| Notes |
- Henry completed his education at Waterford Academy. He learned his
father's trades (mason and bricklayer) and worked on his father's
farm. He enlisted in the Union Army in 1862 in Co. E, 83rd P.V.I.
and was imediately sent to the front with the Army of the Potomac.
At the second battle of Bull Run, August 30, 1862, he received two
gunshot wounds in the left leg, one through the left lung, one
through the left shoulder, and one through the neck. He was left on
the battlefield as dead for two or three days before it was
discovered that he was still alive. He was taken to Mercy Hospital
in Washington, DC. When he was discharged on Jan 29, 1863 he weighed
80 pounds. (Nelson's "Biographical Dictionary and Historical
Reference Book of Erie County, PA" & "History of Erie County, PA"
published by Warner, Beers & Co.)
Another bio-sketch says.
HENRY C. STAFFORD, Collector U. S. Customs, Port of Erie, was born in Waterford Township, Jan. 29, 1842. He was brought up on his father's farm and received the benefits of the tuition at the Waterford Academy. Healthy, patriotic and enthusiastic, he promptly responded to the country's call for volunteers to suppress the rebellion, and at twenty years of age he enlisted in the 83d P. V. I., which was quickly dispatched to the front and quickly brought to battle with the foe. At the second battle of Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862, between sunrise and sunset, our subject received five gunshot wounds, the last perforating his left lung. He was left prostrate on the field, and so remained unattended for three days and nights. He fell into the hands of the enemy, but was immediately paroled on the field, and carried to Alexandria. He remained for a while in the hospital there, afterward being removed to Washington City. He bore the pains of his slowly healing wounds with much fortitude. Jan. 29, 1863, he received his discharge from the army and returned home; his avoirdupois at this time, including his ordinary wearing apparel, was just eighty pounds. He recuperated in health, and served until near the close of the war in the Provost Marshal's office at Waterford. The war ended, he returned to him farm; subsequently became Constable, Tax Collector, deputy Sheriff, and Warden of Erie County Prison, and, by election in 1879, High Sheriff, and July, 1883, was appointed by the General Government Collector of the Port at Erie, which position he now holds. Mr. S. was married, Jan. 5, 1865, to Miss Effie R. Judson, daughter of P. P. Judson, Esq., of Waterford, Penn. To this union have been born seven children, five of whom survive: Febie E., Peter P., William C., Margaretha M. and James Garfield. Mr. S. is fond of home and family, and while a positive character, is popular in his manners, and has hosts of warm friends throughout the county.
Census:
- Listed with son James and daughter-in-law.
|
1842 - Yes, date unknown
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