farming at the close of the Civil War. Daniel Raudenbush was a well known popular young man of
Schuylkill Haven in his time. In 1854 he enlisted in the regular army and was stationed in Kentucky. When the
Civil War broke out, Raudenbush's general took sides with the Confederacy, his troops almost to a man
following their commander in defense of the southern cause. Probably through intimidation or perhaps
devotion to his general, Raudenbush entered the Confederate service with his regiment and served
throughout the long and bitter struggle. At the conclusion of hostilities he settled in Arkansas, where he
married and engaged in farming.
His relatives not hearing anything from him for so many years, naturally inferred he had been killed in battle.
For thirty three years they mourned him for dead and their surprise and pleasure was great upon receiving
his first letter a few years ago, stating that he was alive and well. A few weeks ago a letter was received here
from his family stating that Mr. Raudenbush died at his distant home in February last. He is survived by his
widow and four children. David Raudenbush of upper Main Street and Mrs. Elijah Emerich of Saint John
Street, this borough, are the surviving brother and sister of the deceased.

In the Call of May 26, 1899, The
following appeared in preparation
for Memorial Day.

David Berger
Lafayette Baker
Joseph Edwards
Daniel Moyer
Henry Copeland
George W. Burton
John Hammis
Michael Moyer
Jacob Brininger
George Berger
Pat F Cooligan
Fred W. Snyder
William Leffler
George Martz
Milton Williams
Daniel F. Burket
Jacob Sheriff
Levi Rubright
Joseph Redkey
George Boussum
George Knarr
Charles Hammis
John D. Grim

Private
Private
Lieutenant
Corporal
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
Captain

Private
Private
Private
Private
Private

50th PVV
50th PVV
48th PVV
48th PVV
48th PVV
8th Pa Cav
58th Pa Vol
116th Pa Vol
69th Pa Vol
167th PDM
48th PVV
48th PVV
50th PVV
104th PVV
50th PVV
50th PVV

96th PVV
50th PVV
50th PVV
50th PVV
96th PVV

Co C
Co C
Co I
Co K
Co B
Co K
Co A
Co G
Co C
Co B
Co D
Co K
Co D
Co D
Co C
Co C

Co A
Co C
Co C
Co C
Co G

The following are the names of soldiers buried
in Union Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven:

UNION CEMETERY

Charles S. Leader          William Fox
John J. Harnum              S. B. Laubenstein
John Eckert                    Isaac Eckert
Stoughton Kiehner        Romandus Harner
Peter Dilcamp                 William H. Koch
Alpheus Combs              William Koch
Emanuel Bast                 Jacob Ebert
William Feger                 William Reppard
James Lash                     Franklin Burns
John Weand                    John Wood
William J. Hein                Jackson Delong
Jacob Honnicker            Henry W. Guertler
George Shreck              John Katterman
H. J. Bashore                  G. W. Frehafer
Joshua Heiser                Charles F. Kantner
Albert W. Kantner          James Delong
Henry R. Quinter           John Hill
Daniel Yost                     Michael Kerkeslager
Amos Paff                        Henry C. Freed
Henry Wright                  B. F. Zimmerman
Lewis Heisler                  John G. Kaufman
John Fableau                 John Byerly
Thomas Raber                 Edward Brown
Alfred Streickler             Adam Delong
L. J. Huntzinger              Benton Spangler
Daniel Small                    Jerome Hoffman
John Bassler                  Augustus Mellon
Clinton H. Koons            Joseph Rupp
Elias Berger                    Henry B. Christian
James K. Helms              John Meck
Charles Jorden              Charles R. Guertler

OLD CEMETERY
James Moyer                  Augustus Palsgrove
Israel Dewald                 George W. Lloyd
Andrew Krebs                Frederick Scheck
Frank Reed                    Jerome Coneycomb
Lewis Smith                    Peter Barr
Samuel Byerly                 John J. Palsgrove

EPISCOPAL CEMETERY
John Armstrong             Samuel Shelenberger
Thomas Robinson          H. G. Robinson

The Call of January 17, 1902

REBELLION RELIC - A Highly Prized Memento of the Great Civil War
A Minie Ball and the Curious Way in Which it Came Into the Possession of Elias Nagle

Elias Nagle, one of the employees of the P and R car shops here, has a relic of the Great War of the Rebellion
which he prizes very highly, not only as a souvenir of the dark days of '61-'65, but also on account of the way
in which it came into his possession. The relic is a minie ball, one of those leaden messengers that carried
death to so many of the brave but misguided sons of the Sunny South, and it came from one of the Georgia
battlefields, and Mr. Nagle became its owner in a very curious way.
While engaged at his work one day last week, Mr. Nagle was cutting a mortise in a large piece of Georgia pine
timber that was to be used as a car frame. His chisel struck some foreign body down near the bottom of the
mortise and a shining bit of metal came out with the chips. Investigation showed a minie ball embedded in
the log, in what was the heart of the sturdy pine from which the timber was cut. Mr. Nagle carefully removed
the ball and prizes it very highly.
The supposition is that during one of the fierce conflicts of the Civil War on a Georgia battlefield, this ball
may have happily missed its human target and found lodgment in the sturdy heart of pine which it could not
kill and which in spite of the ravages of war grew until the woodsmen's axe claimed the life that war's leaden
messenger was powerless to take, and that this memento of the horrors of civil strife should come to light
through the agency of one of the arts of peace and in a time when North and South are reunited and the
animosities of the past are forgotten.

The Pottsville Republican of December 9, 1894

A PROMINENT CITIZEN ATTEMPTS HIS OWN LIFE BUT IS SAVED BY TIMELY INTERVENTION

Schuylkill Haven, December 9 – This morning about 8:40 our town was thrown into a feverish state of
excitement by the report circulating that a prominent citizen had attempted his own life in Roth’s slaughter
house. People from near and far came running, curious to learn the facts and see the victim of his own mad
folly. The women throwing up their hands and in great horror exclaiming, “he cut his throat from ear to ear.”
Your correspondent was among the curious and busied himself in learning the authentic story of the sad
occurrence. This morning among our busy citizens going to and fro, we noticed Captain J. K. Helms. He
appeared full of life and energy. The past few days it has been the remark of his friends that “Jim” was
working himself out of the position he was occupying the past year or more, making himself influential as a
man and citizen again, and none looked more friendly on this stake then your correspondent. Just before the
8:30 train left for Pottsville, Jim was conversing very pleasantly with Gov. S. A. Losch. After the train left he
went to Roth’s butcher shop to purchase meat for his dinner, for he always made good provisions for his
household. While there it is supposed the sight of the flesh and blood in the slaughter house changed his
weakened mind to thoughts of suicide and he being alone took a large, sharp butcher knife and made two
cuts into his neck, the one on the right side about five inches long and a slight cut on the left side. A boy
coming in at this time gave the alarm and H. B. Zulick, Esquire, who happened to be outside ran in and
grasped the hand that held the knife and exclaimed twice, “Why Jim what are you doing?”, which betokened
that he really was “out of his mind”. Weakened by the fearful loss of blood he was put into a wagon and taken
home. Drs. J. P. Palm and C. Lenker were called in and bandaged the wounds which for hours bled profusely
and it was the opinion of the doctors that he might bleed to death. No artery was severed however and the
chances are that he will recover.

The following story illustrates that long before modern wars, soldiers who endured the horrors of battle
suffered unseen scars long afterwards............

