He was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in 1832/33.
[sources:
date: 8 (28 in 1861).
place: 8 (Bucks Cty), 16 (Philadelphia)]
On 20 December 1860, he married Susan A Holme.
They were married by Reverend John F Boone, of the St George Methodist Episcopal Church of Philadelphia.
She was born on 13 April 1841.
They had two known children:
Frank Carpenter (born Jan 1862, Philadelphia, died 7 Sep 1863)
Clara Carpenter (born 12 November 1864, died 11 April 1866)
[source: 18, 22 (2 children, none living in 1910)]
Description
When he enlisted, he was 6 feet 0 inches tall, and had a fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair.
He had a scar on his right great toe from a cut [?].
[source: 8]
During the war
He also served in the 20th Pennsylvania Infantry.
He enlisted on 26 April 1861, and was discharged on 4 August 1861, because his term of service had expired.
[source: 18]
He enlisted and was mustered into service on 27 August 1861.
He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Colonel Reiff (8, 9 [Lt Col Reiff]).
He was a private in company C (1).
[sources: 1, 8, 9, 18 (enlisted 20 Aug, mustered in 25 Sep), 26 (corp)]
He was transferred on 30 June 1863 to company D of the 13th Veterans' Reserve Corps.
When he was transferred, he was a private in company C.
[sources: 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 26]
On 7 September 1863, his son, Frank Carpenter, died, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He died of angina membranica (croup).
On 10 September 1863, he was buried, at Odd Fellows' Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
[source: 24]
His wife caused him to be removed from camp, and treated by a physician at a friend's house.
[source: 18]
On 21 June 1865, he died, in Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey.
He died of phthisis pulmonalis, or of consumption, induced by a gunshot wound, received in the line of duty.
(Another statement has the consumption resulting from 'a cold contracted while on duty with his Regt at Trenton NJ'.)
He apparently also had a hemorrhage, caused by irritation from the presence of the ball.
On 24 June 1865, he was buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The funeral was held from his mother's residence, 1009 Vernon Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Mary Ann and Charles G Carpenter were living at 1009 Vernon Street.)
Members of the Humane Fire Engine Company were invited to attend the funeral.
[sources: 15 (22 Jun), 16 (21 Jun), 17 (21 Jun), 18 (21 Jun), 25]
After the war
On 8 September 1865, his widow, Susan A Carpenter, applied successfully for a pension, from Pennsylvania
She was living in Philadelphia, post office address 4 Daunckers Avenue, 3rd Street above Race.
Her attorney was W N Ashman.
E J Maguigan provided evidence in support of her application.
Her application was accepted on 15 May 1867.
She initially received $8 per month, retroactive to 21 June 1865.
[sources: 11, 13, 18]
In 1870, his widow, Susan Carpenter, was living in ward 6, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She was a label cutter.
[source: 20]
In 1880, his widow, Susan Carpenter, was a boarder at 309 Callowhill [?] Street, ward 12, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She worked at a blacking factory.
[source: 21]
In 1910, his widow, Susan A Carpenter, was living at 5128 Westminster Avenue, ward 44, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She was a label cutter, at a polish factory.
[source: 22]
On 17 October 1916, the Pension Office determined that his widow was entitled to $20 per month, retroactive to 8 September 1916, under the act of 8 September 1916.
[source: 18]
Under the act of 1 May 1920, she was entitled to $30 per month.
[source: 18]
In 1920, his widow, Susan A Carpenter, was living at 1548 North Peach Street, ward 44, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She was not working.
[source: 23]
On 18 April 1921, his widow, Susan A Carpenter, died, at her residence, 2070 North 62nd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
[sources: 18, 19]
Sources
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233.
