The McCoy House~ Basement-Military Room

Basement~Military Room

THE MILITARY ROOM shows Mifflin County s history as it relates to our country s wars from the Mexican War through World War II. Among prized items of the Civil War period are those relating to the Logan Guards. The Logans played an important role in the defense of our nation s Capitol during the early period of secession, achieving tame as one of five Pennsylvania companies designated as the First Defenders." Credited by Gov. Curtin as first of the five to report to him, they were later accorded the honor of ‘Co. E, Color Company, right of the line." On display is a copy of the telegram summoning Capt. Selheimer to report with the Logans; also, a medal of honor presented to Sgt. Chauncey Shull as one ot the famed First Defenders.

While the Logans were the first to leave Mifflin County (muster-in roll dated April 16,1861), many other local units were forming or soon ready to leave. Among these the Burns Infantry, under Capt. Henry Zollinger, left 4 days later. In other sections of the county new military organizations were forming in Newton, Belleville, Reedsville, Milroy and several townships.

The Logans were a 3-month enlistment company. It is to their credit that history records their re-enlistments and advances in rank. Two of the men are represented in the gun collection. Corp. Chauncey Shull (Co. I, 83rd Regt., PVI) was issued a gun marked Bridesburg 1864 - and an Eagle" on the lock plate. This gun was made for the U.S. by Jenks & Son at a contract price of $20 each. Frank Wentz, a former Logan advanced to Lt. in Co. F, 197 PV, received a Spencer 7 shot, breech-loading rifle which was adopted late in the war.

Mementos of various wars include swords and other personal items donated to the Historical Society by soldiers of their families. Shells manufactured locally at Standard Steel Works are among the artifacts exhibited for World Wars I and II.

There is also a reminder that in the midst of war President Lincoln sought a second term. The campaign flag is printed ABRAM LINCOLN and HANNIBAL HAMLIN.