John Jacob Beacher Jr. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
- Born: 12 Jan 1840, Broad Mountain, Schuylkill, PA 4 12 13
- Christened: 28 Sep 1853, Pottsville: Trinity Lutheran Church, Schuylkill, PA 14
- Marriage (1): Angeline Ocum about 1865 1
- Died: 20 Dec 1915, Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA at age 75 4 13 15 16
- Buried: 23 Dec 1915, Saint Clair: Odd Fellows Cemetery, Schuylkill, PA 4 13 16
Other names for John were Jacob Beacher Jr.,14 Jake Beacher and John Beacher.17
FamilySearch ID: KZ6L-BVM.
Burial Notes:
The tombstone reads: Jacob Beacher, Co. A 27th P.V.M.
JOHN J. BEACHER (CW)
ODD FELLOWS (ST.CLAIRE) Cemetery
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
UNION CIVIL WAR SOLDIER
SERVED IN CO.F-7TH PA.CAVALRY.HUSBAND OF
ANGELINE BEACHER
B-JAN.121840 D-DEC.20-1915
Tombstone photo online at http://pennsylvaniagravestones.org/view.php?id=24346
Noted events in his life were:
1. Census in 1850 in Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 18 In 1850 living in the South Ward of Pottsville is Jacob Bieger. Obviously the census taker was confused by his German pronounciation of his surname! Jacob Bieger, tailer, age 36, is living with wife Angeline, 35; William, 12; Jacob, 11; Hiram, 8; Benjamin, 6; George, 3; and Nathan, 8 months old when the census was recorded on 29 Aug 1850. Everyone was born in Pennsylvania.
2. Census in 1860 in New Castle Twp., Schuylkill, PA. 19 In 1860 living in the New Castle Township is Jacob Bucher, day laborer, age 48, living with wife Angeline, 45; William, day laborer, 21; Jacob, day laborer, 19; Hiram, day laborer, 17; B. Franklin, day laborer, 15; George, 12; and Nathan, 9; and Ann M., 7. Everyone was born in Pennsylvania. The post office is Broad Mountain.
3. Military on 22 Apr 1861: during the Civil War and enlisted as a Private in the 80th Regiment 7th Cavalry Company F. 20
4. Military from 16 Jun 1863 to 31 Jul 1863 in , Schuylkill, PA: Private, Co. A 27th Regiment. 21 At Schuykill County Historical Society Library in Pottsville in Veteran's Grave Registration Record Book #1 it records that Jacob Beacher was buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Shenandoah but under headstone marker is written "cannot locate."
5. Military on 19 Jun 1863: during the Civil War and enlisted as a private in 27th Regiment Company A. 9 22 He mustered out of Company A, 27th Infantry Mil Regiment Pennsylvania on August 1, 1863.
His record on file shows the following:
Beacher, John J.
Company A - 27th Infantry Mil. '63
5-1236
Enrolled: 6-16-63 at Pottsville, Pa.
M.I. 6-16-63 as Pvt. at Harrisburg, Pa.
Discharged
Age at enrollment 23.
6. Military from 1864 to 1865 in , , Pennylvania, USA: during the Civil War. 2 23 He enlisted in the Pennsylvania 7th Cavalry (80th Infantry).
John Jacob only joined in early 1864 starting with the Atlanta campaign.
The 7th cavalry, the 80th regiment of the line, was composed of men from the counties of Schuylkill, Lycoming, Tioga, Bradford, Northumberland, Montour, Clinton, Center, Chester, Luzerne, Dauphin, Cumberland, Berks and Allegheny. It rendezvoused by companies at Camp Cameron, Harrisburg, and was mustered into the U. S. service in Sept., Oct., and Nov., 1861, for three years.
On April 30, 1864, under command of Col Sipes, it joined Gen. Sherman for the Atlanta campaign, being attached to Garrard's division, and saw much active service from this time on. It was in actions at Rome, Dallas and Villa Rica road, Big Shanty, McAfee cross-roads, Noonday creek and Kennesaw mountain, raided the Augusta & Atlanta railroad in July, shared in the raid on Covington, was engaged at Flatrock bridge, and on Aug. 1, entered the trenches in front of Atlanta.
It joined in Gen. Kilpatrick's raid in August; skirmished at Fairburn, Jonesboro and Lovejoy's Station, losing 43 men during the expedition. In October it was active at Rome, and the following day made a gallant charge on infantry and captured 2 pieces of artillery. It had suffered much in men, horses and equipment during the strenuous campaign and was now ordered to Louisville to refit. Here many of the officers whose original term of service had expired were mustered out.
After the battle of Nashville and the defeat of Hood, the command was stationed at Gravelly Springs, Ala., on the Tennessee river, drilling and making preparation for the spring campaign. In the latter part of March, 1865, it joined Gen. Wilson in his raid through Alabama and Georgia, skirmished at Plantersville on April 1, led the assault upon the enemy's works the following day at Selma, losing heavily in killed and wounded, and was again active at Columbus. The war was now practically ended. The regiment remained at Macon until Aug. 23, 1865, when it was mustered out.
Battles Fought by John Jacob Beacher
Fought on 02 May 1864 at Dallas, GA.
Fought on 27 May 1864 at Dallas, GA.
Fought on 07 June 1864 at Shelbyville, Bartow County, GA.
Fought on 09 June 1864 at Big Shanty, GA.
Fought on 11 June 1864 at McAfee's Cross Roads, GA.
Fought on 15 June 1864 at Lynnville, GA.
Fought on 20 June 1864 at Noonday Creek, GA.
Fought on 26 June 1864.
Fought on 15 July 1864 at Marietta, GA.
Fought on 24 July 1864.
Fought on 28 July 1864 at Flat Rock, GA.
Fought on 12 August 1864 at Atlanta, GA.
Fought on 13 August 1864 at Atlanta, GA.
Fought on 20 August 1864 at Lovejoy Station, GA.
Fought on 20 August 1864 at Red Oak Church, GA.
Fought on 21 August 1864 at Lovejoy Station, GA.
Fought on 22 August 1864 at Lovejoy Station, GA.
Fought on 30 August 1864.
Fought on 01 September 1864.
