E. C. Fuller, Painter, enlisted November 21st, 1851. He filled the offices of Corporal and Sergeant; was a good soldier, a faithful officer, and a skilled artisan.
William V. Bruyn, Lawyer, enlisted November 21st, 1851. Immediately upon his joining the Company he was elected first Lieutenant, which commission he held until his removal to Syracuse. He was a man of talents and fine accomplishments, which, combined with his gentlemanly bearing, made an officer of which the Company were at all times proud. He was once District Attorney of Tompkins county, and is now engaged in his profession in the city of Syracuse, where he meets with that success he so richly merits.
Loren Day, wholesale Liquor dealer, enlisted November 21st, 1851. Mr. Day, we believe, never served as a member but a short time, if at all. His connection, however, with this or any other institution, would be an honor to it. He is one of the most quiet, still one of the best, citizens of our village. He has been very successful in business, which may be credited to his strict attention and uncompromising honesty.
William M. Culver, dealer in Hats, Caps and Furs, enlisted November 22d, 1851. Served but a short time, a worthy member, and was honorably discharged. He is still successfully engaged in the above business.
Theodore A. Hanmer, Clerk, enlisted November 24th, 1851. Very soon after enlistment he removed to a Southern State, where he still resides.
Philip J. Partenheimer, Cashier Tompkins County Bank, enlisted November 25th, 1851. We often hear it said there is no man but has his enemies; this may be the rule, we will produce the exception.
At the first election of Company A, held in December, 1851, Mr. Partenheimer was unanimously elected their Captain, which commission he held until August 25th, 1862—over ten years. Nearly two hundred men served under him while Captain of this Company, by each of which he was not only respected and honored as their commanding officer, but as a citizen and gentleman. Few officers ever had the confidence, respect and esteem of his command as did Captain Partenheimer. Very likely some were at times dissatisfied with his rulings; soon, however, his sound judgment was apparent, and his decisions perfectly satisfactory to all. When necessary he was stern, but always kind and forgiving. When he gave a command, his men knew it must be promptly and correctly executed. His generosity was only exceeded (so far as his Company was concerned) by his desire to have his gifts unknown to the members or others, and if it could be known how much he had paid for the use and improvement of his Company, a very considerable sum could be added to the amount of disbursements spoken of in the preface of this record.
Captain Partenheimer's first business engagement was with S. B. Munn, Jr., of this village. His clerkship was of short duration, however, as his superior talent as an accountant was soon displayed, and he made his second engagement with the Tompkins County Bank as book-keeper. With this situation the same remarks are applicable as to the clerkship; he was soon promoted to the position of Teller of the same institution, and later to Cashier, which office he still holds. His various and rapid promotions in the Bank were not equal, however, to the demands made upon him by his fellow citizens. To show his popularity, we mention some of the civil offices he has filled: Town Clerk, Notary Public, Trustee of the village, President of same repeatedly, Chief Engineer of the Fire Department for many years in succession, and also served his town in the Board of Supervisors of Tompkins county. Each of the above mentioned offices he has filled with honor to himself, and for us to say with satisfaction to the people, would be superfluous. It is worthy of note, that Captain Partenheimer never was ambitious for office; that all the offices he has filled, both civil and military, have been thrust upon him; and it is proverbial in his case, that he has in the most positive and peremptory manner, declined many honors that the community have endeavored to heap upon him. He is, most emphatically, a self-made man; and to his own personal exertions the public are indebted for a man of sterling worth and vast usefulness.
Philip Stephens, Butcher, enlisted November 25th, 1851. Mr. Stephens was one of the best soldiers of the DeWitt Guard; and not only this, but one of the most valuable men for the Company. He would allow nothing to prevent his attendance at the drills and meetings, where he always took an active part, as he also did in the general welfare of the Company. His purse was always open to contribute to any object that had in view the advancement of the institution. He creditably filled most of the non-commissioned offices; enjoyed being a soldier, and the Company enjoyed him as such. Mr. Stephens has been very successful in his business enterprises, and has built up a reputation throughout the State. The epicure of New York city as well as Chicago, satisfies his taste with luxuries provided by Stephens in the way of choice meats. Mr. Stephens has recently purchased one of the most beautiful building sites in our village, and intends soon building a handsome and capacious dwelling.
A. Phillips, Merchant Tailor, enlisted November 25th, 1851. Mr. Phillips remained with the Company but a short time, and upon his retiring therefrom, presented them with a new uniform complete. It has always been the pleasure of Mr. Phillips to lend his influence for the benefit of the Company, and has furnished in the person of his son a most worthy and valuable member.