Henry County, Indiana - Chapter 12: Cavalry Continued, 1906

Chapter 12: Cavalry Continued

Rosters of 7TH-8TH-9TH Indiana Cavalry - Their Histories - Condensed Regiments of Cavalry - Biographical Sketches of Captian Daniel Webster Comstock - Captain Volney Hobson and Family - Sergeant John Jackson Hurley and Family' - Recapitulation of Cav.\lrv.

In the following roster, the name of each officer and man is followed b}' his postoffice address at the time of enlistment. The date of muster for the officers is the date they were actually mustered into the service of the United States and not the date of commission.

Company

Oliver P. Saint, Greensboro. Mustered in November 9, 1864. Recruit. Transferred to Company C, 7th Cavalry, re-organized. Appointed Corporal. Mustered out February 18, 1866.

John J. Hurley, Daleville, Delaware County. Mustered in September 5, 1863. Appointed Commissary Sergeant. Discharged February 14, 1865, account of wounds by guerrillas, near Memphis, Tennessee, May, 1864.

Corporal

Charles E. Cottrell, Daleville, Delaware County. Mustered in September 5, 1863. Transferred to Company F, 7th Cavalry, re-organized. Appointed Commissary Sergeant. Mustered out February 18, 1866.

George Crow, Middletown. Mustered in September 5, 1863. Transferred to Company F, 7th Cavalry, re-organized. Mustered out February 18, 1866.

Milton Davis, Middletown. Mustered in September 5, 1863. Transferred to Company F, 7th Cavalry, re-organized. Mustered out February 18, 1866.

Abraham Mitcham, Middletown. Mustered in September 5, 1863. Transferred to Company F, 7th Cavalry, re-organized. Mustered out February 18, 1866.

Isaac Needham, Middletown. Mustered in September 5, 1863. Transferred to Company F, 7th Cavalry, i-e-organized. Mustered out February 18, 1866.

Sanford H. Shoemaker, Daleville, Delaware County. Mustered in September 5, 1863. Transferred to Company F, 7th Cavalry, re-organized. Mustered out February 18, 1866.

Silas M. Shoemaker, Daleville, Delaware County. Mustered in September 5, 1863. Transferred to Company F, 7th Cavalry, re-organized. Mustered out February 18, 1866.

Joseph J. Van Matre, Middletown. Mustered in September 5, 1863. Transferred to Company F, 7th Cavalry, re-organized. Mustered out February 18, 1866.

Sanford Whitworth, Honey Creek. Mustered in September 5, 1863. Transferred to Company F, 7th Cavalry, re-organized. Mustered out February 18, 1866.

Christian M. Williams, Luray. Mustered in September 5, 1863. Transferred to Company F, 7th Cavalry, re-organized. Mustered out February 18, 1866.

Enoch M. Windsor, Middletown. Mustered in September 5, 1863. Wounded at Okolona, Mississippi, February 22, 1864. Captured. Died in Andersonville Prison. Georgia, date unknown.

Private

William McGrath, New Castle. Mustered in September 5, 1863. Transferred to Company A, 7th Cavalry, re-organized. Mustered out February 18, 1866.

The Seventh Cavalry (One Hundred and Nineteenth Regiment) organized at IndianapoHs, October, 1863, with John P. C. Shanks as Colonel, and Thomas M. Browne as Lieutenant Colonel, moved to Louisville, Kentucky, in December, and was sent from there to Union City, Tennessee, where it joined General Grierson's Cavalry Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps. It took part in numerous engagements with the Confederates during the Northern Mississippi Campaign. After the battle of Okolona, Mississippi, the regiment moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and was there engaged in guard duty. In June, 1864, under (General Sturgis. the regiment was in the disastrous fight at Guntown. Mississippi, and returned to Memphis, having sufifered severe losses. In September. 1864. th..- regiment moved to Arkansas in pursuit of General Price's command, which was then invading Missouri. Dropping this pursuit at Cape Girardeau, "Nfissouri, the regiment was transported to St. Louis and thence to Central Missouri, where it resumed the pursuit of General Price to the western border of the State. It returned to ^Memphis in time to engage in General Grierson's famous raid through ^Mississippi, which inflicted great damage on the enemy. In June. 1865, the regiment moved to Alexandria, Louisiana, and thence to Hempstead, Texas, where it was stationed as late as December, 1865. at that date being the onlv Indiana cavalry regiment 'in the service.

