62d Pennsylvania Volunteers

Recruited at Rimersburg in Clarion County on the 4th of July 1861 by Thomas Kerr. The organization was taken in wagons to Kittanning, and from there was able to travel by rail to Pittsburgh, where it was mustered in as a company on 25 July 1861.

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Thomas Kerr | Captain

Dismissed because of a financial indiscretion. He was disciplined for overcharging the government in Harrisburg for reimbursement related to a room rented as a recruiting office in Rimersburg. Kerr submitted a larger amount for rent in his report than he actually paid the owner, Mr. Henry Fox, for the room. In his defense Kerr indicated that he had negotiated a smaller amount than he realized he was authorized to pay. He submitted the report for the higer figure with the intention for Mr. Fox to be paid the full amount. Since he had to report to duty with his company, he was unable to straighten out the matter and was unaware there was a problem until after Mr. Fox had discovered the discrepancy and reported the matter to the Adjutant General's office in Harrisburg.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age at Enrollment: 34; Occupation: Farmer; Residence: Clarion County, Pa.; Hair: Light; Eyes: Light; Complexion: Light; Height: 6'; Remarks: Dismissed 4-5-63.

The 1890 Veterans Schedules Record lists him as a resident of Toby Township, Clarion County. His obituary indicates his full name was John Thomas Kerr, born 11 April 1830, died 9 September 1907.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age at Enrollment: 24; Occupation: Laborer; Residence: Clarion Co.; Hair: Auburn; Eyes: Light; Complexion: Light; Height: 5' 8"

The scandal that led to the Kerr dismissal apparently tainted two other officers as well, since when Sweet took over command of the company in April, he jumped ahead of the 1st and 2d Lieutenant, who were discharged in August, but possibly for unrelated reasons. He was not immediately promoted from 1st Sergeant to Captain, however. Wounded at Gettysburg, he was eventually taken to the York General Hospital where he was confined for about three months. It was during this time, according to Andreas' History of the State of Nebraska that he was promoted to Captain. According to the record in Bates he was promoted on 22 December 1863. Sweet was listed among the wounded officers at Seminary Hospital in Washington, D.C., in May 1864, but there is no indication he was not back with the regiment when it mustered out in July.

Sweet was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, but moved to Indiana County at about the age of ten, and afterward to Armstrong County. Although a resident of Armstrong County he enlisted in Company E, a Clarion County company. After the war he returned to Pennsylvania and engaged in farming for a short time. He then went to Cincinnati, where he was a clerk in the County Recorder's office for three years. In the spring of 1871, Sweet went west to Merrick County, Nebraska, and took a homestead of 160 acres on Section 12, Town 15, Range 5. He added additional acreage to the total of 320 and became largely engaged in raising livestock. He remained active politically, "furthering the interest of the Republican ticket" and serving as both Deputy County Clerk and County Commissioner. When the National Guard started up, he organized Company K, First Regiment, National Guard of the State and was commissioned Captain. He was then promoted to Inspector General, with the rank of Major, and served on the Governor's Staff.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age: 31; Occupation: Clerk; Residence: Clarion County, Pa.; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Blue; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5' 8"; Remarks: Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., 12-13-62. Rolls show first name: William.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age at Enrollment: 26; Occupation: Farmer; Residence: Clarion County; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Dark; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5' 8"

Moved back to Rimerstown after the war and became a teamster. He married twice and had several children. Arner was denied an invalid pension after he applied on 2 August 1883.

Mustered in as 4 Sergeant, according to "United States National Archives. Civil War Service Records [database on-line]."

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age: 33; Occupation: Laborer; Residence: Clarion Country, Pa.; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Dark; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5'9"

Last name listed in Bates as Rivers, but River in CWVCF and census records. The 1860 Census for Madison Township, Clarion County, lists Daniel River as a 32-year old ore digger. Under his name is Pheby, aged 28, who is listed as a male, but it should be Phoebe, his wife. Phoebe apparently died in childbirth in 1861. According to family records, Daniel River was born in 1828 in Armstrong County. He was killed in a cave-in in a coal mine in the Sterling Mines in Houtzdale, Clearfield County on 20 July 1874. A minor's penion was filed for his youngest son Miles (by Mary, his second wife).

