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: FEBRUARY 1

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
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
Haven.

Local GAR Post

Was Mr. Ditzler a Copperhead

VETERAN ASSN. IN CHARGE

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
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
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
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 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.
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
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.

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.
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 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, 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.

The minutes of the Jere Helms Post Number 26 of the G. A. R.
have been updated to include 1880, a voluminous year with
information on the large Camp Fire held in September.
Additions to these minutes are continuous.

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
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, 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
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
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
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
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 Moser
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.
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.
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
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

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
Death early Wednesday morning removed another Civil War veteran from our midst, in the person of Henry
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
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 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
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
The funeral of I. W. Tyson took place Tuesday
his text, "Well done though good and faithful
afternoon. The esteem and popularity of the
servant," and paid a beautiful tribute to the
life and work of the deceased. Members of
the official board or Consistory of the the
official board or Consistory of the Reformed
Church, of which Mr. Tyson was a 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 born in Landingville. 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 and 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 also 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 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

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.

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

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 Pennsylvania Calvary under the command of Captain Richards and served until 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 he was engaged
as boss for the contractors having in charge of 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 son in
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pottsville Republican of May 1, 1889

JOSEPH REDCAY DEAD

The remains of Joseph Redcay, a well known character, were interred in the soldiers lot at Schuylkill Haven
Tuesday afternoon from his late home near the Seven Stars. Deceased was a hard working good fellow and
had many points to recommend them. His death occurred at the residence of his mother at Cape Horn on
Sunday evening, and was sudden, apoplexy being the cause. He was a member of Company A, 96th Regiment,
P. N. V. Jere Helms Post Number 47, G. A. R. had charge of the funeral.

Pottsville Republican of November 18, 1889

SOLDIER FUNERAL

George Knerr, of Schuylkill Haven, who served three years in the Sixth U. S. Cavalry and subsequently in
Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Volunteers, whose death was announced last week, was buried in that borough
on Sunday with military honors. The funeral was under the supervision of Captain James K. Helms. Major
Losch commanded the soldier comrades. Major A. P. Garrett commanded the firing squad, the funeral
procession being led by the drum corps of Camp 47, P. O. S. of A. Chaplain Beckley delivered one of his
spirited and eloquent orations over the grave of this honored comrade and the ceremonies throughout
partook of that military air which commands the attention of all. After interment a funeral discourse was
delivered in the United Brethren Church. Captain Levan of the old 50th Regiment and William A. Gleason, who
was a drummer boy in the company, both of Minersville, were in attendance upon the funeral.

The Call of January 29, 1898

DEATH OF JOHN BUBECK SR.

The death of John Bubeck Sr. of Garfield Avenue lessens the ranks of Post 26 G. A. R. of another active
member of that rapidly decreasing organization. Mr. Bubeck was an honored member, one who could be
counted on as one of the firing squad at so many funerals of deceased members. The taps and sad last rites in
which he has so often participated for other departed comrades will now do honor to his last sad ceremonies.
Mr. Bubeck died on Wednesday last and his funeral takes place this afternoon at two o'clock. Services will be
held in the Jerusalem Church, Reverend E. H. Smoll officiating.

The following information on John Bubeck was provided by his descendant, Sue George.
He was born January 10, 1827, living in Epslinger, Wurttemberg, Germany. He came to this country on August
18, 1850. He worked as a weighmaster for the P & R Railroad. He served three years in Company B, 48th
Pennsylvania Infantry. He was declared missing in action on September 30, 1864 at Petersburg, Virginia but
was later found to be a prisoner of war, serving three months at Salisbury Prison.

Pottsville Republican of May 13, 1904

WILLIAM KILLIAN DIES

William Killian was born in Baden, Germany and came to this country when a boy. He enlisted in the United
States Artillery from Buffalo, new York and served through the entire Civil War. He was taken prisoner and
confined in Andersonville Prison. After the war he settled in Schuylkill Haven and took up farming. In recent
years he had conducted a lucrative ice business. He was constable in his township for ten years. He was a
member of Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R. of Schuylkill Haven. His widow and the following children
survive: Mrs. Henry Mengle, Joseph, William, John, Mark, Clayton, Mrs. Oscar Ney, Mrs. William Reed and
Bessie at home.

At left is William Killian
with two of his comrades
and at right he is pictured
in later years with his wife.

George W. Coover - Civil War Veteran

George W. Coover was born May 9, 1825. He lived on two farms in the Indian Run area and was a farmer by
trade. He served during the Civil War as a wagoneer in the 151st Regiment, Company I. It was a nine months
regiment and went to Washington in November, 1862 and at once entered duty in patrolling a region infested
with guerillas and traitors. He was married to Mary St. Clair. He died on November 25, 1927.
Above at left is a picture of George Coover and at right are the copies of his declaration for pension.

The tombstone of the Schuylkill
haven GAR Post 26 namesake,
Jeremiah Helms.

The Call of September 11, 1914

READY FOR 50TH PVV REUNION

Everything is about ready for the forty eighth reunion of the 50th P. V. V. which will be held here tomorrow,
Saturday, September 12th. All that is desired is fair weather and from all indications, the affair will then be a
liberal response in the matter of subscriptions from the public and this has made the work of preparing for the
entertainment of the veterans much easier. Everyone approached on the question of donation has
responded. Many persons have responded quite liberally and without the committee visiting them. The
program for the afternoon and evenings events consists of a parade in the afternoon, camp fire, band concert
and banquet in the evening.
The parade in the afternoon will move at 1:45 o'clock sharp. It will move over the following route: Saint John
Street to Union Street, to Canal, to Main, to Dock. Countermarch at Dock and Centre Avenue, to Dock, to Main,
to Fairview, to Union, to Saint John to Main. The division having veterans, together with the Bressler Band will
continue up Main Street to Saint Peter Street. The veterans will be taken to the Opera House where their
business meeting will be held. The balance of the parade will dismiss on Main Street. The formation of the
parade will be as follows: Marshal, Chief Burgess Lessig, Bressler Band, Committee, Members of the 50th P. V.
V. and local G. A. R., Citizen's band, Color Bearers, Washington Camp Number 47, P. O. S. of A., Junior O. U. A.
M., Color Bearers, Boy Scouts of Schuylkill Haven. The route of the parade has been given careful
consideration and it is believed one has been decided upon which will meet the approval of all participating in
the parade. The same was arranged with a view of giving the veterans a fair idea of our town and yet not make
the route too lengthy and tiresome. Following the parade the veterans will hold their annual business meeting
in the Losch Opera House.
Promptly at 7:30 o'clock the Camp Fire will he held at the Opera House. At about the same time the Bressler
Band, which has been engaged for the occasion, will begin a specially selected concert. The band will be
seated at the portico of Hotel Grand. A special invitation is extended to the general public to attend the views
of the different engagements as seen at close range. This portion of the day's program should be immensely
interesting to everyone. There will also be a lecture on the flags of the divisions of both Confederate and
Federal armies. What the different flags stood for at the time will also be explained. Bensinger's Orchestra
will dispense music between the remarks. At 10:30 o'clock the veterans will proceed in a body to the
Holmhurst on Saint John Street where a banquet will be served after which the day's program will be brought
to a close.
Members of the Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R. of Schuylkill Haven will kindly note that they are invited to
participate in the parade, urged to attend the Camp Fire and the banquet. Provisions have been made for the
members and their wives and they are to consider this as a special invitation from the local committee in
charge. The Boy Scouts of town have consented to meet all incoming trains during the day to escort the
veterans from out of town either to their hotel or to the homes of relatives or friends. This will be a specially
pleasing feature for the "Old Boys" to be escorted by the town's youngest. Up to this writing the response of
local automobilists for the use of the veterans in the parade has been very liberal. Fully thirty five or forty
machines will be required. The committee has endeavored to provide as a special feature of the
entertainment, a liberal display of the nation's colors. The school children have been asked to urge their
parents to decorate and members of the Patriotic Secret Orders have also been requested to see that their
homes are decorated. Members of the Boy Scouts have also been requested to assist in this matter. Every
businessman and every private citizen is requested and urged to decorate whether the parade will pass his or
her place of residence or not. If persons in the heart of town decorate and not in the outskirts, it will show
only too plainly those who are imbued with a spirit of patriotism and who feel that those who the town will
entertain are deserving of a display of the flag for which they so dearly fought and for which Schuylkill Haven
alone had at least one hundred and fifty of her sons killed and wounded. The slogan is, "Everybody decorate."

