Benjamin Franklin Beacher Sr ^{1 3 4}

   Another name for Benjamin was Benjamin Franklin Bicher Sr.

  General Notes:

He was 5 feet 3 inches tall with a dark complexion.

  Death Notes:

Died at 5:05 am. The cause of death was as follows: senelity.

  Burial Notes:

His tombstone reads: Benjamin Beacher, Co. H 104th P.V.I.

  Noted events in his life were:

• Census, 1850, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA. ⁵ In 1850 living in the South Ward of Pottsville is Jacob Bieger. Obviously the census taker was confused by his German pronounciation of his surname! Jacob Bieger, tailer, age 36, is living with wife Angeline, 35; William, 12; Jacob, 11; Hiram, 8; Benjamin, 6; George, 3; and Nathan, 8 months old when the census was recorded on 29 Aug 1850. Everyone was born in Pennsylvania.

• Census, 1860, New Castle Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA. ⁶ In 1860 living in the New Castle Township is Jacob Bucher, day laborer, age 48, living with wife Angeline, 45; William, day laborer, 21; Jacob, day laborer, 19; Hiram, day laborer, 17; B. Franklin, day laborer, 15; George, 12; and Nathan, 9; and Ann M., 7. Everyone was born in Pennsylvania. The post office is Broad Mountain.

• Military Service, 1863-1865. ^{7 8} He served during the Civil War in the Pennsylvania 7th Cavalry (80th Infantry). The history of this unit is described in The Union Army, Vol. 1:

The 7th cavalry, the 80th regiment of the line, was composed of men from the counties of Schuylkill, Lycoming, Tioga, Bradford, Northumberland, Montour, Clinton, Center, Chester, Luzerne, Dauphin, Cumberland, Berks and Allegheny. It rendezvoused by companies at Camp Cameron, Harrisburg, and was mustered into the U. S. service in Sept., Oct., and Nov., 1861, for three years.

Col. Wynkoop was an experienced cavalry officer in the militia and had served as brigadier-general in the three months' service, in which many of the officers and men had also served. The regiment received its colors from Gov. Curtin on Dec. 18, and the following day left the state for Louisville, Ky., where it reported to Gen. Buell, commanding the Department of the Ohio. It remained in camp of instruction at Jeffersonville, Ind., until the end of Jan., 1862, when it moved to Nashville, Tenn., where the 1st battalion under Maj. Wynkoop was assigned to Gen. Negley's brigade; the 2nd under Col. Wynkoop, to Gen. Dumont at Nashville; the 3rd, under Mail Given, to Col. Duffield's command, two companies being posted at Murfreesboro and two at Lebanon.

The detachments were now employed in scouting in western and middle Tenn., the 2nd and 3rd battalions, with the 1st, 4th and 5th Ky. cavalry being hotly engaged with Morgan's cavalry at Lebanon in May, when the enemy was defeated and 170 prisoners taken. The loss of the 7th, was 3 killed, 13 wounded and 3 captured, Maj. Given being among the prisoners.

In the early part of June the 1st battalion accompanied Gen. Negley to Chattanooga, skirmishing at Sweden's cove and in front of Chattanooga. The 3rd battalion, now under Maj. Seibert, was engaged in June with Forrest's cavalry at McMinnville and Readyville, and on July 13, it was surprised and captured by Forrest at Murfreesboro, together with the rest of the garrison. The 7th lost 5 killed and 20 wounded in the engagement and the men captured were paroled.

Early in July the 1st battalion, as a part of Gen. Smith's brigade, occupied Manchester. The 2nd and 3rd battalions shared in Gen. Dumont's expedition across the Cumberland mountains, beating and routing the enemy at Pikeville. They were again engaged a little later with Forrest's cavalry at Calf Killer creek, where they lost some prisoners.

In an engagement at Gallatin in August with Morgan's cavalry, a detachment of the 7th, under Col. Wynkoop, forming part of Gen. Richard Johnson's provisional brigade, suffered a loss of 11 killed and wounded and 43 taken prisoners. The 1st battalion was active with some loss at the battle of Perryville, Ky., but the other two battalions, attached to Negley's brigade, remained in garrison at Nashville.