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age at Enrollment: 24; Occupation: Farmer; Residence: Clarion County; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Dark; Complexion: Dark; Height: 6'

He filed for an invalid pension on 21 May 1880. At 93 years old, Hartzel was listed in the 1930 Census for Cranberry Township, Venango County, Pa. He was living with his son, a music teacher. No death date is provided on his veterans burial card, but the information was given in 1935.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age: 24; Occupation: Farmer; Residence: Clarion Co.; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Dark; Complexion: Dark; Height: 6' Remarks: Pr. orderly Sgt. (date unknown). Missing at Gaines Mill, Va. 6-27-62

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age at Enrollment: 20; Occupation: Farmer; Residence: Clarion Co.; Hair: Light; Eyes: Light; Complexion: Light; Height: 6'; Remarks: Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va. 12-13-63.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age at Enrollment: 26; Occupation: Laborer; Residence: Clarion County; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Dark; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5' 10"; Remarks: M.I. Roll spells last name: Ransel. Alph. Roll. Rinsil.

"Muster in as 5 Corporal; mustered out as 3 Sergeant" according to "United States National Archives. Civil War Service Records [database on-line]."

Name spelled Ransel in Bates. Name spelled Ransell on pension index card filed on 16 July 1902, and on a gravestone. Pension was filed on behalf of a minor, a Butler safe deposit and trust company.Although listed as a resident of Clarion County in veterans' card file, Ransel was a Butler County resident according to a list of Butler County veterans. 

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age: 29; Occupation: Laborer; Residence: Clarion County; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Black; Complexion: Light; Height: 5' 9"; Remarks: Pr. Corp. (date unknown).

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age at Enrollment: 23; Occupation: Farmer; Residence: Clarion County; Hair: Light; Eyes: Light; Complexion: Light; Height: 5' 10" Remarks: (Pr. to Sgt. date unknown. Bates).

Born in Armstrong County in 1811. Married Sarah J. Myers 25 August 25 1864. They had 12 children. Moved to Cherokee County, Kansas, where he became a carpenter and farmer. Other details of his life can be found in a biographical sketch from History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens (1904)

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age at Enrollment: 37; Occupation: Blacksmith; Residence: Clarion Co.; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Dark; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5' 9" Remarks: Rolls show last name as Hamlin. Alpha. Roll: Hamler.

Listed as Sylvester D. Hamler in Bates.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age: 33; Occupation: Laborer; Residence: Clarion County; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Dark; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5' 10 1/2": Remarks: Pr. Sgt. (date unknown).

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age at Enrollment: 18; Occupation: Farmer; Residence: Clarion County; Hair: Brown; Eyes: Dark; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5' 9 3/4" Remarks: (Pr. Corp., date unknown. Bates). Rolls show First name as "JOHNSTON".

As a member of the color guard, he saved the flag from being captured at Gettysburg, after the color sergeant was killed and another color guard wounded.

According to a History of Linn County, Missouri (1882), Gardner was a student in the Rimersburg Academy when he enlisted. After the war he returned to Rimersburg, where he learned the photography business under B. L. H. Dabbs for a year before establishing a gallery in Burgettstown. In 1866 he studied photography in Philadelphia, and from 1867 to 1871 he operated a photography business in Fairview, West Virginia, and then to moved to Brookfield, Mo., to open a business and gallery. Gardner married to Lizzie Spivey, with whom he had four children.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age at Enrollment: 20; Occupation: Laborer; Residence: Clarion County; Hair: Light; Eyes: Brown; Complexion: Light; Height: 5' 8 3/4" Remarks: (Pr. Corp., date unknown. Bates).

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age: 19; Occupation: Farmer; Residence: Clarion County; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Gray; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5' 9": Remarks: In St. Elizabeth Hospital, Washington, D.C. (Pr. Corp., date unknown. Bates).

According to the History of the State of Kansas (1883), Curtis R. Armstrong enlisted as a private in Company E. His father, Daniel Armstrong, served in the 67th. His father moved to Topeka in 1879, but it is not clear whether or not Curtis did as well.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age: 18; Occupation: Student; Residence: Clarion County; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Light; Complexion: Light; Height: 5' 7"; Remarks: (Pr. Corp., date unknown. Bates). M.I. Roll shows last name as: Payne.

