William Ransom Tolles (1823 - 1893)

Born 10 Apr 1823 in Watertown, Connecticut, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Ann Palmayra (Beach) Tolles — married 6 Jun 1846 in Burton, Geauga, Ohio, United States

Husband of Melissa (Hitchcock) Tolles — married 21 Nov 1850 in Geauga, Ohio, United States

Husband of Jeanette Eliza (Fisk) Tolles — married 11 Jun 1868 in Marshall, Iowa, United States

Descendants

Died 7 Dec 1893 at age 70 in San Bernardino, California, United States

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Biography

William was born in 1823. HIs first wife was Melissa Hitchcock.

In 1862, he was reported slightly wounded at the Battle of Shiloh. ^[1] In 1862-Aug, he was promoted from Captain to Lieutenant-Colonel of the 105th O.V.I. ^[2]

The command of the 105th was put to him at the Battle of Perryville, when Col. Hall assumed command of the 33d brigade after General Terrill was mortally wounded.^[3]

Lieutenant L. P. of the 15th Regiment U. S. Colored Troops relayed in a letter dated January 16, 1864 to “The Jeffersonian Democrat” that “… I came by the way of Chattanooga; stayed with tho 105th O. V. I. two days, found Col. Tolles in good health and fine spirits, and the health of the Regiment good. …”^[4]

On April 24, 1864, after his move to the 105th O.V.I., members of the 41st O.V.I. Company presented him with a sword for "that kindness, forbearance and courage which characterize the true soldier and gentleman. At Shiloh, you showed yourself brave, and heroically led old Co. B on to the fight. At Perryville, you won imperishable honors..." ^[5]

In December 1865, he served as petit juror for Geauga County. ^[6]

On May 8, 1874, the following incident occurred in California, "The residence of Wm. R. Tolles on ?ill Creek was entirely consumed by fire on Friday night of last week. It is not known how the fire originated. Mr. T. was in his field, a short distance from the house irrigating, when the fire was discovered. Being a plank house, it burned with great rapidity, giving them no time to save even a trunk, or an article of furniture. Their little child, asleep in the room where the fire originated, was barely rescued from the flames." ^[7]

In 1880, he was a fruit farmer. He passed away in 1893.

Books

Col. William Tolles served in the United States Civil War.
Enlisted: 1861
Mustered out: January 29, 1864
Side: USA
Regiment(s): 41st Regiment, 105th Regiment, Ohio Infantry, United States Civil War

The Story of a Thousand by Albion Winegar Tourgée, pages 11-12, published by S. McGerald & Son, 1896

William Ransom Tolles was born in Watertown, Ct., April 10, 1823. His parents removed to Burton, Geauga County, O., while he was a lad. He came of sturdy New England stock, and after obtaining a common school education, he early engaged in business, and up to the outbreak of the war was active in the promotion of public and private enterprises in the country. He was a merchant in Burton for many years. After the death of his wife, a daughter of Judge Hitchcock, he disposed of his business, being considerably broken in health, and traveled through the South, as the agent of firms doing business there, until just before the beginning of hostilities. He was greatly concerned over the condition of affairs, especially regarding the general idea that the war would be one of short duration. He was one of the first to volunteer, and was made captain of Company F, 41st O.V.I. He participated in all the operations of this regiment, and often expressed himself peculiarly grateful that his first experience of army life was under so strict and thorough a disciplinarian as its commander, Colonel, after Major-General William B. Hazen. Promoted to lieutenant-colonel of the 105th, he carried to the performance of his duties a painstaking conscientiousness, which though at times, irksome, contributed not a little to the excellence of drill and discipline for which it was noted throughout its term of service.

The command of the regiment was thrown upon him by the command of the Tenth Division being cast on Colonel Hall by the death of his superiors at the battle of Perryville, on the 48th day of the regiment's service, and his continuance in command of the brigade thereafter. From that time until the middle of June, 1863, Colonel Tolles was in charge of the regiment and was untiring in promoting its drill and discipline. He was unable to serve in the advance from Murphreesboro, but rejoined at Chattanooga, just in time for the battle of Missionary Ridge, which was the fitting climax of his military career. No nobler figure is to be found in that most spectacular of battles than this gallant soldier riding his black horse up that flame-swept slope, keeping his eye on his regiment and constantly directing its movements. his health constantly grew worse, and on January 29, 1864, the indomitable will was forced to relinquish the hope of farther service, and he resigned. After his health was somewhat regained, he removed to Locata, Mich., where he remained for several years, during which time he remarried. His health again failing, he removed to the San Bernardino Valley, Cal., where he continued to reside, highly honored and esteemed until his death, on December --, 1893.

