JOHN W. RAY, Colonel of the 49th Indiana, from November 1861 until October 1862. John was born in 1829 in Marion County, Indiana, Son of Sarah Ann Noland, and Reverend Edwin Ray. The Reverend Ray died in 1831. Sarah, John Rays' mother, remarried Samuel H. Patterson, in 1832. In 1836, the family moved to Jeffersonville, Indiana, as Samuel Patterson had become the leasee of the Indiana State Prison-South, and the Prison was located in Jeffersonville. In the 1850 census, John Ray is listed as being 21 years old, and working as a clerk. He was still living at the home of his step-father, and mother, with his sister, and 4 other children, the offspring of Samuel and Sarah. Also reported in the household were 2 females, probably servants, from Germany, 5 Guards from the Prison, and 1 Laborer. The family may have been living in a building that was part of the Prison Complex, were Samuel was Superintendent. John Ray served as Councilman in Clark County, Indiana, from 1854 to 1857. In 1861, John Ray helped organize a new regiment of Infantry, for the Civil War, in Jeffersonville, at Camp Joe Holt. This regiment became the 49th Indiana, and John Ray became it's Colonel. After the 49th Indiana had been moved to Cumberland Ford, Kentucky, in Early 1862, and sickness had became critical, Governor Oliver P. Morton, of Indiana, sent a surgeon to investigate the causes of the illnesses. The man reported back that the men were in sever condition, and hinted that at least part of the fault lie with Colonel John Ray's handling of the regiment. Other investigations reported that John Ray inspired to Public office, and was using the 49th as a means to that end. The reports recommended that John Ray be replaced with then Lieutenant Colonel James Keigwin, who proved to be an excellent soldier. Whether John Ray deserved this report remains unclear, but the facts remain, he was asked to step down, and James Keigwin was made Colonel October 18, 1862. Keigwin himself makes the statement that Colonel Ray was a better talker then a fighter.(2)
JOHN R. WEATHERS, was born in a log home, on March 12,1847, near Marengo, Crawford County, Indiana. John joined the 49th Indiana, Company F at the age of 14. His parents knew several members of Company F and knew they would help take care of young John. John Weathers joined the 49th on November 19, 1861, and was mustered in on November 21, 1861, as a company Musician. Almost immediately after joining the 49th, John, along with several other soldiers, came down with the measles, which left him under a doctors care, when the 49th left Camp Joe Holt, in Jeffersonville, and left for Bardstown Kentucky, in late December, 1861. After recovering from the measles, and before he was released from the doctors care, John set out to join the 49th in Bardstown, and developed, probably due to his weakened condition, pneumonia, and once again, he was hospitalized. He was plagued by disease’s for the rest of his army career. After recovering from pneumonia, he joined the 49th at Cumberland Gap, and was with the regiment when it participated in the retreat from Cumberland Gap to Greenupsburg, Kentucky on the Ohio River. Upon arriving at the Ohio river and crossing, his appearance looked rather like that of a vagabond. After being refitted, and sent to West Virginia for a short time, the 49th was recalled, and was to be sent to Memphis Tennessee, by way of Steamers. On the way down the river, the steamers had to pass right by the town of Leavenworth, Indiana, in Crawford County, not far from his home. That night, several of the boys, including John Weathers let for shore, and a short visit at home, with the intention of returning to the regiment as soon as they were able! While at home, however, John Weathers developed another illness, this time Malarial Fever. He was unable to rejoin his regiment, and was subsequently listed as a deserter. John reported to the Army, and informed them that he was under a doctor's care, and kept the regiment informed of his condition. Eventually he reported to a Military Hospital in New Albany, and eventually was granted Discharge from the 49th, by Writ of Habius Corpus on grounds of Minority. Later in life, while John Weathers was running for a minor political position, it was pointed out the the newly printed set of books, "Report of the Adjutant General to the State of Indiana" had him listed as a deserter. This fact caused him problems later on in life as well, when he applied for pension. He was able to prove that he had not deserted, and had the desertion charge removed from his record, but the book still has him listed as a deserter, today! John Weathers was back home, after being discharged from the 49th, when the Confederate Commander, Captain Hines raided into Indiana, and not long afterwards came a report that a large force was again ready to enter the State. John promptly joined a force of about 400 men raised to put down this invasion, and