The Call of May 20, 1905

JERE HELMS POST – Where This Organization of Veterans Derived its Name
A Brief Sketch of Jere Helms – The Post Now Endeavoring to Increase Its Membership

The near approach to Memorial Day directs public attention throughout the country to the Grand Army of the
Republic, which has been most sorrowfully styled by some writer, the “Disappearing Army”, statistics showing
that in this state alone, one thousand veterans of the Rebellion have died since last Memorial Day. It is
estimated that throughout the United States, one hundred veterans die every day. It will be only a few years
before the last survivor of the Rebellion will be called to his reward and the Grand Army of the Republic will
be but a memory. It was with the idea in view of perpetuating for as long a period as possible the local
organization and bringing all nearby veterans of the great Civil War into closer relationship, that Commander
P. D. Helms of Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R. of town recently set on foot plans for increasing the post’s
membership.
As its number, 26, indicates, Jere Helms Post was among the first of the four hundred posts organized in this
state, it having been instituted January 30th, 1867, with the following charter members: Charles E. Brown*,
James K. Helms D, Daniel F. Burket D, Samuel A. Losch D, John Murphy*, Henry Hill*, Samuel C. Strauch, Levi
Eckert, George H. Schwenk, A. P. Garrett D, William Eckert, John Martz D, James M. Saylor and Amos Horman
D. Of the fourteen charter members, only the three marked with an asterisk reside in town and those marked
“D” are known to be dead. The roll book of the post bears the names of 215 persons who have been
members. Of this number 112 are known to be dead, 31 retain active membership and the rest have allowed
their membership to lapse. Some of these still reside in and about town but most of them moved away and of
this latter class the whereabouts of many is not known, perhaps a large proportion of them are dead. Of the
31 active members, 18 reside in town and the balance live in Philadelphia, Reading, Pottsville, Girardville,
Friedensburg and one, Jere G. Bast, a Past Post Commander at Titusville Florida. It is positively known that
there are at least 85 veterans in and about the town who are eligible for membership and the members of the
Post and Commander Helms are making every effort to bring them into membership. The nearest Posts are at
Pottsville, Tamaqua, Hamburg, Tremont and Minersville, so it will be seen that there is a large territory for
Jere Helms Post to draw its membership from.
The Schuylkill Haven Post is named after Jere Helms, the youngest brother of the late James K. Helms of
town and Peter D. Helms of Pottsville, the present Post Commander. Jere Helms was sworn into the U. S.
service at Harrisburg Pennsylvania, September 29, 1861 as a drummer boy in Company C, Captain D. F.
Burket, 50th Regiment, P. V. V. He was then a boy of fifteen years of age. He remained with the regiment
during all of their engagements, up to the battle at Antietam, Maryland, September 17, 1862 when he
discarded his drum, picked up the gun and ammunition of a soldier who had been killed, and in spite of the
protest of Major George W. Brumm (a brother of Honorable C. N. Brumm) who told him to take charge of his
horse while the fight was going, went into the battle. Young Helms was in the thickest of the fight, when in
charging up a small hill he was mortally wounded, being shot through the head right back of the eyes. The
boy was shot in sight of Captain Brown, Henry Hill and S. A. Losch who picked him up and carried him from the
field and put him into a room at a nearby farm house, the old Sheicork House, together with about thirty more
wounded soldiers and a man from Company C by the name of Morgan Pugh, was detailed to stay back with
young Helms until he either got better or died. The man Pugh was faithful to his charge, yet with all his care
young Helms died seven days after the battle and was buried at Myerstown, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.
Thus perished one of the noblest and bravest boys that ever left our town. With such a record for its
namesake is it any wonder that the members of Jere Helms Post desire to perpetuate the organization as
long as there remains a veteran of the great Rebellion eligible for membership. It is earnestly urged that
very old soldier eligible become a member of the Post.

The Call of October 21, 1893

JOHN MECK OBITUARY

John Meck, an old soldier of the late Civil War, died last Friday morning. The immediate cause of the death
was dropsy and malarial fever. He suffered for many years with rheumatic trouble which he contracted while
in the army. His funeral took place Tuesday afternoon. He was buried with military honors. Jere Helms Post
Number 26, G. A. R., turning out to pay their last tribute of respect to their dead comrade. With reversed arms
and muffled drums they followed the remains of their most faithful member to the grave. The funeral
services were conducted in the Messiah’s United Brethren Church, Reverend A. Graul officiating. He was
assisted by Chaplain L. P. Beckley officiating for the G. A. R. at the grave. He portrayed to his hearers the
faithfulness and ardency which Mr. Meck exhibited as a member of the Grand Army. He was born in
Susquehanna County and came to this section of the state many years ago. He enlisted in April 8, 1864 as a
private to serve for three years, under Captain Galloway in Company D, 15th United States Infantry. He was
assigned to Second Brigade, Third Division, Fourteenth Corps, Army of Virginia under Colonel O. L. Shepherd
and participated in the following battles: Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 9-30, 1864;Peach Tree Creek,
Georgia, July 20, 1864;Waycreek, Georgia, August 5-6, 1864; and rough and Ready Georgia. While helping to
build winter quarters at Lookout Mountain in the fall of 1864, he was injures and taken to the hospital at that
place. He was a member of Jere Helms Post, G.A.R. for about eighteen years and held the office of Senior
Vice Commander. He was a brave soldier and a more devoted member then Mr. Meck, the Grand Army of the
Republic never had. Notwithstanding his bent form and frail constitution he was always at his post of
duty.

The Call of July 20, 1895

DEATH OF ROBERT JONES

Mr. Robert Jones, a prominent citizen of this town, died at his home in Spring Garden, at seven o'clock on
Wednesday morning. His death was a surprise to his many friends, as his illness was short and few knew of
it. He caught a severe cold last week and it terminated in pneumonia, which was the cause of his death. He
was conscious to the last and seemed fully aware of the inevitable result. Mr. Jones was born in this town on
May 10, 1836. During the Civil War, his arm was shattered in an explosion on a man of war, and he was never
able to use it afterwards. He was a public spirited, enterprising citizen, having served for a number of years
as school director and town councilman, serving in the latter capacity at the time of his death.
The town will miss him. In his domestic relations he was a kind husband and an indulgent father. He leaves a
wife and one son, two brothers, Isadore and Azariah, to survive him. The family have the sympathy of the
entire community in their sad bereavement. The funeral will be from the house at two o'clock on Monday
afternoon after which there will be services at Saint John's Reformed Church of which the deceased was an
active member. In the death of Robert Jones, of Schuylkill Haven, the community has lost one of its most
respected residents, a brave soldier and a man who possessed all the attributes of a Christian and
exemplary citizen.

The Call of November 30,1895

REVEREND L. B. BECKLEY DEAD - A Preacher Who Left the Sanctuary for the Battlefield

Reverend Levi B. Beckley, died at his home on Main Street Thursday morning, aged seventy eight years.
Thus has closed a life which was consecrated to the work of lifting humanity to the higher plane of
civilization, to he work of ministering to the meek and lowly and Christianizing all who came within the sphere
of his labors. When the war broke out he doffed the sacred clothes of the church and donned the blue,
going forth with the brave Union boys under a panoply of war to fight for the cause of human liberty. He
became chaplain of the 48th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers and fought in the ranks when he wasn't
invoking the blessings of peace or ministering to the dying. When the war was over, the brave preacher
soldier returned to the scenes of his early labors and was made Chaplain of Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A.
R. when it was organized. He held the chaplainship until his death and the vacancy will be hard to fill, for to
him the sweet, sanctified labor of offering Christian succor to his dying comrades in arms was a duty and a
divine ordinance. Over the open grave of the soldier dead his voice was heard proclaiming the doctrines of
the Christian church and extolling the virtues of those silently and lovingly sepulchered. He was the
embodiment of patriotism and his name is scrolled on the records of honor. Before the war he had served
twelve years as a Methodist minister and had charges in Schuylkill Haven, Orwigsburg, Pottstown, Norristown
and Port Clinton and other places in the state. It was while he was engaged in preaching the word of God in
the above places that he left the sanctuary and rushed into the shock of battle.
He was a genial man and during his latter years when age made certain inroads upon his physical powers, he
was compelled to give up active work in the ministry, but never failed to participate in Christian work near at
home. His death is deeply deplored by his neighbors and the rest of the community shares their sorrow. He
was a chaplain also of Page Lodge Number 270, F. A. and M. and a member of Minersville Chapter F. A. and M.
The former chapter will have charge of the funeral, which will occur at one o'clock Sunday. Many
organizations, civic and military will be present, and the funeral will be one of the most imposing processions
which has taken place in Schuylkill Haven in years. His wife, two sons and a daughter survive. The latter are
William, Springfield, Missouri; Robert, saint Louis; and Mrs. Preston Body of Orwigsburg. In the death of our
loved and honored citizen the family have the sympathy of the entire community in their sad bereavement.
The funeral will take place tomorrow at one o'clock from his late residence on Main Street with interment in
Union Cemetery.

