Roster and Genealogies of the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

Josiah Winslow Wilder

b. 16 July 1841, d. 29 September 1906

Father: David Wilder b. 1809, d. 10 May 1849
Mother: Clarissa Howe b. 1810

Company: B

Josiah Winslow Wilder was born on 16 Jul 1841 at Templeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of David Wilder and Clarissa Howe, grandson on his mother's side of Winslow and Martha (Kimball) Howe of Templeton, Massachusetts.
On 10 May 1849 his father, David Wilder, died at Templeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Josiah Winslow Wilder was enumerated in the household of Clarissa Howe in the 1850 US Federal Census on 12 Aug 1850 at Templeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where he lives with his mother, Clarissa. No occupation is given for her, but she has $800 estate and likely provides room and board for the two apparently unrelated people enumerated with them -- Nelson and Eunice SIMONDS.
In 1862 Josiah was living at Dana, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, Josiah gave his occupation as mechanic.
On 13 Aug 1862 Josiah mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Dana, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 21 years and 28 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, Josiah Winslow Wilder was reported as missing at Gettysburg. (click icon to read).
On 28 Jul 1864 Josiah ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts having fulfilled his term of service.
On 30 Dec 1865 Josiah Winslow Wilder, 24, married Catherine Eliza Chase, 25, daughter of George Chase and Esther Morse, at Royalston, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
Before 1880 his son, Fred B. Wilder, died apparently since he is not enumerated with the family in 1880.
Josiah Winslow Wilder and Catherine Eliza Chase were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 14 Jun 1880 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where he is a Wood Turner with one daughter.
Josiah Winslow Wilder attended the funeral of Roland Edwin Bowen in Jan 1883 at Central Cemetery, Millbury, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Josiah Winslow Wilder was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Co. B.
He made application at Massachusetts for a veteran's pension on 15 Jul 1890, and received certificate number 860505.
He and Catherine Eliza Chase were enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 9 Jun 1900 at Ward 7, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Wilder, Josiah, head, b. July 1844 (sic), married 35 years, b. MA, wood turner
---, Katherine, wife, b. Apr 1844, one of her two children are living
---, Blanche G., dau, b. Oct 1870, single
Chase, Esther, mor-in-law, b. Jan 1813, widow, b. MA, two of six children living.
On 29 Jun 1901 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Josiah Winslow Wilder attended the 40th reunion of Company B. (click icon to read).
On 21 Oct 1903 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Josiah W. Wilder attended the 37th annual regimental reunion with some eighty other veterans.
On 28 Jun 1905 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Josiah Winslow Wilder attended a reunion of the Fitchburg Fusiliers, Company B of the 15th Massachusetts, as reported in the Fitchburg Sentinel. (click icon to read report).
On 4 Jul 1906 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Josiah Winslow Wilder attended the dedication of a statue of General Charles Devens, as reported in the Fitchburg Sentinel. (click icon to read).
He died on 29 Sep 1906 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of heart disease. He was 65 years, 2 months and 13 days old.
He was buried on 2 Oct 1906 at Hope Cemetery, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 13 Oct 1906 Catherine Eliza Chase received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on Josiah's service; his wife, received certificate number 618655.
On 20 Oct 1906 Josiah Winslow Wilder was noted as deceased during the previous year at the 40th annual reunion of the 15th regiment association. (Click icon to read the report, believed to be from the Worcester Spy.).

Last Edited: 22 Sep 2007

Family: Catherine Eliza Chase b. 16 Apr 1840

Fred B. Wilder b. Mar 1870, d. before 1880
Blanche Gertrude Wilder b. between 1872 - 1873

Horace Hamilton Wyman

b. 15 September 1840, d. 18 April 1904

Father: Newell Wyman b. 6 Feb 1814, d. 10 Jan 1875
Mother: Rebecca W. Johnson b. 1810

Company: B

Horace Hamilton Wyman was born on 15 Sep 1840 at Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Newell Wyman and Rebecca W. Johnson.
In 1861 Horace was living at Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Horace gave his occupation as machinist.
On 12 Jul 1861 Horace mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 20 years, 9 months and 27 days old.
On 10 Feb 1862 Horace ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
On 31 Dec 1862 Horace Hamilton Wyman, 22, married Alice Louise Cummings, 21, at Phillipston, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Horace Hamilton Wyman made application for a veteran's pension about 1865, and received certificate number 9790.
He and Alice Louise Cummings were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in Jun 1880 at Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where he is a Machinist. Also enumerated - Wm. T. CUMMINGS, 18, b. MA, single, as brother-in-law.
In Jun 1886 Horace was living at Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
He was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Gardner, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company B.
In May 1898 Horace was living at Gardner, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 11 May 1898 at "The Fitchburg Sentinel", Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Horace Hamilton Wyman was mentioned in an article as an original member of the Fitchburg Fusiliers. (click icon to read article).
On 19 Jun 1900 Horace was living at Gardner, Worcester County, Massachusetts, living a few doors from his son.
On 29 Jun 1901 Horace Hamilton Wyman wrote a letter to be read at the 40th reunion of Company B.
On 29 Jun 1903 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Horace Hamilton Wyman attended the 35th annual reunion of Company B, 15th Mass. (click icon to read news report.).
He died on 18 Apr 1904 at Westmoreland Hotel, Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of natural causes, found dead in bed. He was 63 years, 7 months and 3 days old.
He was buried in Apr 1904 at Winchendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
In 1904 Alice Louise Cummings received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on Horace's service; his wife, received certificate number 575647.
On 28 Jun 1905 Horace Hamilton Wyman was noted as deceased at the reunion of Company B.

