Sunday, January 27, 2013

"The Tar River Rebels", Company E, North Carolina 46th Infantry Regiment: Two 3rd Great Granduncles and Four Cousins

Reunion Flag of the North Carolina 46th Infantry Regiment



Company E, North Carolina 46th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Tar River Rebels, was organized in Granville County, North Carolina from February - March of 1862.

The North Carolina 46th Infantry Regiment completed it's organization at Camp Mangum, near Raleigh, North Carolina on April 4, 1862.  The Unit was officially mustered into the service of the Confederate Army on April 16th.  On May 31, 1862, the North Carolina 46th was sent, via railroad, to Richmond, Virginia.  The Unit arrived in Richmond on June 1st and on the next day, they were ordered to report to Drewry's Bluff, on the James River.


Modern Panoramic View of Drewry's Bluff on the James


Upon their arrival, the Unit was brigaded with the North Carolina 27th Infantry Regiment, the North Carolina 48th Infantry Regiment, the 3rd Arkansas Infantry Regiment, the 30th Virginia Infantry Regiment and the 2nd Battalion Georgia Infantry.  The Brigade was assigned to the command of Brigadier General John George Walker.


Brigadier General John George Walker

Walker served with distinction during the Mexican-American War, where he was promoted to the rank of  Captain for "gallant and meritorious conduct" at San Juan de los Llanos.  Walker remained with the United States Army until 1861, when he resigned to join the Confederate Army as a Major in the Cavalry.

Walker's Brigade served in the Peninsula Campaign in Major General Theophilus Hunter Holmes' Division, Army of Northern Virginia.  Walker was injured during the Battle of Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862.   His Brigade was subjected to heavy artillery fire from Federal Batteries posted on the Malvern Cliffs and also by Federal Gunboats on the James River.  Despite taking heavy fire from Union troops, the Brigade suffered only light casualties.


Federal Artillery Position at the Malvern Hill Battlefield

Walker's Brigade returned to Drewry's Bluff on July 2, 1862.   The Brigade then moved to Camp Lee, near Petersburg, Virginia in mid-July.  For the next month, various Regiments were sent out on scouting missions to harass Federal Ships on the James and Appomattox Rivers. 

On August 26, 1862, the Brigades commanded by Brigadier Generals John George Walker and  Robert Ransom were sent by rail to Rapidan Station, near the Orange Court House.  There Walker assumed command of two additional Brigades.  These two Brigades, along with his original Brigade would now form Walker's Division, which was attached to Major General James Longstreet's First Corps.  Walker was officially promoted to the rank of Major General on November 8, 1862.  Colonel Van H. Manning of the Arkansas 3rd Infantry assumed temporary command of Walker's former Brigade.  

Walker's Division moved from Rapidan Station to join the Army of Northern Virginia near Leesburg, Virginia on September 1, 1862.  There, Robert E. Lee prepared to cross the Potomac River for his invasion into Maryland.

On September 9th, Lee drafted "Special Order 191", which detailed the movements of the Army of Northern Virginia during the early days of its invasion into Maryland.  On September 13th, Union Corporal Barton W. Mitchell of the 27th Indiana Volunteers, discovered an envelope with three cigars wrapped in a piece of paper lying in the grass at a campground that Confederate General Daniel Harvey Hill's troops had just vacated.  This piece of paper ended up being Special Order 191.  The Order was eventually forwarded to General McClellan.  McClellan was elated by learning the planned movements of the Confederate Army.  He was overheard as saying "Here is a paper with which, if I cannot whip Bobby Lee, I will be willing to go home."


Copy of Special Order 191 on display at Crampton's Gap, Maryland


In Maryland, the North Carolina 46th participated in the single bloodiest battle of the Civil War.  The Battle of Antietam took place on September 17, 1862.   Lee ordered the Army of Northern Virginia to concentrate at Sharpsburg, Maryland, where the Federal Army under the command of General George Brinton McClellan, was massing for an attack.  Had it not been for the discovery of "Special Order 191", Lee could have quite possibly caught McClellan off guard and routed the entire Federal Army.


On the morning of September 17th, Walker's Division was ordered to reinforce Stonewall Jackson, who was positioned to the right flank of Robert E. Lee's line.  Jackson's troops were being vigorously assaulted by Federals.  Colonel Manning was wounded early in the battle, command of the Brigade was assumed by Colonel Edward D. Hall of the North Carolina 46th. 

Colonel Hall reported the Regiment's movements and activities after it went to the aid of Jackson as follows:

"I formed a line of battle...[my Regiment being] on the left of the Brigade.  We advanced through a corn-field into a heavy piece of woods [the West Woods], where the engagement was raging furiously...Simultaneous with our entrance into the woods, the enemy commenced falling back in disorder...On arriving at the farther edge of the woods, I found the enemy in heavy force on an elevation, distance about 200 yards, with a batter of artillery in position on the crest of the hill.  Between the enemy and the woods were two heavy panel fences, running obliquely.  In face of such difficulties I thought it inexpedient to charge farther.  I therefore placed my Regiment behind a breastwork of rails, which I found just beyond the woods, in short range of the enemy, and commenced firing...

Being so far on the left, I had lost sight of the other Regiments in the Brigade, except the 30th Virginia and a portion of the 48th North Carolina, who, in attempting to charge over the fences and up the ascent, found themselves so massed up that they were compelled to lie down...under a withering fire.  In this positing they suffered severely, and in a short time were compelled to retire...

