Foxcroft in The Civil War

By Hon. Wainwright Cushing.

Foxcroft was ever a loyal and patriotic town, and when repeated calls came from President Lincoln for men to go southward to aid in surprising the rebellion it sent forward its bravest and best.

The total number of men that were furnished to these repeated calls was 135, and in addition to which at least twelve residents of Foxcroft served on the quotas of other states. In all probability there were other residents of the town temporarily absent who entered the Union service of whom no record can be found. When President Lincoln issued his first call for 75,000 men there was a general uprising all over the loyal North. I can give no better illustration of the patriotic fervor that animated the boys of '61 in the Piscataquis valley than by quoting from Col. Charles A. Clark's admirable paper entitled "Campaigning with the Sixth Maine" read before the Iowa Commandery Loyal Legion of the United States. "On the 24th of April, 1861, I piled up my Greek and Latin books and enlisted. My fellow students very generally did the same. The classes in the old Foxcroft Academy were broken up. For ten days our recitations were a farce. When the news of the firing on Fort Sumpter came we went to Col. Paul's woods by night and felled two of his tallest pines. We hauled them by hand to the Academy grounds and all night long we wrought to splice and raise them. This made a liberty pole for that town for the war, and with the first gleam of dawn in the east we run up the stars and stripes with hurrahs which awakened the sober citizens. On that very spot now stands a beautiful monument surmounted by a granite statue of an American soldier with arms at parade rest, forever telling of my comrades of that night who sealed with death their devotion to the cause for which our hearts then throbbed so hotly. I tossed a coin with Gray my chum and roommate to determine who should have the honor of placing his name at the head of the first enlistment roll of Piscataquis County in that mighty war, and I won first place. His name followed mine and as Captain of Co. A, he died like a hero in our charge upon Mayre's Heights at Fredericksburg, Va., in May. 1863."

First Company Raised

The first company raised in Dover and Foxcroft was recruited by Charles H. Chandler, Addison P. Buck and Charles Kimball. This company later was merged with the Brownville Rifles and became Co. A, 6th Me. Volunteers. The 6th Me. Regt. was mustered into the U. S. service July, 1861, and formed a part of the Army of the Potomac and was in nearly every battle in which that grand army had a part. Recruits from Foxcroft who served in the 6th Maine Volunteers:

Charles H. Chandler, mustered as 1st Lieut. Co. A., promoted to Capt. and Lieut. Col. Died in Seattle, Wash.

Addison P Buck, mustered as 2nd Lieut, promoted to 1st Lieut, and Quartermaster. Served on the staff of Maj. Gen. Sedgwick of the 6th Corps, as Chief Forage Master, was serving his second term as Postmaster of Foxcroft when he was finally mustered out.

Edward L. Emery, Sergt. Co. A was a resident of Foxcroft at the time of his decease.

Oliver L. Brown, Corporal Co. A. afterwards served as Sergeant in the 13th Maine. Died in Auburn, Maine.

James S. Holmes, Corporal Co. A, promoted to Principal Musician. He was a son of James Holmes the leading legal light in Foxcroft before the war, and has joined the silent majority.

Wellington Besse, Private. Discharged for disability. Deceased.

Newton Blanchard, private, was severely wounded and discharged. A resident of Abbot at the time of decease.

Otis Chamberlain, private, discharged for disability. At the time of his decease was Ass't Engineer in the U. S. Navy.

Franklin H. Daggett, private, discharged for disability, deceased.

Geo. W. Dawes, private, was killed at Spottsylvania, C. H., May 10th, 1864.

Charles E. Edes, Corporal, was transferred to the Navy. Comrade Edes had the honor of having served under Commodore Perry in Japan prior to the war. At his decease was living with his brother, S. D. Edes.

Hiram F. Lebroke, private, was wounded at Mayre's Heights and died from the effects of his wounds.

Joseph D. Mansfield, private, afterwards served in the 16th Maine. Was a resident of Worcester at the time of his death.

Ichabod Macomber, private, discharged for disability, deceased.

Fernando G. Pratt, private, served his full term of enlistment. Was a resident of Foxcroft until his decease March 11, 1911.

Fred E. Plummer, private, served his term, disappeared on his way home and was last seen in New York City.

William G. Sewell, private, lived in Fresno, Calif., passed away May, 1912.

Rufus G. Chase, private Co. A. Joined regiment Dec. 4, 1861. Killed at the charge at Spottsylvania Court House, Va., May 10, 1864. Comrade Chase was a devout Christian.

Thomas M. Chase, private, discharged for disability. When last known was living in New Hampshire.

Dr. William Buck, appointed Ass't Surgeon 6th Maine Volunteers. Promoted to Surgeon. He served in the Maine Legislature and filled many offices of trust in town. He was a faithful, conscientious physician, and at his decease was sincerely mourned by his townsmen.

