"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group
Submitted by GFSJayne@aol.com, GFSTeg, and GFSJim@aol.com

Edited by GFSGary@aol.com

 

WHAT WE ARE ABOUT…

OUR FOCUS: the "History of the American (United States) Civil War".
OUR GOAL: to enhance your Genealogy activity, knowledge, and "wisdom" by talking about the history surrounding their lives and actions; specifically the "Civil War" that our ancestors lived through and died because of.
OUR PROMISE: to provide an "online" environment that is NOT judgmental and to address ALL aspects of this "Pivotal Period" in our History, with honesty and truth (where we know it).

We do "Fireside Stories" about the battles, the people and the social happenings. In addition we dedicate one Thursday a month to the sharing of Songs, Poems and Letters from that era. So come back and visit; we'll save you a seat at the Fireside, and keep the Cider warm... For a full listing of upcoming events, either look on the Schedule at the end of this Notice or in the Upcoming Events of the Genealogy Forum.

As we review the logs, and we find new visitors who show an interest or have entered into discussions on this topic in our Thursday sessions, we automatically add you to the distribution for this "Weekly Fireside."

FOR ALL YOU 1ST TIMERS ON THURSDAY - "WELCOME TO OUR MERRY BAND"WEREALLY ENJOYED HAVING YOU, TRADING QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS AND ESPECIALLY YOUR COMRADERIE!!! :-)... COME AGAIN, WE "RELISH" YOUR COMPANY..

Every first-timer to the American Civil War History SIG gets put on the newsletter distribution automatically. We do this to give you an opportunity to jump right in with us. If you desire NOT to receive the newsletter, then just drop us an email saying, "UNSUBSCRIBE" and we will quickly remove your screen name from distribution. We certainly don’t want to clog your mailbox with unwanted material. Also many of you pass on the newsletter to others that don’t subscribe to AOL. We really want to thank you for spreading the word. I’d also like to let you know that we would be happy to add them to our list if they have email of any sort. We distribute everywhere to those that have requested it. AOL membership is not a requirement although we’d love to see you in the Chat Room: D

To facilitate navigation, these feature articles may be reached by these links:

The Youngest Veterans by Tom Gladwell http://www.genealogyforum.com/gfnews/october99/youngest.htm

"History of Northeast Missouri," Chariton County Written by James S. WALLACE, of Brunswick http://www.genealogyforum.com/gfnews/october99/northeastmo.htm

 

Did you know…

WolfordGen@aol.com provided this to us...

This information came from a talk by Mr. George Farr who is the researcher at Chemung County NY Historical Society at a genealogy seminar in Mainesburg PA last month. This talk gave you information as to what is available at different sources.

 

At local historical societies:

    1. Regimental Histories of local regiments.
    2. NY State Monuments Commission reports.
    3. Phisterer’s NY State Regiments, multi-volume reference
    4. Manuscript collections of local regiments.
    5. Newspaper collections and correspondent’s letters 1911-1915 50th Anniversary of the war produced much coverage.
    6. Cart de Visite Photograph Collection
    7. Regimental association records (not GAR)
    8. Veterans Scrapbooks
    9. GAR Post records and/or personal service memorial books
    10. NY State census for 1865, special section on men in service.
 

Local public libraries:

Current books on subject regiments

    1. Newspapers on microfilm
    2. NY State Monuments Commission publications on memorials and soldiers.
    3. NY State census for 1865
    4. Roll of Honor listing by major cemetery of soldiers who died in the service
 

University Libraries:

    1. Regimental histories of units
    2. Manuscript collections, letters, diaries.
 

NY State Historical Association

    1. NY State Adjutant Generals reports solciers by regiment with short service record
    2. Manuscript collections, diaries, letters
 

{{Jim}}} Thanks for forwarding this on to us!! While this is specific to NY it can, for the most part, be applied to other states as well..

On the day after my arrival at Fortress Monroe, May 23, 1861, three Negroes were reported coming in a boat form Sewall's Point, where the enemy was building a battery. Thinking that some information as to that work might be got from them, I had them before me. I learned that they were employed on the battery on the "Point", which as yet was a trifling affair. There were only two guns there, though the work was laid out to be much larger and to be heavily mounted with guns captured from the navy-yard. The Negros said they belonged to Colonel Mallory, who commanded the Virginia troops around Hampton, and that he was now making preparation to take all his Negroes to Florida soon, and that not wanting to go away from home they had escaped to the fort. I directed that they should be fed and set at work.

