Home Recruitment Camp Fire Schedule History Roster Heritage Contact

~ Heritage ~

Some may wonder if all reenactor’s are descendant’s of civil war veterans. Well not all, but some of the member’s of the 40th PA reenactor’s group are. This page is dedicated to them and there ancestor’s. I would like to acknowledge the work involved in tracing your family history back to the 1860’s.
I will place them in the order in which I receive them. (top to bottom)
Thank you for you participation.

“The world will little note
nor long remember what we say here
but it can never forget what they did here.”

President Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address November 19, 1863

---

Reenactor : Private Doug Weidner
Civil War Veteran's Levi Mumper and William Mumper

When I was young I used to visit my relatives in Gettysburg, my Great-GrandFather, the son of Levi. On a mantle I saw a number of Civil War photos of relatives in Civil War uniform, some of which were of William, I recall. I do not know of a wartime photo of Levi, although I have a post-war picture of him with gray hair. Where the wartime photos have gone, I do not know. I assume some other relative must have acquired them, although my inquirys have gone unanswered. Levi and his sons, in addition to doing photography, collected weapons and accouterments from the Gettysburg battlefield (GreatGrandfather was born in the late 1870s). One day, GreatGrandfather took me to his basement in his Gettysburg duplex and he showed me the collection -- it was a veritable museum of relics, everything from bullets, to muskets, to leathers, to shards of cannon riddles tree trunks and parts of fences and houses. I was amazed at it and wondered why he had never told me about this before. The family was "ho-hum and so-what" about it, but I was knocked over; hence my interest in the Civil War. Thereafter, I always asked to view it whenever we visited. After he died in 1967, I was told that he donated it all to the GNMP. I have never seen any of it since.

Most of what I know about the wartime records of Levi and William I got from Wm. Frasinito's book on Gettysburg photography. I can't remember the exact title off-hand. Near the back of the book is a chapter on the Mumpers.

On my father's mother's side, Levi Mumper was mustered into I, 127th Pa Vol. Inf. He was a 9 month volunteer. Mustered out a month before Gettysburg. He participated in the pontoon crossing during the Battle of Fredericksburg. His home county was Adams County, Pa. He is buried in the Gettysburg cemetary on Cemetary Hill, civilian side. Relatives still place flags on his grave every year. There is a G.A.R. bronze flag holder on the ground in front of the tombstone. Sometime near the end of the war, Levi got involved in photography and took a number of photographs of the Gettysburg battlefield after the war. He eventually set up a photographers shop near Devil's Den, which he operated from for quite a number of years, eventually selling it and moving his business to somewhere in town.

His brother, William Mumper, was also a veteran in K, 1st Pa Res (30th Pa. Vol. Inf.) He mustered in sometime in 1861 and mustered out in 1865. When the 30th PVI mustered out he transferred to one of the veteran regiments (190th ?). Beside particpating in other battles, his unit fought to the immediate left of the 40th PVI in the Wheatfield at Gettysburg. These two regiments were in the same brigade. William survived the war and moved west to somewhere in Minn. or Wis., not sure exactly where.

---

Reenactor and Veitnam Veteran: Private Joe Tipping
Civil War Veteran John McFeely 1829 - 1902
John McFeely Served in Company A of the 40th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 11th Reserves

John McFeely was born in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, February 16,1829, and was the son of Bernard and Mary E. (Dawson) McFeely.

He married first to Mary A. Sutton, and they had one child, James. He was married secondly October 3, 1865, in St. Augustine, PA to Elizabeth George. she was the daughter of Samuel George, and Sibby (Gumby) George, and was born in Clearfield County PA, August 26, 1849. The children of this marrage are as followed: Nettie, Anna, Haden, Archie, Minnie, Malcolm, John P. and Nora.

When hostilities broke out between the north and south, John McFeely was employed as a farm laborer, and was 31 years of age when he was enrolled June, 1861 as a Private in company A (Cambria Guard) 11th Pennsylvania Reserves and is due time was made Corporal May 10, 1864, he was wounded at the Wilderness in the head, for which he was treated in hospital at Baltimore, MD. Two months prior to this November of 1862, he was confined in a hospital at Georgetown D.C. for four weeks, suffering with fever. November 1862 he was furloughed for thirty days, and returned at end of time. June 27, 1862. He was captured at Gaines mills and was held in Libby Prison for one month and Bell Island for three months and two days; he was honorably discharged at Bristoe Station, VA. and re-enlisted in old command as a veteran; he was transferred to 190th PA. Volunteer Veterans Reserve Corp.

