Muster Roll of the "USS Monitor"

February-December, 1862.

compiled by Terry Foenander.

The following list of personnel who served aboard the famed ironclad, USS Monitor, during the entire period of her service, from her commissioning in February, 1862, to the date of her sinking, December 31, 1862, is compiled from a number of sources, the main lists being the one compiled by Francis B. Butts, and the muster roll of November, 1862. Additional names, not included in these two sources, have been obtained from other sources, which are listed against these particular names.

While it is to be assumed that the list is as complete as can be, it should be noted that some names may have been missed due to their exclusion from these particular sources.

Since just about all particulars of the ironclad, as well as the historic engagement of March 9, 1862 are described in various books, magazines and on the Internet, these will be dispensed with here.

William Allen, born England; enlisted October 6, 1862, aged 24, at New York, for 1 year; later sent to the Washngton Navy Yard; joined the USS Monitor, as seaman, after the engagement at Hampton Roads, March, 1862; drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 340.]

Hans Anderson, seaman; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17.]

Richard Anger (surname also shown as Anjier), born England; enlisted January 28, 1862, aged 37, at New York, for 3 years; sent aboard the receiving ship, USS North Carolina; rated quartermaster; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; commended for his brave stance, in not leaving the sinking ironclad, December 31, 1862, until his commanding officer had left first. [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 345.]

Norman Atwater, resident of New Haven, Connecticut; appointed acting ensign September 12, 1862; joined the USS Monitor after the engagement at Hampton Roads; drowned at the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 17; ORN 1, 8, 340; Callahan; Keeler 232.]

John Pine Bankhead, born at Fort Moultrie, South Carolina, 1821; entered the United States Navy, 1838; promoted commander, July 16, 1862, and captain, July 25, 1866; commanded the USS Monitor, September 1, 1862 to December 31, 1862; later commanded the USS Florida; died at Aden, Arabia, April 27, 1869 (Callahan shows his year of death as 1867). [Butts 17; Keeler 218; Keeler2 4 & 76; Callahan.]

Auton Boating, seaman; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17.]

Derick Brinkman, carpenter's mate; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17.]

Edmund Brown, first class fireman; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17.]

John O. Brown, born Haverstraw, New York; enlisted October 1, 1862, aged 24, at New York, for 1 year; joined the USS Monitor as ordinary seaman, later fireman. [Butts 17; Muster Roll.]

William Bryan, born New York City; enlisted July 19, 1861, aged 31, at Boston, Massachusetts, for 2 years; yeoman; joined at New York; received from the USS Sabine; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 340.]

Francis Banister Butts, born Providence, Rhode Island; enlisted in the Union Navy, October 3, 1862, aged 21, at New York, for 1 year; sent aboard the receiving ship, USS North Carolina, then to the Washington Navy Yard, where he served as clerk in the commandant's office; joined the USS Monitor, in November, 1862, as landsman; later served as paymaster's clerk. [Butts 17; Cruise; Muster Roll.]

Albert B. Campbell, appointed third assistant engineer in the United States Navy, August 26, 1859; then second assistant engineer, October 26, 1861; joined the USS Monitor at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; one of the officers, shown in a series of photographs, on the deck of the ironclad, taken on July 9, 1862, on the James River; injured his leg in a pumping engine accident, December, 1862; resigned from Naval service, May 5, 1863. [Butts 16-17; Geer 121 & 225; Callahan.]

Thomas Carroll, 1st, born Boston, Massachusetts; enlisted July 22, 1861, aged 28, at Boston, for 2 years; received from the USS Sabine; rated as captain of hold; joined the USS Monitor at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354.]

Thomas Carroll, 2nd, born Ritchfield Spring, New York; enlisted February 11, 1862, aged 19, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York, as first class boy (also shown later, as coal heaver); involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354.]

