Rebellion
Edwin Comfort 1845–1863
Second Cousin Five Times Removed
Edwin Comfort was born on Sep. 25, 1845 in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Edwin died in 1863 in Virginia. His death was due to disease.
| Branch: U |
Oscar Henry Comfort 1843–1916
Second Cousin Five Times Removed
Oscar Henry Comfort was born on Mar. 19, 1843 in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Oscar married Adaline Martha Woodward on Feb. 15, 1872 in Madison, Wisconsin. He passed away on Mar. 12, 1916 in Saint Paul, Minnesota at age 72. He was buried in the Oakland Cemetery in Saint Paul.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 5th Army Corps | Rank: Musician First Class |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Henry Hayes Lockwood 1814–1899
Sixth Cousin Six Times Removed
Henry Hayes Lockwood was born on Aug. 17, 1814 in Delaware. Henry married Anna Rogers Booth on Oct. 2, 1845 in New Castle, Delaware. He passed away on Dec. 7, 1899 at age 85. He was buried in Annapolis, Maryland.
| Branch: USA | Rank: Brigadier General |
"General Lockwood's Funeral." The Evening Times 9 Dec. 1899: 8. Chronicling America. Web.A large number of friends of the late Gen. Henry Hayes Lockwood, attended his funeral services at "Ever May," 1628 Twenty-eighth Street northwest, at 10 o'clock today. The body was taken to Annapolis, where it will be interred in the Naval Cemetery, at 2:15 o'clock this afternoon. He was born in Kent county, Del., August 17, 1814, and graduated from West Point, in 1836; was assigned to the Second Artillery and engaged in the Seminole war. He resigned in 1837. and for four years followed agricultural pursuits. In 1841 he was appointed professor of mathematics in the navy, and was on the frigate United States at the capture of Monterey, Cal., in 1842. He was made a brigadier general of volunteers, August 8. 1861. and commanded Point Lookout, Va., and the defences of the lower Potomac until 1863, when he commanded a brigade at Gettysburg. He took part in the Richmond campaign and commanded the troops sent against Gen. Jubal A. Early. After the war he returned to Annapolis and retired as commodore, August 4, 1876. He was the author of a number of books on naval and military affairs. He leaves a family of six children, all grown. |
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Ezekiel Lockwood 1802–1877
Fourth Cousin Eight Times Removed
Ezekiel Lockwood was born on Aug. 22, 1802. Ezekiel passed away in 1877. He was buried in the Congressional Cemetery.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 2nd Regiment, District of Columbia Infantry | Rank: Chaplain |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Henry Alger Gildersleeve 1840–1923
Fifth Cousin Five Times Removed
Henry Alger Gildersleeve was born on Aug. 1, 1840 in New York. Henry married Virginia Crocheron on Apr. 14, 1868 in New York. He passed away on Feb. 27, 1923 in New York at age 82. He was buried in New York.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 150th Regiment, New York Infantry | Rank: Major |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
| State | Office |
|---|---|
| New York | Supreme Court Justice |
The International Who's Who. Ed. H. L. Motter. New York, 1911. 510. Web.
Judge. Secretary and president Nat. Rifle Assn.; member N.G.S.N.Y. Member G.A.R. Born Aug. 1, 1840, at Dutchess Co., N.Y.; son of Smith James and Rachel (Alger) Gildersleeve. College Hill, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Columbia University Law School. Admitted to bar, 1866; served capt. and maj. during Civil War, and was bvtd. lieutenant-colonel for gallant and meritorious services in Georgia and Carolina campaigns. Judge Ct. of General Sessions, 1876-89; judge Superior Ct., 1891-94; justice Supreme Ct. of N.Y., 1894-1911. Democrat. Capt. of co. of Am. riflemen sent to Ireland, 1875. Married, April 14, 1868, Virginia Crocheron, of New York. Address: 28 W. 48th St., N.Y. City, U.S.A.
Who's Who in New York City and State. 1911. 379. Web.
Jurist; b. on farm in Township of Clinton, Dutchess County, N. Y., Aug. 1, 1840; s. Smith J. and Rachel (Alger) Gildersleeve; reared on father's farm; ed. in dist. school, Schultzville, N. Y., Hudson River Inst., Claverack, N. Y., and College Hill, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; taught dist. school in Bull's Head Dist., Town of Clinton, 1857; recruited a company, and was mustered in, Sept. 17, 1862, as capt. Co. C, 150th N. Y. Vol. Inf.; served with reg't at Baltimore, participated in battle of Gettysburg and subsequent campaign in Md. and Va., in Army of the Potomac; served in Sherman's army until the close of war, including the March to the Sea; made provost-marshal 1st Div. 20th Army Corps on staff of Gen. Williams, of Mich.; promoted major of reg't and brevetted lt.-col. U. S. V., by President Lincoln "for gallant and meritorious service in the campaigns of Georgia and the Carolinas," mustered out June, 1865. Studied law in office of Henry W. Johnson, N. Y. City, attended Columbia Coll. Law Sch.; admitted to Bar at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., May, 1866; m. N. Y. City, April 14, 1868, Virginia Crocheron; children: Alger Crocheron, Virginia Crocheron. Practised law in N. Y. City from 1866; elected judge Court of Gen. Sessions, N. Y. City, 1875; renominated 1899, but failed of re-election; appt'd by Gov. Hill, May, 1891, to fill vacancy in Superior Court of City of N. Y., and elected Nov., 1891, to same position; transferred to Supreme Court of N. Y., in Jan., 1896, under provisions of New Constitution, abolishing Superior Court; re-elected, 1905, for term expiring Dec. 31, 1919; resigned Dec. 1, 1909, and resumed practice of law. Elected lt.-col. 12th Reg't, N. G. N. Y., 1870, and during Orange Riots in N. Y. City, 1871, had command of State Arsenal at 35th St. and 7th Av.; distinguished as marksman and member of the American Rifle Team which won in contest with the Irish Team at Creedmoor, 1874, and capt. of the team in the contest (which it won) with the Irish team at Dollymount, near Dublin, June 9, 1875; also in several competitions in England and Scotland; offered by Gov. Dix, but declined, position of gen. insp. rifle practice. Author: Rifles and Marksmanship, 1876. Democrat. Recreations: Fishing, hunting, golf. Clubs: Manhattan, National Democratic, N. Y. Athletic, Garden City Golf, Oakland Golf, County of Westchester, Robbins Island Hunting. Residence: 28 W. 48th St. Address: 2 Rector St., N. Y. City.