Dr. Freeland S. Holmes, a son of Salmon P. Holmes, Esq., one of the early settlers of Foxcroft. He was commissioned Surgeon of the 6th Maine. His wife was a sister of the War Governor of Maine, Israel Washburn, Jr. Dr. Holmes died in the service, and was succeeded by Dr. Wm. Buck.

Geo. T. Holmes joined the 6th Maine Reg't at Hospital Steward, serving with his brother. Dr. Holmes, and with Dr. Buck, deceased. First Maine Cavalry.

First Maine Cavalry

The next regiment to enter the service with members from Foxcroft was the 1st Maine Cavalry, which was mustered into service Dec. 31st, 1861. This regiment was in more battles and skirmishes than any other regiment in the Army of the Potomac.

Charles S. Sturgis, Sergt. Col. M, discharged for disability. He married a daughter of Col. Samuel Pillsbury and is a resident of Haverhill, Mass.

Alonzo B. Briggs, private, Co. M, discharged for disability, deceased.

Henry D. Thayer, private Co. M, discharged for disability, deceased.

Cyrus M. Geary, private, Co. M, died from effects of wounds.

Geo. W. Plummer, enlisted in D. C. Cavalry, transferred to 1st Maine Cav. Now living in Dover.

7th Maine Regiment

The 7th Maine Regt. was mustered into service Aug. 21st, 1861.

It had a distinguished record in the Army of the Potomac. The only citizen of Foxcroft who served in this regiment was Henry F. Daggett, who served in this regiment as Sergt. and Q. M. Sergt. Is now living in Milo.

The 9th Maine Infantry was mustered into the service Sept. 22d, 1 861, and saw active and meritorious service in South Carolina and Virginia in the Army of the Potomac.

Justin E. Batchelder, private. Co. D, 9th Maine, was severely wounded and lost an arm. Died in Barnard, Maine.

Joseph Tucker, Co. D, wounded and transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. No record since the war.

John A. Hoyt, private. Co. I, discharged at close of war, deceased.

The 13th Maine Volunteers.

The 13th Maine Volunteers was mustered into the U. S. service Dec. 4th, 1861. This regiment saw active service in the Dept. of the Gulf. Was in the Red River Campaign and at the siege of Vicksburg was transferred to the Army of the Potomac, where it did valiant duty under Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley.

Alfred E. Buck was commissioned Captain of Co. C, 13th Me., and was promoted to Colonel in a colored regiment. After the war he settled in Georgia, and was virtually at the head of the Republican Party in that state. Served in Congress and was U. S. Marshal for the northern district of Georgia, and at the time of his death was serving as U. S. Minister to Japan.

Chas. M. Buck. Co. C. 13th Maine, served with credit, was always on duty. Resides at Dover.

Chas. D. Labree, Co. C. Re-enlisted, transferred to Maine Vols. No record since the war.

Harvey Judkins. Co. C. No record since the war.

Cyril N. Walker, Co. C, deceased.

The 14th Maine Infantry

The 14th Maine Infantry was mustered into U. S. service Dec. 11th, 1861. Served in the Dept. of the Gulf and was transferred to the Army of the Potomac, where it distinguished itself in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign under Sheridan.

Chas. E. Washburn, Co. C. Died in New Orleans, Oct. 14, 1862, Chauncey C. Lee. Corporal Co. E, 14th Maine Since the war has resided in Foxcroft for 37 years. Has been a school teacher. For seven years he was an officer in the reserve militia of Maine.

18th Maine or 1st H. A.

The 18th Maine, also known as the 1st H. A., was mustered into the U. S. service Aug. 25th, 1862. Served in the defenses of Washington until May, 1864. Received their baptism of fire May 18th, 1864, where the loss in killed and wounded was heavy. In Grant's famous campaign from the Wilderness to Petersburg the 18th Maine lost more men killed and wounded than any other regiment in the Army of the Potomac.

Ervin Chamberlain, Co. E. Wounded May 18th. 1864. Lived in Lacrosse, Wis., after the war, where he served with his cousin, Isaac H. Moulton, Esq., as Ass't Station Agent, deceased.

Thomas O. Eaton Sergt. Co. E. Now living in Montana.

Charles Eaton, Corporal Co. E. Went to state of Washington after the war. Now deceased.

Leonard H. Washburn Co. E. was severely wounded and mustered out of the service. Resides in Foxcroft.

Daniel V. Plummer, Co. F, transferred from 17th Maine. Now living in Williamsport, Penn.

Lauriston C. Parsons, Co. E died of disease Feb. 16th, 1864.

Stacy T. Mansfield, Co. H. Mustered as a recruit Dec. 9th, 1862. Is a resident of Foxcroft.