Fought on 02 September 1864 at Vining Station, GA.
Fought on 01 October 1864.
Fought on 04 October 1864.
Fought on 12 October 1864.
Fought on 13 October 1864 at Rome, GA.
Fought on 14 October 1864 at Rome, GA.
Fought on 15 October 1864.
Fought on 18 October 1864.
Fought on 30 October 1864.
Fought on 27 November 1864 at Flat Rock, GA.
Fought on 03 December 1864.
Fought on 29 December 1864 at Bardstown, KY.
Fought on 01 April 1865.
Fought on 02 April 1865 at Selma, AL.
Fought on 07 April 1865.
Fought on 08 April 1865 at Selma, AL.
Fought on 12 April 1865.
Fought on 14 April 1865.
Fought on 15 April 1865.
Fought on 05 May 1865 at Macon, GA.
Fought on 18 May 1865 at Selma, AL.
7. Military on 12 Feb 1864 in Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA: during the Civil War. His record on file at the Pennsylvania State Archives shows he enrolled. 4 9 24 25 The notes on his record at the archives shows his record for Company F, 7th Cavalry as follows.
Mustered in: 2-12-64 as Pvt. at Pottsville, PA.
Mustered out: 8-23-65, discharged, Macon, GA
Age at enrollment: 22
Complexion: Dark, Height: 5' 1 1/2", Eyes: Grey, Hair: Brown
Occupation: Engineer
Residence: Pottsville, born Schuylkill Co., PA.
8. Census in 1870 in Broad Mountain, Schuylkill, PA. 17 The 1870 census lists Jacob Beacher Jr., laborer, 30; Angeline, 28; and Mary Ellen, 3. Everyone is born in Pennsylvania. Jacob has no real estate of value, so he is probably renting. The post office is Broad Mountain in New Castle Township.
Next door is Angeline's mother, Mary Heckman, 53, with son Elwood, laborer, 21, and daughter Marcella, domestic servant, 15. Mary was the widow of her second husband, Samuel Heckman, and her first husband, Daniel Okum (Angeline's father.).
9. Census in 1880 in Shenandoah, Schuylkill, PA. 26 Jacob was recorded in the 1880 Census as John J. Deacher [sic], 41, miner, living with his wife Angeline, 34; Mary E., 12; Thomas F., 6; and Catherine A., 4. Everyone and their parents were born in Pennsylvania.
10. Book: History of Schuylkill County, 1881. 23
EIGHTIETH REGIMENT Of this regiment companies A and F were recruited in Schuylkill county, and other companies contained some men from this county. It was recruited and organized in the autumn of 1861, and in December of that year it went to the department of the Cumberland, then under the command of General Buell. At Nashville the three commands were separated, and all engaged in scouting through eastern and middle Tennessee, in the discharge 136 of which duty they were engaged in many sharp skirmishes and some severe fights. In the autumn of 1862 the cavalry of the department was reorganized on the accession of General Rosecrans to the command, and the 7th was made a part of the first brigade of cavalry, under Colonel Mintz. Picket, outpost and foraging duty continued until the advance on Murfreesboro, in December of that year. In January, 1863, the regiment, with its brigade, was engaged in two sharp skirmishes at Rover and one at Unionville. These were vigorously followed by active scouting and skirmishing. In the action at Shelbyville the 7th made a brilliant charge in the face of a rebel battery, which it captured. In July and August the regiment went on an expedition in pursuit of Wheeler's cavalry, and was on the march during eighteen consecutive days and nights, with scarcely any rest. A large portion of the regiment re-enlisted in 1864 and received a veteran furlough. After its return, with ranks recruited, it was actively engaged in the memorable campaign of the following summer, and the march across the gulf States that succeeded that campaign, and during these it was engaged in efficient service. April 28th, 1865, it arrived at Macon, Ga., where it remained until the following August, when it was mustered out of the service.
**COMPANY F Officers.-Captain, Cyrus Newlin. first lieutenant, Ber.Reilly; second, Joseph H. Denning. Sergeants-V.R. Boyer, William Zehner, William Smith, William Jenkins, John Williams, James A. Wilson, Daniel Siegfried, John M. Rich. Coprorals-William H. Beaver, George M. Boyer, Condy McGuire, Richard Fotheringill. Buglers-Joseph Partridge, John Coughin. Blacksmith, Adam Mager. Saddler, Abraham Vandyke. Privates.-William Anstock, Adam Aummersboch, Joseph Adams, Abraham Berger, Charles Bowers, Jacob Beler, G.W. Bordman, Patrick Boyle, Benjamin Beacher, John J. Beacher, William Bond, C.L. Bartholomew, William Brennan, Dennis Bowers, William Blacker, Charles Blacker, John Betz, David Boyer, Henry Breslin, William Breslin, Jacob Broom, Samuel Bryson, John Bummersboch, John Ball, Charles Burke, Bart. Ball, Charles Beaumont, Peter Boers, Joseph W. Beauhart, John Bertz, Thomas Baldwin, James Collins, John Cunningham, Hart Cggins, John Cunningham, Ezra Cockell, Patrick Cassey, Peter Creiger, A.J. Chambus, Edward Connors, John Deaner, Adam Detyoune, James Dougher, John Dunlevy, Robert Devine, John Davis, John Dando, William English, Samuel Evans, David Evans, Thomas B. Evans, George English, William H. Eise, John A.J. Fartick, Joseph R. Fisher, William J. Fox, Joseph Fotheringill, Jacob Fronty, David S. Fox, Michael Flenery, Albert Fronley, James Fogerty, David Gower, Thomas Gradwell, Charles S. Hower, William Harris, Peter Haine, David Henry, James Hagerty, Martin Haley, Edward Hines, Joseph Haldeman, William F. Hisser, B.M. Hoffee, Francis Hahn, Jacob Hubzer, Francis W. Hagerty, Joseph T. Hart, George Houser, Thomas W. Jones, Elias Jones, Robert Jones, David Jones, David R. Jones, Bernard Kelley, Theodore Koch, George Koch, Aquilla Kniffe, Patrick R. Kearns, Joseph Knapp, Llewellyn Llewellyn, David Levan, Cornelius Link, Charles Linn, Daniel Lynch (deserted), John C. Long, George Leib, Alexander Lafferty, James Lyons, Isaac Miller, John Miller jr., John McGuire, John W. Moyer, Samuel Mitchell, John A. Moore, George F. Millet, Joseph May, Peter McGan, Patrick McLaughlin, Michael Murray, Robert Marchal, Adam L. Metz, George Metz, Thomas H. May, Philip Manley, Daniel McManamee, Michael McShay, Christian Newser, George Nutz, John O'Donnell, John O'Neill, James Price, Salathiel F. Paine, Gideon Rahn, George Reese, William Richard, Peter Raber, Albert Robert, Thomas Ray, George Shutt, Solomon Shreffler, Frederick Smith, Thomas Shaw, Henry Sykes, William Sultzer, James Sheer, James Shine, William Stack, Henry Simmers, Samuel Thomas, John D. Thomas, Adgate Vanhorn, Samuel Winn, Richard Williams, Amandus Wumer, Samuel Waters, Davis Williams, William Watkins, Michael Wilson, Francis Whitehead, Oliver William, John D. Williams.