When Gen. Rosecrans assumed command of the Army of the Cumberland in Nov., 1862, it was completely reorganized, the 7th Pa. being assigned to the 1st brigade (Col. Minty), 2nd division, of the cavalry commanded by Gen. D. S. Stanley. The regiment was constantly skirmishing in the advance of the army on Murfreesboro and was active in the battle there, losing 2 killed, 9 wounded and 50 missing. It was again engaged at Rover, in Jan., 1863, executing a gallant charge and driving the enemy. It was once more active at Rover and Unionville in March, with a loss of 2 killed and 7 wounded.

The 1st brigade now joined Sheridan's division, which marched to Franklin; skirmished with Van Dorn and Forrest at Spring Hill and Rutherford creek, and returned to Murfreesboro. From that time until the following June, the command was variously engaged, being active at Snow hill, McMinnville, and Murfreesboro. On June 24, it moved on Gen. Rosecrans' campaign to Tullahoma, being active at Guy's gap, Shelbyville, Elk river and Sparta.

In September it took part in the Chickamauga campaign and after the battle pursued Wheeler's cavalry for 18 days into Alabama. In the early part of the year 1864, most of the members reenlisted at Huntsville, Ala., and were given the usual veteran furlough. On their return the command was recruited to about 1,800 men and engaged in drill and preparation at Columbia for the spring campaign.

On April 30, under command of Col Sipes, it joined Gen. Sherman for the Atlanta campaign, being attached to Garrard's division, and saw much active service from this time on. It was in actions at Rome, Dallas and Villa Rica road, Big Shanty, McAfee cross-roads, Noonday creek and Kennesaw mountain, raided the Augusta & Atlanta railroad in July, shared in the raid on Covington, was engaged at Flatrock bridge, and on Aug. 1, entered the trenches in front of Atlanta.

It joined in Gen. Kilpatrick's raid in August; skirmished at Fairburn, Jonesboro and Lovejoy's Station, losing 43 men during the expedition. In October it was active at Rome, and the following day made a gallant charge on infantry and captured 2 pieces of artillery. It had suffered much in men, horses and equipment during the strenuous campaign and was now ordered to Louisville to refit. Here many of the officers whose original term of service had expired were mustered out.

After the battle of Nashville and the defeat of Hood, the command was stationed at Gravelly Springs, Ala., on the Tennessee river, drilling and making preparation for the spring campaign. In the latter part of March, 1865, it joined Gen. Wilson in his raid through Alabama and Georgia, skirmished at Plantersville on April 1, led the assault upon the enemy's works the following day at Selma, losing heavily in killed and wounded, and was again active at Columbus. The war was now practically ended. The regiment remained at Macon until Aug. 23, 1865, when it was mustered out.

