For Our Famine Slain: A Poem From March 1865

The following poem appeared in the Carlisle Herald And Expositor on March 10, 1865, eight days after the death of Samuel Hollinger in Richmond from disease and neglect while detained as a prisoner of war. It is not known when word of Samuel's death reached home but the appearance of this poem preceded the return of recently exchanged and furloughed soldiers from Samuel's regiment. News from the prison camps, both good and bad, arrived in Carlisle throughout March, 1865.
The author of the poem was not identified.

Poetical

for the Herald

IN MEMORIAM

He shall not die unsung, nor yet unavenged.

Within a Southern prison, where the heavy air was rank,

And the gloomy walls were mouldering, in the darkness damp and dank:

When famine gaunt and gloomy, sat brooding night and day,

And human beings huddled, like shivering beasts of prey,

Lay a pale-browed youthful soldier whose face so saintly bright,

Seemed to have caught its beauty from the far off land of light.
The heavy lids drooped lower, his cheek grew pale and wan,
And the light from out that kindling eye, forever more was gone.
And day by day more slowly his feeble pulse beat,
Till the angel of Death in pity came with lagging feet.
He murmured sweet and childish things, and repeated his infant prayer,
While a comrade whispered his mother's name and smoothed the dark waves of his hair.
Then over his pallid features passed a smile as sweetly bright
As a beam from the open portal of the radiant land of light.
Then gathered 'round him those pale, sad men, and chanted a funeral psalm,
While the deep despair of their captive hearts gave place to a holy calm.
The sternest spirits grew tearful and mild as they bowed their heads to pray,
And the gloom of the living charnel house grew bright with celestial day.
Oh for one fold of the dear old Flag to shroud him for his rest.
Oh for one star from out its host to lay upon his breast,
Oh for a mother's or sister's kiss to press on those lips of clay,
And a tender hand to hide those eyes afar from the light of day.
O'er his grave no friend may weep but the mocking bird will sing,
And the southern flowers wake to life, with the breath of coming spring.
And the crash of War will come to that spot accursed of God,
Whence the cries of our starving brothers have risen from every sod;
Swift as from out the murky sky, the livid lightnings spring,
Shall be heard 'midst the bloom of the orange bowers, the clang of the sabres' ring.
The stately Palmetto shall bow its head, while the storm is sweeping by,
And the light of many a burning home, shall gleam in the lurid sky.
But he will not wake, or start from his rest when the flying squadrons come,
Or at morn and evening list to hear the beat of the reveille drum;
The angel of Freedom shall watch when he sleeps and never a slave shall tread,
A spot of earth whose bosom bears, the graves of our patriot dead.
Strike man of the iron heart! strike man of the willing hand!
For the Union our Fathers gave us and an undivided land.
But wield ye a surer, deadlier blow when ye strike for our Famine slain,
Whose graves as the stars above them, are thick on the southern plain.
Strike for the living and the dead! to the traitor heart with your steel!
And pour the blaze of your murderous fire where his shattered columns reel;
Press to his lips the cup we have drained - the cup of crimson gore,
'Till the blood of our murdered brothers shall plead from the ground no more.
Carlisle, March 4th, 1865

Sarah Hollinger's Pension Claim

Sarah Hollinger filed for a Widow's Claim For Pension soon after Samuel's death in a Richmond hospital. Here is here claim that she placed on April 24th, 1865. One of the witnesses, Addison O'Donnel, may have been Sarah's brother. The pension was granted at a rate of $8.00 each month.

(click to enlarge)

This record is part of Samuel Hollinger's pension file and is available through the National Archives and Records Administration.

Samuel Hollinger's Military Records File

The following documents can be found in Samuel Hollinger's military record file. All Union military service records are held by the National Archives and Records Administration. For a fee, records can be obtained by mail-order.

