John S. Van Liew, Clerk, enlisted November 29th, 1851. Removed from the district soon after joining the Company.
A. G. Thompson, enlisted November 29th, 1851. With the history of Mr. Thompson the writer is not acquainted.
John Randolph, Mason, enlisted December 1st, 1851. Was an excellent member for some years; his tall and commanding form, his precise and measured step and general bearing, fitted him for a first-class soldier. He removed to Michigan about 1858. Joining a Michigan Regiment, he entered the United States army in 1861; was commissioned as Captain soon after his enlistment, and for meritorious conduct was promoted to Major. He was a brave soldier and a courageous officer. He died soon after honorably serving the time of his enlistment, from disease contracted while in the service.
We copy the following to show the esteem in which he was held by his command:
"Miner's Hill, Va., November 18th, 1861.
We, the undersigned, members of Company D, (Barry Guard,) 4th Michigan Volunteers, in testimony of our high appreciation of our beloved Captain, John Randolph, for his uniform urbanity to, and kind treatment of, his Company, and for his ability as an officer, do hereby present him with the accompanying slight memento of our highest regard.
J. N. Hall, E. S. Baldwin, G. G. Mowry, and ninety-seven other members of the Company."
SPEECH OF MAJOR BARRY.
"Captain Randolph: I have been commissioned by the members of Company D, (Barry Guard,) under your command, to present you in their behalf this beautiful sword and belt, in testimony of their high appreciation of your uniform urbanity to, and kind treatment of, your Company, and of your ability as an officer.
While I feel honored in being the medium of communication between the Company (which, among all others, possesses my highest affection) and yourself, I can refer with pride to this testimonial as conclusive evidence, not only of your high qualities as an officer, but also the kindness of your heart.
Captain, I commit this sword to your keeping in confidence, that possessing those qualities as an officer and a man, you will never suffer it to be dishonored."
RESPONSE OF CAPTAIN RANDOLPH.
"Major Barry: No words that I may speak can express my feelings on this occasion. But a few days ago I left behind me a brave band of tried and true men, whose warm expressions of concern for my safety and speedy return scarcely die away in the distance, ere I am followed by a more substantial token of their esteem for me, and kindness of heart, in the shape of this beautiful sword. Coming, as it does, unexpectedly and in so delicate a way, it is not a wonder that my eye should express a feeling that is foreign to my heart. We are bound together in a brotherhood, by ties more binding and endearing than those which make up friendship in civil life. With the same old flag floating over us, sharing a common and imminent danger perpetually about us, with the thousand other incidental and reciprocal acts of courtesy attending well ordered camp-life, it would be strange if we did not become brothers in feeling, as well as in action. As I felt a gladness a few days ago, when departing from camp on a short furlough to visit my many friends here, so now on returning I feel my heart bound at the thought that I shall soon hear the cheers of comrades, and feel the warm grasp of their stout hands. We have ever remembered and looked upon you, Major Barry, as the father of our Company, and feel proud that we bear the name of the Barry Guard. When the boom of the gun of treason first rolled through the land, and the harsh voice of actual war broke upon the startled ears of our peaceful and happy people, your voice called us together, gave our zeal direction, and cooled our excitement to concentrated action; and not one of us will ever cease to regret that other duties prevented your accompanying us in a cause we all know has your whole heart and sympathy. This splendid gift, then, comes to me with double effect. It is like the donation of brothers tendered by the hand of a father, and so I receive it. And I here swear never to dishonor the blade nor disgrace the donors, but whenever I can strike a blow for the right, for our cause, for our flag and the Union, it shall leap from the scabbard, and God helping me, shall not be again sheathed while this right arm can strike a blow, or victory remains uncertain."
Sherman K. Hall, Grocer, enlisted December 2d, 1851. Remained with the Company but a short time.
William O. Bryan, Shoemaker, enlisted December 2d, 1851. Removed from town very soon after enlistment; is now engaged in the Drug and Medicine trade of the West.
F. A. Partenheimer, proprietor of the "Continental Boot and Shoe Store." A strong desire to become a military gentleman led Mr. Partenheimer to enlist in the militia of the State, which he did January 1st, 1852, when he found that he possessed all the proper qualifications of a good soldier. Undoubtedly, however, these necessary qualifications were more apparent to others than himself, as he was soon elected Corporal, from which he was promoted to Sergeant, and most worthily did he fill his office, until having served his seven years he was granted an honorable discharge. Our sincere regrets are extended to any Company which does not number among its members at least one man like Sergeant Partenheimer. A more true and devoted soldier never existed; but upon him nature had bestowed a great deal more than the ordinary amount of original wit; and at times, when not on duty, our Sergeant would furnish innocent fun for a Regiment. At Camp Burnett, Sept. 1859, he was the life of the camp, and many of his jokes are not, to this day, forgotten.
It gives us pleasure to state, that now Mr. Partenheimer is sole proprietor of one of our most successful and enterprising Boot and Shoe manufactories, and is receiving that portion of public patronage which he merits.
Charles F. Blood, Merchant Tailor, enlisted January 1st, 1852. In joining this Company, Mr. Blood's first and greatest ambition was to become a thorough soldier, which object he successfully accomplished we shall proceed to show.