Veterans from the Civil War

Private. Company C, 9th Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers

John Frederick Strausburg was born in Barren County, Ky., May 27, 1837 to Daniel and Catherine Stone Strausburg. His parents came to Kentucky from Clark County, Ohio. John was the oldest of four boys. In the early stages of the Civil War, Daniel told his sons John Frederick, David and Allen, "If you boys do not volunteer for the Army, I will." Being obedient to their father's wishes each son enlisted. Because of his intense loyalty to his country, Daniel himself enlisted in the Union war cause. The afternoon he was discovered missing, his wife Catherine stood trembling on a stump in the yard of the family farm well past dark calling for her husband to return home. She grieved over the knowledge of not only loosing her husband in war, but also her sons. Private John Frederick Strausburg served under Capt. William Sterling, Company C 9th Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers. He enlisted on September 15, 1861. He was discharged December 20, 1862 after being wounded on the knee. His discharge papers state he was 27 years old, 5 feet 5 1/2 inches, fair complexion, blue eyes, light hair and his occupation was that of a farmer. He came home from the war to his wife Melvina, unable to fully fulfill his farming duties. John Frederick was the only son to return from the war. He married Melvina Thomas, granddaughter of Walter Thomas, Representative of Allen County and Allen County's first judge. To this marriage were born nine children: Sarah Catherine, William H., Kitty Ann; Mary E. Strausburg, Walter, twins Shepard and Bettie, Judge Robert H. and Ollie Strausburg Moore. John Frederick died in 1913 at the age of 74. His funeral was held at the 200-acre Strausburg family farm. In 1951, one of his sons Judge Robert Strausburg, had John Frederick's and his wife's bodies exhumed and moved to Crescent Hill Cemetery. Today Eunice Strausburg Bewley, great-granddaughter and her husband Ralston, still live and maintain the family farm. (Courtesy of Dianne Bewley-Taylor, great-great-granddaughter)

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FEBRUARY
Emery Harrison Read

Albert G. Lambert was born March 12, 1842 and died April 19, 1927. He was the son of Henry Price and Eliza Dickason Lambert. In the year 1861, when the War began, in unison with his convictions, he joined the Confederate Army and served under Captain James M. Minnis. He participated in the battle at Chicamauga and suffered a broken leg when his horse was shot from under him in the battle at Murfreesboro, Tenn. His name is in the book at the Stones River National Battle-field in Murfreesboro, Tenn. On February 2, 1865, he married Nancy Elizabeth Perdue. She was born November 19, 1849 (daughter of Theoppalus and Emily Butt Perdue). To this union were born 12 children, seven boys and five girls, all of whom lived to be grown and married, except one who remained single. Eliza (born January 5, 1868, died September 11, 1953, married Mitchell Stamps); Fannie (born January 16, 1870, died September 11, 1957, married Will McElroy); Julia (born April 25, 1872, died August 19, 1900, married Levi Towe); Brodia (born April 17, 1875, died October 21, 1896); Henry Price (born January 27, 1878, died February 8, 1967, married Lula Howell); Maude (born September 10, 1879, died April 18, 1969, married Samuel Rippy); John J. (born September 10, 1881, died June 5,1962, married Drusie Ballard); Emma Jane (born October 29, 1883, died, September 13, 1977, married Everette Wheat; Carlton (born August 29, 1885, died March 24,1966, married Clarice Dodson); Walter M. (born October 29, 1887, died June 27, 1960, married Rhea Mayhew); Charlie M. (born May 26, 1890, died December 18, 1971, married Ethel Henson); Claude C. (born June 5, 1893, died May 14, 1985, married Dottie Henson). Uncle "Ab," as so many called him, was a farmer, blacksmith and rock mason. He also played the fiddle. Most of his children played either the fiddle, banjo, guitar or some musical instrument. They had 51 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. Albert died in 1927 and Nancy in 1937. They and several of their children and grand-children are buried in Beech Grove Cemetery, Allen County, Ky.
(Courtesy of Beatrice Lambert, granddaughter)

