Putnam-Wright Chronicles: 2019

Caroline J. Hanagan(1851-1917)
Lyman A. Hanagan(1854-1929) married Metta A.
Alonzo P. Hanagan(1854-1914) Mary Amelia Bradbury(1861-1903) then Lillian C. Wiggins(1866-UNKN)

Frederick Olonzo Hanagan(1882-1925) married Clara Maria Crawford(1884-1953)

Robert Frederick Hanagan(1907-1985) married Mable M. Stites(1913-2001)
Ruth Madeline Hanagan(1909-2002) married Ernest R. Palmer(1903-1982)

Frank Putnam Hanagan(1888-1977) married Elizabeth Barden(1886-1954)

Alonzo James Hanagan(1911-1999)
Mary B. Hanagan(1913-1991) married Horace Lankford Hatchett(1909-1985)
Elizabeth L. Hanagan(1922-UNKN)

Lydia Trask Hanagan(1890-1981) married Chester J. Fitch(1881-1963)
Maurice Bradbury Hanagan(1895-1965) married Ruth E. Sweeney(1904-UNKN)

Lydia Trask Hanagan(1927-UNKN) married Herbert Auther Reardon(1922-1998)
Gail Putnam Hanagan(1928-2008) married William Irving Norton(1924-2007)

SON Hanagan(1903-1903)
Mellen D. Hanagan(1907-1978) -Mother was Lillian C Wiggins(1866-UNKN)

Monday, December 23, 2019

Descendants of Amos Putnam and Christiana Jane Wormwood-Levi Houlton Putnam

The descendants of Amos and Christiana are numerous enough that I need to break them into a post per child. Here is and updated one on Levi Houlton Putnam

Amos Putnam(1794-1849)-P8 married Christiana Jane Wormwood(1804-1894)-P9

Levi Houlton Putnam(1820-1890)-P4 married Sarah Bradbury(1820-1901)-P5

Caroline Abbie Putnam(1853-1935) married George Gibson(1886-UNKN)

George Gibson(1886-UNKN)

William L Putnam(1855-1917)
Amos Putnam(1863-1936)-P2 married Cora Margaret Carpenter(1872-1964)-P3

Frank Houlton Putnam(1892-1930) married Madge Weldon(1891-1957)

Joyce May Putnam(1920-1926)
Amos Weldon Putnam(1921-1983) married Ann Elizabeth Campbell(1921-2008)
Living married Peter Earnshaw Murray Willis(1910-1995)
Joan Lucy Putnam(1925-2008) married Vernon Entwhistle Dean(1916-1993)
Madge Putnam(1928-1928)

Ervin Earl Putnam(1893-1988)-P1 married Mary Gertrude Connelly(1895-1972)-C1

Robert Ervin Putnam(1927-2011)-P0 married Florence Caroline Wright(1930-2016)-W0
Living Son married Living

Margaret Louise Putnam(1895-1978) married Fred Harold Greaves(1927-2003)

Stanley Putnam Greaves(1927-2003) married Jaqueline M. Hall(1928-2008)
Fred Jospeh Greaves(1930-2012) married Living

Henriette Carpenter Putnam(1898-1992) married Harold Farnhan Cates(1892-1947)

Frances Ann Cates(1925-1940)
Living married Living

Ruth Lydia Putnam(1900-1978) married Frank Harper Sleeper(1900-1983)

Francis Harper Sleeper(1927-2006) married Living

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Biography of Christiana Jane Wormwood(1804-1894)-P9

Christiana Jane Wormwood(1804-1894)-P9
Birth: March 25th, 1804 in Alfred, ME

Father: Samuel Wormwood(1782-1865)-P18
Mother: Sally Sarah Patterson(1780-1817)-P19

Married: Amos Putnam(1794-1849)-P8 on November 1st, 1817 in Houlton ME

Children:

Levi Houlton Putnam(1820-1890)-P4
Lydia Trask Putnam(1822-1904)
Alonzo Granzelo Putnam(1824-1909)
Julia Caroline Putnam(1825-1886)
Sally Pearce Putnam(1828-1885)
Alverez Gonsalvo Putnam(1829-1914)
Agustus Amos Putnam(1831-1858)
Lyman Orlando Putnam(1834-1872)
Abraham Putnam(1836-1836)
Polly Cook Putnam(1836-1920)
Isa Angeline Putnam(1838-1916)
Varney Wheeler Putnam(1839-1930)
Henry Harrison Putnam(1842-1921)
Charles Championette Putnam(1843-1863)
Maria Burleigh Putnam(1845-1922)
Samuel Wormwood Putnam(1847-1929)
Frank Lewis Putnam(1850-1889)

Died: September 14th, 1894 in Houlton, ME

Christiana Jane Wormwood was born on March 25th, 1804 in Alfred ME to Samuel Wormwood and Sally Sarah Patterson. Some records show the birth date as November 24th, 1804, but the March date corresponds to the death certificate. She was the oldest of four children.

Her father left home in 1811 when she was seven years old to find work as a carpenter and ended up in Houlton, ME. In 1813, he sent for the family and they started the journey north on September 1st, 1813. They first went to Saco, ME and then up to Portland, ME and stayed the night at the Elm House. They left Portland on September 7th, 1813 and traveled to Winthrop, ME where the rested for a day. Next they went to Albion, ME crossing the Kennebec River. The road from Albion, ME to Oldtown, ME was rough. They then went by canoe to what is now Danforth, ME.

From there, the carried the canoes to Grand Lake, then canoed up to North Lake, NB. From there, they carried then to Eal River Lake, NB and then canoed down the river to the confluence of the St John River, 12 miles south of Woodstock, NB. After they had gone up the St John six miles, they were met by her father with horses. From there they went overland to Houlton, ME and arrived on October 10th, 1813.

At first the family lived with Aaron Putnam. Samuel Wormwood had bought thirty acres off of Aaron Putnam at Washburn place and built the second frame house in the settlement for the family. Christiana's mother died in April of 1817 in Woodstock, NB when Christiana was 12 years old.

At age 13, She married Amos Putnam on November 1st, 1818 in Houlton, ME. She and Amos had the following children together before his death.

Levi Houlton Putnam born in 1820 in Houlton, ME
Lydia Trask Putnam born on June 16th, 1822 in Houlton, ME
Alonzo Granzelo Putnam born on March 15th, 1824 in Houlton, ME
Julia Caroline Putnam born on October 11th, 1825 in Houlton, ME
Sally Pearce Putnam born on January 5th, 1828 in Houlton, ME
Alvarez Gonzalvo Putnam born on October 23rd, 1829 in Houlton, ME
Augustus Amos Putnam born on November 2nd, 1831 in Houlton, ME
Lymon Orlando Putnam born on April 20th, 1834 in Houlton, ME
Twins, Abraham and Polly Cook Putnam born on February 29th, 1836 in Houlton, ME. Abraham died soon after birth.
Isa Angeline Putnam born on March 3rd, 1838 in Houlton, ME
Varney Wheeler Putnam born on October 10th, 1839 in Houlton, ME
Henry Harrison Putnam born on February 10th, 1842 in Houlton, ME
Charles Championette Putnam born on November 24th, 1843 in Houlton, ME
Maria Burleigh Putnam born on September 8th, 1845 in Houlton, ME
Samuel Wormwood Putnam born on July 12th, 1847 in Houlton, ME

Amos died on December 29th, 1849. The 1850 U.S. Census shows Christiana living with 12 of her children. Lydia and Alonzo seem to have moved out. Her last child, Frank Lewis Putnam was born on September 18th, 1850. That is about 8 1/2 month's after Amos's death.

