More on My Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Series

Believe it or not, I'm not done with this series; I have two, maybe three, more soldiers to feature, as well as a post listing the resources I used for my series. I'm also hoping to create a slideshow of all these men (if I get on the ball, I might have it done by the Fourth).

Last week, when my Internet service was down, I did some cleaning out of old computer files and came across this digital image of a clipping about which I had completely forgotten:

Source: Jackson, Merrick. "Out of the Attic." Potter-Leader Enterprise (Coudersport, Pennsylvania), undated clipping, c. 2000s. Original privately held by Joyce Jackson Bailey, address unknown. 2004.

I've added this clipping to Merrick's biographical sketch.

A Civil War Soldier: Cpl. Ethan Allen WESTBROOK (1837 - 1902)

How Related: Brother to my 4th-great-grandmother, Amanda (WESTBROOK) KIMBALL

Born: 29 March 1837 in Ohio (possibly in Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga County)

Parents: Peter WESTBROOK (1797 - 1851) and Fannie MARBLE (1801 - 1849)

Siblings: Amanda (1816 - c. 1882); Ephraim (b. 1820); Benjamin (1822 - 1872); Henry H. (b. 1823); Solomon (1831 - 1831); William (1833 - c. 1833/4); and William Thomas WESTBROOK (b. 1840)

Married: 1st to Mary LOCKWOOD (dates unknown) c. 1858, probably in Kalamzoo Co., Michigan; married 2nd to Cinderella Jennie HERRINGTON (1843 - 1913) c. 1866, possibly in Dayton Twp., Newaygo Co., Michigan

Children: with wife Mary, he had one son: William Peter (b. 1860); with wife Cinderella, he had five children: Myron D. (1867 - 1869); James Walter (1869 - 1942); Amanda L. (1875 - 1943); Laura M. (b. 1876); and Mabel A. WESTBROOK (b. 1882)

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of Ethan A. Westbrook. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 10 October 1851 in Pavillion Twp., Kalamazoo Co., Michigan; private. Enlisted in Co. E, 13th Michigan Infantry on 17 January 1862. Promoted to full corporal on 1 November 1864.

Side Served: Union

Discharged: 22 July 1865 at Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan

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Biography or Information of Interest: Named for Vermont's Revolutionary War hero, Ethan Allen WESTBROOK was written up in a Newaygo County history of early pioneers, which can be read here.

Died: 19 April 1902 in Newaygo County, Michigan (probably on his farm in Lincoln Township)

Buried: Dayton Center (Jewell) Cemetery, Dayton Twp., Newaygo Co., Michigan

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. George W. VREELAND (c. 1841 - 1923)

How Related: Brother of my 3rd-great-grandmother, Elenor "Nellie" L. VREELAND

Born: c. 1841 in New Jersey, possibly in Montvale, Bergen County

Parents: John P. VREELAND (1799 - 1870) and Mary KANOUSE (c. 1804 - aft. 1870)

Siblings: John H. (b. c. 1830); Elizabeth (b. c. 1832); Sarah (b. c. 1834), Elenor "Nellie" L. (1835 - 1912) - my ancestor; Hartman (b. c. 1836); Mary E. (b. c. 1843); and Martha A. VREELAND (b. c. 1847)

Married: probably never married

Children: probably no children

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of George W. Vreeland. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/]

Enlisted: 7 August 1862 at Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co., Michigan; private. Enlisted in Co. H, 20th Michigan Infantry on 19 August 1862.

Side Served: Union

Mustered Out: 30 May 1865 at Delaney House, Washington, D.C.

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Source: Michigan Soldiers Home, Grand Rapids, Kent Co., Michigan. Postcard. 1915. Digital image accessed at Kent Co., Michigan GenWeb site [http://kent.migenweb.net/veterans/index.html] 26 May 2008.

Biography or Information of Interest: It's taken me a while to post this sketch, because I'm just not sure about the details of George's life. There are an amazing number of George W. Vreelands of the same age that lived in Michigan (even in Washtenaw County!) at the same time as "my" George. Sorting them out has been a challenge. I've used census records that lead me to believe George never married or had children (but I'm not 100% confident of this theory!). He lives as a single man at his parents', and later his married sister's, homes until 1910, when it appears he lived in the Veterans (Soldiers) Home in Grand Rapids, Kent Co., Michigan. He seems to have lived in the Veterans Home in Los Angeles Co., California after 1920.

Source: National (Sawtelle) Soldiers Home, Santa Monica, Los Angeles Co., California. Postcard. Date unknown. Digital image accessed at Los Angeles Co., California GenWeb site [http://www.cagenweb.com/re/losangeles/photos.htm] 26 May 2008.

Died: 3 April 1923, Sawtelle Soldiers Home, Los Angeles Co., California

Buried: Los Angeles (Sawtelle) National Cemetery, Los Angeles Co., California

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Jacob F. TOLIVER (1831 - 1898)

Source: Signature of Jacob F. Toliver from Compiled Service Record of Jacob F. Toliver. Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of North Carolina. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication M270. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

How Related: My husband's 3rd-great-grandfather

Born: 17 February 1831 in Alleghany Co., North Carolina

Parents: Starling TOLIVER (1806 - aft 1870) and Mildred Ann SPURLIN (c. 1812 - aft 1870)

Siblings: Jacob was the eldest of nine children:

• Calvin (1832 - 1931)
• Frances (b. 1834)
• Andrew (b. 1840)
• Solomon (b. 1842)
• Mary (1846 - 1914)
• John (1848 - 1941)
• Margaret (1851 - 1909)
• and Rosa Ann TOLIVER (1853 - 1938)
  

Married: first to Matilda HIGGINS (1829 - 1906)--my husband's ancestor--on 1 October 1851 in Ashe Co., North Carolina; divorced. Married second to Caroline CHEEK (1849 - 1927) on 4 April 1882, probably in Allegheny Co., North Carolina.