Samuel Hollinger's Volunteer Enlistment Paper

(click image to enlarge)

Samuel's Prisoner of War Memorandum

(click to enlarge)

Samuel's Discharge Papers

(click to enlarge)

Samuel Hollinger's Death in a Civil War POW Camp

Abram K. Hollinger's father, Samuel, died while in the service of the Grand Army of the Republic near the end of the Civil War.
The Hollinger family resided southeast of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Daniel Hollinger was a German Baptist Brethern or Dunker minister. When Daniel's wife, Catherine, gave birth to their third son on November 20, 1822, they named him Samuel. Samuel married Sarah O'Donnel on August 7, 1844. He was, by trade, a carpenter and a maker of wagons. [1][2]

In September of 1864, Samuel put aside his carpentry tools and enlisted for one year of army service. He was 42 years of age. Described on his enlistment papers, Samuel stood 5'8" tall with grey eyes, black hair, and a dark complexion. At Camp Curtin, he was assigned to Company F of the 209th PA regiment. His was among the very last companies formed of Cumberland County volunteers. [2]

The 209th was deployed to the battle lines at Bermuda Hundred, VA. On November 17th, while on picket duty and along with eighteen other privates and three officers, Samuel was captured. He was held in Richmond until, on December 4th, he was transferred to Salisbury, North Carolina. [2][3]
Samuel very nearly survived the horrors of a civil war prisoner of war camp. Malnourished and deprived of proper medical treatment,  he suffered from chronic diarrhea. But he was still alive when a prisoner trade was negotiated. All Salisbury prisoners were to be returned. The camp was emptied and closed by the end of February, 1865. The healthiest prisoners were promptly released into Union custody, but those too infirm for rapid transit were brought to Richmond before release. Samuel, among the sickest of the prisoners, died in a Richmond hospital on March 2nd, 1865. [2] Samuel may have been among the many anonymously and hastily interred in Richmond. No record of his burial has yet been recovered.

 

In 1867, the citizens of Carlisle erected a monument called Soldier's Memorial in the town square. All Cumberland County soldiers who died in service are listed by regiment and company. Samuel's name appears on the south side of the memorial.

Sources:
1. The Hollinger Genealogical File at the Cumberland County Historical Society
2. Military File from the National Archives and Records Administration
3. Bates, Samuel; History of PA Volunteers, 1861-5

The Death of Elmer Miller

The following article appeared in Harrisburg's The Patriot on December 19, 1914.

After nearly a year's illness, Elmer E. Miller, aged 53 years, of 1108 Plum street, died suddenly shortly before noon yesterday. Death was due to Bright's disease from which he has suffered for several years. He is the father of Eugene E. Miller, for four years the greatest quarterback in American college ranks.

Mr . Miller's death came suddenly after he had been laughing and talking with his wife.

Mr. Miller was born in Center Square, Cumberland county, in 1861. He attended the Cumberland Valley Institute and later worked for several years in his home town. In 1886, he was married to Susan Ann Ellinger, at Bowmansdale. He came to this city in 1903 and has since worked as a wire splicer for the Harrisburg Light, Heat and Power Company.

One son, Eugene, is employed at Bawlff, Alberta, Canada, and will be unable to arrive home in time for his father's funeral. No funeral arrangements will be made until some communication is received from him.

Surviving Mr. Miller are the following sisters: Mrs. John B. Mohler, Mechanicsburg; Mrs. Ida Hair, York; Mrs. Albert Swartz, Mechanicsburg; Mrs. Grant Westhaver, Mechanicsburg; Mrs. Miller and seven children: Mrs. David C. Byers, Greencastle; Eugene E., Canada; Mrs. Lena J. Dunlap, Mary E., Charlotte G., Harry Grove, and Zella C., all of this city.

Although Mr. Miller never participated in athletics his son won country-wide fame. He was an all-around athlete and one of the cleanest players in any game. He was a star athlete while at Central High and later when he entered State College made the varsity in his freshman year. He played all four years and missed only one game in that time. He was captain in his senior year and was the choice of many for All-American honors.

Mrs. Lena Dunlap was a member of the Central High Girls' basketball team. In her junior year she acted as captain and in her senior year was manager.

____________________________________________

NOTES:

-Center Square, referred to as Elmer's place of birth, was near the intersection of Gettysburg Road and Lisburn Road. The 1872 map of Upper Allen Township shows that George H. Miller owned the house on the southwestern corner of this intersection.

-Mrs. John B. Mohler was Elmer's sister, Matilda.

-Mrs. Albert Swartz was Elmer's sister, Sarah Hellen.

-Mrs. Grant Westhaver was not Elmer's sister. She was his neice, Naomi, the daughter of Elmer's deceased sister, Susanetta.

