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 18
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 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25
OF THE CIVIL WAR
Arney, Phillip, enlisted March 13th, 1862. He is still living. Armstrong, Turner, enlisted Oct. 1st, 1862. At Fredericks- burg, he was wounded. He died in the war.
Bost, Robert A., enlisted June 8th, 1862. He was transferred from 12th Regiment, June, 1862, and promoted Ist. Sergeant, Nov. 21st, 1862. He was afterwards promoted to Captain. He died since the war.
Bumgarner, H. L., enlisted March 13th 1862. He died since. Bost, Alfred W., enlisted March 13th, 1862. He is now dead.
Barringer, P. R., enlisted March 13th, 1862. He was killed at Frederickville, Va., Dec. 13th, 1862.
Bandy, Jacob W., enlisted March 13th, 1862. He is still living; a mason by profession.
Burch, William R., enlisted March 13th, 1862. He is still living.
H. H. CALDWELL
H. H. Caldwell enlist- ed in Company K, 46th N. C. Regiment from Ca- tawba county. He left home on the 25th day of March, 1862, and went to Camp Mangum, near Raleigh, N. C., and drilled. Later, went to Goldsboro, N. C., and formed in Gen. Heath's Division; and later, to Virginia in Gen. Lee's army.
He was in the battle of Manassas Junction on September 17, 1862; and at Fredricksburg on December 13; around Richmond and Seven Pines May 31 to June 5; at the Wilderness fight May 5.
On the 26th day of March, 1865, he was captured at Hatcher's Run, near Petersburg, Va., and taken to Point Lookout, where he remained until the surrender.
He is a good citizen, good farmer, and liked by all who know him.
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
Hobbs, John, enlisted March 13th, 1862. He received a wound from which he died December 20th, 1862.
Finger, Dock, enlisted March 13, 62.
DOCK FINGER
I enlisted in Co. K. 46 Regiment, March 10th, 1862. We were drilled awhile at Salisbury; thence to Goldsboro; thence to Seven Pines; thence to Drury's Bluff; thence to Washington; thence to Harper's Ferry, where we captur- ed five hundred of the enemy. I was then in the battle of Sharps- burg, where I was severely wounded. I walked ninety two miles back to Staunton with an ounce ball in my leg, and after fourteen weeks, I cut the ball out myself. We then went sixty-five miles below Charleston, up to the Coast to the Wilder- ness (May 6th, 1864), where I received another wound. In the battles of Sharpsburg and Bristow's station, I fired as many balls as any man in our Company. I was a lucky man throughout the war; but since then, I have not been so fortunate Some years ago, I visited some of those grounds, and I was made to feel sad when I counted so many of the graves of the enemy, feeling, as I did, that some of my balls caused a grave. Now, since fifty years have passed, and God has been good to some of us living to a good old age, let us be as good soldiers of the cross of Christ as we were of the "Lost Cause": and let our re-union beyond the river be one of greater joy than those of earth.
Hahn, W. P., enlisted March 20th, 1862. He was killed at the Battle of the Wilderness.
Helton, Hosea, enlisted July 10th, 1862. He died since the war. Huitt, John L., enlisted September 25th, 1862. (See sketch).
Isenhour, B. G., enlisted March 13th, 1862. He died July 24th, 1862.
275
OF THE CIVIL WAR
J. L. HEWITT
I enlisted March 26th, 1862. I was one of the youngest soldiers that left Catawba County, I was only 16 years old. I joined Capt. A. T. Bost's Company (Co. K. 46th Regiment), Cook's Brigade, Heath's Divi- sion A. P. Hill's Corps.
We first went to Raleigh; then to Greens- boro; Then to Richmond Va., at the Seven Pines Battle; to Malvern Hill from there; then over into Maryland, and up into Pennsylvania. I was wounded at Sharps- burg, Md., Sept. 13th, 1862.
I was in all of the battles of Harper's Ferry, Fredericksburg, and all the skirmishes around Richmond and Petersburg. I was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness, May 4th. 1864. (Space will not permit my giving all my records).
