Saturday, January 01, 2011

The Black Soldiers Of The Revolutionary War.

The Revolutionary war and the War of 1812, was not only fought by the Whites but Blacks as well, there were hundreds if not thousands in the ranks. The south was against it while the north was for it. It is not known how many Blacks were in the Revolutionary war as race was not recorded on the rosters. This would change in the war of 1812, all races were recorded. I could write a book on the inn’s and out’s on why the blacks should or should not be allowed to fight. But I will not go into it here, instead I well list some of the Black soldiers.
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Ebenezer Hill, a slave at Stonington, Conn., who served throughout the war, and who took part in the battles of Saratoga and Stillwater, and witnessed the surrender of Burgoyne.
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Prince Whipple acted as bodyguard to General Whipple, one of Washington’s Aids. Prince is the Negro seen on horseback in the engraving of Washington crossing the Delaware, again pulling the stroke oar in the boat which Washington crossed in.
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At the storming of fort Griswold Major Montgomery was lifted upon the walls of the fort by his soldiers, and called upon the Americans to surrender. John Freeman, a negro soldier, with his pike, pinned him dead to the earth. Among the American soldiers who were massacred by the British, After the surrender of the fort, were two negro soldiers, Lambo Latham and Jordan Freeman.
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Quack Matrick, a negro, fought through the Revolutionary war, as a soldier, for which he was pensioned.
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Jonathan Overtin, was at the battle of Yorktown.
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Samuel Charlton was born in the state of New Jersey, a slave, in the family of Mr. M.,, who owned, also, other members belonging to his family. All residing in the English neighborhood. During the progress of the war, he was placed by his master ( as a substitute for himself ) in the army then in New Jersey, as a teamaster in baggage train. He was in active service at the battle of Monmouth, not only witnessing, but taking a part in, the great struggle of the day.

He was also in several other engagements in different sections of that part of the state. He was a great admirer of General Washington, and was, at one time, attached to his baggage train, and received the General’s commendation for his courage and devotion to the cause of liberty.

Samuel Charlton was about fifteen or seventeen years of age when placed in the army, for which his master rewarded him with a silver dollar. At the expiration of his time, he was returned to his master, to serve again in bondage, after having toiled, fought and bled for liberty in common with the regular soldiery. Mr. M., at his death, by will, liberated his slaves and provided a pension for Charlton to be paid during his life.
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James Easton, of Bridgewater, a colored man, participated in the erection of the fortifications on Dorchester Heights, under the command of Washington, which the nex morning so greatly surprised the British soldiers then encamped in Boston.”
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Among the brave blacks who fought in the battles for American liberty was Major Jeffrey a Tennesseean who, during the campaign of Major-General Andrew Jackson in Mobile, filled the place of “regular” among the soldiers. In the charge made by General Stump against the enemy, the Americans were repulsed and thrown into disorder, Major Stump being forced to retire in a manner by no means desirable, under circumstances.

Major Jeffrey who was but a common, soldier, seeing the condition of his comrades, and comprehending the disastrous results about to befall them, rushed forward, mounted a horse, took command of the troops, and by an heroic effort, rallied them to the charge completely routing the enemy, who left the American masters of the field. He at once received from the General the title of “Major,” though he could not, according to the American policy so commission him.

To the day of his death, he was known by that title in Nashville, where he resided, and the circumstances which entitle him to it were constantly the subject of popular conversation. Major Jeffrey was highly respected by the whites generally, and revered, in his own neighborhood, by all colored people who knew him.

A few years later receiving an indignity from a common ruffan, he was forced to strike him in self defense; for which act, in accordance with the laws of slavery in that, as well as many other of the slave states, he was compelled to received on his naked person, nine and thirty lashes with a raw hide! This, at the age of seventy odd, after the distinguished services rendered his country, probably when the white ruffian for whom he was tortured was unable to raise an arm in it’s defense, was more then he could bear; it broke his heart, and he sank to rise no more, till summoned by the blast, of the last trumpet to stand on the battle field of general resurrection.
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James Armisted during the war acted as a scout and spy for LaFayette during his campaign in Virginia, and at one time give information of an intended surprise to be made upon the forces of the Marquis, thereby saving probably a rout of the army. Armisted after the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, was returned to his master three years after the close of the war. He was manumitted by especial act of the Virginia Legislatures, whose attention was called to the worthiness of the service rendered by Armisted.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Peter Salem.

