Roster and Genealogies of the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

Cornelins W. Briggs

b. between 1841 and 1842, d. 9 July 1920

Father: Ebenezer Briggs b. 1811, d. before 1870
Mother: Eleanor Patch Warren b. 1 Apr 1811, d. 1 Jul 1891

Company: I

Cornelins W. Briggs was born between 1841 - 1842 at Willimantic, Windham County, Connecticut, son of Ebenezer Briggs and Eleanor Patch Warren.
Cornelins W. Briggs was enumerated in the household of Ebenezer Briggs and Eleanor Patch Warren in the 1850 US Federal Census on 27 Jul 1850 at Tiverton, Newport County, Rhode Island, as:
Ebenezer Briggs, 45, confectioner, b. RI
Eleanor P., 39, b. MA
Reuben D., 20, sailor, b. NY
Henry, 17, actor, b. VT
Ebenezer, 15, miner, b. VT
Mary, 15, b. CT
Charles W., 14, b. VT
**Cornelins W., 8, b. CT
**Lucius H., 7, b. RI
Caroline, 4, b. VT.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Cornelins gave his occupation as jeweler.
On 15 May 1861 Cornelins mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Cornelins W. Briggs and Lucius H. Briggs, brothers, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company I.
On 9 Nov 1861 Cornelins W. Briggs was mentioned in a report to the Webster Times, by F. Q. Robinson, concerning the aftermath of Ball's Bluff and reporting his status.
On 17 Sep 1862 Cornelins W. Briggs was wounded at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland, as a Sergeant.
On 17 Sep 1862 his brother, Lucius H. Briggs, died at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland, killed in action.
On 1 Oct 1862 Francis Carpenter, having visited the battlefield, wrote a letter to the Webster Times detailing the status of many men after the Battle of Antietam.
On 24 May 1863 at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Cornelins deserted.
On 7 Mar 1864 Cornelins ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability, having been gained from desertion.
In 1864 Cornelins W. Briggs was a mechanic.
On 25 Dec 1864 Cornelins W. Briggs married Lucy L. Wallace, 20, daughter of Church Wallace and Sophronia [--?--], at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
Cornelins W. Briggs made application for a veteran's pension on 29 Sep 1865, and received certificate number 68113.
He and Lucy L. Wallace were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 1 Jul 1870 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 23 Oct 1876 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Cornelins W. Briggs was reported present at the 10th annual reunion of the 15th Massachusetts in an article in the Fitchburg Sentinel.
He and Lucy L. Wallace were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 1 Jun 1880 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Briggs, Cornelins W., 37, iron machinery, b. CT (of CT parents)
---, Lucy L., 35, wife, b. VT
---, Lucius W., 13, son, b. MA
---, L. Winnie, 11, daur, b. MA
(in same house)
Briggs, Eleanor P., 69, widow, b. CT.
On 21 Oct 1882 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Cornelins W. Briggs attended the 16th annual regimental reunion of the 15th Massachusetts. (Report from the Fitchburg Sentinel.).
On 20 Oct 1883 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Cornelins W. Briggs attended the 17th annual reunion of the 15th regiment association, with some 110 other veterans of the regiment. (Report from the Fitchburg Sentinel.).
On 18 Jun 1888 Cornelins's daughter, Lunetta Winifred Briggs married George A. Green at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
On 4 Jul 1907 Cornelins W. Briggs 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. (Click icon to view original listing of names on the monument.).
He died on 9 Jul 1920 at Montreal, Canada.
On 7 Sep 1922 Lucy L. Wallace received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on Cornelins's service; his wife, receiving certificate number 924563.