11. Residence: in 1881 in Shenandoah, Schuylkill, PA. 27 Beacher, Benjamin F., miner, h. W. Centre n Main
Beacher, George W., miner, h al r Oak n West
Beacher, Hiram, miner, h Oak bel West
Beacher, Jacob, h Oak bel West
Beacher, John J., miner, h. 323 W Coal
Beacher, Nathan, miner, h Oak bel West
Beacher, William, miner, h Oak bel West
Dirk, Priscilla, widow Jonathan, h 31 N Jardin
Jacobs, William, laborer, h Line c Main.
12. Census in 1890 in Broad Mountain, Schuylkill, PA. 28 Beacher, John, 50, laborer, Adaline, Thomas 16, minter, Kate, Henry 9.
13. State of Pennsylvania: Veterans of Civil War and Widows census in 1890 in Broad Mountain, Schuylkill, PA. 25 29 John Jacob Beacher is listed Broad Mountain, New Castle Township.
Born in Broad Mountain, Pa.
Co. A. 27th Reg. Pa. Inf. Enlisted 16 June 1863, discharged 31 Jul 1863.
Co. F 7th Reg. Pa. Cav. Enlisted 12 Feb 1864, discharged 23 Aug 1865.
Note: shot in right arm
Length of Service:
Co. A. 1 mo. 15 das.
Co. F. 1 ys. 6 mo. 11 das.
14. Pension Civil War on 16 May 1892 in , , Pennylvania, USA. 30 His wife Angeline filed as application number 1112513. It is refiled as of January 3, 1916 as application number 1058134. The service records indication on the form are A 27th Pa Mil Inf and F 7th PA Cav.
15. Newspaper: Miners Journal: Wedding Reception, 31 Aug 1895, Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 31 BROAD MOUNTAIN NEWS.
An Evening Society Event Together With Other Interesting Items.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Beacher, of New Castle, gave a delightful reception and supper at their home last evening. The event was held in honor of the marriage of their son, Thomas, to Miss Agnes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Hepner, on Monday last at Camden. Mr. Oscar Miller was best man and Miss Katie Beacher, sister of the groom, was bridesmaid. The newly married couple received their guests in the handsome parlors of the groom's home. The evening was passed in a very entertaining way by the guests. A fine program consisting of many musical and literary features was much enjoyed, after which those present were treated to a sumptuous banquet. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Weller, Miss Laura Bradley, Miss Bertha Shollenberger, Miss Sallie Fox, Mr. and Mrs. John Moran, Mrs. Patrick Barries, Mrs. William Walsh, Mrs. William Weller and daughter Gertie, Mrs. Kirk and Mrs. Dounlin, of Mt. Laffce: Miss Hannah Madara, of Frackville; The Misses Nora Cosgrove, Maggie Whims, Irean Smith, Maggie Hughes, of Philadelphia; Mrs. Frank Hepner, Miss Hannah Brown, of Pottsville; Ray Davis, Mrs. Mardie Davis, Mrs. Wm. Fox, Mrs. Wm. Bright, Mrs. George Beacher of Shenandoah; Mr. and Mrs. Elias Davis, New Castle; Miss Edith Bomboy, Mr. and Mrs. John Swink, of Shenandoah; Mrs. Isaac Miller, Gilberton; Mr. and Mrs. Mahlon Schopple, Mr. and Mrs. John McMullen, George Eisenhuth, Patrick Dounlin, Oscar Miller, Thomas Wilson, John Shallenberger, Walter Bradey, William Davis, Elwood Okom and Christopher Ball.
16. Residence: His daughter Catherine's marriage record in 1896 stated she recieved consent of her father residing in Broad Mountain. On 7 Aug 1896 in Broad Mountain, Schuylkill, PA. 32
17. Census in 1900 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. 33 The 1900 census recorded at 142 Hermitage St. in Philadelphia: John J. Beacher, carpenter, born Mar 1840; Agnes, wife, born May 1844, married 35 years to John. She had birthed 8 children, 4 still alive in 1900; with them was Henry, son, born Oct 1879. Three Beacher grandchildren were living with them (their mother Mary Ellen "Nellie" Beacher Bright, not listed, was living elsewhere): Sarah Bright, 16, May 1884; William Bright, 14, Jun 1886; and Carrie Bright, 10, Nov 1890. Also in the home was a boarder, Oscar Miller, laborer, 25, Aug 1875, who had married John J.'s daughter Catherine in 1896. (Catherine, not listed, was living elsewhere.).
18. Newspaper: The Times: "The following pension certificates, bearing date of January 7, were issued to-day: Pennsylvania - Original - John J. Beacher, St. Clair, $8., 23 Jan 1903, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. 34
19. Newspaper: Republican Herald: Pretty Decorations, 6 Jul 1909, Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 35 A very pretty decorated porch was Mrs. J. J. Beacher's in Broad Mountain, being lighted up both Sunday and last evening with Chinese lanterns and pretty flags and bunting.
