Friday, March 16, 2012

General Samuel Bell "Sam" Maxey

General Samuel Bell "Sam"

Civil War Confederate Major General. Maxey was born in Tompkinsville, Kentucky. Maxey served in the West and led Native Americans troops in Indian Territory. Maxey attended West Point and graduated in 1846, second to last in a class of 59. He was sent immediately to fight in the Mexican War. He fought at the Battle of Cerro Gordo, and he resigned his commission after the war to study law in Kentucky.

In 1857, he moved to Texas and became active in politics. When the war began, he raised a regiment, the 9th Texas Infantry, and took his unit to fight in Mississippi. Maxey was promoted to brigadier general in March 1862 and his force participated in the Vicksburg campaign before aiding in the defense of Port Hudson, Louisiana. He was fortunate to avoid capture when those locations fell into Union hands, and Maxey was shipped to assist in the Confederate siege of Chattanooga in September 1863. While there, Maxey received a promotion to commander of Indian Territory.

In 1864, he worked to recruit and train members of the Cherokee, Creek, and Choctaw tribes. On April 18, 1864, troops under Maxey's command attacked a Union wagon train at Poison Springs, Arkansas. They routed the federal force, which was led by the 1st Kansas Colored Regiment.
After the war, Maxey continued to support his Native American friends when he served in the U.S. Senate and was an outspoken advocate of Indian rights.

Birth: Mar. 30, 1825.
Death: Aug. 16, 1895.

Parents:
Rice Maxey (1800 - 1878)
Lucy Pope Bell Maxey (1794 - 1866)

Wife: Marilda Cass Denton Maxey (1833 - 1908)

Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Paris Lamar County, Texas.

General William Steele.

General William Steele.

Civil War Confederate Brigadier General. He graduated from West Point in 1840, was commissioned an officer in the 2nd Dragoons and served in Florida during the Seminole War. At the outbreak of the Civil Warm, he resigned his commission in Army and was commissioned Colonel of the 7th Texas Cavalry. Promoted Brigadier General in September, 1862, he took part in the Confederate New Mexico-Arizona operations and was in charge of the Indian Territory until the close of the war. After the war, he served as Adjutant General of Texas, 1874 to 1879 and reorganized the Texas Militia.

Birth: May 1, 1819
Death: Jan. 12, 1885
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Travis County, Texas.

General Stand Watie.

General Stand Watie.

Civil War Confederate Brigadier General. Born near present day Rome, Georgia he was a controversial leader of the Cherokee Nation and a hero of the Confederate cause. He supported the removal of the Cherokee Nation to Oklahoma and became bitter enemies of his fellow Cherokees who opposed the move. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he joined the Confederate Army, he was commissioned as a colonel and raised a regiment of Cherokee fighters. In 1862, the Colonel was named the principal chief of the Confederate Cherokees. During the war he led his troops into eighteen battles and guided them into many more raids behind Union lines.

His raids were so effective that it forced hundreds of Union troops to be tied to the West at a time they were desperately needed to fight in the East. In 1864 his regiment captured a Union steam boat and seized over a million dollars worth of supplies from Union forces. Later that year he was made a brigadier general, the only Native American to achieve that rank during the Civil War. He surrendered to Union forces on June 23, 1865, reportedly the last Confederate general to lay down his arms.

Birth: Dec. 12, 1806.
Death: Sep. 9, 1871.
Burial: Polson Cemetery, Delaware County, Oklahoma.

General Benjamin "Ben" McCulloch.

General Benjamin "Ben" McCulloch.

Civil War Confederate Brigadier General. He was born in Rutherford County, Tennessee, and was the brother of Confederate Brigadier General Henry Eustace McCulloch. He followed his neighbor Davy Crockett to Texas and became one of the most colorful and popular figures of early Texas history. He fought at the Battle of San Jacinto, served in the Texas Republic Congress, became a surveyor in the new republic, and was a leader in the Texas Rangers. Commissioned a Brigadier General in the Confederate Army on April 11, 1861, he was placed in command of Indian Territory.

He obtained the Cherokees' promise to fight for the Confederacy and authorized Stand Watie to organize a Cherokee force. As commander of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas troops operating in northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, he led Confederate forces against Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon's Union troops at the Battle of Wilson's Creek, on August 10, 1861. He personally led 2 companies of Louisiana infantry in a charge that captured 5 guns of Colonel Franz Sigel's command and routed the Union force. Because of casualties and lack of ammunition, his forces did not follow up their advantage.
He was a frontier fighter with little regard for formal military protocol or theory and usually wore a black velvet suit in the field. He feuded with Major General Sterling Price, with whom he was teamed at Wilson's Creek and other engagements. Friction between the two was eased by the appointment of Major General Earl Van Dorn as commander of the Trans-Mississippi District early in 1862. Price, Brigadier General Albert Pike, and himself were Van Dorn's top commanders at the Battle of Pea Ridge in Arkansas on March 7 and 8, 1862.

On the morning of March 7 he rode forward to reconnoiter enemy positions and was killed by enemy sharpshooter fire. His death was a contributing factor in the Confederate defeat at Pea Ridge, which gave the Union control of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. At the time of his death he was the second ranking Confederate Brigadier General. McCulloch County in Texas is named in his honor.

Birth: Nov. 11, 1811.
Death: Mar. 7, 1862.
Burial: Texas State Cemetery, Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Illinois Men Killed & Wounded-Black Hawk War.

There is not a lot of information here, but those looking into these family lines may find the information helpful.
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Samuel Bowman, Second Lieutenant, Greene County, Enlisted June 19, 1838, Killed in battle August 21, 1838.

Thomas J. Short, Private, Randolph County, Enlisted May 24, 1838, Killed July 21, 1838.

Joseph Draper, Private, Bloomington County, Enlisted April 23, 1838, Killed in battle, May 14, 1838.

John G. Adams, Captain, Pekin Illinois, Enlisted April 27, 1838, Killed in battle May 14, 1838.

David Kreeps, Private, Pekin Illinois, Enlisted April 27, 1838, Killed in battle May14, 1838.

Zadock Mendinall, Private, Pekin Illinois, Enlisted April 27, 1838, Killed in battle May 14, 1838.

