William McMillen rapes his step daughter multiple times.
Horse with a wooden leg
John Schittenholm killed at Gautier Steel.
Son of Henry Shaffer dropped dead while skating.
Saturday, March 14, 2026
CIVIL WAR - Week of June 20, 1861 - Letter Home from Cambria Guards - First Time in Camp Wright and Local Muster Rolls
EVACUATION OF HARPER'S FERRY
RETREAT OF THE REBEL ARMY
Frederick, June 14, 1861--It is here reported, upon the authority of a messenger who arrived this morning from within one mile of Harper's Ferry, that the bridge across the Potomac at that point was blown up and entirely destroyed, between four and five o'clock this morning. The explosion was distinctly heard, and the smoke of the burning structure seen by partied here.
June 14, 1861--It is reliably stated that the rebels on retreating from Harper's Ferry, divided into two wings, one retreating in the direction of Winchester, and the other into Loudon county, indicating that Manassas Junction (Bull Run) was the point aimed at.
LATER FROM MISSOURI
Herman, Mo., June 14, 1861--A German from Jefferson City says the steamer White Cloud was loading at that place yesterday, with cannon and military stores. It was said that Gov. Jackson and all the State officers were to embark on her for Arrow Rock, a strong point about sixty miles above the Missouri river.
THE EVENING NEWS learns that two regiments of Iowa volunteers, encamped at Keokuk, and 400 Illinois troops from Quincy, have been concentrated at Hannibal, Missouri, by order of Gen. Lyon, for the purpose of aiding North Missouri, and checking Governor Jackson's movements in that region. It is said that a portion of this force will be sent to Lexington and St. Joseph.
THE KINDS OF PETS OUR SOLDIERS HAVE--One of the Rhode Island volunteers at Washington, writes home as follows:
Pets are common, many messes having a dog, and two or three have villainous crows that have grown quite tame, and go hopping around and snap at caressing fingers. The Marine Artillery have bought a small colored youth from his own mother for the extravagant sum of fifty cents, and hold him as a chattel. He is an interesting child--so quick and discerning. The Marines are very proud of him, and are violently debating the sort of costume in which he shall be arrayed; in the meantime he is in several suits of several sizes. The ingenious youth the other day stole a crow from a mess, swapped it off for a pie, ate the pie, stole back the crow and returned it, and was detected and well thrashed, the whole transaction occupying some twenty minutes. The only work for which he appears to be adapted is clearing off the table, and this he does by eating all that is left. The age of this precocious child is twelve, and he looks like the own brother to the "What is It?"
The Post Office Department intend issuing a new style of stamped envelope shortly. This has been made necessary by the action of the rebels, whose Postmasters steal those now in their hands.
WESTERN FLOATING BATTERIES--It begins to look as if some craft, stronger than ordinary wooden soap bubbles, are to be sent down the Mississippi. A Boston paper states that Matthew D. Field, of Mass., one of the noted Stockbridge family, has been sent to Cairo, Ill., by the Government, to superintend, as Civil Engineer, the construction of five large floating batteries, each capable of carrying five hundred men, and destined to accompany an expedition down the Mississippi River. Mr. Field was formerly one of the engineers of the Atlantic Ocean Cable.
A BATTLE AT GREAT BETHEL
Baltimore, June 11, 1861--The steamer from Old Point Comfort has arrived with the following intelligence, dated at Fortress Monroe last evening.
This has been an exciting and sorrowful day at Old Point Comfort.
Gen. Butler having learned that the rebels were forming an entrenched camp with strong batteries at Great Bethel, nine miles from Hampton on the Yorktown road, he deemed it necessary to dislodge them. Accordingly, movements were made last night from Fortress Monroe and Newport News.
The Zouaves passed Little Bethel at about 4 o'clock A.M. Benedix's Regiment arrived next and took a position at the intersection of the roads. Not understanding the signal, the Zouave regiment in the darkness of the morning fired upon Col. Townsend's column, marching in close order and led by Lt. Butler, son of Gen. Butler, and also his aid, with two pieces of artillery.