20. Newspaper: Republican and Herald: B. F. Beacher, Sr., was summoned to New Castle today on account of the critical illness of his brother, John J. Beacher., 9 Aug 1909, Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 36
21. Newspaper: Pottsville Republican: J. J. Beacher and wife, of Broad Mtn., returned home today after a prolonged visit to their daughter in Phila., 28 Dec 1909, Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 37
22. Census in 1910 in New Castle Twp., Schuylkill, PA. 15 In the 1910 Census index his name shows up as Jackob Beaches but reading the handwriting on the actual census record reveals it should be Jacob Beacher -- the r appears like an s. In 1910 he is listed as 70 years old and living alone with his wife, Angeline, age 65. It records they were married for 44 years at the time, and had 8 children, 4 of whom were still living. Next door is John and Angeline's granddaughter, Carrie Adams nee Bright, with her husband Thomas Adams and sons John Jacob and Harry Elmer.
23. Newspaper: Pottsville Republican: Broad Mt. Birthday Party, 19 Jan 1911, Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 38 J. J. Beacher, of Broad Mountain, celebrated the 71st anniversary of his birthday by entertaining a number of friend. They spend a very pleasant evening by having a few selections on the zonophone and vaudeville acts by the guests from Phila., St. Clair and Broad Mountain. America was sung by the male chorus composed of P. Burke, P. Hobin, Geo. Smith and Geo. Eisenhuth with the guests joining in. One of the features of the party was a stocking shower which proved a great surprise to the host. A delicious supper was served the guests. Thos present were: Mrs. Theo. Brady, Roxborough; Chas. H. Felix and family, Phila.; Wm. Holt and family, Frackville; J. M. Stauffer and family, Hazleton; Wm. Bright and family, Phila.; George Christman and family, Robert Cuddy and family, Newark, N. J.; Mrs. Thos. Haywood, Girardville; Harry Beacher and family, St. Clair; Mr. and Mrs. P. Burke, Mrs. Geo. Beacher, Geo. Eisenhuth and family, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Smith, Mrs. Wm. Okom and daughters Mary, Broad Mountain; Mr. and Mrs. W. Sheaffer, Tamaqua; Chas. Weller and family, Broad Mountain; Ben Beacher, Jr., Ben Beacher, Sr., Arthur Beacher, Shenandoah; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Humphersville, Phila.; Mrs. Lizzie Haley, Glen Carbon; Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Bambriak, Misses Florence and Angelina Weller, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Beacher, Mr. and Mrs. O. Miller and family, Broad Mountain; Mr. and Mrs. T. Adams and family, Pottsville; Mrs. Wm. Price, Shamokin; Abe Mills, Thos. Beacher and family, Broad Mountain; Mrs. J. W. Thomas, St. Clair, Mrs. M. Shappelle and daughter, Harriett, Mr. and Mrs. P. Hobin, Mrs. Wm. Fox, Mr. and Mrs. G. Shelly, Mr. and Mrs. D. Weller, Broad Mountain; Mrs. W. H. Barrow, Ringtown, Mrs. Wm. Hooven, Hazleton, Mrs. Albert Harricks, Shenandoah.
24. Newspaper: Pottsville Republican: Broad Mountain Notes. Mrs. John Adams of Pottsville was visiting her grandparent, Jacob Beacher., 17 Jan 1912, Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 39
25. Occupation: Pottsville City Directory: Beacher John J., laborer, h 806 n 3d in 1915 in Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 40
26. Newspaper: Pottsville Republican: Veteran of 7th Cavalry on Visit., 5 Oct 1915, Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 41 Benj. Beacher, of Shenandoah, a comrade of Co. F. 7th Penna. Vet. Vol. Inf., was in the city on a visit to his brother, Jacob Beacher, No. 806 N. Third St., and found him somewhat improved from effects of a serious illness. Jacob also is a member of the famous "Sabre Regiment." Benjamin met a number of friends here. He is the oldest member of the Rescue Hook and Ladder Co. of the big coal town, and no gathering of the company is considered complete unless "Dad" Beacher answers the roll call.
27. Cause of Death: Senile dementia, chronic diffuse nephritis., 20 Dec 1915, Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 16
28. Occupation: carpenter on 20 Dec 1915 in Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 16
29. Residence: 806 N. 3rd, Pottsville, PA on 20 Dec 1915 in Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 16
30. Obituary: Pottsville Republican: obituary of Jacob Beacher on 21 Dec 1915 in Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 42 DIED.
BEACHER - At Pottsville, on Monday, Dec. 20, 1915, Jacob Beacher. Funeral will be held on thursday afternoon from his late home, 806 N. Third St. Services at the house at two o'clock. Interment in I. O. O. F. cemetery, St. Clair. Relatives and friends are respectively invited to attend.
31. Newspaper: Pottsville Republican: Broad Mountain Notes, 23 Dec 1915, Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 43 Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Weller, Mr. and Mrs. George Beacher, Mr. and Mrs. George E. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Eisenhuth, of Broad Mountain, attended the funeral of Jacob Beacher at Pottsville, Thursday.
32. Obituary: Pottsville Republican: obituary of Jacob Beacher on 23 Dec 1915 in Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 44
Jacob Beacher, Soldier Dead.
In the death of Jacob Beacher at his home at No. 806 N. Third St., there entered into rest after a long illness a comrade of the famous "Sabre Regiment", the Seventh Penna. Cavalry, who was with the command as a member of Co. F. on the march with Sherman's army through Georgia, and in other hazardous duty.
Another brother, Benjamin Beacher, of Shenandoah, was a member of the same command and a third brother, William, now deceased, also was a Union soldier. In addition to his wife, Mr. Beacher is survived by a son and several daughters. There is another brother, George, of St. Clair. The funeral is announced.