Isaac Perkins, Private, Pekin Illinois, Enlisted April 27, 1838, Killed in battle May 14, 1838.

William Brown, Private, Danville, Enlisted May 12, 1838, Killed in battle June 16, 1838.
 
William Boxley, Private, JoDaviess County, Enlisted May 19, 1838, Killed in battle July 1, 1838.
 
John Waters, Second Sergeant, Enlisted April 28, 1838, Killed in battle May 14, 1838.
 
G. W. Hereleroad, Private, JoDaviess County, Enlisted May 26, 1838, Killed by Indians at Apple River, June 24, 1838.
 
Benjamin Scott, Private, St. Clair County, Enlisted May 27, 1838, Killed June 16, 1838.
 
William B. Makenson, Private, St. Clair County, Enlisted May 27, 1838, Killed June 16, 1838.

Benjamin McDaniel, Private, St. Clair County, Enlisted May 27, 1838, Killed June 16, 1838.

James Thompson, Private, Lawrence County, Enlisted June16, 1838, Wounded, left at Hosp., Dixon's August 2, 1838.
 
Andrew McCormick, Private, Randolph County, Enlisted June 4, 1838, wounded in battle.
 
Armstead Jones, Private, Randolph County, Enlisted May 25, 1838, Wounded in battle July 21, 1838.
 
Jesse Dickey, Private, Macon County, Enlisted April 24, 1838, Wounded.
 
Putman Reading, Sergeant, Fulton County, Enlisted April 21, 1838, Wounded in battle on Sycamore Creek, May 14, 1838.
 
Malcomb Smith, Private, Enlisted May 19, 1838, Wounded.
 
Edwin Welch, Private, Enlisted May 19, 1838, Wounded.


  

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Interesting People Of The Revolutionary War.

The other day I was going through the records of the Revoltionary War, and found some interesting facts on people who frought in that war.  These names are here because I found their name interesting or their Information.  I will have no other information other what's provided here.
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Daniel Bolton, Private, Illinois Volunteers, entitled to 200 acres of land.  He after serving as a volunteer, enlisted in the Illinois regiment and deserted.  Nevertheless, he is entitled to the bounty land promised to the Illinois Volunteers.
Note.  I find this statement interesting, one would think if you deserted you would get nothing.

William Beckwith, Organization not shown.  Enlisted in 1777 for one year, also served later, about two years in all.  Married Martha Elder at St. Mary's College, Emmettsburg Maryland.  His wife died at Emmettsburg, Maryland, with his son moved to Ohio, where the father died September 15, 1839, there were four children; Tobias who died prior to 1850; Ellen who also died prior to 1850; Richard, who was not heard from after 1819, which it was thought he went to sea; Rebecca, who claimed to be the only heir.

Thomas Bennett, Motross, Organization not shown.  Resided in Hector, New York, then Newfield, New York, for one year.  Died in Newfield, no widow.  Mary West was the only living child in 1854.

Henry Boas, Private, Organization not shown.  Married in 1788 in Baltimre County, Maryland to Dorothy----, She died March 12, 1839, he died on March 4, 1838, in Jackson County Indiana.  The following children were surving in 1857: Henry, Peter,Jacob, Elizabeth wife of James Mitchell, George and Polly, widow of Thomas Carr.  Thomas Carr died March 10, 1847.  In his will Henry Boas left to each of his children 37 and a half cents, except to Polly who had the residue of his property, and she was to care for her mother.

Francis Ditte, Rank and organiztion not shown.  Drew a pension of $80., per an. payable with Ohio agency.  Died June 16, 1841, leaving a widow who was still living in 1850.  He had resided in Northumberland County Pennsylvania, the place of his nativity, and for thirteen years previous to his death he lived in Setteea County Ohio.

Benjamin Edmondson, Lieutenant 2nd., Virginia, State Regiment.  Served three years and his service terminated February 6, 1782.  Fought a duel and killed an officer named Holmes.  Granted 2,666 acres of land.  Married Margaret Harwood, widow of Samuel Harwood, of Weyancah, Charles City County, Virginia, whose daughter Margaret W. Married Robet Munford.  The latter died prior to 1838.  The will of Margaret Edmondson, the soldier's widow names two daughters: Ann and Margaret Woddrop Harwood.  The soldier left a sister, Elizabeth Edmondson, who married Henry Edloe, and had a son William Edloe, her only heir.

Isaac Hamestreet, his widow Mary Hamestreet, who died March 25, 1856; was buried in Lorain New York March 26, 1856; was said to have resided for 8 years previous to her death in Jefferson County, New York, and previous to that Wis.  The year of her death is also given as 1858, but the daughter later makes affidavit yhat this was a mistake, and that the correct year was 1956.  Mary Hamestreet, left only one child at her death, who was Eleanor Miller, and that later claimed the unpaid pension due her mother.

Johathan Ingraham, died April 19, 1847, in New Ashford, Berkshire County, Mass.  His six Surving children were: Elihu, John, Abigail, David, and Hepsibeth Campbell and Sally Elliott.

Abrahan Keller, Captain Virginia State Regiment.  This regiment was disbanded in December 1781.  Keller was killed by indians in April 1786.  In 1833Colonel Benjamin Whaly stated that Abraham Keller was wounded at a place now called"Shipping Post," below the falls of the Ohio; this he knew because he dressed his wound with his own hands.  On December 13, 1844, William R. Todd of Arkansas, was appointed Admr.  Abraham Keller, heir of Captain Abraham Keeler died in Bourbon County Kentucky, in 1839, his children were: Jacob, Elizabeth who married John Edwards Sr., Solomon, Rebecca who married John Snell, Abraham, Minerva wife of John Keysar died leaving an only child, Margaret, Margaret ( Keller ) who married John Edwards Jr., Nancy who married William H. Thomas, Joseph, Isaac, Noah and John.

Benjamin Field, Ensign in Slaughter's Corps, General Clark's Regiment.  He commanded his company at the falls of the Ohio.  Part of the company was under Lieutenant Thomas Ravranscroft and started for Boone's station on the Kentucky River, but they were attacked twice by indians, and the whole command slain.  When Field retired, he was commissioned by Thomas Jefferson as Captain Light Dragoons, Illinois Regiment, Virginia State Troops, May 28, 1781, in the Western Army.  He died January 2, 1842, in Daviess County, Kentucky, Leaving a widow Mildred Field and a son William field.

