CIVIL-WAR-WOMEN-L Archives

From: "Eugene Stackhouse" <>
Subject: Thomas McCoombs, 150th PA
Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2005 20:09:15 -0500

"The Germantown Independent-Gazette"

Friday, September 15, 1905

An Old Friend and War Comrade's Tribute to His Memory.

Written for The Independent-Gazette.

The recent death of Comrade Thos. McCombs [AKA McCoombs], of Ellis Post, No. 6, G. A. R., and his Interment at Ivy Hill Cemetery recalls memories of the war for the Union. Thomas McCombs was an old resident of historic Germantown, and here his entire family were born and raised. At the breaking out of the war he was ready to make any sacrifice for the country he loved so well. He joined Co. A, 150th P. V. ("Bucktails"), Colonel Wister commanding. He became a conspicuous figure in his regiment, rendering good services during the long and bloody contest. He had many narrow escapes from death.

During the terrible siege of Spottsylvania he received a dangerous wound, which he carried to his grave. At the close of hostilities Comrade McCombs, together with the remnant of that once powerful organization, the 150th P. V., returned to their peaceful homes. Comrade McCombs became an employee of the city, and subsequently he was appointed to a position in the United States Mint.

He was a prominent member of Ellis Post, also a member of the Bucktail Survivors' Association, in which he took a deep interest, particularly its grand reunions at Gettysburg, where so many of the regiment either went down to death or received wounds to carry to the rave. Most of the members of his old regiment have passed away.

Comrade McCombs' true goodness of heart was, perhaps, never better shown than when visiting the fields of Gettysburg, where he would hunt up the sacred places where our boys from old Germantown fought and fell, and place a little Post 6 flag and wild flowers thereon. The writer frequently accompanied Comrade McCombs to the battlefields, where they would meet scores of survivors, and talk over the past and present.

How changed to-day! The reunions are less numerous, the ranks are depleted, and comparatively few remain to tell the story of the scenes of 1861-66. The long rows of illustrious names inscribed in bronze on the memorial tablets at Market Square tell a sad story. Another name will be added-that of Thomas McCombs. Let us honor the memories of our dead comrades.

Comrade McCombs will be sadly missed, both by his family, his friends and the community at large. The little band of survivors have taken their last look on the dead hero, and have followed his remains to their last resting place.

He has slept his last sleep,

He has fought his last battle.

N. K. P. [Naaman Keyser Ployd], Post 6.

Germantown, September 9, 1906.



Gene Stackhouse
"A woman drove me to drink and I didn't even have the decency to thank her."
W. C. Fields.

This thread:

• Thomas McCoombs, 150th PA by "Eugene Stackhouse" <>