Children: with wife Matilda, Jacob had five children: Amanda Phidella (1853 - 1918); Rose Phidella (1857 - 1919); Clark Pleasant R. (1861 - 1918) - my husband's ancestor; Solomon (1864 - 1950); and John Huston TOLLIVER (1867 - 1949). With wife Caroline, he had one son, Clayton TOLLIVER (1884 - 1952). During his children's generation, another "L" was added to the surname, originally spelled TALIAFERRO.

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Compiled Service Record Jacket of Jacob F. Toliver. Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of North Carolina. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication M270. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 15 September 1861 in Co. K ("Alleghany Tigers"), 37th North Carolina Infantry at Alleghany Co., North Carolina; private. Promoted to Full Private (Reduced to rank; Estimated day) on 30 March 1863.

Side Served: Confederacy

Discharged: Absent without leave on 28 January 1865.

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Biography or Information of Interest: Jacob's compiled service record consisted of 23 images at Footnote, plus a couple of cross-reference cards. The reason it is so long was his "interesting" career in the military, which began15 September 1861, when he first enlisted as a private in Company K (also known as the "Alleghany Tigers") of the 137th North Carolina Infantry in the Confederate Army. His compiled service record contained a brief description (five foot, six inches tall; 30 years old) and his signature. On November 20th of that year, he mustered in at Camp Fisher, promising to serve for one year. On the January/February 1862 Muster Roll, he was listed as a drummer, although his record states he was not promoted to Full Musician until March 1st, and then promoted again to Full Musician on March 30th. On April 3rd, he re-enlisted for the duration of the war, at Kinston, Lenoir Co., North Carolina. Less than a month later, he was listed as a deserter, having taken off from Kinston on May 2nd. For eight long months, he remained away from his company. On 9 January 1864 at Liberty Mills (Virginia?) he returned to his unit. I don't have his full military record, so I don't know if he received a court martial for his offense, but I can't imagine that he got away without some sort of consequence!

He served with his unit until he was captured by the Union Army on May 6, 1864 during the Battle of the Wilderness in Spotsylvania Co., Virginia. He ended up a prisoner of war at Point Lookout, Saint Mary's Co., Maryland, arriving there May 17th from Belle Plains, Virginia. On July 23rd, he was transferred to Elmira Prison in Elmira, Chemung Co., New York, where he remained a prisoner until he was transferred for exchange on October 11th. On 15 November 1864, Jacob and 3,022 other Confederate POWs, including four citizens, four surgeons, and 74 officers, were exchanged at the Federal battery at Venus Point along the Savannah River in Georgia.

Apparently, all that was not adventure enough for Jacob, or perhaps he thought he had had enough of war. On 28 January 1865, he was reported as absent without leave from his company, and evidently never returned before the war ended on April 9th.

Died: 22 July 1898, probably in Allegheny Co., North Carolina, although it is possible that he removed to Battle Creek, Madison Co., Nebraska in the mid-1880s with some of his adult children.

Buried: unknown

A Civil War Soldier: Herman Alonzo STRONG (1843 - 1930)

How Related: Half-brother of my 2nd-great-grandfather, Charles Frisbe STRONG

Born: 9 November 1843 in Tomkins Co., New York (possibly in the Town of Caroline)

Parents: Zeri STRONG (1807 - 1872) and Lydia LANE (d. bef. 1846); step-mother Jemima JACOBS (c. 1817 - aft. 1880)

Siblings: Ambrose J. (1835 - 1864); George Washington (c. 1838 - 1863); Paula (c. 1839 - 1842); and Maryette STRONG (b. c. 1841). Younger paternal half-siblings: Lydia Jane (b. c. 1847); Charles Frisbe (1852 - 1921) - my ancestor; James Adelbert (c. 1852 - 1918); Frederick W. (c. 1856 - 1888) and Juliette STRONG (c. 1859 - 1878)

Married: Cordelia C. [--?--] (b. c. 1851) before 1867

Children: Cora B. (b. c. 1867), William B. (b. c. 1871) and Fanney M. STRONG (b. c. 1876)

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of Hermon A. Strong. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/]

Enlisted: 9 August 1862 at the Town of Candor, Tioga Co., New York; private. Enlisted 11 August 1862 in Co. B, 109th New York Infantry.

Side Served: Union

Mustered Out: 4 July 1865 at Delaney House, Washington, DC

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Biography or Information of Interest: Herman enlisted nine days before his older brother Ambrose and George enlisted in the 137th New York Infantry with Charles ROCKWELL. In Herman's company was Rufus ROCKWELL, Charles' younger brother. The younger brother of Ambrose, George and Herman (Charles STRONG) would eventually marry the sister of Charles and Rufus ROCKWELL (Ann), and that couple would become my 2nd-great-grandparents.

Herman was the only one of the three STRONG boys that came back from the war. His father, it seemed, never recovered, and died six years later.

Died: 8 October 1930 at Freeville, Tompkins Co., New York

Buried: in Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden, Tompkins Co., New York

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. George Washington STRONG (1838 - 1863)

How Related: Half-brother of my 2nd-great-grandfather, Charles Frisbe STRONG

Born: c. 1838 in Ontario Co., New York

Parents: Zeri STRONG (1807 - 1872) and Lydia LANE (d. bef. 1846); step-mother Jemima JACOBS (c. 1817 - aft. 1880)

Siblings: Ambrose J. (1835 - 1864); Paula (c. 1839 - 1842); Maryette (b. c. 1841); and Herman Alonzo STRONG (1843 - 1930). Younger paternal half-siblings: Lydia Jane (b. c. 1847); Charles Frisbe (1852 - 1921) - my ancestor; James Adelbert (c. 1852 - 1918); Frederick W. (c. 1856 - 1888) and Juliette STRONG (c. 1859 - 1878)

Married: name of wife unknown (see biographical info)

Children: none known

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of George W. Strong. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/]

Enlisted: 18 August 1862 at Caroline, Tompkins Co., New York; private. Enlisted 23 August 1862 in Co. G, 137th New York Infantry.