(In the roster)
15Find a grave, memorial 35375268, accessed 30 December 2011
(identification is confirmed by reference to his service in A 21 and by the death notice transcribed below)
17death notice, Public Ledger, 24 June 1865, page 2
(Wm H Carpenter)
18widow's pension certificate file, National Archives and Records Administration, record group 15, certificate WC 94,973
(Susan A Holme Carpenter, widow of William H Carpenter)
19death notice, Philadelphia Inquirer, 20 April 1921
(Susan Carpenter)
201870 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 6, district 17, microfilm series M593, film 1391, page 140 verso = 84 handwritten
(Susan Carpenter)
211880 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 12, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 197, microfilm series T9, film 1173, page 5 D = 10 handwritten
(Susan Carpenter)
221910 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 44, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 1144, microfilm series T624, film 1413, page 39 = 1 A
(Susan A Carpenter)
231920 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 44, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 1665, microfilm series T625, film 1645, page 5 = 5 B handwritten
(Susan A Carpenter)
24death certificate, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 7 September 1863
(Frank Carpenter)
26index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania
(William H Carpenter)
Sources checked unsuccesfully
1850 US census
candidate 1: William Carpenter, 18, b. PA, no occupation listed, with Conrad (60, b. PA, victualler), Esther (38, b. PA), Conrad (21, b.PA, victualler), John (9, b.PA) and Wallerine (6, b. PA) (Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Penn District, microfilm series M432, film 820, page 75 verso = 152 handwritten (FamilySearch)
candidate 2: William Carpenter, 19, b. PA, morocco dresser, with Mary Shifler (76, PA), Mary Carpenter (50, b. PA), Margaret Carpenter (21, b. PA), et al. Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Kensington, ward 2, microfilm series M432, film 806, page 96 verso = 192 handwritten = 78 handwritten
[there are other candidates, further from the age recorded in the regimental records]
[I did not find any candidates in Bucks County PA]
1860 US census
candidate 1: FS: ward 20 division 1, microfilm series M653, film 1171, page 477: William Carpenter 27 b. PA car driver, with Conrad (Victualler, 65), Hester (50), John (18, victualler), Wilhelmina (16), Sarah (24), William (2), and Conrad (3/12)
candidate 2: William H Carpenter 26 Philadelphia (bad link on FS): William H 26 hat cutter, with David 69 weaver, Mary A 59, Rebecca 24, Charles 21, and Sarah J 20
candidate 3: William Carpenter, 28, b. PA, mariner, in Mariner's Home, Southern Division 5th ward Philadelphia, microfilm series M643, film 1155, page 616 = 458 handwritten
candidate 4: William H Carpenter 30 clerk, with Joseph C 65 carpenter, Jimima 54, Rachel A 28, Edward 21 clerk, Frank 18 printer boy, Elizabeth 26, and three Hall's, in ward 1 precinct 5, Philadelphia, microfilm series M653, film 1151, page 329 = 231 handwritten
[I did not find any candidates in Bucks County PA]
1890 US census, veterans' schedules
Ancestry index (accessed May 2007, and again 16 July 2012)
a Susan A Carpenter was living in Theresa, Jefferson County, New York, with no identifying information
1900 US census
FamilySearch, Ancestry, and HeritageQuest indices (accessed 16 July 2012)
the Susan Carpenter at 624 12th St is living with a grandson, William Carpenter, and was born in the West Indies (microfilm series T623, film 1457, page 94)
1930 US census
FamilySearch index (accessed 16 July 2012)
RootsWeb WorldConnect
searched William Carpenter (exact) b. 1832 +/-5, d. 1865; William Carpenter (exact) (accessed 16 July 2012)
Find a grave
searched Susan Carpenter d. 1921 (accessed 16 July 2012)
Philadelphia city directories
1865 Sherman's directory (on Fold3) page 126 has no William Carpenter on Mt Vernon (and no Susan Carpenter) (accessed 16 July 12)
1864 Biddle's and McElroy's Philadelphia directory page 108 has no William Carpenter on Mt Vernon (and no Susan Carpenter) (accessed 16 July 12)
1863 Biddle's and McElroy's Philadelphia directory page 133 has no William Carpenter on Mt Vernon (and no Susan Carpenter) (accessed 16 July 12)
[1870 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 6, district 17, microfilm series M593, film 1391, page 140 verso = 84 handwritten]
[identification is likely, given the absence of other candidates]
[I did not transcribe the other two people in this household, Sophie Home (71, keeps house), and Mary Home (30, makes blacking)]
line
27
Dwelling-house number
[489]
Family number
[546]
Name
Carpenter Susan
Age
28
Sex
F
Color
W
Occupation
Label Cutter
Real estate value
Personal estate value
Birthplace
Penna
Father foreign born
1
Mother foreign born
Birth month if born within year
Marriage month if married within year
Attended school past year
Can't read
Can't write
Deaf, dumb, blind, etc.
