WOODSTOCK AFRICAN AMERICAN UNION ARMY SOLDIERS
WOODSTOCK AFRICAN AMERICAN UNION ARMY SOLDIERS
SERVING IN THE 54TH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER REGIMENT
”Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.”
Booker T. Washington
The purpose of this article is to give a brief explanation of the history of service of African Americans in the Civil War, specifically to the those that served in the 54th Regiment. More importantly, it is an attempt to document some of the Woodstock men who made tremendous contributions to end slavery and make all men equal. Their lives, as well as their relations who made it possible for them to serve, are not well documented. We hope that, in a small way, this sheds some light on their lives as well as ensures their central place in our American story.
The Brief Story of the 54th Regiment
The war, which had began in 1861, had been hard fought for several years. The conflict focused mainly on maintaining the union on one side and for succession on the other. It was not until 1863 with the Emancipation Proclamation that the Union’s intention to free slaves in the south as well as the north were made clear. Even with this clarity of northern government policy, the abolishment of slavery was a contentious issue. Both the southern and northern economies benefited from the enslavement of people. This had been true since the first slave ship arrived from England in 1619. The idea of arming African Americans to fight for the “northern cause” was even more controversial as American culture was fundamentally rooted in racism. Fear of uprisings and a belief that African American men were not as capable as whites prevented early steps to be taken by the government to arm African Americans. In the fall of 1862, the War Department finally but quietly gave permission to a few commanders to raise African American units. The first of these regiments appeared around the borders of the south. The results were seen as being promising as several of these regiments performed well in several battles.
In February 1863, John Andrew, the Governor of Massachusetts, took a bold step and began organizing an African American regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment. It was the first such unit to be raised in the public eye and although it was a great step to elevating the cause of equality, it was fundamentally tainted with racism. To make the unit acceptable to the white public, white officers were chosen to lead the regiment. Nonetheless, the unit was fully trained and marched toward the front by May 1863, led by Robert Shaw. Most of the soldiers in the regiment were not ex-slaves but rather men who had lived their whole lives free in the north.
“The 54th Massachusetts Regiment’s first and most famous action took place at Fort Wagner. A massive beachhead fortification, it defended the southern approach to Charleston. To attack it, the Union forces had to advance along several hundred yards of exposed beach, caught between the ocean and swamps. At dusk on July 18, 1863, the 54th Massachusetts attacked. Even as darkness descended, they were terribly exposed. Shells rained down on them. Musket fire ripped through their ranks. Many men fell long before they reached the walls. Despite their losses, they reached the ramparts and broke through onto the parapet. The strength of the defenders and their positions, however, proved too much.” The 54th were driven back with terrible losses, their regiment commander among them. Though it proved that an infantry attack could not take the Fort, it proved that African American soldiers could fight as well as any white man. The courage and determination of the 54th became a powerful symbol, widely reported in northern newspapers.
The 54th Massachusetts fought in many other engagements as listed below. More African American regiments were raised and they all fought bravely and suffered during and after their service.
