Civil War Family Records

Civil War, Ross County

Family Records

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Boyer Soldiers

Contributed by: Sue Ellen Williams

 

Three sons of Richard H. Boyer Sr. and his wife, Rachel Frew, served in the Civil War: Richard H. Boyer, Jr., George Washington Boyer, and Henry C. Boyer.

1) Richard H. Boyer, Jr., born ca. 1822 in Ohio. Sources: military record and pension file, probate and affidavits filed in Ross County, Ohio (1864-67).

Richard H. Boyer Jr. was married 02 June 1848 in Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio by John J. Robinson, Justice of the Peace to Margaret Jane Anderson, born ca. 1831, Ohio. Richard and his family resided in the Huntington Township area of Ross County.

Richard was a farmer prior to his entry into military service. He enrolled at Ross County on 13 August 1863 in Company F 149 OVI to serve 100 days. He left home on or about 04 May 1864 and was mustered in at Camp Dennison as a Private 08 May 1864. Physical description at time of enlistment: 42 years of age; blue eyes, dark hair and complexion; 5'111/2" in height.

Richard's wife, Margaret, died in childbirth at the family home in Ross County on or about 12 May 1864. Richard died of typhoid fever three months later, 31 August 1864 at the Seminary Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Eight of their children survived them.

On 09 September 1864, the Boyer children became the legal wards of their paternal grandfather, Richard H. Boyer Sr., who, in 1866, was "... living not distant from them ... and was in the habit of seeing them frequently." The last records pertaining to Richard Sr.'s guardianship of the children was filed in Ross County on 19 August 1867.

According to numerous affidavits filed in Ross County, the names and birth dates of the Boyer children were as follows:

Marion McKnight Boyer, born 17 March 1849
George Washington Boyer, born 30 June 1850
Maria L. Boyer, born 09 April 1852
Amanda A. Boyer, born 10 January 1854
Rachel A. Boyer, born 24 November 1857 [also referred to as "Ann"]
Arvilla Sarah Ellen Boyer, born 20 November 20 1858
Isabella J. Boyer, born 05 July 1860
Grace J. Boyer, born 25 September 1862

[Another child of Richard H. Boyer and Margaret Jane Anderson was: Michael Boyer, born 04 Jan 1856, and died: 13 Jan 1856. Michael was buried at Mt. Tabor Cemetery, Huntington Township, Ross County, Ohio.)

Applicants, deponents and/or and witnesses to legal documents filed in Ross County concerning Richard H. Boyer Jr., et al:

John F. Boyer, a resident of Chillicothe Ross and long-time family acquaintance [and possibly the youngest son of Richard H. Boyer Sr.] and Washington Lowry, a resident of Chillicothe and long-time family acquaintance, stated that "... their knowledge of the marriage of said parents, of the date of birth of said children and of the death of the mother is derived from a long and intimate acquaintance with the family..." (Affidavit: Oct 1864).

Richard H. Boyer Sr. - as of October 1864, was aged 72 years and a resident of Chillicothe; the paternal grandfather and guardian of the Boyer children. (Affidavits: Oct 1864-Aug 1867).

Rachel England, "... a resident of Ross County Ohio living within a mile of Richard H. Boyer... and Margaret Jane his wife both of whom are deceased... That affiant minded the wife of said Richard H. Boyer during confinement with the first born of the above named children and was present shortly after the birth of the remaining ones..." (Affidavit: Aug 1867). [Rachel England may have been the daughter of Richard H. Boyer Sr.]

Christine Purdum a resident of Ross County, "... during the year 1862 she lived within a half mile or "thereabouts" of Richard H Boyer Jr. and Margaret Jane Boyer his wife". Christine, who was present at the birth of Grace J. Boyer (b. 25 Sep 1862), stated that "... Grace was the youngest living child as the said Mrs. Boyer died in childbed a few days after her husband started off with the National Guards or '100 day men' - they the said National Guards left here on the 4th day of May 1864 - that she is well acquainted with all their children their names..." (Affidavit: May 1866).

