Friday, February 07, 2014

Captain Samuel J. Simpson.

"Capt. Samuel J. Simpson died on January 19. 1910, of heart failure, aged seventy-five years. A native of Warren County, Va., in the spring of 1861 he enlisted as a private in the first cavalry company raised in his county, which became Company E, 7th Virginia, and attached to Gen. Turner Ashby's famous command. At the reorganization for his soldierly qualities he was elected first lieutenant, and was later promoted to captain.

He was an ideal 'beau sabre.' No odds deterred him; and while his courage often seemed recklessness, it was tempered with a cool head which no crisis disturbed, and his war record was second to none of his grade Gen. William E. Jones, his brigade commander, Said of him.

He was the best soldier I have ever seen, regular or volunteer. After the close of the war Captain Simpson beat his sword into a pruning hook and became a tiller of the soil, and his courage in peace was as great as in war. His inherent modesty was such that it was difficult to get him to speak of his achievements, as he considered his service only a compliance with the duty of every son of Virginia.

In private life his integrity knew no compromise, and his hospitality was never appealed to in vain. As a member of the Camp he was an ardent supporter of any measure tending to the comfort and interest of his old comrades, and in cases of their need he was foremost in contributing liberal aid in proportion to his means. He was buried beside his wife by the Camp, his pallbearers being selected from its members. The firing of three volleys over his grave was by a squad from Company D, 2d Virginia Regiment.

Captain "Hurricane Bill." William Ratliff.

Confederate Veteran Magazine.
1922, volume 30, p. 196.

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CAPT. WILLIAM RATLIFF.


This picture of Capt. William Ratliff, of Fannin, Miss., was sent by his niece, Mrs. Lou Ratliff McClellan, of Coleman, Tex., who wishes to hear from any of his comrades of the war now living. While she is not able to give the command with which he served, she says Captain Ratliff was known as one of the bravest of cavalrymen, and would go into battle waving his hat and urging on his men. In this brave attitude he was shot from his horse and taken off the battle field as dead; but he came to, sat up, and spat out the ball which had laid him low. He was sent home to recover, and it was months before he could return to his command. His dash and daring caused him to be nicknamed "Hurricane Bill."

Thursday, February 06, 2014

The Heart of a Soldier.

I ran across this advertisement in the ( Confederate Veteran Magazine ), 1913.
It was written by General George E. Pickett, in 1913.  The add says it all.  I looked to see if I could find the book on line and found it was and can be read on line.

Those of you who would like to see a picture of him and learn more about him and his wife's names and children's names can do so by taken this link.
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=pickett&GSfn=george&GSmn=e&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSob=n&GRid=812&df=all&

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William Marion Seay.


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William Marion Seay, Adjutant of Garland Rodes Camp, U. C. V. , Lynchburg, Va., was born in 1842, and had hardly completed his course at Lynchburr College when in June, 1S61. he entered the Confederate service as sergeant in the Lynchburg Rifles, or Company E, 11th., Virginia Infantry. With his regiment, under Col. Samuel Garland, he participated in the fight at Blackburn's Ford, battle of Manassas, And Dranesville in 1861. In 1862. under the brigade command of Gen, A, P Hill, the regiment took a prominent part in the battle of Yorktown and Williamsburg. He also shared in the services of his regiment at Seven Pines, the seven day's fighting before Richmond, Georgetown, Second Manassas, and Fredericksburg, and participated in the campaign of Longstreet's Corps in 1862-63 about Suffolk and Newbern, N. C He Also shared in the heroic fighting at Gettysburg. During 1864 be was in the engagements at Drewry's Bluff and Milford Station, and at the latter place was captured He was held for ten months at Point Lookout, and released in March, 1865. Though engaged in many encounters with the enemy, he escaped with but one light wound, received at Seven Pines

William Marion Seay.

Birth: 1842
Death: 1912

Co E 11th Virginia Regiment CSA.

Burial: Presbyterian Cemetery, Lynchburg, Lynchburg City, Virginia.

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Revolutionary Soldiers in Kentucky.

Authors note.  The last name of the information given is either the Great-great -grandson or Great-grandson.


Ashby, John, born in Virginia in 1707, died in Virginia, 1797. He was captain in Col. Thomas Marshall's regiment, the 3rd Virginia foot, on March 18, 1776; was wounded at the battle of Germantown, Oct. 4, 1777; was Major of militia, 1780-81. Parker, James Cooper.

Austin, John, born in Virginia, 1736, died near Oldhamburg, Oldham County, Ky., Oct. 5, 1845. He served the entire period of the War in the Regiment of the Virginia Line commanded by General Daniel Morgan, known as Morgan's Sharp-Shooters or Riflemen. Gathright, Owen.

