1st New Hampshire Light Artillery - Gettysburg Commander

Item CDV-10275

Description

Frederick M. Edgell
1st New Hampshire Light Artillery
1st New Hampshire Heavy Artillery
Lieutenant, Captain & Major
Commanded the regiment on the filed at Gettysburg
Backmark: Manchester, NH

Major Frederick Maron Edgell was born July 6th, 1828 in Lyme, NH. He enlisted as a private in Battery A of the 1st Missouri Light Artillery in June 1846 and served during the New Mexico Campaign and Battle of Sacramento. He was discharged at New Orleans in June 1847, and worked as a tinsmith until 1861 when he organized the first independent battery, known as the 1st New Hampshire Light Artillery. Edgell recruited the unit entirely out of Manchester, NH with the help of Edwin H. Hobbs in the autumn of 1861. He was mustered in as 1st Lieutenant of the 1st New Hampshire Light Battery on September 26th, 1861 and served as part of the 1st Division 1st Corps of the Army of the Potomac. He was engaged in action at Rappahannock Station, Sulphur Springs, and Groveton. He assumed command of the battery during the 2nd Battle of Bull Run and Antietam, following the wounding and capture of Captain George A. Gerrish on August 29, 1862. He was engaged in "affairs" near Upperville, both 1st and 2nd Battles of Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. He was promoted to rank of captain on March 8, 1863. As captain, he commanded battery at the Battle of Gettysburg, as well as affairs of Kelly's Ford, Brandy Station, Battle of Mine Run, Battle of Wilderness, Po River, Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Tolopatamoy, Cold Harbor, and the Siege of Petersburg from June 16th to December 31st, 1864. He was also at Battle of Deep Bottom July 27, 1864. He was promoted to rank of major of the 1st Regiment New Hampshire Heavy Artillery on February 18th, 1865. Following his promotion he served on the staff of Brigadier General Martin Davis Hardin, commanding the Defenses North of the Potomac as Inspector of Artillery and Acting Assistant Inspector General. He was never wounded, and was mustered out of service June 15, 1865. Edgell died June 21st, 1877 in Georgetown, MA, and was buried in Lyme, NH.

Source: Hindman