Benjamin J Tayman
Before the war
He was 43 years old when he was enrolled (35, 43 [possibly 72 in ?1888], 50 [73 in 1888 or 1889]). He may have been born in Maryland (43, 50).
On 28 July 1842, he was married to Susan Luxen, by Reverend J P Donelan, at Washington DC (30). (The marriage license was issued on 26 July 1842 (30).)
In June 1861, he was first sergeant of the Home Guard company from the sixth ward of Philadelphia (47).
He was living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when he was enrolled (35).
During the war
He enrolled at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 20 August 1861, as First Lieutenant and Adjutant (30, 35 [no rank given]). According to the pension index, he also served in company E of the 91st PA (3); perhaps he initially enlisted in company E, but I have found no other evidence that he did.
He was mustered into service, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as adjutant on 4 December 1861 (1, 18, 35, 36).
He trained the non-commissioned officers while the regiment was at Alexandria, Virginia (5).
On 29 June 1862, he, along with the other commissioned officers in the regiment (except Colonel Gregory), signed a statement denying accusations that they were on the verge of open mutiny, that the regiment had been reduced to 400 men, and that Colonel Gregory was too lenient to Confederates and too harsh to men in the regiment (44).
On 8 August 1862, Major Todd ordered him to detail someone to relieve Lieutenant Brewster as Officer of the Guard at slave pen, because Brewster was drunk (40). He went to slave pen with Lieutenant Shipley, and later testified that Brewster was lying in a lot away from his post, was unable to walk, and was "stupid" (40).
He testified at Alpheus Bowman's court martial, on 20 August 1862 (22).
A medical certificate, dated 24 October 1862, at a Camp near Sharpsburg, claims that "he has typhoid fever, under which he has been laboring for seven days" (30). He was granted a leave of absence for 20 days on surgeon's certificate, by special order 299, HQ Army of Potomac, on 27 October 1862 (30). He was absent on sick leave from 31 October 1862 through 16 November 1862 (30).
On 14 January 1863, he was called to testify at the court-martial of John Downy, 133rd Pennsylvania Infantry for releasing Nathan Koshland (52). However, he testified only that he did not know anything about the case of his own personal knowledge (52).
He was granted a ten-days leave of absence by special order 133 [?] HQ Centre Grand Division, Army of Potomac, 4 February 1863, because of "important private business" (30). He was reported absent with leave from 7 February 1863 (the earliest extant consolidated morning report) to 20 February, and then absent without leave from 21 February to 25 February. He had returned from being absent without leave on 26 February 1863 (20).
On 13 May 1863, he was placed under arrest by order of General Tyler (the Brigade Commander) (21). According to General Humphreys, Tyler was trying "to damage him by preferring false accusations against him in connection with the battle of Chancellorsville", because Tyler knew "the good opinion I [sc. Humphreys] had of him [sc. Tayman] and his great regard for me" (51). On 11 June 1863, Major General Sykes (the Corps Commander) ordered him "honorably released and restored to duty" (25). (Humphreys claims that "the Court honorably acquitted him", but I have found no other reference to a Court (51).) Tayman signed the (incomplete) consolidated morning report, and carefully recorded his release (25).
He was present at the Battle of Gettysburg, as regimental adjutant (9).
He was a witness to the charges and specifications Joseph Sinex filed against Morris Kayser (10, 24). He testified in the court martial of Morris Kayser (24).
On 18 September 1863, he was reported present sick (27, 28). James Closson was acting adjutant on 17 and 18 September 1863 (various orders). Lieutenant Shipley was appointed acting adjutant on 19 September 1863 (11). On 21 September 1863, the Army of the Potomac headquarters ordered him to go to Dr Abbott in Washington DC for medical treatment for "a severe attack of acute rheumatism" (23, 29, 30). He was absent on sick leave from 23 September 1863 (30). He received a 20-day extension of his sick leave, starting 23 October 1863 (32). He returned on 14 November 1863 (30, 33), and Lieutenant Shipley was relieved as acting adjutant on 15 November 1863, with Tayman returning to duty as adjutant (12).
He certified that George Eyre had died of a disease contracted in the line of duty (55).
He was granted another 20-day leave of absence on surgeon's certificate by special order 1267, HQ 5th Army Corps, 15 December 1863, because of "a severe attack of acute rheumatism" (30). He was reported absent sick beginning 18 December 1863 (34). He was still absent on 31 December 1863 (30).
On 19 February 1864, he was detached as a recruiting officer, by order of the Superintendent of the Volunteer Recruiting Service, in Chester Pennsylvania (13, 30).