the men marched to Paoli, where they spent the night at the Paoli fairgrounds. It was a cool night for June, and the next morning the defender's learned that the report was false. John was again hospitalized with lung problems. On July 8, 1863 a report came in the John H. Morgan and his force had crossed the Ohio into Indiana, with 5000 men. The State militia was again called out, and again John Weathers participated in the attempt to capture or at least drive out the invading force. Morgan was eventually captured in Ohio, and the militia released. Around Dec, 1864, President Lincoln called for more volunteers, and John Weathers again felt the call to volunteer, and so he joined with the 144th Indiana, Company D. on the 9th of February, 1865, again as a musician, and was later promoted to Principle Musician of the 144th. The war finally ended, and John was mustered out on August 5,1865. John was now 18 years old! After the war, John entered Indiana University, and became a teacher Later in life he moved to Washington, DC and worked with the Bureau of Pensions. On Dec 25, 1870, John Weathers married Zibbie S. Anderson, at Orleans, Orange County, Indiana, and had two daughters. Daisy M. Weathers, born November 3, 1871 Nellie G(or Y) Weathers born September 14, 1879 John was described as 5'6" tall, light complexion, light hair, blue eyes, and claimed his occupation was that of Farmer. (when he joined the service) Just 14 years and 8 months old upon enlistment. He died January 18, 1934 at Washington, DC and is buried at New Albany, Ind.(2)(8)
JAMES R. WHITTINGTON, son of John and Sarah CLIMER WHITTINGTON, was born in North Carolina, March 29, 1839. The father and mother moved to Indiana in 1844, and settled in Orange county. The father and family lived in a log house about a mile west of Bonds Chapel when a destructive hurricane swept over the community, destroying much property, leveling the forest about a mile in width, and extending about 7 miles in a northeasterly direction toward what is now the town of Georgia in Lawrence county. The house in which the family lived was torn down, but none of the family were seriously injured. The father regarded their escape from death as almost a miracle. In the neighborhood of Bonds Chapel James Whittington grew to manhood and the most of his life was spent in Northwest township, Orange county. He was married to Nancy D. JONES in September 1857. To this union were born six children, Sarah Elizabeth, Mary Jane, Thomas W., George H., an infant, and Chas. Newton. All the children preceded him in death except Mary and Newton. When the Union flag was fired upon at Fort Sumpter, every patriotic heart was insulted. James responded to his country's call and joined the 49 Ind. Vol. He was a member of Captain John A. RITTER's Company G. Only two of his company survived him, Judge T.B. BUSKIRK, of Paoli, and William C. SHIRLEY, of Orleans. After three years of service he was mustered out without a scar. He was a good soldier. In 1920, he and the wife of his youth moved to Huron. Here they resided until James was called away. On Saturday morning April 9, 1927, the soldier who had answered the roll call on the tented field for three years, answered to the roll call of heaven, and was mustered out. He belongs to immortals of the civil war, and his tent is pitched on fames eternal camping ground. He was 88 years and 11 days of age. He left to mourn his departure, the wife of his youth, then 92 years old, two children, Mrs. Mary J. TOLBERT of Orange county, and Newton whose home is near Emporia, Kan. Funeral services were held at Bonds Chapel. At the close of the service, as a tribute of respect, W.C. SHIRLEY presented a flag to the wife of the deceased with the names of T.B. BUSKIRK and W.C. SHIRLEY engraved on the flag staff. The only surviving members of company G 49 Ind. Vol. --N.F. DENNY" from Tom McCart scrapbook (1)
Dr. WILLIAM C. BIRD, was born in Smith county, Tenn., March 14, 1833?, and is a son of M. B. and Nancy (Mitchell) Bird-the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Smith county, Tenn. Dr. William C. Bird worked on the farm until he was 21 years old, when he entered a store in English, Ind., and clerked for four years. He was married to Mary Newkirk in 1854, who bore three children, Mina B., John K. and Charles J., and then died. He entered the army in 1861, in Forty-ninth Indiana Volunteer infantry, Company F, and served three years. He began the study of medicine in 1866, and left the medical college in Indianapolis in 1870, entering upon practice in Brownstown, Ind., where he remained two years, and then came to English; here he is the leading practitioner. In 1869 he married Melissa Turner, of Crawford county. She had three children: Dora M. Bird, James W. and Queen Victoria. Dr. Bird served as township trustee and township treasurer. He was a member of the Masonic Order since 1866, and has filled all the offices in the lodge.