33. Pension Widow Angeline Beacher received his Civil War Pension following his death. Between 3 Jan 1916 and 25 Oct 1917 in Shenandoah, Schuylkill, PA. 45
34. Newspaper: Evening Herald: Beacher in Rescue Hook & Ladder Company, 13 Nov 1936, Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA. 46 --
HOOKIES MARK 62ND YEAR WITH ENJOYABLE PROGRAM
--
Judge Henry Houck Gives Enlightening Talk
--
Members of the Rescue Hook & Ladder Company celebrated the 62nd anniversary of the company's founding last night with a delightful program of varied entertainment and speeches. Refreshments were served. Chairman of the program was George Knott, who introduced Judge Henry Houck as the main speaker of the evening who delivered an enlightening address on the Constitution. John M. Hough was in charge of the music, and William Reinard in charge of the refreshments. It was a gala night for the "Hookies." It was recalled that the first meeting of the company was held on November 3, 1874, with J. J. Beacher in the chair and S. W. Zimmerman as secretary. Officers who were elected at that meeting were: J. J. Beacher, president; G. S. James, vice-president; S. W. Zimmerman, secretary; W. P. Williams, assistant secretary, and B. Beacher, treasurer. The charter was granted on February 23, 1875, and on February 26th of the same year, the first payment of $135 was made on the truck. The charter members at the time were Gomer S. James, B. H. Hess, S. W. Zimmerman, Ben Beacher, John Cather, William Brown, Emanuel Kalb, John Shelly, Ben Marshall, John Dando, John Harris, George Dawson, Thomas Rigby, William Johns, Michael Hinkle, C. D. Hornberger, Morgan Stetler, Thomas J. James, John Ploppert, George Boyer, William Sergant, Sam Gilbert, E Snyder, Charles Becker, Fred Ludwig, George Herteag, George Beck, E. S. Phillips, George R. Shaeffer, E. Faust, G. R. Cassidy, John Schaffer, William E. Lloyd, Ben Hacket and Wolf Levine.
35. Book: Benjamin and John Jacob: Two Beacher Brothers in the Civil War, 2010.
Benjamin and John Jacob: Two Beacher Brothers in the Civil War
by Jonathan Beacher, great-grandson of Benjamin
As young boys, Benjamin and John Jacob Bicher (pronounced Bee-cher) heard stories about the Revolutionary War battles fought by their great-grandfather, Jacob Bicher. Likely they recalled these legends when they were Civil War volunteers in Company F of the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry.
When the young men enlisted, the army records misspelled their last names as Beacher, not Bicher, and Benjamin and John Jacob and the rest of their family decided to forever keep the army's misspelling for fear of losing the Civil War fame and pensions, although other family branches today remain Bichers, Beechers, or Biechers.
Their great-grandad Jacob Bicher spoke German, as did his father Engel who immigrated in 1751 on the ship Neptune to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Jacob was born in 1758 and following military service in the Revolution became a prosperous farmer and a founder of the Salem Lutheran Church in Lebanon, Pa. He was buried at the church in 1842 three years before Ben was born.
Benjamin was lucky to even be born, because his grandfather Jacob 2nd (1782-1812) had died of a self-inflicted sickle wound while farming his crops six months before Ben's father was born in Lebanon on December 22, 1812. The fatherless son, Jacob 3rd, as a young lad fell in love with Angeline, the daughter of family friend Bernard Eisenhuth, and when she left with her father to go "over the Blue Mountain" into the wilderness of Centre County to purse lumbering, Jacob Bicher later followed.
In 1837, Jacob married Angeline Eisenhuth in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pa. and soon after their children were born: William, August 1, 1838; John Jacob, Jan 12, 1840; Hiram, July 1843; Benjamin Franklin, May 16, 1845; George, October 1847; Nathan, October 22, 1849; and Ann Mary, May 1852.
In 1850 the U.S. Census recorded young John Jacob, 11, and Benjamin, 6, living in the South Ward of Pottsville, Pa. with father Jacob Bieger, obviously the best spelling the census taker could make of Jacob's heavy German accent pronouncing Bicher. Jacob's occupation was tailor.
Just before the outbreak of the war, the 1860 Census recorded the father and sons all working as day laborers with the family living in Broad Mountain post office in New Castle Township.
The Civil War Comes to Pennsylvania
It wasn't until 1863 when General Lee was advancing into Pennsylvania that the boys were confronted with the war. Five days after Confederates crossed the state line, the eldest Beacher sons William and John Jacob enlisted on June 19, 1863 in Company A of the 27th Regiment, emergency troops. On June 24, the regiment, under Colonel Frick, was sent to Columbia on the Susquehanna River to prevent the enemy from crossing the bridge to Lancaster and Philadelphia.
The troops took position upon the heights on the right river bank, a half mile back from Wrightsville. On the evening of the 28th, the Confederates attacked. Frick had no artillery, but held ground until outnumbered and outflanked. He ordered withdrawal across the bridge. A pre-set explosion failed to destroy the bridge and the men had to fire it. Nine were wounded. Then the rebels learned that the Army of the Potomac was on its flank and withdrew to Gettysburg. On July 31st when the threat of a Confederate invasion was over, William and John Jacob were mustered out and returned home.
The family thought their involvement in the war was over until Benjamin volunteered for the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry in 1864. Ben's record in the Pennsylvania State Archives indicates when he enrolled he lied about his age, saying he was 20 when he was in fact 18:
Mustered in: 2-12-64 at Pvt. At Pottsville, PA.
Mustered out: 8-23-65, discharged, Macon, GA
Age at enrollment: 20
Complexion: Dark, Height: 5'3", Eyes: Grey, Hair: Brown
Occupation: Laborer
Residence: Pottsville, born Schuylkill Co., PA.
The family story goes that big brother John Jacob enrolled on the same day in order to protect little Ben, and John Jacob's enlistment record shows the 22 year-old was an engineer with a dark complexion, 5 foot 1 ½" tall with grey eyes and brown hair.
Seeing his brothers in uniform, eldest brother William re-enlisted as a private in Company C, 194th Regiment Infantry, at Pottsville, on July 13, 1864. The regiment was sent to Baltimore for provost duty before returning to Harrisburg, where William was mustered out of the service on November 6, 1864.
Their little brother Nathan never served in the military but according to stories told to Benjamin's grandson Bruce: "Never tied down by the military or marriage, Nathan had contributed to the war effort by "procuring" horses for the 7th Cavalry, presumably for his brothers' benefit, and not necessarily by legal means."
