Corps.

Eeport of MaJ. Genl. Jos. A. Mower, 17th Army Corps. Near
â– Elver's Bridge, S. C, Feby. 5. ISHo. Command left camp near
Pocatalings, S. C, 1st Feby. Kept driving enemy until I reached



TILSON GENEALOGY. 89

swamp near Whilly Creek, when cavalry proceeded on left hand
road, finding obstructions and enemy holding opposite side cause-
way, ordered cue regiment forward to drive enemy and clear roads,
ordered forward movement. Feby. 2nd. Struck the enemy IV2
miles from my camp and drove them across Broxton's Bridge. At
this point Col. Kirby, with 9th Ills, mounted Infantry, took the ad-
vance, driving the enemy 3 miles, making one splendid charge, in
which Col. Kirby was wounded. Enemy very stubborn, so I ordered
another regiment to deploy, then drove the enemy rapidly. I left
Col. Tilson with two regiments of his brigade on the Buford road
with orders to drive the enemy one mile and remain there until re-
lieved by another force of the Corps. Feby. 3. Cutting timber and
repairing road in order to be able to move forward. Before doing
this had relieved the two regiments left in the swamp during the
night by the 3rd Brigade, the 10th Ills, taking position on the right
of the road and the balance of Col. Tilson's command on the left.
At 2 P. M. Lieut Christensen of my staff reported to me that Lieut.
Col. Carleton of Col. Tilson's command had crossed the main river
at 12 M. with two companies. I at once ordered Col. Tilson to send
Lieut. Col. Carleton with his whole regiment over and at the same
time ordered Genl. Fuller's and Col. Montgomery's brigade, who were
in camp down the road, so as to have them well in hand. I then
directed Col. Tilson to move his remaining regiment over the river,
only leaving a skirmish line on this side. After he had effected the
crossing I ordered Genl. Fuller with his brigade to cross also. This
order was conveyed to him by Capt. De Gress of my staff, who re-
ported to me after he had delivered tliat order that Genl. Fuller
had asked him whether he should form on the left of Col. Tilson's
brigade, and that he told him to use his own judgment about form-
ing, but that Col. Tilson was driving the enemy and that Genl.
Mower would be over there shortly and wanted the enemy pushed
as rapidly as possible. All pushed forward rapidly, repairing roads
and bridges under difficulties. The enemy concentrated most of his
forces in the earth- works opposite the bridge. I passed along the
line for the purpose of seeing Genl. Fuller. Genl. F. was directed
to swing around his left, but he had already given the order. But
the main fighting was over, I advanced to a belt of timber and
lialted, it being quite dark, but pushed skirmishers forward at double
quick, who found that the rebels had evacuated their works, and
Capt. Gillespie hearing firing at the left, according to my previous
orders moved this regiment across the river and was already in pos-
session of the enemy's works. Col. Tilson's attack on the enemy
before the arrival of Genl. Fuller and Col. Montgomery's brigade,
caused the enemy to fall back from his works, leaving only a skirm-
ish line in our front. I very much regret that Col. Fuller took the
responsibility of ordering Col. Tilson to halt his brigade, whereas
if he (Col. Tilson) had been allowed to push forward according to



90 TILSON GENEALOGY.

my previous positive orders the movement might have resulted in
the capture of some of tlie enemy's artillery and wagons, if not of
more prisoners. I cannot speak too highly of Col. Tilson and his
command, which bore the brunt of the engagement. Genl. Fuller
and Col. Montgomery displayed commendable zeal in carrying out
orders, although but little opportunity presented itself for them to
participate in the fight.

Joseph A. Mower, Maj. Genl. Con'd'g.
To Capt. C. Cadle, Jr., Asst. A. G.