Moses Merrill Whitney 1839–1914
Fourth Cousin Six Times Removed
Moses Merrill Whitney was born on Oct. 23, 1839 in New York. Moses passed away on May 2, 1914 at age 74.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 76th Regiment, New York Infantry | Rank: Second Lieutenant |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Adelbert Whitney
Third Cousin Six Times Removed
Adelbert Whitney was born on Dec. 4, 1844 in Rochester, New York. Adelbert married Caroline Bangs on May 15, 1867 in Rochester.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 54th Regiment, New York Infantry National Guard | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
George Albert Whitney
Third Cousin Six Times Removed
George Albert Whitney was born on Jul. 2, 1842 in Darien, Connecticut. George married Elizabeth Antoinette Ferris on Nov. 24, 1868 in Tarentum, Pennsylvania.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 17th Regiment, Connecticut Infantry | Rank: Corporal |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Charles Stuart Whitney 1838–1910
Third Cousin Six Times Removed
Charles Stuart Whitney married Susan Knapp on Apr. 29, 1868 in Darien, Connecticut. Charles passed away in 1910. He was buried in the Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 10th Regiment, Connecticut Infantry | Rank: Sergeant |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Horace Whitney 1836–1915
Third Cousin Six Times Removed
Horace Whitney was born on Jun. 14, 1836 in Darien, Connecticut. Horace married Lavinia Nichols on Apr. 25, 1866 in Syosset, New York. He passed away in 1915 in Darien. He was buried in the Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 17th Regiment, Connecticut Infantry | Rank: Sergeant |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
William Marcus Whitney 1834–1901
Third Cousin Six Times Removed
William Marcus Whitney was born on Aug. 25, 1834 in Darien, Connecticut. William married Mary Elizabeth Bates on May 29, 1867 in Darien. He passed away on Jan. 18, 1901 in Darien at age 66. He was buried in Darien.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 28th Regiment, Connecticut Infantry | Rank: Lieutenant |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Henry Platt Whitney 1828–1911
Third Cousin Six Times Removed
Henry Platt Whitney was born on Oct. 15, 1828 in Darien, Connecticut. Henry married Hannah Maria Brown on Oct. 23, 1853 in Darien. He passed away in 1911 in Darien.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 17th Regiment, Connecticut Infantry | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Carle Augustus Woodruff 1841–1913
Sixth Cousin Four Times Removed
Carle Augustus Woodruff was born on Aug. 8, 1841 in Buffalo, New York. He passed away on Jul. 20, 1913 in Raleigh, North Carolina at age 71. He was buried in Raleigh.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 2d United States Artillery | Rank: First Lieutenant |
United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web.While in command of a section of a battery constituting a portion of the rear guard of a division then retiring before the advance of a corps of Infantry was attacked by the enemy and ordered to abandon his guns. Lieutenant Woodruff disregarded the orders received and aided in repelling the attack and saving the guns. |
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Henry Heber Woodruff 1813–1897
Second Cousin Six Times Removed
Henry Heber Woodruff was born on Feb. 12, 1813 in New York. Henry married Abigail Hall. He passed away on Aug. 6, 1897 in Clare, Michigan at age 84. He was buried in the Brady Hill Cemetery in Saginaw, Michigan.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 23rd Regiment, Michigan Infantry | Rank: Captain |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Portrait and Biographical Record of Northern Michigan. Chicago, 1895. 500. Web.
Henry Woodruff was born February 12, 1813, and came to Michigan soon after attaining his majority. Here he married Abigail Hall, a descendant of English ancestry, and member of a family that is still prominent in the vicinity of Detroit.
For some years Henry Woodruff followed the occupation of a farmer, but later turned his attention to the lumber business, which he conducted at Flat Rock and Saginaw, this state. He was also proprietor of a hotel at Farwell. His home is now in Bridgeport, Saginaw County, where he is living in retirement from the active cares of business. During the existence of the Whig party he was an advocate of its principles, and upon the organization of the Republican party he gave his allegiance to its platform, which he has since supported by his ballot and influence. In 1860 he was elected Sheriff of Saginaw County, but two years later he resigned from that office in order to enlist in the army. Becoming a member of Company B, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, he was chosen Captain, and held that rank until the expiration of his term of service, two years later. After the war he located in Farwell, where he became a prominent citizen, representing his district in both branches of the Legislature. He is a strong temperance man, a devoted Christian, and a man who has always brought his religion into the everyday affairs of life, thereby gaining a reputation for probity and uprightness of conduct.
Henry Heber Woodruff 1841–1916
Third Cousin Five Times Removed
Henry Heber Woodruff was born on Jan. 28, 1841 in Michigan. Henry passed away on Jun. 13, 1916 in Roscommon, Michigan at age 75. He was buried in the Roscommon Village Cemetery.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 16th Regiment, Michigan Infantry | Rank: First Lieutenant |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Portrait and Biographical Record of Northern Michigan. Chicago, 1895. 500-01. Web.
Gaining a good education in the public and private schools of Michigan, our subject afterward taught school for a few terms, and then entered the Ann Arbor High School, from which he was graduated. In June, 1861, he enlisted in the Union army, and in August was mustered into service with Company D, Sixteenth Michigan Infantry, serving until October, 1864. He entered the army as a private, was breveted Second Lieutenant for meritorious conduct, and later was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. Assigned to the Army of the Potomac, he took part in many of the memorable engagements that brought fame and lasting glory to that body. Among those in which he participated were the siege of Yorktown, the engagements before Richmond, the battles of Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Wilderness, Gettysburg, and all the engagements of the Grant campaign. During the entire period of his service he was never absent from the ranks, but was always to be found in the front, fighting gallantly in defense of the Old Flag.
At the expiration of his term of service, our subject embarked in the lumber business at Flint, but removed from there to Lapeer, and in 1874, as already stated, came to Roscommon County. Here he at once became prominent, and served as the first Register of Deeds and County Clerk. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as Chairman of various local conventions, being prominent in county affairs. His attention has been given principally to his profession, though he has also been engaged in lumbering. In Grand Army affairs he maintains a deep interest, and is an active member of the post at Roscommon.
In 1866 Mr. Woodruff married Abigail C. Elsefer, who was born in Saginaw, and died in Lapeer, this state. His second marriage took place in 1877, and united him with Alecia H. Moiles, a native of Oakland County, Mich. Two children bless their union, Mary and Elizabeth. Socially Mr. Woodruff is an Odd Fellow, and has passed all the chairs of his lodge. He was one of the charter members, and the first Master, of Roscommon Lodge, A. F. & A. M., also belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees and the Order of the Eastern Star.
Sidney McKune 1840–1863
First Cousin Six Times Removed
Sidney McKune was born on Jan. 8, 1840 in Lanesboro, Pennsylvania. Sidney died on May 19, 1863 in New York at age 23. He was buried in Lanesboro.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 27th Regiment, New York Infantry | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
"Discharged for Disability." History of the 27th Regiment N. Y. Vols. Comp. C. B. Fairchild. Binghamton. 269. Web.
McKune, Sidney A., wounded and taken prisoner at battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861, discharged Feb. 16, 1862.
Isaac Munroe St. John 1827–1880
Sixth Cousin Six Times Removed
Isaac Munroe St. John was born on Nov. 19, 1827 in Augusta, Georgia. Isaac passed away on Apr. 7, 1880 at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia at age 52. He was buried in the Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.
| Branch: CSA | Rank: Brigadier General |
Young Wilson
Fourth Great Grandfather
Young Wilson married Absley Jacobs on Jan. 10, 1840 in Tennessee.
| Branch: CSA | Unit: 55th Regiment, Alabama Infantry Volunteers |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | |
| Year | Name, Age, Literacy | Occupation | Residence | F | M | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1840 | Young Willson | Tennessee | |||||
| 1850 | Young Wilson | 30 | ❌ | Laborer | Alabama | ||
| 1860 | Young Wilson | 40 | ❌ | Farmer | Alabama | ||
United States. Census. 1840. Web.