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APRIL
John Emory Dalton

John Emory Dalton was born on October 15, 1844 in Allen County, Ky., the third in a family of eight children born to Daniel and Nancy (Kelley) Dalton. On August 30, 1863 John Emory enlisted in Company B of the 52nd Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Mounted Infantry. He served until January 17, 1865. To quote from an article in a newspaper in 1922, "I joined the Army when I was a mere youth, but thus early in life had fallen in love with the woman who is now Mrs. Dalton. Like all other boys, I possessed my share of patriotism and was anxious to preserve the Union intact, yet when I got away down South, away from my home and my sweetheart and was detailed one night to do sentinel duty, I found time hanging heavily on my hand, and unconsciously to reflect over my departure from home, and the thought that in my haste I had gone out to battle without arranging for the disposal of my property in the event I should die on the battlefield...when morning came I sought out the commanding officer and obtained a furlough. "With all possible speed I hurried home in order to urge my sweetheart the necessity of an immediate marriage...leaving her with the assurance that I would return with the marriage license and the preacher...the court officer remarked as he extended the paper toward me, '$2.50 please'. I did not have a silver five-cent piece between me and high heaven, and yet I was asking for a marriage license so that my wife might inherit my property in case of my death...excusing myself for a moment, I sought out a friend. secured the fee and re-turned to the clerk's office."
On December 6, 1863. he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Mayhew, daughter of Mahaley and Henry Mayhew. Their children were: Julia B.. Alfred P.. Ella R.. Pearl, Harvey T.. Effie, Emma and Ruth. Mr. Dalton was very successful and went on to be Sheriff from 1898-1901 and State Representative 1904-1905. Work began in 1905 on North 6th Street on land he donated for the Scottsville Elementary and High School. Mrs. Dalton died April 28, 1914 and John Emery, April 20, 1921. They are both buried in the old City Cemetery. (Courtesy of Margaret (Mrs. Keith) Gerald)

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MAY
George Dudley Read

George Dudley Read was born in Allen County, Ky. on November 20, 1830. He was the second son of Richard C. and Frances Read. His father Richard C. died about 1850 and George D. went to live with an Edmond family to learn the trade of saddle making. George was the grandson of Robert Coleman and Nancy Read who came from Virginia to Kentucky prior to 1812. Robert's father was John Read Jr., who served as Sergeant Major under Col. James Pendleton in the Virginia Infantry during the Revolutionary War. John Read's father was John Read Sr., who came from Great Britain in 1755 and bought 500 acres of land northwest of Jefferstown, Va. The land stayed in the Read family until 1941. George D. married Frances Belle Spann on February 14, 1853. She was born in 1834. They had three girls, Winnie, who died at birth, Donnie Belle, who married Sidney Smith Ayers and Alice, who never married. He enlisted in the Union Army August 16, 1863 and was mustered in as a 1st Lieutenant Company B, 52nd Regiment Kentucky Infantry to fill an original vacancy. He was under the command of Captain John D. Gilliam. He mustered out at Bowling Green, Ky. on January 17, 1865. He then opened a country store at Halfway, Ky. and was postmaster there from 1884 to 1891. The post office and store are still in business. George Dudley died December 23, 1895 and Frances died in 1917. They are buried in the Spann family cemetery at Mt. Union Church on Hwy. 231.
(Courtesy of Naomi Buchanon Spencer, great-granddaughter)

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JUNE
William L. Harris

Private. Company B, 52nd Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry

William L. Harris, Halfway, Ky., was a 19-year-old private in Company B, 52nd Regiment, Kentucky Volunteer Mounted Infantry, USA. Company B was led by Capt. John D. Gilliam, 1st Lt. George D. Read, 2nd Lt. James A. Carter and 1st Sgt. John B. Russell. Pvt. Harris enrolled at Scottsville September 29, 1863, mustered in October 16 and mustered out January 17, 1865 in Bowling Green. Company B was left detached to guard Scottsville when the balance of the regiment was ordered to Franklin because guerillas from both sides of the war were very active in the area. That was when Scottsville was attacked - December 8, 1863 - by Col. John M. Hughs and 200 of his men in the 25th Tennessee Infantry, CSA. Capt. Gilliam's Company B fought bravely until their ammunition was exhausted, they had to surrender, and the town was "taken over by the thieving band."
From the Official Record, in his report on the skirmish, Col. Hughs described it thus: "On the 8th of December I attacked with about 200 men, Scottsville, Ky., capturing the place with its garrison composed of Capt. Gilliam's company of the Fifty-second Kentucky Regiment numbering 86 men, and a considerable quantity of quartermaster and commissary stores, together with about 500 stand of small-arms and several hundred saddles, bridles and etc. The prisoners were paroled. My loss, 1 killed."
They also took all the wagons in town and the personnel and regimental papers for the 52nd and headed for Tennessee. A few days later, Col. Samuel F. Johnson, with several companies of the 52nd, followed Hughs and his men into Tennessee, killed 40, took 30 prisoners and recovered most of the Scottsville plunder, according to Collins Annals of Kentucky - Civil War news.
Pvt. Harris and his brother-in-law, Pvt. W.G. Harris fought in Company B in defense of Scottsville. After his Army service, W.L. Harris, a tinware salesman, married Martha A.E. Willoughby. They had four children - two died young, Warner was in the Spanish American War, and Minnie (Mrs. George Moody) of Allen County. Martha died within days of Minnie's birth. He then married Alice Robb, who died a year later, then Emily Smith by whom he had a daughter, Allie (Mrs. Virge Willoughby). He was a widely known General Baptist preacher, pastoring Mt. Union General Baptist Church 27 years. He helped organize and pastored Shady Grove Church, Old Liberty and Beech Grove churches. He lived near Mt. Union Church and married many of the county's couples. He made the pulpit still used by the church, and his family is in the church cemetery. Two of his great-grandchildren, Joyce M. Weaver and Wanda M. Carter live in Allen County. (Courtesy of Joyce Weaver, great-granddaughter)

