{"id":178069,"date":"2021-01-22T16:14:36","date_gmt":"2021-01-22T14:14:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/newton_d_baker_d\/"},"modified":"2021-01-22T16:14:36","modified_gmt":"2021-01-22T14:14:36","slug":"newton_d_baker_d","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/newton_d_baker_d\/","title":{"rendered":"Newton_D_Baker_D"},"content":{"rendered":"

Newton_D_Baker_D<\/strong>
\n\"South
\nImage by Jim Surkamp<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n

Civil War Scholars: The Powerful Experience of the War-Torn, Northern Shenandoah Valley<\/p>\n

Newton D. Baker\u2019s \u201cMost\u201d Divided Clan (Pt. 1 of 4) by Jim Surkamp
\nBy Jim Surkamp on February 2, 2016 in Jefferson County<\/p>\n

NEWTON D. BAKER\u2019S \u201cMOST\u201d DIVIDED CLAN (Pt. 1 of 4) by Jim Surkamp<\/p>\n

Cousins of Co_F_FINAL<\/p>\n

SUMMARY:
\nEach generation rebels against the former. The Bakers of Maryland, Shepherdstown and finally Martinsburg \u2013 muddled thru traditional inter-generational discords like a schooner pitching through high seas. Elias Baker one-upped a father who deserted his children by being a good father. His son, antsy nineteen-year-old Newton D. Baker rebelled against his doting father, a soon-to-be appointed federal postmaster in Shepherdstown, by riding off and enlisting in Company F of the First Virginia Cavalry \u2013 Confederate \u2013 following the recent example of a figurative avalanche of nine of his blood cousins into that same company. Still more cousins would enlist.<\/p>\n

Life in a wartime saddle matured him for four years: battles, imprisonment, routine heroics, his wounding, having a fine bay mare shot from under him, (and later, a suspiciously extravagant compensation package for this lost horse offered by a cousin with clout), and, finally, coming home. Bearing witness to so many in need of medical care begat Newton\u2019s post-war calling as a doctor. He finished training, was mentored by Shepherdstown neighbor and physician, John Quigley, who transferred his practice to the young up-and-comer.<\/p>\n

But burgeoning ambition called away the next son of a Baker \u2013 Newton D. Baker Jr. Reading voraciously and eschewing the stethoscope and his father\u2019s beckoning practice, off Junior went to Cleveland \u2013 joking that he was being a carpetbagger invading the Northern states \u2013 ascending a skyward ladder to heights of acclaim unprecedented for the Bakers. He was the progressive mayor of Cleveland; then, after more promotions, President Woodrow Wilson approached his fellow Virginian and appointed Newton D. Baker, Jr. to be our Secretary of War, managing the best he could the American role in the calamitous First World War. Today we have the Newton D. Baker Veterans\u2019 Hospital in Martinsburg to his fond memory.<\/p>\n

THE BAKERS\u2019 REGENERATION:<\/p>\n

The Bakers once of Shepherdstown were busy each generation rebelling in full measure from the former. Each time, the new generation would reckon a new guiding star deemed a wiser calling than their parents.<\/p>\n

The Baker generations progressed from a single outcast, who led one Baker generation, then to another family member, three cycles later, who was even considered in 1932 a potential candidate for the Presidency.<\/p>\n

GENERATION 1: THE UNFORGIVEN ELIAS BAKER, SR. (1785-1863) IN BAKERESVILLE, WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD.:<\/p>\n

Elias_Baker_Sr_Unforgiven<\/p>\n

Called by one family biographer, C. H. Cramer, \u201ca soft spot in the family tree,\u201d he wrote: \u201c(They) could take no pride in this Elias Baker, an Englishman, who settled about 1760 in Maryland near the later site of the battle of Antietam. There Elias married, started a family (ten boys and five girls), and then deserted it.\u201d \u2013 Cramer, p. 15.<\/p>\n

GENERATION 2: ELIAS BAKER, JR. (1811-1867) \u2013 FAMILY MAN, SADDLER AND POSTMASTER:<\/p>\n

Van_Clevesville_Saddles_Baker<\/p>\n

Starting anew, Elias Baker, Jr. left Bakersville, Maryland, the family\u2019s ancestral lands, and crossed the Potomac to Berkeley County, Va. He found his lifemate, Mary Ann Billmyer (1816-1896) living at the Millbrook farm, one of thirteen children to her prosperous parents, Martin and Susan Billmyer. She and her siblings were struggling with their farms after the death in the mid-1830s of both their parents.<\/p>\n

She and Elias married November, 1840 and first lived in Appomatox County, Elias making and fixing saddles. The next decade brought the deaths of three of Mary Ann\u2019s older brothers and a sister, while their own young family grew by two sons and a daughter. The first-born in 1841 had brown hair and blue eyes and he was named Newton Diehl Baker, who this story is about.<\/p>\n

