July 27, 2016

**If anyone has noticed that the Union and Confederate flags haven't been showing up on featured soldier segments or only one flag is showing, it appears normal on my end and it's nothing I can easily fix. It appears to be a Blogger issue with the graphics involved.**

** This blog published Mondays and Wednesdays **

This view of the Lutheran Theological Seminary complex from Hay Street shows a blend of 19^TH and 20^TH century architecture. Old Dorm, at center, dates from 1832 and was used as a field hospital during and after the battle, while the chapel (far right) was constructed in the 1940s. Its official name is The Church of the Abiding Presence. At left, Valentine Hall dates from the 1890s. I imagine students enjoy the large green space and that they probably did in 1863 as well. During the battle this lawn would have been full of wounded and dying, though it’s difficult to imagine by looking at this peaceful scene.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. JOHN F. TENNISON

Co. K, 82^ND New York Infantry

Born March 31, 1842 --- Died July 19, 1863 at age 21

Pvt. Tennison was born in Ireland. He enlisted in January 1863 and for some reason his age was given as 32. He was a carpenter by trade and received a mortal wound to the arm on July 03^RD. Buried at Gettysburg’s National Cemetery, his stone erroneously names him “John F. Fanssen.”

(c) 2012-2016 Skies of Blue and Gray

July 25, 2016

** This blog published Mondays and Wednesdays **

 The 40^TH New York Infantry monument is located in the marshy ground at the foot of Little Round Top, a place known as the Valley of Death. The text within the diamond (the 40^TH’s Corps symbol) says “40 N.Y. Infty. Mozart Regiment. 3^RD Brig. 1^ST Div. 3^RD Corps. July 2, 1863 4:30 P.M. Casualties, Killed 23. Wounded 120. Missing 7.” My research reveals the following men were killed on July 2^ND: Pvt. Charles H. Angel, 1^ST Sgt. Francis Clark, Pvt. Joseph Coulliard, Pvt. John Evers, Pvt. Jules Germain, Pvt. John Gschwind, Pvt. Michael Harding, Pvt. Harris Henschell, Pvt. Reese Hughs, 1^ST Lt. William H. H. Johnson, Cpl. Frederick C. Lobier, 1^ST Sgt. Julius Longworth, Pvt. George Lloyd, Pvt. James Alexander Morford, Pvt. Thomas O’Brien, Pvt. Andrew Perkins, Pvt. Francis “Frank” Royal, Jr., Pvt. Otto Standinger, Pvt. Samuel Stells, Pvt. Francis Sweeney, and Pvt. Augustus Walker. 

Close examination of this photo reveals many “witness rocks” (as I call Gettysburg’s rocks, considering that every single boulder was in place at the time of the battle). I wouldn’t suggest getting up close and personal with this monument as it is surrounded by what basically amounts to swampland. It’s better enjoyed from a distance. :-)

**HONORED TODAY**

CPT. MATTHEW TALBOT NUNNALLY

Co. H, 11^TH Georgia Infantry

Born March 18, 1839 --- Died July 02, 1863 at age 24

Cpt. Nunnally’s tenure at West Point was rather colorful to say the least (make sure to look him up . . . it’s quite an interesting read). He left his studies to join the Confederate effort and became a captain in a Georgia regiment. At Gettysburg he rose and cheered his comrades as they assaulted Devil’s Den, and it was in this act that he was killed. Two cemeteries are listed as possible burial sites: Wilma Knight Memorial Cemetery in Monroe, Georgia, or Rest Haven Cemetery in Monroe. A photo can be found here.

July 20, 2016

** This blog published Mondays and Wednesdays **

From left to right on this photo: Rose Woods, 124^TH New York Infantry monument, part of Triangular Field, marker for Benning’s Georgia brigade, 99^TH Pennsylvania Infantry monument, Smith’s 4^TH New York Independent Battery, and a few twisted old branches of the Devil’s Den witness tree. Sickles Avenue runs along the bottom. This is one of my favorite places on the field --- the second day’s battlefield has always interested me the most for some reason, and I find myself most fascinated by Devil’s Den, the Wheatfield, and Little Round Top. I’m slowly warming to the Peach Orchard as well.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PONTIUS

Co. D, 29^TH Ohio Infantry

Born 1839-40 --- Died July 1863

Pvt. Pontius (also spelled Pontious) was a wagon-maker. His death date is given as July 02^ND, 3^RD, and 6^TH, and I could not determine which was correct. He was later buried at Gettysburg’s National Cemetery (his stone says “25^TH Ohio"). There is also a cenotaph honoring his memory at Martin Cemetery in Grundy County, Missouri (likely where his family later settled).

(c) 2012-2016 Skies of Blue and Gray