Battles Fought

Fought at Shelbyville.
Fought at Sparta, TN.
Fought on 31 January 1862 at Rover, TN.
Fought on 05 May 1862 at Lebanon, TN.
Fought on 06 July 1862 at Murfreesboro, TN.
Fought on 13 July 1862 at Murfreesboro, TN.
Fought on 27 July 1862.
Fought on 04 August 1862.
Fought on 09 August 1862.
Fought on 15 August 1862 at Columbus, OH.
Fought on 21 August 1862 at Gallatin, TN.
Fought on 25 August 1862 at Gallatin, TN.
Fought on 01 September 1862.
Fought on 09 September 1862 at Fayetteville, TN.
Fought on 15 September 1862.
Fought on 19 September 1862.
Fought on 19 September 1862 at Brentville, TN.
Fought on 19 September 1862 at Brentwood, TN.
Fought on 20 September 1862 at Bear Wallow, KY.
Fought on 08 October 1862 at Lavergne, TN.
Fought on 08 October 1862 at Perryville, KY.
Fought on 26 November 1862.
Fought on 11 December 1862 at Nolensville, TN.
Fought on 31 December 1862 at Stones River, TN.
Fought on 01 January 1863 at Stones River, TN.
Fought on 05 January 1863 at Stones River, TN.
Fought on 15 January 1863.
Fought on 15 February 1863 at Eagleville, TN.
Fought on 27 June 1863 at Selma, AL.
Fought on 27 June 1863 at Shelbyville, TN.
Fought on 28 June 1863 at Shelbyville, TN.
Fought on 27 July 1863 at Shelbyville, TN.
Fought on 17 August 1863 at Sparta, TN.
Fought on 18 September 1863 at Chickamauga, GA.
Fought on 21 September 1863 at Chickamauga, GA.
Fought on 23 September 1863 at Chickamauga, GA.
Fought on 04 October 1863 at Cumberland, MD.
Fought on 17 October 1863.
Fought on 08 November 1863.
Fought on 02 May 1864 at Dallas, GA.
Fought on 27 May 1864 at Dallas, GA.
Fought on 07 June 1864 at Shelbyville, Bartow County, GA.
Fought on 09 June 1864 at Big Shanty, GA.
Fought on 11 June 1864 at McAfee's Cross Roads, GA.
Fought on 15 June 1864 at Lynnville, GA.
Fought on 20 June 1864 at Monday Creek, GA.
Fought on 26 June 1864.
Fought on 15 July 1864 at Marietta, GA.
Fought on 24 July 1864.
Fought on 28 July 1864 at Flat Rock, GA.
Fought on 12 August 1864 at Atlanta, GA.
Fought on 13 August 1864 at Atlanta, GA.
Fought on 20 August 1864 at Lovejoy Station, GA.
Fought on 20 August 1864 at Red Oak Church, GA.
Fought on 21 August 1864 at Lovejoy Station, GA.
Fought on 22 August 1864 at Lovejoy Station, GA.
Fought on 30 August 1864.
Fought on 01 September 1864.
Fought on 02 September 1864 at Vining Station, GA.
Fought on 01 October 1864.
Fought on 04 October 1864.
Fought on 12 October 1864.
Fought on 13 October 1864 at Rome, GA.
Fought on 14 October 1864 at Rome, GA.
Fought on 15 October 1864.
Fought on 18 October 1864.
Fought on 30 October 1864.
Fought on 27 November 1864 at Flat Rock, GA.
Fought on 03 December 1864.
Fought on 29 December 1864 at Bardstown, KY.
Fought on 01 April 1865.
Fought on 02 April 1865 at Selma, AL.
Fought on 07 April 1865.
Fought on 08 April 1865 at Selma, AL.
Fought on 12 April 1865.
Fought on 14 April 1865.
Fought on 15 April 1865.
Fought on 05 May 1865 at Macon, GA.
Fought on 18 May 1865 at Selma, AL.

• Military Service, 1863. During the Civil War he appears in the ranks of the Pennsylvania 27th Infantry (Emergency Troops of 1863). This unit is described in The Union Army, Vol. 1, as follows:

Early in the summer of 1863, rumors were constantly afloat concerning a threatened invasion of border states by the Confederates and in June two new departments were established by the war department - the Department of the Monongahela and the Department of the Susquehanna - in order that the state might be protected from any such movement of the enemy. Volunteers were called for by Gov. Curtin to serve "During the pleasure of the president or the continuance of the war."

Slow to believe that their homes were really endangered, the greatly reduced number of men available for military service hesitated to respond. On June 12, the governor published the notice that the troops requested would be mustered into the service of the United States for six months, or during the existing emergency, as they should themselves elect. In a short time eight regiments were mustered in for the "emergency" and became the 20th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st and 33d emergency regiments. Other companies and organizations volunteered their services and need for them was soon found.

The Confederates had occupied Chambersburg and Gettysburg and when it was discovered that the main body of their forces had actually crossed the Potomac, another proclamation was issued by Gov. Curtin on June 26, calling for 60,000 men at once to be mustered into the state service for a term of 90 days and to be discharged as soon as the danger was over. To this urgent message twenty eight regiments responded and were organized in the two departments previously mentioned, at Huntingdon, Reading, Philadelphia and Harrisburg.