Siah Carter, (African American) born Charles City, Virginia; enlisted May 19, 1862, aged 24, on the James River, Virginia, for 3 years; previous occupation, carpenter; rated as first class boy; prior to being enlisted aboard the USS Monitor Carter had been a slave on a plantation owned by a Confederate Army colonel, and he had been taken, together with other slaves, to work on the defences at Yorktown, Virginia; Keeler describes the circumstances of Carter's coming aboard the USS Monitor, when the deck watch of the ironclad that night was alerted to the approach of a boat, and, assuming that they were Confederates about to board them, they fired a shot at the approaching boat, and then heard the cry of "a poor trembling contraband," who cried out: "O, Lor' Massa, oh don't shoot, I'se a black man Massa, I'se a black man."; Carter stated that his master had called all the slaves together and told them "that if any of them went on board of the yankee ships, the yankees would carry them out to sea, tie a piece of iron about their necks & throw them overboard"; after the sinking of the USS Monitor, in December, 1862, he was sent, together with other survivors, aboard the USS Brandywine; later served on the USS Florida on which muster roll, dated October 1, 1863, he is shown, as landsman. [Muster Roll; Keeler 132; Geer 233.]

James Coleman, born Ireland; enlisted September 20, 1862, aged 21, at New York, for 1 year; received from Washington, D.C.; rated as landsman. [Muster Roll.]

William Coleman, fireman; joined the USS Monitor after the engagement at Hampton Roads, March, 1862. [Butts 17.]

John B. Conklin, quarter gunner; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17.].

Anthony Connoly (surname also shown as Connelly), born Ireland; enlisted July 18, 1861, aged 26, at Boston, Massachusetts, for 2 years; received from the USS Sabine; rated as seaman; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354.]

Robert Cook, (African American) born Gloucester County, Virginia; enlisted September 8, 1862, aged 18, at Hampton Roads, Virginia, for 3 years; rated as first class boy; drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 340.]

Joseph Crown, born New York; enlisted January 20, 1862, aged 39, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina; rated as gunner's mate; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354.].

David Cudderback (surname also shown as Cutteback and Cuddeback), born Port Jervis, New York; enlisted June 29, 1861, aged 21, at New York, for 3 year; received from the USS North Carolina, and rated as landsman; later served as officer's steward and ship's cook; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best."; later served as ship's cook on the USS Keokuk; slightly wounded in action during the attack off Charleston, South Carolina, April, 1863. [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354 & 1, 14, 4.].

John Driscoll (the assumed name of John M. White, and under which he shipped in the Union Navy), first class fireman; joined the USS Monitor at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17; Mindell 49.].

William Durst, coal heaver; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; a newspaper report, dated in July, 1907, indicated that he was then living in Philadelphia, and was assumed to be the last survivor of the crew of the USS Monitor; he was described, at that time, as being in good mental and physical condition. [Butts 16-17; see also report on page 8 of the Toowoomba Chronicle, [of Queensland, Australia], dated Tuesday, July 23, 1907.]

William H. Egan (surname also shown as Eagan), born Ireland; enlisted October 6, 1862, aged 21, at New York, for 1 year; received from Washington, D.C.; rated as seaman; drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 340.]

James Fenwick, born Scotland; enlisted July 22, 1861, aged 23, at Boston, Massachusetts, for 2 years; received from the USS Sabine; rated as seaman and quarter gunner; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 340.]

William Flye, born Maine; appointed acting volunteer lieutenant, December 6, 1861; one of the officers, shown in a series of photographs, on the deck of the ironclad, taken on July 9, 1862, on the James River; detached from the USS Monitor, November, 1862, and sent to the USS Underwriter; later served in the Mississippi Squadron; promoted acting volunteer lieutenant commander, July 18, 1865; honorably discharged December 24, 1865. [Geer 121; Keeler 193; Callahan; Navy Register 124; Keeler 231.]

George Frederickson, acting master's mate, November 15, 1861; joined the USS Monitor at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; one of the officers, shown in a series of photographs, on the deck of the ironclad, taken on July 9, 1862, on the James River; promoted acting ensign, October 31, 1862; drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 16-17; ORN 1, 8, 340; Geer 121; Callahan.]