Last Edited: 31 Jul 2009

Family: Alice Louise Cummings b. 13 Jun 1841

Hamilton L. Wyman b. Aug 1872

Thomas Cane

b. between 1842 and 1843

Company: B

Thomas Cane was born between 1842 - 1843 at Canada.
Thomas was living at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Thomas gave his occupation as farmer.
On 20 May 1864 Thomas mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry having received a bounty of $325, being credited to the quota of Malden, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
On 22 Jun 1864 Thomas was taken prisoner at Petersburg, Virginia.
On 27 Jul 1864 Thomas ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by administrative transfer to the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as "absent Prisoner of War."
Starting 28 Jul 1864, Thomas also served in the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company E.
Thomas was returned from prison at a date not shown.
On 24 Aug 1864 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Thomas Kane was reported among the prisoners, for a total of four commissioned officers and seventy-seven enlisted men. (click icon to read the list).
Thomas was reported as a prisoner as a member of Company B.
He ended his service by mustering out on 16 Jul 1865 at Washington, DC.

Last Edited: 3 Oct 2007

William Addison Gibson

b. 20 November 1837, d. 18 July 1920

Father: Lemuel Whiting Gibson b. 1 Jul 1804, d. 26 May 1856
Mother: Jane E. Whittemore b. 11 Dec 1809, d. Mar 1900

Company: B

William Addison Gibson was born on 20 Nov 1837 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Lemuel Whiting Gibson and Jane E. Whittemore.
On 26 May 1856 his father, Lemuel Whiting Gibson, died at age 51.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, William gave his occupation as stone cutter.
In 1861 William was living at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 27 Jun 1861 William Addison Gibson, 23, married Sarah A Ellenwood, 22.
On 12 Jul 1861 William mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 23 years, 7 months and 22 days old.
William Addison Gibson and Lemuel W. Gibson, and Artemas Adams Gibson, two brothers, and cousin Artemas, descendants of Capt. Reuben Gibson, of Revolutionary War service,, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in Company B.
On 24 Oct 1862 William was promoted to Corporal.
On 16 Mar 1863 William ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
On 22 Aug 1864 Daniel O. Gibson his brother, enlisted in Company H, 4th Mass. Heavy Artillery and served until June 1865.
William Addison Gibson made application for a veteran's pension on 2 Jul 1879, and received certificate 192557.
He and Sarah A Ellenwood were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in 1880 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where he works as a stone cutter.
On 9 Oct 1883 William Addison Gibson included on the official government pension rolls for Fitchburg and Leominster, as published in the Fitchburg Sentinel.
He was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Co. B.
On 28 Jun 1894 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William Addison Gibson attended the annual reunion of Company B ("Fitchburg Fusiliers"). Click icon to read the report in the Fitchburg Sentinel.

An article from the Fitchburg Sentinel, 7 Mar 1895 notes:

The death of Joseph L. Moody leaves only the following officers and members of the old Fusiliers, Co. B, 15th Mass. regiment, residing in Fitchburg: Gen. J. W. Kimball, Granville Hosmer, Herbert D. McIntire, Artimas A. Gibson, Lemuel Gibson, William Gibson, Frank Scott and Henry Whittemore. The members of the company are widely scattered.

On 6 May 1897 William's daughter, Florence Maud Gibson married Charles Howard Watson at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
On 11 May 1898 at "The Fitchburg Sentinel", Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William Addison Gibson was mentioned in an article as an original member of the Fitchburg Fusiliers. (click icon to read article).
He and Sarah A Ellenwood were enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 14 Jun 1900 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 28 Jun 1900 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William Addison Gibson attended a reunion of Company B of the 15th Massachusetts. Click icon to read the report in the Fitchburg Sentenel.
On 29 Jun 1901 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William Addison Gibson attended the 40th reunion of Company B. (click icon to read).
From the Fitchburg Sentinel, 10 May 1906....
William A. Gibson of 1 Goddard street, while leaving city hall, Tuesday afternoon, had a sudden and very severe attack of rheumatism which rendered him helpless. He was accompanied by his wife who had him taken whome where he has been confined ever since.
On 28 Jun 1905 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William Addison Gibson attended a reunion of the Fitchburg Fusiliers, Company B of the 15th Massachusetts, as reported in the Fitchburg Sentinel. (click icon to read report).
On 12 Aug 1907 his brother, Daniel O. Gibson, died at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, by suicide with his Civil War service rifle, and had a G. A. R. funeral. (Click the icon to read the full article in the Fitchburg Sentinal.) at age 61.
On 27 Jun 1908 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William Addison Gibson attended the 40th annual reunion of Company B, 15th Mass. (click icon to read news report.).
On 26 Jun 1909 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William Addison Gibson attended the 41st reunion of Company B, The Fusiliers. (Click icon to read the report.).
He died on 18 Jul 1920 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, (click icon to read obituary). He was 82 years, 7 months and 28 days old.
He was buried in Jul 1920 at Forest Hill Cemetery, Div. 2, Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Magnolia Avenue.
On 14 Aug 1920 Sarah A Ellenwood received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on William's service; his wife, received certificate number 898698.

