Malachi Kesecker Poole 12th Indiana Cavalry

Malachi K. Poole, 12th Ind. Cav.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the age of 24 years, 11 months and 13 days, Malachi Kesucker POOLE, of St. Joseph Co., Indiana, enrolled in Company H., of the 12th Indiana Cavalry (127th Regiment) on January 18, 1864.

This regiment was organized at Kendallville and Michigan City, Indiana, from December 10, 1863, to April 28, 1864, and was the only cavalry organization in which St. Joseph County was represented. Company H consisted of just over 100 men.

At the time of enlistment, Malachi, known as “Ki”, was listed as 5′ 11″ tall and of light complexion, brown hair, and gray eyes (according to his pension papers, his eyes were blue). He was married to his second wife who had just given birth to their first child (his fourth) a few months earlier.

ABOVE AVERAGE HEIGHT

The average height for a Union Soldier was 5′ 8″, with the tallest recorded being a Captain from Indiana at almost 6″ 11″. The shortest soldier was recorded as 3′ 4″, presumably being a young boy. Therefore, Malachi, being 3 inches taller than the average soldier, probably appeared tall in stature.

During the time of Malachi’s enlistment, there was a critical need for volunteers, since many of the earlier enlistments had run out. Bounties of $300 were offered to those who volunteered. On February 1, 1864, President LINCOLN found it necessary to order another draft of 500,000 more men to serve 3 years or for the duration of the war.

FOURTH COUSIN TO PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN

An interesting tidbit of information, which was probably unknown to Malachi, is the fact that Malachi’s father Mathias King POOLE and President Abraham LINCOLN were 4th cousins, sharing the same 3rd Great Grandfather Adam SHIPLEY (SHIPLEIGH) who came to Anne Arundel Co., Maryland, from England in 1668. Therefore, Malachi Kesucker POOLE and President Abraham LINCOLN were 4th cousins, once removed.

As many young and old men alike, Malachi was probably engrossed by the accounts of the war from the start which can be surmised by an event early in the war. A young colonel with the name Elmer ELLSWORTH became a hero of the war on May 24, 1861, when he was shot after cutting down a rebel flag in Alexandria, Virginia.

ELLSWORTH, a friend of LINCOLN, became a martyr for the Federal cause as the body of President LINCOLN lay in state at the White House. It is believed that this was the origin of the name used for Malachi’s son, Ervin Ellsworth POOLE, which was his only son born after the war.

COLD WINTER FOR ALL SOLDIERS

January of 1864, opened with extreme cold across both the North and South with temperatures dropping to below zero as far south as Memphis. Charles HARPER, a member of Malachi’s regiment, wrote home from Camp Mitchell, Kendallville, IN, on January 3, that it was 20 degrees below zero.

There had been no major military action since November, but the cold caused much suffering among the soldiers. However, skirmishing was on the increase but there was no large scale fighting as in the previous year. The 12th Indiana Cavalry rendezvoused at Kendallville and during this time were outfitted and engaged in drills. According to HARPER, the drills were four hours per day.

The 12th Indiana Cavalry left Camp Mitchell at Kendallville and proceeded to Camp Shanks in Indianapolis, where a few days later, on May 6, 1864, the regiment left the field under orders to go to Nashville, Tennessee.

Of the 12 companies in the regiment, Malachi’s Company H was one of the six mounted but all were armed as infantry for lack of cavalry arms. Upon arrival at Shepardsville, Kentucky, which was just south of Louisville, the mounted companies turned in their infantry arms for cavalry arms.

It is not certain what the cavalry arms consisted of but we do know that in early 1864, General WILSON attempted to have all mounted units using the new seven-shot Spencer carbine. This is the rifle that the rebels claimed the Union boys loaded on Sunday and fired all week.

Per one of Charles HARPER’S letters home, the mounted companies were armed with saber’s or Enfield rifles. The sabers were likely the U.S. model 1860 light saber and in addition they could have carried the 1860 model colt revolver.

After receiving the new arms, the mounted companies then marched to Nashville under Col. ANDERSON while the others proceeded by rail under Lt. Col. REED. It was about this time, May 7, 1864, that General SHERMAN was beginning his move toward Atlanta.

The regiment remained at Nashville in camp of instruction for about three weeks before being ordered to Huntsville, Alabama. Starting out on May 29, the dismounted portion traveled by rail, while the mounted, which included Malachi, went on march.

ASSIGNED DUTY IN ALABAMA

The 12th Indiana Cavalry was assigned to railroad defenses from Decatur, Alabama, to Paint Rock, Alabama, a distance of about 60 miles. They were also to defend the area between Huntsville and Paint Rock, and between the Tennessee River and the Memphis and Charleston railroad. That portion of the country was then infested with several bands of guerrillas and “bushwhackers”.

While the dismounted part of the regiment was erecting block houses for defense, the six mounted companies were fighting numerous skirmishes and engagements and quite a large number were killed or wounded. These six companies of the 12th Indiana, which included Malachi’s Company H and Charles HARPER’S Company D, were the only mounted cavalry in and around Huntsville at that time.

HARPER WRITES LETTERS HOME

Writing from Huntsville, June 13, HARPER relates that he was unable to write earlier as he was in the saddle every day, continuing that he had been on a scouting trip but accomplished nothing and that the unmounted portion was guarding the railroad bridge.

He notes that the Rebs were in force across the river. On June 17, his letter indicates that they do their own cooking and that there was plenty of fruit being peaches, mulberries, raspberries and blackberries soon to be ripe.

He mentions the capture of a Confederate Captain who was later shot trying to escape. Further letters in June and July mention skirmishes with Rebs that resulted in one man being killed and several horses killed and wounded from the 12th Indiana Cavalry. They were on scouting duty most of the time with orders to clear the plentiful bushwhackers out of the hills.

HEAVY LOSSES

While stationed at Huntsville, Alabama, we can assume that Malachi saw action since all the mounted companies were on scout. Company H had confronted the enemy in this area as evidenced by the number killed there. Malachi’s Company H lost a total of seven men. Four died of their wounds on August 11, at Vienna, Alabama, and three died of disease at Huntsville, from July 7, to August 15, 1864.

There was action at Big Cove Valley, Alabama, and the report of Captain RICHART to Colonel ANDERSON on the skirmish of June 27, 1864, involved a detachment of the 12th Indiana Cavalry. The report gives an idea of the type of duty Malachi was involved in.

Captain RICHART received information that JOHNSON’S band of guerillas was in the Big Cove Valley, six miles northeast of Huntsville. At 5 pm, he left the post with 41 men and crossed the mountain by what is known as Franklin’s Path.

He moved cautiously up the cove until 10 o’clock, and then went into camp. At daybreak, they were again on the move and after marching about ¾ of a mile, halted at the creek to water the horses. As they started out, they suddenly came upon fifteen of the enemy who were feeding their horses and under the command of Parson JOHNSON.

In RICHART’S words, “I immediately attacked them, and, although they occupied a very strong position on ground that was very unfavorable for cavalry to operate upon, yet at the expiration of fifteen minutes’ sharp fighting, we drove them in confusion, capturing five horses and equipments and wounding three or four of the band.”