The Bakers moved in March, 1850 to Van Clevesville and closer to her large family. Susan Baker\u2019s parents and older brothers had grown wheat and had a booming business at their own mill across the road from their home. This much-in-demand ground wheat would be carried across the toll bridge that Mary Ann\u2019s brother, David, largely owned at Shepherdstown and was shipped by canal boats to Georgetown and overseas buyers.<\/p>\n

The_Shepherdstown-Bakers_1850s<\/p>\n

In March, 1857, they came to Shepherdstown and Mary Ann Baker used family inheritance to buy out brother David\u2019s boat store at the northeast corner of Church and German Street.<\/p>\n

In March, 1858, she also bought \u2013 seven, quick-succession doors to the west on German Street \u2013 what would become the Baker residence well into the 20th century \u2013 room enough for their family of eight children: Newton, Ann Katherine, Cora Louise, Martin Billmyer, Solomon Elmer, William Elias Fink, Alban Howard, and Henry Seaton. \u2013 A. D. Kenamond, \u201cProminent Men of Shepherdstown 1762-1962.\u201d p. 21.<\/p>\n

WAR CLOUDS AND GENERATION GAPS:<\/p>\n

The John Brown raid and trial in October, 1859 and the subsequent hangings of seven of the raiders up to March, 1860 set the stage for the presidential election that coming fall. According to Andrew Hunter, the prosecutor in the John Brown trial, the fright that came to locals with the John Brown raid was that it was, to them really, the overture to what they plainly called The War Against Slavery. \u2013 Andrew Hunter. Sept 5, 1887 New Orleans Times Democrat.<\/p>\n

Lincoln\u2019s election in November, 1860 and the Deep South states\u2019 seceding despite Lincoln\u2019s warnings \u2013 brought the nation and Jefferson Countians to the edge of the precipice.<\/p>\n

In Shepherdstown, the older generation, born around 1800 \u2013 such as Dr. John and Mary Quigley, Elias and Susan Baker, and even Robert E. Lee\u2019s first cousin, Edmund Jennings Lee \u2013 strongly voiced their opposition to any such plan for Virginia to secede from the Union.<\/p>\n

Netta_Edmund_D<\/p>\n

The daughter of Edmund J. Lee, teen-aged Henrietta Edmonia or \u201cNetta,\u201d wrote later of a run-in in early 1861 between her father and brother Edmund:
\nI remember very vividly a gathering when Uncle Charles Lee was present. He was my father\u2019s younger brother and a lawyer by profession. He came from Washington to consult Father regarding his resignation of the position he was holding in one of the departments of the United States government.<\/p>\n

Two_Lees_D<\/p>\n

My brother, Edmund, Jr. and a boy of about fifteen years, who was standing by during the conversation, said: \u201cWhy Uncle Charles, could you not get the same position in the Confederate States government?\u201d Father turned quickly, saying: \u201cYou young rascal,\u201d strongly emphasizing the broad \u201ca\u201d as was his habit, \u201clet me hear you talk about any Confederate States and I will skin you!\u201d \u2013 Diary of Nettie Lee, pp. 4-5.<\/p>\n

mar_1861_moon<\/p>\n

When war became unavoidable, David Hunter Strother of Martinsburg, who was a Unionist from another divided family and later an officer in the Federal army, was observing the moods of Jefferson County\u2019s people. The younger were excited but: \u201cI thought I could discern in the eyes of some of the older and wiser (African-Americans) a gleam of anxious speculation \u2013 a silent and tremulous questioning of the future. . . There were also some among the white citizens who stood aloof in silence and sadness, protesting against the proceeding by an occasional bitter sigh or significant sneer, but nothing more.<\/p>\n

But the thirst for adventure was almost unquenchable among the young, having been prepared for adventure their entire lives.<\/p>\n

Wrote one of these young local cavalrymen in later years:
\nYoung men of the present day, who flourish in fine buggies, smoke cigars and cigarettes, part their hair in the middle, and occasionally greet \u201cinspiring bold John Barley Corn,\u201d can ill appreciate the pastimes and pleasures of the youth of a generation ago, when the horse, the gun, and the dog were the ne plus ultra of masculine aspirations. Those good old days of innocent sports and recreations, are still valued as the brightest and happiest in life. Alas! of our little group, that often chased the squirrel from tree-to-tree and made the forests ring with volleys of musketry, or startled the partridge from its repose in the fields, but two are left to tell the tale. That acquaintance with the horse, which began in early childhood, soon ripened into affection, and the horse and rider were one in life and action. \u2013 Baylor, p. 15.
\nNOTE \u201cinspiring, bold John Barley Corn\u201d is taken from Robert Burns\u2019 poem \u201cTam O-Shanter.\u201d POEM\u2019S FULL TEXT UNDER \u201cREFERENCES.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wrote another local man who joined the Federal cause:<\/p>\n