Last Edited: 28 May 2011

Family: Lucy L. Wallace b. Nov 1844

Lucius W. Briggs b. 26 Aug 1866
Lunetta Winifred Briggs b. Aug 1868

Lucius H. Briggs

b. between 1842 and 1843, d. 17 September 1862

Lucius H. Briggs

Father: Ebenezer Briggs b. 1811, d. before 1870
Mother: Eleanor Patch Warren b. 1 Apr 1811, d. 1 Jul 1891

Company: I

Lucius H. Briggs was born between 1842 - 1843 at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, son of Ebenezer Briggs and Eleanor Patch Warren.
Lucius H. Briggs was enumerated in the household of Ebenezer Briggs and Eleanor Patch Warren in the 1850 US Federal Census on 27 Jul 1850 at Tiverton, Newport County, Rhode Island, as:
Ebenezer Briggs, 45, confectioner, b. RI
Eleanor P., 39, b. MA
Reuben D., 20, sailor, b. NY
Henry, 17, actor, b. VT
Ebenezer, 15, miner, b. VT
Mary, 15, b. CT
Charles W., 14, b. VT
**Cornelins W., 8, b. CT
**Lucius H., 7, b. RI
Caroline, 4, b. VT.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Lucius gave his occupation as printer.
In 1861 Lucius was living at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 15 May 1861 Lucius mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
Lucius H. Briggs and Cornelins W. Briggs, brothers, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company I.
Lucius had his photo taken in uniform.
On 9 Nov 1861 Lucius H. Briggs was mentioned in a report to the Webster Times, by F. Q. Robinson, concerning the aftermath of Ball's Bluff and reporting his status.
He was mentioned in the obituary of Elisha Tyler Bigelow on 19 Jul 1862 at "The Webster Weekley Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, (Click icon to read.).
On 8 Sep 1862 at Munson's Hill, Virginia, Lucius wrote a letter to the Webster Weekly Times, which was then published on the 13th of the month. It was his last communication. (Click icon to read.).
He died on 17 Sep 1862 at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland, killed in action.
An obituary for Lucius H. Briggs was published on 27 Sep 1862 at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as follows.
On 4 Oct 1862 at "The Webster Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Lucius H. Briggs was mentioned (Volume 4 # 30) as follows:
Funeral Services
Appropriate funeral services occasioned by the death of Webster volunteers on the field of battle --- H. L. Amidon, L. H. Briggs, Geo. Butler, G. Foster and A. Sargent, will be held at the Methodist Church tomorrow afternoon, at the hour of the usual service.
They will be conducted by Rev. Messrs. Cromack of the Methodist, Fish of the Baptist, and Kendall of the Congregational churches; and the usual afternoon services at the last two places of worship will be omitted. It will be noticed that to the above list of dead, the name of Moses Wood is not mentioned. The surviving parent of this young man being too ill to attend on this occasion, services occasioned by his death will be deferred until a more convenient time.
On 8 Jun 1863 Eleanor Patch Warren received a pension to surviving family member based on Lucius's service; mother, receiving certificate number 51344.
He was mentioned in the newspaper report of the funeral of George O. Raymond in Jul 1863 at Mount Zion Cemetery (East Village), Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
In Aug 1866, Lucius W. Briggs, his nephew, son of his brother Cornelins, was named for Lucius H. Briggs.
On 25 Sep 1869 Lucius H. Briggs was mentioned in an article about the Slater Guards, published in the Webster Times, possibly written by Elmoine Clemens.
On 17 Sep 1900 Lucius H. Briggs was included on the Civil War memorial at Antietam Battlefield, Sharpsburg, Maryland, on the 35th anniversary of the battle. (Articles from the Fitchburg Sentinel about the planning for the memorial.).
On 4 Jul 1907 Lucius H. Briggs 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. (Click icon to view original listing of names on the monument.).

Last Edited: 2 May 2011

John D. Brigham

b. 5 August 1834, d. 27 February 1900

Gravemarker of John D. Brigham

Father: Samuel Brigham b. 19 Feb 1795, d. 15 Jul 1877
Mother: Alethina Howe b. 5 Aug 1795, d. 5 Jun 1880

