Barton Lane was born in Camden in November 1840 to James S. and Mary Lane. His father was a bookbinder. The Lane family moved to Camden shortly after the birth of Barton’s older brother, James M. Lane, and they were in town for the 1840 Census. By the 1850 Census, the Lane family included older siblings John, William, Charles, Ann, James M., and Theophilus Lane. In the 1860 Census, Barton Lane was living in Camden’s South Ward with his parents, widowed sister Anna and her children, and older brother Theophilus Lane.
Barton Lane enlisted as a private in the 4th New Jersey Infantry Militia Regiment (also known as the Twentieth New Jersey Infantry) on April 27, 1861, and was assigned to Company G. He served alongside his brother, Corporal James M. Lane. The Fourth Regiment Militia, commanded by Colonel Matthew Miller, Jr., was mustered into U.S. service at Trenton on April 27, 1861, for three months. The regiment, consisting of 37 commissioned officers and 743 non-commissioned officers and privates, left for Washington, D.C., on May 3. After arriving, they camped at Meridian Hill and were honored by a visit from the president on May 12. The regiment participated in various duties, including guarding strategic locations, before returning to New Jersey and mustering out on July 31, 1861. Barton Lane was among those mustered out at Trenton on July 31, 1861.
Barton Lane briefly returned to Camden but enlisted again on August 12, 1862, for one year of service in the United States Navy. He served aboard the USS Princeton and the USS Powhatan.
The USS Princeton, a 1370-ton screw steamer, was built at the Boston Navy Yard and completed in November 1852. After initial issues with her boilers, she served along the East Coast and in the Caribbean until 1855, then became a receiving ship in Philadelphia until sold in 1866.
The USS Powhatan was a sidewheel steam frigate launched in 1850. She participated in significant events such as Commodore Matthew C. Perry’s negotiations with Japan and various Civil War operations. Barton Lane served on the Powhatan when she operated off Charleston, South Carolina, from October 1862 to August 1863, capturing several enemy vessels. He completed his Navy service and mustered out on September 1, 1863.
After another stay in Camden, Barton Lane enlisted in Company K, New Jersey 2nd Cavalry Regiment on September 19, 1864. He joined the regiment in Memphis, Tennessee, and participated in the raid on Egypt Station in December 1864. The Union troops attacked and captured a Confederate force, along with significant supplies and equipment. Barton Lane mustered out on June 29, 1865, in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Returning to Camden, Barton Lane married Drucilla Ivins in 1866 and started a family. The 1870 Census shows Barton, Drucilla, and their children Joseph and Virginia living in Camden’s South Ward. Barton was related by marriage to three Camden Fire Department members from the 1870s. Drucilla’s brother Alfred Ivins married Emma Streeper, sister of John W. Streeper, and William Gleason married Ellen Ivins.
On December 7, 1869, the Camden Fire Department began service, and Barton’s brother James M. Lane was a charter member. Barton was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on October 9, 1872, as a stoker with Engine Company 2 but was dismissed on November 6, 1872. His brother Charles M. Lane joined the department in 1877 but was also eventually removed.
The Lane family lived at various addresses in Camden over the years, with Barton working different jobs, including as a hostler. On November 3, 1892, Barton received an invalid’s pension for his Civil War service.
By 1900, Barton and Drucilla lived at 532 Henry Street in South Camden with several of their children and grandchildren. The 1910 Census shows them at 310 Washington Street, with Barton retired and living with many family members.
Barton Lane died on June 7, 1911, and Drucilla received a Civil War widow’s pension shortly after. Barton’s nephew, Albion R. Lane, became well known in Camden for his butter and egg business, and Albion’s grandson, Robert C. Lane, was killed in action in North Africa in 1943.
Related Photos
Related Articles
-
Barton Lane
Barton Lane was born in Camden in November 1840 to James S. and Mary Lane. His father was a bookbinder. The Lane family moved to Camden shortly after the birth of Barton’s older brother, James M. Lane, and they were in town for the 1840 Census. By the 1850 Census, the Lane family included older…
Leave a Reply