I kind of remember reading something about Peter Salem when I was in High School but that’s been a good 45, years ago. Then today I ran a cross a site with a copy of a book called; ( The Black Phalanx, A History of the negro soldier of the United States.) written by Joseph T. Wilson, 1888. I did some research and found a lot is on the internet about him. I found him very interesting and decided I would like to have a page on my web site.
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Peter Salem, once a slave, fought side by side in the ranks with white soldiers, when the British Pitcairn mounted the redoubt, upon that memorable occasion shouting “The Day is Ours! “ Peter Salem poured the contents of his gun into that officers body killing him instantly, and checking temporarily the advance of the British.

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Major Pitcairn, caused the first effusion of blood at Lexington. In that battle his horse was shot under him, while he was separated from his troops. With presence of mind he feigned himself slain; his pistols were taken from his hostlers, and he was left for dead, when he seized the opportunity and escaped.
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A Biographical account of Peter Salem is given in the following newspaper extract.

“April 1882, the town of Framingham to place a memorial stone over the grave of Peter Salem, alias Salem Middlesex, whose last resting place in the old burail ground an Framingham centre has been unmarked for years. For this purpose $150, was appropriated by the town. The committee in charge of the matter has placed a neat granite memorial over his grave, and it bears the following inscription: “Peter Salem, a solider of the revolution, Died Aug. 16, 1816. Concord, Bunker Hill, Saratoga. Erected by the town 1882.”

Peter Salem was the colored man who particularly distinguished himself in the revolutionary war by shooting Major Pitcairn at the battle of Bunker Hill, as he was mounting a redoubt and shouting “This day is ours!” this being the time when Pitcairn fall back into the arms of his son, and tenderly bore him to the boats.

A contribution was made in the army for the colored soldier, and he was presented to Washington as having performed this feat.

Peter Salem served faithfully in the war for seven years in the companies of minute men under Captain John Nixon and Captain Simon Edgell of Framingham, and came out of it unharmed. He was a slave, and was owned originally, by Captain Jeremiah Becknap of Framingham, being sold by him to Major Lawson Buckminster of that town, he becoming a freeman when he joined the army. Salem was born in Framingham, and in 1783, married Katie Benson, Granddaughter of Nero living for a time near what is now States mustered field. He removed to Leicester after the close of the war. His last a bode in that town being a cabin on the road leading from Leicester to Auburn. He was removed to Framingham, where he had gained a settlement and there died.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

John William Mack.

John W. Mack.

Birth: 1843 Near Dalton, Whitfield, Ga.
Death: 21 or 27 Dec 1864, Georgia.

Father: Henry MACK
Mother: Martha Ann SWEENEY OR SWEENIE OR SWENIE

Wife: Ella GIBSON, married 1887, Georgia.

Military Enlistment:

Residing in Whitfield County, GA at time of enlistment
Enlisted on Dec 17 1861 as Private.

Mustering information:
Enlisted into C Company, 60th Infantry (Georgia) on Dec 17 1861. Died while serving in 60th Infantry (Georgia) on Dec 27 1864 at Point Lookout, MD.

Listed as:
POW on May 23 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.

Burial: Point Lookout Confederate Cemetery, Scotland, St. Mary's County, Maryland.

Major Thomas J. Berry.

In a report Major Thomas J. Berry, he states; Private John W. Mack, 60th., Georgia, Company C, Fourth Battalion Georgia Volunteers, while unarmed, captured in the woods 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and 2 privates, of the First New Jersey Regiment, all armed; disarmed them, brought them into camp alone, and delivered them to his captain.