Side Served: Union

Discharged: Died of wounds on 8 July 1863 at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

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Biography or Information of Interest: On 18 August 1862, George and his older brother Ambrose enlisted together in Company G of the 137th New York Infantry. Only nine days, earlier, brother Herman joined Company B of the 109th New York Infantry. One day later (19 August), Charles H. ROCKWELL joined the same company as George and Ambrose. Charles' sister Ann and George and Ambrose's younger half-brother Charles STRONG would marry eleven years later, and become my 2nd-great-grandparents.

Ambrose was a musician; George an infantryman. Together they served in the company until George was killed at Gettysburg. Ambrose died of disease in Alabama a mere seven months later. I had no idea that George had married until I saw his pension index card and noticed that a pension application had been made by his widow. Not having access to his actual pension file, I don't have further information on her or any possible children (not likely, as no pension application for a dependent minor was made).

Died: of wounds sustained in battle, 27 July 1863, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Buried: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; memorial marker also at Baptist Cemetery, Willseyville, Tioga Co., New York

A Civil War Soldier: Musician Ambrose J. STRONG (1835 - 1864)

How Related: Half-brother of my 2nd-great-grandfather, Charles Frisbe STRONG

Born: c. 1835 in Cattaraugus Co., New York

Parents: Zeri STRONG (1807 - 1872) and Lydia LANE (d. bef. 1846); step-mother Jemima JACOBS (c. 1817 - aft. 1880)

Siblings: George Washington (c. 1838 - 1863); Paula (c. 1839 - 1842); Maryette (b. c. 1841); and Herman Alonzo STRONG (1843 - 1930). Younger paternal half-siblings: Lydia Jane (b. c. 1847); Charles Frisbe (1852 - 1921) - my ancestor; James Adelbert (c. 1852 - 1918); Frederic k W. (c. 1856 - 1888) and Juliette STRONG (c. 1859 - 1878)

Married: Matilda Jane [--?-] (b. c. 184) about 1858, probably in Tioga Co., New York

Children: Mary STRONG (b. c. 1859)

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of Ambrose J. Strong. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/]

Enlisted: 18 August 1862 at Caroline, Tompkins Co., New York; musician. Enlisted 23 August 1862 in Co. G, 137th New York Infantry

Side Served: Union

Discharged: died of disease 28 February 1864 in Stevenson, Jackson Co., Alabama

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Biography or Information of Interest: Ambrose was one of three sons who served in the Union Army, and tragically, one of two of those who died during the war. I doubt his father ever recovered. In fact, Zeri died at only age 64, six years after the close of the war.

(Ambrose's brother George Washington STRONG served in the same company, as well as Charles ROCKWELL. Ambrose and George's younger half-brother Charles FRISBE and Charles ROCKWELL's sister Ann would someday marry and become my 2nd-great-grandparents. Curiously, a Joseph B. STRONG also joined Co. G and is buried in Upper Fairfield Cemetery. He must be a cousin, and although I have extensive Strong Family Tree information, his name does not appear in my records.)

Died: 28 February 1864 of disease in Stevenson, Jackson Co., Alabama

Buried: unknown

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Rufus ROCKWELL, III (1840 - 1918)

How Related: Brother of my 3rd-great-grandmother, Ann Elizabeth ROCKWELL

Born: 1840 in New York State

Parents: Peter ROCKWELL, Sr. (1802 - 1871) and Lucy PARTRIDGE (1803 - 1893)

Siblings: One of 10 known children and one of two brothers that served in the Union Army, Peter's siblings included:

• Fanny Cordelia "Delia" (c. 1825 - 1887)
• Jane (dates unknown)
• Adoline (dates unknown)
• Ann Elizabeth (1829 - 1860) - my ancestor
• Charles H. (1836 - 1866)
• Peter, Jr. (1842 - 1925)
• Eleanor (b. c. 1844)
• Olivia (dates unknown)
• Alvira R. (b. c. 1852)
  

Married: Clementine HOVER (b. c. 1844) before 1867, probably in Tioga Co., New York

Children: Emmett L. (1867 - 1926); Orson E. (b. 1870); Lester (b. c. 1875); and Calvin ROCKWELL (b. c. 1878)

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Cards of Rufus Rockwell. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital images purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/]

Enlisted: 3 December 1863 at the Town of Candor, Tioga Co., New York; private. Enlisted 30 December 1863 in Co. B, 109th New York Infantry. Transferred 31 May 1865 into Co. B, 51st New York Infantry; private.

Side Served: Union

Mustered Out: 25 July 1865 at Alexandria, Virginia

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Biography or Information of Interest: Here is another brother of an ancestor I know little about. Rufus was a popular first name for men in the Rockwell family. This Rufus had an uncle and a grandfather by the same name.

Died: 21 July 1918 in Tioga Co., New York

Buried: somewhere in the Town of Candor, Tioga Co., New York; perhaps he is buried in Upper Fairfield Cemetery, as so many of the Rockwell family members are

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Charles H. ROCKWELL (1836 - 1869)

How Related: Brother of my 3rd-great-grandmother, Ann Elizabeth ROCKWELL

Born: August 1836 in Schoharie Co., New York

Parents: Peter ROCKWELL, Sr. (1802 - 1871) and Lucy PARTRIDGE (1803 - 1893)

Siblings: One of 10 known children and one of two brothers that served in the Union Army, Peter's siblings included:

• Fanny Cordelia "Delia" (c. 1825 - 1887)
• Jane (dates unknown)
• Adoline (dates unknown)
• Ann Elizabeth (1829 - 1860) - my ancestor
• Rufus (1840 - 1918)
• Peter, Jr. (1842 - 1925)
• Eleanor (b. c. 1844)
• Olivia (dates unknown)
• Alvira R. (b. c. 1852)
  

Married: about 1859 to Ruby Jane STRONG (1838 - 1925), a distant cousin of mine, probably in Tioga Co., New York

Children: Marvin Lewis ROCKWELL (1860 - 1913)

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of Charles H. Rockwell. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/]

Enlisted: 19 August 1862 at Caroline, New York; private. Enlisted in Co. G, 137th New York Infantry on 23 August 1862.