Male US citizen at least 21 years old
Male US citizen at least 21 years old who can't vote ...
[1880 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 12, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 197, microfilm series T9, film 1173, page 5 D = 10 handwritten]
[identification is likely, given the absence of other candidates]
[I did not transcribe the other 6 people at this residence, headed by Jas L Hartshorn, undertaker]
[note that line 31 is Mary Holmes, 40, boarder, works at Blaking [sic] Factory]
[1910 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 44, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 1144, microfilm series T624, film 1413, page 39 = 1 A]
[identification is likely, given the absence of other candidates]
[I did not transcribe the other five people at this household, headed by George E Rickard]
[note that Mary C Home, 69, clerk at factory office, is also living there]
[1920 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 44, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 1665, microfilm series T625, film 1645, page 5 = 5 B handwritten]
[identification is likely, given the absence of other candidates]
[I did not transcribe the other two people in the household, headed by Albert R Rickards]
[index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania]
[transcribed 19 Mar 2014, from Fold3]
Carpenter, William H.
Co. C, 91 Pennsylvania Inf.
Corpr. | Pvt.
See also V.R.C.
[death notice, Public Ledger, 24 June 1865, page 2, Wm H Carpenter]
[transcribed 30 December 2011, from GenealogyBank]
CARPENTER.--On the 21st inst., WM H. CARPENTER, of Co A 21st Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps, aged 32 years.
The relatives and friends of the family, Co. A, 21st Regiment, V.R.C., Co C, 91st Regiment, P.V., and the members of Humane Fire Engine Co., are respectfully invited to attend the funeral today [?] (Saturday) the 24th instant at 3 o'clock, P.M., from the residence of his mother, 1009 [?] Vernon street, between Brown and Parrish, west of Tenth.
[Philadelphia death certificates, 1803-1915, William Carpenter, 21 June 1865]
[transcribed 30 December 2011, from FamilySearch]
[the file includes a handwritten note, and the printed Undertaker's certificate]
This is to certify that William Carpenter of Co. A. 21st Regt Vet. Res. Corps died at 5 P.M. June 21st 1865 of Phthisis Pulmonalis.
AS [?] Desanges [??] MD.
Attending physician
Trenton N.J. June 22nd 1865.
UNDERTAKER'S CERTIFICATE, IN RELATION TO DECEASED.
8. Occupation, Soldier
9. Place of Birth, Phila
10. When a Minor, [blank]
11. Ward, 14th
12. Street and Number, 1009 Vernon St
13. Date of Burial, June 24th 1865
14. Place of Burial, OFC
Cyrus Horn UNDERTAKER.