SERVICE — At Thompson’s Plantation near Beaufort, S. C., June 4-8, 1863. Moved to St. Simon’s Island June 8-9. Expedition up Altamaha River June 10-11. At St. Simon’s Island June 12-24. At St. Helena Island June 25-July 8. To Stono Inlet July 8. Expedition against James Island July 9-16. Affair Legaresville July 13. Secessionville July 16. Moved to Morris Island July 16-18. Assault on Fort Wagner July 18. Siege operations against Forts Wagner and Gregg, Morris Island, July 18-September 7, and against Fort Sumter and Charleston September 7, 1863, to January 28, 1864. Capture of Forts Wagner and Gregg September 7, 1863. Moved to Hilton Head, S. C., January 28, 1864. Expedition to Jacksonville, Fla., February 5-7. Capture of Jacksonville February 6. Expedition to Lake City, Fla., February 7-22. Battle of Olustee February 20. Duty at Jacksonville till April 17. Moved to Morris Island April 17-18. Duty on Morris and Folly Islands, S. C., till November 1864. Expedition to James Island June 30-July 10. Actions on James Island July 2, 9 and 10. Six Companies in charge of rebel prisoners under fire of Charleston Batteries September 7 to October 20. Eight Companies moved to Hilton Head, November 27. (Cos. “B” and “F” at Morris Island till February 1865.) Expedition to Boyd’s Neck, S. C., November 29-30. Boyd’s Landing November 29. Battle of Honey Hill November 30. Demonstration on Charleston Camp; Savannah Railroad December 6-9. Moved to Graham’s Neck December 20. Connect with Sherman’s Army at Pocotaligo, S. C., January 15, 1865. March to Charleston January 15-February 23, skirmishing all the way. (Cos. “B” and “F” occupy Charleston February 18.) Regiment on duty at Charleston February 27 to March 12. At Savannah, Ga., March 13-27. At Georgetown, S. C., March 31-April 5. Potter’s Expedition to Camden April 5-25. Seven Mile Bridge April 6. Destruction of Eppes’ Bridge, Black River, April 7. Dingle’s Mills April 9. Destruction of Rolling Stock at Wateree Junction April 11. Singleton’s Plantation April 12. Statesburg April 15. Occupation of Camden April 17. Boykin’s Mills April 18. At Georgetown April 25. Duty at Georgetown, Charleston, and various points in South Carolina April 25 to August 17. Mustered out at Mount Pleasant, S. C., August 20, 1865. Discharged at Boston, Mass., September 1, 1865.
Regiment lost during service 5 Officers and 104 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 160 Enlisted men by disease. Total 270.
Source:
James M. McPherson (1996), Drawn With the Sword: Reflections on the American Civil War
Courtesy of Getty Images.
Woodstock’s African American Soldiers
The Civil War Begins…
The Woodstock Light Infantry Company leaves Woodstock on May 2, 1861. There were several African American men that left with them, not as fighting men, but rather as servants. Two of these men have been identified. Austin Hazard is listed as serving as a waiter. Charles B. Wentworth is listed as an officer’s servant.
Image of the Woodstock Light Infantry Company mustering in front of Norman Williams house (now the location of the Norman Williams Public Library) on the Green.
Later, at least eleven African-American men from Woodstock enlist in the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. The following is most current list of these brave men.
Bourdo, Silas
Family moved to Reading in 1784. Silas was born in Reading on March 18, 1826. He had two brothers, Aaron and Phillip (Phillip B. lived in Woodstock and is listed in the 1860 census as a 25-year-old Laborer). Prior to service he was a farm laborer.
Service: He enlisted when he was 35 years old on December 19, 1863 in Company H. Mustered out on September 1, 1865 in New York. Assigned his state pay of $7 per month to Galo B. Ralph, Esq. of Woodstock.
Silas died (at Henry Walker’s?) on November 18, 1900. Headstone says: “Faithful Unto Death.” Interred at Morgan Hill Cemetery, South Woodstock.
Bradish, Elisha
Woodstock map showing the home of Elisha Bradish.
Born in Woodstock. Father was Henry Bradish who died in 1876? Elisha is listed as a laborer. He enlisted on December 1, 1863 in Company K. He died of Yellow Fever on August 16, 1865 at Post Hospital, Charleston, S.C.
“We regret to learn that Elisha Bradish, one of the colored soldiers from this town, died of yellow fever, at Charleston, S.C., the middle of the present month. He was daily expected home with his comrades of the Massachusetts 54th, when the news of his death was received. He was about thirty-three years of age and leaves a wife.” The Vermont Standard, September 1, 1865 3:1
Hart, George.
Born: about 1840/2 in Louisiana (his death certificate states West Virginia). George was 5’3.5” tall. Service: enlisted December 5, 1863 (age 21), in Rutland, VT, mustered in January 22, 1864, Private, Company G. Participated in the battle of Olustee, Florida, February 20, 1864; Honey Hill, South Carolina, November 30, 1864. George was injured during the Florida campaign of 1864 when he fell across a ditch and another soldier landed on his ankle. He was hospitalized for his injury and later he would request a disability pension. Mustered out August 20, 1865. After the war, George spent his life laying stone in Woodstock. George married Mary Ann Wentworth, daughter of Charles B. Wentworth and Mary Ann Little. George and Mary had four children: Albert M.; Freddie “Fred” Hart (born circa 1869); Luna (born November 25, 1875); Clyde William (born January 18, 1889)
George Hart’s house at 69 South Street.
