Doty, George W.
MILITARY SERVICE
Age: 23, credited to Morristown, VTVITALS Birth: 02/16/1838, Montpelier, VTADDITIONAL INFORMATION Alias?: None notedDESCENDANTS None registered |
BURIAL: Copyright notice   Pleasant View Cemetery, Morrisville, VT Check the cemetery for location/directions and other veterans who may be buried there. |
Biography
Doty, George W., of Morrisville, was born in Montpelier, Feb. 16, 1838. At the age of two years he was adopted by O. L. Metcalf, a farmer of Morristown.
Mr. Doty received his education in the common schools and the People's Academy, paying his expenses by his labor and the care of the building. At the age of nineteen, under the auspices of the Emigrant Aid Society, he went to the then Territory of Kansas, where he joined a party of forty young men from Vermont, who, under the leadership of William B. Hutchinson, established themselves at a point on the Osage river, about fifteen miles from the Missouri line. This settlement they named Mapleton.
During the next three years and a half, young Doty was both a witness of and an actor in the most exciting scenes of that remarkable period. As soon as the township of Mapleton was organized, he was elected first constable, and joined the Free Soil forces of Captain Bain and Colonel Montgomery. He was also a member of the force under Col. Jim Lane that dispossessed the bogus Lecompton Legislature. Later, as a Free State man, be was driven out of Columbus, Mo., at midnight, barely escaping with his life.
In the late fall of 1860 Mr. Doty returned to his native state, and was the first man in Lamoille county to enlist at the outbreak of the civil war. In conjunction with U. A. Woodbury he recruited sixty men, who afterward became members of Co. E, 3d Vt. Vols. He himself was mustered into the United States service as a private in Co. F, 2d Vt. Vols., and followed the fortunes of that command throughout most of the bloody battlefields. He was present at the first struggle at Bull Run, and was with the command during the seven days' fight on the peninsula, 2d Bull Run, and in the Maryland campaign, 1862. A member of the 2d Vt. Color Guard, he was not absent from duty a single day till he was wounded at Fredericksburg by a minie ball, which he carries in his right knee. Being thus disabled, he was transferred to the Veteran Corps, and served until the close of the war. He was several times promoted, being a sergeant when wounded, and would have been commissioned in a short time.
Mr. Doty is a staunch Republican, and soon after his return from the army, was appointed deputy sheriff, and later was elected sheriff, holding this position three years. For fourteen years he has been a member of the prudential committee of the People's Academy and Morrisville graded school.
For thirty years he has been a Free Mason, a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, and has held every position in that body, as well as in the chapter. A charter member of J. M. Warner Post, GAR, he served as its commander for eight consecutive years. Mr. Doty also acted as the aid of Commanders-in-Chief Earnshaw and Alger, GAR, and in 1891 was unanimously elected Senior Vice-Commander, Dept. Vt., and in 1893 received a like compliment when promoted to be Commander of the department.
He married, April 30, 1863, at Brattleboro, Flora A., daughter of Loren and Fedelia (Paine) Bundy. Of their children one son died in infancy, and two daughters survive: Anna G. (Mrs. L. M. Jones, of Johnson, Vt.), and Alice C.
For twelve years Mr. Doty was station and express agent and telegraph operator on St. J. & L. C. R. R., at Morrisville. For the last ten years Mr. Doty has been successfully engaged in Morrisville as a furniture dealer and undertaker.
Mr. Doty requited the kindness of his foster parents by providing them a home in their old age.
Source: Jacob G. Ullery, compiler, Men of Vermont: An Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters and Sons of Vermont, (Transcript Publishing Company, Brattleboro, VT, 1894), Part II, pp. 110.
