Roster and Genealogies of the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

George Francis Benjamin

b. 25 September 1840, d. 21 October 1861

George F. Benjamin

Father: Abijah Wheeler Benjamin b. between 1809 - 1810
Mother: Mary F. Merriam b. 10 Jun 1816, d. 20 Mar 1901

Company: B

George Francis Benjamin was born on 25 Sep 1840 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Abijah Wheeler Benjamin and Mary F. Merriam.
George Francis Benjamin was enumerated in the household of Abijah Wheeler Benjamin and Mary F. Merriam in the 1850 US Federal Census on 31 Jul 1850 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Abijah W. Benjamin, 40, M, Farmer, $3000, b. MA (as are all here)
Mary, 34
George F.**, 10
Nathan M., 3
Nancy Miller, 61 (relationship unknown; possible grandmother).
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, George gave his occupation as farmer.
In 1861 George was living at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 12 Jul 1861 George mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 20 years, 9 months and 17 days old.
He died on 21 Oct 1861 at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia, "He was never seen afterwards and was presumed killed in action or drowned during retreat.". He was 21 years and 26 days old.
Lyman Nichols wrote a letter to Charles Nichols on 28 Oct 1861 from Camp Foster, Poolesville, Maryland,, mentioning George Francis Benjamin, as follows: (click icon to read).
On 30 Oct 1861 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, George Francis Benjamin was included among "The Killed Wounded and Missing of the Fifteenth Regiment," after Ball's Bluff. (click icon to read report).
At Woodside Cemetery, Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, He is mentioned on the family grave marker, however his body was never found. (Click the icon to view the marker.).
On 24 Oct 1890 Mary F. Merriam received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on George's service; his mother, receiving certificate number 306393.
In 1893, George was included in the "History of Westminster."
Credits: Primary photo and research courtesy of the Westminster, MA, Historical Society and Mark Landry.

Last Edited: 18 Jan 2010

David Bliss

b. between 1816 and 1817, d. 13 September 1862

Father: Timothy Bliss b. 4 Oct 1774, d. 11 Jul 1826
Mother: Anna Sawtell

Company: B

David Bliss was born between 1816 - 1817 at Massachusetts, son of Timothy Bliss and Anna Sawtell.
On 4 Jul 1841 David Bliss married Jane M. Hall.
David Bliss and Jane M. Hall were enumerated in the 1850 US Federal census on 14 Aug 1850 at Ware, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, as:
David Bliss, 33, laborer, b. MA
Jane, 28, b. VT
Geo. F., 8, b. MA
Ellen M., 6, b. MA
Francis P., 4, b. MA
Charles L., 2, b. MA.
In 1861 David was living at New Salem, Franklin County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, David gave his occupation as farmer.
On 24 Dec 1861 David mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of New Salem, Franklin County, Massachusetts.
He died on 13 Sep 1862 at Georgetown, Washington, DC, of disease (Note: also, apparently erroneously, reported as having died in New York, in the 1870 roster.).
He was buried in 1862 at Military Asylum Cemetery, Washington, DC.
On 13 Nov 1862 Jane M. Bliss received a pension to surviving family member based on David's service; his wife, receiving certificate number 28719.
Jane, his wife, outlived David and died in 1896 at New Salem, Franklin County, Massachusetts.
A photograph or image of David Bliss is located at The American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts, according to their website.

Last Edited: 16 Apr 2009

Family: Jane M. Hall b. 1819, d. 1896

George Fredrick Bliss b. 24 May 1842
Ellen M. Bliss b. 16 Nov 1843
Francis H. Bliss b. 2 Mar 1846
Charles Leroy Bliss b. 12 Jun 1849

Henry M. Bliss

b. 2 March 1846, d. 1912

Father: Ethan Bliss b. 6 Jul 1794, d. 21 Nov 1858
Mother: Lucina Lyons b. 11 May 1800, d. 5 Jan 1876

