USA > North Carolina > Catawba County > The Catawba soldier of the Civil war a sketch of every soldier from Catawba county, North Carolina, with the photograph, biographical sketch, and reminiscence of many of them, together with a sketch of Catawba county from 1860 to 1911 > Part 14
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Loftin, Edmund, enlisted August 14, '61; he was dis- charged in January, '62; he died since the war.
Lore, David, enlisted March 31, '63; after the war, he made a comfortable living farming; he was an extensive reader, and a loyal citizen ; he died February, 1911.
McGinnis, Gilbert A., enlisted September 8, '61; he was wounded at Gettysburg; he engaged in farming after the war, and is a good citizen. (See photo and sketch.)
G. A. McGINNIS
G. A. McGinnis en- listed in Company E, 32nd Regiment on Sep- tember 5th, 1861. He served as a good soldier until at Spottsylvania Court House, where he was wounded. Soon after his recovery, he returned to the war where he remained un- til the close. On his re- turn home he spent his life farming, at which he was successful. He is still living, a good quiet citizen.
Miller, Abram, enlisted March 31, '63; was taken pris- oner once; he died recently on his farm.
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Moser, M. M., enlisted March 31, '63; he died melancholy during the war.
Null, Adam, enlisted March 31, '63; he was a quiet, in- offensive man, and died in the County Home in 1910.
Mitchell, William J., enlisted November 3, '64; he died during the war.
Prorst, John W., enlisted August 14, '63. (See sketch.) JOHN W. PROPST
I enlisted in Mallett's Batalion near States- ville, in the fall of 1862. Soon after we were call- ed to Kingston, where we engaged in battle from 9 o'clock until 3 in the evening; we were forced to retreat to the Neuse River where we attempted to cross, after the bridge was set on fire on the opposite side. While on the burning bridge jammed with men, I found to remain here, was instant death. I managed to get out- side the ballisters and came back, ran up the river and was captured. I was exchanged in two months thereafter. In the Spring of 1863, I joined Co. E. 32 Regi- ment by transfer.
On the 15th of September, I was wounded seven miles below Win- chester, which gave me a furlough of two months. On my return, I was detailed to govern forage at Petersburg. I was sick in Hospital on the 29th of March when the stampede occured at Petersburg, and was hastened to Richmond, where I was again captured
After the evacuation of Richmond, I fell into the enemies' hands again, and was taken to Newport News where I was detained until the surrender, being released in June 1865, after which I returned home. I set to work as other men, and by dint of effort and perseverance, I made a living that summer. Year after year since, I kept accumulating until I made good, raised a considerable family, and am now retired to the wide awake little city of Hickory, and for past time, am engaged in trucking-a happy and contented old gentlemen.
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
Reep, Daniel, enlisted August 14, '61; was taken pris- oner; he died some years ago.
Reep, Alfred, enlisted March 31, '63; he is a farmer, still living.
Reep, Christopher, enlisted August 14, '61; he made a splendid soldier ; he died since the war.
Robinson, F. O., enlisted January 2, '63. (See sketch.)
FRANCIS OSBORNE ROBINSON
Francis Osborne Robin- son was born April 15th, 1843. Was reared upon a farm in Mountain Creek Township, Cat- awba County, N. C. He volunteered at the call of his country, June 2, 1862; Joined Co. E. 32 Regiment under Capt. M. W. Wilson; served fifteen months in regular field service; was then detailed to drive an ambulance, at which he was captured at Gettys- burg, on South Mountain Turnpike road at mid- night on the fourth and fifth of July, 1863, while in charge of a load of wounded Confederate officers.
He was first sent to Fort Delaware where he remained for three or four months; thence removed to Pt. Lookout, Md., where he remained until exchanged in Feb. 1865. He was then sent to Camp Lee, Richmond; thence sent home on a sixty day's furlough, but never returned to service, as Lee surrendered before furlough expired.
He is still living, on a competency acquired by industry and economy.
Sherrill, A. E., enlisted March 31, '62; he died since the war.
Setzer, J. Sidney, enlisted August 14, '61. (See sketch and photo.)