Garland Burnley, Captain, Cont'l.  appearsto have been in service with exception of time when in minute service ( When under the circumstance, should not be taken in to the estimate ), from January 18, 1779 to June 18, 1781.  No proof of his having served three years, and therefore he does not appear to be entitle to any land.  It is probable other evidence may hereafter supply the dsficiency of evidence of public documents.

John Crittenden, Brigade Major, recevied land as Lieutenant for service of six years and four months, and is not entitle to an allowance as a Brigade Major.

James Gray, Lieutenant, Navy, reported as in a list of officers of the navy entitle to half pay made by a board of officers in 1784, commanded the Glpucester a prison ship, was called Captain Gray.  In service from February 27, 1776, till his death in the latter part of the year1783.  His heirs are entitle to land for a service of more then seven years, to the end of the war.

William Berry, Rank and organization not shown, resided Mercer County, Ohio, later of Allen County, Indiana.  Died January 17, 1842.  Widow not living in 1852, but there were surviving children as followa:  William, George and Jane Manning.

 John Blair, Rank and organization not shown, Died April 3, 1843, children were: Elenor, Joseph, Elizabeth, James, Mary, Nancy and Martha.  Only surviving child in 1856, was Elizabeth Markin, od Adams County, Ohio.

Francis Thompson, Private, 3 years service, Deed, ( Dolly Tuell late Dolly Thompson and Sally Tuell, daughter of Robert Tuell and Elizabeth his late wife who was Elizabeth Thompson.  Surviving heirs of. )

Reuben Thomas, Sergeant, 3 years service, The legal heir and Rep. of Edward Thomas, Jesse Thomas, Rebecca Thomas wife of Joseph Thomas, Evy Patterson wife of John Patterson, late Evy Thomas half sister to said Reuben and Polly Tindall, wife of Thomas Tindall.  Late Polly Thomas, half sister to said Reuben, in the following proportion, Viz; to said Evy Patterson and Polly Tindall, one eighth each, and to said Edward, Jesse and Rebecca, one quarter each.

William Armisted, Pay-master, in Major John Nelson's Corps, of Virginia State Cavalry.  Discharged February 1783; Died November 22, 1822, in Elizabeth City County, Virginia.  Date of his death is also shown as 1832.

William Cornett, Private, organization not shown, Kentucky.  Deid November 26, 1839, in Perry County, Kentucky.  Widow was Mary Ann Cornett, and in 1843, she removed to Letcher County, Kentucky.

Samuel Crawley, Captain, in Virginia State Artillery, commanded by Colonel Thomas Marshall.  Died at Williamsburg, Virginia, date not shown, leaving several children.  He was at Little York just before the surrender, but was not present at the surrender.  The will of his widow, Ann E. Lake, is on fiel, by which she gives money and furniture to her grand-daughter, Betsey C. Ware.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Albert L. Hall.

Finding a before and after picture is always a great prize for me.  I call them before and after pictures because that's just what they are, one side shows him in his uniform and the other side shows him in later life.  This is a picture of Albert L. Hall, there's not a lot of information him but I decided to put up his picture and the little information I have on him.  I know those looking into his family line and finding a picture of him will be a great prize for them.

Albert L. Hall, was born in BlueHill, Maine, Age 21, Residence Cornish.  Enlisted in the 2nd., New Hampshire Infantry Company I., April 28, 1861, for 3 months, but was not mustered in, re-enlisted May 21, 1861, for 3 years, mustered in June 7, 1861.  Captured July 21, 1861, at Bull Run, Virginia, paroled May 24, 1862.  Discharged July 2, 1862.  P. O. Address Newport.  In 1880, was working as a clerk.
Note.  The reason he was captured, he was trying to help a comrade John L. Rice back to the rear, they both were captured.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Harriet Patience Dame.


Harriet P. Dame.
Taken in the field.
 Harriet Patience Dame, was bron 1815, North Barnstead, New Hampsphire, she was a nurse in Concord (NH) when the Civil War began. The Second Regiment of Volunteer Infantry began forming in April 1861, in response to President Lincoln's call for ninety-day enlistments. By May the administration had changed its mind about the duration of the War, and the majority of the Second Regiment's men reenlisted for the requested three-year period, during the first week of June 1861.

Harriet Dame wanted to accompany the Second Regiment as nurse to the unit. The doctors in Concord said she could not leave her position there, and the Regiment completed training at Portsmouth (NH) and headed for the troop train on June 20, 1861. A month later on July 21, 1861, the Second Regiment was fighting in The First Battle of Bull Run, within sight of Washington, D.C. It was a rude introduction to the carnage of the Civil War, for both the spectators who had come down from Washington for the day, as well as the combatants. The Second Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers' Colonel, Hon. Gilman Marston, who had resigned his seat in the United States Congress for the glory of war, was severely wounded. Overall, the losses to the Second New Hampshire that day were 7 killed, 56 wounded and 46 missing. Nurse Harriet Dame, who had by now caught up with "her boys", had a sudden immersion in the catastrophe of battlefield medicine.

Harriet Dame stayed with the Second Regiment throughout the Civil War, except when on duty at field hospitals. Between 1861 - 1865 the Second Regiment marched more than 6,000 miles, fought in more than 20 pitched battles, and lost more than 1,000 of the 3,000 men who signed up or were assigned to the Second. Harriet Dame's fame as nurse on the front lines spread far and wide. She repeatedly declined high government office to recruit more nurses; twice captured in battle, she was promptly released with apologies and high praise by her captors.

Harriet P. Dame.
Taken in later life.


After the War the New Hampshire Legislature voted $500 to Miss Dame for extraordinary public service. She used the funds to build a summer cottage for the Second New Hampshire's veterans at The Weirs, a resort town on Lake Winnipesaukee. In 1867 the federal government awarded Miss Dame a job as a pension clerk in The Treasury, Washington, D.C., and she held that position for twenty-eight years until she broke both legs during 1895 and became an invalid.

