Friday, September 28, 2012

Wendell D. Wiltsie 20th., Michigan, Infantry.

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 Captain W. D. Wiltsie.

While Captain W. D. Wiltsie, of Company H, was watching the progress cf this fight through a field-glass, standing near regimental headquarters, he was picked off by a rebel sharpshooter from the woods on our left front. The bullet entered near the spine and produced paralysis of the lower part of the body and legs. He was carried to the Court House hospital, where he died on the night of the 27th meeting his fate with heroic fortitude. Captain Wiltsie was one of the most valuable officers of the regiment, and his death was a great loss to the command and to the service. Captain McCollum, who succeeded him in command, says in his diary: ''The captain felt from the first that he had received a mortal wound. He regretted that it was not his privilege to die on the field instead of being cut down in such a murderous way. He exhibited remarkable coolness and self-possession. He entrusted me with his effects and instructed me in regard to the settlement of his accounts. He wished his son to have his sword, and with it fight for his country, were it ever assailed by traitors."  There was no more heroic or manly death in the history of the regiment than that of Captain Wendell D. Wiltsie.

Numbers 8. Report of Captain Wendell D. Wiltsie, Twentieth Michigan Infantry.
CAMP AT GREEN"S FERRY,Cumberland River, Ky., May 11, 1863.

SIR: I have the honor to report that, on the 8th instant, I received orders from Colonel Jacob, commanding at this post, to proceed, with a force of 100 men, to where a band of guerrillas, under the notorious [Champ.] Ferguson, was supposed to be lurking in the mountains between here and Monticello, and, if possible, to discover and break it up. I accordingly took 25 men of my own company (H), under Lieutenant McCollum; 30 from Companies B, F, G, I, and K, all picked men, under Captain Allen; a company of 28 men, under Captain Searcy, of the Ninth Kentucky Cavalry, and a company of Henry Rifles (27), under Captain Wilson, Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry, all dismounted, and moved from the river at 9 p. m.

At the Narrows, where Captain barnes was stationed with his company as a reserve force, I left the Monticello road on our right, and proceeded by mountain paths to Harmon's Creek; thence back to the road at Alcorn's, which is 9 miles from the ferry and 7 from Monticello. From here we proceeded south to Beaver Creek, and returned to Alcorn's at 2 p. m. of Saturday, the 9th instant, not having met any armed force, but capturing in all 12 prisoners and 5 horses, supposed to belong to the band we were in search of, and burning Alcorn's distillery, which was a lurking place for bushwhackers. Here we rested for dinner, the men being very much exhausted, having been almost continually on the march from the time we started over steep mountains - difficult both in ascent and descent - through creeks and raviness, with wet feet and without food or sleep.

My first instructions were to return to camp by 12 m. Saturday; but finding that I had been greatly deceived in the distance I was to make, and that it was impossible to do any important part of the work allotted me, I early in the morning dispatched a messenger to colonel Jacob, to inform him of what I had already done, and to ask an extension of time until 4 p. m., when, if not prevented by an enemy, I would arrive in camp. Colonel Jacob granted my request, and I proceeded to complete my task. When my messenger returned, I should not fail to state that he informed me that rebel cavalry had been seen on the road between me and the reserve at the Narrows. I immediately took the precaution to send Captain Carpenter, with 24 men, back 2 miles on the main road to a cross-road, to be within striking distance should Captain Allen, who had gone a short distance back in the mountains with 9 men to examine a ravine and rock house, be attacked, and at the same time to keep a stick watch over the roads.

We had not rested at Alcorn's more than half an hour when my pickets toward Monticello were furiously attacked by rebel cavalry, whom we at first supposed to be guerrillas, but who were Morgan's advance guard of 300 men. They dismounted instantly upon receiving the first fire, and attempted to surround us under cover of the woods. Upon hearing the alarms shots, I immediately threw Company H into the road with fixed bayonets, and the cavalry under Captain Wilson forward to the support of the pickets, while Lieutenant Knight, with 6 men, was left to guard the prisoners, all of whom were probably taken prisoner before getting away from Alcorn's house. I very soon discovered that, while I could keep the enemy from advancing in front, my force was too small, having only about 40 men present, to keep him back on the flanks, and that I would certainly be surrounded if I did not hastily retire. I accordingly fell back through their lines, and brought them, by so doing, immediately in our front again. We were pressed so hotly from the onset by such superior numbers that it was impossible to take our prisoners to the rear, so they all escaped except one, who was taken along by Captain Carpenter, and we only brought in 2 of the horses. When we gained the cover of the woods on the north side of the road we made a stand, and, through the "Butternuts" out-numbered us eight to on, and came down shouting, "Give the Yankee sons of b - s no quarter," they could not drive us from our position except as they were about to flank us. We repeatedly drove them, and at one charge, the last we made, swept them clean from the woods.

