USA > Kentucky > The Union regiments of Kentucky, Vol. I > Part 10
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Biographical Sketches.
MAJ. GEORGE M. ADAMS, a nephew of Capt. George M. Adams, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere, was born in Knox county, Ky., December 20, 1837. After going through the schools of Barboursville he spent two years at Centre College, Danville, but did not complete the collegiate course. When the war came he was clerk of the Circuit Court of Knox county, which he resigned and enlisted as private in the 3d Ky. Infantry. But in a few days he was elected captain of Company H, which he commanded during his stay in the regiment. Not long after its organization, this regiment was given num- ber 7, to distinguish it from another number 3 that had been raised about the same time, so that no confusion would arise. This was at Camp Dick Robinson in Sep- fember, 1861.
The history of the regiment is given in another part of this book. Capt. Adams shared in its dangers, priva- tions and glories, until January, 1863, when he resigned. On May 28, 1864, he was made major and pay-master, remaining in the service until the war was over, resign- ing May 19, 1865. On his return to his mountain home he entered politics, being elected to Congress from the Sth (since become the 11th district), in 1867-68, 70 and 72. He was elected clerk of the House of Representatives (Washington) from 1873 to 1882. Under Gov. Buckner he was Secretary of State of Kentucky, 1886 to 1890. He was appointed by President Cleveland pension agent at Louisville, which office he now fills, March, 1897.
MAJ. J. M. WRIGHT was an officer in the regular I'nited States Army, and served on the staff of Gen. Buell. He was closely identified with the Kentucky troops through the war, and since its close has resided in Louis- ville. At present he is marshal of the Supreme Court of the United States. He was a most intelligent and gallant officer, and is an accomplished scholar and writer.
MAJ. JOSEPH C. BRECKINRIDGE was born Jan- vary 15, 1841; son of Robert J. Breckinridge, D. D. He was educated at Centre College. He entered the Union Army, 1861, with an appointment on the staff of Gen. Geo. II. Thomas. Later he was appointed lieutenant in the 2d Regiment, U. S. Regular Artillery. He has re- mained in the army, and has risen to the rank of briga- dier-general and inspector-general.
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Union Regiments of Kentucky.
M. J. W. Ambrose was appointed hospital chaplain, September 28, 1863, and served until 1865.
J. T. Bradford was appointed surgeon with rank of major, April 4, 1862, and discharged February 19, 1863.
Jos. F. Boyd was appointed captain and assistant quartermaster, March 4, 1864; brevetted brigadier-gen- eral; honorably mustered out March 13, 1866.
Norman Badger was appointed hospital chaplain, June 30, 1864, and honorably mustered out September 23. 1865.
Samuel Bruch was appointed captain and assistant quartermaster, August 8, 1862, and died March 31, 1865, at Memphis, Tenn.
Burkitt Cloak was appointed surgeon with rank of major, June 9, 1862; brevetted lieutenant-colonel; and honorably mustered out November 22, 1865.
Albert A. Curtis was appointed captain and assistant quartermaster. November 26, 1862, and resigned April 21, 1864.
Michael J. Cramer was appointed hospital chaplain. June 30, 1864, and was honorably mustered ont June 29, 1865.
James T. Clark was appointed captain and assistant quartermaster, December 2, 1863, and honorably mustered out March 13, 1866.
John B. Campbell was appointed captain and assistant quartermaster, May 7, 1864; brevetted major, and honor- ably mustered out March 13, 1866.
Arthur H. Chevalier was appointed captain and com- missary of subsistence, May 18, 1864; honorably mustered out February 2, 1866.
Milton J. Cook was appointed captain and commissary of subsistence, February 21, 1865, and honorably mustered out June 15, 1866.
George H. Dobyns was appointed captain and as- sistant quartermaster, February 29, 1864, and honorably mustered out January 8, 1866.
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Biographical Sketches.
Maj. John Fry was appointed captain and commis- sary of subsistence October 31, 1861; brevetted major, March 13, 1865; and honorably mustered out February 2, 1866. He was a grandson of Joshua Fry, of Kentucky, and first cousin of Gen. Speed Smith Fry. Subsequent to the war he was in the government service, and resided in Louisville.
