George Friedly

George Washington Friedly

George Washington Friedly was born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania in 1842. He was the oldest of seven children born to Samuel and Margaret (?) Friedly; the others six being Mary Ellen, William, Clarissa, Margaret, Allison, and Letitia. George Friedly married Martha Claubaugh on August 6, 1862, in Huntingdon. They had two children, Elmer Hooker Friedly (born 1863) and Adda Friedly.

George Friedly served the cause of the Rebellion, enlisting as a Musician (drummer) on August 7, 1862, with Company C, 125th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He saw service at the Battles of Gettysburg, Antietam, and Chancellorsville. He was honorably discharged from service on May 18, 1863. His younger brother, William, also had enlisted (August 12, 1862 as a Private) in the 125th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (Company F); however, he died November 9, 1862. After the war, George Friedly became a member of and held the rank of Major in the George Simpson Post #44 of the Grand Army of the Republic. He continued to perform as a Civil War drummer and was an active a member of the National Association of Civil War Musicians. His prowess with the drums earned him the title of the "World's Greatest Drummer." George Washington Friedly died in Huntingdon on May 24, 1926, and he and wife, Martha, are buried in Riverview, Cemetery in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.

Photograph and information submitted by Kathie Friedley.

George Washington Friedly (Left)