A force under Gen. Knipe approached Chambersburg, but found it in the hands of the enemy and was obliged to retire gradually before the advance of Johnson's division of Ewell's corps. The Confederates reached Oyster point, but were withdrawn to Gettysburg on account of the advance of the Army of the Potomac and within a few days was fought the battle of Gettysburg.

A portion of the militia joined the Army of the Potomac in Maryland after the battle, but were soon afterward returned to Harrisburg. The emergency regiments were mustered out soon after the battle of Gettysburg, the regiments of militia a little later, various duties within the state requiring their services for a short time. Some were employed at Gettysburg, some at Philadelphia in preserving order, and at other points they rendered valuable service.

Twentieth Emergency Infantry.
Col., William B. Thomas. This regiment was organized at Philadelphia on June 17, 1863, mustered in to serve during the "Existing emergency" and mustered out Aug. 10, 1863.

Twenty-sixth Emergency Infantry.

Col., William W. Jennings. This regiment was organized at Harrisburg on June 22, 1863, mustered into the U. S. service for a term covering the "Existing emergency" and mustered out at Harrisburg, July 30, 1863.

Twenty-seventh Emergency Infantry.

Col., Jacob G. Frick. This regiment was organized at Harrisburg on June 22, 1863, mustered into the U. S. service for a term that should cover the "Existing emergency" and mustered out July 31 and Aug 1, 1863, at Harrisburg.

Twenty-eighth Emergency Infantry.

Col., James Chamberlin. This regiment was organized at Harrisburg on June 24, 1863, entered the U. S. service for a term that would cover the "Existing emergency," and was mustered out at Harrisburg, July 27 and 28,1863.

Twenty-ninth Emergency Infantry.

Col., Joseph W. Hawley. This regiment was organized at Harrisburg on June 23, 1863, mustered in to serve during the "Existing emergency" and was mustered out at Harrisburg on Aug. 1, 1863.

Thirtieth Emergency Infantry.

Col., William N. Monies. This regiment was organized at Harrisburg on June 25, 1863, to serve during the "Existing emergency", and was mustered out at Harrisburg on July 26 and 27, 1863.

Thirty-first Emergency Infantry.

Col., John Newkumet. This regiment was organized at Harrisburg on June 30, 1863, to serve during the "Existing emergency" and was mustered out at Harrisburg Aug. 8, 1863.

Thirty-third Emergency Infantry.

Col., William W. Taylor. This regiment was organized at Harrisburg on June 26, 1863, to serve during the "Existing emergency" and mustered out at Harrisburg, Aug. 4, 1863.

• Military Service: in the Battle of Atlanta as described in a letter from a member of the 7th Cavalry, 1864.

When General Sherman's Army arrived in front of Atlanta, and laid siege to the place, a plan was formed to attack the enemy's communications, to cut off his supplies. For the daring and hazardous work the best cavalry in the army was selected, the Seventh being among them. The object was accomplished after severe fighting and loss. The annexed graphic description of the operations were furnished to us by an esteemed friend who participated in the movement as a soldier of the Seventh:

Camp 7th PA. Vet. Cavalry
In Front of Atlanta, GA, August 23rd, 1864

Since the date of my last communication, up to the 17th of this month, nothing worthy of note happened to the old 7th. We were out on two or three raids, destroyed several miles of railroad for the "Johnnies" at and near Covington on the line of road between Atlanta and Augusta, captured about two hundred horses and mules, and about half that number of "Free Americans of African Descent," served two weeks in the breastworks dismounted, and were beginning to think we were destined to remain there until Atlanta had fallen, when we were ordered back to our horses on the 15th inst.

Rumor said we were to make another raid, and we were looking anxiously for some definite information, when about sundown of the 17th we were ordered to be ready to move at nine o'clock that evening with five days' rations from the morning of the 19th. About midnight we moved out and at seven o'clock on the morning of the 18th were at Sandtown, a small village on the Chattahootchie River some sixteen miles below the Rail Road bridge. Up to this time we were in the dark as to what we were to do, or where we were going to do it.

