Reading Artillerists facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Reading Artillerists
Operated as: Reading Union Volunteers (October 1794), Reading Washington Guards (late 1794-early 1800s), Reading Washington Blues (1814), and Reading Artillerists (c. 1820-early 1900s)
Allegiance	United States
Type	Local militia unit in Pennsylvania
Size	60-100
Garrison/HQ	Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania (Armory, 5th and Washington Streets, c. 1850s-1860s; Keystone Hall, Penn Street, c. 1888–1896)
Anniversaries	Body guard for President George Washington (1794), Whiskey Rebellion (1794), Fries' Insurrection (1799), War of 1812 (1812–1815), Philadelphia Riots (July 1844), surrender of Vera Cruz (March 9, 1847), Battle of Cerro Gordo (April 18, 1847), Battle of Chapultepec (September 1847), Homestead labor strike (1892), Spanish–American War (1898), Anthracite Coal Strike (1902)
Equipment	Uniform style changed from blue (c. late 1700s – early 1800s) to dark gray with yellow facings (c. 1830s–1850s) to blue (pre-1890s)
Commanders
Commander (1794–1830)	Capt. Daniel de Benneville Keim
Commander (1844–1849)	Capt. Thomas S. Leoser
Commander (1857–1861)	Capt. George Warren Alexander
Commander (1862)	Capt. William H. Andrews
Commander (1862–1863)	Capt. Thomas M. Richard
Commander (1883)	Capt. Samuel A. Stahr
Commander (1885–1895)	Capt. Henry J. Christoph
Commander (1895–1899)	Capt. Samuel Willits
Commander (1905)	Capt. H. Melvin Allen

The Reading Artillerists was a special group of citizen soldiers, also known as a militia, from Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania. They were formed in the late 1700s. These soldiers, who used artillery (large guns), served in many important events.

They helped during the Whiskey Rebellion and the War of 1812. They also fought in the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. After the Civil War, the group temporarily stopped. Later, in the 1880s, new leaders decided to restart the group. They named it "Reading Artillerists" again to honor the original unit. This new group then served in the Spanish–American War and into the early 1900s.

Founding the Reading Artillerists

The Reading Artillerists started on March 23, 1794. This date was confirmed by local historian Morton L. Montgomery. An old newspaper article from 1859 incorrectly said they formed in 1799.

Early Service and Name Changes

When they first formed, they were called the Reading Union Volunteers. They helped put down the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. This rebellion was a protest against a tax on whiskey. The unit quickly became known for being skilled and reliable.

Just seven months after forming, they had a special honor. They served as an escort for U.S. President George Washington. On October 1, 1794, Washington visited Reading, Pennsylvania. The Reading Union Volunteers marched in a parade for him. The next day, they traveled with him to Carlisle and acted as his bodyguards. After this important duty, they changed their name to the Reading Washington Guards. Their first leader was 22-year-old Captain Daniel de Benneville Keim.

After the Whiskey Rebellion ended, the unit stayed ready. They were called to action again in 1799. This was during the "Fries' Insurrection," a protest against a tax on house windows.

Serving in the War of 1812

About ten years later, the Reading Washington Guards were needed again. This time, it was for the War of 1812. During this war, they changed their name once more. They became the Reading Washington Blues around October 1814.

Defending Cities and Using Cannons

On September 16, 1814, the unit traveled by boat to Philadelphia. They helped protect the city from possible attacks by British troops. When the threat lessened, the 74 soldiers from Reading moved to Camp Dupont in Wilmington, Delaware. There, they joined a larger group called the "Advance Light Brigade."

Next, they were sent to Baltimore, Maryland. They were given four brass, six-pound cannons to operate. They even brought one of these cannons home to Reading when their service ended. They officially finished their duty in March 1815.

Sometime after their service in Baltimore, but before 1820, the unit changed its name again. They became the Reading Artillerists. Daniel Keim was re-elected as captain in 1820. At this time, the unit had 98 members.