The Call of September 18, 1914

50TH REUNION A GRAND SUCCESS

Members of the 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers Association were loud in their praise of the
fine welcome and entertainment extended by Schuylkill Haven, Saturday, the occasion being their forty eighth
annual reunion. The veterans claimed that Schuylkill Haven tendered them one of the finest times they have
had for years and they could not speak too highly about the pleasant time they had here. The elements worked
in conjunction with the Citizen's Committee and the public to make the affair a success by furnishing mild
weather. All things working for the veterans could not help but produce a delightful time. Altogether the day
was a complete success. It was far beyond the expectations of the general public. To say that guests of the
town were well pleased is putting it mildly.
Friday the members of the Regiment began arriving. All Saturday morning each train brought additional
veterans and visitors and by noon a goodly number of the regiment were at the headquarters, Hotel Grand.
During the morning they mingled with one another relating their experiences and hardships of the bloody war
years ago. Many circulated and visited among friends or relatives in the town. Others learning that the town
was prettily decorated with the national colors, took great delight in making an inspection. The town was
minutely examined and so far as patriotism of its citizens was concerned, was found to be far from lacking.
Almost every house in the town was decorated for the occasion either with flags, flags and bunting or bunting
alone. In fact everybody decorated. The houses where there was no sign of decorations were few and far
between. Saturday was positively a red letter day for decorating in Schuylkill Haven. It eclipsed any occasion
ever celebrated in the town. While the decorations were not as elaborate as on past occasions, yet we are
safe in saying that more private citizens responded to the call for decorations than they have ever before
done.
At quarter of two the automobiles for the veterans began to arrive and were placed in line on Saint John
Street. Fully forty automobilists responded to the request of the committee to turn out. Half of the number
would have been sufficient but from the figures given the Citizen's Committee by the Veteran's Committee,
forty automobiles would just about have accommodated the veterans, their wives and daughters or rather the
veterans and the members of the Ladies Auxiliary. Less than half of the number expected were on hand when
the hour for the parade to move arrived. Quite a number of the automobiles were filled up with private
citizens in order not to disappoint the automobilists. The parade moved over the route given in these columns
last week with the exception that Columbia Street was taken in, in order to get complete formation.

The Call of September 25, 1914

AFTERMATH OF 50TH PVV REUNION

The Citizen's Committee in charge of arrangements for the reunion of the 50th regiment P. V. V. held in
Schuylkill Haven, Saturday, September 12th, have about finished paying the bills for the program of
entertainment carrier out. There remains a balance in the hands of the treasurer, E. G. Underwood, in the
amount of $39.20. This amount will be held until it has been definitely decided what is to be done with the
same. The committee is open to suggestions in this respect. Shall this be held as a good sized nest egg for or
placed in the New School Building Fund? Sent to the American red Cross Society for the furtherance of their
work in blood stained Europe or given to the national organization for the sending of supplies, food, and
presents to the homeless children in Europe as Christmas presents? A number of suggestions have been
received that the money be kept right in town and be used in future town celebrations or parades. Whay say
you? Express your views to the committee or mail them to the Call office for publication. Expenses were as
follows: Bressler Band, Parade, $30.00; Bressler Band, Concert, $10.00; Citizen's band, Parade, $25.00;
Bensinger's Orchestra, $12.25;E. T. Eiler, Piano, $5.00; Holmhurst, banquet, $52.45; John Brown, Mount for
Burgess, $10.00; The Call, menu cards, $3.50 for a total of $139.20.

The following three articles from 1914 report the preparations
for the 50th Regiment Reunion, its success, and the aftermath...

The Call of June 2, 1916

VETERAN PETER PAUL ANSWERS TAPS

Peter A. Paul, a veteran of the Civil War and one of the town's eldest and most respected citizens, died
Wednesday morning at 12:45 o'clock. Deceased was in his seventy fifth year. He was born at a little place
called Bear Ridge, near Cumbola, of German parents. At a very early age, he with other members of his family
were thrown upon their own resources and compelled to make their own way in life. At the age of eleven years
he went with an uncle at Port Carbon, but a year later came to the father and mother of William J. Saylor Jr.
Here he was reared to manhood. When he attained his majority, he was loath to leave his abode and remained
with the Saylor family for many years. At the age of twenty five, he was united in marriage to Emma Rebecca
Frehafer, who was one year his junior. The ceremony was performed by Reverend Yelser, then pastor of the
Lutheran church. The death of Mr. Paul followed a lingering illness of sixteen years. During he was compelled
to take to his bed. He was conscious almost to the last and only a few minutes before his demise, recognized
his wife of almost fifty years. He enlisted twice and during his first engagement was wounded. The bullet
entered his shoulder and was extracted near the hip. The bullet is still in the possession of the family.
Deceased was a member of Saint John's Reformed Church. Throughout his entire life he was a devout
Christian and all during the war he carried a small Bible. This he read continuously and during the last weeks
of his illness, the book stood on a table near his bedside. For a period of fourteen years, following his return
from the army, he was a signalman for the Reading Railroad Company at Mine Hill Crossing. This was many
years before the installation of the block signal system. Some fifteen years ago he was stricken blind with
cataracts and remained in that condition for three months. He was finally relieved survive his widow, one
daughter, Mrs. Harry Auman, one grandchild and one great grandchild. He was a member of the G. A. R. and
the Relief Association of the Reading Railroad.
HIS WAR RECORD The record of Mr. Paul is one that any citizen could feel justly proud of. He was following the
occupation of boatman at the outbreak of the Civil War. On September 28, 1861, he enlisted from Schuylkill
County and was mustered in as a private in Captain D. F. Burkett's Company C, 50th Regiment, P. V. I. He served
three years under Colonel B. C. Christ and was assigned to the Fourth Division, Second Brigade, Ninth Corps,
Army of the Potomac. He participated in the following battles: Pocotaligo, May 29, 1862; Second Battle of Bull
Run, August 30, 1862; Battle of Chantilly, September 1, 1862. It was in this last battle that he was injured by a
gunshot in the right shoulder and was sent to the hospital at Mount Pleasant, Washington, D. C. He was later
transferred to Baltimore, Point Lookout, and Alexander, finally being transferred to the Second Battalion of the
Invalid Corps. He was engaged in duty in the defense of Washington D. C. and was honorably discharged
October 28, 1864 at the expiration of his enlistment. On February 21, 1865, he again enlisted for a period of
one year or until the end of the war. The second enlistment was in Company C, 50th Regiment, P. V. I. under
command of Charles E. Brown and Colonel W. C. Welford. During his second enlistment he participated in the
Battle of Fort Steadman on March 25, 1865 and in the siege and fall of Petersburg, April 2, 1865. He returned to
Washington D. C. and was discharged July 30, 1865.