Men Of The Alamo.

The following men fight and died at the Alamo, most of these men can be easily found on the internet, however you may only find one or two names at a time. I decided it would be more helpful to the researcher if one could go to one place and find them all, or at lest as many as I can find. I would like to thank ( John Griffith Aka, J-Cat, ) for allowing me to use his information.
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Juan Antonio Badillo.

Native Texan Alamo Defender. He was one of twenty-four native Texans known as Tejanos, who enlisted for six months' service during the Texas Revolution. Under the command of Captain Juan N. Seguin, he took part in the siege of Bexar. After the battle, he accompanied Captain Seguín back to Bexar and entered the Alamo garrison in February 1836. He remained in the Alamo after Captain Seguin was sent out to rally reinforcements and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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William Charles Baker.

Alamo Defender. He came to Texas as a volunteer during the Texas Revolution, joined Captain Thomas F. L. Parrott's company at Bexar on November 26, 1835 and took part in the siege of Bexar. During the reorganization of the Texan forces he became a Captain in command of the the volunteers accompanying James Bowie to the Alamo on January 19, 1836. He died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: Unknown.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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John J. Ballentine.

Alamo Defender. He was a single man and lived several years in Bastrop, Texas before the Texas Revolution. He served in the Alamo garrison as a member of Captain William R. Carey's artillery company and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: Unknown, Pennsylvania,
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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John J. Baugh.

Alamo Defender and Adjutant of the Alamo Garrison. He traveled to Texas in 1835 as a First Lieutenant of Thomas H. Breece's company of the New Orleans Greys Volunteers and took part in the siege of Bexar. After the battle he was promoted to Captain and served as Lieutenant Colonel James C. Neill's adjutant with the Texan force left to garrison the town. He entered the Alamo garrison as adjutant under Lieutenant Colonel William Barret Travis on February 23, 1836, when the Mexican army arrived. He died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1803, Virginia.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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John Blair.

Alamo Defender. On February 19, 1835, he registered as a married man for a league of land in Texas. He was one of the volunteers who accompanied James Bowie to Bexar and the Alamo garrison in early 1836. He died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1803.Tennessee.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Samuel Blair.

Alamo Defender. He registered as a single man for a quarter league of land in the Power and Hewetson colony on August 4, 1834. On September 10, 1834, he registered for a head right of land in James McGloin's colony and took part in the siege of Bexar. He later entered the Alamo garrison, served as Captain assistant ordnance chief and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1807.Tennessee.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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George Brown.

Alamo Defender. He immigrated to America and lived in Yazoo, Mississippi, before settling in Gonzales, Texas. He was one of four George Browns in the Texas army during the Texas Revolution. He died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1801, England.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Pvt. Samuel L. Burns.

Alamo Defender. He immigrated to America and was a resident of Natchitoches, Louisiana, at the beginning of the Texas Revolution. He served in the Alamo garrison as a member of Captain William R. Carey's artillery company and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1810, Ireland.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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George D. Butler.

Alamo Defender. He traveled to Texas by way of New Orleans and volunteered to aid in the Texas Revolution. He served in the Alamo garrison and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1813, Missouri.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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John Cain.

Alamo Defender. He became a resident of Gonzales, Texas, took part in the siege of Bexar and was issued a donation certificate for 640 acres of land for his service. After the battle he remained in Bexar as a member of Captain William R. Carey's artillery company. He left Bexar before the siege of the Alamo began and returned with the relief force from Gonzales on March 1, 1836 and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1802, Pennsylvania.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Lemuel Crawford.

Alamo Defender. He enlisted in the Texas Army in October 1835, served until December 26, as a artilleryman under Colonel James C. Neill and took part in the siege of Bexar. He reenlisted on February 11, 1836, served in the Alamo garrison, as a member of Captain William Carey's artillery company and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1814, South Carolina.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Robert Crossman.