The 1820s and 1830s

In 1824, the Reading Artillerists were in Philadelphia to welcome the Marquis de Lafayette. He was the last French general who fought with George Washington in the American Revolution. Around this time, the unit changed its blue uniforms to dark gray with yellow trim.

New Leaders and a Sad Farewell

In 1830, Captain Daniel Keim finished his long time as leader. His nephew, George May Keim, took over as captain until 1834. George Keim later became a high-ranking military officer.

William H. Miller was elected captain in 1834 and led the unit until 1839. In 1837, Daniel Keim passed away. He was remembered as an honest and kind person, known as "the poor man's stay and the soldier's friend."

The 1840s: Protecting Banks

In February 1841, Thomas S. Leoser became the new captain. The unit decided to adopt the official uniform style of the United States Artillery.

Responding to Riots

In 1844, the Reading Artillerists were called to Philadelphia again. There were religious riots happening in the city. The Artillerists helped guard the Girard Bank and a state weapons storage building. They were part of a group called the First Battalion of the Reading Volunteers.

When they finished their duty in July 1844, they were praised. Major-General Robert Patterson said they were "gallant and well-disciplined" and showed "exemplary and soldier-like deportment." He thanked them for quickly reporting for duty.

Fighting in the Mexican–American War

On December 26, 1846, 90 Reading Artillerists left for a very tough mission. They officially joined the federal army in Pittsburgh on January 5, 1847. They became Company A of the 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry. Their officers included Captain Thomas S. Leoser.

Battles and Challenges in Mexico

They traveled by boat to New Orleans, Louisiana, and then to Mexico. They joined General Winfield Scott's army during the Mexican–American War. The Artillerists fought in many important battles. They were part of the Siege of Veracruz in March 1847. They also fought bravely in the Battle of Cerro Gordo on April 18. They were present at other places like Jalapa, Contreras, and the Battle of Chapultepec.

A report from 1915 said that the Reading Artillerists were excellent soldiers. Colonel John W. Geary praised them for their duty and coolness in dangerous situations.

While they were in Mexico, the unit lost one of its founding members, Charles Evans, back home in Reading. He was a respected lawyer and the founder of the Charles Evans Cemetery. The Artillerists also had 39 casualties in Mexico. Twenty-six soldiers died, including First Lieutenant William Wunder, who died from illness. His body was sent home and buried with a large ceremony.

The Reading Artillerists finished their duty on July 28, 1848. They returned home and received a big welcome parade with 800 soldiers.

The 1850s: Preparing for Conflict

After the Mexican-American War, the number of members in the Reading Artillerists changed over time. By 1855, all the officers were new. Captain W. I. Clous led the unit.

New Leadership Before the Civil War

On November 2, 1857, new leaders took over. Captain George Warren Alexander became the commander. He would lead the Reading Artillerists into the early days of the Civil War.

Serving in the U.S. Civil War

On April 16, 1861, Captain G. W. Alexander offered his soldiers to President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln had asked for 75,000 volunteers to protect Washington, D.C., after Fort Sumter was attacked. Alexander prepared his men for what many hoped would be a short war.

Protecting Roads and Railroads

On April 20, 1861, Alexander and his Reading Artillerists officially joined Company G of the 1st Pennsylvania Infantry. Their main job was to guard important roads and railroad lines used by the Union Army. After serving for three months, they finished their duty on July 23, 1861.

Many of Alexander's soldiers joined other units for three-year terms. Some were wounded or died in battle. William H. Andrews, who was a captain, died during the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862.

After the Civil War: A New Beginning

After the U.S. Civil War, the original Reading Artillerists disbanded. The soldiers were tired from their long and difficult service.

Reforming the Unit

About 15 years later, in May 1881, leaders in Reading decided the city needed a strong defense force. They created a brand new militia unit. They chose to name it the "Reading Artillerists" again to honor the old group. The new company quickly started getting uniforms and weapons.