Edwin V. Gager, born New York, 1836; commanded a steamer operating on the Southern seaboard, prior to the war; appointed acting master, May 17, 1861; served, in 1861, aboard the USS Monticello, as acting master and pilot; later on the USS Monitor; described as "an able, active, & energetic officer"; was not on board the USS Monitor at the time of the engagement at Hampton Roads, March 9, 1862, but came aboard soon after; one of the officers, shown in a series of photographs, on the deck of the ironclad, taken on July 9, 1862, on the James River; however, Callahan shows his resignation as July 8, 1862 (which may have been backdated?); resided, in 1880, with his wife, Rose, and four children, at Newark, New Jersey; occupation shown as sea captain. [Geer 121; Callahan; US1880Census; ORN 1, 6, 127; Keeler 90-91, 110.]

John Garrety, born Ireland; enlisted January 20, 1862, aged 25, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as first class fireman; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354.].

George Spencer Geer, born Troy, New York, May 17, 1836; married October 3, 1858; wife, Martha; enlisted February 18, 1862, aged 25, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as first class fireman; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best."; appointed acting third assistant engineer, January 19, 1863; after the sinking of the USS Monitor, he was sent, together with the other survivors, aboard the USS Brandywine; then sent aboard the USS Galena, at the end of January, 1863; promoted acting second assistant engineer, June 6, 1864; also served on the USS Harvest Moon; honorably discharged, December 1, 1865; was residing, in 1880, at Troy, with his wife and six children; employed as a contractor. [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354; Geer 195 & 241; US1880Census; Callahan; Navy Register 188.].

Samuel Dana Greene, born Cumberland, Maryland, 1840 (his father was Union Army General George Sears Greene); appointed, from Rhode Island, as acting midshipman, September 21, 1855, and midshipman, June 9, 1859; promoted lieutenant, August 31, 1861; joined the USS Monitor, as executive officer, at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; one of the officers, shown in a series of photographs, on the deck of the ironclad, taken on July 9, 1862, on the James River; later served on the USS Florida, and the USS Iroquois; left the USS Florida on Friday, October 2, 1863, to return home for his marriage on October 9; after his honeymoon, he returned to duty at the New York Navy Yard; promoted lieutenant commander, August 11, 1865, and commander, December 12, 1872; was residing, in 1880, at Annapolis, Maryland, with his wife, Mary, and three children; committed suicide at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, December 11, 1884. [Butts 16-17; Keeler 8-9; Keeler2 8, 99, 100 & 119; Geer 121; US1880Census; Callahan; Navy Register 32.].

Robinson W. Hands, resident of Maryland; appointed third assistant engineer February 1, 1862; joined the USS Monitor at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; described by fellow crew member, Francis B. Butts, as "the favorite of all on board"; one of the officers, shown in a series of photographs, on the deck of the ironclad, taken on July 9, 1862, on the James River; stood the engineer's watch, and drowned, at his post of duty, in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 16-18; ORN 1, 8, 340; Geer 121; Callahan.].

Patrick Hannon (surname also shown as Hannan), first class fireman; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; ORN 1, 8, 354.]

John Hardy, born Portland, Maine; enlisted July 11, 1862, aged 23, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS Wachusett; rated as seaman. [Muster Roll.]

Henry Harrison, born Sweden; enlisted July 10, 1862, aged 38, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS Wachusett; rated as seaman. [Muster Roll.]

Robert H. Howard, (African American) officer's cook; joined the USS Monitor after the engagement at Hampton Roads, March, 1862; drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 17; ORN 1, 8, 340.]

R.R. Hubbell (Butts incorrectly shows his surname as Hubdell), resident of St. Louis, Illinois; grandson of a Ben Hubbell of Bridgeport; paymaster's steward (Butts also shows his rating as hospital steward); joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17; Keeler 70.]

