Why Captain James McQuade was tasked with grocery shopping in 1861: Mohawk Valley history

1861, 162 years ago

Off to war

Captain James McQuade, commander of the Utica Citizens Corps, joined the local militia to drill, march in parades and, if necessary, fight. He did not join to grocery shop. But, that is exactly what he was doing last April in Albany. A week earlier, McQuade and nearly 100 members of the corps had answered President Abraham Lincoln's call for 75,000 volunteers to suppress the rebellion in the South (the beginning of the Civil War).

They left Utica by train for Albany where they would be quartered for two or three weeks before heading south. In Albany, they had comfortable bedding and bathing facilities and everything else they needed — except food. For some reason, the army was having a difficult time providing them with enough food.

So McQuade, using his own money, went grocery shopping. He visited area markets and restaurants and was able to purchase enough food to satisfy his men until army provisions rolled in. Meanwhile, when word reached Utica about the food shortage, a Utica Ladies' Committee — made up of Sarah and Emma Reed, Emma Cassidy, Nellie Gillmore and Anne Peckham — filled bushels with food and had them shipped to McQuade and his boys in Albany.

All that occurred two months ago. Now, in the third week in June, things have improved. The men of the Utica Citizens Corps have new uniforms, rifles, ammunition — and plenty of food. They have been accepted by the state to be part of the newly formed 14th New York Volunteer Regiment of Infantry. They will make up the regiment's Company A. Other companies from Utica: Company B, the Washington Continentals; Company C, the Lafayette Rifles, and Company E, the Seymour Artillery. Other companies in the regiment: Company F, from Boonville, Forestport and Port Leydon; Company G, from Rome; Company H, from Syracuse; Company I, from Lowville, and Company K, from Hudson.

And there is no doubt that McQuade's grocery shopping days are over for the company commanders have elected him to be commander of the regiment with the rank of colonel.

Last week: Why a local man was court-martialed for saving Lafayette's life: Mohawk Valley history

1923, 100 years ago

Let's go fishing

The first day of open season for black and Oswego bass and muskalonge is here and hundreds of anglers are determined to catch the gamey fish. One of the most popular places to catch black bass is Lake Delta, where the state stocked bass some years ago. Most of them, it is believed, will be beyond the legal limit of 10 inches. Local anglers who earlier this season fished Delta for bullheads and perch report that the bass are numerous and hungry.

1948, 75 years ago

Unfurl the pennant

Fans of the Utica Blue Sox enjoy a special night at McConnell Field in North Utica as the 1947 Eastern League championship pennant is unfurled. League President Tommy Richardson introduces four members of last year's champions — Yogi Giammarco, Dick Koecher, Jim Ackeret and Billy Glynn. Four other members are in the majors, playing with the Philadelphia Phillies — Richie Ashburn, Granny Hamner, Stan Lopata and Putsey Caballero. Eddie Sawyer, last year's Blue Sox manager, is now managing the Toronto Maple Leafs in the International League. (Next month, he will be named manager of the Phillies and, in 1950, will lead the "Whiz Kids" to the National League pennant and be named National League manager of the year.)

More Mohawk Valley history Utica's Conkling leading figure at 1880 Republican convention

1973, 50 years ago

Teachers honored

Three teachers in New Hartford are presented "Outstanding Young Educator" awards by the New Hartford Jaycees: John McNair, ninth-grade English teacher at Perry Junior High; Howard Walker, sixth-grade teacher at Clinton Road School, and Marie Capuano, first-grade teacher at Oxford Road School.

1998, 25 years ago

School improvements

The Utica Board of Education votes to spend $8.8 million to improve its schools this summer. The projects include new roofs at Hugh R. Jones and Columbus; new floors at Donovan, Hughes and Watson-Williams; a new library at Martin Luther King, and a new storage wing at General Herkimer.

In American Legion baseball, Sherrill defeats New Hartford, 6-5, behind the hitting of Tom Cummings, Pat Moshetti and Ed Prymas. Top hitters for New Hartford are Mike Leist and Andy Weimer.

Utica Post 229, American Legion, gives its annual "Top Cop Award" to Utica police Investigator Edward Lonczak.The Foothills Girl Scout Council presents awards: Appreciation pins to Dorothy Hughes of Camden, Theresa McGibbon of Rome, Norine Sexton of Rome and Michelle Henson of Cleveland; Honor pins to Dawn Yerkie and Bonnie Fletcher of West Winfield; Thanks badges to Ellen English of Sauquoit, Helen Brodock of Rome and Nancy Ellinwood and Marie Bennett of Utica.

2013, 10 years ago

Ford honored

Blake Ford is named "caring person of the year" by Upstate Cerebral Palsy. He was the agency's board president from 2007-2010 and now is chairman of the agency's Parent Corporation.

Linda Young is elected president of the Whitestown American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1113. Other officers include: Joanne Aughe, first vice president; Susan Head, secretary and second vice president; Darlene Hill, treasurer; Carol Bishop, chaplain; Trudy Szczesniak, sergeant-at-arms; Terry Stevener, historian, and executive board members, Lorraine Matys, Bishop and Stevener.

In American Legion baseball, Roberts Post defeats Whitestown, 9-2, behind the hitting and pitching of Jordan Brown and the hitting of Wayne Schultz and Stephen McGahey. Whitestown hitters are led by Matt Black and Joe Latella (home run).

Trivia quiz

This father had the honor of swearing in his son as president of the United States. Name the president. (Answer will appear here next week.)

Answer to last week's question: John Scott Harrison was the son of President William Henry Harrison (9th president elected in 1840). In 1831, John married Elizabeth Ramsey Irwin. In 1833, they had a son and named him Benjamin. In 1881, Benjamin Harrison was elected 23rd president of the United States.

This Week in History is researched and written by Frank Tomaino. E-mail him at ftomaino221@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Civil War food shortage rallies Mohawk Valley: History column