Civil War Biographies

See also Somerset County Biographies Records Board for more user donated Biographies.

To add your Civil War ancestor's biography, send a short text file via email to parooter@msn.com and I will post it here and also on our BBS board.

Frances Marian Cunningham, 1st.W.Va. Cavalry, Co. H.

Frances was born in 12/31/1837 in Upper Turkeyfoot Twp., Somerset County. His father was Robert Cunningham b.10/31/1808 d.6/7/1889 and his mother was Jane Pinkerton.

Frances joined the 1st.W.Va. Cavalry, Co. H. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for Distinguished bravery under fire at the battle of Saylors Creek. He served under Custer and was present at Lees surrender at Appomattox. He and his wife are buried near Ohiopile, Fayette County. Contributed by: Jack Cunningham.

Jacob Metzler, Company I, 19th Regiment, PA Vols.

Jacob Metzler was born circa 1814 in Somerset, Pennsylvania. "He moved to Lee County after serving his country through the late war and is fully entitled to the honor of one who assisted in saving the Union. He enlisted as Pvt. in Company I, 19th Regiment of Pa. Volunteers Infantry, Oct. 10, 1862 and participated in the following engagements. Fredericksburg, Chancelorsville, Gettysburg, Bucton Station, Pappahonock Station, Mire Run, Wilderness, Po River, Spottsylvania, N. Anna, Tolpolony, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and all the battles of the Army of the Potomac in the summer of 1864. He was transferred to Co. B. 11th Regiment, Veteran Reserve corps, March 19, 1865 and was honorably discharged at Concord, New Hampshire, July 25, 1865. The old soldier was buried yesterday (April 24) by his late comrades in the war and now rests from his troubles in the G.A.R. at Oakwood."(Dixon, Lee Co., IL Telegraph, Jan. 2, 1888, p.1:col.2)

Jacob's first wife's name was Caroline and she died between 1857 and 1860. Known children - 6. He married Catherine Lint prior to moving to Lee Co., IL. Known children- 4. Submitted by Linda B. Meyers, buffy@mwci.net.

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Last Revised: March 31, 2008