The 1860 U.S. Census has Christiana , age 56, living with Polly, Isa, Varney, Henry, CHarles, Maria, Samuel and Frank. The property is worth $2000 and she has a personal estate of $500. There is also a four year old boy named John Stuart living with the family. I have no idea how he is connected.

The 1870 U.S. Census has Christiana, age 66, living with her sons Samuel and Frank. The property is worth $2000 and her personal estate is $200. The family owns 80 acres of land. 30 of that is improved, 40 is woodland, and 10 is something else. The farm equipment is worth $100. There are 2 milk cows worth $50 and they are growing 50 bushels of oats and 100 bushels of buckwheat.

The 1880 U.S. Cencus shows Christianan living with her son Frank as a farmer. In 1979, the farm had 20 acres mown and 30 not mown. The farm had 8 milk cows, 3 swine, 15 chickens and 2 other animals. It produced 20 tons of hay, 200 lbs of butter and 50 dozen eggs. The 1880 Census also shows that there were 60 acres tilled, 20 acres of forest and 50 acres of other land such as meadows and orchards. The land was worth $1500, equipment $70, livestock $225, and products $300.

Christiana died on September 14th, 1894 of Heart Failure in Houlton, ME. She was listed as being 90 years, 5 months, and 6 days old. She is buried in Evergreen Cemetery. The Bangor Daily Whip and Courier ran her obituary on September 21st, 1894.

Mrs. Christiana J. Putnam, of Houlton, died recently at her home, aged 90 years. She was one of the early settlers of the town. At the time of her demise she was the oldest member of the Unitarian society, and the only one remaining of it's original members.

Sources:

The Story of Houlton from the Public Records and the Experiences of its Founders, their Descendants, and Associates to the Present Time, by Francis Barnes, 1889
1850 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1850; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: M432_248; Page: 56A; Image: ., Record for Christiana Putnam
1860 United States Federal Census: Database online. Year: 1860; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: ; Page: 219; Image: 219.; Record for Christiana J Putnam
1870 United States Federal Census; Database online. Year: 1870; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: M593_; Page: ; Image: .; Record for Christiana J Putnam
Selected U.S. Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880; Census Year: 1870; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Archive Collection Number: 8-141; Roll: 8; Page: 1; Line: 05; Schedule Type: Agriculture
1880 United States Federal Census; Database online. Year: 1880; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Roll: 477; Family History Film: 1254477; Page: 430C; Enumeration District: 218; Image: 0134.; Record for Christina J. Putnam
Selected U.S. Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880; Census Year: 1880; Census Place: Houlton, Aroostook, Maine; Archive Collection Number: 13-154; Roll: 13; Page: 12; Line: 01; Schedule Type: Agriculture
Bangor Daily Whig and Courier (Bangor, Maine), September 21st, 1894
Maine, Death Records, 1617-1922; Name Christiana J Putnam, Gender Female, Death Date 14 Sep 1894, Death Place Houlton, Aroostook, Maine, USA, Father Samuel Wormwood, Mother Sally Wormwood
U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current; Name Christiana Jane Putnam, Birth Date 24 Nov 1804, Birth Place Saco, York County, Maine, United States of America, Death Date 14 Sep 1894, Death Place Houlton, Aroostook County, Maine, United States of AmericaCemetery, Evergreen Cemetery, Burial or Cremation Place Houlton, Aroostook County, Maine, United States of America, Has Bio? Y, Spouse Amos Putnam, URL https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27588744

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Biography of Amos Putnam(1794-1849)-P8

Amos Putnam(1794-1849)-P8
Birth: October 6th, 1794 in New Salem, MA

Father: Aaron Putnam(1773-1849)-P16
Mother: Isabella Patrick(1773-1867)-P17

Married: Christiana Jane Wormwood(1804-1894)-P9 on November 1st, 1818 in Houlton, ME

Children:

Levi Houlton Putnam(1820-1890)-P4
Lydia Trask Putnam(1822-1904)
Alonzo Granzelo Putnam(1824-1909)
Julia Caroline Putnam(1825-1886)
Sally Pearce Putnam(1828-1885)
Alverez Gonsalvo Putnam(1829-1914)
Agustus Amos Putnam(1831-1858)
Lyman Orlando Putnam(1834-1872)
Abraham Putnam(1836-1836)
Polly Cook Putnam(1836-1920)
Isa Angeline Putnam(1838-1916)
Varney Wheeler Putnam(1839-1930)
Henry Harrison Putnam(1842-1921)
Charles Championette Putnam(1843-1863)
Maria Burleigh Putnam(1845-1922)
Samuel Wormwood Putnam(1847-1929)
Frank Lewis Putnam(1850-1889)

Died: December 29th, 1849 in Houlton, ME

Amos Putnam was born on October 6th, 1794 in New Salem, MA to Aaron Putnam and Isabella Patrick. He was the first of four sons. He moved with the family to Woodstock, NB and then what would become Houlton, ME in 1809.

He married Christiana Jane Wormwood on November 1st, 1818 in Houlton, ME. See was the daughter of Samuel Wormwood and Sally Patterson. I dont have much information right now on his life in Houlton. There is quite a bit in the Houlton histories I mentioned in the last post. Once I have indexed them, I will rewrite this post to include the relevant information. Given what we know, it was likely he was a farmer. Here is the information I have on his children's births:

Levi Houlton Putnam born in 1820 in Houlton, ME
Lydia Trask Putnam born on June 16th, 1822 in Houlton, ME
Alonzo Granzelo Putnam born on March 15th, 1824 in Houlton, ME
Julia Caroline Putnam born on October 11th, 1825 in Houlton, ME
Sally Pearce Putnam born on January 5th, 1828 in Houlton, ME
Alvarez Gonzalvo Putnam born on October 23rd, 1829 in Houlton, ME
Augustus Amos Putnam born on November 2nd, 1831 in Houlton, ME
Lymon Orlando Putnam born on April 20th, 1834 in Houlton, ME
Twins, Abraham and Polly Cook Putnam born on February 29th, 1836 in Houlton, ME. Abraham died soon after birth.
Isa Angeline Putnam born on March 3rd, 1838 in Houlton, ME
Varney Wheeler Putnam born on October 10th, 1839 in Houlton, ME
Henry Harrison Putnam born on February 10th, 1842 in Houlton, ME
Charles Championette Putnam born on November 24th, 1843 in Houlton, ME
Maria Burleigh Putnam born on September 8th, 1845 in Houlton, ME
Samuel Wormwood Putnam born on July 12th, 1847 in Houlton, ME

Amos died on December 29th, 1849 in Houlton, Me. It must of been a sudden illness as he had another child, Frank Lewis Putnam born on September 18th, 1850. That was about 8 1/2 months after Amos's death. I transcribed Amos's will back in 2016. He made sure his wife and underage children were taken care of but did not seem to know his wife was pregnant. I still need to transcribe his probate records.