Doty, Colonel George W., is one of the most original and interesting personalities of the town, an excellent type of the soldier citizen of Vermont. He was born at Montpelier, February 16, 1838, but in infancy was adopted by O. L. Metcalf, a farmer of Morristown. Mr. Doty was educated in the common schools and the People's Academy. At 19 years of age, inspired by the spirit of the times, he went to the Territory of Kansas and joined a colony of 40 young men from Vermont, who started the settlement of Mapleton, on the Little Osage River, near the Missouri line. As soon as the township was organized he was elected the first constable, and became a leading spirit in the exciting scenes of that remarkable period. He joined the Free Soil forces of Captain Bain and Colonel Montgomery, and was also a member of the force of "Colonel Jim Lane" that dispersed the bogus Lecompton Legislature. Later, as a Free State man, he was driven out of Columbus, Missouri, at mid-night, in peril of his life.
Returning to his Vermont home in 1860, he was the first man to enlist from Lamoille County in the War for the Union. In conjunction with U. A. Woodbury, he recruited 60 men, who later joined Company E, Third Vermont Regiment. Mr. Doty was mustered in as a private of Company F, Second Vermont, the senior regiment of the "Old Brigade," and shared the fortunes of that gallant command on many a bloody field, including first and second Bull Run, the seven days fight and the Maryland campaign of 1862. A member of the Second Vermont color guard, he was not absent from duty a snigle day, though suffering from malaria, until he was severely wounded at Fredericksburg by a minie ball, which he still carries in his right knee.
He then served until the close of the war in the "Veteran Reserve Corps," as commissary sergeant, under Colonel William Austine, U.S.A., at Brattleboro. After regaining a measure of his health he was appointed deputy sheriff and later elected sheriff, holding that position three years.
During 12 yars Mr. Doty was station and express agent, and telegrapher at Morrisville. For 22 years he has been successfully engaged as a furniture deaeler and undertaker in Morrisville. His store is one of the historic landmarks of the town, the original building being erected and the business started as the first furniture store in town, as early as 1828, by Daniel Gilbert. Colonel doty now conducts the leading furniture, crockery and undertaking establishment of Lamoille County.
As a member of the board of trustees he was first to make the mothing that the village own its own water, and als, later, that it own its own electric lightpower, and both motions previaled. He was a member of a committee of five to locate a new cemetery and has had virtual charge of the cemetery until the present time.
He married, April 30, 1863, at Brattleboro, Flora A. Bundy. Their only son died in infancey, andt wo daughters survive; Anna G., widow of the late L. M. Jones of Johnson, and Alice C., wife of Walter D. Grout of Worcester, Massachusetts. In politics a stanch Republican, Colonel Doty has borne an efficient and honorable part in the civil life of Morristown.
For 14 years he was a member and chairman of the prudential committee of People's Academy and Morrisville Graded School, and for nearly thirty years he has been chief of the Morrisville Fire Department. For 40 years he has been a member of Mount Vernon Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and has passed all of the chairs in that body, also in Tucker Chapter; a charter member of J. M. Warner Post, G.A.R., he served as its commander for seven consecutive years. He also acted as aide of COmmanders-in-Chief Earnshaw and Alger, G.A.R., and in 1893 was unanimously elected commander, Department of Vermont.
In 1894 he served on the staff of Governor U. A. Woodbury, and in 1896 became chief of staff of Governor Grout. Emphatically a self-made man, Colonel Doty has borne an active and honorable part during the most interesting period of the history of the republic.
Source: Jeffrey, William Hartley, Successful Vermonters: A modern Gazetteer of Lamoille, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties..., East burke, Vt.: The Historical publishing company, 1907, pp. 57-59.
