Hallowed Ground: Gettysburg's Theta Chi Connection (Part I)

Barlow’s Knoll. Bloody Run. Cemetery Hill. Seminary Ridge. The Peach Orchard, The Wheatfield, the Rocks at Devil’s Den. Culp’s Hill. Little Round Top. General Lee. General Meade. Pickett’s Charge. These names, these places are forever tied to a sleepy little town and the events that occurred 153 years ago on July 1-3, 1863. By fate, by chance, by accident, the United States Army of the Potomac met the invading Confederate States of America’s Army of Northern Virginia and engaged in the deadliest known conflict in the western hemisphere.

Confederate General Robert E. Lee led an invasion into Pennsylvania with more than 71,000 men, determined to bring the war to the to the Northern politicians and to allow a reprieve for war-torn Virginia. His other goal was to draw the Union Army in to the open and to destroy it. Newly appointed Union Commander General George G. Meade commanded a force of nearly 94,000. Meade’s cavalry and infantry managed to secure strong defensive positions, however the cost was tremendous. After three days of bloody conflict, each army suffered more than 23,000 casualties. According to estimates, more than 3,100 Union soldiers and more than 4,700 Confederate soldiers died at Gettysburg. The battle marked a turning point in the war, though it managed to rage for an additional two years.

This battle and its leaders, its tactics, its strategy, its players, its townsfolk have been studied and researched for decades. The "what-ifs" and "if onlys" and "you never knows" continue to be debated. It has been stated that "The Union was born in 1776 in Philadelphia – but it was preserved at Gettysburg".

Is Theta Chi linked to Gettysburg? What role, if any, did Theta Chi members play in this epic battle? Did the battle affect the Fraternity in the years to come? Did the Fraternity play any part in the years after the battle?

Theta Chi Fraternity’s Alma Mater, Norwich University, provided the training and the background for more than 700 alumni and students that served on both sides during the war. Theta Chi Fraternity can claim nearly 60 members that were involved in various capacities and theaters of the war, including one serving in the Confederacy, Roster #5, Frederick H. Farrar, Alpha/Norwich 1856. Our research has uncovered that at least five members have a tie to Gettysburg. Not all of them were necessarily Theta Chi members during the battle, but all are connected to this brotherhood.

Roster #3: Edward Bancroft Williston, 1856

Brother Williston commanded Battery D of the 2nd United States Artillery which was composed of 4-6 light 12 pounder guns. According to records, Williston’s unit arrived with the Sixth Army Corps on July 3 and took a reserve position and remained on Taneytown Road. The unit was not engaged, though it served about a mile south and east of the main assault of Pickett’s Charge. Though we do not know the specific details, Williston was promoted as a brevet major on July 3, 1863 for "gallantry and meritorious services in the Gettysburg campaign."

Williston’s unit’s monument can be found on the battlefield at these coordinates: 39.798759,-77.229496 . Williston is also named on the monument to the Artillery Brigade of Sixth Army Corps. That monument can be found at these coordinates: 39.802008,-77.234284.

Williston served in more than 50 battles and engagements throughout the war. Williston’s highlight would occur a year later at the Battle of Trevilian Station, where his actions would be recognized with a Medal of Honor. Norwich University would later commision historical artist Dale Gallon to paint a scene portraying Williston's actions.  Gallon's studio is located in Gettysburg. Read more about Brother Williston and this story here.

Following the war, Williston lead a distinguished career in the military, serving in locales such as California, Alaska, North Carolina, Texas, Kansas, Chicago, New York, and Georgia. He also served as military governor of Havana in 1899 and as provost marshal-general in Manila, Philippines later that same year. An Act of Congress officially promoted him to brigadier general in 1904. Williston was interred at Arlington National Cemetery. To read more about his accomplishments, click here.

Williston's Monument on Gettysburg Battlefield. Photo Courtesy of StoneSentinels.com / Steve Hawks

Roster #22 Josiah Hall, 1861

Josiah Hall served as a Colonel in the 1st Vermont Cavalry, which was involved in 76 engagements throughout the war. Hall enlisted as a private and was later commissioned as captain on October 17, 1861.