On the next day, (the twenty fourth) I was notified by an officer in charge of the picket line next to Hampton that an officer bearing a flag of truce desired to be admitted to the fort to see me. As I did not wish to allow officers of the enemy to come inside the fort just then and see us piling up sand-bags to protect the weak points there, I directed the bearer of the flag to be informed that I would be at the picket line in the course of an hour. Accompanied by two gentlemen of my staff, Major Fay and Captain Haggerty , I rode out to the picket line and met the flag of truce there. It was under charge of Major Carey, who introduced himself, at the same time pleasantly calling to mind that we last met at the Charleston convention

"I am informed," said Major Carey, "that three Negroes belonging to Colonel Mallory have escaped with your lines. I am Colonel Mallory's agent and have charge of his property. What do you mean to do with those Negroes?"

"I intend to hold them," said I.

"Do you mean, then, to set aside your constitutional obligation to return them?

"I mean to take Virginia at her word, as declared in the ordinance of secession passed yesterday. I am under no constitutional obligations to a foreign country, which Virginia now claims to be."

"But you say we cannot secede," he answered, "and so you cannot consistently detain the Negroes."

"But you say you have seceded, so you cannot consistently claim them. I shall hold these Negroes as contraband of war, since they are engaged in the construction of your battery and are claimed as your property. The question is simply whether they shall be used for or against the Government of the United States. Yer, though I greatly need the labor which has providentially come to my hands, if Colonel Mallory will come into the fort and take the oath of allegiance to the United States, he shall have his Negroes, and I will endeavor to hire them from him."

"Colonel Mallory is absent," was Major Carey's answer.

We courteously parted.

--Major General Benjamin F. Butler

A NOTE FROM GFS JIM

Having spent so much time out in Hampton, Virginia this year, I was (needless to say) really caught up in the local area history. An example of that addiction was my story about William Barker Cushing of the Union Navy and his exploits with the Confederate Ram, Albemarle. This all started out of Hampton and it occurred only 20 to 25 miles away in North Carolina. Remember the Battle of Big Bethel in a previous article in the "Fireside"?? Well I was ramblin around Hampton and found a "Little Ditty" I thought you'd enjoy. As Big Bethel was the first land battle of the Civil War, General Ben Butler took a beatin' for having lost it so handily. The Federals has lost a total of 76 men, 18 killed, 53 wounded and 5 missing. The Union bumbling required that a scapegoat be found. Butler was blamed for sending his troops forward with such poor intelligence and for remaining at Fort Monroe, during the battle General Pierce, however, took on most of the responsibility for the defeat. He was labeled incompetent and mustered out of the army. Here's the song published in the Northern newspapers and sung to the tune of "Yankee Doodle".

 

Butler and I went out from camp,

At Bethel to make Battle,

And then the Southrons whipt us back,

Just like a drove of cattle.

Come throw your swords and muskets down,

You do not find them handy.

Although the Yankees cannot fight,

At running they're the dandy.

And then we got a monster gun,

Which gives us satisfaction,

For seven miles are just a space,

That Yankees like in action.

Come throw your swords and muskets down,

You do not find them handy.

Although the Yankees cannot fight,

At running they're the dandy

Whenever we go out to fight,

The Southrons give us lickings,

But then we strive to get revenge,

By stealing all their chickens.

Come throw your swords and muskets down,

You do not find them handy.

Although the Yankees cannot fight,

At running they're the dandy.

Old Butler stays in Fort Monroe,

And listens to the firing,

And when his men have met defeat,

Ben goes out inquiring.

Come throw your swords and muskets down,

You do not find them handy.

Although the Yankees cannot fight,

At running they're the dandy.

To say that Butler will not fight,

Is certainly no scandal,

For not a trophy he has gained,

Except an old pump-handle

Come throw your swords and muskets down,

You do not find them handy.

Although the Yankees cannot fight,

At running they're the dandy.

THE HELP DESK

This segment is to address specific questions that hit our plate on Thursday night that we didn't have a chance to answer or needed a bit of time to check it out. Hope these answer the mail :D

Submitters Note: Regimental Histories and Letters, etc. Postings: keyword "roots", after which will bring you to the main screen of the Genealogy Forum. Select the "Files Library Center", then "History Files". At that point select "Civil War Files. Lectures and the Letters, Songs and Poems evenings are also posted in the "Files Library Center" under "History Lectures" as the Lecture Subject. The "Firesides" when they eventually get there after their 30 days in the New Files section are posted in the "Files Library Center" under "Meeting Logs and Newsletters".

There were a couple of requests in the room Thursday night to post questions here in the Weekly Fireside to see if any of you out there might know..

First, an answer to Privada who wanted to know if we had ever done a talk on Shiloh in the SIG.

