Greene Artifacts

By Matthew Cumberledge, GCHS Executive Director

What is it about an artifact? Is it the object itself, or is it the story it wants to tell? For us out here at the Greene County Historical Society it’s all about the tale to be told. History, after all - it’s what we do!

This month’s articles are both from the Civil War. They relate to Captain John F. McCullough, Commanding Officer of Company A, 140th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. On the left is an incredible Carte de Visite (CDV) photo of Captain McCullough, done by Purvlance, formerly on the corner of Fifth and Wood Streets in Pittsburgh. We’ve also got a receipt; issued by Lieutenant John M. Rosly of the 14th NY Independent Battery to Captain McCullough, where he turned in equipment, including several “Springfield” Rifled Muskets.

These two small pieces of history remind of us a time not so very long ago when peace in the United States was turned upside down. A time when brother literally fought brother. Greene County, because it is located in the extreme southwestern portion of the state, saw instances where families were split apart dues to differing loyalties during the Civil War.

In August of 1862, Captain Mc- Cullough, along with J.J. Purman and David Taylor met in the old Hamilton House Hotel in Waynesburg, organized and began what ultimately became Company A of the 140th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. All three of these men had “abandoned all business” and dedicated themselves to the birth of this new company.

Of all the anecdotes of the history of Company A of the 140th Infantry Regiment, one stands out as being an especially fun story. This is as related by J.J. Purman:

“We had not been but a few days on the road, until we were called upon to try our mettle as guards. Our custom was to place a corporal and three or more men at each bridge we were guarding. One very dark night the corporal at the bridge about one mile south of our barracks came breathlessly rushing in saying that he believed a party of men were going to set fire to the bridge. He saw them in the woods with torches and acting very suspiciously. The Captain [Mc- Cullough] immediately ordered the First Lieutenant to take a Sergeant and twenty men, and double quick down to that bridge, and disperse those bridge burners. Guns were loaded and the officer buckled on his revolver, and we were at that bridge in a few minutes. Sure enough there was a party in the woods near the bridge with torches, who were hailed in a very peremptory manner, as to their business with torches that time of night. After careful examination they were able to give a satisfactory account of themselves. They were good and loyal citizens on a Fox Hunt! This was our first meeting with the supposed enemy and the boys were quite excited!”

History is full of unique personal and human stories, not just facts and dates. Here at the Greene County Historical Society, we aim to make history come to life!