Alamo defender. He traveled to Texas by way of New Orleans as a member of Captain Thomas H. Breece's company of New Orleans Greys, took part in and was wounded in the siege of Bexar. He later served in the Alamo garrison as a member of Captain William Blazeby's infantry company and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1810, Pennsylvania.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Robert W. Cunningham.

Alamo Defender. March 4, 1833, he had moved to Texas where he received title to a league of land on Skull Creek in Austin's colony. In 1836, he joined the Texas army and took part in the siege of Bexar as a Sergeant and second gunner in Captain Thomas L. F. Parrott's artillery company. He remained in Bexar after the battle as a private in Captain William R. Carey's artillery company and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: Oct. 18, 1804, Ontario County, New York.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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John Davis.

Alamo Defender. He immigrated to Texas and on October 28, 1831, he received title to a quarter league of land on Lavaca Creek in DeWitt's colony, where he gained a reputation as an Indian fighter. On February 23, 1836, he was mustered into the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volunteers. With this unit he arrived at the Alamo garrison on March 1, 1836 and died five days later in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1811.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Freeman Day.

Alamo Defender. He took part in the siege of Bexar, later served in the Alamo garrison as a member of Captain Robert White's Infantry company, the Bexar Guards and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1806.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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William Dearduff.

Alamo Defender. He immigrated to Texas and on November 5, 1831, registered for a quarter league of land in DeWitt's colony. He entered the Alamo with the relief force from Gonzales on March 1, 1836, and died in the battle of the Alamo five days later. His sister was married to James George, also a Alamo defender.

Birth: unknown, Tennessee.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Stephen Dennison.

Alamo Defender. He was a glazer and painter by trade who traveled to Texas by way of New Orleans as a member of Captain Thomas H. Breece's company of New Orleans Greys. He took part in the siege of Bexar, later served in the Alamo garrison as a member of Captain William Blazeby's infantry company and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1812, England.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Charles Despallier.

Alamo Defender. He reached San Antonio de Béxar by mid-February 1836 and distinguished himself during the siege of the Alamo by sallying from the fort under fire to burn huts that were affording the Mexican army cover. His actions were praised by Lieutenant Colonel William B. Travis. He left the Alamo as a courier on February 25, 1836, returned with the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volunteers on March 1, 1836, and died five days later in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1812, Louisiana.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Almeron Dickinson.

Alamo Defender. He served as an artilleryman in the United States Army and later became a Mason in the area of Bolivar, Tennessee. On May 24, 1829, he eloped with Susanna Wilkerson, moved to Gonzales, Texas, in 1831 and had a daughter. As a colonist in Green DeWitt's colony, he received a league of land on the San Marcos River. He participated in the battle of Gonzales on October 2, 1835, which began the Texas Revolution. At the siege of Bexar he distinguished himself as a Lieutenant of artillery and was promoted to Captain. In the Alamo garrison he was the Captain in charge of artillery. On the morning of March 6, 1836, as the troops of General Antonio López de Santa Anna stormed the mission, he ran to his wife, reported that all was lost, and expressed hope that she could save herself and the child. Although he died at the Alamo, his wife and child survived and General Santa Anna had them escorted from the Alamo mission.

Birth: 1800, Pennsylvania.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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John Henry Dillard.

Alamo Defender. He immigrated to Texas and settled at Nashville-on-the-Brazos. He served in the Alamo garrison and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1805, Smith County, Tennessee.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Robert Evans.

Alamo Defender. He traveled to Texas from New York by way of New Orleans and served in the siege of Bexar, December 1835. He later served as master of ordnance in the Alamo garrison. Survivor Susanna W. Dickinson, Captain Dikinson’s wife, stated that during the final moments of the battle of the Alamo, Evans attempted to blow up the Texans' remaining supply of gunpowder with a torch. He was shot down before he could do so.

Birth: 1800, Ireland.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Samuel B. Evans.

Alamo Defender. His grandfather, Samuel Evans, was a general in the colonial army during the American Revolution. His uncle, General Jacob Brown, was at one time commander of the United States Army. Samuel B. Evans was a member of the Alamo garrison and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: Jan. 16, 1812, Jefferson County, New York.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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James L. Ewing.