His list of active hostilities are, The Seven Days fight before Richmond, Gettysburg. Mine Run, Bristoe Station, 2nd Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Centerville, and Wilderness. He was honorably discharged December 24, 1864 at Pittsburgh, PA.

His brother, Bernard , served in the war, as did his wife’s brothers, John, William and Benjamin George; the latter was killed at Gettysburg. Her father Samuel George also served.

The Diary of John McFeely
The book is quite a record as if it was a store or bar record. The book itself was bought 15th April 1865. It has written in the front:
John McFeely
His Book Bought by Sherrybook and Freeman April the 15th 1865.
Left Bristol April the 29th marched to Warrington
Left Warrington the 30th marched to Culpper.
Left Culpper May the 4th at 2 oclock in the mor.
Battle commenced on the 5th fought all day and part of the night.
The 7th lay in riffle pitts all day
started to march that night at 11 oclock and marched until 10 the next day. Went into battle and fought all day on the 9th built riffle pitts and lay in them all night.
Went into Battle on the 10th and was wounded.
(Now where it says he was wounded the writting is just barely readable. You can tell that he was in great pain when it was written.)

His pension record's Say he was shot in the head, just above the left ear,58 cal. minnie ball, 10 May 1864 Battle of Sopttsylvania Court House. He received $24 dollars a month as he was no longet fit to labor. He was paralized on the right side he was paid equivilant to the loss of a hand or foot.

Comrade McFeely is a member of Harper Post no. 181; he is an invalid and his address is Ashville, PA.

His obituary read:
john McFeely, father of constable James McFeely of this city, died yesterday morning at 4 o'clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Minnie Baumgartner, at East Pittsburgh deceased. Was born near St Augustine, Cambria County, and was 73 years. He was a resident of Ashville and was on a visit to Pittsburgh at he time of his death. Mr. McFeely was twice married, his first wife who was the mother of constable McFeely died in 1857. his second wife whose maden name was miss Elizabeth George, with the following children survives: Mrs. Neddie Carl, Archibald and Nora of Ashville, Hayden, of Turtle Creek; Malcolm of Braddock, and Mrs. Baumgartner. Mr. McFeely was a veteran soldier of the civil war, serving throughout the conflict and participating in many of the great battles. he was wounded at Gettysburg and the wilderness. he was a member of the catholic church at Ashville. The remains will be brought to his late home today and the funeral will take place tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock.

---

Reenactor : Civilian Josie Tipping
Civil War Veteran Samuel Miles

Samuel Miles enlisted as a Private in company G, 6th Regiment, Ohio Calvary, October. 13, 1861. He served in the Shenandoah valley, (among other places.) His pension records show that he received a double hernia from rough riding and wearing heavy belt and accoutrements during the months of May and June of 1862 and was discharged for disability.

Samuel enlisted again as a private in company C, 4th Regiment, PA. Calvary, Volunteers on March 1, 1863 under command of Captain Robert Martin and served at Gettysburg. On or about June 21, 1863 and in the line of duty at Upperville VA. Samuel received injuries by his horse falling on him while charging enemy Calvary resulting in disease of the kidneys and heart. He was once again honorably discharged on February 26, 1864.

Samiel enlisted once more as a Private in company G, 105th PA. Volunteer Infantry July 27, 1864 at new Brighton, PA. for 1 year of service.

We believe he received about $14.00 a month. He wound up residing in a soldiers home in Ohio.

---

Reenactor & WWII Vet.: Private Albert E. Orr
Feb. 10, 1927 to Feb. 13, 2005
Albert E. Orr, 78, of Greensburg, Hempfield Township, died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005, at his home. He was born Feb. 10, 1927, in Jeannette, a son of the late Albert and Regina Parfitt Orr. He was a retired electronic technician, and was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army. He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Jeannette, Manor American Legion and the Murrysville Sailplane Society. Albert was very active as a Civil War reenactor, Co. "C", 40th Pa. Volunteer Infantry Regiment. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Alexandria Chachula Orr; and two sisters, Jean Orr and Kathryn Prady. Albert is survived by three sons, Adam and his wife, Rachel, of Memphis, Tenn., John, of Orlando, Fla., and Thomas, of Chicago, Ill.; four grandchildren, Tina, Scotty, Alexandria and Tommy; and a sister, June Orr, of Greensburg.


