Cold Harbor took Toll on Fenner Family

by Paul Schafer of Basom.

The Battle of Cold Harbor on June 3, 1864, was one of the most costly battles of the Civil War. The heavy loss of life was only amplified by the realization that no military advantage was gained by either side.

Several Genesee County-area families shared the grief of that day. However, few families lost as much as the Fenner family of the Alabama and Basom communities.

William Fenner was born in 1839. He and his wife, Miranda, operated a small farm in Alabama. In August of 1862 he enlisted in the Union Army. William was 24 years old

He was listed as a Private and left Lockport for the war as a member of the 8th New York Heavy Artillery. He died at Cold Harbor.

William's body was shipped home and he was buried in Reed Cemetery on Judge Road in Oakfield. His wife lived until 1917 and was buried beside him. William was my great-great-great uncle.

William had a brother, Daniel. Daniel also joined the 8th New York Heavy Artillery in August 1862.

He served well and by June of 1864 had been promoted to corporal. Daniel was 22 when he found himself ready to lead at Cold Harbor.

He was shot twice, once in the arm and once in his side. He survived both wounds and was discharged from the Union Army on June 20l, 1865. Daniel was my great-great-great uncle.

Nathaniel, a third brother, was older and did not enlist. However, Nathaniel had a son, Irwin, who was born Feb. 5, 1845 and enlisted in the Union Army as a private in December 1863.

He also was assigned to the 8th New York Heavy Artillery. At 18 he fought at Spottsylvania, North Anna and, eventually, Cold Harbor, Va.

After the battle Irwin was listed as missing in action, one of 1,279 Union Soldiers who could not be identified. Of those, 889 were buried in a mass grave under a large monument in the Cold Harbor Cemetery.

Nathaniel was my great-great grandfather and his son my great-great (step) uncle.

The monument at Cold Harbor Battlefield has a Roll of Honor listing for those who died there while serving with the 8th New York Artillery. William and Irwin Fenner's names are on that list. Daniel Fenner returned to Alabama and farmed with his wife, Susan.