Casper Carter

CASPER CARTER, one of the prominent and successful farmers of Clarke County, residing in Osceola Township, was born in Decatur County, Indiana, in April, 1827, the only son of Dr. Abraham and Harriet Carter, of whom the mother is still living in her eighty-fifth year, having been a resident of Osceola since 1856.  Casper Carter was reared and educated in the schools of Greensburgh, in his native county, and on attaining his majority he married Miss Clara C. Spencer, of Sumner, Illinois. They have had eight children born to them – Harriet A., married Enoch Shawver, who is now deceased; Elizabeth P.; Adelia, wife of J. P. Cady; Sarah H., at home, and Loyd P. The others died several years since.  Mr. Carter came with his family to Clarke County, Iowa, in 1856, where he followed farming till the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Company D., Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry. After serving eighteen months he was transferred to Company E, of the same regiment, and was then mustered as Captain of the company serving till the close of the war. He participated with his regiment in the battles of Parker’s Cross Roads, Town Creek, Snake Creek Gap, Resaca, siege of Atlanta, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He received an honorable discharge at Washington, District of Columbia, in June, 1865, and soon after returned to Clarke County, where he has since followed agricultural pursuits.  He is a thorough, practical farmer, and in all his undertakings has met with success, and is now the owner of 600 acres of valuable land, which is under good cultivation. His land is well fenced, and the greater part seeded down to grass. He has devoted considerable attention to the raising of cattle and hogs, which he fed and fattened on his own farm, and has lately turned his attention to raising high-grade short-horn cattle and Poland-China hogs, and is also raising horses and buying and shipping them to Dakota. He has a good residence, surrounded with shade and ornamental trees, and comfortable and commodious farm buildings for the accommodation of his stock.  For many years he has furnished the agricultural statistics and reports of his township to the Secretary of State. Previous to the war Mr. Carter was clerk of Osceola Township, and for many years has served his township as trustee, with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 346-51

Henry R. Benjamin

Captain Henry R. Benjamin
Company H, 39th Iowa Infantry

The Thirty-Ninth Iowa Infantry

The companies of this regiment were chiefly raised in the counties of Polk, Dallas, Madison, Clarke, Greene, Des Moines, and Decatur. It went into camp at Davenport in October, 1862, And was mustered into the service in November with 802 men. Its field officers were: H. J. B. Cummings, colonel; James Redfield, lieutenant-colonel; Joseph M. Griffiths, major. It went south on the 13th of December, stopping at Jackson, Tenn., and marched from there to Trenton. It was in the battle of Parker's Cross Roads, under Colonel Dunham, in which Lieutenant-Colonel Redfield distinguished himself for energy and bravery. He was severely wounded in rallying his men. The loss of the regiment was thirty-seven. Soon after 100 of its members were captured and suffered ten months in a rebel prison. In January, 1863, the regiment joined General Dodge at Corinth, and was assigned to the Third brigade of his division, and served under Dodge for nearly two years. It took part in Colonel Straight's raid in Alabama. Soon after Company H was surrounded and captured. It joined Sherman's army in the Atlanta campaign, and in the defense of Allatoona it made a most heroic fight. General Corse was ordered by Sherman to hold Allatoona Pass to the last extremity. He had 2,000men, including the Thirty-ninth Iowa. General French, with a large confederate army, attacked the place on the morning of the 10th of October, and a desperate battle ensued. Hour after hour the battle raged with the greatest fury, not surpassed by any conflict during the war. At 2 o'clock the confederates made a most determined charge on all sides, but they met such a storm of grape, canister, and rifle balls as no troops could stand, and were driven back in confusion, with heavy loss. In this heroic defense of Allatoona no regiment fought more gallantly than the Thirty-ninth Iowa, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Redfield. This brave officer was wounded in his foot early in the battle, but he dragged himself along the lines, cheering and directing his men. He was again severely wounded but would not relinquish his command, but seated on the ground issued his orders and encouraged his regiment to stand firm, until a fatal bullet pierced the heart of one of the bravest officers that Iowa sent to the war. His regiment lost 165 men in this battle. The Thirty-ninth marched on with Sherman's army to Savannah, and on through the Carolinas to Alexandria, Va., in sight of the national capital. In the final great review this regiment, with banner torn by shot and shell, marched in Gen. E. W. Rice's brigade before the vast concourse of people gathered to do honor to the war-worn veterans. Soon after it was sent home to Clinton, where it was disbanded.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 118

Colonel Henry J. B. Cummings

THIRTY-NINTH INFANTRY.