The falling back of the 48th North Carolina and 30th Virginia...left a wide gap open, which the enemy began at once to take advantage of in order to re-enter the woods, though [we kept up] a galling fire...on their advancing line until I deemed it unsafe...to remain in position while the enemy was massing upon [my] right and rear.  The 46th, therefore, fell back...in good order...out of the woods...[I was then] met by General Jackson, who ordered me to report to General [Lafayette] McLaws.  General McL[aws] ordered me to endeavor to hold the woods at all hazards.  I then advanced in line of battle to the edge of the woods, which by that time was filled with the enemy, and placed the Regiment behind a ledge of rocks, throwing out...the skirmishers...A few minutes after, a Brigade, which proved to be General [William] Barksdale's, passed on to my left.  As soon as it entered the woods, I moved forward and came upon General [Robert] Ransom's Brigade, which...had succeeded in driving the enemy from he woods.  Having only my own Regiment with me, I informed General R[ansom] that I would connect myself with his command...We then took up our position in line of battle...and remained all day and night, the enemy evincing no desire to contest the woods with us, but satisfied himself with opening on us with very heavy fire of artillery...Although our loss by this fire was considerable, we held the position until the cessation of battle."

Civil War Era Photograph of the Antietam Battlefield


General Robert Ransom reported that the North Carolina 46th Regiment "unflinchingly maintained"  its position throughout the engagement and that its conduct was "all it should have been".   Despite being severely crippled, the Confederate line held throughout the day on September 17th.  The next day, both armies rested on the field with no confrontation.  During the night of September 18th, the Army of Northern Virginia crossed back over the Potomac and went into camp.  During the Maryland Campaign, the North Carolina 46th lost 5 men killed and 60 wounded.

Following the Battle of Antietam, the Army of Northern Virginia remained in the Shenandoah Valley until the Federal Army of the Potomac began crossing into the Blue Ridge Mountains on October 26, 1862.  On October 28th, Lee ordered Longstreet's Corps to move east of the mountains toward Culpeper Court House.  

Lee continued to observe the movements of the Federal Army of the Potomac, now under the command of Major General Ambrose E. Burnside.  When it became apparent that the Federal Army was concentrating their force on the Rappahannock River across from Fredericksburg, Virginia, Lee ordered Longstreet's Corps to take position on the heights overlooking the town.  During that movement, General Walker was transferred, and General Ransom was placed in command of the Division.  Colonel John Rogers Cooke of the North Carolina 27th Infantry Regiment was promoted to Brigadier General and assigned to command Walker's former Brigade.   Cooke's father, Philip St. George Cooke, was a General in the Union Army.


Brigadier General John Rogers Cooke

The Arkansas 3rd and Virginia 30th Infantry Regiments were transferred out of the Brigade.   The North Carolina 15th Infantry Regiment was added to Cooke's Brigade on November 26, 1862.  Cooke's Brigade was now a part of Ransom's Division in General Longstreet's Corps.
 
Ransom's Division arrived at Fredericksburg, Virginia on November 19, 1862, and was ordered to occupy a supporting position behind the Confederate Artillery on Marye's Heights and Willis' Hill.  During the Battle of Fredericksburg, General Cooke was wounded and Colonel Edward Hall again assumed command of the Brigade.

Colonel Hall reported the Brigade's par in the Battle as follows:

"Early on the Morning of the 11th instant the Brigade...was ordered to the front, opposite Fredericksburg, where we remained in position until about 12 o' clock Saturday, the 13th, at which time the engagement was going on in our front.  The Brigade was formed in line of battle as follows:  The 27th on the right, 48th next, 46th next, 15th on the left...After advancing about 200 yards under a heavy fire of shell and musketry, we arrived at the crest of Willis' Hill, which overlooks the battle-field, on which hill several batteries were placed.  With the exception of the 27th, the Brigade was halted on the hill and delivered its fire on the advancing column of the enemy, who was then engaged in making a furious assault on our front lines, which were covered by a long stone wall at the foot of the hill, which assault, on the arrival of the Brigade, was repulsed, with great loss to the enemy.  The enemy that time succeeded in getting up to within 40 yards of the wall.  After the repulse of the enemy, the 46th was moved down the hill behind the [wall], supporting Brigadier General Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb's Brigade, the 27th and 46th remaining behind the [wall], and the 48th and 15th on top of the hill all day.  Six different times during the day did the enemy advance his heavily re-enforced columns, and each time was driven back with immense loss.  The action ceased at night, when the Brigade was withdrawn."

Original Photograph of General Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb

Brigadier General Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb is my 4th cousin 7x removed and was the focus of an earlier blog entry.  As stated in that entry, he was mortally wounded in the thigh by a Union artillery shell that burst inside the Stephens house near the Sunken Road on Marye's Heights on December 12th.  He bled to death from damage to his femoral artery on December 13, 1862.

Quartermaster Sergeant John M. Waddill of the North Carolina 46th Infantry reported the 46th's participation in the Battle of Fredericksburg more concisely:

"On 11 December the Regiment...took position at the front of the heights fronting the little city, and immediately behind the stone wall on Marye's Heights.  Here it awaited the attack by Burnside, and bore a full share in that historic slaughter.  In comparative security, protected by the wall about breast high, all day long it shot down the brave men who charged again and again across the level plain in front, vainly yet most gallantly striving to accomplish an impossibility."

During the Battle of Fredericksburg, the North Carolina 46th Regiment lost 11 men killed and 57 wounded.




Following the Battle of Fredericksburg, Cooke's Brigade was ordered to South Carolina.  When they arrived in Coosawhatchie, which was about halfway between Charleston and Savannah, the Brigade was placed under the command of General P. G. T. Beauregard.  Beauregard was commander of the Third Military District, Department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

During the Winter of 1863, the North Carolina 46th spent time at Pocotaligo Station, Wilmington and Kinston before being ordered to report to Richmond.  During the Gettysburg Campaign, in July of 63", the Brigade remained in the defenses around Richmond under the command of Major General Arnold Elzey.

On September 27, 1863, the Brigade was ordered to report to Gordonsville, Virginia, where they rejoined the Army of Northern Virginia.  The Brigade was now assigned to Major General Henry Heth's Division of Lieutenant General Ambrose Powell Hill's Third Corps.

The North Carolina 46th Infantry Regiment would participate in the Battles of Bristoe Station, The Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, the Defense of Richmond and Petersburg, Sayler's Creek, and ultimately Appomattox Court House before surrendering with the Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865.  The Army of Northern Virginia was formally paroled on April 12, 1865.  116 members of the North Carolina 46th Regiment were present. 


Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse



Seven of my ancestors served in Company E "the Tar River Rebels", North Carolina 46th Infantry Regiment.  Six of these men were originally from Granville County, North Carolina.  John Y. Wheeler was born in Orange County, North Carolina, but would eventually move to Granville County, North Carolina.

James T. Wheeler was born in Ledge Rock, Granville County, North Carolina in March of 1840.  He is my 1st cousin 4x removed.  James made his living as a farmer before the war.  He enlisted at the age of 22.


1st Muster Roll for James


He was elected 2nd Lieutenant on March 10, 1862.  He was present and accounted for until he resigned on March 17, 1863.


Lieutenant James Wheeler's Letter of Resignation
 
A notation on his letter of resignation stated that he was "entirely incompetent".   When summoned before a Board of Examination to test his competency, he refused to stand.  His resignation was accepted on March 30, 1863.  James later served as Sergeant in Company D, North Carolina 10th Heavy Artillery Battalion.  James T. Wheeler lived an additional 40 years following the end of the Civil War.  He died in Granville County, North Carolina in 1905.  He was 65 years old.   His burial location is not known at the time of this entry.

Here's my relation to James:

James T. Wheeler (1840 - 1905)
is your 1st cousin 4x removed
Ezekiel Wheeler (1794 - 1871)
Father of James T.
Benjamin Wheeler (1755 - 1830)
Father of Ezekiel
Benjamin Franklin Wheeler (1803 - 1883)
Son of Benjamin
Christopher Columbus Wheeler (1842 - 1912)
Son of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Elliott Wheeler (1883 - 1951)
Son of Christopher Columbus
Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis (1918 - 1977)
Daughter of Benjamin Elliott
Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )
Daughter of Phebe Teresa
Chip Stokes
You are the son of Joyce


Woodward (William) A. Adcock was born in Granville County sometime in 1826.  He is my 3rd Great Grand Uncle.  Woodward, also known as William was also a farmer prior to his enlistment.


Reference Slip showing Woodward was also known as William


Woodward enlisted in Granville County, North Carolina on March 15, 1862 at the age of 25.



1st Muster Roll for Woodward/William


He was mustered in as a Musician.  Woodward was sent home on May 31, 1862 due to illness.  He was reported absent without leave during July - December of 1862.  Woodward was reported absent sick January - June and September - October of 1863.  He was finally listed as a deserter on November 5, 1863 and was reduced to ranks on the same date.  No official record of Woodward or William Adcock can be found after his 1st Muster Roll with the North Carolina 46th Infantry Regiment.   It is quite possible that Woodward died from his illness while at home in Granville County.  His burial location is not known at the time of this entry.

Here's my relation to Woodward:

Woodward Adcock (1826 - )
is your 3rd great grand uncle
William Adcock (1790 - 1858)
Father of Woodward
Annie Tyson "Fanny" Adcock (1835 - 1912)
Daughter of William
William Allen Moss (1859 - 1931)
Son of Annie Tyson "Fanny"
Valeria Lee Moss (1890 - 1968)
Daughter of William Allen
Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis (1918 - 1977)
Daughter of Valeria Lee
Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )
Daughter of Phebe Teresa
Chip Stokes
You are the son of Joyce


Benjamin Lucious Moss was born in Granville County, North Carolina on July 15, 1830.  He is my 3rd Great Grand Uncle.  Benjamin's brother and my 3rd Great Grandfather, James C. Moss served alongside James T. Wheeler in Company D, North Carolina 10th Heavy Artillery Battalion.

Benjamin was a farmer prior to his enlistment.  He enlisted on April 28, 1862 at the age of 32.


1st Muster Roll for Benjamin

Benjamin was present and accounted for through April of 1864.  He was wounded in the right hand at the Battle of the Wilderness, Virginia on May 5, 1864.


Muster roll showing Benjamin was wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness

Benjamin would never return to duty following his injury.  On October 24, 1864, he was retired to the Invalid Corps.


Muster Roll showing Benjamin was retired to the Invalid Corps

Benjamin returned to Granville County, North Carolina, where he again took up farming.  He lived an additional 14 years following the Civil War.  Benjamin Lucious Moss died in Granville County on January 8, 1879.  He is buried in a small family cemetery on his land.


Grave of Benjamin Lucious Moss

Graves of Benjamin L. Moss, wife, son and daughter





What remains of the Benjamin Lucious Moss house in Granville County

Here's my relation to Benjamin:


Benjamin Lucious Moss (1830 - 1879)
is your 3rd great grand uncle
Ann Washington Harris (1795 - 1870)
Mother of Benjamin Lucious
James C. Moss (1824 - 1891)
Son of Ann Washington
William Allen Moss (1859 - 1931)
Son of James C.
Valeria Lee Moss (1890 - 1968)
Daughter of William Allen
Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis (1918 - 1977)
Daughter of Valeria Lee
Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )
Daughter of Phebe Teresa
Chip Stokes
You are the son of Joyce



John Y. Wheeler was born in Orange County, Carolina on June 19, 1843.  He is my 2nd cousin 4x removed.   John resided in Granville County prior to the war and was a farmer by trade.  He enlisted as a Private in Granville County, North Carolina on February 21, 1862. at the age of 19.


1st Muster Roll for John

John was present and accounted for until he was wounded in the ankle at the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862.

Muster Roll showing John was wounded at Antietam

John was also wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia on December 13, 1862.


Regimental Return showing John was wounded at Fredericksburg


He was promoted to the rank of Corporal on January 12, 1863.