Nancy H. Stinson was "... for a great many years a resident of Ross County Ohio living as a close neighbor to Richard H. Boyer Jr. ... who was married to Margaret Jane Boyer". Nancy was present at the births of the first four Boyer children (1849-54) and apparently helped to attend to the last four children soon after their births (1857-62). (Affidavit: Aug 1867).
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2) George Washington Boyer, born 12 Feb 1827 in Ohio. Sources: military record and pension file, probate and affidavits filed in Ross County, Ohio 1881-85; Union County, Ohio and Franklin County, Ohio 1886; Grundy County, Missouri, 1903.

George Washington Boyer was married 09 January 1853 in Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, by Reverend Barton to Isabella Dunbar, born 16 September 1833 in Ohio. George and his family resided in Ross County where George was a farmer prior to his entry into military service.

George enlisted 24 July 1863 at Chillicothe as a Private in Company B 1st OHA, for a period of three years. Physical description upon enlistment: 35 years and six months of age; blue eyes; dark hair and complexion; 6' in height. George was appointed Corporal in May of 1864; he was honorably discharged at Knoxville, Tennessee, 25 July 1865. [Throughout the remainder of his life, George maintained that he was partially disabled by rheumatism and other ailments contracted during his years in the military.]

Following the war, George returned to Ross County, remaining there until about 1866 when he and his family relocated to Washington Township of Franklin County, Ohio. The family returned to Huntington Township, Ross County, ca. 1872 (Post Office address was Alma in 1881). In the Spring of 1901, George and his family moved to Trenton, Grundy County Missouri. George died in Trenton on 25 June 1903; his wife, Isabella, died 09 Jan 1908, also in Trenton. Both are buried in Trenton, as are several of their children.

As of 1898, the living children of George and Isabella were:

William Henry Boyer, born 27 October 1853
Nancy Frinvilla Boyer, born 07 December 1855
Rachel Maybell Boyer, born 24 May1858
Richard McKnight Boyer, born 4 June 1860
George Andrew Boyer, born October 1862
James Boyer, born 16 April 1867
Luther Boyer, born Oct 1869
Rosannah Boyer, born 10 March 1873
Earl Boyer, born 27 November 27 1878

Applicants, deponents and/or and witnesses to legal documents filed on behalf of George Washington Boyer, et al:

George W. Boyer [born 1850; s/o Richard H. Boyer, Jr., above], "... aged 36 years, a resident of the County of Union in the State of Ohio whose Post Office address is Jerome, Union County... declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: 'I have been acquainted with George W. Boyer for upwards of 30 years. I saw the said applicant in the year 1865 immediately after his arrival from the Army and he was complaining of Rheumatism in his arms and legs - and has been ever since to the present time. I have lived near to applicant and worked with him on and off during said time.' Affiant further states that he said George W. Boyer, applicant, is uncle of his." (Affidavit: August 1886, Union County, OH).

John W. Buckley, "... aged 28 years, a resident of near New California in the County of Union in the State of Ohio whose Post Office address is New California... says, 'I have been acquainted with the claimant George Boyer about nine years. I have lived during said time within from a half mile to four miles from him and have seen him very frequently have worked with him off and on during said term frequently and have known him to be very greatly afflicted with Rheumatism...'" (Affidavit: April 1886, Union County, OH). [J.W. Buckley may have been the second husband of Matilda Jane Norris Boyer, wife of George Andrew Boyer.]

Ed M. Crawford, "... aged 55 years, a resident of Trenton, Missouri whose Post Office address is Trenton, Missouri and R.F. Schooler, "... a resident of Trenton, in the County of Grundy, and State of Missouri, whose Post Office address is Trenton, Missouri..." Both Crawford and Schooler declared "... That they have lived in Trenton Missouri for a number of years and know that said soldier George Boyer and wife applicant Isabell Boyer became citizens of Trenton Missouri in the spring of 1901, and affiants have been acquainted with them since that time something over two years. And know that they lived together as husband and wife in Trenton Missouri till he, George Boyer said soldier, died on the 25th day of June 1903..." (Affidavit: August 1903, Grundy County, MO).