Residence, 23 north 11th st
Date of Certificate. Jun 23rd 1865
[widow's pension certificate file, National Archives and Records Administration, record group 15, certificate WC 94,973, Susan A Holme Carpenter, widow of William H Carpenter]
[abstracted from 62 pages on Fold3, July 2012]
Wm H Carpenter married Susan A Holme, by Rev Jno F Boone (pp.3, 12)
recorded in St George ME Church of Philadelphia (p.12)
one child: Clara, born 12 November 1864, died 11 April 1866 (p.3)
26 Apr 1861
enlisted in 20 PA ("20th Penna Vol. old S L in company by A St Reynolds") (p.27)
4 Aug 1861
discharged because his term had expired (p.27)
20 Aug 1861
enrolled at Philadelphia in C 91 (p.5)
25 Sep 1861
Wm H Carpenter mustered in as corporal co. C (p.5)
healthy when entered service (p.4 ['in comparatively good health')
3 May 1863
wounded in battle of Chancellorsville, in left shoulder, the ball penetrating the lungs and remaining in the wound (pp.4, 26)
30 Jun 1863
transferred to D 13 VRC (p.5 citing muster roll for 10 July 1865 and D 13 VRC muster-out roll of 27 Aug 64, p.27 (after wounding))
27 Aug 1864
mustered out of D 13 VRC on expiration of term of service (p.5)
7 Feb 1865
reenlisted in 21 VRC co. A (pp.3, 5, 22, 27, 36)
not healthy when he enlisted (p.36)
mustered in as private on 7 Feb 1865 (p.22)
21 June 1865
died (cause not stated muster roll for A 21 VRC for May-June 1865) (pp.5, 22, 27)
died of consumption, induced by a gunshot wound, in line of duty (p.36)
'of consumption, contracted in the U.S. Service, being the result of a cold contracted while on duty with his Regt. at Trenton NJ' (p.3)
died in a friend's house, at Trenton NJ, having been removed from Camp Irvine
13 July 1865
S W Purchase certified that Carpenter was a private in A 21 VRC, contracted consumpion in the line of duty at Camp Irvine (Trenton NJ), and died from that consumption on 21 June 1865 (p.36)
8 Sept 1865
Susan A Carpenter, 25, widow of William H Carpenter applied for a pension, application 108,612, under the act of 14 July 1862 (p.3)
dated 11 July 1865 (p.3)
resident of Philadelphia, p.o. address No. 4 Daunckers Avenue, 3d St above Race (pp.3, 4)
attorney W N Ashman (p.3)
witnesses Mary J Major, Rose Gupper [?] (p.3)
her application was accepted on 15 May 1867; she initially received $8 per month, retroactive to 21 June 1865 (pp.2, 16)
certificate 94,974, dated 22 May 1867, sent to W N Ashman (p.16)
29 Mar 1866
Pension Office requested information from the Adjutant General's office about William H Carpenter in A 21 VRC (p.23)
31 Mar 1866
the Adjutant General sent the above-summarized information about William Carpenter's service in VRC (p.22)
4 Apr 1866
the Pension Office sent a letter [to her attorney?] that the evidence hadn't yet proved he died of disease contracted in the service in the line of duty, and that she was required to show his physical condition when he enlisted, what duties and hardships he had been subjected to, etc. (p.15)
28 Apr 1866
EJ Maguigan certified (at Philadelphia) that William H Carpenter was a private in C 91 PA, received a gunshot wound in the left shoulder in action at Chancellorsville, on 3 May 1863, and because of that was transferred to D 13th VRC (p.43)
9 May 1866
JM Clark and Samuel C Simpson, members of A 21 VRC, personally acquainted with William and Susan Carpenter, enlisted with Carpenter on 7 Feb 1865 at Philadelphia, had known Carpenter for about 7 years, he received a gunshot wound in the left shoulder at Chancellorsville 3 May 1863, was transferred to D 13th VRC, reenlisted in A 21 VRC, was 'a strong and sound man saving his wound in the left shoulder'; Clark saw Carpenter examined carefully by the surgeon when he reenlisted (p.45)