Company: B

Henry M. Bliss was born on 2 Mar 1846 at Monson, Hampden County, Massachusetts, son of Ethan Bliss and Lucina Lyons.
On 21 Nov 1858 his father, Ethan Bliss, died at Monson, Hampden County, Massachusetts, of typhoid fever at age 64.
Henry M. Bliss was enumerated in the household of Lucina Lyons in the 1860 US Federal Census on 25 Jun 1860 at Palmer, Hampden County, Massachusetts, as:
Lucina Bliss, 66, b. MA
Loren, 18, farm labor, b. MA
**Henry, 14, b. MA.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1864, Henry gave his occupation as laborer.
In 1864 Henry was living at Dana, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 2 Jan 1864 Henry mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Dana, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 17 years and 10 months old.
On 7 Jan 1864 Henry ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts rejected as recruit, and does not appear with the 15th Regiment in the MASSCW, only in the 1870 roster and Ford's history.
Starting 2 Sep 1864, Henry also served in the Co. A, 1st Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Heavy Artillery. (Although there is no cross-reference in the MASSCW, the man in the 1st HA is described as 18 in Sep 1864, a farmer and resident of North Dana.).
On 31 Mar 1865 Henry M. Bliss was wounded at Boydton Road, Mecklenburg County, Virginia.
He ended his service while absent wounded on 30 May 1865.
On 21 Dec 1865 Henry M. Bliss, 19, married Lorenza F. Winslow, daughter of George Winslow and Martha [--?--], at Dana, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marrige for both.
Henry M. Bliss and Lorenza F. Winslow were divorced apparently, since he remarried.
On 10 Dec 1875 Henry M. Bliss, 29, married Julia J. Butler, 34, (Note: it was her second marriage. Unclear if "Butler" was her maiden name. Please contact the Webmaster if you have further information.).
Henry M. Bliss and Julia J. Butler were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 19 Jun 1880 at Monson, Hampden County, Massachusetts, as:
Bliss, Henry M., 34, laborer, b. MA (of MA parents)
---, Julia J., 40, wife, b. MA.
Henry M. Bliss made application at Massachusetts for a veteran's pension on 16 Jul 1890, and received certificate number 813992 (for his service in the 1st H Arty).
He and Julia J. Butler were enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 13 Jun 1900 at Palmer, Hampden County, Massachusetts, noting that of her three children, two are still living; they have been married 25 years; he is a laborer, and they live in a rented house.
Henry M. Bliss died in 1912 at Massachusetts. He was 65 years old.
On 14 Feb 1912 Julia J. Butler received a pension to surviving family member, in Massachusetts based on Henry's service; but no certificate number is recorded.
On 23 Mar 1926 Lorenza F. (Bliss) Holbrook applied for a pension to surviving family member in New Hampshire based on Henry's service; contest widow, but no certificate number is recorded. (Note: pensions were not granted if there had been a divorce.).

Last Edited: 9 Apr 2009

Family 1: Lorenza F. Winslow b. 1850

Family 2: Julia J. Butler b. Sep 1841

Daniel Bonney

b. between 1834 and 1835, d. 13 November 1898

Father: Seth Bonney b. 30 May 1804, d. 30 Oct 1880
Mother: Sally C. Goddard b. 30 Aug 1801, d. 26 Sep 1870

Company: B

Daniel Bonney was born between 1834 - 1835 at Irving, Massachusetts, son of Seth Bonney and Sally C. Goddard.
Daniel Bonney was enumerated in the household of Seth Bonney and Sally C. Goddard in the 1850 US Federal Census on 13 Aug 1850 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Seth Bonney, 46, manufacturer, b. MA (as were all in family)
Sally C., 48
Maria C., 22
Fanny A., 20
**Daniel, 15, laborer
**James, 13
Seth, 11
William W., 6
Cynthia R. French, 21
Alonzo N. Hows, 14, b. ME.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Daniel gave his occupation as painter.
In 1861 Daniel was living at Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Daniel Bonney and James A. Bonney, brothers, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
On 12 Jul 1861 Daniel mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 25 Oct 1862 Daniel ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts to enlist in U. S. Army (Regular).
Starting 26 Oct 1862, Daniel also served in the Battery I, 1st U. S. Light Artillery.
He ended his service for disability, having a shell wound on his left leg on 18 Mar 1863 at Baltimore, Baltimore County, Maryland.
On 17 Nov 1863 Daniel Bonney married Sarah Elizabeth Ross, 29, daughter of Peter Ross and Polly Burpee, at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a second marriage for him and the first for her.
On 30 May 1864 his brother, James A. Bonney, died at Totopotomoy Creek, Hanover County, Virginia, unmarried, and registered in Clinton, MA.
Daniel Bonney and Sarah Elizabeth Ross were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 12 Aug 1870 at Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Daniel Bonney, 35, painter, b. MA,
---, Sarah E., 36, keeping house, b. MA.
On 3 Apr 1876 at Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Daniel founded the local Temperance Reform Club, according to the Fitchburg Sentinel.
On 3 Mar 1884 Sarah Elizabeth Ross, his wife, died at Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of blood poisoning at age 50.
In Jun 1886 Daniel was living at Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
He was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Wilbraham, Hampden County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company B.
On 18 Sep 1890, at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Togus, Kennebec County, Maine, Daniel was admitted.
In May 1898 Daniel was living at Togus, Kennebec County, Maine.
On 11 May 1898 at "The Fitchburg Sentinel", Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Daniel Bonney was mentioned in an article as an original member of the Fitchburg Fusiliers. (click icon to read article).
He died on 13 Nov 1898 at West Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of typhoid, while on furlough from the Soldiers' Home.
He was buried on 16 Nov 1898 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts, after a funeral held at the Unitarian Church.
On 28 Jun 1900 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Daniel Bonney reported as deceased within the previous year at a reunion of Company B of the 15th Massachusetts. Click icon to read the report in the Fitchburg Sentenel.

