William Barnhart Sr. (1842 - 1916)

Born Apr 1842 in Franklin Mills, Bedford, now Fulton Co., PA

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Died 1 May 1916 at age 74 in Fulton Co. Pa

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Biography

4 MAY 1916 MAYS CHAPEL, Warfordsburg, Fulton County, Pa

William Barnhart served in Co.,G, Regt., 61, Pa., Volunteers from 26 Oct 1864 to 28 Jun 1865

William was Born 1841, and Died May 1, 1916 at his home in Bethel Township, is Buried at Mays Chapel Cemetery, Warfordsburg, Fulton Co. Pa..

BARNHART, William MAYS CHAPEL b-1841; d-1 May 1916; Co. G., Regt.of PA Source: Fulton County Historical Society 1997 Cemetery Disk.

William was Married to Elizabeth Jordan, Born 1850, she Died November 4, 1924. She is also buried at Mays Chapel.

BARNHART, Elizabeth J. MAYS CHAPEL b-1850; d-4 Nov. 1924; h-William Barnhart Source: Fulton County Historical Society, 1997 Cemetery Disk.

William is a Veteran of the American Civil War, from October 26, 1864 until June 28, 1865. He was in Company G., Regiment 61, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Infantry)... William Barnhart, born in the State of Pennsylvania, age listed as age eighteen, and Occupation listed as Laborer, was a Volunteer Substitute replacement for (Jeremiah Mower), Jenner Twp., Somerset Co., PA.) Company G., Muster-out Roll, June 28, 1865, Washington DC..... has William as being last paid, December, 1864,.... and being owed $23.27.... Also shows,..... Due U. S. for arms and equipment $6.00, and deduct .23 cents for one wrench......

Source: Information received June 28, 1999 from the "National Archives", Washington, DC.

Note:..This would make William born 1845, before October, 26

Stories also say, William had his toes froze off in war, and that he was baptized in a "Spring".

For Battle information.....See below... Regimental information, (Chronology:) 1864 and 1865."

61st Pennsylvania Volunteers Regimental information The 61st Pennsylvania Volunteers was one of the approximately 2000 Union regiments which served in the United States Civil War. It was formally commissioned in late July, 1861, The 61st was certainly not the most famous regiment in the Civil War, nor did it play a leading role in any moment deemed pivotal to the eventual Union victory. However, it consistently exhibited the courage and perseverence which was evident in so many units on both sides of the conflict and, as such, it exemplies the best that America's citizen soldiers had to offer their country in the years of its greatest trial. Source: Regimental History

61st PA Volunteers, Regimental History (1861-1865) Summary:

The 61st was commissioned as a 3 year regiment on July 24, 1861 under Colonel Oliver Rippey and was first organized at Pittsburgh the next month. Six companies "went South" in early September to join the Army of the Potomac. They became companies A, B, C, E, F and K. Four companies transferred in from the 23rd PA Volunteers (Birney's Zouaves) on March 1, 1862 to form companies D, G, H and I. The soldiers came from the following counties: Allegheny, Philadelphia, Indiana, Luzerne and Mercer. The regiment was first assigned to the Fourth Corps, but it was affiliated with the Sixth Corps for most of its history. The original term of enlistment expired in early September 1864. The remaining and reenlisted troops were then designated as a seven company battalion. Companies H, I and K were reformed with new recruits in February 1865 to regain regimental status for the war's final campaign. The regiment was formally mustered out on June 28, 1865. The 61st participated in all major campaigns of the Army of the Potomac and engaged in particularly hard fighting in the Peninsula, Chancellorsville, "Overland" and Petersburg campaigns. It also saw considerable action in General Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley campaign of 1864. Total recorded combat deaths were 237, which ranked 15th highest among all Union regiments and 3rd highest among the Pennsylvania volunteer regiments. Eight men were awarded Medals of Honor for heroism in battle.