We now found we were to form part of the force which, under the command of Brig. Gen. Kilpatrick, were to make an attack on the enemy's communications, and endeavor to cut the Macon Rail Road. I cannot better convey to you the object of the expedition than by giving you the circular issued by the commanding officer. It is as follows:

Head-Quarters Cavalry Expedition, D.C.
Sandtown, GA, August 18, 1864
Soldiers! You have been selected from the Cavalry Divisions of the Army of the Cumberland. You have been well organized, equipped and rendered formidable at a great expense to accomplish an object vital to the success of our cause. I am about to lead you, not on a raid, but in a deliberate and well combined attack upon the enemy's communications, in order that he may be unable to supply his army in Atlanta. Two expeditions have already failed. We are the last cavalry troops of the army. Let each soldier remember this and resolve to accomplish the great object for which so much is risked or die trying.
(Signed) J. Kilpatrick Brig. Gen. Commanding

At Sandtown on the 18th the column moved. It consisted of the 3rd Division, composed of Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois Cavalry, one Brigade of the 1st Division, and two Brigades of ours, the 2nd Division, composed of Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania cavalry.

The advance struck the enemy's pickets five miles from Sandtown. They offered but feeble resistance however, and we met with no serious opposition until daylight the 19th, when we struck the Montgomery Rail Road at Red Oaks. Here the Rebs were strongly posted parallel to the road, and had their artillery so posted that they could as they supposed hold us in check, but orders were given to keep well closed up and keep pressing forward.

They threw their shells with a rapidity and accuracy that told upon our ranks, but at length seeing that we were getting to their rear, they concluded it was time for them to be leaving, so they left on a double quick towards Jonesboro. We following closely in their rear, drove them all day, and at dusk struck the Macon Rail Road at Jonesboro. At this point we destroyed over three miles of track, burned the depot and several their buildings, used by the Confederate Government as store houses, and an iron water tank. The latter for a time defied our efforts to render it useless, but at last we brought a piece of artillery to bear upon it, and I rather think it will take more than Southern ingenuity to stop all the holes we knocked through it.

As soon as the work of destruction was accomplished, the expedition was on the move and taking the Covington road daylight of the 20th, found us ten or twelve miles from Jonesboro. Here we halted at a church for an hour. The enemy who were following us were held in check by our rear guard. We then took a road to the left and struck the main road from McDonough to Fayetteville, and pushed rapidly forward till about noon, when we struck the enemy in force at our front.

At this point the 4th Michigan Cavalry struck off to the right to Lovejoy Station to destroy the Rail Road at that point. They succeeded in their object, without meeting with any opposition. Our regiment was thrown into the woods at the right of the road, and then dismounted and commenced feeling the enemy. They soon found them, and being too strong for our number, the 4th U. S. was sent to our assistance and shortly afterwards the 2nd Brigade of our Division.

We then charged the rebs and drove them some distance, when they rallied and in turn drove us. Meanwhile the force in our rear was pushing us hard; they threw shells from front and rear into our columns. After fighting on foot for some time in which neither party appeared to gain much, we were ordered to mount, which we did. We were formed into columns of regiments, and ordered to charge.

Our Regiment was on the right, the 4th Michigan in the centre, and the 4th U. S. was on the left of the road. Another Brigade was formed in like manner. When every thing was ready the word was given; and in they went. Words can scarcely portray the terrible sublimity of that charge. The air was filled with burning shells and musket balls. The ground fairly trembled under the tread of a thousand horses. As they get nearer the foe the grape and canister come tearing through the ranks, yet nothing can stop our rushing columns. Nearer they come to the yet unbroken line. Now they close upon them with a yell which drowns the roar of artillery and the crack of the musket. Now the rebel line is broken and is fleeing in wild disorder. Many are cut down with the sabre and many more trodden under foot by the horses.

The field is won, the victory is ours, and wild and exultant is the cheer that makes the very welkin ring. Their battery is silenced. One of the pieces we brought with us, and the others were spiked and rendered perfectly useless.

We had some more hard fighting, but as usual were victorious. The same afternoon the whole command forded Cotton River, which was so swollen that the horses had to swim. The next day, the 21st, we crossed Yellow River and destroyed four bridges after we had crossed, and yesterday, the 22nd, the command came in by way of Decatur, having had a circle around Atlanta.