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J. SIDNEY SETZER
I enlisted at Newton, N. C., in August 1861. We were the First N.C. Batallion; later Company E, 32nd Regiment. I was not the bravest of the brave, though par- ticipated in every en- gagement my regiment engaged in (until captur- ed.) Beginning with a slight skirmish at Win- ston, N. C., the battles of Gettysburg, Wilder- ness, and Spottsylvania Court House being the most disastrous. Dur- ing the three days bat- tle at Gettysburg I witnessed about eight men in hand to hand struggle over a Federal flag, using butts of guns; one Confererate soldier only securing it. Confronting Heights third day, in front of Battery, and small arms, I witnessed a number of our men torn asunder, threads of flesh thrown into low limbs of over- hanging trees. We were on the banks of a deep ravine at edge of woods, the front being a steep field, and our only refuge was falling into the ravine, crawl to the left to front cover of woods, when we charged and dislodged the enemy for a time. At dusk, when both armies began to retreat, I was on skirmish between the two and was slightly wound- ed, but remained with the command. Our retreat recrossing swollen Rappahannock, struck us under arms, compelling us to cling in groups of fours to avoid washing down. After hard battles of Wilderness to Spottsylvania Court House, half or more of our survivors were captur- ed, including myself. The loss of life was appalling. Our captors nearly drunk, howled; "no quarters." Interference of their officers saved us from massacre. We were rushed through their six lines of battle over more dead than I ever witnessed elsewhere. We were conveyed to Point Lookout, Md .; later to Elmyra, N. Y., suffering untold destitution at both places. I was paroled February 25, 1865, and sent to Richmond, and from there home. Was not exchanged, consequently was at home when the war ended. The hardships, dangers, etc., of the four years were almost intolerable.
After returning home I engaged in farming and school teaching in
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the common schools for a few years. Having no means to begin with in the way of money or inheritance of property, I bought a small farm in Caldwell County on credit. Was married and settled down where wife and I labored together on the little farm until it was paid for. We then sold it and bought a better one and later sold it for a profit. I then bought a farm and mill in partnership near Lenoir, N. C. and lost money. Later was a salesman and manager in general merchandising store for nine years. Made some money out of former dealings, but saved little from sales wa zes. Then bought small interest in cotton mill. etc. at Granite Falls, N. C. where I worked on salary and accumu- lated. I then moved to South Carolina where I lost in a partnership nearly all. Returned to Hickory and engaged in mercantile business; accumulated rapidly for a few years, then suffered a loss of $15,000.00 by fire. My losses in all aggregated about $15,000.00 or $20,000.00 by partnerships and fire. I am now in my 70th year, am in comfortable circumstances. Wife still living. Five living children; all married and in fairly good circumstances. Two children dead. I am still in the mercantile business.
Shuford, David, enlisted in '63. (See sketch.)
DAVID H. SHUFORD
David H. Shuford joined Company E, 32 Regiment at Spottsyl- vania in February, 1864. He was with his com- pany and engaged in all the battles it was in un- til the surrender. Amid all the trying places, he was never wounded but once-a slight wound on the thumb.
He has spent these years in merchandising and farming, and is to- day a respected citizen.
Sherrill, M. W., enlisted September 12, '61. (See sketch and photo.)
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MARCUS W. SHER- RILL
Marcus W. Sherrill was born July 31, 1863. He enlisted in Company E, 32nd Regiment Aug- ust 1861. Was at home on sick furlough at the time of the surrender. Was married October 12, 1865 to Miss Mattie Cornelius, who with three sons and one dau- ghter are living.
He has been a suc- cessful farmer since the war.
Smyre, Logan, enlisted October 26, '61; he was discharg-
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ed August 17, '62; he was a good soldier; he died since the war.
Turner, John, enlisted August 14, '61; he was a brave soldier; he was killed while carrying the flag at Spottsyl- vania.
Sigmon, J. Churchill. (See sketch.)
J. CHURCHILL SIGMON
J. Churchill Sigmon enlisted at the age of 18, in 1863; was drilled awhile at Camp Vance in Burke; from there he was sent to Wilmington, N. C .; thence to the Valley of Virginia near Winchester. He was there enrolled in Co. G., 35 N. C. Regiment. In 1864, he was in his first battle at Bunker's Hill. He served as a sharp- shooter all the time in the Valley. His next battle was Fisher's Hill where he was knocked senseless by a shell, from which he still suffers with a nervous headache. On March the 25th, he received a flesh wound which kept him out of service until the surrender; yet he remained with his command and saw Gen. Lee ride up to the Apple Tree under whose branches he surrendered. He return- ed in company with E. L. Hahn, L. R. Whitener, and others. In 1872 he married and has raised a family of six children. He- owns a good farm, and today has all that heart could wish, and a bank account, suffi- cient to ease off a life of toil and yet leave his family in good circum- stances. A peaceable, industrious and economical man is he. It can well be said of those still living, such as he:
"Ye are better than all the Ballads Which were ever sung or said; For ye are living poems, And all the rest are dead."
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Turner, Joseph, enlisted March 17, '63; he was discharg- ed November 1, '63; he died in 1900.
