Genealogy Forum NEWS
July, 1998

---

Patriotic Ancestors in the Military

---

Editorial Note: As we begin discussing the US Civil War, and consider these entries under the topic "Patriotic Ancestors" we are careful to include entries from both the North and the South. Originally, we intended this theme to generally include ancestors who fought for the US War of Independence. But then if you are of British descent, you'd take exception to the concept of typical American participants in that was as being "Patriotic."

As good, caring citizens, we're trying to live in harmony one with another. As genealogists, we're collecting material which describes the life and times of our ancestors. It is necessary to report this information as accurately as possible, letting documentation speak for itself.

We must consider that every war known to man has taken a heavy toll by the shedding of human blood. Such deaths impacted our ancestral families, leaving wives to raise their children, tend the farms and provide a livelihood alone.

Given that human understanding, and without judging the merits of a cause, we are including these entries. Consider each an exercise in learning to report, as faithfully as possible, the military experience of one's ancestor.

---

A Flag In Prison
Submitted by
GFS HOOK@aol.com

The Adventures of the 48th Ohio Flag at Camp Ford, Texas. Editor National Tribune: Thinking a correct account of the Stars and Stripes serving a term in Camp Ford (Texas) Prison would be of interest to the survivors of that rebel pen, I will give the details of its capture, prison treatment and escape. It was on Banks's famous expedition up Red River when the 19th Ky., 77th and 130th Ill., 48th Ohio, and Chicago Mercantile Battery were captured on the 8th of April, 1864, at Sabine Cross-roads, La. The color-bearer, Isaac Scott, as the rebels were closing in on us, tore the regimental flag of the 48th Ohio from the staff and gave it to his mess-mate, who concealed it in his haversack, where he kept it from detection all through his march to prison. He was taken sick on the way and did not reach the prison for some time after the others, but through all his sickness and marches he kept it safely until he arrived at the prison, when he delivered it to the officers of the regiment for safe-keeping.

A hole was dug inside their shanty, in which the flag was buried; but prior to burying it, and after due precaution had been taken to guard against detection, it was secretly displayed to several of the old prisoners, some of whom had been there two years, and their eyes sparkled and tears stole down their emaciated cheeks as they gazed on that emblem of liberty, and they went away feeling they could bear their captivity with lighter hearts.

But the rebel guards found out we had a Union flag in camp, and they searched for it on several occasions, tearing up the floors and digging up the ground in the shanties. Although each time failing to find it, they were always on the lookout for that flag; and when on the 4th of July following, while the prisoners were celebrating the day by permission of the prison commander (we having agreed not to refer to the "unpleasantness"), in the midst of the exercises a file of rebel soldiers, in charge of the Officer of the Guard, marched in front of the speaker, and in a tone of authority said: "I understand you had an American flag displayed; I demand I immediate surrender."

But he was assured that no flag had been displayed. Still he insisted. He was told that it must have been a sign of some enterprising baker who had prepared some choice biscuit, pies, etc., to tempt the ravenous appetites of the prisoners. They finally left with this warning: "You will be fired on by the guards indiscriminately should a flag be seen displayed." He was answered, "Don't shoot until you see the flag up."

But to keep that beautiful silk flag buried would have ruined it; so it was taken from its hiding-place and sewed up in Capt. Gunsaullus's long blouse, and it was worn by him all through the remaining term of our captivity.

When the 19th Ky. and the 48th Ohio were exchanged, Oct.23, 1864, at the mouth of Red River, many Union officers, with their wives, were present to witness the exchange. As the prisoners boarded the steamer St. Marys the old flag was torn from its hiding-place and hastily tied to a staff previously prepared for the occasion, and from the upper deck, as our band -from a signal- played the "Star Spangled Banner," the flag of the 48th Ohio was unfurled to the breeze, with the waving of handkerchiefs and amid the wild shouts and deafening cheers of the released prisoners and the groans of the rebels.