Civil War Veteran Adolph Frederick Godel 1844 – 1917

Adolph was a 19 year old with a fair complexion, brown hair and blue eyes. He joined the Army as a private in September of 1864 at Newark New Jersey. He served with the 39th Regiment New Jersey Infantry, Company E. Under the command of Col. Abram C. Wildrick. He saw action at Hatcher’s Run on October 27-28 1864. He was also at the attack of Ft. Mahone on April 2, 1865. Adolph was discharged at Alexandria VA. On June 17, 1865. Adolph married in September of 1865 to Christiana Filler in Newark NJ. He later moved to Pennsylvania and settled near Windber PA.

This German born immigrant is just one of the many brave young men who served this country in it’s darkest hour.

---

Reenactor : Sergeant Dale Sadowski
Civil War Veteran John A. Criswell 1842 - 1904

John A. Criswell was born February 25, 1842 in Butler County Pennsylvania. His parents James Criswell and Jane Brownlow were both from Derry County Ireland. They were married in 1825 and purchased a farm in Clinton Township Butler County. They had a family of six sons and three daughters. Four of the sons would serve the United States during the war to preserve the Union.

My Grandfather John A. Criswell served in Captain Hutchison’s Company A, 212th **, 6th Heavy Artillery Regiment. He mustered in August 30, 1864 and was promoted to corporal December 29 1864 the unit was organized at Camp Reynolds Pittsburgh. Sent to Washington and was assigned to the 2nd Brigade of Derussy’s Division of the Capital. The regiment was detached from the division and ordered to duty guarding the portion of Orange and Alexandria Railroad. Lying between Alexandria and Manassas. The several companies being stationed at intervals along the line, with headquarters at Fairfax Court House. This road was very important for it was the main route for supplies for Sheridan’s Army in the Shenandoah Valley. The discipline of the troops served a most important purpose; for it was only by the strictest attention to duty, and the exercise of sound discretion, that the wily and watchful enemy could be kept at bay. To go outside the lines, was almost certain death, which was found out by several unlucky 212th members. After this duty the regiment was ordered back to the defenses of Washington being posted at forts Marcy, Waro, Craig, Reno, Albany, Lyon and others. It was now instructed in heavy artillery service. During this part of service the 6th heavy’s remained on duty in the forts covering the capital for the duration of the war. On the 13th of June 1865 it was mustered out of service returned to Camp Reynolds and disbanded. John A. Criswell mustered out of service with battery and returned to civilian life. He lived to be 62 years of age dying October 13, 1904. He is buried in Butler County in Union Cemetery.

---

Civil War Veteran Private John Beers, Co. D, 11th PA Reserves 1842 - 1901

John Beers was the second son of Scots-Irish immigrants, James and Jane (Ferguson) Beers. Born May 24, 1842, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, he was 18 years of age when the attack on Fort Sumter began the war. On April 18, 1861, John and his elder brother, Samuel, enrolled at Evansburgh, Butler County, in the Connoquenessing Rangers, commanded by Captain William Stuart. John was rejected for service, being underage.

On March 17, 1862, with the permission of his father, John enlisted in Company D, 11th Pennsylvania Reserves. After a brief period of training at Camp Pierpont, near Langley, Virginia, he joined his company at Camp Washington, near Falmouth, about May 20, 1862. He participated in the Peninsular Campaign with his unit. On June 27, 1862, the battle of Gaines' Mill resulted in the capture of almost the entire 11th Reserves. John Beers was one of only 18 men of Company D to escape capture. Assigned to a provisional infantry company, John fought at the battle of Glendale (June 30, 1862) under command of the 7th Reserves. He was present with his unit at the battle of Malvern Hill. In reserve, they did not become engaged, but were under artillery bombardment for much of the afternoon of July 1st. On July 2nd, as the unit withdrew to Harrison's Landing, Company D consisted of two musicians and 15 privates.

On July 15, 1862, John Beers was assigned temporary duty as a hospital guard at the General Hospital at Craney Island, Virginia. He did not rejoin his unit until September 1862, following the battle of Antietam. He participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, where was wounded on December 13, 1862, when struck in the eye by something. His wound was sustained as the 11th Reserves fought Stonewall Jackson's rebels at close quarters. He later participated in Burnside's Mud March (January 20 - 23, 1863).