At this period they retired to remount, leaving only a few skirmishers to harass us. Finding my men suffering from excessive thirst and great exhaustion, I ordered them to fall back, which they did in good order, to a strong and safe position, where we rested until midnight. Having lost my guide, and not being familiar with the country, I found great difficulty in getting out to the road. About daylight, however, we struck a mountain road, which, from its course, I judged would lead us out of the wilderness, and which we followed until we discovered in the path before us about 50 men, whom we knew, from their peculiar dress, were rebel soldiers. Being too weak to engage them, we returned and retreat to the river, where we found a raft; embarked, cut it loose, and floated down to the ferry, reaching camp at 4 p. m., having been out forty-three hours.

Upon hearing guns Captain Carpenter immediately started to my assistance, but was met on the way by rebel cavalry, which he gallantly repulsed. Deeming it impossible to re-enforce me, however, he fell back on the road until met by Captain Barnes and Allen. Upon consultation it was prudent for Captain Barnes to fall rapidly back and hold the Narrows, while Captain Allen, with his whole detachment, would fall back leisurely. Before Captain Allen reached the reserve post, the rebel cavalry dashed down upon him in great force, but were unable to rout him. He was compelled, however, to fall back, which he did in good order until he reached the reserve, the rebels not caring to press very hard after him.

In the last engagement Captain Allen lost 1 man killed, 1 officer (Lieutenant [C. A.] Lounsberry) wounded and prisoner, and 1 missing. In the first encounter Lieutenant McCollum lost 1 killed, and Lieutenant Knight and 1 man taken prisoner, and 1 missing. The companies of kentucky Cavalry lost 2 killed, 1 wounded, and 6 missing.

I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of both officers and men engaged in this terribly unequal strife. That 40 men held 300 at bay for over two hours and finally drove them back, or that 30 should repulse 250, shows with what determined bravery they stood, and with what desperate energy they fought. While I must speak of the conduct of all in terms of highest praise, I am forced by conviction of what appears to me to be largely his due, to mention the name of Sergt. A. A. Day, Company H, who stood foremost in the fight, where the bullets rained through the whole of the engagement. Allow me, sir, to recommend him to your favorable notice.

During the whole engagement at Alcorn's, I was nobly supported by Captain Wilson, of the Henry Rifles (Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry), and Captain Searcy, of the Ninth Kentucky Cavalry, both of whom were heroes in the fight. The enemy reports a large number killed and wounded in the engagement of Saturday, and among the killed a number of valuable officers.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient and humble servant,W. D. WILTSIE,Captain, Commanding Scouting Party.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Major William H. Jennings.

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WILLIAM H. JENNINGS, mustered in Sept. 28, 1861, as Captain Company A, to rank from Aug. 29, 1861; promoted to Major July 26, 1863, on account of distinguished gallantry at Rover, Tennessee. Mustered out and honorably discharged Dec. 16, 1864, expiration of term. Accidentally fell off church at Girardville, Schuylkill Co., Penna. ,and was killed. Buried in O. F. Cemetery, St. Clair, Pa.

Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, Field and Staff.

Wm. H. Jennings Major, mustered in  September 28, 1861, for 3years.  Promoted from Captain, Company A, to Major, July 26, 1863; mustered out, December 16, 1864; expiration of term

Company A.

Wm. H. Jennings Captain September 28, 1861 Promoted to Major, July 26, 1863.

HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Atlanta, Ga., September 29, 1864.