Muster Roll showing John's promotion to Corporal


John returned to duty and was present and accounted for during March - April of 1863.  He was promoted to Sergeant on February 12, 1864.  John was present and accounted for until he was wounded during the Battle of the Wilderness, Virginia on May 5, 1864.  John returned to duty prior to July 1, 1864.  He was again wounded at the Battle of Reams' Station on August 25, 1864. John was hospitalized at Richmond, Virginia and was furloughed for 60 days on September 29, 1864.  He was reported absent on furlough through December of 1864.  Following the war, John returned home to Granville County, North Carolina and resumed farming.  In the 1870 Federal Census he is listed as a Tobacco Farmer and  living next to his parents.  He lived an additional 42 years following the Civil War.  John Y. Wheeler died in Granville County, North Carolina on March 9, 1907.  He was 63 years old.  John is buried in a small family cemetery on his land in Granville County.



Grave of John Y. Wheeler


Here's my relation to John:

John Y. Wheeler (1843 - 1907)
is your 2nd cousin 4x removed
America Wheeler (1805 - 1880)
Father of John Y.
Martin Wheeler (1775 - 1822)
Father of America
William Wheeler (1725 - 1780)
Father of Martin
Benjamin Wheeler (1755 - 1830)
Son of William
Benjamin Franklin Wheeler (1803 - 1883)
Son of Benjamin
Christopher Columbus Wheeler (1842 - 1912)
Son of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Elliott Wheeler (1883 - 1951)
Son of Christopher Columbus
Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis (1918 - 1977)
Daughter of Benjamin Elliott
Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )
Daughter of Phebe Teresa
Chip Stokes
You are the son of Joyce



William Lunsford Wheeler was born in Tar River, Granville County, North Carolina in 1842.  He is my 2nd cousin 4x removed.  William was also a farmer prior to enlisting in Granville County on February 22, 1862 at the age of 21.


1st Muster Roll for William

 He was present and accounted for until he was wounded in the knee at Bristoe Station, Virginia on October 14, 1863.


Muster Roll showing William was wounded on October 14, 1863


William was hospitalized in Richmond, Virginia, where he died from his wounds on November 4, 1863.


Hospital Report showing William's death on November , 1863


His burial location is not known at the time of this entry.

Here's my relation to William:

William Lunsford Wheeler (1842 - 1863)
is your 2nd cousin 4x removed
Moses Wheeler (1804 - 1865)
Father of William Lunsford
Martin Wheeler (1775 - 1822)
Father of Moses
William Wheeler (1725 - 1780)
Father of Martin
Benjamin Wheeler (1755 - 1830)
Son of William
Benjamin Franklin Wheeler (1803 - 1883)
Son of Benjamin
Christopher Columbus Wheeler (1842 - 1912)
Son of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Elliott Wheeler (1883 - 1951)
Son of Christopher Columbus
Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis (1918 - 1977)
Daughter of Benjamin Elliott
Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )
Daughter of Phebe Teresa
Chip Stokes
You are the son of Joyce


Paul Gooch was born in Granville County, North Carolina in February of 1824.  He is my 2nd cousin, 4x removed. Paul enlisted in Company E, North Carolina 46th Infantry Regiment in Wake County, North Carolina on October 9, 1864 at the age of 40. His half brother Radford Gooch (no relation to me) also served in Company E. 


1st Muster Roll for Paul

Paul was present and accounted for through March of 1865.  On April 9, 1865 in accordance with Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, Paul was paroled with the Army of Northern Virginia. 


Parole for Paul

Following the end of the Civil War, Paul returned home to Granville County, North Carolina.   Some time before 1870, Paul relocated to Hopkins County, Kentucky.   He and his family can be found on the 1870 Federal Census as living in Precinct 3, Hopkins County, Kentucky.  Paul lived an additional 42 years following the end of the Civil War.  He died in Hopkins County, Kentucky in 1907 at the age of 83.  He is buried in the Olive Branch Missionary Church Cemetery in Hopkins County, Kentucky.


Grave of Paul Gooch

Here's my relation to Paul:

Paul Gooch (1824 - 1907)
is your 2nd cousin 4x removed
Elizabeth F. "Betsy" Wheeler (1798 - 1870)
mother of Paul Gooch
Martin Wheeler (1775 - 1822)
father of Elizabeth F. "Betsy" Wheeler
William Wheeler (1725 - 1780)
father of Martin Wheeler
Benjamin Wheeler (1755 - 1830)
son of William Wheeler
Benjamin Franklin Wheeler (1803 - 1883)
son of Benjamin Wheeler
Christopher Columbus Wheeler (1842 - 1912)
son of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler
Benjamin Elliott Wheeler (1883 - 1951)
son of Christopher Columbus Wheeler
Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis (1918 - 1977)
daughter of Benjamin Elliott Wheeler
Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )
daughter of Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis
Chip Stokes
You are the son of Joyce

**My 1st cousin 5x removed, James W. Hagood was a Private in Company C, North Carolina 46th Infantry Regiment. 

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Another Case of Brother vs. Brother in Company F, Tennessee & Alabama Vidette Cavalry: Private Ezekiel Richard Wheeler, my 2nd cousin 4x removed

Union Cavalryman


Previously I wrote about the Noblin Brothers who served on opposite sides of our Nation's greatest conflict.  The Noblin brothers are all my 1st cousins, 5x removed.  Younger brothers, Thomas and Samuel Noblin served in Company E, Arkansas 38th Infantry Regiment, C. S. A.  Their older brother, William Noblin served in Company F, Tennessee & Alabama Vidette Cavalry, U. S. A.  William Noblin's sister Nancy Noblin Bates' husband, Williston Bates, also served in Company E, Arkansas 38th Infantry Regiment. 

This branch of the family has yet another case of brother vs. brother.  William Noblin's wife, Celia Wheeler (my 2nd cousin 4x removed) had four brothers who served in the Civil War.  Three served in the Confederate Army, while another brother served in the Union Army.   Two of Celia's half brothers, Thomas Jefferson Wheeler and Harrison H. Wheeler, have been the focus of a previous blog entry regarding Company I, North Carolina 63rd Infantry Regiment/5th North Carolina Cavalry.  Another half brother, John Y. Wheeler served in Company E, North Carolina 46th Infantry Regiment.  The North Carolina 46th Infantry Regiment will be the focus of a future blog entry. 

