L. Millspaugh, dealer in Harness, Trunks, &c., enlisted November 15th, 1851. Mr. Millspaugh was an old soldier before joining this Company, having held the commission of Lieut. Colonel in the old militia, issued by Gov. Seward in 1842; but feeling a deep interest in the organization of a new Company, enlisted as a private. On the 29th day of January, 1852, he was elected first Corporal, which position he held but a short time, as he was gradually promoted until he had filled nearly all the grades of non-commissioned offices. He always declined accepting a commission, and when it seemed to be the unanimous wish of the Company, his prompt reply was "No." He continued an invaluable member until long after he had served his time, (seven years,) when he was granted an honorable discharge. Our friend, by his emphatic "No," has not been as successful, however, in a political way, he having repeatedly been called to fill civil offices of honor and trust; and by his being re-elected to most of the offices he has held, is in itself sufficient to show his standing in the community in which he lives. Whether all this would have been so, had he never joined the DeWitt Guard, we leave for a discriminating public to judge.
J. B. Terry, Merchant, enlisted November 15th, 1851. Mr. Terry filled the office of Secretary of the Company for the first two years of its existence. He was a good soldier, an exemplary and respected citizen, and the community generally mourned his loss when he was removed by death.
Jerome Rowe, Lawyer, enlisted November 18th, 1851. Some unhappy misunderstanding caused the withdrawal of Mr. Rowe from the Company during the early part of its history. He was untiring in his endeavors to establish the organization, and the same energy and devotion which he displayed at that time, has followed him thus far through life. He filled the office of Special County Judge of Tompkins County, with honor to himself and perfect satisfaction to the people. He entered the army of the United States April 1st, 1861, was commissioned Captain of Company A, 32d New York volunteers, same date, and served as such one year.
Hugh McDonald, enlisted November 18th, 1851. Was elected Orderly Sergeant Dec. 31st of the same year, which position he filled as long as he was a resident of the village. McDonald was a soldier of much experience, having served in the Mexican war, where he became perfectly familiar with the duties pertaining to the soldier in the field. As a drill-master he was not excelled, and under his instruction the Company soon became very proficient in the manual of arms, and school of the soldier and Company. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he enlisted in a Pennsylvania Regiment, was very soon promoted to Captain, and again to Major. We should be glad to give a full history of his life through the war, but have been unable to obtain it. This much we can say, he was a patriotic citizen, a true soldier, and a faithful officer.
N. H. Curtis, Upholsterer, enlisted November 19th, 1851. Was long connected with the Company; filled the posts of Corporal and Sergeant. After a long residence in our village, he removed to the West, where he survived but a few years.
Daniel Place, Jeweler, enlisted November —— 1851. Mr. Place joined the Company in order that the number required by law might be secured, so as to enable them to proceed with the election of officers. He never served as an active member.
Lucius F. Pease, Painter, enlisted November 20th, 1851. Mr. Pease well and faithfully performed the duties required of him as a member of the DeWitt Guard for the full term of his enlistment, (seven years,) and was granted an honorable discharge. He is still living in Ithaca, an industrious mechanic, and a good citizen.
Christopher Whaley, Druggist, enlisted November 21, 1851. Was discharged on Surgeon's certificate soon after his enlistment.
William Glenny, Clerk, enlisted November 21st, 1851. December 31st was elected fourth Corporal; March 3d, 1853, was elected Secretary, which office he most creditably filled, as the records of the Company show, up to January, 1857; was elected fourth Sergeant Jan. 14th, 1857; May 17th, 1861, second Sergeant, which office he held at the time of his enlistment in the United States army.
The subject of this sketch reflects great credit upon the Company to which he formerly belonged, and in the perilous hour honored his constituency, as well as himself, to a degree unparalleled in the history of the Rebellion. Having in his former life been a warm and ardent supporter of the inalienable rights of man, and an exponent of a free government, the first attempt by traitors to destroy its fair fabric, bought by the blood of our fathers, and to trample under foot the time-honored and beloved emblem of our free and independent nationality, so enraged his sense of right and justice, that he at once expressed his determination to fulfill his public declarations to the effect, that when traitors should thrust the bayonet at the nation's life, he would be found among those who were willing to peril their lives in its defence.