Edward P. Conant was a resident of Mansfield on August 11, 1862 when he enlisted as a Corporal in Co. D of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered out June 16, 1865.
The descriptive muster roll for the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 23 and his occupation as farmer. He is described as 5’8” tall with a fair complexion and auburn hair and blue eyes. His marital status is single.
He was born November 3, 1839 in Mansfield to Nelson and Sarah (Barrows) Conant. In the 1860 U.S. census in Mansfield, he is a 20 year old farmer in the household of Nelson Conant. Edward P. Conant married Abby C. Smith between 1860 and 1870. He was an overseer at a silk mill in Mansfield.
His widow applied for a pension on May 5, 1908, No. 894,760 that was granted under certificate No. 663,982.
Edward P. Conant died on December 1, 1886 in Mansfield and is buried at the New Storrs Cemetery in Mansfield.
Edwin Buckingham Coolidge was a resident of Mansfield on November 4, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. B of the 5th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded July 20, 1864 at Atlanta, Georgia and mustered out July 19, 1865.
He was born September 24, 1836 in Erving, Massachusetts to Wendell and Emma (White) Coolidge. After the Civil War, he succeeded his father in the furniture business, establishing a factory in Willimantic. Edwin Coolidge was a resident of Ashburnham, Massachusetts in January of 1860 but he is not found in the 1860 U.S. census in Massachusetts or Connecticut. In the 1870 U.S. census in Willimantic, he is a 34 year old refinisher of furniture and head of household. He moved to East Hartford about 1874 and resided there for 25 years. The last seven years of his life, he was a resident of Hartford. Edwin Coolidge was a cousin of Civil War Governor William Buckingham. Fitch Soldier Home records indicate that he died there, but his obituary stated that he died at Hartford Hospital.
Edwin B. Coolidge married Josephine A. _____, born in Templeton, Massachusetts about 1855. Children include: Charles W. Coolidge, born July 17, 1857 and Francis Coolidge, born January 19, 1860. He married, second, Mary Josephine Potter of Griswold in 1867. Children include: Clarence Edwin Coolidge, born April 6, 1870; Nellie Isabel Coolidge, born January 29, 1872; Addie Emily Coolidge born July 24, 1873; Ellsworth Coolidge, born 1875, died 1877; Walter Bixby Coolidge, born November 13, 1877; Mary Button Coolidge, born December 19, 1879 and Susan Lois Coolidge, born November 28, 1883.
On November 29, 1878, he applied for an invalid pension, No. 263,232 that was granted under certificate No. 159,728. His widow applied for a pension on August 6, 1906.
Edwin B. Coolidge died on July 31, 1906 at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut and is buried at Center Cemetery in East Hartford, Connecticut.
William H. Corbit was a resident of Mansfield on August 11, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. D of the 14th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded September 17, 1862, Antietam, Maryland, promoted to Corporal February 9, 1863, wounded June 17, 1864, Petersburg, Virginia, promoted to Sergeant January 29, 1865 and mustered out May 31, 1865.
He was born October 28, 1840 in Three Rivers, Massachusetts to Jason and Mary Ann (Brise) Corbit. After the Civil War, he returned to Mansfield and was employed as a painter and a paper hanger. William Corbit married Mary J. Mowry about 1862. They had four children including: Eldora Corbit, born about 1866 and Grace, born about October, 1869.
On August 14, 1869, he applied for an invalid pension, No. 146,886 that was granted under certificate No. 101,607. According to the list of pensioners on the roll in 1883, he was receiving $6 per month for a wounded left side and arm.
William H. Corbit died on November 30, 1930 and is buried at North Center Cemetery in Coventry, Connecticut.
Alvin Millen Crane/Crain was a resident of Mansfield on August 7, 1862 when he enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant in Co. D of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant July 31, 1863 and to Captain, October 12, 1864. Alvin Crane was wounded May 16, 1864 at Drewry’s Bluff, Virginia and was mustered out June 16, 1865.
The descriptive muster roll of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 23 and his occupation as student. He is described as 5’ 9” tall with a fair complexion and dark hair and eyes. His marital status is single.
