Image from the "Roster, Fourth Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers"
GILMAN EMERY SLEEPER was born in Kingston, NH on 10 May 1831, the son of David and Abigail (Grant) Sleeper. His mother died in 1836 and his father passed away in 1839, leaving Gilman an orphan just three months shy of his eighth birthday.
As a 19-year old, Gilman enlisted on 6 Oct 1849 in Boston, MA with Co. A, US Engineers, as an engineer at the West Point Military Academy. He was discharged, with a rank of artificer, in Newburgh, NY on 16 Apr 1852. A month prior to his discharge, he had married Sarah Elizabeth Cook of Salem, NH.
He returned to Salem, and to his employment as a shoemaker. He would also start a waltzing school with Kimball Poor of Atkinson.
He enlisted on 27 April 1861 with Company K, First New Hampshire Volunteers, and was commissioned captain on the 30th. Being only raised for three months, he was discharged on 9 Aug '61. Following his mustering out, he quickly recruited Company C of the 4th NH Infantry, and was mustered in as its captain on 18 Sept 1861. The following May, he was promoted to Lieut. Col. of the regiment. In Nov 1863, due to poor health, he had to resign his position, and returned to Salem, NH. He died there from consumption on 22 Oct 1864.
As a 19-year old, Gilman enlisted on 6 Oct 1849 in Boston, MA with Co. A, US Engineers, as an engineer at the West Point Military Academy. He was discharged, with a rank of artificer, in Newburgh, NY on 16 Apr 1852. A month prior to his discharge, he had married Sarah Elizabeth Cook of Salem, NH.
He returned to Salem, and to his employment as a shoemaker. He would also start a waltzing school with Kimball Poor of Atkinson.
He enlisted on 27 April 1861 with Company K, First New Hampshire Volunteers, and was commissioned captain on the 30th. Being only raised for three months, he was discharged on 9 Aug '61. Following his mustering out, he quickly recruited Company C of the 4th NH Infantry, and was mustered in as its captain on 18 Sept 1861. The following May, he was promoted to Lieut. Col. of the regiment. In Nov 1863, due to poor health, he had to resign his position, and returned to Salem, NH. He died there from consumption on 22 Oct 1864.
From the Mirror and Farmer (Manchester, NH), 12 Nov. 1864
The Sleeper lot - photo taken 30 May 2020
The Sleeper Lot in Pine Grove Cemetery, Salem, N.H. To the left is the stone of son George Eddie, who died 13 Aug 1864, aged 3 yrs. Wife Sarah Elizabeth (Cook) is on the right; she died 4 Jan 1868.
The G.A.R. post for Salem, No. 60, was named after Lt. Col. Sleeper in 1881. When the Sons of Union Veterans camp was organized in 2006, they requested the use of the "No. 60" in their name, honoring both the veteran and former Grand Army Post.
The G.A.R. post for Salem, No. 60, was named after Lt. Col. Sleeper in 1881. When the Sons of Union Veterans camp was organized in 2006, they requested the use of the "No. 60" in their name, honoring both the veteran and former Grand Army Post.
Links/Notes:
Hutchinson, John G. Roster, Fourth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers: Photo of Col. Sleeper, pg 65; Bio, pg 78
Poor, Alfred. Historical and Genealogical Researches and Recorder of Passing Events of Merrimack Valley, Volume 1, pg 108
Rockingham County Probate: File #13517 (father David's probate)
Rockingham County Deeds: Vol. 336, pg 366 (Gilman and siblings sell land in Kingston)
Hutchinson, John G. Roster, Fourth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers: Photo of Col. Sleeper, pg 65; Bio, pg 78
Poor, Alfred. Historical and Genealogical Researches and Recorder of Passing Events of Merrimack Valley, Volume 1, pg 108
Rockingham County Probate: File #13517 (father David's probate)
Rockingham County Deeds: Vol. 336, pg 366 (Gilman and siblings sell land in Kingston)
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