Last Edited: 30 Jul 2009

Family: Sarah Elizabeth Ross b. 15 Dec 1833, d. 3 Mar 1884

George L. Boss

b. between 1841 and 1842, d. 2 July 1863

George L. Boss

Father: George H. Boss b. 28 Nov 1819, d. 16 Mar 1902
Mother: Catherine L. Boss b. between 1823 - 1824

Company: B

George L. Boss was born between 1841 - 1842, son of George H. Boss and Catherine L. Boss.
George L. Boss was enumerated in the household of Catherine L. Boss in the 1850 US Federal Census in 1850 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Catherine L. Boss as the head -- the boys' mother. She is 26 and born in VT. Why their father is not with them at this time is unknown. I thought at first she was widowed, but it seems not. The boys are George L., age 8, Orlando, age 6, and Adelbert, age 1.
In 1861 George was living at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, George gave his occupation as building mover, acording to Ford's history, and mechanic according to the MASSCW.
On 12 Jul 1861 George mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
He died on 2 Jul 1863 at The Battle of Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania.
He was buried at Soldiers National Cemetery, Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania, Sec. D Grave # 10 - recorded with surname BASS.
He was buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Div. 3, Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, (South Side of Pilgrim Path and Locust Avenue) Laurel Avenue (Note: this is possibly a memorial only).
On 22 Jul 1863 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, George L. Boss was listed as a casualty of Gettysburg. (click icon to read).
In A Vast Sea of Misery:A History and Guide to the Union and Confederate Field Hospitals at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863-November 20, 1863, by Gregory A. Coco, 1988, Thomas Publications, the following is found:
Pvt. George L. Bass (sic), Company B, wounded in the hip by a shell on July 2, died July 5, buried on the Schwartz Farm on Rock Creek opposite the George Bushman Farm, reinterred in D-10 of the Massachusetts plot, age 19.
Between 1861 - 1864 Orlando P. Boss, his brother, served in the 25th MVI and was a Medal of Honor man - "rescued his Lieutenant who was lying mortally wounded between the lines; this under a heavy fire of the enemy."
After 1863 Catherine L. Boss received a pension to surviving family member, in Massachusetts based on George's service; mother, receiving certificate number 450096 (date on card difficult to read).
He's surviving family was enumerated in the household of Orlando P. Boss in the 1870 US Federal Census in 1870 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where his brother, Orlando, and wife Jennie live.
On 25 Nov 1892 John White Kimball gave his eye-witness account of the Battle of Ball's Bluff to the Boston Journal, and it was reprinted in the Fitchburg Sentinel. (click icon to read).
On 12 Mar 1897 Catherine L. Boss received a pension to surviving family member based on George's service; his mother, received certificate number 450096.
A photograph or image of George L. Boss is located at The Fitchburg Historical Society, Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Researcher: Kim E. Brown, who has reserched George L. Boss and his brother Orlando, from the 25th Massachusetts.
Credits: Portrait photo by permission from Isn't This Glorious!, by Edwin R. Root and Jeffrey D. Stocker, Moon Trail Books, 2006.