As an officer, he was an excellent disciplinarian and splendid tactician. Somewhat irritable, somewhat hasty, and as a consequence, not always just, there was no one under his command who doubted his unselfish patriotism or his intense desire that the regiment should excel in every soldierly quality and achievement. As a man he was exquisitely sensitive, and no doubt often mistook the jests of his men, and so failed to appreciate the affection and esteem they had for him.

There are those who will recall the fact that the personal relations between Colonel Tolles and Lieutenant Tourgee were not such as would seem consistent with the above estimate of his character. No doubt, his ill health had much to do with the prejudices which he entertained, which were in many cases, as he afterwards explained to the writer, strengthened by false reports from others. While it would be absurd to claim that the wrong is forgotten, the writer can truly say that all sense of resentment has passed away and the estimate he gives of the character of Colonel Tolles, is that to which he believes him to have been actually entitled. He had his faults but they were subordinate incidents rather than controlling elements of his character.

Letters

Letter from Charles Roahr to his wife, date unknown

Rough transcription - not literatim

There is a piece in a newspaper the boys has here that states they are volunteering regulars for three years and giving them four hundred and two dollars Bounty and thirteen dollars a month. But this is Regular enough for me. I won’t go in any Regular Service at all after this is over. I am going to make barrels again and I think it will be before long then I can go to work again. Our Colonel is dead and we lost a good Commander when we lost Hall. Our Lieutenant Colonel is back sick and our Major is commanding the Regiment and he is a Bulley man too. His name is Perkins. He was to home once last winter. Some thinks he will be left here cause we havent any Brigadeer General. Hall Commanded this Brigade but now he is dead. I wish he was alive yet. He used us rough some time but in a fight we could depend on him and he used our Regiment Bulley. Since he was Acting Brigadier he always would look to the welfare of the 105 Regiment. It is after supper now and all is quiet yet in camp yet. I want to write you often and all the news. I havent heard from Will Hockman not Henry Roahr for a good while. I must close my scratching for this time. I send my love and best respects to you all. Give my best respects to Schultz and Christ Selter. Tell Schultz to write and Christ. I wrote Oan Erlinger a letter but go no answer so I wont write anymore. Good Bye. I remain your husband.

Charles Roahr

Newspapers

“The Jeffersonian Democrat”, (Chardon, Ohio), 18 Mar 1864, page 2

Farewell of the Officers of the 105th O. V. I. to Lieut. Col. Tolles.

A meeting of the officers of the O. V. I. was held at Chattanooga, Tenn., Feb. 2d, of which Lieut. Col. Geo. T. Perkins was Chairman, and Capt. A. C. Mason was Secretary, The meeting adopted the following preamble and resolution, which together with the appropriate and feeling response of Lieut. Col Tolles, we copy from the Cleveland Herald.

Wheras, in the resignation of Lieut. Col. Tolles, we, the officers and representatives of the men of the 105th O. V. I. Have lost an officer of the highest order of social and military qualities — therefore

Resolved That while we revert with pride and pleasure to our official association with Lieut. Col. Tolles, in camp and on the battle-fields where the 105th Regiment fought under his leadership, we deeply regret that disease, consequent upon the hardships and exposure of camp life, renders it necessary for him to withdraw from the field.

Stimulated by inherent patriotism, actuated by exhaustless energy, and nerved by unflinching courage, he commands the admiration of the officers and men under his command, who learned bis military excellence on the battle-fields where he has led them, and where he has demonstrated his love of life to be secondary to his love of country.

For his gentlemanly deportment, for his many acts of personal kindness, for his abiding interest in the 105th Regiment, for his inestimable military counsel, we tender him our sincere thanks, with the assurance that we will preserve the honor and integrity of his Regiment lo the best of our ability, and will look forward to his recovery with that solicitude only known to appreciating friends.

Lieut.-Col. Tolles, having been invited to join the meeting, after hearing the reading of the resolutions, and being presented wilh a copy of the same, remarked in substance as follows:

To the Chairman, Lieut.-Col. Perkins, and officers of the 105th: the expression of your feelings to which you have just given utterance, together with the feeling previously weighing upon my mind in anticipation of this unsought-for separation, so unmans me as to prevent my giving full expression to my feelings.

I can but feel that this manifestation on your part, this high encomium, is more than my due, although it has ever been my desire at all times to discharge my duties toward you us an officer, and, aided by your counsel, my duty to my country. Yet 1 have often felt my weakness and inability to give direction in matter of which only those who have had like experience can truly judge. From this, your testimony, I judge you can forgive my errors, as of the head and not of the heart. I thank you for this united testimony of your feelings. I prize it beyond value — because sincere — and gladly accept your offering.

