USA > Texas > Polk County > Historical Polk County, Texas : companies and soldiers organized in and enrolled from said county in Confederate States Army and Navy, 1861-1865 > Part 2
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JOHN S. CLEVELAND,
Born in Dallas County, Ala., parents Carter and Mary Cleveland; educated in common schools of said county and
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graduated in Law School, Nashville, Tenn. Served in the Seventh Legislature of Texas, 1857-9. Moved to Louisiana in 1851, and to Polk (now San Jacinto) in 1852, settling on East San Jacinto River ; was successful farmer until the Civil war, when he organized a company and went to New Orleans soon after Captain Moore reached there, but delay in being mustered into service resulted in dissatisfaction and the company disbanded, most of the men returning home, while a few joined Captain Moore's company and others went to companies from their native States. Returning home Captain Cleveland organized another company and with it responded to the call for volunteers from Texas for the Virginia army, was mustered into service at West Lib- erty (now Dayton), about September 6, 1861, and went direct to Richmond, Va., where he formed part of the Fifth Texas Volunteer Infantry as Company H. He commanded said company until severely wounded at Chickamauga, Ga., September 20, 1863, in which battle he commanded the regiment, being the senior officer present. Was absent dis- abled, most of the time to the close of the war, but re- tained his position as captain. Was a brave soldier, chival- rous officer, kind and considerate of his men, and was highly esteemed by them. Returning home after the Surrender, engaged in the practice of law at Cold Springs, Texas, where he died March 4, 1874, at age of 49 years. In June, 1866, he was elected chief justice and served with distinc- tion until removed by military authorities during "Recon- struction" in October, 1867.
THOMAS J. GOREE,
Born in Perry County, Ala., March 15, 1835. Moved to Walker County, Texas, with his parents December, 1850; educated at Baylor University, then at Independence, gradu- ating in academic and law courses. After admission to bar became member of firm of Rogers, Willie & Goree, when he
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kept the Montgomery office, while other members located at Houston. In 1861 enlisted with Captain John S. Cleve- land, Company H, Fifth Texas, Hood's Brigade; was ap- pointed captain on Longstreet's staff, which position he held until surrender of Lee at Appomatox; participated in all battles of division, save two. In 1873 re-entered law prac- tice with Abercrombie at Huntsville. In 1877 was appointed superintendent of penitentiaries by Governor Hubbard and reappointed by Roberts, Ireland and Ross, serving fourteen years. Was married June 25, 1868, at Huntsville, to Miss Eliza T. Nolley. In 1893 was appointed assistant manager Texas Land & Loan Co. of Galveston, which position he held until his death. Was survived by wife, a son, R. E. Goree of Waco, and daughter, Mrs. J. A. Thomason of Huntsville, and seven grandchildren.
ED. K. GOREE,
Born in Perry County, Ala., April 11, 1843; moved with parents to Texas 1850, educated in country schools. Joined Company H, Fifth Texas Infantry, 1861, as private; was wounded at Wilderness, disabling him from further service. After war moved to Madison County, where he lived twenty years; was tax collector four years; has been in office of superintendent of penitentiaries nearly twenty years. Is the only private elected president of Hood's Brigade Associa- tion, being so elected at Sommerville in 1906. Had two brothers in Company H-Dr. L. J. Goree, who died at Nava- sota 1888, who was severely wounded second Manassas, and P. K. Goree, detailed as courier for General Fields, wounded near Richmond 1864, now living at Midway, Texas. Was brother also of T. J. Goree of General Longstreet's staff.
I. N. M. TURNER,
Eldest son of Captain J. A. S. Turner and Rebecca Hu- bert Turner, born in Putnam County, Ga., April 3, 1839;
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when less than year old, parents moved to Sumpter County ; attended the common schools of Americus, and the Georgia Military Institute at Marietta, lacking one term of gradu- ating. At 19 years of age he moved to Texas, took charge of his father's farming interests in Liberty and Polk coun- ties and successfully managed same, his father following a year later. In the early part of 1861 he and his uncle, R. W. Hubert, enlisted and organized a company for light ar- tillery service, the men to be mounted, procured two six- pounder cannon and drilled a number of times for that serv- ice. Failing to get service as artillerist, and an opportunity offering to go to Virginia as infantry, the proposition to accept was unanimous and the company assembled in Liv- ingston September 3, 1861, when a handsome flag was pre- sented in an appropriate address by Hon. Jno. L. Henry in behalf of the lady friends of the company, to which Captain Turner made brief response, assuring them that he would bring back heroes for husbands and sweethearts. The com- pany left immediately en route to Liberty; arriving at Wood's Springs, three miles from Liberty, a halt of some days was made. On the morning of September 9th, the company was reorganized, making some changes in officers for second and third lieutenants, when the march was re- sumed to Liberty and on arriving there the company was formally mustered into service and designated as Company K, Fifth Texas Regiment of Volunteer Infantry. Captain Turner was the youngest officer of his rank in Hood's Brigade, being only 22 years of age when mustered into service. Was in every march and battle of the brigade until fatally wounded at Fort Nansemond, near Norfolk, Va., April 15, 1863, having been shot by a "sharpshooter," while in command of four companies and planning the defense of said point against the enemy with a fleet of gunboats. Was standing exposed above the breastworks when shot, was car- ried out that night and died the next afternoon; was carried to Americus, Ga., and buried in the family cemetery. Was but a little more than 24 years old when killed.
