91st PA: James A Clark

James A Clark

Before the war

He was born in May 1845 (18; 11 (20 in 1862); 4 [21 in 1864?], 16 [25 in 1870], 17 [35 in 1880], 18 [55 in 1900], 19 [64 in 1910], 20 [74 in 1920], 22 [84 in 1930]). He was born in Easton, Pennsylvania (4, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22).

When he enlisted, he was a gilder (4, 11 [laborer]).

Description

When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 7-1/2 inches tall, had a light complexion, blue eyes, and light hair (4, 11 [5'6", fair complexion, gray eyes, brown hair]).

During the war

He enlisted and was mustered into service on 29 January 1862, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1, 11 [as corporal], 13 [4 Feb], 21 [2 Feb]). He was a private, in company E (1, 11 (corp), 24 (pvt)).

On 16 December 1862, his company was trapped on the enemy side of the Rapahannock River after the battle of Fredericksburg, the rest of the Army of the Potomac having crossed the River. He swam across the Rapahannock River, so that his company could get across the river (2; see also 3 and 4).

He was discharged because of disability, arising from an illness he contracted while swimming the Rapahannock River (1, 4, 5). The details differ from source to source. According to Bates (1) and the company descriptive roll (4), he was discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability; according to the register of men discharged (5), he was discharged by order of General Martindale. According to Bates (1) and the register of men discharged (5), he was discharged on 3 September 1863 (also 11); according to the company descriptive roll, he was discharged on 21 August 1863. The consolidated morning reports record his discharge on 10 September 1863 (10).

He later re-enlisted in the same company (4). I do not know whether this is his re-enlistment as a veteran volunteer, or an earlier re-enlistment.

He was promoted in December 1863 to corporal, for bravery at the Battle of Fredericksburg (3).

He enlisted [i.e. reenlisted as a veteran volunteer] for three years in company E on 4 February 1864, at Philadelphia Pennsylvania (1, 4). He was enlisted by Lieutenant Shipley and mustered into service by Lieutenant Hilderburn (4).

On 1 March 1864, Colonel Gregory detached him to collect conscripts, at Philadelphia (6).

On 7 October 1864, Sellers reported that he was missing in action on 30 September 1864 near Peeble's House (8). He went with Joseph Green to the Division Hospital, because Green was ill, and couldn't move quickly because had to keep stopping because of his illness (23).

On 11 October 1864, he was reported returned from being absent without leave (14).

On 4 November 1864, he testified at the General Court Martial of Joseph Green (23). I do not know Green was court martialed and Clark was not (23).

On 26 January 1865, company E published resolutions mourning the death of sixteen comrades, and sympathizing with their families (15). He was on the committee (15).

On 7 June 1865, he went on a furlough, which expired on 22 June 1865 (9). He returned on 25 June 1865 (9).

He mustered out on 10 July 1865 with his company (1, 13 [Apr 65], 21). He was a private, in company E (24).

After the war

In 1864/1865, he married Hannah M [unknown surname] (18, 19, 22). In 1900, she reported having had 5 children, 2 of whom were alive (18). In 1910, she reported having had 5 children, 3 of whom were alive (19).

In 1870, he was living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (16). He was living with his wife Hannah and children Alfred and Anna (16). He was a house painter, and owned $200 in personal property (16).

In 1880, he was living in ward 1, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (17). He was living with his wife Hannah, and children Alfred, Margaret, and Henry (17). He was a collector (17).

In 1890, he was living at 2208 Christian Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (13).

On 20 December 1892, he applied successfully from Pennsylvania for a pension (12, 21).

In 1900, he was living at 2137 Federal Street, ward 36, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (18). He was living with his wife Hannah, daughter Maggie and her husband, and a boarder (18). He was a messenger at the US Navy Yard (18).

On 19 August 1907, he again applied for a pension (21).

In 1910, he was living at 2320 Morris Street, ward 36, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (19). He was living with his wife Hannah, daughter Margaret and Margaret's husband and child (19). He was a messenger for the US Navy (19).

In 1920, he was living at 5405 Norfolk Street, ward 46, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (20). He was living with his wife Hannah, and daughter Margaret and her family (20). He was not working (20).

In 1930, he was living at 5405 Norfolk Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (22). He was living with his wife Hannah, his son-in-law Frank E William, and Frank's wife Margaret (22). He was not working (22).

He died on 7 December 1931, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (21).