Hd'qrs. 3d Brigade, 1st Div., 17 Array Corps. Near Columbia,
S. C, Feby. 18th, 1865. Lieutenant: In compliance with order for
report of the part taken by the Brigade under my command at the
passage of the South Edisto on the 9th inst., I respectfully submit
the following, promising that most of the movements were made
under the eye and personal directions of the general commanding
the division. I moved from Midway on the 9th inst. at 8 A. M. in
advance of the division, up the Augusta road, turning to the right
down the road leading to Brunaker's Bridge. When within half a
mile of the river I was ordered to form and advance my command
in columns of regiments on the right of the road, half a regiment
â– deployed as skirmishers and half a regiment also sent off to cover a
road leading on the left to the river. My skirmish line reached the
bank with but little opposition, but was there checked, the river be-
ing some 40 or 50 yards in width, unfordable, the bridge completely
destroyed, and a battery and rifle-pit some 200 yards distant, effec-
tually commanding the crossing. The opposite banks above and be-
low for a long distance were submerged. The construction of rafts,
whicb was commenced by the general's directions, was much em-
barrassed by the fire both of artillery and musketry. The skirmishers
reported about noon seeing about 150 yards below the bridge and
out of the sight of the enemy a fence coming nearly to the river
bank on the opposite side, and judging that ground there must be
liigber a road was cut to the bank, planks brought down and rafts
made. Those made above also being caught as they floated down.
A squad of men was ferried over and a rope stretched across. Pon-
toons were then brought through the swamp and 3 companies of the
32nd V/isconsin crossed quietly and rapidly, having to wade about
20 yards after reaching the bank. On the laying of the pontoon
bridge my entire command was passed over and moved immediately
to the right for about three-quarters of a mile, flanking the enemy's
position and finally, after having to wade for 50 rods in water, most
of the distance more than mid-leg deep, I struck an open field about
8 P. M. I then was obliged to wait for some time to secure the
closing up of my command and the assurance of a supporting posi-
tion of tlie brigade following. While then lying in plain sight of
the enemy's picket fire and keeping close under the shadow of the



TILSON GENEALOGY. 91

woods, the skirmish line of the enemy was seen advancing on us..
Trusting that they would not come close to my position I had given
directions to my men to return no fire except under orders. I had
at the time a single company in my front deployed, three being to
my left, covering that flank I immediately directed my men to lie
down. The enemy came on to within fifty feet of us, challenged,
(and commenced firing. I ordered a return fire, which immediately
drove them back with the loss of their commander, Major Hulsey,
killed, and three prisoners. Could I then have advanced I might
perhaps have secured more prisoners, but deeming it more prudent
to secure the lodgement already made and having only one regiment
and half of another yet out of the swamp, I advanced my skirmishers
only until my entire brigade was out and Col. Montgomery had
landed his leading regiment, when I pushed to the road and woods
about one-third of a mile distant, under a light fire, took possession
of the enemy's camp, scattering his entire rear guard through the
woods and capturing one caisson in perfect condition. The force
opposed to us was reported to be two brigades from Hodd's army
under Genl. Jackson. I earnestly commend the behavior of my men.
Scarcely anything could be more trying than their wading in the
dark through the deep cold water, stumbling at every step, and their
clothing afterwards frozen stiff. Their zeal and skill in obtaining
the passage of the river and quiet and soldierly conduct after was em-
inently praiseworthy. Private Wait of Company E. of the 32nd
Wisconsin, who swam out and brought in one of the rafts deserves
mention. My loss was 1 killed and 5 wounded, all enlisted men.

I am, resp'y, John Tilson, Col. Com'd'g.
Lieut. Chas. Christensen, Acfg Ast. A. Genl., 1st Div., 17th Army
Corps.

From report of MaJ. Genl. Frank P. Blair, Jr., commanding 17th
Army Corps, operations Jany. 2nd to Mch. 21st, 1865. April 1st,
1865. Goldsborough, N. C, near Salkehatchie River, near Buford
Swampy land. On higher land enemy had built story line of earth
works. Two story redoubts and batteries commanding approaches.
Sixteen bridges exclusive of main bridge exposed to enemy's fire.
Maj. Genl. Mower having been ordered to effect crossing at River's
Bridge, commenced work at daylight cutting road through almost
impassable swamps, collecting lumber, etc. Col. Tilson of the 1st
Div. Brigade had for some time been attempting to force a crossing-
above and below the bridge. About 12 M. Col. Tilson reported that
he had crossed two companies above. He was immediately ordered
to push across with the balance of his command. The 10th Ills,
having reported that they could cross below the bridge they were
ordered forward. Col. Fuller's and Col. Montgomery's brigades were
also ordered to follow Col. Tilson across the river above. The move-
ment on the right by the 10th Ills, was temporarily checked by the



92 TILSON GENEALOGY.

enemy. The center was repulsed but the crossing on the left was
a complete success and caused the enemy to withdraw in great con-
fusion, with a loss of 40 prisoners.
To Capt. a. M. Dyke, Ast. A. Genl.