State: Tennessee
County: White
Head of Family: Young Willson
Males: 1
15 to 20: Young Willson, 1820
Females: 1
15 to 20: Absley Willson, 1820
Burrel House 1820–1913
Fourth Great Uncle
Burrel House was born on Dec. 12, 1820 in Georgia. Burrel passed away on Jun. 29, 1913 at age 92. He was buried in Forney, Alabama.
| Branch: CSA | Unit: 1st Regiment, Alabama Cavalry | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Charles Edwin McCoy 1824–1912
Third Great Grandfather
Charles Edwin McCoy was born on Jul. 15, 1824 in New York. Charles married Fidlilia Peckham. He passed away on Sep. 13, 1912 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania at age 88. He was buried in the Lanesboro Cemetery in Lanesboro, Pennsylvania. There is a GAR marker next to his headstone.
Pennsylvania. Deaths. 1912. Ancestry. Web.Name: Charles E McCoy Father: John McCoy Mother: Minnie Beach Birth: 15 Jul 1824 - New York Death: 13 Sep 1912 - Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne Age: 88 Stocker, Rhamanthus M. Centennial History of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, 1887. 582. Web.Charles E. McCoy was born in Erie County, N. Y., in 1824. He came to Harmony in 1859, and engaged in lumbering, which business he followed about twenty-five years. In 1880 he opened a flagstone quarry near Lanesboro', and is a jobber and contractor for furnishing and laying stone walks and pavements in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He has been a school director in the independent district of Lanesboro' since the district was formed, in 1873. He held the office of president eight years, and for the past nine years he has been secretary. Before he left his native county he was twice elected justice of the peace, the first time when he was but twenty-two years of age. He is now acting justice of the peace at Lanesboro', elected to that office in 1886. |
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| Year | Name & Age | Occupation | Residence | F | M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1850 | Charles McCoy | 26 | Sardinia, Erie, New York | NY | NJ | |
| 1860 | Charles E McCoy | 35 | Harmony, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania | |||
| 1870 | Charles McCoy | 46 | Farmer | Harmony, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania | ||
| 1880 | Charles McCoy | 55 | Farmer & Lumberman | Harmony, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania | NY | NJ |
| 1900 | C E McCoy | 76 | Harmony, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania | NY | NJ | |
| 1910 | Charles McCoy | 86 | Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne, Pennsylvania | NY | NJ | |
Nelson Rounds Comfort 1839–1900
Third Great Grandfather
Nelson Rounds Comfort was born on Dec. 12, 1839 in Lanesboro, Pennsylvania. Nelson married Frances Lenore Martin on Sep. 6, 1859 in Pennsylvania. He passed away on Sep. 26, 1900 in Pennsylvania. His death at age 60 was due to gastroenteritis. He was buried on Oct. 1, 1900 in the Lanesboro Cemetery. There is a Masonic symbol on his headstone.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 29th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry Militia | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
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| Year | Name & Age | Occupation | Residence | F | M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1860 | Nelson Comfort | 20 | Harmony, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania | |||
| 1870 | N K Comfort | 30 | Harmony, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania | |||
| 1880 | Nelson Comfort | 40 | Lumbering | Trapper Gulch, Beaverhead, Montana | ||
| 1890 | Nelson R Comfort | Harmony, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania | ||||
| 1900 | Nelson Comfort | 61 | Harmony, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania | NY | NY | |
A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion. Comp. Frederick H. Dyer. Des Moines, 1908. 1587. Web.
29th Regiment Emergency Militia Infantry.
Organized at Harrisburg June 23, 1863, for the protection of Pennsylvania against Lee's invasion. Duty in the Dept. of the Susquehanna during Gettysburg Campaign. Mustered out July 29, 1863.
"The Gang of Robbers." The Tri-States Union [Port Jervis] 3 Nov. 1887: 1. NYS Historic Newspapers. Web.
Our neighbors at McClure and Lanesboro have been visited by thieves, and with officer Vanorsdale of Windsor were in Deposit, Monday, investigating matters. Saturday night the barn of N. R. Comfort, near Lanesboro, was broken open, the rascals breaking through a window and opening the doors. All of the wheels were taken from his buggy, together with a robe, cushion and whip. On Sunday night while John Cunningham of McClure Settlement was eating supper, his barn was entered and a double harness, single harness, collar and head-stall taken.
"Nelson Comfort." Montrose Democrat 4 Oct. 1900. Stevens Point, PA. Web.
Nelson Comfort, a prominent and highly-esteemed resident of Harmony township, died on Thursday, Sept. 27th, 1900, after a day's illness of cholera morbus. His age was sixty years. He is survived by the widow and several adult children. The funeral occurred on Saturday.
Pennsylvania. Deaths. 1900. Stevens Point, PA. 4 July 2010. Web.
Name: N. R. Comfort
Death Date: September 27
Death Place: Harmony
Burial: Lanesboro Cemetery
"Susquehanna County." The Scranton Tribune 1 Oct. 1900: 3. Chronicling America. Web.
The funeral of the late Nelson R. Comfort took place and was largely attended from the family residence in Harmony this afternoon. Rev. Mr. Meekin, pastor of the Lanesboro Methodist church officiated. The Windsor Masonic lodge attended in a body, and had charge of the services in the Lanesboro cemetery.
United States. Census. Special Schedule. 1890. FamilySearch. Web.
State: Pennsylvania
County: Susquehanna
Township: Harmony
Name: Nelson R Comfort
Rank: Private
Company: F
Regiment: 29 Pa Vols
Enlistment: Jun. 17, 1863
Discharge: Aug. 1, 1863
Service: 1 Month 15 Days
Mary Anne McKune Comfort 1810–1884
Fourth Great Grandmother
Mary Anne McKune was born on Sep. 9, 1810 in New York. Mary married James Comfort on Jun. 3, 1830 in Pennsylvania. She passed away on May 3, 1884 in Lanesboro, Pennsylvania at age 73. She was buried in the Lanesboro Cemetery.