Side Served: Union

Discharged: 9 June 1865 at Bladensburg, Maryland

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Biography or Information of Interest: I know sadly too little about Charles, or for that matter, most of his family. Information was not handed down orally because his sister, my ancestor Ann, died when her children were young. It appears that Charles may have died as a result of war-related injuries or illnesses, since his date of death is so soon after the close of the war.

Died: 27 November 1866 in the Town of Candor, Tioga Co., New York

Buried: Upper Fairfield Cemetery, Town of Candor, Tioga Co., New York

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Joseph Uzza Benson ROBBINS (1847 - 1931)

How Related: Brother of my 3rd-great-grandfather, Charles H. ROBBINS

Born: 2 June 1847 in Liberty Twp., McKean Co., Michigan

Parents: Joseph Josiah ROBBINS (1820 - 1905) and Marinda ROBBINS (1827 - 1912)

Siblings: Charles H. (1844 - 1934); Emeline C. (1847 - 1917); Benjamin Leander "Lee" (1850 - 1929); Evaline L. (1853 - bet. 1870/1880); Benjamin Franklin "Frank" (1858 - 1916); and William Wallace ROBBINS (1867 - 1882)

Married: Margaret Jane (HERIN) WADE (1855 - 1932) on 2 September 1888 in Hesperia, Newaygo Co., Michigan

Step-Children: Bert E. (b. c. 1876) and Harriet WADE (1878 - 1965)

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of Benson Robbins. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 5 September 1864 in Co. C, 211th Pennsylvania Infantry; private

Side Served: Union

Mustered Out: 2 June 1865 at Alexandria, Virginia

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Biography or Information of Interest: In the 1860 Federal Census in Liberty Twp., McKean Co., Pennsylvania, Benson's name appears as "Uzza B. Robbins." Uzza Robbins was Benson's maternal grandfather, who was hanged in 1850 in Smethport, McKean Co., Pennsylvania for his conviction of murder of his second wife and attempted murder of his adult step-daughter. It was also discovered he had murdered his adult son, as well. This is the only time Benson's name is listed as Uzza, so my theory is that he or his family changed his name to Joseph Benson Robbins, so as to no longer honor the grandfather who had been convicted of murder.

Benson was one of two brothers as well as a son of a man who served in Pennsylvania Infantries during the Civil War.

My grandfather told me that Benson had lived in a soldiers' home in Washington and had been buried in Arlington. Naturally, I thought he lived in a soldiers' home in Washington, DC and had been buried in Arlington National Cemetery. In fact, Grandpa may have thought so, himself. About 10 years ago, as I was researching this family, I discovered that Benson and his brother Lee had migrated west to Washington State. Lee actually lived for a time in Stevens County in Northeast Washington, the same county where my parents now reside, and died there as well. Benson and his wife Margaret lived in the Washington Veterans Home in Retsil, Kitsap Co., Washington on the west side of the state. Both Benson and Lee are buried in Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, Snohomish Co., Washington.

Died: 11 April 1931 in Mount Vernon, Skagit Co., Washington

Source: Headstone of Joseph Benson Robbins, Harwood (Arlington) Cemetery, Arlington, Snohomish Co., Washington. Digital photograph taken at the request of Miriam Robbins Midkiff by Lisa Morris, RAOGK volunteer. 2005.

Buried: 14 April 1931 in Plot 139, Grave 7 at Harwood (Arlington) Cemetery, Arlington, Snohomish Co., Washington

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Joseph Josiah ROBBINS (1820 - 1905)

How Related: My 4th-great-grandfather

Born: 4 December 1820 in Otsego Co., New York, probably in what is now Cherry Valley

Parents: father George ROBBINS, dates unknown; it is possible his parents were George Washington ROBBINS and Abigail HICKS, but so far, no strong evidence has surfaced

Siblings: unknown

Married: first to Emeline C. [--?--] before 11 June 1841 (her death date), place unknown (possibly Chatauqua Co., New York - her death place). Married second to my ancestor, Marinda ROBBINS (1827 - 1912), daughter of Uzza ROBBINS, on 15 January 1842 in Elkland, Tioga Co., Pennsylvania. It is not known if Joseph and Marinda were cousins.

Children: seven children with Marinda, including two sons who also served in the Union Army: Charles H. (1844 - 1934) - my ancestor; Emeline C. (1846 - 1917); Joseph Uzza Benson (1847 - 1931); Benjamin Leander "Lee" (1850 - 1929); Evaline L. (c. 1852 - bet. 1877/1880); Ben Franklin "Frank" (1858 - 1916); and William Wallace ROBBINS (1867 - 1882)

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Cards of Joseph J. Robbins. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital images purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: September 1861 with 84th Pennsylvania Infantry, which was later consolidated with the 58th (he served in Co. E). For a while, he was detached with the 7th Massachusetts Battery. He enlisted 16 August 1862 in Co. G, 135th Pennsylvania Infantry; private.

Side Served: Union

Mustered Out: 24 May 1863 at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

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Biography or Information of Interest: Joseph was written up in the History of Manistee, Mason, and Oceana [Michigan] Counties, which can be read here. I also wrote the post, "The Legend of Joseph Josiah ROBBINS" for the 31st Carnival of Genealogy. During his service, Joseph endured a sunstroke, which caused his eventual blindness.