The Call of March 20, 1897

DEATH OF A. P. GARRETT

The death of A. P. Garrett last Saturday night at ten o’clock was a shock to his many friends. He had been up
during the day and enjoyed the gospel songs and company of his wife and friends, when suddenly he was
taken with a convulsion which threw him out of bed and before help could be summoned to replace him in
bed, he had expired and a brave and gallant soldier passed to his final reward. A. P. Garrett was in his fifty
third year of his age. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted as a private in Company C under Captain D.
F. Burkert, of the 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers commanded by Colonel B. C. Christ. He served
during the entire war and was mustered out on July 30, 1865. For meritorious conduct on the field of battle
he was successively promoted to corporal, sergeant and sergeant major. He received a wound at the
blowing up of the Petersburg mine on July 30, 1864. He was a member of the Page Lodge 270, F. and A. M.
and a comrade of Jere Helms Post 26, G. A. R. and a member of Saint John’s Reformed Church. He retired
from a successful business a short time ago. He leaves a widow but no children. His funeral took place from
his newly built residence on Main Street on Wednesday afternoon attended by Page Lodge 270, F. and A. M.
which had charge of the body, and Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R., and a vast concourse of friends and
relatives. Reverend O. H. Strunck officiated, assisted by the Reformed choir. Who rendered some
appropriate songs of praise. Mr. Garrett was a member of Saint John’s Reformed Church and was a regular
attendant of the means of grace. He lived a retired life and was much beloved by his neighbors and
acquaintances and his demise will be mourned by hosts of friends. The obsequies were impressive and
witnessed by many people from out of town.

The Call of August 12, 1904

ANTIETAM MONUMENT

Captain Charles E. Brown, late Company C, 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, is in receipt of a
letter from the old colonel of the regiment, now General Samuel K. Schwenck, U. S. A., retired, which is at
interest to all members of that gallant command. It reads as follows:
"My Dear Comrade: Our monument with a statue of General Christ will be shipped to Antietam this week and
will be dedicated at nine in the morning on Saturday, September 17th. The general exercises of all the
regiments, thirteen in number, will take place at two o'clock on Saturday afternoon in the National Cemetery,
when President Roosevelt and Governor Pennypacker will make addresses. We intend to have a business
meeting of our Association on Friday afternoon and a Camp Fire Friday evening. Please do not fail to come
and bring your family and every survivor of that gallant old Company C, that you so often and bravely been in
battle; a company that I firmly believe was to a man the equal in fighting qualities of the best company that
ever served in any army in the world. How many can you muster? We can go for a single fare for the round
trip and after the meeting of the Assembly we expect to get back the amount of out fares and board and
lodging. I am anxious to see you and all the rest of the boys. Please give my love to them and tell them that
they are detailed to report at Antietam on Friday afternoon, September 16th, 1904, "to storm a battery". My
wife joins me in kindest greetings for you and them and your and their families.

The Call of April 3, 1903

DEATH OF A WAR VETERAN

Gottlieb Burkert, a well known merchant of Schuylkill Haven, died at his late home on Main Street Tuesday
evening after an illness of two weeks. He was born in Lebanon County but had been a resident of Schuylkill
Haven for about forty years. He served four years in the Civil War with the 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers and was wounded in the battle of Spottsylvania. After the war he was engaged as a boatman on
the Schuylkill Canal. He was a member of the Royal Arcanum of Reading and Jere Helms Post G. A. R. Number
26. A widow and five children survive: Mary, Clara, Alice and Edward at home, Laura, wife of L. E. Fegley of
New Haven Connecticut. The funeral will take place on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Interment will be made at
Jerusalem Church Cemetery. Reverend O. H. Strunck will conduct the funeral services and C. G. Wagner and
Company will be the funeral directors. The funeral will be a military one in charge of Jere Helms Post Number
26 G. A. R. and all Grand Army men, ex-soldiers and soldiers are invited to attend.

The Call of August 19, 1904

DEATH OF WILLIAM LOYD

The funeral of the late William Loyd took place from his late home on Railroad Street at 9:30 o'clock this
morning. Services were conducted at the house and grave by Reverend D. M. Moser, pastor of Saint
Matthew's Lutheran Church. Interment was made at Union Cemetery. The pall bearers were E. H. Baker,
Elijah Emerich, Henry Hill, Charles Brown, Frank Berger and William Yost. D. M. Wagner was the funeral
director. The deceased was aged sixty nine years, had resided in this town almost his entire lifetime and was
a boatman on the old canal when the waterway was at the zenith of its prosperity. He was a veteran of the
Civil War, having served with Company H, Sixth U. S. Cavalry. Jere Helms Post, G. A. R. of which he was a
member attended the funeral in body.

The Call of November 23, 1906

JACOB S. DEIBERT

Jacob S. Deibert, one of Schuylkill Haven's most prominent citizens and a veteran of the Civil war, died at his
home on Union Street late Saturday evening. Mr. Deibert was stricken with paralysis about a year ago and a
couple of months ago he had an attack of gastritis. He was a native of Schuylkill Haven and received his
education here. For several terms, he served as doorkeeper of the Senate at Harrisburg and for many years
served on the P. & R. C. & I. Company police force. Mr. Deibert served with honor in the Civil War for three
years and one month, going through many hard fought battles with the Eighth Illinois Cavalry Company D, of
which Colonel Farnsworth was commander. Mr. Deibert was sixty five years of age, a member of Jere Helms
Post Number 26, G. A. R. and the Royal Arcanum, and for many years has been a director in the Schuylkill
Building and Loan Association. He was a member of the old Saint Paul's Lutheran Church.
His widow and two daughters, Mrs. Harvey Miller of Toledo, Ohio and Mrs. H. Day Gise of Schuylkill Haven
survive. There are four grandchildren. The following are the brothers and sisters: Mrs. James White, Mrs.
William Jacobs, Mrs. George Bast of Philadelphia; Mrs. Henry J. Saylor, Mrs. Eliza Hunter, of Schuylkill Haven,
Edward of Florida and Lewis of town. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon from his late home on
Union Street. Services were conducted at the house and grave by Reverends D. M. Moser and W. H. Egge.
Interment was made at Union Cemetery.

The Call of May 3, 1907

DEATH OF C. J. WESTON

C. J. Weston, a veteran of the Civil War, died on Saturday at his home on Canal Street. Death was due to a
severe attack of pneumonia. Deceased was in his sixty seventh year. He had an honorable record as a
private in Company I, 7th Regiment, U. S. Infantry, having enlisted in Vermont. The funeral took place on
Wednesday afternoon and services were conducted by Reverend Allott of the M. E. Church. Interment was
made at Union Cemetery. Pallbearers were Albert Geary, Samuel Berger, Elijah Emerich, William Yost, C. V. B.
Deibert, and James Roan. There were a number of floral tributes. His widow, two daughters and a son
survive.

