Samuel W. Kelly Born in Portsmouth, N.H._Son of Samuel Kelly,_by occupation a Shoemaker,_Married,_at the age of 40 enlisted for three years as Musician in the 37th Regiment of Infantry, Mass. Vols._Company S. Mustered into service August 17, 1862. His special duty as Drummer relieved him from the ordinary private’s duties, though at the time of battles he was assigned to assist the surgeons in the care of wounded. In this capacity served at the battles of Fredericksburg, Dec. 1862_Chancellorsville, May 1863_and Gettysburg, July 1863. He performed all required service until October 9, 1863, the regiment being located then at New York. On the 14th of October he was carried to the Hospital on 51st Street New York, the regiment having left for Washington a or two previous. Furloughed 15 days in Nov. 1863, and visited Chicopee. About January 1st, 1864, he was transferred to the Convalescent Camp on {Bedloe}’s Island, N.Y. Harbor. Furloughed from there January 11, 1864 for 15 days and visited his family in Chicopee. At the expiration of his furlough he was unable to return, and his leave of absence was extended till 27 {June} 1864 on Surgeon’s Certificate obtained every thirty days. On the 28 {June}, 1864, he reported back to {Bedloe}’s Island, where he received his discharge on the 8 July following. During his entire term of service, he continued in the capacity of drummer, though in the battles previously designated he was assigned to hospital and field duty under the surgeon.