He was post adjutant at the rendezvous for reenlisted men at Upland, Pennsylvania (where Edgar Gregory was commander) (7). On 22 February 1864, he was placed on the recruiting service, with Walter Widdefield and Patrick Byrne as a permanent recruiting party under him (15). Sinex requested his return on 27 April 1864 (14). He rejoined the regiment on 6 June 1864, at Cold Harbor (4, see also 38).
He was promoted to brevet captain, and then to brevet lieutenant colonel (1, 35).
He was promoted on 18 August 1864 to brevet colonel (1, 35). (According to the Official Army Register, he was promoted on 18 August 1864 to brevet captain (2).)
On 10 September 1864, Howard Shipley was detailed as regimental adjutant (19); Tayman was detached with the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Corps (30, 41). On 16 September 1864, Tayman was "A B Inspector" [acting brigade inspector?] (16), and on 4 October 1864, and 6 October. On 7 October 1864, he was "A.B.I." and acting assistant adjutant general (17), and still was on 14, 15, 23, 25, and on 31 October 1864 (30).
After the war, John Hamill claimed that Tayman stopped an order releasing him from arrest, "through malice more towards some other officers of the Regt than towards myself, but because they sided with me" (39). Hamill was court-martialed, and found guilty; he claimed that "Col. Pearson of the 155th Regt Penn Vol ... pleaded my case before the Court, but Tayman had the inside track" (39).
He mustered out on 4 December 1864 when his term expired, as first lieutenant and adjutant (1, 2, 30 [3 Dec 64], 35 [3 Dec 64], 36 [3 Dec 64], 42). He had served for 36 months (28, 50).
He was appointed Major in the 7th United States Volunteers on 26 June 1865 (30). But he was discharged by special order 647 (War Department, Adjutant General's Office), on 20 December 1865, because he did not pass the required examination (30).
After the war
At some point, he (apparently) married Jane Williams, who was born in Bristol, England (53).
In 1880, Susan Tayman, a widower, 50 years old, was living in Washington DC (31). She had been born in Washington DC, her father had been born in Maryland, and her mother had been born in Washington DC (31). She was living with her daughter, Mary V Tayman, who was 20 years old, and had been born in Washington DC; her father was born in Washington DC (31).
The only Benjamin Tayman in the 1880 census index was living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (26). He was 62 years old, a machinist, and had been born in Maryland (as had both his parents). He was living with his wife Jane Tayman (48 years old, born in England), and three children (26):
- Frank Tayman, 25, born Pennsylvania, a sign painter
- Anna Tayman, 23, born Pennsylvania, at home
- Sarah Tayman, 22, born Pennsylvania, a stocking weaver
Since the pension index claims a contesting widow filed for a pension, this may be our Benjamin Tayman, living with the "contesting widow". Unfortunately, her application was not in the pension packet I received.
He was probably admitted to the National Soldiers Home on 5 June 1888 (43). If so, he was admitted from Pennsylvania, with rheumatism, and was not receiving a pension (43).
In 1888, he was (probably) present at the Southern Branch of the National Soldiers Home (43). He was admitted on 5 June 1888 (50).
In April 1888, a Benjamin Tayman, of Philadelphia, was found standing in knee-high water and mud on a farm near Montandon, Pennsylvania (45). He had a ticket to Erie and a letter admitting him to the Soldiers' Home there, but could not explain how he had arrived on the farm (45).
He died on 29 June 1889 (3, 54) or 1 July 1889 (50) at the National Home, in Hampton, Virginia (30, 50). He died of "Disease of Brain resulting in Apoplexy" (30). He was not receiving a pension (50). He had rheumatism (50).
When she signed the "Declaration for Widow's Pension" on 29 December 1889, his widow, Susan Tayman, was 64 years old, and lived in the District of Columbia (30). She applied successfully for a pension on 6 March 1890 (3, 37, 54).
On 31 March 1890, Jane Tayman's father, Charles Williams, wrote a letter to her, which refers to Tayman's military service (53). He expresses hope that she will receive a pension, and claims Tayman should have had one, since he wasn't as strong after service as before (53).
In 1890, Jennie Tayman (perhaps his widow?) was living at 940 Sartain Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (36). (The only one at 940 Sartain Street in the 1890 Gopsill's directory, as transcribed on <www.ancestry.com>, is William E Rose, a barber.)
On 30 December 1891, a contesting widow, Susan Tayman, also applied for a pension, but unsuccessfully (3, 37, 54).
On 25 June 1900, Jane Tayman, Benjamin J Tayman's widow, died (46).