The regiment, from start to finish, was a busy one and was deservedly complimented for its steady valor and distinguished service. In the Spring of 1865 a number of its members, returning from Confederate prisons, were lost on the Steamer Sultana. The regiment was finally mustered out Februar\- 18, 1866. being one of the last of the Civil War volunteer regiments mustered out of the United States service.

Colonel Shanks and Lieutenant Colonel Browne, near the close of the Civil War, were each made a Brevet Brigadier General of A'olunteers, "for gallant and meritorious service." Colonel Shanks was also made Brevet Major General of Volunteers. After the Civil War Colonel Shanks and, subsequently. Lieutenant Colonel Browne, became members of Congress from the district which includes Henry County. Colonel Shanks had been a member of Congress before the ^^-ar for one term, but Henry County was not then in his district.

Sergeant Joseph A. Young, of Company G, at the time of his enlistment and continuously ever since, has been a resident of Middletown. In 1887 he published a highly valuable book of one hundred and twenty-five pages entitled "Fall Creek Township, Henry County, Indiana, in the War of the Rebellion." The autho: is greatly indebted to this work for many facts and has drawn upon it liberally in his preparation of this history.

Biographical Sketch Of John Jackson Hurley

John Jackson Hurley is an old and honored resident of Delaware County, Indiana. He was born January lo, 1841, and is the son of Joannan and Arbena (Dipbove) Hurley, the former of Scotch and the latter of German ancestry, but both natives of Virginia. At the age of ten years Joannan Hurley accompanied his father to Delaware County and there worked at the carpenter trade in connection with farming until his death. April 26. 1875. His widow subsequently married Granville Ellison.

John J. Hurley remained under the parental roof until July 11, 1863, when he enlisted in Company G, 7th Indiana Cavalry and on September 5th, following, was mustered into the service of the L'nited States. On account of the interest he had taken in recruiting the company and because of his manifest qualifications he was made Sergeant of the company, which position he continued to hold until his discharge from the army.

The history of the gallant cavalry regiment to which he belonged is the military history of John J. Hurley, to the time when he was disqualified for further service on account of wounds. In February, 1864, the regiment reached Memphis, Tennessee, and was soon thereafter ordered to a place in the same State, not far from Memphis, known as La Grange. Sergeant Hurley was detailed to remain in Memphis to care for the regimental property left behind and it also became a part of his duty to gather the mail for the regiment, as it arrived at Memphis, and carry it to the front. Early in May of this year, he started on one of his regular letter-carrying trips to the regiment and while he and several others were riding on the top of a freight car, they were attacked by guerrillas and Hurley was badly wounded. When the hospital at Memphis was reached it was found that he had twenty three holes in his clothes, although but two shots had taken serious effect. He suffered in all, however, four flesh wounds. He was confined to the hospital at Memphis for some time before he was able to bear removal further north. As soon as he was able to be removed he was transferred to the hospital at JeflFerson Barracks, near St. Louis, Missouri, and at that point he was discharged from the service on account of his wounds, February 14. 1865. He then returned to his home in Delaware County, Indiana, where he has since resided.

On January 12, 1878, he was united in marriage with Miss Melvina Shaffer, daughter of Berr^^man and Sarah (Gunder) Shaffer, both natives of Virginia, of German descent. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hurley, namely. Garland H., born January 7, 1879, and Berrs^man S., born April 5, 1881, both of whom are still living under the parental roof, assisting their father in his farming and other business interests.

The first purchase of real estate by Mr. Hurley consisted of eighty acres of land, near Daleville, to which he has added, from time to time, until he is now the owner of one hundred and thirty six acres of as good land as there is in Delaware County, all of it highly improved. Part of the land immediately adjoins the town of Daleville and there Mr. Hurley possesses a fine brick mansion for his family and for himself and wife in their declining years. Fraternally, he is a Mason and for several years has held the office of Tyler of the lodge, originally located at Chesterfield, Madison County, but now known as Lodge No. 271, Middletown, Henry County, Indiana.

