COMPANY H.
Geneva was not behind her sister villages in that display of enthusiasm and patriotism which marked the memorable days of April, and through the hitherto quiet streets the fife and drum were heard summoning the young men to arms. Messrs. Calvin Walker and John S. Platner moved at once in the formation of a Volunteer Company. The law office of the first named gentleman was turned into a recruiting station, and his name, together with Mr. Platner’s, headed a recruiting roll. In a week’s time seventy-seven volunteers were secured, and an election held for officers, resulting as follows:
- Captain—Calvin Walker.
- 1st Lieutenant—John S. Platner.
- 2nd Lieutenant—Alexander H. Drake.
Proceeding to Albany the Captain procured the necessary organization papers, and by the 25th of the month the Company was mustered into the State service by Maj. Bean. The ladies, in the meantime, had formed a Soldiers’ Relief Society, of which Mrs. Judge Folger was President, and Mrs. John M. Bradford, Secretary, and met daily to prepare garments for the men. All, or nearly all, of them were supplied with outfits consisting of shirts, stockings, blankets, &c., &c. Agreeable to orders they made arrangements to leave for Elmira on the 1st day of May, but owing to the unpleasant weather and other causes of delay, did not get away until the 3d. On the morning of that day the Company were drawn up before the Franklin House, when a tasteful silk flag was presented to it by the Rev. Mr. Curry, in behalf of the ladies of the place, Capt. Walker responding. Splendid swords were also donated to Lieutenants Platner and Drake, and Bibles and Testaments to both officers and men. In the afternoon the Company marched through the principal streets of the village, escorted by the Fire Department and a lengthy procession of citizens, and proceeded to the steamboat landing.
The wharves were crowded for a long distance with admiring spectators, while the perfect shower of bouquets which was rained down upon the men testified to the regard which was entertained for them. Amid the waving of handkerchiefs, display of flags, and deafening cheers of their fellow townsmen, they steamed away from the wharf, while the roar of artillery reverberated over the placid waters of Seneca Lake as they disappeared from view. Reaching Elmira on the following day, the men were quartered in the town-hall, where they remained until becoming Co. H. of the Thirty-third N. Y., when they were transferred to the barracks. Captain Walker being chosen Lieut.-Colonel of the Thirty-third, Lieutenant Platner was promoted to Captain, Lieutenant Drake to 1st Lieutenant, and S. C. Niles to 2nd Lieutenant.
COMPANY I.
Immediately after the President’s proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteers reached Penn Yan, a meeting was called at Washington Hall. General A. F. Whitaker presided, and George R. Cornwell was Secretary. Several addresses were made, and the session continued till a late hour. A roll was presented, and thirty-four names obtained.
On Thursday evening, April 25th, a much larger gathering was held, bands of music parading the streets and playing patriotic airs. Resolutions were adopted to raise a company of volunteers, and recruits came forward freely. After the County Union assembly on Saturday, April 27th, the Finance Committee appointed at that meeting, Messrs. E. B. Jones, C. C. Sheppard, D. A. Ogden, and F. Holmes, circulated a subscription to raise funds to provide for the families of volunteers.
On the ninth day of May, 1861, the Company, which at this time was known as the “Kenka Rifles,” was inspected by Major John E. Bean, of Geneva, and mustered into the State service. On the same day an election was held for officers, resulting as follows: