On his removal to Kenyon, R. I., 1892, where he is employed by E. Kenyon & Sons, he became interested with the comrades of Burnside Post, No. 2, of Shannock, and before joining the post was, for services rendered, voted an honorary member. He is now (in 1894) commander of the post. He has received many testimonials of the esteem in which he is held by his comrades of Buckingham and Hancock posts, which he values very highly.
He is also a Free Mason, having joined the order in 1868, at Norwalk, Conn.
ORVILLE BALCOM.
[This sketch was received too late to be placed in the list of sergeants.]
Sergt. Orville Balcom, son of William and Eliza Doty (Thomas) Balcom, was born in the town of Cumberland, R. I., in 1841. His parents removed to Attleboro, Mass., when he was six years of age. During his youth he attended the public schools of Attleboro. He was mustered as a private into Battery H, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Oct. 14, 1862. He was subsequently promoted to corporal and sergeant. In the battles before Petersburg and at Sailor’s Creek he performed every service incumbent upon him with credit to himself and likewise to the battery. He was mustered out of service June 28, 1865. He is a member of Battery H Veteran Association, and is connected with various societies in Attleboro, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of the citizens of that town.
OTIS P. SNELL.
Otis P. Snell, son of Barney and Rebecca Snell, was born in Cranston, R. I., in the year 1832. After he became a lad his parents removed to Smithfield, R. I., where Otis attended the district school in the fall and winter months, and assisted his father on the farm during the remainder of the year. He subsequently worked in a cotton mill for a time.
In the War of the Rebellion he enlisted in Battery H, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Sept. 6, 1862, and was mustered into service Oct. 14, 1862. He participated with his battery in all the battles in which it was engaged, and proved himself a good soldier.
Since his return from the army Comrade Snell has worked in a cotton mill, but is now (1894) employed on a farm near Georgiaville, R. I. He is a member of Battery H Veteran Association. He is held in high esteem by his old comrades and his fellow townsmen.