Died: 27 June 1905 in Newfield Twp., Oceana Co., Michigan, possibly in the Village of Hesperia

Buried: in Section B, Block 5, Lot 142, Space 1 of West Hesperia Cemetery, the Village of Hesperia, Newfield Twp., Oceana Co., Michigan

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Charles H. ROBBINS (1844 - 1934)

Source: Robbins, Viola Gertrude (Peck) and Charles H. Digital scan of original photograph; believed to be their wedding portrait. C. 1864. Original in the possession of Joyce Robbins Sanders, San Antonio, Texas. 2007.

How Related: My 3rd-great-grandfather

Born: 19 April 1844 in Liberty Twp., McKean Co., Pennsylvania or Steuben Co., New York (sources, including statements by Charles himself, conflict)

Parents: Joseph Josiah ROBBINS (1820 - 1905) and Marinda ROBBINS (1827 - 1912)

Siblings: Emeline C. (1847 - 1917); Joseph Uzza Benson (1846 - 1931); Benjamin Leander "Lee" (1850 - 1929); Evaline L. (1853 - bet. 1877/1880); Benjamin Franklin "Frank" (1858 - 1916); and William Wallace ROBBINS (1867 - 1882)

Married: first to my ancestor, Viola Gertrude PECK (1848 - 1918) on 23 October 1864 in Liberty Twp., McKean Co., Pennsylvania. Her step-brother, Angelo M. CRAPSEY, also served in the same company as Charles. Married second to brother Frank's widow, Helena "Lena" (SWEET) SKINNER ROBBINS (c. 1860 - 1951) in 1921 (place unknown)

Children: William W. "Willie" (1865 - 1903); Burton Wallace (1867 - 1960); Edwin Warren (1869 - 1941), Emma Alice (1872 - 1965), Angelo Merrick (1874 - 1923) - my ancestor, and Arthur A. ROBBINS (1880 - 1885)

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Cards of Charles H. Robbins. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital images purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 30 May 1861; fell ill. Enlisted 15 August 1861 in Co. I, 42nd Pennsylvania Infantry; private. Transferred 11 June 1864 into Co. I, 190th Pennsylvania Infantry

Side Served: Union

Mustered Out: 12 August 1864

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Biography or Information of Interest: Charles' interesting AnceStory (biography) is listed here on my website.

Died: of aortic infirmity on 20 January 1934 in the Village of Hesperia, Newfield Twp., Oceana Co., Michigan

Source: Headstone of Charles H. Robbins, Hesperia West Cemetery, Hesperia, Michigan. Digital photograph taken at the request of Miriam Robbins Midkiff by Find A Grave photo volunteer "Dame Agatha". 2006

Buried: 23 January 1934 in Section A, Block 4, Lot 158, Space 5 of Hesperia West Cemetery, Village of Hesperia, Newfield Twp., Oceana Co., Michigan

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. William Franklin MIDKIFF (1833 - 1920)

Source: Midkiff, William Franklin. Photograph. C. 1890. Whereabouts of original photograph unknown.

How Related: Brother of my husband's 2nd-great-grandfather

Born: 4 January 1833 in Lincoln (now Moore) Co., Tennessee

Parents: Franklin Preston MIDKIFF (c. 1800 - c. 1839) and Ellender "Nellie" OLIVER (c. 1807 - c. 1849)

Siblings: William was one of seven siblings and one of three brothers that served the Confederacy from Texas: Sarah Ann (1826 - 1912); unknown sister (b. c. 1825 - 1830); Elizabeth Carrie "Betsey" (1830 - 1912); John Rufus "J.R." (1835 - 1909); unknown brother (b. c. 1836 - 1840); and Charles Anderson MIDKIFF, Sr. (1839 - 1919)

Married: first to Frances Elizabeth COLE (1835 - 1905) on 4 September 1851 in Fayetteville, Lincoln Co., Tennessee. She was the sister of Louisa COLE, who married William's brother, J.R. MIDKIFF. Married second to Emma POINDEXTER (dates unknown), probably in Cooke Co., Texas

Children: With his wife Frances, William had 13 children:

• Marcus Franklin (1852 - 1868)
• James Jefferson "Jeff" (1854 - 1890)
• Martha Ann (1856 - 1858)
• Mary Jane (1859 - 1937)
• William Davis (1861 - 1864)
• George Price (1864 - 1847)
• Margaret Susan (1865 - 1941)
• John Horace "Bud" (1867 - 1937)
• twins Thomas Jackson (1870 - 1943) and Robert Lee (1870 - 1952)
• Kathryn Elizabeth "Kate" (1872 - 1949)
• William Petty (changed to William Preston) (1875 - 1950)
• Emma Tennessee (1877 - 1877)
  

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Enlisted: 1 February 1864 in Co. D, Cooke County First Frontier District; private

Side served: Confederacy

Discharged: unknown

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Biography or Information of Interest: The First Frontier District Regiment was much like a home guard or national guard, whose purpose was "keeping out the Indians & arresting deserters and those persons who are avoiding conscriptions and draft services..."

After the war, William returned to his farm at Sivells Bend, Cooke Co., Texas. Later, his family removed to nearby Gainsville. Much of William's story can also be found in Midkiff: A Texas Family, Town and Way of Life.

Died: 3 July 1920 in Gainsville, Cooke Co., Texas

Buried: Gainsville Cemetery, Gainsville, Cooke Co., Texas

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. John Rufus "J.R." MIDKIFF (1835 - 1909)

Source: Midkiff, John Rufus, Sr. Reprint of photograph. C. 1890. Original believed to be in the possession of John and Mary Lou Midkiff, Midkiff, Texas, 2004.