Correspondence
LAMOILLE NEWSDEALER: JULY 19, 1861
FROM CAMP FAIRBANKS
The following is an extract of a letter from Doty, of the Capital Guards, to O.L. Metcalf of Morrisville, dated at Camp Fairbanks, D.C., June 28:
We arrived at Philadelphia at 11 ½ p.m., where we were received with great enthusiasm, and marched to a free supper, which was partaken of with a good relish. Meanwhile, the ladies in great numbers, sang the old " Green Mountain State", " Red, White, and Blue", "Hail Columbia" &c., the bass of which was well put in by the 32-pounders on the Battery. We embarked about 1 ½ a.m., June 26th, and moved on, while cheer after cheer went up for the " Green Mountain Boys." At dawn of day every one was armed and equipped with loaded guns, and 5 rounds extra. A report was current in the cars that we should soon be in Baltimore, and we would probably see some blood shed, and the city was rising in arms. Our receipt of this news, (which proved to be only a test to try our courage). Every man expressed himself ready to die with the 2d Regiment, if need be, in attempt to lay the city in ashes. We arrived at 9 a.m., and formed in the line of battle, and marched through unmolested, not a cheer greeted us, the police sullenly performed their duty, and the ruffian crowd sullenly obeyed. We saw no seccession flags, and very few Union flags, only on the outskirts. After we were ready to start, several Baltimoreans came to the car windows and informed us that our broad shoulders and loaded guns bore a more striking resemblance of fight than the "rabble" had since the Massachusetts boys passed through. There were many of our troops camped in and around the city, from them we received a hearty welcome. We finally arrived in Washington about 11 o'clock, a.m., all safe and well. We made a temporary stop at the depot and ate dinner from our haversacks . We rested until 5 p.m., when we formed and marched to our present camp, which is now called 'Camp Fairbanks". It is a nice level piece of unenclosed grass land, gently sloping to the south, 1 ½ miles from from and in full view of the Capital, two miles north of the east branch of the Potomac River, and about 4 ½ miles southeast of Arlington Heights, and in plain view. We have a healthy location, good water, and as much to eat as I expected. Let me hear again praise our Quartermaster, also our surgeon, in fact, all our officers. They are without exception prompt, efficient, and just such men as I would have chosen to fight under. There are, it is estimated, at least 100, 000 troops in the District of Columbia. I honestly think there are more. I can count from our camp thirty encampments, 1000 men in each, and can see only a small portion of the district.
One of the Capital Guards.
LAMOILLE NEWSDEALER: AUGUST 2, 1861
SECOND VT. REGIMENT, Co. F.
ALEXANDRIA, JULY 23, 1861
MR. EDITOR: --- I thake this opportunity to inform you and my friends in Lamoille County the facts, as I understand them, in regard to the late battle of Bull's Run and Manassas Junction. I know that exaggerated accounts of the fight are rife in the Northern papers. I propose to give a correct statement, as I saw and participated in the battle. The Third Brigade composed of the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Maine, and Second Vermont, with Ellsworth's Zouaves as scouts, who were encamped 5 miles from this place, on the way to Fairfax Court House, received marching orders on the 16th, with what they called 3 days rations. It consisted of about 1-2 lb of hard crackers, and 1-2 lb of salt beef. Gen. Howard commanded the Brigade We advanced and made a circuit of 20 miles to the left, and completely around Fairfax Court House, to Fairfax Station, where we arrived on the 17th at 4 o'clock P.M. Meanwhile another Brigade under Gen. Wilcox, came directly down on the Court House and and routed 1100 rebels and took a great deal of provision and munitions of war, consisting in part of 100 lb of flour and 4 tons bacon., &c, without firing a gun. Our 3 day rations were gone, and we received a portion of the spoils, and having no cooking utensils we took such old dirty kettles and platters as the rebels left, and cooked our flour the best we could. We all the nice fat beef we wished for from the rebel farms around us. We stayed at this place until 12 o'clock M. of the 18th, when we commenced our march toward Centerville. We arrived within 2 ½ miles of the place at 12 o'clock at night, where we formed a line of battle and camped on the fareground, in our places with our single blanket over us. Our company was detailed as a Picket Guard in the rear. We were fired on twice during the night, and returned the fire in good spirit. They did not hit any of us, and whether we hit any of them is not known, as it was dark and we were stationed in the woods. At daylight we joined the Brigade and before another night other Brigades came in and formed with us, a Division of about 30, 000 men and 8 batteries of artillery, the whole command of Gen. McDowell. On the 19th the Massachusetts Brigade fired on and drove the rebels from Centerville with the loss of 8 killed and 24 wounded, they captured a small battery from the rebels at this place, and planted their own cannon on the heights around.
