Part 6

31. Henderson Scott, Paris, was unable to withstand active soldier life, and was among the first in K to be discharged. This was when the 140th was at Falmouth, before its first experience in battle, and by a special order of the War Department. He re-enlisted in the 103rd Reg't, P. V., when it was stationed at Roanoke Island, N.C., and remained in garrison duty till the close of the war. Then like many a soldier he cast his lot in the west and engaged in mining. Was severely injured in a cave-in. When written to in Eagleville, California, he replied in a very friendly letter. But in June, 1905, (a letter addressed him being returned unclaimed) in answer to an inquiry the postmaster at Sierraville, Calif., wrote me that Henderson Scott died in that place Feb. 9, 1905, and that he had been buried there. That he had no family.

Sketches of Those Living, Jan. 2, 1906.

And now there remains the mention of the forty-two of old K who are living. Special effort was made to hear personally from all. Letter after letter was written to secure this. Personal visits were made to many and efforts made to see others as far as possible. These personal interviews were a source of unbounded comfort and pleasure to the writer. Everywhere he was most cordially received and welcomed. But to the work before us:

1. Alexander Sweeney, Jr., First Lieutenant, was in December, '63, appointed to duty at Division Headquarters, and served on the staff of Gen. Barlow, and afterwards on the staff of Gen. Miles to the close of the war. He was a genial and popular staff officer. He received the rank of Brevet Captain March 13, 1865. Once again in civil life, he followed the way of his father in mercantile pursuits. For quite a while he was traveling salesman for the Arbuckle Company, and was very successful. After that he was engaged some little time in the wholesale grocery business in Pittsburg and in Youngstown, O. But for the greater part of time in the last 25 or 30 years he has been associated with an importing tea concern in New York; and is a rustler still in that business, with his office in Pittsburg, and his traveling extending over a good portion of eastern Ohio. "Aleck" still knows a good thing when he sees it; so he attended the G.A.R. Encampment in Denver, Colo., Sept. 4-9, '95, and enjoyed a wee Co. K reunion and entertainment provided by his Colorado comrades, Hanlin, Magill and Powelson, and visited the writer's home, much to his pleasure. And the entire family say, "Come again, Uncle Aleck, you're ever welcome!" Capt. Sweeney and family live in Steubenville, Ohio. His address is Lock Box 627.

2. Benjamin F. Powelson, First Sergeant.--Chaplain Milligan says of him in a college class history, "As Orderly Sergeant of Co. K, 140th P.V., for two years he was one of the bravest, quietest, most conscientious and faithful soldiers in this crack Regiment of veterans. For a long time he not only did the onerous work of First Sergeant, but really commanded the Company whilst his superior officers were detailed to other duties. He was a slender, delicate looking soldier, but he never flinched in the fight. He was promoted to First Lieutenant Co. G, 41st U.S.C.T., and was afterwards placed in command of Co. I of the same Regiment. He was never wounded, though he was always in the front, and participated in the battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, Deep Bottom, Ream's Station, Petersburg, Appomattox and many other smaller engagements. He was in the advance line at the surrender of Lee, the last in the fight, under Sheridan; after which he was ordered with his Regiment to the Rio Grande border." He was mustered out in New Orleans in October, 1865. Col. Moore, editor of the Washington Reporter, on hearing this, wrote, "Among the thousands of our youth who went out to confront the foes of our government on the field of battle, no more worthy was to be found than Lieut. Powelson, nor one who will be more warmly welcomed on his return." He entered the full work of the ministry, in the Presbyterian church, in July, '67, and has been ever since in active work, in Missouri, Kansas and Colorado. And any of the old comrades will ever find an open door for them and a welcome in his home in Boulder. His address is Box 143, Boulder, Colo.

