Massey, Ebenezer

Ebenezer Massey was a Union soldier in Company G of the 127th United States Colored Troops. He mustered into the army as a musician on August 30, 1864, while the regiment trained at Camp William Penn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 127th left Pennsylvania at the end of September and headed to Virginia where they fought in the battle of Chaffin’s Farm on September 29 and 30, 1864. Massey’s regiment also participated in the Union sieges of Petersburg and Richmond, which culminated with Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s retreat and surrender at Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865. During the summer 1865, the 127th served along the southern border of the United States in Texas until they mustered out on October 20, 1865. Massey left the 127th as a private in his company. He passed away in 1883 and was laid to rest in Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. (By Brenna McKelvey)