Gilbert, Florence Comfort. "History of the Comfort Ancestors." RootsWeb. Ancestry, 2001. Web. Lee was at West Point from 1825 to 1829.[Mary] rejected a proposal of marriage from Robert E. Lee, who was then a student at West Point. |
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| Year | Name & Age | Occupation | Residence | F | M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1860 | Mary A Comfort | 50 | Harmony, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania | |||
| 1880 | Mary Ann Comfort | 69 | Keeping House | Harmony, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania | NY | NY |
Samuel Fowler
Fifth Cousin Seven Times Removed
Samuel Fowler was born in Newburgh, New York. Samuel married Henrietta Laura Brodhead. He passed away in 1865 in Trenton, New Jersey. He was buried in New Jersey.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 15th Regiment, New Jersey Infantry | Rank: Colonel |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
John St. John 1833–1916
Seventh Cousin Five Times Removed
John Pierce St. John was born on Feb. 25, 1833 in Brookville, Indiana. John passed away on Aug. 31, 1916 in Olathe, Kansas at age 83. He was buried in Olathe.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 143rd Regiment, Illinois Infantry | Rank: Lieutenant Colonel |
"St. John Is Dead." The Topeka Daily State Journal 1 Sept. 1916: 10. Chronicling America. Web.Olathe. Kan., Sept. 1.—John P. St. John, candidate for the presidency on the Prohibition ticket in 1884, twice governor of Kansas and one of the most widely known temperance advocates in the United States, is dead here. He was 83 years old and had been in failing health since a heat prostration two months ago, while on a speaking tour. While speaking at Jetmore, Kan., on June 20, in behalf of the Prohibition cause, Mr. St. John was overcome with the heat. He cancelled his speaking engagements and returned to his home, where he rallied sufficiently to enable him to attend the national Prohibition convention at St. Paul, Minn., in July. On his return home he spoke at Shelbyville, Ill., which proved to be his last public utterance. John Pierce St. John was one of the most widely known temperance advocates in the United States. He was a candidate for president on the Prohibition ticket in 1884, and served two terms as governor of Kansas—1879-1883—during which Kansas became a prohibition state. Born at Brookville, Ind., February 25, 1833, St. John served as a captain and lieutenant-colonel in the Civil war, and settled in Kansas, where he became a member of the state senate. He became a political factor when he won a fight to displace United States Senator Samuel B. Pomeroy. Pomeroy and St. John had been personal friends, but the latter became displeased at the way Pomeroy conducted himself as a senator, and thereupon championed John J. Ingalls, Pomeroy's opponent, who won. This made St. John a leader and resulted in his election as governor. He was called a "traitor" when he deserted the Republican party and became a candidate for president on the Prohibition ticket in '84. During his campaign he was burned or hung in effigy more than 600 times. He was twice shot at, but unhurt. Many Republicans attributed the defeat of James G. Blaine for president to St. John's entrance into the race. In 1912, notwithstanding his advanced age, he stumped Kansas for woman suffrage, declaring that when women had the vote they would have prohibition. In 1914 he campaigned in the east for prohibition, estimating that up to that time he had, altogether, traveled 350,000 miles and delivered 4,500 speeches in behalf of the prohibition cause. When he was in the Kansas capitol he inaugurated the first "water banquet," with the result that liquor has been under taboo in the Kansas state house ever since. |
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Eben Whitney 1837–1921
Fifth Cousin Five Times Removed
Eben Whitney was born on Oct. 22, 1837 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Eben married Sarah Amelia Allen on Apr. 23, 1864. He passed away on Jun. 14, 1921 in Flemington, New Jersey at age 83. He was buried in Flemington.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 30th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry | Rank: Captain |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Henry Whitney 1844–1924
Fifth Cousin Five Times Removed
Henry Whitney was born on Dec. 10, 1844. Henry married Bertha Stoddard in 1875 in Pella, Iowa. He passed away on Dec. 30, 1924 at age 80.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 45th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry | Rank: Lieutenant |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Henry Many 1838–1904
Second Cousin Five Times Removed
Henry Many was born in 1838. Henry passed away in 1904. He was buried in New York.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 1st Regiment, New York Engineers | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
George Maney 1826–1901
Fifth Cousin Five Times Removed
George Earl Maney was born on Aug. 24, 1826 in Franklin, Tennessee. George married Elizabeth Crutcher in 1853. He passed away on Feb. 9, 1901. His death at age 74 was due to cerebral hemorrhage. He was buried in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee.
"Sudden Death of Gen. Maney." The Evening Star 11 Feb. 1901: 8. Chronicling America. Web.Gen. George E. Maney of Tennessee, a well-known figure in southern circles in Washington, was stricken with apoplexy last Saturday afternoon on F Street and died a few moments later in the Losekam, where he was taken by friends. The body was removed to Gawler's undertaking establishment to await the disposition of his relatives in Tennessee, who were notified. Gen. Maney was a veteran of the Mexican and civil wars. He was a brigadier general of the confederate army and after the war his admiration for Gen. Grant led him into the republican party. He entertained an ardent admiration for James G. Blaine, and during Garfield's administration was appointed minister to the United States of Colombia. President Harrison appointed him minister to Uruguay and Paraguay. He had always taken an active part in republican politics and in the last campaign was an effective speaker on the stump in New York and Delaware. He leaves a widow and one son, Capt. Maney of the 15th Infantry, now in the Philippines. |
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| Legislature | Office | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | Senator | Republican |
Gilbert McKune 1845–1924
Fourth Great Uncle
Gilbert McKune was born on Mar. 5, 1845 in Pennsylvania. Gilbert married Flora Ruth Comfort. He married Ida Florence Crandall on Aug. 31, 1909 in New York. He passed away on May 9, 1924 in Lanesboro, Pennsylvania at age 79. He was buried in the Lanesboro Cemetery.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 89th Regiment, New York Infantry | Rank: Lieutenant |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Lewis McKune 1821–1861
First Cousin Six Times Removed
Lewis McKune was born on Jul. 22, 1821 in Pennsylvania. Lewis married Laura Etta Corse. He died on Jul. 21, 1861 in Virginia at age 39. He was shot through the heart at the First Battle of Bull Run.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 1st Regiment, Minnesota Infantry | Rank: Captain |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Edward McKune 1832–1862
First Cousin Six Times Removed
Edward McKune was born on Aug. 15, 1832 in Pennsylvania. Edward died on Oct. 8, 1862 in Perryville, Kentucky at age 30.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 75th Regiment, Illinois Infantry | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Albert McKune 1837–1883
First Cousin Six Times Removed
Albert McKune was born on Aug. 18, 1837 in Pennsylvania. Albert died on Sep. 24, 1883 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. His death at age 46 was due to being shot. He was buried in the Fairview Cemetery in Council Bluffs.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 13th Regiment, Illinois Infantry | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
John Espy McKune 1839–1862
First Cousin Six Times Removed
John Espy McKune was born on Mar. 2, 1839 in Lanesboro, Pennsylvania. John died on Aug. 9, 1862 at Camp Oglethorpe in Macon, Georgia at age 23.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 14th Regiment, Iowa Infantry | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Melvin McKune 1839–1862
First Cousin Six Times Removed
Melvin McKune was born in 1839 in Pennsylvania. He died on Jan. 25, 1862 in Baltimore, Maryland. His death was due to typhoid fever. He was buried in the Loudon Park National Cemetery in Baltimore.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 4th Regiment, Wisconsin Cavalry | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Graydon McKune 1843–1923
First Cousin Six Times Removed
Graydon McKune was born on Feb. 23, 1843 in Lanesboro, Pennsylvania. Graydon passed away on Apr. 6, 1923 in California at age 80. He was buried in Santa Rosa, California.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 9th Regiment, Kansas Cavalry | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Harrison McKune
First Cousin Six Times Removed
Harrison McKune was born in Pennsylvania. Harrison died on Jul. 8, 1864 at the Andersonville Prison in Georgia. His death was due to diarrhea.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 13th Regiment, Illinois Infantry | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Robert Hayworth McKune 1823–1894
Second Cousin Six Times Removed
Robert Hayworth McKune was born on Aug. 19, 1823 in Newburgh, New York. Robert married his second cousin Elmira Smith on Apr. 15, 1845. He was elected Mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1875. He was a Democrat. He was injured during a labor riot on Aug. 1, 1877. His term ended in 1878. He passed away on Oct. 9, 1894 in Newburgh. His death at age 71 was due to lung disease. He was buried in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. He did not have a headstone until Aug. 1, 2006. There is a Masonic symbol on his headstone.
| Branch: USA | Rank: First Lieutenant |
"The Board of Trade Will Pass Resolutions on the Death of Secretary McKune." Wilkes-Barre Times 11 Oct. 1894: 5. Web.
The Board of Trade of this city held a special meeting this morning to take action on the death of Robert H McKune, the deceased secretary of the Board. They adjourned without action until this afternoon at 4 o'clock when a committee on resolutions will be appointed. The Board will probably decide to attend the funeral which will be held at Scranton tomorrow.