Adventures during the Civil War
The two Beacher brothers made way to Harrisburg where the train took them to Columbia, Tennessee, south of Nashville. Here the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry was reforming in late February, and the many new recruits arriving would engage in drills to learn from the veterans of the 1862-63 campaigns how to fight as horsemen. The men received fresh horses, new sabers, and Spencer carbines - unique because they could rapidly fire 7-shot cartridges, a major advantage over the Rebel guns which fired single shots and were slow to load. By late April, they were finally ready to head out to face the enemy.
The 7th Pa Cavalry, together with the 4th Michigan Cavalry and the 4th U. S. Cavalry, and the Chicago Board of Trade artillery, were commanded as a brigade under Colonel Robert H. G. Minty. Minty's 1st Brigade was one of three brigades in Brigadier General Kenner Garrard's 2nd Division Cavalry, Army of the Cumberland.
Sherman's Atlanta Campaign
On April 30, 1864, Minty's Brigade marched east from Columbia with 2,200 men, 1,994 of them mounted cavalry. They crossed the Cumberland, Raccoon, Lookout, and Pigeon Mountains, reaching on May 10th Villanow, Georgia, where General Sherman was staging his troops before heading south to conquer Atlanta.
On May 15th, they encountered their first skirmish at Farmer's Bridge, just north of Rome, Georgia. Riding south, on May 19th they captured Gillem's Bridge near Kingston, needed so the infantry could cross the Etowah River. On May 24th, they were first to arrive in Dallas, Georgia, and discovering the enemy had heavily fortified the hilly terrain there, held on until McPherson's Army of the Tennessee arrived.
The Battle of Dallas lasted from May 25 to June 1st, with the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry working to control roads and attacking the Confederate line's flank from the rear, for which General McPherson sent his thanks to Minty.
On June 1st, Sherman ordered Garrard's cavalry to join Stoneman's cavalry on a critical mission - heading to the northeast to take control of the railroad at Allatoona Pass, without which Sherman had no way to bring from Tennessee by train the food, supplies, and reinforcements needed for his army.
On June 9th, the cavalry rode south into Big Shanty , driving the Rebel infantry and Martin's cavalry for several miles back toward Kennesaw Mountain.
From June 10th to July 2nd, while the Union army held the Confederates in defense on Kennesaw Mountain, the cavalry's mission was to protect the left flank of Sherman's army from repeated attacks by the Confederates: Wheeler's Cavalry as well as infantry. A major skirmish occurred at McAfee's Crossroads on June 11th and a horrible battle at Noonday Creek on June 20th with heavy losses when the Rebel's attempted to break around Sherman's left flank, but were stopped by Garrard's cavalry.
On July 3rd following the retreat of the Rebels from Kennesaw Mountain, the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry protected the railroad through Marietta, then on the 4th of July were ordered to explore east along the Chattahoochee River, pushing back Rebel resistance in an effort to learn where Sherman's infantry could safely cross the river to reach Atlanta.
The 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry were first to capture Roswell, Georgia on July 5th, a major factory town supplying the Confederates with supplies. The next day, they burned the factories and mills there, sending over 300 women workers as prisoners to Marietta to be sent by train to Indiana.
On July 9th at Roswell, under fire they waded across the Chattahoochee River, driving away the Confederates protecting the south bank, and holding it until infantry reinforcements could arrive to control the river crossing and build a new bridge to replace one the Confederates had burned.
The cavalry also captured McAfee's Bridge further up river, which they later crossed on July 17th on their way to Stone Mountain, where they destroyed miles of railroad on July 18th cutting off the Rebel's supply of food, ammunition, and soldiers shipped Augusta, the Carolinas and Virginia.
On July 21st, Sherman dispatched the cavalry on a second dangerous raid, this time even further east to Covington and Social Circle, destroying the railroad tracks, locomotives, and important road and rail bridges over rivers.
On July 27th, Sherman again launched a raid, wherein Stoneman's Cavalry was to head further south to cut off the Macon Railroad's supply line into Atlanta, while Garrard's Cavalry would remain north near Flat Rock to fool Wheeler's rebel cavalry to engage Garrard, rather than discover and follow Stoneman's raid. This plan failed when Stoneman made mistakes that led to his capture.
From August 1st to 14th, as Sherman's armies formed a half-circle surrounding Hood's army defending Atlanta, Garrard's cavalry was ordered to dismount and get into the trenches on Sherman's left flank.
Finally on the 15th, the horse soldiers were able to return to their steeds and now traveling around the north side of Atlanta all the way west to Sandtown on the Chattahoochee River, they prepared for their most daring mission of the Atlanta campaign. Kilpatrick's 3rd Cavalry Division was combined with two of the brigades from Garrard's division, including Minty's Brigade and the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Kilpatrick was ordered to sneak this massive cavalry behind enemy lines to destroy the West Point railroad linking Atlanta to Alabama, and then push further to tear up the Macon Railroad linking Atlanta to the south. Sherman knew cutting all the railroad supplies would force the Confederate General Hood to surrender Atlanta.
On the 18th of August they departed on this dangerous mission, which would last several days and nights without any time to sleep or find food for their horses. They reached Jonesboro on the 19th, battling rebel cavalry and infantry into the town so they could destroy the railroad. But by the time they reached the next station to the south, Lovejoy Station, on the morning of the 20th the Confederates were ready for them.
Kilpatrick's cavalry soon was surrounded by thousands of Rebel infantry near the railroad, and Wheeler's cavalry on their other side. With no way to escape, the only way to survive was to try a daring and dangerous charge directly into the Rebel line of fire of rifles and cannons, breaking through the enemy lines. The famous Sabre Charge, with swords swinging as they charged the Confederates, enabled many of the men to escape, although the losses were very heavy especially with Minty's brigade who did most of the fighting. Today, the site of this battle is preserved as a park whose website has considerable information about the battle at http://www.henrycountybattlefield.com .
Returning to Atlanta, the men and horses of the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry were exhausted and wounded following Kilpatrick's Raid, so they were assigned to easier duty patrolling and protecting the Chattahoochee River from Sandtown north to Roswell from August 25th until September 2nd, while the rest of Sherman's army was moving around Atlanta to cut off Hood's army resulting in infantry battles at Jonesboro and Lovejoy Station.