On June 30, the 1st Vermont Cavalry encountered Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart’s Cavalry in Hanover, PA just more than 15 miles east of Gettysburg. The 1st Vermont had and arrived in Hanover and rested briefly before pressing on. Stuart’s Cavalry advanced into the town, scattering the nearby 18th Pennsylvania regiment and the Confederates seized the town. Hearing the shooting, the 1st Vermont turned around back toward Hanover and this counter-charge drove the Confederates out of Hanover. This initial conflict of the Battle of Hanover marked the first engagement of the war on free soil. Defensive positions were formed and barricades were set up within Hanover. An artillery duel followed and Major Hall was ordered to support Lt. Samuel Elder’s 4th U.S. Artillery battery. Despite advances by the Confederates, the Union was able to hold Hanover.While losses were minimal, the actions of those involved, including Major Josiah Hall of the1st Vermont delayed Confederate General Stuart and his cavalry from reaching Lee and linking up with main Confederate forces as the battle began at Gettysburg on July 1. Indeed, Stuart did not reach Gettysburg until the afternoon of July 2, as his communications were disrupted and a direct route to Gettysburg became unavailable. The Battle of Hanover denied Lee supporting manpower, but more importantly, it also cut off his eyes and ears and battlefield intelligence that Stuart typically provided. To read more about the Battle of Hanover, click here.

Above: Monument for The Battle of Hanover. Photo courtesy of Frank Meredith.

In the early morning of July 2, the 1st Vermont was ordered to make the march to Gettysburg. Nearing Gettysburg at about 2 p.m. they were diverted to an area north and east of Gettysburg to help protect the Union’s right flank. Brigadier General George Custer and the 6th Michigan discovered Confederate cavalry in Hunterstown, PA about five miles northeast of Gettysburg. Custer’s actions allowed for artillery batteries to be placed and support was provided by the 1st Vermont. The battery and cavalry pushed the Confederates back. The Vermont men dismounted and were deployed as skirmishers in front of the battery. After another hour of fighting, the Confederates retreated. That night at 11 p.m., the 1st Vermont was ordered to march 10 miles south to Two Taverns, which is just a few miles behind the main Union line.

The unit moved throughout the night arriving at Two Taverns at dawn on July 3. The unit rested until 8 a.m. when they were ordered to move to the Union’s extreme left flank at Big Round Top to provide support in the event of attack by Lee. Some small skirmishes occurred around 1-2 p.m. during the massive artillery duel in the center of the Union line. A fateful decision was made around 3 p.m. that an advance should be made against the Confederate right flank. Robert G. Poirier, in his book "By the Blood of our Alumni: Norwich University Citizen Soldiers in the Army of the Potomac" writes about Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick’s order to Brig. Gen Elon Farnsworth to conduct a mounted charge against the Confederate right flank on July 3. Farnsworth and many others were killed in this charge, which occurred over broken ground against veteran infantry. Poirier notes "Elements of the 1st Vermont Cavalry took part in the action, but Maj. Josiah Hall, who had set off on the Gettysburg Campaign with his regiment, was sidelined by illness and missed participating in the disaster."

To read more of the 1st Vermont’s actions at Gettysburg, click here. A monument on the Gettysburg Battlefield for the 1st Vermont is on the southern portion of the battlefield and can be found at these coordinates:39.78689, -77.243799. A second monument for the 1st Vermont Cavalry, depicting their fateful charge and topped with a statue of Major William Wells, can be found at: 39.784813,-77.245105

1st Vermont Cavalry monument on Gettysburg Battlefield. Photo Courtesty of StoneSentinels.com / Steve Hawks

Though Hall may have been lucky at Gettysburg, it would run out just a few months later when he was wounded and captured at Brandy Station on October 12, 1863. Most of his time as a POW was spent confined in the infamous Libby Prison. He was released during a prisoner exchange on August 3, 1864.