No words of tongue or pen can fully describe the emotions of that hour. It was an inspiring scene, and one that will never be forgotten by those who witnessed it. Even the rebel agent of exchange, Capt. Bischett, on his return to Camp Ford said it was one of the most exciting scenes he had ever witnessed, and the regiment deserved great credit. Another rebel Lieutenant of artillery who was present, and who no doubt had not lost all the love for the "Starry Banner," said to me after it was over: " I could not have had the heart to take that flag from you had I discovered it on your way to exchange, for it has been a pleasure to me to see your great joy at its safe deliverance from prison."

The flag was afterward placed in the flag-room at the State Capitol in Columbus, O., where it now remains. This is the only flag I ever heard of being in Camp Ford Prison, Texas, and its history is taken from notes made at that time. -- Thomas Montgomery, Captain, 48th Ohio, Lynchburg, O.

From: The National Tribune October 13th 1887

---

Patriotic Ancestors
Submitted by
GFS Susi@aol.com

Patriotic ancestors is something this family has many, many of. My husband some day will be one. My husband served, end of Korea and all of Vietnam in the USNavy, and was in Vietnam many, to many times.

My brother lost part of a toe and much of his life in Vietnam. I do not think these veterans have ever gotten over some of what they went through and saw. IT seems to be more dramatic and personally envolved.

My Uncles' served in the 2nd World War . I remember them recovering from shell shock and tremors and the ravages of the yellow fever etc. But the recovery was somewhat accomplished and there lives moved forward, generally. One Uncle was with the expedition that bombed the island with the first hydrogen bomb. The radiation ultimately killed him many years later. Another Uncle was on the USS ARIZONA and missed death by about ten minutes by being in a boat going to shore for orders when the planes came in and we shot at the enemy planes with pistols they carried as couriers. He tied up to pier and dashed for cover at Pearl Harbor. Today at Hickam Air Force base, some of the buildings still show the shell holes from WW11. It was decided not to cover them.

Henry Huffman dcd 1812 from Virginia m to Catrouch (Catharine) Fry, his ancestor's family coming from Germany served many campaigns in the Virginia Military and after moving to southwestern Pennsylvania served two more terms, one under Virginia and one under Pennsylvania. IN 1994, his musket, cap and discharge documents were held by my cousin in Pennsylvania. At her death, the musket and cap disappeared but the discharge document still exists. IT is listed with another kin of the family. It is very small but very readable. Henry was a young boy(12?) when he first met George Washington and later carried his chains on the expedition west. Chains were for measurement. Henry moved all about the state of Virginia, I am still attempting to prove he was previously married in Virginia before the marriage to Mary Provator(Prator) dvcd Greene Co, Pa 1789.

Then marriage to Catrouch or Catharine Fry from Berkeley, VA 1793-4. He then moved back to southwestern Pennsylvania by 1800 when fourth or fifth child was born. We have found his brothers or some of them but many of the sisters unkown yet. I am from his son Henry Joseph HOffman born 1803 dcd 1879 , burried Windy Gap Cemetary, Greene Co PA. Henry Joseph Hoffman's grandson married the descendant of the following person. DUVALL.

Alexander DUVALL (ALLEXR DEVAUL) was enrolled as a PRIVATE, Fifth Class, Captain Benjamin White's Third Company, Fifth Battalion, Washington County Militia, according to the evidence of a Return of the Fourth, Fifth an Sixth Classes dated June 7, 1782. He resided in Fallowfield Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania. Alexander's father was Alexander Duvall, his father was Capt. John Duvall, and John's father was Mareen Duvall of MIDDLE PLANTATION, in Maryland. Alexander's family slowly migrated to Washington, Fayette Co area and they farmed and raised animals. They settled in Washington County, and then moved to Fayette County , moving back to Washington County and then back to Fayette County where he and his wife Elizabeth Abigail POWELL DUVALL are buried.

He raised eight children: two of those children are my ancestors, Jacob whom married Jane Patterson and Eli whom married Elizabeth Ritchey (Ritchie). Their children Robert and Harriet Duvall married and their daughter married a ggrandson of Henry HUFFMAN, Franklin Marion HOFFMAN (name changed by grandfather).

