Roster Page - 110

William E. Taylor

• Father: William Taylor b. 30 Apr 1808, d. 22 Oct 1879
• Mother: Susan H. Goodridge b. 1 Jul 1813, d. 25 Jan 1891

• Company: B

• William E. Taylor was born on 20 Feb 1839 at Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of William Taylor and Susan H. Goodridge.
• William E. Taylor was enumerated in the household of William Taylor and Susan H. Goodridge in the 1850 US Federal Census on 20 Sep 1850 at Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  William Taylor, 49, carpenter, b. MA (as were all in the family)
  Susan, 34
  **William E., 10
  Bradley W., 6
  Wilber, 4.
• William E. Taylor was enumerated in the household of William Taylor and Susan H. Goodridge in the 1860 US Federal Census on 12 Aug 1860 at Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  William Taylor, 52, wheelwright, b. MA (as were all)
  Susan H., 46
  William E., 21, pail turner
  Bardly N., 18
  Wilbur F., 14.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, William gave his occupation as tub and pail maker.
• In 1861 William was living at Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• 
  On 12 Jul 1861 William mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 22 years, 4 months and 22 days old.
• On 22 Jun 1864 William was taken prisoner at Petersburg, Prince George County, Virginia.
• On 25 Jun 1864, William was paroled.
• On 28 Jul 1864 William ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts having fulfilled his term of service.
  
  
• On 24 Aug 1864 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William E. Taylor was reported among the prisoners, for a total of four commissioned officers and seventy-seven enlisted men.
• Frederick Nichols considered that some of his most intimate comrades included Oscar Kendall, William Taylor, Frank Burrell (not 15th), and Daniel Carpenter.
• On 4 Jul 1865 William E. Taylor, 26, married Myra M. Lovejoy, daughter of Luther Lovejoy, at Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
• An unknown person received a pension to surviving family member based on William's service; and received certificate number 317066 (Note: date is illegible.)
• On 1 Jul 1879 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William E. Taylor attended the annual reunion of Company B, 15th Massachusetts, the Fitchburg Fisiliers. (Click icon to read the report in the Fitchburg Sentinel.)
• He and Elmira M. Lovejoy were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 8 Jun 1880 at Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Taylor, William E., 41, works in wood ??. b. MA (as were his parents)
  ---, Myra, 36, wife, b. MA (parents b. NH)
  ---, Harry M., 13, son
  ---, Susan H., 67, mother.
• William E. Taylor attended the funeral of Roland Edwin Bowen in Jan 1883 at Millbury Central Cemetery, Millbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• On 28 Jun 1883 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William E. Taylor attended the 15th reunion of Company B, Fitchburg Fusiliers. From The Fitchburg Sentinel, 29 June 1883
  Veteran Fusiliers' Reunion
  The 15th annual reunion of Co. B (Veteran Fusiliers) 15th Regt., was held at Wachusett Park on Thursday, June 28th. At a few minutes past noon the business meeting was called to order by 1st Lieut. John W. Kimball (the captain being absent); 22 comrades were present when the roll was called by the sergeant. The treasurer reported $5.68 in the treasury. The following list of officers were chosen for the ensuing year: Captain, John W. Kimball; 1st Lieut., William E. Taylor; 2d Lieut., Lyman Nichols; 1st Sergt., clerk and treasurer, Henry A. Spooner. The place of holding the next reunion was left to the discretion of the officers elect.
  Walter A. Eames, John W. Kimball and Henry A. Spooner were appointed to draft resolutions on the death of Comrades Roland E. Bowen and Orlando Wetherbee, who have died since the last reunion. Letters were read from Comrades A. J. Nye of Athol and Charles H. Eager of Boston. Captain Kimball stated that, since the death of AiOsborne, the association has but three honorary members (A. W. Benjamin of Westminster, Harrington Sibley and George H. Boss of Fitchburg)-- and he recommended that those who take an interest in the association and attend the reunions, bemade honorary members. On motion of Walter A. Eames, the recommendation was adopted and the following names were placed on the rolls of the association as honorary members:
  Charles Devens of Worcester, Charles May of Leominster, ---- Bowen of Millbury, Charles T. Bateman of Boston, Walter C. Eames of Belmont, Wilbur Taylor, D. H. Piper and Harry Taylor of Winchendon, Charles Nichols, Marcus M. Nichols and George W. Gibbs of Westminster, Edward F. Kimball, Edward H. Fletcher, S. G. Frost, Cyrus Thurston, Sidney Sibley, F. A. Monroe, Albert McIntire, M. Edwin Day, Fred A. Bruce and Samuel F. Spooner of Fitchburg.
  A bountiful collation was served in the grove and the afternoon was agreeably spent in games, boating and dancing to the music of a violin manipulated by Charles May of Leominster. At about 7 p.m. the festivities of the day were brought to a close by all uniting in singing "Auld Lang Syne."
• On 9 Oct 1883 William E. Taylor included on the official government pension rolls for Fitchburg and Leominster, as published in the Fitchburg Sentinel.
• In Jun 1886 William was living at Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• He died on 25 Jan 1897 at Templeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of enlargement of the heart. He was 57 years, 11 months and 5 days old.
• He was buried in Jan 1897 at Greenlawn Cemetery, Templeton (Baldwinville), Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• Elmira M. Lovejoy received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on William's service; his wife, and received certificate number 448673 (Note: date is illegible.)
• Elmira, his wife, outlived William and died on 17 Apr 1913.

• Last Edited: 13 Apr 2016

William Henry Taylor

• Father: Isaac Taylor b. 1813, d. 6 May 1875
• Mother: Rebecca W. Hammond b. 1815, d. 1886

• Company: C

• William Henry Taylor was born on 3 Feb 1837 at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, son of Isaac Taylor and Rebecca W. Hammond.
• William Henry Taylor was enumerated in the household of Isaac Taylor and Rebecca W. Hammond in the 1850 US Federal Census in 1850 at Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Isaac Taylor, 37, a door sash maker, b. MA (as were all)
  Rebecca W Taylor, 35
  Charles G Taylor, 15
  Wm H Taylor, 13
  Edward Taylor, 8
  Ann H Taylor, 5
  George A Taylor, 2
  Warren Taylor, 0
  Bridget Duffee, 20, b. Ireland
  Mary Ann Canout, 13, b. MA.
• In 1861 William was living at Lowell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, William gave his occupation as carpenter.
• 
  On 12 Jul 1861 William mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as a drummer, being credited to the quota of Lowell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. He was 24 years, 5 months and 9 days old.
• On 21 Oct 1861 William was taken prisoner at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia.
• On 30 Oct 1861 at the "Worcester Palladium", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William Henry Taylor was included, with 304 other men, among "The Killed Wounded and Missing of the Fifteenth Regiment," after Ball's Bluff.
• On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William H. Taylor was listed with 195 other men among the prisoners taken at Ball's Bluff.
• On 22 Feb 1862 at "The New York Times", New York City, New York, William Henry Taylor was mentioned, with 61 other men of the 15th Massachusetts, in an article about the return of prisoners under a flag of truce:
  National Prisoners Released, Arrival of Four hundred at Fortres Monroe
  Notice having been received by Gen. Wool, that some 400 exchanged prisoners would be sent down the James River Yesterday, the "George Washington" and "Express" left at about noon for the appointed meeting place.
  The rebel boat was appointed to meet us at 3 o'clock, but at that time she was not in sight, and shortly after a heavy fog shut down, making it impossible to move in any direction. The two boats were then fastened together, and having dropped anchor, waited for the rebel boat to appear.
  The fog did not lift till late in the evening, when the wind blew so fresh that the boats dragged their anchors and had to be separated. This morning at sunrise the expected prisoners made their appearance, on the "William Allison," which it seemed had also anchored for the night a few miles above us. The return passage was made without any incident, and the prisoners arrived here about 10 o'clock this forenoon. The returned prisoners will be immediately sent north. (Note: here follows a complete list of the released prisoners who arrived by a flag of truce from Richmond.)
• On 3 May 1862, at "Lowell Daily Citizen and News", Lowell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, William was included in the "Roll of Honor" of that city.
• On 27 Oct 1863 William ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by transfer to the Veteran Reserve Corps.
  