A small battery was also taken at Bull's Run the same day, with a small loss on our side. At 2 0'clock, A.M., of the 21st the long roll of each regiment was beaten and the whole division commenced the advance, the Third Brigade bringing up the rear. The advance commenced the fight about 7 o'clock, A.M., on the pickets 1 1/2 miles in front of the fort at Manassas Junction. The main body of enemy were entrenched and strongly fortified with plenty of cannon and ammunition with 60, 000 men, armed with Sharp's and mini rifles, on the highest point of land in the whole country, and surrounded by heavy timber. The land we had to pass over to get to them, excepting in front was open ground for miles, exposed to their batteries. The Third Brigade was detached from the main body about 10 o'clock and put through on double-quick time, and make a circuit of about 8 miles, and came up on the left of the enemy about 1 o'clock. P.M. At this time our men had driven the rebels one mile. Our Brigade passed over this ground, covered with dead, and dying, every rod of which presented some awful spectacle, and showed the ground had been given up only by inches. Wagon after wagon load of poor wounded soldiers were carried off to be cared for by the different surgeons of the regiments. They appropriated the seccession houses for hospitals. The cry of the wounded was "Oh for God's sake a drop of water", "don't step on the boys;" and like expressions. Our Brigade marched in line of battle with charged bayonets, the smoke and dust was so thick that we could not see a rod ahead of us, the cannon balls and shells from the enemy's battery fell thick around us; I speak now more particularly of the Vermont 2d. We kept a good line, not a word, only from our officers, was heard the whole length of the line; we met parts of regiments coming away, they would say "God bless you boys, you are in time, we have fired hard; give it to them another 1/2 hour and the day is ours". As we left the bushes and advanced over the hill on double-quick time, within ½ mile of the battery, they poured in to us a storm of iron hail such as is seldom faced. The Vermont boys yelled, "Hurrah for the victory and glory of the old Green Mountain State." We got within about 40 rods of the battery, on the side hill, where we halted and formed a perfect line, during which time the rebels, about 4000 advanced within about 30 rods of us and commenced firing on us; The word was given us to fire; we fire under, then we were ordered to fire 2 feet above their heads, we did so, and noticed the effect. They commenced retreating. About this time our batteries ceased, as afterwards proved, for want of ammunition, and commenced retreating; this encouraged the rebels who fired on us with renewed vigor, but the Vermont boys stood their ground and drove them 1/2 mile; but their batteries then opened on us anew, and the order was given us to retreat. We were mad, and fired 3 volleys after the order was given, when Major Joyce run his horse down the line and said "Vermont boys, you have done well, but for God's sake retreat, the artillery have run out of ammunition."