I checked at KEYWORD: Roots > Files > Logs, Newsletters and More > History Lectures Library and didn't find anything. I know GFS Jim has a wonderful poem, "The Four Faces of Shiloh" but it looks like a lecture about Shiloh will be in the future.

Second, Privada also asked if anyone knows the where abouts of a Diorama made of Shiloh. Seems Eddie saw some pictures of part of the Diorama in a Civil War Times magazine and wondered where it is now. Anyboy know what happened to it or where it is?????

Third, SallyEPS asked if anyone knows where she can buy cast iron GAR markers for the cemetery. We have found out plastic ones are available but Sally wants one of the cast iron ones. How about it????

EJMOULTON sent this website in. It has a lot of information, you might want to take a look at it.

SUVCW - Web Site Index http://suvcw.org/id.htm

Andersonville lookups

From: frye@gnat.net (FRYE FAMILY)

Kevin Frye has offered his services for looking up Andersonville ancestors.Kevin is now building a website around Andersonville that informs about the prison as well as his "look-up" offer below.

The address is: http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/Andersonvilleprison/index.html

The National Park Service provides the information here. http://www.corinthian.net/mccc/plookup.htm (2006 - Link Invalid)

SUBMITTER'S NOTE: Please visit this website. It is awesome. See note below.

From: LParr30983@aol.com

THANKS......and it is AWESOME!!

Lavonne Steward Parrish

MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS!!..

Here's how it works.. If you are trying to get photographs of a gravesite or battlefield, to collect for your Civil War ancestor research and records, then send us a request and we will post it here... Other members seeing your request and being in the near vicinity, and are willing to assist can email you direct (this protects your privacy) and work out the details. We HIGHLY recommend the "Requestor" pay for all film costs and any postage involved for a helping member. This is intended to be a "Free" assistance between members (with the exception of defraying film and postage costs). Do unto others as.... you know :-)

Keep us posted on how this is working, so we can share them in the "Fireside"!!

GFS Jim

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED ANSWER(S) TO YOUR QUESTIONS, PLEASE BE SURE TO LET US KNOW!!!!! Thanks!!

GFS Jayne

From: Caroljake@aol.com

My request is for a picture of the stone from Philadelphia National Cemetery, Haines St and Limekiln Pike. Soldier is John HEDGLIN Section B grave 639 (I do have a map I could scan for anyone that needs it).

Also does anyone have any information on the 184 PA Inf Co B? I know they were at Cold Harbor. That is where John was wounded and eventually died of Typhoid.

Thanks for making a wonderful Fireside!! Keep Up the great work. Carol

{{{{{Carol}}}}} We'll leave this is the Fireside for a bit longer. Let us know if you get any results, please.

Submitters NOTE: I received this from IllinoisCW@aol.com in answer to Carol's note... hope this clears things up a little..

Bloody Lane is indeed at Antietam (Sharpsburg) Maryland but Cold Harbor was a very bloody battle fought just outside Richmond, Va. It was Grant's biggest mistake, by his own admission.

Antietam (Sharpsburg) was the sight of the Bloody Lane or Sunken Road and that Cold Harbor was fought on the S.E. outskirts of Richmond, Virginia. Antietam was the bloodiest day of the war and Cold harbor was probably the bloodiest hour of the war.

From: Pugnutty@aol.com

I am hoping someone may be able to help me and take photos of gravesites of some of my relatives who served in the Civil War.

Daniel Boone CORBIN Co. F, 10th MO Infantry of the war and discharged 17 Oct. 1862. He died 15 Nov. 1925 and is buried in New Salem Cemetary,Couch, MO.

William Henry CORBIN, Private, Co. E, 24th MO Infantry, he served for 3 yrs 6months, 21days and was shot in the hip and held in Libby Prison. Died 5 Jan 1934. Buried Melbourne, MO.

{{{{{Kathleen}}}}} We'll see what the "Faithful" can do for you... Any of you out there able to help Kathleen??

Submitters NOTE: Anybody out there able to take a picture for Carol jake????? I also forwarded to Carol jake the following response.

From: RG2585@aol.com

Carol jake if you are having trouble finding out where COLD Harbor is, it is another name for Bloody Lane at the Battle of Sharpsburg in Md. I had heard of this name this summer at the Battle site when I was there. It was one of the bloodiest battles that was in the Civil War. The lane is abt 6 foot deep and it was said that you could walk from one side of the lane to the other side without touching the ground. The way it received the name Bloody Lane was because of the number of dead and wounded there that the ground was red from the battle. I hope that this will help out.

Russ

A BIT OF COMMUNITY...

Check out the following member inputs for comments and requests for information, Feedbacks, Items of Interest and Pleas for HELP...

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration maintains 115 national cemeteries in 39 states (and Puerto Rico) as well as 33 soldier’s lots and monument sites.