Last Edited: 30 Jul 2009

Charts: Descendants of Israel Gibson

Family: Sarah A Ellenwood b. Sep 1838

Florence Maud Gibson b. Jan 1876

William James Coulter

b. 13 February 1841, d. 2 January 1922

William J. Coulter

Father: James W. Coulter b. 31 Aug 1806, d. 14 Feb 1871
Mother: Margaret Barr Dawson b. 9 Jul 1807

Company: C

William James Coulter was born on 13 Feb 1841 at Troy, Rensselaer County, New York, son of James W. Coulter and Margaret Barr Dawson.

From the History of Clinton:

The young men who worked in the "Courant" (newspaper) office during these earlier years of publication have a remarkable war record. They enlisted, one after another, untill every man who had worked there, outside of Mr. Ballard and the regular editors, was in the service of his country. Henry Bowman, Henry Greenwood, William J. Coulter, James A. Bonney and James P. Chenery were in the Light Guard...

At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, William gave his occupation as printer.
James W. Coulter his father, enlisted, 1861, in the 22d Regt. N. Y. Vols., for two years; was discharged at expiration of term of service, June 6, 1863; reenlisted in the 2d N. Y. Veteran Cavalry, and after serving about one year was discharged on account of old age (from the Dawson Genealogy) in 1861.
On 12 Jul 1861 William mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as a Sergeant, being credited to the quota of Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 20 years, 4 months and 29 days old.
William James Coulter and George W. Hunt, future brothers-in-law, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company C.
On 12 Nov 1862 William was promoted to promoted to Corporal.
On 12 Dec 1862 William was promoted to promoted to Sergeant.
On 2 Oct 1863 his brother, Clarence L. Coulter, died at The Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia, having enlisted in the 123d Regt. N. Y. Vols. He died in hospital at Alexandria, Va. from wounds received at the battle. He was unmarried and at age 25.
On 21 Nov 1863 William was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.
On 10 Dec 1863, William was assigned to Company B of the 15th MVI.
On 6 Apr 1864 William's sister, Fannie S. Coulter, married George W. Hunt at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 22 Jun 1864 William was taken prisoner at Petersburg, Prince George County, Virginia, and was in prison for seven months.
Daniel W. Freeman wrote a letter on 25 Jun 1864, mentioning William James Coulter, as follows: published in the Webster Times. (Click icon to read.).
On 12 Jul 1864 William ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts as 1st Lieutenant of Company B, by administrative transfer to Company E the 20th Massachusetts, while absent as a Prisoner of War.
Starting 13 Jul 1864, William also served in the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company "E."
On 27 Jul 1864 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William James Coulter was mentioned in an article about the return of the regiment to Massachusetts. (click icon to read).
On 24 Aug 1864 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William James Coulter was reported among the prisoners, for a total of four commissioned officers and seventy-seven enlisted men. (click icon to read the list).
On 21 Sep 1864 at "The New York Times", New York City, New York, William James Coulter was among those Union officers listed as being confined in Libby Prison in Richmond.
On 8 Mar 1865 at "The New York Times", New York City, New York, William James Coulter was listed among six hundred Union officers released from prison and having arrived in Annapolis on 5 March.
He ended his service discharged from service as a "paroled prisoner" on 12 Mar 1865.

On 15 Mar 1865 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William and Thomas J. Hastings, and James E. May were mentioned in Volume 94 # 11

More Exchanged Prisoners
Four government steamers arrived at Annapolis from Wilmington, last Sunday, bringing six hundred released Union officers. Several thousand more prisoners are to follow immediately. The following Massachusetts officers are among the arrivals on Sunday:
Capt. Joseph (sic) May, Lieut. W. J. Coulter, and Lieut. Thomas J. Hastings of the 15th regiment....

On 30 Sep 1865 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William published the first edition of the Clinton Courant.
On 18 Dec 1865 William James Coulter, 24, married Selina Craven, 23, daughter of William Craven and Mary [--?--], at Milford, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
On 14 Feb 1871 his father, James W. Coulter, died at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of consumption at age 64.
In 1873 William James Coulter was the publisher of the "Clinton Courant" newspaper.
In 1873 William was living at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
He and Selina Craven were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in Jun 1880 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where he is a Newspaper Proprieter & Printer.
William had a portrait made. (click icon to view).
In 1886 William was living at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
In Jun 1886 William James Coulter took part in the regimental reunion Excursion to the Battle-Fields of Gettysburg, PA., Antietam, MD., Ball's Bluff, Virginia and Washington, D.C. (click icon to read about their activities).
He 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.

