I Love this Amateur Historian Thing...

I Love this Amateur Historian Thing...

So as things go, my younger Brother's Father-in-Law really has enjoyed the posts about his Great-Great-Grandfather (E.L. Whittelsey).  During his wanderings he found the grave of his ancestor (I believe it's in Erie).

Grave of Capt. Edward L. Whittelsey 83rd Pa Vols.

Sorry the pic is a little blurry, Jim sent me a small copy of the picture (Facebook wouldn't let me "borrow" a large version) and it didn't stand up to being enlarged.  It's still pretty cool though.

As the story goes, another coworker of mine (Don Straw), who while in his travels to various Civil War sites was kind enough to remember me and grab a few souvenirs for me, was telling me of his ancestor Hiram Straw (multiple great uncle, just not sure how many greats LOL), who served with the 50th Pennsylvania Volunteers.  So I have another diversion for all to enjoy...

50th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry

Major events and Battles Participated in:  Organized at Harrisburg 10/1/1861; ,Spotsylvania; Second Bull Run; North Anna; Chantilly; Bethesda Church; South Mountain; Cold Harbor; Antietam; Petersburg; Fredericksburg; Vicksburg; Siege of Knoxville; The Wilderness;  Grand Review, Mustered out July 30, 1861.

Recruited in Schuylkill County, Reading Pa, Berks County, Susquehanna County, Lebanon Pa, Lancaster County, Bradford County, Chester Pa, Luzerne County.

Commanding officer:  Colonel Benjamin Christ.

There were 2 members awarded the Medal of Honor:  

Sergeant Charles Brown, Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Infantry.  

Citation: Capture of flag of 47th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.) at Weldon Railroad, Va., 19 August 1864. Date of issue: 1 December, 1864.

Corporal Henry Hill, Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Infantry. 

Citation: This soldier, with one companion, would not retire when his regiment fell back in confusion after an unsuccessful charge, but instead advanced and continued firing upon the enemy until the regiment re-formed and regained its position. At Wilderness, Va., 6 May 1864. Date of issue: 23 September 1897.

Information on Hiram Straw:  Enlisted Sept. 9, 1861 as a private in Harrisburg Pennsylvania.  He was 5'4" and 27 years old at time of first enlistment and was a Miller residing in Tremont Pennsylvania prior to joining up.

He reenlisted on January 1, 1864 at Blanes Crossroads in Tennessee. Some time following he was promoted to the rank of Corporal.He was taken prisoner on May 12th 1864 at the battle of Spottsylvania Courthouse.  He died of disease in New Zingston Kentucky while a prisoner of war, on or about March 31, 1864

50th Pa in parade formation in Beaufort SC February 1862.

As I find additional information, I will try to add it.  If you have any comments or additional information, please feel free to add.