Comments on: 63rd Pennsylvania Infantry

By: Grant Kearns

Grant Kearns — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 15:05:44 +0000

As mentioned before I would like to contact Jerry Benard and also, Mark Lea Heter as they both seem to be associated with Washington Bell. Bell would be by 1st cousin twice removed as my great grandparents were were related to him as his Uncle and Aunt – John and Kesiah (Bell) Kearns. Thus, Washington’s parents were Robert and Susan (Kearns) Bell. Susan died in 1859 and Robert married Isabella McDowell and the 1860 Census shows Sam and Bergen McDowell were living in that household – I believe they were brothers of Isabella. So, an association with the McDowells. Grant Kearns, 19758 Wolford-Maskill Road, Marysville, Ohio 43040. Thank you.

By: Grant Kearns

Grant Kearns — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 02:07:38 +0000

I would like to contact Jerry Benard, it appears he is related to Washington Bell as he has his letters. I am related to Washington as his mother, Susan Kearns and dad Robert Bell were brother and sister to my great grandparents John Kearns and Kesiah Bell. I tired the email and it did not work. Thanks.

By: Jerry Benard

Jerry Benard — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 22:46:04 +0000

I would like to add. If you search for your relative in the NY times. If he is in there it will pull up the article of the day it was reported from the telegraph or however. For example I found when he was wounded found another where him and several of the 63rd member’s and people from other regiments. 50 or so. Were left to die pretty much and were captured by the rebel Calvary. They had camp fever (drank bad water) and the Army left them to chase the confederates. You will not find a better place to research.

By: Jerry Benard

Jerry Benard — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 22:35:55 +0000

Thank you so much for the information. I knew they loved him. He was a great commander. Have you ever read his personal letters? just Google his name. I have letters from Washington Bell in Co K that mention Sam quite a bit. He was tough. Never missed a battle. Was right at the point of attack at Fredicksburg. Sam had a brother Bergen Mcdowell he was an officer in the 62nd. Worked his was up. i can be contacted at jerryandlisab724@hotmail.com I know where you can go to see pictures of Sam after the war. Him and his brother.

By: Dave Brest

Dave Brest — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 01:59:33 +0000

My g-g-uncle John Stewart Hunter served with Co. E, 63rd. Like to talk to anyone else related to E/63 at Gettysburg.

By: Mark Lea Heter

Mark Lea Heter — Wed, 23 May 2012 01:48:54 +0000

hi Jerry -
Sam McDowell was my great grandfather. His son William Elmer Mcdowell was my maternal grandfather. They were called Hays Guards because they were quite proud of and loyal to Alexander Hays their commander who was killed in the Battle of the Wilderness. Any more McDowell information would be appreciated.

By: Jerry Benard

Jerry Benard — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:54:45 +0000

Under the red patch and General hay’s personal letters are available online and will give you by far the most information. The book was written by his son and a member of the 63rd, I believe the after action report is listed in the book and also his letters. I had two ancestors in Company K Washington Bell, and Sam Mcdowel they both somehow survived the war.(61-64) Any information as to why their company was called Hay’s Guards, I would greatly appreciate.

By: Dan Peterjohn

Dan Peterjohn — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:08:32 +0000

I am researching the performance of the 63rd Pennsylvania at the battle of Glendale. I am interested in learning about its training and preparation for the Peninsula Campaign of 1862. Can you point me toward any resources describing the mustering and training of the 63rd?

Thank You,

Dan Peterjohn