In politics he is a Republican and is a staunch supporter of the principles and policies of that party. He has not sought official position but has held the office of township assessor with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people. Mr. Hurley is well known in Delaware County and the adjoining counties of Henry and Madison. He is highly regarded by all of his friends and neighbors especially for his gallant service during the Civil War.

Mrs. Hurley has been a great helpmeet to her husband, taking a keen intere-^t in all of his affairs. She is, however, a decidedly domestic woman, and the home over which she presides is known, far and wide, as one of the most hospitable in Delaware County.

Mustered For Three Years

In the following roster, the name of each man is followed by his postoffice address at the time of enlistment. In some instances the soldier was not a resident of Henry County at the time of enlistment but moved to that county after the Civil War. In such cases the name of the county from which he enlisted is substituted for the postoffice address and that is followed by the place of settlement in Henry County.

Thomas M. Huston, Fayette County. Knightstown after the Civil War. Mustered in September 20, 1864. Transferred from Company L, 3rd Cavalry. Mustered out July 20, 1865.

Cyrus Ellingwood, Hamilton County. Middletown after the Civil War. Mustered in August 29, 18G1. Veteran. Appointed Corporal. Mustered out ^uly 20, 186.5.

Stevan John, Hamilton County. Middletown after the Civil War. Mustered in March 4, 1864. Recruit. Appointed Corporal. Mustered out July 20, 1865.

The Thirty Ninth Infantry Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, was mustered in at Indianapolis, August, 1861, and in September proceeded to Kentucky, thence with General Buell's army to Nashville, and thence to Shiloh, Tennessee, arriving there in time to take part in that famous battle. It was at the siege of Corinth, afterwards passing through Northern Alabama to Bridgeport. From that place, it moved to Nashville and from there to Louisville, where it joined in the pursuit of General Bragg. In November, the regiment returned to Nashville and moved with General Rosecrans' army to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where it rendered conspicuous service in the three-days' battle of Stone's River. In April, 1863. it was organized as mounted infantry and served as such through that year. It was in the movement against Chattanooga, Tennessee, and participated in the battle of Chickamauga, September 19 and 20, 1863. Indiana has erected a monument to the regiment on that battlefield. In October. 1863, the regiment wa^ reorganized as the Eighth Cavalry and as such veteranized. It afterwards served in the raid of General McCook around Atlanta and with General Kilpatrick in Georgia. It went through with ''Sherman to the Sea," and was engaged in the last battle of the war in North Carolina. The regiment was finally mustered out

In the following roster, the name of each officer and man is followed by his postoffice address at the time of enlistment. In some instances the soldier was not a resident of Henry County at the time of enlistment but moved to that county after the Civil War. In such cases the name of the county from which he enlisted is substituted for the postoffice address and that is followed by the place of settlement in Henry County. The date of muster for the officers is the date they were actually mustered into the service of the LTnited States and not the date of commission.

Company E was considered a distinctively Henry County organization, and, for that reason, the names of all its members are published, with their postoffice addresses, to complete the roster, whether they lived in Henry County or not. Where the postoffice address is unknown, the name of the county from which the soldier enlisted follows his name.

Lielttenant Colonel

Christian Beck, Connersville. Mustered in April 30, 1864. Resigned October 28. 1864. Eli Lilly, Greencastle. Mustered in December 28, 1864. Promoted Colonel. Virgil H. Lyon, Plainfield. Mustered in August 26, 1865. Mustered out August 28, 1865.

Secokd Lieutenant

Amos H. Allee, Knightstown. Mustex-ed in December 19, 1863. Captured near Franklin, Tennessee, December 1, 1864. Held in Cahaba Prison, Alabama, until March, 1865. Died at Vicksburg, Mississippi, May 14, 1865.

Robert W. Gilbreath, Knightstown. Mustered in December 19, 1863. Captured near Franklin, Tennessee, December 1, 1864. Held in Cahaba Prison, Alabama, until March, 1865. Sultana survivor. Mustered out August 7, 1865.

Isaac W. Harvey, Carthage, Rush County. Mustered in December 19, 1863. Captured near Franklin, Tennessee, December 1, 1864. Held in Cahaba Prison, Alabama, until March, 1865. Mustered out May 8, 1865.

George P. Helvey, New Castle. Mustered in January 8, 1864. Appointed Sergeant. Wounded and Captured near Franklin, Tennessee, December 1, 1864. Released. Mustered out May 8, 1865.