Major JENNINGS,Seventh Pennsylvania Cav., Commanding, 1st Brigadier, 2nd Cav. Div.:You will proceed without delay to Sweet Water Creek, watch the movement of the rebel cavalry reported in that vicinity, co-operate with General Kilpatrick, commanding THIRD DIVISION Cavalry, and receive such instructions from him as may be sent you.I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,W. L. ELLIOTT,Brigadier-General and Chief of Cavalry.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION,
Between Marietta and Roswell, September 29, 1864.[Captain LEVI T. GRIFFIN,Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:]

CAPTAIN: Since our arrival here yesterday morning nothing of importance has occurred. One of the men of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, who was captured on the 25th instant, escaped on the next day and has returned to the command. He reports having been carried that night to Cumming, via Alpharetta. On the way he passed through different squads of the rebels in tens, twenties, and fifties, numbering in all at least 1,000. He appears to be quite positive as to their numbers. In one camp they had 200, probably the same party which attacked our forage train the next day. The most of them were dressed in our uniforms. He was taken before Colonel Hill, Sixth Texas Cavalry [Thirty-fifth Tennessee Infantry], who has his headquarters about five miles this side of Cumming, and there closely questioned. Colonel Hill, who commands the forces there, appeared to be well acquainted with our numbers and position. Citizens report that a part of the force was to move toward Dalton on Tuesday. I have forwarded to General Elliott's headquarters and to Captain McBurney all reports due to this date.Very respectfully, yours,W. H. JENNINGS,Major, Commanding First Brigade.

George J. Shepardson, 4th., Illinois Cavalry.


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Captain George J. Shepardson was born November 2, 1828, in Clarendon, Vermont. He emigrated to Illinois in 1853. On August 27, 1864, he enlisted in the army and was commissioned Captain of Company I, Fourth Illinois Cavalry. On November 18, 1862, he was severely wounded and taken prisoner. He was honorably discharged Nov. 3, 1864. He died in Chicago March 18, 1902.

Illinois Civil War Detail Report

Name: SHEPARDSON, GEORGE J.
Rank: CPT. Company: I.
Unit: 4 IL US CAV.
Residence: EARL, LASALLE CO, IL.
Age: 33.
Height: 5' 8.
Hair: BROWN.
Eyes: BLACK.
Complexion: FAIR.
Marital Status: MARRIED.
Occupation: FARMER.
Nativity: RUTLAND, VT.
Joined When: AUG 13, 1861.
Joined Where: EARL, IL.
Joined By Whom: B F HYDE.
Period: 3 YRS.
Muster In: SEP 26, 1861.
Muster In Where: OTTAWA, IL.
Muster Out: NOV 3, 1864.
Muster Out Where: SPRINGFIELD, IL.
Muster Out By Whom: CPT SUMNER

"Illinois, Cook County Deaths, 1878-1922," George J. Shepardson, 1902.

Name: George J. Shepardson.
Death Date: March 18, 1902.
Death Place: Chicago, Cook, Illinois.
Gender: Male.
Race Original: White.
Death Age: 73y 4m 9d.
Estimated Birth Year: 1829.
Birth Place: Clarendon Vermont.
Occupation: Broker.
Residence: Illinois.
Bural Place: Paxton.
Bural Date. March 21, 1902.


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Captain John N. Runyan 74th., Indiana Infantry.

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PERSONAL MEMOIRS By CAPTAIN JOHN N. RUNYAN.


"When the Regiment was camped at Lavergne, Tenn., I visited Nashville— fifteen miles away— quite often and on each occasion stopped with Captain Driver, a Union resident of the city whose home was the headquarters of Union officers and soldiers in the city temporarily. I became quite well acquainted with the family, the Captain and his wife and two grown daughters.

After being wounded in front of Kenesaw, I was first taken to Field Hospital, thence to Athens, thence to Chattanooga, where an order came to send the officers up to Lookout Mountain and the men back to Nashville. This was done by two men gathering up the cot and carrying it down to the train but a .short distance or if an officer he was carried to the ambulance and sent up the mountain. I overheard the order to the men so when they took up my cot, my uniform had been neatly hidden under the covers and I told them "I go to the train so in due time I reached Nashville and was taken to the Officers' Hospital where I got the surgeon to telegraph my father who soon arrived. Upon his arrival he failed to fall in love with the surroundings and I suggested that he go over to Captain Driver's and see if he would not take me in. He did so and upon asking the surgeon's permission he granted it and I was soon located in a nice room with many comforts about me and with one of Captain Driver's daughters reading to or conversing with me.

One day while thus seated the ligature sluffed off the artery and the blood spurted all over bed and wall.  The lady gave a war whoop, I gave a yell and soon the room was full of people. Quick action with a tourniquet stopped the flow of blood and my life was saved. A few days after my father arranged to take me home which was done, by placing me on a cot, hiring men to carry same to and from trains and transporting me in an express car.