In 1910, the census lists: George is head of the house. Age 70; Frank Kneeland. Aged 40; Howard W. Musham. Aged 16; Margaret Kneeland. Aged 25.; Delia Sally. Aged 30.; Robert H. Huding. Aged 20.
George Hart.
George was a member of the George C. Randall Post #82 G.A.R. “In this village, he was a character known to everyone. A patriotic soul, it was his delightful privilege to take vocal part in the annual town meetings… He was industrious, honest, courteous, and…a very worthy citizen.” These lines describe George Hart, “worthy citizen” of Woodstock, on his death in 1917. Records show that before his arrival in Woodstock in 1864, George Hart has been born a slave in Louisiana and had traveled north with Captain Edmund Morse of the 7th Vermont Regiment during the early days of the Civil War. There are still many unanswered questions about George Hart’s life.
Date of death: February 26, 1917 (80 years old). Interred at River Street Cemetery.
George Hart in front of the Town Hall.
Hazard, Austin.
Born: ? Occupation: butcher?. Son of Thomas and Melinda (Lewis) Hazard.
Service: Volunteered (waiter to the officers) for the Woodstock Light Infantry Company who left Woodstock on the morning of May 2, 1861. Enlisted on December 24, 1863, Woodstock, VT. Mustered in January 22, 1864, Private, Company B. While waiting at the new recruit depot in Hilton Head, South Carolina, Austin served as one of the regimental cooks before joining his company. Unfortunately, his military service was plagued by disease. He was only fit for light duty in the regiment and spent most of his time in the hospital. Mustered out August 2, 1865. After his company was mustered out of South Carolina in the summer of 1865, Austin was discharged from the hospital on David’s Island, New York and then returned to Woodstock, Vermont.
1860 census: Austin is 23 and listed as a day laborer; his wife Rhonda is 28; they have five children, Lucy A. (9), Julia M. (8), Francis (5), Harriet (4), Emma J. (2).
There is evidence that he and Rhonda divorced and he subsequently married a woman named Martha. Austin is listed in the 1870 farm census as a farmer and stone cutter.
He died on March 23, 1886 at age 57 (rheumatism). Interred at the River Street Cemetery.
Hazard, James.
Born in Woodstock on November 19, 1831. Son of Thomas Hazzard and Belinda “Lindy” Lewis. His sister was named Roxanna who eventually married Henry Parks. Lived on Prospect Street.
1860 census: James is 27 and listed as a day laborer; his wife Sarah is 24; they have 5 children, Sylvester (8), Ellen (7), William F. (5), Allen (3), infant (1 month).
Service: James enlisted on December 29, 1863, Woodstock, Vermont. Mustered in on January 22, 1864 in Brattleboro. Private in Company G. Mustered out on August 20, 1865 at Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.
Occupation: Gardner. Cause of death: Drowning at age 58, July 19, 1890. Interred at the River Street Cemetery.
Possibly James Hazard. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Liljenquist Family, 2018.43.15
Mero, Andrew.
Born in 1836. Service: Enlisted on December 9, 1863 in Rutland, Vermont. Mustered in on January 24, 1864 as a Private in Company B. Mustered out on September 29, 1865.
Occupation: laborer. Died on June 26, 1870. Interred at River Street Cemetery.
Mero, Charles E.
Born in Woodstock, VT. Most likely Sylvester Mero’s brother. Occupation: Laborer. Enlisted at age 22 in Rutland, VT on December 12, 1863. Mustered on December 19, 1863. Unassigned in Hilton Head Island, S.C. Recruited at depot. Joined the camp on March 7, 1864 from the unassigned recruits in Jacksonville, Florida from Company L. Listed as absent: sick in hospital on July 1865 at Charleston, S.C. Mustered out on September 28, 1865. Company I. Also referred to as Charles W. Mero.