Alamo Defender. He took part in the siege of Bexar as a member of Captain William R. Carey's artillery company and later served as secretary to Lieutenant Colonel James C. Neill, commander of the Texan forces occupying Bexar. When the Mexican Army arrived, he entered the Alamo garrison and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1812, Tennessee.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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William Keener Fauntleroy.

Alamo Defender. He traveled to Texas with other volunteers in late 1835. On January 14, 1836, he and his companions took the oath of allegiance to Texas and were mustered into the Volunteer Auxiliary Corps at Nacogdoches. He traveled to the Alamo as a member of Captain William B. Harrison's company, which included David Crockett. He arrived on or about February 9, 1836, and died in the battle of the Alamo.
Birth: 1814, Logan County, Kentucky.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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John Flanders.

Alamo Defender. He was in business with his father in Massachusetts until they argued over foreclosing on a mortgage held by a widow. He left for Texas and never communicated with his family again. He settled in Gonzales and was part of the force from that town that rode to the relief of the Alamo. He entered the Alamo garrison on March 1, 1836 and died in the battle of the Alamo five days later.

Birth: 1800, Salisbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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James Hannum.

Alamo Defender. He served in the Alamo garrison and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: Aug. 8, 1815, Pennsylvania.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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John Harris.

Alamo Defender. In 1836, he was a resident of Gonzales, Texas and took part in the siege of Bexar. He later served in the Bexar garrison in Captain Robert White's infantry company, the Bexar Guards. Sometime before the siege of the Alamo began, he returned to his home in Gonzales, where he was mustered into the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volunteers on February 23, 1836. He returned to the Alamo with this group on March 1, 1836, and died in the battle of the Alamo five days later.

Birth: 1813, Kentucky.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Joseph M. Hawkins.

Alamo Defender. He traveled to Texas by way of Louisiana, was a strong supporter of Governor Henry Smith and a advocate of the Texas Revolution for independence. Before the Alamo siege he served as an express rider to General Sam Houston. He was one of the volunteers who accompanied James Bowie to San Antonio de Béxar and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1799, Ireland.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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John M. Hays.

Alamo Defender. He moved to Texas from Nashville, Tennessee and joined Captain John Chenoweth's company at Bexar on January 14, 1836. He ran for one of the two positions for delegates to the Texas convention representing the garrison at Bexar but was unsuccessful. He died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1814, Tennessee
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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William Daniel Hersee.

Alamo Defender. He traveled to Texas by way of Louisiana and was wounded in the siege of Bexar. He later served in the Alamo garrison, as a Sergeant in Captain William R. Carey's artillery company and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1805, England.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Dr William D. Howell.

Alamo Defender. He was a doctor and lived in New York before traveling to Texas by way of New Orleans in 1835 as a member of Captain Thomas H. Breece's company of New Orleans Greys. He took part in the siege of Bexar, later served in the Alamo garrison as a member of Captain William Blazeby's infantry company and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1797, Massachusetts.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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John Benjamin Kellog.

Alamo Defender. He was a resident of Gonzales, Texas, when he joined the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volunteers in late 1835. He rode to the relief of the Alamo with this group, arrived on March 1, 1836 and died five days later in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1817.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Jonathan L. Lindley.

Alamo Defender. He entered Mexican Texas in November 1833, as a livestock raiser and applied for a land grant in Joseph Vehlein's colony on November 4, 1834. His quarter-league grant, located on land now in Polk County, Texas, was surveyed on June 21, 1835, and the grant was issued on July 17, 1835. When the Texas Revolution broke out in the fall of 1835, he joined Captain John Crane's company of volunteers and participated in the siege of Bexar in November 1835. On December 14, 1835 he joined William R. Carey's artillery company and helped garrison the Alamo’s canon defense. He died in the battle of the Alamo, his death probate inventory listed his possessions as including eighteen head of cattle, eleven hogs, and a "Brand Iron."

