ANTOINE FRAPPIER – 118th INFANTRYWORKED IN MASSACHUSETTS MILLS - Antoine Frappier had been living in Champlain and working as a carpenter for over 10 years before he enlisted in the 118th Infantry. When he left Plattsburgh to go to war in August 1862, he left his wife, Hermine Dumas, at home with his four children.Antoine had been recruited by 2nd Lieut. Martin Van Buren Stetson to serve in Captain Henry Ransom’s Company I. The 118th first served near Baltimore guarding railroads, then spent the winter in Washington. In February 1863, he became ill and was sent to the Finley Hospital in the capital. A month later, while the regiment was on its way to the Virginia Peninsula, Antoine was sent to hospital in New York City. Being so close to home and getting tired of being in hospital, he deserted in late July.The family moved to Massachusetts to work in the mills. In 1883, he started receiving an Invalids Pension and when he died in 1905, Hermine started receiving her Widows Pension after the family had lived in North Adams, MA, among their extended family. In the same year, the Army changed his deserter status to a regular discharge. She lived until 1917 and was buried beside Antoine in the Bellevue Cemetery in Adams, MA.The North Adams Transcript of May 22, 1905, carried his obituary – Antoine Frappier, one of the oldest French-Canadian residents of this town and about 80 years old, died at his home on Bellevue Avenue early Sunday morning after a short illness. He had not been feeling well for a few days, but death came as a surprise to his family.Mr. Frappier was born in St. Cuthbert, Quebec, and moved to Champlain, NY, and came to Massachusetts about 40 years ago. He first settled in Pittsfield and then, 20 years ago, moved to this town. He had resided on Bellevue Avenue ever since.Mr. Frappier, for a number of years, worked in the L. L. Brown Paper Company’s mill. He was an exceptionally genial man and by his very pleasant disposition made many friends. His family ties were dear to him, and he always showed a neighborly spirit for those who resided near him.Mr. Frappier was a Civil War veteran, having enlisted in the 118th New York Regiment. He was a good soldier and received an honorable discharge. He always took a lively interest in the affairs of George E. Sayles Post, G. A. R., of this town to which he belongs.Mr. Frappier is survived by his wife, two sons, Edward N. of West Cummington and Alphonse of Boston. The former came to visit him Saturday night and was with him when he died. A daughter, Mrs. R. Reeves of Boston, two brothers, Emanuel and Joseph of this town, and two sisters, Mrs. Celina Perrault of his town and Mrs. L. Fuller, also survive him. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon.