Bell, John, was born in Chester County, Pa., died near Louisville, Ky., March 10, 1831. Ensign, 6th Virginia, 26th February', 1776; 2nd Lieutenant, 28th December, 1776; severely wounded at Brandywine, 11th September, 1777.  Sea, Andrew McBrayer, Jr.

Butler, Pierce (or Percival), was born in Carlisle, Pa., April 4, 1760, died in CarroUton, Ky., Sept. 9, 1821. Was commissioned First Lieutenant 3rd Pennsylvania Regiment, under Col. Thomas Craig, Sept. 1, 1777. With this regiment through campaigns of 1778, '79, '80, '81, '82. Was at siege of Yorktown on Gen. La Fayette's staff and received handsome sword from La Fayette after the surrender of CornwaUis. Jan. 1, 1783, transferred to 2nd Pennsylvania. Sept. 23, 1783, joined 1st Pennsylvania with which he remained to close of War. Butler, Pierce.

Caldwell, John, born in 1748, died in Columbia, Ky., June 11, 1829, was soldier of the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment.  Caldwell, John Payne.

Carnine (or Canine), Peter, born in New Jersey, 1752, died in Shelby County, Ky., 1839. Was a sergeant in the New Jersey Line, also in Continental Arniy. He was placed on the United States Pension Rolls, Sept. 24, 1833. Canine. Dr. Robert Fulton.

Churchill, Armistead, born in Middlesex County, Va., Nov. 25, 1733, died in Jefferson County, Ky., 1795. Was Colonel of 2nd Battalion of the Faquier Co. Militia on May 25, 1778. Caldwell, John Payne.

Clark, Jonathan, born Aug. 1, 1750, O. S., died Nov. 25, 1811. Was Captain 8th Virginia, 23rd January, 1776; Major 12th Virginia, 10th January, 1778; Regiment designated 8th Virginia, 14th September, 1778; Lieutenant Colonel, 10th May, 1779; taken prisoner at Charleston, 12th May, 1780, and was a prisoner on parole to close of war. Jungbluth, Karl, Jr.

Carter, Joseph, born in Virginia, Dec. 20, 1760, died in Kentucky, Aug. 20, 1846; enlisted in August, 1777, served four years to September, 1781, as private in the 2nd, 11th and 15th Virginia regiments, taken prisoner at battle of Charleston. Wilson, Joseph Nicholas.


Dawson, Jeremiah, born in Bedford County, Va., May 30, 1763, died in Hart County, Ky., Feb. 10, 1846. Enlisted as private in company of Captain Robert Watkins, Virginia Volunteers at the age of 17. At Battle of Guilford, N. C, March 15, 1781. Dawson, Roe Adophus.

Fox, Benjamin, born in Grafton County, N. H., about 1760, died there in 1834. Private in Capt. Smith Emerson's Company on Seavey's Island, Nov. 5, 1775. In Capt. Mark Wiggins Company in Col. Long's Regiment, Dec. 7, 1776.  Holstein, Otto.

Grant, John, Sr., born in Scotland, 1725. He was a private in Captain Brevard's Company, enlisting in 1782, and served 18 months, 10th Regiment. Grant, Raymond.

Grant, John, Jr., born in North Carolina, Jan. 30, 1755. Served as Private, and drew a pension.  Grant, Raymond.

Gray, George, was born in Stafford County, Virginia, 1739, died in Louisville, Ky., Dec. 3, 1823. Was ensign in 1776, Lieutenant in 4th Continental Dragoons, Jan. 10, 1777. December, 1777, he raised and equipped at his own expense a company for the 3rd Regiment of Virginia, resigned May 1, 1780. Besides serving afterward he gave liberally of his means (some .$85,000.00) to the cause. Was member of the Order of the Cincirmati. Gray, Norborne Russel.

Martin, Joseph, was born in Goochland County, Va., 1740, died in Henry County, Dec. 18, 1808. On Feb. 17, 1779, appointed Major of a battalion of Volunteer MDitia to be used against the Cherokee Indians in Western North Carolina and east Tennessee. Robertson, Archibald Thomas.

Puryear, Jesse, born in Virginia and died in Green County, Ky., 1783 Was a private in the Third Continental Regiment Virginia Infantry and served from early m 1776 constantly and continuously until discharged honorably from further service at Chesterfield Court House on the 22nd day of October, 1780. Puryear, Emmet Vance.

Rodman, Hugh, was in 1st Battalion, 2nd Company, Northumberland County Militia, Col. John Kelly, May 1, 1778. Was a "Ranger of the Frontier" from Northumberland County, from 1778-1783; part of the time in James Thompson's Company. Rodman, Hilary Drury.