Pottsville Republican of October 16, 1891
ANOTHER VETERAN BURIED

Lieutenant Augustus Mellon, late of Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, was laid to rest at
Schuylkill Haven yesterday, the funeral being under the auspices of Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R., last
parade was on Monument Day, on which occasion he marched the entire route. The G. A. R. turned out to a
man, many of Post 26's members coming from a distance, while it was a sorrowful scene to see the old veteran
buried with a widow and eighty children left behind. It was enough to make the strongest man weep. Elder
Geary delivered an able sermon in Saint Peter's Evangelical Church, followed by Dr. Strunk with impressive
remarks, while old Chaplain Beckley did as he never did before at the grave. His remarks for his old comrade
touched every heart. The funeral entire was one of the largest held here for years, all citizens doing honor to
the crippled soldier. Pall bearers were Captain Frank Barnhart, James H. Levan, Peter D. Helms, Peter Stanton,
Dr. Daniel Dechert, Elijah Emerich, Jacob Schwenk and Isaac Knarr. Eli Ziegenfus was the funeral director and
principal musicians were Professor Franklin Derr and Drum Major Abraham Nagle. Colonel F. W. Boyer was
ensign and interment was on the G. A. R. lot in Union Cemetery.

Pottsville Republican of November 24, 1888

Fatal Fall

Levi Rubright, of Schuylkill Haven who is a brakeman on the Mine Hill Railroad. Last evening about nine o'clock
his crew was bringing down a mixed train of coal and freight cars and when they reached Broad Mountain
signal tower the conductor missed him. Believing he had fallen off a freight car the train was backed and he
was found laying across the other track. Rubright was unconscious and blood was running out of his ears, and
with a deep cut in his head. The unfortunate man was taken to Cressona where Dr. Dechert tried to bring him
to, but without success and up to a late hour this moring he was still unconscious and had taken no medicine.
It is thought the accident will result fatally.

Pottsville Republican, December 1, 1888 edition

Levi Rubright an old soldier who was hurt on Mine Hill R. R., died on Thursday. He was an active member of the
Rainbow Hose Co. and resided at Schuylkill Haven. Funeral Sunday afternoon 1:30 p. m. with military honors
under the immediate direction of the Helms Post No. 26 G. A. R. The deceased leaves a large family in
distressed circumstances.

Pottsville Republican of February 15, 1892

DEATH OF ANOTHER OLD VETERAN

Last night at Schuylkill Haven, Elias Berger, late of Company C, 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer
Infantry, died. He enlisted in August, 1861 and mustered out in July, 1865. He served with his company all
through the war. He was a brave soldier and an honored citizen. He leaves a wife and several children to
mourn his death. Deceased was also a prisoner of war and passed through horrors and sufferings of Libby
and Andersonville. He was also a member of W. C. Number 47, P. O. S. of A.

The Call of February 22, 1892

HENRY BURNS PASSES ON

Henry Burns, who was born and raised in this borough, died suddenly at Reading, leaving a young widow. He
served faithfully in Company C, 50th Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry. His remains were
conveyed from Reading to Womelsdorf by rail thence to Rehrersburg, Berks County by conveyance. Reading
Lodge Number 549 of that city, Hunter Henninger, Worshipful Master, courteously aided our Page Lodge while
Williamson Lodge Number 270, did similar favors at Womelsdorf. Page Lodge Number 270, assuming charge at
Rehrersburg, aided by Lodge Number 367. The funeral was numerously attended and services were held in
the Reformed Church, Rehrersburg, the Reverend L. D. Stambaugh officiating. The deceased was a model
citizen, a kind husband and a brave soldier. Page Lodge Number 270 was represented by Past Masters Joseph
Maberry, James K. Helms, William H. Mellon and William Wurts. Alex P. Garrett and John M. Goas of the Lodge
also attended. Williamson Lodge Number 270 kindly sent a delegation also.

The Call of May 26, 1892

JAMES CONLAN DIES

James Conlan, who served a full term of enlistment in Company K, 137th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer
Infantry, died at his home in the West Ward yesterday, he being a close neighbor of the late James Olwell. The
deceased soldier was almost totally deaf, but a true and active member of Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R.
and also of Saint Ambrose Catholic Church. He leaves an industrious wife with a number of children, sons and
daughters. Due notice of the funeral will be given.

Pottsville Republican of May 28, 1892

FUNERAL OF LATE JAMES CONLAN

The funeral of James Conlan took place from his late residence in the West Ward and was very largely
attended. The remains reposed in a most beautiful casket and were attired in a full Grand Army uniform and
deceased presented a natural appearance, while many remarked that Jimmy appeared as asleep. A large arch
or shield of magnificent design, in which was inscribed large letters "G. A. R." surmounted the coffin and
immediately at the head was a beautiful pillow of flowers inscribed, "Father". The funeral cortege proceeded
at 9:30 o'clock this morning to saint Ambrose Catholic Church, preceded by Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R.
farewell. The late James Conlan was an active member of Post 26, was a true Catholic, a good soldier, a kind
husband, a loving father, a good and quiet citizen, while no man or men could say aught about him. Three
members of Saint Ambrose Church and three Grand Army comrades acted as pall bearers, with Eli Ziegenfus as
funeral director. Friends and relatives present from out of town were numerous and may be designated
hereafter.

Pottsville Republican of March 11, 1893

AN OLD SOLDIER GONE

James M. Corr, who has been suffering with a complication of diseases for a number of years died at the
residence of his brother in law, Peter Blackburn, on Haven Street on Friday morning, at the age of forty nine
years. The deceased served in the United States Marine Corps during the entire rebellion, from 1861 to 1866,
and was a remarkable fifer. He became a member of the Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R. twenty six years
ago, which organization will attend the funeral in a body on Monday morning next at 9:00 o'clock. Services will
be from Saint Ambrose Church with interment in the parish cemetery.

Pottsville Republican of March 13, 1893

FUNERAL AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN

The funeral of the late James Corr took place from the family residence in Schuylkill Haven this morning at 9:00
o'clock. Mr. Corr was a veteran of the late war and was a member of Post Number 26, G. A. R. He was given a
military funeral today. Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated in Saint Ambrose Catholic church by Reverend
Father Muldowney. The funeral was very large and the Grand Army Post attended in a body.

G. A. R. FAIR AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN
Display of Elegant Articles - Benefit of the Charity Fund

Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R. at Schuylkill Haven, opened up their fair in Metamora Hall in great style.
The hall was well filled with generous hearted citizens and admirers of the old soldiers in their effort to
replenish their treasury with charity funds. All good citizens should lend their help. The ladies are courteous
and entertaining to all visitors. No one is bored but all seem to have a jolly and joyous time. A grand feature
this evening will be the singing by Miss May Whitsell, of Washington D. C., a daughter of Captain Whitsell, a
close friend of Major Samuel A. Losch, who is entertaining Miss Whitsell. Mrs. Losch and other ladies have
arranged a program each evening for the entertainment of visitors to the fair so that the evening will be spent
in a happy way. The tables surrounding the hall are heavy laden with valuable and handsome gifts for the
holidays. Pottsville people were very generous to the Grand Army by their numerous gifts, French clocks,
silverware, china, rugs, gold watches, overcoat, dressing coat, lawn mower, sewing machine, pictures,
glassware, knit goods, cakes, dress goods, quilts and hundreds of other useful and pleasing articles suitable
for Christmas gifts. All will be sold at reasonable prices while guesses prevail at five cents. The old army bean
soup and superior clam soup and other choice dishes are served to order by charming ladies. For an evening
of genuine enjoyment you should attend the fair. No more deserving enterprise should engage your support.
Let us make the charity fund of Jere Helms Post strong financially, so that the needy poor may be properly
taken care of.