He was born August 3, 1839 in Mansfield to Millen and Sally (Bennett) Crain/Crane. In the 1860 U.S. census in Mansfield, he is a 20 year old farmer in the household of Millen Crane. After the Civil War, he attended Brown University, graduating in 1869 and then he went to Newton Theological Seminary in Newton, Massachusetts, graduating in 1872. He became a Baptist minister and served in the following Massachusetts towns: Medfield, West Boylston, Shelburne Falls, Millbury, Groton and Everett. Alvin Crane married Sarah G. Adams on July 13, 1869 in Mansfield. They had one child, Judson Adams Crane, born May 7, 1884 in Shelburne, Massachusetts; Sarah G. (Adams) Crane died four days later, on May 11, 1884. Alvin married, second, Sarah Jane Wilson on October 20, 1885 in Boston, Massachusetts; they had no children.
Alvin Crane was the historian of the 21st Regimental Association and one of the three captains on the executive committee that worked on the writing and publication of the regimental history.
On May 11, 1904, he applied for an invalid pension, No. 1,315,556 that was granted under certificate No. 1,085,219.
Alvin M. Crane died on April 22, 1922 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania according to pension records; his burial place is not known.
George Herbert Crosby was a resident of Mansfield on August 11, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. D of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He died January 3, 1863 at the U.S. General Hospital in Washington, D.C.
“George Crosby, a member of Co. D, 21st Connecticut Regiment from Mansfield, died of fever in the hospital at Washington, recently.”
The Willimantic Journal, Friday, Jan 9, 1863
The descriptive muster roll of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 18 and his occupation as farmer. He is described as 5’ 7” tall with a fair complexion and brown hair and brown eyes.
He was born about August, 1845 in Pomfret, Connecticut to Josiah M. and Mary A. ______ Crosby. In the 1860 U.S. census in Mansfield, he is a 14 year old in the household of Sarah C. Crosby.
George H. Crosby is buried in the New Storrs Cemetery in Mansfield; the inscription states that he was 17 years and 4 months old.
Madison Lucius Cross was a resident of Mansfield on August 11, 1862 when he enlisted as a Corporal in Co. D of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted to Sergeant November 19, 1863 and mustered out June 16, 1865.
The descriptive muster roll of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 19 and his occupation as farmer. He is described as 5’ 7” tall with a dark complexion with black hair and black eyes. His marital status is single.
He was born July 8, 1843 to Lucius W. and Harriet (Swift) Cross. In the 1860 U.S. census in Mansfield, he is a 17 year old farmer in the household of Lucius W. Cross. He married Lucy A. Fitch on November 25, 1867 in Mansfield and they moved to Willimantic where he was a farmer. Children include: Alice M. Cross, born about 1871; L. Howard Cross, born about 1875 and Edwin F. Cross, born about 1879.
Madison L. Cross died on May 15, 1898 in Middletown and is buried at the New Mansfield Center Cemetery in Mansfield.
Prescott Waite Daniels was a resident of Mansfield when he enlisted as a Private in Co. I of the 18th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry under the name of Prescott Waite; he transferred to Co. I, 1st United States Infantry May 23, 1865 and was discharged October 20, 1865.
He was born about 1840 in Connecticut. In the 1860 U.S. census in New London, he is enumerated as a 19 year old seaman born in Connecticut included among seamen registered at the U.S. Customs House in New London. After the Civil War, he returned to Connecticut and was working as a painter in Coventry in the 1880 U.S. census. Prescott Daniels married Rose H. Robinson between 1870 and 1880; they had no known children.
On December 2, 1886, he applied for an invalid pension under No. 590,465 that was granted under certificate No. 431,249. His widow applied for a pension on August 27, 1892.
On May 11, 1889, he applied for an invalid pension under No. 703,195 that was granted under certificate No. 483,005.
Prescott Waite Daniels died on November 29, 1892 and is buried at the Nathan Hale Cemetery in Coventry.