3. John A. McCalmont was a number one soldier and was attentive and obedient to every call to duty. He won the high esteem of his comrades. He was twice promoted. To Corporal on the death of Donaldson, Feb. 14, '63, and to Sergeant when Graham was killed, March 25, 1865. He was fortunate in all our engagements only receiving a slight wound. He shared the fate of being a prisoner with Ralston and Abe Andrews, 24 of the 140th and 26 of the 26th Michigan being taken in battle near Farmville and released the third day after, at Lee's surrender. After his return home he took up the role of a good citizen and became a happy, prosperous farmer, and the writer, having spent several nights in his home, most gladly proclaims Comrade McCalmont and his wife princely entertainers. His address is Bulger, Washington Co., Pa.

4. Silas Cooke, 1st Corporal, proved himself a true soldier, and, though not of a strong or robust constitution, yet he stood bravely the soldier requirements, voluntarily on duty sometimes when he ought not to have been. He was practically disabled by a wound at Spottsylvania and was in hospital until Jan. 24, '65, when from the hospital in Pittsburg, Pa., he was transferred for service in the 6th Regiment of the Veteran Reserve Corps, Johnson's Island, Ohio. He was finally discharged July 3, '65, Cincinnati, Ohio. After the war he resumed his work of education and graduated from college and Theological Seminary. Entered the full ministry in the Presbyterian church in '75, and has made an excellent record in the noble cause he espoused. His perseverance in scholarly attainments and his fidelity have been recognized in the bestowal on him of the degree of Doctor of Divinity. His address is Red Oak, Iowa, where he is pastor of the First Presbyterian church.

5. John D. McCabe, 2nd Corporal, while willing and ready to shoulder his musket in the defense and preservation of his country, found himself physically unable to withstand the rigors of active military service, and he was discharged. His few months' association with the members of the Company established in him a strong attachment to them, and he enjoys the "touch of elbow" with them still. The writer, in his hunting for the boys and their doings, found him actively engaged in mercantile business and enjoying home life in Burgettstown, Pa., where he can be found or addressed. That he appreciates yet his membership in K was evidenced in his and his wife's presence at the G.A.R. Encampment in Denver, and visit to each of the three members now living in Colorado.

6. William Hanlin, 8th Corporal, was a little above the average age of the members of K, and enlisted from a deep sense of duty; and with great fidelity he took up the burden of soldiering. But the Johnnies' musket balls and shells at Gettysburg put a quietus on his active service, and he was sent to the hospital at York, Pa., where after treatment, he did light duty under direction of the surgeons, but they did not report him for duty on account of disability in left leg. When visited in June, '04, he was presiding well over an ideal farmer's Pennsylvania home, and his true comradeship was evidenced by large-hearted hospitality. His address is Hanlin Station, Washington, Pa., R.D. No. 55.

7. David McC. Pry, with commendable zeal, earnestness and efficiency participated in the services rendered by the Company. He was promoted Corporal on the death of his uncle, on the eve of the Gettysburg campaign. In the famous charge of Hancock's Corps at Spottsylvania, Va., he was wounded. He was cared for at the Finley hospital, Washington, D.C. On recovery he was examined and transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, and the surgeon placed him in charge of Ward No. 1. He remained in such service till all were sent home, or to their different state hospitals, sometime after Lee's surrender. Then, after assisting the Quarter Master in tabulating and turning over to government officials the property, he received his final dischargee. Since then the following may be said of him: Merchandizing for 32 years; Notary Public and Justice of the Peace 30 years; ruling elder in the Presbyterian church 30 years; commissioner to the General Assembly of same in Chicago; Recorder of Washington county 1885-'87; twice Chairman of Republican convention; twice delegate to Republican State convention; member of Legislature of Pennsylvania 1897-'98; member of the Pennsylvania State Board of Agriculture 1899-1904; at present Notary Public and conducting a successful insurance and general conveyancing business. His address is Lock Box 404, Burgettstown, Pa., where he has long enjoyed residence, to the kind hospitalities and courtesies of whose home the writer can give ample attestation.

8. James K. P. Magill was an out-and-out, all-round volunteer soldier; among the lucky ones in nearly every battle and scrimmage and never shed blood; full of good nature and of valuable service to the Company. He was promoted Corporal July 2, '63, when Will Powelson was made a Sergeant. He is justly an heir to a very high degree of comradeship among the veterans, and he greatly enjoys the same. On muster out he assumed duties of faithful citizenship in the old home community until in '88, when he moved with his family to Pueblo, Colo., and he there entered mercantile pursuits, winning a comfortable home and a successful trade by his integrity and good business methods. You will find him, as of yore, ever in good humor, at the Central Mesa grocery, 100 Block P, Pueblo, Colo.