How Related: Brother of my husband's 2nd-great-grandfather

Born: 13 January 1835 in Lincoln (now Moore) Co., Tennessee

Parents: Franklin Preston MIDKIFF (c. 1800 - c. 1839) and Ellender "Nellie" OLIVER (c. 1807 - c. 1849)

Siblings: John was one of seven siblings and one of three brothers that served the Confederacy from Texas: Sarah Ann (1826 - 1912); unknown sister (b. c. 1825 - 1830); Elizabeth Carrie "Betsey" (1830 - 1912); William Franklin (1833 - 1920); unknown brother (b. c. 1836 - 1840); an Charles Anderson MIDKIFF, Sr. (1839 - 1919)

Married: first to Louisa Maria COLE (1839 - 1878) on 2 October 1856 in Lincoln (now Moore) Co., Tennessee. She was the sister to his brother William's wife, Frances. Married second to Judith "Judee" FARMER (c. 1842 - 1892) on 20 June 1878 in Grayson Co., Texas.

Children: Children of J.R. and Louisa:

• Charles Preston (1857 - 1933)
• Jeffalonia Elizabeth (1861 - 1955)
• John Rufus, Jr. (1863 - 1880)
• Martha Ann "Mattie" (1865 - 1956)
• William Marcus (1868 - 1934)
• Franklin Alexander (1870 - 1902)
• Thomas Oscar "T.O." (1872 - 1940)

Child of J.R. and Judee: Maud MIDKIFF (1880 - 1880)

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Source: Compiled Service Record Jacket of J. R. Midkiff. Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Texas. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication M323. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: with his brother Charles on 5 June 1862 at Whitemound, Grayson Co., Texas in D.W. Baker's Company (Co. A), Hardeman's Cavalry (1st Regiment, Arizona Brigade, 31st Cavalry); private; Transferred 1 December 1863 to Capt. LeKorster's Company (E), 4th Regiment, Arizona Brigade.

Side served: Confederacy

Discharged: unknown

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Biography or Information of Interest: Much of the biography of J.R.'s life can be found in the book Midkiff: A Texas Family, Town, and Way of Life by Mary Lou Midkiff, which traces the stories of J.R. and his son Thomas Oscar Midkiff and their successful attempts to provide a new and good life for their families in West Texas through the hard work of cattle ranching. J.R. had a general store for many years on his ranch in Midland County, which had a little post office with the postmark, Midkiff, Texas. Years later, a new post office with the same name was built not far over the county border in Upton County. You can read more in a post I published last November.

Died: 23 January 1909 of cancer, in Whitesboro, Grayson Co., Texas

Buried: between the graves of his first and second wives in Whitesboro Cemetery, Whitesboro, Grayson Co., Texas

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Charles Anderson MIDKIFF (1839 - 1919)

Source: Midkiff, Charles Anderson Sr. Photograph. C. 1918. Reprint in the possession of Miriam Robbins Midkiff, Spokane, Washington. 2008.

How Related: My husband's 2nd-great-grandfather

Born: 25 May 1839 in Lincoln (now Moore) Co., Tennessee

Parents: Franklin Preston MIDKIFF (c. 1800 - c. 1839) and Ellender "Nellie" OLIVER (c. 1807 - c. 1849)

Siblings: Sarah Ann (1826 - 1912); unknown sister (b. c. 1825 - 1830); Elizabeth Carrie "Betsey" (1830 - 1912); William Franklin (1833 - 1920); John Rufus "J.R." (1835 - 1909); and unknown brother MIDKIFF (b. c. 1836 - 1840)

Married: 24 July 1859 to Mary Emeline WILBOURN (1839 - 1923) in Grayson Co., Texas

Children: William Preston (1862 - 1936), Charles Anderson, Jr. (1865 - 1948), Louanna Ellen "Annie" (1868 - 1940), John Franklin (1870 - 1926) - my husband's ancestor, Ethel Susan (b. 1874), Thomas Jefferson "Tex" (1879 - 1941), and Mae MIDKIFF (b. aft. 1879 - d. young)

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Source: Compiled Service Record Jacket of Charles Midkiff. Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Texas. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication M323. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 15 June 1862 at Whitemound, Grayson Co., Texas in D.W. Baker's Company (Co. A), Hardeman's Cavalry (1st Regiment, Arizona Brigade, 31st Cavalry); private

Side served: Confederacy

Discharged: unknown

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Biography or Information of Interest: Orphaned at a young age, Charles was apprenticed as a boy several times, including to John HAMILTON, his sister Ann's husband. As a young man, he followed his brothers and sister Betsey to East Texas, where he met and married his wife Mary.

"William Polk Hardeman, a former Texas Ranger, organized the unit [Hardeman's Bridgade] early in the war with the purpose of serving with General Henry Hopkins Sibley in Sibley's proposed Confederate invasion of New Mexico and Arizona. After engagements at Val Verde in February 1862 and Glorietta in March, the First Texas Cavalry returned to their home state. The honorific, "Arizona Brigade," was added to the unit's official designation, even though later enlistees served only within the boundaries of Texas." --from Midkiff: A Texas Family, Town and Way of Life by Mary Lou Midkiff. Midland, Texas: Oleo Publishing. 2005.

After the war, they moved to Oklahoma Territory, where several of their children were married and began their families. In the early 1900s, Charles, Mary, and some of their grown children removed to West Colorado, where Charles tried his hand in farming. He was badly injured when a pair of mules ran away with him and he was caught under the wagon, breaking his leg. With the deep winter snow and his crippled leg, he decided to sell the farm around 1913 and removed again with the extended family to Northern California.