Following his release, he was promoted to Lt. Col in November 1864. Just before Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Courthouse, Hall was engaged on April 8, 1865 when his regiment captured the battery of the famous "Washington Artillery" of New Orleans. The following day, April 9, Hall was ordered to change the enemies’ supply train. It was during this movement that Lee surrendered, but word did not reach the regiment until it had captured the last line between it and the supply train. You can read Hall’s official report here.

After the war, Hall was in command of his regiment as a full Colonel during the Grand Review in Washington, D.C. on May 23, 1865. Hall returned to New England and later moved to Fresno and pursued farming.

Roster #26 Alonzo B. Hutchinson, 1862

Alonzo Hutchinson was commissioned as captain in Company B of the 6th Vermont Infantry on October 5, 1861. This famous "Vermont Brigade" would participate in 13 battles throughout the war.

Brother Hutchinson may have been spared from Gettysburg by two months. Records indicate that he was severely wounded in the Battle of Salem Church (also known as the Battle of Banks’ Ford) on May 4, 1863 and was incapacitated for further service. It is unknown if he was left behind to recuperate or was forced to continue, attached to his unit. He was honorably discharged on July 23, 1863.

If Hutchinson was (or had been able to be) at Gettysburg, it was surely a difficult road to get there. The brigade marched 30 miles in one day, arriving at Gettysburg around 5 p.m. on July 2 and was soon moved to the Union’s extreme left. On July 3, the brigade was on Big Round Top and stretched east to Taneytown Road. The brigade was not engaged, though it did have some exposure to Confederate artillery. The 6th Vermont brought 362 men to the field and had no casualties. To read the official report on the Brigade prepared by Col. Lewis A. Grant, click here. The First Vermont Brigade has a monument south of Gettysburg that mentions the 6th Vermont. You can find it at these coordinates: 39.784973, -77.232374

After the war, Hutchinson moved to Iowa where he resided until his death.

Roster #43 Frederick W. Galbraith, 1865

Frederick Galbraith (also spelled Gilbreth) was appointed drill officer at Brattleboro, VT by Governor Smith. He was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd Maine Infantry on June 22, 1863 just prior to the battle. He was also appointed as a volunteer aide to Major General Oliver Otis Howard’s staff. At Gettysburg, Maj. Gen. Howard was in command of the XI (11th) Corps.

In his autobiography, General Howard notes that on the night of June 30, 1863 while in Emmitsburg, MD, he was summoned to meet with Maj. Gen John Reynolds at Headquarters. Gen. Howard wrote: "Taking Lieutenant F.W. Gilbreth, my aid-de-camp, and an orderly, I set out immediately, and in less than an hour found my way to the little house which Reynolds occupied."

Though we do not have records of Galbraith’s specific actions at Gettysburg, as a member of Gen. Howard’s staff it more likely than not that he would have been in contact with and assisting the General throughout the battle. General Howard and the XI Corps arrived in Gettysburg on the morning of July 1, coming from the south. Gen. Howard placed General Steinwehr’s division in reserve on top of an elevated area known as Cemetery Hill. The XI Corps established a position north of town but, due to a series of opportunities seized by Confederate Generals Richard Ewell and Jubal Early, was brutally pushed from their position and forced to make a massive retreat into Gettysburg and proceeded south to assist in creating a defensive position on Cemetery Hill. Word would soon reach Gen. Howard that Major General John F. Reynolds had been killed in action and that he was now the ranking commander in charge of the entire battle. His leadership was short-lived, as Major General Winfield Scott Hancock arrived at Cemetery Hill with direct orders from General George G. Meade, commander of the Army of the Potomac, to take command. Howard initially refused, believing that he had seniority over Hancock, but ultimately relinquished command.