Henry Johnson Broadhead Cummings is the only representative that little New Jersey can claim among the Iowa Colonels. He was born in the town of Newton, Sussex county, on the 21st day of May, 1831, and continued to reside at that place until he was ten years of age. He then accompanied his parents to Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, where he lived till he reached his eighteenth year. His education was acquired at the common schools of that county. In his eighteenth Winter, he taught school, and after its close, entered the law-office of Judge Maynard of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and began the study of the law. From 1851 to 1854, he edited a paper in Schuylkill Haven, after which he resumed his legal studies in the office of Henry Johnson, Esq., of Muncey, Pennsylvania, and was admitted to the bar in 1855. But, being without means, he was again compelled to return to the editorial tripod. In 1856, he came West and located in Winterset, Iowa, where he opened an office, and for the first time entered upon the practice of his profession. That same Winter, he assisted in organizing the Republican Party in Madison county; and, in the following August, was elected Prosecuting Attorney for that county. Later, he became a law-partner of the Hon. M. S. McPherson, who, in 1860, was a member of the Iowa State Senate.

Colonel Cummings first entered the war as captain of Company F., 4th Iowa Infantry. While the regiment was at its rendezvous in Council Bluffs, he was elected by the line officers its major. He was not, however, commissioned by the Governor; for Captain English, of the same regiment, had been previously promoted to that rank. Captain Cummings served in the 4th Iowa Infantry until the 6th of September, 1862, when he was promoted to the colonelcy of the 39th Iowa Infantry.

The first engagement of the 39th Iowa, was at Parker's Cross Roads, Tennessee, on the 31st of December, 1862. The enemy were led by Forest, and numbered from five to seven thousand men. The Union forces engaged comprised only one brigade, commanded by Colonel Dunham of the 50th Indiana, and numbered not quite sixteen hundred men.

So soon as the enemy learned of General Grant's plans for the capture of Vicksburg, in the fall of 1862, they at once set on foot schemes for their frustration; and, only a few days after the Federal army had marched from Holly Springs, Van Dorn and Forest were dispatched against General Grant's rear, to overwhelm small garrisons, and destroy all supplies and lines of communication. Van Dorn marched for Holly Springs and vicinity, while Forest made his appearance along the Jackson and Columbus Railroad. On the morning of the 31st of December, 1862, Forest, with the greater portion of his command, was encamped in the timber, about half a mile west of Parker's Cross Roads. A small detachment was stationed at the Cross Roads; and these Colonel Dunham, while moving with his command down the road in the direction of Red Mound, encountered at about eight o'clock in the morning.

But, to give an intelligible history of this affair, I should refer briefly to the previous movements of the 39th Iowa. On the 18th of December, 1862, the regiment left Columbus, Kentucky, under orders to report to General G. M. Dodge at Corinth. Arriving at Jackson, it was ordered by General Sullivan to disembark; for an attack upon that place by Forest was hourly looked for. It remained at Jackson four days, when, it becoming evident that Forest did not intend attacking that place, it was sent back to Trenton. There it was organized with the 50th Indiana and 122d Illinois, and sent in pursuit of Forest, then reported at Huntingdon, thirty miles east. Parker's Cross Roads is between Huntingdon and Lexington, where, as above stated, a portion of Forest's command was encountered.

The 50th Indiana was at once deployed as skirmishers, and drove the small detachment back to the main body, stationed on the hill or in the timber. Colonel Dunham now began making his dispositions to attack them in this position; but he soon learned that the position was so strong, and that their numbers so superior to his own that an attempt to rout them must be unsuccessful. After a vigorous use of his artillery, he therefore withdrew his command south, and took up a position on the east side of the road on a gentle rise of ground near Red Mound. The enemy followed and took up a position on the brow of a hill about one thousand yards distant. The enemy had eleven pieces of artillery, and the Federal troops but three; and in all other respects they were equally superior. The engagement now opened with artillery; but only a few shots had been fired, when Colonel Dunham saw that he could not hold his present position. He therefore moved down the hill into low ground, and took position behind a rail fence. The 39th held the left, the 122 Illinois the centre, and the 50th Indiana the right. The enemy still held the brow of the hill In front.

