Jacob Stull Galentine was born August 12, 1835 to John Galentine and Isabel Stull Galentine.Jacob’s mother, Isabel, was the daughter of Jacob Stull and Susannah Price Stull, both early settlers of Rush. Jacob’s father, John Galentine, was also an early Rush settler who served as Justice of the Peace, Deputy Sherriff, and helped construct the Erie Canal. John and Isabel Stull Galentine had four children: Edwin, Jacob, Augusta Jane and Mary. The Galentine family lived in the hamlet of Rush, known then as East Rush.
Jacob was educated in the Rush District Schools and Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in Lima. He became a teacher in Michigan and later taught two terms in Rush. Jacob married Anna Calligan, from Lockport, at the Rush Methodist Church in 1855. At age 28, he enlisted in the 136th NY Infantry, Company I, as a private. The 136th NY Infantry were known as the “Ironclads”. Jacob and Anna Calligan had two young children, John and Isabel, when he became a soldier. He mustered into service September 6, 1862 at Portage. He was promoted to First Lieutenant and Quartermaster on January 23, 1863. He was detached from field service to take charge of transporting the troops to Nashville. Jacob Stull Galentine served in the 2nd Battle of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Resaca and Atlanta. He mustered out June 13, 1865 at Rochester.
Living his adult years in Lima, Jacob continued to serve his community. Jacob was a Justice of the Peace, Town Assessor, Town Supervisor and a member of the Livingston Board of Supervisors for many years. He was also a farmer, photographer and an auctioneer. Jacob’s children, Isabel and John, both died by the age of 18 and his wife, Anna, died while still in her 30’s. His second wife, Mary, also preceded him in death.
Lt. Galentine died December 5, 1905 and was laid to rest in Pine Hill Cemetery in Rush. His grave remained unmarked until 2014 when a headstone issued by the Veteran’s Administration was installed. The Sons of the Union Veterans and re-enactors conducted a graveside service following the annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony. View the video of Jacob Stull Galentine’s graveside service.
