Biographies: Orra and Michael Buyce of Gilmantown

Info submitted by:  Harry Buyce

Orra and Michael are sons of John Nelson Buyce, DOB 6 Oct 1791 and his wife Jane Van Alstine, residents of Gilmantown.
 

Orra Buyce, DOB 12 May 1839, Gilmantown, NY, DOD 18 May 1880, Wells, NY, Methodist Cemetery, Wells.  Lieutenant Francis Francisco, a native of Wells and military leader of the town, enlisted twelve men in Company K, 115th NY Infantry, on 12 August 1862.  Orra was mustered as a Corporal on 16 August 1862.  On 15 September 1862 their first combat was at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, the result being that the entire Regiment was captured.  The next day they were all released on parole.  This was the custom of the day as there were no internment facilities.  On 17 April 1863 Orra was discharged for disability.  His original discharge, which I have seen in the State Library, Albany, describes him as 5' 8", blue eyes, dark hair and complexion, and a farmer.

Note:  His gravestone has a different DOD, but take my word, it is wrong.

Michael Buyce, DOB 2 Sep 1843, Gilmantown, DOD 9 Sep 1864, State of Virginia, burial, Washington, D.C..  Michael enlisted as a private in Co B, 2nd NY Heavy Artillery, on 26 Aug 1863, not being mustered to active duty until 6 January 1864.  His military record says, "Was with the Army from Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia, to the 9th of September 1864, when he died in the Lincoln Hospital, Washington, D.C.  Remains buried there".

The above is also from his original military record in Albany.  One thing that his record did not indicate was whether he died of wounds or illness.  I have been trying to ascertain that for years.  Also, I have corresponded with the National Cemetery Administration as to his exact burial location in Washington, thus far with negative results.

Note:  The family put a stone in the Wells cemetery, next to his brother Orra, however Michael is not there.