In 1896, William was included in "The History of Clinton, Massachusetts", of which he was the publisher.

It has, perhaps, been noted that little has been said of the Fifteenth Regiment since the battle of Cold Harbor. The fact is, that the only three Clinton men, Lieutenant William J. Coulter, Sergeant David O. Wallace and James Clifford, out of the seventy-eight who had left home, now remained on regular duty with the regiment in the field. On the 22d of June, these three were all captured, with the rest of the Fifteenth, in an advance on the Weldon Railroad. ....

On 5 Jan 1898, William was was elected to MOLLUS, with Insignia 12068.
He made application at Massachusetts for a veteran's pension on 12 Jun 1906, and received certificate number 1125554.
He died on 2 Jan 1922 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, (Click icon to read his obituary.). He was 80 years, 10 months and 20 days old.
He was buried in Jan 1922 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Grave 633, Section 31, Grave 1 (corner of Spruce & Jewett); click icon to see grave marker photos courtesy of Carol A. Purinton.
In Feb 1922 Selina Craven received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on William's service; his wife, received certificate number 929740.
William's wife, Selina Craven, died and was buried in 1939 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, with her husband. At age 96 years.
(Note: As a journalist, it may well be that he left personal papers covering his experience in the 15th Massachusetts. If you are aware of any, please contact Webmaster ).

Last Edited: 30 Jul 2009

Family: Selina Craven b. 18 Mar 1842, d. 1939

Clarence Craven Coulter b. 1 Jun 1868, d. 1963
Annie May Coulter b. 31 May 1870, d. 1958

Henry Bowman

b. 9 September 1834, d. 12 April 1908

Henry Bowman

Father: Simeon Bowman d. before Aug 1860
Mother: Hannah Bailey b. between 1801 - 1802, d. 1 Mar 1887

Company: C

Henry Bowman was born on 9 Sep 1834 at Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Simeon Bowman and Hannah Bailey.
Before Aug 1860 his father, Simeon Bowman, died apparently, since his wife is enumerated in the 1860 census with her son, Henry.

From the History of Clinton:

Henry Bowman was enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 6 Aug 1860 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
**Henry BOWMAN, 25, clerk, $4300 in real estate, $1300 personal estate, b. MA
Hannah, 56, $6325 in real estate, $2300 in personal estate, b. MA (his widowed mother)
(With Henry's brother, just six doors away.)
George Bowman, 35, stage driver, $3500 in real estate, $1500 personal estate, b. MA (as were all in the house)
Abbie M., 36
Rosella M., 9
Hattie M., 8
Fred Atherton, 25, baker
**Elisha E. Buss, 26, carpenter (who would become Henry Bowman's 1st Lieutenant in Co. C a year later.)
(Note: it is reasonable to suppose that Elisha Buss and Henry Bowman were acquainted, and possibly good friends.).
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Henry gave his occupation as book-keeper.
On 22 Jan 1861 Henry Bowman, 26, married Martha A. Wallace, 19, daughter of David Wallace and Sarah A. Lillis, at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
Henry Bowman and David O. Wallace, brothers-in-law, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company C.
On 1 Aug 1861 Henry mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as a Captain, being credited to the quota of Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 26 years, 10 months and 23 days old.
On 14 Aug 1861 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Henry Bowman was mentioned in an article about the departure of the Fifteenth Massachusetts from Worcester. (click icon to read).
In Oct 1861 Henry Bowman was mentioned in a report to the Richmond Dispatch about the arrival of federal prisoners in that city. (Click icon to read.).
On 30 Oct 1861 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Henry Bowman was mentioned in dispatches or (not necessarily correctly) among the casualties of Ball's Bluff.
On 30 Oct 1861 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Henry Bowman was included among "The Killed Wounded and Missing of the Fifteenth Regiment," after Ball's Bluff. (click icon to read report).
On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Henry Bowman was listed as a prisoner at Richmond. (click icon to read article).
On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Henry Bowman was listed among the prisoners taken at Ball's Bluff.
The following letter from one of the “hostages” at Richmond was received at the State House: (Click to read).
On 6 Aug 1862 Henry ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts to become a Major in the 34th MVI.
Starting 11 Aug 1862, Henry also served in the mustered into the 34th Massachusetts Infantry, as a Major.
He ended his service by mustering out for promotion and transfer on 22 Aug 1862.
Starting 25 Aug 1862, Henry also served in the as Colonel of the 36th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
Starting 16 Sep 1862, Samuel Mirick Bowman, his brother, served in the 51st Massachusetts Regiment as a Sergeant.
Henry Bowman ended his service by resignation and discharge on 27 Jul 1863.
Starting 29 Feb 1864, Henry also served in the U. S. Volunteers, appointed from Massachusetts, as Captain and Assistant Quarter Master.
On 24 Jul 1864 his his brother, Samuel Mirick Bowman, died at Petersburg, Virginia, killed in action while later serving as a 1st Lieutenant with the 57th Massachusetts Regiment at age 27.
Between Aug 1864 - Nov 1864 Henry was promoted to Major, U. S. Volunteers.
On 20 Sep 1864 his infant daughter, Clara Louise Bowman, died at Lunenburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of cholera at age 2 months.
On 4 Feb 1865 his brother-in-law, David O. Wallace, died at Florence, Florence County, South Carolina, of disease, as a prisoner of war, according to the MASSCW and the history of Clinton, MA.
On 13 Mar 1865 was given the rank of Brevet Major.
Henry Bowman ended his service with by mustering out on 15 Aug 1866.
He and Martha A. Wallace were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in 1880 at Idaho Springs, Clear Creek County, Colorado, where he is Superintendant of Mines. They appear to live in some kind of hotel or lodging house.
On 19 Aug 1881 his son, Henry W. Bowman, died at Colorado at age 12 years 7 months at age 12.
In 1886, at Idaho Springs, Clear Creek County, Colorado, Henry was a member of Colorado Springs Post, No. 22 G. A. R.
In 1890 Bernard B. Vassal wrote a letter to William H. Jeffrey for his book, Richmond Prisons 1861-62, describing prison conditions and mentioning his imprisoned fellow officers of the 15th Massachusetts. (Click icon to read his letter.).
He made application at Colorado for a veteran's pension in Dec 1891.
In 1896, Henry was included in "The History of Clinton, Massachusetts."
He was enumerated separately, and Martha A. Wallaceis in the 1900 US Federal Census on on 1 Jun 1900 at Idaho Springs, Clear Creek County, Colorado, where she is the Superintendant of Schools.
Henry Bowman was enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 15 Jun 1900 at Denver, Arapahoe County, Colorado, where he is living alone on Curtis Street, as a lodger. He is a commercial agent.
He died on 12 Apr 1908 at Denver, Arapahoe County, Colorado. He was 73 years, 7 months and 3 days old.
He was buried in Apr 1908 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, with his wife and children.
On 18 May 1908 Martha A. Wallace received a pension to surviving family member, in Colorado based on Henry's service.
Martha, his wife, outlived Henry and died on 26 Feb 1930 at age 88.
Researcher: Stuart Chambers, who provided much information here. He has an interest in the 51st Regiment where Henry's brother served.
Credits: Primary photo above by permission of the Worcester Historical Museum, Ward Collection.