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JULY
Elijah Conner

Private. Company C, 52nd Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Mounted Infantry

Pvt. Elijah Conner, Halifax, was 18 years old when he enrolled September 3, 1863 in Company C, 52nd Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Mounted Infantry, USA. Company C was led by Capt. John W. Billingsley, 1st Lt. Thomas W. Mitchell, 2nd Lt. Issac T. Lee and 1st Sgt. Wm. H.H. Mitchell. In Company C with Elijah were his brother Pvt. George W. Conner, and two first cousins, Pvt. Jacob Conner and Pvt. Charles Conner. They all enrolled in September and October 1863. Charles died in Scottsville in 1864. Elijah, George and Jacob were mustered out in Bowling Green January 17, 1865. The 52nd's 10 companies were made up of men from Allen and Simpson counties. Authorized by an Act of Congress February 7, 1863, the governor of Kentucky was ordered to raise 20,000 troops for the better defense of Kentucky, and wherever needed by President Lincoln. They were originally called Home Guard, composed of free white male citizens between 16 and 65 years to be organized for home and self-protection. Their first months of service included operations against guerillas in Kentucky and protecting public property and lines of communication with the Union army at the front. Back in Bowling Green, they proceeded to western Kentucky to aid in resisting the Confederate invasion under Gen. Lyon. After the destruction of Gen. Hood's army in Nashville, the 52nd was not so actively engaged, and mustered out January and March in Bowling Green with a splendid record. (The 52nd's Field Staff included Col. John H. Grider, Lt. Col. Samuel F. Johnson, Major John B. Tyler, Adjt. Wm. H. Murrell, Q.M. Sgt. Virgil A. Jones. Corn. Sgt. Zach Allen and Hospital Steward Thomas J. Buchanon.) The 52nd had 889 soldiers - 10 killed, 5 discharged, 77 transferred, 47 died, 12 deserted, 11 not accounted for, mustering out 727 men in 1865. After his Civil War service, Elijah returned to his 100-acre farm at Halifax and married Nancy Williams Tabor in 1866. Their children were William Thomas, Warner, Emma Florence (Tabor), Callie Pearl (Williams), Rilla May (Spears), Benjamin Franklin, Bruce, Bertha E. (Spencer) and Jack. In 1892 and '93 Elijah is on record operating a sour mash distillery, registered with the Division of Distilled Spirits under Number 107 in the name of E. Conner and Sons. Pictured with Elijah are two of his great-grandchildren, Aries Weaver and Dewayne Willoughby (Reynolds). (Courtesy of Joyce Weaver)