Sarah Grace, "... aged 73 years, a resident of Washington Township in the County of Franklin in the State of Ohio whose Post Office address is Dublin Ohio... says that she was well acquainted with the above named George Boyer from A.D. 1866 up to A.D. 1872 that she was a near neighbor to said Boyer during said period and that she was on intimate terms with his family and often at his residence and knew of his being sickly and unable to perform hard labor." (Affidavit: August 1886, Franklin County, OH).

Richard H. Lowry, a clerk or witness to affidavit signed in Ross County, January 1881. (No testimony by Lowry recorded.)

William Manger (Mariger?), a resident of Huntington Township, Ross County, Ohio; witness to affidavit signed in Ross County, January 1881.

James H. Stinson, "aged 42 years, a resident of Union County in the State of Ohio whose Post Office address is New California... says, 'I have known the claimant all my life. I knew him to be an able bodied man before he went into the Army. In June 1865 I knew him to be sick in Hospital at Greenville Tenn... II saw him about seven years ago when he was discharged and have seen him very frequently ever since...'"(Affidavit: April 1886, Union County, OH).

F.W.G. Strickrott, "... aged 44 years, a resident of Paint Township in the County of Ross and State of Ohio whose Post Office address is Greenfield Highland County Ohio, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to aforesaid case as follows: 'That after the discharge Aug. 1st '65 I have resided near [George W. Boyer] more or less until about three years ago that said Geo. W. Boyer boarded with me from March to July 1878 so that during that time and several other times he made his home with me he hardly performed four days work each month. That I was acquainted with said Geo. W. Boyer since May 17 '61 and that prior to his enlistment said Geo. W. Boyer was one of the strongest hard working men known; that on the 24th day of July 1863 we enlisted together in the same Co. and that we always tented together unless one or the other was in the hospital.'" (Affidavit: March 1885, Ross County).

Gottfried Strickrott, a resident of Huntington Township, Ross County, Ohio. witness to affidavit signed in Ross County, January 1881. [May be the same F.W.G. Strickrott, above.]
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3) Henry C. Boyer, born ca. 1833-34 in Ohio. Sources: military record and pension file, probate and affidavits filed in Ross County (1864-71).

Henry C. Boyer was married 03 November 1856 in Ross County, Ohio, by William Hughey, Minister of the Gospel to Elizabeth Riley, born ca. 1838-39 in Ohio. Elizabeth was the daughter of Artipee Riley and Delilah Cockrill. Henry and his family resided in the Huntington Township area of Ross County where Henry was a farmer prior to his entry into military service.

Henry C. Boyer enlisted [on the same day and in the same Company as his elder brother, George W. Boyer] 24 July 1863 at Chillicothe as a Private in Company B 1st OHA, for a period of three years. Physical description at time of enlistment: 29 years of age; blue eyes, light hair and fair complexion; 6' in height. Henry died of typhoid fever at the General Hospital in Covington, Kentucky on 24 December 1863. He was buried at Mt. Tabor Cemetery in Huntington Township, Ross County.

Henry's widow, Elizabeth, married Aaron England in Ross County on 09 October 1868, after which time the Boyer children, whose names and birth dates appear below, became the legal wards of their maternal grandfather, Artipee Riley.

Children of Henry C. Boyer and Elizabeth Riley:

Mahala Boyer, born 13 November 1857
Rachel Cecilia Boyer, born 10 November 1860
John Ellsworth Boyer, 06 May 1863

[Another child of Henry and Elizabeth was Roena Boyer, born 15 Dec 1859 and died 01 Jan 1860. Roena was buried at Mt. Tabor Cemetery in Huntington Township, Ross County. ]

Applicants, deponents and/or and witnesses to legal documents filed in Ross County concerning Henry C. Boyer, et al:

Elizabeth [nee Riley] Boyer, "... aged 25 years, a resident of Huntington Township, in the County of Ross, and the state of Ohio... That during the existence of the aforesaid marriage there were born to her and her said husband the [above] named children... all of whom are still living and reside with me in Huntington Township Ross County Ohio... That my Post Office address is Waller P.O. Ross County Ohio." (Affidavit: 22 Feb 1864). Later affidavits were sworn by Elizabeth in September 1864 and March 1868.