Monument on Gettysburg Battlefield marking the location of Maj. Gen. Howards Headquarters. Photo Courtesty of StoneSentinels.com / Steve Hawks

On July 2-3, Howard’s XI Corps managed successful defense of the key position of Cemetery Hill and assisted with the defense during Pickett’s Charge. Though the retreat of the XI Corps during the afternoon of July 1 is often blamed on General Howard, other scholars note that Howard’s decisions to place and hold defensive positions on Cemetery Hill were crucial to the Union’s ability to secure victory at Gettysburg. A monument marking General Howard’s Headquarters, where Galbraith likely reported, is at these coordinates: 39.821503,-77.228691. A monument to the XI Corps was placed at their original position north of Gettysburg on July 1, prior to the retreat. It can be found here: 39.84294,-77.231808. A monument to General Howard can be found here: 39.821948, -77.228877. Gen. Howard’s monument is an equestrian statue, and notably, his back is turned to Maj. Gen. Hancock’s equestrian statue located nearby.

After Gettysburg, Brother Galbraith would have followed General Howard and the XI Corps as they were transferred to the Western Theater to become part of the Army of the Cumberland in Tennessee. General Howard would ultimately become commander of the Army of Tennessee in July of 1864 and would fight in Atlanta and join Honorary Theta Chi General William Tecumseh Sherman’s March to the Sea. Galbraith was promoted to captain and made General Howard’s official aide-de-camp on May 18, 1864. By 1865, he was brevetted Lt. Colonel "for gallant and meritorious conduct during the campaigns of Atlanta, Savanna, and the Carolinas."

Following the war, Galbraith practiced law in Boston from 1867-1880 before he moved to California to help build part of the California Southern Railroad. He returned east in 1884 and was made special examiner of pensions. He died March 8, 1896.

Roster #154: Francis Voltaire Randall

Our final member was not a Theta Chi brother during the actual battle. Colonel Francis V. Randall was the father of Phil S. Randall, who joined Theta Chi with Henry B. Hersey in the fall of 1881, when only one undergraduate member, James Michael Holland, remained on campus. Randall was made an honorary member of Theta Chi while he was serving as the Vice President of Norwich University and his son was in the chapter.

Randall’s service began shortly after the outbreak of the war. He was commissioned as a captain in the 2nd Vermont Infantry on May 20, 1861 and was engaged at Bull Run, Lee’s Mill, Williamsburg, Golding’s Farm, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp and Crampton’s Gap. He resigned September 9, 1862 to return home to assist in recruiting more men for service. He raised the 13th Vermont Infantry and was commissioned as its colonel September 24, 1862. After training and some minor skirmishes and railroad guard duty in the area around Washington, D.C., the unit was assigned as the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division of I (First) Corps and ordered to form the rear of the Army of the Potomac as it marched to pursue Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.

According to Randall’s report, the brigade marched to Gettysburg and arrived on July 1 around 5 p.m. and took position on Cemetery Hill behind the battle line composed of the I and XI Corps.

On July 2, the unit remained on Cemetery Hill until about 2 p.m. when Randall was moved to support a battery near the front line. The 13th Vermont ended up out of line with the I Corps and was now slightly behind the right edge of the II Corps, commanded by Major General Winfield Scott Hancock. Though far from his brigade with no orders coming in, the 13th Vermont saw plenty of action on July 2. The II and III Corps were engaged in heavy fighting and the 13th Vermont received some injury from artillery fire. According to Randall, a general (later discovered to be Maj. Gen. Abner Doubleday) ordered Randall to take his unit and report to Maj. Gen. Hancock. Randall rode south of Cemetery Hill and met General Hancock who was rallying his II Corps to hold their position. Hancock asked Randall if he thought that he could re-take a Union battery that had been captured by the enemy. Randall told him that he thought that he thought that he could and that he was willing to try. Hancock told Randall that the mission would be dangerous, so he would not issue a direct order, but asked Randall to take the battery if he thought that he could. Randall told Hancock he could do it.