I came home Sept. 10th, 1864, with a bad wound. I was at home at the time of Lee's surrender, still quite ill with my wound.
After the surrender, I was almost in destitute circumstances. In 1866, I farmed some; then learned the millwright's trade, and worked at that until 1878. I then got in the United States Marshall service; was in that two years. I then was storekeeper and gauger in the Rev- enue Department, and served that until the Watt's law came into effect. Out of all this, I made quite a nice little pile, and am now on my farm.
I was married in 1866 to a Miss Rabb. I have six children living ; five boys and one girl.
I was elected to the office of Justice of The Peace at the age of twenty years, and still hold the office yet at the age of 65 years.
Jarrett, Obediah, enlisted in July, 1862 (See sketch).
Jones, John A., enlisted March 13th, 1862. He died at Rich- mond, Dec. 8th, 1862.
Keener, James M., enlisted March the 13th, 1862. He died at home in 1863, from a wound received while in the war.
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
OBIDA M. JARETT
Obida M. Jarrett was born August 4, 1844 and was reared on a farm. Received a very limited education. Enlisted in Company K, 46th Regi- ment March 20, 1862, at the age of 17 years. He served with his com- mand in many hard fought battles and en- dured many hardships. At the close of the war he came home and serv- ed an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade with his father. On Decem- ber 9, 1869, he was mar- ried to Miss Jane C. Hawn. He was devot- ed to his family, which consisted of five daugh- ters. He died on April 9, 1903. He was a great sufferer in his last years, caused by exposure in the war, he having marched through the ice and snow barefooted in some of the Virginia campaigns. He was a gallant soldier, and above all, a faithful Christian, a devoted husband and father. Peace to his ashes.
Killian, Samuel, enlisted March 13th, 1862. He was wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness (See sketch).
Kistler, J. L., enlisted March 20th, 1862. He was wounded at Sharpsburg. He is now dead.
Keever, Alexander L., enlisted March 20th, 1862. He died since the war.
Link, John C., enlisted March 13th, 1862. He is still living.
Link, Andrew, enlisted October 1st, 1862. He died since the war.
Leonard, Robert H., enlisted March 13th, 1862. He was killed at Bristow Station.
Miller, John, enlisted March 20th, 1862. He was wounded at Fredericksburg. He died during the war.
Miller, Jesse R., enlisted March 13th, 1862. He died Novem- ber 10th, 1862 at Richmond, Va.
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OF THE CIVIL WAR
SAMUEL E. KILLIAN
Samuel E. Killian was born September 9, 1843, and enlisted March 13, 1862, in Company K, 46th N. C. Regiment. He was in the first Fredricksburg battle, and many other noted battles, and was wound- ed at the Wilderness fight, April 5, 1864; and afterwards served as Sergeant in the Divis- ion Commissary until the end of the war.
He was in Lee's sur- render at Appomattox Court House.
Since the war, he fol- lowed farming; later merchandising; and has served as a Magistrate for thirty years; Notary Publie for ten years, and filled many other places of honor.
He is a friend to the old soldier, and is consulted by many persons for advice; is a peace-maker, a Christian and a law abiding citizen.
He is a school-mate and life long friend of the author. "Sam" Killian, as we know him, has served his country well in peace and war. He is a model man in his life.
He published a valuable pamphlet on Points of Law, which has a wide circulation. He has been, and is an honor to his county and state. He is endowed with more than ordinary talent.
"Mind is the Master-power that moulds and makes, And Man is Mind, and evermore he takes,
The tool of Thought, and, shaping what he wills, Brings forth a thousand joys, a thousand ills :-
He thinks in secret, and it comes to pass: Environment is but his looking-glass.
McNeill, James F., enlisted March 13th, 1862. He was killed at Fredericksburg, December, 1862.
Martin, Marion, enlisted March 13th, 1862. He died at Peters- burg, August 10th, 1862.
Moore, William, enlisted March 13th, 1862. He was trans- ferred June 8th, 1862 to 12th Regiment. He is now dead.