He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Houlton, ME.

Sources

History of the Town of Houlton (Maine) from 1804 to 1883, by an Old Pioneer, 1884
The Story of Houlton from the Public Records and the Experiences of its Founders, their Descendants, and Associates to the Present Time, by Francis Barnes, 1889
The Story of Houlton, by Cora M. Carpenter Putnam, 1958
Maine, Wills and Probate Records, 1584-1999, Amos Putnam
Maine, Wills and Probate Records, 1584-1999; Name Aaron Putnam, Probate Date 29 Dec 1849, Probate Place Aroostook, Maine, USA, Inferred Death Year Abt 1849, Inferred Death Place Maine, USA
Massachusetts, Compiled Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, 1700-1850; Name Amos Putnam, Gender Male, Event Type Birth, Birth Place New Salem, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA, Father Aaron Putnam, Mother Isa Putnam
Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988; Name Amos Putnam, Event Type Birth, Birth Date Oct 1794, Birth Place New Salem, Massachusetts, Father Name Aaron Putnam, Mother Name Isa Putnam
North America, Family Histories, 1500-2000, Book Title: A History of the Putnam Family in England and America, Recording the ancestry and descendants of John Putnam
U.S. Federal Census Mortality Schedules, 1850-1885; Record for Amos Putnam
U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current; Name Amos Putnam, Birth Date 1794, Death Date 30 Dec 1849, Cemetery Evergreen Cemetery, Burial or Cremation Place Houlton, Aroostook County, Maine, United States of America, Has Bio? Y, Spouse Christiana Jane Putnam, URL https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27588685

Moving back another generation

With winter coming on, I hope to have a bit of time to work on this blog. Today, we had about a foot of snow, so I took advantage of the break to clean up some of the research. I'll start pushing into biographies for 3rd great grandparents. This includes some of the settlers of Houlton, ME. There are a number of references to them in multiple books about the settlement of Houlton. Eventually, I hope to index all the references, but for now, I will just note the names of the books.

History of the Town of Houlton (Maine) from 1804 to 1883, by an Old Pioneer, 1884
The Story of Houlton from the Public Records and the Experiences of its Founders, their Descendants, and Associates to the Present Time, by Francis Barnes, 1889
The Story of Houlton, by Cora M. Carpenter Putnam, 1958

Monday, November 11, 2019

Honoring the family veterans on Veterans Day

It's been a while since I posted, but I wanted to honor some of the family veterans on Veterans Day.

My father, Robert Ervin Putnam(1927-2011). He lied about his age and joined the Navy at the end of WWII. He was planning on being a Navy pilot, but was disqualified because of having had teeth pulled and was transferred to the Navy Reserves.

Robert Ervin Putnam

My Father-in Law, John Francis Carey, member of the Marine Corp.
My Uncle, Richard Putnam, member of the Marine Corp

World War II

My Aunt, Catherine Sanders Wright(1920-2017). She was a Code Breaker for the Navy.
My Uncle, David Joy Wright(1922-1991). He spent much of the war in a German Prisoner of War camp. He was enlisted in the Army from August 18th, 1943-October 10th, 1945.
My Uncle, Charles Merrick Smith(1924-2008), Served in Italy. He was Enlisted in the Army from March 2nd, 1943-January 28th, 1946.
My Uncle, George Wright, served at the end of World War II.

Catherine Sanders Wright

World War I

My Grandfather, Ervin Earl Putnam(1893-1988). He was a corporal in the Army Medical Services stationed in France.
My Grandfather, David Sanders Wright(1887-1967). He was stationed in England.
My Great Uncle, Frank Houlton Putnam(1892-1930), He crossed the border into Canada and joined the war before the U.S. did.

Ervin Earl Putnam

David Sanders Wright

Civil War

My Second Great Grandfather, Edward B. Smith(1815-1863). He was a private in Company E of the 27th Massachusetts Infantry. Certain documents have him listed as a spy.
My Second Great Grandfather, John McCann(1831-1910), He was a wagoner in Company B of the 37th Massachusetts Infantry.
My Second Great Grandfather, Franklin Adelburt Smith(1842-1864), Sargent in Company C of the 19th Pennsylvania Calvary.
My Third Great Uncle, Charles Campionette Putnam(1843-1863). He was the guidon bearer of Company E of the 1st Maine Calvert.
A distant cousin, David Perkins Putnam, Captain in the 92nd Ohio Infantry.

I haven't done much research on the following, but want to post what I know.

War of 1812

My Third Great Grandfather, Simeon Reed(1789-1853), Drummer

Revolutionary War (have not been vetted yet, and their may be more)

My Fifth Great Grandfather, Amos Wormwood(1759-1809)
My Fifth Great Grandfather, Samuel Patterson(1754-1833)
My Forth Great Grandfather, Elijah Bradbury(1757-1795)
My Fifth Great Grandfather, John Lane III(1734-1822)
My Fifth Great Grandfather, Benjamin Heald(1764-1841)
My Sixth Great Grandfather, Israel Heald(1736-1815)
My Sixth Great Grandfather, Benjamin Spaulding(1738-1811)
My Fifth Great Grandfather, James Hersey(1758-1846)
My Sixth Great Grandfather, Samuel Poole(1736-1830)
My Fourth Great Grandfather, Ezra Clark(1744-1805)
My Fourth Great Grandfather, Benjamin Reed(1746-1808)
My Fifth Great Grandfather, Joseph Sanderson(1741-1776)
My Fifth Great Grandfather, Nathan Hall(1715-1807)
My Fifth Great Grandfather, Timothy Wheeler(1722-1795)

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Descendants of John McCann(1831-1910)-S6 and Mary Clasby(1834-UNKN)-S7

John McCann(1831-1910)-S6 married Mary Clasby(1834-UNKN)

George McCann(1856-UNKN)
Mary Jane McCann(1859-UNKN)
Catherine Ellen McCann(1861-1937)-S3 married Merrick Luther Smith(1856-1934)-S2

Estella L. Smith(1886-1955) married Henry Vanderveer Bradbury(1886-1966)

Allen Rossman Bradbury(1919-1966) married Phyllis Esther Corey(1924-2012)
Elizabeth Vandervere Bradbury(1922-1991) married Frank Hopkins Cande(1921-2007)
Merrick H. Bradbury(1926-2002) married Mary Stiles(1925-2002)

Not Named Smith(1889-1889)
Florence Edna Smith(1892-1937)-S1 married David Sanders Wright(1887-1967)-W1

Catherine Sanders Wright(1920-2017) married William Leonard Grandia(1912-2005)
David Joy Wright(1922-1991) married Rita Mary McFarland(Unkn-2015)
Charles Merrick Wright(1924-2008) married Living
Living married Hope Gilson(1929-2012)
Florence Caroline Wright(1930-2016)-W0 married Robert Ervin Putnam(1927-2011)-P0