On the evening of September 1st, giant explosions and fires were heard and seen in Atlanta, and Sherman wondered if that meant the rebels were destroying their ammunition supplies and important parts of the city before they were to abandon it. On September 2nd, Sherman ordered Minty to dispatch a cavalry patrol toward the city to see if the Rebels were still there in force, and the 7th Pennsylvania horsemen were among the first to reach the city and send the good news that Atlanta had been abandoned and won.
The 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry had lost many men and horses, and rather than go with Sherman on his famous March to the Sea, they were ordered to remain to protect Atlanta during September, then into the fall to ride to the northwest to Rome to drive out the enemy that had retreated from Atlanta. Finally, they were told to abandon their exhausted horses and ride by train to Louisville, Kentucky, to reorganize at year's end.
Benjamin in Jail in Kentucky
On Ben's Civil War pension (discussed later) it indicates he was "under arrest" in Louisville at the end of 1864. Apparently while on holiday leave in Louisville, the cavalry men were known to party, so much so, that somehow Benjamin Beacher ran afoul of the local law. He didn't return to army duty on December 31st when expected, and when they went looking for him, it was learned Ben was in arrest at Louisville from December 15, 1864 until February 28, 1865, when he finally was allowed to return to cavalry duty.
Across Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia in 1865
In 1865 the cavalry regiment was stationed at Gravelly Springs, Alabama, on the Tennessee River, where it was engaged in drilling and completing its organization and equipment for the spring campaign of 1865. On the 22nd of March it joined the command of General James H. Wilson, and with it set out on the expedition from Eastport, Mississippi across the Gulf States. On the 1st of April, the cavalry was engaged in the battle of Plantersville, Alabama, and on the following day, arrived in front of Selma. The position of the regiment in the line of march for that day was third, in the advance brigade of General Long's Division; but upon arriving near the city, the cavalry was ordered to the front to lead the assault upon the works.
The regiment was fearfully exposed, and lost heavily in killed and wounded. Lieutenant Jacob Sigmond was among the killed. Col. McCormick fell severely wounded at the foot of the works, as the regiment, in advance of all others, was about entering the fortifications. The command now devolved on Lieutenant Colonel Andress, and under him the regiment participated in the engagement near Columbus, Georgia, on the 16th of April. On the 20th it arrived at Macon, Georgia, where, the war having substantially closed. Their duty in the region surrounding Macon was to protect the area and enforce law and order, but they were ordered to purse one additional and important mission: try to capture Confederate President Jefferson Davis, who was rumored to be trying to escape through Georgia.
The Capture of Jefferson Davis
On May 9th, Minty deployed the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry, the 4th Michigan Cavalry, and the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry to search the areas near Irwinsville, Georgia where Davis might be. Early in the morning of the 10th, the 1st Wisconsin and the 4th Michigan, unknown to each other, approached Davis' campsite, and suddenly found they were under fire until they discovered it was the two cavalry units exchanging friendly fire. Davis was captured and a dispute ensued as to which of the cavalry units actually caught him and was entitled to a $100,000 reward offered for his capture. This dispute was finally settled by the U.S. Congress with the reward divided among members of both cavalry units. Left out was the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry, in the area near Davis but not lucky to be on the scene.
The cavalry remained on duty near Macon until the 23rd of August, when they were mustered out. The boys then had to find their way by train back to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Life after the War
During the war, Shenandoah changed when coal mining began in earnest in 1862. Seeking the high wages offered, once back at home the Beacher boys took jobs as coal miners in Shenandoah, establishing a new home on Cherry street in addition to keeping their old home in Broad Mountain. In the 1870 census their father Jacob appears in Broad Mountain with his wife Angeline and William, George, Nathan and Mary; and in Shenandoah the census again records Angeline with William, Hiram, Benjamin, George, Nathan and Mary. The census records the men are all employed as miners.
Fireman Beacher
At war's end, Benjamin still missed the excitement of being a cavalryman who awoke at 3 a.m. to the bugle call to battle. In Shenandoah the best substitute was a fire alarm bell ringing in the night, so Ben joined the volunteer fire company as soon as it was created. Now he was fighting fires rather than rebels!
Ben's grandson, Bruce (1919-2004), wrote in his family history about his grandfather who "frequented the Rescue, Hook and Ladder Co. fire station, of which he was a charter member, imbibing spirits freely while reliving his exploits as a Civil War cavalryman to his cronies."
Benjamin was also a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows, Shenandoah Lodge #591.
Benjamin Beacher's Family Life
The family bible of B. F. Beacher has these inscriptions:
That the rite of Holy Matrimony was celebrated between
Benjamin F. Beacher, Sr. of Newcastle Twp., Schuylkill Co.
and Sarah Jane Jacobs of the same
on the 13th day of May 1866 at Fountain Springs, Pa.
by the Reverend Mr. Dengler.
bro Jacob Beacher, witness
girlfriend Angeline Ocom, witness
Later that year, Jacob married his girlfriend Angeline, and we describe their family later on.
Ben's wife, Sarah Jane, was born in 1846, the daughter of Mary Hood and William Jacobs who was described in the History of Schuylkill County as "an honored pioneer of the county and in the early days, before the establishing of railroad lines, he drove a stage between Pittsburg and Baltimore."
Ben and Sarah Jane Beacher began their family in 1868. The first child died soon after birth in 1868, Hiram Grant Beacher, named for Ben's brother Hiram and U.S. General Grant.
Daughter Emma Margaret was born in 1869; Laura in 1871; Sarah Jane, named for her mother, in 1873; Angeline, named for her grandmother, in 1875; Benjamin Franklin Beacher Jr. in 1877; Mary, named for her grandmother, in 1879; Charlotte in 1881; Arthur Garfield in 1883; and John Jacob, named for his grandfather and Ben's brother, in 1885.
Tragically, on May 18, 1886, Ben's wife Sarah died, leaving him to care for his younger children.
In 1890, a census index showed 45-year old coal miner Benjamin Beacher living alone with five children: Sallie, Linda, Benjamin, Mary and Archie, at 3 Apple Alley in Shenandoah.
