William Marsh Searing

He began to study law in 1839, at age 18. In 1861 he recruited three companies which became part of the 30th New York State Volunteers. The regiment was organized by Colonel Edward Frisbie, and Searing was commissioned Major. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on 11 March 1862. Col. Frisbie was killed 30 August 1862 at 2nd Bull Run, and Searing was appointed Colonel in his place.1

He was in command of the 30th New York Infantry on the Maryland Campaign. Part of the 1st Brigade of the 1st Division, First Army Corps, they advanced through the Cornfield early on the 17th in close support of Brigadier General Gibbon's 4th 'Black Hat' Brigade. Searing was later accused by his Brigade commanded Colonel Phelps of refusing to lead his regiment in that attack, and they may have instead been led in the Cornfield by Captain John Campbell, Company A.

He mustered out with his Regiment in June 1863.

He returned to Saratoga Springs and his law practice, and was also a Pension Agent.2

His gravesite is on Findagrave.

He married Caroline Melissa Huling (1822-1915) in 1846 and they had 2 children.

12/1/1821; Saratoga Springs, NY

03/02/1895; Sartoga Springs, NY; burial in Greenridge Cemetery, Saratoga Springs, NY