The Call of February 28, 1913

MAN TOO OLD FOR CIVIL WAR DIES

Samuel Neuin, a retired hat and watch maker, father of Adam Neuin, of Canal Street, Schuylkill Haven, died at
his home in Lebanon County the early part of the week. Mr. Neuin was believed to be the oldest resident of
the state of Pennsylvania, his age being 108 years. His last birthday was in December of 1912. Mr. Neuin was
born in Berks County in 1804. He was a son of German parents. His narratives of the early history of this
section of the state as it was in olden times proved very interesting to many of the present generation. Mr.
Neuin frequently visited his son, Adam Neuin of Canal Street, and appeared to be in good health, in fact he
was never known to be ill until about two weeks ago when he suddenly grew weak and his life slowly ebbed
away without any disease being apparent. Deceased is survived by nine children, the oldest being seventy
years and the youngest forty seven. His wife died twenty seven years ago. Mr. Neuin had won
considerable notoriety from the fact that at the outbreak of the Civil War, he volunteered his services to his
country, but the same was refused on account of being too old. At that time he was fifty nine years of age. In
1825 he cast his first vote for a president of the United States, he voting for John Quincy Adams, who was the
sixth president.

The Call of November 13, 1913

DEATH OF WAR VETERAN

Mr. Frank Berger died Wednesday morning at 10:30 o'clock at his home on Grant Street. Mr. Berger suffered
a stroke of apoplexy a week or two ago and this was the cause of his death. He was 72 years and 21 days of
age. He was born in Berks County, came to Schuylkill Haven when about twenty five years of age and resided
here ever since. For years he was employed by the P and R Company in a number of positions. Up until
several months ago he filled the position of night watchman at the factory of Saul and Zang. Failing health
compelled him to discontinue this position. Deceased was highly esteemed and well known. He was a Civil
War veteran having served four years in Company B, 55th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers. He served two
enlistments with the same company and was the only local resident in this company. He saw active service
during the four years and was in some of the heaviest engagements of the war. He was a member of
Farmer's Lodge, I. O. O. F. of Summit Station.
Besides the widow, the following children survive: Mrs. Lebengood, Mr. Jacob Berger of Bethel, Pa and Mrs.
Albert Anderson of Schuylkill Haven. Seven stepchildren also survive, namely: Mr. William Neyer, Tower City,
Mrs. William Moyer, Sylvester Neyer, Mrs. Sarah Mengle, Charles Neyer, Miss Mamie Berger of Schuylkill
Haven, Mrs. J. H. DeFrehn of Pottsville. Two brothers, Jefferson of Defiance, Ohio and William of
Tulpehocken, Pa and one sister, Mrs. Keeney of Bethel Pa. Thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great
grandchildren also survive. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon. Services will be conducted at his late
home at 1:30 o'clock. Further services in Saint John's Reformed Church of which the deceased was a faithful
member at two o'clock.

The Call of July 28, 1911

DEATH OF CHARLES SHAPPELL

Charles H. Shappell, a well known and much respected citizen of this town died at his home on Centre
Avenue , Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock after an illness of several months. Death was caused by
paresis a brain disease being the direct result of paralysis. Mr. Shappell, following the fire at the P and R
shops in the early part of December, and the death of his brother Robert during the same month, began to
fail in health. He was compelled to take to his bed and underwent much suffering, all of which he bore with
Christian fortitude. Mr. Shappell was sixty four years of age, was born in this town and spent his entire life
here. When quite young, he enlisted in Company C, 50th Regiment, P. V. V. when it was recruited the second
time in the year 1864. He was wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness. Upon his recovery and return to
town, he secured employment at the P and R car shops and was a faithful employee, working in the capacity
of blacksmith of this company at the car shops until his health failed. He was a member of the United
Brethren Church and was a most active member and worker in all its branches and was a regular attendant at
its services. He had the happy faculty of readily making acquaintances. He possessed the genial disposition
and held the many friends which he made. Mr. Shappell enjoyed the friendship and good will of the entire
community. Besides the widow he leaves one daughter, Mrs. Abner Mayberry, and one sister, Mrs. Charles
Keller of town and one brother Frank of Manayunk. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock
at the house.

The Call of November 10, 1916

A NEW DEFINITION FOR WAR VETERAN

To the Editor of The Call:
I want to give the definition of a veteran soldier. Up to the time we reenlisted at Blaines' Cross Roads, East
Tennessee, the War Department called our regiment the 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
After we reenlisted for three years or during the war, on the thirteenth day of January 1864, then they called
us the 50th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Now that leaves four veterans living that
served in Company C, 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania V. V. Infantry, namely: Captain Charles E. Brown, Schuylkill
Haven, Sergeant Levi Eckert, Manayunk, Corporal William Wildermuth, Schuylkill Haven and Corporal Henry
Deibler of Schuylkill Haven.

Now the men that enlisted in Company C in '64 and '65 are all short term men. Some of them were volunteers.
Some of them were drafted and some of them were substitutes. Now I see you call some emergency men
Civil war Veterans that were not from their home over thirty days and they were never in the U. S. service and
never saw a Rebel. Now there are only four soldiers living that served four years in Company C, 50th
Regiment. All the rest enlisted in 1864 or 1865. I am anxious to give every soldier that was enlisted in
Company C all the credit that belongs to him, but when they claim as much credit as a soldier that served four
years, then I will call them down. This is in answer to what you had in The Call last week about the veteran
soldiers of Company C.

Yours very truly,
Charles E. Brown
Late Captain of Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers Infantry Regiment
Schuylkill Haven Pa

As Veteran's Day approached in 1916, Medal of Honor recipient
Charles Brown felt it necessary to properly define veteran......

The Call of June 4, 1915

ANOTHER VET ANSWERS TAPS

Death early Wednesday morning removed another Civil War veteran from our midst, in the person of Henry
Auman of Union Street. Mr. Auman was sixty nine years of age. He was born in Schuylkill Haven, raised here
and spent his entire life in and about town. Death was caused by Bright's disease. Mr. Auman was in ill
health since last November. For a number of years he was employed by the P and R railroad Company in
various positions. He was a member of Saint John's Reformed Church.
Mr. Auman gave several years of his life to active service during the Civil war. He first enlisted when sixteen
years of age on September 10, 1862 in Company K, 127th Regiment. He was discharged on May 29, 1863. On
July 4, 1863, he was enrolled in Captain William M. Randall's Company I, 39th Regiment, P. V. M. and served
until August 2nd of the same year when the company was disbanded. On February 12, 1864 he enlisted in
Company E, 48th Regiment, P. V. V. He was discharged August 3, 1865 when the company was mustered out of
service. Mr. Auman was in many of the hardest fought engagements of the war but he escaped injury. The
first battle Mr. Auman fought in was at Fredericksburg, under Captain Fox. He was captured at the Battle of
Cold Harbor and was held a prisoner for eleven months. Of this period, for nine months he endured much
suffering in the Andersonville prison. The other two months were spent in Libby prison and the Florence
prison.
Besides the widow, four children survive namely: Arthur of Philadelphia; Harry, Miss Annie, Miss Ivy of
Schuylkill Haven. The following brother and sisters survive: Joseph Auman of Pittsburgh;Mrs. Sarah Miller,
Lowdensville; Miss Levina Auman, Mrs. Charles Mays, Mrs. Matilda O'Brien, all of Philadelphia and Mrs. Lewis
Wildermuth of Schuylkill Haven. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon. Services will be conducted at
his late home at two o'clock. Interment will be private.