Birth: Feb. 12, 1814, Sangamon County, Illinois.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Dr Edward F. Mitchusson.

Alamo Defender. He was a doctor who enlisted in the Texas Army on November 30, 1835, as a Private in Captain Edwards's company. It is not known if he served the Texan forces in the capacity of a physician and he was severely wounded in the siege of Bexar. On January 1, 1836, he was listed as a member of Captain John Chenoweth's company in the Alamo garrison. His wounds prevented him from playing an active role in the defense of the Alamo, he died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1806, Virginia.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Dr John Purdy Reynolds.

Alamo Defender. He graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1827 and practiced medicine in Mifflin County for seven years. He traveled to Texas in 1835 and joined the Volunteer Auxiliary Corps of Texas on January 14, 1836, at Nacogdoches. He went to San Antonio de Béxar as a member of Captain William B. Harrison's company, which included David Crockett. They arrived at Bexar on February 9, 1836 and he died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: Mar. 7, 1806, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Richard Lucius Stockton.

Alamo Defender. With a group of Tennessee volunteers, he reached Nacogdoches Texas, in December 1835 and enlisted in the Texas Volunteer Auxiliary Corps. He was sent to San Antonio de Béxar with David Crockett and was killed with the others in the battle of the Alamo. He was unmarried at the time of his death and his sister Emma Matilda Stockton Cox filed a bounty land certificate on the basis of his service in 1845. The land was ultimately patented on land in Bosque and Hamilton County. In 1849 Emma married Commodore Edwin Ward Moore of the Texas Navy.

Birth: 1817, Newark, Essex County, New Jersey.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Edward Taylor.

TAYLOR, EDWARD (ca. 1812-1836). Edward Taylor, Alamo defender, son of Anson and Elizabeth (Maley) Taylor, was born in Tennessee about 1812. He was the older brother of Alamo defenders George and James Taylor. At the outbreak of the Texas Revolution, he and his brothers were employed picking cotton for a Captain Dorsett on a farm near Liberty, Texas. Upon finishing the job they left to join the revolutionary army. It is believed the brothers died in the battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836. Though some evidence suggests that Taylor and his brothers were victims of the Goliad Massacre, their names were carried on a list of the Alamo casualties a week before the Goliad executions occurred.

Birth: 1812, Tennessee.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Henry Thomas.
Alamo Defender. He came to Texas by way of New Orleans as a member of Captain Thomas H. Breece's company of New Orleans Greys in 1835. He took part in the siege of Bexar and later served in the Alamo garrison as a member of Captain William Blazeby's infantry company. He died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1811, Germany.
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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John W. Thomson.

Alamo Defender. He was a doctor by profession, traveled to Texas from North Carolina in late 1835 and joined the Volunteer Auxiliary Corps of Texas at Nacogdoches on January 14, 1836. From Nacogdoches, he traveled to Washington on the Brazos as a member of Captain Gilmer's company. There he left the company and traveled on to San Antonio de Béxar. He served the Alamo garrison in the capacity of surgeon and died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1807, Louisa County, Virginia,
Death: Mar. 6, 1836, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Burial: The Alamo, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
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Henry Warnell.

Alamo Defender. He emigrating to Texas from Arkansas after his wife died in childbirth. In January 1835 he settle in Bastrop, took part in the siege of Bexar and later served in the Alamo garrison as a member of Captain William R. Carey's artillery company. There is some evidence that he escaped from the Alamo during the battle on March 6, 1836, but died in Port Lavaca in June 1836 from wounds received in the battle. His son John his only heir, in 1860 received two-thirds league and one labor of land, plus a donation grant of 640 acres.

Birth: 1812.
Death: Jun., 1836, Port Lavaca, Calhoun County, Texas
Burial: Unknown.
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William Wells.