“We chased them into the hills near Blevingston Gap, a distance of two miles from the scene of the fight. After eating the breakfast prepared for the band and feeding the horses, I moved down the valley with the captured property, safely arriving at camp at 3:30 pm of the 27th instant.”

“My loss in the skirmish was, I am sorry to say, one man, Private John TWIFORD, who was mortally wounded at the third volley fired by the enemy; also one horse killed and ten wounded, several seriously. The men behaved well, with one or two exceptions; much better, indeed, that could be expected of raw troops the first time under fire.”

FIGHTING INCREASES

On August 10, the diminutive Georgian, Joe WHEELER, had begun his raid through east and middle Tennessee. Shortly after this time, we have a report dated August 18, in the “War of the Rebellion” which indicates all of the mounted men of the 12th Cavalry were involved so we can assume that Malachi was included.

The operation started August 12, or just one day after several of Company H were killed in action at Vienna. The following was sent to the Assistant Adjutant-General, Major B. H. POLK from Brig. Gen. Robert S. GRANGER at Huntsville, Alabama. “On the 12th of this month, a detachment of Tennessee cavalry left here and marched to within seven miles of Fayetteville, turned east, scouted the country on headwaters of Flint River and near New Market, and returned here on the 14th after having marched all night.”

“The commanding officer of the party reports the guerrillas as having left that section of country and taken with them all their stolen plunder and their families. Citizens represent that they have left with a view of crossing the Tennesse River.”

“I have all the mounted men of the Twelfth Indiana Cavalry scouting between Flint River and Paint Rock. They have killed and wounded a number. They are still in considerable force in that neighborhood.”

In mid September of 1864, Major General Nathan Bedford FOREST, with about 4,500 men began operating against Sherman’s communication lines in northern Alabama and middle Tennessee. His expedition would continue until mid-October and would be resisted in part by Company H of the 12th Indiana Cavalry.

The regiment was ordered to garrison the post at Tullahoma, Tennessee, on the 15th day of September. Three mounted companies, being C, D, and H, remained stationed at Huntsville, Alabama, to participate in the defense there.

According to Malachi’s discharge, he participated in the Battle of Wilkinson Pike on December 7, 1864. The Wilkinson Pike leads west from the Nashville Pike a little northwest of Murfreesboro. In describing the action, we have three reports which are summarized.

The action began from the post at Murfreesboro, Fortress Rosecrans, and was order of Major-General ROUSSEAU, commanding District of Tennessee, to “make a reconnaissance and feel the enemy in the vicinity of this post.”

General Milroy, leading the union troops, divided his force in two brigades with the 12th Indiana Cavalry being in the 2nd Brigade. Milroy was no doubt aware of a large enemy force nearby since they left from the fortress with infantry, artillery, and cavalry totaling 3,325 men. The Murfreesboro and Stone’s River area was the scene of a large four day battle two years before beginning December 30, 1862, which was probably on their minds.

Also listed on Malachi’s discharge is the battle of Shelbyville Pike on December 14. The Shelbyville Pike ran due south out of Murfreesboro and was a likely place to meet the enemy. Malachi’s Company also took part in the Siege of Murfreesboro, December 1864. According to CHAPMAN’S History of St. Joseph County, one member of Malachi’s Company H, Emerson WOODBURY was killed in action at Murfreesboro on December 20.

GRIERSON’S FAMOUS RAID

In April of 1863, Colonel Benjamin GRIERSON made his famous cavalry raid of 600 miles from Tennessee to Baton Rouge to confuse the confederate General PEMBERTON and cut off his supply lines.

This raid was of great help to General GRANT and hastened the fall of Vicksburg that July. Nearly two years later, a second raid of over 700 miles by GRIERSON included Malachi and the 12th Indiana Cavalry. This was the last action shown on Malachi’s discharge papers.

The 12th Indiana Cavalry reported to GRIERSON on the 17th day of April 1865, and participated in a raid of over 700 miles through Alabama, into Georgia, and then back across the state of Alabama, to Columbus, Mississippi, where it arrived on the 20th of May 1865.

Malachi was listed as a teamster on his military record for the period during this raid. A copy of a letter from Gen. GRIERSON to Governor MORTON requesting a promotion for Major CALKINS states, “He has for the past five months had command of the regiment [12 Indiana Cavalry], and with it, has participated in the recent expedition from Mobile, Alabama. into Georgia, thence to Columbus, Mississippi.; the entire march being over 700 miles.”

“I believe it my duty to a worthy officer and take pleasure in stating, that with one exception ‘the 13th Indiana’, the 12th Indiana Cavalry is the best disciplined regiment in my entire command.”

The losses of the Twelfth Indiana Cavalry during service were 16 enlisted men killed and one officer and 154 enlisted men died of disease.

In Malachi’s Company, the dead were listed as five killed and six died by disease, also, James GOIT, Malachi’s brother-in-law, was reported as missing in action and no record has been found as to his demise. It was assumed by James GOIT’S brother, Edson GOIT, that he was captured and died in a prisoner of war camp.

Report of Picketts Charge; Major Charles S. Peyton; 19th Virginia Infantry

One of the families that I really enjoy studying is the Peyton Family of Virginia. Valentine Peyton was in Virginia by 1654 and had acquired 1600 acres of land along Aquia Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia around 1662. There were three sons of Henry Peyton of Lincolns Inn, England who came to Virginia. Two of the sons returned to England and one son; Valentine stayed in Virginia.  Aquia Creek is where the Peyton family started in Virginia and grew and started to migrate West. My g-g-g grandfather John Peyton/Payton moved to Montgomery County, Indiana in 1828 from Franklin County, Kentucky. Once John moved into Montgomery County the spelling was changed to Payton. John’s grandfather Charles (b. 1746) was from Overwharton Parish, Stafford County Virginia. He migrated into Kentucky before 1800 and died in Franklin County, Kentucky before 1809.  John’s Father Charles (b.1768) moved to Franklin County, Kentucky and died in 1849. The Peyton Society of Virginia is for any member of the Peyton family who can prove their line back to Valentine Peyton. There were many descendents of Valentine Peyton that served from Virginia and elsewhere during the Civil War. Most notable were Major Charles S., George Q. who kept a diary in the 13th Va which became a book “Stonewall Jacksons Foot Cavalry”, and Sergeant Lewis Peyton of the 60th VA. Inf.. who recieved special mention from his colonel for gallantry during the Seven Days Battles. Another offspring that migrated was 1st Lt. Balie Peyton Jr., 20th Tennessee; who was killed at the head of the regiment at the battle of Fishing Creek/Mill Springs, KY. Major Charles S. Peyton of the 19th Virginia Infantry left us with the official report for Garnett’s Brigade at Gettysburg. During Pickett’s Charge, General Garnett was killed and every ranking regimental officer was either killed or wounded. Command of Garnett’s Brigade went to Major Charles S. Peyton. Although a distant cousin, I still find it very interesting to know he is of the same family as my g-grandmother Flora Payton Busenbark. I am proud to be a direct decscendant of the Peyton family of Virginia.

