Calvin Utter, a leading
blacksmith and prominent business man of Starrucca, Wayne county, was
one of the valiant soldiers of the Civil war, fighting for the country
which his grandfather assisted in freeing as a soldier of the
Revolution. He was born at Harpersfield, Delaware Co., N.Y., in 1843, a
son of John and Catherine (Sawyer) Utter, in whose family were fifteen
children, namely: Daniel, John, Abigail, Henry, Alfred, Roxy, Mary,
Joseph, Edward, Silas, Sarah, Susan, Calvin, James K. and Benjamin. Of
these Alfred was also a Union soldier during the dark days of the
Rebellion.
The subject of this sketch spent the first seventeen years of his
life in the county of his nativity, acquiring his education in its
public schools, and then went to Susquehanna county, Penn., where he
worked at the blacksmith's trade until the Civil war broke out. In June
,1861, he enlisted in Company K, 6th P. R. V. C., with which regiment he
served until discharge, September 17, 1862, under a general order to
enlist in Company C, 5th U. S. Artillery, for the remainder of his
three-years' term. On February 17, 1864, he re-enlisted in the
last-named command, remaining in the service until discharge on February
17, 1867. He participated in the battle of Drainesville, the seven days'
fight on the Peninsula, the battle of Cold Harbor, the second battle of
Bull's Run, and the engagements at South Mountain, Antietam and
Gettysburg, followed by the riot in New York City. Later he took part in
the battles of Fredericksburg, Spottsylvania, the Wilderness, Petersburg
and Hatcher's Run. After the surrender of Lee, the regiment was ordered
to Fortress Monroe, where they guarded Rebel officers, and while there
often saw Jefferson Davis during his imprisonment. Mr. Utter received
his final discharge at Fortress Monroe, leaving the army with rank of
sergeant.
On January 1, 1867, Mr. Utter was united in marriage with Miss Mary
C. Toping, of Elizabeth City, Va., a daughter of Nathaniel and Martha
Toping, of that State, and four children have been born to them, namely:
Viola V., now the wife of Obid Sampson, of Starrucca; John L., who is
deceased; Oddie Garfield, who is engaged in business with his father;
and Clarence L..
After his marriage Mr. Utter located at Stevens Point, Susquehanna
county, and in 1872 came to Starrucca, Wayne county. He was always
engaged successfully in general blacksmithing and wagon making, and
being one of the best mechanics in this line in the county, enjoys an
excellent trade. Fraternally he is a charter member of Oliver Mumford
Post, G. A. R., of which he is past commander, and he also affiliates
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Honor. His
political support is given to the Democratic party, and he has served as
constable, overseer of the poor, school director and collector, with
credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.
Honorable and upright in all things, he commands the respect and
confidence of all with whom he comes in contact, either in business or
social life.
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