The Call of July 18, 1930

GRAND ARMY POST DISBANDS AFTER SIXTY THREE YEARS

The number of fraternal and patriotic organizations in Schuylkill Haven recently was reduced through the
abandonment of one of its very oldest, namely the Jere Helms Post, Number 26, Grand Army of the Republic.
Due to its very small membership, two in Schuylkill Haven and one out of town, a continuance of the
organization had become rather burdensome. Furthermore, its duties for the past several years, had been
taken over graciously and willingly by the Robert Baker Post of the American Legion and so splendidly carried
out, therefore it was decided to surrender the Charter and have the American Legion take entire charge of
these matters. The abandonment of the Jere Helms Post, Number 26, g. A. R., for many years an inspiring and
prominent factor in the life of Schuylkill haven, surely needs more than passing comment. Years ago the
declining membership of the Post foresaw the day when there would be a mere handful of comrades left to
"carry on" and had specifically provided that at such time as the membership should so decide, the Post
should be discontinued and its properties turned over to the American legion together with the balance in its
sinking fund.
A small group, indeed, then was that which gathered recently at the home of Commander John H. Minnig.
There was but one other comrade present, namely William Tyson. The third surviving member, Livingstone
Saylor of Pottstown, could not arrange to attend the meeting. After talking over the matter, it was decided to
discontinue the Post and the acting adjutant was authorized to carry out the heretofore expressed desires of
the Post and to complete the details incident to abandonment and transfer the heritage of the Post, together
with its property, to its most able successors, the American Legion boys.
These plans were completed and during the week, the official notification of the wish of the Jere Helms Post to
have the Legion assume its work, together with the title to properties and paraphernalia which for the past
several years was willingly given a place in the Legion home, was presented to a representative of the Robert
E, Baker Post, Dr. Robert Lenker, Past Commander of the local American Legion, and a son of a deceased
member of the Jere Helms Post, by F. H. Minnig, son of one of the surviving members of the Post, who for the
past eight years has acted as the adjutant and quartermaster for the veterans. No special ceremony or
program had been arranged and none was desired by the Jere Helms Post, to mark perhaps a very sad
occasion for them.
Granted a Charter on January 30, 1867, the Post held its first meeting on February 8th, 1867 and was mustered
into service and life by Comrade George W. Bauman, assisted by several Grand army men from Minersville.
Two hundred and thirty eight different Civil war veterans held membership during its almost sixty four years of
existence. The patriotic principles and the love of country which prompted war service of its members during
the Great Rebellion, was present throughout the entire history and in the Grand Army there imposed an
effective power that motivated and produced much good in the community throughout its entire history.
Believing that an organization of the peculiar type of a Grand Army Post with a historic setting of more than
three score years, could be the basis for a more interesting recital of bygone events in Schuylkill Haven and
would recall to the mind of many of the older citizens the particular occasions. The Call has made a very
exhaustive and careful study of the minute books and has compiled data which in no way will violate any of the
secrets of the organization but will most surely provide one of the most interesting articles that has ever been
printed in this publication. The complete roster of the Grand Army Post, its trials, its handicaps, its service to
its members and the community, together with reference to very many happenings in the town, will combine to
make a most delightful article, we are sure. By reason of its length and detail, it will extend over a period of
several months.
The publication of the history of the Grand Army Post is being undertaken, not as a means of boosting
circulation, nor merely because it will be of interest to subscribers of The Call, but more so as a mark of
appreciation, of esteem and of honor to the Grand Army Post. As the weekly issue of The Call is limited to the
requirements of its definite number of subscribers, persons desiring extra copies for the period that will be
covered by this review, would do well to inform this office promptly in order to avoid disappointments.

The Call of August 29, 1930

DISPLAY OF G. A. R. RELICS ATTRACTS MANY

There may be many interesting, pretty and expensive window displays in stores and a great deal of effort may
be put in on them to make them attractive and interesting. The Call has frequently endeavored to dress up its
display windows in a way that would be pleasing, but of all occasions, none has proven as attractive as the
present one, that of the display of relics and properties of the Grand Army Post of Schuylkill Haven. The
display has for the past two weeks attracted hundreds and hundreds of persons. The minute books, in
particular, with their open pages, are read, we might say, by at least four out of every six persons. The young
folks too find the old muskets, the swords, etc., things of great interest. Everyone comments upon the good
penmanship, the legibility and the good English found in the minute books. Perhaps the most interesting
comment of spectators after examining the display was that of two youngsters one day last week. Both viewed
the display with eyes and mouth wide open. The comment of one to the other then, followed: "Whee, they're
going to have another war." "Yes, I guess so." "What does it say on those books." "I don't know, I can't read,
I'm only in second grade." During the week some additional records and documents of the Post were put on
display in the second window at The Call office.

The Call of February 20, 1931

WINDOW DISPLAY OF WAR RELICS

One of the windows of The Call contains some relics of many days gone by, which will prove interesting. Many
persons have already viewed the display and spent considerable time reading the Civil War songs and other
items in print. The items were loaned to The Call by William Guertler of High Street, who found them recently in
the Roan homestead on Union Street, which will shortly be razed with other buildings for the East Ward School
building. They were the property of William D. Guertler, a Civil War veteran and who served several years in
that strife. He was in several of the important engagements of the war, was wounded and held prisoner at the
Libby Prison for some time. He was a member of Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was one of the
twelve Schuylkill Haven men who were prisoners of war in the Libby Prison. To many Schuylkill Haven people,
he will be best remembered as the gaunt and tall figure that for many years on Memorial Day, preceded the
column on the march to the cemetery, carrying the G. A. R. Post flag or the flag of his country, which he loved
so dearly.
In the display will be found a musket used by Mr. Guertler during the war, also one used by his brother, Henry
Guertler, in the same strife. Mr. Guertler was one of a family of thirteen. His father's name was John H.
Guertler. One sister, the youngest in the family, Mrs. James Roan of Philadelphia, survives. There will also be
found a small hand mirror which Mr. Guertler cut from wood and carried with him all through his several years
of service, also some small stones, nuts, a piece of cotton and some pieces of wood brought home with him
from the Libby Prison. Of considerable interest also will be the account of the funeral in Schuylkill Haven of
Mr. Guertler. This is a clipping from the Reading Eagle. The funeral took place Sunday, January 26, 1908.
Songs written and used during the Civil war and thereafter will also be found in the display. The above songs
were pasted in an old account book. This book was evidently used by someone in the boot and shoe business;
also shoe repairing business back in 1848. Two pages of it are shown. Boots sold anywhere from fifty cents to
two dollars a pair. Soleing and heeling of boots or shoes cost anywhere from twenty five to seventy five cents.

The Call of May 29, 1931

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN'S LIVING CIVIL WAR VETERANS

Of that great host of men from Schuylkill Haven, three hundred or more, who fought in the Civil War, only three
are living today, namely: William Tyson, John H. Minnig and Charles B. Palsgrove. Their combined ages total
257 years.
William Tyson will be eighty six on September 6th of this year. John H. Minnig will be eighty six on July 11th of
this year and Charles B. Palsgrove will be eighty six on October 5th of this year.

Below are photos of the three surviving Civil War veterans as they appeared on the front page of The Call for
the Memorial Day issue in 1931. From left to right are William Tyson, John H. Minnig and Charle B. Palsgrove.
Their obituaries are listed below on the page.

