Abner Floyd & William S. Herbert.

Eighty-Fifth Indian Volunteer Infantry.

Left to Right.

Captain Abner Floyd---Captain William S. Herbert.

It seems that ever time I find a name or a picture I like I can't seem to find any information on them.  Just like in this case.  I liked the looks of their faces, but when I looked for informaation on them I found very little.  Even looking through the Regiments History Book I found little.  But I decided to put up what little information I have on them.  Those looking into these family lines will be glad to have any information let along a picture of him.

Captain, Abner Floyd, Residence Annapolis, Commission August 1 or 8. 1862, Mustered September 2, 1862.  Killied Thompson Station, Tenn. 

Here's what the regiment history had to say about him.

Cpatain Abner Floyd, was born in 1829, of good old Kentucky stock, received his education in the common schools of Parks county, Indiana.  A millwright by trade he worked at this business in Indiana, Ohio and Missouri, in politics he was ardent republican.  In religion , a member of the Universalist Ckurch.  A memberof the Mason's fraternity, he was the master of our lodge, organized in the regiment after our mustered out into service.

A stalwart in loyalty he organized company A., and joined the 85th., at the head of this noble company.  When leaving home on the train and bidding good-by to his family he said "you take good care of home and I will stand by the flag."  And waving it over him he was off to war.  His father before him was a captain in the war of 1812, and the war like fires that flamed in his father's soul came out in life of hisss noble son.

Abner Floyd was born a captain and was and so was recognized by comrades as one in every way worthy to command.  Had his life been spared he would have been in line for promotion.  But in the bloody battle of Thompson Station he fell mortally wounded and lingering a little while his noble spirit passed beyond the sight and the weeping.  He had been with us about six months, long enoughto have left an abiding evidence of his nobility.  A leader himself he was willing to follow where othersled and so fell in line of his duty "Standing by the Flag." 

His Sister writes of him as follow:  He was a brave, noble generous hearted man, a friend to all and especiall to the aged and afficted.  One of his favorite maxims was "Always respect grey hairs."

Such was Captain Floyd of Co. A., when he fell in his 34th., year, leading his company stalwart soldiers in the unfortunate battle of Thompson Station, March 5, 1863, Tenn.

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William S. Herbert, was captain of Co. C., Residence Chicago, commission April 1, 1863, Mustered May 10, 1863.  Mustered out with the regiment.  The picture shows him at the time he was a Lieutenant.

Authors note.  William S Herbert, is some what a mystery.  Although he is in the History of the regiment as the picture shows and he is listed in the roster of Co. C.,  but nothing is said about him in the history.  I went through the the book and found nothing on him.  He is not recorded in the National Park Service nor The Indiana State Digital Archives.  Yes a mystery man indeed.

The information for this page came from the following;

History of the Eighty-Fifty Indiana Volunteer Infantry, By Jefferson E. Brant, Pub. 1902.