GAR Monument - 100 Years Later - Then and Now

Then and now...

 

Sgt. Stephen J. Bartok - Twin Rocks

 

Kenneth John Swanhart

 

Civil War - Week of January 23, 1863 - The Fallout from the Battle of Fredericksburg on the Local Front as Casualties Continue to Rise

FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS - 133rd PA

Camp Near Falmouth, VA

January 10, 1863

Two of the former letter writers I posted from died in the battle at Fredericksburg - "O.K". and "Wadtham". MODERN NOTE: this makes me feel so bad for their families because I enjoyed their letters home - they didn't any of the facts and write how they were feeling at situations at the time.

Deaths of Capt. John M. Jones and Lt. William A. Scott.

John F. Wiggins

David Morgan, John Fox, Levi Moore, Daniel Kellance

Corp. James M. Thompson, John M. Jones

Corp. Hugh J. Humphreys

Corp. Samuel W. Davis, Joseph Miller, George W. Berkey

William M. Evans, Robert Deveraux

Richard M. Jones, Sgt. Nathan Bracken, Elbridge G. Evans

Lt. F.M. Flanagan

Philip S. Noon, Edward Thomas, Joe Thompson, Ben Thompson

Edwin E. Roberts

Lt. Col. Charles Albright

Sgt. William W. Evans - 11th - Cambria Guards

Corp. Hugh J. Humphreys

 

The Letters - December 26, 1914 - To Mrs. Anna Hay in Johnstown from Clara R. Austin - Philadelphia

Oak Lane, December 26, '14

Dear Mrs. Hay,

I can not tell you how I admire the piece of lace you so kindly sent me. I feel sure it is your own dainty handiwork, and appreciate it the more on that account. Thank you very much indeed. The pretty shade of velvet sets it off, too.

We had a very quiet, happy Christmas, and of course thought of you all in Johnstown. I have not been in to see Mrs. Fisher since her fall, but want to go as soon as I can. Mrs. Roberts lives all alone, and I try to go to see her once a week. We tried to persuade her to spend Christmas with us ; but the snow made walking so treacherous, she was afraid to venture. She has had some very serious falls on icy pavements, and situated as she now is, a fall would be a calamity.

Thank you again for the lovely piece of neckwear you sent me; and with best wishes for a happy new year, I am 

Lovingly your friend,

Clara R. Austin

 

Train Station

Pvt. Theodore Beckey - Beckey Dairy Farm - Bethel near Nanty Glo

 

Pvt. Andrew J. Safko - Springfield (must be near Nanty Glo)

 

September 20, 1901 - GRAPHIC - Sad Tale of Murder of Illegitimate Child in Cambria City

Annie Kowalchik accused of murdering her newborn

 

Civil War - Week of January 15, 1863 - Wrap Up of National Events - Emancipation Proclamation, Local Letters Home & Soldier Obituaries

President Abraham Lincoln signs the executive order emancipating all slaves in states and parts of states controlled by the Confederacy. Reactions vary as Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation is released to the public.

The Confederate economy grew weaker as the government violated states’ rights ostensibly to preserve states’ rights. The Emancipation Proclamation took effect. Fighting resumed in central Tennessee, on the Gulf Coast, and around Vicksburg, Mississippi. Confederate commerce raiders rampaged along the high seas, and yet another humiliation suffered by the Federal Army of the Potomac led to a command change.

Ambrose Burnside meets with Abraham Lincoln and his top advisors to discuss future military strategy and criticism of his generalship in the Federal Army of the Potomac. John A. McClernand reorganizes his Federal forces and acts upon William T. Sherman’s recommendation to attack a Confederate fort on the Arkansas River.

Outgoing Democratic Congressman Clement L. Vallandigham of Ohio delivers a speech excoriating President Abraham Lincoln’s war policies and calling for peaceful coexistence with the Confederacy. Ambrose E. Burnside moves forward with plans to launch another Federal offensive in northern Virginia, despite reservations by his officers and men within the Army of the Potomac.

Ulysses S. Grant steams down the Mississippi River to discuss the new upcoming campaign against Vicksburg, and he decides to lead it himself. Driving rain in northern Virginia immobilizes the Federal Army of the Potomac and wreaks havoc on Ambrose E. Burnside’s plan to launch another offensive against the Confederates at Fredericksburg.

As officers in the Federal Army of the Potomac voice opposition to their commander and the soldiers threaten mutiny, General Ambrose Burnside gives President Abraham Lincoln an ultimatum. The defeat at Fredericksburg and the failed “Mud March” spark recriminations among the Federal army command, leading to wholesale changes. Joseph Hooker begins to reorganize and rejuvenate the demoralized Federal Army of the Potomac, but many doubt that he will ultimately succeed.

From Our Volunteers 

11th PA - Cambria Guards

Promoted Thomas D. Litzinger

Richard M. Jones - 133rd PA

John M. Jones - 133rd PA - Co. F

Col. Jacob M. Campbell 54th PA - Promoted to Brigadier General

Dead - Samuel Sharp - 54th PA - Co. I