William Nicholson Jeffers, born New Jersey; appointed as midshipman, in the United States Navy, September 25, 1840, as as passed midshipman, July 11, 1846; promoted master, June 12, 1854, and lieutenant, January 30, 1855; lieutenant commander, July 16, 1862; commanded the USS Monitor, March 10, 1862 to August 1, 1862; later served at the Ordnance Yard, Washington, D.C.; promoted commander March 3, 1865; captain July 13, 1870, and commodore February 26, 1878; was residing, in 1880, with his wife (whose maiden name was Smith), at Washington, D.C.; employed as chief of the Bureau of Ordnance; died July 23, 1883. [Butts 17; US1880Census; Callahan; Mindell 90; Navy Register 26 & 333; Keeler 102.]

William H. Jeffrey, (African American) born Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; enlisted October 15, 1861, aged 24, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS Pembina; rated as officer's steward. [Muster Roll.]

Jesse M. Jones, paymaster's steward; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17.].

Thomas Joyce (surname also shown as Joice), born Ireland; enlisted January 15, 1862, aged 23, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina; rated as first class fireman; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 340.].

William Frederick Keeler, born Utica, New York, June 9, 1821; married Anna Elizabeth Dutton, October 5, 1846; appointed from the state of Illinois, as acting assistant paymaster, in the Union Navy, December 17, 1861; joined the USS Monitor at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; one of the officers, shown in a series of photographs, on the deck of the ironclad, taken on July 9, 1862, on the James River; described by one sailor aboard the USS Monitor, as being "a lazy old cus and is always behindhand"; later served on the USS Florida; honorably discharged from Naval service, April 25, 1866; resided at La Salle, Illinois, for some years, before moving to Florida, in 1869; died February 27, 1886. [Butts 16-17; Keeler xii-xvi; Geer 121; Callahan; Navy Register 179.].

Thomas Langhham, ship's cook; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17.].

Matthew Leonard, born Ireland; enlisted December 24, 1861, aged 31, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as first class fireman; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354.]

Samuel A. Lewis, resident of Baltimore, Maryland; appointed acting third assistant engineer, October 28, 1862; joined the USS Monitor nearly eight months after the engagement at Hampton Roads; described as "a mere boy, nearly a cypher [a nonentity] in our little society"; drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 17; ORN 1, 8, 340; Callahan; Keeler 232.]

George Littlefield, born Saco, Maine; previous occupation, stone cutter; enlisted September 27, 1862, aged 25, at New York, for 1 year; received from Washington, D.C.; rated as landsman; drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 340.]

Thomas Lochrane, seaman; indicated as being a crew member of the USS Monitor; participated in the engagement at Hampton Roads, March 9, 1862. [Battles & Leaders 1, 723.]

Daniel C. Logue, born New York, 1833; practised as a physician, in New York, prior to joining the Union Navy; appointed acting assistant surgeon, January 25, 1862; joined the USS Monitor at New York, February 12, 1862; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; one of the officers, shown in a series of photographs, on the deck of the ironclad, taken on July 9, 1862, on the James River; resigned from Naval service, October 7, 1862; was residing, in 1880, with his wife, Elizabeth, and three children, at New York City, where he was employed as a physician. [Butts 16-17; Geer 121; US1880Census; Callahan; Keeler 12-13.]

James Malone, born Ireland; previous occupation, chandler; enlisted September 10, 1862, aged 28, at New York, for 1 year; received from Washington, D.C.; rated as landsman. [Muster Roll.]

William Marion, born Ireland; previous occupation, sail maker; enlisted August 5, 1861, aged 36, at Boston, Massachusetts, for 3 years; received from the USS Sabine; rated as seaman and quartermaster; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354.]

John Mason, born New London, Connecticut; enlisted February 21, 1862, aged 21, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as coal heaver; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354.]

Edwin McCadd, boy; joined the USS Monitor after the engagement at Hampton Roads, March, 1862. [Butts 17.]