Benjamin Almost Dies in the Great Railroad Accident
A great tragedy occurred on September 19, 1890 where Benjamin watched 35 people die before his eyes. He was lucky to survive.
He had been attending a State Firemen's Convention in Chester, Pa. and was returning home by train on the Pottsville Express, loaded with firemen and many visitors to the Berks County Fair.
The train was late leaving the Reading station at 5:42 p.m. so the engineer was moving at a high rate of speed, approaching Shoemakersville on a bend twenty feet above the Schuylkill River, when the engineer was stunned to see the track ahead blocked by a wreck between freight and coal trains.
What happened next was described in a September 19th New York Times: "As it was, the engine dashed into the wreck and then plunged down the steep sides of the embankment, followed by the remainder of the entire train. There was a hissing of steam, a plunging of the waters as they received their prey, a crashing of timbers, and screams of agony and fright from 150 people in the imprisoned passenger cars."
"The horrors of the scene of disaster are simply indescribable, and it will take the daylight of to-morrow to fully reveal the awful wreck and ruin wrought. The engine lies in the bottom of the river, whose waters are about five feet deep and the baggage, mail, and passenger cars are also in the water, while at this hour, 10 o'clock, 300 men are at work taking out the dead and dying."
Among the injured listed in the New York Times report is "B. Franklin Beecher, Shenandoah, left hip badly cut and legs hurt."
Ben had trouble walking from then on, because a year later, the November 6, 1891 edition of the Shenandoah Evening Herald carried the following story:
Cane Presentation.
Among the pleasant things said and done at the Rescue Hook & Ladder Company's banquet, Tuesday evening, we overlooked one of the most important. It was the presentation of a handsome gold-headed cane to the veteran member of the company, Benjamin F. Beacher. The presentation on behalf of the company was made by B. G. Hess and David Morgan received the cane in behalf of Mr. Beacher. It is a beauty and the recipient deserved it.
On March 3, 1892, Benjamin filed a Declaration for Invalid Pension stating he is unable to earn a support by manual labor by reason of an injured left ankle joint and scrotal hernia of right testicle. He claimed a military pension stating that he enrolled on the 12th of February 1864 in Co. F, 7th Reg. Pa. Cavalry and was discharged at Macon, Georgia on the 23rd August 1865.
On May 31, 1892, pension certificate 671866 was issued for claim 1097297.
His pension records include affidavits in July, 1893 by William Bolinsky and David Morgan who swore Benjamin had rheumatism of his left ankle caused by the September, 1890 railroad accident at Shoemakersville, plus was working at the West Shenandoah Colliery when he was sprained throwing a large lump of coal over causing a rupture of his right testicle.
On November 23, 1893 the pension bureau verified his military service but also noted he was under arrest in Louisville and missing from action from December 15, 1864 until February 28, 1865.
Benjamin Lives with his son Benjamin
On June 5, 1900 the census recorded at 118 W. Apple Avenue Benjamin Beacher, coal miner, age 55, living with son Benjamin, 22; daughter Mary, 20; and son Arthur, 16.
In the History of Schuylkill County, published in 1907, an article appeared about his son, Benjamin, who had become a prosperous candy maker, and mentioned his father as follows:
"Benjamin F. Beacher, Sr., still resides in Shenandoah, where his wife died at the age of forty-five years. Of their children two sons and five daughters are living - Arthur G., a prominent painter and decorator in Shenandoah; Emma, wife of Alfred Horrox, of that city; Laura, wife of Thomas Heywood, of Girardville, Pa.; Sarah, who resides at Mount Carmel; Angeline, widow of Isiah Womer, residing at North Braddock, Pa.; Benjamin F., Jr., the immediate subject of this sketch; and Mary, wife of William Derrick, of North Braddock. The father was a loyal and valiant solider of the Union during the Civil war, as a member of Company F, 7th Pennsylvania cavalry, which command made a gallant record. He is now living retired, making his home with the subject of this sketch."
In the 1910 Census in Shenandoah, 65-year old Benjamin was living in the home owned by his son Benjamin, 33, with his daughter-in-law Bertha and his grandchildren: Ruth, 4, and Paul, 1.
Even as he grew old, Ben spent evenings at the fire station, where he told stories about the Saber Brigade during the Civil War.
Always ready to pursue adventure, 77-year old Ben Sr. responded to an emergency fire call in severe winter weather and contracted pneumonia. He died at 5:05 a.m. on November23, 1922, while living in son Ben's home above his candy shop at 35 N. Main Street in Shenandoah. He was buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Shenandoah Heights.
John Jacob Beacher's Family Life
Soon after the Civil War, John Jacob married Angeline Ocum, born May 3, 1845, the daughter of Mary A. Miller and Daniel Ocum of Pottsville.
Their children were born: Mary Ellen, 1867; Laura, 1870; George, 1871; Thomas F., 1874; Catherine A., 1876; Harry Elmore, 1878; and Malissa, 1883.
The 1870 Census shows Jacob Beacher Jr., laborer, living with Angeline and daughter Mary in Broad Mountain. Since no real estate value is listed, likely John Jacob is living in a home on the same land owned by his father, Jacob, in Broad Mountain. In 1880 he is a miner recorded living in Shenandoah with Angeline and children Mary, Thomas and Catherine.
On May 16, 1892, Angeline filed an application 1112513 for John Jacob's Civil War pension. It was re-filed as of January 3, 1916 as application number 1058134. The service records indicated on the form are Company A 27th Pa Mil Infantry and Company F 7th PA Cavalry.
The 1910 Census reports Jacob Beacher, 70 years old, was living alone with his wife, Angeline, age 65. It records they were married for 44 years at the time, and had 8 children, 4 of whom were still living.
John Jacob Beacher died on December 20, 1915, and was buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery in St. Clair, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania with Angeline who died three years later.
John married Angeline Ocum, daughter of Daniel Ocum and Mary A. Miller, about 1865.1 (Angeline Ocum was born on 3 May 1845 in New Castle Twp., Schuylkill, PA,4 47 died on 16 Oct 1918 in Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA 4 47 48 49 and was buried on 19 Oct 1918 in Saint Clair: Odd Fellows Cemetery, Schuylkill, PA 4 47 48 49.)
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