Alamo Defender. He traveled to Bexar and to the Alamo garrison as a member of Captain William H. Patton's company. On his way to the Alamo he borrowed twenty dollars from the Alamo's courier, Dr. John Sutherland to purchase a Yeager rifle. He died in the battle of the Alamo.

Birth: 1798, Hall County, Georgia.
Death: Jun., 1836, Port Lavaca, Calhoun County, Texas
Burial: Unknown.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Good New Jersey Soldiers.

Henry W. Sawyer.
New Jersey 1st., cavalry, Companies D. & K.

Birth: Mar. 16, 1829, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.
Death: Oct. 16, 1893, Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey.
Burial: Cold Spring Presbyterian Cemetery, Cape May, Cape May County, New Jersey.

In youth he received a plain education, and, as he was advanced in years, he learned the carpenter's trade. In 1848 he removed to Cape Island, where he worked at his trade until the Rebellion broke out. On April 15, 1861, when President Lincoln issued his proclamation calling for volunteers, he was among the first to offer his services.

Henry W. Sawyer, 1st Lieut. enlisted April 7, '62, mustered in April 7, '62, for 3 Yrs, Remarks. 2d Lieut. Aug. 14, '61; 1st Lieut. vice Worsley resigned; promoted Capt. Co. K, Oct. 8, '62.

Henry W. Sawyer, Captain enlisted Oct. 8, '62 mustered in Oct. 8, '62, for 3 Yrs, Remarks. 1st Lieut. Co. D, April 7, '62; Capt. vice Broderick promoted; promoted Maj. Oct. 12, '63.

In a report of July 12, 1863, Henry W. Sawyer, and another officer had been selected by lot and reserved for execution, later it was found that two other officer took their place.
Note. There’s a lot more information and two photo’s of him at the site of ( Find a grave.)
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Captain Thomas K. Eckings. New York
New Jersey 3rd., infantry, Companies A. C. & H.

In a statement given by Captain Frank E. Moran, of the 23rd. New York Volunteers, he states that a Captain Ecking, of the 3rd., Cavalry, was murdered by a guard whom he had bribed to allow him to escape.
It should be noted that Captain Moran was in error Captain Eckings was not in the cavalry but the infantry.

Co. A. Thomas K. Ekings, 2d Lieut. enlisted Oct. 19, '62, mustered in Nov. 10, '62, for 3 Yrs. Remarks. Serj. Co. C; 2d Lieut. vice Hewitt resigned; promoted 1st Lieut, Co. H, Aug. 6, '63.

Co. C. Thomas K. Ekings, Sergeant, enlisted May 25, '61, mustered in May 25, '61, for 3 Yrs, Remarks. Corp. May 25, '61; Serj. Sept. 29, '62; promoted 2d Lieut. Co. A, Oct. 19, '62.

Co. H. Thomas K. Ekings, 1st Lieut. enlisted Aug. 6, '63, mustered in Nov. 13, '63, for 3 Yrs, Remarks. 2d Lieut. Co. A, Oct. 19, '62; 1st Lieut. vice Wahl promoted; killed Nov. 25, '64, while attempting to escape from rebel prison at Columbia, S. C.

Update 8-15-2013.

The following information on Thomas K. Ekings, is given by Tere Pistole.

I am transcribing a manuscript written by Reuben Bartley who was a Signal Corps Officer from Pennsylvania and beside Dahlgren when he was shot and killed in King and Queen County, Va. He wrote this about Thomas K. Eckings 3d NJ Inft..."was trying to make his way out through the line of guards having made arrangments with one of them to let him pass when about half way bet the dead line and the sentinels he was shot and Instantly Killed by the guard that gave him the signal that all was right. He was shot through the heart with a musket ball and never groaned. he was one of the finest young men in the army, an enthusastic soldier and a staunch patriot. he always said a soldier should not to be exchanged but use every exertion to make his escape and in that way injure the enemy. Poor Fellow! he was one more victim to Rebel treachery. for the signal was given him to come out and he was deliberatly murdered but he recd a double exchange he was releaved of all his earthly trouble at the same time he was released from the rebel outrages. The next day some of his friends were allowed to go out and BUry him. We dug his grave on a small hill near our camp overlooKing the Saluda River at the foot of a small Persimmon Tree. His was the third grave of our camp one before him having been shot through carlesness of the guards on duty. some of which were only fifteen and others sixty years old. The funeral service was performed by Lieut Abbot a young Methodist minister who was in our camp and any who thinK the American citizen Soldier devoid of feeling ought to have been there and I think they would have their notion...
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A George B. Halsted, give a statement that Lieutenant William B. Hatch was promoted in command of the 4th., New Jersey, as bravely as he nobly suffered in rebel prison, “died December 18, 1862, of wounds received at the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.”