Report of Brig. Genl. John W. Fuller, com'd'g 1st Brigade of op-
•^ration. Feb. 2-3-9, Mch. 21st, 1865. Mch. 3rd. Swamp near
Elver's bridge (Salkehatchie River). I was ordered to move into
the road in the swamp and cross the river. The crossing was diffi-
cult and slow owing to deep water in the swamp, etc. As soon as I
reached the opposite bank and had learned the situation I notified
€ol. Tilson that as Genl. Mower was not present I would assume
â– command. I directed him not to advance his command until the
troops of my brigade should be formed on his left as I intended to
swing forward the left of the line in hopes of outflanking and se-
curing such of the rebels as were at and near their works. In order
that no mistake might occur I sent to Col. Tilson and to Col. Shel-
don the following written order: "When the line moves forward,
Col. Tilson will aim to keep his right on or near the river. Col.
Sheldon will dress to the right on Col. Tilson, but be careful not
to crowd to the right. Bayonets will be fixed when the bugle sounds
^attention.' If we find the rebels entrenched we must rush forward
and carry them by storm. As Col. Sheldon has to swing his left
forward Col. Tilson will move slowly at the start. The 18th Mo.
will move in reserve behind the interval between the brigades." Col.
Montgomery's brigade began to arrive before the 1st Brigade was
formed. He was directed to form on the left of the 1st Brigade
and the above order was sent to him also, with the additional in-
struction to form his left regiment faced to the left and to march
it thus, i. e., by the right flank. While the line of the 2nd Brigade
was forming, Col. Tilson sent me word "that he was advancing by
order of Genl. Mower." I then sounded the advance and moved
my own brigade forward to the high and open ground near the en-
emy's position. I halted when abreast of Col. Tilson and then
learning that Genl. Mower had not arrived and that the order to
•advance was one which had been given (so said his adjutant), some
hours before, I awaited the arrival of the 2nd Brigade, which was
to form the left of the line. As soon as they came up I directed the
original order should be carried out. We were advancing rapidly
on the left and were executing a right wlieel in fine style and driv-
ing the rebels before us when the Maj. Genl. arrived and assumed
command. Upon reaching the line of woods, which is nearly in rear
of enemy's works, we were ordered to halt and our skirmishers soon
ascertained that the enemy had abandoned his position and fled. A
few willing prisoners were picked up and about 20 dead and wounded
rebels were found in a building which had served as a hospital.



TILSON GENEALOGY. 92-

Herewith I inclose list of the wounded of Lliis brigade: 7 of the
Ohio, and 1 accidental of the 18th Mo. Eesp'y,

J. W. Fuller, Brig. Genl. Com'dg.

To Lieut. Chas. Christensen, Asst. A. G., 1st. Div., lUh Army:
Corps.

Headquarters 3rd Brigade, 1st Div., 17th Army Corps.

Near Foldsborough, N. C, Mch. 25th, 1865.
Lieut. : I have the honor to report that my brigade moved from
camp near Bentonville about 10 A. M., Mch. 21st, on a road to the
rear and right of the 15th Corps, in a northwesterly direction to-
vv-ard the ford on Mill Creek. After passing the pickets about three-
quarters of a mile the command was halted and a line of battle
formed facing almost to the southwest. The 1st Brigade being on
my right and two companies of the 10th Ills, advanced as skirmish-
ers. Pushing forward through the open field and into the woods
for about 400 yards, the enemy's pickets were met and driven back.
Here the line was halted to enable the 1st Brigade to close up on the
right and I was directed to add a company to the skirmish line (pro-
longing it to the left) to which I subsequently added a fourth to-
insure the proper protection of my left flank and make a connection
with one line in that direction. After a somewhat lengthy delay,,
during which we were subjected to a steady shelling from the enemy
in front the connection of the main line was completed and the
command moved on through an exceedingly miry and tangled swamp^
almost impassable for horsemen. While here my skirmishers re-
ported that their right flank was not connected with the skirmishers
of the 1st Brigade and as it afterwards appeared this was the cause
during the entire movement to which unfortunate circumstance I
must attribute my loss among the right companies of skirmishers.
1 had only time to report the fact to the Genl. commanding, as fur-
ther delay was impracticable, and urge watchfulness in that quarter
as the connection would soon be made. The main line on emergmg
from the swamp came up with the advance, which had been held at
bay by a thick and well filled line of rifle pits and carried the pits
at once though stubbornly held, taking several prisoners. Eeceiv-
ing an order to move by the left flank, I did so, but soon finding
that the brigade on my right was moving forward I conformed my
movement thereto. The general direction to this time had been
about southwest, the left swinging somewhat forward. On closing
with the 1st Brigade (about 150 yards forward of the rifle-pits), I
was directed to move by the left and flank thus obliquely slightly
to the rear for nearly the length of my brigade. The line was then
halted and brought to a front. Hardly was this done when the
skirmishers on the left were driven in, and being urged forward
again fell back, reporting heavy odds before them. Just at this
time also both the officers commanding the two right skirmishing
companies came in reporting their lines broken by a cavalry charge