We slowly turned and picked up our wounded boys, but had to leave our dead on the bloody field. We had a good many wounded, but only a few killed, considering the good chance they had on us. The main body was by this time under headway on the retreat. We retreated in in good order until we got to Bull's Run, where a narrow pass, a bridge, and a deep creek, obstructed our artillery, caused the line to halt. The bridge constantly covered with heavy cannon and horses gave way, making a perfect loss of 2 batteries. Most of them were disabled so as not to do the enemy any good. At this time the enemy came up in the rear and fired a good many shells and grape shot., which cut us up dreadfully; and here among the rest, a carriage was taken, containing several wounded ones, among the rest was orderly Sergeant, U.A. Woodbury of the Fletcher Company, who had his hand blown off in the first of our charge, by a cannon ball.. It was amputated by our surgeon, and he was doing well, but was too weak to walk. He is now, if alive, a prisoner among the rebels. Also Capt. Drew, of Co. G., from Burlington, and I presume many others. At this point the regiment broke up and companies followed their respective captains. Capt. Randall, of Co. F., showed great bravery and coolness during the whole.. At the bridge he said, "boys, follow me, we won't be taken prisoners", and jumped into the creek above his middle, followed by his boys who stuck to him through the whole march We kept up our march, back to this place, a distance of 35 miles.We arrived here about 10 0'clock A.M., a hard looking set of fellows, covered with dust, powder, and blood. We are now quartered in the market house of Alexandria.We shall probably stay until we are sufficiently recruited to march again. Do not think that the rebels have retaken the ground we passed over;not by any means. There are bodies of men stationed all along the road to keep the places we have captured. It is reported that Gen. McDowell made a premature attack, that he ought to have waited the advance of Gen. Patterson; but wishing the glory for himself, made the attack on his own hook. The attack is not counted either a victory, or a defeat. I will say nothing of myself, but this: I was not shot in the back, nor front, that I know of, though hot lead flew a little nearer my head than was agreeable. Four of us pretty good friends, stood in the front rank and shouted, "give them, a specimen of Ethan Allen's bravery". I can form no estimate of the killed, but the loss must have been heavy as the action lasted nearly all day. Only one of our company was killed, 10 are missing. As I am very tired I will close in saying; I am good for many more fights for Liberty and the Union.
Truly Yours,
George W. Doty
LAMOILLE NEWSDEALER: AUGUST 16, 1861
HEADQUARTERS, 2d VERMONT
CAMP BUSH HILL, CO. F.
AUGUST 4, 1861When I last wrote we were in Alexandria. We came back to Bush Hill, (that is, the 3d brigade, under Col. Howard, including the Vt. 2d) our old camping ground, 5 miles West of Alexandria, on the 25th of July, where we still remain, the picket guard of this division of the army. The rebels now occupy Fairfax with a small force. From some of our boys who have escaped from them after being taken prisoners, we learn there is only about 5000 in all, this side of Manassas, and they are making no permanent stand, only to occupy their old fortifications. Our pickets extend out 4 1/2 miles toward Fairfax, and frequently get sight of a rebel. Our division is now under Maj. Gen. McDowell, who is putting us on thorough drill, and strict discipline, the good effect of which is noticed in the steady soldierly appearance of the Vt. Boys.
We are now throwing up breastworks at this point, and it is generally believed by our officers, that no important move will be made on the enemy from this direction at present; but to steadily advance and fortify every inch of available ground, and thus compel the F.F.V.s to retire.
As I anticipated when I wrote you before, our loss is not as severe as all the newspapers would have it to be. It is generally thought among the officers that 1000 men will cover the loss in killed and missing; and only 12 cannon; and many of them are useless for the present, being spiked and carriages broken. While the report of the southern papers, they took upwards of 2000 killed and many wounded.
Today (Sunday) Nathan Huntley, of Duxbury, belonging to Co. D., Captain Dillingham died of diphtheria, --- has been sick for 2 or 3 weeks, and his friends here tried to get him a furlough home, but our surgeon would not give him the requisite discharge, so he had to breath his last in the arms of his fellow soldiers, far away from home, and near and dear friends. The Band of Co. D escorted his remains to Washington, where he will be embalmed and sent home. His friends are expected at Washington to-morrow.
A good many of the Regt. are now suffering from sickness, and if they ever get well, they will not be able to do do anything for some months, and they wish to get a furlough home, where they can have kind friends to take care of them; but only a few instances has this favor been granted, and much fault is found (among the soldiers) with the Col. and Surgeon; but I do not know but their complaints are well founded, in some cases.
The boys are fast finding out that is not all of a soldiers life to wear a uniform, and eat their rations, if their uniforms are made out of rags and their rations "hard sea bread, salt beef, and no coffee." As for me, I can live on rebel apples and peaches, for the present, and hope soon to be able to dish up "bootleg" hash, made from the bodies of Old jeff. Davis and Beauregard.