Lizzie Anne McCann(1862-UNKN)

Monday, July 8, 2019

Limited Biography of Mary Clasby(1834-UNKN)-S7

Mary Clasby(1834-UNKN)-S7
Birth: 1834 in Chappataggle, Galway, Irelnad

Father: John Clasby(UNKN-UNKN)-S14
Mother: Mary Laughnan(UNKN-UNKN)-S15

Marriage: Married John McCann(1831-1910)-S6 on January 27th, 1856 in Lee, MA

Children:

George McCann(1856-UNKN)
Mary Jane McCann(1859-UNKN)
Catherine Ellen McCann(1861-1937)-S3
Lizzie Anne McCann(1862-UNKN)

Death: After 1870

Mary Clasby was born about 1834 in Chappataggle, Galway, Ireland to John Clasby and Mary Laughnan. She was baptized Roman Catholic on July 24th, 1835 in the Clonfert diocese. SHe immigrated to the United States on the Princess Alice out of Liverpool to New York on July 12th, 1850.

She married John McCann on January 27th, 1856 in Lee, MA. They had at least three children together and possibly a fourth. George McCann was born on November 30th, 1856 in Lee, MA. Mary Jane McCann was born on January 1st, 1859 in Lee, MA. Catherine Ellen McCann was born on January 3rd, 1861. Lizzie Ann McCann may have been their forth child, born in 1862.

John and Mary were living with their first two children in 1860 in Lee, MA. By 1865, she was living alone in Lee and working as a laborer. By 1870, she is in the County Jail in Lenox, MA with no occupation. After that, we loss track of her, but I suspect she died before 1876 when John remarried,

Sources:

Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1655-1915; Catholic Parish Registers, The National Library of Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Microfilm Number: Microfilm 02431 / 04; Name Mary Clasby, Baptism Age 0, Event Type Baptism, Birth Date 1835, Baptism Date 24 Jul 1835, Baptism Place Cappataggle, Galway, Ireland, Residence Place Cappataggle, Parish Variants Capatagal, Killalaghtan, Killalaghten, Killallaghten, Kilrickill, Kilrickle, Diocese Clonfert, Father John Clasby, Mother Mary Laughnan
Irish Immigrants: New York Port Arrival Records, 1846-1851; Name Mary Clasby, Birth Year abt 1833, Age 17, Gender Female, Embarkation Liverpool, Ship PrincessAlice 225 12 July 1850, Princess Alice, Ship Princess Alice, Occupation Immigrant, Passengers 225, Native Country Ireland, Destination USA, Arrival Place New York, New York, USA, Arrival Date 12 Jul 1850
1860 United States Federal Census: Year: 1860; Census Place: Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: M653_487; Page: 683; Image: 684; Family History Library Film: 803487
Massachusetts, Marriage Records, 1840-1915: Name John McCann, Age 25, Birth Year abt 1831, Birth Place Ireland, Marriage Date 27 Jan 1856, Marriage Place Lee, Massachusetts, USA, Father Geo McCann, Spouse Mary Clasby
Massachusetts, State Census, 1865; Name Mary McCann, Gender Female, Marital Status Married, Birth Year abt 1837, Birth Place Ireland, Residence Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts, USA, Enumeration Year 1865, Age 28, Household Number 657, Reel Number 2, Volume Number 3
1870 United States Federal Census; Year: 1870; Census Place: Lenox, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: M593_601; Page: 429B; Image: 132697; Family History Library Film: 552100

Sunday, July 7, 2019

Biography of John McCann(1831-1910)-S6

All the McCann work has been leading up to this. John McCann was my 2nd Great Grandfather. His life has been a bit of a puzzle and this biography is what I have been able to pull together. There are some things that are confusing still and I have done the best I can with it.

John McCann(1831-1910)-S6
Birth: 1831 in Clonoe, Tyrone, Northern Ireland

Father: George McCann(UNKN-UNKN)-S12
Mother: Mary Hughes(1805-1884)-S13

Marriage: Married Mary Clasby(1834-UNKN)-S7 on January 27th, 1856 in Lee, MA

Children:

George McCann(1856-UNKN)
Mary Jane McCann(1859-UNKN)
Catherine Ellen McCann(1861-1937)-S3
Lizzie Anne McCann(1862-UNKN)

Marriage: Mary Delan on February 26th, 1876 in Lee, MA

Death: March 6th, 1910 in Togus, ME

John McCann was born to George McCann and Mary Hughes in about 1831 the third of six children. He was baptized Roman Catholic on July 10th, 1834 in Clonoe, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The family appeared to moved in 1836 to Aghagallon, Antrim, Northern Ireland and then Armagh, Armagh, Northern Ireland.

At some point after 1836 John's father George passed away and the family migrated to the United States. according to various records, John came over around 1853. The 1855 Massachusetts State census has him living in Lee, MA as a lodger with the Griswald family. His profession is listed as Other. He is listed as be 24 years old, which is a little off of his estimated birth year.

He married Mary Clasby(1834-UNKN) on January 27th, 1856 in Lee, MA. It was a Roman Catholic ceremony by Rev. Theodore Northise. John is listed as being a laborer. Their first child, George McCann(1856-UNKN), was born on November 30th, 1856 in Lee, MA. Their second child, Mary Jane McCann(1859-UNKN) was born on January 1st, 1859 in Lee, MA.

The 1860 U.S. Census shows John living with his wife and two children in Lee, MA. He is lsited as being a Livery Laborer and couldn't read or write. The couple's third child, Catehrine Ellen McCann was born on January 3rd, 1861 in Lee, MA. Their may have been a forth child, Lizzie Anne McCann born in 1862, but I have not been able to find a record of her birth.

On July 17th, 1862, John joined the Union army. He was listed as being Hostler. He became a member of Company B of the 37th Massachusetts Infantry as a wagoner. John served from August 30th, 1862 to June 21st, 1865. As a wagoner, it is unlikely he saw combat but was likely associated with most of the 37th's movements. Company B was one of the Zouave units which meant they utilized light infantry tactics that emphasized open-order formations. He is listed as dislocating his right knee on November 15th, 1863 in Falmouth, VA and was discharged on June 21st, 1865 in Halls, Hill, VA.

The following information is expanded from the Civil War in the East website.

