Friday, February 08, 2013

Enoch Weller, Sandusky City Fireman and Civil War Soldier


Enoch Weller was born in 1828 in the state of New York.  By 1860 he and his family were residing in Sandusky, Ohio. According to historical files in the Archives Research Center, in 1860 Enoch Weller was chief engineer with the Sandusky Fire Department. On June 3, 1861, he enlisted as a First Lieutenant with the 24th Ohio Infantry, for three years’ military service during the Civil War, eventually achieving promotion  to Captain. On January 2, 1863, Captain Weller was killed in action at the Battle of Stones River in Tennessee.

The remains of Captain Enoch Weller were returned to Sandusky, Ohio. His funeral took place on February 8, 1863. Members of several local organizations attended Captain Weller’s funeral, including the City Council, the Fire Department, Masons, the Jaeger Band, Union Band, and Hoffman’s Battalion Band. Rev. T. F. Hildreth officiated at the Methodist Church. Following the funeral, a procession marched from the church to Oakland Cemetery.  An article in the February 9, 1863 Sandusky Register reported that “the procession was one of the largest and most imposing ever witnessed in this city, and was alike honorable to the living and the dead.”

Also appearing on the February 9, 1862 of the Sandusky Register were "Resolutions from the Sandusky Fire Department on the Death of Major Weller." The Resolutions read:
At a meeting of the Fire Department of Sandusky, Ohio, held February 8th, 1863, the committee appointed by the Chief Engineer to submit Resolutions expressing the feelings of The Department on The Death of Major Weller, reported the following, which were unanimously adopted. Whereas, through the dispensation of an allwise Providence, Major Enoch Weller, of The Fire Department of Sandusky, has given up his life in defense of his country, therefore be it:1. Resolved that as a Fireman we have lost one of our most noble, active, upright and faithful members, one whose loss cannot be repaired or forgotten by the whole Fire Department.2. Resolved, that as a brother Fireman none were brave, as a Fireman none were more competent to command, as a Chief he maintained his position with honor, his loss we deeply regret and long shall mourn.3. Resolved, that in rallying to his country’s call, none felt a deeper interest, none showed a nobler or more energetic spirit. As a soldier he was skillful and brave, when he unsheathed his sword, he did it for the right his country and he wielded it with an earnestness that showed he fought for his country.4. Resolved, that we tender to the family of the deceased our heartfelt sympathy in this deep affliction. They have lost a most worthy husband and father, one who was kind to all and beloved by everyone.5. Resolved, that as an evidence of our regard for the memory of our deceased brother we wear the usually badge of mourning, and drape our engine house with crepe for the period of thirty days.6. Resolved, that these resolutions be published in the Sandusky Register and Bay Stadt Demokrat. Also, a copy presented to the widow of the deceased by our Chief Engineer, C. J. Parsons.CommitteeS.M. White, Jr.M. HickA. BauerE. Goodspeed

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