The rebel battery was so completely masked that no men could be seen, but the flashes of the guns only. There were probably less than 1000 men behind the battery of the rebels.
Our loss is fifteen killed and forty wounded.
Major Winthrop fell mortally wounded, while gallantly leading a charge up to the battery. He was buried by the rebels, even from whom his bravery received a tribute of admiration.
The enemy report one killed and five wounded in the engagement.
NURSES FOR THE ARMY--A most excellent regulation, if well conducted, as we believe it will be, is indicated in the following news from Washington:
The Sec. of War has addressed a letter to Surg. Gen. Wood, of the army, in which he says that during the present war, the forces being made up chiefly of volunteers, the public sentiment and the humanity of the age requires that the services of women, as nurses, should be made available in the general hospitals, where, except in a very humble department, they have heretofore been excluded. As many carefully selected women are in training in various cities of the loyal States, it is the order and wish of the Dept. that women should be substituted for men, in the general hospitals, whenever it can be effected, and that such women as have received previous training for the purpose, be accepted as nurses
except when they can no longer be had, and it is ordered that none be received except those who have presented their application to a lady, appointed by the Dept. to preside over the volunteer nurses, and who shall have some authority to accept nurses, requiring their age to be above thirty, with certificates of character and capacity. Miss (Dorothea) Dix has been appointed Superintendent of the women nurses, with the exclusive charge of accepting such as she may deem proper for the service. The transportation, subsistence and wages of such nurses as may be accepted by her, are to be paid from such moneys as would be expended in the wages and support of men nurses, or are derived from the usual source of hospital service.
MODERN NOTE: Female Union nurses during the Civil War were not paid the same as male nurses, and their pay was generally lower.
When the war began in 1861, the U.S. Army initially did not pay female nurses at all. They were expected to cover their own expenses, with the government providing food, housing, and transportation National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Dorothea Dix, Superintendent of Army Nurses, later negotiated for them to be paid 40 cents a day for their work National Museum of Civil War Medicine. This was a small stipend compared to the wages of male nurses.
Male nurses in the Army were paid $20.50 per month National Museum of Civil War Medicine. In contrast, many female nurses earned about $12 per month when the government began paying them U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs+2. This was roughly equivalent to a private’s pay, but still far less than the male nurse’s monthly wage.
FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS.
Camp Wright (OAKMONT ALLEGHENY COUNTY, June 16, 1861.
We arrived in camp at 2 o'clock P.M. on Wednesday, 12th inst. after a journey of about eight hours, during which nothing of interest occurred.
A company of Somerset boys, bound for Camp Wilkins (near Pittsburgh), got on the train at Greensburg. They were fine looking fellows, and appeared as if a little bit of fighting would come altogether in their line.
After parting with them at Pittsburg, we took the cars on the Allegheny Valley Railroad, and were soon in camp.--Here we dined for the first time, on crackers and pies. This operation over, we commenced putting up tents, and by 5 o'clock had ourselves pretty comfortably fixed for a camp sleep. We next partook of a regular old supper of beans, pork, beef, potatoes, crackers and coffee, served us on pine boards--all but the coffee, which was distributed in tin cups. We were minus plates for a couple of days, but that didn't lessen the novelty of camp life--on the contrary, it rather added to it. What we stand most in need of now are blankets.
The first few nights after our arrival were cold--rather cold, in fact, to sleep on bare boards with covering; but notwithstanding this, not a murmur was heard from any of the company. The majority of us have made arrangements to provide ourselves with haps, blankets, etc, so that we will shortly be enabled to woe "tired nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep," without danger of getting our toes frostbitten in the meantime.
The regulations of the camp have been (none?) of the best heretofore, but much stricter orders were issued last night, which will have the effect of producing more system in our midst.
Today being Sunday, several ministers of the Gospel are in camp. Divine service was held in the quarters of the Erie Regiment, the sermon being delivered by their Chaplain.