9. James C. Lyle was a willing, quiet and faithful member; but, not being very robust, he was subject to illness, and was several times in the hospital; and he can relate some interesting and rather stirring experiences in these times of absence from the Company; as when he was fitted (?) out in a Washington hospital for going home to vote, and when in May, '64, with other sick and wounded, he was several days a prisoner under Fitzhugh Lee, and the federal and rebel officers had a gala time with the hospital _stimulants_, and again when he, in rejoining Company near Cold Harbor, was so hungry and completely worn out on reaching division headquarters about dark, and receiving from Lieut. Sweeney beef and hard-tack, gathered sticks, prepared and ate his royal meal, the bullets rattling thick about him, one wounded near him, and then lay down and slept; and never more glad in his life than when next day he got back among his comrades in K. And from that on to the close of the war he was with the Company. He was promoted Corporal when Graham was made 5th Sergeant, March 17, '64. As he was a true soldier, he has ever been a true and worthy citizen, successful in farming and happy in home life. His address now is East Liverpool, Ohio.

10. George A. Hanlin was found to be of good material for a soldier, and the hospital never got him but for a while in the middle part of '63. He had the aptitude of getting his full share of the sunshine of army life, and therefore was a valuable member of K. He was advanced to rank of Corporal in the promotion of Ralston to be First Sergeant. The rebels had a pick at George, at Spottsylvania, on May 12, '64, claiming his head, but luckily for him they only got a piece of his ear, and he confronted them in the very next onset and ever after. Peace established, he resumed work on the home farm; but soon moved to Missouri, and in the 70's cast his lot in Colorado, first in mining a short time, then in the feed and fuel business in Denver, in which he succeeded well. And those who were fortunate enough to attend the 39th National G.A.R. Encampment can testify to his and family's open-heartedness and generous contributions to the comfort and pleasure of all old comrades. And he will ever be found the same, at 3800 Palmer street, Denver, Colo. And to any comrade coming to Colorado, seeking a home therein or the comfort and blessing of its ozone and sunshine, he stands ready to give information and aid.

11. Marshall Wright, though last on the roll, was among the first in readiness to respond to all just requirements. He was in hospital at Washington, D.C., several months after Chancellorsville battle. In the terrible conflict on May 12, '64, at Spottsylvania, he had a close call. He was shot in the neck. He had a prominent "Adam's Apple," and so had enough and to spare and live over it, and, after a short sojourn with the surgeon, he took his place again in line to hold it till the Company was mustered out. His life since has been a success, and he still delights in the comradeship of "old Company K." He was promoted Corporal in the transfer of D. M. Pry, Feb. 6, '65. His home is in Elwood, Lawrence Co., Pa.

12. Abram Andrews and his brother Peter were well known in the Company as quiet, good men, "boys" as they were called, for they were small in stature. Abram was sick some and in hospital, but for the most part was with the Company. He received a slight wound at Todd's Tavern, but four days afterwards was in line in that great day of victory for the 2nd Corps at Spottsylvania, during which he and Norris Metcalf helped to carry off the rebel cannon in face of desperate firing. He was promoted Corporal to fill vacancy as McCalmont was advanced to rank of 5th Sergeant, March 25, '65. On April 7th, in battle near Farmville, he was taken prisoner along with Ralston and McCalmont. He ever rejoices to say he belonged to "dear old Co. K." His address is Latrobe, Athens county, Ohio, R.D. No. 1.