Company: C

John D. Brigham was born on 5 Aug 1834 at Machias, Washington County, Maine, son of Samuel Brigham and Alethina Howe, (Note: contrary to Ford's statement of Boyleston, which is where his parents lived at one time.).
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, John gave his occupation as railroad repairer.
On 12 Jul 1861 John mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 26 years, 11 months and 7 days old.
John D. Brigham and Samuel Davis Brigham, brothers, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in Co. C.
On 21 Oct 1861, at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia, John was reported missing.
On 30 Oct 1861 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, John D. Brigham was included 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, John D. Brigham was listed among the prisoners taken at Ball's Bluff.
On 1 Jun 1862, John was promoted to 1st Sergeant.
On 10 Dec 1862 John ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
On 27 Oct 1863 John D. Brigham, 29, married Betsey J. Cutting, 29, daughter of Willis Cutting and Sally Rogers, at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
John D. Brigham and Betsey J. Cutting were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in 1880 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, (His nephew Edmund L. BRIGHAM, s, 28, b. MA, is enumerated with them.).
John D. Brigham made application at Massachusetts for a veteran's pension in 1881, received certificate number 237437.
In 1886 John was living at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
In Jun 1886 John D. Brigham took part in the regimental reunion Excursion to the Battle-Fields of Gettysburg, PA., Antietam, MD., Ball's Bluff, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
On 30 Sep 1889 his brother, Samuel Davis Brigham, died at Washburn, Mclean County, North Dakota, from the effects of a kick from a horse at age 68.
John D. Brigham was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Co. C.
Levi Edwin Brigham, a brother of John and Samuel Brigham, was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Boylston, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, as a Lieutenant in Co. Q. However, there was no company Q in the 15th Massachusetts, nor does he appear on any roster. The enumerator states, "I have been twice for his discharge papers. He agreed to drive them to me."
In 1896, John was included in "The History of Clinton, Massachusetts."
On 22 Feb 1897 Betsey J. Cutting, his wife, died at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 62.
John D. Brigham died on 27 Feb 1900 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 65 years, 6 months and 22 days old.
He was buried in Feb 1900 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Credits: Dana Ringquist, who provided the cemetery photography.
From the Brigham Genealogy -
He was in the Civil War and was taken prisoner; after his release he settled in Clinton.

Last Edited: 7 Jan 2012

Family: Betsey J. Cutting b. 4 Oct 1834, d. 22 Feb 1897

Mabel A. Brigham b. 25 Jul 1864, d. 1931

Levi Edwin Brigham

b. 17 January 1825

Father: Samuel Brigham b. 19 Feb 1795, d. 15 Jul 1877
Mother: Alethina Howe b. 5 Aug 1795, d. 5 Jun 1880

Company: R_SIB

Levi Edwin Brigham was born on 17 Jan 1825 at Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Samuel Brigham and Alethina Howe.
On 31 Mar 1850 at Boylston, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Levi 25, farmer, s/o Samuel and Alethina, m. Anne G. Barney, 23, in a first.
He was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Boylston, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, as a Lieutenant in Co. Q. However, there was no company Q in the 15th Massachusetts, nor does he appear on any roster. The enumerator states, "I have been twice for his discharge papers. He agreed to drive them to me."

Last Edited: 8 Apr 2008

Samuel Davis Brigham

b. 22 March 1821, d. 30 September 1889

Gravemarker of S. D. Brigham

Father: Samuel Brigham b. 19 Feb 1795, d. 15 Jul 1877
Mother: Alethina Howe b. 5 Aug 1795, d. 5 Jun 1880