William G. Fullerton was appointed major and quartermaster, November 26, 1862; resigned April 1, 1865.
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William A. Gordon was appointed assistant surgeon, November 25, 1864; brevetted major; and honorably mustered out November 22, 1865.
James G. Hatchitt was appointed surgeon with rank of major, April 4, 1862; brevetted lieutenant-colonel, and honorably mustered out December 8, 1865.
Orlando J. Hopkins was appointed captain and coul- missary of subsistence, July 17, 1862; brevetted major; and honorably mustered out May 31, 1866.
Leroy R. Hawthorne was appointed captain and com- missary of subsistence April 7, 1864; honorably mustered ont January 27, 1866.
Hiram A. Hunter was appointed hospital chaplain, September 28, 1864, and honorably mustered out October 12, 1865.
William Holloway was appointed major and pay- master, February 19, 1863, and honorably mustered out November 15, 1865.
J. H. Johnson was appointed captain and commissary of subsistence, October 22, 1862; brevetted major: honor- ably mustered out December 8, 1865.
John G. Keenon was appointed surgeon with rank of major, October 9, 1861, and died August 12, 1864, at Mem- phis, Tenn.
HI. G. Keefer was appointed assistant surgeon, June 30, 1864; brevetted major, March 13, 1865, and honorably. mustered out January 27, 1866.
J. M. Mackenzie was appointed captain and commis- sary of subsistence, October 31, 1864; brevetted major; and honorably mustered out August 31, 1865.
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Union Regiments of Kentucky.
Thomas MacMillan was appointed assistant surgeon, August 19, 1862; brevetted major, March 13, 1865.
Alex. Mckenzie was appointed captain and assistant quartermaster, January 27, 1865; honorably mustered out August 15, 1865.
William L. Neal was appointed captain and assistant quartermaster, May 18, 1864, and honorably mustered out July 28, 1865.
Percival P. Oldershaw was appointed captain and as- sistant adjutant-general, August 26, 1862, and resigned November 6, 1863. -
Benjamin M. Piatt was appointed major and assistant adjutant-general, May 16, 1862; and was honorably mustered out November 22, 1865.
Augustus C. Paul was appointed captain and as- sistant adjutant-general, June 1, 1863; appointed second lieutenant 12th U. S. Infantry, May 11, 1866.
T. R. Sinton was appointed captain and commissary of subsistence, September 23, 1861, and resigned October 10. 1862.
G. F. Spillman was appointed captain and commissary of subsistence, May 12, 1862: brevetted major; and honor- ably mustered out Inly 19, 1865.
Alexander M. Speer was appointed assistant surgeon, February 19, 1863; brevetted major; honorably mustered out October 7. 1865.
William G. Terrell was appointed major and pay- master, Angust 31, 1861; brevetted lieutenant-colonel; honorably mustered out December 1, 1865.
Dr. Tarbell was appointed captain and commissary of subsistence, November 26, 1862; honorably mustered ont July 27, 1865.
William Threlkeld was appointed surgeon with rank of major, July 9, 1863; was assistant surgeon from April 23, 1864; brevetted lieutenant-colonel; and honorably mustered out August 25, 1865.
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91
Biographical Sketches.
William K. Talbott was appointed hospital chaplain, April 22, 1863, and honorably mustered out July 15, 1865.
James F. Tureman was appointed major and pay- master, April 21, 1864, and died October 28, 1864, at Cincinnati, Ohio.
James C. Thorp was appointed assistant surgeon, November 25, 1864, and resigned April 17, 1865.
J. D. Williams was appointed captain and commissary of subsistence, September 18, 1861, and honorably mustered out January 3, 1866.
Robert J. Waggener was appointed captain and as- sistant adjutant-general, October 8, 1861, and killed in action May 8, 1864, near Dallas, Ga.
