A Howard Brothers “Reunion”

“Those boys were both good soldiers & always ready for duty.”
– Seneca Humiston, 1st Sergt. & later 2nd Lieut., Co. I, 150th New York

On October 3, 2008, 150th New York site host Jay Webber and his distant cousin Paul Thurst met for the first time at the Friends Burying Ground in Chestnut Ridge, Dutchess County, New York. Jay is a great-great-great-grandson of David Howard (1815-1885), and Paul is a great-great-great-grandson of David’s brother Silas Howard (1816-1892). The Howard brothers served together in Company I of the 150th New York Infantry, and are buried next to each other in this cemetery. Jay and Paul are pictured below, each standing next to his respective ancestor’s gravestone.

Joining Jay and Paul for this “reunion” were Ward and Jean Wiltse. Ward is a great-great-grandnephew of David B. Sleight, who served as the Second Lieutenant of Company I during the time when the Howard brothers were members of that company. The picture below was taken at the restaurant where the four enjoyed lunch together after their visit to the cemetery.

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