William W. Van Campen, born January 9, 1839 in Zanesville, Ohio. His occupation was that of farmer. He is described as 5'7", fair complexion, Dark Hair, Grey Eyes. He served with Company D, of the 49th Indiana. He was mustered in on Nov. 21, 1861 as a Corporal, and resided at Henryville, In. He was with the 49th throughout the war, reenlisting on the 3rd day of February, 1864, in Indianola, Texas. He was then promoted to Sergeant. Company D was mustered out on September 13, 1865 at Louisville, Ky.
After the war, he married Martha E. Bottorff, in March, 1866, at Vienna, In. She died in Texas around 1878-79.
He then married Sarah E. Stutesman (Gray; previously married) in 1881 at Underwood, In.
William has 8 children, 5 from his first wife;
William Van Campen- Born Sept. 25, 1867 New Washington, In. Martha B. Van Campen- Born 1869 Vienna, In, (she died in texas in 1877) Julian Van Campen- Born Aug. 1871 Jeffersonville Ellen T. Van Campen- Born May 29, 1874 Olive B. Van Campen- Born Sept. 2, 1876 Indianapolis Children of Second wife;
Bert Van Campen- Born Aug. 11, 1882 Blue Lick, In Dennis Van Campen- Born April 25, 1885 Underwood, In LeeRoy Van Campen- Born Nov. 13, 1887 Underwood, In
William died at Scottsburg, In, on Sept. 28, 1926, of cerebral hemorage. Buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Clark County, In (8)
James Washington VanHoozer-(VanHoosier)- born between 1842-1844 to James VanHoozer and Sarah Ritchie, in Crawford County, Indiana. James joined the 49th Indiana Nov. 1861 as part of Company H. His record shows him as 19 at the time of enlistment. 5'3" with blue eyes, fair skin and hair. James served with the 49th through out it's service, and in Feb. 1864, at Indianola, Tx, he re-enlisted. He was then transferred to Company E, as a Veteran. He then served until the 49th mustered out at Louisville, Ky, in Sept. 1865. James married Nancy North, May 3, 1866, in Crawford County, Ind, and had 7 children; Rhonda born in Leavenworth, In Charles born in Leavenworth, In Alonzo George James Phillip Jane Riley The 1870 Census shows James to be living in Crawford County. The Unconfirmed story is that James died around Christmas, 1887, and was buried near his home. (There are several stories about James VanHoozer, if you can add any thing, please contact me so I can contact his descendants)(2)
George W. Riddle was born in Crawford county, Indiana, and raised on his families farm. At the age of 22, in 1854, he married Louisanna Wiseman. They had 8 Children. George enlisted with the 49th Indiana and was given a commission as 1st Lieutenant, Company H. he later became Adjutant of the Regiment. For an act of bravery, Governor Morton commissioned him Colonel of the newly formed 144th Regiment. After the war, he was elected to the surveyors office, in 1854, and with the exception of the time he was in the service, he held that office or was connected to that office for the remainder of his life. Died?? Buried?? (3)
James William Thompson, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, June 4,1835. His parents were William S. Thompson, and Amanda Shannon. In 1844, the family returned to Jeffersonville, and shortly thereafter, James’ father died. His mother established a lucrative notions and Millenary business, which supported her family. James received and education at St. Alaysius College, in Louisville, Ky In 1855 he became connected with the clerical department of the Jeffersonville Railroad, where is capacity of service were held in high regards and he advanced rapidly. In 1861, James gained considerable notoriety by informing Government authorities of the manner of smuggling contraband supplies into Kentucky, and by aiding in the capture of the same. His actions in this matter brought him unfavorable criticism by the officers of his railroad company, so he promptly quit, and shortly afterward, enlisted and helped raise and organize the 49th Indiana. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant Oct. 18, 1861, and was promoted to Captain, Feb. 2, 1862. He was Captain of the company that took part in the Skirmish at Big Creek Gap, Tenn., with the 2nd Tennessee (U.S.A.), and captured a force of confederate Cavalry. He later was with the 49th when Gen. George Morgan captured Cumberland Gap. While encamped at the Cumberland Gap, James contracted Malarial fever, and was hospitalized. He was taken prisoner when Gen. Morgan was forced to evacuate the Gap. James remained very sick for several weeks. He finally recovered, and was exchanged, and rejoined the 49th at Young’s Point, on the Mississippi River, in April, 1863. Not long after rejoining his regiment, James was detailed, on April 28, 1863, to join Brig. Gen. Peter J. Osterhaus, commanding the 9th (1st )division of the 13th Corps, as acting adjutant General, and Chief of Staff. During this campaign to take Vicksburg, James participated in the battles of Thompson hill, May 1, 1863, Champions Hill, May 16th, 1863, Black River Bridge, May 17th, 1863, and both Assaults on Vicksburg, May 19 and 22nd, 1863. He was complimented for Meritorious Conduct on the fields of Thompson Hill, Baker’s Creek, and Black River Bridge, by Osterhaus. After the surrender of Vicksburg, he took part in the movement that drove Major Gen. Joseph Johnstons (C.S.A.) command beyond Jackson, Mississippi. Later he took part in the Red River Campaign. He reenlisted with the 49th in 1864, and served with it the remainder of the war. He then returned to Jeffersonville, In, where he married Jennie Campbell, Aug. 22, 1866, and had 2 children. He was elected city Clerk in May 1879, and again in 1881. He suffered from Dyspepsia and had a delicate constitutional vigor, throughout his life. Died? Buried?? (7)
Soloman H. Moore, born Nov. 18, 1821, in Orange County, Ind. He grew to manhood and married Sarah Jane Wilson on the 1st of January, 1843. They had 6 sons; John D Moore Born Dec. 21, 1845 in Orange Co. In. James A. Moore Born 1846 in Orange Co, In Benjamin Franklin Moore Born Aug. 26, 1848, in Orange Co. In Andy Moore Born Jan. 9, 1852, died Sept. 15, 1852 in Orange County, In George Wilson Moore, born Apl 4, 1855 in Orange county Hance Moore Born March 22, 1862, Orange Co. In In Nov. 1861 Soloman enlisted on Company G, 49th Indiana, and served with the 49th for about a year, when he was discharged for disability. After the war, in 1869, Soloman and his family moved to Franklin county, Kansas, where in 1871 his first wife died. After 3 years, he then married Mrs. Elizabeth Manley Bixler, (Wolfington from a previous Marrage)widow of a Comrade of Solomans, at Franklin County, Kansas. They had no children. Solomans occupation as that of farmer, and in 1883 his family moved to the farm near High Prarie Methodist Church, in Colfax Township. Soloman died Feb. 20, 1898, and is buried at High Prarie Cemetery, Wilson Co. Kansas. (2)
James M. Cummins, was married to Amanda Staton, Aug. 18, 1858, in Clark County, Indiana. They had two children, Aaron Oliver Cummins, born Oct. 14th (or 21st?), 1859, at Washington, In James William Cummins, born Oct 9th, (5th?), 1861, in Washington, In. James was enrolled with Company D, 49th Indiana on 12th November, 1861, and mustered in Nov. 21, 1861. At the Battle of Vicksburg, Dec. 28th, 1862, he was Mortally wounded, Shot in the thigh. He died of his wounds, Jan. 29, 1863, at St. Louis, Mo. at Lawson General Haopital!(8)