Last Edited: 8 Jul 2009

Family: Martha A. Wallace b. Aug 1841, d. 26 Feb 1930

Clara Louise Bowman b. 23 Jul 1864, d. 20 Sep 1864
Henry W. Bowman b. 19 Jan 1869, d. 19 Aug 1881

Richard C. Derby

b. 3 October 1834, d. 17 September 1862

Capt. Richard C. Derby

Father: Elias Haskett Derby b. 1 Sep 1796, d. 3 Dec 1840
Mother: Mary Ann Allen b. 10 Apr 1812

Company: C

Richard C. Derby was born on 3 Oct 1834 at Medfield, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, son of Elias Haskett Derby and Mary Ann Allen.
On 3 Dec 1840 his father, Elias Haskett Derby, died at Medfield, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, a suicide by hanging at age 44.

Richard was educated at Lawrence Academy, Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, as recounted in Ford's History of the 15th Mass. -

He was a scholar of excellent ability. He had intended to enter college, but the failure of his health forced him to relinquish this ambition. Later he attended the private school of Rev. Joseph Allen in Northboro, and took a course at a commercial college.

From Ford's History of the 15th Mass.

He was skillful in the use of tools and had considerable talent in drawing and music. He worked for a time as a salesman for a dry goods firm in Beloit, Wisconsin. He settled upon some government land in Minnesota and built himself a house, where he lived for a year and half. Work as a salesman in the West and Boston filled up most of the intervening time between 1856 and the opening of the Civil War.

At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Richard gave his occupation as salesman.

From Ford's History of the 15th Mass. -

When the President’s first call for troops was issued, he enlisted from Boston in the Fourth Battalion Rifles. He was at Fort Independence until August, when he received a commission as second-lieutenant in the Fifteenth Regiment. He was assigned to Company H.

On 1 Aug 1861 Richard mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant., being credited to the quota of Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts. He was 26 years, 9 months and 29 days old.
On 14 Aug 1861 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Richard C. Derby was mentioned in an article about the departure of the Fifteenth Massachusetts from Worcester. (click icon to read).
On 22 Nov 1861 Richard was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.
On 6 Aug 1862 Richard was promoted to Captain.
He died on 17 Sep 1862 at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland. He was 27 years, 11 months and 14 days old.
On 24 Sep 1862 Mary Ann Allen received a letter from Walter Gale at Bolivar, Virginia, mentioning Richard C. Derby as follows: (Click icon to read.).
In 1865 Mrs. Phebe Ann Hanaford published "The Young Captain: a Memorial of Capt. Richard C. Derby, who fell at Antietam." (Note: Phebe Ann (Coffin) Hanaford had no known relationship to the Derby family. She was the first woman ordained in New England, a member and officer of many literary and temperance societies, as well as the author of many books and poems.).
In Nov 1868 Mary Ann Allen received a pension to surviving family member based on Richard's service; his mother, received certificate number 10221.