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Captain Turner was a brave and daring officer, quick to observe any advantage in position, prompt to take action thereunder, frequently assuming command of part or all of the regiment during its engagements when his superiors in rank were disabled or captured; was in command of regi- ment at Sharpsburgh, one of the fiercest battles of the Civil war. Captain Turner was commissioned major with au- thority to organize a battalion of picked men to be used as "Advance Guard," and his last word to General Hood, when going into the fort, was that he would organize immediately on coming out. This would have been done earlier but for reason that he wanted his company as part of said batta- lion, and would not consent to leave it and the company ob- jected to giving him up unless taken into his new command.
General Hood assured him when starting into the posi- tion in which he was killed that he should have the company and he wanted him to organize at once, which he promised to do on that condition and as soon as he returned to the command. General Hood was reported to have said he would sooner have lost any officer in his command of four brigades, a very high compliment indeed, and a deserved one. He had the utmost confidence of his superiors, the greatest respect of his brother officers, and was loved and highly honored by his company and others with whom he chanced to be associated.
At Fredericksburg, Va., he was specially complimented by a dress parade order by Brigadier General J. B. Robertson for gallantry in marching his company to the rear under fire, in perfect order and in line of march, as if on the field in ordinary drill exercises.
ROBERT W. HUBERT,
Sixth son of Wm. and Rebecca Hubert, born December 18, 1835, Putnam County, Ga .; 1840 parents removed to Sumpter County, Ga .; September 15, 1857, married Miss
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Virginia A. Duncan, daughter of Rev. Jno. B. Duncan, Geor- gia M. E. Conference, and one month later moved by wagon to Polk County, Texas, settling two miles north of present town of Leggett. Two years later moved to Woods Creek, where his wife died in August, 1860. Entered Brown Uni- versity, 1851; was first cadet enrolled in Georgia Military Institute, and in July, 1857, one of six first graduates of said Institute; 1861 assisted Captain Ike Turner, his nephew, in organizing company for Confederate army. Was elected first lieutenant and on death of Captain Turner promoted to captain. In battles of Seven Pines, Thorough-Fare Gap, Second Manassas, South Mountain, Sharpsburg, Fredericks- burg, siege of Suffolk, and Gettysburg. where captured and imprisoned at Johnson's Island, Ohio. Parolled in 1865. Furloughed, went to Georgia and remained until surrender of Lee at Appomatox. Returned home, engaged in farm- ing. Elected and served three terms as county surveyor.
SAM B. THORNTON,
Son of Wm. M. Thornton, born in Cumberland County, Va., in 1835, educated in schools of native State. Married Miss M. C. Lyle and came to Texas 1857, settling at Moscow, where he with S. J. Lyle, brother-in-law, engaged in mer- cantile business under firm name of Thornton & Lyle. In 1861 enlisted in Flying Artillery Company, Ike Turner, cap- tain. When company reorganized, was elected second lieu- tenant. Sick soon after arriving at Richmond and died De- cember 12, 1861, of congestion. Very popular with officers and men and his death much regretted.
J. FRANK JONES,
Son of Jack H. and Malinda Baker Jones, native of Polk County, Texas, educated in common schools of county, farm-
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er; married Miss Nancy Oates, daughter of Caraway Oates, October 28, 1857.
Enlisted with Captain Ike Turner, 1861; was elected third lieutenant in reorganization. Died in February, 1862, of camp or typhoid fever, being one of about thirty members of company lost from disease during the first six months of service.