Melworth Marlow, born Oct 7, 1838 in Iredell County, North Carolina. Father's name is Renard Marlow. Mother's name is Nancy Madden. Melworth joined the 49th on November 11th, 1861, and enrolled in Company D. He was mustered in on November 21. He was with the 49th throughout the war until June 17th, 1864, when, by reason of Pneumonia, he was transfered to the V.R.C. (Veterans Reserve Corp, an organization that used disabled soldiers, in non- combat roles, primarily as Guards) He was mustered out November 21, 1864, at Washington, DC. After the war, he married Sarah Sillings, in August 17, 1865, in New Albany, In. Together, they had 7 children, all born in Floyd county; Delbert Marlow b. 1866 Nannie " b. 1869 Ada R. " b. 1871 Renard " b. 1873 Johnnie " b. 1877 Jesse " b. 1881 Raymond " b. 1885 Melworth was a farmer. He died in New Albany, Floyd co. Indiana, on November 8, 1907. He is buried in Edwardsville, In. (2)(8)
Andrew Jackson Beard,born 7 Oct 1838, in Perry County, Ind., son of Jonas James Beard and Anna Archibald. He joined the 49th in Nov, 1861, and was with the regiment until November 29, 1862, when according to records, he deserted. (At the time of this desertion, the 49th was traveling down the Ohio river from West Virginia to Memphis Tennessee. The 49th was forced to pass by the homes of the mem of the 49th, and not stop. Several men took the opportunity to jump ship and go home for a short time. Unfortunatly, they were charged with desertion. Much to the credit of the men who did so, they retruned to thier regiment after a short stay. So, even with the charge of desertion on the record, Andrew Beard did return to his regiment, and mustered out in Nov. 29, 1864.) Married 19 Apr 1863 Perry Co., In to Milly Kitterman, daughter of Christopher Kitterman and Elizabeth Hifil. Milly died 14 Feb. 1910 in Keensburg, Wabash Co., Il and Andrew married Lavina McDown in Mt. Carmel, Wabash Co., Il. Andrew and Milly had 8 children: Elizabeth A. Louisa; Nancy E. Preston Josephine Rovilla Minervia Emma Maude. Died 27 Nov. 1933 in Keensburg, Wabash Co., Il., buried in Coffee Cemetery in Kingsburg, Il.(2)
Moses Beard, was born 20 Apr 1839 in Perry County,Ind. He was the son of Randolph Beard and Susanna Archibald. He joined the 49th Indiana in Nov. 1861, and was Discharged with a disability, at some undetermined time. He was married on the 23rd of March 1864 to Sarah Ann Cooper. He died 8 March 1923. The Place is yet unknow! (2)
Valentine Montgomery, was born at Blockhouse Run, Jefferson County, Ohio, March 26, 1841. His family moved to Harrison County, Indiana, when he was young. They lived near New Amsterdam, Indiana. He was discribed as 5'3' light complexion, grey eyes, and light hair. (In another listing he is discribed as dark complextion, grey eyes, and black hair!) He was a farmer. He joined company F, 49th Indiana, on Novermber 17, 1861, and was mustered in November 21st, 1861. During his time with the 49th, except for occasional bouts of illness, he served until he was mustered out, November 29, 1864. During the Battle of Vicksburg, May 22, 1863, he was wounded in the right hand, and lost a finger. After he was mustered out in 1864, he went back home and married Phebe Jane Kintner, of New Amsterdam, Indiana on December 28th, 1865. Together they had 6 children. Robert Arthur Montgomery- born November 14th, 1868 Mildred Pearl - born March 27th, 1869 Married name Friedly Rhonda Lee - born October 19th, 1871 Emme Florence - born March 2nd, 1875 Married name Lundquest Garfield - born May 20th, 1878 Lafe - born December 28th, 1881 Valentine died November 13, 1930, at the age of 89, and is buried at New Amsterdam Cemetery, New Amsterdam, Indiana. (2)(8)