The Call of January 31, 1930

TAPS ARE SOUNDED FOR ALBERT BORDY, FORMER RESIDENT

Monday of this week, death claimed another member of the Schuylkill Haven Grand Army Post, in the person of
Albert Bordy of Girardville. The deceased was a former resident of Schuylkill Haven and every Memorial Day
found him in Schuylkill Haven, participating in the Memorial day exercises of the afternoon, with his comrades,
members of the Jere Helms Post Number 26 of the G. A. R. Mr. Bordy had been in good health until about six
weeks ago when he suffered a severe cold. He had recovered from the cold but his vitality had been sapped
and he could not regain his strength. Having always been very active and energetic and with few days of ill
health, his breakdown at this time was general and severe. He passed away Monday morning at nine o'clock.
On March 13th of 1930, he would have been eighty seven years of age.
The deceased was born in Jersey Shore, Sullivan County. When a young man he boated on the Schuylkill Canal
while a resident of Schuylkill Haven. Later he moved to Girardville, where he resided fifty five years. For fifty
years he conducted a general store. Forty years ago, he with others, organized the First National Bank of
Girardville. He was made its vice president and served in this capacity until the death of its president, when
he was elected to this office. He served in that capacity for many years and was at the time of his death in this
position of honor. He is the last one of the charter members of this institution to pass away.
His record as a Civil war veteran covered a period of three years during which time he had twice been
confined to the Libby prison and had been wounded at the battle of Gettysburg. He was a member of the Jere
Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R. of Schuylkill Haven. His passing leaves this organization with but three
members. His death also marks the passing of the last Civil war veteran in Girardville. He served in the 6th U.
S. Cavalry Regiment. He was a member of the Lutheran Church in Girardville. He was one of the oldest
members of Page Lodge Number 270, F. and A. M. of Schuylkill Haven. The funeral held Thursday was an
unusually large one. The number of persons attending attested to the esteem and honor in which he was held
in Girardville, where he had always taken an active and prominent part in affairs of the town from his earliest
days until the time of his death.

The Call of May 30, 1930

ALBERT STAGER DIED IN 85TH YEAR

Albert Stager, a lifelong resident of Schuylkill Haven, died suddenly at his home on Dock Street, Sunday
evening, as a result of a stroke sustained at one thirty in the afternoon. Up until two weeks ago, Mr. Stager's
health was fairly good. He was able to be about the house with assistance but appeared bright and cheerful.
The deceased would have been eighty six years of age on September 4th of this year. Mr. Stager was born in
Schuylkill Haven and spent his entire life in the town. When quite a young man he took up telegraph operating
and for fifty four years served in this capacity. He for a time was the operator in Auburn and then in Schuylkill
Haven. He was retired fifteen years ago. He was a member of the Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church and the P.
O. S. of A. of Schuylkill Haven.
The deceased served his country in the Civil war, being a member of Company A, 17th Infantry, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Militia. He was a brother to Henry J. Stager, the first national president of the P. O. S. of A. and who
was instrumental in preserving control of Valley Forge. He was also a brother to Oscar W. Stager,
Superintendent of Transportation for the Reading Company. Both preceded him in death. Mr. Stager was a
man of quiet disposition, modest and frank. He never assumed public office, but in a quiet way took an interest
in the affairs of this community and country. In later years his hearing became affected but his eyesight was
very good and he spent much of the time reading. His memory too was remarkably good for his advanced
years. To survive he leaves his widow, who with him, early this spring, quietly observed their sixtieth wedding
anniversary. Their son, Howard W. Stager, telegraph operator at the Schuylkill Haven station and one
daughter, Miss Sadie, who together with two sisters survive, namely: Mrs. Harvey Field of Philadelphia and
Mrs. John Mischler of Philadelphia.

The Call of January 1, 1932

ANOTHER CIVIL WAR VETERAN ANSWERED "TAPS"

John H. Minnig, a well known citizen of Schuylkill Haven, and one of its oldest residents, passed away
Christmas Eve at 7:30 o'clock at his home on Dock Street. He had been in ill health for the past several years
and confined to his room for the past seventeen months. Despite the fact that he had endured much suffering
in the past year and a half, his passing was a peaceful one, death occurring in a fifteen minute sleep. The
cause of death may be ascribed as heart failure, he having suffered several heart attacks since July of 1930.
Following each attack, his remarkably strong constitution and wonderful vitality enabled him to recuperate to a
degree. Each attack, however, left its effects and his last heart attack three weeks ago, while not the most
severe one, left the heart in a very apparent much weakened condition and he failed to respond to treatment.
Each day he showed signs of weakening and his demise was not altogether unexpected. For the past several
years he had suffered much pain from rheumatism and various other ailments but with every temporary
respite, when not confined to bed, he found pleasure in minutely reading the daily newspapers and
maintaining his usual good humor in conversation with friends who called to visit him.
The deceased was born in Friedensburg. He spent his younger days working on the farm of his parents and
then took to boating on the Schuylkill Canal, driving a team for several years. He was appointed farmer at the
Almshouse and served seven years in this capacity. He embarked in the hotel business on the northwest side
of the Main Street railroad crossing and after five years embarked in the retail coal business. He continued
this business for twenty six years, retiring in 1915. Despite his age, he continued active, taking great interest
and pride in a veritable small farm which he cultivated on his property.
He was a Civil War veteran having served in the 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was a member of the Jere Helms
Post Number 26, G. A. R., its commander for seventeen years and its commander at the time the several
members, a year ago, decided to disband and turn their effects over to the American Legion. His death leaves
but one former member of the Post, William Tyson, and but two additional Schuylkill Haven Civil War veterans:
Charles Palsgrove and William Seifert.
Fraternally, he was connected with the Odd Fellows and Sons of America of Schuylkill Haven. He served his
community a number of years as a school director and for a number of years and at the time of his death was a
director of the Union Cemetery Association. Mr. Minnig was a member of the Saint John's Reformed Church
and a faithful and regular attendant for many years, until his health made this impossible. His was a kindly and
pleasant disposition and his friendships once formed, were retained throughout life. The deceased was eighty
six years, five months and thirteen days of age. On November 8th, he observed his fifty fifth wedding
anniversary. Besides the widow, one son, F. H. Minnig survives.

The Call of March 25, 1932

DIED ON HIS 85TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY

William Seifert, an aged Civil War veteran, passed away at his home on Haven Street on
Thursday evening at 6:15 o'clock, following an eighteen weeks illness, which confined
him to bed for that time, suffering from complications. His death occurred on his eighty
fifth birthday anniversary. He was born in North Manheim Township, son of the late
Charles and Mary Fisher Seifert, and spent practically his entire life in that section, with
the exception of two years which he spent in Shenandoah and the past three years in
Schuylkill Haven. For twenty four years he was constable and truant officer of North
Manheim Township. On November 17th, he and his wife observed, in a quiet manner,
their fifty fourth wedding anniversary. Deceased was a member of the First Reformed
Church. Mr. Seifert for forty seven years was engaged in farming on a farm near the
Second Mountain and located above the Almshouse Dam in North Manheim Township.
In his earlier years, he was employed as a breaker builder, boat builder and also in the
Reading Company's car shops, at which time he conducted a small farm for his own use.
Besides his widow, nee Sarah Schappell, the following sons and daughters survive:
Robert, Bertha, Charles, Annie, wife of Harry Eiler, Dora, wife of Andrew Fisher of Schuyl-
kill Haven; George of Cressona, Minnie, wife of Calvin Riegel and Hattie, wife of Benjamin Leeser of
Orwigsburg; Eva, wife of Elmer Yeich of Cressona R. D. Two sisters, Mrs. Emma Maurer and Mrs. George
Johnson of Shenandoah, in addition to thirty one grandchildren and twenty six great grandchildren also
survive.

The Call of March 16, 1934

VETERAN TYSON JOINS COMRADES IN GREAT BEYOND

As the last note of "Taps" blown by the bugler faded in the distant hills Wednesday afternoon, the burial
ceremonies and military honors for Schuylkill Haven's next to last surviving Civil War veteran, William H. Tyson,
came to an end. He had frequently endeavored to shorten the hours of friends distressed or on beds of pain
or illness by visiting in their homes, his tall, erect figure "at attention", at the side of the newly made grave of
his comrades as these same Taps were blown; he had never failed to extend sympathy and consolation to the
sorrowing widow and family. And now, he too, had gone to join the rapidly increasing "army" in the Great
Beyond. The community had paid silent tribute to his memory, being fully appreciative of his valor and deeds
in war and equally esteemed him as a citizen. His passing occasioned a general expression of sorrow from the
community, and that too not without reason, for he had for many years been a familiar figure and highly
respected and honored citizen.
The news of his rather sudden death Saturday morning, was a surprise and shock to everyone, for he was
about only a few weeks before and appeared as active as at any time in late years. Pneumonia, however, had
claimed him as a victim under circumstances peculiar as they frequently are. About one o'clock Monday
morning, he suffered either an attack of weakness or a slight stroke and as a result fell in his room, between
his bed and a trunk. In falling, he wedged his body in such a manner that he could not extricate himself in his
weakened condition and he either fainted or fell asleep. Not until six o'clock in the morning did he awaken. He
had suffered bruises of the chest and the several hours exposure had caused development of pneumonia in
its first stages. A physician made this announcement immediately upon examination on Tuesday morning. He
was ordered to bed but thought lightly of his condition and failed to comply with the instructions. Not until two
days prior to his death was he finally induced to remain in bed. His ever present grit and vitality, he felt, would
be able to carry him through and but several hours prior to his passing, he indulged in one of his favorite
pastimes, smoking of a cigar.
Mr. Tyson was eighty eight years, five months and seven days of age. He was born in Lawrenceville, Chester
County and while a lad came to Schuylkill Haven with his parents, Henry and Anna Heebner Tyson. While quite
young, he assisted his father, a well known boatman on the Schuylkill Canal. Later he boated for himself.
During the course of the Civil War, he enlisted and served for a period of one and a half years. Returning from
the war, he again resumed boating and continued for a time. He then procured a position as car examiner for
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Broad Street, Philadelphia. He was in the employ of this company for
forty five years. It was during his residence in Philadelphia that his wife died. Upon being pensioned by the
company, he returned to Schuylkill Haven and had lived retired.
He was a member of the Sons of America and a faithful and always active member of the Jere Helms Post
Number 26, G. A. R. of Schuylkill Haven. For a time, he was the Commander of the Post and for several terms,
he was its Vice Commander. He represented the Schuylkill Haven Post for many years at its State and National
Convention and despite his age, looked forward eagerly to meeting with his comrades regardless of how far
from home the convention was held. Perhaps the greatest distance he ever traveled to attend a convention
was in Saint Petersburg, Florida. He attended a convention in Bangor, Maine and several times in different
cities in the West. Upon his return from attendance at the conventions, he found great pleasure in relating his
experiences and details of the meeting to his fellow comrades and members of the Grand Army Post. Comrade
Tyson had been planning to attend a State Convention to be held this coming June in Reading and had also
been preparing to attend the National Grand Army Convention to be held in Rochester in September.
The deceased was a man of a kindly disposition. He endeavored to be a help in ever so many ways. He was
quiet and unassuming. He possessed a keen mind and splendid memory. He kept himself informed on all
details of topics and current happenings, enjoyed travel and association and conversation with people. For
his age, he always exhibited an unusual amount of grit as well as strength and was naturally possessed of a
strong constitution and healthy body, all of which seemed to combine to make him active and carry him
through. For many years he made his home with his brother, Joseph Tyson, and up to the latter's death,
insisted on living by himself. He was, however, under the constant surveillance and care of his niece, Mrs.
Bertha Clark, who resided next door.
The deceased enlisted as a private in Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers on February 22, 1864.
He was mustered out on July 30th, 1865, without having suffered any injury but having been engaged in a
number of engagements. His war record in part is: Battle of the Wilderness, May 5th and 6th, 1864;
Spotsylvania, hatches Run, Fort McGilvery, Petersburg, Five Months Siege, North Anne River, Cold Harbor,
Siege and assault of Petersburg, Fort Stradman, Ream's Station and Shady Grove. Mr. Tyson is survived by
one sister, Mrs. Anne Fix of Camden and two nieces, Mrs. Bertha Clark and Mrs. Emily Henne.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN'S LAST CIVIL WAR VETERAN IS CALLED HOME

Schuylkill Haven's only surviving Civil War veteran, Charles B. Palsgrove, passed to the Beyond,
Independence Day night at eleven o'clock. The cause of his death was general debility induced by age. He
was born in Schuylkill Haven and with the exception of several years, was a life long resident. He was eighty
seven years, nine months and twenty eight days of age. He was confined to bed for the past month. Despite
the fact that he was blind for the past four years, his strong constitution bore him well and he was active in
mind and showed remarkable interest in all things. Mr. Palsgrove was a great reader and had a splendid
memory, recalling and explaining in detail, events not only in his personal life but those of his state, his
country and of general affairs. He had an excellent command of the English language and spoke quite
eloquently in ordinary conversation.
He was a son of Nathan and Anna Maria Bowen Palsgrove and when quite young, began to work in his father's
cigar store and learned the trade of cigar maker. He followed this trade for a great many years and conducted
the cigar factory and store on West Main Street. This trade was learned by his sons and has been continued by
them. He was a graduate from the Quaker City Business College and for a time read law. For two years, he was
clerk for District Attorney Charles D. Hipple. He attended Keystone State Normal and for a number of years was
employed in the West. In the year 1878, he was elected to the Pennsylvania Legislature and served for two
years. For several years he followed farming in Virginia. He served during the Civil War in the 39th Infantry of
the Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia. For many years he was a member of the Jere Helms Post of the G. A. R. of
Schuylkill Haven and of late years was Chaplain of Gowen Post, G. A. R. of Pottsville.
Fraternally he was connected with the Free Masons, having been made Master of the Lodge in 1880. He was
the oldest living member and the oldest Past Master of the Lodge. With the Order of Odd Fellows, he had
twice been a Noble Grand and once the Chief Patriarch. In the Knights of Pythias, he had been a Chancellor
Commander. In the Sons of America, he was the Secretary for a number of years. In the Order of Good
Templars he had been the Past Worthy Chief Templar. He had also been a member of two of the town's musical
organizations of many years ago, namely: The Citizen's Band and later Jere Kline's Band. The deceased was a
member of the Saint John's Reformed Church and one of its oldest living members. He was the last surviving
member of the first class to be confirmed in this church, in the year 1862.
Of the deceased, it can be truthfully said that he was one of the town's most highly respected and honored
citizens. He had a pleasant disposition and was kind and generous in every way. His wife preceded him in
death in the year 1904. His funeral will take place Saturday afternoon at two o'clock at his late home on Saint
Peter Street. At the request of the family, military honors that will be paid by the American Legion Post of
Schuylkill Haven, will be of the most simple kind.
To survive are left eight children: Mrs. John D. Berger, Mrs. Alfred Lee, Edgar and Willis Palsgrove of Schuylkill
Haven; Mrs. Willis Lawrence of Minersville; Miss Mary Palsgrove of Washington D. C.; Charles Palsgrove of
Frackville and Harry Palsgrove of Pinegrove. Nineteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren survive.

