Justus Enlists to Fight in the Civil War

Justus Cheney
Born: May, 11, 1835; Hopkinton, New York
Died: June 3, 1864; Cold Harbor, Virginia
Relation to Author: 2nd Great Grand Uncle

Although there is conflicting information on the exact date, the records agree that Justus Cheney enlisted and mustered into the army to fight in the Civil War around this time 150 years ago (December 1863 / January 1864). As you remember, Justus's service was short; he died at Cold Harbor in June of 1864.

The exact enlistment dates are unknown; one record says he enlisted on December 18, 1863 and mustered in on December 29, 1863. Another record says he enlisted on December 29 and mustered in on January 19, 1864. I think the former record is more accurate.

Justus Cheney mustered in and joined the 7th NY Heavy Artillery (and here). The regiment started as the 113 NY Infantry Regiment in August 1862. It was reorganized in December of 1863 into an artillery regiment and two additional companies were organized - one in August of 1863 and the other in January of 1864. I am assuming that Justus's Company G was the one organized in January, 1864. Since this is an Albany regiment, it is unclear how exactly Justus joined the regiment.

The regiment was assigned to garrison duty in defense of Washington, DC. So I assume that Justus traveled from Hopkinton to Albany to Washington, DC. In May of 1864 the regiment leaves garrison duty and joins the Army of the Potomac, and in so doing joins the horrible carnage of the summer of 1864 in Virginia.