Bay County Biography Page

"LYNN HAVEN'S VETERANS

The early history of Lynn Haven may not be familiar to some of the readers of the Free Press, hence the following facts may be of interest. Lynn Haven was laid out primarily as an Old Soldier's Colony, town lots - with their accompanying five acre tracts in the country - being sold to hundreds of veterans of the Civil War some of whom perhaps bought as an investment, but the large majority for the purpose of finding for themselves homes in a milder climate, in which their declining years might be spent. Many of these came, and built homes here in which they spent part or all the year, thus laying the foundation of the pretty little city of today. Some are still here, many more have passed to the Great Beyond, after having lived far beyond the length of time allotted to man in this life. Lynn Haven should and does render homage to those who still remain, and those who have departed. Very soon after the laying out of the town, enough old soldiers arrived so that Stanton Post, No. 2, Grand Army of the Republic was organized with 28 charter members, in 1911; of these - so far as it is know here - only three survive, named Embry P. Truesdell; J. M. Hughey, and Oren E. Giles. The Post grew rapidly in numbers and data examined by the writer shows that in 1914 there were 134 members, which at the present time has dwindled to 36 active members, a few from the infirmities of advancing years being unable to longer take an active part. Stanton Post has meant much to Lynn Haven. Among other activities of this organization may be mentioned the erection of a Soldier's monument, commemorating the services of the many thousands of brave men in those dark days of the early 1860's; and the purchase of a nice corner as a park, which was deeded to Stanton Post No. 2, it being specified ... become the property of the city of Lynn Haven, and always bear the name of G.A.R. Park. The Grand Army Hall, where the Post and the Woman's Relief Corps hold their sessions, has also been an asset to the town, furnishing a place for many enjoyable meetings on various occasions. Believing that some information concerning the remaining Old Soldiers in Lynn Haven would be of interest to Free Press readers, representatives of the paper, have inaugurated a series of calls upon groups of these men, to visit various sections of the city week after week, gathering data from which to write short sketches for publication."

George W. Hoagg was born in the small village of New Salem, Ontario Co., New York, (the village bearing the local nickname of "Pumpkin Hook") on Sept. 3rd, 1848. He enlisted in the Civil War in June 1863. Company C. 18th New York Cavalry which was later consolidated with the 6th New York Cavalry and called the 2nd New York provisional Cavalry. Mr. Hoagg was in Custer's Division of Sheridan's Corps in the Shenadoah Valley, around Winchester and other points. At the battle of New Market he was quite badly injured by a saddle bruise. His entire time of service was two years and two days. Mr. Hoagg was married in Michigan in 1869, but has been a widower for some forty years. He came to Lynn Haven about five years ago, bought a place, but later sold it, and is now renting at the corner of Minnesota avenue and Eleventh street, where he lives alone.

"Lynn Haven Free Press", Lynn Haven, Florida
September 18, 1926
Submitted by: Barbara Walker Winge

L. S. Barnes was born in Licking Co., Ohio, in 1842; was educated in Columbus and Delaware, Ohio, and graduated from the medical college of the Ohio State University. While in the Ohio Weleyan University, he enlisted in the three months service in Lincoln's first call for troops, April 22, 1861, in Co. C. 4th O. V. I., later re-enlisting in the three years service in the 4th Ohio Volunteers Infantry, commanded by Col. Lauren Andrews, president of Kenyon College, and was with McClellan through West Virginia, and later his regiment formed part of the army corp of the Army of the Potomac. In 1865 he married, in Toledo, his wife leaving him a son and daughter who are still living, together with several grandchildren. He contracted a second marriage in 1922, his present wife having been Miss Genetta Williams, an accomplished musician, whom he now says has become eyes and ears for him. As long as his hearing and sight were good, he took a prominent part in educational, political, professional and social matters, especially in the Masonic order, having held high official positions both in the Masonic lodge and in the Knights Templars. In 1913 he came to Lynn Haven, after having lived nearly fifty years in the Rocky Mountain region, practicing medicine and surgery. He built a splendid little bungalow on Bay Cove, where he lived nearly nine years, when on account of his health he decided to locate in town. He now has a beautiful home on the corner of Alabama avenue and 12th street, where there are many magnificent magnolias and an abundance of fruit trees. His general health is fair.