  
• He ended his service by mustering out on 14 Jul 1864.
• On 24 Dec 1864 William Henry Taylor, 27, married Elizabeth Gertrude Cupple, daughter of Charles Cupple and Anna [--?--], at Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.
• William Henry Taylor and Elizabeth Gertrude Cupple were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 27 Jun 1870 at Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, as:
  William Taylor, 31
  Eliza Taylor, 25
  Edward Taylor, 5
  Eva Taylor, 1.
• William Henry Taylor and Elizabeth Gertrude Cupple were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 10 Jun 1880 at Sheboygan Falls, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, as:
  Taylor, William, 41, manufactures sash and blinds, b. MA (as were his parents)
  ---, Eliza, 36, wife, b. MD
  ---, Edward, 14, son, b. Ill
  ---, Eva, 11, daughter, b. Wis.
• On 21 Sep 1886 William's son, Edward Ulysses Taylor married Helen Conover at Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.
• On 16 Aug 1887 William and Elizabeth's daughter, Eva Emilie Taylor married Dr. Thomas Robinson Bours at Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.
• William Henry Taylor died on 17 Sep 1888 at Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. He was 51 years, 7 months and 14 days old.
• He was buried in Sep 1888 at Forest Home Cemetery, Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, Plot: Section 34.
• Elizabeth Gertrude Cupple received a pension to surviving family member in Wisconsin based on William's service.
• In 1889 at Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, Elizabeth Gertrude Taylor, his his wife, appears in the city directory as the widow of Wm. H.
• In 1916 Elizabeth Gertrude Cupple, his wife, died.
• William's son, Edward Ulysses Taylor, died and was buried on 1 Nov 1937 at Fairmount Cemetery, Denver, Denver County, Colorado, at age 72 years, 1 month and 11 days.

• Last Edited: 26 Oct 2018

David H. Temple

• Father: David Temple b. 1 Mar 1800, d. 23 Mar 1877
• Mother: Eliza Guard b. 1800, d. 25 Aug 1865

• Company: 1_SS

• David H. Temple was born on 3 Aug 1826 at Marlborough, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, son of David Temple and Eliza Guard.
• On 26 Dec 1858 David H. Temple, 32, married Frances E. Foster, daughter of Joseph Foster, at Brighton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
• David H. Temple was enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 7 Sep 1860 at Brighton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, as:
  David H. Temple, 33, butcher, b. MA
  in a boarding house owned by
  Dodwood Scates, 38, landlord, b. NH.
• In 1861 David was living at Marlborough, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment, David gave his occupation as Butcher.
• 
  On 3 Sep 1861 David H. Temple mustered into service with the 1st Company Massachusetts Sharpshooters. He was 35 years and 1 month old.
• On 13 Mar 1862 at "Salem Register", Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts, David H. Temple was mentioned in an article about the bodyguard which returned the deceased General Lander to Salem for interment. He may have been included in a group photo believed to have been taken of the Sharpshooters selected to accompany General. The officer standing at the far left is Captain John "Jack" Saunders.
• On 8 Sep 1864 David ended military service with the 1st Massachusetts Sharpshooters by discharge due to disability.
  
  
• He was enumerated in the household of David Temple and Eliza Guard in the State census in 1865 at Marlborough, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, as:
  David Temple, 65, farmer
  Eliza Temple, 65
  David H Temple, 40, butcher
  Julia A Barnes, 34.
• David H. Temple was enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census in 1870 at Marlborough, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, as David H. Temple, 40, laborer, b. MA, living alone, a few doors from his parents.
• He died on 19 Jan 1877 at Marlborough, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. He was 50 years, 5 months and 16 days old.
• Note: his death record says he was a married man at the time of his death, but no trace of his wife has yet been found.
• He was buried in Jan 1877 at Southborough Rural Cemetery, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• He left a will on 3 May 1877 which was probated in at Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

• Last Edited: 18 May 2017

Charles Augustus Tenney

• Father: Gilman Tenney b. 9 Nov 1806, d. 29 Apr 1889
• Mother: Mary Carter b. 6 Apr 1808, d. 24 Dec 1852

• Company: C

• Charles Augustus Tenney was born on 4 Sep 1839 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Gilman Tenney and Mary Carter.
• On 24 Dec 1852 his mother, Mary Carter, died at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 44.
• On 7 Nov 1853 Charles's widowed father, Gilman Tenney, remarried to Hannah Clark.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Charles gave his occupation as chair-maker.
  
• In 1861 Charles was living at Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• 
  On 12 Jul 1861 Charles mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 21 years, 10 months and 8 days old.
• On 21 Oct 1861 Charles was taken prisoner at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia.
• On 30 Oct 1861 at the "Worcester Palladium", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Charles Augustus Tenney was included, with 304 other men, among "The Killed Wounded and Missing of the Fifteenth Regiment," after Ball's Bluff.
• On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Charles A. Tenney was listed with 195 other men among the prisoners taken at Ball's Bluff.
• On 16 May 1864 Charles was wounded on the foot.
• On 28 Jul 1864 Charles ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts having fulfilled his term of service.
  
  
• On 30 Nov 1869 Charles Augustus Tenney, 30, married Emma Frances Nelson, daughter of Cephas Nelson and Eunice Roper, at Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• Charles Augustus Tenney and Emma Frances Nelson were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in 1880 at Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where he Works In Chair Factory.
• On 21 Oct 1880 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Charles Augustus Tenney attended the 14th annual reunion of the 15th Massachusetts Regiment.
• On 26 Sep 1884 his daughter, Christine Nelson Tenney, died at Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 8.
• In 1886 Charles was living at Pratt's Junction, Massachusetts.
• In Jun 1886 Charles Augustus Tenney took part in the regimental reunion Excursion to the Battle-Fields of Gettysburg, PA., Antietam, MD., Ball's Bluff, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
• He was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company C, noting that he had been a prisoner.
• He made application at Massachusetts for a veteran's pension on 25 Aug 1890, and received certificate number 671994.
• He and Emma Frances Nelson were enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 2 Jun 1900 at Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where he is a chair maker, and they live in a rented home. Of their three children, only two daughters are still living, and at this time still live at home.
• On 18 Sep 1907 Charles and Emma's daughter, Helen Gertrude Tenney married George William Stuart at Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
• On 21 Oct 1907 at Grand Army Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts, Charles Augustus Tenney attended the 41st annual regimental reunion and banquet on the 46th anniversary of the Battle of Ball's Bluff, as reported in the Fitchburg Sentinel the following day.
• He and Emma Frances Nelson were enumerated in the 1910 US Federal Census on 28 Apr 1910 at Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Charles A Tenney, 70, chair maker
  Emma S., 63
  Anna, 37, phone operator.
• On 27 Oct 1910 at The State Mutual Building, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Charles A. Tenney attended the 44th reunion of the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
• He died on 21 Nov 1915 at Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 76 years, 2 months and 17 days old.
• He was buried in Nov 1915 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• On 14 Apr 1916 Emma Frances Nelson received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on Charles's service; and received certificate number 793761.
• Emma, his wife, outlived Charles and died in 1920.