Interred in Hope Cemetery, Worchester, MA.
Mero, Edward H.
Edward enlisted at 19 years of age in Woodstock, VT on November 30, 1863 in Company B. His occupation was farmer. He mustered out on August 20, 1865.
Mero, Sylvester
Born in Woodstock, VT. Occupation: Farmer
1860 census: Hezekiah Mero 50 Day Laborer; Harriet 45; George 25; Charles 20 ; Sylvester 12; Thomas 9
Service: Enlisted as a Private in Company B on January 5, 1864. Mustered on January 22, 1864 in Brattleboro. Mustered out on August 20, 1865 in Rutland, VT.
Died on March 19, 1919 in the Worchester City Hospital. He had two children, Ida and Herbert.
Morse, William
54th Massachusetts. Company H, Armorer. Woodstock resident. Enlisted on April 27, 1863. He was 23 years old at the time of enlistment. He was promoted to the position of Regimental Armorer on August 1, 1863. Discharged on August 20, 1865.
Park, Henry
Born: about 1823. 1860 census: Henry is living at Thomas Hazard’s house. At the time, Thomas is 59 and a day laborer; Marinda (63) is Thomas’ wife; Henry is 33 and a day laborer; Roxanna (32) is Henry’s wife; they have a daughter Cornelia Ann. (6). Married to Roxanna Lewis Park. Roxanna was born on December 18, 1827 and died April 20, 1915. Henry and Roxanna’s daughter Cornelia became the widow of Thomas Mero. Henry and Roxanna also had a son Albert who died in infancy and another son named Frederick.
There is a conveyance deed in the collection of the Woodstock History Center from 1866 to Henry Park from Lyman Mower for the purchase of the “Red House” and lot on South Street.
Service: Enlisted as a Private on December 24, 1863. Mustered in on January 22, 1864 in Hartland, Vermont. Recruit, Company I mustered out on August 20, 1865 at Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
Farmer who was known to raise Durham cattle. Landowner, entrepreneur, judge of cattle at the local fairs. Member of the George C. Randall Post No. 82, G.A.R. Died on December 19, 1908. Interred at River Street Cemetery.
Henry Park’s house on South Street.
Henry Park on the right. Sitting on Central Street with fellow G.A.R. members.
Wentworth, Charles B.
Born in Hanover, NH. In 1814. Son of Charles and Jane Wentworth. Occupation: Barber. Charles Cobb mentions in his diary getting his first hair cut from a [epithet] in A. Hatch’s store in the 1850s. Married to Mary Ann Little (daughter of Fortune Little and Lurancy Little).
Service: Charles B. Wentworth was one of three African-American Woodstock civilian residents who accompanied the 1st Vermont Brigade into service as an officer’s servant. Known as “Old Duke”, he accompanied the all-white regiment during its 90-day service which left on the morning of May 2, 1861. Later, Charles enlisted on December 19, 1863 in Woodstock, Vermont. He was mustered in on January 22, 1864 as a Private in Company B, commanded by Capt. James W. Watson. He was discharged at Beauford, South Carolina as being disabled on July 13, 1865.
A description of Charles’ war time disability can be found in his application for an Invalid Pension. It states: “he was disabled as follows, to wit: In the month of March 1864, in marching from Jacksonville to St. Augustine, Florida on a warm day and when much heated, he was obliged to wade in the water, waist-deep- the Rebels having flooded the road near St. Augustine to impede the progress of the Federal Army- The army retreated to Jacksonville and here applied and first came under the treatment of the surgeon, for diarrhea and swelling of the legs or varicose veins. The troops, including the applicant, returned to Morris Island when he went into the Regimental Hospital and was treated for said diseases- he was then returned to his company and remained in poor health with the said disease until his discharge from the army.”