William JJ. Wolfley was appointed surgeon with rank of major, May 18, 1864; was assistant surgeon from April 16, 1862; brevetted lieutenant-colonel, June 1, 1865; and honorably mustered out July 18, 1865.
B. D. Williams was appointed captain and aid-de- camp, March 11, 1863, and honorably mustered out No- vember 11, 1865. .
John A. Wright was appointed captain and assistant adjutant-general, May 18, 1864, and honorably mustered ont February 21. 1866.
William C. Woodsom was appointed major and pay- master, May 28, 1864, and honorably mustered out Novem- her 15, 1865.
Berry S. Young was appointed major and paymaster, April 21, 1864, and resigned February 24, 1865.
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Union Regiments of Kentucky.
OFFICERS FROM KENTUCKY IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY.
Regular Service.
ADMR. JAMES EDWARD JOUETT was born near Lexington, Ky., February 7, 1826. Appointed midship- man to the frigate "Independence," September 10, 1841. Commissioned passed midshipman, August 10, 1847; mas- ter, September 14, 1855; lieutenant, September 15, 1855; lieutenant-commander, July 16, 1862; commander, July 25, 1866; captain, January 7, 1874; commodore, January 11, 1883; rear admiral, February 19, 1886; retired, Feb- ruary 27, 1890.
Having passed through the successive grades of the service, Jouett, then a lieutenant, was serving on the U. S. frigate "Santee," November 7, 1861, off Galveston harbor. At his request he was put in command of a party from the ship, and made himself conspicuous for gallantry in conducting a hazardous expedition against the Confederate schooner "Royal Yacht," in Galveston harbor, and in capturing and destroying this vessel, in which encounter he received a severe pike wound in the right arm and side, and for which brilliant and import- ant service he was recommended by his immediate com- manding officer, Capt. Henry Eagle, for a command suit- able to his rank. He was complimented in general order by Flag Officer William W. MeKean, commanding the squadron, and ordered by the Secretary of the Navy, who officially expressed the department's appreciation of his "daring and successful exploit, to proceed to Washing- ton, so that he might be given a command worthy of his gallantry."
When Jouett had sufficiently recovered from his seri- ous wound, he was given command of the "R. R. Cuyler" and afterward the side-wheel, wooden steamer "Meta- comet" in the West Gulf blockading squadron, under Admiral Farragut, off Mobile Bay. He commanded the "Metacomet" in this action, August 5, 1864, when his ves- sel was lashed on the port side of Adm. Farragut's tag ship, the "Hartford," and passed Fort Morgan with her. In this fight, Lieut .- Com. Jouett was eminent and con- spirnons in battle. Adm. Farragut says, in his report: "Finding myself raked by the rebel gunboats, Iordered
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Officers from Kentucky in the United States Navy.
the 'Metacomet' to cast off and go in pursuit of them, one of which, the 'Selma,' she succeeded in capturing. Capt. Jouett was after her in a moment, and in an hour's time he had her as his prize. Lieut .- Com. Jouett's con- duet during the whole affair commands my warmest com- mendation. The .Morgan' and 'Gaines' succeeded in es- caping, under the protection of the guns of Fort Morgan, which would have been prevented had the other gunboats been as prompt in their movements as the 'Metacomet.' "
In another place he says: "The coolness and prompt- ness of Lieut .- Com. Jouett, throughout, merits high praise. His whole conduct was worthy of his reputation." For the gallantry displayed on that occasion, Jouett was recommended by a board of officers, of which Adm. Far- ragut was president, appointed in 1865, "to consider the claims of officers of the navy for advancement for heroic conduct in battle," to be promoted thirty numbers, but for some reason the advancement was never made.
As commander of the United States naval forces on the North Atlantic station, Rear Adm. Jouett, by his prompt, firm and judicious course in the spring of 1885, during the rebellion on the Isthmus of Panama, restored order, re-established transit, prevented great destruction of property and loss of life, and was highly instrumental in bringing to a successful end the surrender of the in- surgent forces in the United States of Colombia, and in effecting a peaceful solution of the troubles in the United States of Colombia; and, by his general conduct of affairs, reflected great credit on the United States of America. Years after his retirement, on March 3, 1893, he was granted, by a special act of Congress, full sea pay for the rest of his life, an honor vouchsafed only to Vice-Adm. Rowan and Rear Adm. Worden. He resides in Wash- ington.