Elizabeth Chestnut and Nancy H. Stinson, "... were actually present at the birth of the children of Henry C. Boyer... & Elizabeth Boyer, his wife..." (Affidavit: March 1868).

Joseph England and Artipee Riley of Huntington Township in the county of Ross State of Ohio, "... declare, each for himself, that they well know Elizabeth Boyer... that they have been acquainted with the said applicant and the said deceased [Henry C. Boyer] for many years..." (Affidavit: 06 Sep 1866).

Hezekiah England and George Seiler, "... residing in Huntington Township of Ross County Ohio.." Witnesses to signed affidavit, November 1870.

Mary England and Rachel Riley, "... residents of Huntington Township in the County of Ross, and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Elizabeth Boyer sign her name by making her mark thereto to the foregoing declaration. They further swear that they were acquainted with the said Henry C. Boyer deceased, in his life-time, and know that he and the said Elizabeth Boyer, lived and cohabited together as man and wife, up to the time he entered the service, and that they were generally recognized as such by their acquaintances and neighbors, and their marriage was never questioned." (Affidavit: 22 Feb 1864).

Clarissa Funk and Neah Hollis, witnesses to signed affidavit, March 1868.

John Malone, a witness to signed affidavit, February 1864.

Aritpee Riley, "... makes the following declaration in order to obtain the pension provided by Acts of Congress for children under sixteen years of age that he is the only legal guardian of Mahala Boyer - Cecelia Boyer - and John E. Boyer the only living legitimate children of Henry C. Boyer... and that his [Artipee Riley's] Post Office is Waller Ross County Ohio. (Affidavit: November 1870).

 


A LETTER FROM THE WAR FRONT

Contributed by: Charles "Jack" Weidinger

Kingston, Geo.
May 21st, 1864

Brother Sam:

As it has been many a month since I wrote to you I imagine you will be glad to hear from me, especially in these perilous times. My reason for not writing was that as the army is moving, all letters are prohibited to pass through Nashville north until after the 28th day of this month, and as the blockade will be open this day week I venture upon this letter. Since I wrote to you last we have advanced 50 miles farther South into Georgia and fought one hard battle, skirmishing ever day. This is the 14 day of our Campaign since leaving Ringgold, and the booming of artillery has sounded in our ears ever day. We left Ringgold on Saturday the 7th and moved out past Tunnel Hill and skirmished with the enemy at Rockaface Gap the 8, 9, 10, and 11th. On the 12th our Corps, the 14th, swung around to the right and passed through Snake Gap and rested on the extreme right of Gen Hooker's Corp the 20th.

