Eliphalet D. Armstrong
Representing: Union
Unit History
- 102nd New York Infantry D
- 22nd New York Cavalry G
Eliphlalet D Armstrong Pension card 1880 NY
Full Unit History
102nd NEW YORK VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
Organized: 1861 - 1862
Mustered In: November, 1861 - April, 1862
Mustered Out: Alexandria, VA
22nd NEW YORK VOLUNTEER CAVALRY
Organized: September thru December, 1863 Rochester, NY
Mustered In: 12/30/63 - 2/23/64 Rochester, NY
Mustered Out: 8/1/65 Winchester, VA
Regimental History
REGIMENTAL HISTORY: (102nd)
The 102nd, known as Van Buren's Light Infantry because of its colonel Thomas B. Van Buren, was principally recruited in New York City, NY by the consolidation of Von Beck's Rifles and part of the McClellan Infantry. The organization was initially completed by two companies of the 79th Cameron Highlanders and one company from 12th New York Militia. Later, in July, 1864 its ranks would be filled by the transfer of the officers and men of the 79th New York Infantry. In June, 1865 the War having ended, men from six additional New York units would be transferred into the 102nd to complete their enlistments. A three year regiment, the 102nd was to see service in both the eastern and western theaters of the American Civil War.
On 3/18/62 elements of the 102nd departed New York. Others followed shortly.
The regiment fought its first severe engagement with the enemy at Cedar Mountain/Slaughter's Mountain/Cedar Run (8/9/62). Unit losses in that conflict were 115 killed, wounded or missing.
From Cedar Mountain the 102nd moved to the battles of 2nd Bull Run/Manassas (8/28-30/62)) and Chantilly/Ox Hill (9/1/62). At the latter place the regiment went into position, but was not engaged with the enemy.
Such was not the case at Antietam/Sharpsburg, MD (9/17/62. There the regiment suffered losses of 37 killed, wounded or missing. Minor actions concluded the year 1862.
1863. At Chancellorsville, VA (5/7/63) the regiment lost 90 killed, wounded and missing. It was heavily engaged at Gettysburg, PA (7/1 - 3/63). Unit losses in that battle were 29.
In the latter part of September, 1863 the 102nd moved into Tennessee to reinforce troops under Union Gen. William Rosecrans. It fought in the midnight battle Wauhatchie then started on the Chattanooga and Rossville campaign, fighting the famous (11/24/63) "battle above the clouds.” Also known as Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge (11/25/63) and Ringgold Gap (11/27/63). Losses during this campaign were 14 killed, wounded and/or missing.
In 1864 the 102nd was with Union Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman though out his campaign to conquer Atlanta, GA. Actions during this campaign included Villanow (5/8/64), Mill Creek Gap (5/10/64), Resaca (5/13 - 15/64), Calhoun (5/17/64), Cassville (5/17/64), Dallas (5/26 - 6/1/64), Kennesaw Mountain (6/27/64), Peachtree Creek (7/20/64) and Bald Hill (7/21/64). Regimental losses during this period were 51 killed, wounded and missing.
With the capture of Atlanta (7/22/64) the 102nd participated in the legendary "March To The Sea." It then shared in the siege and surrender (12/9-21/64) of Savannah before, in early 1865, marching northward through the Carolinas. During that final campaign it was engaged at Wadesboro, SC (5/3/64), Averasboro, NC (3/16/65), Bentonville, NC (3/19 – 21/65), Goldsboro, NC (12/17/62), Raleigh, NC (nothing) and Bennett's House (4/17-18-26/65). 102nd losses were another 18 killed, wounded and missing.
With the surrender of Confederate troops under Robert E. Lee on 4/9/65 Joseph E. Johnston on (4/26/65) four years of bloody civil war was, for the most part, ended. The 102nd was mustered out of existence on 7/21/65 in Alexandria, VA. During its long and honorable service it had fought in over 40 battles and minor engagements and buried its dead in 7 states.
REGIMENTAL LOSSES:
Officers Killed Or Mortally Wounded: 7; Officers Died Of Disease, Accidents, Etc.: 0; Enlisted Men Killed Or Mortally Wounded: 66; Enlisted Men Died Of Disease, Accidents, Etc.: 82.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY: (22nd)
The 22nd was a three year eastern theater regiment. Having been organized in Rochester, NY it was also known as the "Rochester Cavalry." It departed the state on March 8, 1864 with its destination being Alexandria, VA. In early May it joined the Army Of The Potomac in The Wilderness at the beginning of Union Gen. U.S. Grant's Overland Campaign. Moving southward into the heart of Virginia, a year later, that campaign would bring an end to four years of bloody American civil war. In the meantime, considering that the 22nd was in the field for a relatively short period of time, it saw much hard fighting and sustained heavy losses.
With Grant the 22nd lost heavily at Spotsylvania Court House (5/8 - 21/64) and Cold Harbor (5/31 - 6/12/64). During the siege of Petersburg, VA it also suffered greatly during Union Gen. Wilson's raid to the Southside and Danville (date nothing) Railroad.
In October, 1864 the 22nd left the Army Of The Potomac. It would conclude The War in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. There it distinguished itself at Waynesboro (3/2/65) and Dinwiddie Court House (3/31/65). Later, Captain Christopher Buton , Corporal Henry Harvey and Private George Ladd would be awarded medals of honor for capturing enemy battle flags at Waynesboro.