Referring to Mr McKune's death the Scranton Republican of this morning says: "He was one of the most genial of men. He was a man of singular force of character, with an unbounded enthusiasm in any cause which he espoused. He was persistent, forceful, almost tumultuous in all that he undertook. He was a born fireman and was never so much at home as when with the fighters, fearless, self poised, oblivious of danger a perfect cyclone of enthusiastic endeavor. "The boys" all honored and loved him. He was prominent in Masonry, and there, as elsewhere, he always led and was the inspiration of all around him. A Democrat, he was always ardent, even to fierceness, so impetuous was his zeal. He will be mourned, sincerely mourned by all who knew him." The first announcement of his death was received in this city by Attorney J. Elliot Ross. The funeral was to have occurred this afternoon at Newburg. In his will, which was made in December, 1891, Mr. McKune directed that he be buried in Forest Hill cemetery in this city, and Attorney Ross, the executor of the estate, notified Mrs Bancroft to this effect. His estate consists of little else than his life insurance. Mrs. Bancroft, his sister, is his sole legatee. J Elliot Ross is executor under the will.
"An Ex-Mayor Laid to Rest." The Scranton Tribune 15 Oct. 1894: 7. Chronicling America. Web.
The remains of the late Robert H. McKune were buried yesterday and funeral services held in ceremony and manner befitting the memory of him as ex-mayor of Scranton.
During the morning and until 2 o'clock the body lay in state in the municipal building. Public services were held in the First Presbyterian church, where the remains were taken at 2:15 o'clock, and the burial was made under Masonic auspices in Forest Hill cemetery.
The corridor of the municipal building was divided by large flags into an apartment, where the remains rested in a plain black, cloth-covered casket. All morning and until the hour of the church services many took a last look at their deceased friend. It was remembered by those who knew him best that the facial expression was wonderfully lifelike and peaceful. Behind the casket on a table reposed many floral remembrances. The guard of honor in the hallway and about the casket was composed of the following police officers and members of the crystal Engine company: Patrolmen Gurrell, Meinzer and Thomas, and G. A. Connor, H. P. Wilcox, Charles Gessler and Henry Hines.
Representatives of the Wilkes-Barre board of trade, of which the deceased was secretary, viewed the remains and attended the funeral. They were: President Isaac Long, Charles J. Long, Cyrus Straw, J. W. Driesbach, J. K P. Fenner, M. H. Post, Marcus Smith and Mr. James. Dr. Warner, J. M. Burdick, Dr. Higgins and C. Foot were also among the Wilkes-Barre men.
The pallbearers and honorary pallbearers were past masters of the Union lodge of Masons and members of Crystal Engine company, respectively, as follows: Pallbearers, William Beaumont, David McDonald, John Harvey, E. T. Hall, John T. Fitzparick, Colonel F. L. Hitchcock; honorary bearers, D. J. Newman, A. K, Adams, D. J. Sloe, F. F. Schoen, Charles Heinmein, Henry J. Kiefer. The flower bearers were John M. Kefnmerer, C. Q. Carman, John Madison and William Maylin.
At the church the central part of the auditorium was occupied by Masons, and the fire and police departments, each of whom marched in a body from the municipal building. The edifice was nearly filled.
Rev. James McLeod, the pastor, offered prayer, an excerpt of the Scripture was read by Rev. S. C. Logan, and a male quartette sang "We Are Going Down the Valley." Dr. Logan's funeral address was from Psalms xlviiii, 12, "Nevertheless man being in honor abideth not." His remarks were confined principally to the deceased's fortitude and courageous character during the Scranton riots of 1877, in his regime as mayor, and the lesson his actions offered the living.
Dr. Logan said in part:
"We are honoring today the remains belonging to a generation which will stand conspicuous in history. Robert McKune participated in three different kinds of revolution which are notable epochs in the history of the United States. He was a 'forty-niner,' a soldier in the civil war, and the defender of a city's stability. Of his character it is not necessary for me to speak. I am here only in the capacity of his friend and one whom God permitted to associate with him."
Dr. Logan then called attention to the citizens' testimonial circular archived in the Albright library. It related, he said, to a period which tested the character of officials and citizens, and when Robert McKune was the only representative the people of Scranton could look to for support and protection. Allusion was made to the riots of '77. The circular was signed by Governor Hartrandft and staff, military officers, directors of public institutions, officers of corporations, the Scranton City guard, citizens of Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, Bethlehem, Elmira, and others. Excerpts read by Dr. Logan from a copy of the circular alluded to the patriotic and able administration of Robert McKune during the riots and the confidence and thanks he merited from the people.
"It is worth living," said Dr. Logan, "if our fellow men find such testimony and if it can be announced as we lay away his body to rest until the day of judgment shall indicate the righteousness of God."
Reference was made to the many worthy characteristics of the deceased, his love for children, true manhood and wonderful courage. His bravery was not known to its full extent until with a broken jaw, the roof of his mouth fractured and face covered with blood he dared to face on Lackawanna avenue a mob bereft of reason. Later he walked to meet another crowd of frenzied men on Washington avenue despite the admonitions of many friends. These acts showed the sub-strata of character and courage which were not previously known to be in him. For peace, righteousness and justice he nursed the city in its childhood for the people the speaker represented.
He fulfilled his trust with the strength God had given him. His spirit and endeavor were worthy of emulation. Following the church services burial was made in Forest Hill cemetery under the auspices of Union lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. Senior Warden Charles H. Church officiated.
"Ex-Mayor M'Kune Buried." Wilkes-Barre Times 11 Oct. 1894: 5. Web.
The Funeral of Robert H. McKune, late ex-mayor of Scranton and Secretary of the Wilkes-Barre Board of Trade, took place yesterday afternoon from the First Presbyterian church at Scranton, says the Republican. The edifice was crowded to the doors, public appreciation of his services and of the man himself evincing itself in the numbers who presented themselves at the obsequies and viewed the remains as they lay in state at the municipal building between the hours of 9 30 a. m, 1 30 p. m, Union Lodge, No. 291. Free and Accepted Masons had charge of the funeral arrangements, it being under its direction that the remains were escorted from the municipal building to the church by a cordon of police, delegations from the fire department of Scranton, a delegation of citizens from Wilkes Barre and the lodge members. Rev. S. C. Logan, D. D., was the officiating clergyman. The services were impressive but simple. All ostentation became supplementary to the sincerity, the genuine sorrow and the unfeigned sympathy. Deceased leaves no immediate relatives. There was no place reserved for mourners, yet mourners filled the church.
Rev. Dr. Logan’s eulogism was founded upon Psalms xlix, 12. It was the discourse of a friend upon the death of a brother, filled with veneration and respect akin to reverence. He said Robert H. McKune belonged to a generation which had passed away; a generation which had made itself conspicuous, which had been honored, and which would be honored in generations to come. He belonged to a generation which entered into the whole life of the nation, which revolutionized the whole of its institutions, which precipitated the idea of a railroad connecting the two great oceans, and gave commercial thrift to a section of this great universe, hitherto uninhabited except by savages.