His widow, Susan Tayman, died on 23 November 1908 (30). She was last paid through 4 September 1908, at $17 per month (30). She died of "Senile debility nosemia [?] [and] Coma" (30). She was nursed by her children and grandchildren during her last illness, which lasted from 6 to 23 November 1908 (30). The funeral home was William Sards [?] and Company (30). She was buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Washington DC (30).
On 17 December 1908, her granddaughter, Rosabella Maddox, of 632 F Street NE, Washington DC, requested reimbursement for funeral expenses (30). They included $175 for the funeral home, $23 for the livery, $6 for the cemetery, and $.50 for the notice in the "Star", totalling $239.50 (30). She had $170 in insurance, whose beneficiary was her daughter Mrs RG Maddox (30).
Sources
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster)
3 pension index, by regiment (Benjamin J Tayman)
4 Welch, Joseph. 'Dedication of monument: 91st regiment infantry. September 12, 1889.' Pennsylvania at Gettysburg: ceremonies at the dedication of the monuments erected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Volume 1, 1914. Pages 500-507.
5 Walter, Thomas F. 'Personal recollections and experiences of an obscure soldier'. Grand Army Scout and Soldiers' Mail volume 3 number 35 page 2.
6 Thomas F Walter. 'Personal recollections and experiences of an obscure soldier'. Grand Army Scout and Soldiers' Mail volume 3 number 39 page 2.
7 Thomas F Walter. 'Personal recollections and experiences of an obscure soldier'. Grand Army Scout and Soldiers' Mail volume 3 number 44 page 1. (See another reference to Tayman as post adjutant on page 2.)
8 Thomas F Walter. 'Personal recollections and experiences of an obscure soldier'. Grand Army Scout and Soldiers' Mail volume 3 number 48 page 1. (See another reference to Tayman as post adjutant on page 2.)
9 Pennsylvania Memorial, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
10 charges and specifications preferred against Morris Kayser.
11 special order 84, HQ 91st PA, 19 September 1863 [dated 19 September 1862]
12 special order 104, HQ 91st PA, 15 November 1863
13 letter, Sinex to Marvin, 7 March 1864
14 letter, Sinex to Fowler, 27 April 1864
15 special order 9, HQ 91st PA, 22 February 1864
16 letter, Sellers to Tayman, 16 September 1864
17 letter, Sellers to Tayman, 7 October 1864
18 Regimental descriptive book
19 special order 75, HQ 91st PA, 10 September 1864
20 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 26 February 1863
21 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 13 May 1863 (Adj Tayman)
22 Alpheus Bowman's court martial record
23 special orders received, #39, received 22 September 1863 (BJ Tayman)
24 record of Morris Kayser's court martial
25 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 11 June 1863 (B J Tayman)
26 1880 census extract, on <http://www.familysearch.org> (citing film T9-1188, page 94A)
27 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 18 September 1863 (not named)
28 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 19 September 1863 (Adjt BJ Tayman)
29 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 23 September 1863 (Adjt BJ Tayman)
30 pension file packet, National Archives and Records Administration (Benjamin J Tayman)
31 1880 census extract, on <http://www.familysearch.org> (citing film T9-0121, page 228D)
32 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 28 October 1863 (Adjt Tayman)
33 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 14 November 1863 (Adjt Tayman)
34 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 18 December 1863 (not named)
35 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 5 May 2004 (Benj. J. Tayman)
36 1890 US census, veterans' schedule, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, enumeration district [blank], page 2, line 19 (Jennie Tayman, [widow of?] Benjamin J Tayman)
37 pension index, by name (Benjamin J Tayman; 2 cards)
38 consolidated morning reports, 3 July 1864, 29 June 1864, and 10 June 1864
39 letter, John Hamill to Secretary of War, 11 February 1875 (B J Tayman)
40 court-martial record, E Carroll Brewster (Lt B J Tayman)
41 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 10 September 1864 (BJ Tayman)
42 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 4 December 1864 (Adjt Tayman)
43 Letter from the President of the Board of Managers of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, transmitting his report for the fiscal year 1888. Serial Set volume 2654, session volume 1, 50th Congress, 2d Session. House Miscellaneous Document 35. Pages 205 (Benj J Fayman [sic; this may not be him])
44 'Ninety-first Pennsylvania Regiment'. Philadelphia Inquirer, 11 July 1862, page 2 (B J Tayman)
45 'Through Pennsylvania'. Philadelphia Inquirer 23 April 1888 page 7 (Benjamin Tayman)