We are all in good health and splendid spirits. We have plenty to eat, good spring water to drink, and a nice cool breeze to invigorate us. The company has been called out several times to disperse crowds and quell riots. Yesterday, morning we were out on dress parade.
With regard to our officers, it is the general sentiment of the company that a better or more worthy set of men could not have been selected to fill their respective offices. Should any of our Cambria county friends pay a visit to Camp Wright, they will find Capt. Litzinger and his Lts. where all good officers should with their men.
The ladies of Ebensburg (God bless them!) have our heartfelt thanks for many favors. The havelocks, pocket cases, pins, needles, etc., with which they provided us are very useful in our present situation. May the lot of each and every one of them eventually be that for which we are fighting--UNION FOREVER!
HONORABLE EXONERATION--By request, we publish the annexed document which it will be seen that Mr. Clinton R. Jones has been honorably exonerated from service in the Cambria Guards.
MUSTER ROLL__ The following is a correct list of the officers and men composing the Cambria Guards.
Robert Litzinger, Andrew Lewis, Robert McCoy, R.M. Jones, Daniel Jones, John Scalan, Charles Fagan, James Pyatt, Wm. Sechler, Evan James, James Pfoff, John Roberts, Thomas Litzinger
PRIVATES
William Bolewine, James Hoon, S.C.J. Bradley, Samuel Judy, George Brown, Thomas Jones, James Burk, Philip Jones, Wm. Barringer, Richard Jones, G.W. Books, David James, John Camp, Charles Kennedy, Thompson Carney, John Keough, Augustin Conrad, Wm. Leavy, Thomas Dumm, Francis Leavy, Wm. Davis, Aaron Leff, Richard Davis, John Longenecker, John Deetz, Nathan McAllister, George Davis, John McBride, Wm. Dempsey, John McFeely, Ed Davis, John Moore, Wm. Evans, Henry McBrien, Ed Evans, W.H. Marquet, Oswell Evans, Joseph Owens, Edgar Evans, Wm. Powell, James Evans, Pat Philips, Fred Evans, Bernard Rupert, John Evans, Ben Rodgers, Griffith Evans, Caspar Shoffaer
John Fry, Michael Skelly, John Foster, John Story, John Gillespie, Harrison Settlemeyer, Ed Gillespie, Joseph Will, Milton Hoffman, George Williams, Dan Helman, John Wise, Lawrence Helman, John Wherry and Henry Wissel.
EPISTOLARY ADVICE--If you have a son, or a brother, or a cousin, or a friend in the army, write to him as often as possible. Nothing is more highly prized by the soldier than a letter from the dear ones at home. Likewise, send him plenty of late papers. By these means you will greatly enliven the dull tedium of lying in camp, besides convincing him that although absent he is not forgotten.
INDIANA COUNTY--The Indiana National Guards, Capt. Porter of Indiana borough, left for Camp Wright on the 10th--The Washington Blues. Capt. Nesbit, of Blairsville, took up their line of march on the same day for the same rendezvous--R.C. Taylor has been appointed Post Master of Indiana, in place of J.E. Coulter.
HAVELOCKS --Miss Dix writes that if the ladies desire to do the soldiers a real service they should make Havelocks--She Says, "I never can have too many. Should any one ask what they shall do for the soldiers at a cheap rate, say, make Havelocks." The ladies should respond to this request. This is an example of one.
IN LUCK--We are happy to learn that our young friend, Peter L. Linton, has received a situation in the Sutler's department of the Tenth regiment. Higher honors await him.
HOW TO DIRECT LETTERS TO THE SOLDIERS--Person wishing to send letters, papers or packages to members of the Cambria Guards should address them as follows.
John Smith
Care Capt. Litzinger, "Cambria Guards,"
Camp Wright,
Hulton Station,
Allegheny county, Pa.
September 26, 1861 - A SAD AFFLICTION - Richland Township
Three children of Peter Lehman die of Scarlet Fever.