Benjamin Weaver, Co H. wounded May 18th, 1864. No record since war.

William W. Warren, Co. H. Joined as a recruit. Discharged for disability. Resides in Dover.

Leonard W. Lee. Co. H, 1st H. A. Joined the regiment Dec. 4th, 1863. Killed in action in front of Petersburg June 18, 1864. At the time of his death was only 17 years of age.

The 20th Maine Infantry

The 20th Maine Infantry was mustered into the V. S. Service. Aug. 29th. 1862. Fresh from their homes they saw their first service under fire at Antietam and the record of the Army of the Potomac would be a history of the 20th Maine. At the battle of Gettysburg on Little Round Top they earned undying fame their thin line withstood the attack of three lines of battle.

Phineas M. Jeffords, Capt. Co. B, resigned in 1863, went West after the war and settled in Illinois, where he died. His widow lives in Genoa, Ark.

John S. Jennison, Sergt. Co. B. Died in the service, July 24th, 1863.

Cyrus G. Pratt, Sergt. Co. B. Discharged for disability in 1863. Resides in Foxcroft.

Job S. Bearce, Co. B. Wounded. Discharged at completion of service. It a resident of Foxcroft.

William C. Brown Corpl. Co. B. Served until the end of the war. Is now living in the state of Arkansas.

Thomas Daggett, Co. B. Mustered out June 15, 1865. Resides in Foxcroft. Has been a prominent agriculturalist and for some years a member of the Maine Cattle Commission.

Benj. R. Field, Co. B. Served his term of enlistment. No record since the war.

Jared F. Millet, Co. B. Transferred to the Invalid Corps. Died in Foxcroft.

Hudson S. Oakes, discharged with regiment. Lived in Foxcroft up to the time of his decease.

Alonzo Z. Parsons, Co. B. Killed in action, May 6th, 1863.

Randall H. Spaulding, Co. B. Mustered out at the expiration of his term of service. Deceased.

Andrew C. Deering, Sergt. Co. C. Re-enlisted. Discharged June, 1865. No record since the war.

Wm. H. Jackson, Co. B. Joined the regiment as a recruit, Oct. 2nd, 1862. Discharged for disability. No further record.

Wm. H. Jennison, Co. B. Discharged for disability, March 13th, 1863. He re-enlisted and served as sergeant. Discharged June, 1865. Co. K, 31st Me. Comrade Jennison enjoys the unique distinction of being the oldest citizen of the town, being in his 88th year, and is in possession of the Boston Post gold headed cane.

Danville B. Oakes, Co. B. Discharged for disability, Jan. 3rd, 1863. He was an honored citizen and passed away at the ripe old age of 83 years.

Wm. Towne, Co. B. Discharged for disability. Was a resident of Dover at the time of his death.

The 22nd Maine

The 22nd Maine was mustered into the U. S. Service, Oct. 10th, 1862, and for nine months served in the Dept of the Gulf. Was in the Red River campaign and at the siege of Port Hudson, where they were commended in General Orders.

Gilman E. Fisher, Sergt. Co. I. Graduated from Colby University after the war; has been prominent in educational matters, and is an authority on geography. He is now superintendent of schools in Detroit, Mich.

Love H. Ball, Co. I. Died in service, March 15, 1863.

Ebenezer Earl, Co. I. Served his term of enlistment. Deceased.

Samuel R. Gary, Co. I. No record since the war.

John H. Gould, Co. I. Son of Lincoln Gould. Died in Louisiana.

B. F. Pratt, Co. I. Served his full term. He was an honored citizen and passed away in July, 1912.

Edwin N. Pratt, Co. C. Served his term of enlistment and their re-enlisted in the 18th Maine. Died in the service. He was the only son of Roswell Pratt.

The 31st Maine

The 31st Maine Infantry was mustered into the service, April 29th, 1864. They took an active part in the Wilderness campaign and in the final work about Petersburg, which resulted in the end of the war. Their loss in killed and wounded was greater than some of the three-year regiments.

Joseph S. Harlow, Capt. Co. K. Mustered into service, April 29th, 1864. Killed in action, Sept. 30th, 1864.

Asa F. Davis, Sergt. Co. K. Discharged for disability, May 22d, 1865. Was a respected citizen of Foxcroft for more than thirty years, until his death.

Alanson Bullard, Co. K. Mustered into service, April 29, 1864. Killed in action, Oct. 4th, 1864.

William C. Kenyon, Co. K. Served his term of enrollment. Deceased. Coast Guard's Infantry.

Coast Guard's Infantry

Lyman U. Lee went to Boston and enlisted in Co. M, 2nd Mass. H. A.; went out as 1st Sergt. and later was commissioned as a Lieut, by Gov. Andrew and served during the war. He was present at the Foxcroft centennial.