The 1890 Veterans Schedule indicates his home then was Tidal, Madison Township, Armstrong County. Under disabilities, "Heart DIsease" is listed for him. His rank is listed as Private.

A biographical sketch of Paine's son in a Armstrong County, Pennsylvania: Her People Past and Present (1914), indicates that after John W. Paine was captured at Gettsyburg, he was held for three months at Belle Isle before being paroled. In 1868 he settled on a farm of sixty acres. He remained there until he retired and moved with his wife, Sarah H. Craig, to Kittaning. They had 10 children.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age: 22; Occupation: Laborer; Residence: Armstrong Co.; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Dark; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5'10" Remarks: Pr. to Corp. date unknown. M. I. Roll shows last name as "HARE."

The 1890 Veterans Schedule lists his home then as Adrian, Washington Township, Armstrong County. No disability is listed for him.

The portrait of William Hays is courtesy of Carolyn Hays Raham. According to Raham, Hays was born in Ireland and came with his family to Madison Township, Armstrong County, around 1854. After the war he returned to Armstrong County and lived near the town of Adrian. He married Catherine Ann John and had 16 children, 10 of whom survived to adulthood. He became a farmer and did some lumbering and ran a saw mill. He served two terms as Armstrong County auditor. He died at age 69 on February 8, 1908.

According to a genealogical sketch by Fred Preston (no longer available on the web), at age 16 William Hays came with his family to this country on the ship Choas, arriving on 5 June 1854. They settled in Madison Township, Armstrong County, where his father became a farmer and ran a distillery. During the war his father, William John Hay, Jr., spent a night in the Kittanning Jail for making illegal whiskey, but was released on the grounds that he was only making his own personal beverage and because he had two sons who were soldiers.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age at Enrollment: 23; Occupation: Carpenter; Residence: Clarion County; Hair: Black; Eyes: Hazel; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5' 6 1/4" Remarks: Dis. to Receive Appointment as 2nd Lt. Company I. 105th. Regt. P.V. 2-22-62. [I 105 I Card adds: Transferred from Company "E" 62nd Regt. P. V. and promoted to 2nd Lt. 2-25-62. Killed at Bull Run, Va. 8-29-62. Rolls also show name as Gilbert John P.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age: 18; Occupation: Farmer; Residence: Clarion County; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Dark; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5' 8"; Remarks: Pr. Corp. (date unknown). M. I. Roll shows first name as: Need.

Listed on register of Paroled Prisoners of War Transferred to Hospital Tranport "Knickerbocker" from City Point, Va., July 22, 1862.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age at Enrollment: 24; Occupation: Laborer; Residence: Clarion Co.; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Dark; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5' 6 1/3" Remarks: Rolls show last name as Gating.

Gatings married Maria Keister on 3 March 1858 in Callensburg, Clarion Co. They had six children. After his discharge, he lived near West Freedom, Clarion Co. He was a member of John C. Pollock Post #278 G.A.R. in West Freedom. Thomas Gatings died on 18 October 1910 and is buried in Matildaville Cemetery, Matildaville, Clarion Co., Pa.

Thanks to Linda Jemmett for providing additional information about Corp. Gatings

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: No information.

Date of muster into service uncertain. Shaffer was listed in Bates as having mustered in on 1 February 1864, but this appears to be in error. According to a muster roll for the Kansas Grand Army of the Republic Post for 1902, Shaffer, then aged 59, mustered in to the 62d on 1 July 1861. He was then living in Junction City, Kansas, and had only joined the post within the previous six months. The List of ex-soldiers, sailors and marines, living in Iowa published by the Iowa Adjutant General's Office in 1886, lists his residence as Shenandoah.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age: 20; Occupation: Shoemaker; Residence: Clarion County; Hair: Light; Eyes: Light; Complexion: Light; Height: 6' Remarks: (Killed at Spottsylvania C. H. 5-10-64. Bates). Rolls show name as: Barr, A.T.

Details of his death can be found in Private Joseph W. Graham' diary entry for Tuesday, 10 May 1864. "Weather hot. Skirmishing again this morning. About eight A.M. Corporal Thomas Barr, of Company E, killed in front of the works. Ten A.M. our skirmishers advanced in force and drove the enemy out of their rifle pits and took possession of them. When this advance was made we got the body of Corporal Barr and consigned it to its long home."