Company: C

Samuel Davis Brigham was born on 22 Mar 1821 at Boylston, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Samuel Brigham and Alethina Howe.
On 5 Oct 1842 Samuel Davis Brigham, 21, married Sarah E. Read at Boylston, Worcester County, Massachusetts, she of Machias, Maine.
He tried his hand at farming, but that didn't work out. He became a butcher in the late 1840's.
Samuel Davis Brigham and Sarah E. Read were enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 27 Jul 1860 at Harvard P. O., Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Samuel D. Brigham, butcher, b. MA
Sarah, 39, b. ME
Frances A., 16, b. MA
Caroline S., 9, b. MA
Austin D., 5, b. MA
Fostina W., 2, b. MA.
In 1861 Samuel was living at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Samuel gave his occupation as butcher.
On 12 Jul 1861 Samuel mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 40 years, 3 months and 20 days old.
Samuel Davis Brigham and John D. Brigham, brothers, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in Co. C.
On 22 Feb 1862 at "The New York Times", New York City, New York, Samuel Davis Brigham was mentioned in an article about the return of prisoners under a flag of truce.
On 30 Jun 1862, at Nelson's Farm, Virginia, Samuel was reported missing.
Samuel was injured carrying an ammunition box in early 1863, and was released from the military at that time. He applied for and received a disability pension.
On 24 Jan 1863 Samuel ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
He made application for a veteran's pension on 21 Jan 1863.
On 4 Feb 1867 Samuel's daughter, Frances Alothina Brigham married Eugene Smith, son of Nathaniel and Sophia (Wilkins) Smith, and a veteran of the 1st MA HA, at Bolton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Over time, he apparently largely recovered from injuries, and in 1869 left his family and headed west. He settled in San Francisco for a time, but he apparently lived in many different locations including AZ, CA, Oregon and Washington State. He eventually settled in North Dakota.

During this time he never contributed to the maintenance of his wife or children, though he apparently corresponded with them at times. In 1888, his daughter Faustina Brigham Robertson and her husband Alexander Robertson lived with him in North Dakota for a few months.
On 28 Apr 1880 Samuel's daughter, Faustina Brigham married Alexander Robertson at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Samuel Davis Brigham was not enumerated in the household of Sarah E. Read in the 1880 US Federal Census on on 2 Jun 1880 at at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Brigham, Sarah E., 56, married, b. ME
Robertson, Faustina, 23, daur, b. MA
---, Alexander, 23, son-in-law, dyer in mill, b. Scotland
Brigham, Louis W., 19, single, house painter, b. MA
Smith, Elmer, E., 12, g-son, b. MA
---, Sarah E., 9, g-daur, b. MA
---, Norah G., 7, g-daur, b. MA
(Note: these last are the children of her deceased daughter, Frances Smith).
Samuel Davis Brigham died on 30 Sep 1889 at Washburn, Mclean County, North Dakota, from the effects of a kick from a horse. He was 68 years, 6 months and 8 days old.
He was buried in Oct 1889 at Riverview Cemetery, Washburn, Mclean County, North Dakota, Section O-G.
Sarah E. Brigham was enumerated as the widow of Samuel D. Brigham, of the 15th Massachusetts, in the 1890 Veterans' Schedules of the US Federal Census in Jun 1890 at Bolton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Levi Edwin Brigham, a brother of John and Samuel Brigham, was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Boylston, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, as a Lieutenant in Co. Q. However, there was no company Q in the 15th Massachusetts, nor does he appear on any roster. The enumerator states, "I have been twice for his discharge papers. He agreed to drive them to me."
On 8 Aug 1890 Sarah E. Read received a pension to surviving family member, in Massachusetts based on Samuel's service; mading application number 455845 , but no certificate is recorded.
Sarah applied for a widow's pension shortly after Samuel's death, but the long absence of Samuel from the family caused a great controversy with the pension board. The family filed affidavit after affidavit trying to satisfy
their concerns about her eligibility. This dispute wound around the bureaucracy for three years until Sarah died. The pension board then closed the file as a moot issue. The widow never got her $8 per month. (according to A. Franke).
Sarah, his wife, outlived Samuel and died on 30 Apr 1893 at Bolton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
In 1896, Samuel was included in "The History of Clinton, Massachusetts."
John, his brother, outlived Samuel and died on 27 Feb 1900 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 65.
Descendant(s): Arthur Franke, who married into the family and provided much of the personal detail here.

Last Edited: 26 May 2010

Family: Sarah E. Read b. between 1820 - 1821, d. 30 Apr 1893

Frances Alothina Brigham b. 14 Oct 1843, d. 1877
Samuel Brigham b. 1845
Josephine Brigham b. 1847
Caroline Brigham b. between 1850 - 1851
Austin D. Brigham b. between 1854 - 1855
Faustina Brigham b. 20 Sep 1859, d. 20 Apr 1914
Louis W. Brigham b. between 1860 - 1861