David_Hunter_Strother_D<\/p>\n

Horses and firearms are their playthings from childhood. Impatient of the restraints of school houses and work shops they seek life and pleasure in the soil, and thus early learn the topography of nature, the ways of the fields and forests, swamps, and mountains. Their social and political life, but little restrained by law or its usage, develops a vigorous individuality. For the most part, ignorant of the luxuries and refinements of cities, they prefer bacon and Scotch whisky to venison and champagne. Tall, athletic, rough, and full of fire and vitality, the half-horse, half-alligator type still predominates . . .
\nStrother, p. 6.<\/p>\n

Young men, who from the moment their feet could reach the stirrups were attuned for adventure and to the dismay of their sober parents, quickly responded to the call to arms when President Lincoln put out a call for 75,000 volunteers to bring all the seceding states back. By mid-April, 1861, young men in Virginia had to choose to be one of those volunteers or rebel. While about 128 African Americans from the County would join the United States Colored Troops, some Unionist County boys who were white left the area to escape the threats of imprisonment and more from the area firebrand, Turner Ashby. But most of the young men rebelled.<\/p>\n

Wrote one who witnessed events in Charlestown, Va.:
\nAlas! poor boy, what sense of duty or prudent counsels could hold him in the whirl of this moral maelstrom? What did he care for the vague terror of an indictment for treason, or the misty doctrine of Federal supremacy? What did he know of nationality beyond the circle of friends and kindred? What was his sneaking, apologetic, unsympathetic life worth after all?<\/p>\n

But according to my judgment the greater number of these young volunteers were moved neither by social pressure nor political prejudice. The all-pervading love of adventure and fighting instincts were the most successful recruiting officers of the occasion. For they had heard of battles, and had longed to follow to the field some warlike lord \u2013 so at the first roll of the drum they rushed cheerily from school house and office, counter and work shop, field and fireside, earnest, eager, reckless fellows, marching with a free and vigorous step, sitting their horses like wild Pawnees, most admirable material for a rebellion, just as good soldiers for the Government if perchance the rub-a-dub of the Union drums had first aroused their martial ardor. \u2013 Strother, Excerpted from \u201cPersonal Recollections of the War,\u201d from \u201cHarper\u2019s New Monthly Magazine,\u201d July, 1866, Vol. XXXIV, p. 141.<\/p>\n

WHAT THE YOUNG LADIES THOUGHT WAS DECISIVE:<\/p>\n

While there were still a few men found who stubbornly struggled against the sweeping current, the women of all ages and conditions threw themselves into it without hesitation or reserve. His schoolmates and companions who had already donned \u2018the gray\u2019 scarce concealed their scorn. His sisters, rallied, reproached, and pouted, blushing to acknowledge his ignominy. His Jeannette, lately so tender and loving, now refused his hand in the dance, and, passing him with nose in air, bestowed her smiles and her bouquet upon some gallant rival with belt and buttons. Day-after-day he saw the baskets loaded with choice viands, roasted fowls, pickles, cakes, and potted sweetmeats, but not for him. Wherever he went there was a braiding of caps and coats, a gathering of flowers and weaving of wreaths, but none for him \u2013 no scented and embroidered handkerchiefs waved from carriage-windows as he rode by. The genial flood of social sympathy upon which he had hitherto floated so blandly had left him stranded on the icy shore. Then come the cheering regiments with their drums and banners, the snorting squadrons of glossy prancing steeds the jingling of knightly spurs, the stirring blast of the trumpets. There they went \u2013 companionship, love, life, glory, all sweeping by to Harper\u2019s Ferry! \u2013 Strother, Excerpted from \u201cPersonal Recollections of the War,\u201d from \u201cHarper\u2019s New Monthly Magazine,\u201d July, 1866, Vol. XXXIV, p. 141.<\/p>\n

civilwar-introww-sewing<\/p>\n

Sewing societies were organized, and delicate hands which had never before engaged in ruder labor than the hemming of a ruffle now bled in the strife with gray jeans and tent cloth. Haversacks, knapsacks, caps, jackets, and tents were manufactured by hundreds and dozens.<\/p>\n

dhs_july_1866_havelock_p_141<\/p>\n

The gift most in vogue from a young lady to her favored knight was a headdress imitated from those worn by the British troops in India and called a Havelock, (that Gen. Jackson later forebade because it made his men easier targets.-ED). Laden with musket, sabre, pistol, and bowie-knife, no youth considered his armament complete unless he had one of these silly clouts stretched over his hat.<\/p>\n

Woe to the youth who did not need a Havelock; who, owing to natural indisposition or the prudent counsel of a father or a friend, hesitated to join the army of the South. The curse of Clan Alpin on those who should prove recreant to the sign of the fiery cross was mere dramatic noise compared with the curse that blighted his soul. \u2013 Ibid. p. 141.<\/p>\n