The Call of February 16, 1917

ANOTHER OLD VETERAN DEAD

The Call is in receipt of a communication from Philadelphia announcing the sudden death in that city on
Sunday last, of Captain A. Wall. His death occurred at his home, Number 5127 Irving Street, at the age of
seventy two years. He was born in Germany and when a mere youth came to this country. He settled in
Schuylkill Haven where he was practically reared to manhood. In his younger days he followed the
occupation of boatman on the Schuylkill canal and at the outbreak of the Civil War, enlisted in Company C,
50th Regiment, P. V. I. At the close of the war he again followed boating until the abandonment of the canal
when he went to Philadelphia and engaged in the tugging business on both the Delaware and Schuylkill
Rivers. deceased was a member of U. S. Grant Post Number 5, G. A. R. and of the Knights of the Golden
Eagle. Surviving he leaves his widow, two daughters and one son. His funeral took place yesterday.

The Call of August 27, 1920

WILL HOLD LAST REUNION

William H. and Irving Tyson will attend the reunion of Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer
Association on Saturday at Douglassville, Berks County. Mrs. bertha Clark, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary,
will also attend the reunion. This particular reunion will be to an certain extent be a sad affair as it is to be
the last one of the association. This is due to the ranks of these Civil War veterans being so rapidly depleted
by the grim reaper that the reunions are almost impossible. It will mark the passing of a regiment that for
valor and service was unsurpassed by any during the entire five years of Civil strife. This particular regiment
has quite a connection with Schuylkill Haven. It will be remembered several years ago Company C of the
regiment held its reunion in this town. The entire day was turned over to the veterans, the town was gaily
decorated, a big parade took place in the afternoon and a campfire followed by a banquet in the evening.
The town royally entertained these veterans and well it could have. Company C in the year 1861 was with the
exception of a few men, entirely recruited with local young men. Gottlieb Burket was the Captain of the
Company, numbering one hundred men. IN 1864, those who had not been killed or wounded reenlisted at
Blaine's Crossroads, Tennessee. they were given a thirty day furlough and on returning to Schuylkill Haven,
forty more Schuylkill Haven men enlisted with the company recruiting it to its full complement of men.
Of this entire Company C, there are but four living members residing in Schuylkill Haven, namely William H.
Wildermuth, Jake Lindermuth, I. W. and William H. Tyson. Of the entire 50th Regiment there are but 196 living
members and are scattered all over the country. Therefore, the matter of having a sufficient number gather
together at one place to hold a reunion becomes more difficult each year and the officers have finally
decided that it would be best to disband the organization.

The Call of December 2, 1921

CONTRIBUTORS TO 1864 HONOR FLAG

There was recently turned over to the Call man a copy of a list of persons who back in 1863 or 1864
contributed to a fund for the purchase of a silk American flag. This flag was presented to Company C in 1864
and in gold letters printed on the flag was the list of engagements of the Civil war in which Company C
fought. This flag is still retained by the G. A. R. of town but age has so affected its silken threads that it can
not be unfurled and remains wrapped around the flag staff. This flag was up until several years ago carried
in the procession on Memorial Day and on the occasion of a funeral of a veteran. The sum of $122 was
obtained through the public subscription. The flag was presented as a token of esteem from the patriotic
citizens for the record of the company and their having reenlisted. The subscription list was written in an
excellent hand but the writer is not known. In addition to the presentation of the flag the committee was
instructed to arrange for a public dinner for the said company at Koons Union Hotel. This leads one to
believe that the flag presentation was made a public patriotic affair.
The subscribers were listed under the following proclamation: Whereas Company C of 50th Regiment,
Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers having reenlisted for another term of three years, and are desirous of
procuring a National Flag upon which a record of the various battles shall be transcribed in each of which
they have sustained an active part, we the undersigned agree to pay the sum set opposite our respective
names for the purpose of purchasing and presenting to Company C, 50th Regiment a silk flag as a small token
of our admiration and esteem for our Veteran Volunteers.

Below are two documents related to veteran Elias Berger of Company C, 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania
Veteran Volunteers. At left is his official discharge which took effect March 9, 1865. At right is his pension
awarded to his widow and children on February 27, 1892 in the amount of $8.00 per month.

This image of I. W. Tyson appeared
in The Call with his obituary.

The Call of May 19, 1922

I. W. TYSON DIED FRIDAY MORNING

Irving W. Tyson, one of this town's best known citizens
passed away at his home on Centre Avenue at seven
o'clock this morning. Cause of death was congested
arteries. Mr. Tyson some weeks ago had been ill but
had almost entirely recovered. Upon his return to his
home on Tuesday evening, after serving as a member
of the election board, he appeared cheerful and in
good spirits. Wednesday morning, upon rising, he
suffered an attack of illness and fell to the floor. He
became unconscious and remained in this condition
most of the period until the hour of death. Deceased
was in his 78th year. He was one of the most active,
both in mind and body, of our oldest residents. He
was never content unless occupied in some way or
other. He was Secretary of the School Board, the
Board of Health, and Adjutant of Jere Helms Post
Number 26, G. A. R. All of these positions he held for a
number of terms. He was a faithful member of Saint
John's Reformed Church and Sunday School. For
years he was a member of the official church board.
For twenty three years he served as Superintendent
of the Sunday School. Mr. Tyson was a Civil War
veteran having served two enlistments with Company
C, 50th Regiment, P. V. V. At the Battle of the
Wilderness he was wounded in the hand. Upon his
return from the war he was employed by the P. & R.
Navigation Company. It was at this position, roping
cars, that he lost his lower limb. He later served as
postmaster for five years. His wife preceded him in
death nine years ago. These children survive: William
Tyson and Mrs. Oscar Henne of Reading, Albert and
Mrs. Bertha Clark at home. Funeral arrangements
have not been made at this writing.

The Call of May 26, 1922

I. W. TYSON BURIED WITH HONORS

The funeral of I. W. Tyson took place Tuesday
afternoon. The esteem and popularity of the
aged Civil War veteran was evidenced by the
many persons, both young and old, who
visited the Tyson home prior to the hour of
service and viewed the body as it reposed in
a handsome casket surrounded by beautiful
floral designs. There were many persons in
attendance at the home and the grave. The
services were conducted by Dr. Noll of the
saint John's reformed Church, who used as
his text, "Well done though good and faithful
servant," and paid a beautiful tribute to the
life and work of the deceased. Members of
the official board or Consistory of the
Reformed Church, of which Mr. Tyson was a
member for many years, also the Board of
Education, of which he was secretary,
attended the obsequies. The Washington
camp of P. O. S. of A., which numbered the
deceased as one of the oldest of its
members, sent representatives and
participated in the special services at the
grave.
Full military honors were paid. The G. A. R. of
which Mr. Tyson was the adjutant for twenty
nine years, and whose number is fast
diminishing, had charge of the service at the
grave. With tear dimmed eyes and trembling
lips the members repeated the Post's burial
service, the last earthly rites possible to
accord one of their most active members.
The Robert Baker Post of the American
Legion furnished a military escort and firing
squad. With fifes and muffled drums, the
Bensinger Drum Corps headed the
procession to the Union Cemetery, followed
by many friends and relatives. Bittle
Brothers had charge of the funeral
arrangements. The bearers were Albert
Tyson, William Tyson, Oscar Henne, Allen
Henne, Perry Tyson and Ronald Henne.
Among the floral offerings were noticed:
large Bible of carnations and roses,
Consistory of Saint John's Church; large
spray of callow lilies, Sunday School; large
bouquet of seventy eight pink roses,
indicative of the age of the deceased, from
teachers of the public schools; spray of red
roses, Nephew Harry Tyson; spray of
carnations, Mr. and Mrs. Deininger of
Reading; spray of pink roses, Perry Tyson
and wife; wreath of mixed flowers, William
Tyson and family; two sprays of carnations
and cards.