Died: 14 September 1919 in Chico, Butte Co., California

Source: Unmarked grave location of Charles Anderson Midkiff, Sr., Chico Cemetery, Chico, Butte Co., California. Digital photograph taken at the request of Miriam Robbins Midkiff by Find A Grave photo volunteer "Laural N. D." Digital copy in the possession of Miriam Robbins Midkiff, Spokane, Washington. 2006.

Buried: 16 September 1919 in Chico Cemetery, Butte Co., California in Wilbourn Family Plot (Garden 12, Section B, Lot 32, Space 10). Grave unmarked.

A Civil War Soldier: Cpl. Levi Edward McLALLIN (c. 1823 - 1882)

How Related: My 4th-great-grandfather

Born: c. 1823 in Montgomery Co., NY

Parents: father's name unknown; mother is probably Rachel [--?--] (b. c. 1797 in Ohio) who lived with him in 1850

Siblings: possibly include William J. McClellan (1822 - 1881) who also served in the same company and regiment, and Reuben (b. c. 1822 in Ohio)

Married: 1) 6 Aug 1848 in Cottrellville Twp., St. Clair Co., Michigan to Clarissa CLEVELAND (b. c. 1832 - d. 1877); 2) 16 December 1877 in New Haven Twp., Macomb Co., Michigan to Mary C. (FORD) COREY (b. c. 1831, New York)

Children: known children include: William (b. c. 1855), Cornelia (1856 - 1916) - my ancestor, Edmund McCLELLAN (b. c. 1863) and Ira McCLELLAN (1870 - 1939) - all with first wife Clarissa; and stepchildren Martha A. MILLER (b. c. 1864) and George A. COREY (b. c. 1866), children of Mary

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of Levi E. McLallin. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 24 October 1862 in St. Clair, St. Clair Co., Michigan; private. Enlisted 11 November 1862 in Co. C, 27th Michigan Infantry. Promoted to full corporal 18 July 1863.

Side served: Union

Discharged: due to disability on 21 January 1865 at Petersburg, Virginia

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Biography or Information of Interest: This man has been very difficult to research because McCLELLAN can be spelled so many different ways, and when I've found them on censuses, all the names and ages of the children are always a bit "off." He is a recently discovered ancestor, so I have a lot to learn about him, and he and his family have provided me with many research challenges. Levi served in same company as William J. McCLELLAN, who may have been his brother. He also served in the same regiment (but different company) as William Lee MASSEY. Levi's great-grandaughter, Mary Jane BARBER, married William's great-grand-nephew, Howard Merkel YORK 45 years after the end of the Civil War. They were my great-grandparents. Levi's daughter, Cornelia, was married to two different Civil War veterans, who have already been listed in this series: Sylvester FREDENBURG and Washington Foster JUDD.

Died: 6 Mar 1882 in Hamtramck, Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan, from consumption as a result of a gunshot wound to his chest while serving in the war

Buried: 8 Mar 1882 in the Chesterfield and Lennox Union Burying Ground, Macomb Co., Michigan

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. William Lee MASSEY (1828 - 1864)

How Related: Brother of my 4th-great-grandmother, Catherine MASSEY

Born: 11 November 1828 in Greece, Monroe Co., New York

Parents: Joseph P. MASSEY (1786 - 1858) and Susanna LEDDYCK (d. 1878)

Siblings: My ancestor Catherine (1812 - 1882), Sarah (1814 - 1896), Mary "Polly" (b. 1822), and Rebecca MASSEY (1824 - 1905)

Married: Susan Elizabeth FOX (1837 - 1906) on 1 January 1854 in Greenbush Twp., Clinton Co., Michigan

Children: William Henry (1856 - 1934), James Marion (1858 - 1943), Charles Benjamin (1859 - 1934), and Mary Ellen MASSEY (1863 - 1921).

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of William L. Massey. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 30 November 1863 at Bingham Twp., Clinton Co., Michigan; private. Enlisted in Co. I, 27th Michigan Infantry on 29 December 1863.

Side served: Union

Discharged: died while in service

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Biography or Information of Interest: Here's another veteran I know very little about, other than he was the younger brother of my 4th-great-grandmother. The Massey family is my one line that hails from south of the Mason-Dixon line, in Maryland. After arriving in Queen Anne County in the mid-1600s, the family remained in the area for seven generations, before William's father Joseph P. MASSEY, relocated to New York by 1810.

Died: of disease on 27 May 1864 in Harewood Hospital, Washington, D.C.

Source: Tombstone of W.L. Massey, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington Co., Virginia. Digital photograph. 2006. Photographed by Find A Grave photo volunteer "Hope".

Buried: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington Co., Virginia

A Civil War Soldier: Sgt. Daniel J. MacARTHUR (1827 - 1919)

How Related: My 3rd-great-grandfather

Born: 7 June 1827 in Glengarry Co., Ontario, Canada

Parents: Donald MacARTHUR (d. bef. 1842) and Catherine Anne "Nancy" MUNRO (dates unknown)

Siblings: Arthur "Duncan" (b. 1818), and sister Jesse D. MacARTHUR (1822 - c. 1903)

Source: MacArthur, Daniel J. and Martha Johnson. Photograph. C. 1863. Original photograph believed to be in the possession of Nancy Masten Peugh, Manton, Michigan. 1999.

Married: 27 February 1863 to Martha JOHNSON (1844 - 1897), probably in Montcalm Co., Michigan

Children: Henry A. (1865 - 1944), Daniel Thomas (1867 - 1945), Catherine A. "Kate" (1869 - 1956), George Clinton "Clint" (1871 - 1936), my ancestor Mary E. "Mae" (1875 - 1959), William Edward "Will" (1880 -1873), and Arlie Mae (1884 - 1971)

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Enlisted: 17 December 1861 at Evergreen, Michigan in Co. I, 1st Sharpshooter's (Bergan's) Regiment, U.S. Volunteers; private. Charge of desertion. Enlisted again in same company on 4 March 1862.

