Canfield J. Humphrey 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 promoted to Corporal on August 31, 1863. Canfield was wounded May 16, 1864 at Cold Harbor, Virginia. His leg was amputated and he died as a result of his wounds on August 19, 1864 in Washington, D.C.
The descriptive muster roll of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 26 and his occupation as joiner. He is described as 5’ 8” tall with a fair complexion and light eyes and dark hair. His marital status is married.
He was born about 1836 in Stansford, New York, probably to A.L. and Celia ____ Humphrey. In the 1860 U.S. census in Willimantic, he is a 23 year old carpenter and head of household. Canfield Humphrey married Sarah Elizabeth _______ before 1860.
Sarah E. Humphrey applied for a widow’s pension on October 15, 1864, No. 68,528 that was granted under certificate No. 54,756. According to the list of pensioners on the roll in 1883, Sarah E. Humphrey was receiving a widow’s pension of $8 per month in Willimantic that had begun in April, 1865.
Canfield J. Humphrey is buried at the Old Willimantic Cemetery in Windham,, Connecticut.
Other Documentation
Humphrey was also granted a furlough during his service that lasted from March 9th to March 19th 1863.