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
Moore, Martin, enlisted March 13th, 1862. He was killed at Fredericksburg, December 16th, 1862.
Mouser, William H., enlisted March 13th, 1862 (See sketch).
WILLIAM H. MOUSER
William H. Mouser, a Private in Company K. 46th Regiment, passed through the war, having discharged his duties faithfully. He was en- gaged in many battles, and, in all, escaped Scott free.
After his return, he spent his life in farming, at which he made good. He served his County for a time as Justice of the Peace. He is as hale, and hearty a gentlemen as may be seen at this stage of life.
Norwood, Robert M., enlisted March 13th, 1862. He was promoted Corporal. He is still living.
Poovey, Silas B., enlisted March 14th, 1862. He died after the war.
Parker, Charles, enlisted March 13th, 1862. He is still living. Parker, John, enlisted March 13th, 1862. He was wounded at Fredericksburg, and is now dead.
Propst, William, enlisted March 13, '62; he died since the war, in Haywood County, N. C.
Parker, Samuel, enlisted March 13, '62; he received a wound from which he died, January 15, '63.
Propst, John, enlisted March 13, '62; he died at home on April 7, '63.
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OF THE CIVIL WAR
Perkins, Henry, enlisted March 13, '62; he died at Petersburg, December 14, '62.
Robinson, H. H., enlisted March 13, '62; he is still living. Rink, C. R., enlisted March 20, '62; he was discharged March 17. '63, on account of wound received at Sharpsburg. (See sketch.)
C. R. RINCK
C. R. Rinck, a mem- ber of Co. K. 46 North Carolina Regiment, en- listed March 20th, 1862.
He was wounded at Sharpsburg and was dis- charged March 7th, 1863. He died at the age of fifty-two.
He was a quiet, peace- able man, who, by in- dustry and economy, made a good living on his own farm.
"Better is the poor in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips and is a fool."
Rhinehardt, William A., enlisted March 13, '62; he died at Petersburg, August 19, '62.
Reep, Adam, enlisted March 13, '62; he was wounded at Fredericksburg ; he died in the West.
Smyre, Cicero M., enlisted March 13, '62; he died Oc- tober 8, '62 at Winchester.
Smyre, Robert A., enlisted March 13, '62; he died since the war.
Smyre, John R., enlisted March 13, '62; he was discharg- ed at Goldsboro, May 28, '62; he is now dead.
280
THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
Rowe, A. H., enlisted March 13, '62. (See sketch.)
ALONZO HARTMAN ROWE
Alonzo Hartman Rowe was born in Iredell county, N. C., April 30, 1839, and was reared in Catawba county near Newton. He was edu- cated in the common schools of his native state. He began life as a carpenter. He went to South Carolina and Florida, where he fol- lowed his trade.
In 1860 he went to Louisiana, where he volunteered in the Con -: federate service, joining Co. I, 3d Louisiana Volun - teers. In the battle of Pea Ridge he was wound- ed in the right hip, and fell into the hands ofx the enemy; but, after a few days, escaped and made his way to the hospital at Little Rock. Later, was honorably ,
discharged from the service on account of his wounds.
He afterwards re-enlisted in Company K, 46th Volunteer Infantry. He was in some of the most important engagements of the war. He served faithfully until the surrender. . In 1869 he went to Texas and settled in Jefferson, Marion county, where he engaged in business. He went to Ennis, Ellis county, Texas, in 1875, and engaged in cotton ginning. He ginned perhaps more cotton than any other man in Ellis county; and always maintained the fullest confidence of his customers.
He was a successful business man and accumulated good property. He was married in 1869 to Miss Sarah G. Deal, of Lenoir, N. C. To this union were born ten children .. His wife and. seven children survive. He was a devoted Christian gentleman, a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he was a ruling elder. He was a mem- ber of Camp James Longstreet, U. C. V. " He died at `his home, No. 304 W. Knox St., Ennis Texas, Wednesday evening, July 10, 1901.
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and He delight- eth in his way."
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281
OF THE CIVIL WAR
Seitz, John Q., enlisted March 13, '62; he died since the war.
