Sons of Union Veterans of The Civil War
Department of New York
Admiral John L. Worden Camp 150

Marking the Unmarked Grave of
Pvt. John Germond
128th NYVI
Taunton, MA

Pvt. John Germond was born on September 29, 1844. His parents were John and Mary Germond of New York City, NY. In August of 1862, at the age of just 18, he enlisted as a Private in FIshkill, NY and was thereafter mustered into Company H of the 128th New York Volunteer Infantry.

The unit, nicknamed "Old Steady," was recruited in the counties of Columbia and Dutchess, NY. The 128th left for Baltimore, whence it sailed for New Orleans a few weeks later. In Jan., 1863, it was assigned to Sherman's division, 19th corps, and was complimented by Gen. Sherman for the success of its first achievement-the capture of a large quantity of property at Gainesville in April. The regiment took a gallant and conspicuous part in the long siege of Port Hudson, fighting desperately during the assaults of May 27 and June 14. The splendid service rendered by the 128th is well attested by its casualties during the siege, which amounted to 22 killed, 100 wounded and 6 missing, a total of 128. Col. Cowles fell while gallantly leading his regiment during the assault of May 27, the command suffering its heaviest losses on this occasion. After the fall of Port Hudson, the regiment was ordered to Baton Rouge, where it arrived on the 22nd after a fatiguing march, and the next 9 months were chiefly spent in post and garrison duty, with occasional reconnaissances and minor expeditions. On March 15, 1864, in the 3d brigade, and (Grover's) division, 19th corps, it started on Banks' ill-fated Red River expedition. During the battle of Cane River Crossing, the 128th was the first to cross the river and plant a flag upon the hill. It also made a brilliant charge driving the enemy and taking many prisoners, its loss being 10 killed and wounded. It was also present at Alexandria and Mansura. In July it proceeded with the division to New Orleans, where it sailed under sealed orders for Washington. On its arrival it was ordered into Maryland to confront Early's invasion and took part in the subsequent famous campaign under Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. At the battle of the Opequan the regiment lost 57 killed, wounded and missing, Maj. Keese and 4 other officers being wounded. At Fisher's hill its loss was 20 killed, wounded and missing, and the regiment was complimented by Gen. Emory for its services. At the battle of Cedar Creek it lost 95 killed, wounded and missing. During the next two months it was engaged in garrison duty at Winchester and New Berne, and was ordered to Savannah with its division in Jan., 1865. In March it was ordered to North Carolina where it was temporarily attached to the 3d brigade, 1st division, 10th corps, participating in the campaign of the Carolinas until Johnston's surrender in April. It returned to Savannah in May and, with Pvt. Germond, was mustered out on July 12, 1865. The regiment returned home with only 400 men of the original 960 and 173 recruits. It lost during service 2 officers and 61 men killed and mortally wounded; 3 officers and 203 men died of disease and other causes; total deaths, 269 -  41 died in the hands of the enemy.

Richard Seymour was married, but was a widower at the time of his death. His place or residence was listed as 6 Chandler Avenue in Taunton, MA. On December 19th, 1924, at the age of 80, he was taken suddenly ill while walking along Empire Street in Providence, R.I. He was reported to have died in just a few minutes - possibly from a Cerebral Hemorrhage. He was buried in Taunton's Westville Cemetery, with no marker to identify his grave, or his brave military service.

Almost 80 years later, Michael Gallagher of Staatsburg, NY acquired a rifle from an antique dealer. The name carved into the weapon indicated that it had once belonged to Pvt. Germond. Additional research led him to the unmarked grave in Taunton. It was at his suggestion and request, that the Worden Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War acquired a government-issued, upright, granite headstone and, with the help of Boy Scouts from Troop 73 of White Plains, NY, installed it on the grave of Pvt. Germond on July 12, 2004.

John Germond was temporarily forgotten. Not any more.

John Germond's unmarked grave,
temporarily marked for stone placement.

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