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AUGUST
George William Tabor

George William Tabor was born March 29, 1838. He was number eight of 12 children born to George and Caroline Segraves Tabor. He died June 28, 1913. He married Maria Goodrum in December 1858. Their children were Amanda (born June 27, 1860) and Willie Bennett (born September 22, 1862). According to his military records, he enrolled in Company C of the 52nd Kentucky Mounted Infantry on September 10, 1863 and was mustered in on October 16, 1863 at Scottsville, Ky. under the command of Captain John M. Billingsley. He was described as 5 ft.-10, dark skin, black hair and yellow eyes. Occupation, farmer. By act of Congress dated February 7, 1863, the governor was authorized to raise 20,000 troops for better defense of Kentucky, however the troops might be employed outside of Kentucky if deemed necessary by President Lincoln. The 10 companies of the 52nd Kentucky Mounted Infantry was organized as a result of this order. A granddaughter of George William remembers being at her grandfather's house when they came by during the evening meal to request him to enlist. One of the soldiers gave her some candy. In November 1863 he was diagnosed with measles and typhoid symptoms. He was treated at the Scottsville Hospital by Dr. A.S. Walker, USA Surgeon, for some time. He was then sent home, which was only a few miles from Scottsville, on furlough and was under the care of Dr. Ben F. Neal of Gainesville for typhoid fever. While caring for him, Maria was stricken with the dreaded disease and died on January 16, 1864. George William left the children with the Goodrum family and returned to his Company. He was discharged on January 7, 1865. He returned home and married Margaret Goodrum (born November 12, 1838, died September 22, 1900). Maria's first cousin, on April 8, 1865. To this union were born eight children: Thomas Jefferson, James R., Henry K., Elena, George Fountain, Charlie H., Johnnie Mae and Sallie Belle. On September 5, 1905 he married Mary Barnett Agee. He is buried with Maria, Margaret, his parents and grandparents and other family members in the Tabor Cemetery on land that belonged to the Tabor family. It is in the Halifax community.
(Courtesy of Rosemary G. Harper, great-granddaughter)

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SEPTEMBER
Alfred T. Wilson

Alfred T. Wilson

Private, Company D 52nd Regiment Kentucky Infantry

Alfred T. Wilson was born March 31, 1833 in Macon Co., Tenn. He was the son of Benjamin P. Wilson (born March 10, 1810, died April 25, 1877) and Leathy Turner Wilson (born December 22, 1814, died May 11, 1896). Benjamin and Leathy were married March 1, 1830. They were the parents of 8 children: Martha Ann Wilson (born about 1830) married John McReynolds in Allen County on October 20, 1852; Alfred T. Wilson; M.E. Wilson (male, born about 1840); Lucinda M. Wilson (born November 1842, died 1925) married William Madison Terrell on November 14, 1861 in Allen County; James M. Wilson (born April 1845) married Cornelia A. Ellis on July 29, 1866 in Allen County; Emily Frances Wilson (born about 1851); George Yancy Wilson (born November 28, 1853, died March 17, 1941) married Missouri Ellis; L.E.J. Wilson (female born March 7, 1859, died Dec. 12, 1859). Alfred married Sidney N. Guy (born March 14, 1835, died August 9, 1864). They had two children: Amanda Rebecca Wilson (born February 8, 1858, died May 16, 1920) married John W. Jackson; Eliza Ann Wilson (born October 6, 1855, died November 11, 1929) married J.P. Holland. Alfred then married Elizabeth Jane Hunt (born June 5, 1842, died April 5, 1901). They had one daughter. Lieu Eller Wilson (born August 8. 1862. died January 7. 1944) Lieu married William Hiram Thomas. a Baptist preacher. on November 5. 1879. Alfred died January l. 1915. He was buried alongside his second wife, "Jenny" at Shiloh Methodist Church. His son-in-law, W.H. Thomas, preached his funeral. Alfred T. Wilson supported the Union cause and enlisted August 17. 1863 at Franklin. Ky. as a Private. He mustered into "D" Company of the Kentucky 52nd Infantry on October 17. 1863. (His brother. James. also enlisted and was mustered in on the same dates.) Alfred was mustered out on January 17, 1865 at Bowling Green. Ky. On the 1880 census. one member of his household was a black servant. James B. Turner. age 15. Alfred T. Wilson - Lieu Eller Wilson Thomas - Grace Clement Thomas Lyles - Darrel V. Lyles - Linda Carol Lyles Lambert
(Courtesy of Linda Lyles Lambert, great-great-granddaughter)