Dr. Logan said:
"He was what was known as a forty-niner; he passed through the revolution, which had to do and must have to do with our nation’s prosperity, and being a lover of righteousness and purity in municipal politics, was chosen as the administrative head of this city. I am here as a friend. I have nothing to do with personal characteristics. There is no public servant who will be misunderstood and misrepresented, but this man was valorous. He served his country and his God with the same assiduousness that characterized his discharge of every trust. He was a man whom every man might honor and does honor. Like others, he had his shortcomings, but his name abides in honor still.
In ‘77, without a moment’s warning, there arose an exigency in this city which tried men’s souls. Robert H. McKune was one of the good men and true who stood ready to sacrifice anything to make this city a home of righteousness, when he stood on Lackawanna avenue facing a violent mob and commanding the special police, he showed courage which belonged to true manhood. He fought through the life on the Pacific; he carried a knapsack during the four years of the rebellion; he took the office of responsibility and with the strength and ability that were given him executed its duties. Now this good man has passed away, let us reverence his name and endeavor to learn a valuable lesson from his noble career."
At the close of the services at the church the cortege moved toward Forest Hill cemetery. Electric cars conveyed those of the hose companies and citizens who wished to attend the services at the grave. Here the services were also under the direction of the Masons and were sweetly impressive. A fine, drizzling rain, intermingled with occasional flakes of snow began descending as the procession reached the cemetery. The wind sighed mournfully through the shivering limbs of the naked trees. The cold was penetrating. Nature, upon the verge of temporary existence, bowing to her own unenviable death, seemed imbued with the solemnity of the occasion.
Crowds gathered about the yawning grave as Chaplain Charles Church, of the Union lodge, proceeded with the ritualistic services of the Masonic order. A little white lamb’s skin apron, the ancient emblem of faith was deposited in the grave. One by one the members of the lodge stepped forward with uncovered heads. They carried small twigs of evergreen which were consigned to the grave of their late brother. The pall bearers were selected from Union lodge and they were E. L. Buck, F. L. Hitchcock, W. C. Beaumont, John Fitzpatrick, John Harvey and David McDonald. The honorary pall bearers were from the ranks of the Crystal Hose Company and were C. R. Hineline, P. F. Schoen, D. J. Newman and D. J. Slowe, F. J. Amsden, of Union Lodge acted as marshal. The floral tributes were four in number, magnificence compensating for lack of quantity. A masonic emblem of pink and yellow roses, white pinks and sunlax from brother Masons, a pillow in which was wrought the words, “Our President,” from Crystal Hose; an anchor from nieces displaying “Uncle,” and a wreath of roses.
A committee from the Crystals and a committee from the Masonic order guarded the remains as they reposed in the Mayor’s office. It is estimated that 3,000 people viewed the body.
The Wilkes-Barre Commercial Travlers’ sent A. D. Powers, A. E. Lomady and John C. Farrell as a delegation and among the members of the Board of Trade of this city the following were noticed: Isaac Long, president, E. W. Davis, Chas. J. Long, Marcus Smith, M. H. Post, J. W. Driesbach, Cyrus A. Straw, Dr. Higgins, Dr. Warner, Dr. Weaver, Thos O’Brien, J. M. Burdick, Byron Shoemaker, J. K. P. Fenner, of Ashley; H. H. James, of Parsons, Mr. and Mrs. Wm L. Foote and Mrs. James Boyd were also present.
"Hon. Robert H. McKune, Fourth Mayor of Scranton." The Wyoming Valley. Ed. J. A. Clark. Scranton, 1875. 199-200. Web.
The present Mayor of our city is of Scotch and Irish descent, his great-grandfather having emigrated from Scotland and settled in Orange County, in the State of New York, in 1762, in which county the family has always since resided.
Robert was born in Newburg, on the Hudson, August 19th, 1823. His father dying when he was three years of age, he was taken in charge by his grandfather, who placed him in the private school of John James Brown, one of Newburg's oldest teachers, and subsequently entered the High School under the Superintendent, O. M. Smith, both of which teachers are still residents of Newburg.
He left his studies at thirteen, and commenced active life by entering the boot and shoe store of George Mecklan, who was at that time the largest dealer in his line of goods. After remaining here one year he united himself with a relative, Henry Schenck, of No. 12 Church street, New Brunswick, New Jersey, who carried on the same class of business, and with whom he stayed some two years.
Having always had a desire for personal independence, he concluded to learn a trade. His widowed mother had been carrying on a baking business in Newburg, and thither he repaired to join the comforts of home with his business relations, which he adhered to for several years.
In 1839 he went to the city of New York, and found employment with Messrs. Monroe, at 173 West Broadway, who at that time commanded some of the best business in the city. After remaining here for about two years, he returned to his home and took charge of his mother's business until he was of age, when, having a small patrimony left by his grandfather, he entered the grocery business in Newburg.
While here he was married to Miss Elmira Smith, of Mamaking, Sullivan County, New York, and continued his residence in Newburg for two years. His health failing he took up his abode at Cold Spring, N. Y., for another two years, when he emigrated to California in 1849, leaving New York, February 1st, on steamer "Falcon," the first which carried the first mails to California. During this trip he worked as baker both on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and was the first American that ever carried on that branch of industry in the city of Panama. Reaching California he repaired to the mines and stayed there for seven months, then went to San Francisco and engaged at his business during his sojourn there.
Upon his return to the States he settled at Susquehanna Depot, on the New York and Erie Railroad, then a town just springing into existence; after which he located at Binghamton, where he was successively connected with several firms in the wholesale grocery trade.
These firms naturally extending their arms into the Wyoming and Lackawanna Valleys, his mind was directed to these promising localities, and an acquaintance ripened into a conversant knowledge of the business and men in the Anthracite region. He had remained in business in Binghamton for some seventeen years; when the war having broken out he went to Scranton in 1862 and connected himself in business with Mr. George Cone and A. W. Renshaw.
In September, 1862, he occupied the position of first lieutenant in the Keystone Guards, a company raised in Scranton, and with them he joined the army at the front, assisting the army of the Potomac at the battle of Antietam, he having charge of the advance guard on the Williamsport road, on the Union right. Upon his return from the emergency, he entered the service again by uniting with the secret bureau at Vicksburg, Miss, under command of Colonel Hutchinson, and remained in the secret service until the close of the war. He stayed one year South after the termination of hostilities, when he again returned North and entered upon a general insurance business in Scranton, at which he has been actively engaged to the present date.
In 1868 he was appointed by Chief Justice Chase, United States Commissioner, and held this position until his election as Mayor, when he resigned. He was nominated for Mayor by the Democratic party in 1875, and elected. The triumph of the election is a credit to his popularity, for both parties had determined, because of the odium which had been cast upon our city by the press abroad, to put forth the best representative men, so that in either case the city would be honored. He has already entered upon his administrative duties with a spirit which commends him to the favorable and hearty support of every citizen in this prosperous and growing city. That he is public spirited as well as judicious all have the utmost confidence, as his residence here for years has amply testified. That he will make radical changes for the promotion of the welfare of the city there can be no doubt, for his whole life has been a busy one; his experience is varied, extensive and liberal, and Scranton will yet be able to point to an administration of justice inaugurated by Mayor McKune, which will be fitting matter for the future historian.
His long residence in Binghamton brought him into intimate relations with the late lamented Daniel S. Dickinson, and in looking over the files of Binghamton journals we frequently find the name of Robert H. McKune as the presiding officer of assemblages, both political and social, bringing him into the nearest and most familiar connections with this great and good man. At the outbreak of national hostilities, he followed in the course of policy marked out by Dickinson, to save the Union at all hazards.