Calvin JONES served in the Civil War with an Illinois Regiment. He marched on foot to Murphysboro , Tennesse was shot throught the chest with a musket ball and given up for dead. He was found by a Negro family and nursed back to health , at least well enough he walked home. His brother Harrison lay dead in the same ditch he was found covered in. Only the movement of the dirt, that was discovered by the family saved him. My father said you could put your hand in a fist and could feel your knuckles on the other side of his Grandad's back from the front.

Talk of patriotic, he was given a pension for the service he did. But three months later, he reenlisted in the service and served three more months, then fighting for twenty years for his pension again. His wife Hannah YOUNG JONES fought to retain it after he had just been recieving it when he died of the war wounds. At least , she was able to collect something til she passed on.

Calvin was born in Rensselear Co, New York, Berlin area. He is a descendant of TEAGUE JONES whom was with the Plymoth Colony in Massachussets in 1645 and fought the Narraganssett Indians that year. IT is so far unkown to me, why his Gfather Noel JONES had his brother Silas JONES serve his REV WAR duties for him. It must have been for health reasons. There are some very prevelent diseases that carry down in this family.

John FOLK served in a Pennsylvania Regiment I have his records also.

These are all documented kin. Have more but that's enough this time.

---

Capt. Samuel Joseph Johnson
Submitted by
GFS Mark@aol.com

Capt. Samuel Joseph Johnson
Co. K, 25th Tenn. Infantry CSA

Born in 1839 in White County, Tennessee, my great grandfather, Samuel Joseph Johnson, enlisted in the 25th Tennessee Infantry at Livingston, Tenn., in July of 1861. As was the custom then, the company elected its officers and he was named first lieutenant. The regiment marched out of Livingston, 1100 strong, heading for Kentucky. (Four years later, at Appomattox Courthouse, this regiment would muster only 22 men left after nearly 4 years of war.)

Elected Captain in 1863, Sam Johnson saw two of his brothers killed in action under his command at Murfreesboro and at Chickamauga. At Knoxville, he fought against my greatgrandfather Barker, who was in the Union army!

In May of 1864, he and most of his company were captured at Drury's Bluff, Virginia. Sent to Federal prisons at Fort Delaware and Point Lookout, He was one of the 600 Confederate officers who were sent by boat to Charleston SC where they were placed in an open pen on Morris Island in front of the Federal batteries shelling the city. The Union commanders thought this would deter the Confederate artillary in Charleston from returning fire. However, this did not work; the Confederate gunners were so accurate that they were able to shell the Union batteries with minimal damage to the prisoners confined in front.

After a few weeks, the survivors of the 600 were transferred to Ft. Pulaski prison at Savannah and later to Hilton Head SC. The following spring, after a terrible winter ordeal of unbelievable suffering, the survivors were returned to Ft. Delaware where they remained confined until July 1865, three months after the war had ended. The excuse for the release delay was that these Confederates refused to take the oath of allegience to the United States; however, the delay also gave the Federals opportunity to "fatten up" the starved and sickened Confederates who had managed to survive. Their fellow Confederates gave them the name, "The Immortal Six Hundred" in recognition of their suffering and sacrifice.

My greatgrandfather was one of the survivors, but he suffered fragile health until his death in 1900 at the age of 60.

---

ANCESTORS IN THE MILITARY
Submitted by
GFS Jim@aol.com

Hello Jim,
Even though I cannot always come to the Chat, I really do enjoy the synopsis of the meeting. Thank you for sending it. You requested information on our ancestors in the military. Well, the following is a list of the men on my father's side who fought in the War Between the States (The War of Northern Aggression - for all the Southerners out there!) Maybe there are other Mabrys in your group who are looking for information on these men.