He was with his unit at the battle of Gettysburg on July 2nd and 3rd, 1863, and participated in the pursuit of Lee's army following the battle. He participated in the Bristoe Campaign (October 1863) and the Mine Run Campaign (November 1863). While on guard duty at Bristoe Station on January 20, 1864, he was captured and sent to Belle Isle Prison in Richmond. He was paroled at City Point, Virginia, March 7, 1864, and sent to General Hospital for treatment until May 25, 1864. With the 11th Reserves scheduled to muster-out in June, John was reassigned to Company C, 190th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry. He reported to his unit on July 1, 1864, and participated in the Siege of Petersburg. At the battle of Globe Tavern (August 18 - 19, 1864), almost all of the 190th Volunteers were captured. Once again, John Beers was one of a handful of officers and men of his unit that avoided capture. From September 29th to October 2, 1864, he participated in the battle of Peeble's Farm. On October 27th and 28th, there were engagements at Hatcher's Run. He participated in the battle of Dabney's Mills (February 3 - 7, 1865). On March 16, 1865, he was discharged at Hatcher's Run on expiration of his term of service.

Returning home, he took up a career as a carpenter, eventually becoming a building contractor. He married Mary Hamilton on October 19, 1866 at Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, which became the couple's home. They had six children, three of whom died in September 1878, during a diphtheria epidemic. In 1879, he applied for a disability pension for the injury to his left eye, which was now almost blind.

John Beers died of pneumonia at Allegheny City on October 28, 1901, at the age of 59.

---

Reenactor : Private John Bowman
Civil War Veteran Captain Samuel Louden 1810 – 1880 of Co. C, The Dickson Guard, 11th PA Reserves

Samuel Louden was born in 1810 in Blair County, near present day Altoona. His father, William, died when he was young. John Montgomery, with Samuel retaining his name, adopted Samuel. In 1818 the Montgomery family relocated to Franklin Township, Butler County. Here Samuel worked as a farmer.

At age 25 he wed Miss Eliza Brewster, a native of Allegheny County. They rented a farm near the White Oak Springs. They had seven children, Mary Jane, Rachel, Rebecca, John M., Catherine, Matilda, and Almira. In 1838 Mr. Montgomery presented Samuel with an undeveloped property in Clay Twp., to become known as the Louden Farm.

Samuel was heavily involved in the local Presbyterian Church. In 1840 he was appointed to the building committee for The United Presbyterian Church of West Sunbury. He was also very prominent in various community groups and militia organizations. He served as Captain and Major of the ‘Martin Battalion.’ In 1843 he participated in the search and capture of Sam Mohawk, the heinous murderer of the Wigton family. June of 1846 he organized the Slippery Rock Guards of Center Twp. This unit was raised and offered to the governor as a rifle company for the Mexican War. As Pennsylvania’s quota had already been filled this offer was declined.

At the outbreak of hostilities in April 1861, local authorities called for a war meeting. On April 25 residents gathered at the United Presbyterian Church. Samuel was a key element in forming what was to become known as ‘The Dickson Guards.’ He was elected to serve as Captain. The name was in honor of Rev. William T. Dickson, principal of the West Sunbury Academy. Dickson would go on to serve as the company chaplain.

At age 51 Samuel and his unit, Company C of the 11th Pennsylvania Reserves, left Butler for Camp Wright in Pittsburgh on June 10,1861Samuel served as Captain of Company C, 11th PA Reserves through early summer of 1862, when he fell ill. He received a furlough and returned to Butler County to recuperate. He was officially honorably discharged on September 26, 1862 on a Surgeon’s Certificate of Disability.

He continued life on the Louden Farm in Clay Twp. On October 8, his wife Eliza passed away.Samuel Louden died May 18, 1880. He is buried in West Sunbury beneath a plain military headstone. No dates, no mention of family, just his name and mention of service to his country. The stone simply says ‘Samuel Louden, Captain. Co. C. 11 PA. RES. INF.

---

Home Recruitment Camp Fire Schedule History Roster Heritage Contact

---

Keeping American History Alive ~ Civil War Reenactors
If you have any questions or would like to join the 40th PA contact Website Administrator
Thanks for stopping by.

God Bless America
Support Our Troops