More Anon,
GEORGE W. DOTYLAMOILLE NEWSDEALER: AUGUST 16, 1861
COLONEL WHITING
The following from G.W. Doty, of Morristown, one of the "Capital Guards" from Montpelier, will give some light in relation to the manner in which this officer conducted at the late battle, and will show what estimate those under his command, place upon his character, as a soldier: ---
ALEXANDRIA, VA. 2d. REG., V.V.M.
Co. F., Aug. 8th, 1861MR. EDITOR:---We have lately received newspapers from Vermont, containing various and conflicting accounts, in regard to the bravery of the Col. of the Vt. 2d, and the position he held in the late battle. He marched on foot, with the rest of the staff officers (their horses had not arrived from Vt. at that time) at his post, the head of the Reg., until we formed in brigade line of battle, the Colonels all of them then retired to the rear of the center of their Regiments. The line was formed under a hill covered with a thick growth of underbrush, and some large tree. Col. Whiting marched directly in his place, until we came off the bushes into the open field, there I lost sight of him, until, the Brigadier Gen. came down our line, and ordered the Captains to step 8 paces to the rear of their companies, and Cols., 100 paces in rear of their Reg., Our Col., retired to a large tree, on top of the hill, which was about 10 rods in our rear, he stood there until the action commenced, when I lost sight of him, until we were ordered to retreat, then we found him 250 rods in the rear, under the bank, where we formed our line of battle. Capt. Randall’s and Capt. Dillingham’s company, were together there, and the Captain’s asked him, "Col. What are we to do now, shall we not return?" He says, "We had better get out of this as soon as possible," and that was the last command he gave, until we arrived at Centerville, 10 miles, here he formed the Reg. and we camped on our arms, and so did our whole Brigade, our stragglers were coming in fast, we were cooking coffee, and in two hours we would have been in good fighting condition. All at once orders were given for us to march in retreat towards Fairfax. The 2d would have stood there and fought, against the whole rebel force, rather than to march in retreat. The order was given by Col. Whiting. He received it from Gen. Howard, who he had it from, I do not know; we halted at Fairfax, about half an hour and proceeded to Alexandria, under orders, as before. The rest you know. You can judge of his "bravery," to suit your own taste. As for me, as long as he is an officer over me, I shall obey and respect his command, and if the whole Reg. would do the same, it undoubtedly would be the quickest way to get rid of a Col., whom 9-10 of the Reg. "hate." I can bring proof of this whole statement.
Truly Yours,
ONE OF THE CAPITAL GUARDSLAMOILLE NEWSDEALER: NOV. 24, 1861
CAMP GRIFFIN, VA.
HEADQUARTERS 2nd REG.
CO. F. NOV 14,1861FRIEND HOWARD: It is quite a long time since I wrote you, and thinking that a few lines from me would not be unwelcome, I will improve the present opportunity. At first let me return you my sincere thanks for the "Newsdealer", which comes promptly to hand every week, and gives much pleasure, for in that I can read all that is going on at home. I am glad to see that the young men of Lamoille County are volunteering to help us fight the battles of our beloved country. I am proud of Vermont and glad that I am a Vermonter. There is no better brigade in the "Army of the Potomac" than the 2nd Brigade of Gen. Smith's division, composed of five Vermont Regiments, Brig. Gen. Brooks commanding. As our little state has gained credit and honor, by furnishing so many, and such excellent troops ( so considered) it is no sign she should stop now, let the good work continue until traitors shall dangle in the air, successionism be among the things that were, and our glorious old flag, the "Stars and Stripes" shall wave from every city, hamlet and house, from Maine to California. Boys of Vermont, do not tremble in your shoes for fear ( I do not think you do), nor get up such a show of parental obedience just at this particular time. Don't stand there by the stove talking of the matter, nor delude youself with the hope, that the rebels are about "played out", and that Vermont has has done her share anyway, but shoulder your gun ( let old folks take care of themselves for a while, and if sweethearts can' not, I would not give much for them), and come out here like men, ( as I know you are), look not to right or left, but come with stout hearts and steady nerves, throwing aside ( for the time being) all thoughts of anything else, except this one sentiment. My country is in danger, my brothers are in the field, their blood has spilled, and I will join and stand or