HISTORY.
Arch. H. McNeil, Merchant, enlisted November 5th, 1851. At the first election of company officers McNeil was chosen second Lieutenant, which position he honorably and creditably filled to the time of his death, which occurred November 28th, 1855. To Lieutenant McNeil the Company were much indebted. To him more than any other one man, belonged the credit of organizing the Company.
He was loved, respected, and honored by both officers and men, and his death caused a breach not easily repaired. Upon receiving intelligence of his death, the Company were immediately called together and the following resolutions unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That in the death of Lieutenant A. H. McNeil the members of this Company have not only lost a commissioned officer in whom a zealous, lively and effective interest for the welfare of the Company always prevailed, but an officer whose military bearing commanded our respect, and a fellow soldier whose conduct and kindness has merited and won our esteem. That we deeply feel his loss, and mourn his untimely departure from our midst,
Resolved, That we tender to the widow and relatives of our deceased officer our sincere condolence in this their great affliction.
Resolved, That we accompany the remains of our late officer to the depot on the morrow, and that a delegation of seven men accompany his remains to the city of Auburn as an escort and attend his funeral.
Resolved, That on all parades we will wear the usual badge of mourning for one year.
At a special meeting held on the return from Auburn of the escort which accompanied the remains of Lieut. A. H. McNeil, and after hearing the report of the officer commanding said escort, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, An escort from this Company having been delegated to accompany and perform the last sad duties over the remains of our esteemed friend, Lieut. A. H. McNeil, at Auburn, and while there having met with reception and attention which ever characterize the true and tried friend and soldier, be it therefore
Resolved, That to General Segoin and Colonel Jenkins, and their respective staffs, to the Auburn City Guard, Willard Guard, and to the delegation from other Companies, we as a Company return them our sincere and heartfelt thanks for the manner in which they cared for them, and the kindness with which they were every where greeted by them while there, and in the admirable arrangements for the funeral made at such short notice, and for the cheerful and handsome manner in which they were carried out; gratified as we are, words can only attempt a description of our feelings of the manner in which they alleviated our sorrows in the burial of our dead. And although the deceased had not resided among them for years, yet like us they appreciated his many virtues and remembered his uniform kindness to all, and when they but learned of his decease, their tears mingled with ours at our irreparable loss.
Resolved, That in future, should it be possible for us to repay them in any manner that it will be forthcoming, feeling, as we do, that no sacrifice will be too great in attempting a return of their kindness in the hour of our affliction, and as individuals, as citizens and as soldiers, we hope that the choicest of Heaven's blessings may be theirs, and that their respective staffs and Companies may ever meet with prosperity.
George H. Collins, Merchant, enlisted November 5th, 1851. Mr. Collins was permitted to serve but a short time as a member of the Company, as he was selected by the Colonel and commissioned Adjutant of the Regiment, which position he held for many years. Changing his residence to the city of New York, his connection with the 50th Regiment was dissolved.
Ben. B. Wilcox, Hotel keeper, enlisted November 5th, 1851. Served with the Company but a short time; removed to Owego; was for a time proprietor of the Ah-Wa-Ga House, but more recently of a hotel at Saratoga Springs.
William M. Smith, Brewer, enlisted November 5th, 1851. Served but a short time.