The Call of January 1, 1937

JAMES ROAN, 95, DIED IN PHILADELPHIA

James A. Roan, a former resident of Schuylkill Haven, died at the home of his daughter,
Minnie M. Hartman, of Malcolm Street in Philadelphia, following a brief illness. His funeral
will take place on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the D. M. Bittle funeral home.
Viewing may be made from 1:30 Saturday afternoon until the hour of the service. Mr. Roan
was ninety five years, three months and nineteen days of age. He had been in fairly good
health and was able to be about until recently. He was born in Schuylkill Haven on the site
now occupied by the gas plant. He spent almost his entire life in Schuylkill Haven. For the
past eight years, he has resided with his daughter in Philadelphia.
For many years he was employed by the Reading Company as a stationary engineer. For
five years he was employed as lock tender on the Schuylkill Canal and for three years was
foreman on the dredging machine. In the year 1875, he went to Richmond and for a number
of years followed boating between Richmond and New York. For twenty years or more he
was engaged in the insurance business in this locality. For many years and up until the time
of his moving to Philadelphia, his family resided at the corner of High and Union Streets, the
site now being occupied by the East Ward School building. Mr. Roan was a Civil War veteran,
having enlisted in Company K of the 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry. A year ago by resolution, he
was adopted by the James A. Barry Post Number 83 of the American Legion of Philadelphia.
He is survived by his widow, Emma Guertler Roan and two daughters: Mrs. Peter Hartman of Philadelphia and
Mrs. Thomas Herb of Pottsville. Four grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren also survive.

The writing of a history of the Jere Helms Post Number 26, G. A. R. has only been possible by very careful
reading of minutes from several minute books for the period of time from February 8, 1867 to June 30, 1930.
This was no small task as the Post until of late years held meetings every week. The review will show many
references to community events in which the Grand Army had a part. It will recall to the minds of many of the
present day citizens these same events. The review will serve, in a measure, as a history of community
events.
The status and character of the Jere elms Post, according to its records by its own adjutants or secretaries, is
revealed most definitely and this revelation can not but help but be impressive. First of all, the organization
proved patriotic. Gathered together to keep alive, perhaps, the memories of events in the Civil War and to
find solace and sympathy in exchanging with one another reminiscences of that great strife. The organization
very early in its history, took part in extending honor to those who never returned, by setting aside a particular
day in the year, May 30th, for Memorial Day observance. Not one year was permitted to pass without every
possible reverence being extended on this day to their comrades in th unknown world. For weeks in advance,
preparations for the day were made. Not alone in this regard but also are the efforts to provide proper
markers, headstones and burial places for their comrades from time to time, plainly noted very frequently in
the records. Early in its history, the Post acquired a special plot of ground in the Union Cemetery to be known
as the Soldier's Lot. This gave to them a great satisfaction and also required considerable attention for its
upkeep from time to time. Not until recent years was it felt that the care of this sacred and hallowed ground
could be entrusted to any hands other than their own. Recently it was placed in perpetual care of the
cemetery association.
Added to its patriotic principles is another outstanding character, that of charity. In so very many places upon
the records are fine examples of this given. Only a few references will be made to its examples in this history.
Let it be known, however, that the records show ever so many examples of this attribute. Not only was its
charitable activities extended to its own members, widows of its members but to others as well. Its activities
along this line were not confined by constitutions or bylaws as in most organizations but from the heart and
according to the condition of its treasury and the worthiness of the case, were charitable acts determined. In
the early days of the history of the Post, when times were hard and its members poor, dues were frequently
remitted and the comrade again placed in good standing. Nor were the members ashamed to come before the
Post in open session and admit of their financial condition and need of help. It was always freely given. The
Post acted ever so often in the capacity of a bank or loan association and extended loans to its members in
amounts from $10 to $500 at any one time. The five hundred dollar loan was the largest single loan made at any
one time. Security was taken by the endorsement of citizens known to the Post to be dependable and of
sufficient financial stability. However, frequently the Payment of loans required, as is also the rule in the
present day, considerable effort. Interest rates from four to eight percent, it was found from the records, were
charged according to the interest rate in effect at banks at that time. That there was a particular love for the
Post created among its members is evidenced from time to time as members dropped for nonpayment of dues,
in a few months time would request to be reinstated and would pay up all arrearages.
Not alone were the activities of the Post in honoring the dead shown on the occasion of the annual Memorial
Day, but wherever possible and on most every occasion, until the very last years, full military honors were
extended to every comrade on the day of his burial. From the funds of the Post were paid various amounts for
expenses incurred in these funerals, for the furnishing of martial music, payment of small amounts to the firing
squad composed of members of the Post, for powder used on the occasion, etc, etc. In its early history,
members of the Post marched to the cemetery, but later age prevented and buses had to be engaged and a
considerable sum of money, in its total, was expended for this purpose. Out of town funerals for comrades
were attended as well as those in town. On several occasions funerals in Philadelphia of comrades were
attended by representatives of the Post. And then on each occasion, the Charter of the Post was draped and
members eulogized the departed comrade and passed resolutions upon his death. Most beautiful indeed,
were the resolutions adopted for the comrade.
And then, subsequent meetings frequently further demonstrated the comradeship that extended to the widow
and into the home of the deceased comrade. Reports came to the Post that Widow So-and-so was in need.
Investigation was made and time and time again contributions from the treasury in money were made in many
different cases. Food, coal, wood, shoes and clothing were purchased for the children of the deceased
comrade and paid out of the Post's treasury. But its activities did not stop at that stage. To the Soldier's
Orphans Home were sent the children where circumstances warranted and the widow was agreed and
frequently one or two comrades were detailed to accompany the children on the trip, after the Post had
succeeded in obtaining admission for them. Very impressive, indeed, and sad as well, were the references
frequently found in the records of the sixty three years, of efforts directed to obtain from their government
pensions, or rather increases in pensions. So many times did they adopt resolutions approving of efforts of
some individual at large or some institution who was going to "get an increase in pension". Later then in the
records was inscribed the report that the effort was unsuccessful or had not been carried through Congress
and one can almost feel the sorrow in their hearts as they learned of the disappointment. But again hope was
revived and efforts renewed through some other source of activity, ever keeping on with the same faith and
bravery that carried them across many a battlefield.
And then comes another side to the Jere Helms Post Number 26, its social side. Sociability was never left out
or forgotten. This sociability having its origin right in the Camp, where, after the usual routine business was
transacted, views on various sublets were exchanged and orators extolled the virtues of this or that subject,
was extended outside the Post. The wives and widows of the Post members were not forgotten and frequently
invited to banquet with the members. This occasion usually occurred once a year after the Post had been
"inspected" by the delegated inspector from the department headquarters. These were great occasions not
because of the spread of food before them but because of the opportunity of the social contact with the main
stay of the comrade, the wife, who on many occasions had to guide and so tenderly helped along the comrade
whose steps were not as quick and whose back was bending and sight and hearing gradually growing less
effective.
The social life as exchanged within the portals of the Camp was of the character to attract its members for
many years once a week. The lodge session was conducted on the order of an army camp. There were the
outposts or sentinels, the guards, the chaplain, the surgeon, the quartermaster, the adjutant, the post
commander, the senior and junior vice commanders, the sergeant major, the officer of the day, the officer of
the guard and the musician. All functioned according to military regulations. Only by the exchange of
countersigns and passwords was one enabled to get through the outer portals or pass the outer guard of the
camp. Minutes of the camp show that on more than one occasion were comrades refused admission to camp
because they could not give the countersign or explain some detail of the rules and regulations. Comrades
from a distance and in distress, however, were on occasion enabled to satisfactorily pass the tests. They were
admitted and would explain their sore need of financial assistance. They would be given either a "lift" from a
collection taken or from an order drawn on the quartermaster. The quartermaster between the meetings of the
Post was frequently appealed to by out of town or traveling comrades for assistance. He would see that the
comrade was given lodging and food at one of the hotels and the bill would be paid by the Post.
But the social life of the Grand Army was not confined to its own self or its own. It provided some social
activities on frequent occasions for the community. Entertainments, dramas, festivals, etc were held. Some of
these proved splendid financial ventures and proved that the Schuylkill Haven public was in hearty sympathy
with the "old soldiers" at all times and generously assisted. Several social events of the Post however, while
they may have been social successes were financial failures. We refer to the Camp Fires, events that we know
are well remembered by many of the local citizens of today. They were held down in the Boyer plot or what is
now known as "the Eck". This section was a beautiful spot indeed before being flooded with coal dirt and its
trees destroyed.. No mention on the records is made of the number of persons attending but there evidently
must have been very large numbers, judging from the amount of refreshments consumed. Evidently not a
sufficient amount was charged for in each instance while the receipts were high so also were the expenses.
From the minutes it is shown that Schuylkill Haven in past years has had more parades and big functions than it
has been having in later years. Invitations to participate were always first extended to the Grand Army Post
and in every instance accepted. The Post had in its membership many comrades from Orwigsburg. To provide
for expenses incident to Memorial Day observances, collections would be taken and almost always the sum
collected would at least pay the expense. Later the Town Council was appealed to pay this expense and
annually contributed the sum of twenty five dollars. Later the County Commissioners, by reason of legislation
enacted by the State, was compelled to contribute to the Post each and every year for this purpose. Minutes
also show that evidently collection boxes were ,in the very early years of the Post, placed at different parts in
th town. The money thus obtained was put into the Widows and Orphans Fund and used for this purpose.
Not all applications for membership to the Post were accepted. Some were rejected once and for all time and
then in other instances, some of the applications at a later date were approved.
Details of each and every Memorial Day observance are lacking as to the orators of the day, etc. Wherever
given, it will appear in this history. It might be stated however, that the minutes of every Memorial Day
celebration show that two of Schuylkill Haven's fraternal organizations always assisted the Grand Army in
carrying out the day's program. They are the Washington camp, Number 47, P. O. S. of A. and the Junior Order
of United American Mechanics. Minutes in some years show that these orders first communicated and
expressed willingness to assist in the coming Memorial Day work. Records also show that contributions were
received from these orders towards the expenses incurred. For Memorial Day, bands of music on several
occasions were obtained and payment of refreshments at the end of the days parade was sufficient. Later,
small charges such as fifteen to twenty dollars for an entire band was paid and while on this subject, it might
be mentioned that the bands in Schuylkill Haven were always most generous and ever willing to assist the Post
on Memorial Day. Engagements that would have brought larger sums of money to the bands were always
sacrificed on this day in order to play for the "Old Soldiers." The remuneration obtained from the Post on this
day always was of necessity, very small. Even up until the very last Memorial day observances in which the
Grand army had part, that of May 30, 1930, the forty six musicians of the Bressler Band gave of their services
for the small sum of fifty dollars.
Records also show that from the very earliest observance, school children assisted the soldiers, parading to
the cemeteries and there strewing flowers. It is very interesting to note how their number, according to the
adjutant's report every year, continued to increase. This fact too, shows a most impressive condition, that of
the ever patriotic spirit of the young and the fact that their elders have been instilling in their minds and
teaching them to honor Memorial day. These things were frequently commented upon by the Adjutant of the
Post. To quote from the adjutant's reports on these matters would make this history entirely too lengthy.
Reports of the adjutant also show that a larger number of citizens in former years remained for the oration on
the cemetery on Memorial day than of late years.
While no direct sick benefits at all times were paid to comrades of the Post, in its earlier history some such
arrangement had been in force. It was later discontinued. Night watch for sick members, however, was
furnished when needed for years and years according to the records. Members of the Post were paid small
sums for this service. Records show frequent instances of comrades in poor health and in poor financial
circumstances, being assisted in obtaining a place in a soldiers home. In the later years in the camp itself,
there must have been frequent occasions for sadness in the hearts of the Post members as reference was
made to the dwindling numbers of its members and the deep concern felt for the future of the Post.
Not always, however, did the Post function without some internal disruptions. Members had their
misunderstandings one with another and they did not hesitate to express their opinions. They apparently soon
forgot their differences and the next meeting found them again in attendance and no reference was made to
the explosion of the previous week. Oratorical fireworks evidently marked many meetings and from what the
writer can learn, the Jere Helms Post, especially in its younger years, had within its membership some splendid
orators, determined, shrewd and clever men and they stuck to their ship until the very end. When a member
op the Post had been dropped for nonpayment of dues or for some other reason, that did not prevent the Post
from paying full military honors on the occasion of his funeral.
Among the outstanding characters and early members of the Jere Helms Post and the men who, according to
records, had a great part in its activities were: James K. Helms, Samuel A. Losch, Henry Hill, Charles E. Brown,
J. F. Bast, Irving Tyson, Charles Palsgrove (the only living Civil War veteran in Schuylkill Haven in addition to
the two members of the Post), Dr. C. Lenker, Peter Stanton, F. W. Berger, J. H. Minnig, William Tyson, A. P.
Garrett, D. F. Burket. James K. Helms served as the first Commander of the Post for a six month period and
later for a two year term. As the adjutant he served for a period of sixteen years, six months at different times.
Irving Tyson served as a Commander for two years and at different periods gave his services as the adjutant
for eighteen years. He was the adjutant at the time of his death.