Report of Major Charles S. Peyton, Nineteenth Virginia Infantry, commanding Garnett’s brigade, Pickett’s division.
CAMP NEAR WILLIAMSPORT, MD., July 9, 1863.

MAJOR: In compliance with instructions from division headquarters, I have the honor to report the part taken by this brigade in the late battle near Gettysburg, Pa., July 3.

Notwithstanding the long and severe marches made by the troops of this brigade, they reached the field about 9 a. m., in high spirits and in good condition. At about 12 p. m. we were ordered to take position behind the crest of the hill on which the artillery, under Colonel Alexander, was planted, where we lay during a most terrific cannonading, which opened at 1.30 p. m., and was kept up without intermission for one hour.

During the shelling, we lost about 20 killed and wounded. Among the killed was Lieutenant-Colonel Ellis, of the Nineteenth Virginia, whose bravery as a soldier, and his innocence, purity, and integrity as a Christian, have not only elicited the admiration of his own command, but endeared him to all who knew him.

At 2.30 p. m., the artillery fire having to some extent abated, the order to advance was given, first by Major-General Pickett in person, and repeated by General Garnett with promptness, apparent cheerfulness, and alacrity. The brigade moved forward at quick time. The ground was open, but little broken, and from 800 to 1, 000 yards from the crest whence we started to the enemy’s line. The brigade moved in good order, keeping up its line almost perfectly, notwithstanding it had to climb three high post and rail fences, behind the last of which the enemy’s skirmishers were first met and immediately drive in. Moving on, we soon met the advance line of the enemy, lying concealed in the grass on the slope, about 100 yards in front of his second line, which consisted of a stone wall about breast high, running nearly parallel to and about 30 paces from the crest of the hill, which was lined with their artillery.

The first line referred to above, after offering some resistance, was completely routed, and driven in confusion back to the stone wall. Here we captured some prisoners, which were ordered to the rear without a guard. Having routed the enemy here, General Garnett ordered the brigade forward, which it promptly obeyed, loading and firing as it advanced.

Up to this time we had suffered but little from the enemy’s batteries, which apparently had been much crippled previous to our advance, with the exception of one posted on the mountain, about 1 mile to our right, which enfiladed nearly our entire line with fearful effect, sometimes as many as 10 men being killed and wounded by the bursting of a single shell. From the point it had first routed the enemy, the brigade moved rapidly forward toward the stone wall, under a galling fire both from artillery and infantry, the artillery using grape and canister. We were now within about 75 paces of the wall, unsupported on the right and left, General Kemper being some 50 or 60 yards behind and to the right, and General Armistead coming up in our rear.

General Kemper’s line was discovered to be lapping on ours, when, deeming it advisable to have the line extended on the right to prevent being flanked, a staff officer rode back to the general to request him to incline to the right. General Kemper not being present (perhaps wounded at the time), Captain Fry, of his staff, immediately began his exertions to carry out the request, but, in consequence of the eagerness of the men in pressing forward, it was impossible to have the order carried out.

Our line, much shattered, still kept up the advance until within about 20 paces of the wall, when, for a moment, it recoiled under the terrific fire that poured into our ranks both from their batteries and from their sheltered infantry. At this moment, General Kemper came up on the right and General Armistead in rear, when the three lines, joining in concert, rushed forward with unyielding determination and an apparent spirit of laudable rivalry to plant the Southern banner on the wall of the enemy. His strongest and last line was instantly gained; the Confederate battle-flag waved over his defenses, and the fighting over the wall became hand to hand, and of the most desperate character; but more than half having already fallen, our line was found too weak to rout the enemy. We hoped for a support on the left [which had started simultaneously with ourselves], but hoped in vain. Yet a small remnant remained in desperate struggle, receiving a fire in front, on the right, and on the left, many even climbing over the wall, and fighting the enemy in his own trenches until entirely surrounded; and those who were not killed or wounded were captured, with the exception of about 300 who came off slowly, but greatly scattered, the identity of every regiment being entirely lost, and every regimental commander killed or wounded.

The brigade went into action with 1,287 men and about 140 officers, as shown by the report of the previous evening, and sustained a loss, as the list of casualties will show, of 941 killed, wounded, and missing, and it is feared, from all the information received, that the majority (those reported missing) are either killed or wounded.

It is needles, perhaps, to speak of conspicuous gallantry where all behaved so well. Each and every regimental commander displayed a cool bravery and daring that not only encouraged their own commands, but won the highest admiration from all those who saw them. They led their regiments in the fight, and showed, by their conduct, that they only desired their men to follow where they were willing to lead. But of our cool, gallant, noble brigade commander it may not be out of place to speak. Never had the brigade been better handled, and never has it done better service in the field of battle. There was scarcely an officer or man in the command whose attention was not attracted by the cool and handsome bearing of General Garnett, who, totally devoid of excitement or rashness, rode immediately in rear of his advancing line, endeavoring by his personal efforts, and by the aid of his staff, to keep his line well closed and dressed. He was shot from his horse while near the center of the brigade, within about 25 paces of the stone wall. This gallant officer was too well known to need further mention.

Captain [C. F.] Linthicum, assistant adjutant-general, Lieutenant [John S.] Jones, aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant Harrison, acting aide-de-camp, did their whole duty, and won the admiration of the entire command by their gallant bearing on the field while carrying orders from one portion of the line to the other, where it seemed almost impossible for any one to escape.

The conduct of Captain [Michael P.] Spessard, of the Twenty eighth Virginia, was particularly conspicuous. His son fell, mortally wounded, at his side; he stopped but for a moment to look on his dying son, gave him his canteen of water, and pressed on, with his company, to the wall, which he climbed, and fought the enemy with his sword in their own trenches until his sword was wrested from his hands by two Yankees; he finally made his escape in safety.

In making the above report, I have endeavored to be as accurate as possible, but have had to rely mainly for information on others, whose position gave them better opportunity for witnessing the conduct of the entire brigade than I could have, being with, and paying my attention to, my own regiment.

I am, major, with great respect, your obedient servant,

Chas. S. Peyton,
Major, Commanding.

The David Vroman Family; Patriots of Ohio

Grave of Jonas B. Vroman; 15th O.V.I.

Many families supported the Union’s cause and made great sacrifices during the War Between the States. One such family was the David Vroman family of Wyandot County, Ohio. David was the son of Isaac Vroman (Vrooman), of Schoharie County, Upstate New York. The families history can be traced to this area of the United States long before the French and Indian War. David was born, raised and married in New York, he removed to Wyandot County, Ohio in the late 1850’s.

At the outbreak of the war David’s oldest son; Henry David enlisted in the three month 15th Ohio Infantry at the age of 23. In this regiment, Henry would serve in West Virginia. The regiment was engaged before Philippi, Laurel Hill and Carrick’s Ford. He would return home and reenlist in the 101st Ohio Infantry on August 30, 1862. The regiment was at Perryville, Kentucky; after that campaign it participated in some skirmishes before Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Before the battle of Stones River Henry became very ill and was sent to an army hospital in Nashville, TN. On January 18, 1863 Henry David Vroman would die of disease, he is buried in the Nashville National Cemetery.