The 13th inst. Was put in skirmishing in a deep forest and in the morning of the 14th Saturday opened the fight of storming Fort Resaca. It is impossible for me to give you all the details of the fight but it was terrific. Column after column of our men were mowed down by the guns of the fort. My brigade was the first line to charge the fort on the west side. We moved up cautiously through a thick piece of wood to the top of a hill then down it into a bottom within a quarter of a mile of the guns of the fort when they opened up on us with grape and ------ and as it was an open field they cut us right and left. In 5 minutes our Brigade lost 400 men. But we was soon saved our artillery was soon posted on the hill right behind us and opened up on them and drew the fire from off us in fact we had got so close to the fort that they could not depress their guns on us. We layed flat to the earth from 9 in the morning untill 10 at night and all the cannonading from the fort and our guns went directly over hour heads. It was not a very pleasant place you may imagine for we had to keep as mute as mice and watch the breastworks of the Fort for Sharpshooters who was all the time picking at us. But ever time they would show their heads we would retaliate. In the afternoon a Saturday we got up some steal (sic) Parrot guns and opened up on them with 24 guns and we made that Fort shake under our solid shot and shell. She caught fire 3 times, in the afternoon we had all their guns silenced. We did not sleep much that night. Early next morning our Brigade was drawn off as we had suffered so much the day before. Sunday we lay under cover all day. The fighting was terrible and Sunday night the Rebels got out and fell across the River Catcosa and left nearly all their dead and wounded in our hands besides several hundred Prisoners. The Rebels under Gen Johnson then began a hasty retreat and our men began the persuit (sic). Our Corps left Resaca Tuesday morning and took the centre and day before yesterday we overhauled them again at this place. Here they formed a line of Battle and showed fight again. We pushed on to them and for 3 hours the fight was right warm when the Rebels gave way again and commenced their retreat. We are now lying idle here. It is probably untill our flanks can swing around more. It is said we will not probably move the centre untill Monday the 23 I. The Rebels are said to be in full retreat ahead of us. We are now 58 miles from Atlanta and to reset more I think will take us to that city and I am sure it will fall. For there is nothing in the Southern Confederacy that can stop the Great Army under Gen Sherman. We are said to number 175,000 and is composed of the 4th, 11th, 15, 16, 17, 20th and 23 Army Corps composing the Department of the Cumberland, Ohio, and Mississippi. I learn from high authority that our loss at Resaca is 5,000. What of the Rebels I know not. I will write when I get an opportunity.

I am so tired now I do not feel like writing, and I am so dirty as all of our clothes is left behind. I am anxious to hear from home. My health has been all the time and is now excellent and with our success and Grant's and all our armies makes me hopeful of soon winding up this Rebellion. The weather has been fine and the roads in excellent order, but the sun is pretty hot. This is now the flower of the Rebellion, but we are making paths into it. Excuse me for the present. I remain, your brother,

Fletcher



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The following quick notes were penned at the top of the first page of his letter, written on lined linen paper, folded so as to present four back-to-back pages:


The 90th D is now camped in half a mile of us. They are in the 4th Corps. Walter Betts is over to see us now. Direct your letter to Co. "K" 89 OVI, 1 Brigade, 3 Division 14th Army Corps, Atlanta, Ga., for I am certain we will be there in 2 weeks.


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NB: Copied as best possible from the original copy. This letter was written by my great-great-uncle, John Fletcher Hill, to his brother, Samuel, my great-great-grandfather. I have both my late father's handwritten transcript as well as the very tender and fading original letter.

 


Kinnamon Soldiers

Contributed by: Judy Mowery

 

Joseph and Susan Kinnamon had five sons that enlisted in the Civil War from Ross County, Ohio.
John Kinnamon: Born in 1835, Enlisted August 2, 1864 I Co. 140th Inf. Reg. Oh Mustered out at Gallipolis Oh September 3, 1864. Enlisted February 16, 1865 I Co. 189th Inf Reg. Oh died at Huntsville, Al. July 12, 1865 (Died in the hospital) He is buried in Chattanooga Tenn. From Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State Of Ohio.

Jeremiah Kinnamon: Born in 1837. Enlisted May 2, 1864 E Co. 149th Inf. Reg. OH Died a prisoner At Danville, Va. September 25, 1864. From "Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion" Roster of Ohio Troops, Jeremiah was captured July 9, 1864 at the battle of Monocacy Md. Died Sept. 25, 1864, in Rebel Prison at Danville Va. According to a description of the Battle of Monocacy from the American Battlefield Protection Program, this battle saved Washington DC, allowing Grant time to proceed to Washington DC to bolster the defenses already there. Records in the genealogy room of the Danville Public Library indicate that Jeremiah Kinnaman, Pvt., Co. E., 149 Ohio, was admitted to the prison hospital here in Danville, Va. on 15 September 1864 and died on 25 September 1864. The cause of death is listed as "debility" and diarrhea. He is buried in the National Cemetery here which is located on Lee Street. He is in Section B, Grave 360 of the Cemetery, and the records show that he was buried on 25 September 1864, the same day that he died. His name is spelled with an A (Kinnaman) both in the hospital and the cemetery records.