13. Jesse J. Morris was one of K's "rooters" (in the parlance of modern athletics), a No. 1 drummer boy, 17 years old when sworn in and had to "tiptoe it to reach the measuring stick." He enlisted as a private and served in the ranks till some time in March, '63, being in Co. K's first detail sent out on picket on the Rappahannock. He was then put in Drum Corps. He soon was leader of the snare drummers, and, when Johnnie Bryan was detailed as Adjutant's clerk, he was made Drum Sergeant, and had charge of the Corps from that time until appointed Drum Major, Dec. 22, '64, and transferred to Regimental non-commissioned staff. Was with the Regiment through all its marchings, campaigns and engagements. Never away but 15 days, and that on furlough during winter of '64 and '65. Never answered the surgeon's call but twice, and that for chills when "we lay in go-for-holes in front of Petersburg, supporting Battery 5." His old blue drum hangs in a prominent place in his house, bequeathed to his son. He is a "drummer" still, but now a successful salesman for A. F. Bannister & Co., cutlery manufacturers, Newark, N. J. And his home and address is 7514 Kelly street, Pittsburg, Pa.

14. George W. McConnell was enlisted as a musician. Practically he never lost a day from service. After the battle of Gettysburg he was left there in charge of three men of Co. H and color-bearer Riddle of Co. F. He returned to the Regiment in October, when camped near Warrenton, Va. About Jan. 1, '64, he was detailed by Gen. Hancock in Drum Corps, at Division headquarters, and was in that till the close of war. He was one of two out of 150 musicians who kept up with the ambulance train and reported to Dr. Wishart, in rear of our line at Petersburg, June 14, '64, the night of the crossing of the James. Was at the Grand Review and the disbanding of the Company. Returned to old home, but in '71 went to Kansas, then in '75 back to Ohio, and for 25 years has had a good home and prosperous business (black-smithing) in Carrollton, Ohio, where he will gladly welcome any of K Company.

15. James B. Allison was very faithful and steady in service. He was absent but once, then about four months in sickness, sent from Deep Bottom to Chestnut Hill hospital, Philadelphia. Special mention has been made of him at Gettysburg. He was conscientious in trying to do his duty, and wrote me when I sought of him some information: "Now after all these years have come and gone, I look back from the western slope of life to those bloody days with some feelings of pride for having done what I could to save the nation in its entirety, and also with sadness as I still remember and think of the boys that laid down their lives that the country might live." His address is, Prosperity, Washington Co., Pa., via Dunn's Station.

16. Peter Andrews, to whom reference has already been made, was sick and in hospitals in Washington and Philadelphia from June, '63 to July '64. He rejoined us in time for the Deep Bottom engagement, and was with the Company until the disbanding. He tells us of what he saw on April 8, '65, near Farmville, on the field of conflict where the charges were made the day before in which his brother was taken prisoner. The dead lay thick, in some places the bodies of Union and rebel soldiers crossing each other. He also says that he and Geo. Johnson turned over to headquarters two rebel prisoners on that same 7th. When met June 25, '04 at the K gathering, Burgettstown, Pa., he was extremely happy, reporting himself as having a family of nine children and fourteen grandchildren, all proud of his army record and associations, his good wife affirming "one of the grandest Regiments in the Civil War." His address is Mount Oliver, Pittsburg, Pa.

17. James Arthurs was a good-hearted, trustworthy man, ever ready to serve his country. He was not, however, quick to learn the manual of arms, or military maneuvers. So he served mostly on detached duty as Regimental teamster, and was faithful to duty till the muster out. No word received from him directly. His address is Toronto, Jefferson Co., Ohio.

18. Lazarus Briggs was a quiet, good dispositioned fellow, somewhat on the reserve, and at times a little hard to understand. He was slightly wounded in the back at Chancellorsville. He was ever ready for any camp or general soldier duty, but had a special dislike to the way the rebels came at us generally. Yet towards the last the dislike somewhat disappeared--we all got a little familiar with the Johnnies' ways--and he stuck to his post of duty in all service, and was with the Company till it disbanded. He still enjoys meeting with his comrades, and lives in comfort and content with his family in Houston, Washington Co., Pa.

