Free Genealogy Biography of James Agnew, Pennsylvania Soldier of the Civil War

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James Agnew

James Agnew, (born in Fulton county, May 6, 1841), son of David and Rebecca (Sample) Agnew, was educated in the public schools of McConnellsburg, and the Academies at Strasburg and Mount Joy, Lancaster county.

After leaving school he began farming, but Oct. 3, 1862 at Philadelphia, he enlisted in Company K, 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry, 160th Regiment ; he was promoted to be corporal, March 1, 1863, and sergeant, May 15, 1863. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland under Gen. Rosecrans, participating in the battle of Stone River, the campaign of 1863 to Chattanooga, thence to Chickamauga, and back again to Chattanooga. Under the command of Gen. George H. Thomas he took part in the battles of Lookout Mountain, and Missionary Ridge. His regiment was then assigned to Sherman's Army, for the Georgia campaign, including Atlanta. They then proceeded to Decatur, Ala., and joined in the pursuit after Johnston's army, and also after Jefferson Davis. Mr. Agnew was mustered out with the company at Nashville, Tenn., June 21, 1865. He then returned to Lancaster county and came to Mercersburg with his father in 1866, where he was engaged in farming for twenty years.

In politics he has always been a Republican, and he worked for that party in the Fremont campaign, although then under age. He was appointed postmaster of Mercersburg by President McKinley in June, 1898, and was re-appointed by President Roosevelt in June, 1903. He served as a school director for six years, and has also served as assessor of Montgomery township. He is a member of the Mercersburg Post, G. A. R, and he is a deacon in the Mercersburg Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Agnew married, Dec. 21, 1865, Harriet E. Rhea, daughter of John L, and Maria (Rankin) Rhea. They have issue
1. JOHN RHEA, born Feb. 19, 1867, married Nettie Hay, of Newcastle, Pennsylvania.
2. REBECCA SAMPLE, born Dec. 6, 1808.
3. HARRIET WITHEROW, born Feb. 12, 1 1872, married Thomas C.
McDowell. 4. DAVID FINLEY, born Oct. 4, 1878.
5. JAMES KENWORTHY, born Oct. 20, 1881, died Dec. 1O, 1884.




Source: Biographical Annals of Franklin County, Pennsylvania : containing genealogical records of representative families, including many of the early settlers, and biographical sketches of prominent citizens; Chicago. Genealogical Pub. Co.. 1905. Notes: Prepared in part by George O. Seilhamer.