Celia Wheeler's oldest brother, Ezekiel Richard Wheeler, served along side her husband, William Noblin in Company F, Tennessee & Alabama Vidette Cavalry in the Union Army.


Ezekiel Richard Wheeler


Ezekiel Richard Wheeler was born in Granville County, North Carolina on April 28, 1825.  He is my 2nd cousin 4x removed.  By 1850, Ezekiel and his family had relocated to Marshall County, Tennessee.  Ezekiel is shown in the 1850 Federal Census as farming and living in a house adjacent to his father, America Wheeler. 

Tennessee was a very volatile place in the early 1860's.  In 1861, Governor of Tennessee and my 1st cousin 6x removed, Isham Green Harris raised troops for the Confederate Army.  In 1862, the Union Army occupied Nashville and inserted provisional governor Andrew Johnson in place of Harris.  For the remainder of the war, Tennessee was governed by the United States Federal Government. 

Ezekiel wasn't quick to join the Union Army, but rather became so troubled by the way occupying Confederate soldiers treated his land and family that he finally enlisted in Company F, Tennessee & Alabama Vidette Cavarly on April 20, 1863.  Family lore claims Confederate soldiers would kill Ezekiel's pigs and then order his wife, Rachel Yarbrough Wheeler, to cook them. 

The official records indicate that Ezekiel was 38 years old at the time of his enlistment.



Enlistment Documents for Ezekiel Wheeler


The personal description lists him as being six feet tall, having grey eyes, dark complexion and hair.


Muster Document for Ezekiel


As stated in William Noblin's blog entry, Company F had only one officer and  73 men who were poorly armed, with the exception of about half a dozen squirrel rifles.   Ezekiel was also part of the garrison that was routed by Confederate forces at Tracy City, Tennessee on January 20, 1864. 

Family lore also tells a story of how Ezekiel's son, James Woodson Wheeler, was asked by his mother to deliver food and water to a hungry soldier who was hiding in their barn.  When James delivered the plate of food, he was surprised to see that the soldier was none other than his father.  Ezekiel had slipped through the Confederate lines at night and travelled home to see his family.  Following the brief visit with his family, as he made his way back to the Union Camp, he was fired upon by Confederate soldiers.  Their bullets tore two holes in his uniform, but failed to pierce Ezekiel. 

Ezekiel was mustered out of the Union Army on June 16, 1864 at Stevenson, Alabama.  The following is an affidavit made by 1st Lieutenant P. M. Radford of Company F, regarding the mustering out of Company F:

I, P. M. Radford 1st Lieut Co ‘F’ 1st Regt Indept Vidette Cavalry being duly sworn by the Judge Advocate of the District of Tenn. do hereby depose and say that the Regiment was ordered to rendezvous at Stevenson Ala to be mustered out of the U.S. service (by Maj. Gen. Thomas on the 24th day of May 1864).

That the company Tents – Arms etc – were turned over at Nashville by order – that the company waited at Stevenson in the woods outside the pickets until the 16th day of June when they were mustered out – they then waited until the 30th of June for the Paymaster when the Regt was ordered to Nashville to be paid.

That Sergt Rittenberry and Privates Asb. Smith, T J Ladd, W S Smith, WJ Biggers, Jas L. Roberts, and W R Carlton from exposure to heavy rains and extreme heat were obliged to be sent home sick. Biggers having a severe gun shot wound in the shoulder said men would probably have died had they not been sent home.

That they were not present at the Pay Table at Nashville and that they have not been paid for the time specified in their respective "Final Statement".

P M Radford
Late 1st Lieut 1st Regt Vidette Cav


Sworn to and subscribed before me at Nashville Tenn this 4th day of July 1864

W C Squire
Capt of act. J Adv of Dist of Tennessee


Muster Out Document for Ezekiel


He initially received a pension in the amount of $12.00/month.   It was later increased to $20.00/month. 



Ezekiel Wheeler's Pension Paper


Ezekiel and his family continued to live in Marshall County, Tennessee until 1869.  Another family story states that Rachel Yarbrough's brothers fought for the Confederacy.  Apparently her father, Joel Yarbrough, didn't take to kindly to the fact that Ezekiel fought for the Union.  He didn't like the fact that his daughter had married a Yankee, so he disowned her.  That part of the story in unknown, however Joel died in 1871 and Rachel was named in his will.  In any case, the Wheeler's initially moved to Livingston County, Kentucky in 1869.  Sometime before 1880, Ezekiel and his family further relocated to McCormick, Pope County, Illinois.  After the death of his wife, Rachel, in 1898 Ezekiel moved to Anna, Union County, Illinois with his son William Thomas Wheeler

Ezekiel Richard Wheeler lived an additional 42 years following the end of the Civil War.  He died in Anna, Union County, Illinois on July 10, 1907 at the age of 82.  He is buried in the Old Zion Cemetery, near McCormick, Illinois.


Here's my relation to Ezekiel:

Ezekiel Richard Wheeler (1825 - 1907)
is your 2nd cousin 4x removed
America Wheeler (1805 - 1880)
Father of Ezekiel Richard
Martin Wheeler (1775 - 1822)
Father of America
William Wheeler (1725 - 1780)
Father of Martin
Benjamin Wheeler (1755 - 1830)
Son of William
Benjamin Franklin Wheeler (1803 - 1883)
Son of Benjamin
Christopher Columbus Wheeler (1842 - 1912)
Son of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Elliott Wheeler (1883 - 1951)
Son of Christopher Columbus
Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis (1918 - 1977)
Daughter of Benjamin Elliott
Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )
Daughter of Phebe Teresa
Chip Stokes
You are the son of Joyce


Thursday, January 10, 2013

The North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment: Two 3rd Great Granduncles and Three Cousins


Piece of the North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment's Flag


The North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment completed it's organization at Camp Mangum, near Raleigh, North Carolina in March of 1862.  Its men were recruited from the counties of Granville, Edgecombe, Pitt, Chatham, Montgomery, Beaufort, and Franklin.  The North Carolina 44th initially served in the Department of North Carolina, and then was assigned to my 2nd cousin 5x removed, Brigadier General James Johnston Pettigrew's Brigade, Lieutenant General Ambrose Powell Hill's Third Corps, Army of Northern Virginia.