Returning to Concord for her last years, Harriet Dame died April 24, 1900. Governor Frank Rollins and long lines of state militia participated in her funeral ceremony. In 1901 the State Legislature appropriated money so that the State House portrait might be painted. Harriet Dame's portrait is the first portrait of a woman to be hung in the State House. The City of Concord also named a school in her honor.

Charles Henry Lothrop.


Charles H. Lothrop.

Charles Henry Lothrop, was born September 3, 1831, at Taunton, Massachusetts, would die on February 6, 1890. His wife Sarah Virginie Naille or Nail, was born December 26, 1840, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. They were married on May 6, 1873, although his wife first name was Sarah, she always went by Virginie, there were no children recorded. He enlisted in the First Iowa Cavalry, and commissioned Additional Assistant Surgeon, May 14, 1862, later to become Surgeon.


Sarah Virginie Naille.
Wife.

There is so much written about him I couldn't write any more to do him justice, he himself did not like to write about himself when he wrote the history of the regiment, he felt that maybe too much lamlight would be placed on him and not on others who he felt deserved it more.


If you would like to learn more about him and the regiment read his Book; ( History of the First Iowa Cavalry ) wretten by Charles H. Lothrop, Pub. 1890. This book was printed a few weeks before his death. You can find and read this book on line.


Monday, March 12, 2012

Andrew Campbell shoots General John H. Morgan.

Andrew Campbell.

The true story of the  killing of General John H. Margon, may never be know as there was so much confusion on that morning of September 4, 1864.  The Union soldiers learnd where Morgan was staying, he was spening the night at the residence of Catharine D. Williams who was a family member from Morgan wife's side.  Morgan and his staff were awaken from the noice and steped out into the court yard and found the house surrounded and hurried back in side.  Now the story from the reb's ponit of view was the Morgan's staff told him they should wait for reinforcements, Morgan said, "They will be to late, and I will not be taken prisoner again."  After a few minutes Morgan and some of the staff made a break for the back of the house.  Morgan and a staff member took cover under the porch.  The man with Morgan saw a horse unatended and made a break for it and made his escape.


At this time I would like to say there's always two sides to a story.  The reb's said when Morgan left the house he was unarmed.

Liuetenant John M. Wilcox and Corporal Burehfield were just rounding the Williams house when they saw a man running from the Williams summer house, Wilcox called for him to halt, the man fired a shot at them and started to run.  Wilcox gave the command again to halt and surrender, but the man went into the grapevines and soon was gone.  Wilcox and the Corporal did not shoot as their guns were not loaded.  Private Andrew Campbell was on Depot Street when he saw the man entered the street, Campbell was some 40 or 50 yards away when he took a shot at him from his horse and missed.  Campbell dismounted and placing his gun on the fence and fired again.  The man threw up his hands and was heard to say, "O God", and fell forward on his face, give one or two gasps and was dead.

Here again the reb's story was that when Morgan found no escape, threw up his hands and said, "I'm a prisoner of war, I'm a prisoner of war." then Campbell rode up to him and shot him dead.   


General John H. Morgan

General Morgan's body was put on a horse and taken out of town about a mile,there he was put on a blanket and put under guard.  No one know it was Morgan at the time all they know they were chasing a man with no coat and running in his shirt sleeves. The only ones that knew it was Morgan was the men of Company G., and some from Company I., Morgan's identity was discover when they went to recover his body.  After the body was identify as General Morgan by command it was plced in a ambulance and taken back to were Morgan's staff was being held, and there he was redressed by his staff and placed in a coffin.


The reb's told another story they say after General Morgan was killed he was placed on a hores and paraded up and down the street in an undignified manner.   

After General Morgan was dress he was placed back into the coffin and loaded on to a wagon, an under a flag of truce was taken to his family to be buried.

General John H. Morgan's Guns.

Through the years there have been people saying they had Morgan's gun or guns, in fact this may be true, but they were not thy true guns.  After Morgan's men were captured all the guns were taken from the reb's and these guns were after called Morgan's guns.  General Morgan's Guns were navy colts and they were found on his body or near it, they were either siver mount or had siver plate.  On them was an inscrpition: "Presented to Gen. Hardee By Colonel Colt."  It was said the pistols were presented to General Morgan by Gen. Hardee.  This statement may be true and then it may not.  The author who wrote the History of the 13th., was looking confirmation of this statement at the time of its printing.

Those of you who would like to read more about the events of the killing General John H. Morgan, can do so by reading; "History of the Thirteenth Regiment, Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry" by Samuel W. Scott, Pub. 1903.  This book can be found and read on line.


Sunday, March 11, 2012

Lieutenant John M. Wilcox, 13th., Tenn., Cavalry.


John M. Wilcox.
  Lieutenant Wilcox was born in Carter County, Tennessee, in 1845, and spent most of his life there.  He is the eldest son of later Major Christopher C. Wilcox.  Though a very young man he took an active part in the Carter county, rebellion and was arrested and imprisoned for his activity in the Union cause.  He enlisted in Company G., Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry, September 24, 1863; was appointed Sergeant October 28, 1863, and promoted to Second Lieutenant March 13, 1863.  He was in every march, battle and campain in which the company or regiment was engaged as far as we can recall.  He acted a conspiceuous part in the killing of General Morgan at Greeneville, Tenn., September 4, 1864.


Maj. C. C. Wilcox.
Father.

He was detailed as acting Aid-de-camp on Colonel Miller's staff on the last Stoneman raid.  He was a brave, active and intelligent young officer, alwaysable for duty and willing to do his duty in the face of any danger.  He returned to Elizabeth, Tennessee, and married Miss Margaret P. Baker of that place Junary 10, 1866.  Three sons and three daughters were born to them; Charles R., Frank N., and Roy B., ; The three daughters were; Mary Lydia, Sarah Folsom, and Mamie Lynn, all of whom are living, but Mary Lydia who died in May 1, 1889.  Lieutenant Wilcox aand his wife have successfully conducted the popular hotel known as the "Wilcox House," at Elizabeth, Tennessee, for many years.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Captain-Scout Daniel Ellis.


Capt. Daniel Ellis.