In the engine house of Crystal Hose Company of this city, can be seen hanging on the wall a certificate of membership to the fire department of the village of Newburg, dating March, 1842. Ever since he has been known as one of the most efficient and active firemen of his locality. Young yet, he is active, and having associated with men of large minds his policy as Mayor must be characteristic.
Wenzel, David. The Lackawanna Historical Society Journal [Scranton] Summer 2006: 6-7. Web.
No one ever said that being Mayor of Scranton was an easy job. You do expect to get roughed up by the media and City Council, but certainly not to have your life threatened by your fellow citizens. But that was the situation back in 1877 when labor unrest brought events in Scranton to the edge of anarchy.
A general strike that involved employees of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad had lasted for just one week when the railroaders agreed to go back to work at the same wages. The local miners had gone out with the railroaders but were in no mood to strike. The situation was so serious that the Pennsylvania Governor John F. Hartranft had requested that federal troops stand by.
On the morning of August 1st, the streets around the silk mills on South Washington Avenue were filled with five or six thousand strikers who moved to the railroad shops just below Lackawanna Avenue. They harassed and threatened the railroad workers to leave their work place and contribute to the strike.
The strikers collected near the corner of South Washington and Lackawanna Avenue and someone read a letter supposedly written by W.W. Scranton stating that they would keep the men working for thirty-five cents a day. The crowd grew more violent. Mayor McKune appeared and was greeted by hoots and jeers. McKune was a Democrat, elected just two years before in 1875 as a friend of labor.
McKune was struck in the back of the head by a club that caused blood to spurt from his mouth. He was hit with stones. Some strikers tried to protect him and were nearly overpowered when Rev. Father Dunn pleaded with the crowd and began to lead the Mayor to safety. Another striker hit the Mayor, breaking his upper jaw and fracturing the roof of his mouth. The mayor made it to Lackawanna Avenue where a posse of citizens, some of them Civil War veterans, were poised to stop the crowd from rioting.
McKune was hit one more time by a hammer blow to his head, knocking him unconscious. The posse of citizens fired on the crowd of strikers, and four were killed and a dozen more seriously wounded. The crowd dispersed. The next day 3000 armed National Guardsmen entered Scranton and proclaimed martial law.
Mayor Robert McKune recovered and served out his term as Mayor. On October 9, 1894, Robert McKune died at age 71 in Newburg, New York. He stipulated in his will that he wanted to be buried at Forest Hills Cemetery in Dunmore.
Fast forward to 2005. I was doing research for a book that I an compiling on the lives of the 29 mayors of Scranton. I visited the Forest Hills Cemetery and saw the various gravestones of other Scranton mayors. Norma Reese, cemetery caretaker and my historical guide, showed me Robert McKune's plot, which does not have a headstone to mark his resting place. Knowing of his history and the sacrifice he made for his city, I was shocked.
On Tuesday, August 1, 2006, 129 years to the day of the bloody riot of 1877 and 112 years since he died, Mayor McKune will finally get his headstone. A ceremony will take place on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Forest Hills Cemetery to dedicate the headstone and to partially re-enact his funeral ceremony. Invited to participate are Norma Reese, who will give the welcome; Alan Sweeney, President of the Lackawanna Historical Society, who will read a history of Mayor McKune; Girl Scout Melissa Dickinson, who will relate the story of the funeral, which was covered by the Scranton Republican in great detail. Unveiling of the headstone will be handled by Sultzer-Sitler Monument Company, who donated the memorial. Union Lodge #291 of Scranton Masonic Order, the same lodge of which McKune was a member, will hold a memorial ceremony lead by Past Master Maxson. A presentation of flowers will be made by the Union Lodge 291 and the Scranton Fire Department. Mayor Chris Doherty has been invited to make remarks. The public is invited. We hope to see you there.
History of Scranton, Penn. Published by United Brethren Publishing House, Dayton, Ohio, pp. 230-233.
Hollister's History of the Lackawanna Valley, 1885
Scranton Republican, "Ex-Mayor McKune Buried," Oct. 5, 1894, page 1.
Basil Lanneau Gildersleeve 1831–1924
Fourth Cousin Five Times Removed
Basil Lanneau Gildersleeve was born on Oct. 23, 1831 in Charleston, South Carolina. Basil married Elizabeth Fisher Colston on Sep. 18, 1866 in Virginia. He passed away on Jan. 9, 1924 at home in Baltimore, Maryland at age 92. He was buried in the University of Virginia Cemetery in Charlottesville.
| Branch: CSA | Unit: 1st Virginia Cavalry | Rank: Private |
Cox, Richard P. "Gildersleeve: Soldier, Scholar." The Washington Times. 13 May 2005. Web.Gildersleeve "soldiered" during summer vacations from the university. In successive summers, he served on the staff of the 21st Virginia Infantry and was a private in the 1st Virginia Cavalry. The summer of 1864 saw him on the staff of Gen. John B. Gordon. Mohr, Clarence L., ed. The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture. Ed. Charles Reagan Wilson. Vol. 17. U of North Carolina, 2011. Web.Born 23 October 1831 in Charleston, S.C., Basil Lanneau Gildersleeve became the most renowned American classicist of the late 19th century. Founder of the American Journal of Philology in 1880, Gildersleeve taught classics at Johns Hopkins for almost four decades and became a central figure in the professionalization of Greek and Latin studies in the American university. Gildersleeve grew up in a home of pronounced southern loyalties. His father, Benjamin, was a northerner by birth but adopted the southern antebellum sectional cause with enthusiasm. A Presbyterian minister and editor of a denominational paper, Benjamin Gildersleeve supervised his son's early education and introduced him, somewhat unsystematically, to the classics. Basil Gildersleeve went on to attend the College of Charleston, Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, and Princeton, where he graduated in 1849. He taught classics at a private academy in Richmond, Va., and then spent 1850 to 1853 in Germany at Berlin, Göttingen, and Bonn, before taking his Ph.D. at Göttingen. After three years in Charleston writing and teaching, he became a professor at the University of Virginia in 1856. Except for his service in the Confederate army, which left him with a crippling leg injury received in the Shenandoah Valley campaign, he remained at Virginia until he took a position at Johns Hopkins in 1876. He died 9 January 1924. Wolfe, Brendan. "Slavery at the University of Virginia." Encyclopedia Virginia. 21 Feb. 2013. Web.April 5, 1864 - University of Virginia professor Basil L. Gildersleeve publishes an essay in the Daily Richmond Examiner comparing enslaved African Americans to the ass in an old saying, attributed to Mohammed upon being offered chariots of fire at the gates of heaven: "I will either go to heaven on my ass or I will not go to heaven at all." April 18, 1864 - In an essay, Basil L. Gildersleeve, a University of Virginia professor of Greek and Hebrew, speaks out against so-called miscegenation, claiming that to prevent it is to guarantee white supremacy. |
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Francis Gildersleeve 1843–1929
Sixth Cousin Four Times Removed
Francis Gildersleeve was born on Dec. 26, 1843. Francis passed away on Mar. 12, 1929 in Gentry, Arkansas at age 85.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 21st Regiment, Iowa Infantry | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
John Robert Comfort 1844–1905
Fourth Great Uncle
John Robert Comfort was born on Apr. 2, 1844 in Lanesboro, Pennsylvania. John married Frances May Watrous. He passed away on Sep. 18, 1905, at home at age 61. He was buried in Twin Bridges, Montana.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 137th Regiment, New York Infantry | Rank: Sergeant |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
"Fell off a Ladder While Picking Apples in Orchard." The Dillon Tribune 22 Sept. 1905: 2. Montana Newspapers. Montana Historical Society. Web.