Date	Activity
August 30th, 1862	Organized at Pittsfield under Colonel Oliver Edwards
September 7th, 1862	Left State for Washington, D.C. Attached to 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 6th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac and duty at Downsville, Md.
October 20th-November 19th, 1862	Movement to Stafford C. H., Va.
December 5th, 1862	To Belle Plains
December 12th-15th, 1862	Battle of Fredericksburg, Va.
January 20th-24th, 1863	“Mud March”
March 1863	Attached to 4th Brigade, 2nd Division, 6th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac
April 27th-May 6th, 1863	Chancellorsville Campaign
April 29th-May 2nd, 1863	Operations at Franklin’s Crossing
May 3rd, 1863	Maryes Heights, Fredericksburg
May 3rd-4th, 1863	Salem Heights
May 4th, 1863	Banks’ Ford
July 1st-July 3rd, 1863	Battle of Gettysburg
June 30th-October 17th, 1863	Detached for duty at New York and duty at Fort Hamilton, N.Y. Harbor
October 17th, 1863	Rejoined army at Chantilly, Va.
November 7th &8th, 1863	Advance to line of the Rappahannock
November 7th, 1863	Rappahannock Station
November 26th-Decimeter 2nd, 1863	Mine Run Campaign, then at At Brandy Station
May-June 1864	Rapidan Campaign
May 5th-7th, 1864	Battle of the Wilderness
May 8th-21st, 1864	Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
May 12th, 1864	Assault on the Salient
May 23rd-26th, 1864	North Anna River
May 26th-28th, 1864	Line of the Pamunkey
May 28th-31st, 1864	Totopotomoy
June 1st-12th, 1864	Cold Harbor
June 16th-18th, 1864	Before Petersburg, attached to 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Army Corps
July 9th, 1864	Jerusalem Plank Road
July 9th-11th, 1864	Moved to Washington, D.C.
July 11th-12th, 1864	Repulse of Early’s attack on Fort Stevens and the Northern Defenses of Washington
August, 1864	Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign
August 21st-22nd, 1864	Near Charlestown
September 19th, 1864	Battle of Winchester (Opequan)
September 20th, 1864	Provost duty at Winchester
December 13-16th, 1864	Moved to Petersburg, Va.
March 28th, 1865	Appomattox Campaign
April 2nd, 1865	Assault on and fall of Petersburg
April 3rd-9th, 1865	Pursuit of Lee
April 9th, 1865	Appomattox Court House
April 23rd-27th, 1865	Moved to Danville, Va.
May 3rd, 1865	Moved to Wilson’s Station
May 18th-June 2nd, 1865	march to Washington, D.C.
June 8th, 1865	Corps Review
June 22nd-23rd, 1865	Moved to Readville, Mass.
June 30th, 1865	Mustered out

Something happened to the family during the war. John is listed as being married in 1863, by the family has broken up and the children spread all over the place by 1865. Family legend has it that the Roman Catholic church was involved in the split up and that Catherine, my Great Grandmother was sent to become a cook in a lumber camp. This is a bit odd, because she would have been 4 years old at the time. There is a possibility that the George McCann shown as living with with John's older brother George in the 1870 U.S. Census is John's son. Whatever the case< I have not been able to find any other trace of George or Mary Jane.

The next time John shows in the record, he is working as a Hostler at Morgan House in Lee, MA in 1874. There is no sign of his family. on February 26th, 1876, he marries Mary Delan in Lee, MA. This is listed as being both of their second marriages and it was conducted by a Justice of the Peace. This makes me think that whatever happened with the first marriage was not condoned by the Roman Catholic Church. The 1880 U.S. Census shows them living together in Lee, MA with a daughter named Lizzie. John is listed as being a stableman who can't read or write. It also lists his birthplace as England, but I am wondering if this is a lie to cover his Irish heritage. Lizzie is shown as being born around 1862. I can see one or two possibilities with Lizzie.

She is the daughter of John's first marriage
She is the Daughter of Mary Delan's first marriage and John adopted her.

By 1890, he has moved to Pittsfield, MA and is a boarder. There is no sign of his family. On August 13th, 1894, he is admitted to the Veterans Home in Togas, ME. He is listed as being 5' 5 3/4" with a medium complexion, blue eyes and gray hair. He can't read or write and his profession was that of a Hostler. He is listed as having a series of ailments including:

Old dislocation of right knee
Insufficiency of mitral valve of heart
hemorrhoids

The 1900 U.S. Census shows John living at the Eastern Branch National Home for DVS in Chelsea, Kennebec, ME. John died on March 6th, 1910 of Pneumonia and is buried at the Togus National Cemetery in Togas, ME.

Public Domain, Link

Sources:

Massachusetts, State Census, 1855; Name John M McCann, Gender Male, Birth Year abt 1831, Birth Place Ireland, Residence Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts, USA, Enumeration Year 1855, Age 24, Household Number 159, Reel Number 2, Volume Number 3
1860 United States Federal Census: Year: 1860; Census Place: Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: M653_487; Page: 683; Image: 684; Family History Library Film: 803487
1880 United States Federal Census: Year: 1880; Census Place: Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: 521; Family History Film: 1254521; Page: 208B; Enumeration District: 051; Image: 0418
1900 United States Federal Census: Year: 1900; Census Place: Chelsea, Kennebec, Maine; Roll: 593; Page: 14A; Enumeration District: 0267; FHL microfilm: 1240593
Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1655-1915: Catholic Parish Registers, The National Library of Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Microfilm Number: Microfilm 05579 / 02; Name John McCann, Baptism Age 0, Event Type Baptism, Birth Date 1834, Baptism Date 10 Jul 1834, Baptism Place Clonoe, Tyrone, Ireland, Diocese Armagh, Father George McCann, Mother Mary Hughes
Massachusetts, Marriage Records, 1840-1915: Name John McCann, Age 25, Birth Year abt 1831, Birth Place Ireland, Marriage Date 27 Jan 1856, Marriage Place Lee, Massachusetts, USA, Father Geo McCann, Spouse Mary Clasby
Massachusetts, Marriage Records, 1840-1915; Name John Mc Cann, Age 42, Birth Year abt 1834, Birth Place Ireland, Marriage Date 26 Feb 1876, Marriage Place Lee, Massachusetts, USA, Father George Mc Cann, Mother Mary M Mc Cann, Spouse Mary Delan
U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989; Name John McCann, Residence Year 1890, Street Address Clough c Seymour, Residence Place Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA, Occupation Laborer, Publication Title Pittsfield, Massachusetts, City Directory, 1890
U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989; Name John McCann, Residence Year 1874, Residence Place Berkshire, Massachusetts, USA, Occupation Hostler, Publication Title The Berkshire County Directory, 1874
1890 Veterans Schedules; Year: 1890; Census Place: Pittsburgh, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: 13; Enumeration District: 54
U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles; Name John McCann, Residence Massachusetts, Occupation Hostler, Age at enlistment 29, Enlistment Date 17 Jul 1862, Rank at enlistment Wagoner, State Served Massachusetts, Survived the War? Yes, Service Record Enlisted in Company B, Massachusetts 37th Infantry Regiment on 30 Aug 1862.Mustered out on 21 Jun 1865 at Washington, DC., Birth Date abt 1833, Sources Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the Civil War
U.S. National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, 1866-1938; Name John Mccann, Birth Year abt 1832, Keyed Birth Location Ireland, Birth Country Ireland, Admitted Year 1894,Age at Admission 62, State Maine, County Kennebec, City Togus, Branch Eastern Branch
U.S. Veterans Gravesites, ca.1775-2006; Name John Mc Cann, Service Info. US Army, Death Date 6 Mar 1910, Service Start Date 17 Jul 1862, Interment Date 6 Mar 1910, Cemetery Togus National Cemetery, Cemetery Address VA Medical Center, VA Regional Office Center Togus, ME 04330, Buried At Section A Site 2677
U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865; Name John McCann, Birth Year abt 1833, Place of Birth Ireland, Age on 1 July 1863 30, Race White, Marital Status Married, Residence Lee, Massachusetts, Congressional District 10th, Class 1
U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current; Name John McCann, Death Date 6 Mar 1910, Cemetery Togus National Cemetery, Burial or Cremation Place Togus, Kennebec County, Maine, United States of America, Has Bio? Y, URL https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/115978188