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OCTOBER
Issac N. Hunt

Issac N. Hunt was born September 6, 1847 and died November 2, 1916. Col. John Hunt Morgan rode into Scottsville on August 29, 1862 at the head of his 1,100 cavalrymen. They passed out a printed handbill which contained a proclamation. In this leaf-let Col. Morgan proclaimed that he and his troops had come to Kentucky to liberate the people and were determined to occupy the state permanently. Issac Hunt enlisted as a private in Company C 3rd Kentucky Calvary (Confederate). He was captured in Chester, Ohio, July 19, 1863. From Camp Chase he was paroled at Camp Douglas and transferred to Point Look-out, Md. for exchange March 2, 1865. The following article excerpts are from an interview with Squire Hunt in 1909. In the course of the conversation, he was asked if it was really true that as a young a looking man as himself served in the Confederate army. "I guess it is true if fighting with Morgan makes it true. While I do not brag about my record, I believe I am really the youngest living enlisted soldier on the Southern side. I was sworn into the service under Gen. Morgan in August 1862, when I was not quite 15 years old. I fought with him until we were captured in Ohio and went to the military prison. "After the war, I married in Virginia when only 18 years of age and that was the luckiest day of my life. We lived in Ohio a short while, then in Carter County, Ky., and then I made a beeline for the "Old Kentucky Home," and have been here ever since. We have raised five children, that to say the least we are proud of and have done reasonably well besides." Mrs. (Elizabeth M.) Hunt was born April 18, 1846 and died May 8, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt are buried in the Hunt graveyard just off Jefferson School Road at Gainesville, Ky.
(Courtesy of Morris Grubbs, great-grandson)

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NOVEMBER
Iredell W. Foster

4th Sgt. 2nd Battalion (Biffie's) Tennessee Cavalry, Confederate

Iredell W. Foster enlisted in the Confederate Army in Bowling Green, Ky. on September 27, 1861 as a 4th Sgt. in the 2nd Battalion Tennessee Mounted Volunteers under Captain James M. Minnis. His papers state that he joined for a term of one year, that he was 46 years old and his horse valued at $170. Iredell W. Foster was born in Tennessee in 1815. He was the son of William Foster and Jane Wilson Foster. He married Mary Simmons (born 1815). daughter of Charles and Rhonda Simmons. He served as deputy sheriff under John Johnson who died in office. He finished out his term and was elected sheriff for the term 1858-1860. Some of the descendants of Iredell and Mary are: Andrew Wilson Foster (born 1835, died February 2, 1876) married Mary Frances Mayhew (born December 20, 1837, died April 6, 1879). He was elected sheriff after his father in 1860-1862. Both are buried at Concord United Methodist Cemetery. Harriet Melvina Foster (born April 17, 1837, died February 6, 1917, married William Peter Wagoner who was born August 4, 1838 and died April 1. 1903). They are both buried in the cemetery at Concord UMC, Allen County, Ky. Peter Wagoner was a 1st Lt. in Capt. James Minnis Company 2nd Battalion 1st Tennessee Calvary CSA. George W. Foster (born 1839, died 1883) is buried in Foster Cemetery. He married Ann Margaret Sarver (born 1839, died 1923) and buried in Mt. Pleasant Church Cemetery. Iredell died in 1873 and Mary died in 1900. They are both buried in the cemetery at Concord United Methodist Church. (Courtesy of the late Paul E. Foster, great-great-grandson)

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DECEMBER
James K. Polk Satterfield

Company B, 52nd Regiment Kentucky Mounted Infantry

James K. Polk Satterfield was born February 19, 1843 in Allen County, Ky. On October 16, 1863 he was mustered into Company B, 52nd Regiment Kentucky Mounted Infantry, under the command of Capt. John D. Gilliam, with which he remained until the close of war. He suffered a dislocated ankle from falling under his horse and was mustered out on January 17, 1865 at Bowling Green, Ky. He received a pension for his services. James was married in Allen County, Ky. on February 3 to Camelia Pruitt of Allen County, daughter of Elijah and Nancy (O'Mohundro) Pruitt. James and Camelia had eight children. Five lived to adulthood. Alice Bell Satterfield (1867-1936) married Joseph B. Cooksey: Edward Collins Satterfield (1870-1943) married Julia Fletcher Smith; Elijah Satterfield (1874-1952) married Lessie R. Harmon: John Willis Satterfield (1876-1935) married Josie T. Johnson; Sallie Ann Satterfield (1878-1901) married Victor Hancock. Camelia died of tuberculosis January 19, 1901. On December 10, 1901 James married Sa-rah (Goodrum) Boucher of Allen County, Ky., widow of Edward Boucher who had died in 1896. There were no children from this marriage. James died on November 5. 1925 of a heart attack. Sarah lived until February 28, 1939. Their burial was conducted by his son. Edward Collins Satterfield, licensed undertaker in Allen Springs, Ky. He was buried between his two wives in their church cemetery, Mt. Union Baptist Church. Halfway, Ky. Among his descendants, a few have remained in the Allen-Warren County area including his grandson, the late Lewie Satterfield (1905-1995), Funeral Director.
(Courtesy of Julia Carter, great-granddaughter)