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 19
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James H. Sherrill was elected 2nd Sergeant, and pro- moted to Orderly, which office he filled with honor to him- self and grat fication to his Company until he was elected 2nd Lieutenant, and then promoted to Captain of Company A. of his Regiment, which office he filled until the close of the war. He was a brave soldier, ever kind to his men and never shirking any duty imposed upon him. It was with regret that Company I. gave him up, as he was loved
by them all. It is recorded in the history of the 35th North Carolina Regiment that Captain Sherrill, assisted by Cap- tain Johnson, rushed forward and extricated Gen. M. W. Ransom from a perilous situation when his horse had fallen on him at the battle of Five Forks. He was at the sur- render at Appomattox. He is still living and engaged in agriculture. He is as good citizen as he was a soldier, ever ready to help those in distress, more ready to give than receive. (See photo.)
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J. S. Lee was elected 4th Corporal. He was an intrepid soldier and was Color Bearer when killed at Drewery's Bluff in May, 1864. Thus another one of the many from our number spilled his blood upon the battlefield for our common cause.
PRIVATES.
Abernethy, Milton, was promoted to Corporal and then to Sergeant. He was a courageous soldier, doing his duty without a murmur. He is still living. He was captured at Five Forks and carried to Point Lookout as a prisoner. His record as a soldier is excelled by none.
Bumgarner, Monroe, was wounded at Malvern Hill. He served throughout the war, leaving an excellent record to redound to his credit as a soldier. He died at home.
Brown, Thompson, was killed at Drewery's Bluff the 16th of May, 1864. He served his country under very great difficulties, being hampered with a physical defect which caused blindness at night.
Brown, Jacob, served through the war. He was captured at Drewery's Bluff May 16th, 1864, but was exchanged and rejoined the Regiment and was captured again at Five Forks. He is now dead.
Brown, William, was an enthusiastic though obedient soldier. He was captured the 25th of March, 1865, and car- ried a prisoner to Point Lookout. He came home and died.
Benfield, W. P., known as "I Cott," being a dutchman, was unexcelled as a soldier. A better one never carried a musket. He went into the battle at Fredericksburg bare- footed through the snow. He was captured at Five Forks, and taken a prisoner to Point Lookout, and came home. He is now dead.
Brady, George, was a good man and a splendid soldier, ever at his post of duty without murmuring. He was cap- tured at Fort Steadman. He came home and died, mourned as an excellent citizen.
Brady, John, was a kind-hearted soldier, eager to per- form every detail of his duty in a manner becoming one who wore the gray. He was captured at Fort Steadman, taken to Point Lookout. He died at home.
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Brown, A. E., was a Musician, later promoted to Orderly Sergeant, finally being promoted to Lieutenant. He was recognized as one of the best soldiers of the Company, al- ways cheerful and well disposed, and constantly vigilant as to the interests of his men. He was ever ready to lead them in combat, and would go where any other soldier dared to go. He was captured at Fort Steadman the 25th of March, 1865, and carried a prisoner to Point Lookout. He came home from prison and is still living. He is valued as one of the best citizens of the county. (See photo.)
LIEUTENANT A. E. BROWN
Lieut. A. E. Brown enlisted in Company I, 49th Regiment, and dur- ing the siege of Peters- burg, he had a most wonderful escape from death, his life being saved by a Bible which he had in his pocket. A ball struck the lower corner of the book ac exactly the first chapter of Nehemiah, breaking, at the same time, 50 to 75 pages more. At the point reached by the ball, and immediately under it were the words: ' 'Stand ye fast, and prepare!"
Blakely, William L., served throughout the entire period of the war. He was captured at Fort Steadman and taken 10 Point Lookout. He was a very good soldier. He died at home after having served his country justly in peace as well as in war.
Bandy, Quin, was a very old man. He was with us only a little while. He came home and soon died.
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Brotherton, Hugh, first served with Mallett's Battalion until it was disbanded, then he joined the 49th Regiment. His every act as a soldier was marked with valor. He was so badly wounded at Fort Steadman that he was captured at the hospital at Petersburg, and then was taken to New- port News. He came home and died in 1905. He was one of those men whose lives brighten the pathway of mankind and leave a lustre that time cannot corrode.
HUGH BROTHERTON
Hugh Brotherton was born March 12, 1829. He enlisted in Company I, 49th Regiment, and was wounded in the leg short- ly afterward, which caused him great suffer- ing until his death. It was a great delight to him to have his friends visit him, and especially did he enjoy those visits to the Reunion, where he could hear his old comrades talk of gone- by days. He died Feb- ruary 13, 1904, being 74 years, 11 months and 1 day old.