Daniel Ellis.

Birth: Dec. 30, 1827, Elizabethton, Carter County, Tennessee.
Death: Jan. 6, 1908, Elizabethton, Carter County, Tennessee.


Scout Daniel Ellis.

Civil War Union Army Officer. A southern Unionist during the American Civil War, he became a "pilot," guiding some 4000 Unionists, Confederate deserters, prison escapees, slaves, and all manner of fugitives through the mountains of East Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky, to safety beyond the Union lines. While piloting, he recruited for several regiments, provided information on Confederate activities to Federal authorities, and maintained a mail service between mountain Unionists and their men in the Union army. With a reward on his head and constantly avoiding capture, he became known as "The Old Red Fox." Near the end of the war he formally joined the Union army as captain of Company A, 13th Regiment, Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry. In 1867 Harper and Brothers published his war memoirs, "Thrilling Adventures of Daniel Ellis." He is buried in the family cemetery at 345 Garrison Hollow near Elizabethton, Tennessee.
Burial: Ellis Family Cemetery, Elizabethton, Carter County, Tennessee.

Note.  For those who would like to read more about Daniel Ellis, can find two good books on line they are;

History of the Thirteenth Regiment, Tennessee Volunter Cavalry. By Samuel W. Scott, Pub. 1903.
Thrilling Adventures of Daniel Ellis.  By Daniel Ellis, Pub. 1867.

Colonel Frances " Frank" Marion Walker, C. S. A.

One of the hardest pictures to find is that of a Confederate solider in uniform, at lest that's the case for me, and when I find one its a real prize for me.  Take this picture of Colonel Frank M. Walker who was of the 19th., Tennessee Infantry, I was drawn to his face, I liked it, one can be drawn to some one even if its the enemy. I tried to find some information on him but found very little.  Oh, I was able to find some reports in the History of the 19th., but as they have to be copied by hand then retyped, or I could have copy them as a print and post them, but I try not to do this to much as it shows signs of being lazy, although there is a time and a place for everything.  

Although there are no reports, I can say he ran a well kept camp, and for the most part all the men were fond of him.  Camp life was like most camps quiet and lazy, and uneventful, but for this one dark night.  A Virginian came to camp riding a fine horse to visit Colonel Walker, the Virginian tied up his horse and went into the tent. The sentry on duty had a hard time seeing into the night, it was very dark and the overhanging trees made the dark even more intense.  Later that evening the sentry who was station on the road that ran through camp and not more then twenty feet from Colonel Walker's tent, heard foot steps approaching and give the command, "Halt who gose there,?' there was no answer.  Then again two or three more steps, then they stopped and again no answer to the command to halt. 

By now the sentry was real nerves he thought  maybe some one was trying sllip by or upon him.  Again quiet foot steps, again no answer to halt.  When the sentry heard the steps again he aim into the darknest and give the command "Halt Who gose there," not getting a answer fired into the night.  A horse wheeled and ran back some twenty steps and fell dead.  It was the fine horse of the Virginian who rode in the evening before, it had gotten loose and was trying to get passed the sentry.

Colonel Walker himself brought some excitement to camp as well, he was carelessly handling or shaking a box of caps in his hand when they exploded, blowing open the box, and pieces of the caps cut his hand in several places.

Colonel F. M. Walker, had compassion, for the men of regiment as well as the case of Nathaniel Pruitt, Co. H, who was court-martialed and senteence to be shot.  This was the first and the last death sentence everpassed upon one of the old nineteenth.  June 10, was set for the execution, but through the influence of Colonel Walker and Major Heiskell, Pruitt was reprived.  He was brought out from prison to an old field near the command; his coffin placed in front of the open grave and he knelt behind it.  The guards were drawn up and made ready, when his reprieve came and was released.  He deserted the next night and fortunately for him, he was never caught.

In the beginning I said I didn't like puting up information in a print formate, but I also said there was a time and a place for it, well nows the time. I found this information at the last minute and I had to get it in. Note to read this information better or to enlarge the picturejust push on one of them.



Thursday, March 08, 2012

James L. Cooper, 20th, Tennessee Infantry.

I'm always on the look out for different kinds of civil war pictures and when I run across what I call a before and after picture I get a little excited, these pictures show a soldier in uniform then later in life.  Its neat to see how they change through the years.
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Note. To enlarge pictures push on one.
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The Three Crosthwaite Brother's


Frank B. Crosthwaite.

Frank Burton Crosthwaite was born in Ruhterford County Tenn.  Where the war began, he was living in Iowa.  He left home, bussiness and all, and came back to his native State, and enlisted in Company E., of the Twentieth Tennessee Infantry.  At reorganization at Corinth, Miss., he was chosen First Lieutenant of the company.  He had Previously been chosen one of the color guards, which placehe filled with distinction.  At Vicksburg, Miss., He was promoted to Third Lieutenant of the company, and served in that capacity until killed at Murfreesboro, December 31, 1862.  He was one of nature's noblemen.  He was hardly old enough to be called a man, only about twenty, yet he was one of the best of friends, one of the most benerous of foes, and all in all a braver or more generous-hearted man or soldier could not be found.

He became impressed with the idea that he would be killed in this battle, and tried in every way to shake off the presentiment, but to no purpose.  His friends tried to prevail on him not to go into the fight.  Captain Ridley advised him not to go, offering to excuse him and hold above criticism.  But he preferred to give up his life to being even exposed to a shadow of criticism.  "No emphatically no, I will not accept an excuse, but will go into the fight, and die for what I know to be right."


Bromfield Crosthwaite.

Lieutenant Crosthwaite was not only very intellectual, but was one of the most amiable of young men.  To know him was to love him, and to know him butter was to love him more.  Language seems inadequate to pay full tribute to such a noble youth.  "Peace to his memory."  A younger brother, Bromfield, was a member of a Missouri regiment, and was killed at Corinth, in the fall of 1862.  He was regarded as one of the bravest and most gallant of "Pap Price's" army.

Shelton Crosthwaite was born in Rutherford County, Tenn.  When the great war broke out, he came from his adopted home in Iowa, and enlisted in Company E., of the Twentieth Tennessee Infantry as a private, and served as such until killed in the battle Fishing Creek, January 19, 1862.  It would but mildly put it to say he was decidedly the most indtellectual as well as the best informed man in the Company.