19. Benjamin B. Buchanan was characterized with a strong, patriotic spirit, and entered the service with best intent. But he found that he was physically unable to endure the hardships of stern army life. And, after trying to overcome hindrances for some months to no purpose, he was discharged for disability from hospital in Washington, D.C., where he was during our first engagement, Chancellorsville. His disability was increased by exposure in camp duty, and thus far he made sacrifice for the cause, a sacrifice he realizes always. And his comrades sympathize, too, with him in the loss of his partner in life, who died a few years ago. His home is in Paris, Washington Co., Pa.

20. George W. Carter. Co. K had several sets of brothers in it: Will and Ben Powelson; Abe and Pete Andrews; George and Harry McConnell; Tom and George Carter; Joe and Dave Corbin; Ben and Jim Cummins; William and Isaac Miller; John and Colin Nickeson; Robert and Dave Pry; and George and Jesse Sprowls. The Carter brothers had a cousin Jesse. All three were excellent soldiers. Tom fell bravely fighting at Gettysburg, George was wounded at Spottsylvania as bravely fighting, but was able to rejoin the Company, and then he stayed with it to the end. No direct word was received from him, but his address is Millsboro, Washington Co., Pa.

21. Andrew Chester was one of the most ready and willing to do service in K. He was sure to be in everything going on. He was slightly wounded by a piece of shell in his right ankle at Chancellorsville, and he was severely wounded in left leg June 6, '64, at Cold Harbor, Va., and was never with the Company afterwards. He was discharged from service when in hospital at Philadelphia, July 3, '65. And now in the busy life he is leading, as his impaired health and strength will permit, he is eager to embrace every opportunity to touch elbows with his comrades, and thinks, as he revels in the memories of our many well-fought battles that nothing too good can be said in praise of "Old Co. K." His address is Eighty-four, Washington Co., Pa., R.D. No. 84.

22. Ezra Conaway shared in the duties of the soldier as required of the members of this Company up to the time when the arrangements were being consummated for the Chancellorsville engagement. On April 26, '63, he was detailed on detached duty and served after that as teamster, or in the wagon train department, and became a wagon-master, was mustered out with the Company. No word could be gotten from him, but D. M. Pry reports his address--Monongahela City, Washington Co., Pa.

23. Joseph A. Corbin was with the Company in the faithful performance of his duties till the battle of Gettysburg, wherein he was wounded in the leg. He was discharged from the service from the hospital, May 20, '65, and returned to his work on the farm. His address is Eldersville, Washington Co., Pa., via Hanlin Station.

24. George Gardner was among a few, who, on the Company's being subjected to the ordeal of active duties "on the field" or confronting the enemy, were found physically incapacitated--unable to stand the strain. So he was, on March 20, '63, discharged under General Order No. 77, War Department. And we were unable to get any satisfactory information about him. Obtaining his address as Beaver, Beaver county, Oklahoma, letters were addressed to him there, which, while not returned to writer, were never answered.

25. Benjamin F. Hawthorn possessed many of the good qualities of a true soldier. Prompt to respond to duty's calls, willing to share in the burdens of service, taking trying conditions in a good-humored way, and devoted to the cause for which he fought, he could be relied upon in camp, on march and amid conflict. He was wounded by gunshot in right shoulder at Spottsylvania, May 12, '64, and thereby disabled for field service, but was, on the wound healing, transferred to Invalid Corps, and did duty about hospitals in Washington City, from which he was discharged in June, '65. He has ever evinced a strong attachment to his comrades, specially to those of Co. K. Is engaged in the sale of books, and enjoys home life. His address now is Box 199, California, Washington Co., Pa.

26. Robert McClurg, soon after the Regiment joined the Army of the Potomac at Falmouth, Va., was assigned to duty in the Pioneer Corps, and sustained a good record for fidelity and efficiency in that department of service to close of war, being ordered back to Company for Grand Review and muster out. Then he went back to and has ever enjoyed the peaceful scenes and happy experiences of rural life, ever having an open heart for any member of K. The writer on a visit to his place, with Comrade Wm. Hanlin, in 1904, saw the large apple tree, grown from the two grafts out of the slips sent home by him from Virginia, to which reference has been previously made. He, too, can tell of some lively scraps with the Johnnies, who were always averse to the laying down of pontoons or to the construction of roads, etc. His address is Paris, Washington Co., Pa.