We accomplished our object, but when we look around for familiar faces, and look in vain for many who but a weeks ago were full of life and hope, we realize the cost of our expedition.

Capt. Heber Thompson is missing. The last seen of him he was rallying the men to take the artillery. His horse was shot and he was dismounted. Capt. Percy H. White is missing. We know that he was wounded, but trust it was not a fatal wound.

The casualties of men from Schuylkill County, are as follows:

COMPANY A Killed - David L. Davis Wounded - Alonso E. Kline Wounded and Missing - Sgt. David P. Reese, Francis Weigley, William Robinson, Peter Mulcachey.

COMPANY F Wounded and Missing - Corp. George M. Boyer

COMPANY I Wounded - Orvin P. Keehoe. Wounded and Missing - Levi Seibert.

COMPANY L Wounded - Corp. Charles M. Kantner.

Roster Source: Memorial of the Patriotism of Schuylkill County in the American Slaveholders Rebellion, Compiled by Francis B. Wallace, 1865.

• Military Service: during the Civil War and enlisted in Company F 7th Cavalry Regiment Pennsylvania, 12 Feb 1864. ^{7 9} He mustered out of Company F, 7th Cavalry Regiment Pennsylvania on August 23, 1865. He served in this company with his brother, John Jacob.

• Military Service: in the Civil War. His record in the Pennsylvania State Archives shows he enlisted, 12 Feb 1864, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA. ¹⁰ The notes on his record:
Enrolled: 2-12-64 at Pottsville, PA.
Mustered in as Pvt. 2-12-64.
Mustered out 8-23-65.
Age at enrollment: 20
Complexion: Dark, Height: 5'3", Eyes: Grey, Hair: Brown
Occupation: Laborer
Residence: Pottsville, PA.
Born: Schuylkill Co., PA.

• Bible: Family Bible of B. F. Beacher, 1865-1889, , Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA. ² Incriptions:

That the rite of Holy Matrimony was celebrated between
Benjamin F. Beacher, Sr. of Newcastle Twp., Schuylkill Co.
and Sarah Jane Jacobs of the same
on the 13th day of May 1865 at Fountain Springs, Pa. by the Reverend Mr. Dengler.
bro Jacob Beacher, witness
girlfriend Angeline Ocom, witness

Emma Beacher - Alfred E. Horrox - 1890
Laura Beacher - Tom Heywood - 1892
Angeline Beacher - William Woomer
Benjamin Beacher - Bertha Snyder - 5-10-1905
Arthur Beacher - Lottie Wagner
Mamie Beacher - William Derrish [sic Derrick?]

Births:

1. Hiram Grant Beacher
Born in the year of our Lord 1868 on the 18th day of February in New Castle Township, Schuylkill Co.

2. Emma M. Beacher
Born in the year of our Lord 1869 on the 21 day of Nov in Lost Creek, Schuylkill Co.

3. Laura E. Beacher
Born in the year of our Lord 1871 on the 18 day of January in Shenandoah City Schuylkill Co. Received the

4. Sarah J. Beacher
Born in the year of our Lord 1873 on the 10th of February in Shenandoah City Schuylkill Co.

5. Angeline Beacher
Born in the year of our Lord in Shenandoah on the 15 day of October 1878 Schuylkill Co.

6. Born in the year of our Lord Benjamin F. Beacher on 7 day of February in Shenandoah Schuylkill Co. in the year 1878.

7. Born in the year of our loard 1879 on the 17th of December in Shenandoah, PA, Schuylkill Co.- Mamie Beacher. Married Wm Derrick.

8. Born in the year of our Lord 1881 on the 15th day of June in Shenandoah, Schuylkill Co. - Lottie Beacher

9. Arthur Beacher born in the year of oru Lord 1883 on 20 of July in Shenandoah, PA Schuylkill Co.

10. Born in the year of our Lord 1885 on the 28th day of November in Shenandoah, Schuylkill Co. - John Jacob Beacher

This bible belonged to B.F. Beacher self or wife, mother and father of the above.