The following website has a list of VA National Cemetery Address and Phone Numbers.

Please note that there is not a VA national cemetery in every state. You may also want to check the listing of State veterans cemeteries.

List of Veteran's Administration National Cemeteries http://www.cem.va.gov/listcem.htm

State Veterans Cemeteries http://www.cem.va.gov/svc.htm

From: Phreyor@aol.com

Great stuff as always Jayne! Do you have anything on a scout named Seth Harlan Davis? He was in Company E. eighth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. Anything about him or his unit would be wonderful. Thanks. RFS.

{{{{{Phreyor}}}}} I'm putting this in the Weekly Fireside hoping that one of our members out there might be able to help you out.

From: OCSPA@aol.com

I was wondering if I could possibly obtain any information on the 51st U S Colored Infantry from any source that you may be aware of ?

Most information that I have developed is from the web page by Bennie J. McRae, Jr. at http://www.coax.net (2006 - Link Invalid)

As and added request ( if I May) I am trying to find more info. on/about Col. A. Watson Webber the commander of the 51st USCI. I have developed info that he was orig. from New York & died in Mobile Ala.

I found one reference that indicates A. stands for Alonzo. When in the Buffalo, NY Library I was able to locate pic. of Steele and others mentioned in Bennie J. McRae Jr.'s web of http://www.coax.net (2006 - Link Invalid) as it concerns the 51st. USCI.

I wonder if I should look more into the 1st Mississippi Infintry of which Col. A. Watson Webber was assigned. At first I thought he was perhaps in a confeferate Reg. but when I read info. by Mr. McRae, Jr., I guess I was mistaken.

Thank you in advance for the help.

Greg Duck

{{{{{Greg}}}}} I've combined the two notes that you sent... We'll see if some of the "faithful" can help you.

RE: GAR markers

From: Bjfedchak@aol.com

Thanks to you and all who responded to my query. I appreciate the help.

Just a side note - my oldest son recently made Eagle Scout and he received a letter and certificate from the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. If anyone out there among your faithful is interested in receiving one for their future Eagle the address is:

Sons of Union Veterans on the Civil War
Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator
Robert M. Petrovic PDC
4729 Mehl Ave
Saint Louis, MO 63129-1626

I am also going to contact them about the GAR marker!

Thanks again --

Bonnie

{{{{{Bonnie}}}}} Do we have a great group or what!!!!!!!!!

From: Edie157@aol.com

Dear Jim Thank you and Jayne so much for continuing to send me the newsletter even tho it has been quite some time since I have been in the chat room. I read it through and then print it out and reread it in case I have missed anything. You people do a wonderful job and it must be very time consuming. I want you to know just how much I do appreciate it. Thank Teg too . I don't know him as well as I feel I do you and Jayne. Love and best wishes. Edith

{{{{{Edith}}}}} It's so good to hear from you!! Thank you for all the nice words.

Submitters NOTE: Please send thoughts and prayers to Edie 157 in the recent loss of her son.

From: Edie 157

Thank you for your sympathy on the death of my son. this is not civil war related but I thought you might be interested. His memorial service was held in the Valley Forge Memorial chapel, Valley Forge, Pa. On my father's side his ancestors, William Doyle and his brother Samuel were in Robinson's Rangers with Washington at Valley Forge. It meant something to me that that is where it was held. Thanks again for all that you do.It is an awe inspiring job.

Edith M. Guido(Edie157)

{{{{{Edie}}}}} Valley Forge Memorial Chapel is indeed a beautiful place... I'm glad to hear the healing process began for you there. You take care and when you're ready, you come on back and visit with us again.

From: IrishInCal@aol.com

Vicksburg National Military Park Home Page

http://pigpen.itd.nps.gov/vick/home.htm (2006 - Link Invalid)

{{{{{Irish}}}}} Thanks!!!.. what a great site! I'm going to leave this in another week just in case someone didn't see it last week..

From: WolfordGen@aol.com

To: GFS Jayne

Hi Jayne - would appreciate it if you could put the following in the Fireside.

A friend is looking for information on a commission set up to study Canadians who served in the Civil War. She would like to know the name of the commission and how to get in touch with them.

Thanks, Jim Avery (WolfordGen@aol.com)

{{{{{Jim}}}}} We've got this in here and we'll see if any of the "faithful" can help your friend out..