Brigadier General James Johnston Pettigrew

Although the North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment was attached to Pettigrew's Brigade, the Unit did not participate in Pickett's/Pettigrew's Charge during the Battle of Gettysburg.  The North Carolina 44th was on detached service at Hanover Junction, where they guarded the railroad connections in the area and protected General Robert E. Lee's communication lines with the Confederate Capitol in Richmond, Virginia.

Company A was tasked with guarding the Virginia Central Railroad's bridge across the South Anna River.  According to several post war reports, this was the post that offered the greatest danger.   On June 26, 1863, Companies A & G of the North Carolina 44th, a force totalling about 90 men, defended the Virginia Central Railroad Bridge from numerous Federal assaults from a force of nearly 1,100 Federal Cavalrymen.  Overwhelming Federal odds prevailed, only after bloody hand-to-hand combat.  Company A sustained heavy casualties (7 killed, 13 wounded, 30 missing or captured).  The remainder of the North Carolina 44th served on picket duty back at Hannover Junction.  On July 24, 1863, the entire Regiment was ordered to Gordonsville, Virginia. 

The North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment rejoined their Brigade in August of 1863, however they now had a new Commanding Officer.  Brigadier General James Johnston Pettigrew was mortally wounded on July 14th at Falling Waters, West Virginia during the Confederate retreat from Gettysburg.  He died from his wounds on July 17, 1863.  Command of his Brigade was passed to Brigadier General William Whedbee Kirkland.



Brigadier General William W. Kirkland


The now renamed "Kirkland's Brigade" occupied a position on the Rapidan River.   General Lee had moved his forces to the Rapidan in response to Union General George Meade's movement across the Potomac from Gettysburg, where Union troops took up a defensive position on the Rappahannock.  While encamped on the Rapidan, the Confederate command waited patiently for the right time to attack.


Union Major General George Gordon Meade


On October 8, 1863, Lee's forces moved rapidly toward the Culpeper Courthouse, where they hoped to engage Meade's troops.  Meade withdrew, fell back and avoided the initial confrontation at Culpeper Courthouse.  On October 14, 1863, the Confederates caught up with Federal forces at Bristoe Station, near Centreville, Virginia where, Confederate Lieutenant General A. P. Hill's Third Corps clashed with the Union's II Corps, Army of the Potomac, commanded by Major General Gouverneur Kemble Warren. 



 
Gouverneur Kemble Warren
Ambrose Powell Hill














Warren commanded the II Corps in the absense of General Winfield Scott Hancock, who was recovering from wounds sustained at the Battle of Gettysburg .  The II Corps were supported by a powerful artillery battery that was fortified in an railroad embankment.  Heavy artillery and infantry fire tore through the Confederates as they pushed forward down an open hill towards the Union line.  The North Carolina 44th sustained heavy casualties without flinching.  On three separate occasions, a courier rode to the front lines and advised the North Carolina 44th to fall back.  Each request to fall back was ignored.   The North Carolina 44th pressed on toward the Union position.  Hill hastily ordered a Confederate retreat.   Many men from the North Carolina 44th refused to recross the open area and were captured by Federal soldiers.  The North Carolina 44th casualties included 23 men killed and 63 men wounded.  The total Union casualty count was 540 killed, wounded, or missing compared to 1,380 killed, wounded or missing Confederates.  General William Whedbee Kirkland's left arm was fractured by a bullet.

With General Kirkland out of commission, command of Kirkland's Brigade now passed to Colonel William MacRae.  McRae was temporarily promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.  His full promotion went into effect in 1864.



Brigadier General William MacRae



While Colonel of the North Carolina 15th Infantry Regiment, MacRae had the opportunity to observe the North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment during their participation at the Battle of Bristoe Station.   He admired their conduct and was impressed by their valor on the field of battle.  MacRae loved brave men and found the North Carolina 44th to contain some of the bravest men he ever served with.   While in command of the Brigade, he frequently placed himself near the colors of the Regiment and stated "If I am with the (NC) 44th Regiment and am lost, I shall always be found in the fore-front of the fighting."

Following their victory at the Battle of Bristoe Station,  Meade and his troops continued their retreat towards Centreville, Virginia.  On November 7th Confederate and Federal forces clashed at Rappohannock Bridge and Kelly's Ford.  Both armies spent the majority of November entrenched across Mine Run Creek.  On December 2, 1863, Lee discovered that Meade had withdrawn completely from the area.  Lee ordered his army into winter quarters.  The North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment with the rest of  MacRae's/Kirkland's Brigade encamped near the Orange County Court House. 
All was relatively quiet for the North Carolina 44th and MacRae's/Kirkland's Brigade through the winter of 63 - 64.  On May 4, 1864, Robert E. Lee received information that the Meade's Army of the Potomac under the direct supervision of Ulysses S. Grant, had crossed the Rapidan.  By this time General Kirkland had re-assumed command of his Brigade.  Lee ordered the Confederates out of their camp near the Orange County Court House.  The North Carolina 44th broke camp on the 4th of May and bivouacked the same night at Verdiersville, Virginia which was about nine miles from the "Wilderness". 



Battle of the Wilderness by Kurz and Allison


Two roads ran parallel through the dense thicket which gave its name to the territory where the Battle was to be fought.  They were known as the "Orange Plank Road" and the "Orange Turnpike".  On May 5th, the North Carolina 44th marched towards the Federal position by way of the Orange Plank Road.  The Unit became heavily engaged with Federal troops at about 2:00 p.m.  The North Carolina 44th took up a position on the right of the Orange Plank Road while the North Carolina 26th took up a position on it's left side.  Their location would serve as the center of one of the most violent contests of the entire Civil War.  The road was swept by volley after volley of incessant artillery and infantry fire.  Any attempts to cross it meant almost certain death. 