David (authors 3rd great-grandfather), at the age of 46, would enlist on November 9, 1861 as a mamber of Company D, 15th Ohio Infantry (3 year regiment). He would serve as a wagoner and also as a drummer for the regiment. Because of his advanced age and a winter in camp playing on his health, David was honorably discharged from the service on December 7, 1861. He would return home to his farm in Wyandot County, Ohio.

In early 1864, David’s son Jonas B. Vroman would enlist in early 1864. Taking after his father, Jonas would enlist as a recruit in the veteran 15th Ohio Infantry. This regiment had seen hard service at Shiloh, Stones River, Chickamauga and Chattanooga. Jonas had a lot to learn, friends and neighbors in his company from Wyandot County were sure to help him. In the spring of ‘64 Sherman would start his Atlanta Campaign. Jonas is listed as being engaged in the battles of Buzzard Roost Gap, Resaca and Pickett’s Mill. The fight at Pickett’s Mill was one of the toughest fights the 15th participated in during the war. The regiment would charge uphill at an unseen enemy, that was ready for an attack while posted on high ground in very rough wooded terrian. It was a nightmare for the men of the 15th, who could make no headway aginst the Confederate lines, casualties were high in the 15th O.V.I.  Jonas would survive Pickett’s Mill and continue on the campaign. In late June Jonas would become ill and was sent to the army hospital in Chattanooga. The biggest fight of his life would take place for almost 2 months. On September 30, 1864 Jonas would loose his battle for life, his duty was done. He was laid to rest in the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Cemetery.

David had wanted to serve his country, but his age and health would not let him. His sons would pick up where David had left off, but the price for the David Vroman family was two of his four sons. David would pass away on June 7, 1878 at Texas, Ohio and is buried in the town cemetery. His daughter Sophia would stay in Wyandot County after marrying Jeremiah Swihart.

Written by Scott Busenbark

Hardy M.B. Greer; 18th & 45th Tennessee Inf.

Post-war image of Hardy Greer

Hardy Greer; known as ”Bud” by friends and family, was born in Rutherford County, Tennessee January 15, 1841. He was the last child born to Nathaniel (b. 1790) and Sarah “Sallie” (Childress) Greer (b. 1792). The couple had eleven children. Nathan and Sallie both ended up in Rutherford County during the western migration of their parents from North Carolina. Sallie’s father Isham was a veteran of the Revolutionary War, as was Nathan’s father John. Nathan was also a veteran; serving in Captain Carson’s Company of Tennessee Militia. He would be present at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in Alabama.

 

 

 

 

The Greer family owned several hundred acres in northern Rutherford county. The east fork of Stones River and Bradley’s creek bordered their land.  Hardy would have a lot of area to explore while young man, as well many adventures; i’m sure. By 1856 most of the children were out of the house. On August 1st of this year Hardy’s father would pass away. Nathaniel would leave 70 acres of land to Sallie and Hardy, the 1860 census shows Sarah and Hardy as the only two people in the household.

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As the clouds of war gathered Hardy felt he would have to make a decision. After Tennessee voted to leave the Union, it did not take long for Hardy to enlist. He would travel to the county seat of Murfreesboro and enlist as H.M.B. Greer on May 2, 1861. The men from Rutherford County would travel to Camp Trousdale where they would be mustered into the Provisional Confederate  Army. Hardy would belong to Company I (Cainsville Guards), 18th Tennessee Infantry. By September 1, 1861 the regiment was with the rest of the army at Bowling Green, Kentucky along the Green River. A defencive line had been established there to protect Tennessee from invasion. The excitement soon faded for the soldiers at Bowling Green; it was apparent to all that they would spend the winter on this line. Dreams of great battles and heroism soon gave way to sickness. First hand accounts talk about the cold and dampness along the Green River; many soldier’s would die of disease at this place.  On January 20, 1861 Hardy Greer would desert from the army. Why he did is not certain. There is one clue besides spending a severe winter in Kentucky.

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In early 1862 a new regiment was being formed in Murfreesboro. Hardy’s brother-in-law; James Lillard had enlisted in Company G, 45th Tennessee Infantry. The company was  made up of men from Rutherford county. Hardy would join the 45th Tennessee on February 28, 1862. Maybe fate was kind to Hardy. The 18th Tennessee had been sent to help defend Ft. Donelson, which sat on the Cumberland River. The whole regiment had been captured, and sent north to Union prison camps. The 45th Regiment had not been properly trained or armed in late Febuary. Because of the Confederate defeat at Ft. Donelson, the regiment was quickly placed in Statham’s Tennessee Brigade. The brigade which consisted of the 19th, 20th, 28th, and 45th Tennessee Regiment’s, was sent to Corinth, Mississippi. A build-up of Confederate forces was taking place in order to repeal the Union invasion of West Tennessee.

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On April 6, 1862 Hardy and the 45th Tennessee would face their first major battle. Shiloh would rank as one of the bloodiest battles during the war. As part of General Breckinridge’s reserve corps, Statham’s Brigade would be placed in line of battle when corps or brigade commanders needed more strength in their lines. It did not take long for the call, Hardy would soon be fighting in the “Peach Orchard” sector of the battlefield.  Written accounts state that the men could tell they were close to the action. The sounds of firing on their right became louder and their step quickened. The 45th Tennessee would be engaged around the Sarah Bell Farm, taking cover is a small ravine, they started a long range shooting contest with the enemy. The men of the regiment had never been under fire before and had been little trained in school of the soldier. At one point in the battle, they accidentally fired into the backs of the advancing 20th Tennessee Regiment.  The men were worried about crossing a double row fence in front of an open field where the Sarah Bell Cabins stood. Some of the men in the 45th Tennessee would start to drift back out of line; officers would heard the stragglers back.

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 During the fight at the Peach Orchard, an officer came up to General Joseph Johnston; overall commander, and stated there was a Tennessee regiment that would not fight. After several attempts to advance the regiment by staff members, including Governor Isham Harris of Tennessee, General Johnston approached the regiment. He was carrying a tin cup he had picked up from a Union camp and began twirling it in his fingers while the regiment was put into line. Once in line, General Johnston began riding by the 45th Tennessee, he was tapping his cup on the tips of the men’s bayonet’s. He then stated “Men, they are stubborn; we must use the bayonet.” He then brought his horse to the center of the regiment and yelled, “I will lead you!” The General then led the whole brigade forward under heavy enemy fire. General Johnston would be killed later that day leading a different brigade in the Peach Orchard.

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Hardy and the 45th Tennessee learned a lot about soldiering that day. On April 7th the battle would resume, and the Confederate Army would retreat back to Corinth that day a defeated army. Battered and bruised, they would settle in for a siege. Orders came for Breckinridge’s Corps to report to Mississippi; help was needed to protect the Vicksburg area. On July 27, 1862  Breckinridge’s Corps marched out of Vicksburg, the target was Baton Rouge. On August 5, 1862 the 45th would fight again. The battle of Baton Rouge had started off well, until the Union Army was pushed back to where the Union Navy’s  gunboats were. The heavy artillery fire from the ships soon pushed Breckinridge’s men back. They would retreat to Jackson, Mississippi. Back in Tennessee, Confederate General Bragg was invading Kentucky. He wanted Breckinridge and his corps back, it contained the First Kentucky Brigade. His hopes were that Kentucky citizens would flock to the colors of the First Kentucky Brigade. By the time Breckinridge reached Tennessee, Bragg had been defeated at the battle of Perryville.