Saturday, July 6, 2019

McCann Baptism Records

In my research on the immigrant generation of the McCanns, I've found what may be their Baptism Records. Here is what I have found:

George McCann:

Parents: George McCann & Margt Hughes
Baptized on October 2nd, 1824
Location: Tynon, Armagh, Ireland
Roman Catholic
Diocese: Armagh

Catherine McCann:

Parents: George McCann & Mary Hughes
Baptized on April 14th, 1831
Location: Clonoe, Tyrone, Ireland
Roman Catholic
Diocese: Armagh

John McCann:

Parents: George McCann & Mary Hughes
Baptized on July 10th, 1834
Location: Clonoe, Tyrone, Ireland
Roman Catholic
Diocese: Armagh

Jane McCann:

Parents: Tool McCann & Mary M.
Baptized on August 27th, 1836
Location: Aghagallon, Antrim, Ireland
Roman Catholic
Diocese: Down & Conner

Mary Jane McCann:

Parents: Jas McCann & Mary Hughes
Baptized on May 13th, 1836
Location: Armagh, Armagh, Ireland
Roman Catholic
Diocese: Armagh

I couldn't find anything for Elizabeth. Given that I am not even sure that is her name, I'm not surprised. All the records list their ages as zero, but I don't think this comes from the underlying document. I am highly suspicious of the record form Jane McCann. Parents seem wrong and it is a ways away from the other ones. I suspect the mother listed for George McCann may have been a transcription error for Mary and the father listed for Mary Jane McCann may have been George instead of Jas. If these are correct records, the family moved quite a bit. I wonder if this ties to the father's profession or something else. Here is a map showing all the locations and how close they are to each other.

Sources:

George McCann: Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1655-1915, Catholic Parish Registers, The National Library of Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Microfilm Number: Microfilm 05589 / 05, Name George McCann, Baptism Age 0, Event Type Baptism, Birth Date 1824,Baptism Date 2 Oct 1824, Baptism Place Tynan, Armagh, Ireland, Parish Variants Middletown, Diocese Armagh, FatherGeorge McCann, Mother Margt Hughes
Catherine McCann: Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1655-1915, Catholic Parish Registers, The National Library of Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Microfilm Number: Microfilm 05579 / 02, Name Catherine McCann, Baptism Age 0, Event Type Baptism, Birth Date 1831, Baptism Date 14 Apr 1831, Baptism Place Clonoe, Tyrone, Ireland, Diocese Armagh, Father Geo McCann, Mother Mary Hughes
John McCann: Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1655-1915, Catholic Parish Registers, The National Library of Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Microfilm Number: Microfilm 05579 / 02, Name John McCann, Baptism Age 0, Event Type Baptism, Birth Date 1834, Baptism Date 10 Jul 1834, Baptism Place Clonoe, Tyrone, Ireland, Diocese Armagh, Father George McCann, Mother Mary Hughes
Jane McCann: Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1655-1915, Catholic Parish Registers, The National Library of Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Microfilm Number: Microfilm 05467 / 07, Name Jane McCann, Baptism Age 0, Event Type Baptism, Birth Date 1836, Baptism Date 28 Aug 1836, Baptism Place, Aghagallon, Antrim, Ireland, Residence Place Derryhanchan, Parish Variants Aghagallon and Ballinderry, Ballinderry, Diocese Down and Connor, Father Tool McCann, Mother Mary M?Catholic Parish Registers, The National Library of Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Microfilm Number: Microfilm 05590 / 04, Name Mary McCann, Baptism Age 0, Event Type Baptism, Birth Date 1836, Baptism Date 13 May 1836, Baptism Place Armagh, Armagh, Ireland, Diocese Armagh, Father Jas McCann, Mother Mary Hughes
Mary Jane McCann: Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1655-1915,

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Another write up on John Francis Carey and Georeanna Orr's wedding

This was in the Danville, IL paper.

FORMER RESIDENT'S BRIDE

Announcement has been made of marriage of former Danville boy to an Indiana girl. He is John Francis Carey, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Carey, Douglas Avenue, city. His bride is the former Miss Georeanna Orr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Orr, Marion, Ind.

Marriage was solemnized at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, June 26, 1937, in the St. Paul's Catholic Church at Marion. The Rev. Father Foley, assistant pastor, read the ring service and sang the nuptial High Mass.

The bride wore white satin, princess style with finger tip veil held in place with orange blossoms. She carried a shower bouquet of red roses. Miss Mary Ellen Orr, the bride's sister, as maid-of-honor, wore peach silk chiffon, pail green accessories, with bouquet of tea roses.

The bridegroom had as his best man Paul Schroeder, Danville.

A wedding breakfast was served at home of bride's parents for 50 relatives and friends.

The bride is a graduate of St. Paul's Catholic Grade and High Schools at Marion and the bridegroom was a graduate at St. Patrick's School and Danville High School. He is now an inspector at Marion Malleable Iron Company.

After a short wedding trip in the East the young couple will be at home after July 15 in their newly-furnished apartment, 317 1/2 South Adams Street, Marion.

Those attending from Danville were: Mr. and Mrs. John F. Carey, Miss Mary Helen and Miss Winifred Anna Carey, Joseph Edward Carey, parents, sisters and brother of the bridegroom, Miss Maria Carrigan and Paul Schroeder, and Mrs. Frank O'Connell, Potomac, sister of the bridegroom.

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Wedding Anniversary of John Frances Carey and Georgeanna Orr

Today would be the 82nd Wedding Anniversary of my wife's Grandparents John Francis Carey and Georgeanna Orr. Here is the write up from the paper of the event.

Geogeanna Orr, John Carey, Jr. Take Voes Here

The wedding of Miss Georgeanna Orr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Orr, to John F. Carey, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Carey, Ill. was solemnized at the St. Paul's Catholic Church at 9 a.m. Saturday. Nuptial high mass was read.

The bridal party entered, the church when "Melody of Love" was played by Miss Margaret Orr, sister of the bride. The Mass was sung by the male choir of the Church.

Rev. Maurice Foley, assistant pastor of St. Paul's Catholic Church, performed the double ring ceremony. During the service "Ava Maria" was sung by George M. Orr, father of the bride.

The bride's gown was designed in white satin with princess lines and fashioned with a long train. She wore a finger tip veil held in place with orange blossoms. Her bouquet was made up of red bridal roses.

Miss Mary Ellen Orr, sister of the bride, was maid -of-honor. She was attired in a peach silk chiffon gown and wore a picture hat of the same color and green accessories. Tea roses were carried by Miss Orr as her bouquet.

Paul Schoeder of Evansville, Ill., served as best man.