"Lynn Haven Free Press", Lynn Haven, Florida
December 4, 1926
Submitted by: Barbara Walker Winge

Samuel Colley was born in China, Wyoming county, New York, November 26, 1840. He enlisted in September 1861, in co. G. 78th New York Infantry, and served eighteen months in Virginia. In 1863 his company was consolidated with the 102nd New York, in Tennessee. He was in the battle of Chancellorsville, and all the battles fought between Chattanooga, Tenn., and Atlanta, Ga. He was wounded twice in the battle of Chancellorsville, once through the right breast, lung and shoulder blade to his arm pit. He lay three days in the woods, was found by the enemy, and was a prisoner for two weeks, during which time he was taken care of under a canvas stretched over poles along side a building full of prisoners. For three days it rained until the canvas was dripping constantly. Two weeks later he was exchanged and taken to the field hospital at Aqua Creek landing, and later sent to Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia. Four months later, some of his blouse and blanket worked out of the wound, it having had so little attention. About eight months later he rejoined his regiment at Rescue Mountain, Tenn. He was discharged October 31, 1864, in Atlanta, Ga. On July 25, 1865, he married Lueta M. Harper, in Michigan. To this marriage came eight children, only three of whom are now living, two sons, C. F. and G. G. Colley, in Michigan, and a daughter, Mrs. Myrtle Belcher, in Lynn Haven. His wife dying in 1912, he contracted a second marriage, to Mrs. E. M. Cobb, in 1919, she dying in January, 1926. He owns seven lots and a home on Alabama avenue, between 11th and 12th streets. He also owns 60 acres in the country part of which is under cultivation.

"Lynn Haven Free Press", Lynn Haven, Florida
December 4, 1926
Submitted by: Barbara Walker Winge

Richard R. Kiddle was born in England, June 19, 1843, and came to Chicago,with his parents in 1851, where he made his home for some years. He enlisted in 1864, on the last call for troops in Co. K. 31st Illinois Infantry. He was out only nine months and in no big battles, so feels that he has not much of a war record. However, he was with Sherman on his noted march to the sea, and in the grand review of troops in Washington, d. C., at the close of the war. Mr. Kiddle was in some interesting skirmishes. While on picket line near Savannah, they were ten days in the rice fields, when they had nothing to eat except rice, and had to thresh that out of the stacks. The enemy kept these rice fields overflowed for a distance of a mile wide, and had forts on the other side to keep the Union troops back. The Union forces at length brought a big gun from Fort Fisher, it requiring a span of mules to draw it. Other regiments then closed in, and they got through. Mr. Kiddle was married in Illinois in 1868. His wife lived three years and died, leaving no children. He again married in 1895, in Nebraska, the lady being the widow of a veteran. This wife is still living. He came to Lynn Haven in 1910, one of the very first settlers here, before the streets were cut through, or even the survey made. He was mayor of the town three years from 1920 to 1923. He has a nice home on Alabama avenue and 11th street, and another house with four lots on the bay front. He owned other property here but sold it. He is enjoying excellent health.

"Lynn Haven Free Press", Lynn Haven, Florida
December 4, 1926
Submitted by: Barbara Walker Winge

Enos Sayers was born in Miami County, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1839. He enlisted April 17, 1861, at the first call for 70,000 troops, in Co. D. 11th Ohio Volunteers Infantry, which was organized later, and he discharged, when he re-enlisted in Co. D. 26th Ohio, and was in many engagements, the principle ones being Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Perryville, Shiloh. He was with Sherman on his "March to the Sea," as far as Atlanta, when his time expired and he was sent back to the rear, and discharged at Nashville, Tenn. He was never wounded, although holes were shot in his clothes and hat. He was married Feb. 28, 1867, at Litchfield, Ohio, but never had any children. His wife died July 24, 1911. In November of the same year he came to Lynn Haven, and has a house and lot on Florida avenue between 11th and 12th streets, where a brother lived with him until his death two years ago, since which time Mr. Sayers lives there alone, he being the only one of his family living. He raises some garden produce and berries on his place. His health is good for one of his years, he having passed the 87th milestone in life's journey.

