The Canon City record with which is consolidated the Canon City cannon., 1915-11-25

u
mills OF Lyons. Mich. and after he
took partner in 1859 the water power
system was completed about that time
SO they utilized il as being cheaper
and better. From a small lamount OF
trade the\business extended itself
month after month until II grew to
gratifying proportions. Il vas IN ex-
celIent condition and making money
so that Iaptain Rockafellow's patri-
otIsm proved that IL was big and true
and wholesome when in 1862 he placed
the mills behind him. although it
meant virtual ruin. and went forward
with the Sixth regiment OF Michigan
cavalry 10 nyht for the. north in the
Civil war N
Elected Second Lieutenant
His WORTH was recognized at once
and he was mustered in as second
lseu;enan; on October 18th at Grand
Rapids the same year. Only few
months aetive service on the Lring
line we're necessary 10 make him a
ST lieutenant. He was promoted in
July, but his commission was dated
back TO March 18th. 1868. Just n year
later be was appointed captain OF the
company after he had been seriously
wounded in the battle OF the Wilder
i.css.
The sixth was one Of the regiments
commanded by General George
A. Custer. who later became famous
as an Indian fighter. The Sixth with
rs valiant nkhting helped Custer get
hss major generals star.
Captain Rockafeliow tells an inter
esting story Of President Lincoln. Be
fore his regiment left Washington for
the front the officers were taken to
the White House one day and intro
duced 10 the president by Col. Francis
c. Kellogg. their member of congress
at that time. After the men were pre-
scented and had ciasped the sturdy
hand OF the president. Col. kellogg
said: Mr.. President. the officers OF
his cavalry brigade propose TO pre-
sent Gen. Jeb. Stuart TO YOU
Preferred to See. Gen. stuart.
II will be remembered that at that
time Gen. Stuart was making a terror
OF himself TO Gen. Mccleiian's army
with his terrific raids. President Lin.
coin looked calmly ever the men for
moment and said: Gentlemen. 1
would rather see Gen. Stuart than all
: Of you"
The men we're in the main true to
their promise. for they killed him in
an engagement on May II. 1864.
While second lieutenant in command
OF company Captain Rockafeliow
took part In numerous engagements
with General Sheridan's cavalry and
fpeoiaiiy during the battle of Get
tysburg. Captain Rockafellow was
one of l4o men entrusted with the i'm
lortant duty of going to the rear OF
General Lees army to destroy his
rontoon bridges and train at Falling
Water Despite the fact that hey
were opposed by several hundred men,
they accomplished this command. II
! was an exciting experience and be.
cause Of the complete decentralization
of the rebels Gneral Lees army. was
delayed seven days in their advance,
+ Leaving Frederick City on July 3rd
land marching all night they surprised
the rebel forces. numbering several
hundred, who we're guarding the pom,
ltoon trains on the morning OF July
ith. 1868. giving them such an uncx-
pected salute at daybreak OF that mem
orable day that most OF them ned
pell nell in CONSERVATION. Offering
but little resistance.
Swimming Under Fire.
Them OF the captains command
swan the Potomac river under fire to
get possession OF the first pontoon.
II was hazardous and yet thrilling
work and the men vent At II with q
vim and determination that could
rot be denied. After the nrst pontoou
was secured other soldiers were taken
across to help In the work OF scuttlinl
aud setting adrift all Of tho pontoons
which ware supposed % b safely
swung 70 Tho vlrginia sAers.