Mrs. Carey is a graduate of the St. Paul's Catholic high school, and Mr. Carey, of the Danville, Ill., high school.

A breakfast was served after the wedding at the home of the bride's parents. Guests included Mr. and Mrs. John F. Carey, St., Miss Mary Ellen Carey, Miss Winifred Carey, Joseph E. Carey, Miss Marie Carrigan, Paul Schoedor, and Rev, L. Scheamaeker, all of Danville, Ill.; Mrs. Frank O. Connell, Potomac, Ill. Leo White, Chicago; Thomas Carey, William Carey, Mr. and Mrs. Pal Orr and family, Mrs. Forrestt Haley and children, Indianapolis; Robert Orr, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Orr, Miss Margaret Orr, Miss Mary Ellen Orr, Mrs. Herman Bir, Mrs. Leo Gorman and Mr. and Mrs. John F. Carey, Sr.

Following a short wedding trip Mr. and Mrs. Carey will reside in their newly furnished home at 817 South Adams street.

Friday, June 14, 2019

June 28th, 1864, 2 miles west of Marietta, GA

In the field, Ga.
June 28, 1864

Dear Parents

Your and Sarah’s letters dated about the 15th informing that you had started a bundle, I have received. As you sent it by express it will not come further than Chattanooga, that being the most southern point where an office is established.

Since I last wrote our Corps has moved about three miles to the right. The enemy has established their lines about two miles in front of Marietta, their center resting on Kenasaw Mountain and their flanks running back in the shape of a flat A. They have a strong position and seem intent on holding it. We have had some pretty severe fighting but the Rebs wont drive worth a cent. I have not now command of the Provost Guard but am commanding a company of cavalry acting as Genl. Baind’s escort.

The weather during the last week has been very hot – doesn't seem as though the sun was more than 10 or 15 ft. high yet the nights are cool and pleasant. I saw and had a short talk with Lt. Col. D. H. Moore about a week since; he was looking well. I also met Lt. Mahon, King Blackston’s partner last week, he don’t appear nearly so effeminate as when he used to sell clothing – he is very strong and is enjoying fine health. The 14 Corps is now lying between the 4th and 20th Corps but I think we will move further to the right either this evening or early tomorrow morning. If the Rebs make a final stand here so much the better for I don’t believe this campaign will end until we have a general engagement. We have already had a long trot after them and the army needs rest. Moreover I am about as far South as I have a desire to be during the hot months, but if nothing else will do I am willing to follow them to Cuba and whip them, then cross over into Mexico, call on our French brethren and have a talk about matters and things especially as to what friend Max. ( ed. note, French emperor Maximillian installed in Mexico) intends doing in America. Well I see by papers that Ohio has again taken to her arms that vile traitor and banished man Vallandigham. If the Government cant keep him out of the N.S. line there had better nothing be said about him, but let him henceforth live in peace, abuse the administration, organize mutinies and use his unholy influence for the promotion of Secesh interests.

Give my respects to Bob. Hope his interests are in a flourishing condition on Ticks Ridge.

The Rebs shell our camp whenever they feel disposed. One of my men while standing by my side the other day was wounded by a fragment of a shell; this morning they threw over pieces of R. R. iron also pieces of shell which ( ) from this way. Ah, when thirty of forty cannon are roaring at the same time, it presents a grand spectacle together with the music of screaming and bursting shells, whistling solid shot, such a sight would repay the travel of a 1000 miles.
Love to all
D. Putnam

Thursday, June 13, 2019

June 16th, 1864, Five miles west of Marietta, GA

In the field Ga.
June 16, 1864

My dear Parents

Mails are not very regular & time for writing is very irregular, hence I write only when there is a probability of sending to the office. Yours of June 1st has safely arrived – first during a long time.

Our army moves slowly but I think surely, we are yet five miles west from Marietta and near Lost Mountain which the enemy hold & seem to intend holding to the last but they will & must leave or go north to be guarded by the 100 day veterans. I understand these Vets however are deserting, how is it?

How did Sife Harper prove himself unfit for service? Is he very sick?

The army is fighting every day: for the last forty days and nights there has been musket and cannon firing. I don’t know but I would feel almost lost if this kind of music should cease.

The cars now run up to Big Shanty Station immediately in our rear. The surface of the country is uneven & mostly covered by a heavy growth of jack oak pine and chestnut, so that Sherman is forced to advance cautiously to guard against ambush. Within the last eight days we have had much rain – three days and nights almost continual – roads have been in horrible condition – almost impossible for artillery to move from place to place – weather has cleared up & roads are rapidly improving.

The army is yet furnished with full rations. This is the first time the Army of the Cumberland has ever drawn full rations during a campaign; this reflects great credit on our commander – the boys all feel in great spirits and are loud in their praise of Sherman for his abundance of hard tack. Sherman is a Genl. on the alert day and night, ever ready with a kind look or a word of encouragement for the men, always up along the line, is not afraid of a shell, does not have his headquarters five to ten miles in the rear as a certain other Genl. has done. He is about five ten, swarthy complexion, rather downcast expression & not heavy build.

Hurrah for Pres. Lincoln & Vice Pres. Johnson for the next four years. Their nomination gives great satisfaction in the army. I have not heard of a single person who will not support them, bully for the Baltimore convention. It has done itself immortal honor. Where is McClellan, Fremont and the rest of them and where will they be next fall? Grant, Sherman, Lincoln & Johnson!!

We have experienced some warm weather, but the nights are cool + pleasant.

The Rebs have just commenced getting their train out of the valley between our lines + the Mountain. They have to pass over a point of the Mountain in full view from this stand point and our artillery men are trying what virtue there is in shell to hasten the pace of Reb mules + test the valor of mule drivers-this movement looks as though the enemy meditates a change of front. Our skirmish line is advancing.

Frank is just here, he says tell his family he is well + hopes these few lines will find them enjoying the same blessings that others from our vicinity of 92nd will.

Affectionately
D. Putnam

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

May 20th, 1864, Garden Plain, GA

Garden Plain, Ga.
May 20, 1864

My dear Parents,

This is the first time I have had to write since the Army left Ringgold.

We are now camped in a beautiful valley called Garden Plain situated on the R.R. about five miles south from Kingston – will move forward right off – have followed the Rebs very closely, skirmishing and fighting ever since we left Ringgold. Many deserters are coming in – have had a pretty severe campaign so far – have not slept in a tent since we started – weather very warm – Rebs are more than getting back - are advancing on Atlanta. although the Rebs destroyed as much of the RR and telegraph as they had time to - all the bridges. Yet the telegraph is repaired up to this and the train has just come up - this shows great promptness on the part of those who have charge of repairing the R.R. When the cars arrived one thundering cheer burst from the entire army This promptness will have a salutary effect on the troops - the ground the Rebs occupy one AM we hold PM - have had some heavy fighting 92 slightly engaged one killed five or six wounded all from our neighborhood yet safe and well. Army still get full rations – never felt better - will write more as time will permit – rec’d Sarah + Harrys letters – will answer.

