UNIT: Company B, 72nd Pennsylvania Volunteers; Company B, 183rd Pennsylvania Infantry
HOMETOWN: Pennsylvania; later Southampton / Tabernacle
BORN/DIED: 1827–1897
RANK: Private
GRAVE LOCATION: Old Tabernacle Cemetery, Row 62 Lot 4
Approximate Grave Location:
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Old Tabernacle Cemetery, Row 62 Lot 4
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Hear My Story
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Read My Story
I was born in 1827 in Pennsylvania and enlisted in the Union Army at the age of 36 on August 25, 1862, in Philadelphia. At the time of my enlistment, I was married to Maria Rigby and had a son named Ellwood, who was 7 years old. I served as a Private in the PA 72nd Volunteers in Company B. Most of the recruits were Philadelphia firemen. Our uniforms were modeled after the colorful and popular French Zouave uniform. It was really cool. The jacket was short and opened in the front with long sleeves. It was sky blue, trimmed in red, and had 16 brass ball buttons down the front. We also wore a vest that was sky blue and trimmed in red. The trousers were a bit puffy and sky blue in color with a red stripe down the leg. We wore white gaiters, similar to leggings, and a dark blue cap called a kepi.
The 72nd fought in seven major battles. We lost over half our number at Antietam in 1862, but our appearance at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 was our most memorable. At the Battle of Gettysburg, we were located close to the Federal Line and bore a portion of Confederate General George Pickett’s assault on July 3rd. We held the line, helped repulse the enemy, and made a countercharge. We captured many standards and prisoners. Of the 498 soldiers in my regiment that day, 62 were mortally wounded, 133 wounded, and 2 were listed as missing. In June 1864, we were present at the start of the Siege of Petersburg, Virginia, but were withdrawn that August from the trenches, as the term of service of the original members had expired. I was among the veterans and recruits who were transferred to the 183rd Regiment, Company B. The rest of my regiment was mustered out at Philadelphia on August 24, 1864. We had lost 65% of our soldiers. I served as a Private while in the 183rd.
The 183rd, also known as the Fourth Union League, fought in many battles leading up to the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865. I was discharged by General Order on May 30, 1865. At the end of the war, I returned to Pennsylvania to live with my wife Maria and son Ellwood. My son died in 1870 at the age of 15. After his death, we moved to the Southampton area, to a small town now called Tabernacle. I died in 1897 at the age of 70. Just prior to my death, I was baptized, by “sprinkling,” at the residence of Joseph Moore.
Timeline
1827: Born in Pennsylvania.
August 25, 1862: Enlisted in Philadelphia; served as a Private in Company B, 72nd Pennsylvania Volunteers.
July 3, 1863: Served at Gettysburg as the regiment helped repel Pickett’s assault.
August 1864: Transferred to Company B, 183rd Pennsylvania Infantry as the original 72nd regiment’s term ended.
May 30, 1865: Discharged by General Order.
1870: Son Ellwood died at age 15; the family subsequently moved to the Southampton / Tabernacle area.
1897: Died at age 70; baptized shortly before his death.