Shelton Crosthwaite.

He did not want promotion, and was satisfied with his position as a private.  No man could possibly have displayed more heroic courge then did he on the battlefield at Fishing Creek.  Early in the action he received a wound, but pressed right on saying, "Boys they have shot me, but I can still shoot," nor did he stop until he was pierced through by a ball, and fell dead on the field.  He was indeed a model youngman, and no man could say ought against him; he was punetual, gentle, and brave.  In his death Company E., lost one of the best men, and the South one of its most deserving patriots.

Note. Frank B. Crosthwaite was born in 1842.  Bromfield Crosthwaite was born in 1844.  Shelton Crosthwaite was born 1840.

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

William Penn Lyon.


William P. Lyon.

William P. Lyon.

Birth: Oct. 28, 1822, Chatham, Columbia County, New York.
Death: Apr. 4, 1913, Santa Clara County, California.

Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. At the outbreak of the Civil War he was district attorney of Racine County, Wisconsin and was involved in the state Legislature. To support volunteer troops, he enlisted and was elected Captain of a company in the Eagle Regiment in 1861. As part of the 4th Army Corps, he was promoted Major in the 8th Wisconsin Infantry on January 18, 1862. With the 8th Wisconsin Infantry, he participated in various expeditions in Kentucky and Tennessee until September 1863.

In April 1864, he was promoted Colonel in command of the 13th Regiment Wisconsin Infantry assigned to guarding trains and lines of communication in northern Alabama from Confederate guerrillas. From June 1865 to November 1865, the 13th was sent to New Orleans and into Texas to repel rebel outposts. For duty diligently and faithfully performed, he was brevetted Brigadier General of U.S. Volunteers on October 26, 1865. After the war, he resumed his legal political career and served on the Wisconsin Supreme Court retiring as Chief Justice, in 1894. Toward the end of his life, he moved to California to be near his children and was active in the Grand Army of the Republic, Post 7 San Jose, until his death.

Burial: Oak Hill Memorial Park, San Jose, Santa Clara County, California.

Numbers 227. Reports of Colonel William P. Lyon, Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry, of operations December 19-21 and 31, 1864.


HDQRS. MEMPHIS AND CHARLESTON R. R. DEFENSES, Hunstville, Ala., December 21, 1864.


William P. Lyon.

SIR: I have the honor to report to you that I left Stevenson on the afternoon of the 19th instant with one train and arrived at Woodville a little before dark. I found colonel Prosser preparing to move to Brownsborough. He moved up the river about four miles that night, and attempted to cross at the most shallow ford on that stream but the high water prevented him from doing so. He returned, and after several hours labor planking the railroad bridge we got his command across. The other trains arrived on the morning of 20th, and after leaving sixty infantry and a piece of artillery at the bridge, together with the dismounted and twenty mounted cavalry, we moved on to Brownborough, arriving there at dark. The railroad and bridges are unharmed, btu all of the block-houses were burned on the 19th. Colonel Prosser preceded us to Brownsborough, and at maysville surprised and scattered from 100 to 200 rebels, killing 3 and capturing 7; several were drowned in attempting to swim Flint River.  Hearing from a tolerably authentic source that there were 700 rebels, infantry and artillery, in Huntsville, besides their cavalry, I thought it prudent to send Colonel Prosser ahead to reconnoiter before putting my trains across Flint River. He moved in the night, arriving here at daybreak, and took quiet possession of Huntsville.

There have been but a few troops here, and they left last evening. I arrived here with the trains soon after noon. I left 35 men at Hurricane Creek and 100 at Brownsborough. Captain Williams' command, which came here with Colonel Prosser, is ordered to the latter place to-morrow morning. I also left a piece of artillery there. When the trains left Larkinsville yesterday morning Captain given's command had not arrived there,a nd, of course, no artillery was left here; but i started a train back there this morning with the artillery and ot complete the repairs to the telegraph line, which is broken in several places. I sent a guard of fifty men on this train.

I learn here that the gun-boat fleet passed down the river last night, and I therefore do not sent the detachment of the Seventy-third and One hundred nad second Ohio Volunteer Infantry to Whitesburg. We get but little intelligence here of the movements or intentions of the enemy. A report, which i deem tolerably reliable, is, that orders were received here yesterday form General Hood to hold Huntsville at all hazards, and, further, that it was his intention to make Decatur his main position, with his right resting at this place. The intelligence of Hood's defeat did not reach here until yesterday.

The enemy did but little damage in this vicinity. They carried off Judge Humphreys a prisoner, and obtained some forty recruits. We arrived here too soon for their conscription. I await intelligence from Decatur with considerable anxiety.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. P. LYON.


Judge William P. Lyon
&
Mrs. Adella C. Lyon.


Four Faces Of 187th., Pennsylvania Infantry.

Here is a group picture of soldiers who must be friends as they took it together and are in the same company.  There is very little information here, so if one is an ancestor and you have information on him I would like to hear about it, so I can post it here.
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Company G.

1. George A. Wolcott 1st Sergeant, Mustered April 7, 1864, Mustered out with Company, August 3, 1865; Vet.
Note.  As of 1904-5, was residing at Halstead Pa.

2. Stephen M. Whitbeck Sergeant, Mustered April 7, 1864, Mustered out with Company, August 3, 1865; Vet.

3. John S. Jenkins Sergeant, Mustered April 7, 1864, Promoted from Corporal February 6, 1865; mustered out with Company, August 3, 1865.
Note.  As of 1904-5, was residing at Pittston Pa.

4. John Montgomery Corporal, Mustered May 17, 1864, Promoted to Corporal, February 24, 1865; mustered out with Company, August 3, 1865; Vet.
Note.  As of 1904-5, was known to be dead.

Update January 22, 2014.

The following information is given by Pj, Sisseck, if you have any questions or have any information she can be reached at the following whitbeckwonderings@yahoo.com.