From: WmMartin1@aol.com

To: GFS Jim

Thought I would forward this to you and see if anyone on the mailing list can help. :)

William Martin

Forwarded Message:
Subj: Looking for Civil war records
From: jeremyh@iserv.net (Jeremy Hatfield)

I have an ancestor (Thomas C Hatfield) who was supposedly a private in the Civil war. Also, it is believed that he may have died in the war. Of course, his records are said to be lost. I am certain, though that there is some record, somewhere, of his military experience. Here is what kind of information I could really use:

Was there a Company "H" out of New York during the Civil War? I see things on the Net saying there was and saying there wasn’t. This piece of information alone would be very helpful.
If so, does anyone have a Muster Roll for this company? ... preferably for all the years of the war? Even if you only have a single Muster Roll, that would be helpful.
Does anyone have any information on any other kind of record that would be available that would list the soldiers?

Thank you very much for any help you can give in this.

Jeremy Hatfield

{{{{{William}}}}} We've put this in the Fireside here to see if any of the "Faithful" can help out Mr. Jeremy Hatfiled..

From: AslanJ@aol.com

Hi friends on Fireside!!

My cousin, Pam Moran and I would like to know if anyone has access to any information to tell us more about this William RIDGE, or if anyone can tell us how to find more info. We don't know that our Wm was ever in Wake Co, NC, but anything is possible with these RIDGE boys. Ours were in Randolph Co, NC.

Judy Canant

William Ridge of Wake County, NC 2nd NC Infantry Co. I enlistment date not stated absent from company 18 August 1864 received clothing on 21 Oct 1864 at the Liberty, VA hospital

{{{{{Judy}}}}} We've posted your inquiry to the Fireside... maybe someone on the distribution can provide you with the answer you're looking for.

Another from: AslanJ@aol.com

Hi friends on Fireside Weekly -

My cousin, Vickie Davis just sent me the following info on men of the RIDGE family in NC who served in the War Between the States. Her question is regarding the Cherokee Mt Rifes Co. Can anyone tell us about that Company? Several of our RIDGE cousins are searching for ancestors who served in the War, and I thought this was a good place to post this query.

Judy Canant

Submitters Note: there was a long list of RIDGE family members.. if anyone is interested in the names, please email me and I'll send them. Meanwhile.anyone out there know who or what the Cherokee Mounted Rifles were??

Submitters Note: and yet another from AslanJ@aol.com

For anyone interested in Confederate history with assorted confederate information. Very nicely done site, though with pictures of monuments it takes a while to finish on my old computer.

Frankies Confederate Monuments and Memorials of the South

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/3093/

Subj: Re: The Weekly Fireside - 8/1/99

From: Keskalublu@aol.com

Dear All, Keep up the good work. I don't seem to be able to get to the chats, but do read the newsletter. I'm looking for some help. Had a GGgrandfather, confederate, wounded in the leg severely enough to be sent home. He lived in NC. I seem to remember at some time in my early search, before I had a clue what I was doing, that I found a file of index-type cards that listed names of wounded and the wound and some other info about them. Anyone have any idea what this was and how I can find it again?!!. This man did not have a pension so I'm having trouble getting much info on him. William W. "Bill" Ingram. He moved to MS, perhaps before the War was over and died there 5/5/15, but I can't find where he is buried either. ANyway, any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks LKR/Keska

{{{{{Linda}}}}} The kind words are certainly appreciated and now we'll see if we can't find some answers for you from the "Faithful" You might also want to try writing to the following address:

National Cemetery System
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
Tel: 202-273-5221

http://www.cem.va.gov/

From: rosewebb@datasync.com (Rose C. Webb)

Subject: You Got To See This SITE!!!

I just got this site from another list...It is GREAT, It has a lot of different state records concerning life after the Civil War, About the FREEDMEN, and has stories of Murders, list of Orphans, Applications for land, Indigent Freed people and LOTS LOTS MORE!

Gladys

Click here: The Freedmen's Bureau Online

http://freedmensbureau.com/index.htm

{{{Rosie}}} As always you come through for us again..Check out this website folks, you'll find it quite interesting..

From: SallyEPS@aol.com

Jayne,

Sorry I have had to miss the Thursday night chats this summer and will also miss tomorrow night.

Just re-reading this Newsletter. Our tour of Gettysburg Battlefield with Tom was one of the high-lights of our summer. Constant reminders are my great-grandfather' s rifle over the mantle and his trunk marked "O.C. Livermore 13th Mass. Regt. Boston", which has stored the winter blankets, soon to be used for the winter. Tom took us to the spot where the 13th Mass. monument stands, and I felt like O. C. was glad I had come to share an equally hot day in June, even if I was 106+years late. Tom does have a way of setting that battle in one's presence and memory.

Hope all the hosts have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend and look forward to "seeing" everyone after the holiday!

Sally

{{{{{Sally}}}}} I have no doubt your tour with Tom was a high-light!! He truly does bring it all to life!!!!