Mellen G. Prentiss, Co. B. Served from January 6th, 1865, to May 15th, 1865. Resides in Brewer.

James T. Roberts, musician, Co. F. Served from Jan. 6th, 1865 to July 6th, 1865. Resides in Dover.

Geo. F. Mayhew, Co. F. Served from Jan. 6th, 1865 to July 7th, 1865. No further record.

Aid furnished Soldiers Families from 1862 to 1865. 70 families, 209 persons total amount $2,796.29.
Total bounties paid by the town of Foxcroft during the war. $20,425.84.
Contributions from citizens of Foxcroft to aid the Sanitary and Christian Commission $1200.00.

Drafted Sept. 24th, 1864
Seth Brawn, furnished substitute
Alonzo H. Chandler, furnished substitute
Orin C. Dunham, furnished substitute
Hiram S. Davis, furnished substitute
Augustus W. Gilman, furnished substitute
Andrew J. Hammond, furnished substitute
Henry A. Robinson, furnished substitute

Drafted and held for service
John S. Arnold, Co. E, 8th Maine
Chas. V. Bolton, Co. C, 8th Me.
Leonard F. Blood, 4th Co., unassigned
John P. Folsom, Co. C, 8th Maine
Isaac M. Parsons, Co. C, 8th Maine

Drafted March 25th, 1865
John J. Bailey, furnished substitute
Augustus F. Chandler, furnished substitute

Drafted and held to service
Alfonso B. Cole. 14th Maine
Samuel H. Gower, 14th Maine

The population of Foxcroft in 1860 was 1102. It is estimated that one in five are liable to military duty, so that in the year 1861 there were approximately 220 citizens who could be called upon for military duty. The town of Foxcroft furnished 135 recruits during the Civil War or about 60 per cent.

When the great struggle was ended and the men who had fought for the integrity of the Union returned to the pursuits of civil life, societies were formed by the survivors to keep alive the memories of that Great War. In 1881 C. S. Douty Post No. 23, G. A. R. (named for that gallant cavalry leader who as Colonel of the 1st Maine Cavalry gave up his life for his country at Aldie, Va.) was organized in Foxcroft and had its home for some years in the old Academy building at the end of Foxcroft Bridge. For many years its meetings have been held in Dover, its present headquarters being in Sampson's Hall. In 1893 while I was serving my term as Department Commander of the Dept. of Maine, G. A. R., Charles Peleg Chandler Post was organized, and for many years held its meetings in the building now owned by C. S. Douty Circle Ladies of the G. A. R. Its ranks becoming decimated by death they surrendered their charter. Charles Peleg Chandler for whom this Post was named was the only son of Charles Parsons Chandler, the first Principal of Foxcroft Academy, an eminent lawyer and foremost in his profession in the county. Charles Peleg Chandler was born in Foxcroft, Jan. 4th, 1835, graduated at Bowdoin in 1854 and at Harvard Law School in 1857. He was in the law office of the War Governor of Massachusetts, John A. Andrew, from 1875 to 1861. He was commissioned Major of the 1st Mass. Infantry May 22d. 1861, later promoted to Lieut. Colonel and his commission as Colonel reached the camp the day he was killed at Malvern Hill, Va., June 30th, 1862. Comrade Chandler was the highest type of a citizen soldier, and who filled every station to which he was called with fidelity. His life filled with successes that came to him as a reward for honest endeavor, uprightness of character, and devotion to duty must serve as an inspiration to his surviving comrades. List of Comrades who have become residents of Foxcroft since the War:

Osgood P. Martin, Sergt. Co. F, 20th Maine Vol. Infantry. Is now serving as Dep't Commander of the Union Veterans Union. In politics he is a Progressive.

James R. Martin, Sergt. Co. F, 20th Maine Volunteers. Was a resident nearly forty years until his death.

Isaiah B. Davis, 1st H. A. Lives on Main Street. Has served as 1st Dep. Commander L. V. U.

Erastus T. Monroe. Co. E. 1st H. A. Is one of the Centennial Committee. Is serving his fourth term as Colonel of Custer Command. U. V. U.

Elbridge T. Crockett. Co. A, 6th Maine. Has passed to a higher life.

John H. Herring. Sergt. Co. M, 1st Maine Cavalry, deceased.

W. Cushing. Co. A. 6th Maine Volunteers. One of the Centennial Committee.

J. H. Manter. Co. D. 9th Maine. Has served as Post Commander C. S. Douty Post.

Wm. M. Hutchins, served in a California regiment. Was a resident of Foxcroft at the time of his death.

In conclusion I wish to thank all who have assisted in making tin's Centennial observance such a glorious success.

Dover-Foxcroft | Maine

Source: Sprague's Journal of Maine History, Vol. 5 No. 7, Published by John Francis Sprague, Dover, ME, July 1914