Reed: Cortland area history

The 76th New York Volunteer Infantry was one of the most famous of the New York units in the Civil War. It was raised in 1861 primarily from Cortland County and the surrounding areas (about a third of the men were from the Cherry Valley area). The 76th was in most of the major battles the Army of the Potomac fought from Second Bull Run through Petersburg, at which time the three-year enlistment of most of the men ran out and the 300 or so men remaining from the 1,100 who left Cortland either returned home or transferred to other units.

At the Battle of Gettysburg, the 76th New York was one of the first infantry regiments on the field, holding down the extreme right of the Union line on the first day. The regiment took huge casualties in that battle - nearly one-third of its strength - including its commander Major Andrew J. Grover, the first infantry officer killed in the battle.

26,000 residents in 1860 census

Marathon, Cortland, Cincinnatus, Homer, McGraw

Powell C. PLUM enlisted in Cortland September 1864, in Company F, 185th Reg't N.Y. Vols. Though in full vigor of manhood, and seemingly in perfect health at the time of enlistment, the changes of climate was too much for him. He was taken very sick soon after arriving in Virginia and after nearly two months of severe suffering died December 15, 1864, at the hospital at City Point, Virginia.

George F. Winters enlisted with Captain STROWBRIDGE, and was mustered into the United Sttates service with Company F 185th Reg't N.Y.Vols. September 23d, 1864. Within one week of mustering he was in front of the enemy, near Petersburg, Virginia. He acquitted himself nobly as a soldier, participating in the battles of Peoble's Farm, Thatcher's Run, Weldon Roads, 2d Thatcher's Run, and Gravelly Run, and was killed in battle near Five Forks on the 29th day of March, 1865. We delight to honor his manhood.

HARRISON GIVENS was born at Dryden, N.Y., March 8, 1839. Enlisted in the service of the United States as a private in Company F, 185th New York State Volunteers, at Cortland, N.Y., Aug. 29, 1864, for the term of one year. Was discharged in the field, near Petersburg, Va., Dec. 12, 1864, by reason of promotion. He was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant, with rank from Sept. 1, 1864. He was discharged by reason of disability Dec. 29, 1864. Just previous to his leaving the service he was severely attackd by pleurisy, which he contracted by taking a severe cold while doing duty on picket, and which undoubtedly permanently injured his health. He died at Cortland, N.Y., June 23, 1877, of consumption, leaving his wife surviving him. He was respected by all who knew him.

This is the grave of Joseph H. Kinney, the youngest soldier that lies buried in this cemetery. When but seventeen summers had passed over his head he enlisted in Cortland, in September 1864, in the 185th Regiment New York Volunteers, and was rejected on account of age and size. He again enlisted two weeks later in Norwich, N.Y., for the same regiment. He participated in all the battles of his regiment until the [25th?] of March, 1865, when in that short but terrible battle klnown as the battle of Gravelly Run he was instantly killed - shot through the head by a bullet from the enemy's gun.