From: NPeter2089@aol.com

Hi Jayne.............First of all, another thanks to all of you for a weekly magnificant job. I always print and file the Fireside so that I may refer back to websites And a special hello to {{{{{{{{{cousin Jim}}}}}}}}}}} wherever you are. But..........re the Irish Brigade. Wasn't there a movie done waaaaaaaay back about the "Fighting 69th" starring Jimmy Cagney?. Some other of you old timers will surely remember.

Nadine Peterson

{{{{{Nadine}}}}} Thanks for the note.. Maybe some of our "movie buffs" will remember the movie you're talking about..... I'm not old enough (believe that and I'll tell you another) 

SUBMITTERS NOTE: Once again the "faithful" comes through!!!! In reference to NPeter2089's question re the movie about the "Fighting 69th" we got the following

 From: JRose10700@aol.com

The movie about the Fighting 69th—and that was the name—was about World War One, in which the regiment distinguished itself. Pat O’Brien was the Catholic Chaplain, and Jeffrey Lynn was featured as the poet, Joyce Kilmer. Remember him? He wrote "Trees" and many famous war poems and was killed in battle.

Cagney’s and O’Brien’s roles, I am sure, were fictional.

My dad served in that regiment in WWI—he was a New York Irishman. (His name was O’Brien, but no kin to Pat)

The movie was shown recently on TV, I think AMC channel.

love

joan

From: Keskalublu@aol.com

To: GFS Jayne

Looks like it was another great Fireside Chat last week. I do enjoy the newlsetter! I didn't think to print the last two newsletters that had the Irish Brigade history and deleted them after reading. Is there any chance I can get that sent again--the whole newsletter would be ok. This is great stuff and I have a friend who is a huge war buff who will love this and I want to send it to him. He isn't on-line to get it himself. Thanks so much to all of you who make this Chat and newsletter possible.

LK/Keska

{{{{{ Linda }}}}} As you already know, I've forwarded the two newsletters to you that were deleted. We hope your friend enjoys the story as much as you are.

Editors Note: The Irish Brigade Saga will be available in it's entirety in the November Genealogy Forum News. We to are waiting for the conclusion of this terrific story.

From: Phreyor@aol.com

Great stuff as always Jayne! Do you have anything on a scout named Seth Harlan Davis? He was in Company E. eighth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. Anything about him or his unit would be wonderful. Thanks. RFS.

{{{{{Phreyor}}}}} I'm leaving this in the Weekly Fireside a little longer hoping that one of our members there might be able to help you out.

From: Kujen@aol.com

To: GFS Jayne

Dear Jayne,

Thanks again for the wonderfuly entertaining and informative newsletter.

Here's a question others may have. We just discovered that my husband's greatgrandfather had a son by the name of John Thomas Rhoads (correct spelling) who died in the Civil War. He would have enlisted in Osage County, Missouri. How on earth can we find what regiment or company he was in as one needs that information to get other information?

The family referred to him in the 1850 census as John and Thomas or Tom in the 1860 census. He was born in 1842.

Can anyone tell me how to locate a soldier's military unit if you have only his name and state and county? I do know he died in the war and is not in the family plot.

Hope this information would be of help to others.

Thank you,

Joel Rhoads

Fairfax, VA 

Joel...  

{{{{{ Joel }}}}} Since Missouri was a border state, you'll first have to determine whether John Thomas Rhoads was a Union or Confederate soldier. Most states have lists of those who served. You might want to try to contact the Missouri State Archives, 600 West Main in Jefferson City, Missouri (314) 751-3280 or try the Osage County Seat at Linn, E. Main Street, Linn, MO 65051, (573) 897-2139. And, we'll see what some of the other members have to offer. 

From: ehpar@capecod.net (Eugene H Parrott)

File: The Perfect Tribute.doc

 Hi Jayne,

My wife receives "The Weekly Fireside" and forwards them on to me (She’s in the upstairs office and I’m in my office in the Basement). She’s the one into genealogy but I enjoy reading the stories in the WF and thought the story I am attaching might be of interest to your readers. I found this shortbook in the library we inherited from her father which was first printed in 1906 and several times thereafter. The edition I’m attaching is the latest and has a date of 1915. It is obviously fictional but I’m sure has a great deal of truth in it and makes for good reading about Lincoln and the "Gettysburg Address". It takes up 45 kb of space so I hope you can put it into a format that can be clicked on.

Sincerely

Eugene H. Parrott

Brewster, Ma.

