Civil War Biographies: Ferry-Franz

FERRY, EDWARD (1814-1876). Private, 79th New York Infantry, Company C. According to the census of 1860, he was a laborer who was born in Ireland. After enlisting as a private at New York City on May 13, 1861, Ferry mustered into the 79th New York on May 28. His son, Andrew Ferry, was in the … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Fraser-Gibbens

After a promotion to captain 1842, he was given command of the Ewing and then was put in charge of the new Revenue Marine Bureau. From 1844 to 1848, Fraser overhauled the service, ordering the first steam-propelled cutters, instituting a merit system of promotion and abolishing flogging and the employment of slaves. He also prohibited … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Gibbes-Grandin

The 1861 census for Charleston showed that he owned three properties on John Street in the 5th Ward that were occupied, one only by slaves and the others by slaves and free persons. He also owned two properties on Wall Street in Charleston. Other documents note that he desired to obtain $16,000 in funds that … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Granger-Hallick

The census of 1870 states that he was a mason by trade whose real estate was worth $10,000, and whose personal estate was valued at $2,500. The 1873 and 1880 Brooklyn Directories list Granger as a bookkeeper; the 1880 census specifically indicates that he was a clerk in a fish store. Granger’s Civil War service … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Halliday-Hayward

After the War, the U.S. census listed Halliday as a carpenter but in later years he was employed as an undertaker according to Trow’s New York City Directory for 1876-1884 and in the 1880 census. A clerk in 1884, he apparently retired in the late 1880s. His obituary states that he last worked as a merchant. … Read more

“Horace Greeley’s Last Visit to the Tribune,” Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, Dec. 14, 1872

A solemn account of Horace Greeley’s (1811-1872) last visit to the office of the New York Tribune appeared on the cover of Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper in the weeks following his death. A well-known public figure, Greeley founded the Tribune and served as its editor for several decades. In 1872, Greeley resigned from the newspaper to run opposite Ulysses S. Grant in the 1872 Presidential election. After an unsuccessful campaign, Greeley returned to the Tribune, but would not remain much longer. November 13th would prove to be his final visit, as he immediately fell ill and spent the remainder of his life under medical care.

Civil War Biographies: Head-Hickey

Just as we were going into battle, General Wadsworth -that gray-haired old veteran whom the soldiers all loved- rode up. He held a revolver in one hand and with the other he caught the edge of the colors and ‘Follow Me, Boys!’ Head replied, ‘General, I’ll follow you anywhere!’ We charged among a lot of … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Hicks-Hoodless

Hicks wrote, in part, “… You have pierced the healing wounds of passion in my heart and set them to bleeding again. Father, once more I tell you … I am an altered boy….” After his Naval service, his life took many turns, many of them notorious. He practiced law, took up acting and traveled … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Hooper-Hutton

He remained on detached service in August and September 1862. Hooper was discharged for promotion to second lieutenant at Fernandina, Florida, on February 17, 1863, the date that he was commissioned into Company G of the 33rd USCT (United States Colored Troops). His muster roll notes that he was appointed by Brigadier General Rufus Saxton … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Hyatt-Johnstone

HYATT, JOSEPH C. (or E.) (1814-1893). Captain, 11th New York Cavalry, Company E; first lieutenant, 32nd New York Infantry, Company F. Born in Westchester County, New York, the 1850 census notes that Hyatt lived in New York City. During the Civil War, Hyatt enlisted as a first lieutenant on May 14, 1861, at New York … Read more