Blakely, James M., bore a most satisfactory record as a man and soldier. There was no necessity to urge him to his duties, for he was always there doing what he conceived to be right. He died at Richmond in the year 1863.
Brawley, Peter, was with us but a short time when he was transferred to the 18th North Carolina Regiment. While with us though, he evinced a desire to do well his part, which his record sustains.
Caldwell, Abel, was a remarkable soldier, always cheer-
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ful and ever ready for a chance to strike the enemy. He was wounded at Drewry's Bluff. He was taken prisoner at Fort Steadman. Came home and is still living. He is one of the country's most sturdy and respected sons.
Connor, Augustus, enlisted in the 6th North Carolina Regiment, but was transferred to Company I. during Oc- tober, 1862, and was promoted to Lieutenant, which office he retained to the end of the war. Like his brother, Cap- tain Connor, he was a cool and courageous officer, and was loved by all his men. He was often on the picket line, his superiors having the utmost faith in his ability to execute all orders. No man has a better record as a soldier and citizen tha Gus Connor. He is still living, possessing hosts of friends and no enemies.
C. A. CONNOR
C. A. Connor enlisted in the 8th Regiment on March 28, 1861, and was transferred to Company I, 49th Regiment on October 6, 1862. He was promoted 2nd Lieut. on March 16, 1863. He survived the war, and today is an honorable citizen and worthy man.
Caldwell, James, Jr., was a teamster during the war. He came home and is now living in Caldwell County.
Caldwell, William J., was a fearless soldier and always
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ready for action. He was promoted to Sergeant. He was captured at Fort Steadman and carried a prisoner to Point Lookout. He came home and was the father of sixteen children. He is now dead, having rounded out a well-spent life as a model citizen.
Caldwell, Lawson, took sick after the Seven Days battle. in which engagement he served valorously. He died in the Brigade hospital near Drewery's Bluff.
Caldwell, James, Sr., was with us but a very short while
Clark, David, was a true soldier. He survived the war, came home and is still living, a useful man in his com- munity.
Collins, Henry, was a brilliant soldier, always offering his services freely when a call for volunteers was an- nounced. When out on videt, he picked up a shell that was thrown into his rifle pit and threw it back over to the other side before it bursted. He was wounded at Peters- burg June 22nd, 1864, and died the next day.
Collins, James P., was a daring soldier. He was wound- ed at Drewery's Bluff and at the Yellow House. He was a sharp-shooter when captured at Five Forks. He survived the war, came home and went West. He now lives in Ok- lahoma.
Davis, James, was know as "Ash Cat," but he was ever true to his colors. He went through the entire war, came home and is now living in South Carolina.
Davis, Andrew, died in some hospital. He was a very good soldier. Like all true soldiers, he died upon the altar of his country in sacrifice for her.
Day, William, was a dignified and illustrious soldier, ever having his mouth black from biting off cartridges. He drew more cartridges than any other man in the Company. He was daring in executing orders. Often he was a sharp- shooter, and just before the surrender he and a Yankee took it shot about for seven rounds, the Yankee having a Repeating rifle and he an Enfield rifle. He is recognized as one of the leading citizens of the country, and has filled the important office of County Treasurer for four years to the satisfaction of all. He is the only private in North
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Carolina that has written a history of his Company, of which they are justly proud. He is still living and is en- gaged in his trade as a blacksmith. He is a man with a great big heart, which vibrates with love for all his com- rades.
Drum, Phillip, was known as "Dry Fip." He bears the excellent record of never having missed a march and was in every engagement the Company participated in. A bet- ter soldier never carried a gun. He surrendered at Ap-
pomattox and then came home, and is now living. He is a noble citizen. What grander tribute could any soldier have than to have it recorded of him that he never missed a march nor engagement? His private life is as perfect as his war record. (See photo.)
Drum, John, was in the service but a very short while, but he did his duty nobly. He was killed at Boone's Mill soon after joining the army.
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Drum, Thomas, was another courageous soldier of whom 100 much cannot be said. He was wounded at Malvern Hill, and while he was disabled for further duty, he was never discharged. At the battle of Petersburg on June 18, 1864, he brought in the Company rations. While there the enemy advanced and he did as noble service as any man on the line. He is still living and is a grand old man. (See sketch and photo.)