Hello!  I would love to tell you all kinds of things about Stephen M. Whitbeck, one of those four faces!  He was my second great grandfather, and the only Union Soldier I have found in my ancestry.  I have at lest three Confederates, one of whom died late 1863-early 1864, before his youngest child was born 1 June 1864.
 
Stephen M. Whitbeck was born 2 Feb 1835 in Hudson, Columbia Co NY to Gilbert Whitbeck and Charlotte Morse (some say Moss).  He had a cousin, Gilbert K. Whitbeck, who also served in the Union Army, from PA.
 
Stephen’s first wife was named Elizabeth (surname unknown, so far) - she died as Elizabeth A. Smith, 1889, and is buried in Border Plains, IA.
 
1860 census finds S M Whitbeet (creative spelling!) in Washington TWP, Warren Co NJ.  His first enlistment in the Army was from Flemington NJ, in the 37th Infantry.  Some of the records from NJ give his middle initial as W - I think he may have had three names, as others in this family did.  His enlistment in the 187th PA Infantry was 1865-1865.
 
1870 census finds SW Whitbeck and family in Fort Dodge, Webster Co IA.  Clarence Whitbeck, born 1867, was my great grandfather.  Stephen and Elizabeth must have split up soon thereafter.  I have not found a divorce record yet, if one exists.
 
1873, A.E. Whitbeck married George W. Smith in Webster Co IA.  She was still married to him at her death in 1889.
 
1880 census, the household of George Smith includes step-sons surnamed “Withback”.  I have not found Stephen in 1880 - he was likely in MT with/near several relatives, including his brother, James.
 
1890 census, Surviving Soldiers, Sailors, Widows Schedule.  Stephen Whitbeck was in Great Falls MT.  Some of his conditions relative to the War are listed.
 
1900 census, Great Falls MT.  Stephen Whitbeck is listed with a wife, Mary, whom he had married about 1887.  A boarder in the home was Frank T. Oberman.
 
May 1908, Stephen M. Whitbeck applied for admission to the Soldiers’ Home in Orting, Peirce Co WA.  He died there in May 1912, and was buried on the grounds.  His Veterans’ Affairs file #1566 can be accessed from Washington State Digital Archives.  Quite a bit of detail is in that file.  I will mention that I have proven some of it to be untrue…but perhaps he suffered some senility.  In any case, the file contains a letter written by Clarence L. Whitbeck, who was my great grandfather.  The letter clearly states that Stephen M. Whitbeck was his father.
 
I would love to hear from descendants of the other gentlemen in the photo.  I would also like to learn where to get prints from that card.  Besides the four men you mention, there is a photo of John W. White and a single of John S. Jenkins printed on above the four men.  All appear to be done up like a postcard.  I would love to learn the purpose of this card, who made it, where it is archived, etc, etc!
 
I have also chased John S Jenkins and wife Rhoda to Luzerne Co PA, George A. Wolcott and wife Anna to Northumberland Co PA, tried to find Corp John Montgomery (struck out) and hesitate to even look for John W. White.....

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Wilmot Ayres.

Normaley I won't post with so very little information, but this boy is so young and I know someone is looking for information on him.
-----------------------


Wilmot Ayres, Mustered into the 127th., Pennsylvania Infantry, Company B., on January 20, 1864, for 1 year, his rank Musician.  Discharged by special order May 29, 1865.  Died November 7, 1902.

Captain Lorenzo L. Greenawalt, 127th, Penn. Infantry.

In August of 1862, a group of men came to Lebanon, Pennsylvania, looking for men to form companies for the State Volunteer Army and stopped at the Tannery of Lorenzo L. Greenawalt, after listening he agreed to go to the meeting that was to be held at the court house thaat evening.  That evening Greenawalt and about 132 men signed their names.  On August 8, 1862, Greenawalt alone with the other men took the train to Harrissburg, Pennsylvania, after reaching Harrisurg they were sent to the court house were they signed their names, after a few days the men were form into companies.  On August 13, 1862, Greenawalt was elected Captain of Company E., 127th, Pennsylvania Infantry.

Now I'm not going to sit here and give you the history of 127th., nor Company E., as this information can be found on the inernet, instead I well tell of the man that lead this company with bravely and with honor.  I was unable to find were he was born or died, but with a little hard research one could find out.  This information is not much of importance to me, although it may be to others.  What I want to talk about is his character and deeds.  The average age of the company was twenty and below.  The men thought of  Greenawalt as a father figure and he treated them as sons, scolding them when it was warranted, trying to turn his boys into men.

Greenawalt was always looking after his boys trying to keep them out of harms way as much as war would allow.  One case in point was as they neard the town of Frederichsburg the fighting had been fearce, it had so fearce that a women who's house faced the battle field said as the evening came to a close the field was blue in color from all the dead Union soldiers, and when morning came the field was white the reb's had striped the soldiers clean.  When Greenawalt near the outskirts Fredericksburg his company was ordered to the field.  But Greenawalt had been looking over the land and saw the reb's lines were two deep and their placements of artillery was dead on.  Greenawalt know it would be suieidal to send his boys to the field, so he refuse too do so.  Captain Greenawalt marched his men up to General Howard's Headquarters, and boldly told the General that he did not want his men slaughiered; and after he told his story, General Howard said; "Why don't are artilley silence them?"

Captain Greenawalt was himself wounded at Fredericksburg, on December 13, 1862, it happen at Marie's Hill, Colonel Jennings was just getting ready to give the order to charge, when Greenawalt seem to feel a shell coming right towards him.  He "ducked" and it passed over his head, the wind of it nearly blowing his cap off.  The shell burst just in back of him, and an iron canister shot from it and struck him in the center of the back, of the fleshy part of the right thigh.  It had been a shrapnell shell, usually loaded with about seventy stell balls.  He did not think he was hit, although the ball had gone nearly through the leg to the front, and through the muscles.  He was taken to the hosptail where the Assisant Surgeon said he should wait for the Surgeon to take out the ball, but Greenawalt wanted immediate action.  The assisant said if Greenawalt would take the responsibility,  he would remove the ball; Greenawalt said; 'Go ahead."

Now the rest of the story is as long as what has been written so far so I will give the short of it.

