USA > Indiana > Shelby County > Shelby County in the Civil War > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
I 131 12-23-63 11-18-65
M.O. as Cpl.
ROSTER OF VOLUNTEERS
I 131
4-23-64 11-18-65
1-11-64 11-18-65
I 131
5-18-64
9-28-64
M.O. as Cpl.
Winton, Jesse, Pvt.
7-21-65
25
REGIMENTAL HISTORIES
The short regimental histories which are here provided have been copied almost verbatim from Volumes I and II of Terrell's Adjutant General Reports, published in 1866. While these histories are quite brief, they have the advant- age of being factual and unbiased, which cannot be said of all regimental histories.
Most of the more detailed regimental histories that have come down to us were written several years after the War, many by regimental adjutants, since these officers were most familiar with a good deal of the written materials and records pertaining to their particular regiments. Some of these are excellent, and some ordinary, as measured by the yardstick of literary accomplishment, but all are none the less interesting to the student of the Civil War.
It should be remembered that during the Civil War regiments were made up of Volunteers from a particular district of the State, and were not formed with the heterogenous grouping employed by the military authorities to-day. Furthermore, companies of the regiments almost invariably were made up of men who had lived together in a given community. It should be easy to understand, then, how close were the bonds of friendship between these men who came from the same community, and lived together and fought together through the long years of the War. A regiment could truly be described as a "fighting family of men."
It is suggested that the reader obtain a map and follow out in detail the movements of one of these regiments. The movements of the Thirty-Third, in particular, will prove to be most interesting and worthy of study. It is only by learning something of the experiences of a regiment that one can fully un- derstand what the military life of the soldier in the Civil War was like. And, as Bruce Catton says, of the Civil War soldier, "In his own person he finally embodied what the War was all about."
THE SEVENTH INDIANA - 90 DAYS
The Seventh Regiment was organized and mustered into service, for three months, at Indianapolis, April 25th, 1861, with Ebenezer Dumont (who had served with distinction in the Mexican War) as Colonel. On the 29th of May it was ordered to Western Virginia, and proceeded at once by rail to Grafton, by way of Richmond, Indiana, and Dayton, Columbus and Zanesville, Ohio. On the 2nd of June it proceeded by rail to Webster, where it was joined by other regiments. The entire force was then divided into two columns, under the immediate command of Col. Kelly, and was marched to Philippi, the Seventh being in advance. The advance guard, under Lieut. Benjamin Ricketts, of Co. "B" when within a mile of the town, engaged the enemy's pickets and drove them back. The Seventh, followed by the rest of the column, crossed a bridge and entered the town at double-quick, driving the rebels before them out of town and two miles beyond. The regiment remained in camp at this place for six weeks, and them marched to Bealington, as part of Gen. Morris'
26
SEVENTH REGIMENT
command. Here some skirmishing was had with the enemy's pickets, and a reconnoissance to the right and rear of their line made by a force of five hundred men of the Seventh and Ninth Indiana, under Col. Dumont. On the night of the 11th of July the rebels retreated from the front of our troops, and in the morning the pursuit commenced - the Seventh being in the rear - and was continued until two o'clock in the afternoon, our forces halting at Leeds- ville. While here Capt. Blair and Lieut. Tucker captured three rebel prisoners, the next morning the march was resumed to St. George - Cheat River being forded on the way. At Carrick's Ford the crossing was resisted by Gen. Gar- nett, which was promptly met by the fire of the Fourteen Ohio, Col. Steadman, stationed on the bank of the river opposite the enemy. The Seventh Indiana then advanced and charged down the banks of the river, crossed over, and cap- tured the enemy's baggage, and hurried on in pursuit of the retreating rebels. At the next ford, - three-quarters of a mile from Carrick's Ford, the enemy made another stand, under the personal command of Gen. Garnett. The resis- tance was brief, the rebels flying and leaving their commander dead on the field. Col. Dumont continued the pursuit for two miles and then halted for the night. The next day the Seventh took up the line of march to St. George, and from thence to Bealington. After a few days rest it was ordered to In- dianapolis, where it was mustered out of service.
Editorial Note: Shelby County furnished a full company of men to the 7th Indiana, 90 days service. They were enrolled in Co. C, with John M. Blair, as Capt., John M. Flinn, Ist Lieut., and John C. Maze, 2nd Lieut. When the 90 day term was over, the regiment was soon thereafter reorganized for a three year term, but Capt. Blair was the only Shelby County man to remain with the regiment. He became the Adjutant, and saw a lot of hard service in the East- ern theatre of the War. Capt. Blair had operated a clothing store on the east side of the public square in Shelbyville before the War. John Flinn became a 1st Lieut., and later Capt., of Co. F, 51st Indiana, and had a most unusual military career. (See page 4.)