 {{{{{Eugene}}}}} If you'd like to receive your very own copy of the Weekly Fireside, just drop me a note and I'll add you to the distribution. Thank you so much for the story.. I'm only part way finished and I do have a question for you... but will ask later. I'll have to talk with GFS Jim to see what we can do about having the story where all folks can get to it. Meanwhile if anyone wants to read it, please send Eugene or me and email and we'll send it to you.  

Subj: Fwd: Confederate Cherokees - for newsletter

From: AslanJ@aol.com

Cousin Vickie just sent this URL to the Cherokee Mounted Rifles page. Thought y'all would like to have it.

Judy Canant

Subj: Confederate Cherokees

From: vcdavis@netunlimited.net (Vickie Davis)

Judy,

I found this page on the Cherokee units, but I can’t say that I know much more than I did before.

V

http://www.scv.org/cherokee.htm (2006 - Link Invalid)

From: AslanJ@aol.com

To: GFS Jim

 Hi Fireside Buddies!!!

I was very excited to get this letter today, and I have written to Steve McGraw and received his permission to send this to the Fireside Weekly. He was happy to have me do so.

What a wonderful bit of history this is. I know that just about everyone will be enlightened as I was.

Judy Canant

---------------

From: SRMcGraw@aol.com

Dear Judy,

By way of introduction my name is Steve McGraw. I am a Civil War Reenactor here in Mobile, Alabama with the 15th Confederate Cavalry. As reenactors we present a character impression to the public based on our individual research. My impression is based on a Cherokee Scout serving with the Confederacy. This impression is made easier in that I am one-quarter Cherokee through my grandmother, Sarah Alama Cato of Greenville, Georgia.
A friend of mine who is a member of your list group sent me a copy of your letter asking for information about the Cherokee Mounted Rifles in the hope that I could provide you with a basic outline of their service.
In October of 1861 the Cherokees signed a treaty with the Confederacy to join them in the war. This was done after long debates within the councils. By '61 the Cherokees had been removed from the Southeast and had established the capitol of the nation at Telequah, Oklahoma. Principal Chief John Ross was a member of the Keetoowahs who favored neutrality or, in the event of a choice, a treaty with the Federal government. Stand Watie was a member of a secret society called the Knights of the Golden Circle and they favored a treaty with the Confederacy. Stand and his followers were successful in the debates and persuaded the councils to declare war on the Union and sign a treaty with the Confederacy. They felt that should the Southrons be successful in their bid for independence that favorable treaties could be negotiated with the new government given the assistance provided by the Cherokees.
After the treaty was signed Stand Watie raised a company called the 1st Cherokee Mounted Volunteers and he was appointed the Colonel of the unit. He was later promoted to Brigadier General on May 6, 1864 and holds two distinctions: first, he was the only Indian general to serve in either army and second he was the last to surrender to the Union Army. His surrender came on June 23, 1865, a full two months after the surrender of General R. E. Lee.
The unit was later renamed the Cherokee Mounted Rifles and included Cherokees, Creeks, Choctaws, Seminoles and Chickasaws (the so called "Five Civilized Tribes"). They fought in many engagements including Wilson's Creek, Honey Springs, Cabin Creek and the Battle of Pea Ridge which was the major engagement for the unit.
If your ancestors are from the North Carolina area I would suggest that you investigate the rolls of The Thomas Legion. This was a famous unit of white and Cherokee soldiers who fought in eastern Tennessee, North Georgia and North Carolina. This unit was raised by John Thomas in North Carolina and holds the distinction of fighting the last battle in North Carolina. Their surrender came at Qualla Town, North Carolina after a long and honorable service to the Confederacy.
I have a list of officers who served in the Cherokee Mounted Rifles but a cursory examination does not show the name of Ridge. The Ridge family was a famous name in Cherokee history beginning with Major Ridge. This is another story entirely and deals with "Nunna daul Tsuny" or "The Trail Where They Cried" (the white people call it The Trail of Tears). An excellent book on the Ridge family name is "The Trail of Tears: The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation" by John Ehle. He gives accounts of day to day life within the Cherokee community and the roles of Major Ridge, Stand Watie and Principal Chief Ross in our history.

My apologizes for this being longer than I intended. Cherokee history is a subject that I tend to become involved with.

Your Obedient Servant,

Steve McGraw Cherokee Scout, 15th Confederate Cavalry

Mobile, Alabama

FIWATROUS@aol.com forwarded this to us just for our information. It is NOT a plug for Ancestry either from Ike and Nancy nor GFS Jim, GFS TEG or me.

 

CIVIL WAR CD-ROM II: Official Records of the Union & Confederate Navies in The War of the Rebellion

http://shop.ancestry.com/ancestry/civwarcdromi.html (2006 - Link Invalid)

As a special introduction to the new Naval CD, the Ancestry Online Store is offering BOTH CDs for 25% Off the retail price of $69.95 - - JUST $52.95 EACH! That means you can save $17 on either one--or purchase both and save $34!