THOMAS F. DRUM
Thomas F. Drum en- listed in Company I on April 1st, 1862, and joined the 49th Regiment at Raleigh, and went from there to Goldsboro. After drilling at Golds- boro for sometime he went with his Company, which formed a part of the 49th N. C. Regi- ment, to Petersburg, and went into camp at Dunn's Hill. After leaving there he went to Richmond, arriving just after the battle of Seven Pines, but in time to take part in the Seven Day's Fight around Richmond.
On July 1st he was in the thickest of the fight at Malvern Hill, where he received a severe wound in the thigh. After being wounded he lay all night on the battlefield in the hardest kind of rain. He was then taken to a horse stall, in which he lay two days, after which he was moved to Richmond and placed in the hospital. After remaining there about a month he was given a furlough and sent home. After being at home a considerable time he returned to his Company at Weldon, N. C,, and remain.ed with it until the close of the war.
Owing to the fact that his wound resulted in a stiff knee for many weeks, he was detailed, part of the time as cook for his Company; but, notwithstanding his lameness, he took part in several hard fought
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engaments. He was near the famous "Blow-up" at Petersburg, and was on the spot in a few minutes after it occurred.
From Petersburg he went to Appomattox, and was present at the surrender, at which place he received an honorable discharge, and re- turned home to his native county. Thomas is still alive and in good health for a man of his age-82.
Danner, Monroe, was a superb soldier. He gave his life for the cause, being killed at Petersburg. His comrades all mourned his death. He was an even-tempered man, and no man stood any higher in the estimation of the officers and men.
Danner, John, was a magnificent soldier. He answered every call made upon him without a murmur. Like his brother, he was even-tempered and always in good spirits. He was wounded at the Yellow House and was captured at Fort Steadman, then taken to prisor at Point Lookout. He came home and is now one of our most substantial and un- assuming citizens, liked by everyone.
Drum, Peter Monroe, was an old man, but was an excel- lent soldier. The Yankees ran over him twice, but he got away from them each time. Up until a month or two ago he was the oldest man of the Company living, but has since died.
Drum, Rufus, was an old man, but valiantly did his duty as a soldier. He died at home.
Douglass, Elam, was with us but a short time also, being transferred to the 6th North Carolina Regiment.
Elliott, John, was known as "Long John," and always stood at the head of his Company. He was captured at the battle of Five Forks, taken as a prisoner to Point Lookout, and came home. He is still living.
Eller, Alexander, was with us but a little while. He was at the engagement at Malvern Hill, and died at Brigade Hospital, at Drewery's Bluff.
Edwards, Abel, died at Raleigh soon after enlisting.
Edwards, Simon, died at Raleigh soon after enlisting. Had he lived to enter active engagement, he would have done his part well.
Fisher, Reuben, was killed at Malvern Hill.
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W. H. ELLIS
W. H. Ellis enlisted late in the war in Com- pany I. 49th Regiment. On his return he engag- ed in the mercantile business in the then vil- lage of Hickory. In this he acquired quite a com- petency, and at his death a few years ago he left a widow and two daugh- ters and a handsome little fortune.
Fisher, Thomas, was as meek as a lamb. He was a mag- nificent soldier. He served under physical difficulties, be- ing blind after dark. He was captured at Fort Steadman, carried to Point Lookout and came home and died.
Fisher, Joseph, served only for a short period. He was killed at Petersburg by a mortar shell which tore him all to pieces.
Fisher, Elkanah, was an excellent soldier, always doing nis duty cheerfully and uncomplainingly. He was captured and taken to prison at Point Lookout. He same home and is still living.
Fisher, William, was with us but a little while. He was captured at Fort Steadman, carried as a prisoner to Point Lookout, came home and is still living.
Fish, Elkanah, was promoted to Corporal. He was a daring and bold soldier, never swerving from his duty. He was wounded at Petersburg, came home and was a good and useful citizen until his death.
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Freeman, John, was discharged on account of old age. He died at the Soldiers' Home.
Fox, Allison, was another excellent soldier. He was wounded at the Crater at Petersburg and honorably dis- charged. He died at home.
Gilleland, Reuben, died at Raleigh soon after enlisting.
Gilleland, Marcus, was known as "Stuttering Mark." However, his impediment of speech did not deter him from doing his complete duty, for he was always at the front until killed at Fort Steadman. He was loved by all his comrades.