In 1905 I visited Nashville and I hunted up Captain Driver's daughter, finding the Captain and his wife had both died.  I visited his old homestead, which stood exactly as it had during the war. I stood in the same room where my life had so nearly ebbed away forty years before. I saw with my mind's eye the past go by. I called to mind the suffering I had gone through, the weary couch that supported me. I felt the sutuers tearing in my wound and the laps lying open as they did while going over the corduroy road from Field Hospital to Athens. 1 saw the ghastly face of a comrade who died at my side in the ambulance while going over that terrible road. I heard the spade digging his grave but a few feet from the road side and knew some mother's darling was being laid in a grave that no loving hand could ever bedeck with sweet flowers. I remembered how in the hospital at Chattanooga a lady unknown to me came to my cot and kneeling pleaded in prayer with "Our Father in Heaven" to spare my young life and permit me to return to loved ones at home. God bless that lady wherever she be for I often think that her prayer with those of my mother and father and sisters must have reached the Throne.

The most disagreeable march and night passed by the 74th Regiment was the day we marched from Nashville, Tenn. to Lavergne and camped under cedar trees no tents  snow, sleet and rain.

The last time I saw my colored servant (a boy of about twelve years of age) was at Chickamauga. When the first volley was fired he started for the rear on jack-rabbit time and as I was otherwise "engaged" I failed to have him leave my haversack.

Should any of the boys see him, kindly give him my address and have him return my haversack by "Parcels Post".
He can keep the "Hard Tack and S.- B.- ".

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

John W. Huffman.

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JOHN W. HUFFMAN.

John W. Huffman was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, February 24, 1844. He removed with his parents to Ripley county, Indiana, when sixteen years of age. His boyhood was spent on a farm with the usual district school education. Enlisted as a private in Company B Sixty-eighth, August, 1862; was appointed to be sixth corporal; promoted to be sergeant, and on October i, 1864, was promoted to first lieutenant of his company, for gallant conduct in action at Dalton, Georgia, where he grasped the colors of his regiment from the hands of the fallen color bearer, and led the line in face of the enemy. His father and two brothers were in the military service in the war of the Rebellion the father dying in Andersonville prison, and one brother falling at Fredericksburg. Lieutenant Huffman was mustered out with his regiment June 20, 1865.

He was married to Miss Martha Shackelford. October 29, 1865. Three children, two sons and one daughter, blessed their union, all of whom survive. His wife, Martha, was a daughter of Erastus Shackelford, who was born in Brown county, Ohio, March 6, 181 5; was married to Miss Mary Stewart, September i, 1836, which union was blessed by eight children — four sons and four daughters, all living. Enlisted in Company F, Sixty-eighth Indiana Volunteers, at the age of forty-seven years. Returning home at his discharge, he removed to Bondurant, Polk county, Iowa, where he died November 15, 1894, at a ripe old age. His wife preceded him to the life beyond the grave.

Lieutenant Huffman removed to Poliv county, Iowa, in 1870, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, his favorite occupation. His farm was highly improved, its fertile acres, handsome shrubbery, and stately groves making it one of the finest in the state: an ideal home for the gallant soldier and patriot, and his charming wife and loving children. On the 27th day of May, 1897, surrounded by his devoted family, he crossed the "silent river." Was laid to rest in Santiago cemetery on Decoration day.

He was a consistent member of the M. E. Church: was connected wifh Bondurant Lodge No. 243, I. O. O. F., and Warr Post, No. 17, G. A. R., Mitchelville, Iowa.Comrade Huffman as a soldier and citizen was faithful to every trust and left to his family a competency honorably acquired, and the priceless legacy of a good name.

LIEUTENANT A. J. PENTECOST, 5th., West Virginia Cavalry.

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LIEUTENANT A. J. PENTECOST, R. Q. M.

Alexander J, Pentecost was born November 18, 1835, at Pittsburgh, Pa. When five years old, his father died, and in 1845 his mother moved to Allegheny. Since that time he has been a resident of the latter city.