My father also was in the service: James Robert Mabry, enlisted 1948 and retired 1968. He was a career serviceman. My uncles also served. They were in the Navy. Clifton Eugene Mabry and Martin Suggs Mabry, Jr. All three men were born and raised in Attala County Mississippi. Thank you for asking. I am very proud of all of these men.
Mary Rose Mabry Dolce
A Mississippian
currently living in New Jersey

Griffin Lafayette7 ("Tobe") Mabry, (Alexander6, James T., Joel, Ephraim, Hinchia, Francis), b 10 Jul 1841 Attala Co MS, m Sarah M. Donald, enlisted Com. C, 11th MSCav as Toby L. Mabry, was later assigned to 2ndMS Inf, served last in 15thMS Inf Co A. d 10 Nov 1878 Attala Co MS.

James7 Mabry, (Alexander6, James T., Joel, Ephraim, Hinchia, Francis), b 27 Nov 1844 Attala Co MS; m Martha Antoinette Barwick, served in 21stMS Inf Co G and 15th MS Cav McKie Cavalry, d 30 Sep 1899 Attala Co MS.

Dr. Levi Wyman Mabry (Alexander6, James T., Joel, Ephraim, Hinchia, Francis) b 5 Nov 1846, m 1890 Ida Flora Barwick, served 15th MS Cav Co M, d 24 May 1891.

The above men were all brothers. James is my great-grandfather. The other two are my great-great-uncles.

From: CDeripaska
To: GFS Jim

Actually I have two stories to share. A patriotic uncle named JohnP. Barnes. He was in the civil war, first in his family to sign up. He served his time, with one brother losing a leg, another an eye, and the death of another in the Battle of Balls Bluff. John P. returned home from the war to find his father and siblings sick and dying. The Reb's had poisoned their well. john Buried his father, brother and two sisters, took others to be taken care of and returned to fight in the war. He wrote ballads about the war and talked about it till his dying day.

Now if you can use a WWII story, my dad, Clifford Leist was on the ship,"USS ARTIC" during the end of the war. They were five miles outside Japan when they were torpedoed. The ship was heavily damaged but could still float so the crew took sheets and anything else needed and made a sail to sail the ship home. It took 18 days just to make the sail and 3 months to sail it home. These men were all patriotic to me.

---

Stephen Rutledge
For God and Country
submitted by
GFS Kate@aol.com

Stephen Rutledge was a peaceable man, of Scots-Irish heritage, a preacher, deeply grounded in his faith and firm in his convictions. To him, as to so many people of the south, the Civil War was a heart-rending issue of divided loyalties--heritage vs conscience. He hated slavery and he loved his country, but the South was his home. His conscience troubled him over the issue of secession. He couldn't support the idea of the Confederacy but how could he turn his back on all that he had grown up with, and all the people who were dear to him? The diary he wrote during those heart-breaking years revealed him to be a man who would go to great lengths to avoid compromising his principles while at the same time satisfying the demands of society and his country.

Stephen Rutledge was born in 1833 in Hawkins County in East Tennessee and was raised on the banks of the Holston River and near Waldon's Ridge in Bledsoe County in Middle Tennessee. In 1850 he married Mary Massey, a young 1/4 Cherokee girl he had rescued from quicksand. They were living in Giles County TN when the rumbles of unrest turned to shouts of outrage and anger over the question of states rights and the slavery issue. On May 6, 1861 it came time for Giles County to vote whether Tennessee should stay in the Union or join the Confederacy. Stephen was chosen as one of the election judges and watched as each man cast his vote, the looks on their faces proclaiming their determination to leave the Union. Stephen's conscience wouldn't allow him to vote for secession, and yet his sympathy and his heart were for his friends and family and the south that he loved so well. Finally, the moment of decision could be put off no longer. With only 5 minutes left in which to cast his vote, he proclaimed his undying belief that Tennessee should not seceed, and his vote was cast...to stay in the Union. He went on to say that he would not lift a finger against his friends and neighbors should it come to war. Of the 2,469 votes cast in Giles Co, TN only 11 were against secession.

Some of the residents of the county, upon hearing of his decision, formed a mob and rode out to his home the following day, determined to punish what they saw as treachery against the South. They surrounded his home and called him out of the house. He was given a choice of enlisting in the Confederate Army or being hanged. Reluctantly, he agreed to join the army. However, his conscience still troubled him over swearing allegience to the Confederate cause and turning his back on his beloved United States. He devised a plan to avoid giving the oath of allegience. When the men were being signed up and called to swear the oath, he asked a neighbor to answer for him. This was done, and he was enlisted into Company H, 32nd Tennessee Infantry of the Confederate Army without him having to give his oath. This later served him well when he was confronted by Yankee sympathizers and he was able to swear that he had never given an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy.