Regimental Commanders: Col. Oliver H. Rippey–killed at Fair Oaks, May 1862 Col. George C. Spear–killed at Marye's Heights, May 1863 Col. George F. Smith–mustered out, September 1864 Lt. Col. John W. Crosby–killed at Petersburg, April 1865 Col. Robert L. Orr–mustered out, June 1865

Major Engagements: Battle Date(s) Deaths Fair Oaks (Seven Pines), VA May 31/June 1, 1862 92 Malvern Hill, VA July 1, 1862 4 Fredericksburg, VA December 13, 1862 2 Marye's Heights/Banks Ford, VA May 3-4, 1863 15 The Wilderness, VA May 5-6, 1864 34 Spotsylvania, VA May 8-21, 1864 44 Cold Harbor, VA June 1-3, 1864 2 Fort Stevens, D.C. July 12, 1864 6 Charlestown, WV August 21, 1864 8 Opequon (Winchester), VA September 19, 1864 3 Fisher's Hill, VA September 22, 1864 2 Cedar Creek, VA October 19, 1864 6 Petersburg, VA March 25, 1865 4 Petersburg, VA April 2, 1865 10

Also participated at: Yorktown, Antietam, Salem Heights (Salem Church), Gettysburg, Williamsport, Rappahannock Station, Siege of Petersburg, Sayler's Creek and Appomattox Court House.

Chronology: 1861 Commissioned on July 24th as a three year regiment with Oliver Rippey, a Mexican War veteran, placed in command. Sent to Washington, DC on September 1st when only recruited to 600 men. Trained at Camp Advance (near Mount Vernon, VA) from late September to the following February. 1862 Recrossed the Potomac and moved to Camp Stanton (near Bladensburg) in February. Received four companies and a Lt. Colonel from the 23rd PA on March 1st to reach full strength. Attached to the 4th Corps, Couch's Division with the March 13th reorganization of the Army of the Potomac under George McClellan. Journeyed via transport to Fortress Monroe on March 26th to start the Peninsula Campaign. Little engaged on the Peninsula until May 31st at Fair Oaks (or Seven Pines) when the regiment, though fighting bravely on the 4th Corps right, was severely mauled in a flanking attack by a larger Confederate force under Col. Micah Jenkins. All field officers were killed, wounded or captured in this engagement. Played an important role at Malvern Hill, the final chapter in the Seven Days battle, by protecting one of the Federal batteries on the right flank from a series of Confederate assaults. Remained on the Peninsula until late August before being transported back to Alexandria from Yorktown. The 61st then marched to Fairfax where the men helped protect the rear of Pope's army during its retreat from Second Bull Run. Assigned to guard the Potomac crossing at Great Falls in early September as Lee mounted his Maryland campaign. Arrived on the devastated battle ground of Antietam late in the day on the 17th and was involved in skirmishing and pursuit activities on the succeeding days, including an engagement with enemy calvary on the 20th at Williamsport, MD. Transferred to the 6th Corps in late September and returned to Virginia at the end of October. Remained in Virginia during November as McClellan was replaced by Ambrose Burnside. Crossed the Rappahannock below Fredericksburg on December 11th. Along with the rest of the 6th Corps, the 61st was little engaged at the calamitous battle on the 13th and remained positioned below the town and the stone wall at Marye's Heights. They recrossed the river three days later and returned to camp. 1863 Participated in Burnside's infamous "Mud March" in late January which finally precipitated his removal from command and the promotion of Joseph Hooker. Received the honor of being selected on February 2nd as one of the regiments in the new Light Division of the 6th Corps. This outfit was positioned as a "quick response" force. The much respected John Sedgwick assumed Corps command the next day. The division wintered at Belle Plains, VA. Marched at the formal review of The Army of the Potomac before Abraham Lincoln on April 8th. Accompanied the 6th Corps to their position on the Fredericksburg front of the Chancellorsville Campaign and crossed the Rappahannock River on May 1st.