COM. GARRETT JESSE PENDERGRAST, born in Kentucky, December 5, 1802; died in Philadelphia, No- vember 7, 1862. Entered U. S. Navy, January 1, 1812, and saw twenty-two years of sea service, becoming lieu- tenant in 1821, commander in 1841 and captain in 1855. In 1860 was appointed flag officer of the home squadron. At the beginning of the Civil War he was in command of the West India squadron, and subsequently was ap- pointed to the frigate "Cumberland," at Norfolk Navy Yard, Va., and protected the waters of Hampton Roads. Before the surrender of Norfolk to the Confederates, the authorities of Virginia endeavored to get possession of
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Union Regiments of Kentucky.
the United States ships of war lying off that city, by sink- ing obstructions in the mouth of the channel, in order to prevent their egress. Among others that were thus blockaded was the "Cumberland," then under Com. Pen- dergrast's command. Finding himself in danger of be- ing hemmed in, he sent word to the authorities that if the obstructions were not removed within a specific time he would open fire on the city. This message had the de- sired effect; and the channel being cleared, the "Cumber- land" and other vessels were brought out in safety. Soon afterward he was appointed commandant of the Phila- delphia Navy Yard, which post he filled until two days before his death. Under the reorganization of the navy he was twelfth commodore on the retired list, which rank he attained on July 16, 1862.
CAPT. CHARLES W. FLUSSER, born at Annapolis, Md., September 27, 1832. When Charles was a small boy his father, Chas. T. Flusser, removed to Louisville, Ky., where he practiced law until his death in 1858. Charles obtained the foundation of his education in pri- vate schools at Louisville, but entered the navy as a mid- shipman, July 19, 1847. He received his promotion to passed midshipman while at the Naval Academy at An- napolis, June 10, 1853. His commission as lieutenant bore date of September 16, 1855. Returning from a cruise in the brig "Dolphin," late in 1860, he was granted leave of absence, which he was enjoying when the war broke out. Lieut. Flusser was a professor at the Naval Academy at the time. To be loyal then was to sever all social ties with the family from which he sprang in that vicinity, and to break asunder the closer bonds of friend- ship which had bound him to his shipmates, who had re- signed and gone over to the South. Only those who have felt them know how almost indissoluble are the ties of attachment cemented in the navy.
Annapolis was the nearest point on the shore of Mary- land to the capital, as Baltimore had been cut off by the railroad being partially destroyed. Gen. Butler, from Massachusetts, seized the town, and the little river Sey- ern immediately became covered with vessels, all of which had to be unloaded at the Academy wharf. Dur- ing the few weeks when Lieut. Flusser was captain of the post, his labors were so severe as to give him little time even for sleep. Seeking service afloat, the Navy Department assigned him to the command of the gun- boat "Commodore Perry." In this vessel he at once took
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Officers from Kentucky in the United States Navy.
a prominent part in the movements in the waters of North Carolina. July 16, 1862, he was promoted to lieutenant- commander, in part recompense for his meritorious con- duet and indomitable energy. He participated in al- most all of the naval engagements in that section, and commanded quite a flotilla of light craft, suitable for penetrating into the shallow quicksand bays.
In 1864, he was placed in command of the gunboat "Miami," a side-wheel vessel, one of the first double-end- ers, which was notorious among the sailors as being fond of running into vessels or on shore. She was well armed and equipped.