"Lynn Haven Free Press", Lynn Haven, Florida
October 20, 1926
Submitted by: Barbara Walker Winge

James W. Blaney was born Sept. 15, 1844. He enlisted on March 7, 1865, in the Navy. He was on the Galena, at Fortress Monroe for about two year, being discharged Feb. 5, 1867. He was married in 1867, his wife living two or three years, after which he never married again. There were no children. He came to Lynn Haven in 1911, being one of the first settlers here, and one of the first to build a good home, which is located on Louisiana avenue between 11th and 12th streets. In 1913 his sister, Mrs. Emma McAuliffe, came to live with him. Mr. Blaney has been an invalid for the past eight years, being tenderly cared for by is sister. His memory has failed to such an extent that he cannot tell much about his service in the Navy, and Mrs. McAuliffe being so young at the time, knows but little of it.

"Lynn Haven Free Press", Lynn Haven, Florida
October 20, 1926
Submitted by: Barbara Walker Winge

John D. Stonebraker was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, June 7, 1846. He enlisted April 1, 1862, but was rejected on account of his age and size. In May, 1863, he again enlisted and was for the second time rejected. But believing the old adage, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again," he followed it, and on Jan. 1, 1864, was enrolled as a private in Co. E. 5th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and joined the regiment at Huntsville, Ala. in February. He was on the last flank of Sherman's army from Atlanta to the sea, under general Kilpatrick. Went from Savannah, Ga.., through the S. C. mountains; in N. C. was taken prisoner by Confederate Cavalry under command of General Wheeler, March 10, 1865. Was sent to Richmond, Va., where he stayed a few days "at Hotel Libby," when he was exchanged on March 31, 1865, and was discharged from the service June 9, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio. On Dec. 9, 1869, he was married to Miss Maggie A. Bains, of Richmond, Jefferson county, Ohio. Of that union there were three children born, two sons and one daughter, who are still living in the north. His wife died Oct. 4, 1910, he marrying Mrs. Lizzie M. Patton, at Reed's Mill, Ohio, on Nov. 1, 1913. After visiting Lynn Haven in 1912 and 1913, he located here in October, 1914. He lived on the west side until March 22, at which time he built his present home on two lots on Michigan avenue, between 7th and 8th streets. His health is excellent.

"Lynn Haven Free Press", Lynn Haven, Florida
October 20, 1926
Submitted by: Barbara Walker Winge

Henry E. Fielder was born in Geauga Co., Ohio, May 24, 1847. In 1863 he tried to enlisted but was rejected on account of his youth. In August 1864, his second attempt was successful, and he was accepted for the U. S. Navy, in which he served until the close of the war, about nine months. He was on the boat Commodore Barney, on the James river. The engagements in which he participated were with batteries along the shore. At one time their boat was run into by a traffic boat, damaging them to a considerable extent; it was felt that it was a premeditated thing, possibly prearranged by the enemy. He was married in Wisconsin in 1871. There were seven children six of whom are now living, all in the north, although a daughter, Mrs. Wright, spends her winters here. His wife died in 1908. Mr. Fielder came to Lynn Haven in 1913. He owns two lots and a nice home on Virginia avenue and 14th street. He usually spends his summers in the north, and winters in Lynn Haven.

"Lynn Haven Free Press", Lynn Haven, Florida
December 11, 1928
Submitted by: Barbara Walker Winge

Henry W. Burnham was born in Balston Sps, New York, on Aug. 12, 1846. At the very breaking out of the Civil War- although but a lad of less than fifteen years of age- he was very desirous of enlisting, and on Dec. 31, 1863, he did enlist in company with his father in Co. F, 13th Heavy Artillery, under command of Lt. Col. Welch, and was in service until the close of the war, or about 20 months.