Another description of his war activity: Charles was with Company B on the march by the Brigade under command of General Seymour in February 1864 from Jacksonville, Florida—for Lake City and Tallahassee. He fought in the battle of Olustee (sp?) on or about February 20th which resulted in the defeat and retreat of the Federal army. The company went through a retreat that was “hasty and prolonged and imposed on the regiment exhausting fatigue and exposures and unusual hardships.” The company had to wade through deep water and sleep in wet clothes.
“The colored soldiers of this town, who enlisted to the credit of the State in the 54th Mass. Regiment, have all returned home, with the exception of Elisha Bradish, who, as previously stated, died of yellow fever at Charleston, S.C., and are all in good health and we are glad to see them again. One of their number, Mr. Charles B. Wentworth, has re-opened his barber shop under Geo. Fisher’s Furniture Rooms on Central Street.”
The Vermont Standard, May 11, 1893. Col. 2
1860 census: Charles 45 Barber; Mary J. 45 wife; Charles B. 17 Barber; Mary A. 12; Frank W. 10; Christianna 8
He was a member of George C. Randall Post No. 82, G.A.R. Charles died of heart failure in Hanover, NH on May 8, 1893 at 79 years, 1 month, 21 days. He is interred in River Street Cemetery.
Wentworth, Charles Jr.
Born about 1842. Occupation: Barber.
Service: Enlisted on December 14, 1863. Mustered on January 22, 1864 as a Private in Company K with his father at 20 years old. Joined from recruiting office in February 1864 in Jacksonville, Florida?
We do know through the testimonial of Charles’ father, Charles B. Wentworth, Sr., and friend Sylvester Mero that Charles was removed from service for some kind of “poor health” and placed on a boat crew at Morris Island near Charleston. His father remembered: “He was in a boats crew and was placed there from the regiment on account of poor health and was coxswain in the boat head—head man and at Georgetown he was laid up with the ag—and was sick after he got home with varicose veins and has been sick and is sick now off and on a great deal. I know these facts from the fact that he is my son.” Sylvester Mero remembered the same incident that supposedly took place in August of 1862. “He was finally taken out of ranks and put in a boat crew between Morris Island and Folly Island. His feet were sore, and his legs would sometimes swell up as big as two legs—twice their natural size.”
Interred in River Street Cemetery.
Wentworth, William H.
Born in 1838. His occupation was driving private teams and handling. In Woodstock he was employed in driving a carriage and doing light manual labor. Five years before enlisting he lived in Hudson City, New Jersey; Sandy Pond, Massachusetts; and Woodstock, VT.
Service: Enlisted on November 30, 1863 in Woodstock, VT. Supposedly, William enlisted with his father and brother. He was mustered in on December 16, 1863 as a Private in Company I. He was at the Battle of Pleasant S.C. (Secessionville) in 1864. He was mustered out on August 20, 1865.
Unfortunately, not much is listed about William either in his pension file (filed by Rhonda M. Wentworth, William’s widow).
William met with some unfortunate end. In September of 1890, Edwin H. Bagley, of White River Junction, VT wrote, “I was one of the selectmen of Hartford the year the remains of William H. Wentworth were found in the woods of said town and went and saw them and made an examination of them and directed what was to be done with them.” Died on July 4, 1883. William is interred in River Street Cemetery.
Williams, Isaac
Married and a farmer when he enlisted at age 22. Drafted on August 11, 186? (waiter for the officers) for the Woodstock Light Infantry Company who left Woodstock on the morning of May 2, 1861. Enlisted again on October 31, 1863 at Long Island, Boston Ha (sp?) in Company H as a Private.
Williams, Norman B.
Born in Woodstock in 1834. Occupation: Farmer.
Service: Enlisted at 29 years of age in Brattleboro, VT on November 20, 1863 by Selectman of District 2 & Capt. Collins. Mustered in on December 16, 1863. Joined the recruiting office in February 1864 in Jacksonville, Florida. Listed as Company Cook in October 1864 and February 1865. Appears on Hilton Head Hospital Muster Roll on July-August 1865. Listed as patient August 30, 1865. Mustered out in NYC? Served in Company K. Married to Mary I. Williams. No indication of children.
