Capt. JOHN W. MARBLE.
Sept. 18, 1862, Company A, having united with Company G, of Assonet, went into camp at Lakeville, Mass., known as Camp Joe Hooker. John W. Marble, of Assonet, receiving eighty-seven votes, was declared elected captain of the company; Charles P. Lyon of Halifax was elected first lieutenant, and Nathaniel Morton of the same town was elected second lieutenant; each of these officers receiving the same number of votes as Captain Marble. Never was there a more democratic election and never were men better pleased with their officers.
Captain Marble proved a kind-hearted man, caring for his men and giving them his best in military drill, discipline, clothing and rations. He also kept an eye on his men when on the march and in battle. He was never known to fall out on the march, or to be taken suddenly sick on the eve of a battle, or ride in an ambulance on the long and weary forced marches. His men had confidence in him and were always ready to obey his commands without asking questions; and, although not a graduate of West Point, no battalion or brigade movement ever puzzled him to know where to place his company, either on drill or in the evolution of field movements.
Lieutenant Lyon was not only a good officer, he was a good man. No day was so hot or stormy, and no night was so dark or cold, that he did not fulfill his duty beyond the letter of the law, whether that duty was in camp, on picket, or on the march. His interest in the company is reciprocated by “The Old Boys” to this day, and will continue as long as one of the company is left to tell of war events and our reunions are characterized by fraternal greeting rather than “paying off old scores.”
Lieutenant Morton had, and still continues to have, a large place in the esteem of the company. He was always ready to serve when and where his service was wanted and needed. He was the gentleman, the officer, the friend of every man in the company. Always at his post of duty, on the march, everywhere; and in everything he proved himself worthy of the confidence of his superiors, equals, and inferiors. In battle he had no fear of all the rebels “this side of perdition.”
Like the commissioned officers, the non-commissioned officers were men of worth and usefulness. No company could boast of a better orderly sergeant than Company A. For proficiency in drill, promptness at guard mount and discipline, Orderly Sergt. James H. Hathaway stood number one. Danger to him was a thing unknown. Duty before pleasure, and obedience to his superior officers was his slogan.
Sergt. William A. Lyon was always ready to go when and where ordered and do as ordered. He was a well drilled man, a true soldier, beloved and honored by the whole company.
Sergt. Stephen Hathaway was known as “The man of money,” yet he never allowed money to become his stepping stone to preferment. He was as ready as any one to do his duty with the company, regardless of toil, deprivation or danger, when not on detached duty.
Sergt. Morton V. Bonney could outlift any man in camp. I once saw him stand astride a full barrel of pork which others could not lift, and, taking it by the chimbs, raise it clear from the ground, saying, “There, I have lifted your darned old barrel of pork.” In drill he was accurate, and on dress parade the perfect soldier; and, like Israel’s second king, he “behaved so wisely” that every one respected and loved him.