Valley Memory Articles



Franklin County: "The 77th Re-Union," by Unknown, August 23, 1870

Summary: An announcement of an upcoming reunion for the 77th PA Volunteers, including a short description of their accomplishments.

The time for holding the second annual re-union of the survivors of the 77th Regiment Pennsylvaeia Volunteers, is fast approaching. The re-union is to take place in Chambersburg, on the 13th of October, and we hope our citizens will extend the survivors of the old 77th such a reception as will be befitting the occasion.

The 77th was recruited by Col. F. S. Stumbaugh, assisted by Lieut. Col. P. B. Housum and Maj. Bradford. In the original formation of the Regiment, there were but eight companies, officered as follows: Co. A, S. R. M'Kesson; Co. F, W. S. Wishert; Co. G, Alex. Philips; Co. C, M. M'Nally; Co. D, J. R. Frey; Co. B, T. E. Rose. To these eight companies a battery was attached, commanded by Capt. Muchler. Compang B was raised in Pittsburg, and subsequently three others from that vicinity were added to the regiment, officered by Capt. W. A. Robinson, Sidney J. Brauff, and James Shock.

During the term of its service, nearly 2000 names were upon the roll of the Regiment.-But 60 per cent of this number are now living, and out of the original 800, who left this place in 1861, (October 13), but 120 are now living.

The 77th Regiment was the only Pennsylvania regiment that participated in the battle of Shiloh. The commander of the Division, Maj. Gen. Alex. McD. Mcook, in his official report, paid a glowing tribute to it gallantry in the final charge on that bloody field. In the action at Stone River, where Lieut. Col. Housum fell while leading a charge, the conduct of the 77th won from Gen. Rosecrans the highest commendation as the "only regiment in its corps that did not break during the entire engagement."

We presume the programme of this second re-union of the Regiment will be made public at an early day, as the time is near at hand when the arrangements will be made. Col. F. S. Stumbaugh and Capt G. W. Skinner, of this place, were present at the first re-union at Pittsburg last year, the first named gentleman in the absence of Col. F. S. Pyfer, presiding.


Bibliographic Information: Source copy consulted: Public Opinion, Aug 23, 1870, p. 3, c. 3



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