Needless to say the Assisant wasn't good at his job,  the assisant made a two inch long and one inch deep cut in his thigh.  But the assisant couldn't get at it, so he mad the cut deeper it took three trys befor the ball was removed.  Later the ball was given to Greenawalt who would carry the ball with him the rest of his life.

A few days later he was taken to a hosptail in Washington, but by now the wound had gangrene the doctors wanted to remove the leg but he said he won't make it as he was to weak from the loss of blood.
Greenawalt felt good for the most part but for his wound, which was now black from the top of his knee to his ribs.  Greenawalt had written his mother who said she would come.  Greenawalt had friends come by to see him off and on.  One day two soldiers friends came by and after he told his story and they saw his condition, one friend a New York soldier brought two revolvers and threatened to shot any one who touch him till his mother came. 

There was little the doctors could do for him, they made a long cut in his thigh and exposed the museles and let the wound drain.  By the time his mother came the wound showed signs of healing and a few days later his mother took him back to Lebanon to recover.  Greenawalt after a few months he was feeling much better although he was on crutches and still weak.  Then on April 9, 1863, he was given orders to report back to his regiment.  Greenawalt took a train to Harrisburg to report.  He was still on crutehes and weak when he reported to the provost marshal, who after seeing his condition give Greenawalt a immediate discharged.
Captain Greenaawalt would come back to Harrisburg to met his boys of company E., after their company was discharge, his only regret was he wasn't there at their discharge. 

Sunday, March 04, 2012

Pennsylvania 23rd, Infantry at Cold Harbor.

All the men on this page were either killed, or died from their woundes at the battle of Cold Harbor.
------------------------


Zachariah J. Shaw, Private, 23rd., Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F., Mustered August 2, 1862, for 3 years.  Killed at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864.


James G. Williamson, Second Lieutenant, 23rd., Pennsylvania Infantry, Company K., Mustered August 24, 1861, for 3 years.  Promoted from Sergeant, July 1, 1863.  Died June 2, 1864, from wounds received at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864.

Albert G. Russekk, Corporal, 23rd., Pennsylvania Infantry, Company C., Mustered August 2, 1861, for 3 years.  Killed at the battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia, June 1, 1864.

William Johnson or Johnston, Private, 23rd., Pennsylvania Infantry, Company E., Mustered August 4, 1861, for 3 years.  One roster states he was missing in action at the battle of Cold Harbor, while another says he was killed in the battle on June 1, 1864.


Hugh McMichael, Corporal, 23rd., Pennsylvania Infantry, Company E., Mustered in August 14, 1861, for 3 years.  Promoted to Corporal, June 1, 1864, tansferred to the 82nd., P. V., September 14, 1864.  Died of wounds received at the battle of Cold Harbor. 


James Sweeney, Private, 23rd., Pennsylvania Infantry, Company E., Mustered AAugust 14, 1861, for 3 years.  Kined at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864.

The battle of Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864.
The 23rd., was known as the Birney's Zouaves.
Those killed or died from wounds received on that day.

Field & Staff.

Sergeant-Major, Ira Webster.

Company A.

Private, Peter Born.
Private, William Boyd.
Private, James Kilpatrick.
Private John Newcamp.
Private, William F. Wills.

Company B.

Corporal, Max Lakemeyer.
Private, William J. Kilpatrick.

Company C.

Corporal, John E. Little.
Corporal, John Matherson.
Corporal, Albert G. Russell.
Private, Levi Campbell.
Private, James Garrigan.
Private, Thomas Gallagher.
Private, Jacob Keith.
Private, James Mullen.
Private, William Maguire.  Died at Libby Prison from wounds received at the battle of Cold Harbor.

Company D.

Lieutenant, John G. Boyd.
Corporal, William Montgomery.
Private, Charles Gallagher.
Private, Andrew Keim.
Private, Gerald McHenry.  Died July 6, 1864, from wounds received at Cold Harbor, buried National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia.

Company E.

Lieutenant, James Johnson.
Sergeant, John McNeill.
Corporal, William S. Davis.
Private, John A. Burk.
Private, John Carroll.
Private, Robert Donahue.  Died June 8, 1864, from wounds received at Cold Harbor.
Private, John Humes.
Private, William Johnson.
Private, George Long.
Private, John Mone.
Private, John Sweeney.
Private, John Shelladary.
Private, William Shea.

Company F.

Private, William S. Bristler.
Private, James Hamilton.  Died from wounds received at Cold Harbor.
Private, Zachariah Shaw.
Private, E. Thomas.  Captured and died at Andersonsville, August 30, 1864, from wounds received at Cold Harbor.

Company G.

Lieutenant, Benton Kames.
Corporal, David Applegate.
Private, Henry Ernst.
Private, George W. Ewell.
Private, William Graham.  Died from wounds received at Cold Harbor.
Private, John Yeager.

Company H.

Captain, James M. Craig.  Died February 2, 1899, from wounds received at Cold Harbor.
Corporal, Anthony Schaffer.  Died from wounds received at Cold Harbor.
Private, John Landis.  Died December 18, 1864, from wounds received at Cold Harbor, Virginia.
Private, Thomas Myers.
Private, Adam Schenck.

Company I.

Captain, Henry A. Marchant.
Sergeant, John B. Bowers.
Corporal, Henry Zimmerman.
Private, John E. Brown.
Private, Edwin C. Brown.
Private, William Carpenter.  Died February 21, 1865, from wounds received at Cold Harbor.  Buried 1st., Division General Hospital Cemetery, Annapolis Maryland.
Private, George E. L. Morrison.
Private, Abner H. Reed.
Private, Beneville S. Ruth.  Died Andersonsville, November 16, 1864, from wounds received at Cold Harbor.
Private, George H. Seifred.

Company K.

Lieutenant, James G. Williamson.
Corporal, John Zaun.
Private, Thomas C. Beardsmore.  Died June 6, 1864, from wounds received at Cold Harbor.
Private, Charles H. Bryon.
Private, Edward Eisenbarth.
Private Jacob Harp.
Private, Daniel Mason.
Private, William McCleary.  Died October 6, 1864, from wounds received at Cold Harbor.
Private, Charles Schmitz.
Private, Aaron Van Fleet.
Private, Alexander Williamson.