Edward M. Paine

  Noted events in his life were:

• Occupation: Barber, 1850, Oswego, New York. From 1850 Census

• Biography: HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. This gentleman was born in England, on the 26th day of October, 1832. When but 5 years old he was brought by his father Mr. Edmund Paine, to Oswego, where the home of both has ever been. As the youth grew up to manhood in the frontier village, by the side of the lake and the river, with the primeval forest no far distant, he showed a strong predilection for out-door sports, and at one time was considered one of the best marksmen in the place, winning some valuable trophies from numerous rivals.

In September 1854, he was married to Miss Hannah G. Stewart, of Granby, by whom he has had two children.

When the Rebeillion broke out, Mr. Paine, then twenty-nine years old, was one of the very first to respond to the call to arms; entering the service in April, 1861, as captain of Company B, Twenty-fourth New York Infantry. He went to the seat of war with his regiment, but was disabled by a sunstroke, and resigned in September of the same year.

In June 1862, finding himself recovered, he again entered the army, this time as captain of Company A in the One Hundred and Sixth New York Infantry. After serving through 1862 and 1863 (taking part in the battle of Martinsburg in the latter year), he entered with his regiment in the spring of 1864 into the great campaign of a year’s duration, which ended in the crushing out of the rebellion. In a little over two months Captain Paine took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Culpepper, Cold Harbor, Kelly’s Ford, Petersburg, Brandy Station, Laurel Hill, Summit Point, Weldon Railroad, Hanover Court-House, and Monocacy. In the latter conflict he was severely wounded. On the 12th of October following, he was discharged on account of his injuries.

No sooner were his wounds healed, however, than he was eager to engage once more in the fray. In March 1865, he entered the service for a third time, being commissioned as major of his last regiment, the One Hundred and Sixth. As such, he took part in the closing scenes of the great war, being present at the capture of Petersburg and Richmond, at the battle of Sailor’s Creek, and at the surrender of General Lee.

It is needless to say that one who so persistently sought the battle-field whenever his physical condition permitted, did not flinch in the presence of the foe. So strongly did his conduct impress his superior officers that on their recommendation, although he has been a major only a few weeks at the close of the conflict, he was brevetted lieutenant-colonel and colonel by the president of the United States for gallant and meritorious conduct throughout the war. Colonel Paine was finally mustered out on July 3, 1865.

After his return Colonel Paine was elected in 1870 to represent the first and third wards of his city in the board of supervisors of Oswego County, and was re-elected in 1871, 1872, and 1873. So many re-elections are pretty good evidence that his judgment as a civil officer equals his courage as a soldier.