William B. Hatch.

William B. Hatch.
Birth: 1838.
Death: Dec. 15, 1862.
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Camden, Camden County, New Jersey.

William B. Hatch, Colonel enlisted Aug. 28, '62, mustered in Aug. 28, '62, for 3 Yrs, Remarks. Maj. Aug. 17, '61; Lieut. Col. Sept. 7, '61; Col. vice Simpson re-called; died at Field Hosp., near Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 15, '62, of wounds received in action at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, '62.
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Colonel James H. Simpson & Major William M. Birney.
Field and Staff, Fourth, New Jersey Regiment.

James H. Simpson Colonel Aug. 12, '61 Aug. 17, '61 3 Yrs Maj. Topographical Engineers, U. S. Army; re-called to Regular Army Aug. 26, '62.

William M. Birney, Colonel enlisted Jan. 8, '63, mustered in Jan. 13, '63, for 3 Yrs, Remarks. Capt. Co. C, 1st Reg., May 22, '61; Maj. Sept. 27, '61; Lieut. Col. Aug. 26, '62; Col. vice Hatch died; resigned June 7, '63, to accept appointment as Col. 2d Reg., U. S. C. T.; promoted Brig. Gen. U. S. Vols., to date May 22, '63.
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George B. Halsted, was of Newark New Jersey, was a soldier and a Assistant Adjutant General to General Christopher C. Augur… Mr. Halsted also give a statement about two other New Jersey soldiers and how he felt about prison life and the war, which reads;

“of many Union men, whose only crime was refusal to join in treason against the United States, I recall a father, quite old, and his two sons, about middle age, names forgotten. They were originally from the North; residence for many years near Norfolk, Virginia. It was painful to see that old man suffering in that confined, over crowded room, with so little of food to nourish him, and clothing day or night.

The heroism which could endure for months and months, ( then notice of such cases had not been taken by our government), with little prospect of release, except by swearing allegiance to the bogus and traitor government of that damnable miscreant and villain, Jeff Davis, and his equally detestable compeers. This courage and heroism I felt was more worthy of protection by our government then any I could exhibit as a soldier.

Yet those men remained in that prison long after we were paroled. Others suffering for the same were there, I will state their names; First Lieutenant William B. Hatch, Fourth New Jersey Volunteers, and Colonel James H. Simpson, a graduate of West Point and Major William Birney and others of the Fourth New Jersey, were in apartments appropriated to officers.”
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William B. Mitchell.

William B. Mitchell, give his statement, at the time he was 25, years and resided at Port Elizabeth, Cumberland county, New Jersey, his occupation at that time was that of a glass blower. He enlisted on the 14th., of September of 1861, in the New Jersey 10th., infantry Volunteers of company K. as a private. He was captured in the Wilderness on the morning of the 7th., of May 1864, by Ewell’s Corps., which he thought was of the twenty-second Virginia. He was mustered out on May 28, 1865, he was discharged at Trenton New Jersey.
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Authors Note.  As you may have noteiced there has been a lot of talk about statements, these statements were given for a report called; ( Treatment of Prisoners of War by the Rebel Authorities) this information can be found in the 40th., Congress 1867-1869, which was also known as No. 1391 -- House Report No. 45.  Pages 470, 975-977, 978-985, 1089-1090.