Lt. Jeremiah Tyring Hutchison, USA

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Apr 26 2020, 15:59:16 UTC

Jeremiah served in 56 Pennsylvania Infantry, Company K. He enlisted on September 9, 1861 as a Sergeant. Sgt. Hutchison was promoted to 1st Lt. on December 6, 1863; discharged September 21, 1864.

Jeremiah was in Gettysburg on that eventful day, July 1, 1863. In a letter to Pennsylvania Governor Curtin dated November 5, 1863; Brigadier General Cutler, then in command of the 1st Division of the 1st Corps wrote, " In noticing in the papers to-day an account of the proposition for a National Cemetery at Gettysburg, for the men who fell there in July last, I am reminded that I have neglected a duty which I owe to one of your regiments, the Fifty-sixth, and its brave commander, Colonel J. William Hofmann. That regiment is in the Second Brigade of this division, and was at that time under my command. It was my fortune to be in the advance on the morning of July 1st. When we came upon the ground in front of the enemy, Colonel Hofmann's regiment (being the second in the column) got into position a moment sooner than the others, the enemy now advancing in line of battle within easy musket range. The atmosphere being a little thick, I took out my glass to examine the enemy. Being a few paces in the rear of Colonel Hofmann, he turned to me and inquired, 'Is that the enemy?' My reply was, 'Yes.' Turning to his men he commanded, 'Ready, right oblique, aim, fire!' and the Battle of Gettysburg was opened. The fire was followed by other regiments instantly; still that battle on the soil of Pennsylvania was opened by her own sons, and it is just that it should become a matter of history. When Colonel Hofmann gave the command 'aim, I doubted whether the enemy was near enough to have the fire effective, and asked him if he was within range; but not hearing my question, he fired, and I received my reply in a, shower of rebel bullets, by which many of the Colonels men were killed and wounded. My own horse, and those of two of my staff, were wounded at the same time. I desire to say to your Excellency that the Fiftysixth is one of the very best regiments in the service, and that Colonel Hofmann is, without qualification, one of the best officers, brave, faithful and prompt, and a most excellent disciplinarian. I most earnestly hope that his faithful services may be suitably rewarded. I hope that you will cause proper measures to be taken to give that regiment the credit, which is its due, of having opened that memorable battle."

Jeremiah surely had angels watching over him, not only was he in Gettysburg but he also saw battle in Antietam, Fredericksburg and at the battle of Bull Run where on August 29, 1862 the brave men of the Pennsylvania 56th lost their colors.

I will never know what life was like in the times of Jeremiah but I do know that they were indeed very brave people.

Jeremiah was the son of Rebecca Wilson and Benjamin Hutchison; he married Miriam Ganoe. Jeremiah and Miriam had had two children: Ella May and Charles W.

After his return from the war, Jeremiah married Mary Muir . Jeremiah and Mary had six children -- Rebecca S., Archibald, Ida, Margaret, Jeremiah T. Jr., Eliza and Mary Hutchison.

With all his bravery and surviving the many battles of the Civil War, Jeremiah was found in the Delaware River. I have done some searching but cannot determine where along the river he was found.

Hopefully, with God's direction, I will be able to fill in the blanks for Jeremiah. Not only was he a hero but he is my GGgrandfather.