The Call of March 11, 1921

C.V.B. DEIBERT CALLED HOME

About 11:15 o'clock Monday morning C. V. B. Deibert of Pleasant Row answered death's summons and passed
peacefully to the great beyond. Mr. Deibert had been in ill health for the past several years but had
recuperated sufficiently to be about occasionally. Wednesday of last week he went down town to visit his
friends and being much interested in lodge matters visited the new lodge room in the Bittle building. The
extra exertion is believed to have overtaxed his strength and he complained of feeling badly the latter part
of the week. Sunday his condition was normal. Monday morning, however, a change occurred and he slept
peacefully away. Deceased was in his eighty fourth year. He was born in North Manheim Township and came
to town when quite young. He was first employed at the Deibert store, now the Pflueger store, as a clerk.
Later he was employed at the P. & R. car shops. He was in this company's employ for many years, having
been pensioned fourteen years ago after loyal service. At the time of his retirement he was one of the
assistant foremen. Mr. Deibert was of a kindly and pleasant disposition and was one of the best known and
highly regarded and honored men in the town. His wife preceded him in death a little more then a year ago.
He was a Civil War veteran, having served in the great struggle for a period. He was a member of the local G.
A. R.
Mr. Deibert was one of the best known "Lodge Men" in town. His spirit, strength and time were freely given
in the upbringing and development of several organizations. He was a member of the Page Lodge, F. and A.
M. of town, having served as a Past Master and of recent years as Tyler. He was one of the oldest members
of this organization. With the Order of Odd Fellows he was connected from forty five or more years, having
been a charter member of the reorganized Odd Fellows. He served as Secretary of this lodge for many years.
With the Red Men he was a charter member and served for a number of years as Secretary. He took great
delight in attending the lodge sessions and in all the activities of the organizations with which he was
connected. He was a member of the Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church. for years and up to the time of his
death he served both the Schuylkill Haven Building and Loan Association and the Union Cemetery
Association as President. He was also a member of the Schuylkill Hose Company and in his younger days
took an interest in the affairs of the latter organization. These children survive: Mrs. Annie Witman of
Pottstown, Milton Deibert, Kate Deibert and Joseph Deibert of Schuylkill Haven. Two brothers, George of
Landingville and Frank survive.

The Call of February 24, 1922

OLD TIME BOAT BUILDER PASSED AWAY

Jacob Lindermuth, one of Schuylkill Haven's oldest residents, died and was buried since the last issue of the
Call. He was eighty nine years, five months and two days of age. He was a resident of this place about fifty
four years. In his early days he was a boat builder by trade. Of late years he prepared an ointment and sold
quantities of it by house to house canvassing. He was a Civil War veteran having served two enlistments.
One enlistment was in Company C, 50th Regiment, P. V. V. under the late Captain Charles E. Brown. His death
occurred Saturday at 3:40 o'clock. No particular cause, excepting old age, has been assigned for his death.
He was ill in bed but for a week. The deceased is survived by three children: William Lindermuth of
Pottsville, Jacob Lindermuth of Summit Hill and Mrs. John Becker of Railroad Street, Schuylkill Haven. One
sister, Mrs. Susan Paul, Philadelphia, together with a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren
survive.

The Call of March 17, 1922

DEATH OF PIONEER MANUFACTURER

Emanuel H. Baker, aged seventy eight, died at his home on Saint John Street, Saturday afternoon at 4:45
o'clock. Helpless and confined to his bed for almost three years, or since he suffered a stroke of paralysis on
April 24, 1919, his death came in a peaceful sleep. He was born in Leesport and was a resident of this town
for about fifty years. He first followed boating and then engaged in the manufacture of underwear. He was
one of the pioneer underwear manufacturers of Schuylkill Haven and continued in the same for some thirty
eight years, retiring in 1898 and turning the mill over to his sons to operate. Deceased served a period of
four years in the Civil War in Company H, 154th P. V. V. and as a member of this unit fought in the biggest
battles of the war. He was a member of Saint John's Reformed Church and a most devout member, faithful
and regular in his attendance, until the time of his having suffered a stroke. Mr. Baker was always interested
in community development and materially assisted in this line of effort. To him can be ascribed the honor of
being one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Schuylkill Haven and its first President. Mr. Baker
was a man of integrity and fine personality. He was generally kind, cheerful and considerate and honorable in
all his dealings. In all walks of life he ever held in high regard the interests of his fellow man and wherever
seen or heard he commanded the respect of everyone. He is survived by one sister, Miss Caroline Baker of
Philadelphia, his wife and four children, namely Guy and Harry Baker and Mrs. George Long of Schuylkill
Haven and Herbert Baker of Hazleton. Nine grandchildren survive.

The Call of February 20, 1925

DEATH OF 81 YEAR OLD CIVIL WAR VETERAN

After lying on a bed of illness for almost two years, Charles, brother of Alonzo Richards of Haven Street,
Schuylkill Haven, died at the county home Sunday. The deceased was eighty one years of age. He was born
in Schuylkill Haven and spent his entire life here. When but nineteen years of age he enlisted for service
during the Civil War. He served his three year enlistment and then reenlisted. Of the second it was only
necessary for him to serve several months as the war was brought to a close. He figured in a number of
important engagements and was taken prisoner and confined to the famous Libby prison for several weeks.
He was a member of Company I, 52nd P. V. V. He was a member of Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church. Mr.
Richards was twice married. Both preceded him in death. No children survive. One brother, Alonzo
survives. The funeral took place Thursday afternoon. Services were conducted by Reverend Sutliffe at the
home of his brother on Haven Street. D. M. Bittle was the funeral director.

AUMAN, HENRY

BOMBERGER, SAM

BECKLEY, LEVI

BURKERT, DANIEL

DEIBERT, C. V. B.

DEIBLER, HENRY

DOHNER, HENRY

ECKERT, WILLIAM

FARNE, EDWARD

GARRETT, A. P.

GUERTLER, HENRY

GUERTLER, WILLIAM

HELMS, JAMES

HILL, HENRY

HOFFMAN, JEROME

KNARR, BENJAMIN

LAUBENSTEIN, SAMUEL

LIEB, CHARLES

LINDERMUTH, JACOB

KNARR, ISAAC

MELLON, AUGUSTUS

PAUL, PETER

RAUDENBUSH, DAVID

TYSON, I. W.

WILDERMUTH, WILLIAM

CIVIL WAR VETERAN'S CARD FILE

Below are additional card files are veterans of the Civil War from Schuylkill Haven. Many of
these men are listed on this page in the obituaries or other stories. They are a great source for
genealogical research.

The Call of February 17, 1928

DEATH CALLED 84 YEAR OLD MAN

Christian Reichert of Dock Street died Tuesday morning at nine o'clock
after being confined to his bed for the past four weeks. The infirmities
of old age were the causes contributing to his death. He was 82 years
of age on May 22nd of last year. Mr. Reichert was born in North
Manheim Township and was a resident of Schuylkill Haven for about
sixty six years. Deceased was a Civil war veteran and during the war
had been a prisoner at Salisbury, North Carolina and it was several
years after the close of the war before he was enabled to get back
home. While in service he was wounded in the head. For a number of
years he boated on the canal and was for a number of years during and
after the boating season the lock tender at the foot of Saint John
Street. He was also employed as tender of the flood gates at Tumbling
Run. For forty six years he was the janitor of the Saint Matthew's
Lutheran Church. Mr. Reichert was subject to frequent and terrible
attacks of headaches. His eyesight in latter years became somewhat
better then in earlier days. His wife died three years ago. For the past
several years his health failed. He was a member of Saint Matthew's
Lutheran Church and he with his wife while they were the janitors had
always taken more then usual pride and made every effort to keep the
church entrusted to their care spotlessly clean at all times. The
deceased is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Clayton Eiler and Mrs.
Robert Keller, both of Schuylkill Haven. Two brothers, Conrad Reichert
of Minersville and Jacob Reichert of Bridgepiort and one sister, Mrs.
Kantner of Schuylkill Haven survives. The funeral will take place this
afternoon from his late home. Reverend Sutcliffe will have charge of
the services. D. M. Bittle is the funeral director in charge.

