Oscar C. Tooker
Oscar Coleman Tooker was born October 3, 1835, to John and Elmira Tooker, and was baptized on May 1, 1836 at the Canoga Presbyterian Church. John Tooker was a farmer, and he had 3 children. Oscar had an older sister, Sarah, and a younger sister, Jane. He joined the Normal School Company on August 20, 1862. He served through the early battles, and was promoted to Corporal in December 1863. He survived te Battle of the Wilderness unscathed, but was captured, along with Captain Bradford Wood and 22 others, during the charge on the Confederates at Laurel Hill on May 8, 1864. Oscar and the others were recaptured by Philip Sheridan's Cavalry, and rejoined the 44th on May 26. He was troubled by illness after this incident, and went into the hospital on June 17, never to return to the 44th. He was transferred to Lieutenant E. Mathers company of the 104th Veteran Reserve Corps, and was discharged for disability on July 13, 1865 at Geneva Hospital.
When Oscar returned home, he moved to the town of Canoga, where his grandfather had lived. He was able to purchase a farm, and was married to his wife, Maria, before 1870. He died September 15, 1882, and was buried in Canoga Cemetery at the age of 46.