The following report of the death of John R. Comfort, of Twin Bridges, clipped from Monday's Miner, will be of interest to many old-timers in this county who were well acquainted with the deceased:
Jno R. Comfort, a pioneer of this place died this morning at his home as a result of injuries received last Wednesday by falling from a ladder while gathering apples from his orchard. He was near the top of the ladder and in some way slipped, and in order to save his little grandchild, who was standing under the tree, from harm he fell in such a manner as to receive internal injuries which proved fatal.
Mr. Comfort was one of the best known citizens in this part of Montana, and he had a wide acquaintance throughout the state. He came to Montana from Pennsylvania, his native state, in 1879, and located at this place, where he has since made his home. When Mr. Comfort came to Twin Bridges the town consisted of a store, saloon, blacksmith shop, hotel and three families. He engaged in the blacksmith business with gratifying success, and was soon one of the most prominent men of the community.
Fraternally Mr. Comfort was identified with Westgate lodge, No. 27, A. F. and A. M., of this city and for twelve years he was master of the lodge. He was also a member of the order of Eastern Star, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and for a time was commander of Custer post No. 5.
Mr. Comfort was elected to the legislature in the fall of 1888, the last territorial assembly of Montana, and he served a number of terms as justice of the peace of Twin Bridges. In politics he was a republican. He has also served as one of the board of trustees in the state orphans' home. He was a member of the Business Men's association, and was United States land commissioner for this district. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. At the time of his death he was 65 years of age.
Besides his widow, Mr. Comfort leaves three children to mourn his death: Linn Comfort, a merchant and postmaster of Twin Bridges; Mrs. L. J. Williams, a teacher in the public schools of this city, and Mrs. J. M. Nye, of the Centennial valley.
The funeral was held in Twin Bridges Tuesday under the auspices of the Masonic lodge.
Isaac Lewis Comfort 1811–1881
Fifth Great Uncle
Isaac Lewis Comfort was born on May 15, 1811 in Pennsylvania. Isaac passed away on Apr. 5, 1881 in Pennsylvania at age 69. He was buried in the Lanesboro Cemetery in Lanesboro, Pennsylvania.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 6th Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry (35th Volunteers) | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Sara Ann Comfort Hotchkiss 1833–1908
Fifth Great Aunt
Sara Ann Comfort was born on Feb. 14, 1833 in Lanesboro, Pennsylvania. Sara married Jedediah Hotchkiss on Dec. 21, 1853. She passed away on Feb. 23, 1908. Her death at age 75 was due to pneumonia. She was buried in the Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, Virginia.
"Mrs Jed Hotchkiss." Staunton Spectator and Vindicator 28 Feb. 1908: 3. Web.
Mrs. Sara Hotchkiss, widow of the late Maj. Jed. Hotchkiss, died Sunday night of pneumonia, aged 75 years. She was born in Lanesboro, Penn., and was a daughter of John and Anna Comfort. She was educated at Kingston Seminary, where she distinguished herself as a student, mastering several languages beside her own. She was married in 1853 to Maj. Hotchkiss and came with him to Mossy Creek, where he was principal of the Academy at that place, and to whom she was of the greatest assistance in his work. They moved from that place to Churchville where Maj. Hotchkiss conducted the Loch Willow Academy. She was noted during the war for her kindness to the sick and wounded soldiers, while her husband was away with Stonewall Jackson's army. After the war closed they moved to Staunton, where they resided until death. Mrs. Hotchkiss was a lovely Christian woman, devoted to her family and church, and will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends. Surviving her are two devoted daughters, Mrs. George Smith Holmes of Charleston, S. C., and Mrs. Allen M. Howison, of this city, and a lovely granddaughter, little Miss Ellen Moore Howison. Major Hotckiss died January 17, 1899. The funeral services were held at the residence on East Main street at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon and were conducted by Mrs. Hotchkiss' pastor, Rev. Dr. W. N. Scott. J. E. B. Stuart Chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy, attended the funeral, as well as a delegation from Stonewall Jackson camp of veterans, of which her distinguised husband was a member, and a past commander. The pall-bearers were: Capt. H. M. McIlhany, Capt. Thomas D. Ranson, Hon. Wm. H. Landes, Mr. W. P. Eskridge, Col. S. Brown Allen, Hon. Jacob Yost, Mr. G. G. Child and Mr. Frank T. Holt. Those in charge of the flowers were: Messrs. H. M. Lewis, R. H. Bell, Jr., H. H. Kerr and Heiskel Argenbright.
John Elijah Comfort 1837–1901
First Cousin Five Times Removed
John Elijah Comfort was born on Oct. 6, 1837 in Manchester, Missouri. John married Lucy Ann Randall on May 23, 1867. John passed away on May 29, 1901 in New York, New York at age 63.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 60th Regiment, New York Infantry | Rank: Assistant Surgeon |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
White, James T. The National Cyclopædia of American Biography. Vol. XVIII. New York, 1922. 184. Web.
COMFORT, John Elijah, physician and surgeon, was born in Manchester, Mo., Oct. 6, 1837, son of Silas and Electa (Smith) Comfort. His father was a Methodist Episcopal clergyman. He was graduated at Albany (N. Y.) Medical College in 1864 with the degree M.D. and immediately enlisted in the Federal services for the civil war, joining the 60th regiment, New York volunteer infantry, as assistant surgeon. He sailed for Savannah, Ga., with his regiment, joining Sherman’s army at the completion of the campaign in Georgia, and going northward with that army to Richmond and Washington. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged and began the practice of his profession at Sandy Hill, now Hudson Falls, N. Y. Three years later he removed to the old village of Morrisania, N. Y., now a part of the Bronx borough, New York city, and there practiced with marked success throughout the remainder of his life. When Morrisania was annexed to New York in 1874, he was appointed a sanitary inspector of the board of health, a post he retained for thirteen years, until the growth of his practice claimed his entire time. He numbered among his patients many of the oldest and wealthiest families of the Bronx borough, yet he always found time for innumerable charity cases. He was a vestryman and senior warden in the Protestant Episcopal church. Dr. Comfort was married May 23, 1867, to Lucy A., daughter of Samuel S. Randall (q. v.) of New York city, and left one son: Randall Comfort (below). He died in New York city, N. Y., May 29, 1901.
Robert Elliott Comfort 1829–1904
Second Cousin Five Times Removed
Robert Elliott Comfort was born on Jul. 31, 1829 in New York. Robert married Lucinda Henry. He passed away on Aug. 4, 1904 at age 75. He was buried in the Ashland Cemetery in Wellsburg, New York.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 171st Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
Edmund Comfort 1836–1902
Second Cousin Five Times Removed
Edmund Comfort was born in 1836 in Southport, New York. Edmund passed away on Jan. 15, 1902 in Southport. He was buried in New York.
| Branch: USA | Unit: 147th Regiment, New York Infantry | Rank: Private |
| United States. National Park Service. The Civil War. Web. | ||
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