Led the right column of the force which stormed Marye's Heights on May 3rd and, while battered by cannon and gunfire, helped carry the position which had caused so many casualties in the failed assaults of the prior December. Were little engaged in the action at Salem Heights which immediately followed, but helped preserve the 6th Corps lines at Banks Ford on the 4th when Lee tried to annihilate Sedgwick's troops as they prepared to recross the river after Hooker failed to come to their assistance. The Light Division was dissolved on May 11th and the regiment was assigned to the 3rd Brigade of the 2nd Division, where it remained until its final muster out in 1865. Thomas Neill, Daniel Bidwell and Thomas Hyde were successively the commanders of this brigade. Camped along the Rappahannock until mid-June and then started on an extended march where they crossed into Maryland on the 27th, the day that George Meade relieved Hooker and assumed command of the Army. Began a memorable forced march with the 6th Corps late on July 1st. This arduous trek in very hot weather took them 35 miles from Manchester, MD to Gettysburg, where they arrived late in the afternoon on the 2nd. The 3rd Brigade was detached from the rest of their Corps around 6PM and deployed in support of the 12th Corps on the Union right. The regiment was not significantly engaged at Gettysburg. Most of their time was spent positioned on Powers Hill or near Wolfs Hill (where a regimental monument now stands) on the far right flank at the very end of the famous "fish hook" shaped formation of the Union battle line. Involved in the unsuccessful pursuit of Lee's army after the battle and returned to Virginia before the end of the July. Then spent most of the next few months in a variety of encampments in Virginia but with little action other than guard and picket duty. Was peripherally involved in the very successful attack on Rappahannock Station in early November and participated in the aborted assault on Mine Run, across the Rapidan River, later that month before entering their winter encampment at Brandy Station. 1864 Crossed the Rapidan with Grant's army on May 4th as he began his "Overland Campaign" with the unit at a strength of about 500 men. Along with their brigade, became engaged in The Wilderness fighting the next day north of the Orange Turnpike and fought strenuously but inconclusively until the evening of the 6th when the 61st was instrumental in halting Gordon's surprise attack and its resulting panic on the Federal right flank. Continued the march south to Spotsylvania Court House and was involved in repeated skirmishing and fighting from the 8th through the 10th. Fought near the famous "Bloody Angle" on May 12th – including at least two hours in the front firing line – and were also involved in much of the other Spotsylvania fighting. The 61st sustained 290 casualties between May 5th and May 21st or nearly 60% of its strength. Horatio Wright assumed 6th Corps command after Sedgwick's untimely death on the 9th. The regiment did not suffer severely in the debacle at Cold Harbor though they did participate in the June 3rd assault there. Marched to and crossed the James with the rest of the Army on the 16th and spent the balance of the month guarding the Weldon Railroad near Petersburg. Were rushed to Washington in early July, along with most of the 6th Corps, to protect the capital from Jubal Early's advancing Corps. The 61st then helped defend that city on the 12th at Fort Stevens in a small battle observed by Abraham Lincoln. The regiment spent the balance of the month on lengthy and uncomfortably hot marches in Virginia and Maryland fruitlessly tracking Early's troops. Transferred with the rest of the 6th Corps to Phil Sheridan's Army of the Shenandoah in early August which then moved into the Shenandoah Valley to destroy its capacity to supply the Confederate armies. They were involved in a bloody skirmish at Charlestown, WV on the 21st.This was the last action for those survivors of the original regiment who chose not to reenlist. These men were mustered out on September 7th at Harrisburg, PA. The 61st was reduced to a battalion and participated with distinction in the victories of Opequon (Winchester) and Fisher's Hill though suffering about 15% casualties among its small force. The battalion and its division held firm on the left flank during the setbacks at Cedar Creek on October 19th and participated in the subsequent counterattack and rout of Early's Corps after Sheridan's renouned ride to the front. The 61st had another 18 casualties here. It now numbered less than 100 men, though it was recruited up to 180 men by November. After the thrilling Valley campaign, the 6th Corps returned to Petersburg in early December and was reassigned to the Army of the Potomac. The 61st was placed on the line between Forts Welch and Fisher to help man the final period of grim siege duty. 1865 The unit regained regimental status on March 2nd being recruited to nearly 500 men. It carried the outer line of the Confederate fortifications it faced during the March 25th assault ordered by Grant. The 61st contributed significantly in the final assault on Petersburg on April 2nd when its brigade was placed as the lead point of the Corps attack. It captured 2 battle flags but suffered 62 casualties, including another commander killed. It made the last hard march in pursuit of Lee's army, firing its final shots in a small support role at Sailor's Creek on the 6th, and was subsequently present at Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House on the 9th. It was part of the honor guard which presented all battle flags captured by the 6th Corps in the final campaign to General Meade on the 17th. Moved to Danville by the end of the month and stayed there on provost duty until May 21st after the surrender of Johnston's army, then marched back to the capital. The regiment participated in the special public review of the 6th Corps that was held on June 8th in Washington D.C. Having never lost a battle flag and consistently done its duty, the 61st was finally mustered out on June 28th in Pittsburgh to close the circle in a history that epitomized the tragedy, suffering and eventual triumph of the Army of the Potomac.

Casualty Statistics: Total Battle Wounded or Prison Other Total Enrolled Deaths Missing/Captured Deaths Deaths Casualties 1987 237 635 19 82 973

More officers (19) were killed in combat than in any other Federal regiment. Total battle deaths were 15th highest out of the approximately 2000 Federal regiments and 3rd highest of the PA regiments, after the 83rd and 105th. Casualties were most severe at Fair Oaks (263), The Wilderness (151) and Spotsylvania (139). The deaths and total casualties at Fair Oaks were the highest of any regiment in that battle and the deaths were the 11th highest regimental loss in any battle of the war.