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Breckinridge’s Corps stayed in Murfreesboro; where the rest of the Confederate Army would gather. On December 31st, 1862 the battle for Murfreesboro was started, Hardy and the 45th Tennessee were lightly engaged on this day. On January 2nd, 1863 Breckinridge’s Corps was chosen to make an attack on the Union Army. They would have to cross a large open field and ford Stones River under fire. The attack was a nightmare; Breckinridge’s Corps was cut to pieces by Union Artillery fire in the open field. Once near Stones River the Union Infantry opened with musketry fire on the advancing Confederate columns. In this poorly conceived attack, the 45th Tennessee lost 113 men killed, wounded and missing. General Bragg would retreat from Murfreesboro with nothing to show from the fight, except a long casualty list of men he could not afford to lose.

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After the battle of Murfreesboro the Confederate Army stayed in the East Central Tennessee area. At some point Hardy left the army. Perhaps a “French Leave” as soldiers called it. He was captured near his home; Milton, Tennessee on February 13, 1863. Also captured that day was a John F. Miller, Company I, 18th Tennessee Infantry; Hardy’s old regiment. No one knows the reason, desertion after a terrible battle; need of clothes; or to check on Sallie, who at the time was living in the middle of a war zone. Hardy and John were sent north to Camp Butler, Illinois.  Hardy was at Camp Butler until March 14, 1863. He was then sent to City Point, Virginia where he was exchanged along with other Confederate’s for Union prisoners. It is unclear if Hardy returned to the army, no other service record exist for him after his release.

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Hardy would return to the banks of Bradley’s Creek and resume farming after the war. On August 7, 1885 his mother Sallie would pass away. Hardy would marry Miss Mary Judith Nolan on September 23, 1885, they would have 7 children.  Hardy Greer died in Rutherford County, Tennessee on April 26, 1901.

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Written by Scott Busenbark

 

 

Stephen P. Taylor; 31st Tennessee Inf.

1864 Dalton issue flag of the 31st Tennessee Infantry

Stephen P. Taylor was born in 1837 Gibson County, Tennessee. He was the son of John D. and Mary (Pybass) Taylor. John D. was born in North Carolina circa 1807, he migrated first to Rutherford County, Tennessee and then to Gibson County, Tennesse with at least two brothers. The family owned a farm in district 12; the Tuckersville area of Gibson County. There were five children in John and Mary’s family, all appear to have helped on the farm as the family owned no slaves.

At the outbreak of the Civil War a local Militia Captain; James B. Robinson started recruiting men in the area to enlist into the Confederate Army. At one point he held a large picnic near Browning Springs in hopes of drawing recruits. Stephen Taylor enlisted as a private in this local company known as “Sons of the South”  at  Trenton, Tennessee on September 27, 1861. Stephen’s company was organized, along with nine other companies into the 31st Tennessee Infantry at Camp Trenton. The regiment reached the field on November 29, 1861 at Columbus, Kentucky, joining General Polk’s army for the purpose of defending the Mississippi River from invasion. They would be moved several times along the Mississippi River in early 1862; New Madrid, Missouri; Island No. 10 and Ft. Pillow. They would miss the battle of Shiloh on April 6th and 7th because of their duty at Ft. Pillow, Tennessee. During this time the regiment was reported as being “well armed with Enfield Rifles.”

After the Confederate defeat at Shiloh the regiment was moved to Corinth, Mississippi with the main body of the Confederate Army. Here they would face off with the Union Army for several weeks, Stephen and his comrade’s would be involved in several small skirmishes here.

During late April and early May there were several desertions within the regiment. One of the deserters had been the company wagoner, the job of the wagoner was to drive a wagon with the company mess equipment. Stephen would get the job, thanks in part to his relative; 1st Sergeant William W. Taylor of Company E. The new duty meant Stephen would draw extra pay, although the duty was not as easy as it sounds. It took a person who could care for and handle a team of horses. There were many hazards being in an army’s wagon train, bushwhackers, Union Cavalry raids,  and moving in a long slow wagon column on bad roads.

The regiment was placed in General Alexander P. Stewart’s brigade; later led by General Otto F. Strahl of the 4th Tennessee Infantry. In later years after the war, the men would say with pride that they were in Strahl’s Brigade.

The first large battle for the regiment was at Perryville, Kentucky. The 31st Tennessee lost 100 men killed and wounded, but had shown their grit to the other veteran regiments in the brigade. The 31st would fight at Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Chickamauga, Georgia; Missionary Ridge (Chattanooga) during 1862 and 1863. After the loss of Chattanooga the army spent the winter in Dalton, Georgia. Here the army was refitted and reorganized for the upcoming spring campaign. In early May 1864 the Union Army started the Atlanta Campaign, the regiment was under fire for 100 days. They were heavily engaged at Resaca, Georgia and Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia.

 By July of 1864 the Confederate Army was bottled up around the city of Atlanta. The battle of Peach Tree Creek was fought on July 20 outside of Atlanta; which ended in Confederate defeat. The Confederate Army under General John Bell Hood was going to try and push the Union Army back on July 22. Strahl’s Brigade would be in the thick of this fight. Every man was needed, including Stephen. It appears he was placed back on line with his regiment. The July 22nd battle would be known as the Battle of Atlanta. Strahl’s Brigade would attack the Union Army’s defencive line at a place Union soldier’s call Bald Hill. The attack started well, but Strahl’s line was soon broken. There were many Confederate prisoners taken, one of them was Stephen Taylor.

Stephen, along with many other prisoners,was sent to Louisville, Kentucky and then shipped to Camp  Chase, Ohio. He would stay at Camp Chase until Feb. 12, 1865. He was then moved to the P.O.W. Camp at Point Lookout, Maryland. By March 1st, 1865 he had been paroled. By the time Stephen reached Tennessee the war had ended.

Stephen returned to Gibson County after the war and started farming again. He was married in Gibson County to Miss Nancy L. White, the couple had no children. Sometime after 1880 Stephen and Nancy moved to Huntington,Carroll County, Tennessee.  In 1905 Stephen applied for a Confederate pension, which was granted to him. He gave the following written statement:

” I was a Confederate soldier, Company E, 31st Tennessee Infantry that enlisted (in) the service September 1861 and served through the war. I left Richmond Virginia March 1st 1865; having parole furlow for 90 days and the war closed before the furlow expired. These facts could be readily proven, but my comrades are all dead or there where abouts unknown. I am 69 years old, penny less and totally unable to do manual labor, have no estate what ever and no one legally bound for my support. I make this application only for the due necessity to which I am reduced -my post office address is Huntington, Carroll County, Tennessee.”