From Ford's History --

His letters, collected in a memorial volume entitled "The Young Captain," have been one of our chief sources of information in regard to the history of the Fifteenth Regiment. From these we have been able to catch many glimpses of his life and character. He was made first-lieutenant November 22, 1861, and captain August 6, 1862. He commanded Company C.

On 17 Sep 1900 Richard C. Derby was included on the Civil War memorial at Antietam Battlefield, Sharpsburg, Maryland, on the 35th anniversary of the battle. (click icon to read several articles from the Fitchburg Sentinel about the planning for the memorial.).
Credits: Photo courtesey of Mark Savolis.

Last Edited: 1 Sep 2008

Walter Gale

b. 19 November 1833, d. 25 May 1927

Walter Gale

Father: Cyrus Gale Sr. b. 7 Oct 1785, d. 10 Sep 1880
Mother: Sarah Patrick b. 16 Mar 1795, d. before 1850

Company: C

Walter Gale was born on 19 Nov 1833 at Northborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Cyrus Gale Sr. and Sarah Patrick.
On 22 Jun 1842 his little sister, Susan M. Gale, died at Massachusetts at age 7.
On 4 Dec 1849 his mother, Sarah Patrick, died at age 54.
Walter Gale was enumerated in the household of Cyrus Gale Sr. in the 1850 US Federal Census on 14 Aug 1850 at Northborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as follows:
Cyrus GALE, 64, Farmer, 25,000, b. MA (as were all in house)
Frederick W., 35, Lawyer,
Cyrus, Jr., 25, Trader,
George A., 23, Trader,
**Walter, 16, Farmer, (Noted as being in school)
Annette (Farber ?), 72,
Sarah Parmenter, 26,
Frederick (Tweight ?), 19, Combmaker, (Noted as being in school).
Before 1861 at Northborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Walter Gale as a resident, was a member of "The Clinton Guards."
In 1861 Walter was living at Northborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Walter gave his occupation as student.
On 12 Jul 1861 Walter mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Northborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 27 years, 7 months and 23 days old.
On 1 Aug 1861 Walter was promoted to Sergeant.
On 17 Jan 1862 Walter was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.
On 17 Sep 1862 Walter Gale was wounded at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland.
He wrote a letter to Mary Ann Allen, Richard Derby's mother, on 24 Sep 1862 from Bolivar, Virginia, as follows: (Click icon to read.).
On 24 Oct 1862 Walter was promoted to Captain.
James Buckley has researched and contributed an account of Walter Gale's activities at Gettysburg. Click the icon to read.
On 2 Jul 1863 Walter Gale was wounded at The Battle of Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania.
On 8 Jul 1863 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Walter Gale was mentioned in the first dispatches from the Gettysburg battle. (click icon to read).
On 22 Jul 1863 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Walter Gale was reported as wounded at Gettysburg. (click icon to read).
He was a pall bearer at the burial of Hans Peter Jorgensen on 23 Jul 1863 at Evergreen Cemetery, Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Walter Gale attended the funeral of Elisha G. Buss on 24 Jul 1863 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Walter also served in the Judge Advocate staff of the general of 2nd Division, 2nd Army Corps starting 8 Jan 1864 on detached service.
On 14 Jul 1864 Walter was promoted to Major, but he was not mustered as there were too few men left to require someone of major's rank.
On 27 Jul 1864 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Walter Gale was mentioned in an article about the return of the regiment to Massachusetts. (click icon to read).
On 29 Jul 1864 Walter ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to expiration of term of service, as a Captain of Company C.
On 17 Sep 1870, at Northborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Walter was inscribed on the town Civil War monument.
On 9 Sep 1881 Walter Gale, 47, married Adriana Harriet (Ada) Redfield, 27, daughter of William Howe Cuyler Redfield and Harriet Orette Hadley, she is "Of Cliffton, The Springs, Suffolk, New York". It is the first marriage for both.
Walter Gale and Adriana Harriet (Ada) Redfield were enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 6 Jun 1900 at Berkley, Oakland, Alameda County, California, as:
GALE, Walter, head, W, M, Nov 1833, 66, married 19 years, b. MA, as were parents, no occupation given (retired?)
---- Ada H., wife, W, F, June 1854, 45, no children born, b. NY, as were parents,
SIND, Margaret, servant, W, F, Jan 1864, 37, b. Sweden, as were parents.
Walter Gale made application at California for a veteran's pension on 19 Sep 1905, and received certificate number 1117363.