fall with them, in the great struggle for liberty, so dearly purchased by the blood of our forefathers. Do not flatter yourselves that you are going to have an easy time after you get here, or live in mince pies, but make up your mind to endure many hardships, and do your duty without a murmur., and you will have a far easier time and enjoy yourself far better than you imagine, after hearing the reports of those who have gone home.. The Vermont boys are generally much more healthy than at any time previous, with the exception perhaps of the 5th, who have buried quite a number, ( none that I know). We are in good spirits, and the news from the fleet received this morning gives us much pleasure. The Vermont Brigade has a splendid camping ground and ample room for drilling 20,000 men, as was demonstrated yesterday on the reviewal of the whole division by Gen. Smith and staff. It was a splendid sight, and closed at dark by the Infantry forming quickly into line, commencing and continuing for some time a terrific fire with. with blank cartridges on a supposed enemy. The Artillery and Cavalry, also did their share, by firing and charging with loud yells. Everything passed off quietly, and we retired to our soft beds of leaves, and slept more soundly than ever. The 2nd and 3rd regiments have received their new blue uniforms in full, and look much better, besides being much more comfortable.. It is impossible for one to form any idea where we shall winter, but my own opinion is we shall not have much fighting on the Potomac at present.. As for rebels, there are none within ten miles.
If people in Vermont wish to send us any clothing it will be thankfully received by any one, and my opinion is, that woolen drawers, under shirts, mittens, and boots are among the articles most needed at present.
Hoping to see every young man capable of bearing arms, in Lamoille County, out here as soon as opportunity offers.
I will close. Truly Yours, George W. Doty.
LAMOILLE NEWSDEALER: FEB, 1, 1863
U.S. GENERAL HOSPITAL,
PATENT OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D.C.
DECEMBER 24, 1862
MR. EDITOR: --- since I last wrote you, the army of the Potomac has moved, and another terrible battle has been fought, and I am sorry to say, another repulse to our arms has been the result. I should like to give you a detailed account of the battle as I saw it, but am unable to at the present. This was the 11th engagement I have been engaged in, and must say it surpassed in military grandour, anything I ever saw.During the fight of Friday and Saturday the heavy roar of artillery and infantry was so deafening, as to make common conversation impossible. I need not inform you that Vermont boys were there, and gallantly performed their part. The ' ols 2d", the " gallant 4th"were in the front and suffered most. It would eem invidious to speak of individual bravery and merit, on that occasion, where all did so well, but the names of Lt. Col.Joyce and Maj. Walbridge of the 2d, and Maj. Foster of the 4th, will ever be remembered by the brave boys who who followed them on that bloody field.. I must also say a word about the Captains, especially Rev. J.S. Roberts of the 4th, who went on the field and helped to bring off the wounded, and bury the dead, and even placed head-boards at their graves.They all remained with us during the two or three days previous to our departure for the city, and then Chap. Mack of the 3d, with Mr. Roberts, accompanied us on our sore and painful journey hither., contributing much to our comfort by ad ministering many little delicacies not found in a soldiers haversack. After seeing us comfortably located in the hospital they have rejoined the brigade. Such things should be remembered by the people, inasmuch as much has been said in regard to the inefficiency and useless of chaplain's in general. As to myself, my surgeon says in three or four weeks I can use my crutches, and if I get out with one leg disabled I shall do well. It is rather hard for a man to lie flat on his back four or five weeks, to say nothing of the pain, but as it is all for the Union I will not complain. As I am getting tired, I will close.
Truly Yours,
SERGT. G. W. DOTY
News and Citizen March 6, 1893
George W. Doty of Morrisville, the newly elected Department Commander of the Grand Army of Vermont,served in Co.L,2nd Vt. Vol., and was in the first eight battles of the war, and as a result carries a Confederate bullet in one leg. He swam the great falls of the Potomac to save the life of Capt. Randall (after Colonel of the 13th and 17th regts.), and has other deeds of valor to his credit. This selection is an excellent one, and besides being well merited, is a compliment to Lamoille County, for which is for the first time thus honored.
Obituary
NEWS & CITIZEN; AUGUST 24, 1910
DEATH Of GEORGE W. DOTY
George W. Doty died last Saturday morning at 6 o'clock, from cerebral embolism contributing arterial sclerosis, after an illness of about four weeks.
The deceased was born in Montpelier on Feb. 16,1838, but in infancy was adopted by L.O. Metcalf, a farmer of Morristown. Mr. Doty received his education in the public schools, and at Peoples Academy. When about nineteen years of age he went with a party of about forty young men to the western frontier, where they started a the settlement of Mapleton in the Territory of Kansas and he was elected first constable after the organization of that township and took a prominent part in the struggle to make Kansas a free state.
He returned to Vermont in 1860, and was the first man to enlist from Lamoille County in the Civil War. In connection with U.A. Woodbury he recruited sixty men, who later joined Company E., Third Vt. Regiment, Mr. Doty himself enlisting in Company F. second Vermont, one of the first regiments recruited in the state.A member of the color guard of this famous regiment, he participated in many of the early battles of the war, including the first and second Battles of Bull Run, the seven day fight and the Maryland campaign until he was severly wounded in the Battle of Fredricksburg. From that time to the close of the war he served in the reserve corps at Brattleboro under Colonel Austin.
Upon his return from the war was appointed deputy sheriff and later elected sheriff, which position he held for three years.
April 30,1863, Mr. Doty married at Brattleboro, Flora A. Bundy, who survives him. He also leaves two daughters, Mrs. Anna Jones, who resides at home, and Mrs. Walter D. Grout of Worcester, Mass..
For twelve years Mr. Doty held the position of station agent in Morrisville, and at the close of his services in that capacity, in 1814 he purchased the furniture business of W.E. Clement, known as the old Gilbert store, which he has since conducted., and in connection with this he has carried on an extensive undertaking business, having conducted over 2000 funerals in that time.
During his residence in Morrisville, Mr. Doty has been elected to many positions of trust and responsibility, having served as selectman, village trustee, and for many years as chief of the fire department. He was instrumental in organizing the local camp Sons of Union Veterans, which was named in his honor. He was a member of Mount Vernon Lodge, F. and A.M., and also of Tucker Chapter. A charter member of J.M. Warner Post, G.A.R., and served as commander for seven consecutive years. He was aid to commanders in Chief Earnshaw and Alger, G.A.R., and in 1893 was electer Commander of the Department of Vermont. He served on the staff of Gov. U.A. Woodbury in 1894, and in 1896 became chief of staff to Gov. Grout.
A man of the strictest integrity, Col. Doty was universally respected in the community, whose interest he had so long been faithfully endeavored to serve, and his sturdy character and strong personality will not be soon forgotten.
The funeral was held from his late home on Main Street Tuesday afternoon at 2 o 'clock, The Rec. C.C. St.Clare officiating, with interment in Pleasant View Cemetery. The G.A.R. and W.R.C. attended in a body. The bearers were: George Bridgeman of Hardwick, Daniel Rogers, Frank Kenfield, A.A. Niles, A.L. Cheney, and G.P. Drowne. The floral tributes were very large, consisting tokens from the G.A,R, W.R.C., Grange and Masons, as well as many from friends and relatives. The casket was draped with a flag, presented by the family.
Among those from out of town to attend the funeral were: Rev. G.H. Bailey of Waybridge,Miss Ellen Stillings of Lowell, Mass.,Miss Elizabeth McGill of Washington, D.C.,Mr. & Mrs. W.D. Grout of Worcester, Mass., and Mrs. Pearl and Mrs. Leslie of Johnson.
Articles submitted by: Deanna French.
Tombstone Photographs
Photographs courtesy of Denis and Karen Jaquish.