Gilleland, Thomas, was with us only for a short time. He was captured at Fort Steadman and taken to Point Lookout as a prisoner and died.
Gilleland, Elbert, was a recruit, nevertheless he respond- ed nobly to all his tasks. He was captured at Fort Stead- man and taken io Point Lookout. He came home and lived a useful life. Now he is dead.
German, John, was known as "Old Zip." He waded be Potomac river twice after brandy, after our army had re- treated. He was as good soldier as ever shouldered a gun. He surrendered at Appotomax, came home and is supposed to be dead.
Goble, Lawson, was an old man. He was killed at Petersburg.
Goble, Davidson, served with us only a limited while as he was a recruit. He is now living in Caldwell County.
Goodman, Frank, died at Raleigh soon after enlisting.
Harwell, James T., was a dignified yet daring soldier. He could always be found at his post of duty, a cheerful all-round good fellow. He was wounded twice. Once bid- den, he did nobly what was planned. All of his comrades liked him very much. He went through the war, came home and is now a good and useful citizen. He will be iong remembered by the younger generation for the in- struction they receive! from him in the school room. He is now, and has been, a magistrate for several years. He takes a lot of interest in the history of his Company. (See sketch and photo.)
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JAMES T. HARWELL
James T. Harwell was born on the 15th of May 1843. Enlisted as a Con- federate soldier under Capt. W. W. Chenault, Company I, 49th N. C. Regiment, in March, 1862, and was in the Seven Day's fight below Richmond in June of the same year. He was wounded at Sharpsburg, Md., and at Gracie's Dam in front of Peters- burg; also November 24, '64, in the trenches.
He was captured at Five Forks on the first day of April, 1865.
Harwell, Robert, was another remarkably good soldier. He went with his command to Maryland and was lost sight of. He is evidently dead, as he was true to his colors and faithful in duty.
Harwell, John, was one of the liveliest of soldiers. He cooked part of the time for the officers of his Company, though always ready to respond to any call and go wher- ever ordered. He was wounded at Malvern Hill, and also slightly at Fredericksburg. He survived the war, and died at home beloved by all his neighbors. While on picket duty he shot a Yankee out of an apple tree.
Harwell, Elbert, was a fine soldier, ever at his post of duty and faithful to his colors. He survived the war and died at home.
Hamilton, Leonidas, was honorably discharged. He was afterwards killed in the 32nd North Carolina Regiment.
Hager, John, was Commissary for a while, and then
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served the Ambulance Corps until his death at Weldon, N. C., in 1863. His record as a soldier is unimpeachable.
Hager, William, was a soldier with an enviable record. He was killed at the siege of Petersburg in 1864.
Hager, Thomas, was another one who wore the gray with honor to himself and country. He died at home from wounds received at Malvern Hill in 1862.
Hager, James, died at Goldsboro in 1862 soon after en- listing.
Hill, Isaac, was detailed at Richmond to make shoes for the soldiers, and was captured in the Stoneman raid on Richmond and remained North until after the war.
Hill, John, was as game a boy as we had. He was killed at Drewry's Bluff in May, 1864.
Hunsucker, Calvin, was a good soldier. He served through the war, came home and is a good citizen. (Photo.)
CALVIN A. HUN- SUCKER
Calvin A. Hunsucker entered the army with the first conscripts, be- tween the age of 21 and 35 years. He was de- tailed with the State Troops in August, 1862. The first battle he was in was at Kinston, N.C., on December 12th, 1862. He remained in the State Guards 16 months, and was then assigned to Company I, 49th Reg- iment. He was in the Petersburg siege, June 16, and remained there nine months to the day. The most important fight was that of the Crater on July 30, 1864. He was captured April 1st, 1865, and sent to Point Lookout, where he remained two months He returned home June 20, 1865, and is one of our best citizens.
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Holdsclaw, William J., was a jolly good fellow and sol- dier; the heavier the duties the more cheerful he was. He served through the war, came home and is still living. His character as a man is irreproachable, for he is well liked by everyone. He has made more good grain cradles than any other man in the State. In his old age, he is as jovial and humorous as he was when a young man.
Jones, William, was another good soldier. He was once wounded, survived the war, and is now living in Lincoln County, a prosperous and industrious citizen.
Jones, Pinckney L., was wounded at Malvern Hill. He possessed a fine reputation as a soldier and beautiful dis- position as a man. He survived the war and died at home.
Jones, Wilson, died at home on sick furlough soon after entering the service.