94 TILSON GENEALOGY.

and an advance of infantry on both flanks. My left was now by the
General's personal order moved back, and immediately after the en-
emy charged in two battalion lines, striking the left almost perpen-
dicularly and extending to the centre with a very heavy skirmish
line running opposite my right front. My left then flanked was
compelled to slowly give ground and began to swing back toward |
the center. At this movement the centre of the 25th Indiana, which "
was my centre regiment, was reported breaking, and hastening there
1 endeavored to add to the earnest efforts of its field officers to restore
order, which was in a great degree effected, though much embar-
rassed by a confused rush of men coming from somewhere beyond
my right and sweeping close along the rear of my line. Seeing that
the 10th Ills, on the left was receiving the weight of the fire and
being rapidly forced back I ordered a rapid addition to the strength
of the pits and threw out a light line of observation covering their
front and the left of the 25th Indiana. The line now stood as fol-
lows : The 32nd Wisconsin on the right, unmoved as at first, its
left thrown back about 30 degrees. The 25th Indiana on the pro-
longation of the left of the 32nd but more retired; and the 10th
fronting as at first, but about 150 yards to the rear of its advanced
position, a narrow swamp separating its right from the 15th Ind. J
I had received an order to hold these pits with my command, and
as soon as Genl. Fuller had reformed his lines and passed my rear
to move by the left across his rear and take up position on his left.
During this time the musketry had nearly ceased but a brisk artil-
lery fire was kept up on us. Wlien the movement was made by the J
1st Brigade I followed and formed on its right in two lines, in- '
trenching and picketing strongly well around my right. About 5
P. M. I received orders to pass by Genl. Fuller and take position
on his left next to Genl. Force's command, forming in two lines
and fortifying. With this ended the movement of the day.

Considering the brevity of the action my loss was heavy. The
missing were mostly captured on the skirmish line by cavalry which
had got into the rear of the line. My men all did tbeir duty well.
One wounded, retaken from the enemy report their loss far beyond
our own, and not only that the attack was stayed, but the rebel lines
badly disordered. The falling back was unavoidable, but all the
regiments were in hand. To regimental commanders commendation
is due. Lieut. Col. Carleton, Lieut. Col. Wright and Capt. Gilles-
pie proved as always sure reliances. Maj. Crenshaw's personal ac-
tion in seizing and planting the colors prevented, I think, the 25th
centre from breaking. My own staff were everywhere active, skill-
ful and cool, and deserve my thanks.

My loss is as follows : Killed, 8 ; wounded, 65 ; missing, 22 ; total,
95. Resp'y, John Tilson, Col. Com'd'g Brigade.

Lieut. Chas. Christensen, Act'g A. A. Genl, 1st. Div., 17th Army
Corps.



TILSOX GENEALOGY. 90

Special Order Xo. 156. Hd'qrs. 1st Div., 17th Army Corps,
Smyrna Camp Ground, Ga., Nov. 12th, 1864: Col. Tilson will march
his brigade to the south line of Marietta and commence the work of
destruction, working northward. Col. Tilson will take measures to
prevent the burning of houses at Marietta. By order of

Ma.j. Genl. Joseph A. Mowee.

