Almanzo W. Litchard
Almanzo W. Litchard (November 12, 1841 – 1906) was a soldier, farmer, and legislator in New York during the nineteenth century. He fought as a Union soldier during the Civil War and purchased a farm after serving his country. In later years he served as a member of the New York State Assembly. Early years Almanzo Litchard and his twin brother Alexander were born on November 12, 1841, in Sparta, New York, to George and Nancy Litchard. The Litchard family moved to Almond, New York, where a younger brother named John was born three years later. An 1850 census of Almond, Allegany County, recorded the ages of the Litchard family: George (34), Nancy (37), Harriet (11), Alexander (8), Almanzo (8), and John (5). The census also stated that the Litchard real estate was worth $900. In 1855 Almanzo's mother died. Civil War On August 24, 1861 Almanzo and his brother Alexander enlisted at Hornellsville, New York. They mustered into Company D, 86th New York Volunteer Infantry, led by Colonel Benajah Bailey, Lieutenant Colonel Barnard Chapin, and Major Seymour Rhinevault. On November 23, 1861, the Eighty-sixth Regiment left New York for Washington, D.C. Throughout the winter, the regiment defended the capitol