Main Sources: Bates; Brewer (regimental history); Dyer; Fox; Sauers (flag lore); and the Official Records of the 61st. Pa Volunteer History.

Genealogy: of William BARNHART , served in Company G., 61st. Regt., Pa. Volunteers

Company G., 61st PA. Volunteers Record of Events

The "record of events" was one of the items of paperwork that each Union regiment and the companies within it were supposed to complete every other month in tandem with a company muster roll. Like all forms of paperwork in the army, adherence to this regulation was spotty at times (particularly as the war dragged on), and the amount of detail in the record varied considerably from unit to unit and from report to report. Transcriptions of the actual event documents are in the possession of the National Archives and they are available on microfilm.

Listed below are some of the more significant record of event entries for Company "G" in the 61st Pennsylvania Volunteers:

March and April 1862 - completed when stationed at Camp Scott, near Yorktown, Va. The company was transferred from the 23rd Regt. Penna. Vols. to the 61st Regt. Penna. Vols. March 1, 1862 and is now "G" Co. 61st Regt. P.V. formerly "P" Co. 23rd Regt. P.V. The Regiment left Camp Stanton D.C. at 1 o'clock PM March 10, 1862. Marched with Graham's Brigade to Prospect Hill, Va. by way of Washington D.C. and Chain Bridge. Bivouacked at Prospect Hill three days - left Prospect Hill on the morning of the 14th for Chain Bridge. On the 16th left Chain Bridge and arrived at Camp Stanton same day. Left Camp Stanton March 25, 1862. Arrived & bivouacked at Alexandria Va. Embarked 26th on propeller "Farmer" arrived at Fortress Monroe 28th. Bivouacked at Hampton 29th. Left on 30th & arrived at Newport News. Left Newport News on the 4th of April & arrived at Camp Scott near Warwick Court House April 6, 1862.

May and June 1862 - completed when stationed at Malvern Hills, Va. his company left Warwick Court House, Va. May 4, 1862 advanced with the Army of the Potomac. Bivouacked on the battlefield of Williamsburg the 5th, detailed same night to take charge of prisoners captured by General Hooker's division. Returned to Regt. on the 7th at Williamsburg. Marched on the 9th. Bivouacked at Ropers Church. 13, 14 & 15th - New Kent Court House. 17th -reconnaissance to Bottom Bridge. 18, 19 & 20th - encamped near Chickahominy River. On 23rd made reconnaissance to White Oak Swamp. Bivouacked for the night. 25th - marched to Seven Pines. 29th - advanced to Fair Oaks. Company ordered out to find the enemy. Deployed company as skirmishers advanced to the front one mile and found the enemy in full force about two miles from our camp. May 31st, Battle of Fair Oaks, in which the company was engaged. Remained at Fair Oaks until June 16th when we marched to Seven Pines. Regt. went on picket the 26th and 27th by the enemy in front of Hooker's division. Returned to camp. Marched same night to Smith's division and at 2 o'clock in the morning of the 28th, marched for White Oak Swamp. Crossed the bridge at Meridian, bivouacked 2 miles from bridge. 29th - at sundown marched to James River. 30th - marched to Malvern Hill.

July and August 1862 - completed when stationed in camp at Alexandria, Va. The Company with the Regiment engaged the enemy at Malvern Hills July 1, 1862. Marched from Malvern Hills July 2nd for Harrison's Landing. Remained at Harrison's Landing until August 16, 1862 when we marched to Charles City, Va. August 17th marched to and crossed Chickahominy River. 18th & 19th - marched to Yorktown. Left Yorktown August 30th. Arrived at Alexandria, Va. August 31st 1862.

September and October 1862 - completed when stationed at Rohrersville, Md. This Company with the Regt. left Alexandria, Va. Sept. 1, 1862 and marched beyond Fairfax Court House when we halted. Returned to Alexandria Sept. 4, 1862 forming a portion of the rear guard of General Pope's command. Left Alexandria for Chain Bridge Sept. 5, 1862. Left Chain Bridge Sept. 5/62 and marched to Potomac Cross Roads. Made reconnaissance at the Cross Roads 8 days guarding the Poolsville Road and Dudley's Ford. Left Cross Roads Sept. 14th to join the division at Jeffersonville, Md. Crossed South Mountain and joined the division on the march to Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. Bivouacked on the field of battle. Sent to the front on the 18th, remained in line of battle 24 hours. On the morning of the 19th discovered the enemy had retreated. Marched through and beyond Sharpsburg. Left Sharpsburg Sept. 20th for Williamsport, Md. Skirmished with the enemy in the afternoon. Lost one man killed in the Regt. Sept. 23rd marched to Downsville, Md. and encamped. Left Downsville Oct. 18th 7 o'clock PM arrived at Clear Spring. Left Clear Spring on the morning of the 19th arrived at Hancock, Md at 4 PM. Left Hancock Oct. 21st arrived at Fair View and bivouacked for the night. Remained at Fair View until the 27th when the division marched to Williamsport, Md. Left for Downsville and encamped on the evening of the 29th. On the 31st took up line of march for Rohrersville. Arrived at 2 PM and bivouacked for the night. Was mustered for pay that day.