Their position was most admirable. Retiring just behind the crest of the hill, and charging their artillery, they would then shove it forward, and, depressing the pieces, continue a most destructive fire on our lines. Their infantry, too, at long range and well covered, did much execution; while our troops, lying along the fence in the bottom, were able only by their presence to hold the enemy at bay. The right of the line, however, was able to do some execution. Thus matters stood till about four o'clock in the afternoon, when the enemy, despairing of routing the Federal troops from the position they then held, dismounted a force of about one thousand men, and sent them round to the rear of Colonel Dunham's right flank. Moving by a circuitous route through the timber, they were not discovered till their skirmishers opened fire on the right-rear of the Federal line. This was the signal for the enemy on the hill in front to concentrate their artillery-fire on the Federal left; for this was necessary to save their own men, approaching from the rear; and now the shower of grape and canister, which fell on the 39th Iowa, was terrific. With the enemy approaching in its rear, and this terrible fire in front, the right wing of the 39th broke, and sought shelter in a cornfield to the west of the road. Portions of the 50th Indiana and 122d Illinois also joined in this brief stampede. But relief was now near at hand: a brigade of reinforcements — the "Ohio Brigade" —soon fell upon the enemy's rear, and scattered their lines in confusion. This, however, was not done till after the 39th Iowa had rallied, and, with the balance of the brigade, driven back the enemy's flanking-party. The engagement now closed, and the Federal troops rested that night on the battle-ground. The following is the result of the engagement: Four hundred prisoners were captured. Five hundred horses and seven cannon were also among the spoils of war; but the three pieces of artillery belonging to the command of Colonel Dunham had been literally knocked to pieces. The losses of the 39th Iowa, in killed, wounded and missing, were forty-seven. Three only were killed; and among these was the color-guard, J. C. Stearns. The gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Redfield, while rallying his men, was severely wounded in the shoulder. Major Griffiths, Captain Browne and Lieutenant Rawls were also among the wounded. This was the first engagement of the 39th Iowa; and all things considered, it sustained itself well.

With the battle of Parker's Cross Roads closed the old year of 1862. On the morning following, the 39th Iowa, with the balance of its brigade, started on the return march to Jackson, where it arrived on the evening of the 2d. At Columbus, as already stated, Colonel Cummings had been ordered to report to General G. M. Dodge, commanding 2d Division, 16th Army Corps, and on the 6th instant he left Jackson with his regiment for Corinth. Arriving at Corinth, the 39th Iowa was assigned to the 2d Brigade, Colonel M. M. Banes, and, for more than a year thereafter, was attached to that command. From the date of its arrival at Corinth, till the time it joined the forces of General Sherman in the grand march on Atlanta, the history of the 39th Iowa may be soon told. It was stationed on garrison-duty, and passed the most of its time in camp.

The march to Tuscumbia, Alabama, the object of which was to cover the movements of Colonel Streight, in his raid into Georgia, I must not, however, omit to mention. All things being in readiness, General Dodge moved out of Corinth with his entire division on the 15th of April, and, proceeding by easy marches, arrived at Bear Creek without incident. At Bear Creek, his advance encountered the enemy under Roddy, and soon after that force was strengthened by the arrival of Forest. But General Dodge pushed steadily on, driving back the enemy with a line of skirmishers, until he arrived at Town Creek. Here the enemy, on the opposite bank, had their artillery in position, which was well supported. An artillery-duel followed of half a day in length, when, bridges having been constructed under the enemy's fire, the forces of General Dodge began crossing to the east side of the stream. The enemy now retired precipitately, and General Dodge, knowing Colonel Streight, who had passed by the enemy's left flank, was well on his way, returned to Corinth. The 39th Iowa arrived at Corinth on the 2d of May. Four days after, Company H of the regiment, while guarding a corral near Corinth, was surrounded by a large body of rebel cavalry and captured. Its Captain, James H. Loomis, was made a prisoner, and only a few of the men escaped.

Colonel Cummings remained with his regiment at Corinth, until November, 1863, and then marched with the command of General Dodge to the line of the Nashville and Decatur Railroad.