Jones, Milton, died in the hospital at Petersburg soon after enlisting. (See sketch and photo.)
MILTON H. JONES
Milton Jones enlisted in Company I, 49th N. C. Regiment April 1st, 1862, and died at Peters- burg, Va. June 10, 1862.
His war career was, indeed, short but, had he lived, he would have done much good for his Country's cause.
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Jones, Julius, died at Goldsboro soon after entering the service.
Jones, Bedford, was known as "Kildee." He was a very delicate man, but served his country well and faithfully until he died in the hospital at Gordonville.
Jones, Jebtha, known as "Doctor," was a spendid soldier. He survived the war, came home and lived an existence as useful to his neighbors as was his help to his Company in the war. He is now dead.
Jones, Elbert, was a courageous soldier. He, too, sur- vived the war, came home and has since died, honored and respected by all who knew him.
Jones, Evelin, enlisted late in the war, but what time he was there, he served valorously. He came home and today is an excellent citizen.
Jenkins, William, was known as "Colonel." In the whole of Lee's army, there was no braver soldier than he. He was wounded at Malvern Hill. He survived the war, came home and is still living.
Kale, Ephriam, was discharged on account of his age soon after entering the service.
Kale, Sidney, was a good, easy soldier. He was captured at Fort Steadman. He came home and lived a quiet, useful life. He is now dead.
Kale, Jefferson, was wounded at Petersburg and was retired from further service. He came home and moved to Texas, where he has since died.
Kirksey, William, was another soldier that bore a repu- tation for good service. He survived the war, came home and is still living.
Kirksey, Jackson, was taken sick at Fredericksburg and claimed to be disabled the remainder of the war.
Keever, Andrew, died at Petersburg soon after entering the service.
Lowrance, Clinton, was one of our men who could be re- lied upon on all occasions. He was as brave as a warrior could be. He gave up his life to his country, being killed at the seige at Petersburg. He was faithful to his friends and loved by his comrades.
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Lowrance, Nelson, possessed traits as a soldier which could be commended in any quarter. He carried horse- shoes and pebbles from the Potomac river to Wilmington, N. C .; also carried the biggest knapsack of any man in the
Regiment. He was always at his post of duty. He sur- rendered at Appomattox. Was wounded at Malvern Hill. He came home and died after having lived a life that was beneficial to his country. (Photo.)
Litten, Elijah, was a magnificent soldier. He died at the Brigade Hospital at Drewery's Bluff after the battle of Malvern Hill.
Litten, Elkanah, was a brave soldier. He died at the Hospital at Gordonsville.
Litten, Jackson, was another excellent soldier. He sur- vived the war, came home and died in Iredell County.
Lee, Robert G., was a member of the Ambulance Corps.
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He gave most of his time to this duty, and did it well. He is still living and noted for raising big hogs. In every re- spect, he is a good man.
Lee, Bird, entered the service late in the war, as he was an old man. He survived the war and died at home.
Loftin, Franklin, was a fine, cheerful and kindly disposed soldier. He was killed at Drewry's Bluff in 1864.
Lackey, Theopholis, entered the service late in the war, though did his duty well. He survived the war and died at home.
Marshall, Clark, was a soldier of the right material. He survived the war and died in Alabama.
McCoy, James, was first a member of the 4th North Carolina Regiment. He was wounded, discharged, and aft- erwards joined the 49th Regiment. He was also a good soldier. He came home and died recently.
Null, George, was wounded at Malvern Hill and died a prisoner of war at Fort Delaware.
Powell, Tate, was Orderly for Colonel Ramseur, and was afterwards discharged. He came back to the Regiment in 1863, was wounded at Drewry's Bluff in 1864, and later transferred to the Band. He came home, studied medicine, and died in Florida.
Pool, William, was promoted for bravery, being made Corporal. In action he would go where any dared to lead. He was captured at Five Forks and carried a prisoner to Point Lookout. He came home and is now living in Lincoln County, being one among her best citizenship.
Pope, Silas, was one of our very best soldiers, always ready for any emergency and cheerful under all circum- stances. The harder the duties, the more cheerful he seem- ed to be, and when everyone was worn out and cross, Silas would sing his little song, "Let it rain, hail or snow, we poor soldiers are bound to go.' He was wounded at Mal- vern Hill, but survived the war, came home and died in South Carolina.
Pope, David, was a soldier of good repute. He was in the battle at Malvern Hill, then took sick and died at Brigade Hospital, at Drewry's Bluff.
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