John H. Day was a resident of West Hartford on May 22, 1861 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. A of the 1st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery; he reenlisted as a veteran on November 16, 1863, was promoted to Corporal September 16, 1865 and was mustered out September 25, 1865.
He was born about September 1839 in Lyme, Connecticut to John and Lydia (Latham) Day. He was not living in Mansfield in the 1860 U.S. census. After the Civil War, he moved to Mansfield and was a farmer. John Day married Emily E. Starkweather about 1868. Children include: Henry S. Day, born about March 1871; Daisy Day, born about 1872 and Johnnie Day, born about 1880.
On October 7, 1892, he applied for an invalid pension, No. 931,789 that was granted under certificate No. 870,455. His widow applied for a pension on January 11, 1902.
John H. Day died on December 31, 1901 in Mansfield and he is buried at the New Storrs Cemetery in Mansfield.
Oliver Ward Dimmock/Dimmick was a resident of Mansfield on October 13, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. A of the 12th Regiment Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry; he was mustered out on July 29, 1863.
He was born about 1842 in Mansfield to Alpheus and Marrilla (Spofford) Dimmock. In the 1860 U.S. census in Mansfield, he is enumerated as Ward Dimmock, an 18 year old farmer in the household of Alpheus Dimmock. Oliver Dimmock married Madie _____ about 1868 and had one son, Oliver W. Dimmock, born about 1869. The family was enumerated in Hartford in the 1870 U.S. census and his occupation was listed as “Traveling Agent”. He appears to have worked as a traveling salesman for the remainder of his life. He married second, Delia L. (Worthur) Howe on February 2, 1883 in Northampton, Massachusetts. It was the second marriage for both and his place of residence at the time of the marriage was New York City. Children include: Charles S. Dimmock, born about November 1887 and Marrilla L. Dimmock, born about July 1889. By 1900, the family was living in West Springfield, Massachusetts.
On August 27, 1896, he applied for an invalid pension, No. 1,150,456 that was granted under certificate No. 922,313. His widow filed for a pension on December 19, 1912.
Oliver W. Dimmock died on October 7, 1912 at his home in West Springfield, Massachusetts and he is buried at the Oak Grove cemetery in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Enoch Dodd was a resident of Mansfield on August 24, 1861 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. H of the 7th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He reenlisted as a veteran on December 22, 1863, was promoted to Corporal July 1, 1865 and he was mustered out July 20, 1865.
He was born to Samuel and Mary A. _____ Dodd about 1835. There are conflicting birth places in several census records and the death record has Michigan crossed out and Kingston, Canada written in. Since both the 1900 and 1910 U.S. censuses give Canada as his place of birth and he is listed as a naturalized alien who immigrated about 1834, Kingston, Canada may be correct. In the 1860 U.S. census in Mansfield, he is a 26 year old farm laborer and head of household. After the Civil War, he returned to Mansfield and continued to work as a farm laborer.
Enoch married Mary Emily Perkins, born in Mansfield on January 28, 1853, in Marlborough, Connecticut. They had the following children: Victor H. Dodd, born September 15, 1854; Annie E. Dodd, born September 22, 1856; Annette F. Dodd, born about 1858 and Charlie Dodd, born February 22, 1861. Emily (Perkins) Dodd died on October 8, 1862 in Mansfield and Enoch married second, Caroline Wilbur about 1870. They had one child, Gertrude, born February 13, 1875; Caroline (Wilbur) Dodd died August 30, 1881. Enoch Dodd married third, Katie Smith on September 8, 1882 in Mansfield. Enoch married fourth, Julia M. Copeland about 1884. Their children include: Llewelyn (or Louis V.) Dodd, born about January 1889, Gertrude A. Dodd, born about June 1890; Robert L. Dodd, born December 23, 1892; Florence E. Dodd born about July 1895 and Alfred Dodd, born about 1900.
On July 8, 1890, he applied for an invalid pension, No. 887,647 that was granted under certificate No. 755,920. His widow applied for a pension in 1911.
Enoch Dodd died on December 22, 1910 in Mansfield and he is buried at the New Mansfield Center Cemetery in Mansfield.