In the spring of 1864, the Confederate ram "Roanoke" was finished on that river, miles above Plymouth, which was in possession of the Union forces. Flusser, with his little fleet, was to prevent the ironclad from getting down the river. As a means of offense, he had begun to lash the "Southfield" and "Miami" together with great iron chains, intending to rush upon the ironclad in such a way as to place a vessel on each side of her, and force her on one of the shores of the river. His preparations were not completed when the ram hove in sight on her way down stream. At once the two boats attempted to carry out the plan, but the "Southfield" was sunk at the first fire. Flusser exhibited the most perfect self-posses- sion, aiming and firing the guns of the "Miami" with his own hands. After he bad fired the 100-pounder rifle and bow gun, he went to the port broadside gun, which was loaded with shell. He had the gun depressed and pulled the lanyard with his own hands. The shell striking the roof of the ram, rebounded and exploded on the deck of the "Miami," a large piece passing through Flusser's body. He fell, saying, "Boys, sink the ram." Thus he died at his post, but the ram was prevented from going down to the sea.
Of him it was said at the time: "In the death of Capt. Flusser, our navy and the country have met with an al- most irreparable loss. Young, bold, full of efficient en- ergy, he had won for himself the entire confidence of all in the department. ITis talent had secured for him his position of second in command to Com. Davenport. With his death many hopes are crushed, though the sadness is relieved by the glory which surrounded the acts of his life. The whole department is in mourning over the loss of our naval hero."
It is very probable that this record will be read mostly by those who have lived since the war. To them it is not possible to realize the dread realities of a civil war. As
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Union Regiments of Kentucky.
an illustration of how families were divided-in the Flusser family, the three sons were all combatants; two in the Confederate army, and Charles in the Union navy. Brother against brother. All of them killed in action be- fore the end of 1864-Ottaker,- at Antietam, 1862: Charles, April, 1864, as above stated, and Guy, at Mt. Sterling, Ky., September, 1864.
COMDR. WILLIAM P. BUCKNER was born at Louis- ville, Ky., September 21, 1823, being the son of Simeon B. Buckner, who was engaged in the business of merchan- dise and steamboating, at Louisville. Simeon B. Buck- ner married a sister of the father of Gen. Simon Bolivar Buckner. Ilis son, William P. Buckner, went to Arkan- sas from Louisville, and was appointed in the United States naval service from that state, September 9, 1841. HIe rose to the rank of commander during the Civil War, and was placed on the retired list afterward. He died July 18, 1869.
COM. WILLIAM SMITH, born in Washington, Ma- son county, Ky., January 9, 1803. Entered the United States navy as midshipman, March 4, 1823. Was at- tached to the "Sea Gull" and served under Com. David Porter, in the Gulf, against the West Indian pirates. During the wars with the Seminole Indians, in Florida, he served in the co-operation of the navy and army in 1835-7. In the war with Mexico he was present at the capture of Tuxpan and of Tabasco. He became com- mander in 1854. On March 8, 1862, he was on the "Con- gress," near Fortress Monroe, at the invitation of Lieut. Joseph Smith, executive officer of the ship, when she was captured and burned by the "Merrimac"; but Smith, with most of the officers and crew, escaped by swimming, or in small boats from the shore. He commanded the "Wachu- sett" and gunboats, that co-operated with Gen. Mcclellan in the campaign of the summer of 1862. He was trans- ferred to the "Seminole" and took her to New York for ro- pairs. Being near the head of the list of commanders when the higher grades were created, he was commis- sioned as commodore, July 16, 1862, and thus was never connaissioned captain. In command at Pensacola naval station from October, 1962, to January, 1865, when he was detached on account .. ' ill health, and, under the Act of December 21, 1861, placed on the veteran list. Removed to St. Louis, Mo., where he died, April 29, 1873.
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1
Officers from Kentucky in the United States Navy.
COMDR. JOHN BULLOCK COGHLAN was born in Frankfort, Ky., December 9, 1844. Entered the navy September 27, 1860, remaining at the naval school till May 28, 1863, when he became an ensign. Attached to steam sloop "Sacramento"; special service, 1863-5. Pro- moted to master, November 10, 1865; commissioned lieu- tenant, November 10, 1866, after serving on the "Pawnee," "Guerriere" and "Portsmouth," he was promoted to lieu- tenant-commander, March 12, 1868; was on the "Rich- mond" in the European squadron for three years; also in the hydrographic office, 1871-3; on sick leave, 1873-4; reached the rank of commander, February 2, 1882, and became captain, November 18, 1896. At this time he is light house inspector of the 8th District.