Last Edited: 30 Jul 2009

Roland Edwin Bowen

b. 5 July 1837, d. 21 January 1883

Father: George L. Bowen d. about 1855
Mother: Esther M. Waters b. 15 Nov 1819, d. 6 Nov 1865

Company: B

Roland Edwin Bowen was born on 5 Jul 1837 at Millbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of George L. Bowen and Esther M. Waters.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Roland gave his occupation as wood turner.
In 1861 Roland was living at Millbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 30 Jul 1861 Roland mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Millbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 24 years and 25 days old.
He was declared missing in action on 3 Jul 1863 at The Battle of Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania.
On 22 Jul 1863 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Roland Edwin Bowen was reported as missing at Gettysburg. (click icon to read).
On 22 Jun 1864 Roland was taken prisoner at Petersburg, Prince George County, Virginia.
On 20 Jul 1864, Roland was escaped from prison and entered Union lines.
On 3 Aug 1864 Roland ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts as the 1870 roster notes him as "missing" since July.
On 21 Dec 1865 Roland Edwin Bowen, 28, married Mary F. Cole, 20, daughter of Albert B. Cole and Sophia Barns, at Millbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
Roland Edwin Bowen was included in Alvan Simonds' recounting of the 1864 prison escape is in Willis' history of Fitchburg in the Civil War, p. 220. Click the icon to read it here.
He and Mary F. Cole were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 14 Jul 1870 at Millbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Roland Edwin Bowen and Mary F. Cole were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 16 Jun 1880 at Millbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Bowen, Roland, 44, postmaster, b. MA (as were all)
---, Mary, 34, wife
---, Frederic, 12, son
---, Ida, 9, daur
Waters, Nathaniel, 88, grandfather, widower.
Roland Edwin Bowen made application for a veteran's pension on 8 Dec 1882, but no certificate number was given.
He died on 21 Jan 1883 at Millbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of consumption. He was 45 years, 6 months and 16 days old.
An obituary for Roland Edwin Bowen was published on 22 Jan 1883 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as follows: (click icon to read).
He was buried in Jan 1883 at Central Cemetery, Millbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts, (Click the icon to read the report.).
On 28 Jun 1883 Roland Edwin Bowen was reported deceased at the 15th annual reunion of Company B, Fitchburg Fusiliers. (click icon to read the report).
On 28 Mar 1884 Mary F. Cole received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on Roland's service; his wife, received certificate number 260682.
The personal papers or letters of Roland Edwin Bowen are consisting of personal letters which were published by Greg Coco in "From Ball's Bluff to Gettysburg."
In Mar 1884 Mary F. Cole received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on Roland's service; his wife, receiving certificate number 260682.
Mary F. Cole was enumerated as the widow of Roland Edwin Bowen, of the 15th Massachusetts, in the 1890 Veterans' Schedules of the US Federal Census in Jun 1890 at Millbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 16 May 1893 Roland's daughter, Ida May Bowen married Walter Herman Weismann at Millbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
On 29 Jun 1901 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Roland Edwin Bowen 's widow attended the 40th reunion of Company B.
On 29 Jun 1903 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Roland Edwin Bowen 's widow attended the 35th annual reunion of Company B, 15th Mass. (click icon to read news report.).
On 5 Jun 1905 Roland's widow, Mary F. Cole remarried to Samuel E. Hull at Millbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a second marriage for both.
In 1915, Roland was included in the Centennial History of Millbury.

Last Edited: 30 Jul 2009

Family: Mary F. Cole b. 21 Dec 1845

Fred Julian Bowen b. 3 Jun 1868
Ida May Bowen b. 4 Nov 1870

James Boyd

b. between 1840 and 1841

Company: B

James Boyd was born between 1840 - 1841 at England.
In 1863 James was living at England.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1863, James gave his occupation as sailor.
On 1 Aug 1863 James mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
On 11 Dec 1863 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, J. H. Boyd was mentioned as wounded: "Among the list of casualties in the Potomac army, on Friday, the 27^th, we find the following in the 15^th regiment; Adjutant Dwight Newbury, lower jaw fractured; G. Hawley, in arm; A. W. Potter, arm; Capt. L. H. Ellingwood, in head; J. H. Boyd, in hand, and J. E. Shepherd in shoulder." (Volume 18 # 273).
On 23 Apr 1864 James ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by transfer to the Navy, but no service record found for him there.

Last Edited: 19 May 2009

Augustus Braight

b. between 1835 and 1836

Company: B

Augustus Braight was born between 1835 - 1836.
In 1863 Augustus was living at Germany.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1863, Augustus gave his occupation as farmer.
On 31 Jul 1863 Augustus mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Attleboro, Bristol County, Massachusetts.
On 23 Aug 1863 Augustus ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts at Morrisville, Fauquier County, Virginia, by desertion.

Last Edited: 19 Apr 2002

Henry Branner