He was not in any real battles, but at one time when they were encamped at Pointa Rocks, the force who were before Petersburg, Va., were driven back and the Heavy Artillery was ordered up; they drew the cannons by hand. The opposing forces opened fire on their lines, and for a time the minnie balls sang uncomfortably near their head. A gunboat on the Nancymon river, a branch of the James, trained their guns upon the Confederates, and a real battle was averted.

About this time part of the men from the 13th Heavy Artillery were transferred to a gunboat of the 3rd Battalion. When the war closed they were at Portsmouth near Fort Ringgold, where they were mustered out. A tragic incident occurred there, while the mustering out papers were being made up. One of the soldiers had just mailed a letter saying he would be home in a few days, when a thunder shower came up; he was standing in the office door and was struck by lightning and instantly killed. The "boys" made up a nice purse and sent his body home.

Mr. Burnham was married in New York state in 1868; there were two children, both of whom died in childhood. His wife only lived about three years. Later he again married, his second wife dying sixteen years ago. He came to Lynn Haven in the fall of 1912, and has lived here every winter since, usually going north in the summer. He owns a house and two lots at the corner of Rhode Island avenue and 11th street, and two 5 acre tracts in the country.

His health is good, and when interviewed he was busily engaged in cleaning up his lots around his house, which had been neglected during his summer north.

"Lynn Haven Free Press", Lynn Haven, Florida
December 11, 1926
Submitted by: Barbara Walker Winge

William McMullin was born in Harrison county, Ohio, Dec. 2, 1842. When the call came for soldiers in the Civil War he heeded it, enlisting in 1861 in Co. H, 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, where he served three months. He re-enlisted in Co. H, First Ohio Volunteer Infantry on October 7th, 1861, in which he served until honorably discharged Jan. 26th, 1865.

He participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Bull Run, Shiloh, Corinth, Iuke, Tullahome, Chattanooga, Stone River, Perryville, Resaca, Chicamauga, Missionary Ridge, Strawberry Plains, and the siege of Atlanta. In June 1864 he was captured by the Confederates at the battle of Stone Mountain, Ga., and spent seven months as a prisoner in Andersonville prison, under conditions that made his survival of them a miracle.

Upon his return to peaceful pursuits he found his health shattered, and while recuperating sufficiently to enter business he completed a business course in the Iron City Business College of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Mt. McMullin was married August 4th, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth King of Steubenville, Ohio. Four children came to bless this union, Jennie B., Margaret M., William K., and Mathew Frank. Mrs. Elizabeth King McMullin passed away in February, 1914.

Mr. McMullin came to Lynn Haven in 1911, and has been a public spirited and helpful citizen. He built a good residence, and the moving picture theatre. He spends the greater part of each year in Lynn Haven, in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jennie B. Brandenburg. His health is good for one of his years.

"Lynn Haven Free Press", Lynn Haven, Florida
September 18, 1926
Submitted by: Barbara Walker Winge

John M. Hughey was born in Highland Co., Ohio, in a one room log house, on Sept. 16, 1847. In February, 1864, when 16 years and 5 months old, he ran away from home and enlisted in the Civil War, in Co. I, 11th Ohio cavalry. All of his service was in the Rocky Mountains with the Indians, he never was in a battle with the Southern Confederacy, and never saw a Confederate flag until after the war was over. However, he was in many battles with the Indians, during his 22 months of service, until he was mustered out July 29, 1866.

His was for a time the only white regiment in the Rocky Mountains and at Fort Laramie; later the 7th Iowa, the 7th Kansas and a California regiment came to Fort Laramie.

The most serious experience he had during his years of service was in Missouri, when nearly killed from poisoning, through eating pie in which strychnine had been placed by an enemy, the poisoned pies having been sent to the camp by a girl to sell to the soldiers. Fortunately the matter was found out in time to prevent wholesale poisoning of the soldiers. Mr. Hughey came near dying from this, and was in the Leavenworth hospital ten days; he was hardly expected to recover, when some comrades went to the hospital to tell him goodbye on the eve of marching away under orders. Not wishing to be left behind, weak as he was he slipped out, ran away and hid in a baggage wagon, he rode many miles before letting his presence be known.