Wade, W. A., enlisted August 14, '61; he was captured and never returned.
Wade, L. R., enlisted August 14, '61. (See sketch.)
R. L. Wade was one of the best soldiers in Co. E. He was a talented young man, kept himself posted on the news. At Gettysburg, he was struck in the shoulder with a piece of shell, and died the third day after. He lay at the author's tent, or nearby, and suffered intensely until death relieved him. He was neglected by physicians, until his condition be- came such that it is too terrible to describe.
Warlick, Lafayette, enlisted September 12, '61. (See sketch.
Lafayette Warlick was worth his weight in gold on a long march on a hot day. He is a natural born poet, -a live wire. His only fault was, he delighted in making one mad. He was the poet laureate of the Re- giment, and a skilled "Forrager."
Workman, S. E., enlisted August 14, '61. (See sketch and photo.)
SOLOMON WORK- MAN
Solomon Workman en- listed August 14th, 1861, in Co. E. F. 32nd Regiment, and served faithfully during the war. He never shirked his duty and was one of the bravest boys of the company. He made a living by hard labor, and died some years ago.
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
Winebarger, Noah W., enlisted March 31, '63; he died since the war on his farm.
Winebarger, Silas, enlisted March 5, '63; he was wound- ed at Gettysburg, and died since the war.
Whitener, David R.
Wilkerson, W. A., enlisted October 10, '62; he was once a prisoner ; he died since the war.
Wilkinson, D. D., enlisted March 31, '63; he was lost sight of.
Wilson, Henry M., enlisted August 14, '61; he died since the war.
Wilson, Daniel C., enlisted August 14, '61; he died in Hickory, January 14, 1911.
Wilson, Newton, enlisted August 14, '61; he died in '63 from wound received at Gettysburg.
Wilson, A. S. (See sketch and photo.)
AUSTIN WILSON
Austin Wilson enlist- ed at the time Co. E. 32nd Regiment was or- ganized at Newton, Aug. 1861. Being physi- cally not strong, he could not endure many hardships. The first skirmish, which he en- countered was at Wins- ton, N. C., taken by sur- prise. Abel Cansler, the author and Wilson were all sick in the up- per room of a hotel, and when the boats opened fire on the town, we all three took up our beds, and ran, never stopping until we reached Mur- freesboro, Wilson arriv- ing first. For disability he was discharged some time in 1862. He was, and is to-day, a feeble old bachelor, with as
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big a heart as ever beat in the breast of man. No matter who was sick in our company, Wilson was by their bunk, attending to their wants. The author saw him once hire a wheelbarrow and haul one of his sick comrades five miles to Camp. A jolly, good fellow was Aus., now a devoted Presbyterian, ready for the call beyond the River. "A hoary head is a crown of life if found in the way of Righteousness."
Wilson, Nathaniel, enlisted August 14, '61 ; he died Aug- ust 16, '62.
(The above named brothers were Christians, and kept the company instructed in the Scriptures.)
Yount, Reuben L., enlisted February 25, '63. (See sketch and photo.)
REUBEN L. YOUNT
I was born and raised a farmer. In February, 1863, I enlisted in Com- pany E, 32nd N. C. Regiment; joined the command near Kinston, N. C., and remained with it until July 1, 1863, when I lost my right hand. I also received another severe wound at Gettysburg, Pa.
I was captured and taken to David's Island (east of New York City) and kept there until September, when I was exchanged and sent back across the line, landing at City Point,
near Petersburg, Va. I was then taken to the N. C. Hospital, where I got a sixty days furlough. I then went home, and after the furlough was out, I returned to the command and got my dis- charge.
I took a position as night watchman at Catawba, N. C., for the W. N. C. Railway, which I held until the close of the war. After the war I worked on the farm and attended the country schools until the fall of 1868, when I went to Newton and entered Catawba High School, then under the management of Rev. J. C. Clapp and Maj. S. M. Finger. I
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remained there until October 5, 1871, when I left school, owing to a bereavement in the family.
During the time I was in school at Newton, I taught two winters and after quitting school I taught during the winter and worked on the farm during the summer until 1873. I then went to Missouri where I began teaching again, both summer and winter. The schools there were from five to six months long in the winter, and in the summer, from three to four months.
I left Missouri in June, 1881, and landed home the 20th of the same month. After coming home I began teaching again during the winter, and farmed the summer months for several years.
Took a position as U. S. store-keeper and guager December 18th, 1885, which I held until I was relieved by another man, September 1st, 1809. Then I went home, went to farming, and am still following same, and suppose I will as long as I live.
Cloninger, Postell. (See sketch and photo.)