Setzer, Calvin, enlisted March 13, '62; he is still living.
R. C. SETZER
I entered the service at the age of seventeen years in Company K, 46th N. C. Regiment in the fall of 1864. I found the Company at or near Petersburg, Va. I was in several engagements, and on the 25th of March (the same day Lee made his raid at Petersburg) was captured on the picket line with Mark Boyd, Mark and Lank Poovey, all being in a rifle pit. We were taken to City Point; from there to Washing- ton City; then to Point Lookout. We remained there until the surrender and fared reasonably well. On the 14th of May we were sent to our homes, making our way as best we could. We found destitution here. No shoes or cloth- ing; rations were scarce, but we were grateful that we were at home. I took hold of the dilemma, and during the summer made enough of provisions for the next year; all I lacked was money. Time passed; and finally I married and continued to acquire little by little, and today I am at ease, surrounded with plenty-a jolly, active citizen.
Setzer, D. A. enlisted March 13, '62; he was killed at Fredericksburg, December 13, 62.
Setzer, W. S., enlisted March 13, '62; he was wounded at Sharpsburg; he died in 1908.
Shuford, M. C., enlisted March 13, '62; he was promoted Corporal; he died September 8, '62.
Summit, Pinkney, enlisted March 13, '62; he died at Petersburg, July 4, '62.
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THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
WILBURN SETZER
Wilburn Setzer enlist- ed in Co. K. 46 Regi- ment March 27, 1862. He made good during his term of service. He was wounded several times during the war. After his return home, he tilled the soil, and is one of Catawba's good farmers. Still living.
Summit, Isaac L., enlisted March 13, '62; he was pro- moted Corporal; he died during the war.
Sherrill, Robert, enlisted March 13, '62; he died since the war.
Sherrill, Henry, enlisted March 13, '62; he died at Win- chester in '63.
Sherrill, Christopher, enlisted March 13, '62; we have no further account of him.
Smith, Isaac, enlisted March 13, '62; he died at Martins- burg in '63.
Sigmon, Lafayette, enlisted March 13, '62; he was killed at the Wilderness battle.
Sigmon, Reuben, enlisted March 13, '62; he was killed at Sharpsburg, September, '62.
Scronce, Joseph, enlisted March 13, '62; he was wounded at Sharpsburg; he died at Orange Court House.
283
OF THE CIVIL WAR
Settlemyre, Adolphus, enlisted March 13, '62; he was killed at the battle of the Wilderness.
Setzer, Daniel, enlisted March 13, '62; he died quite ro- - cently.
Smyre, Walter G., enlisted March 13, '62; he died sinc? the war.
Sigmon, Louis, enlisted March 13, '62; he died but re- cently. (See photo and sketch.)
LEWIS SIGMON
Lewis Sigmon enlist- ed in Co. K., 46th Regi- ment March 13th, 1862. He was another faith- ful soldier of the war, and came out of the war sound bodied. He was a successful farmer, and was never known to have about him poor stock of any kind, es- pecially horses. "The righteous man regard- eth the life of his beasts, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel."
Tucker, Geo., enlisted March 20, '62; he was wounded at both Fredericksburg and McPhernell, S. C .; he is still living Thornburg, L. L., enlisted March 13, '62; he died since the war.
Travis, Levi, enlisted March 13, '62; he was wounded at Fredericksburg ; he died since the war.
Whitener, Leander, enlisted September 25, '62; he is now dead.
284
THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
Whitener, Miles M., enlisted March 16, '63.
Whitener, Geo. L., enlisted March 16, '63.
Whitener, William D., enlisted March 13, '62.
Wilson, David, enlisted March 20, '62; he was killed at Bristow.
Wilson, Geo., enlisted March 20, '63; he was wounded at Fredericksburg; he is still living.
Wilson, James L., enlisted March 13, '62; he was wound- ed at Fredericksburg; he died since the war.
Watts, John, enlisted March 13, '62; he died at Jordan's Springs, Va., October 2, '62.