Stephen was captured at the Battle of Ft. Donelson in Feb. 1862 and sent to Camp Morton in Indiana, but he was soon transferred to a hospital at Lafayette, Indiana. He was suffering from bronchitis and crippled by erysipelas (strep infection) in his feet. While in the hospital he noted that Doc Chestnut, who was in charge of the prisoners, dispensed the same medicine to everyone: a mixture of calomel, ipecac, dovers powers, strychnine and morphine. He persuaded some of his fellow prisoners not to take the medicine but to suffer through without. They eventually improved, but some of their fellow prisoners who were taking the medication were not so fortunate. When Doc Chestnut found out that Stephen and his friends were not taking the medicine he put them in the cellar with no light, heat or comfort for several days. They eventually managed to get the door to the outside opened and escaped from the cellar. They did not run away, however, but contacted the authorities and informed them of the abuse and gross mistreatment the prisoners were suffering at the hands of Doc Chestnut.

Stephen remained at Camp Morton until September 1862 when they were exchanged and sent down the Mississippi River to Vicksburg, MS. Stephen was on watch when the order came to assemble the prisoners with all their belongings. According to his diary, the commander gave the order to have all the prisoners assembled in one and a half hours. He told the guards that if any of the rebels didn't move fast enough they were to use their bayonets and stick them to the ground so there would be less outlaws to worry about. Stephen hurried to each bunk and warned the men to gather what they could and hurry to the assembly area. By the time the guards began to round up the prisoners they were already ready for inspection.

When his regiment was finally exchanged at Vicksburg on Sept 12,1862 , they went on to Jackson, Mississippi where they re-organized and moved to Murfreesboro and joined the Army of Middle Tennessee on October 28, 1862. On December 25 they were ordered to Wartrace to guard the railroad bridges during the Battle of Murfreesboro.

Stephen spent a good part of 1863 in Columbus, Georgia where he bought leather and made shoes for the Confederate soldiers. He built 440 pairs of shoes during his service as shoemaker, an occupation that he practiced to the end of his days. In later years, one of his grandchildren, Virgil Rutledge, remarked that each winter he made each of them a pair of shoes without a single nail in them, and they always lasted.

When 1864 came, Stephen was again on the battlefield for a short time. He was wounded, probably at the battle of Tunnel Hill, and taken to the hospital at Buckner, Newman, Georgia. After his recovery, he was captured a second time and put on a prison train heading to Andersonville Prison. While the train was stopped, he asked permission to get off for a drink of water, but delayed taking his turn until the last moment. While seeming to be hurrying back to the train, he fell and rolled down a hill and hid until the guards gave up the search and the train faded in the distance.

All these adventures were recorded on scrolls he carried throughout the war. In his diary, he touches on some of the battles, but mostly his writing is a narrative of the everyday things of his life. He tells of the meeting at the prison hospital in Indiana between himself and an old schoolmate from his childhood on the Holston River. He writes with some amusement and satisfaction of how he outwitted the enemy several times while he was moving between enemy-held territory and his home in Lawrence County, TN. His deep and abiding faith in God's providence shows through in his recorded conversations with his wife, Mary. Above all, he is revealed as a man of strong moral character, resourceful, tender-hearted toward his fellow men; a man whom even the commander of Camp Morton, the POW camp, called a gentleman.

When the war was over, Stephen took his family and moved to Missouri. They went first to Dent County, where Stephen started a church in 1870. In 1880 he went on south into Texas County, where he established a prosperous farm in the tiny hamlet of Tyrone. There, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, he served as the first postmaster of Tyrone and operated a general store. When the need arose, he donated land to be used as a cemetery. He died in 1910 and was buried at the edge of the cemetery next to Mary, his wife of 59 years.