B. W. HENRY,
Son of B. W. Henry and Francis Fox Henry, born, reared and educated in Rutherford County, Tenn. Came to Texas in 1858, settling at Livingston; taught school at Jones Prai- rie, engaged in mercantile business with Demetrius Willis, one of the leading merchants of the town; enlisted with Captain Ike Turner, 1861; elected first sergeant, and on death of Lieutenant Thornton was elected his successor ; killed in second battle of Manassas, August 30, 1862; of ex- emplary habits, industrious, honest and popular, brave sol- dier, and efficient officer. His death was universally re- gretted by friends, comrades and associate officers; w! well read in the classics; brother of Judge John L. Henry of Dallas, formerly of Livingston, and James F. Henry of Cleburne, Texas.
B. H. N. HURT,
Though known to but a few members of company when he enlisted therein from Trinity County, his then residence, was on the death of J. Frank Jones, junior second lieuten- ant, elected to succeed him, was promoted to second lieu- tenant at death of B. W. Henry and to first lieutenant when Captain Turner was killed, April, 1863, vice R. W. Hubert, who was promoted to captain of company ; wounded at Sec- ond Manassas, captured at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863;
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was on parole at close of war and has not been heard of since, so far as known by members of this committee.
JAMES MELVIN ALEXANDER,
Born in Greenbriar County, Virginia, now West Virginia, his parents being then on a visit from their home in Penn- sylvania; they immigrated with him to Port Hudson, La., when about the age of 9 years; he came to Texas in 1859 settling first in Houston, and thence to Polk County, where he engaged in the occupation of tinner; enlisted in company organized by Captain Ike Turner, as private; elected third lieutenant September, 1862, vice B. H. N. Hurt, who was promoted to second lieutenant after death of B. W. Henry at Second Manassas, August 30, 1862, and promoted to sec- ond lieutenant on death of Captain Ike Turner, April 15, 1863; wounded several times, captured at Sharpsburg, Md., September 17, 1862, and exchanged from Fort Delaware af- ter about one week, returning to company. Captured at Get- tysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863, made escape en route to prison, went into Philadelphia, visited relatives, and after spend- ing some time with them, went to New York and took ship- ping to Havana and Nassau, and by blockade runner to Charleston, S. C., rejoining company in May, 1864; was in command of company until captured at Darby Town Road, October 9, 1864, and en route to prison again made escape, and working his way through the country crossed the Potomac River near its mouth into Virginia, returning to company at or near Petersburg, and was in command of it until the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, April 9, 1865; was a faithful and fearless soldier, an effi- cient and gallant officer, ever ready and active on the firing line.
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JOE TURNER,
Son of J. A. S. Turner, and younger brother of Captain Ike Turner, enlisted as a private in his company, was later elected second sergeant, and after death of Captain Turner was appointed third lieutenant vice J. M. Alexander, pro- moted; he retreated with the regiment at Gettysburg, car- rying about half of the company with him, while the other officers and members of company remained with Captain Hubert awaiting orders, and were soon surrounded and cap- tured by the enemy, the officers being sent to Johnson's Is- land, and the non-commissioned officers and privates to Fort Delaware; he commanded company until wounded at battle of Chickamauga, Ga., in which he was permanently disabled and later retired from active service; he returned home and engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits, hav- ing reasonable success therein until his death in 1871.
T. F. MEECE,
Born to William C. and Hannah B. Meece, Maury County, Tennessee, June 11, 1840; immigrated to Texas, arriving at Livingston March 18, 1856; educated in common schools and Livingston Academy; employed on father's farm until 20 years old, merchant's clerk one year. Enlisted with Cap- tain Ike Turner 1861, elected first corporal, promoted fifth sergeant 1862, and first sergeant July, 1864, which position he filled with satisfaction until the surrender of Lee's army at Appomatox Court House, Va., April 9, 1865; engaged in ten or more battles, severely wounded twice, and slightly three or more times; never absent from company until wounded at Second Manassas, August 30, 1862; captured at field hospital, Gettysburg, Pa., July 4, 1863, and paroled at David's Island hospital, near New York, about Septem- ber 13, 1863; having been exchanged, returned to company
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at Petersburg, Va., July 4, 1864; member of committee of three, one from each regiment, to procure furlough for re- cruiting purposes or transfer to Trans-Mississippi Depart- ment, which was declined with regret by General Lee be- cause could not dispense with valuable services of brigade ; complimented by Major Littlefield, quartermaster, with mak- ing most equitable distribution of supplies to company, of any officer to whom he issued such supplies; after surren- der returned home via New Orleans-Galveston in June, 1865; engaged in farming, in store and carpenter's trade until appointed sheriff 1870, elected district and county clerk November, 1873, holding to November, 1884, appointed county judge April, 1885, held to November, 1888; licensed as attorney at law June 1, 1897, elected representative Thir- ty-fifth District and served in Twenty-seventh Legislature, one regular and two special sessions. Charter member of Ike Turner Camp Confederate Veterans and presided over organization thereof, April 8, 1893, member of Monument Committee, Historical Committee, and with Comrades Hill, Alexander and Green has prepared for publication such historical data as has been available. Was on May 24, 1900, appointed aide de camp to Major General K. M. Van Zandt, commanding Texas Division United Confederate Veterans, with rank of major.