John Monahan (surname also shown as Monaghan), born New York City; enlisted September 13, 1862, aged 21, at New York; received from Washington, D.C.; rated as seaman; after the sinking of the USS Monitor, in December, 1862, he was sent, together with other survivors, aboard the USS Brandywine; later on the USS Florida, on which muster roll, dated October 1, 1863, he is shown; discharged September 15, 1863. [Butts 17; Muster Roll; Geer 233.]

Michael Mooney, born Ireland; enlisted February 14, 1862, aged 22, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as coal heaver and second class fireman; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354.]

Daniel Moore, officer's steward; joined the USS Monitor after the engagement at Hampton Roads, March, 1862; a good friend of George Geer, as Moore is often mentioned in Geer's letters home; Moore is mentioned as getting drunk several times, and was, on one occasion, placed in irons for this reason; drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862 (one source indicates that Moore was an African American, but this is not borne out by all other sources). [Butts 17; ORN 1, 8, 340; Keeler 21-22.]

Edward Moore, officer's cook; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17.]

William Morrison, born England; enlisted October 4, 1862, aged 20, at New York, for 1 year; received from Washington, D.C.; rated as fireman. [Butts 17; Muster Roll.]

Lawrence Murray, seaman; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17.]

Isaac Newton, born New York; appointed first assistant engineer, June 15, 1861; joined the USS Monitor at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; one of the officers, shown in a series of photographs, on the deck of the ironclad, taken on July 9, 1862, on the James River; described as "a good officer"; later served on special duty at New York; resigned from Naval service, February 8, 1865; later chief engineer of the Croton Aqueduct (in New York); died September 25, 1884. [Butts 16-17; Geer 121; Callahan; Battles & Leaders 1, 741; Navy Register 68; Keeler 210.]

William H. Nichols, born Brooklyn, New York; enlisted February 13, 1862, aged 19, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as cabin boy; joined the USS Monitor after the engagement at Hampton Roads, March, 1862; Butts incorrectly shows him as having drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 17; Muster Roll.]

Jacob Nickles (first name also shown as William), born Buffalo, New York; enlisted October 13, 1862, aged 21, at Buffalo, New York, for 1 year; received from Washington, D.C.; rated as seaman; drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 340.]

Charles Peterson, seaman; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17.].

Christy Price, born Ireland; enlisted February 27, 1862, aged 22, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as coal heaver and second class fireman; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354.].

Robert Quinn, enlisted February 18, 1862, aged 22, at New York, for 3 year; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as coal heaver and second class fireman; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354.]

William Henry Remington, born Onondaga, New York; enlisted October 30, 1862, aged 21, at Washington, D.C., for 1 year; received from Washington; rated as fireman; joined the USS Monitor after the engagement at Hampton Roads, March, 1862. [Butts 17; Muster Roll.]

William Richardson, born Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; enlisted February 14, 1862, aged 26, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as first class fireman (also shown, later, as second class fireman); involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354.].

Ellis Roberts, born Scranton, Pennsylvania; enlisted February 14, 1862, aged 22, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as coal heaver, and later as paymaster's steward; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8. 354.]

Henry Robinson, seaman; Butts incorrectly shows him as having drowned in the sinking of the USS Monitor, December 31, 1862. [Butts 17.]

John Rooney, born Brooklyn, New York; enlisted June 6, 1861, aged 29, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as master at arms; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; described, by fellow crewmember, Francis B. Butts, as being the "funny man of the berth deck"; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best.". [Butts 16-18; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354.]

Charles H. Scott, seaman; joined the USS Monitor after the engagement at Hampton Roads, March, 1862; Butts incorrectly shows him as having drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 17.]

Isaac Scott, born Canada; enlisted October 21, 1862, aged 22, at Buffalo, New York, for 1 year; received from Washington, D.C.; rated as ordinary seaman. [Muster Roll.]

William Scott, born Petersburg, Virginia; enlisted August 10, 1862, aged 21, at James River, Virginia, for 3 years; rated as first class boy. [Muster Roll.]