David Montgomery, was born April 7th, 1839, in Jefferson county, Ohio. He moved to Harrison County as a young man. He is discribed as 5' 3", Light Complexion, Dark hair, Grey Eyes. and his occupation was that of farmer. He joined the 49th Indiana, Company F, on November 14th, 1861, and was Mustered in november 21, 1861. Almost immediately he contracted Measles, while at Camp Joe Holt, and was hospitalized some 21 days. After his recovery, which left him Deaf in his right ear, he joined the regiment at Cumberland Ford, kentucky, were he soon was again taken sick and hospitalized for some 20 days. He spent the war in and out of hospitals, recovering enough to be sent back to his regiment, and then after while, getting siick again. August 31, 1863 absent sick in General Hospital, Vicksburg. December 31, 1863 absent sick in convalescent camp, Carrollton, La. The records show him wounded at the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou, Mississippi, December 27, 28 or 29, 1863, and again wounded in left thigh May 16th, 1863 at the Battle of Champions Hill. David Montgomery was mustered out November 29, 1864, at Indianapolis. After the war, David was married to Ann Mowery, in Harrison County, December 1, 1867. They had 7 children; Isaac H. Montgomery -born September 18, 1868 (died June 28, 1891) Mary E. -born September 12, 1870 Cora A. -born November 9, 1871 (died February 5, 1893) Victoria -born 1873? John H -born June 16, 1875 (died December 1, 1942) Phebe -born 1876? Jesse D -born January, 7, 1883, (died July 9, 1899) David Montgomery died at the age of 57 years, on January 6, 1897, and is buried at New Amsterdam Cemetery, New Amsterdam, Indiana. (2)(8)Use your key to return to listings.
As was pointed out to me recently, Some of the information included in some of these sketches, can be misleading, incomplete, and flat out myth. I am not trying to give a complete, Accurate account of a persons live, in a paragraph, just trying to give some background into the person. Please, understand this as you read it, and understand that some of the truth this my be a little stretched.
(1) This listing's provided to me from Goodspeed's History of Orange County, 1884, which was taken from the Orange County Indiana, InGEnWeb site, http://copper.ucs.indiana.edu/~vheverly/orange.htm For with I am eternally Grateful! (2) This listing was provided to me from a relative of the person. Generally sent to me after my queries on different sites! (3)This listing provided by Biographical and Historical Souvenir for the Counties of Clark, Crawford, Harrison, Floyd, Jefferson, Jennings, Scott, and Washington, Indiana 1889 (Reprinted by Unigraphics inc) 4400 Jackson Ave. Evansville, In (4) Wilson's History of Dubois County (5) This listing provided to me from Nancy Eckerman Special Collections Librarian Ruth Lilly Medical Library Indiana University School of Medicine 975 W. Walnut St. IB100 Indianapolis,IN 46202-5121//317-274-2076 http://www.medlib.iupui.edu/hom/homdept.html (6) This information comes from Dave Pickenpaugh from a book called Peckinpaughs, Pickenpaughs, Beckenbaughs, Peckinpas, and Peckenpaughs. by Edwin T and Atha Peckenpaugh Brace. Dave was very generous with his time, in looking this information up for me, and has a website for the Pickenpaugh's, etc at Pickenpaugh Family pages Thank you Dave(7)Biographical and Historical Souvenir for the Counties of Clark, Crawford, Harrison, Floyd, Jefferson, Jennings, Scott and Washington. John M. Gresham & Co. Chicago 1889
(8) derived from Service and pension records of the individual From National archives, usually provided by family, who have been invaluble in this project!!