25 Sep 1866
S W Purchase, capt VRC, at Vermillimille La, certified that Carpenter contracted consumption while on duty during the winters of 1864 and 1865, as a result of exposure and extreme hard duty, while guarding and escorting troops to the front
5 Oct 1866
Pension Office requested information from Adjutant General about William H Carpenter (C 91 PA, D 13 VRC, A 21 VRC), died 21 Jun 1865 Trenton (pp.6, 15)
9 Oct 1866
the Adjutant General's Office sent the Pension Office the above-summarized information (p.5)
received by the Pension Office 18 October 1866 (p.15)
5 Nov 1866
Pension Office requested information about Carpenter from Surgeon General (pp.9, 15)
9 Nov 1866
Susan A Carpenter swore that she had not remarried, and had no living children of her husband and herself, since her daughter Clara L Carpenter died 11 April 1866 at Philadelphia (p.58)
10 Nov 1866
Mary C Home and Emily Fitcomb, residents of Philadelphia, swore that they were personally acquainted with the Carpenters, that Susan has not remarried and has no living children, her only child (Clara L Carpenter) died 11 Apr 1866, at Philadelphia, and they were present at the funeral (p.61)
17 Nov 1866
Surgeon General's Office sent information to Pension Office about Corp Wm Carpenter A 23 VRC (died 19 Jan 1865, Camp Reno Wis, of typhoid pneumonia) (p.8)
received by the Pension Office on 19 November 1866 (p.15)
26 Nov 1866
the Pension Office sent [her attorney?] a letter asking for proof when and where he died, the name etc. of the disease, and when and how he contracted it (p.15)
6 Dec 1866
Susan A Carpenter swore that she could not obtain any other certificate from an officer about Carpenter's death, and could only get the testimony of Mr Clark (p.34)
6 Dec 1866
Joseph M Clark, of Philadelphia, swore that he was a member of A 21 VRC, personally acquainted with William H Carpenter, who died on 21 June 1865 at Trenton in a relative's house near the camp, removed from the camp because the camp had no accomodations for sick men; he died of consumption contracted by exposure incurred in taking men to and from the port (p.47)
he saw Carpenter after he was taken to hospital with the disease, and his death was reported at camp (p.47)
4 Feb 1867
Henry S DeSanges [?] physician swore that he practiced at Trenton NJ, attended Wm H Carpenter from ca 1 June 1865 until 21 June 1865, when he died (p.29)
Carpenter had and died of consumption of the lungs, induced by a gunshot wound in the left shoulder, the ball having penetrated the shoulder and lungs and remaining in the wound (p.29)
he had a hemorrhage, which resulted from irritation caused by the presence of the ball (p.29)
his wife had asked that he be removed from Camp Irvine [?]; he was in a friend's house, near Camp, and not attended by the regimental surgeon when he died (p.29)
23 Feb 1867
Edward J Maguigan, resident of Philadelphia, swore that he was 2nd lt C 91 PA from 13 Dec 1862 until Oct 1864, that Wm H Carpenter was a member of his company, and received a gunshot wound in the left shoulder in action at Chancellorsville 3 May 1863 (Maguigan was present); he was transferred to 13 VRC (p.41)
26 Apr 1867
the Pension Office sent the Adjutant General's Office circular 16 asking whether there were two different William Carpenter's (pp.15, 20)
30 Apr 1867
the Adjutant General confirmed that William H Carpenter is distinct from William Carpenter (A 23rd VRC, transferred from 2nd NY Artillery, who died on 18 January 1865, in Milwaukee Wisconsin) (pp.18, 19)
received by the Pension Office 8 May 1867 (p.15)
8 May 1867