According to the 1860 Census, Robert T. Barr, a 17-year old, Pennsylvania-born shoemaker was boarding at an inn kept by John and Eliza Clements in Brookville, Pa.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age: 33; Occupation: Glassblower; Residence: Pittsburgh, Pa.; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Dark; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5' 10"; Remarks: Died 3-24-62 at Phila., Pa.

According to the 1860 Census, 32-year old Pennsylvania-born glassblower was living with his English born wife and 5-year old son William in Ravenna, Ohio.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age: 21; Occupation: Laborer; Residence: Armstrong County; Hair: Dark; Eyes: Dark; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5' 7"; Remarks: (Pr. to Corp. date unknown. Died 7-15-62 of wounds received at Gettysburg 7-2-62. Bates). Rolls show last name as "McKENLEY".

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age at Enrollment: 20; Occupation: Tanner; Residence: Clarion County.; Hair: Sandy; Eyes: Gray; Complexion: Sandy; Height: 6' 2"; Remarks: (Captured. Died at Richmond, Va. 7---62 of wounds received at Malvern Hill 7-1-62. Bates). Rolls spell last name Reede.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: [No personal information provided]; Remarks: Deserted 7-30-61. (All information on this card taken from bates) No further record available.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Age at Enrollment: 19; Occupation: Sailor; Residence: Buffalo, N.Y.; Hair: Brown; Eyes: Brown; Complexion: Fair; Height: 5' 9 1/4" Remarks: In Hosp. at White House Landing. Rolls spell last name Gilfoil.

Listed in Davis as Gilford. Last name also spelled Gilfoyl in some records.

Musicians

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: M.I: As Mus.; Age at Enrollment: 21; Occupation: Farmer; Residence: Indiana Co.; Hair: Black; Eyes: Black; Complexion: Dark; Height: 5'10"

Mustered in as musician. Served as a private after July 1863.

Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866: Mustered in as Corp. Age at Enrollment: 20; Occupation: Farmer; Residence: Clarion County; Hair: Light; Eyes: Light; Complexion: Light; Height: 5' 10" Remarks: (Killed at Cold Harbor, Va. 6-3-64. Bates).

Fackender mustered in as a corporal, served as a musician, probably a bugler, and ended his service aas a private. Muster rolls indicate the progress of Fackender through his service in the regiment. In March or April 1862, according to the muster roll, he was "detailed in Brass Band." The entry for March & April 1862 in the 62nd Regiment's Field Staff and Band Muster Roll indicates he was a "3d Class Mus", with the note "Present Detached in Brass Band from Co E." According to the May & June 1862 muster roll, he still held the rank of Corporal. In the July & Aug 1862 Company E muster roll he was listed as present, now as a private, and in the Field Staff & Band Muster Roll of the same time period where he is listed as 3d Class Musician, there was the note: "Return to Company by order of War Dept." In the next entry, Sep & Oct 1862, he is listed as a Musician. His rank as Musician continues in subsequent company muster rolls until July & Aug 1863, when he is once again listed as a private. It was as a private that he was killed in action at Bethesda Church, Va on 3 June 1864. 

Notes

Those who died before first battle probably were victims of typhoid fever that became rampant during the fall and winter of 1861/62 while the regiment was stationed at Minor's Hill, Va.

The Veteran Reserve Corps, originally called the Invalid Corps, was the military body to which soldiers were transferred when they were not healthy enough to be sent back to their original unit, but not sick or disabled enough to be sent home.

Sources

Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-5. Volume III. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71; reprinted Wilmington, NC: Broadfoot, 1993.

Davis, A. J. History of Clarion County, 1877 (Reprint)

Davis' History includes a "corrected roll of Company E," based on Bates, but altered under the assistance of Sergeant David R. Lobaugh of Company C.

Special thanks to Francis Elder first for alerting me to the corrected roll and then for sending me a copy.

Under the Maltese cross, Antietam to Appomattox, the Loyal Uprising in Western Pennsylvania, 1861-1865; Campaigns 155th Pennsylvania Regiment, Narrated by the Rank and File. Pittsburg: The 155th Regimental Association, 1910.

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This page authored and maintained by John R. Henderson ( jhenderson @ icyousee . org), Lodi, NY.
Last modified: 27 June 2017
URL: http://www.icyousee.org/pa62d/e.html