• Census, 1870, Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA. ¹¹ Angelina Becker [sic], 55, is listed as the head of the household. Living with her: William, 31; Heiram [sic], 28; Benjamin, 26; George, 24; Nathan, 20; and Mary, 18. The men are all employed as miners. Everyone was born in Pennsylvania. The post office is Shenandosh.
[Note: the family shows up twice in the 1870 census in both Shenandoah and Broad Mountain in New Castle Township. Some members are in both locations, so the family either had two homes operating, or, moved in 1870 and happened to be counted in each location.]

• Census, 1880, Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA. ¹² Benjamin Beacher (age 35, occupation miner) and living in his household are his wife, Sarah Jane (33); daughters Emma (10), Laura (8), Sallie (6) and Angeline (5), son Benjamin (3),and daughter Mary (1). Everyone and their parents were born in Pennsylvania.

• Book: History of Schuylkill County, 1881. ⁸ EIGHTIETH REGIMENT Of this regiment companies A and F were recruited in Schuylkill county, and other companies contained some men from this county. It was recruited and organized in the autumn of 1861, and in December of that year it went to the department of the Cumberland, then under the command of General Buell. At Nashville the three commands were separated, and all engaged in scouting through eastern and middle Tennessee, in the discharge 136 of which duty they were engaged in many sharp skirmishes and some severe fights. In the autumn of 1862 the cavalry of the department was reorganized on the accession of General Rosecrans to the command, and the 7th was made a part of the first brigade of cavalry, under Colonel Mintz. Picket, outpost and foraging duty continued until the advance on Murfreesboro, in December of that year. In January, 1863, the regiment, with its brigade, was engaged in two sharp skirmishes at Rover and one at Unionville. These were vigorously followed by active scouting and skirmishing. In the action at Shelbyville the 7th made a brilliant charge in the face of a rebel battery, which it captured. In July and August the regiment went on an expedition in pursuit of Wheeler's cavalry, and was on the march during eighteen consecutive days and nights, with scarcely any rest. A large portion of the regiment re-enlisted in 1864 and received a veteran furlough. After its return, with ranks recruited, it was actively engaged in the memorable campaign of the following summer, and the march across the gulf States that succeeded that campaign, and during these it was engaged in efficient service. April 28th, 1865, it arrived at Macon, Ga., where it remained until the following August, when it was mustered out of the service.

**COMPANY F Officers.-Captain, Cyrus Newlin. first lieutenant, Ber.Reilly; second, Joseph H. Denning. Sergeants-V.R. Boyer, William Zehner, William Smith, William Jenkins, John Williams, James A. Wilson, Daniel Siegfried, John M. Rich. Coprorals-William H. Beaver, George M. Boyer, Condy McGuire, Richard Fotheringill. Buglers-Joseph Partridge, John Coughin. Blacksmith, Adam Mager. Saddler, Abraham Vandyke. Privates.-William Anstock, Adam Aummersboch, Joseph Adams, Abraham Berger, Charles Bowers, Jacob Beler, G.W. Bordman, Patrick Boyle, Benjamin Beacher, John J. Beacher, William Bond, C.L. Bartholomew, William Brennan, Dennis Bowers, William Blacker, Charles Blacker, John Betz, David Boyer, Henry Breslin, William Breslin, Jacob Broom, Samuel Bryson, John Bummersboch, John Ball, Charles Burke, Bart. Ball, Charles Beaumont, Peter Boers, Joseph W. Beauhart, John Bertz, Thomas Baldwin, James Collins, John Cunningham, Hart Cggins, John Cunningham, Ezra Cockell, Patrick Cassey, Peter Creiger, A.J. Chambus, Edward Connors, John Deaner, Adam Detyoune, James Dougher, John Dunlevy, Robert Devine, John Davis, John Dando, William English, Samuel Evans, David Evans, Thomas B. Evans, George English, William H. Eise, John A.J. Fartick, Joseph R. Fisher, William J. Fox, Joseph Fotheringill, Jacob Fronty, David S. Fox, Michael Flenery, Albert Fronley, James Fogerty, David Gower, Thomas Gradwell, Charles S. Hower, William Harris, Peter Haine, David Henry, James Hagerty, Martin Haley, Edward Hines, Joseph Haldeman, William F. Hisser, B.M. Hoffee, Francis Hahn, Jacob Hubzer, Francis W. Hagerty, Joseph T. Hart, George Houser, Thomas W. Jones, Elias Jones, Robert Jones, David Jones, David R. Jones, Bernard Kelley, Theodore Koch, George Koch, Aquilla Kniffe, Patrick R. Kearns, Joseph Knapp, Llewellyn Llewellyn, David Levan, Cornelius Link, Charles Linn, Daniel Lynch (deserted), John C. Long, George Leib, Alexander Lafferty, James Lyons, Isaac Miller, John Miller jr., John McGuire, John W. Moyer, Samuel Mitchell, John A. Moore, George F. Millet, Joseph May, Peter McGan, Patrick McLaughlin, Michael Murray, Robert Marchal, Adam L. Metz, George Metz, Thomas H. May, Philip Manley, Daniel McManamee, Michael McShay, Christian Newser, George Nutz, John O'Donnell, John O'Neill, James Price, Salathiel F. Paine, Gideon Rahn, George Reese, William Richard, Peter Raber, Albert Robert, Thomas Ray, George Shutt, Solomon Shreffler, Frederick Smith, Thomas Shaw, Henry Sykes, William Sultzer, James Sheer, James Shine, William Stack, Henry Simmers, Samuel Thomas, John D. Thomas, Adgate Vanhorn, Samuel Winn, Richard Williams, Amandus Wumer, Samuel Waters, Davis Williams, William Watkins, Michael Wilson, Francis Whitehead, Oliver William, John D. Williams.