Nathan O. Hill, Carthage, Rush County. Mustered in December 19, 1863. Captured near Franklin, Tennessee, December 1, 1864. Held in Andersonville Prison, Georgia, until April, 1865. Mustered out August 28, 1865.

John G. Holt, Carthage, Rush County. Spiceland after the Civil War. Mustered in December 19, 1863. Appointed Sergeant. Mustered out August 28, 1865.

Harrison Jackson, Middletown. Mustered in December 19, 1863. Captured near Franklin, Tennessee, December 1, 1864. Held in Andersonville Prison, Georgia, until April, 1865. Mustered out June 23, 1865.

Thomas Laboyteaux, Cadiz. Mustered in January 8, 1864. Captured near Franklin, Tennessee, December 1, 1864. Held in Cahaba Prison, Alabama, until March, 1865. Lost on Sultana, April 27, 1865.

William H. Leisure, Carthage, Rush County. Mustered in December 19, 1863. Captured near Franklin, Tennessee, December 1, 1864. Died in Cahaba Prison, Alabama, January, 1865.

Andrew J. McCormack, Cadiz. Mustered in January 8, 1864. Captured near Franklin, Tennessee, December 1, 1864. Held in Cahaba Prison, Alabama, until March, 1865. Sultana survivor. Mustered out September 11, 1865.

Kelita Mendenhall. Carthage, Rush County. Mustered in December 19, 1863. Captured near Franklin. Tennessee, December 1, 1864. Died in Cahaba Prison, Alabama, January, 1865.

Charles O. Nixon, Carthage, Rush County. Mustered in December 19, 1863. Captured near Franklin, Tennessee, December 1, 1864. Held in Cahaba Prison, Alabama, until March. 1865. Mustered out May 8, 1865.

Captain

Hiram Allison, Luray. Lived in Delaware County, just north of Luray. Mustered in January 21, 1864. Appointed Corporal. Sultana survivor. Mustered out June 17. 1865.

George W. Bowers, Middletown. Mustered in February 19, 1864. Captured at Sulphur Branch Trestle, Alabama, September 25, 1864. Died in Cahaba Prison, Alabama. January, 1865.

Henry C. Hiatt, Cadiz. Mustered in January 21, 1864. Captured at Sulphur Branch Trestle, Alabama, September 25, 1864. Died in Cahaba Prison, Alabama, January, 1865.

William C. Hoober, Luray. Mustered in January 21, 1864. Captured at Sulphur Branch Trestle, Alabama, September 25, 1864. Held in Cahaba Prison, Alabama, until March, 1865. Lost on Sultana, April 27, 1865.

Lewis Johnson, Luray. Mustered in January 21, 1864. Captured at Sulphur Branch Trestle, Alabama, September 25, 1864. Held in Cahaba Prison, Alabama, until March, 1865. Sultana survivor. Mustered out June 17, 1865.

Enoch T. Nation, New Lisbon. Mustered in January 21, 1864. Captured at Sulphur Branch Trestle, Alabama, September 25, 1864. Held in Cahaba Prison, Alabama, until March, 1865. Lost on Sultana, April 27, 1865.

William H. Peacock, Luray. Mustered in January 21, 1864. Appointed Corporal. Captured at Sulphur Branch Trestle, Alabama, September 25, 1864. Held in Cahaba Prison, Alabama, until March. 1865. Sultana survivor. Mustered out June 25, 1865.

Columbus Franklin, Hendricks County. Shirley after the Civil. War. Mustered in January 1, 1864. Appointed Sergeant. Mustered out August 28, 1865.

Sergeant

Alexander Abernathy, Rush County. Middletown after the Civil War. Mustered in December 31, 1863. Appointed Commissary Sergeant. Mustered out August 28. 1865.

Saddler

The Ninth Cavalry (One Hundred and Twenty First Regiment) was recruited during the Fall and Winter of 1863 ; was organized as a regiment on March i, 1864, at Indianapolis, with George W. Jackson as Colonel, and remained in the State, under drill, until May 3. Without completing the mount (partially accomplished) the regiment, armed with Enfield rifles, left the State on the 3d of May, and proceeded to Nashville, by rail, and thence to Pulaski, Tennessee, where it was kept on post duty until the 23d of November. During this time, it participated in the skirmishes incident to the cavalry campaigns against the Confederate Generals, Forrest and Wheeler. On the 25th of September, 1864, a portion of the regiment, under command of Major Lilly, was in an engagement at Sulphur Branch Trestle, Alabama, with General Forrest, losing one hundred and twenty men in killed, wounded and missing.