On 17 December 1931, his widow, Hannah M Clark, applied successfully from Pennsylvania for a pension (12, 21).

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)

2 Lentz, John D. Report of events on 16 Dec 1862. Dated Camp in the field, near Fredericksburg, Va., December 17, 1862. Official Records series 1 volume 21 page 403.

3 list of non-commissioned officers, company E

4 company E, descriptive roll, entry 107 (James A Clark)

5 company E, register of men discharged, number 19 (James A Clark)

6 letter, Sinex to Marvin, 7 March 1864

7 special order 13, HQ 91st PA, 1 March 1864

8 letter, Sellers to Tayman, 7 October 1864

9 enlisted men's furloughs (James Clark)

10 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 10 September 1863 (Corpl James Clark)

11 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 5 May 2004 (James A Clark)

12 pension index, by name (James A Clark)

13 1890 US census, veterans' schedule, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 728, page [1] (image 2321 on Ancestry) (James A Clark)

14 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 11 October 1864 (Prvt Clark)

15 'Headquarters company E', Philadelphia Inquirer 26 January 1865 page 5 (James A Clark)

16 1870 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, district 84, microfilm series M593, film 1413, page 169 = 34 handwritten (James Clark)

17 1880 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1st ward, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 21, microfilm series T9, film 1167, page 309 A = 1 handwritten (James A Clark)

18 1900 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 36, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 918 [?], microfilm series T623, film 1477, page 290 B = 1 handwritten (James A Clark)

19 1910 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 36, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 896, microfilm series T624, film 1407, page 201 = 6 B handwritten (James A Clark)

20 1920 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 46, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 1744, microfilm series T625, film 1647, page 27 = 12 A handwritten (James A Clark)

21 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company E (James A Clark)

22 1930 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 46, supervisor's district 30 [?], enumeration district 51-527, microfilm series T626, film 2141, page 200 = 15 A handwritten, lines 30-33 (James A Clark)

23 court martial record, Joseph Green, National Archives and Records Administration, RG 153, file #LL-2715 [see manuscript page 7-8 (numbered 5-6)] (Private James A Clark)

24 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (James A Clark)

1870 census

[1870 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, district 84, microfilm series M593, film 1413, page 169 = 34 handwritten]
line9101112
Dwelling-house number227   
Family number262   
NameClark James- Hannah- Alfred A- Anna M
Age2521143
SexMFMF
ColorWWWW
OccupationH. PainterKeep houseAt homeAt home
Real estate value    
Personal estate value$200   
BirthplacePennPennPennPenn
Father foreign born    
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 old1   
Male US citizen at least 21 years old who can't vote ...    

1880 census

[1880 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1st ward, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 21, microfilm series T9, film 1167, page 309 A = 1 handwritten]
line3738394041
street name[illegible] St
house number1718    
dwelling visit #8    
family visit #9    
nameClark James A- Hannah M- Alfred A- Margaret M- Henry R
colorWWWWW
sexMFMFM
age35311164
month born if born in year     
relationship WifeSonDaughterSon
single  111
married11   
widowed/divorced     
married during year     
occupationCollectorKeeping HouseAt SchoolAt homeAt home
months unemployed     
currently ill?     
blind     
deaf/dumb     
idiotic     
insane     
disabled     
school this year  1  
can't read     
can't write     
birthplacePennaIrelandPennaPennaPenna
father's birthplaceEnglandIrelandPennaPennaPenna
mother's birthplacePennaIrelandIrelandIrelandIreland

1890 census, veterans schedule

[1890 US census, veterans' schedule, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 728, page [1] (image 2321 on Ancestry)]
[line] 1
[house] 5
[family] 1
[name] James A Clark
[rank] Priv
[company] E
[unit] 91 Pa
[enlistment date] Feb 4 1862
[discharge date] Apr 1865
[length of service] 3 years, 2 months, [blank] days
[post office address] 2208 Christian Phila Pa
[disability incurred] [blank]
[remarks] [blank]

1890 Gopsill's Philadelphia directory

[I have not been able to identify him in the Ancestry transcription]

