On the search . . . .

For many years now I've been searching my past in an endeavor to unfold the tales of my family. I've traveled (via the internet) to England, Denmark, Norway, Ohio, Nebraska, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. I've spent time personally visiting historic Boston and their wonderful cemeteries and, or course, visited my ancestors right here in California. My ancestors have touched the world in many places... and I hope to enjoy some of their experiences. I want you to join me as I travel through my past... and uncover their stories..



Sunday, May 26, 2013

Memorial Day Monday - Andrew Jackson Ferrier and the Civil War, 1861 - 1865

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday which occurs every year on the final Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. 

On this Memorial Day Monday I'm going to celebrate and honor my 3rd Great Grand Uncle, Andrew Jackson Ferrier.  I wish I had a photo of him, but I don't. 

If my genealogical records are accurate I show he was born in 1830 in Harrison, Ohio and died on 4 February, 1919 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

On 23 May, 1852, at the age of 22, he married Catherine Mercer in Williams, Ohio. 

About ten years later the Civil War was in process and that's when began serving as a Union Soldier.

Below is the record indicating more specific information on his role in the Civil War. 
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 U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865 about Andrew J. Ferrier

Name: Andrew J. Ferrier
Side: Union
Regiment State/Origin: Pennsylvania
Regiment Name: 2 Pennsylvania H. Art'y.
Regiment Name Expanded: 2nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery (112th Volunteers)
Company: K
Rank In: Private
Rank In Expanded: Private
Rank Out: Private
Rank Out Expanded: Private
Film Number: M554 roll 36
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It shows he was responsible for using "heavy artillery".  During the Civil War "heavy artillery" or Siege and garrison artillery were heavy pieces that could be used either in attacking or defending fortified places.  The weight and size of siege artillery prevented it from regularly traveling with the armies. When needed, siege artillery and other material needed for siege operations were assembled into what was called a siege train and transported to the army. In the American Civil War, the siege train was always transported to the area of the siege by water.

My Uncle Andrew Ferrier died at the age of 89 on 4 February 1919.





Warm regards,