A. B. GREEN,
Born in Nacogdoches County, Republic of Texas, February 17, 1842; his parents, D. G. Green and Matilda Green, moved to the northern division of Liberty County, settling and erect- ing the first building in Moscow, then Greenville, at which place the subject of this sketch grew up. In 1861, joined artillery company organized by Captain Ike Turner; went with it to Virginia as infantry, when said company was made part of the Fifth Texas Regiment, Hood's Brigade, Army Northern Virginia, and designated as Company "K"; was
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never absent from company until wounded at Manassas, Aug- ust 30, 1862, after which he obtained furlough home, return- ing to company in Spring of 1863; was in all battles, skir- mishes and marches prior to said battle and again up to and including the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, when he was again wounded, and returned to command about July 1, at Petersburg, Va .; slightly wounded at Darby Town Road, Oc- tober 7, the day General Jno. Gregg was killed, and return- ing to company, remained with it until the surrender of Lee's army at Appomatox Court House, Va., April 9, 1865, when he returned home and engaged in mercantile business until November, 1884, when he was elected county clerk and held said office fourteen years. In 1902 was elected county judge, which he held four years. Was charter member of Ike Tur- ner Camp, U. C. V., and was elected adjutant, which position he held until his death. He was member of Monument Com- mittee and of the Historical Committee, and was largely in- strumental in getting up so correct a roster of the several companies from Polk County, and the extensive list of sol- diers who went in companies from other counties who were citizens of said Polk County; made strenuous efforts to pro- cure accurate biographical sketches from and of the several officers and members of companies who enlisted in the Con- federate army or navy from Polk County, but little success, as will be seen by observing the number who appear in the muster roll of said companies and the few that show up in such sketches.
JOHN W. STEVENS,
Born to Miles G. Stevens, and his wife, Stevens, August 10, 1832, in Harris County, near the present site of the city of Houston, Texas. Grew to manhood in what is now San Jacinto County, formerly Polk, and originally Lib- erty County, on the headright league of his father, where he married his first wife; moved to Grand Cane, Liberty Coun-
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ty, in 1860. Enlisted as recruit in Company K, Fifth Texas Regiment, Hood's Brigade, in early Spring of 1862, joining said command on its retreat from Yorktown, Va., was in battle of Seven Pines, Gainsfarm to Malvern Hill, Second Manassas, the Maryland campaign, and the Gettysburg bat- tle, where captured July 2, 1863, and on November 17 fol- lowing, was exchanged at Savannah, Ga .; was furloughed home and soon after reaching Texas was detailed by General E. Kirby Smith on staff duty at headquarters of General J. B. Robinson, with whom he served until the close of the war. Having lost his wife in 1872, he removed in 1873 to Hill County. Was elected county judge and served from February, 1876, until about December 1, 1878, after which he returned to East Texas and has devoted his time to the ministry as a member of the East Texas Conference. His home is now with a son at Houston Heights.
JAMES MURRAY CROSSON,
Was born in Newberry, South Carolina, May 12, 1824, of Scotch-Irish parentage; graduated from the South Carolina College, December, 1844; was valedictory orator for the Clanosophic Society of said college for the class of 1844. Was admitted to the Common Pleas Court in May, 1846, and to the Court of Equity May, 1847. Was elected colonel of Tenth South Carolina Cavalry, 1852, and a member of the State Legislature in 1852 and 1854, receiving the largest vote cast to that date in his district. Was ordained elder of A. R. Presbyterian Church of which he was a member in 1854. Moved to Texas, settling in Fairfield, September 1, 1857, where he taught school one year, and in September, 1858, moved to Polk County, locating two miles east of Livingston, and later moved to and settled the place now occupied by Hon. J. C. Feagin. Was elected Chief Justice of Polk County 1859 and 1860, which position he resigned in 1861 to enter the Confederate States Army. He with
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others enrolled and organized a cavalry company for service, which was mustered into service at Salado Springs, near San Antonio, as Company F, Fourth Texas Cavalry, Sib- ley, later Green, and later Hardeman's Brigade. He was elected captain of company and commanded it until pro- moted to the office of major of regiment in 1864, which of- fice he filled with distinction until the surrender of his com- mand at Hempstead, Texas, in June, 1865. Was in every battle in which his command was engaged, except one, and yet was never seriously wounded.
