The Project Gutenberg eBook, History of Company K of the 140th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers (1862-'65), by Benjamin F. Powelson and Alexander Sweeney

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Title: History of Company K of the 140th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers (1862-'65)

Author: Benjamin F. Powelson and Alexander Sweeney

Release Date: May 10, 2014 [eBook #45626]

Language: English

Character set encoding: UTF-8

***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF COMPANY K OF THE 140TH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS (1862-'65)***

HISTORY OF COMPANY K
OF THE
140th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers.
(1862-'65.)

  DEDICATION.

his little volume is, with loving remembrances and in truest affection, dedicated to the memory of Company K's dead and living, whose worth as volunteer soldiers, whose courage, devotion, fidelity, sacrifice, valor and efficiency were proven in many a long and difficult march, and in many a hard-fought battle, as well as by their return, when the glorious work of preserving the Union had been accomplished, to the pursuit of commendable avocations in days of peace and prosperity, worthy indeed of the honor a grateful nation accords them, as an integral part of the color-guard of its patriotism.

Late Photo of B. F. Powelson
The Company Historian

  PREFACE.

The bulk of what is contained in this book was written with a view to its forming a part of a book of the History of the 140th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. At the annual reunion of this regiment at Beaver, Pa., in 1903, it was decided to issue such a book of history under a regimental historian, with each company furnishing its individual part thereto, in such facts as pertained to any separate part as played in that dreadful war drama by a company, part of a company, or by an individual therein. This was in accord with an expressed demand for the placing of the regiment's heroic deeds and illustrious works in heroic record, so that the soldier's friends and successors may ever have these before them, an inspiration and incentive to the continued progress of their country, through a faithful, devoted, loyal citizenship.

But after more than two years have elapsed, it is found that but few companies have done their work and no one has been secured to serve for the regiment. And as Co. K. has for some time practically had its work done, and as much time and means have been required, and there is danger through death or other untoward event that what has been done may be lost, the company has concluded to publish a book for itself, and to give a copy of this book to the regiment, so as thus to provide Co. K's part to the history of the regiment, whenever the Book of History, as at first proposed, can be issued. The earnest desire of our company is that the Regimental History will yet be issued, and it stands ready still to do its part towards the same.

B. F. POWELSON.

Boulder, Colo., January 2, 1906.

CONTENTS:

  Cursory Statement Concerning the Regiment.

It seems fitting that a cursory view be taken of the services performed by the Regiment so that what is written as the History of Co. K may be understood and not seem to be too much isolated. Perhaps this can be subserved by a swift following of the itinerancy of the Regiment, by giving the list of, and some reference to the battles and skirmishes fought, and by a summary of casualties.

Among the many organizations in Pennsylvania volunteer soldiery during the Civil War, none stood higher in efficiency in service or brilliancy in record than the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, five companies of which were recruited in Washington county, three in Beaver, one in Mercer and one in Greene. Col. R. P. Roberts, of Beaver, killed at Gettysburg, was its first Colonel. W. S. Shallenberger, now Second Assistant Postmaster General, was its efficient Adjutant. This Regiment is accredited with the highest per cent of casualties in action of all the