Alfred C. Dunham was a resident of Mansfield on January 8, 1864 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. B of the 8th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry; he deserted on May 28, 1864.
He was not living in Mansfield in the 1860 U.S. census; no further information is known.
George Washington Dunham was a resident of Mansfield on August 11, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. D of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered out June 16, 1865.
The descriptive muster roll of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 33 and his occupation as farmer. He is described as being 5’ 9” tall with a fair complexion and black hair and dark eyes. His marital status is married.
He was born January 18, 1829 in Mansfield to Ebenezer and Orilla (Hanks) Dunham. His brother, Norman Dunham, also served in the 22nd Regiment. In the 1860 U.S. census in Mansfield, he is a 30 year old farmer and head of household. George Dunham married Mary Ann Sweet on May 25, 1853 in Mansfield. Children include: Julia B. Dunham, born about 1854 and Ada Dunham, born about 1867. In the 1870 U.S. census, he was a wagon maker in Hartford and by the 1880 U.S. census he had moved to Coventry where he was a carriage maker.
On December 23, 1891, he applied for an invalid pension, No. 1,083,014 that was granted under certificate No. 827,175.
George W. Dunham died on November 24, 1906 in Coventry and is buried at the Nathan Hale Cemetery in Coventry, Connecticut.
Norman Dunham was a resident of Mansfield on September 8, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. E of the 22nd Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted to Corporal February 19, 1863 and was mustered out July 7, 1863.
The descriptive muster roll of the 22nd Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 31 and his occupation as farmer. He is described as being 5’ 10” tall with a light complexion and dark hair and blue eyes. His marital status is married.
He was born March 4, 1831 in Mansfield to Ebenezer and Orilla (Hanks) Dunham. His brother, George W. Dunham, also served in the 21st Regiment. In the 1860 U.S. census in Mansfield, he is a 29 year old mechanic in the household of Ebenezer Dunham. Norman Dunham married Harriet Crane between 1850 and 1860. Children include: Theron Dunham, born about May, 1869. He moved to Coventry by the 1870 U.S. census where he was working as a blacksmith. Harriet (Crane) Dunham died on January 8, 1887 in Coventry. Norman married second, Mary Ellen (______) Simonds on May 1, 1887 in Mansfield.
On January 23, 1883, he applied for an invalid pension, No. 487,702. His widow applied for a pension on December 21, 1895.
Norman Dunham died on August 24, 1895 in Coventry, Connecticut and is buried at the Nathan Hale Cemetery in Coventry, Connecticut.
Patrick Durgan was a resident of Mansfield on February 3, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. L of the 1st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery. He reenlisted as a Veteran on February 9, 1864 and was mustered out September 25, 1865, Washington, DC.
He was not living in Mansfield in the 1860 U.S. census. Patrick Durgan married Mary _______. He moved to Massachusetts at some point after the Civil War.
On May 9, 1895, he applied for an invalid pension, No. 1,166,968. His widow applied for a pension on September 1, 1899. The pension applications of Patrick and his widow were both filed from Massachusetts.
Patrick Durgan died between May 9, 1895 and September 1, 1899, probably in Massachusetts. His burial place is not known.
Civil War Veteran John P. Farrell wearing his G.A.R medals
John Patrick Farrell was a resident of Mansfield on August 12, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. D of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded July 1, 1864 in Petersburg, Virginia and discharged for disability February 9, 1865.
The descriptive muster roll of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 29 and his occupation as farmer. He is described as being 5’ 9” tall with a light complexion and light hair and blue eyes. His marital status is single.
