Special Stories of Genealogy and Historical Interest
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THE CIVIL WAR BUCKTAILS - DRIFTWOOD PA STATUE
Contributed by Jim Burke
The founder of the Bucktails, Thomas L. Kane, believed that Pennsylvania loggers and woodsmen would make excellent
soldiers as they were free spirited men, accustomed to had work, knew the ways of the woods, and were very handy
with a rifle, as dinner often depended upon their marksmanship.
Once the governor granted Kane's request, he went to work recruiting men. Kane came to Benezette seeking
assistance to raise men. He met with Caleb Winslow, a local lumberman, to help with this endeavor. Within
twenty-four hours, Winslow, with help from his nephew Thomas B. Winslow and John Wolfe, was able to sign up
109 men from the Elk County area for this cause. The group assembled at Benezette and elected Thomas Winslow
as Captain and thus formed the Elk County Rifles, Company G. The new, raw, untrained group of recruits then
proceeded to Driftwood to meet the other two companies Kane recruited. This group called themselves the
Bucktails.
The Bucktails fought in most of the major campaigns in the East, and became one of the most distinguished fighting
units of the US Army in the Civil War.
On April 27, 1908, in celebration and remembrance of the fiftieth anniversary of the Civil War a monument was
dedicated in Driftwood honoring the Bucktails. There was a post card send out announcing this event. The
following is message that appeared on the post card:
"Tune Marching to Georgia"
There's going to be a joyful time in April
The veterans will come to us from all over
Our state.
They'll meet again with joy their monument
To dedicate.
Cheer for the Bucktails are coming.
Chorus
Harrah, Harrah we'll welcome them with joy
For every man was once a soldier boy.
Who fought to save the stars and stripes
When other would destroy,
Cheer for the Bucktails are coming.
Oh sad are the hearts they left behind in eighteen
Sixty-one
Thin their ranks when they returned with
All their fighting done
But now with joy and gladness once again
We see them come
Cheer for the Bucktails are coming.
Pictured above are the Civil War veterans who on April 17, 1908 attended the dedication of the Bucktail Statue
honoring the fiftieth anniversary of the war. A replica of this same statue is erected on site of the Gettysburg
Battle Field were the Bucktails fought.
For more information on the Bucktails contact: Pa Bucktails
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Pictured above are the Civil War veterans who on April 17, 1908 attended the dedication of the Bucktail Statue