Side served: Union

Discharged: see biographical information, below

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Source: Four generations of M(a)cArthurs. Photograph. C. 1917. Original photograph believed to be in the possession of Nancy Masten Peugh, Manton, Michigan. 1999.

Biography or Information of Interest: In the photograph above, Daniel is seated with his great-granddaughter, believed to be Katherine L. YORK. Her father, Daniel's grandson, Ernest Lee YORK is standing on the left. Ernest's mother, Daniel's daughter, Mary E. "Mae" (McARTHUR) YORK RANDELL is standing in the back. Mae is also my 2nd-great-grandmother. See my Wordless Wednesday follow-up post about Daniel here for more information about his life and military experience.

Died: 10 March 1919 in Oxford Twp., Oakland Co., Michigan

Buried: Hill (Danley) Cemetery, Fulton Twp., Gratiot Co., Michigan

A Civil War Soldier: Sgt. Henry LYTON (a.k.a. George TURK) (1836 - 1874)

How Related: My husband's 2nd-great-grandfather

Born: George TURK, 1836, Ontario, Canada (possibly in Ottawa, Carleton County)

Parents: Samuel TURK (b. 1806) and Lydia GILLETT (b. 1808)

Siblings: George/Henry was the third of eleven children:

• Reuben, a.k.a. Henry GILLETT (c. 1832 - 1893)
• John (1835 - 1904)
• Rice (b. 1837)
• Jane (1840 - 1910)
• William Wellington (1842 - 1917)
• Washington (b. 1843)
• Cinderella (b. 1845)
• Avery (b. 1846)
• Clarissa (b. 1848)
• Almira (b. 1849)
  

Married: Mariah Emily DAILEY (1849 - 1935) in August 1868 in Thurman, Fremont Co., Iowa

Children: Charles Sanford (1870 - 1871), Agnes (1872 - 1898), and my husband's great-grandmother, Emma Alice LYTON (1874 - 1959)

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of George Turk, a.k.a Henry Lyton. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 9 October 1861 at Marshall, Michigan in Co. A, 1st Michigan Engineers; promoted to Full Corporal on 19 March 1864; promoted to Full Sergeant on 1 November 1864. Distinguished Service.

Side served: Union

Mustered Out: 22 September 1865, Nashville, Tennessee

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Biography or Information of Interest: For many years, Henry LYTON was an enigma. About a year-and-a-half ago, my husband's sister-in-law found information online that uncovered the fact that LYTON was a pseudonym. I have no idea why George TURK changed his name to Henry LYTON; curiously, his older brother Rueben TURK changed his name to Henry GILLETT. The Gillett surname is understandable, given that this was their mother's maiden name. But why LYTON? We may never know, just as I do not know why my step-ancestor Washington Foster JUDD changed his name to Charles F. KING.

George/Henry died just about a month before his youngest daughter Emma was born. His widow Mariah applied for a minor's pension in Emma's name in 1888, even though she had remarried. Since I don't have a copy of the application, I don't know if it was approved or denied. Mysteries, enigmas, puzzles...!

Died: February 1874, Thurman, Fremont Co., Iowa

Buried: probably in the Thurman Cemetery, Thurman, Fremont Co., Iowa

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Isaac LUKE (1831 - 1920)

How Related: My husband's 2nd-great-grandfather

Born: 1 April 1831 in Mount Vernon, Wayne Co., Ohio

Parents: Azel Isak LUKE (1791 - 1874) and Annabel MITCHELL (1793 - c. 1850)

Siblings: William (1818 - 1894), Lydia (1821 - 1913), John (1823 - 1864), Margaret (b. c. 1825), Mary (b. 1827), and Charlotte LUKE (1833 - 1910)

Married: first on 20 February 1851 to Rebecca HEWITT (1836 - 1911) in Sun Prairie, Dane Co., Wisconsin; after Rebecca's death, he married three other women, outliving at least two of them: Florence SUMMERS, Eliza HURD, and Maryann (BEST) SPERB

Children: Isaac and Rebecca (nice Biblical names!) had 14 children!:

• William Alonzo (1852 - 1919)
• Robert Thomas (1853 - 1932)
• Orville Isaac (1855 - 1943)
• Mollisia Rachel (1856 - c. 1937)
• Lydia J. (c. 1859 - c. 1877)
• Orin Azel (1860 - 1932)
• Julia Elizabeth (1862 - 1916)
• Simeon Wesley (1863 - 1947)
• Angelia Rebecca (1866 - 1941) - my husband's ancestor
• Mary Amanda "Mandy" (1868 - 1938)
• Clara (c. 1870 - 1877)
• Lucy (c. 1872 - 1875)
• Eunice Rebecca (1874 - 1918)
• Alice Viola (1878 - 1955)
  

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Drafted: 26 September 1864 in Co. U, 16th Wisconsin Infantry; private

Side served: Union

Mustered Out: 13 May 1865

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Biography or Information of Interest: Isaac has been difficult to research; the 16th Wisconsin Infantry's Civil War Pension Index Cards have not yet been uploaded to Footnote, and I don't find one for him at Ancestry, so I'm not sure if he collected a pension. Other than many names, dates, and locations that have been passed on by other Luke researchers for this family, I haven't found any detailed information that gives me a flesh-and-blood portrait of the man. I did find a message at Genforum from a descendant who has a photograph of Isaac and Rebecca's family, but the e-mail address I wrote to is no longer valid. One item of note: it appears his brother John was also a Civil War soldier who died at Memphis, Tennessee. This is the second time since starting this series that I've discovered new information on a brother of an ancestor that also served.

Died: 18 January 1920 in Avon, Bon Homme Co., South Dakota

Buried: Grave 6, Lot 15, Block 3, Section 3 of Hitt Cemetery, Avon, Bon Homme Co., South Dakota