Elisha Potter Fenner was the eighth of eleven children born to Isaac and Amelia Potter Fenner. Of the eleven, six lived to advanced age and Mr. Fenner was the last survivor of them all. He was born on the Stephen Burdick farm in the town of Alfred, July 31, 1834, and lived just eighty-five years and five months. He died at the home of his son, Edgar Fenner, in Shinglehouse, Pa, December 31, 1919.
Mr. Fenner was twice married, first on January 1, 1857, to Elizabeth Hall, who died in 1858. To them was born one son, Elery Maxson Fenner, who died a number of years ago. On September 28, 1867, Mr. Fenner was married to Harried Smith. To them were born six children, five of whom are still living: Albert S. Fenner, Elie E. Fenner, of Alfred, H. Edgar Fenner of Shinglehouse, Pa., Olin S. Fenner, of Coneville, Pa., and Mrs. Amelia Stevens, of Alfred. There are also eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
In early life Mr. Fenner was baptized, and united with the First Seventh Day Baptist Church of Alfred, and subsequently was a member of the Second Seventh Day Baptist Church of Alfred.
Mr. Fenner was a useful and highly respected citizen of Alfred all his life, although his intercourse with his fellow-men was considerably hampered by the loss of his hearing - an affliction which came to him in the service of his country. Although he was thus shut away from the world and even from his family around him for so many long years, seldom if ever has a life manifested such a happy, cheerful and uncomplaining spirit as his. He was of an even disposition, and was more than punctual in meeting his obligations.
In the last few years he has taken particular pride in his military career. "President Lincoln" and "the Battle of Gettysburg" were tender memories to him. Only a few minutes before he passed away, as the doctor came into his room, he gave him the military salute, and softly repeated. "Gettysburg."
The funeral service was at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank Stevens, in Alfred, Sabbath afternoon, January 3, 1920, conducted by Rev. William C. Whitford. At the conclusion of the service in the cemetery Mr. Fenner was given a military honor by the Taps, blown by his grandson, Glenn Fenner.
Elisha P. Fenner was enrolled as a private in Captain Ellsworth's company of Steuben Rangers, September 10, 1861, and was mustered into the service of the United States, September 13, 1861. The designation of the organization was changed October 31, 1861, to Company D., 86th New York Infantry. He was promoted Sergeant Major March 20, 1863; re-enlisted as a veteran December 20, 1863; made Hospital Steward November 14, 1864, and after an honorable and distinguished service was mustered out with the regiment June 27, 1865. He was commissioned as First Lieutenant June 29, 1865, to date from June 1, 1865, but was not mustered as such officer, on account of deafness. He was on duty with the Signal Corps from February 28, 1862, to February 28, 1863.
Mr. Fenner's ancestors on both hit father's and mother's side were among the early settlers of Rhode Island. The Fenners, originally from the northern part of France, coming to this country from England, appearing in Providence in 1645, were noted for their statesmanship and loyalty in the early wars and history of Rhode Island.
Rhode Island's "Ancient Castle," the old "Fenner House" now in ruins, was once a solid edifice of stone and oak. The windows of metal sash and diamond-shaped glass were imported from England, as were also the nails and hinges. The castle erected in the Pocasset Valley was surrounded by a heavy log fort and was one of the thirteen garrison houses in the colony of Rhode Island during King Phillip's terrible war. Here the scattered settlers fled from the arrows and tomahawks of the infuriated Indians. Tradition reports that attacking Indians were shot from the doors and windows of the castle.
In addition to the intensely interesting military incidents connected with the early history of the castle when probably the celebrated Indian fighter, Colonel Benjamin Church, here halted in his Rhode Island campaign to inspect and instruct the garrison, and afterwards Major Thomas Fenner here entertained with due form and ceremony his associate officers, if not his whole command, pleasing reports are preserved and have always been told with pride by the Fenners, that during the Revolution, both Washington and Lafayette were here received and refreshed at a sumptuous table as they marched through the state.
The old Fenners of Rhode Island always boasted of this castle as their ancestral home, and it was deemed both an honor and a good augury to have been born under its heroic roof. W. C. W.