J. POSTELL CLON- INGER
I enlisted in May 1864. Was sent to Camp Vance for drill, and there was formed into the 3rd Bat- allion, of 16 year old boys. From there, I, with a few others, was transferred to Company E. 32 N. C. Regiment, in Oct. '64. We found it at Winchester. The day after, I was introduced to the mimmie balls, - my first experience. After that day, I was in all the principal battles the 32nd Regiment en- gaged in, the fiercest of which were Cedar Run, and Fisher's Hill.
We were then sent to Petersburg, and here my experience was still further perfected. I was captured at Appo- mattox Bridge,-captured because the bridge was on fire preventing our crossing over. The number of captured were about 3500. We were hastened to Newport News, where we had the toughest time of all.
We were not released until July 3rd, 1865. On my return, I found
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destitution at home, but I was sufficiently inured to it, and I discarded the venmin Jacket, put on the best I could find and went to work to sus- tain life. I was successful on my farm and in the manufacturing of flour and am now in very easy circumstances. I have my farm and mill leased, and make my home in Hickory, where I own real estate. The family I raised are a joy and honor to me. My two sons in Oklahama are doing well. I hereby greet the comrades, not only of my own re- giment, but of the State and South as well.
Yount, A. S., enlisted August 14, '61; he was discharged in '63 for disability; he died recently on his farm near Claremont, N. C.
Yount, M. P., enlisted August 14, '61; he died January 13, '62.
Yount, J. L., enlisted August 14, '61.
COMPANY F., 32ND REGIMENT.
OFFICERS.
Smith, Peter, Captain, enlisted in April, 1861, and joined Rapp's Rangers ; he is still living at Conover, N. C.
Adderholdt, John, 1st Lieutenant, died and was buried at his home church (Concord), in 1861.
Lowrance, W. E., was promoted from Sergeant to 1st Lieutenant; he was wounded in the knee in the year '63, which necessitated the amputation of a leg above the knee; he is still living in Memphis, Tenn.
Loretts, Daniel P., 2nd Lieutenant, was commissioned April 27, 1861; he was wounded in the thigh at Winchester on September 19, 1863; he was captured and paroled, dy- ing after the close of the war.
Fish, Henry, 3rd Sergeant, enlisted April 27, '61, and died August 17, '62.
Kale, Poiser, 5th Sergeant; died during the war.
McNeill, Thos. J., 1st Corporal; enlisted April 27, '61; he was a genius in drawing, etc .; he died during the latter part of the war.
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THE CATAWBA SOLEIER
Bridges, Theo. A., 2nd Corporal; enlisted April 27, '61; after the close of the war he came home, moved to Texas, and died in that State.
Abernathy, Patrick, 3rd Corporal ; enlisted April 27, "61, and died April 18, '62.
Long, J. U., 4th Corporal. (See sketch and photo.)
J. U. LONG
J. U. Long was a Corporal in Company F, 32nd Regiment from its formation, April 27, 1861, to the close, April 9, 1865. He was never known to flinch from any duty imposed upon him. He was wounded at Gettysburg in 1863. On his return, he, like the major part of the returned veterans, did not hesitate long what to do, but went to work, and by his industry, economy and persever- ance, he acquired quite a little fortune. He has been a leading citi- zen of his county, hav- ing served as chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for four years, not having miss- ed a meeting. He is now serving the County as Treasurer, having just been re-elected to a second term, which re-election shows his efficiency and popularity. He, among many other of his comrades, has been a main factor in the devel- opment of the best interests of the county, especially having manifested a lively interest in educational and religious matters. "He that is dilli- gent in his business, shall stand before Kings; he shall not stand before mere men."
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Hunsucker, W. Nelson W. (See sketch and photo.)
W. NELSON HUN- SUCKER
W. Nelson Hunsucker enlisted in Company F, 32nd Regiment, April 27, 1861. He was 4th Sergeant. Was a brave and good soldier. He returned at the close of the war and became a mechanic (brick layer.)
He is another of Ca- tawba's good men; hence made good his career. He is still living, a mon- ument inured to hard- ships.
PRIVATES.
Abernethy, M. A., enlisted February 25, '63. (See photo Adderholt, Wm. H., enlisted January 1, '63; came home from the war at the surrender at Appomattox and lived a most excellent citizen and successful farmer; the last fifteen or twenty years of his life was lived in Iredell Coun- ty, just North of Statesville; he died in 1910.
Adderholt, Thos. S., enlisted January 1, '64; after the surrender he went to Mississippi, where he married and still lives.