James K. Helms	February 1867 - July 1867
Daniel F. Burket	July 1867 - January 1868
James M. Saylor	January 1868 - June 1868
Henry Hill	June 1868 - December 1868
John B. Martz	December 1868 - June 1869
D. B. Holmes	June 1869 - December 1869
William Eckert	December 1869 - June 1870
Charles E. Brown	June 1870 - December 1870
Samuel A. Losch	December 1870 - Dec 1873
F. W. Berger	December 1873 - Dec 1875
J. F. Bast	December 1875 - Dec 1876
Charles Bryer	December 1876 - Dec 1877
I. W. Tyson	December 1877 - Dec 1879
J. F. Bast	December 1879 - Dec 1880
A. P. Garrett	December 1880 - Dec 1881
J. F. Bast	December 1881 - Dec 1882
James K. Helms	December 1882 - Dec 1884
F. W. Berger	December 1884 - Dec 1885
August Mellon	December 1885 - Dec 1886
L. V. Beckley	December 1886 - Dec 1887
E. W. Freehafer	December 1887 - Dec 1888
P. D. Helms	December 1888 - Dec 1889
S. A. Losch	December 1889 - Dec 1893
C. R. Palsgrove	December 1893 - Dec 1900
George F. Steahlin	December 1900 - Dec 1901
F. W. Berger	December 1901 - Dec 1905
Peter D. Helms	December 1905 - Dec 1906
J. H. Minnig	December 1906 - Dec 1909
Samuel Reed	December 1909 - Dec 1916
J. H. Minnig	December 1916 - June 30, 1930

POST COMMANDERS

On July 25, 1930, The Call began a weekly series detailing the history of the Jere Helms Post Number 26, Grand
Army of the Republic (GAR), the local Schuylkill Haven post. Most of this history consisted of the actual
minutes and records of the post itself. The series concluded on December 12, 1930 with the simple word,
"Finis". This history is offered here for your historical enjoyment. It begins with an overall history. This is
followed by entries from the actual minute books of the Post. These will be published here at regular intervals.

HISTORY OF JERE HELMS POST NUMBER 26
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC