David Zentmyer was born at Springfield Furnace, Blair county. His parents moved to a farm near Spruce Creek, in Huntingdon county, where he worked with his father, who was a jobber in lumbering. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Fifth Pennsylvania Reserves. This company, known as the Scott Infantry, was one of the old militia companies, organized before the war. They were mustered into service at Harrisburg and sent to the front in July, 1861. He enlisted as orderly sergeant, became second, then first lieutenant, and on the promotion of Captain Dare to colonel of the regiment, commanded the company for some time. At the time of his death he was adjutant of the regiment, with the rank of first lieutenant. He was in active service for eighteen months and took part in many battles. He was killed in the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, and buried on the field. Mr. Zentmyer’s widow is living in Franklinville.
The Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps Historical Society was organized in 2004 by August Marchetti and Justin Sanders.
