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28th New York Infantry Regiment

Niagara Rifles; Scott Life Guard

Robert Treat Paine

Dr. Robert Treat Paine is something of a mystery. We've been unable to find anything about him prior to joining the 28th New York in May 1861. There is a suggestion he came from Boston, but no solid proof.

He served with the regiment through the two years of service. Then, along with meny members of the 28th NY, he reenlisted in the 2nd New York Mounted Rifles and served through to the end of the war as regimental surgeon and Major.

He is buried at Cold Springs Cemetery in Lockport, Niagara County, NY. After the war, he married the widow of Colonel Dudley Donnelly, late Colonel of the 28th New York, and died in 1886. His wife, Cecelia Donnelly-Paine, and himself are both buried at the Donnelly plot in the cemetery.

Three sides of the grave marker are in reference to Colonel Dudley Donnelly so we'll only repeat the side which refers to Dr. Paine here:

CECILIA A. PAINE Widow of Col. Dudley Donnelly AND WIFE OF Dr. R. T. PAINE. Died Feb. 5 1881. Aged 48 Years -------- Dr. ROBERT TREAT PAINE Late Asst. Surgeon 28 N.Y. Vols. MAJOR 2nd N.Y. MOUNTED RIFLES. Died Nov. 30 1886 Aged 50 Years

By all accounts he was a well liked member of the regiment. The history of the unit, written in 1896, says that he was "trusted alike by officers and men, careful, kind, and conscientious in the discharge of his duties, he was loved by the members of the regiment while living, and his memory will be ever cherished."

Last Visited: 23 Jan 2009