Christian Reichert, Civil War
veteran and prisoner of war
as he appeared in the Call
with his obituary.

The Pottsville Republican of April 8, 1910

WAR VETERAN DROWNED

Peter Smithdeal, a veteran of the Civil war and an inmate of the Almshouse, while on his way to that
institution last Friday night stumbled and fell into the Almshouse Creek and drowned. As there was a bruise
on his head, the supposition is that he struck a stone in falling and was rendered unconscious. Deputy
Coroner Dr. L. D. Heim held an inquest and the jury returned a verdict in accordance with the facts. The
remains of the unfortunate man were taken in charge by Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R. and were
interred with military honors in the Soldier's Plot in the Union Cemetery on Monday afternoon at four o'clock.
The deceased was aged eighty four years and had no relatives as far as could be learned. He had been at
the Almshouse for a number of years. He was a Rebel soldier but deserted that cause, came to Minersville
and enlisted in Comp-any K, 76th P. V. He was a pensioner and collected fifteen dollars per month. 11/28

This early article about the GAR Post in Schuylkill Haven appeared in the
Pottsville Republican of December 8, 1884

The Sons of America Hall was a lively scene on Thursday evening on account of the annual election of
officers of Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R. Some forty members were in attendance, who chose the
following officers:
Post Commander Frank W. Berger, Senior Vice Commander Peter Paul, Junior Vice Commander John Meck,
Quartermaster Samuel Hoffman, Adjutant I. W. Tyson, Surgeon Dr. O. P. Piper, Chaplain Moses Evely, Officer of
the Day Augustus Mellon, Officer of the Guard Jerome Hoffman, Quartermaster Sergeant William Killian,
Sergeant Major C. V. D. Deibert, First Sentinel Thomas Miller, Second Sentinel William Leffler, Commanding
Administrators J. K. Helms, Henry Hill, Jacob Schwenck, Delegates I. W. Tyson and Samuel Hoffman 1/11

Pottsville Republican of January 20, 1910

DEMISE OF PETER STANTON - A Pioneer Citizen and Prominent Manufacturer of Schuylkill Haven

The death of Peter Stanton, one of the pioneer citizens and a prominent manufacturer of Schuylkill Haven,
occurred shortly before six o'clock last evening following an illness of several months, the last three of
which he spent in bed. He was the son of Peter and Catherine (Murray) Stanton and was born in Pottsville in
1840. He attended the public school of Pottsville until he went to work in the mines. At the age of thirteen
years he moved to Schuylkill Haven where he learned telegraphy which vocation he followed until the
breaking out of the war of rebellion. He enlisted in the three months service in Company I, 16th Regiment,
Pennsylvania Infantry under Colonel Ziegler and served until the end of his enlistment. He then enlisted for
three years in the Pennsylvabnia Calvary under the command of Captain Richards and sevred until y=the end
of his enlistment, participating in all the raids, marches and battles without being wounded. At the end of his
enlistment he returned to Schuylkill Haven where he was again employed as a train dispatcher for the P. & R.
Company. Shortly afterward he purchased a boat and began operations on the Schuylkill Canal, plying
between Schuylkill Haven and the New England states. After boating for a number of years e was engaged as
boss for the contractors having in charge the construction of the Lehigh Valley road through Schuylkill
County. In April 1873, he went into the hotel business in the West Ward of Schuylkill Haven and continuing in
that business for many years, retiring about eighteen years ago. In politics he was a staunch Democrat and
served as mercantile appraiser for Schuylkill County for one term. He was married June, 1864 to Miss Bridget
White. To this union was born five daughters and one son. deceased for over thirty years served as a
member of the Schuylkill Haven School Board. During the past few years he was associated with his sonin
the manufacturing of underwear in Schuylkill Haven, conducting one of the largest mills in that town. To
survive him he leaves his widow and the following children: Anna, wife of William Callen of Schuylkill Haven,
Florence, wife of William H. Ginder of Pottsville, Lee May, wife of Thomas Calen of Lancaster, Cecilia of
Philadelphia, Bella at home and one son, J. Edmund. The funeral will take place Monday morning. 1/11

Pottsville Republican of June 8, 1885

Special Correspondent of the Daily Republican

Schuylkill Commandery Number 1, M. A. P. O. S. of A. will send two delegates to the National Convention which
meets in Denver, Colorado. A special interview of this Commandery will be held this evening. The regular
June interview will not take place until Tuesday evening, June 16th. Commander Brown will then drill the
Commandery in the beautiful tactics of this degree.
The Grand Army boys as well as many others are greatly incensed at the littleness of the correspondent of
the Pinegrove Tribune finding fault because they did not pay Reverend Rinker, the orator for Decoration Day
more then five dollars. The reverend gentleman did not ask that amount and would have felt perfectly
satisfied had he received nothing. He is a truthful man and meant what he stated in his excellent oration. He
was an admirer of the brave soldiers and felt honored at the privilege of doing homage to those who gave up
their lives that we might now enjoy the blessings of peace.
When the Honorable C. N. Brumm delivered the oration here he would not even take his expenses, in like
manner, George R. Kaercher, Esquire, even offered five dollars towards the expenses of the Post. Last year,
R. H. Koch, Esquire, from Pottsville, did not receive anything. Reverend A. R. Bartholomew from Lebanon,
received his expenses only. Reverend Singmaster, three years ago received five dollars. The most learned
soldier and orator that ever spoke here was the Reverend Cleveland, once of the Metropolitan M. E. Church
of Washington, who is a lecturer by profession and usually charges fifty dollars for his services, came here
and charged the post only $11.75 including all his expenses. This is the highest amount Post 26 ever paid for
the oration on Decoration Day, notwithstanding the fact that the above referred to correspondent said fifteen
dollars to twenty five dollars was paid others. 2/18

Pottsville Republican of December 7, 1885

CAPTAIN BROWN SPEAKS ON KNOXVILLE

At the Messiah U. B. Sunday School missionary exercises on Sunday, Captain Charles E. Brown gave an
offhand description of the siege of Knoxville, by request. The edifice was crowded and the address was
indeed interesting. But few remain who were shut up in Knoxville by Longstreet in 1863. Those residing
here are Captains Burkert and Brown, Lieutenant Mellon, sergeants Raudenbush, Hill and Hoffman, Corporals
Deibler, Wildermuth and G. Burkert and Privates E. Berger and Paul, all of the 50th, and Captain Helms of the
48th Regiment. Of the above, all save Captain Burkert, entered the service in the beginning of the war as
privates and earned their promotions by sheer hard service. When Captain Brown related how all subsisted
during the siege on corn cob and bran meal, somewhat similar to sawdust, all listened in amazement. His
description of the clothing worn by the boys, especially the shoes, caused a surprise but a review of the
desperate attack made by Longstreet on the 29th of November, 1863, on Fort Saunders, caused considerable
anxiety. He truthfully told them that they, the enemy, charged with daring impetuosity, were repelled by our
almost naked boys with terrible slaughter and considered it one of the finest victories ever won by Union
troops during the war, which conclusion pleased all. He told them that immediately after the battle, pending a
flag of truce, to enable th enemy to remove their wounded living and bury the dead, the men of both armies
met halfway, from left to right and chatted until the truce was over. This caused wonder and surprise but
what the Captain said was true in every particular, although it may be hard for some people to believe. 3/1

