Edward Davis (abt. 1843 - 1897)

Born about 1843 in Pennsylvania, United States

Died 18 Mar 1897 at about age 54 in Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States [uncertain]

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Biography

Edward was born about 1843 in Pennsylvania. His parents were born in Pennsylvania.^[1]

He served as a Private in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. The 54th was the first regiment in the United States to enlist men of color during the war.

Education

In 1860, he is attending school in or near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Occupations

• 1880: Cook
• 1863: Moulder

Residences

• 1890: Williamsport, Pennsylvania (US Veterans Schedules)
• 1880: 97 Mill Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania with his wife Mary
• 1863: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (military enlistment)
• 1860: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with his parents and siblings

Military Service

During the Civil War, he served as a Private in Company E of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry of the Union Army, the first regiment in the United States made up entirely of enlisted men of color. He was about 20 years old, single and working as a moulder when he enlisted on 30 April 1863 from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Mustered out 20 August 1865 with his regiment.^[2]

He was shot in the head and hand during his service, but neither were severe wounds.^[3]

He was active with the Grand Army of the Republic after the war.^[4]

Company Remarks

See also Images.

12 June 1865

Corpl. Lowe, Privs. Thomas, Jackson, Lerey [sic], Davis, Filas [?], Williams, Gibson, Mitchell, Creamer, Burch Return to Duty with Co.

20 February 1864

Co. with 'A' Co. detailed to remain on picket duty at 'Barbers' and thus was not with the Regt. at Battle of Olustee.

Census Race

• 1880: Mulatto
• 1860: Black

Death

He passed away in 1897 and is buried at Wildwood Cemetery in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Research Notes

The 1860 census record is a bit young to be Edward, but as he is the only person of color by this name in Harrisburg, assuming it is indeed him for now.

Projects

• 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

Sources

1. ↑ 1880 census
2. ↑ Emilio, McKay Roster p. 360
3. ↑ 1890 US Veterans Schedules
4. ↑ Find a Grave photograph

• 1860 United States Federal Census Year: 1860; Census Place: Harrisburg Ward 4, Dauphin, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1104; Page: 1103; Family History Library Film: 805104
• 1880 United States Federal Census Year: 1880; Census Place: Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1153; Page: 511A; Enumeration District: 070
• 1890 United States Veterans Schedules for Williamsport, Pennsylvania
• Emilio, Luis Fenollosa. History of the Fifty-Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, 1863-1865, Boston, Massachusetts: Boston Book Co., 1891 (1st ed.) and 1894 (2nd ed.)
• Find a Grave: Edward Davis
• Fold3.com. Free Access Civil War Records 1-15 April 2018. 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company Remarks.