He arrived with his regiment at Pulaski the 11th of November, and the day following was sent north seven miles to Reynold's Station, where regimental head-quarters were established. Five companies remained at head-quarters. Three were stationed at grist-mills; and two on guard-duty, at railroad-bridges. Seven weeks later, regimental head-quarters were removed to Culleoka, twenty miles further north. The regiment remained here till the 12th of the following March, when, with its brigade, it marched south to Athens; but its day of garrison- and railroad guard-duty was now soon to close.

In the early part of May, 1864, the 39th Iowa marched with its brigade to Huntsville, where the whole command of General Dodge assembled, preparatory to joining General Sherman on the march against Atlanta: from that point it moved directly to the front at Dalton. But the movements of the left wing of the 16th Army Corps during the Atlanta Campaign have been given elsewhere, and up to the time of the occupation of Rome, the history of the 39th is the same as that of this command: the 39th Iowa, and, I think, all the regiments of its brigade — the 7th, 50th and 57th Illinois Infantry regiments, went no further than Rome, being left at that point to guard Sherman's flank, and his line of communications. Where the regiment most distinguished itself, and where it lost its best officer — Lieutenant-Colonel James Redfield — was at Allatoona, Georgia.

Its defense of this place was gallant in the extreme, and a full history of the affair would be read with the greatest interest; but want of space forbids me giving it. The following is from a statement of Major, afterward Lieutenant-Colonel Griffiths:

"The entire force on our side was one thousand eight hundred: that of the enemy, seven thousand. Our forces were commanded by Brigadier-General J. M. Corse. They arrived at 10 o'clock P. M., expecting that the enemy would not attack, knowing they (we) were reinforcements. In this we were deceived. They attacked in the morning at 7 A. M. General Corse had time only to hastily dispose of his little force, when they came up with massed columns.

"The 39th Iowa was placed at the forks of a road, three hundred yards from the fort, where the heaviest column of the enemy charged. It was important to hold this position, and check the enemy. This they did twice, although terribly cut to pieces. The third time the enemy was in such force as to be irresistible, and the remainder of our regiment fell back, contesting every foot of ground to the fort.

"General Corse and the veteran troops, who witnessed the heroism and determination of the 39th on that day, say they have never before seen such fighting. They pronounced it 'Chickasaw Bayou,' continued for five hours. It was during this time that the above named officers, except Lieutenant Blodgett, were killed. He was one of the four officers who succeeded in reaching the fort, and was shot while carrying a message from General Corse to Colonel Rowett. There were ten of our officers in the engagement: five were killed, and two wounded and captured, leaving but three with the command.

"It gives me great pleasure to testify to the heroism, valor and gallantry of these officers. I have seen them before when in discharge of their duties and under fire, and can say of them that in every emergency they displayed coolness and determined courage. As officers, they had the respect and confidence of the command. As men, they had won, by their geniality of disposition and uniform courtesy of manner, the kindest regards and affections of their officers and men, so that we can feelingly exclaim: Their places, who can fill them?"

The regiment lost, in killed, five officers and twenty-seven enlisted men, and, in wounded, one officer and sixty-one enlisted men. Two officers and sixty-eight enlisted men were captured. The commissioned officers killed, were Lieutenant-Colonel James Redfield and Lieutenants O. C. Ayers, A. T. Blodgett, N. P. Wright and J. P. Jones. Lieutenant-Colonel Redfield was a man of much excellence. It has often been said he should have been colonel of the 39th Iowa.

Colonel Cummings is a short, fleshy man, with blue eyes, and a large, red face. In his manners, he is dignified and consequential. He is reputed as being able to endure as much rest as any man in Iowa. He was a good tactician, but, beyond that, possessed little merit as a soldier.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 525-32

Letter from Adjt. King

Hedq’r’s 15th Iowa Infantry,
In The Line, Big Shanty, Ga.
June 18th, 1864

Mr. Caverly: –

If a few items in pencil, written under difficulties, in the rain, in the mud, under rebel fire, lying on the ground will be of interest to you and the readers of “The Sentinel,” they are freely given.

The 17th A. C. under command of gen. F. H. Blair, arrived at Ackworth, Ga., the then Headquarters of Gen. McPherson, on the 8th inst., from Huntsville, Ala., having started on the 25th of may. The distance traveled is about two hundred miles. The country is rough, stony, and mountainous; full of creeks and rivers, poor beyond conception. The marching was exceedingly difficult, and officers and men very much worn down thereby.

