Miscellaneous
Occupations
The Civil War had a profound impact on people all across America. It is interesting to see how this great conflict affected 120 young men who served in a fire-fighting company in Vermont’s capital, then a small town, referred to as “the village.” These men were good citizens who would follow many professions, and their service in the war was exemplary. For them, it was a personal experience never to be equaled or forgotten.
The history of Capitol Engine Company No. 5, covering the years 1860-1886, can be found in a small book of 77 pages that contains many interesting facts, including the roll of all 482 members, of whom 120 served in the Civil War. Most of these names appear on the rosters of Vermont regiments, or those of nearby states, and the Civil War service of 118 members has been listed here. Of course, in matching names, it is not always certain that it is the same individual. Dates vary, names are spelled differently, and some names appear many times on the Union rosters. At least five matches are considered tentative, and the service of two men remains undetermined.
The service and experiences of these veterans was unusually varied, with most of the important units and famous battles represented, as well as many of the personal triumphs and tragedies common to that war. They also had some things in common: As members of Capitol No. 5, they were young, able-bodied, well organized and civic-minded. Most enlisted at Montpelier, and their service in the war was marked by numerous reenlistments and noteworthy individual achievement.
The first men to enlist in Montpelier were members of Capitol No. 5. Members served in at least 38 different units. They enlisted in fourteen of Vermont's seventeen infantry regiments, the cavalry, heavy artillery, light artillery, frontier cavalry, U.S. Infantry, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines, Veteran Reserve Corps, and seventeen army units from nearby states. One member enlisted in four different units (infantry, cavalry, marines, and navy). The most frequent enlistments were in the 13th Infantry (28), 2nd Infantry (18), 1st Infantry (8), 10th Infantry (8), and the 3rd Light Artillery (8). They held twenty different ranks; eleven were officers, twelve sergeants, seventeen corporals, eleven specialists, and at least 62 were privates.
The service of the men of Capitol No. 5 was, in many ways, a cross section of the Civil War. These men saw action from Big Bethel, Bull Run, Gettysburg and the Bloody Angle to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House. One family lost two sons. Of the 58 who were members before enlisting, one was killed in action, two died of their wounds, two died of disease, and four lost limbs. In all, 24 men were wounded, while engaged at many of the important battles. Nineteen men received promotions, and only four were reduced. None deserted. Two men died in Confederate prisons, and two received the Medal of Honor.
Although the war is central to our interest in these men, it is important to consider their lives in an overall context. The 1850 census shows them as small boys, the sons of farmers, blacksmiths, laborers and clergymen. Some of the older boys were working in trades, but none could know how events would affect them eleven years in the future. After the war, many left Vermont, some going west, seeking new opportunities. Most, however, returned to Montpelier and nearby villages, usually owning their own homes, and pursuing various occupations. They married, and had children. Some died as the result of accidents. Few lived to great age. Gradually, one by one, these veterans passed from the scene, leaving their names on white marble in Green Mount and other cemeteries. Such is the American experience.
In the following list of 120 veterans, 58 (having an asterisk after their membership number) were members of Capitol Engine No. 5 before (or while) they served in the Civil War. It was the policy of No. 5 to keep members who enlisted without resigning from the company upon the active list, to have their places upon their return from the army. The remaining 62 men (shown by a "v") were veterans when they joined Capitol No. 5. Some dates do not agree; those from the Adjutant’s records are especially questionable. References include (A) Adjutant’s records; (C) cemetery list in VTCW150; (5) Capitol Engine No. 5; (L) or (LDS) Church of Latter Day Saints; (F) family records. Explanatory notes address inconsistencies and provide additional information. This study is not complete; all matches are subject to revision.
This compilation was produced by the late Colby B. Rucker, great-grandson of Private John H. Buxton.
Sources:(1) Bancroft, Charles DeF. 1886. "History of Capitol Engine No. 5." Watchman and Journal Press, Montpelier.
(2) Vermont in the Civil War. An Internet compilation by Tom Ledoux.
(3) FamilySearch Internet Genealogy Service. A project of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. By permission. Copyright 1999 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
(4) Montpelier, Barre, Waterbury and Northfield Directory 1887 -1888.
(5) Wheelock’s Montpelier Directory 1898.
(6) National Park Service; Soldiers and Sailors System (Internet)
(7) Duffy, Nancy. Personal communication 8/30/2001 re. Joseph Silloway.
(8) 1850 Federal Census for Washington County, Vermont.
(9) Extracts from the Vermont Adjutant General’s Office records compiled by the Vermont Commandery of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.