John Maze became a Ist Lieut. of Co. D, 33rd Indiana, and later was Capt. of Co. G of the same regiment. He ended his military career with the rank of Major. John Maze undoubtedly was one of the finest soldiers to serve the Union cause from Shelby County. Little is known of his life as a civilian. Private John R. Smith was the only Shelby County casualty in the 7th Indiana, and he was among the very first of Indiana soldiers to lose his life in battle. Many of the enlisted men re-enlisted in other regiments, particularly the 16th, 51st and 70th, and saw a lot of hard service.
THE SIXTEENTH INDIANA - ONE YEAR'S SERVICE
The organization of the Sixteenth Regiment was completed at Richmond, in the month of May, 1861, with Pleasant A. Hackleman as Colonel. On the 23rd of July, the regiment departed for Richmond. It was the first regiment that marched through Baltimore after the firing upon the Sixth Massachusetts
27
SHELBY COUNTY CIVIL WAR
Regiment, in April. Reaching Harper's Ferry, it was assigned to Gen. Bank's Army, and was stationed in Pleasant Valley, near Soloman's Gap. About the middle of August, the Sixteenth moved, with Gen. Abercrombie's Brigade, and Bank's Army, through the valley of the Monocacy, to Hyattstown, passing Car- roll Manor on the route. In the latter part of August, it marched to Darnestown, near which place it encamped on the 1st of September. Remaining here until October 21st - the fatal day at Ball's Bluff - the regiment received marching orders, and all day long, during the march, the sound of cannon was heard. Reaching Edward's Ferry that night, the Regiment crossed over the Potomac in canal boats and joined Gorman's Brigade early next morning, which lay in the mud along the bank. In the afternoon of the 22nd, an attack was made upon the pickets, in which two men of the Sixteenth were killed. Immediately after, the Regiment was hurried forward, in line of battle, on the Bluffs, and here, in the evening, participated in a brisk engagement with the enemy, which was ended by the rebels retiring during the night. Orders being given for evacuation, the Sixteenth was detailed, on the 23rd as a picket line, to cover the retreat of our forces, and was the last regiment to recross the Potomac, reaching the Maryland shore at daylight on the morning of the 24th. Two men were drowned during this expedition. On the 26th, it moved to Seneca Creek, where it encamped until the 2nd of December, when it again took up its line of march, reaching Frederick City on the 6th, near which place it went into winter quarters, called "Cantonment Hicks."
Towards the latter part of February, 1862, the long expected movement of the armies commenced. The Sixteenth took cars for Harper's Ferry on the 27th reaching there the same evening. On the 1st of March it moved to Charlestown, where it remained until the 10th, and then marched to Berryville, where a halt was made for two days. Resuming the march on the night of the 12th, they arrived at Winchester the next morning to find it already occupied by another division of the army. In a few days after the Sixteenth, with a detachment of other troops from the Brigade marched back to Snicker's Ferry, where it built a bridge across the Shenandoah, accomplishing the work in forty-eight hours. Here six men of Stonewall Jackson's army were captured by Lt. Capeland of the Sixteenth. On the 23rd of March the army crossed the Blue Ridge and marched near Aldie, where word being received of the battle of Winchester the command was marched back and encamped on the ground before occupied on the other side of the mountain. Crossing the Shenandoah on the 25th, the Sixteenth was ordered to retrace its steps, and on the next day crossed the Blue Ridge (for the third time), and encamped near Goose Creek. From here the Regiment marched to Aldie, and from thence, through Centerville to Warren- ton, arriving there on the 2nd day of April. While in camp at that place, the Sixteenth was on active duty, though not in active service. On the 12th of May, it left Warrenton for Washington, D. C., where on the 14th of May, 1862, it was mustered out of service and soon after returned to Indiana. On the 30th of April its commanding officer, Col. Hackleman was commissioned a Brigadier
28
SIXTEENTH REGIMENT
General, and on the 13th of May, in presence of the regiment, an elegant sword was presented by the enlisted men of the Sixteenth Indiana. This gallant officer was killed in battle at Iuka, Miss., Lt. Col. Thomas J. Lucas succeeded him a few days before the final discharge of the Regiment.