Moler_Men_recruits<\/p>\n

Many of these young men, including several men from the Moler clan were in the line that first, fateful day on April 18, 1861, when the local militia assembled to seize the federal armory, with the inked signatures still damp in Richmond on the voted document by Virginia to secede. The armory burned before they seized it, but hard drilling began just days later at Bolivar Heights, under the unknown, erstwhile professor at Virginia Military Institute, Col. Thomas Jonathan Jackson.<\/p>\n

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 1861 \u2013 SHEPHERDSTOWN, VA \u2013 PRESSURE MOUNTS ON NEWTON BAKER TO ENLIST IN THE CONFEDERATE CAVALRY:<\/p>\n

That day, nine of Newton\u2019s cousins rode away from their farm steads in Berkeley and Jefferson County to join Company F of the newly-formed Shepherdstown Troop of 1st Virginia Cavalry, commanded by 6\u20192\u201d slender, dark-haired, full-bearded 37-year-old William Augustine Morgan, who lived with his family at their home, Falling Springs, just south of Shepherdstown.<\/p>\n

Newton\u2019s cousins joining that day \u2013 called Company F \u2013 all were the sons of siblings of his mother: brothers Conrad Billmyer (1797\u20131847); John Joseph Billmyer (1802\u20131845), sisters Judith Billmyer Koontz (1795-1856); Susan Billmyer McQuilkin (1798-1873); and Esther Mary Billmyer Lemen (1800-1887). Other cousins followed, joining both North and South. (See \u201cReferences\u201d)<\/p>\n

Cousins of Co_F_FINAL<\/p>\n

So many from the family were in Company F, it at times seemed their own. The first cousins to enlist were (with service record summaries):
\n\u2013 Snyder, Vivian P. (1999). Twenty First Cousins in the Civil War. Magazine of the Jefferson County Historical Society. Vol. LXV. pp. 47-51; Driver, Robert J. (1991). \u201c1st Virginia Cavalry.\u201d Lynchburg, Va.: H. E. Howard, Inc. Print. \u2013 More. . .<\/p>\n

1. BILLMYER, JAMES M.: b. Va. 12\/4\/1836. 5\u201911\u2019, fair complexion, brown hair, hazel eyes. Merchant, Shepherdstown PO, Jefferson Co. 1860 census. enl. Shepherdstown 4\/18\/61 Co. F as 1st Sgt. 1st Virginia Cav. Horse killed Bull Run 7\/21\/61. Present through 1\/6\/62. To 2nd Lt. Present through 5\/1\/62. Not re-elected. Re-enl. Pvt. Fredericksburg 8\/1\/63. Present through 8\/64. Acting Adjutant of Regt. 2\/12\/65. Paroled Winchester 4\/27\/65. d. 2\/20\/1913. bur. Berkeley County. \u2013 Service Record; Snyder. 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

2. BILLMYER, JOHN T.: b. Va. 1\/11\/32. 5\u20198\u2032, fair complexion, dark hair, grey eyes. 1st Lt., Co. F. Deputy Sheriff, Vanclevesville PO, Berkeley Co. 1860 census. enl. Shepherdstown 4\/18\/61 as Sgt. 1st Virginia Cav. Present until detached with baggage trains 3\/4\/62. Present through 10\/20\/62. Elected 2nd Lt. To 1st Lt. Present until WIA Five Forks 4\/1\/65. Paroled Mt. Jackson 4\/18\/65. d. 3\/26\/74. bur. Elmwood Cem. Shepherdstown. \u2013 Service Record; Snyder, p. 48.<\/p>\n

3. BILLMYER, MILTON J.: b. Va. 10\/10\/34. Farmer, Jefferson Co. 6\u2032, fair complexion, light hair, blue eyes. Captain, Co. F. 1st Virginia Cav., Vanclevesville PO, Berkeley Co. 1860 census. enl. Shepherdstown 4\/18\/61 as Pvt. Present through 7\/1\/61, appointed 1st Lt. Present through 10\/12\/62. elected Captain. Present until WIA (left thigh) Haw\u2019s Shop 5\/28\/64. Absent wounded in Richmond hospital until furloughed for 30 days 7\/14\/64. Present Appomattox. Paroled Winchester 4\/27\/65. d. near Shepherdstown, W.Va. 8\/31\/07. bur. Elmwood Cem. \u2013 Service Record; Snyder, p. 48.<\/p>\n

4. LEMEN, JOHN JAMES ALEXANDER: b. Va. 11\/19\/39. 5\u20197\u2033. fair complexion, dark hair, grey eyes. Farmhand, Charles Town PO, Jefferson Co. 1860 census. enl. Shepherdstown Co. F. 4\/18\/61 as Pvt. 1st Virginia Cav. Present until captured 7\/61. Exch. Present 9\/62. Captured Smithfield 5\/31\/63. Sent to Ft. Monroe. Exch. 6\/5\/63. Present until absent sick in Richmond hospital 8\/24\/64. Released 6\/30\/64. d. 1\/10\/71. bur. Elmwood Cem. Shepherdstown, W.Va. \u2013 Service Record; Snyder, p. 48. 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