Army of the Mississippi, Brig. Genl. Wm. L. Eosecrans. First
Division*, Brig. Genl. James D. Morgan. 10th Ills., Col. Tillson.
26th Ills., Capt. Chas. Petri. 22nd Ills., Francis Leovnsirck. 27th
Ills., Lieut. Col. Johnathan R. Miles. 42nd Ills., Col. Charles
Northrop. 51 Ills., Col. Luther P. Bradley; 60th Ills., Col. Silas C.
Toler. 10th Mich., Col. Chas. M. Lum. 14th Mich., Col. Robt. P.
Sinclair.

Yates Sharpshooter, Maj. Frederick W. Matteson. 1st Ills., Ar-
tillery Battery C, Capt. Chas. Houghtaling. 1st Mo., Artillery Bat-
tery G, Capt. Henry Hiscock. 1st Mo., Artillery Battery M, Lieut.
James W. MacMurray. 10th Wis., Battery, Capt. Yates V. Beebe.

Third Brigade. Seventeenth Army Corps, 3rd Brigade. Col. John
Tilson. lOt'h Ills., Lieut. Col. McLain F. Wood. 25th Ind., Maj.
James L. Wright. 32nd Wis., Col. Charles H. DeGroat.



John W. Tilson*^, (John^, John"^, John*^, John^, John^, Edmund-"',
Ephraim^, Edmond^) son of John and Anna E. (Wood) Tilson, b.
Sept. 15, 1859 ; m., 1891, Nevada Robinson. He went to Omaha,
Neb., about 1890, and has ever since been in the engineering depart-
ment of the L^nion Pacific R. R. Residing in Omaha.

390

Robert Tilson'^, (John^, John^, John*, Edmund-^, Ephraim^, Ed-
mond^) son of John and Desire (Shaw) Tilson, b. April 12, 1800; m.
May 16, 1834, Charlotte Topliff, b. Nov. 4, 1811. He d. Dec. 27,
1892. She d. Apl. 27, 1890.

Their Children:

401 Emily L. Tilson, b. Mar. 23, 1838, in Quincy, 111. ; m. Maitland

Boon, Watertown, N. Y.

402 William H. Tilson, b. Jan. 5, 1842, in Quincy, 111. ; unm.

403 Sarah M. Tilson, b. June 16, 1844, in Quincy, 111.

404 Robert Tilson, b. Oct. 25, 1846, in Quincy, 111. ; d. Jan. 13, 1850.

405 Edward F. Tilson, b. Dec. 25, 1848, in Quincy, 111.

406 Priscilla Tilson, b. Nov. 4, 1855, in Quincy, 111.

401
Emily L. Tilson^, (Robert"^, John'^, John^, John'*, Edmund^,



*At Cherokee Station, Ala.



96 TILSON GENEALOGY.

Epliraini2, Edmonds) dan. of Eobert and Charlotte (ToplifE) Tilson.
b. Mar. 23, 1838; m. Maitland Boon. Reside in Watertown, N. Y.

403

Saeah M. Tilson^ (Eobert^ John«, John^ John^ Edmund-%
Ephraim^, Edmond^) dan. of Robert and Charlotte (Topliff) Tilson,
b. June 16, 1844; m. Sept. 25, 1865, Dr. Daniel G. Brinton. Reside



in Phila., Pa.



391



William Tilson^, (John*', John^, John*, Edmnnd^, Ephraim^,
Edmond^) son of John and Desire (Shaw) Tilson; b. Dec. 26, 1803;
m. June 28, 1841, Clara S. Thompson of Halifax, Mass., b. July 8,
1816, d. of Samuel and Clara (Sturtevant) Thompson. She d. June
6, 1895. He d. April 8, 1876. He was Capt. of the Halifax Militia
Co. Was a farmer, and lived on the old homestead, which was built
by his father in June, 1803.

Theik Children :

407 Mercy M. Tilson, b. Oct. 16, 1842, in Halifax, Mass.; d. June 8,

1844.

408 William M. Tilson, b. Feb. 7, 1845, in Halifax, Mass.

409 Charles H. Tilson, b. April 19, 1847, in Halifax, Mass.; d. May

9, 1850.