Editorial Note: Except for the 70th Indiana, Shelby County furnished more men to the 16th, 1 year regiment, than to any other during the entire war. About two full companies came from Shelby County. The highest ranking of- ficer from Shelby County in this regiment was Robert Conover, regimental adjutant. When the regiment was later re-organized for three year service, most of the officers and enlisted men from Shelby County did not rejoin the regi- ment. Adjutant Conover stayed on, however, and finished his service with the rank of full Colonel. He thus became the highest ranking officer from Shelby County to serve the Union cause. Shelby County men made up companies A and H. Officers of Co. A were Thomas McFarland, Capt., David T. Sleeth, Ist Lt., and William J. F. Randall, 2nd Lt. Thomas McFarland in civilian life had been a prominent Shelbyville lawyer and Democratic politician, and had served in the State legislature. He was one of the leaders in uniting his party with the Union cause after the firing on Fort Sumpter. When his one year term with the 16th was over, he came back to Shelbyville and later joined the 70th Indiana as Capt. of Co. B, on August 1, 1862. However, he soon resigned and returned to civilian life as a practicing attorney. He again engaged in politics, but curiously enough, he gave up his Democratic affiliation and joined the ranks of the Republicans. He was not successful in obtaining office, and died untimely in 1864, at the age of 36. He is buried in the old City Cemetery. David Sleeth likewise joined the 70th after his 1 year term with the 16th. When McFarland resigned, Sleeth became Capt. of Co. B, and saw a lot of service, especially during the campaign for Atlanta. Lt. Randall apparently did not re· enlist for any further service. Officers of Co. H, 16th Indiana, were all from Fairland, with William Judkins, Capt., Henry L. Francis, Ist Lt., and Samuel Tull, 2nd Lt. None of these saw any further military service. Only a small percentage of the enlisted men of companies B and H re-enlisted in other regi- ments after serving the one-year term with the 16th. A few joined regiments such as the 70th, and became veteran soldiers in every sense of the word. Others joined the short-term regiments organized late in the war, such as the 132nd, but saw little, if any, military action.
THE EIGHTEETH REGIMENT - THREE YEARS
The Eighteenth Regiment was organized and mustered into service at In- dianapolis, on the 16th of August, 1861, with Thomas Pattison as Colonel, and left the State for St. Louis on the 17th of August. From that place it proceeded into the interior of Missouri, and participated in Fremont's march to Springfield, and in the return march to Otterville, under General Hunter, after which it moved with Pope's army to the Black Water, and there took part in the capture of a large number of prisoners. In February, 1862, the regiment marched with
29
SHELBY COUNTY CIVIL WAR
General Curtis' forces to Cross Hollows and thence to the battlefield of Pea Ridge, where, in the engagement near Leetown on the 6th of March, the brig- ade to which it was attached saved from capture another brigade, and the Eighteenth Regiment recaptured the guns of the Peoria Artillery. On the next day, in the battle near Elkhorn Tavern, the regiment participated in the ad- vance, which resulted in turning the ememy's left, compelling him to abandon the field. On the 6th of April it marched for Helena, Arkansas, reaching that place on the 13th of July, taking part in the engagement at Cotton Plant, while on the march. Embarking from Helena on transports, on the 11th of October, the regiment reached Sulphur Springs, Missouri, a few days after, and re- mained on duty in Southeast Missouri during the winter. In the spring of 1863 the Eighteenth was transferred to Grant's army, and, as part of the division commanded by General Carr, participated in the flanking of the enemy's posi- tion at Grand Gulf, and in the battle at Port Gibson on the 1st of May, (cap- turing a stand of colors and some artillery,) and in the engagements at Cham- pion Hills, on the 15th, and Black River Bridge on the 17th of May. From the 19th of May until the capitulation, it was engaged in our works in the rear of Vicksburg. During the assault it was the first regiment to plant its colors on the enemy's works, where they were kept for eight hours. Leaving Vicksburg, the regiment moved to New Orleans, and during the fall participated in a campaign up the Teche River, and in the operations in that part of Louisiana. On the 12th of November it embarked for Texas, where, on the 17th, it was engaged in the capture of a fort on Mustang Island, and also in the successful attack on Fort Esparanza on the 27th of November. On the 1st of January, 1864, the regiment re-enlisted at Indianola, and started home on veteran fur- lough; it was stopped at Baton Rouge, and formed part of a column that de- feated a rebel force organizing for an attack on the garrison at that place. Reaching Indianapolis on the 4th of June, it remained in the State until the 16th of July, when it proceeded to Virginia, joining General Butler's forces at Bermuda Hundred, where it had several severe skirmishes with the enemy near Deep Bottom. On the 5th of August it was transferred to Washington, D. C., and assigned to the Second Division of the Nineteenth Army Corps, and march- ing to Berryville, Virginia, via Snicker's Gap, joined Sheridan's army in the Valley on the 19th of August. In the campaign that followed, the regiment participated in the battle of Opequan on the 19th of September, losing 54 killed and wounded; in the pursuit and defeat of Early at Fisher's Hill on the 22nd of September, losing 7 killed and wounded, and in the battle of Cedar Creek on the 19th of October, losing 51 killed and wounded, and 35 prisoners. On the 6th of January, 1865, it left for Savannah, Georgia, reaching there, on transports, on the 16th, where it was occupied for three months in building fortifications. On the 3rd of May, it was detached from General Grover's di- vision and sent to Augusta, Georgia, and was the first to raise the stars and stripes on the U.S. Arsenal, and over the city. Returning to Savannah on the 7th of June, it was subsequently transported to the southern portion of the State,
30
EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT
where it remained until ordered to be mustered out. On the 28th of August, 1865, it was mustered out and left for Indianapolis, arriving there on the 17th of September, and on the day following was publicly welcomed by Governor Morton, Gen. H. D. Washburn, (its former Colonel) and others. In a few days after it was finally discharged from service.