5. LEMEN, THOMAS THORNTON.: b. Va. 8\/15\/42. Student, Charles Town PO, Jefferson Co. 1860 census. enl. Co. F Shepherdstown 4\/18\/61 1st Virginia Cav. Pvt. Present until WIA Aldie 6\/17\/63. POW Middleburg d. 6\/20\/63. bur. Elmwood Cem., Shepherdstown. \u2013 Service Record; Snyder, p. 48. 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

6. LEMEN, WILLIAM THORNBURG: b. Va. 6\/15\/35. 5\u201910\u201d. fair complexion, brown hair, grey eyes. Farmer, Charles Town PO, Jefferson Co. 1860 census. enl. Co. F 1st Virginia Cav. Shepherdstown 4\/18\/61. Present through 8\/61, promoted 3rd Sgt. Present through 8\/62, promoted 2nd Sgt. Promoted 1st Sgt 10\/20\/62. Present 10\/63. Present through 8\/64. Paroled Winchester 4\/18\/65. d. near Hedgesville, W.Va. 4\/17\/99. bur. Elmwood Cem., Shepherdstown, W.Va. \u2013 Service Record; Snyder, p. 48. 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

7. LEMEN, WILLOUGHBY: b. Va. 11\/20\/44. 5\u201910\u201d. enlisted 4\/18\/61 Co. F, 1st Virginia Cav. under William A. Morgan. Present thru to 10\/20\/1862. Promoted to 1st Sgt. 1st Virginia Cav. Present thru 11\/1863. Service records show name change from \u201cWilliam T. Lemen\u201d to Willoughby N. Lemen 11-12-63. Captured 4\/65. 12\/28\/64 promoted to Junior 2nd Lieut. Paroled 4\/18\/65. d. 7\/19\/1913. buried Elmwood Cem. \u2013 Tombstone Inscriptions, p. 170; Kenamond, p. 74; Service Record (pp. 15-28, start @ p. 15); Snyder, p. 48. 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

8.MCQUILKIN, WILLIAM H.: b. Va. 1841. Laborer Charles Town enl. Co. F. Shepherdstown 4\/18\/61 as Pvt. 1st Virginia Cav. Fell ill with pneumonia and was granted sick furlough August 31st, 1861; sent to hospital December 26th, and died January 6th, 1862 at Manassas. \u2013 Service Record; Snyder, p. 48.; 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

9. KOONTZ, THORNTON: b. Va. 12\/16\/21. enl. 4\/18\/61 Co. F, 1st Va. Cav. Sgt. Present through 4\/62. Reassigned under Milton J. Billmyer. Pvt. substitute for Robert K. Wilson. POW paroled 4\/18\/65. d. 5\/12\/86. bur. Elmwood Cem. \u2013 Tombstone Inscriptions, p. 168. Service Record; Snyder, p. 47. 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

APRIL 19, 1861 \u2013 Martinsburg: Two more cousins of Newton\u2019s enlist in Company B of the 1st Virginia Cavalry:<\/p>\n

10.NOLL, WILLIAM T.: Va. b. 10\/2\/32. enlisted Co. B, 1st Virginia Cav. Martinsburg 4\/19\/61, promoted to 2nd lieutenant. Present until 5-6\/62 sick. Bay mare killed 8\/21\/64 Berryville, Va. Present 7\/62-4\/65. Paroled 4\/18\/65 Winchester. d. 2\/27\/03. \u2013 Service Record; Snyder, p. 47. 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

11. LEMEN, WILLIAM MARTIN: b. Va. 12\/6\/31. enlisted Co. B, 1st Virginia Cav. Martinsburg 4\/19\/61. On daily duty attending to the sick. Present until 2\/11\/62 on furlough. On detached service with regimental medical dept. Paroled 4\/26\/65 Winchester. d. 5\/2\/03. Service Record; Snyder, p. 48. 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

Apr_1861_moon<\/p>\n

OTHER COUSINS ENLIST LATER:<\/p>\n

BILLMYER, ROBERT LEMEN (1843-1910) \u2013 Another son of Newton\u2019s uncle, Conrad Billmyer (1797\u20131847), enlisted June 28, 1861 at Shepherdstown:<\/p>\n

12.BILLMYER, ROBERT LEMEN: b. Va. 9\/25\/43, Student, 5\u20196\u2033. fair complexion, brown hair, hazel eyes. Vanclevesville PO, Berkeley Co. 1860 census. enl. Shepherdstown 6\/28\/63. Pvt., Co. F. 1st Virginia Cav. Present through 12\/63. Absent on detached service 1\/25-2\/28\/64. Present through 8\/64. WIA (head) Winebrenner\u2019s Cross Roads near Shepherdstown 9\/64. Present Appomattox 4\/9\/65 and carried flag of truce to the enemy. Paroled Winchester 4\/18\/65. He lived in the county after the war. d. near Shepherdstown, W.Va. 3\/19\/10. bur. Elmwood Cem. Service Record; 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