46 [death notice for Jane Tayman]. Philadelphia Inquirer 27 June 1900 page 15 (Jane Tayman)
47 'The Home Guard organization', Philadelphia Inquirer, 29 June 1861, page 2 (B J Tayman)
48 'Camp Chase', Philadelphia Inquirer 30 November 1861 (B J Tayman)
49 'Departure of Col. Gregory's regiment', Philadelphia Inquirer 22 January 1862 page 2 (BJ Tayman)
50 Report of the Board of Managers of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1890. Serial Set volume 2869, session volume 1, 51st Congress, 2nd Session. House Miscellaneous Document 38] (Benj J Fayman [sic])
51 Henry H. Humphreys. Andrew Atkinson Humphreys: a biography. Philadelphia: The John C Winston Co., 1924. Pages 265-267. (Lieutenant Tayman)
52 court martial, John Downy, 133rd PA, 14-15 January 1863, National Archives, Record Group 153 (Judge Advocate General, Army), file KK664 (Benj. J. Tayman)
53 e-mail, Amy Marie Lopez, 21 August 2007 (Benjamin J Tayman)
54 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company E (Benjamin J Tayman)
55 widow's pension certificate file, Mary A Eyre, certificate 12,069, application 15,805, National Archives and Records Administration, record group 15 (available on Footnote, accessed June 2009) (Benjamin J Tayman)
[1890 veterans' census]
[1890 US census, veterans' schedule, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, supervisor's district [1], enumeration district 404 (image 905 on <www.ancestry.com>), page 2][line] 19
[house] 90
[family] 122
[name] Jennie Tayman [her name is written above] Benjamin J Tayman
[rank] Private [sic]
[company] E
[unit] 91 Pa Inf Vol
[enlistment date] 4 Dec 1861
[discharge date] 3 Dec 1864
[length of service] 3 years [blank] months [blank] days
[post office address] 940 Sartain St
[disability incurred] [blank]
[remarks] [blank]
[Philadelphia Inquirer 23 April 1888 page 7]
THROUGH PENNSYLVANIA
Briefs of Telegraphic News from All Sections of the State
Montandon.--Benjamin Tayman, of Philadelphia, aged about 80, was found in a field on Watts farm, near here, Tuesday evening, dazed and bewildered, standing in mud and water up to his knees. He could give no account of how long he had been there, how he got there or from what train he had alighted. He had a ticket to Erie and a letter of admission to the Soldiers' Home at that place.
death notice for Jane Tayman
[Philadelphia Inquirer 27 June 1900 page 15]TAYMAN.--On June 25, 1900, Jane Tayman, wife of the late Benjamin J. Tayman. Funeral on Thursday, 28th inst., at 2 o'clock, from 1114 North street. Interment private.
Humphreys' testimonial
[source: Henry H. Humphreys. Andrew Atkinson Humphreys: a biography. Philadelphia: The John C Winston Co., 1924. Pages 265-267.][quoting Humphreys:]
" ... I send it [sc. a letter from Colonel Badeau] together with one from Lieutenant Tayman, Adjutant of the Ninety-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel (now General) [page 266] Gregory's regiment, one of my old Fifth Corps division. Learning that he was about leaving the service I wrote him a very brief note expressing my opinion of his faithful performance of duty under every circumstance. It is that note he replies to. Knowing the good opinion I had of him and his great regard for me, General Tyler endeavored to damage him by preferring false accusations against him in connection with the battle of Chancellorsville, of which the Court honorably acquitted him."
We insert Colonel Badeau's and Lieutenant Tayman's letters.
[I did not transcribe Badeau's letter]
Major General Humphreys.Headquarters, Second Brigade, First Division, Fifth Army Corps.
My dear General:
Pardon my liberty in thus familiarly addressing you, for the cold, formal "I have the honor" will in no degree [page 267] express the profound feeling of personal respect and esteem I have ever entertained toward you. A desire to answer your kind and valued favor of the 8th inst. so flatteringly complimentary to myself I now offer as my excuse for thus trespassing upon your valuable time. I beg of you to believe me, General, your friendly letter and honorary testimonial will be treasured and cherished by me during my entire life; and will be transmitted to my children with a history of its origin that the name of its author may have a place in their memories along with the name of their father and as one who held no second place in the galaxy of patriots during the Great Rebellion. Regretting that the pressing nature of my duties has compelled me so long to defer my acknowledgement of your highly prized communication, I most respectfully beg leave to subscribe myself,
Truly your obedient servant and friend,
Signed, B. F. Tayman, First Lieutenant and Adjutant, Ninety-first Regiment P.V., A.A.A.G. & A.B.I.; Second Brigade, First Division, Fifth Army Corps.
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revised 9 Nov 08
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