At Rome, on the 5th inst., we had the pleasure of meeting with Capts. Bennett and others of the 39th Iowa, stationed at that point. Judging from appearances, they enjoy soldiering very well and seem inclined to make the best of hard times. Arriving at our destination, we met. Lieut. Alden and others of the 6th Iowa, and Miles Christy and Homewood of the 8th Iowa Cavalry, all looking well and hearty.

Our corps at once took position on the left of the grand army, and until the present we have been realizing all the trials and dangers pertaining to soldiering, in the face of a defiant, able and energetic foe. On the 15th inst., a general advance of the whole like was made. The fighting was quite severe on both sides, and sometimes raged with terrible fury. Lieut. Grimes, 6th Iowa, was killed in this movement. Our Reg. was fortunate in having no casualties whatever. At midnight the 15th and 13th were thrown forward half a mile in advance to entrench and hold a new position in close proximity to the Rebel lines. The work was completed long before day on the 16th in good style. The firing here was very hot throughout the day, and it seems almost miraculous that no one was killed or seriously wounded. The following were wounded slightly that day: Privates E. H. Nordyke and C. E. Furgerson, Co. A; J. Moss, Co. D; Pat. Murphy, Co. H; O. P. Fleming, Co. I. These men are so slightly wounded as not to be off duty at all.

At 8 P.M. the Regiment was relieved from duty at that point and took up a new position a quarter of a mile to the left, which position it still holds. The weather is cold, wet and disagreeable. The mud is almost without limit. Health is good, duty of all kinds abundant. But, it rains hard, harder, hardest, and I must close.

Respectfully
E. H. King

JUNE 19th. – Since writing the above dispatches have been received stating that Gen. Thomas’ army moved upon the enemy’s left center breaking it, and gaining a position in the rear. In consequence thereof, all the troops have marching orders, and are ready for any movement. Hard fighting is now progressing on the right and left of our position, consequent upon forward movements along the front of Gen. McPherson’s army. In our immediate front, the enemy have abandoned their first line of works, which are now in possession of our troops. The rain though pouring in torrents, does not impede the progress or ferocity of the conflict. At present it is impossible to determine the final result of movements now being made, but the tide is immensely in our favor now, and we feel confident our good fortune will continue.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 2, 1864

A letter from Capt. Duncan . . .

. . . of the 18th Iowa, dated Aug. 1st, says the Reg. is at Clarksville Ark. – and the boys from this quarter all well.

In the Publication of the whereabouts of the Iowa regiments last week, a mistake occurred. The 39th is at Rome, Ga., instead of Little Rock, Ark.

FARM SOLD. – Mr. Robert Taylor, discharged from the 39th Iowa, for disability – has purchased 160 acres – 55 improved, 40 timber – of D. K. Linder, esq. Consideration [$900].

The Aid Society will meet at the residence of Esq. Hoss, Aug 24th, at one o’clock p.m.

Fresh burned Lime for sale on Squaw Creek about three miles north-west of Oceola and one half mile west of Sigler’s kiln, by S. F. Brown.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, August 20, 1864

Letter From T. A. Trent

Sgt. Co. D. 39th Iowa, Corinth, April 11.

Mr. Caverly:– It being rainy this evening I will pass the time by telling you some of the doings of the Corinth braves.

On the 7th of this month word was given out by Gen. Dodge, - who, by the way is beloved by all the troops here – that we would celebrate that day, it being the anniversary of the battle of Shilo [sic].

We raised a fine pole about 100 feet high for the flag, and all the troops were ordered to parade for a review at one o’clock, P.M.

The troops were up to time, and when the old flag was thrown to the breeze, the shouts of the Boys were scarcely less loud than the roar of the artillery. The Band then [struck] up the Star Spangled Banner, and if [ever] I felt like fighting it was then.

The next thing was a prayer by the Chaplain, after which Col. (acting Brigadier General) Bane, who lost his arm at the battle of Shiloh, gave us a stirring, patriotic speech. – He encouraged the soldiers and rebuked the copperheads in scathing terms. At the conclusion the Band again played, and the boys cheered with a will. The review then commenced led off by the 10th Missouri cavalry, well armed and [equipped], and going through the exercises as well as infantry.