As Randall was forming his unit and providing instruction, his horse was shot and killed. Randall fell to the ground with his horse. While on the ground he noticed a Confederate line forming nearby. The Confederates fired on the 13th Vermont, resulting in little damage. The 13th Vermont responded with a bayonet charge and took the Confederates by such surprise that they surrendered. General Hancock was close behind and told Randall to press on to the battery – he would take care of the prisoners. Randall and his men pressed on and reclaimed the four guns about half way to the Emmitsburg Road. They were also able to take some prisoners.

Randall’s unit continued to press on to the Emmitsburg Road and came under fire from two Confederate cannons. Randall gave some precise instruction and ordered his men to seize the guns. The mission was successful, and they managed to capture another group of prisoners: 3 officers and 80 men who had hidden in a nearby house. The importance of this mission must be noted as Captain John Lonergan of A Company earned the Medal of Honor for his participation in recovering the cannons and the capture of the Confederate guns and prisoners. Orders finally came from Hancock to fall back to the main Union line. Randall and his men returned to the line around nightfall and took a rest. They would need it for the next day.

On July 3, the 13th Vermont was placed in the front line to the left of Cemetery Hill, and would march into history. Longstreet’s Assault, better known as Pickett’s Charge, was preceded with a massive artillery barrage on the center of the Union line. During the barrage, Randall was able to secure permission to advance his unit to a more favorable position about 50 yards away past the main line. Randall’s 13th Vermont was joined by the 14th Vermont, which formed to his left. Both regiments began to build a defensive position with loose stones and rails and were interrupted when Pickett’s Charge began and they discovered that they were all in the direct path of the advancing Confederate force. To view a map of Pickett’s Charge, click here.

Rather than flee, the men from Vermont stood their ground. General Hancock offered support and encouragement, but the men of the 13th and the 14th Vermont wanted to hold their position alone if they could. The Vermonters held their fire until the Confederates advanced to the Emmitsburg Road. Randall wrote in his official report: "…the two regiments rose up and poured in a volley that seemed to level their front rank and all mounted officers. We continued to pour in our fire as best we could, and very soon the charging column seemed to slacken and nearly halt."

Randall then executed a deadly flanking maneuver on the advancing Confederate line. Per Randall’s report: "…and they passed directly in review before us, my men at the same time pouring one of the most withering fires I had ever beheld into their exposed flank. We had fired about 10 rounds per man when they seemed to be in utter confusion, and large numbers came in rear of my regiment for shelter. I do not know how many prisoners my regiment captured, but I had apparently more than there were men in my regiment." To get a visual idea of how the 13th Vermont flanked the Confederate assault, click here. All told, Randall’s regiment captured nearly 250 Confederates during the action of Pickett’s Charge.

Following the flanking movement, the 13th Vermont discovered another rebel column headed toward the Union line, and Randall advanced his men along with the 16th Vermont to meet them. When the Confederate column changed direction to head south, the 13th Vermont was ordered to return to the main Union line while the 16th and 14th Vermont were ordered to pursue the Confederates.

Toward the end of the assault, Maj. Gen. Hancock was wounded while sitting on his horse, giving Randall some directions. Randall assisted him from horse. When Brigade Commander Colonel Stannard was also wounded within a short time and removed from the field, Randall assumed command of the entire Vermont Brigade.

To read a copy of Randall’s official report on the Battle of Gettysburg, click here. To read a copy of Maj. Gen. Hancock’s official report on Gettysburg, click here.

Col. Randall is mentioned by name on the Gettysburg Battlefield. The 13th Vermont monument can be found at these coordinates: 39.809665, -77.236269 with Randall being mentioned on one of the plaques on the back of the monument. There are also 3 markers near this monument that mark the 3 positions that the 13th held during July 3. The first position marker is 40 feet east of the 13th Vermont monument. The second position marker is 50 yards west from the 13th Vermont monument, on the west side of Hancock Avenue. The third position marker is about 220 yards north of 13th Vermont monument and about 80 yards west of the United States Regulars monument.