James Seery, coal heaver; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17.]

Thomas Oliver Selfridge, jr., born Charlestown, Massachusetts, February 6, 1836; entered the United States Navy, 1851; at the commencement of the Civil War, he served on the USS Cumberland; commanded the USS Monitor, for four days in March, 1862, before being replaced by William Nicholson Jeffers; later commanded the Alligator, the USS Cairo, the USS Conestoga, the USS Manitou, the USS Osage, the USS Vindicator and the USS Huron; promoted commander, December, 1869, and to captain in November, 1880; died at Washington, D.C., February 4, 1924. [Mindell 90; Navy Register 28; Selfridge.]

Charles Smith, born Rome, New York; enlisted September 27, 1862, aged 28, at New York, for 3 years; rated as landsman and seaman; joined the USS Monitor after the engagement at Hampton Roads, March, 1862. [Butts 17; Muster Roll.]

Charles H. Smith, fireman; joined the USS Monitor after the engagement at Hampton Roads, March, 1862. [Butts 17.]

James Smith, born Troy, New York; enlisted October 1, 1862, aged 21, at New York, for 1 year; rated as landsman. [Muster Roll.]

Moses B. Sterns, quartermaster; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17.]

Thomas H. Stevens, born Middletown, Connecticut, 1819; appointed midshipman, December 14, 1836, and as passed midshipman, July 1, 1842; promoted master, July 25, 1848; lieutenant, May 10, 1849; commanded the USS Monitor, August 1, 1862 to September 1, 1862; later commanded USS Oneida; promoted captain, July 25, 1866; commodore November 20, 1872; rear-admiral October 27, 1879; was residing, in 1880, with his wife, Anna, and children, in Washington, D.C.; retired May 27, 1881; died May 15, 1896. [Butts 17; Keeler 208; US1880Census; Callahan; Navy Register 20.]

Alban C. Stimers (Callahan incorrectly shows his first name as Allen), born circa 1828, New York; appointed third assistant engineer, January 11, 1849; promoted second assistant engineer, February 26, 1851, and first assistant engineer, May 21, 1853; promoted chief engineer July 21, 1858; joined the USS Monitor at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; later served on USS Wabash; resigned from Naval service, August 3, 1865. [Butts 16-17; Keeler 8; Callahan; Mindell 49; Navy Register 66.].

John Stocking, born Binghampton, New York; enlisted January 25, 1862, aged 27, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS Sabine; rated as boatswain's mate; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; described, by fellow crew member, Francis B. Butts, as "one of the very best types of an American sailor"; swept off the deck, and drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 16-18; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 340.].

Louis N. Stodder, born Massachusetts; appointed acting master, December 26, 1861; joined the USS Monitor at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia, and was briefly concussed during the battle; one of the officers, shown in a series of photographs, on the deck of the ironclad, taken on July 9, 1862, on the James River; commended for his deportment at the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862; promoted acting volunteer lieutenant, January 10, 1863; honorably discharged November 20, 1865. [Butts 16-17; ORN 1, 7, 25 & 1, 8, 345; Geer 121; Callahan; Navy Register 125.]

Mark Trueman Sunstrom, born Maryland; appointed third assistant engineer, February 1, 1862; joined the USS Monitor at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; one of the officers, shown in a series of photographs, on the deck of the ironclad, taken on July 9, 1862, on the James River; promoted second assistant engineer, October 15, 1863; later served on the USS Pontoosuc; resigned from Naval service, November 10, 1865. [Butts 16-17; Keeler 8; Geer 121; Callahan; Navy Register 74.].

Charles F. Sylvester, born Sweden; enlisted January 22, 1862, aged 21, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as seaman; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354.].

Abraham H. Tester, born England; previous occupation, machinist; enlisted February 14, 1862, aged 23, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as first class fireman; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best"; sent to the USS Florida, on which muster roll, dated October 1, 1863, he is shown as first class fireman; appointed, from the state of New York, as acting third assistant engineer, February 18, 1864; later served aboard the USS Montgomery; honorably discharged August 21, 1865. [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 354; Callahan; Navy Register 208.].