Newton\u2019s other uncle, John Joseph Billmyer (1802\u20131845)\u2019s wife, Eliza Williamson Lemen Billmyer (1806-1886), had two brothers and a sister who provided four more (2 Joneses, 2 Williamsons) enlistees into the 1st Virginia Cavalry and a second brother of Eliza\u2019s provided three soldiers for the Union. \u2013 Snyder, pp. 48-51.<\/p>\n

Eliza Billmyer\u2019s sister \u2013 Mary O. Lemen (1811-1909) married Adrian Wynkoop Jones (1805-1877).- Snyder, p. 49. Their sons who enlisted were:<\/p>\n

13. JONES, JOHN REYNOLDS: b. 1844. enl. 8\/20\/64 Shepherdstown Co. F. 1st Va Cav. under M. J. Billmyer. POW. Paroled 4\/21\/65 Winchester. d. 1887. \u2013 Service Record; 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

14. JONES, THOMAS J. or F.: b. 1839 record only confirms being in Co. F. of 1st Va Cavalry. d. 1923. fold3.com 6 September 2011 Web. 1 December 2015. \u2013 Service Record; 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

Eliza Billmyer\u2019s brother, Jacob, married; they had two sons; Jacob died and his widow raised the two sons with an uncle of Eliza Billmyer\u2019s named Williamson, who adopted the boys. \u2013 Snyder, pp. 49-50. The young men enlisted as:<\/p>\n

15. WILLIAMSON, MATTHEW WHITE: b. 1845. enl. 8\/13\/1861 at New Market, Va. with Captain Morgan, Co. F 1st Va. Cavalry. Present sent on detached service 1\/20\/1864. Present 7-8\/64. Paroled 5\/9\/1865. Winchester. d. 1930. Service Record; 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

16. WILLIAMSON, THOMAS LEMEN: b. 1847. Only record is being a prisoner of war, being in Co. F of the 1st Va. Cavalry and having been paroled 4\/9\/1865 at New Market, Va. Description: height 5\u20199\u201d, hair: light, eyes: blue. d. 1875. Service Record; 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

Eliza Billmyer\u2019s second brother, Robert Lemen (1813-1898) and his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Light (1816-1883), had three sons who went with the Federal Army\u2019s First Maryland Cavalry: In Co. I, Peter (1840-1921); In Co. H, Jacob F. (1842-1922), and Thomas J. (1843-1908). \u2013 Snyder, pp. 50-51. The boys enlisted as:<\/p>\n

17. LEMEN, PETER L.: b. 1840. 5\u20199.5\u201d dark complexion, blue eyes, light hair. enl. 9\/3\/61 Camp Lamon, Williamsport, Md. for three years. Pvt. Capt. Russell\u2019s Co. 1st Va. Cav.(later Co. I. First Md Cav.). 12\/30\/61 on detached service Williamsport, Md. 5-6\/62 detailed at the Ferry at Williamsport on Potomac. 3\/9\/64 on detached service, clerk in the Provost Marshall\u2019s office Baltimore City, Md. by order of Brig. Gen. Lockwood S.O. No. 61, Par 9. 9\/3\/64 mustered out, term of service expired. d. 1921. Service Record; 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

18. LEMEN, JACOB F.: b. 1842 enl. 9\/6\/61, mustered in 12\/31\/61 Williamsport, Md. Pvt. Capt. Zeller\u2019s Co. 1st Reg\u2019t Va. Volunteers (later Co. H. First Md Cav.). Present 1\/61-4\/63. POW 5-8\/63. Present 9\/63-12\/64. Discharged 12\/3\/64 term of service expired. d. 1922. Service Record; 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

19. LEMEN, THOMAS J.: b. 1843. enl. 9\/3\/61 Camp Lamon Pvt. Capt. Russell\u2019s Co. 1st Va. Cav.(later Co. I. First Md Cav.) for three years. Present 3-4\/62-8\/63. Promoted to corporal. 3\/26\/64 Reduced to Pvt. Present 4\/64. 9\/3\/64 mustered out, term of service expired. d. 1908. \u2013 Service Record; 1860 Census.<\/p>\n

William Morgan\u2019s son, Augustine, with Mrs. Anna Morgan Getzendanner, recounted that fateful \u201cjoin-up\u201d day of April 18th, as his father left home:<\/p>\n