• Last Edited: 13 Apr 2016

James Henry Tenney

• Father: Linus Tenney b. 1805, d. 4 Jun 1854
• Mother: Sally Elwell b. 2 Dec 1805, d. 19 Sep 1864

• Company: B

• James Henry Tenney was born on 10 Jun 1838 at Dudley, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Linus Tenney and Sally Elwell.
• In 1862 James was living at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, James gave his occupation as mechanic.
• On 9 Apr 1862 James Henry Tenney, 23, married Arabella Adeline Pritchard, 19, daughter of George W. Pritchard and Lydia Ann Carter, at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
• 
  On 11 Aug 1862 James mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 24 years, 2 months and 1 day old.
• On 3 Jul 1863 James was wounded at The Battle of Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania, in the leg.
• On 22 Jul 1863 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, James Henry Tenney was reported as wounded at Gettysburg.
• On 28 Jul 1864 James ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts having fulfilled his term of service.
  
  
• On 15 Mar 1871 his infant daughter, Florence Mabelle Tenney, died at age 1.
• James Henry Tenney made application for a veteran's pension on 15 Feb 1875, and received certificate number 135662.
• On 1 Jul 1879 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, James Henry Tenney attended the annual reunion of Company B, 15th Massachusetts, the Fitchburg Fisiliers. (Click icon to read the report in the Fitchburg Sentinel.)
• In 1879 James Henry Tenney and Arabella Adeline Pritchard moved from Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, to Elgin, Illinois.
• James Henry Tenney and Arabella Adeline Pritchard were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 7 Jun 1880 at Elgin, Cook County, Illinois, as:
  Tenny, James, 42, machinist, b. MA
  ---, Belle, 38, wife, b. NH
  ---, Edgar, 17, b. MA
  ---, Grace, 7, b. MA
  ---, Blanch, 3, b. MA
  ---, Ethel, 5/12, b. IL
  Pritchard, George, 22, bro-in-law, b. MA
  ---, Hattie, 18, sister-in-law, b. MA.
• On 6 Jan 1884 his daughter, Ethel Tenney, died at age 4.
• James Henry Tenney and Arabella Adeline Pritchard moved to Canton, Ohio.
• On 6 Jan 1890 his son, Edgar James Tenney, died at age 26.
• James and Arabella's daughter, Grace Elwell Tenney married Charles Edward Harrison.
• On 23 Mar 1898 James and Arabella's daughter, Blanche Mack Tenney married Frank Morgan Boutelle.
• James Henry Tenney and Arabella Adeline Pritchard were enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 5 Jun 1900 at Canton, Stark County, Ohio, of their five children, only two are still living.
• James Henry Tenney and Arabella Adeline Pritchard moved to Massilon, Ohio.
• On 4 Jul 1904 James Henry Tenney was mentioned in the obituary of Marcus R. Johnson at Ft. Wayne, Allen County, Indiana.
• On 28 Jun 1905 James Henry Tenney wrote a letter to be read at the reunion of Company B.
• On 22 Mar 1907 Arabella Adeline Pritchard, his wife, died at Massillon, Stark County, Ohio, at age 64 and was survived by her husband and two daughters.
• James Henry Tenney died on 28 Sep 1913 at Perry, Stark County, Ohio. He was 75 years, 3 months and 18 days old.
• He was buried in Sep 1913 at Massillon City Cemetery, Massillon, Stark County, Ohio, Section 11 Row 13, with his wife.

• Last Edited: 18 Jun 2017

Whitney Tenney

• Father: Calvin Tenney b. 12 Oct 1803, d. 15 Nov 1889
• Mother: Betsey Woodburn b. 10 Aug 1805, d. 27 Nov 1879

• Company: 1_SS

• Whitney Tenney was born on 20 Sep 1835 at Rockingham, Windham County, Vermont, son of Calvin Tenney and Betsey Woodburn.
• Whitney Tenney was enumerated in the household of Calvin Tenney and Betsey Woodburn in the 1850 US Federal Census in 1850 at Windham, Windham County, Vermont, as:
  Calvin Tenney, 47
  Betsey Tenney, 45
  Wm B Tenney, 23
  Lewis Tenney, 19
  Horace Tenney, 18
  Whitney Tenney, 6
  Judith A Tenney, 10
  Levi C Tenny, 8
  Jerusha R Tenny, 4.
• On 30 Jul 1855 Whitney Tenney, 19, married Sarah H. Page at Nashua, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.
• At the time of his enlistment, Whitney gave his occupation as weaver.
• In 1862 Whitney was living at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
• 
  On 23 Oct 1862 Whitney Tenney mustered into service with the 1st Company Massachusetts Sharpshooters according to the 1870 AG report with no further information. He was 27 years, 1 month and 3 days old.
• Whitney was described as being 5 feet 7 inches tall, with hazel eyes, black hair and a dark complexion.
• NOTE: for reasons unclear in the available resources, this man never served in the Sharpshooters, although the enlistment papers are complete. He appears to have been drafted later and served in a Vermont regiment.
• Starting 31 Jul 1863, Whitney also served in the 2nd Vermont Infantry, having been drafted.
• He and Sarah H. Page were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in 1880 at Townshend, Windham County, Vermont.
• Whitney Tenney died on 25 Sep 1893. He was 58 years and 5 days old.
• He was buried in Sep 1893 at Saxtons River Cemetery, Saxtons River, Windham County, Vermont, with a military headstone citing his service in the 2nd Vermont Infantry.
• On 10 Jan 1894 Sarah H. Page, his wife, died at Rockingham, Windham County, Vermont.

• Last Edited: 12 May 2020

Leonard Everett Thayer

• Father: Harvey Thayer b. 28 Jul 1803, d. 25 Apr 1846
• Mother: Sally Everett b. 1804

• Company: E

• Leonard Everett Thayer was born on 6 Jan 1843 at Palmer, Hampden County, Massachusetts, son of Harvey Thayer and Sally Everett, grandson of Elijah and Huldah Thayer.
• On 25 Apr 1846 his father, Harvey Thayer, died at Leicester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 42.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Leonard gave his occupation as student.
  
• 
  On 12 Jul 1861 Leonard mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 18 years, 6 months and 6 days old.
• On 12 Dec 1862 Leonard ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts at Falmouth, Stafford County, Virginia, discharged for disability.
  
  
• On 11 Apr 1863 at "The Webster Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard Everett Thayer was included in the published list of Oxford volunteers.
• On 4 Oct 1863 Leonard Everett Thayer, 20, married Susan Edna Moffet, 20, daughter of Rufus Moffitt and Hannah Weatherall, at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
• Leonard Everett Thayer made application for a veteran's pension on 9 Jan 1864, and received certificate number 183882.
• On 28 Jun 1870 at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard E. Thayer attended the 10th Annual reunion of Company E, 15th Massachusetts Regiment.
• On 6 Jul 1872 at "The Webster Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Reunions Sammel-Events was mentioned as having attended the fifth reunion of company E:
  The fifth annaual reunion of Co. E. 15th regiment Mass. vols. was held in Oxford Friday, the 28th of June. Twenty of the old members were present. Incidents of the war veterans were recalled affording much pleasure. An excellent diner was furnished by A. B. yeomans. A pleasant hour was passed in a call on Hon. Alexander DeWitt the following officers were elected for the year ensueing; president, B. B. Vassal; Vice Prsedents, Marquis E. Steere, Simeon H. Waters; Secretary and Treasurer, L. E. Thayer; Directors, A. B. Yeomans, Henry J. Ball, Wm. Y. Woodbury. Adjourned to meet in Oxford June 28, 1873. There have died from the company’s number during the year: Lieut J.M. Norcross, in Sutton March 20th 1872; Chas. H. Beatty, in Worcester March 6th, 1873; Cyrus J. Dodd, in Boston, March 3d, 1871.
• On 27 Jun 1873 at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Reunions Sammel-Events attended a meeting of the Co. E association:
  The sixth annual meeting of Co. E Association, 15th regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, DeWitt guards, was held in Oxford, Saturday, it being the anniversary of the departure of the company from the town to go into camp. The officers chosen for the ensuing year as as follows:
  President, B. B. Vassall; Vice Presidents, M. E. Steere and S. H. Walters; Secretary and Treasurer, L. E. Thayer; Directors, A. B. Yeomans, Henry J. Ball and Wm. Y. Woodbury. The meeting, after the election of officers, adjourned to meet in Oxford, June 27, 1874.
• In 1879 Leonard and Susan Edna Moffet were living at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• On 28 Jun 1879 at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard Everett Thayer attended the 12th annual reunion of Company E, 15th Massachusetts Infantry.
• He and Susan Edna Moffet were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in Jun 1880 at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where works as a Shoe Cutter. (Noted: no children are enumerated in the household.)
• On 1 Jul 1881 at "The Webster Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard E. Thayer was reported as attending the fourteenth annual meeting of Co. E. Association, 15^th Regiment, Mass. Vols.--
  From The Webster Times, July 1, 1881(Volume XXIII # 20)
  The fourteenth annual meeting of Co. E. Association, 15th Regiment, Mass. Vols., was held on Tuesday in Memorial Hall. The visiting comrades and guests were received at the depot by Post 27, L. E. Thayer, commander. Lieut. B. B. Vassal presided over the meeting. The day was one of great enjoyment to all the members of the association. Short addresses were made by Rev. Mr. Emmons, Dr. S. O. Paine, A. L. Joslin, G. P. Daniels, Rev. I. T. Johnson, B. B. Vassal, A. J. Kirby, G. H. Stevens, L. E. Thayer, also by Gen. Picket and Mr. A. Borden of Post 10 G. A. R.
  P. F. Murray read an interesting paper on the doings of the company while in service. George Hodges gave an account of his California trip, showing quite clearly that the ways of some “Californians” not “heathen chinee” are “peculiar.”
  At the business meeting the death of Capt Albert Prince and Fred A. Hall were reported. The following officers were chosen for the ensuing year: president B. B. Vassal; Vice-President Charles A. Bacon; Secretary and Treasurer L. E. Thayer; Directors Otis Hoyle; Edward Cudworth; John W. Humphrey.
  A nice repast was furnished at the expense of George Hodges, who received the thanks of those present for his generosity. Caterer Mars, of Worcester, attended to the wants of the inner man. At the head table was a handsome bouquet presented by a Worcester lady. The meeting was adjourned until June 28, 1882.
• On 9 Jul 1886 at "The Webster Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard Everett Thayer was reported as having attended the 19th reunion of Company E, 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
• On 5 Jul 1889 at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard Everett Thayer attended a reunion of Company E; from The Webster Times, July 5, 1889 (Volume XXXI # 19),
  Reviving War Memories
  Twenty-eight years ago last Friday Company E, 15th regiment, left Oxford for the front, and , as is their usual custom, the surviving members of the company met at Oxford last Friday in reunion. The comrades met at the hall of Post No. 27 G. A. R. where these officers were selected:
  President--- Capt. B. B. Vassal
  Vice-President---Capt. Charles H. Watson
  Secretary and Treasurer---L. E. Thayer
  Directors, A. B. Yeomans, W. Y. Woodbury and Anthony Murphy.
  Comrades were present from Rhode Island and Maine and from various parts of Massachusetts, twenty-five in all being present. The roll was called and many letters from absent comrades were received.
  During the proceedings Rev. Albert Tyler created a sensation. He rose and said he had received a spiritual communication from Lieut. Nelson Bartholomew, who died in Philadelphia, in November 1861, on his way home. The message said that the spirit of Bartholomew was with them during the meeting, which was most enjoyable to him, and that he had the same love he had for his comrades as he had in 1861.
  The comrades adjourned to Memorial Hall for dinner, after which, Capt Vassal called the assemblage to order and gave an address of welcome. Capt. C. H. Watson, the first commander of the company, Comrades P. F. Murray, W. Y. Woodbury, A. B. Yeomans, L. E. Thayer, Rev. Albert Tyler, Rev. Ithiel Johnson and others were called on and spoke of personal experiences and memories which were brought up by the stories of others.
• In 1890 at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard Everett Thayer was (or had been) a member of the Ferdinand Dexter G. A. R., Post 38, and a copy of his "personal war sketch" is now located in the Merrick Public Library.
• Leonard submitted the following personal sketch with his membership.
  Grand Army of the Republic
  
  Personal War Sketch
  
  of
  
  Comrade Leonard E. Thayer
  
  Who was born the sixth day of January, A: D. 1843 in
  Palmer, County of Hampden, State of Massachusetts.
  
  He enlisted July 12, 1861 at Worcestr, mass as a Private of Co. E, 15h Mass Inft.
  
  He was engaged in the battle of Fair oaks and in the Peninsula Campaign.
  
  He was confined in hospitals at Frederick City, Md., Capitol, Washington, D.C. and Fort Schuyler, N. A. from Sep 20th to Dec 20th 1862.
  
  The most important event in his service was being frequently selected for hazardous duty.
  
  He was discharged Dec. 20, 1862 at Fort Schuyler, N. Y. on account of disability.
• He was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company E, noting that he had been in Mechanicsville prison.
• On 28 Jun 1890 at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard Everett Thayer attended the 23rd annual reunion of Company E, 15th Massachusetts Infantry.
• On 8 Jul 1892 at "The Webster Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard Everett Thayer was reported among those attending a reunion of Company E.
• On 7 Jul 1893 at "The Webster Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard Everett Thayer was reported as attending the 26th annuel meeting of the Company E association. From The Webster Times, July 7, 1893(Volume XXXVI # 19)
  Company E. Association, 15th Regiment, M. V. M., held its 26th annual meeting in Memorial Hall last week. Roll Call at 11a. m., business meeting, 11:30; dinner at 1 p. m. prepared by Comrade Yeomans and wife. The survivors were called to order by President W. F. Miller. The roll call showed that the only death reported during the year was that of Patrick Feigan, who died in Boston, April 7, 1893, and was buried in St. Roch cemetery of Oxford.
  The following officers were elected for the coming year; President, W. F. Miller of Worcester; Vice President, P. F. Murray of Worcester; Secretary and Treasurer L. E. Thayer of Oxford; Directors, A. B. Yeomans of Oxford, John Humphrey of Oxford, and Oscar L. Guild of Lynn.
  Among the speakers were Rev. Albert Tyler who invoked the blessing; Capt. Murray of Worcester; Capt. B. B. Vassal of Worcester; Secretary L. E. Thayer of Oxford; Caleb F. Dudley; John Humphrey who left an arm at Antietam; Edward Lovely of Spencer; A. B. Hudson of Grafton; and Robert Lusty of Palmer who left a leg at Gettysburg.
• He was a pall bearer at the burial of Andrew Burrell Yeomans on 31 Dec 1893 at North Cemetery, Main Street, Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• On 28 Jun 1894 at Grand Army Hall, Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard Everett Thayer attended a reunion of Company E, as reported in the Worcester Daily Spy the following day.
• On 27 Jun 1896 at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard Everett Thayer attended a reunion of Company E. From The Webster Times, July 3, 1896(Volume XXXIX #18)
  The annual re-union of Co. E of the 15th regiment took place in Memorial Hall last Saturday. The roll call showed one more missing since their last meeting one year ago, this being Patrick Brennan of Webster. The following officers were elected: President Pelig F. Murray, Worcester; Vice-President Edward Cudworth, Rochdale; Secretary and treasurer, Leonard E. Thayer, Oxford; Directors, John W. Humphrey, of Oxford, Caleb F. Dudley, of North Natick, and Charles A. Baron, of Spencer. The fine dinner which was served by Landlord Bacon was followed by the customary smoke talk and reading of letters from members who were unable to be present.
• He and Susan Edna Moffet were enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 2 Jun 1900 at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where it states that she has no issue.
• On 21 Oct 1902 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard Everett Thayer attended 36th annual reunion of the 15th Massachusetts Regiment Association.
• On 21 Oct 1903 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard E. Thayer attended the 37th annual regimental reunion with some eighty other veterans.
• In 1906 Leonard was living at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• On 5 Jul 1906 Leonard Everett Thayer attended the 39th annual reunion of the association of companies E and I.
• On 20 Oct 1906 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard Everett Thayer attended the 40th annual reunion of the 15th regiment association, with some 75 other veterans of the regiment. (Report believed to be from the Worcester Spy.)
• On 10 Feb 1910 Susan Edna Moffet, his wife, died at Worcester City Hospital, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 66.
• Leonard Everett Thayer and Susan Edna Moffet had no issue.
• On 27 Oct 1910 at The State Mutual Building, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard E. Thayer attended the 44th reunion of the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
• On 4 Jul 1912 at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard Everett Thayer attended the 45^th annual reunion of the Companies E and I Association of the 15^th Regiment.
• He attended the funeral of Amos Bartlett in Dec 1912 at Mount Zion Cemetery (East Village), Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• On 7 Oct 1914 Leonard Everett Thayer, 71, married Grace Beatrice Kingsley, daughter of Richard H. Kingsley and Adeline S. Curtis, at Woodstock, Windsor County, Vermont.
• On 13 Dec 1917 at "The Webster Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard was the subject of an article. (Volume 59 #37)
  G.A.R. Veteran Swings Ax At 75
  Leonard E. Thayer, Oxford, Maintains Youth, Health and Vigor. Exercises by Chopping in Woodlot.
  STURDY SPECIMEN
  Oxfords grand old man; Leonard E. Thayer, was in Webster Tuesday afternoon. It may be a little unfair, or at best a poorly selected choice of words to speak of Mr. Thayer as an old man, because he neither looks old, talks old, nor acts old. Unless he told you about it himself, you’d never suspect that he was in his 75th year and that he was a soldier in the Civil War.
  Mr. Thayer has a hobby that somehow doesn’t appeal to most folks nowadays, he likes to wend forth into his woodlot and chop wood. Not only that, but he says that wielding an ax is the very best exercise to give a healthy man an appetite. Lots of men would prefer to let the appetite worry along, unappeased, rather than tackle the chopping job.
  And so, with his 75th birthday coming along next month Mr. Thayer delights in what he calls light exercise chopping down, splitting and piling up every day or so, a few cords of wood. The tougher the wood the better this game G. A. R. veteran likes it. His favorite wood is oak and next to that ranks maple and hickory, poplar, pine and birch he sniffs to scorn as beneath the dignity of a real woodsman. He makes the chips fly whenever he drives his two- pound ax deeply into the shivering tree.
  Speaking with a Times man, Mr. Thayer said; “No. I can’t give you a sermon on what not to eat and drink or what to do or not to do to live a long and useful life. I eat and drink whatever I like and if I want a smoke I take it and I’m sure that if I wanted a drink, I’d take that too. I think that chopping wood is not only splendid exercise but is well paid labor the way choppers are paid nowadays and with the price of cordwood where it is. I figure I am earning from $4 to $6 dollars every day.. I chop for myself at the rate they are paying axmen these times, anywhere from $2.50 a cord upward. I don’t feel old at all and I am of the opinion that age is largely a matter of mental condition; if you think old you are old. If you think young , you can’t be older than your thoughts.”
  Mr. Thayer is a good example of what plenty of exercise, fresh air and wholesome habits will do for a man. He has always been a hard worker and his period of service in the Grand Army of the Republic nearly 60 years ago was an experience that steadied him for the later duties of life. He was proprietor of a large general store at oxford for many years, first in partnership as Thayer & Bowditch and then under his own name. Mr. Thayer's store had the unique distinction of location in the oldest Universalist church in the world, the old church on Main street, Oxford, where Hosea Ballou preached in 1800.
  In view of the facts that Federal fuel Commissioner James J. Storrow is advising all patriotic Americans to chop a cord of wood, Mr. Thayer's hobby of felling trees and working them up into stove length is timely and worthy of commendation.
• He and Grace Beatrice Kingsley were enumerated in the 1920 US Federal Census on 27 Jan 1920 at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Thayer, Leonard, head, 77
  ---, Grace K., wife, 43, b. VT
  and two boarders.
• On 22 Oct 1926 at "The Webster Evening Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard E. Thayer was mentioned as attending the 60th reunion of Company I.
• On 7 Jan 1929, at "The Webster Evening Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard was the subject of an article on the occasion of his 86th birthday: (Volume 6 # 81)
  Oxfords Only G. A. R. Veteran Observes 86th Birthday
  Leonard E. Thayer, Oxford’s only surviving veteran of the Civil War, celebrated his 86th birthday anniversary yesterday at his home on South Main street, and although no special observance was planned for Mr. Thayer, he was the recipient of many gifts in honor of the occasion.
  Among the gifts was a large box of fruit and candy from the Auxillary to the Sons of Union Veterans of Webster, a large cineraria from the members of Nathaniel Lyons Woman's Relief Corps of Webster and a box of candy and handkerchiefs from the members of the Charles Devens Woman’s Relief Corps of Oxford.
  Mr. Thayer is a member of Co. E. 15th Regiment of Massachusetts, and is the only member of this company left with the exception of Jas. Clifford of Clinton. He was for many years commander of Charles Devens Post, G. A. R., and held other offices in the post before it disbanded.
• On 11 Oct 1929 at "The Webster Evening Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard and Elias Benjamin Wakefield were the subjects of a G. A. R. article:
  from The Webster Evening Times, October 11, 1929(Volume 7 #10):
  E. B. WAKEFIELD ELECTED HEAD OF G. A. R. POST
  Elias B. Wakefield was elected commander of the Nathaniel Lyon Post, G. A. R., at a meeting held at the headquarters of the post on Negus street yesterday afternoon.
  Other officers elected were: Henry C. Phelps, senior vice commander: William Moore, junior vice commander: William Moore, Adjutant: William Moore, quarter master: Leonard E. Thayer, chaplain, Leonard E. Thayer, patriotic instructor: Edwin Spencer, officer of the guard.
  The following were appointed as trustees: L. E. Thayer, H. C. Phelps, William Moore, Charles M. Leavens of the Sons of Union Veterans was appointed secretary.
  All the surviving members of the post are most active and all comrades and officers of the post intend carrying on their work of service to the country by their appearance at Memorial Day and other events as they have in the past years.
• Leonard Everett Thayer and Grace Beatrice Kingsley were enumerated in the 1930 U. S. Federal Census on 5 Apr 1930 at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Thayer, Leonard E., head, 87
  ---, Grace K., wife, 53, age 37 at first marriage, b. VT
  Kingsley, Adeline S., mother-in-law, 82, widow, b. VT
  Barnard, Jane M., lodger, 75, b. MA.
• On 7 Jan 1931 at "The Webster Evening Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard was noted as the last survivor of the Charles Devins Post, G. A. R., when he celebrated his 88th birthday: (Volume 6 #80)
  OXFORD
  LEONARD E. THAYER RECEIVES GIFTS FOR 88TH BIRTHDAY
  Oxford. Jan. 7. Leonard E. Thayer, only survivor of the Charles Devins Post, G. A. R., of Oxford, and more recently affiliated with the Nathaniel Lyon Post of Webster, observed his 88th birthday, yesterday at his home, passing the day quietly. Many friends and neighbors came to the home to extend congratulations.
  Mr. Thayer was remembered on the day by the members of the Auxiliary to the Sons of Veterans of Webster, who brought a basket of fruit and candy and the Relief Corps of this town presented the veteran with a half dozen linen handkerchiefs. A pack of playing cards was the gift of the Charles Devens Relief Corps of Oxford.
  He is vice president of the 15th Regiment Association of Worcester County and chaplain and patriotic instructor of Nathaniel Lyon Post. During the Civil War he was a member of Co. E, 15th Massachusetts regiment, and held all the offices during the time he was affiliated with Charles Devens Post of Oxford.
• On 22 Oct 1931 at "The Webster Evening Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Leonard E. Thayer was mentioned as having attended the 65th regimental reunion.
• He died on 3 Feb 1933 at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 90 years and 28 days old.
• An obituary for Leonard Everett Thayer was published on 4 Feb 1933 at "The Webster Evening Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as follows: (Volume 10 #105)
  LEONARD THAYER G. A. R. VETERAN DIES IN OXFORD
  Last Survivor of Civil War in That Town.
  Oxford. Feb. 4- Death yesterday claimed Leonard E. Thayer, 90 the only veteran of the Civil war in this town, and reduced the ranks of Nathaniel Lyon Post of Webster to three members. He passed away at his home on South Main Street, his death coming at a time when he appeared to be recovering from an illness of the past several weeks.
  He was born in Palmer, son of Everett and Sally (Everett) Thayer, and had been a resident of Oxford for the past 81 years, and was in business here for 38 years, conducting a general store under the Universalist church. He also served as a notary public and justice of the peace over a 40 year period. Mr. Thayer retired from business 16 years ago.
  He enlisted in Co. E. 15th Massachusetts Regiment, and was the only survivor of that Company, although there are four other members of the regiment still living. He was a member of Charles Devens Post, G. A. R., until it disbanded and then joined Nathaniel Lyons Post of Webster, holding the office of chaplain. While a member of Charles Devens Post, he held the office of commander four times in addition to all other offices at various times.
  Mr. Thayer is survived by his wife, Grace (Kingsley) . Private funeral services will be conducted Sunday afternoon at 1:30 from the home with Rev. Harry G. Butler, pastor of the Methodist church officiating. A military service will be conducted at the grave by members of Oxford post, American Legion. Members of this organization will also act as bearers. Friends are invited to call at the home Sunday morning from 10 to 12 o’clock.
  Burial will be in the family lot in the North cemetery in charge of George Sessions & Sons Company of Worcester.
• He was buried on 5 Feb 1933 at North Cemetery, Main Street, Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts,
  FUNERAL SERVICE HELD YESTERDAY FOR L. E. THAYER
  Oxford. Feb. 6. Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at !:30 o’clock for Leonard E. Thayer, only surviving Civil War veteran in town, who passed away Friday at his home. The services were held at 1:30 this afternoon from the home and the Rev. H. G. Butler officiated. Military services were held at the grave under the direction of the American Legion post and the firing squad was composed of Charles L. Norcross, Avery Burlingame, Clarence Gage, John Dana, Albert J. Maynard Walter Lougee, Joseph Messier, Albert Supernant and Howard F. Carson.
  The bearers were, Commander Robert J. Vivian, Past Commander Leslie J. Chaffee, Joseph A. Amiot, Philip W. Joslin, Ernest R. Davis, A Joseph Rodier; Bugler Eleazer Mathieu. Burial took place in the family lot in charge of Undertaker George Sessions.
  
• In 1935 Leonard's widow, Grace Beatrice Thayer, was incuded in the city directory at Oxford Massachusetts.
• In 1948 Leonard's widow, Grace Beatrice Kingsley, was incuded in the city directory at Oxford Massachusetts.

• Last Edited: 4 Aug 2016

Riley Thayer

• Father: Adolphus Thayer b. 23 Oct 1790, d. before 1850
• Mother: Martha (Patty) Wakefield b. 3 Mar 1795, d. 12 Mar 1884

• Company: I

• Riley Thayer was born on 22 Mar 1818 at Thompson, Windham County, Connecticut, son of Adolphus Thayer and Martha (Patty) Wakefield.
• Before 1850 his father, Adolphus Thayer, died.
• Riley Thayer was enumerated in the 1850 US Federal census on 19 Sep 1850 at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in the "Factory Boarding House", as:
  Riley Thayer, 25, operative, b. CT.
• He was enumerated in the household of Martha (Patty) Wakefield in the 1850 US Federal Census on 14 Nov 1850 at Thompson, Windham County, Connecticut, apparently a second time as:
  Martha Thayer, 55, b. Thompson, CT
  **Riley, 33, mule spinner, b. Thompson, CT.
• Riley Thayer was enumerated in the 1855 Massachusetts State census in 1855 at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as Riley Thayer, age 35, a factory operative, b. CT, in a boarding house.
• He was enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 18 Jul 1860 at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Reyley Thayer, 46, spinner, b. CT
  in the boarding house of:
  Charles Lamb, 46, b. MA
  along with many others.
• In 1861 Riley was living at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Riley gave his occupation as operative.
• 
  On 12 Jul 1861 Riley mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 43 years, 3 months and 20 days old.
• On 1 Oct 1861, Riley was appointed Corporal.
• On 21 Oct 1861 Riley was taken prisoner at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia, noted as missing and presumed dead. "No further record," according to Ford's history. However, this seems hardly likely since he applied for a pension. And the MASSCW says he was later discharged.
• John Floyd Maley wrote a letter to The Webster Times, listing his fellow prisoners, on 27 Oct 1861 from Richmond, Virginia, mentioning Riley Thayer, as follows.
• On 30 Oct 1861 at the "Worcester Palladium", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Riley Thayer was included, with 304 other men, among "The Killed Wounded and Missing of the Fifteenth Regiment," after Ball's Bluff.
• On 2 Nov 1861 at "The Webster Weekley Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Riley Thayer was listed as a Company I casualty of Ball's Bluff.
• On 9 Nov 1861 Riley Thayer was mentioned, along with 95 other men of the 15th Massachusetts, in a report of 9 Nov 1861 to the Webster Times, by F. Q. Robinson, concerning the aftermath of Ball's Bluff and reporting his status.
• On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Riley Thayer was listed with 195 other men among the prisoners taken at Ball's Bluff.
• On 9 Apr 1862 Riley ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by discharge by order of the Secretery of War concerning paroled prisoners of war.
  