Three pieces of Confederate Artillery were at risk of being overtaken by the advancing Federals.  The horses that were pulling the guns had all been killed.  Lieutenant R. W. Stedman, of Company A, volunteered to drag the guns down the road, out of danger, if he could be aided by a detail of forty men.  Forty men immediately stepped to his side and agreed to follow him, although they all knew the effort was full of danger. The work was done successfully, but only three of the volunteers escaped unhurt.  Lieutenant Stedman was severely wounded by grape shot.  For his personal gallantry in this action he was honorably mentioned in high terms of praise in an official order from division headquarters, the Army's equivalent of the Medal of Honor. 

The North Carolina 44th suffered heavily in the fighting on May 5th and 6th.  On the morning of May 6th, a large Federal force comprised of 13 Brigades clashed with the 8 Brigades belonging to A.P. Hill.  The entire right wing of Lee's force fell back in disorder.  Confederate reserves commanded by General James Longstreet arrived in time to avert a complete Confederate collapse. 

On the 7th of May, General Grant continued his southeastern march.   Lee rushed the Army of Northern Virginia ahead of Grant's troops and was able to erect a defensive position around the works near the Spotsylvania Court House on May 8th.  Light skirmishing continued for the next few days.   On May 12, 1864, the North Carolina 44th was assigned it's position directly in front of the Spotsylvania Court House.  There they supported a Battery of Confederate Artillery.  Repeatedly throughout the day on the 12th, the North Carolina 44th repulsed several Federal advances, each time being covered by heavy Artillery fire from the Confederate line.  Each Federal assault was repulsed with great loss to the enemy.


Battle of Spottsylvania by Thure de Thulstrup


The North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment participated in every engagement in which Kirkland's Brigade's took part, from Spotsylvania Court House to the Siege of Petersburg.  The Unit constantly skirmished with Federal troops as Grant continued his march on Lee's flank.

On June 3, 1864, the Regiment was heavily engaged with Federal troops at Gaines' Mill. General Kirkland was wounded again during this Battle, when he was again shot through the right thigh. 



Historical Marker at the Gaines' Mill Battlefield


Following the engagement, the North Carolina 44th continued it's march toward Petersburg.   The Unit arrived on June 24, 1864 and Brigadier General William MacRae took command for the injured Kirkland.  MacRae's promotion to Brigadier General had finally gone into effect.   He would remain in command of the Brigade for the remainder of the war.


Company A, known as the "Granville Regulators"


Dudley Walker was born in Granville County, North Carolina in 1834.  He is my 3rd Great Grand Uncle.  Dudley was conscripted as a Private in Company A, North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment on February 6, 1863 in Duplin County, North Carolina.  He was 29 years old at the time of his conscription.   

1st Muster Roll for Dudley

His brother, Addison Lee Walker served in Company E, North Carolina 56th Infantry Regiment.  Dudley's sister, Lucy Walker Laws's husband George Laws and my 2nd Great Grand Aunt Judith Wheeler Beck's husband, David H. Beck also served in Company A, North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment.


David H. Beck circa 1899


Dudley Walker fell ill and was sent to the C.S.A. General Hospital in Farmville, Virginia on June 15, 1864.   He remained there until September 29th, when he was transferred to a Hospital in Richmond, Virginia where he returned to duty.

Hospital Register for Dudley

Following his return to duty, Dudley and the North Carolina 44th participated in the defense of Petersburg and Richmond for the remainder of the war.  Dudley Walker survived at least an additional 15 years following the end of the Civil War.  The last record of Dudley is the 1880 Federal Census, where he is found living in Orange County, North Carolina.   No further record for Dudley can be found at this time.   His burial location remains unknown.

Here's my relation to Dudley:

Dudley Walker (1834 - 1880)
is your 3rd great grand uncle
Ellis Walker Sr. (1775 - 1853)
Father of Dudley
Ellis Walker Jr. (1805 - 1888)
Son of Ellis
Mildred Walker (1854 - 1922)
Daughter of Ellis
Benjamin Elliott Wheeler (1883 - 1951)
Son of Mildred
Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis (1918 - 1977)
Daughter of Benjamin Elliott
Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )
Daughter of Phebe Teresa
Chip Stokes
You are the son of Joyce

**An interesting side note, Dudley Walker's father, Ellis Walker's (my 4th Great Grandfather) first wife was Elizabeth Pettigrew (my 4th Great Grandmother).  Elizabeth Pettigrew was General Pettigrew's cousin.   Elizabeth's father, James Pettigrew was the brother of General Pettigrew's Grandfather, Charles Pettigrew.



Burwell Wheeler was born in Granville County, North Carolina in 1796.  He is also my 3rd Great Grand Uncle.  Three of Burwell's sons also served in the Confederate Army.  John R. "Jack" Wheeler served in both Company C, North Carolina 61st and Company H, North Carolina 47th Infantry Regiments.  Nicholas Wheeler served in Company E, North Carolina 47th Infantry Regiment.  William H. Wheeler served in Company I, North Carolina 3rd Cavalry.  Burwell enlisted as a Private in the "Granville Regulators" a/k/a Company A, North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment on February 28, 1862 at the age of 66.  He was officially mustered into the unit on April 3, 1862.  Burwell is listed as being a farmer prior to the war.  Per the description on his 1st Muster Roll, he is listed as being  five feet seven inches tall.



1st Muster for Burwell


Burwell was captured on the South Anna Bridge on June 26, 1863 and was exchanged at Fortress Monroe on June 29th.


POW Roll for Burwell

Burwell was discharged by surgeon's certificate on April 18, 1864.



Discharge for Burwell

Burwell Wheeler lived an additional 20 years following the end of the Civil War.  He died in Wake County, North Carolina in 1885 at the age of 89.  His burial location is not known at this time. 