Stephen P. Taylor January 2, 1906

Another Confederate veteran gave a written statement to the Tennessee Pension Board on behalf of Stephen:

“I am well acquainted with Stephen P. Taylor, was with him at Richmond, Virginia March 1865. We left there on the 12th day of March, 1865 after being exchanged and went with him to Jackson, Tennessee where we parted way about March 22, 1865 when I went home to Carroll County, Tennessee. We were both paroled. I was a member of (the) 1st Kentucky Regiment; Jackson Regiment. Stephen P. Taylor belonged to (the) 31st Tennessee Regiment; Cheatham’s Command. I am well acquainted with said Taylor now and know  he is in needy circumstances and a worthy old Confederate Veteran and fully entitled to state pension. I have no interest in his claim for state pension except that justice be done.”

J.T. Smith; August 5th, 1905

Stephen is assumed to have died in Carroll County, Tennessee, date unknown. There are no death records for him and no cemetery record exists for Stephen or his wife.

Written by Scott Busenbark

The Fighting Pybass Brothers

Samuel Pybass grave

James Pybass grave

Gibson County Confederate Veterans

 

For myself, some of the most interesting family members that served during the Civil War  has to be the Pybass brothers of Gibson County, Tennessee. I have always been drawn to these boys for some unknown reason. The parents of the Pybass brothers were Nathaniel Pybass (b. 1810 Rutherford Co. Tenn.) and Paulina Allen Vaughn, they would have a total of eleven children and settle in Gibson County, Tennessee by 1850. The boys Grandparents (authors 4th Great Grandparents) were William Pybass and Elizabeth Greer; both  natives of North Carolina. They were living on the banks of Bradley’s Creek in Rutherford County, Tennessee by 1810. William enlisted in the Tennessee Militia during the War of 1812. He would not return home, he died a soldier on Feb. 6, 1815 at New Orleans. His wife would receive a soldiers pension for his service, she would later marry a Mr. James Yearwood.

Nathaniel Pybass would move his family into the West Tennessee community of Trenton, where he ran a tailor shop on the town square. At the outbreak of the Civil War his son Samuel Newell Pybass would leave his job as a tailor and enlist at the age of 23  at Germantown, Tennessee as a member of the ”West Tennessee Riflemen” on May 15, 1861, this was one of the first Confederate units raised in Gibson County. The “West Tennessee Riflemen” would become company F, 4th Tennessee Infantry. After learning drill  the 4th Tenn. was moved to Columbus, Kentucky on September 5, 1861. Their mission was to fortify the high bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River; a major waterway that was thought to be the Union Army’s main route for the invasion of the south. Conditions, as well as the weather were very poor, many men became ill at this place. At some point Samuel became very sick, he would be confined to a bed in the army hospital. Samuel Newell Pybass would die of disease; inflammation of the bowels on October 18, 1861. His body was returned home and he was laid to rest in the Oaklawn Cemetery at Trenton.

On December 20th, 1862 Samuel’s brother Parks Jefferson Pybass would enlist in company F, 12th Kentucky Cavalry. Another brother; James Thomas Lewis Pybass enlisted on July 25, 1863 in company D of the 12th Kentucky Cavalry. A few companies of this regiment were raised in Kentucky, but more than one half of the regiment was raised from West Tennessee men. They would be in Lyon’s Brigade of cavalry that served under  General Nathan Bedford Forrest, who’s name was known and feared by Union commanders throughout the western theater of operations. Forrest’s men carried no saber’s, they were mostly armed with captured weapons; each trooper carried a rifle musket and two revolvers. These men fought more often then not  dismounted, advancing as infantry. P.J. and James would fight many actions in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. Both boys were engaged in the battle of Brice’s Cross Roads, Miss.; a battle that is still studied by military students to this day. P.J. would be captured during Forrest’s raid on Memphis, Tennessee and spend some time in a Union prison camp. By order of the Confederate War Department James would be transferred, along with the other Tennessee men in the 12th Kentucky Cavalry; into the 19th/20th Consolidated Tennessee Cavalry. James served until the surrender of Forrest’s command at Gainesville, Alabama on May 10, 1865. He would pass away July 19, 1872 at the age of 39, most likely from the hardships he endured during his Confederate service. He is buried beside his brother Samuel in the Oaklawn Cemetery; Trenton, Tennessee.

P.J. filed for a Tennessee Confederate pension, which was granted to him. On August 25, 1927 he gave a written statement of his service in the 12th Kentucky Cavalry to the Tennessee State Pension board:

” I Parks Jefferson Pybass, native of the State of Tennessee, resident at Trenton, Gibson County, Tennessee; do solemnly swear that I was born October 10, 1844, in Gibson County, Tennessee. I enlisted in the Confederate Army on December 20, 1862, in Company F, 12th Kentucky Cavalry; Colonel Faulkner, Commander; John M. Carroll, Captain; General Lyon’s Brigade. In battles at Tishomingo Creek (Brice’s Cross Roads), Harrisburg Mississippi, Athens Alabama (Sulphur Trestle), Pulaski Tennessee, Oxford Mississippi and other smaller skirmishes, was not wounded. I was captured near Memphis, held in prison at Alton, Illinois for about three months, and exchanged at City Point, Virginia. Paroled at Gainesville, Alabama.”

P.J. Pybass

After the war P.J. would return to Trenton and marry Stella Hooker, they would  raise a family of two daughters. P.J. would be active in the United Confederate Veterans, attending veteran reunions. He would live a full life, passing away on September 19, 1934. He is buried beside his wife in Oaklawn Cemetery, Trenton, Tennessee.

Written by Scott Busenbark

Pvt. Henry Merdith Alward; 40th Indiana Inf.

Grave of Pvt. Henry M. Alward, Stones River National Cemetery

Henry M. Alward was the son of Henry Arista and Eva Maria (DeCamp) Alward. Henry M. was born August 9, 1844 at Elkhart County, Indiana. The family moved to Fountain County, Indiana in the 1850’s and by 1860 the family had moved to Montgomery County, living in the town of Waveland. His father’s occupation was a plasterer and he also farmed. Henry M. was listed in the 1860 Montgomery County census as a farmer.

Henry was not old enough to enlist in 1861, he was just 17 years old. His older brother, Ira Joseph Alward had just enlisted on September 1st at Indianapolis in Company A, 54th Indiana Infantry. Henry traveled 50 miles to Lafayette, Indiana during September of 1862. He enlisted as a private in the 40th Indiana Regiment, Captain Dewitt W. Wallace (Graduate of the Waveland Academy) of Company C  was the recruiting officer. Henry Sr. vouched that his son was 18 years of age. Henry signed his enlistment papers on September 17, 1862, and received a $25.00 bounty. He is described in his enlistment papers as being 5 feet 6 inches tall, Complexion; Light, Eyes; Hazel, and Hair; Brown.