Hurrah for Grant!! Affectionately your son David Putnam

P.S. When you have a chance please send me two good, large flannel shirts as my old ones have shrunk until I can hardly wear them. D. P.

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

May 3rd, 1864, Ringgold, GA

Ringgold, Ga.
May 3, 1864

My dear Parents

I have received your letter of April 22nd.

Everything is quiet here now although we have had two or three brushes with the Rebs within the last week.

The weather is warm – sometimes hot – nights cool. Trees and shrubs are clothed fully in their summer garb - corn by this time – had it been planted - would be about kneehigh, but the earth is not yet turned, nor is there any likelihood of ploughing being done in this vicinity during 1864.

Our Div. left camp yesterday morning at 4 and marched through the gap toward Tunnel Hill: We encountered the Rebs out about 1 1/2 miles - pitched into them, and after some pretty severe skirmishing broke their lines and drove them at double quick beyond Tunnel Hill where we stopped: having accomplished the desired object we about faced and returned to camp.

One place where a force of the enemy was camped we found their breakfast ready but nary a Reb to partake of the sumptuous repast, which consisted of corn meal and water and water and corn meal made into a paste and roasted on the coals; we found several cakes still cooking but had not time to refresh ourselves by partaking of these tempting morsels.

It is my private opinion the next time we call on these hot cake gentry there will be something if not more. I don’t think our gents will wait for the mighty Militia; but will advance soon. Banks is not commanding this army.

Jim Davis staid with me last night – will probably obtain the Sutlership of the 14th O.V.V.I.

My box of provisions is doing an immense amount of good. Every person who has had the honor of supping with me since the arrival of the box has declared the several articles were too good for soldiers or that they were not canned for soldiers: well I satisfied them by affirming that they were put up especially for soldiers. My old clothes are no more.

If Uncle Mose has bought the McKee farm it is all right. It is just as good a place as I want and if those Home Guards will attend to their own interests and let others alone I guess – well the fact is, I havent yet seen a place in any part of Ky. Va. Tenn. Ala. or Ga. Which begins to compare with Ohio for a home.

Papers do not come through regularly have received but two or three. Army stores are being rapidly brought forward to this place some fifty or sixty cars loaded come in daily. Lt. Rosser has returned. Matt. has not come yet. Frank is well. Jono. has gone to Nashville to help drive mules to the front. Will makes a good soldier.

I expect Geo. is busy looking after the lambs, colts, calves, etc.

Much love to all
Affectionately
David Putnam

Monday, June 10, 2019

April 14th, 1864, Ringgold, GA

Ringgold, Ga.
April 14, 1864

My dear Parents

Your letter of March 31st I have received and I would have answered it before this had I not been too busy.

I am prospering and doing as well as could reasonably be desired – have good health, comfortable quarters and plenty good food – have been lately feasting on potatoes, krout(sic) and canned tomatoes which I had the good fortune to purchase from our Div. Commissary. I also sent a man to Chattanooga last week with a written request to the Sanitary Agent stationed at that place desiring him to send me some vegetables for my little Command of one hundred men. I received 4 barrels potatoes which have done the boys much good; they seem to feel about 100% better – think I shall have to trespass on their generosity again before long.

I am much obliged to Matt. for his good opinion – fear he will make me vain – I only help I may do my duty and thereby receive an approving conscience.

I was out day before yesterday with my mounted men beyond our lines picking up stragglers: I visited several families and conversed with certain individuals of the several families. They all seemed glad to see us – were friendly and talkative.

I was out yesterday with a flag of truce to make arrangements for taking a woman within the Reb lines, her home is in Miss. We found the Rebs out about two miles, they, after some few objections, concluded to receive their friend, so we left her to pursue her way home and enjoy the sweets of
her darling Dixie. We met a Col., Lt. Col., Maj., Capt. and two Lts. They seemed very friendly, talked and laughed as though we were old friends, they said it was much more pleasant to meet under a flag of truce than meeting as we sometimes do. One man had on a pair of common course boots for which he paid $125. such as the U. S. Gov. furnishes for $4. At $11. per month it would require his services as soldier something over eleven months simply for a pair of boots!!

We have had considerable rain lately but quite warm and fine growing weather. Corn should have been planted before this yet no one has even commenced plowing as yet, neither do I think they will do so as long as the Gov. supplies their immediate needs.

I am getting tired having written most all day. My respects to Bob, Harry, and the rest of the darkies.

Much love to all the family
Affect. your son
David Putnam

Sunday, June 9, 2019

April 8th, 1864, Ringgold, GA

Ringgold, Ga.
April 8, 1864

My dear Parents:

Your letter of March 25th is before me. In my last to Sarah I told her that it would not do to attempt to forward another book – it would not reach here; I hope the letter was received in time to prevent the box from starting, it might come safely through to Chattanooga, but it would not come further. I think I see Geo. and the rest busy preparing materials for Glade C. candy.

I am glad Robert Scott is with you, & supposed him still to be in Ky. driving team for the govt. Why did he quit? I presume he could not endure being so far from Tick’s Ridge – poor fellow I sympathise with him, give him my compliments. I hope he may be successful. Matt. had better remain at home until he is entirely well the army is no place for a person who has the scurvy. You say you are “looking forward to another draft”. When did the last draft take place? The 121st Regt. is not in our div. it may be in this Corps. I will keep my eyes open perhaps I may sometime see my new cousin.
I visited the summit of Taylor’s Ridge a few days since, the place is noted as being the ground over which Hooker’s men charged and drove the Rebs. on 27th of Nov. last, it is quite a high mountain running north and south immediately west and in front of Ringgold. From the top I obtained one of the most beautiful and extensive views of the surrounding country I have ever witnessed. Far to the west and north west lies old Lookout, Chattanooga and the long range of the Raccoon Mts. intervening is the valley of the Chickamauga Creek and the Tenn. river. Almost directly east is Tunnel hill gap through which can be seen far, far off a high range of mts. I know not what they are – the Mexican Range perhaps: the high Mts. Are south west. Almost due north some sixty miles off can be distinctly seen a spur of the Cumberland Mts. This spur lies between N.C. and Tenn. This spur is now covered with some ten or fifteen feet of snow which makes them appear like huge snowballs sitting in top of a stump. Citizens say snow remains on the top during eight months of the year.
I believe this place is more healthy than W. Ga. Everybody is looking healthy and happy.
We had a grand review yesterday. Our division was viewed by Genls. Thomas, Palmer and Bainds. Gen. Hooker came down in the evening but did not reach here until the show was over.

Please hereafter direct my letters to Headquarters, 3rd Division, 14th A.C. and not to the Regt. I have given up all hope of being able to return to the Regt. soon as I have receipted for a considerable amount of Ordnance, Ordnance Stores, Clothing, Camp and garrison equipage, etc., etc. belonging to the guard and escort. I now have quite a little command; 60 Inft. who do guard duty about Headquarters and 40 mounted men who act as Gen. Bainds’ escort – 100 in all. For all people I have to make returns monthly & quarterly to the Chief of Ordnance and Adj. Gen. at Washington which gives me plenty to do. Much love to all

Affectionately your son
David Putnam