Here's my relation to Burwell:

Burwell Wheeler (1796 - 1885)
is your 3rd great grand uncle
Benjamin Wheeler (1755 - 1830)
father of Burwell Wheeler
Benjamin Franklin Wheeler (1803 - 1883)
son of Benjamin Wheeler
Christopher Columbus Wheeler (1842 - 1912)
son of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler
Benjamin Elliott Wheeler (1883 - 1951)
son of Christopher Columbus Wheeler
Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis (1918 - 1977)
daughter of Benjamin Elliott Wheeler
Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )
daughter of Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis
Chip Stokes
You are the son of Joyce



Robert Rowland was born in Warren County, North Carolina in 1828.  He is my 1st cousin 5x removed.  Prior to his service in the Civil War, Robert was a Grocer by trade.  Robert enlisted as a Private in Company A, North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment on March 15, 1862 at the age of 35. 


Ist Muster for Robert


Robert was also captured on the South Anna Bridge on June 26, 1863 and was exchanged at Fortress Monroe on June 29th.


POW Roll for Robert

Robert was again captured, this time on April 2, 1865 in a skirmish near Petersburg, Virginia.  He was confined to Hart's Island Prison, New York on April 7, 1865. 


POW Roll for Robert


Robert was released from Hart's Island Prison on June 19, 1865 after taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. 


Oath of Allegiance for Robert
Robert Rowland lived at least an additonal 15 years following the end of the Civil War.  No further record of him can be found after the 1880 Federal Census where his shown living in Nutbush, Warren County, North Carolina.  His burial location is not known at this time.

Here's my relation to Robert:

Robert Rowland (1827 - 1880)
is your 1st cousin 5x removed
Hannah H. Harris (1805 - 1870)
mother of Robert Rowland
Ransom Harris Sr. (1764 - 1832)
father of Hannah H. Harris
Ann Washington Harris (1795 - 1870)
daughter of Ransom Harris Sr.
James C. Moss (1824 - 1891)
son of Ann Washington Harris
William Allen Moss (1859 - 1931)
son of James C. Moss
Valeria Lee Moss (1890 - 1968)
daughter of William Allen Moss
Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis (1918 - 1977)
daughter of Valeria Lee Moss
Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )
daughter of Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis
Chip Stokes
You are the son of Joyce



Company S



Chaplain Richard Stanford Webb


My 3rd cousin 5x removed, Richard Stanford Webb, served as Chaplain of the North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment.   Richard was born in Orange County, North Carolina on February 15, 1837.   He enlisted as a Private in Company S, North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment on April 23, 1862 at the age of 25.  Richard was promoted to Full Chaplain of the Regiment on November 23, 1863. 

Following the end of the Civil War, Richard settled in Orange County, North Carolina where he lived for an additional 36 years.   Richard was a Methodist Minister in Orange County from 1859 throuhg his death.  Richard Stanford Webb died in Orange County, North Carolina on November 20, 1901 at the age of 64.  He is buried in the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Oaks, Orange County, North Carolina.



Grave of Richard Stanford Webb



Richard's brother, Alexander Smith Webb, also my 3rd cousin 5x removed, served in Company G, North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment. 


Alexander Smith Webb


Alexander Smith Webb was born in Orange County, North Carolina on November 16, 1840.   He enlisted as a Private in Company G, North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment on January 5, 1863 at the age of 22. 


1st Muster Roll for Alexander


Alexander rose up the ranks of the North Carolina 44th fairly quickly.  He was promoted to Sergeant Major on March 1, 1863. 

Muster Roll showing Alexander's promotion to Sergeant Major


Alexander was again promoted, this time to the rank of 3rd Lieutenant.  His promotion went into effect on December 5, 1863.


Muster Roll showing Alexander's promotion to 3rd Lieutenant


Alexander received his final promotion on May 1, 1864, this time to the rank of 1st Lieutnatn/Adjutant of the North Carolina 44th Infantry Regiment. 



Roster showing Alexander's promotion to 1st Lieutenant/Adjutant


Alexander's appointment was signed by Secretary of War, James Seddon


Alexander's Appointment to 1st Lieutenant/Adjutant


Alexander was captured by Federal forces on August 27, 1864 near Petersburg, Virginia.  He was confined to Old Capitol Prison in Washington, D.C. on October 31, 1864.  He was then transferred to Fort Delaware, Maryland on December 16, 1864.



POW Roll for Alexander


Alexander was released from Fort Delaware on June 17, 1865 after taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. 



Oath of Allegiance for Alexander


Following the end of the Civil War, Alexander settled in Warren County, North Carolina where he lived an additional 63 years.


Alexander Smith Webb and wife Annabelle Moore


Alexander Smith Webb died in Warren County, North Carolina on January 11, 1928 at the age of 87.  He is buried in Raleigh's historic Oakwood Cemetery. 



Grave of Alexander Smith Webb
 
 
Due to the fact that Richard and Alexander were brothers, I'm only providing one relationship chart.
 
Here's my relation to Alexander:
 
Alexander Smith Webb (1840 - 1928)
is your 3rd cousin 5x removed
Alexander Smith Webb (1804 - 1849)
father of Alexander Smith Webb
Ann Hunt Smith (1784 - 1840)
mother of Alexander Smith Webb
Amy Pomfret (1759 - 1834)
mother of Ann Hunt Smith
John Pomfret (1720 - 1814)
father of Amy Pomfret
Frances Hunt Pomfret (1747 - 1826)
daughter of John Pomfret
Pomfret Blackwell (1769 - 1828)
son of Frances Hunt Pomfret
Phoebe Blackwell (1812 - 1860)
daughter of Pomfret Blackwell
Martha Anne Currin (1834 - 1917)
daughter of Phoebe Blackwell
Phebe Lucy Daniel (1862 - 1946)
daughter of Martha Anne Currin
Valeria Lee Moss (1890 - 1968)
daughter of Phebe Lucy Daniel
Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis (1918 - 1977)
daughter of Valeria Lee Moss
Joyce Elaine Lewis (1948 - )
daughter of Phebe Teresa Wheeler Lewis
Chip Stokes
You are the son of Joyce