In 1907 He is included in Volume Two of Crane's Memoirs of Worcester as follows --

Walter Gale, the youngest of the surviving sons, is a resident of California. He studied law in the office of Hon. George F. Hoar of Worcester, Massachusetts, later United States senator. During the Civil War, Walter Gale served as an officer in the Fifteenth Massachusetts Infantry, being commissioned second lieutenant in January, 1862; captain, October 24 of that year; and major, July 14, 1864. He was in nineteen engagements and several skirmishes, was slightly wounded at Antietam, and received two bullet wounds at Gettysburg. His gallant conduct was highly commended.

He and Adriana Harriet (Ada) Redfield were enumerated in the 1920 US Federal Census in Jan 1920 at Valeris Street, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, California, where they own their own home and he is retired.
Walter Gale died on 25 May 1927 at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, California. He was 93 years, 6 months and 6 days old.
In Jul 1927 Adriana Harriet (Ada) Redfield received a pension to surviving family member in California based on Walter's service; received certificate number A-11-30-27.
Adriana, his wife, outlived Walter and died on 17 Jul 1940 at age 86.
Walter Gale and Adriana Harriet (Ada) Redfield had no issue.
Researcher: James Buckley, a non-related researcher.
Credits: Primary photo above by permission of the Worcester Historical Museum, Ward Collection.

Last Edited: 29 Jul 2009

Family: Adriana Harriet (Ada) Redfield b. 9 Jun 1854, d. 17 Jul 1940

Joshua Freeman

b. 2 July 1821, d. 26 June 1901

Joshua Freeman

Father: Joshua Freeman b. 21 Feb 1786
Mother: Abigail "Mabby" Fuller

Company: C

Joshua Freeman was born on 2 Jul 1821 at Provincetown, Barnstable County, Massachusetts, son of Joshua Freeman and Abigail "Mabby" Fuller.
On 8 Feb 1847 Joshua Freeman, 25, married Jane Wellington, 20, daughter of James Wellington and Mary Ballard, at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Joshua Freeman and Jane Wellington were enumerated in the 1850 US Federal census on 5 Aug 1860 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Joshua Freeman, 40, blacksmith, b. MA
Jane, 32, b. MA
Alice, 6, b. MA
Julia Davis, 22, b. VT.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Joshua gave his occupation as blacksmith.
In 1861 Joshua was living at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 12 Jul 1861 Joshua mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as a Sergeant, being credited to the quota of Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 40 years and 10 days old.
On 30 Oct 1861 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Joshua Freeman was mentioned in dispatches or (not necessarily correctly) among the casualties of Ball's Bluff.
Joshua Freeman was the color sargeant for the 15th while a Non-com. He returned to Worcester in the Fall of 1861 after Ball's Bluff and was mentioned in several of Emily and George Ward's letters. He returned to Poolesville on 16-17 Dec 1861 with a group of new recruits. (from Peter H. Viles, Worcester, MA).
On 1 Dec 1862 Joshua was promoted to Commissary Sergeant.
On 19 Mar 1863 Joshua was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.
On 1 Jul 1863 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Joshua Freeman was mentioned in an article about promotions.
On 20 Sep 1863 Joshua was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.
On 12 Oct 1863 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Joshua Freeman was mentioned as promoted.
On 17 Oct 1863, Joshua was assigned to Company C.
Starting between 1 Nov 1863 - 18 Jan 1864, Joshua also served in the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Army Corps as detached, chief of pioneers.
In 1863 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Joshua had his photo taken, probably some time in the summer. (Photo in uniform and portrait detail above provided courtesy of Thomas Harris, New York City.) Click icon to view.
On 28 Apr 1864 Joshua ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to expiration of term of service, as 1st Lieutenant of Company B.
He and Jane Wellington were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 21 Jun 1870 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Freeman, Joshua, 48, blacksmith, b. MA
---, Jane, 44, b. MA
---, Alice J., 15, works in carpet mill, b. VT
---, Joshua, 5, b. MA
Chittenden, Rachel, 25, works in carpet mill, b. NY.
On 1 May 1875 Joshua's daughter, Alice J. Freeman married George E. Colby at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
Joshua also had his photo taken later in life. (Photo by permission of the Worcester Historical Museum, Ward Collection.).
He and Jane Wellington were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in Jun 1880 at Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where he "Works In Mill."
Joshua Freeman was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company C.
He made application for a veteran's pension on 29 Jul 1890, and received certificate number 577822.
On 21 Jun 1893 Joshua's daughter, Hattie Ruth Freeman married Arthur W. Jones at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
In 1896, Joshua was included in "The History of Clinton, Massachusetts."
He and Jane Wellington were enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 2 Jun 1900 at Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of her 5 children, 3 are still living.
Joshua Freeman died on 26 Jun 1901 at Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, of organic heart disease. He was 79 years, 11 months and 24 days old.
He was buried in Jun 1901 at Eastwood Cemetery, Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, (click icon to see image, contributed by Ed Norris).
In Jul 1901 Jane Wellington received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on Joshua's service; his wife, received certificate number 542067.
Jane, his wife, outlived Joshua and died on 17 May 1902 at Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, and was buried with her husband at age 75.