On December 6, 1862, Henry M. had caught up with his Company H, then in camp around the city of Nashville. The Army of the Cumberland was soon on the march to Murfreesboro, Gen. Rosecrans wanted to push Gen. Bragg’s Army of Tennessee out of middle Tennessee. After being in the regiment only 25 days, he was engaged in the battle of Stones River on December 31st, 1862; January 1st and 2nd, 1863. On December 31, the regiment was pounded by heavy artillery fire along the railroad as it waited for it’s place on the front line; it’s losses during the battle were 4 Killed, 68 Wounded and 13 Missing. Henry had stood the test and survived the battle unscathed. After the Union victory at Stones River, the Army of the Cumberland settled into winter quarters around Murfreesboro. In April of 1863, Henry suddenly became ill while in camp at Murfreesboro. Confined to the Regimental Hospital, Henry Merdith Alward died on April, 23, 1863, of what doctors called remittent fever.

Pvt. Henry Merdith Alward is buried in the Stones River National Cemetery. History was not kind to Henry, his headstone reads “H.M. Alwood”, instead of Alward. Unfortunately, the NPS will not replace the marker of my Great Great Grand Uncle. Sadly he will always be seen as “H.M. Alwood” to the visitor’s that walk through the cemetery.

Written by Scott Busenbark

Joshua S. Swihart, 20th Indiana Infantry

Grave of Joshua Swihart

Joshua S. Swihart was born February 1, 1845 in Stark County , Ohio near the town of Canton. He was the son of farmer, John J. and Mary (Miksel) Swihart. John and family migrated to Indiana  along with his parents (Peter & Elizabeth (Plamer) Swihart), and several brothers and sisters. John would settle on a farm in Marshall County, Indiana, son Joshua is shown  in the 1860 Federal Census a being a farmer on his father’s farm. When the Civil War broke out Joshua was only 16 years old. It is not known if Joshua tried to enlist in ‘61, his age and probably his father would make him wait.

After a year of war Joshua enlisted in the Union Army and was mustered into service on September 20, 1862. He enlisted as a recruit in Company C of the 20th Indiana Regiment. They had been in the field since the outbreak of the war and were veterans of the Seven Days Battles on the  Virginia Peninsula as well as 2nd Bull Run.  Joshua would be a “fresh fish” among many veteran soldiers in his regiment, he would have to prove himself. He did not have to wait long, on December 13, 1862 the Army of the Potomac was in front of Fredricksburg, Virginia, the 20th Indiana would make an assualt on the Confederate positions there. The Army of the Potomac was severely repulsed, but Joshua had stood true. He and the men of the 20th would spend the winter and early spring around the banks of the Rappahannock River. At the beginning of May the Union Army would try another route to Richmond, at Chancellorsville the army would fight again. As was the case at Fredricksburg, the Army of the Potomac would be defeated again. The 20th Indiana did have great success in the battle, taking many prisoners of the 23rd Georgia Regiment.

June of 1863 the army was on the move again, this time in pursuit of General R.E. Lee’s invading Army of Northern Virginia. On July 1, 1863 the battle of Gettysburg had opened, the battle raged until nightfall as more troops from both sides poured into the area. On July 2nd the 20th Indiana along with the rest of the 3rd Corps was moved into the area of  a small stream; Plum Run. They were moved  from the first position onto the Rose Farm near a field that was soon to become famous; the “Wheatfield.” Here is where Joshua and the 20th Indiana would see some of the toughest fighting of the war. Attacking them was General J.B. Hood’s Texas Brigade; they were know to be Lee’s best shock troops. The fight raged in this area for sometime, Union lines were pushed back and a running fight through the Plum Run Valley and “Devil’s Den ensued. The “western men” of the 20th Indiana had shown their fighting grit, but at a high cost. Two-Hundred officers and enlisted men were killed, wounded and missing. Among them was their Colonel; John Wheeler. On July 3rd Joshua and  the rest of the 20th were whiteness to Pickett’s Charge, they would help take prisoners and attend to wounded. The events of Gettysburg must have been with Joshua for the rest of his days.

The rest of July was spent chasing the Confederate Army into Virginia. Joshua and the other men had to be tired from such a large campaign. On July 30th, 1863 the regiment recieved orders to report to New York City. Their mission was to be part of a force to quell the New York draft riots. They performed their duty and were posted in the city for some time. New York City must have been unbelievable to Joshua and the rest of the men. The men were then sent to Indianapolis to rest and be resupplied.

On April 19, 1864 the regiment was sent back to Virginia; General Grant had taken command. In May, Grant would resume the fight. Joshua would fight in the hellish battle of  the Wilderness, the regiment lost 19 killed and 105 wounded. They would do it again a few days later at Spotsylvania where they would loose 85 men killed, wounded and missing. In early June the regiment would fight in Grant’s attack at Cold Harbor. On June 12 Joshua and the 20th crossed the James River, they would lay siege to the city. There would be battles and skirmishes around Petersburg for months. According to an 1883 “Marshall County Disabled Veteran’s” report, Joshua received a gunshot wound to his left eye in front of Petersburg on October 4, 1864.  It seems that he lost use of this eye, he would recover in an  army hospital and continue his service until the war’s end.  Joshua would muster out of the army on May 31, 1865.

Joshua would return to Marshall County, Indiana and resume his life. He would marry Catharine Rivar on Febuary 28, 1879. According to the Disabled Marshall County Veterans Report, Joshua recieved $8.00 a month for his eye wound. He was active in veterans functions and reunions. He had grown up during the war, it shaped the man he became. Joshua would pass away at Burbon, Marshall County, Indiana on March 14, 1896.

Written By Scott Busenbark

George W. Swihart, 89th Indiana Inf.

Battle of Munfordville, KY.

George W. Swihart was born in Starke County, Ohio on Feb. 15, 1835 near the town of Canton. He was the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Palmer) Swihart. During the 1850’s the family moved to Wyandot County, Ohio for a short time and then moved to Kosciusko County in Northern Indiana. Before the war George was a shoemaker in Jay County , Indiana. He married Francis Rhodes before the outbreak of the war, she would pass away while George was serving his country, December 19, 1862 at Mt. Pleasant, Indiana.

At the outbreak of war George did not enlist right away. He was 26 years old, married and had a good occupation, the war was to end quickly anyway. During the summer of 1862, after a year of war, Lincoln put out a call for 300,000 volunteers to serve for three years. On August 10, 1862 George W. Swihart, at the age of 27 enlisted as a private in the 89th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was a member in company E, men from this company were from Jay County, Indiana. His enlistment information states that George was 5ft 8 inches in height, complexion and eyes; dark, Hair color; Black.

The 89th Regiment was organized at Camp Morton, Indianapolis and was equipped while there. General Bragg’s Confederate Army was on the move to invade Kentucky. With no time to loose, the 89th Regiment was sent to reinforce the Federal garrison at Munfordsville, Kentucky. On September 14, 1862 George with the rest of the new ”Hoosier’s” would see their first Battle with the lead elements of Bragg’s army under General Chalmers.

 The following account of the battle appeared in ”History of the War Company E, 89th Indiana Infantry; Jay County, Indiana.”

“On the 26th they went to Indianapolis, where they received arms, uniforms, one month’s wages, and twenty-five dollars of their bounty. They arrived in Louisville August 31st. Thus, in about twenty days, this full company had been recruited, armed, equipped and had arrived in Dixie, ready for active service which they were soon called upon to perform.