My estimation of your gentlemanly and officer-like bearing toward me, your valor and patriotism, i can no better express then to beg you to accept on my part the reiteration of the sentiments to which you have thus cordially given expression.

Only this permit me to add. To congratulate you, Lieut.-Col. Perkins, on assuming command of the Regiment, that you are associated with a corps of officers, as co-laborers in this unsought-for yet most honorable labor, whose ability, patriotism and valor have been tried by the severest test, and found equal to any and every emergency. And to Maj. Edwards, should it fall to your lot again to assume the command, to you would I extend the same congratulations. Also allow me to congratulate you, officers of the line and staff, on your more than good fortune by the accession to command of a tried and true patriot. His associate, also, Maj. Edwards, has been tried and found equal to any emergency, both in camp and on the field of battle.

Officers all, one favor grant me, 'tis all I ask. Bear to the volunteer patriots ol the 105'h, soldiers who may justly claim the title, my highest regards for the manifestation ol their kindly feeling, their soldier-like bearing, their unswerving patriotism, their unsurpassed bravery and valor.

Say to them what I have repeatedly nerved myself lo say, and, as often, failed —adieu. I could, with them, without fullering or fear, face our common enemy in the deadly strife of battle, and never shrink from the searching gaze of their ever watchful eye. Of this, if needs be, I judge they would bear me witness.

Far easier could I bid them charge in deadly strife, and lead the onset, than at this more peaceful hour bid them adieu.

Say to them in this unsought-for separation, that In this I most rejoice; Ihat in their patriotic and brave commander they have a leader to whose true worth they can most cheerfully bear witness; one who will require of them naught but what a self-sacrificing patriot can freely give. Say to them, as defenders of the right; their country's cause; liberators of the oppressed; subjugators only of the Judas sect; never yield the "Field" by traitors trod, whilst life and strength are theirs. For all, I pray Heaven's richest blessings may be yours, both now and in the hoped-for peacelu! days won by your patriotic valor. And, for eternity, may the rewards of the sell-sacrificing and just be yours. To all, as soldiers, patriots, brothers, friends, Farewell, and may God ever in mercy guard, guide and protect you.

Sources

Census

"United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXQS-H8B : 12 April 2016), William R Tolls in household of Richard Beach, Burton, Geauga, Ohio, United States; citing family 42, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

"United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MC2T-62D : 12 April 2016), Wm R Tolles in entry for Richard Beach, 1860.

"United States Census, 1870," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHC2-FCV : 12 April 2016), Wm R Tolles, Michigan, United States; citing p. 17, family 136, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 552,205.

"United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M6P7-JVJ : 26 August 2017), William R Tolles in household of Adaline Boren, San Bernardino, San Bernardino, California, United States; citing enumeration district ED 64, sheet 503C, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0072; FHL microfilm 1,254,072.

Military Related

"United States Veterans Administration Pension Payment Cards, 1907-1933," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2MKP-JN5 : 12 December 2014), William R Tolles, 1907-1933; citing NARA microfilm publication M850 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,636,309.

Death

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/13058975/william-ransom-tolles: accessed 26 May 2023), memorial page for COL William Ransom Tolles (10 Apr 1823–11 Dec 1893), Find a Grave Memorial ID 13058975, citing Welton Cemetery, Burton, Geauga County, Ohio, USA; Maintained by Gregory Speciale (contributor 31762373).

Children's Birth

"Michigan Births, 1867-1902," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NQC8-L4Z : 4 December 2014), William R. Tolles in entry for Minnie L. Tolles, 10 Mar 1871; citing item 3 p 67 rn 2891, Geneva, Van Buren, Michigan, Department of Vital Records, Lansing; FHL microfilm 2,297,929.

Children's Death

Ohio Deaths, 1908-1953," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X8L8-TXZ : 8 December 2014), Wm. R. Tolles in entry for Melissa Ann Tolles, 12 Sep 1927; citing Burton, Geauga, Ohio, reference fn 51647; FHL microfilm 1,985,117.

Footnotes

1. ↑ "The Jeffersonian Democrat", Chardon, Ohio, 25 Apr 1862, page 3
2. ↑ "The Jeffersonian Democrat", Chardon, Ohio, 1 May 1863, page 2
3. ↑ “Cleveland Daily Leader”, (Cleveland, Ohio), 25 Oct 1862, page 2
4. ↑ “The Jeffersonian Democrat”, (Chardon, Ohio), 05 Feb 1864, page 1
5. ↑ "The Jeffersonian Democrat", Chardon, Ohio, 1863-Apr-24, page 2
6. ↑ "The Jeffersonian Democrat", Chardon, Ohio, 1865-Dec-6, page 4
7. ↑ "Los Angeles Herald", Los Angeles, California, 1874-May-12, page 4