Daniel Toffey, captain's clerk; joined the USS Monitor at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia, March 9, 1862; sent to Washington, D.C., in April, 1862, on business; stayed at Willard's during this time. [Butts 16-17; Keeler 89.].

Peter Truscott (surname also shown as Trescott), born Ireland; enlisted January 20, 1862, aged 23, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as seaman and quartermaster; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia, and suffered, temporarily, from concussion of the brain, as a result of the action; survivor of the sinking of the ironclad on December 31, 1862, and was one of those who signed a petition, dated aboard the USS Rhode Island, at sea, January 3, 1863, requesting that "we may be discharged from further service in the Navy of the United States, and be privileged to serve our country in whatever capacity may seem best." . [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 7, 25 & 1, 8, 354.].

Thomas B. Vial, seaman; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; Callahan lists a Thomas B. Viall, who was appointed mate, in the Union Navy, February 8, 1865, and whose appointment was revoked on November 18, 1865; this may be the same person. [Butts 16-17; Callahan.]

Joseph Watters, appointed third assistant engineer, October 22, 1860; second assistant engineer, December 8, 1862; replaced Campbell, as chief engineer aboard the USS Monitor, when that officer was sent to hospital, in December, 1862, just a few days before the sinking of the ironclad; first assistant engineer, December 1, 1864; died September 13, 1866. [Callahan; Geer 235.]

John J.N. Webber, appointed acting master, December 28, 1861; joined the USS Monitor at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; dismissed from the Naval service, June 24, 1863. [Butts 16-17; Callahan.]

Grenville M. Weeks (Callahan incorrectly shows his first name as George), born New York, 1838; appointed acting assistant surgeon, July 1, 1862; served aboard the USS Valley City; sent aboard the USS Monitor, in November, 1862; described as "a little self conceited"; was seriously injured in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862, when he "jammed his hand so badly as to require a partial amputation of several of his fingers"; later served on the USS Florida; described as having a "want of skill and inattention" towards his patients; resigned from Naval service, November 18, 1863; resided, in 1880, at Bloomfield, Essex, New Jersey; employed as a physician. [Keeler 231; Keeler2 8 & 77; ORN 1, 8, 349; US1880Census; Callahan; see also the New York Times of July 2, 1862.]

Daniel Welch, seaman; joined at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia. [Butts 16-17.]

George H. White, born Pennsylvania; appointed from New Jersey; second assistant engineer; indicated as having served aboard the USS Monitor in late 1862; detached to the USS Nantucket, October 29, 1862. [Keeler 231; Navy Register.]

John M. White, indicated as having been a crew member of the USS Monitor. [Mindell 136 & 139.]

Peter Williams, born Norway (Navy Register 153 shows his birthplace as Germany), 1831; credited to Pennsylvania; seaman and quartermaster; joined the USS Monitor at New York; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; for his actions, in piloting the ironclad, during the battle, he was appointed, from the state of California, as master's mate (which increased his pay from $24 to $40 per month), March 26, 1862, and acting ensign, January 10, 1863; also awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, vide General Order No. 11, dated April 3, 1863; commended for his deportment at the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862; later served on the USS Florida and the USS Fah-Kee; in charge of the gun crews on the USS Florida; served as executive officer, in 1865, of the USS Clematis; honorably discharged, November 9, 1867. [Butts 16-17; Keeler 59; MOH 947; ORN 1, 8, 345; Callahan; Navy Register 153; Keeler 59; Keeler2 8, 12 & 227.].

Robert Williams, enlisted February 20, 1862, aged 30, at New York, for 3 years; received from the USS North Carolina, at New York; rated as first class fireman; involved in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; drowned in the sinking of the ironclad, December 31, 1862. [Butts 16-17; Muster Roll; ORN 1, 8, 340.]