He was born about 1834 in Currick on Suir, Waterford County, Ireland to Patrick and Elizabeth ( _____). Farrell. The family immigrated to the United States when he was a small boy and first settled in Hartford, Connecticut. He moved to Mansfield as an adult and in the 1860 U.S. census in Mansfield, he is a 20 year old farmer in the household of Millen Crane. John worked for Olin S. Chaffee and Bridget “Delia” Kennedy worked as a personal maid to Mrs. Chaffee; John and Bridget were married on November 11, 1866. Between 1867 and 1888 they had fifteen children, including two sets of twins. Children: William Olin Farrell, born July 28, 1867; Anne Agnes and May Jane Farrell, born January 16, 1870; Margaret Matilda Florence Farrell, born November 3, 1871; Bridget Delia Farrell, born April 23, 1873; Martha Jane Farrell, born August 28, 1876; Katherine Farrell, born December 19, 1878; John Henry and Peter Matthew Farrell, born May 21, 1881; Ellen Francis Farrell; born June 15, 1882; Elizabeth Farrell, born July 21, 1883; John Joseph Farrell, born September 2, 1884; Annie Farrell born June 27, 1886 and Paul Raymond Farrell born February 27, 1888.
John Farrell purchased 54 acres of land from Alvin Bosworth in the North Society of Mansfield on February 3, 1869 and started his own farm. The house and surrounding property was on the corner of Hanks Hill and Farrell Roads. He added to the property over the years until it became a sizable farm that included five barns; the original house and one barn are still standing. Farrell Road is named after John Patrick Farrell and three of his great-great grandchildren still live on land that was part of the farm.
On January 3, 1866, he applied for an invalid pension, No. 99,164 that was granted under certificate No. 61,944. According to the list of pensioners on the roll in 1883, he was receiving $6 per month for a wounded head and injured left knee. His widow applied for a pension after his death. John Farrell died on August 3, 1902 in Mansfield and is buried at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Windham, Connecticut.
Charles Fenton was a resident of Mansfield on August 7, 1862 when he enlisted as a 1st Sergeant in Co. D of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant July 31, 1863, 1st Lieutenant in Co. C, November 16, 1864 and to Captain in Co. F, January 11, 1865. He was mustered out June 16, 1865.
The descriptive muster roll of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 21 and his occupation as farmer. He is described as being 6’ tall with a light complexion and brown hair and dark eyes. His marital status is single.
He was born August 27, 1840 in Crown Point, New York to Horace and Mary (Huestis) Fenton. His father was born in Mansfield and returned there after the death of his wife. Charles Fenton began working in the Mansfield Hollow Silk Mills in 1852 when he was only 12 years old. He gained an extensive knowledge of silk spinning and weaving techniques.
After he returned from the Civil War, he was appointed manager of the O. S. Chaffee silk mill. After working as a traveling salesman for Nonotuck Silk Company of Haydenville, Massachusetts in 1870, he moved to Maine where he was superintendent of the Haskell silk mills in Westbrook, Maine from 1874 through 1887. In 1887, he became superintendent of the Natchaug Silk Company on North Street in Willimantic, Connecticut. The Natchaug Silk Company was taken over by the L.D. Brown Silk Company in Middletown in 1895 and he moved there.
Charles Fenton formed the Windham Silk Company in Willimantic and moved back there in 1901. This company employed between 150 and 200 workers and was known for high quality silk cloths. He retired from the business in 1913. He married Cornelia J. Hall on February 12, 1867; she died in 1887. His second wife was Sarah A. Hall, a cousin of his first wife. In 1890, he married Sarah Davis Weeks of Gilford, New Hampshire and she survived him. Charles Fenton’s children with Cornelia include Mary C. Fenton (May 10, 1869 – February 1, 1907) and Robert Fenton, (born about 1872).
On April 16, 1904, he applied for an invalid pension, No. 1,0312,374 that was granted under certificate No. 1,086,591. His widow, Sarah applied for a pension in August 1921. Charles Fenton was a founding member of the Francis S. Long Post, No. 30 G.A.R (Grand Army of the Republic) in Willimantic. He was treasurer of the 21st Connecticut Regimental Association. He died on August 7, 1921 and is buried in the New Mansfield Center Cemetery in Mansfield.
James Fielding was a resident of Mansfield on February 3, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. L of the 1st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery. He reenlisted as a veteran on February 9, 1864 and was mustered out September 25, 1865 in Washington, D.C.
He was not a resident of Mansfield in the 1860 U.S. census.