At the age of twenty years, having served an apprenticeship at the machinist's trade, he became a member of the firm of Pentecost, Graham and Bole, engine builders, Allegheny. lie disposed of his interest in this business, and three years later, when the discovery of gold at Pike's Peak created so much excitement, started west in search of fortune, doing by way of Leavenworth, Kansas, and across the plains,  he arrived at a point about fifteen miles from the base of the "Rockies" in the month of June, 1859. Here he found an Indian lodge, and met General William Larimer, a Pittsburgh banker, who had taken up his abode in an old log hut near-by. Upon this spot the beautiful city of Denver, Colorado, has since arisen. Continuing their journey to the mountains, young Pentecost spent several months exploring the "wild west " and prospecting for gold, and returned home in the spring of 1860.

When Sumter was fired upon, and President Lincoln's call for troops was issued, Mr. Pentecost was among the first who responded to that call. It was his intention to recruit a company at Neville hall, but the city guards, under the command of Colonel Alexander Hays, had taken possession of the hall, and his plans were frustrated. Pentecost then enlisted with the Washington Rifles, afterward Company A, being recruited at old Lafayette hall. This company, in response to a call from
Governor Frank H. Pierpoint, of Virginia, went to Wheeling and entered the service of Virginia. They were ordered into service soon after muster, taking charge of the B. & O. railroad. At this juncture Corporal Pentecost was detached from the regiment to assist in organizing a quartermaster's department at Grafton, Virginia. In September, 1S61, he was ordered to the Kanawha valley, and returning to Wheeling in December, reported to Governor Pierpont. The latter desired him to assist Colonel Harris recruit the Tenth Regiment of Virginia Infantry at Clarksburg; but prefering to remain with his regiment, which was then in winter quarters on Cheat Mountain, he immediately reported at regimental headquarters, was assigned to the quartermaster's department, and July 7, 1862, was commissioned first lieutenant and regimental
quartermaster, vice Lieutenant W. A. Stephens, resigned.

Lieut. Pentecost rendered active and efficient service in the following, and several other notable battles: Rich Mountain, Gauley Bridge, McDowell, Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, Kelly's Ford, White Sulphur Springs, Waterloo Bridge, Gainesville, Second Bull Run, Beverly, Rocky Gap, Droop Mountain, Cotton Mountain, Cloyd Mountain and Jackson River. He is the possessor of numerous commendatory letters, complimenting him upon his valor on the battlefield, from which the writer has selected the following on account of its brevity:

Pittsburgh, Pa..
A. J. Pentecost, Esq.

Sir: It affords me great pleasure to say, that while you were under my command in West Virginia, acting as Regimental Quartermaster of the Second Virginia Infantry, you discharged your duties with energy and marked ability, and that at the battle of Droop Mountain you participated in the action with great gallantry, contributing much to the success of your regiment, although your legitimate duties might have been a reasonable excuse for not taking part therein. The reports of your regimental commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, were always most complimentary to you. Wishing you every success in civil life, I remain,

Your Obedient Servant, Wm. W. Averell, Late Brig. Gen'l, U. S. V.

He comes of a military family, being the great grandson of Colonel Dorsey Pentecost, who took active part in the revolution, commanded the military forces of Washington county in 1 7S1, was one of the first justices of the peace at old Fort Pitt, a member of the supreme executive council of Pennsylvania 1781 to 1783, and president-judge of court of common pleas of Washington county. Colonel Dorsey was also the great grandfather of Colonel Jos. H. Pentecost, commander of the One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, who was killed in battle at Fort Steadman, March 25, 1865.

In civil life, Mr. Pentecost has occupied numerous positions of public trust, and has been most successful in business. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity on the retired list, having been made a mason at Allegheny City in 1867. March 13, 1865, he was brevetted captain, U. S. V., by the President of the United States for gallantry and meritorious conduct during the war, and in 1S67 was commander of Post 91, G. A. R., department of Pennsylvania. October 31, 1873, he was commissioned major and aid-de-camp of the National Guards of Pennsylvania, by General John F. Hartranft, and assigned to the Eighteenth division. In 18SS, at the annual meeting of the Society of the Army of West Viiginia, held in Columbus, Ohio, he was elected one of the vice presidents, and in 1SS7-S9 was appointed treasurer of his regimental association. He was a member of Allegheny city councils in 1874, has at different times held the offices of president and treasurer of the third ward school board, and in 1887-89, was a member of the high school committee, and member of the board of school controllers of Alle- gheny City for twelve years.