Wm_A_Morgan_D
\nFor some time, the ominous cloud of war hung over us, only to burst at length with all its stern reality. Though but six years of age, I can clearly recall the great anxiety and gloom that predominated. Owing to my extreme youth, I could not comprehend the fact that we were upon the verge of a great conflict. My parents solemnly conversed in low tones and all about the house seemed confusion for what my father informed me was the getting ready for his departure from home, and with his Company, of which he was Captain, to enter the Confederate Army. He said that there would be a great war and that his services were needed and that he must not shirk his duty. He also told me that I would be the only man left to protect my mother and little sisters. I inquired the meaning of war and Father made me understand \u2013 that war was fighting, killing, one army against another, cruel and barbarous but often a necessary evil and unavoidable. In good faith I was ready to accede to my father\u2019s demands and my bosom swelled proudly at the confidence he imposed in me.<\/p>\n

The eventful day arrived when my Father mounted upon George, a beautiful grey horse, at the head of his company, left for the war. We stood at the gate, my mother, little sisters and I, also Mammy Liza and Uncle Ned, servants of our home. We waved farewell and Mother wept though she little realized that war would endure for months and years. The parting from Father was painful and the responsibilities of protection of the house and family seemed in my childish idea, a heavy one. Father was a splendid equestrian and sat his horse with ease. Tall and slender, blue of eye, his hair dark as the raven\u2019s wing, my father seemed to me a perfect type of what a soldier should be. \u2013 Getzendanner, Anna Morgan and Morgan Augustine C. \u201cA Boy\u2019s Recollections of the Civil War \u2013 1861-1865.\u201d Shepherdstown, WV: Self-published. pp. 1-2.<\/p>\n

Morgan\u2019s younger brother, Daniel (1835-1865) who was living on Shepherdstown\u2019s German Street with their widowed mother, enlisted in Co. F the same day as William. Their brother, \u201cJack\u201d Smith Morgan (1838-?) enlisted in Company F on May 11, 1861. Both in 1862 would seek places in other companies in the 1st Virginia as their brother became the commander of Company F. \u2013 Driver, p. 210.<\/p>\n

May_1861_moon<\/p>\n

SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 1861 \u2013 CHARLES TOWN: NEWTON BAKER BREAKS WITH HIS PARENTS AND JOINS MORGAN\u2019S AND HIS COUSINS\u2019 CONFEDERATE COMPANY:<\/p>\n

Newton_D_Baker_D<\/p>\n

Spending his days clerking in his father\u2019s store that would in a year become the official Federal post office at that northeast corner of Church and German Streets in Shepherdstown, and daily with his mother and his prosperous, pro-Union uncle, David Billmyer \u2013 the stark choice weighed heavily upon nineteen-year-old Newton. Five more of his cousins would enlist later in Morgan\u2019s Company F; while, still, three other kin of Newton\u2019s would enlist in the Federal 1st Maryland Cavalry Regiment. \u2013 Snyder, pp. 49-51;<\/p>\n

On the warm, clear Friday of June 15th, when the encamped Confederate soldiers and cavalry at Harpers Ferry rose to reveille at 4 AM and began leaving, most for Charlestown \u2013 up the road, Newton rode a fine bay mare from home toward Charlestown, joining, late that day, Morgan and his cousins at a campsite on the Bullskin Run a few miles south of Charlestown. Newton Baker became Private Baker of Co. F with a lot to learn. \u2013 Vairin; Service Record N. D. Baker.<\/p>\n

Father Elias was a northern sympathizer and was not pleased to have his son Newton Diehl serving the Confederacy. Father Elias spoke to his son only once during the war. Records suggest that when his son was held prisoner at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, that that was the most likely moment Elias Baker went to bring his exchanged son out of prison. \u2013 Kenamond, pp. 21-22; Service Records.<\/p>\n

In fact, by 1862 with the townspeople\u2019s sympathies also splitting into two camps, Elias Baker, who would be appointed by President Lincoln to be Shepherdstown\u2019s postmaster, a post he would hold until well after the war, diplomatically split mail delivery duties with his Confederate counterpart and fellow townsmen, Daniel Rentch.<\/p>\n

Father Elias Baker\u2019s postmaster job, starting in 1862, almost required him to shun his son.<\/p>\n

A biographer of Newton\u2019s son, wrote of the relationship between Elias and Newton when peacetime came:
\nElias Baker was devoted to the Union, received an appointment from President Lincoln as postmaster at Shepherdstown, and retained the Federal office throughout the War. Son Newton Baker, as a member of the Cavalry commanded by Jeb Stuart, fought at Gettysburg, was captured, and exchanged to fight again at Richmond. . . but had a tolerant attitude that was one of his strongest qualities. He felt that the War ended with Lee\u2019s surrender and he was willing to accept the Northern victory. Cramer pp. 13-15.<\/p>\n