Editorial Note: The 18th Indiana was the first Three-Years Regiment to which Shelby County furnished a full company of men. These men were formed in Co. K. As can be observed by reading the regimental history of the 18th, the men traveled over almost the whole theatre of the War, north to south and west to east, and saw a great deal of severe fighting and experienced many hardships of all kinds. Co. K was formed in the vicinity of Waldron. It would seem that this company had more than the usual turnover of officers. However, those who appear to have served this company best were Capts. Abraham Lowe and John W. Heckman, and Lts., Benjamin S. Fisher and Thomas J. Haymond. If one visits the battlefields in and around Vicksburg, Mississippi, it is not difficult to locate almost the exact spots where some of the men in Co. K fell in battle.
THE , TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS - THREE YEARS ( Also know as First Heavy Artillery )
The 21st Regiment was organized and mustered into service as an infantry organization, for three years, at Indianapolis, on the 24th of July, 1861, with James W. McMillan as Colonel. The following week it was ordered east, reaching Baltimore on the 3rd of August, where it remained until Febr. 19, 1862, during which time it participated in Gen. Lockwood's expedition to the eastern shore of Virginia. The regiment sailed from Baltimore to Newport News, from which place it embarked, on the 4th of March, on the steamship Constitution, and sailed with Butler's expedition. On the 15th of April it left Ship Island on the ship Great Republic, which laid off the mouth of the Southwest Pass during the bombardment of Forts St. Phillip and Jackson, after which, on the 29th of April, a portion of the regiment landed in the rear of St. Phillip and waded across to the Quarantine, while the balance went through Pass L'Outre up the Mississippi to New Orleans. This portion of the regiment was the first of Butler's army to touch the New Orleans wharf on the 1st of May, and immediately marched up into the city, the regimental band playing, "Picayune Butler's coming, coming." The 21st then went into camp at Algiers, where it remained until the 30th of May, making frequent forays into the interior; it also captured many steamers in Red River, and the sea-going blockade-runner Fox, at the mouth of Grand Caillou on the Gulf Coast.
On the 1st of June the regiment was landed at Baton Rouge, where it remained until the post was evacuated. On the 5th of August it participated in the battle of Baton Rouge, fighting over three and a half hours against an
31
SHELBY COUNTY CIVIL WAR
entire brigade without faltering, and sustaining a loss of 126 killed and wounded. After this the regiment went into camp near Carrollton, and on the 8th of September it surprised. Waller's Texas Rangers at Des Allemands, killing twelve and capturing thirty or forty prisoners. The 21st went to Berwick's Bay in October, where it remained until the latter part of February, 1863. During its stay in this section a portion of the regiment was temporarily transferred to gunboats, and participated in daily fights with the iron-clad "Cotton"; and participated in Weitzel's advance up the Bayou Teche, taking part in the fight at Cornet's Bridge, and the destruction of the "Cotton". Col. McMillan being promoted Brig. Gen., on the 29th of Nov., 1862, Lt. Col. John A. Keith was commissioned his successor.