Friday, March 13, 2026
September 1882 - Accident Roundup - Cambria Freeman
George Mooney - Cambria City
Andrew Burkett
Jacob Crouse
Max Lamison
Willie O'Brien
September 15, 1882 - Weekly Roundup of Jerks - Cambria Freeman
George Feeg
Joe Heslop
Henry Michaels
Patrick Curry, William Keeeler Jr. and Chauney Myers along with William Godby.
August 1882 - Derelict Husband Found Hiding in Cambria CIty & Two Obits that are buried in St. Columba Cemetery - Cambria Freeman
Francis Trabold found by his daughter hiding from his wife in Germany in Cambria City.
Miss Jennie Cox - Conemaugh Boro - buried in St. Columba Cemetery.
Mrs. Ann Markey - Cambria City - buried at St. Columba Cemetery.
CIVIL WAR - Week of June 13, 1861 - Cambria Guards, Troops Moving Towards Bull Run (Manassas) & Balloon Service - Alleghenian
BEAUREGARD AT MANASSAS JUNCTION (BULL RUN),
Washington, June 6, 1861--There is no doubt that the Traitors are concentrating in great force at the Manassas Junction (BULL RUN) of the Manassas Gap Railroad with the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. Gen. Scott received intelligence last evening of the arrival at that point of the long-lost and much discussed Gen. Beauregard. The information this point is positive. Beauregard states that he does not expect to remain at Manassas Junction more than two or three days, which may contemplate an advance upon Alexandria, distant about forty-five miles, or retreat should he be attacked by the column under Gen. John McDowell.
ATTACK UPON A REBEL BATTERY.
Fortress Monroe, June 6,--This morning the Harriet Lane exchanged about fifty shots with the Pig Point Battery, nearly opposite Newport News, on James river. She received two shots, wounding five men, one of them severely. The Harriet Lane was about three-fourths of a mile from the battery, the seven embrasures of which disclosed heavy pieces. Two of the Harriet Lane's shells burst immediately over them.
VANCE TO MARYLAND.
CHAMBERSBURG, June 7, 1861,--The southward march of the army collected at this point commenced this morning at eight o'clock, in splendid order and brilliant appearance. As the head of the column left the camp, the scene was animated and imposing--the citizens cheering and the soldiers responding, while the feeling of both commanders and troops was full of hope, courage and animation.
The movement of the remaining force here is not known positively, but it is understood that all will be ordered south in a few days.
THE BALLOON IN WARFARE,--John LaMountain, the aeronaut, has offered his services to the general government in the capacity of a scout. He proposed to inflate his balloon, and, accompanied by an engineer, to ascend to any desirable elevation, taking notes of the country, the situation and strength of the enemy, etc.--
On last Friday, after a tedious and tiresome delay, the requisition for the "Cambria Guards" was received. This company, which was organized and tendered to the Government in response to the President's first call for volunteers, was accepted by the State authorities several weeks since; but the official command to report at camp was so tardy in arriving that very many were inclined to believe that they would never be ordered into service. To such an extent did this impression receive credit, that a large number who had enlisted in the ranks, and who could brook no longer delay, attached themselves to other companies. All fears is the promises, however, were dissipated by the receipt of the requisition, ordering the company to report at Camp Wright in the following Wednesday.
HAVELOCKS, & C.
Prior to their departure, the Guards were presented by the ladies of Ebensburg with a large supply of Havelocks. These are a very useful article of head-gear, worn over the military cap, and so constructed as to shield the neck and head from the rays of the sun. When the dog star rages, the boys will often think kindly of the fair donors.
SITUATION OF CAMP WRIGHT.
Camp Wright is situate at Hulton Station, on the Allegheny Valley Railroad, about ten miles from Pittsburg. It lies directly on the bank of the Allegheny river, which will afford the men every facility for bathing in pure water--a sanitary measure which cannot fail to have a most beneficial effect on their health. An excellent spring of water is available.
On the ground and altogether the location is said to be admirably suited to meet the requirements of a military camp.
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