  
• In Jun 1862, Riley was carried on the muster roll as a paroled prisoner of war, having been exchanged but not yet returned to the regiment.
• He was enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 20 Jun 1870 at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Thayer, Riley, 52, works in cotton mill, b. CT
  ---, John J., 47, works in cotton mill, b. MA
  ---, Chloe, 48, b. MA
  ---, Lucien K., 24, gas fitter, b. MA
  ---, Almira M., 18, b. MA
  ---, Jerome, R., 15, b. NH
  ---, Alonzo M., 11, b. MA
  ---, Mary E., 9, b. MA
  Higgins, Joseph, 23, gas worker, b. Eng
  Summerss, George, 32, works in cotton mill, b. CT
  Thayer, Minnie, 24, works in cotton mill, b. CT.
• He and Frank Singzinger were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 9 Jun 1880 at East Main Street, Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, living in the same boarding house as:
  ...
  Singzinger, Frank, 38, boarder, a widower, works in woolen mill, b. in Austria (as were his parents)
  ...
  Thayer, Riley, 61, boarder, single, works in woolen mill, b. CT (fath b. ?; mor b. CT)
  among many others.
• Riley Thayer made application at Massachusetts for a veteran's pension on 19 Oct 1883, making application number 498079, but no certificate number is shown.
• He died on 6 Feb 1884 at Thompson, Windham County, Connecticut, unmarried, of heart disease. He was 65 years, 10 months and 15 days old.
• He was buried in Feb 1884 at Mount Zion Cemetery (East Village), Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• On 4 Jul 1907 Riley Thayer was included on the Civil War memorial at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, according to an article in the Webster Times. See the "Documents" section at the main website for an account of the festivities of dedication.

• Last Edited: 23 Mar 2020

Alexander Thompson

• Company: E

• Alexander Thompson was born about in 1842 at Ireland.
• He was enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census in Jun 1860 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, possibly as:
  **Alexander Thompson, 18, wire-drawer, b. Ireland (as were all in household)
  Ann, 20
  Wm., 13
  Chas., 10
  Robert Wharton, 26, wire-drawer
  Joseph Wharton 29, wire-drawer.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Alexander gave his occupation as wire-drawer.
  
• 
  On 30 Jul 1861 Alexander mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 19 years old.
• On 5 Dec 1861, Alexander was on detached service building a block house.
• On 13 Jan 1862 Alexander rejoined his company from detached service.
• He died on 17 Sep 1862 at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland, killed in action. He was 20 years old.
• On 15 Jul 1874 Alexander Thompson was included on the Civil War memorial at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• On 17 Sep 1900 Alexander Thompson was included on the Civil War memorial at Antietam Battlefield, Sharpsburg, Maryland, with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, on the 35th anniversary of the battle. (Articles from the Fitchburg Sentinel about the planning for the memorial.)

• Last Edited: 9 Jun 2020

Edward Thompson

• Company: 1_SS

• Edward Thompson was born about in 1841 at Waite, Washington County, Maine.
• In 1862 Edward was living at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment, Edward gave his occupation as clerk.
• 
  On 22 Oct 1862 Edward Thompson mustered into service with the 1st Company Massachusetts Sharpshooters according to the 1870 AG report with no further information. He was 21 years old.
• Edward was described as being 5 feet 9 and 1/4 inches tall, with blue eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion.
• Note: his name was never taken upon the regimental rolls.

• Last Edited: 17 Apr 2020

George H. Thompson

• Father: John R. Thompson
• Mother: Nancy H. [--?--]

• Company: D

• George H. Thompson was born about in 1833 at Wrentham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, son of John R. Thompson and Nancy H. [--?--].
• On 18 Jul 1858 George H. Thompson married Mary Caroline Taft, 23, daughter of Caleb Taft and Amy Southwick, at Milford, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• George H. Thompson and Mary Caroline Taft were enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 31 Jul 1860 at Blackstone, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  George Thompson, 27, boot click, b. MA
  Caroline, 24, b. MA
  Walter M., 1, b. MA.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, George gave his occupation as farmer.
• 
  On 25 Feb 1862 George mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Blackstone, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 29 years old.
• He died on 17 Sep 1862 at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland, killed in action. He was 29 years old.
• On 17 Feb 1863 Mary Caroline Taft received a pension to surviving family member based on George's service; his wife, received certificate number 3798.
• On 26 Jan 1869 George's widow, Mary Caroline Taft remarried to James Russell Claflin at Milford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a second marriage for both.
• George H. Thompson's surviving family was enumerated in the household of James Russell Claflin and Mary Caroline Taft in the 1880 US Federal Census on 9 Jun 1880 at Milford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Claflin, Russell J., 65, runs on mill ??, b. MA
  ---, Carrie, 45, wife, b. MA
  Thompson, Walter N., 20, step son, single, farmer, b. MA
  Claflin, Wilfred J., 10, son, b. MA
  Taft, Amy S., 77, mother-in-law, widow, b. MA.
• On 30 Jun 1888 George and Mary's son, Walter Nelson Thompson married Minnie M. Kimball at Milford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
• Mary Caroline Claflin was enumerated as the widow of George H. Thompson, of the 15th Massachusetts, in the 1890 Veterans' Schedules of the US Federal Census in Jun 1890 at Blackstone, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• On 17 Sep 1900 George H. Thompson was included on the Civil War memorial at Antietam Battlefield, Sharpsburg, Maryland, with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, on the 35th anniversary of the battle. (Articles from the Fitchburg Sentinel about the planning for the memorial.)
• James Russell Claflin died on 9 Nov 1900 at Mendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 87.
• On 30 Apr 1902 Mary Caroline Claflin had her pension reinstated.
• On 5 Oct 1906 Mary Caroline Claflin, his wife, died at Mendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 71.
• On 15 May 1907, Mary Caroline Taft was dropped from the pension rolls.

• Last Edited: 5 May 2019

James Barfield Thompson

• Father: Aidin Ayers Thompson b. 28 Mar 1794, d. 25 Apr 1873
• Mother: Marcia Sturtevant b. 18 Apr 1796, d. 22 Feb 1879

• Company: D

• James Barfield Thompson was born on 21 Mar 1831 at Hardwick, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Aidin Ayers Thompson and Marcia Sturtevant.
• James Barfield Thompson was enumerated in the household of Aidin Ayers Thompson and Marcia Sturtevant in the 1850 US Federal Census on 16 Aug 1850 at New Salem, Franklin County, Massachusetts, as:
  Adin A. Thompson, 56, farmer, b. VT
  Marcia, 54, b. MA (as were all the children)
  Lydia J., 20
  **James B., 18
  Marcia A., 16
  Samuel A., 15
  Frances J., 12
  Harriet E., 10.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, James gave his occupation as sawyer.
• He was married at the time of his enlistment according to Ford's history.
• In 1861 James was living at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• 
  On 12 Jul 1861 James mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 30 years, 3 months and 21 days old.
• On 21 Oct 1861 James was taken prisoner at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia.
• On 30 Oct 1861 at the "Worcester Palladium", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, James Barfield Thompson was included, with 304 other men, among "The Killed Wounded and Missing of the Fifteenth Regiment," after Ball's Bluff.
• On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, James B. Thompson was listed with 195 other men among the prisoners taken at Ball's Bluff.
• On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, James Barfield Thompson was listed, with 88 other men of the 15th Massachusetts, as a prisoner at Richmond.
• In May 1864 James was wounded a gunshot wound on the right shoulder.
• On 22 Jul 1864 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, James Barfield Thompson was mentioned among the wounded.
• On 28 Jul 1864 James ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to completion of his term of service.
  
