Roster Page - 118

James E. White

• Company: D

• James E. White was born between 1838 - 1839 at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, James gave his occupation as carpenter.
• 
  On 12 Jul 1861 James mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• 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 E. White 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 E. White 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 E. White was listed, with 88 other men of the 15th Massachusetts, as a prisoner at Richmond.
• In 1862, James was paroled from prison.
• On 10 Jun 1862 at "The New York Times", New York City, New York, James E. White was listed among the released prisoners brought to this port (Annapolis?) on board the U. S. transport Guide from Newbern, N. C.
• On 30 Mar 1863 James ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts at Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, by desertion.
  
  

• Last Edited: 19 Sep 2012

Joseph White 1st

• Father: Adam White b. 14 May 1802, d. 18 Sep 1872
• Mother: Hannah Fairbanks b. 22 Jun 1807, d. 29 Sep 1881

• Company: K

• Joseph White was born on 13 Oct 1837 at Burrillville, Providence County, Rhode Island, son of Adam White and Hannah Fairbanks.
• Joseph White 1st was enumerated in the household of Adam White and Hannah Fairbanks in the 1850 US Federal Census on 1 Aug 1850 at Blackstone, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Adam White, 48, butcher, b. MA
  Hannah, 43, b. MA
  Edwin, 20, labirer, b. RI
  Diantha, 17, b. RI
  Lorenzo, 15, spinner, b. RI
  Lerinda, 15, b. RI
  **Joseph, 12, b. RILeander, 9, b. MA
  Ellen, 6, b. MA.
• In 1861 Joseph was living at Blackstone, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Joseph gave his occupation as hostler.
  
• 
  On 1 Jul 1861 Joseph mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Blackstone, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 23 years, 8 months and 18 days old.
• On 23 Apr 1864 Joseph ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by transfer to the Navy, according to the MASSCW.
  
  
• On 28 Jul 1864 Joseph ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to expiration of term of service in the 1870 roster.
  
  
• On 2 Feb 1872 Joseph White 1st, 34, married Ellen Josephine Mason, daughter of Francis B. Mason and Elmira Harris, at Northbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for him and the second for her.
• Note: Ellen J. Mason was the former wife of Adin A. Colvin when she married Joseph White - both members of the 15th Massachusetts.
• Joseph White 1st and Ellen Josephine Mason were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 8 Jun 1880 at Douglas, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  White, Joseph, 42, axe finisher, b. RI (of RI parents)
  ---, Ellen J., 32, wife, b. MA (of RI parents.)
• In 1883 Joseph White 1st was axe finisher.
• He died on 1 May 1883 at Douglas, Worcester County, Massachusetts, unmarried (sic), of consumption. He was 45 years, 6 months and 18 days old.
• He was buried in May 1883 at South Sutton Cemetery, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• On 12 Aug 1884 Joseph's widow, Ellen Josephine Mason remarried to George E. Lincoln at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
• Joseph's wife, Ellen Josephine Mason, died and was buried in 1935 at Riverdale Cemetery, Northbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 87 years.

• Last Edited: 14 Apr 2016

Joseph White 3rd

• Company: K

• Joseph White 3rd was also known as Thomas White in the MASSCW.
• He was born about in 1839 at Canada.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Joseph gave his occupation as sail-maker.
  
• He lived at unknown in 1863.
• 
  On 22 Jul 1863 Joseph mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. He was 24 years old.
• On 12 May 1864, Joseph was missing and wounded.
• On 27 Jul 1864 Joseph ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by transfer to the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
  
  
• He died on 2 Aug 1864 at Andersonville, Sumter County, Georgia, as a prisoner of war, of disease. He was 25 years old.

• Last Edited: 22 Aug 2019

Joseph H. White

• Father: Mitchell (LeBlanc) White
• Mother: Victoria Whitefoot

• Company: A

• Joseph H. White was born on 23 Dec 1829 at St. Joseph, Quebec, Canada, son of Mitchell (LeBlanc) White and Victoria Whitefoot.
• In 1862 Joseph was living at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, Joseph gave his occupation as farmer.
• He was married at the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts according to Ford's history.
  
• 
  On 6 Aug 1862 Joseph mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 32 years, 7 months and 14 days old.
• On 11 Dec 1862, Joseph was sick with typhoid fever on the march to Harpers Ferry as stated in his claim for pension.
• Starting 7 Oct 1863, Joseph also served in the 13th V. R. C., Company K.
• On 26 Oct 1863 Joseph ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by transfer to the Veteran Reserve Corps.
  
  
• He ended his service on 14 Jul 1864.
• Starting Mar 1865, Joseph also served in the 8th Vermont Regiment, Company D.
• He ended his service on 28 Jun 1865.
• He was enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 7 Jun 1870 at Lyndeborough, Hillsboro County, New Hampshire, as:
  Joseph H. White, 40, farmer, b. Canada
  Birdwell, Ellen M., 39, b. NH (as were the children)
  ---, Nellie M., 14
  ---, George M., 9
  ---, Angeline E., 11 (or 1)
  (relationship if any unknown.)
• On 1 Jan 1873 Joseph H. White, 43, married Nancy Davis, 31, daughter of Amos Davis and Sally Arnold, at Lyndeborough, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.
• Joseph H. White and Nancy Davis were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 19 Jun 1880 at Temple, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, as:
  Joseph H. WHITE, 49, CAN, Occ: Farm Laborer, Fa: b. CAN, Mo: b. CAN
  Nancy D., Wife, 38, b. VT, Fa: b. NH, Mo: b. VT
  There are no children enumerated.
• Joseph H. White made application at Nashua, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, for a veteran's pension on 28 Jun 1880, and received certificate number 533610. He recieved $30 a month until his death.
• He and Nancy Davis were separated before 1900 apparently.
• Joseph H. White was enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 1 Jun 1900 at Waterbury, Washington County, Vermont, as:
  Tatrs, Peter, head, b. Oct 1835, 64, married 43 years, b. Canada French
  ---, Harriet, wife, b. May 1841, 59, 4 of 14 children living, b. Canada French
  ---, Frank, son, b. Oct 1878, 21, single, b. VT,
  **White, Joseph H., brother, b. Dec 1829, 70, widower, b. Canada French
  Normdday, Matilda, g-child, b. Sep 1887, 12, b. VT
  Lewis, Pearl, boarder, b. June 1878, 21, single, b. Ohio.
• He was enumerated in the 1910 US Federal Census on 21 Apr 1910 at Ferrisburg, Addison County, Vermont, as:
  McCabe, Patrick F., head, 37, married 2nd, b. VT
  ---, Ame E., wife, -- no children
  ---, Kathleen F., daur, 13
  ---, Harriet C., daur, 9
  ---, Elsie M., daur, 6
  **White, Joseph H. boarder, 81, widower, b. Canada French, immig 1848, living on own income.
• On 3 May 1912 Nancy Davis, his wife, died at Lyndeborough, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, at age 70.
• Joseph H. White died on 15 May 1914 at Montgomery, Franklin County, Vermont. He was 84 years, 4 months and 22 days old.
• He was buried in May 1914 at Enosburg Center Cemetery, Enosburg Center, Franklin County, Vermont, in the Messier family lot, with his sister and her husband.