At the time of the opening of the Confederate campaign in Tennessee under General John B. Hood, the regiment fell back from Pulaski to Nashville, and was immediately mounted and sent to the front. On December 17th, in an engagement with General Forrest's cavalry at Franklin, it lost twenty six men and officers killed, wounded and prisoners. After the defeat of General Hood's army and its retreat from the State, the regiment went into Winter quarters at Gravelly Springs, Alabama, remaining there from January i6th to February 6th, 1865, when, under orders, it embarked on transports, and with its brigade organization, proceeded to New Orleans, Louisiana, arriving there on the loth of March. At that place the brigade was broken up, and the Ninth Cavalry turning over its horses, left on steamer and arrived at Vicksburg, Mississippi, on the 25th of March. Here it remained on post duty until the 3d of May, when it was again mounted, and sent, by detachments, into the interior of the State of Mississippi, to garrison posts, on which duty it continued until the order for muster out of service was received.

On the 22d of May, the regiment moved to Vicksburg for the purpose of he'mg mustered out of service, but this was not done until the 28th of August, 1865. Soon after it proceeded up the Mississippi, homeward bound, and arrived at Indianapolis on the 5th of September. On the following day the regiment was ]")nl)licly received, with other returned regiments, and welcomed home at a meeting held in the State House grounds, by speeches from General Mansfield, of Governor Morton's staff, Colonel John H. Farquhar and others. In a few days afterwar 1 the officers and men were finally discharged from service and returned to their homes.

On leaving the State the regiment was eleven hundred and fifty strong. It returned with three hundred and eighty six men and officers. On the 26th of

April, 1865, by the explosion of the Steamer Sultana on the Mississippi, the Ninth Cavalry lost fifty five men. Those who were saved from the steamer reached Indianapolis early in May, and were there mustered out as paroled prisoners, under instructions from the War Department.

Most of these men had been captured at Sulphur Branch Trestle, Gravelly Springs and Franklin, Tennessee, and had been confined in the Confederate prison at Cahaba, Alabama. They had been released from Confederate control in the preceding month, and were in the convalescent camp at Vicksburg, Mississippi, awaiting transportation home, when they boarded the ill-fated steamer. Four soldiers, who went from Henry County with this regiment, survived the explosion and are still living : Robert \\'. Gilbreath of Company E. a contractor, now living at Charlottesville, Hancock County ; Andrew J. McCormack, a carpenter at Cadiz ; Lewis Johnson and William H. Peacock of Company G, both farmers, living near Muncie, Delaware County.

Biographical Sketch Of Volney Hobsox

The subject of this sketch, Captain \'ohiey Hobson, was the son of Evan B. and EHzabeth (ElHott) Hobson, who were united in marriage, January 8, 1826, at the then village of New Castle. To this union were born six children, Volney, the second child and the only son, being born April 9, 1828.

The Hobson and Elliott families were among the earliest settlers of Henry County. Abraham Elliott, the father of Elizabeth (Elliott) Hobson, came from Wayne to Henry County, about the time the latter county was organized. He had been a prominent citizen of Wayne County as he became, afterwards, of Henry, during the remainder of his life. The Hobsons came to Henry County and were identified with its affairs prior to the coming of the Elliotts, and it was at the house of Joseph Hobson, the brother of Evan B., that the commissioners appointed to organize the county, were authorized to meet by act of the General Assembly. This house was situated on what is now known as the Stephen Elliott farm, about two miles south of New Castle.

From the foregoing, it will be readily discerned that the subject of this sketch was a scion of two noted families of the early days, who were among the most active and prominent in the civil and political affairs of the county.