-Mrs. David C. Byers was Elmer's daughter, Laura.

The Will of Adam Brandt

Those of my generation, the grandchildren of Zella Irvin, would call Adam Brandt great-great-great-great-grandfather. Adam died on August 13, 1838. His will was recorded on page 45 of Will Book L at the office of the Register of Wills of Cumberland County.

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

The last will and testament of Adam Brandt dec'd} The last will and testament of Adam Brandt of Monroe Township, Cumberland County, State of Pennsylvania. I, Adam Brandt, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, and being of sound mind and memory, blessed be God for the same, do make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner following. First It is my will and I do order and direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be duly paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently can be done after my decease. Second It is my will and I do order and direct that my son David shall have the mortgage I now hold against him for eight hundred dollars released to him for its value without interest, which with charges against him in my book shall be deducted from his share of my real and personal estate. Thirdly It is my will that my son Jacob Brandt shall have and his heirs and assigns forever, one hundred and forty seven acres and thirty three perches of land in Greenfield Township, Fairfield County, State of Ohio, which I value at four dollars per acre (for which I paid) and charged him with in my book, together with other charges in said Book, which he the said Jacob is to account for and which is to be deducted out of his share of my real and personal estate. Fourthly It is my will that my son Adam Brandt shall have the land he now holds by deed of conveyance from me, in Fairfield County Ohio, which amount is charged in my book, which charge with other charges in said book is to be deducted out of his share of my real and personal estate as well as the mortgage I hold against him to be taken at its amount without interest. Fifthly I do give and bequeath to my son Martin an equal share of all my real and personal estate deducting from his share the whole amount that remains charged against him in my book. Sixthly I do give and bequeath unto my son John and his heirs and assigns all that tract of land whereon he now resides in the County of Cumberland Pennsylvania (it being the mansion tract) containing one hundred and thirty four [acres] and one hundred and three perches (more or less) which I order to be valued at forty five dollars per acre, and he to pay the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars yearly according to an article of agreement dated the second day of February A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven between me and my son John and now in the hands of John Brandt miller reserving to himself in said tract of land, his full share of all my real and personal estate, which is to be equal with my other sons, deducting therefore the amount he stands charged with in my book. Seventhly I do give and bequeath to my daughter Barbara now intermarried with Jacob Pentz the land they now hold in the State of Ohio, Fairfield County, the deeds of conveyance from me, the amount of which they stand with me in my book, which charge with other charges in said book is to be deducted from the share of my daughter Barbara as herein after mentioned. Eightly I do give and bequeath to my daughter Eve now intermarried with George Bielman an equal share of my real and personal estate as herein after mentioned deducting therefrom the amount charged her in my book to be paid in cash out of the first proceeds of my property. Ninethly It is my will that the amount of each of my daughters legacy shall be two thousand six hundred and sixty one dollars, and that the legacy of each of my sons shall be three thousand and sixty dollars, and if my estate as aforesaid shall amount to more than enough to pay the same then the surplus to be divided equally among all my children, but if it should not amount to enough to pay the sums before specified as legacies, then it is to be divided in the same way allowing my sons each four hundred dollars more than either of my daughters. Tenthly, In addition to the above bequests, I do will to my daughter Eve my large Bible, and to my grand-daughter Francis Brownawell my eight day clock, without charge in either case. Eleventhly It is also my will that all my personally shall be sold immediately after my decease. Twelfthly It is also my will that there shall be no interest charged from any of my children on any book account, note or otherwise. And lastly I do nominate and appoint my son-in-law George Beilman to be my whole and sole executor of this my last will and testament,  hereby revoking all other wills or bequests by me heretofore made and declaiming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty fifth day of March A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty seven AD 1837.

                                                                                                  Adam Brandt (seal)

From the Pension Papers File: John Andrew Irvin

Reproduced here are several letters and signed statements regarding the health of John Andrew Irvin. These statements were provided by John's neighbors, employers, and friends. These statements are on file in the Military Records collection at the National Archives.