On July 12, 1892, he applied from Maine for an invalid pension, No. 814,336 that was granted under certificate No. 584,579.
James Fielding was living in Togus, Maine when he was enumerated in the 1890 Veterans Schedule. No further information is known.
Edwin Sullivan Fitch was a resident of Norwich on August 8, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. C of the 18th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry; he was promoted to Corporal on March 20, 1864, reduced to ranks May 20, 1864, promoted to Corporal on June 8, 1864 and to 1st Sergeant on August 20, 1864. He was mustered out on June 27, 1865 at Harper’s Ferry, Virginia.
He was born on December 28, 1839 in Mansfield to Edwin S. and Alice R. (Adams) Fitch. In the 1860 U.S. census in Mansfield, he is a 20 year old clerk in the household of Edwin S. Fitch (Sr.). His father was a master builder-architect who built numerous houses, churches, mills and other buildings in the area. Several are noted examples of the Greek Revival style.
Edwin S. Fitch married Emma Augusta Smith, born in Norwich between 1870 and 1880. According to his obituary, he married twice but had no children. After the Civil War, he returned to Norwich and was employed as a bookkeeper. His wife, Emma (Smith) Fitch, died in 1892 and he retired to Mansfield about 1902. Edwin S. Fitch resided with his sister, Josephine (Fitch) Buchanan, wife of Archibald Buchanan for the last 14 years of his life.
On November 9, 1881, he applied for an invalid pension, No. 432,963 that was granted under certificate No. 652,394.
Edwin S. Fitch died on February 5, 1916 in Mansfield and is buried at the New Mansfield Center Cemetery.
Dennis Flaherty was a resident of Mansfield on August 15, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. D of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was injured June 3, 1865 in Richmond, Virginia and was mustered out June 16, 1865.
The descriptive muster roll of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 25 and his occupation as farmer. He is described as 5’ 9” tall with a fair complexion and red hair and grey eyes. His marital status is married.
He was born about November, 1832 to John and _____ Flaherty in Ireland and emigrated about 1848. In the 1870 U.S. census in Mansfield, he was a 37 year old farmer. Dennis Flaherty married Mary ______ about 1860 and they had eight children including: Mary Flaherty, born about 1860; Dennis Flaherty, born about 1863; Daniel Flaherty, born about 1866; Margaret Flaherty, born about 1868 and Annie Flaherty, born about 1873. After the Civil War, he returned to Mansfield and was a farmer there until after the 1900 U.S. census. He moved to Willimantic between 1900 and 1910.
On April 26, 1879, he applied for an invalid pension, No.358,594 that was granted under certificate No. 271,197.
Dennis Flaherty died on January 1, 1917 in Willimantic and is buried at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in Willimantic, Connecticut.
James Flaherty was a resident of Mansfield on August 18, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. D of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He deserted on March 18, 1863.
Accordingly to letters sent by fellow soldier George H. Harris to Mrs. Harris, he was granted a furlough but did not return when the time had expired.
“He has not got back yet nor [do] we not here from him wheather he is sick or skedaddled.”
The descriptive muster roll of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 25 and his occupation as farmer. He is described as 5’ 8” tall with a light complexion and dark hair and blue eyes. His marital status is married.
The only James Flaherty living in Mansfield in the 1860 U.S. census was 9 years old which would make him no older than 11 or 12 years old in 1862 if it was the same individual.
No further information is known.
Disclaimer: Transcripts reflect what was written, including any spelling or grammar mistakes.
Peter Flaherty was a resident of Mansfield on August 15, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. D of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered out June 16, 1865.
The descriptive muster roll of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 35 and his occupation as farmer. He is described as 5’ 9” tall with a dark complexion and dark hair and blue eyes. His marital status is married.