Witherspoon, A. H., enlisted March 13, '62; he died Oc- tober 5, '62 at Richmond.
Workman, H. J. K., enlisted March 13, '62; he was wounded at Fredericksburg; he died since the war.
Weaver, Henry, enlisted March 13, '62; he is now dead.
Weaver, Frederick, enlisted March 13, '62; he has been dead for some years.
Walker, Elisha, enlisted March 13, '62; he died at his home on March 9, '63.
Whitener, Logan G., enlisted March 13, '62; he died since the war.
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285
OF THE CIVIL WAR
HISTORY OF COMPANY I., FORTY-NINTH NORTH 1
CAROLINA REGIMENT.
In reminiscent mood, we undertake the incumbent duty of giving to our friends and posterity a brief history and record of each member of Company I., 49th North Carolina Regiment. It is both, alternately, a pleasant and painful task. When we think of the time back yonder, when our bleeding Southland was calling to her young manhood to come and defend her; and how grandly each member of Company I., 49th North Carolina, like all their true com- rades, harkened to her call and dedicated their lives to her cause, then it is that our hearts swell with admiration, and no duty could be so pleasant as to relate how nobly they marched away from home and loved ones to the battle- fields of Virginia, bearing themselves like true heroes born of the pure and incomparable heroines of the South. When our mind goes back down the corridors of time, and we recall how each member of Company I., 49th North Caro- lina Regiment, filled with life's hope and fidelity, left every- thing behind him and bravely turned his face to the enemy, that was devastating his beloved country, then it is that our enthusiasm arises and our duty remains a pleasant one. But when we think of so many of those who, forgetting all things else, intrepidly marched away to return nevermore, then the meditations of our heart grow serious and there lingers with us a pang that only time will efface, which time shall be when we hear their long-hushed voices from out the past calling us to come and join them in that great innumerable army "Over There." Nor shall the remaining few of our Company have long to wait the final summons, for we are fast travelling towards life's sunset, and one by one we are entering into the gathering shadows.
Company I., 49th North Carolina Regiment was organ- ized March the 19th, 1862, at Catawba, N. C., with the following officers, viz:
W. W. Chenault was elected Captain. He was a brave,
286
THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
efficient and faithful officer; especially was he kind and considerate to his men and proved his fidelity to the South- ern Cause by discharging every obligation required of him. He lived only a short time after going into the service, but his valor was none the less dimmed, for he gave up his life to the country he loved so well. No man can do more. The memory of him will be cherished by the members of Company I. as long as there is one of this band remaining. He died at Petersburg, Va., February, 1863.
Jeptha Sherrill, elected 1st Lieutenant, helned to raise and organize the Company, and was in the fight at Malvern Hill. He displayed marked courage, carrying and using an Enfield rifle like a private soldier. He died at Peters- burg, July, 1862.
C. F. Connor, elected 2nd Lieutenant, was as brave and cool in battle as ever drew a sword. He was always at his post of duty, ever ready to lead his men in the thickest of the fight or wherever ordered by his superior officers. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in July, 1862, and then to Captain of the Company in February, 1863, succeeding Captain Chenault, who died, and remained its Captain until the close of the war, after which he engaged in agriculture. He left behind him a record both in war and private life of which his descendants and friends can justly be proud, one of a pure and exemplary character, imparting to those who mingled with him the great principles of brotherly love and Christian fellowship. He died on his farm in March, 1901. Peace to his ashes. (See sketch and photo.)
Jacob Sherrill, elected 3rd Lieutenant, was wounded at Sharpsburg in 1862, which disabled him from further service in the army. He resigned his commission in Feb- ruary, 1863. He died in January, 1911, a respected and worthy citizen. (See sketch.)
Stephen Witherington, elected Orderly Sergeant, was a quiet and deliberate soldier. He resigned and was elected 3rd Liutenant. He was badly wounded at the storming of Fort Steadman, called by the Confederates "Fort Hell." He is now living in Tennessee.