• Census, 1890, Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA. ¹³ The original records from the 1890 Census were destroyed in a fire in Washington D.C. but an index to the census was published for Schuylkill County. It shows Benjamin's record appearing in the Third Ward as follows:

Beacher, Benjamin, 45, miner. Sallie, Linda, Benjamin 12, Mary, Archie 7.

Since his wife Sarah Jane died in 1886, Benjamin is living alone with his children. Archie, 7, is assumed to be the nickname of his son Arthur (born 1883).

• Residence: 3 Apple Alley, 1890, Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA.

• Census, 1900, Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA. ¹⁴ He was listed as Benjamine Beacher (misspelled) (age 55, born May 1845, widowed) as the head of a household that included his son Benjamine (22, born Feb 1878), daughter Mary (20, born Dec 1879), and son Arthur G. (16, born May 1883). He is employed as a coal miner.

• Residence: a home he rented at 118 West Apple Avenue, 5 Jun 1900, Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA. ¹⁴

• Book: History of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, 1907. ³ Benjamin F. Beacher, Sr., still resides in Shenandoah, where his wife died at the age of forty-five years. Of their children two sons and five daughters are living - Arthur G., a prominent painter and decorator in Shenandoah; Emma, wife of Alford Harrox [Horrox], of that city; Laura, wife of Thomas Heywood, of Girardville, Pa.; Sarah, who resides at Mount Carmel; Angeline, widow of Isiah Womer, residing at North Braddock, Pa.; Benjamin F., Jr., the immediate subject of this sketch; and Mary, wife of William Derrick, of North Braddock. The father was a loyal and valiant solider of the Union during the Civil war, as a member of Company F, 7^th Pennsylvania cavalry, which command made a gallant record. He is now living retired, making his home with the subject of this sketch.

• Census, 1910, Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA. ¹⁵ He is listed as Benjamin Beacher Sr (age 65) living in the household of his son, Benjamin (33).

• Residence: 35 N. Main St, 22 Nov 1922, Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA. ⁴

Benjamin married Sarah Jane Jacobs, daughter of William J. Jacobs and Mary Hood, on 13 May 1866 in Fountain Springs, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA.^{1 2} (Sarah Jane Jacobs was born in 1846 in , Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA ^{1 12 16} and died on 18 May 1886 in Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA ^{1 2}.)

  Marriage Notes:

They were married by Rev. Dengler.