CIVIL WAR CD-ROM I: Official Records of the Union & Confederate Armies in The War of the Rebellion http://shop.ancestry.com/ancestry/noname.html (2006 - Link Invalid)

CIVIL WAR CD-ROM II: Official Records of the Union & Confederate Navies in The War of the Rebellion

http://shop.ancestry.com/ancestry/civwarcdromi.html (2006 - Link Invalid)

From:FIWATROUS@aol.com

To: GFS Jim, MDelPa, GFS TEG

Stumbled over this while ancestor-hunting. Some good tales.

Nancy Watrous

Narrow Escapes in the Civil War http://www.wwd.net/user/historical/narrow.html (2006 - Link Invalid)

{{{{{Ike and Nancy}}}}} I neglected to thank you properly last week, so I'm doin' that now!!! You do come up with some real goodies!!!!!!

SUBMITTERS NOTE: I give the following website quite often in the SIG but never give the cemeteries whose data bases can be searched, so I'm listing them all here.

Cemetery Index - US Civil War Center

http://www.cwc.lsu.edu/cwc/projects/cemindex.htm

you can search burials at the following cemeteries

  • Barrancas National Cemetery (FL)
  • Bay Pines Cemetery (FL)
  • Camp Butler National Cemetery (IL)
  • Camp Chase National Cemetery (OH)
  • Chalmette National Cemetery (LA)
  • City Point National Cemetery (VA)
  • Cold Harbor National Cemetery (VA)
  • Cypress Hills (NY)
  • Danville National Cemetery (KY)
  • Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary (CA)
  • Fayetteville National Cemetery (AR)
  • Finn's Point (NJ)
  • Fort Harrison National Cemetery (VA)
  • Fort Snelling National Cemetery (MN)
  • Glendale National Cemetery (VA)
  • Grafton National Cemetery (WV)
  • Lexington National Cemetery (KY)
  • Mill Springs National Cemetery (KY)
  • Mobile National Cemetery (AL)
  • Mount Olivet Cemetery (LA) (currently incomplete)
  • Philadelphia National Cemetery (PA)
  • Richmond National Cemetery (VA)
  • Santa Ana National Cemetery (CA)
  • Seven Pines National Cemetery (VA)
  • St. Augustine National Cemetery (FL)
  • Union Mound Cemetery (MD)

 

They are updating all the time so be sure to go back often

This is another Website I like to visit http://www.public.usit.net/mruddy/clayton2.htm (2006 - Link Invalid) There are many links from here including:

  • Civil War Mail Members websites
  • Civil War Rosters,
  • John Henderson Freeman Diary
  • Dyer's Compendium,
  • Conf. Mil. Hist: What is CMH?
  • Oficial Records: What is the OR?
  • Substitures and Conscripts,
  • Civil War List Success: Julie Bright
  • Smith Family Letters" 32nd TN CSA
  • The Civil War Homepage
  • Civil War Ancestory Genealogy Help Page,
  • Cindi Howell's Civil War Research Links
  • The Fenian Brotherhood
  • Search Texas Pensionsers List
  • People interested in specific units
  • soc.history.war.us-civil-war
  • Civil War Reenactors Homepage
  • Sons of Confederate Veterans
  • Sons of Union Veterans

Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events*****

Time: Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Golden Gates Room with Hosts GFS Jayne, GFS TEG and GFS Jim and our many faithful friends :)

 

We'll See You Thursday Night..!

Your Hosts

GFS Jim@aol.com, GFS Jayne@aol.com and GFS TEG@aol.com

You know, it’s been awhile since Jayne, Tom and I have really thanked all of you for your incredible interaction, support and loyality to the SIG and to the newsletter. We can’t thank you enough for making this a worthwhile and enjoyable enterprise. You have taken our Civil War History "addiction" and made it into an "Event".. Heh Heh ! We hope that we have met your needs and answered your questions, and by some "quirk" left you with a warm feeling and a desire to continue learning about our past in this area. If we haven’t, then don’t you hesitate to let us know, we can improve what we do. You folks down in eastern South Carolina, Georgia and Florida be careful and stay safe. That’s a nasty hurricane coming up your coast, and we want you to stay around. We’ll be looking for you on Thursday night, "If the Creek Don’t Rise"!!!!!!

Your Hosts and Hostess..... :-)

© 1999 - 2006 GFNEWS, a monthly publication of Golden Gate Services, Inc. of Armada, MI. The Editors welcome your ideas and articles, success stories, favorite genealogy research tips, comments and suggestions.

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