  
• James Barfield Thompson married Mary [--?--].
• James Barfield Thompson and Mary [--?--] were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 29 Sep 1870 at Southwest, Warren County, Pennsylvania, as:
  James Thompson, 37
  Mary Thompson, 28
  Frank Thompson, 1.
• James Barfield Thompson made application for a veteran's pension on 19 Sep 1879, and received certificate number 311481.
• He and Mary [--?--] were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 3 Jun 1880 at Foster, McKean County, Pennsylvania, as:
  Thompson, James, 45, carpenter, b. MA (as were his parents)
  ---, Mary, 35, wife, b. Ireland
  ---, Frank, 11, son, b. PA
  ---, Willis, 9, son, b. PA
  ---, Ford, 7, son, b. PA
  ---, Jennie. 3. dau. b. PA
  ---, Harriet, 1/12 (May), dau, b. PA.
• James Barfield Thompson was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company D, noting that he was wounded in the right shoulder at the Battle of Cedar Mountain, Virginia.
• On 7 Oct 1899 James and Mary's daughter, Jennie Thompson married James C. F. Dickinson at Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania.
• James Barfield Thompson was not enumerated in the household of Mary [--?--] in the 1900 US Federal Census in Jun 1900 at Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania, as:
  Mary A Thompson, 55, b. Aug 1844 in Ireland, immig 1861, married 32 years, all five children still living
  Frank J., 30, b. June 1869 in PA
  William J., 28, b. Nov 1871 in PA
  Hattie A., 20, b. May 1880 in PA.
• On 26 Aug 1911, at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, James was admitted.
• He died on 12 Jul 1920 at Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, of a cerebral haemorrhage. He was 89 years, 3 months and 21 days old.
• He was buried in Jul 1920 at Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, Dayton National Cemetery.
• On 6 Aug 1920 Mary Thompson received a pension to surviving family member in Pennsylvania based on James's service; his wife, received certificate number 911694.

• Last Edited: 29 Aug 2016

Samuel Thompson

• Father: Chauncey Doty Thompson b. 14 Feb 1805, d. 18 Jul 1857
• Mother: Betsey Kendrick d. before 1844

• Company: E

• Samuel Thompson was born on 11 Jan 1835 at Warren, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Chauncey Doty Thompson and Betsey Kendrick.
• Before 1844 his mother, Betsey Kendrick, died.
• On 4 Aug 1844 Samuel's widowed father, Chauncey Doty Thompson, remarried to Julia Clark at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• Samuel Thompson was enumerated in the household of Chauncey Doty Thompson and Julia Clark in the 1850 US Federal Census on 16 Sep 1850 at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Chauncy D. Thompson, 45, shoemaker, b. MA (as were all in the household)
  Julia, 42 (step-mother)
  **Samuel, 16, shoemaker
  Harrison, 14
  Sarah A., 11.
• On 18 Jul 1857 his father, Chauncey Doty Thompson, died at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 52.
• In 1861 Samuel was living at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Samuel gave his occupation as shoemaker.
• 
  On 12 Jul 1861 Samuel mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 26 years, 6 months and 1 day old.
• He died on 5 Feb 1862 at Poolesville, Montgomery County, Maryland, of disease. He was 27 years and 25 days old.
• On 11 Apr 1863 at "The Webster Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Samuel Thompson was included in the published list of Oxford volunteers.
• In 1890 Samuel Thompson was included on the Civil War memorial at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts.

• Last Edited: 19 Sep 2012

Stephen Thompson

• Company: K

• Stephen Thompson was born between 1831 - 1832 at Douglas, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• He was married at the time of his enlistment according to Ford's history.
  
• In 1861 Stephen was living at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Stephen gave his occupation as operative.
• 
  On 1 Jul 1861 Stephen mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• On 24 Aug 1861 Stephen ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts receiving a disability discharge.
  
  

• Last Edited: 19 Sep 2012

Thomas Thompson

• Father: Thomas Thompson Sr. b. 1800, d. 9 Sep 1868

• Company: E

• Thomas Thompson was born on 12 Nov 1829 at Ireland, son of Thomas Thompson Sr..
• On 22 Jan 1857 Thomas Thompson, 27, married Catherine Kerwin, 33, at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• On 4 Mar 1859 his infant daughter, Eliza Thompson, died at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 1 of "softening of the brain."
• Thomas Thompson and Catherine Kerwin were enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 25 Jul 1860 at Webster P. O., Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Thomas Thompson, 28, shoemaker, b. Ireland
  Catherine, 30, b. Ireland
  James, 9/12, b. MA.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Thomas gave his occupation as carpenter.
• 
  On 12 Jul 1861 Thomas mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 31 years and 8 months old.
• Thomas was described as being 6 feet 2 inches tall, with hazel eyes, brown hair and a dark complexion.
• On 28 Jan 1862 Thomas ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by discharge for disability.
  
  
• 
  On 27 May 1862 Thomas mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry by reenlistment. He was 32 years, 6 months and 15 days old.
• On 11 Apr 1863 at "The Webster Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Thomas Thompson was included in the published list of Oxford volunteers.
• In Jun 1863, Thomas was absent sick.
• On 17 Jul 1863, at Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County, Virginia, Thomas was taken prisoner and paroled.
• On 5 Dec 1863 Thomas rejoined his company.
• On 5 May 1864 Thomas was wounded at The Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania County, Virginia.
• On 11 May 1864, at Washington, DC, Thomas was admitted to the Judiciary Square General Hhospital.
• On 22 May 1864 his infant daughter, Eliza Thompson, died at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 2 of pneumonia.
• On 25 May 1864 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Thomas Thompson was mentioned among the casualties.
• On 27 Jul 1864 Thomas Thompson appeared on the muster rolls of the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as having officially transferred into the unit, but he was not assigned to a specific company.
• On 31 Aug 1864 Thomas ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by discharge due to disability.
  
  
• He and Catherine Kerwin were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 5 Aug 1870 at Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Thompson, Thomas, 40, carpenter, b. Ireland
  ---, Kate, 45, b. Ireland
  ---, James, 10, b. MA
  ---, Mary, 4.
• In 1879 Thomas was living at Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.
• He made application for a veteran's pension on 14 Apr 1879, and received certificate number 766882.
• On 5 Jul 1879 at "The Webster Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Thomas Thompson was mentioned in the report on the 12th annual reunion of Company E, 15th Massachusetts Infantry.
• He and Catherine Kerwin were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 2 Jun 1880 at Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, as:
  Thompson, Thomas, 48, carpenter, b. Ireland
  ---, Kate, 48, wife, keeping house, b. Ireland
  ---, Mary, 14, daughter, has diptheria, b. MA.
• On 28 Feb 1888 Catherine Kerwin, his wife, died at Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, at age 65.
• On 28 Jan 1895, at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (Northwestern Branch), Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, Thomas was admitted.
• James Thompson, his son, 4101 Hart Ave., Chicago, was named as next-of-kin at the time of admission to the home.
• Thomas Thompson died on 6 Feb 1906 at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (Northwestern Branch), Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. He was 76 years, 2 months and 25 days old.
• He was buried in Feb 1906 at Calvary Cemetery, Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.

• Last Edited: 18 Jul 2019