The infantry also came up in fine style, as did the artillery that brought up the rear. – It was near night when the exercises were through, and as I left for my tent, I felt proud that I was an American soldier, fighting for a government like ours.

Company D are doing well as could be expected under the circumstances, having [built] them nice split log huts, neatly covered with boards; the Captain’s being sided and roofed with clapboards. We have plenty of provisions. If we could have the smiles of our wives and mothers to great our comings and to cook us a clean bite, I believe we could enjoy ourselves for a while.

Health of the Company is good with a few exceptions, and the spirits of both officers and men, high, with the best of feelings between each other. I am detached from the Company and belong to a Pioneer Corps, but am with them often.

Hoping that God will help the right, and enable us to whip in every fight and to attend to the copperheads at home, when we return, I bid you a good night.

Yours,

T. A. Trent

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, May 2, 1863

Obituary: Warren G. Middleswart

Died in the hospital at Corinth Miss. April 18th 1863 of Chronic Diarrhea W. G. Middleswart, aged 25 years 6 months.

Bro. Middleswart was a member of Capt. L. Bennett’s Co. 39th regiment Iowa Vol.

He felt it to be his duty to go in to the service of his Country, and after having enlisted though falling sick, he was unwilling to recall his name, and was sworn into the army when unable to sit up in his bed. He was a member of the M. E. church in Oceola, and was a consistent Christian, taking an active part in all the enterprises of the Church. Especially was he faithful in, and fond of the Sabbath School. Many who read this will doubtless drop a tear, when they remember that Warren will be seen there no more. After an illness of about three months, he was discharged from the militant church and army below, to join the blood-washed throng in heaven.

“Servant of God, well done;
They glorious warfare’s past;
The battle’s fought, the race is won,
And thou art crowned at last.
O, happy, happy soul!
In ectacies [sic] of praise,
Long as eternal ages roll,
Thou see’st thy Savior’s face.

E.B.H.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, May 2, 1863

From Company D 39 Iowa

Davis Mill, Ga.
Sept. 4, 1864

Friend Caverly:

It is folly, perhaps, for me to attempt to anything in relation to our Company or Regiment which you do not already know, for other and more able correspondents have kept you posted. They have already, no doubt, told you of the hardships we endured on the march from Athens, Ala., to Rome, Ga. - - of the skirmishes we participated in – of the death of the noble and heroic Carnahan; who fell pierced by a rebel bullet, with his face to the enemy; and also of the death, in the hospital of the lamented Kyte, whose remains rest on the hillside a little way north of Rome. But has any one told you of our present locations?

Our Camp is situated on the Kingston and Rome R.R., about midway between the two places. We are guarding the bridge spanning Dykes’ Creek, which empties into the Etowah river at this point. We have erected formidable fortifications, to drive us from which will require a rebel force of at least five hundred. We have very convenient and comfortable quarters, and live on the best the country affords.

We have fruit and vegetables in abundance.

There are 74 present in the Co. including commissioned officers, - one sick in hospital, and two sick in quarters. Our time is spent in fishing and hunting the Johnnies. The river, only one hundred and fifty yards wide, is all that separates us from them, and almost daily we cross to the south side, and scarcely ever fail to discover their whereabouts, and occasional exchange of shots is the consequence. A few days since a squad of us under Capt. Bennett and Lieut. Mathews, started out at 3 o’clock in the morning, marched four miles through a dense forest, surprised a camp of Rebels, capturing one prisoner, five horses, two shot guns, and one revolver. We wounded one man but he escaped.

It is but justice to say that Co. D has done as much fighting as the balance of the Regiment. It was the first to enter the fight in Snake Creek Valley,- it held an advanced position, and the most important one, while at Rome, - and is now stationed nearly eight miles from any support, with nothing but the Etowah river, which is fordable at almost any point, separating it from the rebels who literally swarm on the opposite bank. You may ask why Co. D is selected in preference to other companies? I answer, it is owing to the well known and acknowledged ability of its officers, and the courage and dicipline [sic] of its men.