• Last Edited: 22 Aug 2019

Lowell Clark White

• Father: Marshall White b. 6 Apr 1810, d. 19 Dec 1893
• Mother: Marsylvia Winship b. 19 Jun 1807, d. 27 Feb 1899

• Company: B

• Lowell Clark White was born on 1 Mar 1843 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Marshall White and Marsylvia Winship.
• Lowell Clark White was enumerated in the household of Marshall White and Marsylvia Winship in the 1850 US Federal Census on 15 Aug 1850 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where Marshall is a Butcher with $2800 in property.
• Lowell Clark White was enumerated in the household of Marshall White and Marsylvia Winship in the 1860 US Federal Census on 1 Jun 1860 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where Marshall is a farmer with $10,000. John M. is a butcher, and Ezra J. is a painter.
• In 1861 Lowell was living at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Lowell gave his occupation as butcher.
• 
  On 12 Jul 1861 Lowell mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 18 years, 4 months and 11 days old.
• Lyman Nichols wrote a letter to Clara A. Nichols, his sister

Oliver Leonard White

• Father: Oliver White b. 13 May 1772, d. 5 Jan 1860
• Mother: Sally Reed b. 1798

• Company: E

• Oliver Leonard White was born in Jul 1841 at Lagrange, Penobscot County, Maine, son of Oliver White and Sally Reed.
• Oliver Leonard White was enumerated in the household of Oliver White and Sally Reed in the 1850 US Federal Census on 14 Aug 1850 at Lagrange, Penobscot County, Maine, probably as:
  O. White, 77, farmer, $500 estate, b. MA
  Sally, 52, b. ME
  Elizabeth, 13, b. ME
  **O. or L. White, (m) 11, b. ME
  Sarah Lachton, 38, b. ME
  (Note: this may be the right family.)
• Oliver Leonard White was enumerated in the household of Oliver White and Sally Reed in the 1855 Massachusetts State census in 1855 at Holden, Worcester County, Massachusetts, prob as:
  Oliver White, 80-90, b MA
  Sally, 50-60, b. ME
  Hannah E., 15-20, b ME     
  I. Manning Ball, 20-30, b. MA
  Mary B Ball, 20-30, b. MA      
  Ella D Ball, under 5, b. MA
  Granville M Ball, under 5, b. MA
  (no apparent relationships.)
• On 21 Jul 1855 Oliver's sister, Hannah Elizabeth White, married George Richards at Holden, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Oliver gave his occupation as bootmaker.
• Starting 17 Apr 1861, Oliver also served in the 1st New Hampshire Infantry, Company A.
• He ended his service with the 1st N. H. Infantry in Aug 1861.
• In 1862 This man is placed in Co. D, per 1870 roster, but the MASSCW puts him in Co. E, which is confirmed by the 1890 Veterans' Enumeration.
• 
  On 19 Feb 1862 Oliver mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of West Boylston, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 20 years and 7 months old.
• On 17 Sep 1862 Oliver was wounded at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland.
• In 1863 Oliver was taken prisoner place and exact date not given.
• Oliver ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts transferred to the Veterans' Reserve Corps at a date not given in the 1870 roster.
  
  
• On 7 Jan 1865 Oliver Leonard White, 23, married Polly E. Meacham, 22, daughter of Lyman Meacham and Lois Monks, at Washington, District of Columbia.
• Oliver Leonard White ended his service with the 1st VRC, Company A on 9 Nov 1865.
• He made application for a veteran's pension on 28 Jan 1869, and received certificate number 103945.
• He and Polly E. Meacham were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in Jun 1880 at Duncan, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, as:
  White, Oliver L., 39, laborer, b. ME, (father b. MA, mor b. ME)
  ---, Polly E., 38, wife, b. NY
  ---, Addie E., 12, dau, b. PA
  ---, Emma C., 10, dau, b. PA
  West, Isaac, 32, boarder
  Childs, John, 21 boarder.
• On 25 Sep 1889 Oliver and Polly's daughter, Emma C. White married Melvin M. Smith at Wellsboro, Tioga County, Pennsylvania.
• Oliver Leonard White was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Wellsboro, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company E, as well as in the 1st N.H. Infantry, and noted that he received a gunshot wound to the left leg.
• He and Polly E. Meacham were enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 4 Jun 1900 at Wellsboro, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, as:
  White, Oliver, head, July 1841, married 35 years, b. ME, father b. MA, mor b. ME, wool carder, they own their own home with a mortgage
  ---, Polly E., wife, Mar 1842, both of her children are still living, b. NY.
• Oliver Leonard White and Polly E. Meacham were enumerated in the 1910 US Federal Census on 2 May 1910 at Wellsboro, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, as:
  Oliver L. White, 69, married 1st 43 years, b. ME, mill
  Polly, wife, 67, 1 of 2 children living, b. NY
  Earl H. Smith, grand-son, 13, b. PA.
• In 1917 Polly E. Meacham, his wife, died at Wellsboro, Tioga County, Pennsylvania.
• Oliver Leonard White was enumerated in the 1920 US Federal Census on 18 Jan 1920 at Wellsboro, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, as a widower, with his single daughter, Adelaide.
• On 28 Mar 1926 his daughter, Adelaide E. White, died at Wellsboro, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, at age 57 in a TB sanitorium, unmarried.
• Oliver Leonard White died on 6 Mar 1930 at Wellsboro, Tioga County, Pennsylvania. He was 88 years and 8 months old.
• He was buried in Mar 1930 at Wellsboro Cemetery, Wellsboro, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, with his wife and daughter, Adelaide.

• Last Edited: 14 Apr 2016

Thomas White

• Company: K

• Thomas White was born about in 1840 at Persia according to Ford's history. However, I think this is a printing error, and should be Prussia.
• In 1863 Thomas was living at an unknown place according to Ford's history.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Thomas gave his occupation as sailor.
• 
  On 22 Jul 1863 Thomas mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. He was 23 years old.
• Thomas was described as being 5 feet 5 and 1/2 inches tall, with brown eyes, chestnut hair and a light complexion.
• On 6 May 1864 Thomas was taken prisoner at The Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania County, Virginia.
• On 27 Jul 1864 Thomas ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by administrative transfer to the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry; he was a prisoner of war at the time.
  
  
• He died on 2 Aug 1864 at Andersonville, Sumter County, Georgia, as a prisoner of war. He was 24 years old.
• He was buried in Aug 1864 at Andersonville National Cemetery, Andersonville, Macon County, Georgia, Plot: Grave 4577.
• It is possible that "Waif from Persia" in Ford's history is really "Weiss (i.e. White) from Prussia". The original handwritten entry on the roster at the Worcester Armory is clearly "Waif from Persia". However, this is not logical. It is possible that someone transcribing his European signature mistook a German sharp-S (ß) for an "F".

• Last Edited: 22 Aug 2019

Gilbert Paris Whitman

• Father: Parris Whitman b. 1797, d. 17 Mar 1850
• Mother: Celinda Angell b. 10 Sep 1802, d. 1 Apr 1882

• Company: H

• Gilbert Paris Whitman was born on 30 Aug 1836 at Johnston, Providence County, Rhode Island, son of Parris Whitman and Celinda Angell.
• On 17 Mar 1850 his father, Parris Whitman, died.
• Gilbert Paris Whitman was enumerated in the household of Celinda Angell in the 1850 US Federal Census on 5 Aug 1850 at Smithfield, Providence County, Rhode Island, as:
  Celinda Whitman, 46, b. RI (as were all in the family)
  Amanda, 28
  Catharine, 23
  Olney, 21, spinner
  Cynthia, 19
  Mary J., 15
  **Gilbert P., 14
  James F., 11.
• On 29 Jul 1853 his brother, James Francis Whitman, died.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Gilbert gave his occupation as machinist.
  
• Gilbert was living at Northbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• 
  On 12 Jul 1861 Gilbert mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as a Sergeant, being credited to the quota of Northbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 24 years, 10 months and 12 days old.
• On 17 Sep 1862 Gilbert was wounded at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland, in the arm, chest and thigh.
• On 5 Jan 1863 Gilbert ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
  
  
• On 30 Mar 1863 his brother, Olney A. Whitman, died at Baltimore City, Maryland, at age 34 of disease while serving with the 7th Rhode Island Infantry.
• On 20 Jun 1867 Gilbert Paris Whitman, 30, married Amy Harris Arnold, 24, daughter of Lyman Arnold and Charlotte Angell, at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island.
• Gilbert Paris Whitman made application for a veteran's pension on 20 Oct 1869, and received certificate number 30101.
• He and Amy Harris Arnold were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 2 Jun 1870 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Whitman, Gilbert, 31, agent for cotton mill, b. RI
  ---, Annie H., 26, b. RI
  Carter, Ellen, 40,domestic servant, b. Ireland.
• Gilbert Paris Whitman and Amy Harris Arnold were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 9 Jun 1880 at Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, as:
  Whitman, Gilbert P., 41, agent of cotton mill, b. RI (as were his parents)
  ---, Anny M., 31, wife, b. RI
  ---, Lottie B., 7, daur, b. MA
  ---, Clarence G., 6, son, b. MA
  Dickens, Belle, 20, servant, b. RI.
• Gilbert Paris Whitman died on 12 Jul 1890 at Rockport, Essex County, Massachusetts. He was 53 years, 10 months and 12 days old.
• An obituary for Gilbert Paris Whitman was published on 14 Jul 1890 at "The Boston Journal", Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, as follows:
  Col. Gilbert Paris Whitman died Saturday evening at his home in Rockport, aged 53 years. He was born in Johnson, R. I.
  He was agent for the Annisquam Mills at Rockport from 1871 to 1880, when he removed to Manchester, N. H., where he was agent for the Amory Mills for seven years.
  He was on the staff of Gov. Hale of New Hampshire of 1884. He served in the Rebellion.
  About three years ago he went south for his health, returning to Rockport two years ago, since which time his health had ben steadily failing.
  He was highly respected and possessed marked ability. He was foremost in every good enterprise.
  He left a widow, one daughter and three sisters.
  His funeral will occur Thursday next at 1 o'clock, at the residence of his sister, 306 McGregor street, Manchester, N. H.
• He was buried in Jul 1890 at Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.
• On 7 Jan 1891 Amy Harris Whitman received a pension to surviving family member in New Hampshire based on Gilbert's service; and received certificate number 290941.
• Gilbert's wife, Amy Harris Arnold, died and was buried in Feb 1896 at City Tomb, Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, at age 53 years and 2 months.

• Last Edited: 27 Jan 2014

Enoch Whitney

• Company: B

• Enoch Whitney was born between 1836 - 1837 at an unknown place in Ford's history.
• In 1862 Enoch was living at Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, Enoch gave his occupation as physician.
• 
  On 6 Aug 1862 Enoch mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
• On 9 Sep 1862 Enoch ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by desertion.
  
  

• Last Edited: 19 Sep 2012

Frederick Whitney

• Father: Ransford Whitney b. 6 Feb 1796, d. 15 Sep 1856
• Mother: Eunice Perminter b. 21 Sep 1807, d. 2 Feb 1864

• Company: G

• Frederick Whitney was born in Nov 1828 at Massachusetts, son of Ransford Whitney and Eunice Perminter.
• On 4 Jun 1850 Frederick Whitney, 21, married Elizabeth Thornton, 24, daughter of John Thornton and Elizabeth [--?--], at Millbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
• On 25 Dec 1850 Elizabeth Thornton, his wife, died at Dudley, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 25 of consumption.
• On 21 Nov 1851 Frederick Whitney married Malinda F. Bryant, daughter of Consider Bryant and Sarah Norberry, at Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a second marriage for him and the first for her.
• On 5 Jul 1852 Malinda F. Bryant, his wife, died at Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of "oil of tansey."
• On 8 Feb 1853 Frederick Whitney, 24, married Sarah A. Ford, 29, daughter of Thomas Tifft and Anna Durphey, at Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a third marriage for him and the second for her. Note: she was the former sister-in-law of Levi and John Ford, both later of the 15th Massachusetts.
• Frederick Whitney and Sarah A. Tifft were enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 23 Jul 1860 at Millbury P. O., Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Frederick W. Whitney, 31, shoemaker, b. MA
  Sarah, 37, b. VT
  Ann M. Ford, 16, b. VT
  Mary Ford, 12, b. MA
  Frederick W. Whitney, 4, b. MA
  Martha Knowles, 20, weaver, b. MA
  Charles Newhall, 18, shoemaker, b. MA.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Frederick gave his occupation as shoemaker.
• In 1862 Frederick was living at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• 
  On 4 Feb 1862 Frederick mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 33 years and 3 months old.
• On 31 Jul 1862 Frederick ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts at Harrison's Landing, Virginia, by discharge due to disability.
  
  
• On 27 Jul 1864 Frederick Whitney 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.
• He and Sarah A. Tifft were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 29 Aug 1870 at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Whitney, Fredrick, 41, works in shoe shop, b. MA
  ---, Sarah, 47, b. VT
  ---, Ann A., 26, b. MA
  ---, Alton C., 3, b. MA.
• On 18 Feb 1876 Sarah A. Tifft, his wife, died at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 52 of consumption.
• On 10 Jul 1876 Frederick Whitney, 47, married Cordelia Rice, 47, daughter of Pliny Slocomb and Rachel Fisher, at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a fourth marriage for him and the second for her. She was the widow of Charles A. Rice marrying Frederick Whitney, both of the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
• Frederick Whitney and Cordelia Slocomb were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 1 Jun 1880 at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Whitney, Fred, 50, boot maker, b. CT (sic) (as were his parents)
  ---, Cordelia, 47, wife, b. MA
  ---, Alton, 13, son, b. MA (fath b. CT; mor b. MA)
  Moore, Rachael, 21, dau-in-law, married, works in cotton mill, b. MA (née Rice) (fath b. CT; mor b. MA)
  ---, Mabel, 1, grand-dau, b. RI (fath b. ME; mor b. MA.)
• On 17 Jul 1881 Cordelia Slocomb, his wife, died at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 52 of penumonia.
• On 21 Nov 1882 Frederick Whitney married Ella Temple, 28, daughter of Seth Temple and Abby F. Whitney, at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a fifth marriage for him and the first for her.
• On 31 Aug 1890 and received cert 704603.
• Frederick Whitney was enumerated in the household of Alton Clifford Whitney in the 1910 US Federal Census on 15 Apr 1910 at Pawtucket, Providence County, Rhode Island, as:
  Whitney, Alton C., head, 42, married 14 years, b. MA (fath b. MA; mor b. VT), tool maker in a machine shop
  ---, Anna, wife, 37, her one child is still living, b. MA
  ---, Raymond C., son, 11, b. MA
  **---, Fredrick, father, 81, married for the second time 24 years (sic), b. MA (fath b. RI, mor b. MA), retired.
• On 15 Oct 1917, at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, Frederick was admitted.
• He died on 16 Jan 1923 at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio. He was 94 years and 2 months old.
• He was buried in Jan 1923 at Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, Sec. 2, Row, 25, Grave # 11.
• In 1923 Ella Whitney received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on Frederick's service; his wife, received certificate no. 938494 (Date is very difficult to read.)

• Last Edited: 15 Nov 2018

Frederick Whitney

• Father: Joseph Hastings Whitney b. 29 Mar 1803, d. 1 Jul 1885
• Mother: Sarah Ingraham b. 25 Jun 1810, d. 8 Jul 1898

• Company: G

• Frederick Whitney was born on 7 Jan 1845 at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Joseph Hastings Whitney and Sarah Ingraham.
• Frederick Whitney was enumerated in the household of Joseph Hastings Whitney and Sarah Ingraham in the 1850 US Federal Census on 4 Sep 1850 at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Joseph H. Whitney, 57, farmer, b. MA (as were all the family)
  Sarah, 50
  Charles, 20, shoemaker
  Daniel J., 15, shoemaker
  Joseph J., 14
  Josephine, 12
  Elizabeth N., 8
  **Frederick, 5
  Sidney H., 3
  Hannah L., 8/12
  Franklin, 5.
• Frederick Whitney was enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 12 Jul 1860 at Millbury P. O., Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Nathaniel G. Whitney, 50, teamster, b. MA (his uncle)
  Anna B., 45, b. RI
  Chandler P., 10, b. MA
  Charlotte M., 5, b. MA
  **Frederick Whitney, 15, b. MA.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Frederick gave his occupation as farmer.
  
• In 1862 Frederick was living at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• 
  On 30 Jul 1862 Frederick mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 17 years, 6 months and 23 days old.
• On 27 Jul 1864 Frederick ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by transfer to the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
  
  
• On 27 Jul 1864 Frederick Whitney 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 24 Aug 1864 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Frederick Whitney was reported among the prisoners, for a total of four commissioned officers and seventy-seven enlisted men.
• On 10 Mar 1869 his brother, Franklin Whitney, died at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 24 of a wound received in the Army, while serving with Company A, 34th Massachusetts Infantry.
• On 7 Aug 1870 Frederick Whitney, 25, married Mary Louisa Gardner, 20, daughter of Joseph Gardner and Mary Connelly, at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
• Frederick Whitney was not enumerated in the household of Joseph Gardner and Mary Connelly in the 1880 US Federal Census on in Jun 1880 at at Boston Harbor, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, with his in-laws, as:
  Joseph Gardner, 62, paper collar maker, b. MA (as were all)
  Mary, 58
  Edward E., 24
  Charles W., 18
  **Mary L. Whitney, 32
  Jane Haselton, 10
  **Joseph A. Whitney, 7m
  Mary Crowley, 18.
• Frederick Whitney was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company G. (Based on the enlistment date noted, this clearly applies to Frederick Whitney, the younger.)
• On 16 Dec 1893 and received certificate no. 1068655.
• He and Mary Louisa Gardner were enumerated in the 1910 US Federal Census on 15 Apr 1910 at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, as:
  Whitney, Frederick, 65, married 39 years, b. MA (as where all in the family and their parents), he is a salesman of electrical things, they live in a rented home
  ---, Mary S., wife, 63, 3 of her 4 children are still living
  ---, Alfred H., son, 28, single, post office clerk
  ---, Mary, daur, 27, single, telephone operator
  ---, Arthur, son, 30, single, tool and die maker
  Gardner, Edward E., brother-in-law, 54, single, clerk.
• Frederick Whitney and Mary Louisa Gardner were enumerated in the 1920 US Federal Census on 12 Jan 1920 at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
• Frederick Whitney and Mary Louisa Gardner were enumerated in the 1930 U. S. Federal Census on 3 Apr 1930 at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, with their children Alfred and Mary who are still single.
• Mary outlived Frederick and died on 20 Jan 1937 at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
• He died on 24 Sep 1938. He was 93 years, 8 months and 17 days old.
• He was buried in Sep 1938 at Holyhood Cemetery, Brookline, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, plot 1625.
• Note: as of April 2017, Frederick has the distinction of being the last known surviving member of the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry when he died in 1938.

• Last Edited: 20 Jul 2017

John G. Whitney

• Company: 1_SS

• John Arnott was an alias he used in the 1st MA Sharpshooters.
• John G. Whitney was born in Apr 1829 at New York.
• In 1862 John was living at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment, John gave his occupation as sailor.
• 
  On 19 Nov 1862 John G. Whitney mustered into service with the 1st Company Massachusetts Sharpshooters, being credited to the quota of Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. He was 33 years and 7 months old.
• On 25 Apr 1863 John ended military service with the 1st Massachusetts Sharpshooters at Falmouth, Stafford County, Virginia, being discharged for disability.
  
  
• In 1888 At the time of his entry into the Soldiers' Home, he gave his next-of-kin as:
  Mrs. Amelia (Whitney) Fuller, b. ca 1825 in New York, who married Russell Fuller before 1850, (he was b. ca. 1821 in Ohio), and they later lived in Willoughby, Lake County, OH.
• On 27 Oct 1888, at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (Northwestern Branch), Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, John was admitted, from Illinois.
• On 7 Mar 1889, John was dropped from rolls.
• On 19 Apr 1889, John was readmitted from Northwestern Branch.
• He made application at Pennsylvania for a veteran's pension on 16 Jul 1889, and received certificate number 695228.
• On 2 Feb 1892, John was transferred to Central Branch.
• On 11 May 1894, at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Hampton, Elizabeth City, Virginia, John was transferred from Northwestern Branch.
• On 21 Sep 1894, John was transferred to Marion Branch.
• He was enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 8 Jun 1900 at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (Northwestern Branch), Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, as:
  Whitney, John G., member, b. Apr 1829, single, b. NY (of NY parents.)
• He died on 29 Jan 1904 at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Marion, Grant County, Indiana, unmarried. He was 74 years and 9 months old.
• He was buried in Jan 1904 at Marion National Cemetery, Marion, Grant County, Indiana, Grave no. 932, Circle no. 7, (Section 1, site 1015.)

• Last Edited: 14 Apr 2016

William Blake Whitney

William B. Whitney

• Father: Joseph Whitney b. 18 Dec 1794, d. 6 Apr 1873
• Mother: Sally Harrington b. 15 Sep 1804, d. 26 Jan 1859

• Company: A

• William Blake Whitney was born on 23 Aug 1841 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Joseph Whitney and Sally Harrington.
• William Blake Whitney was enumerated in the household of Joseph Whitney and Sally Harrington in the 1850 US Federal Census on 1 Aug 1850 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where his father, Joseph, is a carpenter with $3000 in estate, and his brother, Francis, is also a carpenter.
• On 26 Jan 1859 his mother, Sally Harrington, died at Massachusetts at age 54.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, William gave his occupation as carriage maker.
• In 1861 William was living at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• 
  On 12 Jul 1861 William mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 19 years, 10 months and 19 days old.
• William Blake Whitney and Sumner Moore Frost, future brothers-in-law, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company A.
• William Blake Whitney was declared missing in action on 21 Oct 1861 at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia.
• On 30 Oct 1861 at the "Worcester Palladium", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William Blake Whitney 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 B. Whitney was listed with 195 other men among the prisoners taken at Ball's Bluff.
• He was declared missing in action on 30 Jun 1862 at Nelson's Farm, Virginia.
• On 6 Sep 1862 William ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
  
  
• He made application for a veteran's pension on 21 Jan 1863, and received certificate number 15244.
• On 15 Sep 1863 Sumner Moore Frost and Ellen A. Tilton, daughter of William Tilton and Mary Laurentia Barber, were married at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
• On 15 Sep 1863 William Blake Whitney, 22, married Julia Pauline Tilton, 20, daughter of William Tilton and Mary Laurentia Barber, at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• (Note: the Tilton girls appear to have had a double wedding.)
• In 1864 William Blake Whitney was mechanic.
• Starting 22 Aug 1864, William also served in the 4th Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, Company H.
• He ended his service on 17 Jun 1865.
• On 4 Jul 1868 William Blake Whitney was included on the Civil War memorial at Main Street, Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, From the "Massachusetts Spy," (Worcester, Massachusetts), 17 July 1868:
  A very fine soldiers' monument of Fitchburg granite, with curb of the same material, was dedicated in Westminster, July 4. It stands 22 1/2 feet high, the names of 82 soldiers being on marble slabs attached to the sides of the monument.
  The dedicatory services proper consisted of prayer, singing of an original ode, floral demonstration, an address, the reading of a poem, and the playing of a dirge by the Gardner Brass Band. A free dinner was provided in the grove....speeches were made by Captain Holden and General Kimball....
• He and Julia Pauline Tilton were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 14 Jun 1870 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  Whitney, William B., 28, works in carriages, b. MA
  ---, Julia P., 27, b. VT
  ---, Joseph T., 5, b. MA
  ---, Joseph, 75, b. VT
  Pierce, Harriet E., 24, domestic, b. MA.
• On 6 Apr 1873 his father, Joseph Whitney, died at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 78.
• On 23 Oct 1876 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William Blake Whitney was reported present at the 10th annual reunion of the 15th Massachusetts in an article in the Fitchburg Sentinel.
• He and Julia Pauline Tilton were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in Jun 1880 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  William B. Whitney, 38, baby carriage manufacture, b. MA
  Julia P. Whitney, 37, wife, b. VT
  Nellie J. Pierce, 20, (single) daur (sic), b. MA
  Joseph T. Whitney, 15, son, b. MA.
• William B. Whitney was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company A.
• His final illness was reported in the Fitchburg Sentinel.
  Serious Illness of W. B. Whitney
  There was sad news telegraphed to town Thursday afternoon. William B. Whitney, a member of the F. A. Whitney Carriage company for several years and one of our best citizens, went to Canada on a hunting and fishing excursion in hopes to improve his health and seek a little recreation. For some years, his health has been quite poor.
  His family and the town were quite anxious and troubled when the telegraph brought the news that he was at a hotel in Montreal and to come quick as he was dangerously ill. His family made immediate and hasty preparations to reach him as quickly as possible. There are apprehensions that he may not recover.
  Joseph Holman, a member of the F. A. Whitney Carriage company, reached Montreal, Thursday at 8 a.m. and telegraphed to Mrs. William b. Whitney that he found her husband comfortable. He was in a private hospital and everything was being done for his comfort and to restore his health so he can be removed to his home in Leominster. The telegram informed his wife not to come until she received another report.
• He died on 30 Sep 1891 at Montreal, Canada. He was 50 years, 1 month and 7 days old.
• He was buried in Sep 1891 at Evergreen Cemetery, Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Section 9, Lot 45.
• An obituary for William Blake Whitney was published on 2 Oct 1891 at "The Fitchburg Sentinel", Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as follows:
  Death of William B. Whitney
  William B. Whitney died in Montreal, Wednesday evening and his family arrived here Thursday evening with the remains.
  Mr. Whitney was born in Westminster, Aug. 23, 1841, and came to Leominster in 1853, and attended school here for a year or two, where he entered the employ of J. H. Lockey, manufacturer of pianos. He remained here till 1857, when he was employed by F. W. and F. A. whiting, who were peioneers in the manufacture of children's carriages. When the war broke out he enlisted as a private in Co. A, 15th Massachusetts volunteers. He was taken prisoner at Balls Bluff, and was held in Richmond about five months, when he was released and returned to his regiment. He was again taken prisoner and sent to Bell Island, where he remained for about a month, when he was exchanged and sent home for disability, but again enlisted in the Massachusetts heavy artillery, and served until the close of the war.
  In 1865 he agained entered the employ of the Whitneys, and when the Whitney Carriage company was formed he became a stockholder, and was superintendant of the machine department for a number of years. In 1886 Mr. Whitney retired from business on account of ill health, but since that time he has been able to be among his friend, of whom he had an unlimited number. He was a member of the Orthodox Congregational church and was a most constant attendant at devine worship. He was also a member of the Leominster club and his death is the first break in this circle of citizens since the organization of the club some nine years ago. He was a member of Charles H. Stevens Post 53, G. A. R.
• On 22 Aug 1898 William and Julia's son, Joseph Tilton Whitney married Fanny Virginia Stevens at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
• Julia, his wife, outlived William and died on 17 Sep 1902 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 59.

• Last Edited: 22 Aug 2019

William Lane Whitney

• Father: William H. Whitney b. between 1809 - 1810
• Mother: Mary Ann Parmenter b. 12 Aug 1812, d. 25 Mar 1882

• Company: A

• William Lane Whitney was born on 10 Sep 1832 at Princeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of William H. Whitney and Mary Ann Parmenter.
• William Lane Whitney was enumerated in the household of William H. Whitney and Mary Ann Parmenter in the 1850 US Federal Census on 31 Jul 1850 at Princeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
  William H. Whitney, 40, laborer, b. MA (as were all in the family)
  Mary Ann, 27 (sic)
  **William L., 17
  Mary A., 10
  Augustus, 8
  John W., 6
  Edward, 4
  Caroline, 2.
• In 1862 William was living at Princeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, William gave his occupation as farmer.
• On 20 Apr 1862 William's sister, Mary A. Whitney, married Henry H. Parker at Princeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• 
  On 9 Aug 1862 William mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Princeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 29 years, 10 months and 30 days old.
• He died on 14 Nov 1862 at Washington, DC, of disease. He was 30 years, 2 months and 4 days old.
• He was buried after 14 Nov 1862 at US Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery (Military Asylum Cemetery), Washington, DC.
• On 14 Mar 1863 Mary Ann Whitney received a pension to surviving family member based on William's service; his mother, received certificate number 35704.
• On 10 Nov 1869 William's sister, Caoline A. Whitney, married Erving Wallace Beaman at Princeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
• In 1888, William was included in the Civil War section of Emerson's "Leominster Historical" as follows: "William L. Whitney, private, died of feaver at the hospital in Washington."

• Last Edited: 21 Aug 2017

George Whittemore

• Father: George Whittemore b. 17 May 1786, d. 16 Feb 1868
• Mother: Anna Mansfield b. 18 Mar 1797, d. 5 Feb 1868

• Company: 1_SS

• George Whittemore was born on 19 Dec 1836 at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, son of George Whittemore and Anna Mansfield.
• George Whittemore was enumerated in the household of George Whittemore and Anna Mansfield in the 1850 US Federal Census on 20 Sep 1850 at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, as:
  George Whittemore, 64, merchant, $5000 estate, b. MA (as were all)
  Ann, 53
  Georgianna, 18
  Sarah, 15
  **George, 13.
• In 1853 George entered Harvard College.
• On 22 Aug 1853 George's sister, Georgianna Whittemore, married Charles Card Smith at Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts.
• At the time of his enlistment, George gave his occupation as Lawyer.
• In 1861 George was living at Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts.
• 
  On 3 Sep 1861 George Whittemore mustered into service with the 1st Company Massachusetts Sharpshooters. He was 24 years, 8 months and 15 days old.
• George wrote extensive correspondence, much of which is included in the letters quoted below from "Harvard Memorial Biographies", p. 379.
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Near Washington, D. C, September 9, 1861.
  You ask if I am satisfied. I am as well satisfied as when I first formed the resolution to go to the war, and the whole affair has the same aspect as then. I have only one wish, which I have had from the first, that the war may be ended as soon as possible (not by compromise), and that we may go home. Some things here are better, and some worse, than I expected. Had a delightful bath yesterday morning. The creek, though not very wide, is deep in some parts, with high banks, covered with trees except where they open on a little meadow here and there. It reminds me of the North Branch of Concord River. Imagine one swimming up the North Branch. Wouldn't it be the non plus ultra of delightful bathing ? I suppose the creek runs into the Potomac.
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  District Columbia, September 10, 1861.
  The day was intensely hot, and after waiting some time for marching orders, we went off to the shade of the woods. I was patient and comfortable, lay down, took out 'xxx' and did not care if we stayed there all day. But we were not so fortunate."
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Camp near Edward's Ferry, September 29, 1861.
  I am very well and strong, and need to be to endure the work we are doing now. Last night some of our company went out on picket. We lay out on the tow-path in our blankets and overcoats, and I slept soundly with my cartridge-box for a pillow. At two, shots were heard, and our line jumped up, thinking the enemy were crossing the river. As I did not find myself killed, nor hear that any one else was, I was disposed to lie still and wait for something more. But the alarm had been given, and every man must pack up his goods and be in marching order."
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Near Edward's Ferry, October 22.
  I begin to realize the risks and sufferings of war. I cannot well reconcile myself to parting from all I love in the world, but those left behind suffer more. If there is any consolation in the nest world, and I believe there is, I shall know it at once. However, I hope for the best, and do not think much about these things.
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Near Edward's Ferry, October 22, 1861.
  It is dull, of course. It is not the life I should choose, even in pleasant weather, unless I was a colonel or general, in which case there might be some enjoyment in it ; but as a private there is nothing to attract one who has such a home as I have. However, a man will not be miserable unless he has a very sensitive temperament, feels everything keenly, and broods over trouble. Now if I were constituted as you are, I could not endure this life a month ; but as I am able to bear disagreeable things, and have a latent relish for a loafing life, I am not at all miserable.
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Near Edward's Ferry, October 28, 1861.
  We have seen our first fighting. We went over the river on Monday. The colonel or general commanding showed us the position of the enemy, and told us ' to go there and see what we could do.' .... Our company have done all the fighting at this place, with the exception of some shells thrown by the artillery. Our men both on Monday and Tuesday were put up close to the enemy, quite unsupported ; and this, with their being without food for twenty-four hours and doing nearly all the fighting, has, I find, gained them some credit with everybody. Even General Gorman, who calls the guns great humbugs, gives credit to the men.
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  November 10.
  You thought, walking in those splendid autumn woods, it would be far preferable to die there than to die shut up in a sick-chamber with all the paraphernalia of sickness about you. Yes, I think so ; but perhaps the idea as it presents itself to my mind, of a sudden, painless death in full activity, even in battle, is not so pleasant for you to think of. To me it seems the most desirable form in which to meet it.
  
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Camp Benton, November 20, 1861.
  The principal discomfort here arises from the impossibility of being neat. I was never fastidious, but cannot reconcile myself to the state of things here and to our crowded condition. We have eleven or twelve in tents which were made to hold eight. I shall break off, for the crowd of men and clatter of voices in this smoky tabernacle of ours seem to make the letter unfit to send to you, the pattern of fastidious neatness. I wonder if any of the smoke or other odors goes in the letter to Boston. I believe it can't be helped in the present state of things.
• George was promoted to Corporal.
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Camp Benton, December 4, 1861.
  Will go into the army ? If he does, I should advise him to get a commission. I have come to the conclusion that a man of ability and education is not only under no obligation to go into the ranks as a private, but that he ought not to. He thereby puts it out of his power to use his advantages. He has no opportunity to do any good proportioned to his ability. By looking about, may find a situation suited to him. In short, ' every man in his place.' You will see I have come to this conclusion by reflecting on my own case. You must not infer from this that I am unhappy. I can wait patiently for the end of this dull life, and much of it I enjoy."
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  December 13, 1861.
  Send something more to read or study as soon as you find from my accounts that the mails are tolerably reliable."
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Cumberland, January 12, 1862.
  I have had more pleasure and more hard work this week than in any month in camp. This is a mountain country, as you know, — the Alleghanies and the Blue Ridge. I like the mountain travelling ; and to me it is easier than any other, there is so much pleasant scenery all the way. The air is fresher and more invigorating. There is plenty of water, and the people are far more hospitable and intelligent than in the counties lower down on the river. Climbing these mountains is not so hard as Kearsarge or Mount Washington."
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Pawpaw, March 7, 1862.
  It is one great satisfaction to me to reflect that you are not and cannot be here, or know anything of this life, and that in a few months (how long they seem!) /shall know it only as a thing of the past. You speak of being plentifully supplied with pure air. I think I can surpass you at your own practice. On our return from Blooming Gap we slept on the ground in a thick snow-storm, and I was surprised to find myself not very cold. A good fire at one's feet is a comfortable thing at such a time."
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Near Yorktown, April 9, 1862.
  On Monday our company was not called into play until late in the afternoon, when we came in front of the Rebel batteries in two squads, supported by two regiments. Only our squad fired, and that with only thirty or forty shots ; but the Rebels answered with volleys that would have cut us up if we had not been protected by a small knoll. I posted myself behind a large tree near the top of the knoll, and received some credit for coolness, but it was the coolness of perfect safety. Some doubts arose in my mind when the first shell came. It burst over my head so near that I felt the hot air on my face and the presence of the gas in my ears, and it scattered the branches all around me ; but I thought it would not happen twice in succession, and stayed where I was. The Colonel, having found out what he wished to, retired, and we with him. It was growing dark, began to rain hard, and the roads, under the tramp of so many men, were mere sloughs. We had the choice to lie down in the mud or sit up all night about the fire. I chose the latter, and with a rubber blanket and a good fire was pretty comfortable.
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Camp near Yotktown, April 13, 1862.
  Dear Father, I have received ten letters during the week. I cannot tell you how precious they are to me. The love and kindness in them all are enough to make one contented, if not happy, in far worse circumstances than mine. I wonder if I shall ever see you all again. I have very little fear of being killed, a great deal more of being sick ; but T have not felt as though I were to die yet in either way. We are encamped, if the term may be used, — for we have no tents, and are sheltering ourselves in the cellar and out-buildings of a little farm-house, while the brigade are out in the fields and woods. Yesterday I spent the day with a dozen of our men in the outskirts of the woods, within two hundred yards of the works. We lay concealed and very quiet, so as not to draw their fire ; our orders being not to fire, unless they opened with cannon upon our troops elsewhere, in which case we were to shoot the gunners. As they did not fire excepting once, when they did no harm, we did not.
  The day was beautiful, the woods warm and pleasant, and I could not help enjoying it. How different the woods seem from what they have in former seasons. Now the sun shines warm as ever, the tops of the pine-trees whisper in the wind, and the dry leaves and pine needles are as luxurious to lie on ; but grape-shot and shells may at any moment come cutting everything to pieces. We don't sit in a social circle as in our picnics at home, but each one takes a tree to himself; and, instead of wandering round in pleasant meditations, we creep on our hands and knees, and talk in whispers."
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Camp near Yorktown, April 21, 1862.
  Quarter of a mile from the Rebels' first battery is a rising ground, where the ruins of a fine house stand. There is little left but three large chimneys and the brick foundations of the house. These ruins have been the scene of the sharpshooters' operations for a few days past, and I have been mostly there. So little shooting has been going on, that we have been able to make our arrangements almost as we pleased, and we established ourselves in a style of luxurious comfort quite unknown to privates. From the furniture lying around, two men took bureaus and set them up by a chimney to rest their guns on. Another found a thick tree that divided about five feet from the ground. He cut out the notch large enough for his gun, and put up a seat behind it, where he spied around very much at his ease. I took a position at the side of a chimney, with a black walnut table in front, the leaf hanging down and making a tolerable protection from bullets, &c., at this distance ; and to cover my head I set up two or three timbers, charred rafters, &c., the ends slanting up over my head, leaving a narrow port-hole for the gun. It happened to do me service.
  Towards night our batteries, stationed very near the chimneys, threw some shell into the works, while we kept our guns levelled at their embrasures. At last, after our cannon had sprinkled their shot and shell in various parts of the fort, an iron howitzer, on the battery nearest and just opposite to us, which not a man had approached all day, now, touched off by an unseen hand, threw a charge of grape or canister at us. It struck the ground a few yards before us, and scattered. Some of the balls struck my table, knocked down one timber from before it, and scattered the nails, charcoal, &c., over the table. One ball glanced and struck a tub behind me. My companion behind the chimney wanted to know if I was ' hit.' He seemed to think a ball that struck behind me must have gone through me. This iron howitzer is the one the negroes fired when the place became too hot for the chivalry."
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Near Yorktown, May 3, 1862.
  There has been more or less firing about us all day. Just now it is perfectly quiet, though at intervals there comes back to us the music of a band in the Rebel camp. Only the song of birds, the hum of mosquitoes, and an occasional woodpecker breaks the stillness. A gun goes off now and then, but reminds me, in the quiet, of a sportsman's fowling-piece rather than of a soldier's rifle. It is past three o'clock, and the rifle-pit in which I am writing begins to afford a little shade. Now that the days are longer and we can sit out of doors, my interest in these German books increases. I wish would be looking about for something more, and send it out, if the mails continue regular, in about a fortnight."
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Kent Couet-House, Virginia, May 12, 1862.
  Three letters from you of different dates have just arrived. The day has been quite hot and dusty, for the passing of so many men, horses, and wagons have worn the sod away already. But how different everything looks since I received these letters!
  It was merely hot and dull before, now it might have been ten times hotter and duller, and these letters would have made up for all. So it would have been if they had come to me as they should, one at a time. But coming all at once, they are a greater pleasure, especially as they are all in different tones. I have finished the French books, but not ' Egmont' as yet. Have just received the ' Parasite,' and hope to be able to hold on to it until I finish it. If we have no longer marches than we have had recently, I shall have no trouble."
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Fair Oaks, June 12, 1862.
  The Rebels continued throwing shell at intervals, and we had orders to go out and see if we could not silence the guns. Most of our available men had been sent in another direction ; but we mustered a dozen or twenty, and went along the front of our picket lines for a good place to fire from. It was not easy to find, for the Rebel guns were protected by the nature of the ground ; and that is perhaps the reason that they have been allowed to annoy us in this way with impunity. It seems, beside, to be the object not to bring on an engagement at present. The artillerymen say they have orders not to fire. We found a place at last within sight of the Rebel batteries, but also within easy range of their grape and canister and sharpshooters. It was at some old ruins on a ridge in a wheat-field, their cannon and sharpshooters being in the woods on the farther side, three or four hundred yards off. It was very warm out there in the sun. The stock of one of the rifles was blistered by it, and the barrels were too hot to keep one's hands on. We relieved each other by turns at the old ruins, while the rest stayed in the edge of the woods. A swamp was near by, with quantities of magnolias."
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  June 15.
  I have enjoyed the day very much, most in picking magnolias for half an hour. It was a perfect delight. They grow on slim trees thirty feet higli, so slender I could bend them down by my weight, climbing up a few feet. The place was full of them, and every one had five or ten buds just at the right stage for picking, being half open. Many of the flowers are withered, many are in the green hard bud, and others all the way between."
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  Fair Oaks, June 19, 1862.
  Our quiet life ended with May. On the 31st, we set out from the camp two miles the other side of the Chickahominy, grossed the river and swamp in water up to our knees, and stumbled on the enemy. Before a line of battle was fairly formed, the firing began, and our company, who have no place in a line of bayonets, and in the hurry of the moment had been assigned no station, was ordered to lie down. The shower of bullets fired over the heads of the line fell all about us, but only one of our men was hit. The fight here on Saturday night lasted not over an hour, but it was well after dark before it was decided. While it lasted it was furious, not broken for an instant, and at times swelling into a louder roar, like gusts of wind in a storm, as the Rebels charged up to one or another part of our line. The battle of Sunday was in the woods, and hidden from our view ; but we saw the regiments as they filed in, saw the smoke, and ^the wounded and prisoners as they were brought out. Our division was not engaged, occupying the battlefield of the day before."
• George wrote a letter as follows:
  July 2.
  Another hard day's fight and another hard night's march yesterday. The Rebels attacked at noon, and the engagement continued till long after dark. To-day we have rain, which perhaps prevents them from following. I begin now to long for one quiet day without a battle. We have carried these rifles on our shoulders lately, and it is wearing the men down fast.
  
  
  
• The telescopic rifles weighed from fifteen to fifty pounds. Whilst asleep in a barn, on one occasion, with men of his own and other companies, Whittemore's rifle was stolen from him. This happened a few days before the battle of Antietam ; and at the commencement of that engagement he was unarmed, and at liberty to be a non-combatant. He was urged, if not actually ordered, to remain in the rear.
  This he could not do. He went coolly toward the front, looking for a weapon. An officer saw him take a gun from a fallen soldier and calmly load and fire until he was hit and instantly killed. This occurred in the woods adjoining the corn-field where Sedgwick's division met with its heavy losses.
  
  
• He died on 17 Sep 1862 at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland. He was 25 years, 8 months and 29 days old.
• "The next day, when the ground came into possession of the Federal army, his body was carefully and tenderly buried by his comrades, with a headboard inscribed, "Sergeant Whittemore." It was soon after removed to Mount Auburn. There it rests in a spot that was a favorite resort of his while in college. It is situated on the slope of Harvard Hill" (from Harvard Memorial Biographies.)
  
  
  
• He was buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, ROSE PATH-185-Space GUS.
• In 1866, George was included in Harvard Memorial Biographies, p. 379:
  George Whittemore, Jr.
  Private 1st Co. Mass. Sharpshooters, August, 1861 ; Corporal; Sergeant; killed at Antietam, Md., September 17, 1862.
  This memoir can be but a brief sketch, yet it aims to give glimpses of a cliaracter of much harmony and strengtli, and a career of persistent fidelity; though the one shrank from publicity, and the other was undecorated with the badges of rank.
  George Whittemore, Jr., son of George and Anna Whittemore, was born in Boston, December 19, 1837.
  He attended the public schools of that city, graduating from the Latin School, a medal scholar, in 1853. He immediately entered Harvard College, as a member of the Class of 1857.
  A few years before this his parents had removed to Gloucester, Massachusetts ; and there, on the sea-shore and in the woods, during his vacations, were early developed his simple tastes and the manly physical habits which added vigor to a naturally strong constitution. As a boy he was usually gentle and quiet; but the earnest spirit under his calm exterior flashed into energetic and lively action whenever he was thoroughly roused by social enjoyment, or moved by invitations to daring adventure. The force of will, never hardening into wilfulness, which he exhibited at a later period, was not manifested in his childhood. Under kindly domestic influence, there was little to call out the innate strength of his nature.
  At Cambridge he was a close student, ranking among the first twelve of his Class. He excelled as a classical scholar. As a writer, he took several prizes for English composition, and he was noted for his clear comprehension of abstruse metaphysical questions. He taught school during the winters of his Sophomore and Junior years at Gloucester, and in the winter of his Senior year at Northampton. He was fond of athletic exercises and expert as an oarsman. His devotion to his books and his retiring manners prevented his forming many intimate acquaintances ; but he was respected by all his associates and classmates for his fine intellectual and moral qualities.
  On leaving college he was engaged as an assistant in the private classical school of Mr. E. S. Dixwell in Boston. Whilst occupying this position, and afterwards in the office of Messrs. J. J. Clarke and Lemuel Shaw, he studied law. He passed the usual examination and was admitted to the Suffolk Bar on the very day when he left home as a soldier. In the summer of 1860, to recruit his health, he went with a small party on an excursion which was to have been continued for several months in the Southwest. An unusual drought in that part of the country compelled him to give up the plan when only partially executed, and he returned alone on horseback, visiting the Adirondack regions on his way back.
  The first years of his maturity found him a strong, well-balanced, self-contained man, able to bear and ready to help others bear all the shocks of life, with a rich, warm nature, but one expressing itself in deeds rather than in words, — full of tenderness and care for others, and quick of indignation against anything he felt to be unjust, inhuman, or wrong.
  On the breaking out of the war, he joined a drill-club ; but it was not until after the disastrous battle of Bull Run that he fully determined to enter the army. With him, to resolve was to act ; and he enlisted as a private in the First Company of Sharpshooters from his native State, in August, 1861. He had no acquaintances in the company, and joined it against the remonstrances of his friends, who felt that he was equal to and ought to take a higher position. He was not afterwards wholly satisfied with the step he had taken ; yet the considerations which decided his course were both characteristic and honorable, inasmuch as they prompted him simply to take the place in which he thought he could be the most useful. He was very near-sighted, and constantly used glasses ; was an expert with the rifle, and capable of enduring fatigue ; was doubtful of his military ability to act as an officer, and averse to the restraints and routine of an infantry regiment. For these reasons, he preferred at first, believing that the contest would be short, the independence and the opportunities for individual enterprise he hoped to find in an unattached command, and in the use of the telescopic rifle.
  What it meant for such a man to be a soldier in this way can easily be imagined. His prospect of a peaceful future had been bright. The cherished home of his childhood and youth held him in a loving embrace ; and there was one to be left upon whom he had bestowed his strongest aflections. All this was to be put in mortal peril, and yet he did not hesitate. He had everything to lose, nothing to win, as men usually count losing and winning. But the risk must be taken, the privation must be endured ; thus he felt and thus he acted.
  He was a faithful correspondent, writing constantly to his kindred and friends, most frequently to his father ; for between his parents and himself the relation was one of strong and tender mutual regard and entire confidence. His letters tell where and how he served ; what he became, or rather, how perfectly he continued to be himself during the twelve months spent amid scenes so strange and so distasteful in many respects to his whole nature. (Note: the letters quoted above follow here.) .....
  
  In view of his exceeding worth to others, and as we think of all he might have been had he remained with us longer, we cannot help feeling and saying, " George Whittemore died before his time." Yet it is only in this view, and only as we thus think, that we are allowed to deem his death premature. His life had already reached roundness and completeness ; his spirit was already trained to follow in its further growth its own aspirations. The memory of
  that spirit remains with us still, — a reality without a shadow on its clearness. And yet, alas ! there are those who will sometimes ask,
  " But who shall so forecast the years,
  And find in loss a gain to match ?
  Or reach a hand through time to catch
  The far-off interest of tears ? "
  
  
• On 18 Jun 1867 George's sister, Sarah Whittemore, married John A. Dodd at Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts.
• On 17 Sep 1900 George Whittemore 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: 20 Feb 2019