BAKER, NEWTON DIEHL: b. Washington County, Md. 10\/3\/41. 5\u20196\u2033 fair complexion, brown hair, blue eyes. attended Wittenberg College one year. clerk Shepherdstown post office, Jefferson County. enlisted in the 1st Virginia Cavalry Charles Town 6\/15\/61 as Pvt. in Co. F. Present until detached to Gainesville 12\/10\/61. Captured Smithfield 5\/31\/63. Sent to Ft. McHenry. Exch. 6\/63. Promoted 2nd Corp. Present until detailed as ordinance sgt of regt 11\/15\/63. Horse killed 8\/19\/64. Wounded in thigh Fishers Hill 9\/22\/64. Paroled Winchester 4\/23\/65. medical school 1868. surgeon for the B&O railroad. d. Martinsburg 1909. \u2013 Driver, Robert J. (1991). \u201c1st Virginia Cavalry.\u201d Lynchburg, Va.: H. E. Howard, Inc. Print.<\/p>\n

May_1861_moon<\/p>\n

HOW COMING WAR DIVIDES, THEN DESTROYS FRIENDSHIPS AND MINDS:<\/p>\n

By the month of June the circle of more robust characters that still retained their political sanity was small and diminishing daily. They did not drop off now after long and lingering arguments, painful doubts, rallyings, and relapses as formerly; but a normal mind would fall suddenly into incoherence and frenzy. Principles based upon the education and habits of a lifetime, sustained by the clearest views of interest, the pride of consistency, and every sentiment of honor, would perish in a night, like the gourd of Jonah. This change was easily discernible in the countenance and demeanor of its victims. Yesterday your friend looked in your face with a clear and earnest eye, and discussed questions calmly and logically. To-day he shunned you, his eye was restless and unsteady, his manner painfully excited, his talk full of incoherencies; in a short time you would perceive there was a total absorption of all his previous opinions, idiosyncrasies, social sympathies, and antipathies, moral and intellectual characteristics, in the prevailing frenzy. These phenomena, which at first excited indignation, grief, and amazement, in the course of time ceased to surprise, and became subjects of merriment. Among ourselves we speculated jocosely as to who would go under next; and in the privacy of our own souls entertained the question, whether it was the world around us or ourselves that was mad. It is useful, perhaps, but not the less humiliating to human pride, to test the depth and power of individual principle and will, to ascertain precisely for how many days and hours ones best-founded opinions and most positive convictions will maintain themselves unsupported against the current of society and the menaces of power. From the observations of these few months I have become convinced that no amount of clear conviction, rectitude of purpose, or moral heroism can long maintain a passive defense against the assaults of an active and fiery enthusiasm. Organization must meet organization; passion blaze out against passion; the audacious and unscrupulous spirit of revolution must be counteracted by a spirit as bold and remorseless as itself. The idea is expressed with more point and brevity in the popular epigram, \u201cOne must fight the Devil with fire.\u201d The National Government had thus far lost every thing by its temporizing and conciliatory policy. \u2013
\nStrother, David H. (July, 1866). \u201cPersonal Recollections of the Civil War.\u201d Harpers Magazine. Cornell Digital Library \u2013 The Making of America. 19 July 2011. Web. 29 January 2014.<\/p>\n

June_1861_moon<\/p>\n

1. NEWTON BAKER\u2019S \u201cMOST\u201d DIVIDED CLAN (Pt. 1 of 4) (above) by Jim Surkamp
\n2. NEWTON BAKER \u201cSEES THE ELEPHANT\u201d MANASSAS, VA (Pt. 2 of 4) by Jim Surkamp
\ncivilwarscholars.com\/2016\/02\/newton-d-baker-sees-the-elep…<\/a>
\n3. NEWTON BAKER\u2019S LIFE IN THE FAMED FIRST VIRGINIA CAVALRY 1861-1865 (Pt. 3 of 4) by Jim Surkamp
\ncivilwarscholars.com\/2016\/02\/newton-bakers-life-in-the-fa…<\/a>
\n4. NEWTON BAKER\u201dS REMARKABLE SON (Pt. 4 of 4) by Jim Surkamp
\ncivilwarscholars.com\/2016\/02\/newton-bakers-remarkable-son…<\/a><\/p>\n

For References and Image Credits:
\n civilwarscholars.com\/2016\/02\/newton-d-bakers-most-divided…<\/a><\/p>\n

\nThis South African Flag<\/em> image was automatically curated and published with WP Robot<\/a> plugin – CLICK HERE<\/a> to learn more about WP Robot for WordPress<\/a> – a massive time and money saver.<\/p>\n

Visit the MyPE YouTube Channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Newton_D_Baker_D Image by Jim Surkamp Civil War Scholars: The Powerful Experience of the War-Torn, Northern Shenandoah Valley Newton D. Baker\u2019s \u201cMost\u201d Divided Clan (Pt. 1 of 4) by Jim Surkamp By Jim Surkamp on February 2, 2016 in Jefferson County NEWTON D. BAKER\u2019S \u201cMOST\u201d DIVIDED CLAN (Pt. 1 of 4) by Jim Surkamp Cousins of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[9014],"tags":[40219],"class_list":{"0":"post-178069","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-images","7":"tag-newton_d_baker_d","8":"entry"},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/178069","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=178069"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/178069\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=178069"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=178069"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=178069"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}