They reached Munfordsville, Kentucky, September 3rd, where they were stationed to guard the railroad bridge across Green River.

There were two small forts here, one above, the other below the bridge, between which a line of breastworks had been commenced, and negroes were now at work upon them. The number of troops at this point now was twenty-five hundred. On the night of the 13th of September the troops were called out and stationed around the works. About daylight they were attacked by eight thousand Rebels, under Chalmers, when they were driven within their fortifications. The Rebels then charged that part of the fort where the 89th Regiment was stationed, but were driven back with heavy loss. After making another similarly unsuccessful attempt upon another part of the fortifications, the enemy withdrew, and, having obtained permission, spent the remainder of the day burying their dead and caring for the wounded. Our loss in killed and wounded was about forty, while that of the enemy was seven hundred.

Chalmers’ force proved to be only the advance of Bragg’s great army, a part of which completely surrounded our small force, planting artillery on every hill lying around the fortifications. It was a useless waste of life to contend longer, and, on the morning of the 17th of September, the entire Federal force surrendered. It is notorious that General Buell, being near by with his immense army, might easily have turned this disaster into a victory, but he failed to do it. These prisoners were immediately paroled and sent toward Buell’s army. They went first to Bowling Green and thence to the Ohio River, at Brandenburg, from which place they came to Jeffersonville. During their march to the river they suffered much; hard marching and exposure had made many sick, and they had to live upon the country through which they were passing. At Indianapolis they were furloughed for twenty days, and all returned home, having been in the service less than six weeks.

On the 27th of October they returned to parole camp, at Indianapolis, where, on the 17th of November, just two months after their surrender, Governor Morton, in a speech, informed them that they had been exchanged.”

On December 4, 1862 the regiment was sent south and placed in the 16th Army Corps. They arrived in Memphis, Tennessee where they performed picket duty until the end of the month. George was reported as sick at home with chronic diarrhea from October 27 to December 31, 1863. This is a condition George would have for the rest of his life. During January, 1863 George caught up to his regiment stationed at Fort Pickering just south of Memphis. The regiment would remain there until October of 1863. During the months of October and November George was reported as sick again. In December the regiment was in pursuit of General Forrest’s cavalry in Mississippi.

In January the regiment was sent to Vicksburg, Mississippi and stationed along the Big Black River. In March the regiment was sent to General Nathan Banks and participated in the Red River Campaign. George was reported sick at Vicksburg during this time. On June 22, 1864 George was placed in the Pioneer Corps, a branch of the army that built fortifications, roads, bridges, etc. On July 14 and 15, 1864 the 16th Army Corps was at Tupelo, Mississippi and participated in the battle there. In late November George and his comrades were at Nashville, Tennessee. On December 1, 1864 the battle of Nashville was fought, and General Hood’s Confederate Army was pushed out of Tennessee.

During the early portion of 1865 the 16th Corps was sent south to take part in the campaign against Mobile, Alabama. George was present for the siege of Spanish Fort and the siege and capture of Fort Blakeley. As a member of the Pioneer Corps there was a lot of work to do during the investment of the forts. In some cases roads were made, and emplacements for heavy siege guns were built along with being under skirmish fire from the enemy. George and the 89th Regiment remained at Mobile until they were mustered out of service on July 19, 1865.

George would return to Jay County, Indiana and on August 19, 1866 he would marry Sarah A. Bane. George was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and was active in veteran reunions He would live the rest of his life with medical problems he contracted during his service. George would pass away at Ridgeville, Indiana on May 15, 1922.

Written By Scott Busenbark

Eli Swihart, 47th Indiana Inf.

47th Indiana Infantry Monument at Vicksburg, Miss.

Eli Swihart was born February 25, 1820 in Ohio. He was the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Palmer) Swihart.During the 1850’s some of the Swihart family stared to migrate west into northern Indiana. By 1860 Eli and his wife Elizabeth (Goble) owned a farm in Turkey Creek Township, Kosciusko Co., Indiana with their five children Mary Jane, William, Lucinda, Lydia A. and Samuel L. During 1861 the Civil War had started, it appears Eli was more interested in his family and their farm than enlisting in the Army at his age. Although one of Eli’s younger brothers, George had already enlisted in the 89th Indiana Infantry in Jay Co, Indiana. During 1862 the Federal government instituted the draft. In October of that year Eli was notified that he had been drafted for a period of nine months. On October 16, 1862 Eli Swihart at 43 years of age, reported for duty. He along with several others from Kosciusko Co. were placed in company D; 47th Indiana Infantry Regiment which was already in the field.

Eli and the rest of the new men would be shipped south to Helena, Arkansas were the 47th Regiment was stationed until the end of February 1863. In March the regiment was sent to General U.S. Grant, who was building the army up for a push to take Vicksburg, Mississippi. April 30th, 1863 the 47th Indiana, along with the rest of the army crossed the Mississippi river and landed at the little hamlet of Bruinsburg and started to push inland. On the morning of May 1, the regiment found itself at a place called Port Gibson. Confederates were found in strong defencive positions; while the terrain in the area did not allow much manuvering room to attacking troops. The Union Army attacked and Eli saw his first action. By evening the Confederates had withdrawn, but the battle at Port Gibson had been a hard back and forth fight for both sides; the 47th Indiana had played a large roll in the fight. Grant continued to push into Mississippi, going through Raymond and Jackson.  As the army was getting close to Vicksburg, the Confederate Army was making plans to push Grant away for good by massing troops for an attack. On May 16 the Confederate Army was found near a place called Champion Hill around Baker’s Creek. This would prove to be the battle for Vicksburg; Eli and the 47th Indiana found themselves engaged in heavy combat, sometimes hand to hand throughout the day. The losses were heavy for both sides, but the Union Army had pushed the Confederates back to their Vicksburg defences. By late May Grant was at the gates of Vicksburg, on two separate occasions he tried to take the city by force and was pushed back each time. The Army settled in for a siege during some of the hottest months in Mississippi. Eli and the 47th Indiana would be digging trenches for their protection and approach trenches toward the Confederate works. The regiments position was across from Fort Garrott, a strong Confederate earthwork. From late May and throughout June Eli would find himself under fire almost daily and exposed to the elements of a Mississippi summer. On July 4, 1863 the city of Vicksburg had fallen, the soldiers of the 47th Indiana must have been very excited at the Confederate surrender. Eli had lived to see Vicksburg fall and must have been thinking about going home as his time in the army had almost expired. July 16, 1863 was the day Eli had been waiting for, he was discharged honorably and would be sent home.

It is not known when he arrived home or how his health was, but seeing his family again must have been a joyous moment. Sadly on August 23, 1863, after living through the marches, battles and trench warfare of the Vicksburg Campaign, Eli Swihart died at his home. It would have been easy for Eli to have avoided the draft or deserted somewhere along the trip south. He must have felt a sense of duty, his government had called him and he would serve. In his nine months of service Eli saw more action than some soldiers did in four years, unfortunatly for his family, the campaign took years off of his life. Eli was laid to rest in Mock Cemetery, Kosciusko County, Indiana. 

Written By Scott Busenbark