Thomson, John, was member Captain Joseph Meeker's Company, 1st New Jersey Regiment, commanded by Right Hon. William, Earl of Stirling. His name appears on a roll of that organization from Nov. 1, 1775, to Jan. 11, 1776, which shows that he enlisted Nov. 20, 1775, and on roll of Capt. Elias Longstreet's Company, same regiment from Oct. 29, 1775, to Jan. 12, 1776, which shows that he enlisted Nov. 12, 1775, as a private. Thomson, Archibald Eugene.

Walker, Seth, born in Portsmouth, N. H., Aug. 29, 1756, died in Derry N. H., Oct. 8, 1838. On hearing of Battle of Bunker Hill, marched with number of others from Portsmouth to Charlestown, and afterwards to Dorchester. Took part in the siege of Boston. Returned to Portsmouth and was stationed at Fort Constitution, New Castle, where he remained some two years, first as sergeant and afterwards Lieutenant of Artillery subsequently was appointed Captain of Marines.  Hartwell, Samuel Adams, 2nd. Hartwell, Samuel Adams, 3rd.

Whitley, William, was born in Augusta County, Va., Aug. 14, 1749, and died Oct. 5, 1813. He was in Bowman's Expedition 1779, in the Illinois Cam- paign as a private under George Rogers Clark. Whitley, Andrew Graham.

Woodruff, Enos, born in Elizabeth, Essex County, N. J., 1749, died there 1821. Served in the Essex County, New Jersey, Militia for a period of six months. Woodruff, George Ezra.

Tuesday, February 04, 2014

Albert Naumann Seip.

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Albert Naumann Seip.

Birth: 1840.
Death: Jul. 15, 1916, Duluth, St. Louis County, Minnesota.

Wife: Katharine Birney Seip (1856 - 1936).

Married November 12, 1891, District of Columbia.

Children: Albert Birney Seip (1893 - 1923).

Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, , Arlington County, Virginia.

United States Army Signal Corps.

Albert N. Seip, 2nd., Lieutenant, Residence 919 Washington Street, Washington D. C. ( First Lieutenant 2nd., Pennsylvania, Cavalry, Company H.), Department of Washington; July 15, 1864; Commissioned 2nd., Lieutenant, Signal Corps, to date March 3, 1863; mustered out August 12, 1865. 

Monday, February 03, 2014

Jesse N. Berlin, 34th., Illinois Infantry.

Jesse N. Berlin.

Birth: 1834, Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
Death: Jun. 2, 1864.

Burial: Marietta National Cemetery , Marietta, Cobb County, Georgia.
Orig. bur. New Hope Church battlefield.

 ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES.
Illinois Civil War Detail Report Name:

BERLIN, JESSE N. Rank: PVT. Company: I. Unit: 34 IL US INF.

Personal Characteristics. Residence: PROPHETSTOWN, WHITESIDE CO, IL. Age: 25. Height: 5' 8 1/2. Hair: AUBURN. Eyes: BLUE. Complexion; LIGHT. Marital Status: SINGLE. Occupation: FARMER. Nativity: MERCER CO, PA.

Service Record. Joined When: NOV 13, 1861. Remarks: REENLISTED AS A VETERAN.

ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES.
Illinois Civil War Detail Report.

BERLIN, JESSE N. Rank: PVT. Company: I. Unit: 34 IL US INF.

Personal Characteristics. Residence: MT CARROLL, CARROLL CO, IL. Age: 27. Height: 5' 8 1/4. Hair: DARK. Eyes: BLUE. Complexion: DARK. Occupation: FARMER. Nativity: PA.

Service Record. Joined When: DEC 23, 1863. Joined Where: CHATTANOOGA, TN. Period: 3 YRS. Muster In: JAN 3, 1864. Muster In Where: CHATTANOOGA, TN. Remarks: VETERAN KILLED IN ACTION NEAR DALLAS GA JUN 2, 1864. .

Illinois 34th., Infantry, Regimental History,

p. 118, The Thirty-Fourth was deployed in line of battle during the halt, facing the lines of the enemy. After the rain ceased, the sharpshooters of the enemy began firing occasional shots at our
regimental line. Jesse Berlin, of Company I, was killed, and one man in Company D., was wounded. Berlin was a good target. He wore a red shirt, and had laid his blouse off, making him an easy mark.

Horace E. Coombs



Horace E Coombs.

Birth: 1847.
Death: 1940.

Parents: Charles C Coombs (1816 - 1898), Harriette S Coombs (1823 - 1887).

Wife: Caroline Davis Coombs (1850 - 1903)

Children: Florence C. Coombs Barton and .Edwards A. Coombs.

Burial: Plainville Cemetery, Plainville, Norfolk County, Massachusetts.

Civil War Veteran.
United States Army, Signal Corps.

Horace E. Coombs, private, Plainville, Massachusetts.  Enlisted April  15, 1864; Attleboro, Massachusetts; Dept. of Washington; 1865; Central Station, Washington D. C.