May and June 1863 - completed when stationed at camp near Manchester, Md. Crossed the Rappahannock River at Franklin's Crossing May 1/63. Advanced to the front on picket. May 2, 1863 advanced our line at sun down, driving in the enemy. May 3/63 advanced to Fredericksburg at daylight. At 10:30 o'clock our Regt. was ordered to charge the Rifle Pits on the road leading to Saint Maryes Heights. In the charge the Co. lost one man killed and five wounded. Recrossed the river at Banks Ford. Left the Rappahannock River June 13/63. Marched by way of Brooks Station, Stafford, Dumfries, Fairfax and Centerville to Bristow Station arriving there June 20/63. Left Bristow Station June 25/63 marching by way of Centerville, Drainsville, Edwards Ferry, Poolsville, Hyattstown, Nwe Market, Westminster arriving at Manchester June 30/63.

July and August 1863 - completed when stationed near Warrenton Va. The Co. with the Regt. was ordered to march on the evening of July 1/63. Took up line of march and left Manchester for Gettysburg, Pa arriving there at 5 o'clock PM July 2nd. Distance marched about 34 miles. Went to the front and lay in line of battle that night. On the 3rd & 4th we were thrown on our extreme right. On the 5th at 9 o'clock PM advanced with the Brig. to near Fairfield. On the 6th we formed line of battle and advanced 3 miles. On the 7th crossed the South Mountain to Waterloo and thence to Waynesboro where we remained until the 12th. Advanced to Frankstown, Md. and formed line of battle. On the 14th advanced to Williamsport, Md. On the 15th went to Boonesboro. On 16th marched to near Gapland, Md. On the 19th crossed the Potomac River and bivouacked near Hillsboro, Va. On the 20th marched to near Philomont. 22nd marched to Uniontown. 23rd marched to White Plains. On the 24th the Co. was detailed to guard supply train to Linden, Va. Was ordered when on the road to turn off and make Warrenton by way of Salem. Arrived at Warrenton n the morning of the 25th marching 28 miles. Since the 25th of July we have been laying near Warrenton.

September and October 1863- completed when stationed at Warrenton Va. September 15, 1863, the Co. with the Regt. left camp near Warrenton, Va and marched to Stone House Mountain arriving there on the evening of the 16th Sept. Remained there until Oct. 5/63 when we marched to Robinson River, Va. On the night of the 10th we left Robinson River and reached Rappahannock Station on the afternoon of the 11th distance about 30 miles. On the 12th we advanced to Brandy Station. 14th marched to Centerville, thence to Chantilly. On the 19th advanced to Gainsville. On the 20th arrived at Warrenton, Va. and encamped to this date Oct. 31/63.

November and December 1863 - completed when stationed at Brandy Station, Va. Nov. 7, 1863, the Co. with the Regt. broke camp at Warrenton, Va. and advanced to Rappahannock Station, a distance of 9 miles, taking part in the storming of the heights. On the 8th advanced in line of battle to Brandy Station 7 miles. On 9th moved into camp near Hazel River. On 20th we again broke camp and marched to the Rapidan, a distance of 15 miles, where we crossed at Germanna Ford. On the 27th we again advanced in support of 3rd Corps who were engaging the enemy. On 28th marched beyond Robertsons Farm about 4 miles. On 29th moved again to right at Mine Run. Dec 1st we pulled back again across the Rapidan as rear guard, recrossing at Culpeper Mine Ford having marched about 20 miles. We remained at Rapidan until 3rd when we moved back to our old camp near Hazel River where we now are.

May and June 1864 - completed when stationed at Reams Station, Va. Company G has taken an active part in all the battles with the Army of the Potomac from May 5 up to the present day.

Having never lost a battle flag and consistently done its duty, the 61st was finally mustered out on June 28th 1865 in Pittsburgh, P

Sources

• http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=rrrose2&id=I043791