Mr. Pentecost has been married twice and has four sons and four daughters now living. April 2, 1863, he wedded Miss Virginia H. Andrews at Pittsburgh. Three children Grant Meigs, Alexander J., and Daisy V., were the result of this marriage, but the mother and daughter both died.

His second, and present wife was Miss Emma P. Marcy, a relative of the late General R. D. Marcy, and of Mrs. General George B. McClellan. They were married in Allegheny City in January, 1874. The children of this marriage are three sons Howard M., Dorsey D., Frank Pierpont; and five daughters Nellie S., Adelia R., Bessie B., May B., and Emma D.

He has a beautiful and happy home in Allegheny City, ranks among the most successful real estate dealers in Pittsburgh, commands the honor and respect of all who know him, either in business, public or social life; and his many old comrades who peruse this volume will be glad to know that in health and physique he is perfect. A most entertaining and witty conversationalist, he can relate innumerable interesting anec: dotes of both the sorrowful and amusing phases of a soldier's life, as well as of the bravery and endurance of the "boys in blue."

Monday, September 24, 2012

CAPTAIN. REUBEN LAMPTON., 126th., Ohio. Infantry.

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CAPATIN. REUBEN LAMPTON.

Captain Lampton was a native of the Old Dominion, and was called upon to shed his life's blood in defense of his country, on the soil of his native State. When a young man he came to Ohio and settled in Perry County. At the breaking out of the Mexican war, he enlisted as a private, and served in that war till its close, when he returned to Perry County. On the fourth of July, 1862, being fired with the noble impulse of patriotism, he enlisted and received a commission to raise recruits. He was commissioned Captain of Company K, 126th O. V. I. The following account of his life was received from the Lodge of the G. A. R., at Thorn ville, named in honor of Captain Lampton:

Headquarters Reuben Lampton Post, No. 240, Grand Army of the Republic, ( Thornville, O., June 18, 1883. )
J. H. Gilson, Esq.:

Dear Sir: Yours of the twelfth inst. is at hand, and in reply will say that by inquiry, I have been able to gather the following-   facts in relation to Captain Lampton's history.

He was born in the year 1818, in the State of Virginia, and according to the best information I can get, in Fauquier County. He and his brother, Joshua Lampton, went to the State of Kentucky while they were young men. They removed to Perry County, Ohio, about the year 1843, where he remained until the beginning of the Mexican war. At the outbreak of the Mexican war, he enlisted at Somerset, Perry County, in Captain Knowles' Company, of the 3rd O. V. I., in the year 1846. At the close of the Mexican war he returned to Perry County, Ohio, and was married to Nancy A. Hudgell, with whom he lived until the year 1862, at which time, in August of that year, he recruited a company (Company K) in Thorn Township, Perry County, Ohio, and was assigned to the 126th 0. V. I. His occupation was that of a plaster.

As to Captain Lampton's character, he was generous almost to a fault, readily forgiving an injury and never forgetting a favor. He was a man of wonderful physical power. Though noted for his kindness of heart and gentleness of manner, he was among the bravest of men, apparently without fear; he would meet any danger that duty made necessary, and nothing short of death could make him yield to an enemy when engaged in battle. Captain Lampton was well known here, where every one who knew him, still remembers him with the greatest reverence and respect.

I hope you will make use of all your means to obtain correctly the facts collected with Captain Lampton's history, for I would like very much to see him properly placed in your book, as it is likely it will be the only place that lie will be mentioned in history. Wishing you all the success possible in your arduous undertaking, I beg to remain, Faithfully your comrade, J. F. Lawyer.

Previous to his death, Captain Lampton had participated in all the battles and skirmishes of the Regiment. In the dreadful conflict at the battle of the Wilderness, he was especially gallant, eliciting the admiration and confidence of his men, and inspiring them with courage in that trying ordeal. At Spottsylvania, on the ninth of May, at six P. M., a detail from the 126th Regiment, of one hundred men and three officers, one of whom was Captain Lampton, were sent out to reinforce the picket line, in order to make an advance to reconnoiter the enemy's position. A very terrific fight ensued, in which Captain Lampton was mortally wounded and died soon after. His company, in his death, lost the services of a highly esteemed and as brave an officer as ever served in the Army of the Potomac.
 
"There sounds not to the trump of fame, The echo of a nobler name."

Captain Lampton was among the number of recognized dead of the 126th Regiment that were collected from the battle field of Spottsylvania, and interred in the National Cemetery at Fredericksburg, Virginia.