John L. Worden, born Westchester County, New York, 1818; appointed midshipman, January 10, 1834, and passed midshipman, July 16, 1840; promoted master, August 15, 1846; lieutenant, November 30, 1846; commanded the USS Monitor in the engagement at Hampton Roads, against the CSS Virginia; wounded in the eyes during this action; promoted commander, July 16, 1862; captain, February 3, 1863; commodore, May 27, 1868; rear-admiral, November 20, 1872; post war superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy; also was residing, in 1880, with his wife, Olivia, and daughter, at Washington, D.C.; placed on the retired list, December 23, 1886; died of pneumonia, October 18, 1897 [Butts 16-17; Keeler 9; US1880Census; Callahan.]

Sources:

Battles & Leaders: "Battles and Leaders of the Civil War: Being for the Most Part Contributions by Union and Confederate Officers, Based Upon 'The Century War Series,'" edited by Robert Underwood Johnson and Clarence Clough Buel, of the editorial staff of "The Century Magazine; in 4 volumes; reprint edition, circa 1987, by Castle Books, Secaucus, New Jersey. Citation includes volume and page numbers.

Butts: "Personal Narratives of events in the War of the Rebellion, being Papers read before the Rhode Island Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society: The Monitor and the Merrimac," by Frank B. Butts; published by the Society, at Providence, Rhode Island, 1890.

Callahan: "List of Officers of the United States Navy and of the Marine Corps, 1775-1900," edited by Edward W. Callahan; originally published by L.R. Hamersly & Co., New York, 1901; reprinted, circa 1988, by Olde Soldier Books, Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Cruise: Personal Narratives of the Battles of the Rebellion, being Papers Read before the Rhode Island Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society, No. 4: My First Cruise at Sea and the Loss of the Iron-Clad Monitor, by Frank B. Butts, published at Providence, Rhode Island, 1878, by Sidney Rider.

Geer: "The Monitor Chronicles: One Sailor's Account," edited by William Marvel; published by The Mariners' Museum, 2000.

Keeler: "Aboard the USS Monitor: 1862: The Letters of acting Paymaster William Frederick Keeler, U.S. Navy," edited by Robert W. Daly, Professor, U.S. Naval Academy; published by the United States Naval Institute, Annapolis, Maryland, 1964. Citation includes page numbers.

Keeler2: "Aboard the USS Florida: 1863-1865: The Letters of Paymaster William Frederick Keeler, U.S. Navy," edited by Robert W. Daly, Professor, U.S. Naval Academy; published by the United States Naval Institute, Annapolis, Maryland, 1968. Citation includes page numbers.

Mindell: "War, Technology, and Experience Aboard the USS Monitor," by David A. Mindell; published by the Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland, 2000. Citation includes page number.

MOH: "The Congressional Medal of Honor: the Names, the Deeds," published 1984, by Sharp & Dunnigan Publications, Forest Ranch, California 95942. Citation includes page number.

Muster Roll: Data from the "Complete List or Muster Roll of the crew of the U.S. Steamer Monitor on the Seventh Day of November, 1862," Record Group: 024 Naval Personnel; U.S. Navy Muster Rolls; Civil War Period; Union Vessels; available from the National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Navy Register: "Register of the Commissioned, Warrant, and Volunteer Officers of the Navy of the United States, including Officers of the Marines Corps and Others, to January 1, 1865," published by the Government Printing Office, 1865.

ORN: "Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion." 31 volumes. United States Government Printing Office, 1914; reprinted, 1987, by the National Historical Society, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; citation includes series, volume and page numbers.

Selfridge: "What Finer Tradition: The memoirs of Thomas O. Selfridge, Jr., Rear Admiral, U.S.N." with a new introduction by William N. Still, Jr., published by the University of South Carolina Press, Columbia, 1987.

US1880Census: Information from the United States Census records of 1880, included online at the Family Search web site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, at URL: http://www.familysearch.org

© Terry Foenander.

May, 2005.