Pottsville Republican of February 18, 1886

G. A. R. POST INSULTED

Post Number 26, G. A. R. of this place is one of the oldest Grand Army Posts in the state and since its
organization has never left anything undone that could be done or was requested of them relative to the
inmates at the Almshouse who are honorably discharged soldiers. Not less than thirty indigent soldiers have
been forwarded to their homes, a number buried in their Grand Army plot and many others aided from time to
time. This is a fact and it is no wonder that the members almost to a man are indignant, as a committee, of
which one W. W. Potts claimed to be chairman, came down and gave orders as to what they proposed to do,
giving this post the go by and not even consulting it. This evening the Post will convene and will without
doubt rebuke this act and demand that if nothing else, courtesy alone should have prompted them to confer
with the Post nearest to where unfortunate soldiers might be. Commander Augustus Mellon is an old four
year soldier, who with his command, has faced shot and shell in too many battles to be thus trifled with and
believes that the true blues of the old Gowen Post, Number 23, will not allow a neighboring Post, that always
stood by them in time of need, to be insulted if they know the true facts. The department circular indicating
Posts at the county seat to attend to these matters, was made especially so, from the fact that in nearly all
counties, they are the nearest to the Poor Houses, but when otherwise, this duty is tendered. 3/1

Pottsville Republican of May 31, 1886

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS

The memorial ceremonies here on Saturday afternoon last were the most imposing that have been held here
in years. In obedience to the proclamation of the Chief Burgess, all business was suspended after twelve
noon and almost all took advantage of the holiday and either participated in or witnessed the ceremonies.
The graves on the Saint Ambrose Catholic cemetery were decorated by a detail headed by Commander
Mellon in the morning and at two o'clock sharp the parade formed with Major Samuel A. Losch as Chief
Marshal, Captain D. F. Burkert, Captain Charles E. Brown and Honorable E. W. Thomas as aides. The parade
was in the following order: Black Horse Silver Cornet Band, W. C. Number 47, Sons of America with 163 men;
Marshal George Zimmerman; Ladies Committee in charge of Mrs. Augustus Mellon and 95 small girls,
equipped with blue sashes, each carrying a basket of flowers; Washington Cadet Band of Rock; Jere Helms
Post Number 26, G. A. R. with 57 men;Augustus Mellon, Commander and a delegation of ten men from Dentzer
Post Number 27 of Cressona; orator of the day, clergymen, citizens, etc. The parade moved direct for the
cemeteries where the ceremonies were held, halting at the Episcopal cemetery where the grave of
Commodore Robinson and three others were decorated. On reaching the main stand on the Union Cemetery,
the assemblage was called to attention by Dr. Christian Lenker, who in an able and appropriate address
opened the ceremonies. His address was followed by music by the Black Horse Band, prayer by Reverend P.
C. Croll, followed by the oration which was delivered by Reverend O. H. Strunk. The Reverend orator spoke
for about an hour and it was generally remarked that the time appeared too short. His oration was by general
consent pronounced one of the most powerful, brilliant, patriotic and appropriate ever delivered here and in
decisive language without hesitancy gave all to understand, why the day was celebrated. Strong men gave
way to tears, the doubtful became convinced, while some forgot themselves and gave way to applause. It
was indeed a masterly effort and a complete surprise to all. After music by the Washington Cadet Band, the
work of decorating the graves of the dead heroes was begun. Irving W. Tyson, the Chairman of the
Committee on Graves had a systematized matter that seventy nine graves in the Union and Jerusalem
cemeteries were decorated at one and the same time, while the bands discoursed music alternately from the
. A. R. lot in former cemetery and immediately after decoration, the procession returned to G. A. R. Hall in
town and was dismissed. The arrangements were entirely in the hands of a general Committee of which
Captain James K. Helms was chairman. He was ably supported by subcommittees, each having their allotted
work and all can be congratulated for their united assistance, thus assuring the 29th of May, 1886, as a day
ever to be remembered in the history of the borough. 3/1

Pottsville Republican of March 9, 1886

ANOTHER OLD SOLDIER GONE

William Leffler, one of the oldest veteran soldiers residing in Schuylkill Haven, died yesterday morning after
months of suffering from army consumption, contracted in the service while serving in Geary's old regiment,
the 28th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Mr. Leffler was an active member of W. C. Number 47, Sons of America and
Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R., both of which organizations will attend his funeral in large numbers. Mr.
Leffler was a great favorite with the Sons of America and Grand Army boys and they never had an
entertainment nor made a visit unless "Billy", as he was familiarly called, accompanied them and without him
the boys generally felt lost. His funeral will be under the immediate auspices of these two noble
organizations and will take place tomorrow, Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 sharp. The Reverend N. H. Mark will
deliver the funeral sermon while Captain Beckley will officiate for the societies. It is hoped every available
citizen will turn out and thus pay a lasting honor to a good citizen, a true patriot, and a brave soldier of the
borough. 3/7

Pottsville Republican of March 16, 1888

DEATH OF AN OLD SOLDIER

Christian Frederick Scheck, a resident of Schuylkill Haven, died in the Government Hospital at Washington D.
C. His remains were interred with military honors in the Soldier's Division of said hospital cemetery. He
served in Company F, Fifth Pennsylvania for three months, Company B, 129th Pennsylvania for nine months
and in Company B, Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry from January 1864 until the close of the war. 3/7

Pottsville Republican of January 30, 1887

VISITING OLD SOLDIERS AND THEIR SONS

The Altoona Tribune of yesterday contained the following: Captain J. K. Helms of Schuylkill Haven, has spent
some time in the county in the interest of the Patriotic Order Sons of America. The captain is one of the
original Grand Army men, having had a continuous membership in the post which he found, that being the
Jere Helms Post Number 26, Department of Pennsylvania, named after his younger brother, who was shot and
died at the battlefield of Antietam on September 17, 1862. Last evening he paid a visit to Lieutenant Stephen
C. Potts, Post Number 62, and met many of his old comrades. Immediately thereafter in company with
Commander Leisenring, Mayor Breth and others, he visited Camp 12, Sons of Veterans, where an interesting
time was had. It takes an old veteran soldier to stir up the boys and the visitation last evening will long be
remembered by those who happened to be present. "Army beans! Tis the bean that we mean", was rendered
by the captain in old soldier style and the rendition was received with laughter and loud applause, while the
visitor was greeted on all sides with a hearty invitation to call soon again.

Pottsville Republican of November 28, 1887

FUNERAL OF CAPTAIN BURKERT

One of the largest funerals ever witnessed in Schuylkill Haven was that of the late Captain Burkert, which
took place on Sunday afternoon. About one hundred members of Gowen Post, headed by the drum corps and
Guard of Honor went down in the 2:25 train on the Pennsy. A large number of citizens also accompanied
them, filling four cars comfortably. Delegations were also present from Post 17 of Minersville and Post 29 of
Cressona. Post 26, of Schuylkill Haven, of which deceased was a member, had charge of the funeral, and
turned out in a body headed by a drum corps. The pall bearers were selected from the several Posts. The
pastor of the Evangelical Church officiated at the Central Hotel, from where the funeral took place. Chaplain
Beckley of Schuylkill Haven Post delivered a touching and eloquent eulogy upon the deceased at the grave.3/7