Comments on: 7th New Jersey Infantry

By: Brian Zilinski

Brian Zilinski — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:43:43 +0000

This is for Ken, I know this is many years after the initial post but I came across this the other day and thought I would share just in case.
Hugh P. Roden served as a musician in Company K of the 7th NJ and enlisted into service in September, 1861. His personal letters to friends and family during the war show that like many soldiers of the time he was very patriotic and supportive of the war effort. This slowly wore down as Federal forces suffered loss after loss early in the war and hit a low after the passage of the emancipation proclamation. After which he looked forward more to the end of his 3 year enlistment and a return home rather than remaining. He survived the war and was mustered out in Trenton October 7th 1864. He went on to Medical School and later became a doctor.
Suffice it to say he was most likely at Gettysburg for the battle but like most Field music of the time was probably held behind the lines to help handle the wounded.
His personal letters home can be found in the James S Schoff Civil War Soldiers Letters collection at the Clements library at the university of Michigan.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:54:33 +0000

Hi Ken,

Congrats on the two sub-2:30 marathons! You’re fast!

Re: Tracing your ancestor. On June 30, the Army of the Potomac got paid, so there are accurate lists generally available for men who were present in each regiment. You probably need to contact the state archives and ask for the June 30, 1863 muster list. If you’re ancestor is listed, it is very likely that he was present at Gettysburg.

The 7th New Jersey’s monument is not on the National Park Service’s tour route, which is probably why you didn’t see it. It is tucked away in a field between the Emmitsburg Road and the Peach Orchard. It was a distinguished regiment that fought well at Gettysburg. “Gettysburg Magazine” a few years ago actually had an article on the 7th New Jersey at Gettysburg.

Regards,
Jenny

By: Ken Castle

Ken Castle — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 04:20:41 +0000

Hi Jenny,
I have been researching one of my ancestors who was at Gettysburg. He was a drummer for the 7th New Jersey Infantry. His name was Hugh P. Roden. Is there any way for me to confirm that he was actually at Gettysburg? I have been to Gettysburg once, took the standard tour, and must say that I don’t remember seeing that monument to the NJ 7th. It is very distinctive.
I used to also be an avid runner, with distances up to a marathon. Of late I haven’t found the time or desire to pursue it as before (a symptom of getting older I think), but I wish you success with it as you fight your fight. Good luck and may the effort be successfull!

Sincerely,
Ken Castle

P.S. I have two sub 2:30 marathons to my credit!