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

(affidavit signed April 14, 1890)

In the matter of John Irvin, late private Co. D. 209th Reg. Penna. Vol. Infantry:

     I have been a near neighbor and have known applicant for about fifteen years intimately, and know he has had Rheumatism every year, and almost constantly, in all this period. I often worked for him; he for me; and together at other farms for our neighbors, and he has always shown evidences of his alleged rheumatism in the lameness, soreness, and want of power of endurance. For about five years, the signs have been very manifest, and in my opinion he is fully one-half disabled. 

     I am 43 yrs old, a farmer, and have no interest in this claim. My Post Office address is Fannettsburg, Franklin Co. Pa.

Witness                                                        affiants signature

T. A. Morrow                                               William A. Stinger

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

(affidavit signed November 28, 1890)

     I am a farmer and my books show charges with claimant since 1879, but I have recollection that he worked for me as a days laborer some during prior years. In 1882 I had him hired for the year and he frequently lost time by reason of Rheumatism. I found that he was not able to perform the work, as a farm laborer, that I expected him to do. Since 1882 most of the work he has done has been for me by the day or job. This Rheumatism has been continuous and growing worse ever since his first engagements with me, in fact a great deal of the work I have given him has been from the stand point of charity, since he has been unable to do near what we expect an able bodied hand to perform. I cannot rate at more than half labor, the service he gives, all round, when compared with full hands.

     J. S. Simmon

(Signature of Affiants.)

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

(affidavit signed December 6, 1890)

     I came into this immediate neighborhood, where claimant resides, when I was 12 to 13 years old, and excepting only one year, I worked on one and the same farm for 10 years, this from 1867 to 1877-8. Claimant is a farm laborer, and while I am unable to exactly fix the dates of his labor and his earliest disabilities I know that he worked at intervals on the same farm from the earliest years of my engagement until the end of my ten years. I recollect for the whole period that he could not be depended on to endure a hard or quick job or day's work, on account of his back and legs giving out and he very often gave up his work to go home, complaining of Rheumatism.
     Since my marriage and housekeeping in June, 1879 excepting only three years when I lived about a mile from him I have been claimant's near or nearest neighbor, residing for more than eight years one-third of a mile from him. I see him 10 to 15 times a month when we are not working together, and I am satisfied that he has had rheumatism ever since I first knew him. He is not now and for several years has not been able to walk erect and is very sore and stiff and ought not to suffer exposure or do any heavy or quick work. Allowed all the leisure he needs he may do half a day's work but considered from the standpoint of an able bodied man he is fully two-thirds or three-fourths disabled.
Peter (his X mark) Runk
   (Signature of Affiants.)

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

(affidavit signed December 6, 1890)

   I returned from the army in July 1865, and have lived only about a mile from claimant ever since, and know that he has had rheumatism from that time until the present, getting worse from year to year, until he is so stooped and sore and stiff that he labors, when he can, only under great difficulty. We harvested together during the harvest of 1866, and worked together some every year thereafter for 10 or 11 years, and he always had rheumatism. In 1870 he had an acute attack totally disabling him, and he required constant handling and care during a protracted illness of Rheumatism, and he has had many acute attacks since, totally disabling him, for long or short periods. I am very rheumatic which causes me to note and remember other rheumatic people. His motion is slow and unsteady, his power of endurance very limited his ability to engage in heavier or quicker labors of his engagements is rendered impossible and he can only do a half days manual labor when working alone in his own way; and considering generally he is almost totally disabled.
     Jacob Guyer
(Signature of Affiants.)

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

(affidavit signed December 18, 1890)

     I was nearest neighbor of claimant from his return from the army until 1870. I would not at this time attempt to fix dates specifically, but remember well that he was crippled up with rheumatism all the time we were neighbors.
Mrs. Mary (her X mark) Johnston
(Signature of Affiants.)

˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜

(affidavit signed December 2, 1890)

     I am a farmer and claimant worked for me prior to enlistment, loading manure for me only a day or two before going to the Army.
     I am satisfied he had no rheumatism then.
I saw him within a month after his return, and he had rheumatism. I continued to see him at short intervals ever since, and for the last twelve years have lived from two to three miles from him, giving me frequent opportunities to see and hear from him.
   He is not able to do much hard work any more in consequence of his rheumatism, and he has the reputation in this whole community of being very rheumatic.
     John Cowan
(Signature of Affiants.)