287
OF THE CIVIL WAR
CHAS. F. CONNOR
Lieutenant Charles F. Connor, son of the Hon. Henry W. Connor and Lucy Hawkins Connor (a daughter of Governor Hawkins,) was born at "Greenwood," near the Sherrill Ford in Cataw- ba County, in 1840. His father, H. W. Connor, served as major in the War of 1812, and was a member of Congress for twenty years. He, Charles F. Connor, vol- unteered in the North Carolina Cavalry in 1862 and was elected 2nd Lieutenant. He served with his command along the Roanoke river in North Carolina and Vir- ginia-a very important line between the two armies-but when the end came he was at home. A very sad thing occurred in connection with young Connor. Just as the war was closing in 1865, he went to Newton to have a set- tlement with Mr. Moses, a Jew living there at the time. While there the Federal troops came into Newton, and Connor and many others fled to keep from being captured, and poor Connor was shot at long range and killed. He was a fine man and but few, if any enemies. He left a widow and three children, namely, T. Frank Connor, doing a large busi- ness at Terrell in Catawba County, and Etta, who married the Rev. W. L. Sherrill, now living in Charlotte. The baby, Charlie Emma, married Dr. W B. Ramsay of Hickory. She died some years ago and is survived by Dr. Charles Ramsay and Mrs. Nina Hall and their father Dr. W. B. Ramsay.
J. W. Sigman was elected 3rd Sergeant. He was a brave, good soldier, one in whom his superior officer could place implicit confidence. He possessed a lovely disposition, which is characteristic of him in his old days. He was wounded at Petersburg. He is still living and is one of our most excellent citizens, and will leave his impress upon those around him of a beautiful and well-spent life, which
288
THE CATAWBA SOLDIER
like the waves created by a pebble thrown into the sea, grow larger and larger long after the pebble has sunk, so will the influence of his life expand more and more long after he has entered into rest. (See sketch and photo.)
J. W. SIGMON
J. W. Sigmon enlisted in Company I, 49th Regiment on March 19, 1862, and was elected 5th Sergt., later promot- ed 4th Sergt. He serv- ed faithfully during the war, and on his return engaged in farming, making a good and hon- est living.
One thing must be said of him-he lived a goodly life, and was always found on the right side of every moral issue. The reader may see in the photo a ripe subject for the King- dom.
"I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, or his seed begging bread."
B. F. Moody was elected 4th Sergeant. He had previously served in a South Carolina Regiment, and was at the bom- bardment of Fort Sumter. At the expiration of his term he was honorably discharged and then joined Company I. He was the first Color Bearer of the 49th Regiment. He became sick after the battle of Malvern Hill and died in the hospital at Richmond, Va.
Freeman Jones was elected 5th Sergeant and filled the office faithfully and honorably. He was captured at Five Forks, and carried a prisoner to Point Lookout. He is still living and is an upright, exemplary citizen.
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OF THE CIVIL WAR
ACOB SHERRILL
Jacob Sherrill was born March 27, 1832, and enlisted in Company I, 49th Regiment April 1st, 1862, and was wounded at Sharpsburg Sept. 17, 1862, which disabled him for the rest of the war. In 1855 he was married to Miss Harriett Sherrill. After her death he was mar- ried again to Miss Susan Robinson in 1887.
He was a good farmer and devoted his life to that calling. He died Jan. 27, 1911; leaving six daughters. He was a good man and will be greatly missed in his community. "For Me to live is Christ, but to die is gain."
Hosea Brown was elected 1st Corporal. He made a splendid and loyal officer, always at his post of duty. He was killed at Petersburg in 1864.
Being an old man, he died at home soon after the war.
W. T. Long was elected 2nd Corporal and was promoted to 2nd Sergeant. He filled that office through the remainder of the war. He was a valiant officer, always looking out after his duties. He died at his home in Lincoln County, after having spent a life beneficial to his community.
G. W. Moss was elected 3rd Corporal, which office he held throughout the entire period of the war. He was an excel- lent soldier, ever ready to obey all orders intrusted to him with cheerfulness. He was wounded at Sharpsburg. Hc is still living, being a useful citizen and helpful to his country.
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