Evan B. Hobson died August 22, 1838. After the death of his father. Volne\' lived for several years at New Castle with his uncle, on the maternal side, Judge Jehu T. Elliott. In 1847 or 1848, he went to Laporte, Indiana, where he served a three-year apprenticeship at the tanner's trade, with his uncle, the late James Black, whose wife, Jane Elliott, was a sister of Elizabeth (Elliott) Hobson, and the mother of the late Amanda V. Hudelson, the late Nathaniel E. Black and of Mrs. Kate McMeans, of New Castle.

After finishing his trade, he returned to New Castle about 1852 and in February, 1853, started overland to California. It may sound strange now, but for many years after gold was discovered in California, and before the days of the western railroads, it was the custom to drive cattle, from the central and western parts of the Mississippi Valley, to that State, to supply the miners with beef. At this period, there lived south of New Castle, on what is known as the Jacob Walker farm, a man named Hugh Sweeney, who made a business of driving cattle across the plains. To that end, early in the Spring of 1853, ^^^ ^^^^ arranged to start with a drove from the Platte Country, in ^Missouri, in the western part of that State, just across the Missouri River from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. For this venture, Volney Hobson contracted with Sweene}' to go as his companion and assistant. They left Fort Leavenworth for California early in May and reached Sacramento about September ist. Hobson remained with Sweeney until the cattle were disposed of, after which, in the Fall, he went to the mines in Eldorado and Placer counties. He followed mining, with varied success for several years, but finally abandoned it and commenced farming in the Sacramento Valley. He continued at this work until the beginning of the Civil War, when he left the Golden State, reaching his home at New Castle in the Spring of 1862. Soon after his arrival, he tendered his services, in a clerical capacity, to the headquarters of the

19th Indiana Infantry, commanded by Colonel, afterwards General. Solomon Meredith, serving with the Army of the Potomac. In this capacity he was present at the battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862, and witnessed what is recognized as one of the fiercest and bloodiest battles of the Civil War. He remained with the Army of the Potomac, until the Spring of 1863, when he again returned to New Castle.

In the Summer of the same year, when the Confederate General, John H. Morgan made his famous raid into Indiana, Volney Hobson assisted in recruiting Company A, iioth Indiana Infantry (Morgan Raid Minute Men), of which he was made Second Lieutenant. In the Winter of 1863-4, he was the principal mover in the organization of what became Company E, 9th Indiana Cavalry, and he was made Captain of the company. It is almost needless to say that the historv of this famous cavalry regiment is the military history of Captain Volney Hobson, until the day of his untimely death, December 17, 1864. He was instantly killed near Franklin, Tennessee, while leading his company against the enemy under General Hood, who had fallen back from Nashville to Franklin. As soon as possible after the battle, the body of Captain Hobson was secured and sent to New Castle from whence it was taken to the Batson Cemetery, in Liberty Township, and there interred in the family lot, with all the ceremonies appropriate to the burial of a deceased soldier.

No braver man than Captain Hobson ever wore the uniform of an United States officer. To him fear was a stranger. He died in a noble cause and to him and the thousands of others who sacrificed their lives on the battlefield, our Country owes its preservation. Captain Hobson was the soul of honor and exceedingly genial in disposition. He despised the slanderer and the mean and cowardly met with his deserved contempt. His memory to all who knew him will ever be most fondly cherished.

For the purpose of this history, it is necessary to state that Captain Hobson's mother, Elizabeth (Elliott) Hobson was on November 26, 1839, married to the late James Peed, one of Henry County's best known citizens. To this union were born three children, namely : Caroline, Evan H., and Helen, now Mrs. William F. Johnson of Washington, District of Columbia. The two last named alone survive. Evan H. Peed is one of the best known citizens of the county and is respected at home and abroad for his sterling integrity, urbanity and generous nature.

At the battle of Antietam, Captain Hobson secured a very fine gold watch and chain, taken from the body of a South Carolina Major, and when, at a later date, the Captain went into the Federal Army with the 9th Indiana Cavalry, he left the watch with his half-brother, Evan H. Peed, who is still its possessor and regards it as among his treasured mementoes.

It is worthy of mention that the Hobsons were from North Carolina and that Evan Hobson, together with his brothers, settled in what is now Henry County, sometime prior to its organization as a county.

Captain Volney Hobson was commissioned as Captain of Company E, 9th Indiana Cavalry, December 18, 1863, and was mustered into the L^nited States service January 8, 1864.