After being mustered out, he attended school during 1868 and 9. On Oct. 30, 1877, he was married in Highland Co., Ohio. ... (unable to read) Mr. Hughey came to Lynn Haven in 1911, bring his family in October of that year, and has been intimately associated with the up-building of the place. He was the first Mayor of Lynn Haven after its incorporation. He owns the store and dwelling at the corner of Ohio avenue and 9th street, and other property. At this time his health is quite poor, although he is able to talk interestingly of his experience among the Indians.

"Lynn Haven Free Press", Lynn Haven, Florida
December 11, 1926
Submitted by: Barbara Walker Winge

Louis Waller was born in Noble county, Ohio, in 1848. This made him only 15 years of age at the outbreak of the Civil War, and while he applied again and again to the recruiting officers that were scouring his part of the country for men during the war, yet he was too young. Sadly he returned each time to the tasks that were left for those who were too young or too old.

Finally he was allowed to join in August, 1864, and served for eleven months through a period which was considered about the worst of the war, for recruits. They were constantly on the move, often without proper provisions, and skirmishes were frequent. While fighting with the 147th Ohio Regiment, Mr. Waller was in the big battles of Cedar Grove, Stone River, and Brown's Ferry. He was in ill health during the entire time of his service, and while in the vicinity of Cedar Grove, he was taken with the jaundice, from which he suffered for the remainder of the war. In spite of this fact, he refused to answer to the sick call, fought in a number of skirmishes, and went into the battle of Brown's Ferry when he was too weak to carry his own equipment. He fell with weakness and was carried off in an ambulance.

When he was discharged he returned to Ohio. He was married to Jane Atherton in 1867. He remained in Ohio until sometime after the death of his wife in 1919, when he was told that he would have to go to a warmer climate and a lower altitude. He heard of Lynn Haven, and came here in 1920. He now has a little home, a garden and some chickens. He is still poorly in health, but is much better than he was in Ohio.

"Panama City Pilot", Panama City, Florida
March 30, 1922
Submitted by: Barbara Walker Winge

Alonzo Ogden was born in Benzeport, Iowa, on Christmas morning, 1845. He moved to the little town of Herman, Illinois, where he worked as a blacksmith. On the 15th of March, 1862, he joined the 12th Illinois Cavalry, and was sent to Harper's Ferry, where he broke his knee training horses. He was captured there with Miles' command of over 11,000 men, by Jackson, but they were all paroled as soon as possible for Jackson to do so, as he had immediate business elsewhere. Miles was killed by one of the last shots fired by Jackson's men. The former had put up the white flag, but before it was recognized he was killed. After the men were released from Harper's Ferry the 12th Illinois Cavalry returned to Chicago, and were mustered out. The men were told that if they would re-enlist they would have a bonus of $400, which was then given for all re-enlistment's. So Mr. Ogden promised to enlist as soon as his leg was well again.

He was able to return to the army in the spring of '64, and this time he joined the 59th Illinois Infantry. He fought in 18 battles and skirmishes with that regiment. His regiment was in the battles of Rocky Faced Ridge, Dallas, Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain until they reached the highly fortified city of Atlanta. There they were shelled in a wood all one night and Sherman decided that the fortifications of the city were impregnable. Mr. Ogden was with the division that cut off the rail and telegraph communications of Atlanta and the rest of the South. He saw the Confederates burn the foundry and evacuate.

It was then that Sherman divided his army and with the larger portion made his famous march to the sea. Mr. Ogden was with the divisions that were left behind to keep the lines of communications open for Sherman's men. They were too few in number, however, to withstand the attacks of the Confederates, and were forced to retreat. After many hot skirmishes they brought up at Nashville, where they fought their last big battle, which was soon followed by the termination of the war.

Alonzo Ogden then returned to Illinois, where he lived for some time. His wife died after he moved to Missouri, where he lived for forty years. He married again in 1898 and came here in 1912. He and his wife have a nice home and garden in Lynn Haven and seem happy and satisfied.

"Panama City Pilot", Panama City, Florida
April 13, 1922
Submitted by: Barbara Walker Winge

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