COMDR. JAMES P. FOSTER, born in Bullitt county, Ky., June 8, 1827; died in Indianapolis, Ind., June 2, 1869. Hle removed with his family, in childhood, to Blooming- ton, Ind., and entered the navy in 1846. He had reached the rank of lieutenant in 1861, and in July, 1862, was commissioned a lieutenant-commander, and in October of the same year was ordered to the Mississippi squadron commanded by Adm. Porter. He was placed in command of the "Neosho," from which he was soon transferred to the ironclad ram "Chillicothe," and, in March, 1863, distin- guished himself by the valuable service performed by his vessel during the Yazoo expedition. Later in the year he was placed in command of the gunboat "Lafayette," and rendered valuable assistance during the bombard- ment and siege of Vicksburg. After the war he was or- dered to the Naval Academy and placed in charge of the training ships. He was then promoted to commander, ordered to the "Osceola," and joined the Brazilian squad- ron, where he contracted the disease from which he died.
COM. JOHN C. CARTER, appointed from Ken- tucky, January 1, 1825; joined U. S. brig "Spark," March, 1825; sloop "Lexington," 1827; line-of-battle ship "Dela- ware," Mediterranean squadron, 1829-30. Promoted to passed midshipman, June 4, 1831; joined frigate "Poto- mac," 1832; joined sloop "John Adams," 1833; joined schooner "Shark," Mediterranean, 1834, as acting lieu- tenant; joined "Delaware," 1871, and returned to the United States, 1836. Commissioned as lieutenant, Feb- ruary 9, 1837; served in sloop-of-war "Levant" and frigate 7
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Union Regiments of Kentucky.
"Macedonian," West India squadron, 1838-40; steamer "Fulton," 1841-2; receiving ship "New York," 1845; steamer "Mississippi," home squadron, 1846, during Mexi- can War; Navy Yard, Norfolk, 1847-8; served in "Savan- nah," "Raritan," "Cyane" and "Massachusetts," Pacific squadron, 1852; rendezvous, New York, 1855. Commis- sioned as commander, September 14, 1855; commanding "Michigan" on the lakes, 1861-4. Commissioned as com- modore, July 16, 1862; commanding receiving ship "Ver- mont," New York, 1865; light house inspector, San Fran- cisco, 1866-9; commanding rendezvous, San Francisco, 1869-70. Died in Brooklyn, N. Y., November 24, 1870.
CAPT. JOHN COMBE PEGRAM was born August 26, 1842, at Owensboro, Ky. Graduated at the Naval Academy, May 28, 1863. Promoted ensign and ordered to South Atlantic blockading squadron off Charleston, S. C., July 4, 1863. Joined U. S. S. "Canandaigua," and also served on other vessels, much of the time as aid to Rear Adm. Dahlgren. Took part in operations before Charleston; also Stone's and St. John's rivers. For a time commanded captured steamer "Sumter" on torpedo ser- vice in St. John's river.
January 1, 1865, ordered to U. S. S. "Wachusett," and sailed in search of the "Shenandoah." Cruised in vari- ous parts of the world till March, 1866. Resigned at Hongkong, China; returned and settled at Providence, R. I., where he now resides, a practicing lawyer. Several times member state legislature; was also register in bankruptcy, and has filled other positions.
COMDR. GUSTAVUS VASA MENZIES was born in Florence, Boone county, Ky., December 26, 1844. He at- tended schools in Cincinnati until the breaking out of the war, when he went out as an assistant to his father, Dr. Samuel G. Menzies, who was the surgeon of the 1st Ky. Infantry (U. S.) in the early campaign in West Virginia. On September 21, 1861, he entered the Naval Academy from Kentucky, whence he was graduated in 1864. . He served a short time on the North Atlantic blockade sta- tion. He was promoted to ensign March 1, 1866: master, December 1, 1866; lieutenant, March 2, 1868; lieutenant- commander, January 25. 1870.
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