Biographical Sketch Of Daniel Webster Comstock Judge Appellate Court

Daniel Webster Comstock was born at Germantown, Ohio, December i6, 1840 His father, Dr. James Comstock, a successful physician, was born in Connecticut, and was a son of a soldier of the Revolution. His mother was Mary Wade Croke, a native of Virginia, the daughter of Richard Croke, who came to Virginia from Ireland at the close of the Revolution. The subject of this sketch attended school at the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, graduating in i860. He at once began the study of law. In September, 1861, he located at New Castle. Indiana, and was admitted to the bar the same year. In 1862 he was elected District Attorney for the Eleventh Common Pleas District, an office which he resigned during the first year of the term, having entered the army as a private soldier in the Ninth Indiana Cavalry. Upon the organization of the regiment he was appointed Sergeant Major, the duties of which jjosition he performed until July I, 1864, when he was promoted to the First Lieutenancy of Company F. In April, 1865, he was promoted to the Captaincy of Company C, and was subsequently detailed to act as Assistant Adjutant General of the First Brigade, Seventh Division of the Military Division of Mississippi. He was honorably discharged September 18, 1865. In 1866, he located at Richmond, Wayne County, where he has since resided. In 1867 he was married to ]\Iiss Josephine A. Rohrer of Germantown, Ohio. In the same year he was elected City Attorney oi Richmond and served until the political complexion of the council changed ; he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the Wayne Circuit Court for the terms beginning in 1872 and 1874. In 1878 he was elected to the State Senate from Wayne County. As State Senator he was a member of the Judiciary Committee in 1879 ^^^ ^^ 1 88 1 was Chairman of the Joint Committee on Revision of the Laws. He was not a candidate for renomination. In 1884 he was elected Judge of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, composed of the County of Wayne, and was re-elected in 1890, having been nominated for both terms without opposition. In October, 1896, he resigned the office of Circuit Judge, having been nominated by the Republican party for Judge of the Appellate Court for the Fourth District. He has been three times successively elected Appellate Judge and is still serving as a member of that court.

Judge Comstock is a highly educated man and thoroughly versed in the law. He is noted, far and wide, for his urbanity and for his fund of interesting and instructive reminiscence and anecdote.

It has always been a matter of regret in Henry County that he should have taken up his residence in another county, after his return from the Civil War.

Condensed Cavalry Regiments

In the following organizations. Henry County was but slightly represented and for that reason, the several regiments are condensed in form and only brief outlines of their histories are given.

time of enlistment. In some instances the soldier was not a resident of Henry County at the time of enlistment but moved to the county after the Civil War. In such cases the name of the county from wdiich he enlisted is substituted for the postofifice address and that is followed by the place of settlement in Henry Covmty.

Tenth Cavalry

Organized at Vincennes in the Winter of 1863-4. Mustered for three )-ears. Served in Tennessee, Alabama and ^Mississippi. This regiment lost three officers and thirty five men by the explosion and burning of the ill-fated Sultana. Mustered out in the Fall of 1865.

Eleventh Cavalry

Samuel Wolf, Cari'oll County. New Castle after the Civil War. Private, Company M. Mustered in April 20, 1864. Appointed Corporal. Mustered out September 19, 1865.

Organized at Indianapolis in the Spring of 1864. ^Mustered for three years. Served in Tennessee, Alabama, and Kansas. Clustered out in the Fall of 1865.

Twelfth Cavalry

Organized at Kendallville in the Spring of 1864. Clustered for three years. Served in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. Mustered out in the Fall of 1865.

Thirteenth Cavalry

Andrew J. Anderson, Marion County. Kennard after the Civil War. Bugler, Company I. Mustered in December 23, 1863. Mustered out July 15, 1865.

William L. Kerr, Floyd County. Knightstown after the Civil War. Private, Company B. Mustered in December 28, 1863. Mustered out November 18, 1865. This soldier previously served from July 27, 1861, to October 28, 1862, as a private, Company F. Twenty Third Indiana Infantry.

William E. Walker, Henry County. Private, Company G. Mustered in November 15, 1864. Transferred from the Sixteenth Regiment (unassigned). Mustered out November 6, 1865.

Organization completed at Indianapolis in the Spring of 1864. [Mustered for three years. Served in Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi. [Mustered out in the Fall of 1865.