Randall's tablet on the back of the 13th Vermont monument. Photo Courtesy of Tim McGough

After Gettysburg, Colonel Randall was mustered out of service less than 3 weeks later on July 21, 1863. Amazingly, he began to immediately recruit the 17th Vermont Volunteers and was commissioned as its colonel on February 10, 1864. He served with distinction at The Wilderness and during the siege of Petersburg and the capture of Lee’s Army. He was mustered out of service July 14, 1865.

Randall returned to Montpelier, Vt. and engaged in farming and other businesses. He became a Vice President of Norwich University and bought and moved into an old hotel in Northfield, VT. He took great pride and interest in Norwich University and was always willing to provide assistance. Randall was awarded an honorary A.M. degree from Norwich. Randall once said of Norwich: "To see her future permanent and secure would be glory enough for me if my whole life’s work besides were blotted out."

Randall died in Northfield, Vt., March 1, 1885. He was buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Northfield. Due to the profound respect they had for their commander, members from his various units helped to set up his grave.

After Col. Randall’s death, Phil S. Randall acquired many of his father’s items. Prior to his death, he gave the items to Alpha Chapter at Norwich University. When Norwich University closed the Greek System and Alpha Chapter went inactive, the items came into possession of the National Fraternity. Several of these items went into storage and were discovered and displayed decades later in the 1990s, though the connection was loose, if not forgotten.

In 2005, the Fraternity initiated Col. Randall’s Great-Grandson, Judge Jim Randall, and his son, Jim, into Theta Chi Chapter using the oldest known copy of our Ritual. Judge Randall inquired as to the status of the family’s items and then-Regional Counselor (and Past National President) Doug Allen was able to put the pieces together. He had seen some items in storage at the Headquarters when he worked there right after the move from Trenton, NJ to Indianapolis. Here is a sample of some of Col. Randall’s items that were (re)discovered:

Col. Randall’s saber:

Col. Randall’s saddle:

This saddle used during the war was found in very poor condition after years of storage. Doug Allen took the saddle to an expert specialist for restoration – who just happened to be his mother! Mrs. Allen did the restoration pro bono and brought the piece to excellent condition. She also discovered a bullet hole in one of the saddlebags. The Fraternity believes that this saddle was the saddle used at Gettysburg. Pictured: Col. Randall's Great-Great Grandson, Jim Randall (l) and Great-Grandson, The Hon. Jim Randall (r) with the saddle.

Battlefield Maps:

In 1989, Then-Executive Director Dave Westol discovered these maps rolled in a cardboard tube in the Executive Office in Trenton during the move, and then-Director of Development Wes Wicker had the maps framed to display at the Headquarters in Indianapolis. These hand-drawn battlefield maps are dated 1876 and are highly accurate with regards to geography, topography, and troop placements, though there are a few historical discrepancies with some placements of Confederate units.

Theta Chi Fraternity is indeed fortunate to count Col. Francis V. Randall among its members. The character and drive that he instilled in his son, Phil S. Randall, no doubt aided the Fraternity in 1881, and beyond.

While it is amazing that Theta Chi Fraternity has possession of some of these items, it is even more amazing to discover that Theta Chi was represented at the most significant battle of the Civil War. Theta Chi was there prior to the start of the Battle. Records indicate that a member was present on each day (July 1-3) and that members were present at the extreme right, center, and extreme left of the union line that formed from Cemetery Hill and to the south.

Even more amazing (or perhaps divine providence) is the historical record of some of these brothers. A few of them joined shortly after the war began – and were still alive when Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Courthouse. To survive the war – to survive Gettysburg, no less – and countless other battles should give us pause to thank all those that serve our country. Those that give the "Last Full Measure of Devotion" prove that freedom is not free. And whether at Gettysburg or in Europe or the Pacific, or in the Middle East and beyond, Theta Chis and countless other Americans have fought and continue to fight for our country.

Did Theta Chi’s involvement in Gettysburg end after the battle? Does Theta Chi have any other ties to Gettysburg? Come back tomorrow for Part 2 of "Hallowed Ground: Gettysburg’s Theta Chi Connection".