1900 census

[1900 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 36, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 918 [?], microfilm series T623, film 1477, page 290 B = 1 handwritten]
line9293949596
streetFederal St
house number2137    
dwelling number16    
family number20    
nameClark James A- Hannah MWilliams Maggie M- Frank EUrbach [??] Thomas
relationshipHeadWifeDaughter Son-in-lawBoarder
colorWWWWW
sexMFFMM
birth dateMay 1845 [?]July 1858 [?]Feb 1876Mch 1875Apl 1854
age5553242545
married?MMMMM
# years married35353320 [?]
mother of how many children? 50  
# of children living 20  
birthplacePennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaEngland
father's birthplacePennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaEngland
mother's birthplacePennsylvaniaIrelandPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaEngland
immigration year    1890
# years in USA    9
naturalized citizen?    Al
occupationMessenger Navy Yr.  Shipping Clerk[illegible] maker
# months not employed     
# months in school     
can readyesyesyesyesyes
can writeyesyesyesyesyes
speaks Englishyesyesyesyesyes
owned/rentedR    
free or mortgaged     
farm/houseH    
# of farm schedule     

1910 census

[1910 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 36, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 896, microfilm series T624, film 1407, page 201 = 6 B handwritten]
line6364656667
streetMorris St
house nr2320    
dwelling nr111    
family nr113    
nameClark James A- Hannah N [?]Williams Margarett [sic]- Frank E- Mary H
relationshipHeadWifeDaughterSon-in-lawGrand daughter
sexMFFMF
colorWWWWW
age646235355
marital statusM1M1M1M1S
#years present marriage45451212 
mother of # children 51  
mother of # living children 31  
birthplacePennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvania
father's birthplaceEngland EngIreland EngPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvania
mother's birthplacePennsylvaniaIreland EngPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvania
immigrated     
naturalized/alien     
speaks EnglishEnglishEnglishEnglishEnglishEnglish
occupationMessengernonenoneShipping Clerknone
nature of industry etc.U.S.N.  Gate Works 
employer etc.W  W 
out of work 15 Apr 1910?no  no 
# weeks out of work 19090  0 
can readyesyesyesyes 
can writeyesyesyesyes 
school since 1 Sep 09     
owned/rentedR    
owned free or mortagaged     
farm/houseH    
nr on farm schedule     
civil war vet[blank]    
blind     
deaf & dumb     

1920 census

[1920 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 46, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 1744, microfilm series T625, film 1647, page 27 = 12 A handwritten]
line3637383940
streetNorfolk Street
house number5405    
dwelling visit number254    
family visit number252    
nameWilliams Frank E- Margaret- Mary HClark James A- Hannah M
relationshipheadwife daughterfather in lawmother in law
own/rentO    
free/mortgaged (if owned)M    
sexMFFMF
raceWWWWW
age at last birthday4233147471
marital statusMMSMM
year of immigration    1850
naturalized/alien    Na
year of naturalization    1861
attended school since Sept 1919  Yes  
can readYesYesYesYesYes
can writeYesYesYesYesYes
birth placePennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaIreland
native language    Irish
father's birthplacePennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaIreland
father's native language    Irish
mother's birthplacePennsylvaniaIrelandPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaIreland
mother's native language Irish  Irish
can speak EnglishYesYesYesYesYes
occupationShipping Clerknonenonenonenone
industry, businessInstalment    
employment statusW    
number of farm schedule     

1930 census

[1930 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 46, supervisor's district 30 [?], enumeration district 51-527, microfilm series T626, film 2141, page 200 = 15 A handwritten]
line30313233
streetNORFOLK STREET
house number5405   
dwelling visit #262   
family visit #270   
nameWilliam Frank E- Maragret [sic] M.Clark James A.- Hannah M
relationHeadWifeFather-in-lawMother-in-law
owned/rentedO   
value or rent$500   
radioR   
farm    
sexMFMF
colorWWWW
age55558481
married?MMMM
age 1st marriage21212016
school/college since 9/29NoNoNoNo
can read & writeYesYesNoYes
birthplacePennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaWithin [?] Ireland
father's birthplacePennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaEnglandWithin [?] Ireland
mother's birthplacePennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaWithin [?] Ireland
native language    
immigration year    
naturalization    
can speak EnglishYesYesYesYes
occupationShipping Clerknonenonenone
industryDepartment Store   
worker classW   
at work yesterdayYes   
unemployment schedule #    
veteran?No Yes 
war  Civ 
farm schedule #    

index to compiled service records

[index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania]
[transcribed 20 Mar 2014, from Fold3]


Clark. James A.
Co. E, 91 Pennsylvania Inf.
Pvt. | Pvt.
See also [blank]

GENERAL INDEX CARD.

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revised 20 Mar 14
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