On Febr., 1863, the regiment was, by order of Gen. Banks, changed to heavy artillery service, and designated First Heavy Artillery, and in July and October, two additional companies, L and M, were added. A portion of the regiment accompanied Gen. Banks up the Teche, and participated in the second battle of Camp Bisland. Subsequently the regiment, with the exception of 2 companies, was transported up the Mississippi, and took part in the siege of Port Hudson, in which it distinguished itself for the remarkable accuracy of its firing. The loss to the regiment during the siege of 42 days and nights was 28 in killed, wounded and missing. On the 21st day of June part of one company manned a light battery in a desperately contested little fight at Lafourche Crossing, and on the 23rd of June, most of Co. F were captured at Brashear City. In August 3 companies, under Major Roy, accompanied the expedition to Sabine Pass, and engaged the enemy at that place. During the winter of 1863 and 1864 a large majority of the regiment re-enlisted, and were re-mustered as veterans at New Orleans. Soon After, the veterans visited Indiana, when a grand reception was given them at Metropolitan Hall, Indianapolis, on the 19th of February, 1864, at which addresses were made by Gov. Morton, Mayor Gaven, Gen. Hovey, and Cols. James R. Slack and John A. Keith.
In the disastrous expedition of Gen. Banks up the Red River in March, 1864, companies G and H bore an active part, after which the different companies were stationed at different points in the Department of the Gulf.
In April, 1865, 6 batteries of the First Heavy Artillery under the command of Major Roy, participated in the investment of Mobile, the reduction of Forts Morgan and Gaines and Spanish Fort, and the capture of Mobile. At the close of active operations, the different batteries were assigned to duty at Forts Morgan, Pickens, and Barrancas, and in the works at Baton Rouge and other points of river defense, with regimental headquarters at Mobile. At the time of closing this sketch (October, 1865) the First Heavy Artillery - 21st Regiment - is still in service, and performing the duty above mentioned, under the command of Col. Benjamin F. Hays.
Editorial Note, 21st Indiana. Shelby County furnished about 50 men, but no officers, to the 21st Indiana (First Heavy Artillery). The men were assigned
32
TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT
for the most part to Co. M, although there were a few in Co. K. Officers of Co. K came from Martinsville, while the men in Co. M were officered by men from Indianapolis.
THE THIRTY-THIRD - THREE YEARS
The Thirty-Third Regiment was organized and mustered into service, for three years, at Indianapolis, on the 16th of September, 1861, with John Coburn as Colonel. On the 28th of September it proceeded to Louisville, and reported to Gen. Robert Anderson, who ordered it to Camp Dick Robinson. Marching by way of Lexington, the regiment arrived there on the 2nd of October, and reported to Gen. Thomas. On the 13th of October it marched to Crab Orchard, and from thence to Camp Wildcat, defeating Zollicoffer's forces. After this, it marched to London, Kentucky, and thence back to Crab Orchard, reaching the latter place on the 15th of November, and remaining there until the 3rd of January, 1862. Moving to Lexington, it garrisoned that place till April 11, 1862, when it proceeded to Cumberland Ford, joining Gen. George W. Morgan's forces at that place. The regiment then engaged in the skirmishes and marches by which Cumberland Gap was taken on the 18th of June, and subsequently, participated in the marches and skirmishes in East Tennessee, until the Gap was evacuated, on the 18th of September. It then marched as escort to the ammunition convoy to Manchester, Kentucky, and thence, with the army of Greenupsburg, Kentucky, enduring many hardships, and arriving there on the 3rd of October. Moving to Oak Hill, Ohio, it proceeded, on transports, to Covington, Kentucky, where the regiment was refitted and sent to Lexington. From there it moved to Danville and remained in camp till the latter part of January, 1863, when it marched with the army of Kentucky to Louisville, and from thence by transports to Nashville, reaching the latter place on the 8th of February.
From Nashville the Thirty-Third marched to Brentwood and thence to Franklin. On the 4th of March it marched toward Columbia, and fought Van Dorn's forces, and on the 5th again engaged the enemy at Thompson's Station. In the last named engagement about four hundred of the regiment were captured, and about one hundred killed and wounded. The prisoners were paroled and exchanged in about two months, and returned to the field. The other portion of the regiment remained at Franklin, and engaged in the fights at that place. About the first of July the regiment moved with Rosecrans' army toward Tullahoma, and was in the advance on Shelbyville. From thence it moved to Guy's Gap and Murfreesboro, remaining there till the 5th of September. During September and October the regiment was stationed at Manchester, Estill Springs, Cowan, Decherd, and Tracey City. From the latter place it moved to Christiana, Tennessee on the 5th of November, and while there the regiment re-enlisted as a veteran organization in January and February, 1864. On the 25th of February, four hundred and fifty veterans returned home on veteran furlough, and on the return of these to Tennessee, the whole regiment
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.