George Kinnamon: Born in 1839 Enlisted May 2, 1864 E Co. 149th Inf. Reg. OH Mustered Out at Camp Dennison OH on August 30, 1864. Enlisted February 13, 1865 I Co. 185th Inf Reg. OH Mustered out at Lexington KY. on September 26, 1865. From Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio.

William Henry Kinnamon: Born November 29, 1842 Enlisted September 14, 1861 H Co. 33rd. Inf. Reg. OH disch disability at Louisville, KY February 1, 1862 From Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio.

Albert Calvin Kinnamon: Born December 8, 1844 Enlisted August 30, 1861 C Co. 81st. Inf. Reg. OH Transferred on December 27, 1864 from Company C to Company F. From Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio.

 


John W. Lockwood Letters

Contributed by: Ruth Beechem

 

These are two Civil War era letters that turned up in our family archives. The soldier is John W. Lockwood, 18 years old, son of Ephraim & Cinderella Lockwood of Ross County, Ohio. This soldier died June 9, 1864 of wounds received in the Battle of New Hope Church, GA. He is buried in the Chattanooga National Cemetery (but is incorrectly listed as James C. Lockwood on the cemetery listing).


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June the 15, 1862

It is Sunday. with us here to day and we have . hav't got our ______ yet. yesterday we moved and I was fine. Five times we have moved and have not left Camp Chase yet. we have easy time here plenty to eat and good water to drink. We are in linen tents now but are not only a going to stay... i went in a swimming today. The River is about two miles from here. I was on gard & saw some of the prisoners. É they have good clothes on .They are old ___ and well as our men. last Tuesday one officer tried to break out and they shot him wright through the heart and killed him.

No more this time Direct John W. Lockwood Camp Chase, Ohio

Sis Tell them two girls to hold their hatts. O yes I got George's and Sis's letter we are all well have meeting every Sunday at .two o'clock.

George sell that first pistol if you get a half dollar for it and send it to me in postage stamps send me 15 stamps and you keep the rest.

A few days, that new check shirt I got have washed it three times this week I washed it today. we joined with a peace of a company and they had 73 Men and they formed with another piece and now have a full company 101 men. Pike is our Captain. Ben James? Is first lieutenant. We are Co. E 87 Regiment.

Just direct to John W. Lockwood, Camp Chase, Ohio



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Page 1


Christmas Dec the 25th/1862

Dear Mother I received your kind and condescending letter this morning and was glad to hear that you was getting better and that all the folks was well. Tell all the Marysville? folks they had better join church. Theodore looks first rate but not as well as he did when he left home. I have seen all the boys from Marysville. When I first seen Theodore I could hardly speak for about ten minutes. O yes, my Christmas gift and New Years gift as I expect this letter will get home about new years I would like for you to have me a gift. When Theodore come to the regt he said he was glad to see me and thought that I looked well. I like it first rate nothing could suit me better. Harve Bilim? has just made him a ring I expect he will send it home this letter is an answer to that one you wrote on the 17th and was mailed the 18th Tell Grany Carty that she need not wish for me till she sees me coming. ? I don't want you to write so much foolishness and nonsense. George I am soary? Firm don't earn his salaratus that goes in his cornbread. Tell Grany Carty that Nate is here and is well. Now I will tell you what kind of a house we stay in it is made of pine logs 5 feet long and 6 feet wide one log high at the ends and two at the sides and covered with our shelter tents this is the shape of one end of our shanty (drawing)

Page 2

Now we have to go and drill. Is I did not get to finish this letter yesterday and I expect we will have to go on picket I have to drill any today I expect to fix up comfortable shantys. O yes we are near Fredricksburg and our pickets and the rebel pickets trade papers and trade coffee for tobacco. I hear is not much danger of segal's division going into this battle for his division is held as a reserve and there is not much danger we are close to the rappahannock river I drawed you a map but not a very good one to show you our lines Theodore stands? Is first rate now You wanted to know in that other letter you wrote if I had an over coat yes I have a good one Uncle John Glenn? Ruley? Lew Selby and myself is well. Nomore at present
But remain your son
John Lockwood
Cindrilla Lockwood
(sketch)