the Pension Office sent a request for confirmation of service of Simpson + Clark and about 2nd Lt Maguigan--in particular, whether he was 2d lt of co C 91st PA in May 1863 (pp.15, 32, 52)
9 May 1867
no evidence that Edward J Maguigan was enrolled in co. C 91st PA as a 2nd lt, but on the May-June 1863 muster roll he is reported 2d lt and signed the report as commanding the company; on the muster-out roll (10 July 1865) he is reported discharged at the expiration of his term on 28 Sep 1864 near Petersburg (p.31)
9 May 1867
the Adjutant General's office reported that Joseph M Clark enlisted on 7 Feb 1865 at Philadelphia in VRC, and was sworn in as a private on 7 Feb 1865 at Philadelphia, and on the Jan-Feb muster rolls for A 21 VRC he is reported present; the July-Aug 1865 roll reports him 'Pvt Deserted from Camp Irvine, Trenton, NJ, July 15, 1865', and he was dropped on all subsequent rolls (p.49)
9 May 1867
Samuel C Simpson enlisted on 9 Feb 1865 at Philadelphia in VRC, was sworn in as private on 9 Feb 1865 at Philadelphia, is reported present on the Jan-Feb 1865 muster roll for A 21 VRC, and the 10 Nov 1865 detachment muster out roll reports him mustered out 10 Nov 1865 by GO 155 AGO 26 Oct 1865 (p.51)
30 September 1916
Pension Office received an undated letter from Susan A Carpenter, 980 N 6th St, Philadelphia PA (pp.27-28)
she claimed an increase in her pension
17 October 1916
widow entitled to $20 / month, retroactive to 8 September 1916, under act of 8 Sep 1916 (since she was his wife during his Civil War service) (p.17)
?
widow entitled to $30 / month under the act of 1 May 1920 (p.17)
18 April 1921
Susan A Carpenter, 2070 N 62nd St, Philadelphia PA, died at her residence, at 11 PM (pp.25, 54, 56)
6 May 1921
letter from Susan Carpenter's executor (A B Rickards, 2070 N 62nd St), to the pension office asking how to get any money owed her (p.25)
received 9 May 1921 (p.25)
6 May 1921
the 4 May 1921 check for $90 to Susan A Carpenter, 2070 N 62nd St, Philadelphia was returned with the information that she died 18 April 1921, and the check was canceled (p.54)
[select Philadelphia city directories--see the death certificate for Frank Carpenter for the address]
[transcribed 16 July 2012, from FamilySearch]
[note that in 1860 Wm H Carpenter, 33, Telegraph Operator, is living with Diadema (27) Wm H (8) Elizabeth M (6) Joseph B (4) and Cyrus (2), in ward 16 west division, Philadelphia (microfilm series M653, film 1166, page 482 = 256 handwritten]
1860 Biddle's Philadelphia directory, page 140
[no William on Kurtz or Vernon. transcribed all William's next]
Carpenter Wm., driver, 1908 Cambridge
Carpenter Wm., ice dealer, 440 York av, h 413 Buttonwood
Carpenter Wm., optician, 626 Franklin
Carpenter Wm., mer. tailor, 825 Chestnut, h 1623 Arch
[death certificate, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 7 September 1863, Frank Carpenter]
[transcribed 16 July 2012, from FamilySearch]
RETURN OF A DEATH,
IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA.
PHYSICIAN'S CERTIFICATE.
1. Name of Deceased, Frank Carpenter
2. Colour, White
3. Sex, Boy.
4. Age, Nineteen months + Twelve days.
5. Single.
6. Date of Death, Morning of September Seventh, 1863.
7. Cause of Death, Croup, Angine Membranica.
Sarah B. Pettingill M.D.
Residence, N.W. Cor of Tenth + Vine Streets.
UNDERTAKER'S CERTIFICATE, IN RELATION TO DECEASED.
8. Occupation, [blank]
9. Place of Birth, Phila
10. When a Minor, Name of Father Wm H Carpenter
Name of Mother, Susan A "
11. Ward, 20th
12. Street and Number, 953 Kurtz
13. Date of Burial, Sept 10th 1863
14. Place of Burial, O F C [sc. Odd Fellows' Cemetery]
Cyrus Horne UNDERTAKER.
Residence, 23 north 11th
Date of Certificate. Sept 8th 1863