Was in the noted battles of Glorietta and Val Verde in the campaign of Arizona and New Mexico, the battle of Gal- veston, January 1, 1863, participating in the capture of the Harriet Lane, and the battles of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, besides numerous skirmishes in the Louisiana cam- paign, acquitting himself with honor and courageous de- portment in all of them.
After surrender of his command, returned home and re- sumed law practice, and in 1866 was elected district attor- ney, served with ability until removed by military authori- ties because an impediment to reconstruction, when he again resumed the law and continued therein until 1901, when he retired to private life and moved with his family to Bal- linger, Texas. Was an active and faithtul member of the Presbyterian Church, a zealous Sunday School worker, an ardent advocate of local option and State prohibition, and was ever favorable to such improvements as would advance the general condition of the town and county of his resi- dence. Was orator of the day at unveiling of Ike Turner Camp Confederate monument on special invitation of said camp.
BYRON LUDWELL TAYLOR,
Born in Montgomery County, Ala., April 26, 1836, parents Green W. and Martha B. Taylor; left Alabama when a boy
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for Texas, his father died en route, the mother continuing settled in Walker County, and after one year moved to Polk County and settled on Jones' Prairie, about three miles southeast from Leggett. Was married in 1860 to Mrs. Char- lotte Jones Adams. Moved to Falls County 1870, returning to Polk in 1883. Was educated in common schools of coun- ty. Enlisted in Company F, Fourth Texas Cavalry, was elected second lieutenant and promoted to first lieutenant, vice D. R. McCormick, who was killed at Val Verde, New Mexico, and to captain on promotion of Captain Crosson to office of major of regiment. Was a brave and gallant sol- dier and an efficient officer. Was in battles of Val Verde, Glorietta and the campaign of New Mexico and Arizona, returning to Texas, was in the battle of Galveston, January 1, 1863, and in campaign of Louisiana during remainder of the war. Died at Moscow, Texas, June 29, 1889.
DR. JAS. H. McCARDELL,
Captain Company "E," Twentieth Texas Volunteer Infantry,
Born in Lancaster District, S. C., March 24, 1825; lost his father when an infant, and his mother at 11 years of age. His mother was an invalid and he was her constant companion, receiving from her devout and faithful religious training and circumspect deportment. Acquiring a literary education in his native State, was graduated in medicine in 1845 in the medical schools of New York. Immigrated to Texas in 1846, engaged in extensive and intensive planting on Trinity River. Married Minerva, youngest daughter of General Jas. Davis, in 1853. In 1862 organized a company of volunteer infantry, and on March 10, 1862, left for Gal- veston, where said company was assigned to Twentieth Tex- as Regiment, Elmore, colonel, as Company "E." Remained with company until the close of the war, when he returned
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to his farm and engaged in farming and in practice of medi- cine until about 1867, when he moved to Livingston, where he engaged in merchandise and his professional duties, and where he died February 14, 1891, and was buried with Ma- sonic honors. At death of T. A. McCardell and wife, he took charge of their children and reared them with the tender- ness of a father. Always a student, he kept well up with the advances of his profession, and was easily a leader in every sphere of life.
JOHN LANE HENRY,
Born Culpeper County, Virginia, 1831 ; moved with par- ents to Rutherford County, Tenn., in boyhood, reared and educated in said county, graduating in law at Lebanon in the early '50s. Moved to Huntsville, Texas, in 1852, and to Livingston in 1856, where he entered the law practice with success; served one term as district attorney. Enlisted and was elected first lieutenant of company organized by Captain James H. McCardell, Elmore's Regiment (E. 20th Reg.), March, 1862; was appointed Judge Advocate of the Military Court at Galveston, which position he filled with distinction and fidelity until surrender of command in 1865. At close of the Civil war he re-entered the practice of law with Geo. W. Davis, under firm name of Henry & Davis, at Livingston. In 1868, moved to Tyler, Texas, was a member of Constitutional Convention of 1876 from Tyler, served on Judiciary Committee, and was elected State Senator from district embracing Tyler; later moved to Dallas, where he formed co-partnership with Welborn & Leake, under firm name of Welborn, Leake & Henry. Was elected member of Supreme Court, served two terms, when he retired to law practice at Dallas, and continued it until his death in 1911.
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