408

William M. Tilson^, (William", John*^, John^, John*, Edmund=^,
Ephraim^, Edmond^) son of William and Clara (Thompson) Tilson,
b. Oct. 16, 1842; m. 1871, Ella F. Hedge of Plvmouth, Mass., b. 1850.
She d. May 31, 1876, 25-5-26.
Their Children :

410 Charles H. Tilson, b. May 9, 1872, in Halifax, Mass.

411 Ellen F. H. Tilson, b. May 7, 1876, in Halifax, Mass.
William M. Tilson m. 2d Martha P. Bonney of Hanson, Mass.,

1879.

Their Child:

412 William M. Tilson, b. Oct. 26, 1884, Halifax, Mass.

410

Charles H. Tilson^, (William M.s, William^ John'', John^,
John*, Edmund-^, Ephraim^, Edmond^) son of William M. and Ella
F. (Hedge) Tilson, b. May 9, 1872; m. Oct. 30, 1890, Addle M.
French of Halifax, Mass., dau. of Wm. and Almira (Harvey) French.
She d. Sept. 15, 1892, age 22-10-15. He m. 2d Catherine E. Wood,
b. Dec. 13, 1877, at Port^Howe, Cum. Co., N. S., dau. of Matthew and
Hannah (Mcdonold) Wood.



tilson genealogy. 97

Children :
4121 Ernest Francis Tilson, b. Oct. 17, 1897.
41 3| Henry Earl Tilson, b. Nov. 7, 1900.

378

William Tilson'% (John^, John-*, Edmund^, Ephraim^, Ed-
mond^) son of John and Mercy (Stnrtevant) Tilson, b. Nov. 26,
1754; ni. June 14, 1790, Ann Haskell of Rochester, Mass., and soon
went to Thomaston, Me. He was an Innholder at Brown's Corner.
Was in the Revolutionary War; d. June 25, 1841.
Children :

413 Martha Tilson, b. 1792.

414 William P. Tilson, b. June 31, 1803.

415 Henry K. Tilson, b. Feb. 28, 1805; d. young.

379

Mercy Tilson^, (John^, John*, Edmund^, Ephraim^, Eduiond^)
dau. of John and Mercy (Sturtevant) Tilson, b. Jan. 14, 1757; m.
June 22, 1779, Elias Haskell of Rochester, Mass. (by Rev. Ephraim
Briggs of Halifax, Mass.) He was b. Mar. 24, 1751. They soon
moved to Greenwich, Mass., where they built a house, and all the
children were born in it; all but two died in it. He d. Oct. 10, 1824.
She d. Dec. 18, 1822.

Their Children :

416 John Haskell, b. July 10, 1781, in Greenwich, Mass.

417 Elias Haskell, b. Mar. 10, 1785, in Greenwich, Mass.; d. July

16, 1802.

418 William Haskell, b. April 10, 1790, in Greenwich, Mass.

419 Mercy Haskell, b. Feb. 11, 1793, in Greenwich, Mass.; d. Dec.

29, 1797.

420 Perez Tilson Haskell, b. May 28, 1796, in Greenwich, Mass.

421 Ira Haskell, b. Feb. 7, 1799, in Greenwich, Mass.

416

John Haskell'^, (Mercy^, John^, John*, Edmund^, Ephraim2,Ed-
mond^) son of Elias and Mercy (Tilson) Haskell, b. July 10, 1781;
m. Sarah D. Sampson of Waldoboro, Me. He d. April 16, 1838.
She d. Jan. 21, 1850, age, 66-6. He was Col. of Militia, and merchant
at Thomaston, Me.

Children :

422 Sarah E. Haskell, b. Feb. 11, 1810, in Thomaston, Me. ; m. first,

Eusebus Fales; second, Chas. Loring. Resided at Portland,
Me.

423 John E. Haskell, b. Feb. 1, 1811, in Thomaston, Me.; m. and

resided in Cass Co., Va.

424 Mary S. Haskell, b. Nov. 16, 1813, in Thomaston, Me.; m. Ed-

mund Wilson, Esq., Thomaston, Me.



98 TILSON GENEALOGY.

425 Martha B. Haskell, b. Nov. 3, 1818, in Thomaston, Me.; m.

Shubael Waldo, r. in Thomaston, Me.

426 Susan L. Haskell, b. July 16, IS'^l, in Thomaston, Me.; m. Col.

Wm. Bennett. Resided in Tliomaston, Me.; d. May 20,