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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

David Wright and Florence Smith's Engagement Announcement

I found a newspaper clipping of my grandparent's engagement announcement.  Given comments in article, this was probably written in the winter of 1917-1918. Here is a transcription:

ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCED
Miss Florence Edna Smith of Risingdale, teacher in the Searles school at Great Barrington entertained the teachers of Searles at her home on Thursday evening. During the evening announcement of her marriage engagement to David Sanders Wright of Northampton was made public. Mr. Wright is a graduate of Amherst college and previous to his entering the service of the national army taught science in Searles and was also atheletic instructor. He is now at Camp Gordon, Atlanta, Ga. Miss Smith is a graduate of Searles and of Mount Holyoke college. No date has been set for the wedding.

March 24th, 1864, Ringgold, GA

Ringgold, Ga.
Mar. 24th 1864

Dear Parents

Yours of 9th inst. recd. I have been on business to Chattanooga recently and should have written sooner. I am truly glad we have got out from that place – if some measure is not soon taken to thoroughly cleanse the place from all filth, the whole town will be one grand hospital. Whole regiments of mules still lay where they fell last winter some scattered here and there as skirmishers, some form one line of battle and others are in close column by division: the atmosphere is literally full of disease and contagion.

Ringgold, I think is a very healthful place. My troublesome neighbors over the way have ceased from troubling – they have been sent to their “dear friends” at Dalton. Old King Winter has erected an immense house of snow and taken up his abode with us for a season. Night before last we had a heavy snowstorm – snowed all night and part of yesterday, eight inches deep by measurement.  Citizens say deepest snow “weuns all have seen for last thirty years: the oldest inhabitants have never witnessed so much snow at any one time; they affirm the Yanks brought it with them, but they could bear such a storm if it was the only storm of Yankee invention.

The R.R. is completed up to this point and cars are arriving regularly.

Jont. Smith wants that you should see about getting his bounty of $100 – I know not whether it be a County or State bounty– and saving it for him, either put it in the bank on an interest – he thinks his family will not need more money this summer. Frank wants to know if you don’t want some nails made, fences built or some stove wood chopped? If you do he will be on hand so soon as he gets his big job done.

I am having pies for dinner regularly. Ben stews Hickory Glade dried apples, then converts them into first class pies. Has Cousin Doug been discharged? There were four Put. cousins in 92nd 14 months ago, now, one.
                                                           Much love to all affect. Your son
                                                                                       David. Putnam

My “Kiss Me” attracts much attention. Could dispose of it for a good sound sum of greenbacks but I cant sees (sic) them.
DP

March 10th, 1864, Ringgold, GA

Ringgold, Ga.
March 10, 1864

My dear Parents

I have just been handed a Hickory Glade letter dated Feb. 23rd.

I feel most too lazy to write much - have got Spring Fever, I guess. We had a hard thunderstorm night before last and last night considerable rain, today the weather is clear, very warm and sultry.

I do pity the people in Ohio who must still wear their furs, pay the expenses of a large amount of fuel, and continually be growling about the cold weather. This country is equal to if not superior to the Land of Promise were it not flowing with Rebs and their friends; but when the land is divided among the Jews and each man shall receive his inheritance, then it will be “the land flowing with milk and honey.”

A few deserters come in daily. They are mostly all either old gray haired men, or mere boys, thirteen or fourteen years of age. They all claim to be conscripts.

Everything has been quiet here since we arrived except now and then light skirmishing with enemy cavalry. Veterans are beginning to return. When they all get back we shall have force sufficient to move forward and stay there if we do not go further.

The railroad will I think be completed through to this place in about fifteen days; this town is on the R.R. line running from Chattanooga to Dalton and Atlanta.

If this army takes Dalton and Atlanta this Spring and Richmond next Fall I think the Rebs will be about “played” and the “vandals” will be in possession of the “last ditch”. I still have plenty fruit – have not cooked any apples yet. I will save them until the last as they will keep.  Canned fruit was excellent, I sent a dish quinces to Capt. Swallow Chief of Artillery for this division and on Genl. Baind’s staff, he thought they were best he ever tasted.

Frank was much pleased with his socks, paper and tobacco but he has no use for the gloves, no more than when harvesting in Ohio. Frank is well – have not heard from Matt. since he left,  is probably at Nashville or Louisville. Ben says Masser division is ready so I must close. 

Affectionately                                                                 
Your son  D. Putnam

Merrick Luther Smith's Obituary

Going through the stacks of documents I received from my parents house, I found my great grandfather's obituary.  He died on October 3rd, 1934. Here is a transcription:

Housatonic
M.L. SMITH, 78, DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS

Native of Tyingham Had Lived in Housatonic for 31 Years

HOUSATONIC, Oct 4.-- Merrick L. SMith, 78, well known papermaker, died at the House of Mercy Hospital in Pittsfield yesterday afternoon after a long illness. Born in Tyringham June 6, 1856, son of Edward and Lydia Kilbourne Smith he had resided in this town 31 years.

The funeral will be held tommorrw afternoon at 2 P.M., in ht Methodist Church with the Rev. Purdy Halstead, assisted by Rev. Edward G. Wahl of Goshen, former pastor here, officiating. Burial will be in Fairmont Cemetery, Lee.

Mr. Smith followed the papermaking trade all his life until he retired from active work bout two years ago. He worked at his trade in West Springfield, Lee, and came to Rising Paper Company formally known as the B.D. Rising Company soon after the firm started business in Risingdale. He was for years foreman of the finishing department and was known far and wide for his knowledge of finishing paper products.

While in the employ of the old Rising concern, working for his employer ad those who labored under his orders, he invented a lift which relieved those handling paper rolls of considerable weight. This type of lift, with added features, continues to be used in many paper plants.

Mr. Smith was also engaged in the grocery business with his brother Grove, under the firm name of M.L. Smith & Co. in Risingdale for years, until the business was purchased by Watson Brothers. With Mrs. Smith he conducted the Rising Boarding House. He was also interested in clubs and aided in the organization and served as head of both the old Risingdale Men's and Boy's Clubs. in addition to considerable work in the interest of the Y.M.C.A. when the unit was actively at work in Southern Berkshire.

Active in Church
He was an active member of the Housatonic Methodist Episcopal Church and hled various offices in the church. He helped organize and serve as the first president of the present Methodist Men's Club and through this organization brought back the popular pastime of barnyard golf into this section. After his retirement he built two ranges for this game at his property in Risingdale and opened it for the use of the public. He was also a member of the Cinsinnatus Lodge of Masons.

Last fall Mr. and Mrs. Smith went to Northampton to spend the winter with relatives and while there Mr. Smith suffered a shock. He underwent two operations and recovered sufficiently to return to his Risingdale home early in the spring. He got around the home in a wheel chair. Another operation was deemed necessary more then a week ago. He was taken to the House of Mercy Hospital in Pittsfield and the operation was performed on Friday after which his condition was serious and death came about 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon.

Besides his wife, Mr. Smith leaves two daughters, Mrs. Florence Wright, wife of David Wright, the well known athletic director at Northampton High School, and Mrs. Estelle Bradbury, wife of Henry V. Bradbury of Dalton; a sister, Mrs. Lucy Strong of Boston.