He was born about June, 1828 in Ireland and emigrated about 1849. In the 1860 U.S. census in Mansfield, he was a 30 year old farm laborer. Peter Flaherty married Celia ______ about 1850 and their children include: James Flaherty, born about 1851; John Flaherty, born about 1857; Patrick Flaherty, born about 1859; and Thomas Flaherty, born about 1854. After the Civil War, he returned to Mansfield and was a farmer there until after 1870; he moved to Coventry by the 1880 U.S. census. He resided in Coventry until after the 1900 U.S. census. In the 1910 U.S. census, he is an inmate at the Fitch’s Home for Soldiers in Darien, Connecticut.
On April 5, 1882, he applied for an invalid pension, No.445,124 that was granted under certificate No. 292,539.
Peter Flaherty died on March 20, 1915 at Fitch’s Home for Soldiers in Darien, Connecticut and is buried at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Coventry, Connecticut.
Charles Flood was a resident of Mansfield on December 15, 1864 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. E of the 1st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery; he deserted on January 8, 1865.
He was not living in Mansfield in the 1860 U.S. census; no further information is known.
George W. French was a resident of Mansfield on August 11, 1862 when he enlisted as a Corporal in Co. D of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry; he was promoted August 31, 1863 to Sergeant.
The descriptive muster roll of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 22 and his occupation as farmer. He is described as 5’7” tall with a light complexion and light hair and blue eyes. His marital status is married.
On November 27, 1864, he was transferred by promotion to Co. H of the 8th Regiment United States Colored Infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant by Major General Benjamin Butler. He was promoted again to 1st Lieutenant on March 5, 1865 by Major General Ord. He was mustered out at Brownsville, Texas on November 10, 1865.
On December 9, 1865, he appeared before an alderman in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and testified that he had never received any pay or traveling expenses for his service in the 8th Regiment United States Colored Infantry.
George W. French was born August 4, 1840 in Mansfield to James H. and Mary (Lamphear) French. In the 1860 U.S. census in Mansfield, he is a 19 year old farm laborer in the household of Nathan F. Palmer. George W. French married Harriet M. Dunham on August 6, 1862 in Mansfield, five days before he enlisted in the army. They had one daughter, Annie L. French, born about 1869. After the Civil War, he returned to Mansfield where he was a farmer and a butcher.
On August 11, 1882, he applied for an invalid pension, No. 458,205 that was granted under certificate No. 522,804.
George W. French died on January 17, 1918 in Mansfield Center and is buried at the Spring Hill Cemetery in Mansfield.
French Letter
“I have a great deal to do here but like first rate so far. The 8th is well drilled & are good soldiers, have done good fighting & I have no doubt can do it again. The prejudice against colored troops is dying out pretty fast.”
Letter, George W. French to Ellery, February 16, 1865. George W. French Letters, 1862-1865, Ms 98132, Connecticut Historical Society
The Connecticut Historical Society has in its archives a collection of eleven letters written by George W. French to his friend Ellery Pike, another soldier from Mansfield. In his letter to him dated February 16, 1865, he writes about the 8th regiment US Colored Infantry. A scan of the full letter is attached, courtesy of the Connecticut Historical Society.
Welcome H. Geer was a resident of Mansfield on December 16, 1864 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. E of the 15th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry; he was transferred to Co. E of the 7th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry on June 23, 1865 and was mustered out July 20, 1865.
He was born about 1843 in Rhode Island, probably in Hopkinton, to Charles H. and Eliza P. (_____) Geer. In the 1860 U.S. census in North Stonington, Connecticut, he is a 15 year old in the household of Charles H. Geer. After the Civil War, he returned to Connecticut and worked as a farm laborer. Welcome Geer married Helen E. _____ about 1885. Children include: Welcome Arthur Geer, born about April 1888 and Raymond Geer, born about October, 1891.
In the 1890 Veterans census, he is living in Hopkinton, Rhode Island and he is a farm laborer there in the 1900 U.S. census.
Welcome H. Geer died on March 18, 1901 in Hopkinton, Rhode Island; his burial place is not known.
Michael Giblen was a resident of Mansfield on December 22, 1864 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. C of the 5th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry; he was transferred from New Haven to the Company on January 7, 1865 and he failed to report.
He was not living in Mansfield in the 1860 U.S. census; no further information is known