Bynum, John G., enlisted August 14, '61; he was pro- inoted to Orderly Sergeant; he was captured at Spottsyl- vania C. H .; after the close of the war he came home, set- tled down on the farm, where he still lives.
Bailey, John, enlisted April 26, '61; he died since the war.
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
M. A. ABERNETHY
The subject of this sketch was born in Ca- tawba county on Sept- ember 26, 1844. All the education he got, prior to the civil war, was in the "old field" public schools, of the kind that existed in that day. He enlisted in Company F, 32nd Regiment N. C. Troops early in the year 1863. He was in all the regular fought battles, from the battle of Get- tysburg to the surren- der, on the 9th of April, 1865, that the army of Northern Va. was en- gaged in. Was wound- ed but once, a flesh wound, in the right arm on the 19th day of Sep- tember, 1864, near Win- chester, Va. He was in the surrender at Appomattox Court House, Va,, and when he receiv- ed his parole he started for home, in company with Capt P. C. Shuford* Dr. Geo. Tate Powell,* A. B. Powell, Wm. H. Aderholdt,* Thos. Aderholdt, A. K. Cline,* Henry D. Hill and Rev. E. W. Thompson, * Chaplain of the 43rd Regiment. (Five of whom are now dead. See marked *) All kept together until they arrived at Statesville, N. C. There the crowd parted-part going down the way, towards Troutman's depot, part up the Western R. R. toward Catawba depot, and three of the boys, viz: Abernethy and the two Powells, struck straight for home by way of the old "Buffalo Shoal ford" road. The three arriving at at their homes at the Long Island Cotton Mills about the middle of the day, on April 12, 1885.
In the army life of this young soldier, (being yet scarcely 21 at the close of army life), many things might be related that would doubtless be interesting to all who read this sketch, but space does not admit of them here. But just one must be allowed, and it is this: On the re- treat of the Confederate army from the Gettysburg battle Lee's forces, part of them, crossed the Potomac river back into the Valley of Va. at Williamsport, and the river was swollen to the extent, that it was necessary for him to wade on the lower side of four of the largest men in the company to keep his head above the water. This
-
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served as a break to keep the water from forcing him down the stream (Being like Zaccharus low of statue.) And then the water struck him just between the right ear and shoulder. The order was to keep car- tridges dry, but this little soldier would have had to held his above his head, which he tried for awhile, but could not hold out and survive, and consequently, his ammunition got well soaked before he reached the Virgin bank of the river.
This Catawba boy, like most of the Confederate soldiers, landed at home penniless, but not without ambition, and unyielding determination (that knows no defeat) to be a man and do something in the world. Hence he, after working on the farm the first summer, began to go to school (again) in order to equip himself for a useful life, notwithstand- ing his best days, for this purpose, had been spent in the war. In the latter part of the year he went to a private school, taught by Mr. "Mark" Robinson, near Catawba Station, (then) for the term of three months. In the spring of 1867 he went to a grammar school taught by Dr. Brantly York.
This school of Dr. York's, was conducted in the same little old "log school-house", that Robinson taught in the summer before.
In the latter part of the following summer, in the same old "log- house M. A. Abernethy taught his first school; following teaching in the public schools, in Catawba and Iredell counties, for more than thirty years. At the same time farming principally, for a living; for the salary of the teacher, was insufficient for this; only coming in as a supplement.
In the year 1880, the 8th, of October, the M. E. Church South licen- sed him to preach, and in some parts of his county, he has been called a Local P. E. (presumably because of his being familiarly known in almost every nook and corner of the county).
In 1880, he was appointed by the Census Dept. of the U. S. Govern= ment, to take the census of Catawba township, which he performed in 24 days in June, beginning on the first.
In the year 1896, he was elected on the Board of County Commis- sioners, and was kept on the Board, for three successive terms; the end of the third term expiring on Dec. 1st, 1892.
In 1897, he was elected Sec. & Treas. of The Farmers' Mutual Fire Ins. Association, Catawba & Burke Branch, and was in 1900, made Local Agt. for the same, taking charge of the office work, that year whose office is, and has been in the town of Newton.
And he has so successfully managed it, that it has grown from about three hundred and fifty thousand, in force, to one million and four hund- red thousand, up to date, (April 1st, 1911.) in force.
In the year 1908, he was appointed by the Dept. of Agriculture at Washington, D. C. to take charge of the Co-operative Demonstration farm-work in Catawba Co. He served under the supervision of Dr. S. A. Knapp, of the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, for three years, viz: 1908, 1909, and 1910; distributing publications on the best and latest improved methods of farming, showing by actual demonstrations, in many parts of the county, that the yield on one acre, in corn and cotton, can be doub.
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