By December 1881, the Artillerists were setting up their armory (a place to store weapons and train). They made one of their rooms in Library Hall very nice. It had new wallpaper, a gun rack, and comfortable furniture.

In 1882, the community showed great support for the new Artillerists. Many important citizens attended meetings to help the group raise money. They wanted to build a new armory. General Gregg praised the Artillerists, saying they had already achieved a record to be proud of.

In 1883, Samuel Stahr became the new commanding officer. The group grew and became a visible part of the community. In 1886, they started regular cannon training sessions. This helped them qualify for the State National Guard.

In 1887, the Reading Artillerists bought an old bank building on South Sixth Street for their headquarters. They hired an architect to improve the building. The building was so much improved that newspapers started saying it was on Penn Street. In 1890, the Artillerists renamed the building "Keystone Hall."

The Homestead Strike

Before the 1800s ended, the Reading Artillerists were called to action again. In 1892, they joined other Pennsylvania militia units to help with the Homestead strike. This was a huge labor protest in western Pennsylvania.

Restoring Order During Labor Unrest

The conflict started when the Carnegie Steel Company tried to break a union. Workers went on strike at the Homestead steel plant. When violence broke out, the Reading Artillerists were sent to help. They helped the state leaders regain control of the plant and end the strike. After their duty, they returned home.

Celebrating 102 Years

On May 26, 1896, the Reading Artillerists celebrated their 102nd anniversary. The celebration was held at Metropolitan Hall in Reading. Hundreds of people attended.

A Festive Event

The hall was beautifully decorated with American flags and military items. The Artillerists performed drills for the crowd. There was also music and a history of the group read by Morton Montgomery. Captain Samuel Willits was the commanding officer at this time.

The Spanish–American War

Around the mid-1890s, Captain Samuel Willits reorganized the Reading Artillerists. He prepared them for state service as Company A of the Pennsylvania Infantry. In 1898, President William McKinley asked for volunteers for the War with Spain. The unit was called up.

Service in Puerto Rico

They arrived in Arroyo, Puerto Rico, while U.S. gunboats were firing shells into the town. The men from Company A were assigned to guard duty. Ten days later, a peace agreement was reached. The unit was then sent back home.

Early 1900s: Coal Strike

At the start of the new century, Company A of the Pennsylvania Infantry responded to another citizen uprising. This time, the Artillerists helped calm tensions in Pennsylvania's coal regions. Miners were protesting for better wages and working conditions. The unit helped end the anthracite coal miners' strike of 1902.

In 1905, H. Melvin Allen became captain of the unit. The organization briefly disbanded again during this time. However, in 1917, two former captains, Edward Machamer and H. Melvin Allen, reorganized the group once more.

Roster of Commanding Officers

Here is a list of the commanding officers for the Reading Artillerists:

• Capt. Daniel de Benneville Keim (1794–1830)
• Capt. George May Keim (1830–1834)
• Capt. William H. Miller (1834–1839)
• Capt. William Strong (1839–1844)
• Capt. Thomas S. Leoser (1844–1849)
• Capt. Marks John Biddle (1849–1850, 1852–1855)
• Capt. Daniel R. Clymer (1850–1852)
• Capt. William I. Clous (1855-1857)
• Capt. George Warren Alexander (1857–1861)
• Capt. William H. Andrews (1862)
• Capt. Thomas M. Richard (1862–1863)
• Capt. Robert H. Savage (1881–1882)
• Capt. William H. Souders (1882–1883)
• Capt. Samuel A. Stahr (1883–1885)
• Capt. Henry J. Christoph (1885–1895)
• Capt. Samuel Willits (1895–1899)
• Capt. Edward E. Machamer (1899–1902)
• Capt. Reuben C. Potteiger (1902–1905)
• Capt. H. Melvin Allen (1905–c. 1920s)

Images for kids

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  Keystone Hall, the armory of the Reading Artillerists in 1897.

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  Captain Samuel Willits, a commanding officer of the Reading Artillerists in the 1890s.