Richard and Ruth Chapman had four ancestors who served in the Union Army in the Civil War:  Richard's paternal grandfather Addison G. Chapman, Richard's maternal grandfather Orlando Castor, Ruth Greening's paternal great-grandfather David Greening, and Ruth's maternal grandfather Delos M. Jones.

Addison G. Chapman, born December 4, 1837, enlisted at age 24 as a Private in Company C, 138th Regiment, New York Infantry, which later became the 9th Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery.  This regiment performed garrison duty in the defense of Washington until May 1864, when it was ordered to join the Army of the Potomac in the field. The regiment participated in many battles, including Cold Harbor and the siege of Petersburg, before being sent back to Baltimore in July 1864.  The regiment was involved in the Battle of Monocacy (the "Battle that Saved Washington") on July 9, 1864. The regiment rejoined the Army of the Potomac and was there at the surrender of Lee's forces at Appomattox.  Addison was mustered out on July 6, 1865.  Addison was a member of the J. E. Whiteside Post 166 of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR).  Here is a picture of of post members taken in 1894 (click on the picture for a larger view, use your browser's Back button to return to this page). Addison is in the second row from the front, fourth from the right.

Orlando Castor, born in 1841, enlisted in 1862 as a Private in Company A, 146th Regiment, New York Infantry.  He was wounded in the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 1, 1863.  The regiment was involved in the battle of Gettysburg, helping to defend Little Round Top on July 2, 1863.  Orlando recovered from his wound and returned to the duty, where he was taken prisoner at the battle of Weldon Railroad on August 19, 1864.  He spent some time at Salisbury prison camp and was paroled on March 2, 1865. He returned to active duty and was mustered out on July 16, 1865.

David Greening enlisted in 1862 at the age of 38 as a Private in Company L, 8th Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery.  He was taken prisoner at the Battle of Ream's Station, Virginia, on August 25, 1864.  He died December 1864 in the prison camp at Salisbury, North Carolina.  His widow, Louisa Bennett Greening, received a pension from the government for the support of her seven children.  Here is some paperwork concerning back pay owed, dated May 19, 1865.  Click on the thumbnail to see a larger version (use your browser's Back button to return to this page).

Delos M. Jones enlisted in December 1863 at the age of 18 as a Private in Company M, 8th Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery.  The 8th served in garrison duty in the defense of Baltimore, including Fort McHenry, until May 1864 when it was ordered to join the Army of the Potomac in the field.  This regiment was also known as the "Bloody Eighth", due to the high number of casualties the unit took.  Delos was wounded in the foot at the battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia, on June 3, 1864.  He was mustered out on June 21, 1865.  Here is a copy of Delos' enlistment paper (click on the thumbnail picture for a larger view, use your browser's Back button to return to this page)