Last Edited: 30 Jul 2009

Family: Jane Wellington b. 30 May 1826, d. 17 May 1902

Alice J. Freeman b. 1854
Joshua Porter Freeman b. 8 Jun 1865
Hattie Ruth Freeman b. 18 Oct 1870

Andrew Lowell Fuller

b. 6 June 1824, d. 10 September 1867

Andrew L. Fuller

Father: Ephraim Fuller b. 9 Jan 1793, d. 5 Jan 1876
Mother: Susan Hayward d. 1 May 1833

Company: C

Andrew Lowell Fuller was born on 6 Jun 1824 at Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Ephraim Fuller and Susan Hayward.
On 19 May 1845 Andrew Lowell Fuller, 20, married Olive Howard, 22, daughter of George Howard III and Sarah Hayward Manley, at Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Andrew Lowell Fuller and Olive Howard were enumerated in the 1850 US Federal census on 9 Aug 1850 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Andrew L. Fuller, 24, manufacturer, $12,000 estate value, b. MA
Olive M., 23
Emma S., 2
Francis M., 4/12 (m.)
[...]
**Alden Fuller, 17, machinist, b. MA.
On 22 Jul 1854 his toddler son, Francis H. Fuller, died at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, by drowning at age 4.
In 1861 Andrew was living at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Andrew gave his occupation as manufacturer.
Andrew Lowell Fuller and Alden L. Fuller, first cousins, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Co. C.
On 1 Aug 1861 Andrew mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as a 1st Lieutenant, being credited to the quota of Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 37 years, 1 month and 26 days old.
On 14 Aug 1861 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Andrew Lowell Fuller was mentioned in an article about the departure of the Fifteenth Massachusetts from Worcester. (click icon to read).
On 7 Oct 1861 Andrew ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by resignation due to ill health.

On 9 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Andrew Lowell Fuller was mentioned as follows:

Returned Soldiers of the Fifteenth Regiment
Five privates of Co.C, fifteenth regiment belonging in Clinton named Briggs M. Daboil, Samuel L. Smith, Matthew Greelman, Frank Grachein, and Henry Kinney, the first three wounded in the Balls Bluff fight, and the last two sick from the hospital at Poolesville, arrived in Worcester by the express train from New York, Sunday forenoon. They left Poolesville on Friday morning. The men were in charge of Lieut. A. L. Fuller, and were taken to Clinton by private conveyance from this city. Governor Andrew received a dispatch Saturday, from his aide, Col. Henry Lee Jr. at Poolesville, stating that Private Turner of Clinton died of his wounds after the battle.

8 Jul 1863 Salem Street Church, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts He was present at a funeral held for George H. WARD. Click the icon to read a report.
He was a pall bearer at the burial of Hans Peter Jorgensen on 23 Jul 1863 at Evergreen Cemetery, Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 8 Aug 1863 Andrew wrote an affidavit in support of Louisa Smith's application for a pension to surviving family member of Francis E. Smith.
He died on 10 Sep 1867 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of consumption. He was 43 years, 3 months and 4 days old.
He was buried in Sep 1867 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 23 Oct 1876 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Andrew Lowell Fuller was reported as deceased at the 10th annual reunion of the 15th Massachusetts in an article in the Fitchburg Sentinel. Click the icon to read the report.
He's surviving family was enumerated in the household of Olive Howard in the 1880 US Federal Census on 8 Jun 1880 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Fuller, Olive H., 59, b. MA
---, Emma S., 32, daur, b. MA.
On 21 Oct 1884 Olive Howard applied for a pension to surviving family member, Massachusetts, based on Andrew's service; his wife, made application number 320595 , but no certificate is recorded.
On 27 Nov 1884 Andrew's daughter, Emma Susan Fuller married Harry W. Munyan at West Boylston, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
Olive Fuller was enumerated as the widow of Andrew Lowell Fuller, of the 15th Massachusetts, in the 1890 Veterans' Schedules of the US Federal Census in Jun 1890 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
In 1896, Andrew was included in "The History of Clinton, Massachusetts."
He's surviving family was enumerated in the household of Albert Smith Fuller and Olive Howard in the 1900 US Federal Census on 8 Jun 1900 at Clinton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Fuller, Albert S., b. Feb 1852, 48, married 23 years, clerk in bank
---, Ella B., wife, b. jan 1854, all three children living
---, May D., daur, b. May 1879, clerk telephone
---, Bessie B., daur, b. Oct 1882
---, Howard A., son, b. Mar 1889
nextdoor to:
Fuller, Olive H., head, b. Mar 1827, widow, three of four children living
---, Emma S., daur, b. Apr 1847, single, dress maker.

Last Edited: 31 Jan 2010

Charts: Descendants of Ebenezer and Betsey (Wheeler) Fuller

Family: Olive Howard b. 18 Aug 1822

Emma Susan Fuller b. 25 Apr 1848
Francis H. Fuller b. 8 Apr 1850, d. 22 Jul 1854
Albert Smith Fuller b. 25 Feb 1852
Andrew Clifford Fuller b. 25 Aug 1853

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