REGIMENTAL LOSSES:
Officers Killed Or Mortally Wounded: 3; Officers Died Of Disease, Accidents, Etc.: 1; Enlisted Men Killed Or Mortally Wounded: 20; Enlisted Men Died Of Disease, Accidents, Etc.:183.
Soldier History
SOLDIER: (102nd)
Residence: Inf. Not Avail. Age: 17.6
Enlisted/Enrolled: 11/13/61 Avoca, NY Rank: Pvt.
Mustered In: 11/20/61
Discharged For Disability: Date Not Avail.
Highest Rank: Pvt.
Rank At Discharge: Pvt.
SOLDIER: (22nd)
Residence: Inf. Not Avail. Age: 19.9
Enlisted/Enrolled: Inf. Not Avail. Rank: Pvt.
Mustered In: 2/2/64
Mustered Out: 8/1/65 Winchester, VA
Highest Rank: Pvt.
Rank At Discharge: Pvt.
Family History
PERSONAL/FAMILY HISTORY:
Eliphalet D. Armstrong was born 4/23/44. His parents were James Mervil (b, 4/19/17 Benton Yates Co., NY died 12/19/1892 Alegan, MI) and Theresa/Terress there are several spellings of her name - Louise (nee Decker b. 8/2/23 Ontario Co., NY - d. 9/29/65 Steuben Co., NY). Eliphalet was the name of Theressa/Teressa's father.
Within New York, James, a laborer/farmer, moved his family many times. When Eliphalet was born the Armstrongs were residing in Avoca which is located in Steuben County.
According to family sources, Eliphalet was one of twelve Armstrong children born from the union of James and Theressa/Terress.According to another source, however, he was the fourth of nine children. Older than Eliphalet were: Angelina M (b. 1825), Pheobe (b. 1839), Roxalana (b. 1841) and Isaac H. (b. 1842). Younger than Eliphalet were William A. (b. 1846), Steven (b.1848 died unk) Thomas Stewart (b. 1849), James M., Jr. (b. 1851), Jason Peter (b. 1854), Doris (b. 1856 died 1859) and Clarissa Ann (b. 1859). All of the Armstrong children were born in Steuben Co, NY.
As best as can be determined, Eliphalet was still residing on his parents' farm when, in November, 1861, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. His unit was the 102nd New York Infantry. Without access to his military service records all we know about the enlistment is that Private Armstrong was subsequently given a (medical) disability discharge. When that occurred and why are not known. Although it is not documented, likely Charles returned to the family farm.
In February, 1864 Eliphalet was back in the military. During this enlistment, however, he was riding a horse rather than walking. Either the physical issues that had earlier made him ineligible for duty had been corrected or were being overlooked by recruiters because of the need for more recruits or Charles was overlooking his physical frailties because of the handsome enlistment bonuses or "bounties" which were being offered by that time in The War. Whatever may have been the situation, on this occasion Private Armstrong served until the War's end. On 11/19/80 he would begin the paperwork to obtain a U.S. Government disability pension stipend based on physical issues or ailments which he traced back to his days of Civil War Soldiering.
With army life behind him, Charles returned to his parents Avoca, NY farm. He likely did not remain there long, however, as on 12/320/65 in Rushville Yates Co., NY he married. His bride was Elizabeth C. Brewer (b. 4/23/48 Wheeler, Steuben Co., NY).
It appears that after marriage Eliphalet D and Elizabeth set up their household in Avoca. Whether that household was on or near the Armstrong family farm is not known. This is where the U.S. Census for 1870 tallied the family which by then consisted of Eliphalet, Elizabeth and three children. Eliphalets’ occupation - for the first time - was noted as "blacksmith." According to family sources, Eliphalet was employed as a blacksmith for most of his adult life.
Turning to the children of Eliphalet and Elizabeth, they would produce five: Harry "Henry" S. (b. 5/23/1867 NY died 1899 NY), Fred (b. 3/3/1869 NY died 1948 WA), Delmar (b. 5/27/1870 NY died 1947 WA), Anna "Annie" E. (b. 8/31/1876 NY died 1903NY) and Florence "Flossie "Innez (b. 4/20/1880 NY died 1934 WA).
As of 6/1/75 the Armstrongs were still in New York and Steuben County, but by that date not in Avoca but Cohocton. They would remain there until Elizabeth's death in (North) Cohocton on 12/11/04. No details are available pertaining to her passing. She was/is buried in (North) Cohocton's Clearview Cemetery.
Following his wife's death Eliphalet adorned her burial site with a large gravestone. His intention was to be buried beside her. That did not come to pass, however, as he and three of his children - Fred, Delmer/Delmar and Florence - ended up in Seattle King County, Washington. Who moved first, the children or the father, and when the move was made are not documented.
Arriving in Seattle Eliphalet would spend some of his last years employed as a janitor. He died 5/19/28 at the age of 84 years 0 months and 24 days. He was residing with his daughter at time of death at 803 E. 55th St. Seattle, WA and she was the informant on his death record. Burial was/is in the Seattle Grand Army Of The Republic (G.A.R.) Cemetery.
Cemetery
Adopt-a-Vet Sponsor
Denise Ottoson
Seattle, WA