Of the Regt. I can say but little. It was ordered to Resaca about two weeks ago, to repel an attack on the R.R. by old Wheler [sic], since which time I have heard but little from it. I have heard of its having been to Cartersville, Marietta, Kingston, Dalton and Tunnel Hill, Ga., at Chattanooga, Cleveland, Bridgeport and Athens, Tenn. It will probably be back to Rome in a few days.

The news of the capture of Atlanta reached us yesterday, and to-day was added the capture Mobile. We are all in good spirits and will all vote for Old Abe.

Dixie

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, September 24, 1864

39th Iowa Infantry

Organized at Des Moines and Davenport and mustered in November 24, 1862. Moved to Cairo, Ill., December 12-14; thence to Columbus, Ky., December 16. Attached to 3rd Brigade, District of Corinth, 17th Army Corps, Dept. of Tennessee, to January, 1863. 3rd Brigade, District of Corinth, 16th Army Corps, to March, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 16th Army Corps, to September, 1864. 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, 15th Army Corps, to August, 1865.

SERVICE.--Defence of Jackson, Tenn., and pursuit of Forest December 18, 1862, to January 3, 1863. Parker's Cross Roads December 30-31, 1862. Moved to Corinth, Miss., January 6, 1863, and duty there till November, 1863. Dodge's Expedition into Northern Alabama April 15-May 8. Great Bear Creek and Cherokee Station April 17. Tuscumbia April 22-23. Town Creek April 28. March to Pulaski, Tenn., November 2-12, Guard duty at Reynolds Station and along railroad till January 21, 1864, and at Pulaski till March 12. Moved to Athens, Ala., March 12, and to Chattanooga, Tenn., April 30. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1 to September 8. Demonstration on Resaca May 8-13. Snake Creek Gap and Sugar Valley May 9-10. Battle of Resaca May 13-14. Ley's Ferry, Oostenaula River, May 14-15. Rome Cross Roads May 16. Kingston May 19. Moved to Rome May 22 and duty there till August 15. Expedities after Wheeler August 15-September 16. Moved to Allatoona October 4. Battle of Allatoona October 5. Moved to Rome October 9. Reconnoissance and skirmishes on Gave Springs Road October 12-13. Etowah River October 13. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Ogeechee Canal December 9. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Salkehatchie Swamps, S.C. February 3-5. South Edisto River February 9. North Edisto River February 12-13. Columbia February 15-17. Lynch's Creek February 25-26. Battle of Bentonville N. C., March 20-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24 Advance on Raleigh April 9-13. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D.C. via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 30. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., June. Mustered out August 2, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 6 Officers and 58 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 134 Enlisted men by disease. Total 200.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendim of the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 3, p. 1180

Letter from 8th Iowa Cavalry

Camp 8th Iowa Cav., Near
Lost Mountain, June 20th 1864

I now find time to address you again. The 8th Iowa Cavalry have been with Sherman, so far through this campaign and none of the Clark Co. boys have been hurt. They are all well so far as I know. Some of them are dismounted and are doing garrison duty at Kingston, Ga. Among the number present are Geo. Wilson, L. F. Deselm, Wesley Templeton, M. C. Christy, Joel and Geo. Miller, Nelson Homewood, Jos. Cusyan, J. R. Fullerton, William Myers and Samuel Stark.

The Reg. now numbers 295 men mounted for duty. It left Cleveland Tenn., May 3d, 950 strong. The rest of the horses have been killed, wounded, starved, warn out and have died during the campaign. The duty was very hard on man and beast. We were frequently in our saddles all night, our horses often doing without anything to eat. They were not unsaddled, on an average, over three hours out of twenty-four. – The men were as badly used as the horses, but a few days rest brought them all right again – had a weeks rest during a rain storm and all were fresh and vigorous as before.

We have met the rebels in a dozen fields and success has crowned our banner each time. The loss of the Reg. is comparatively small, only fifty killed and wounded. A detachment of the 8th went on a reconnoissance [sic] this morning, and sent back a currier, a short time since, for the ambulances, stating that they had one man killed and several wounded near Powder Springs.

Stoneman’s and McCook’s (the 8th belongs to his command) Cavalry captured Lost Mountain the 17th with but slight resistance. The 8th made two successful saber charges after the mountain was captured with but little loss. We have made several saber charges but the “Johnnies” Never stood till we got close enough to hurt them. Schofield and Hooker have been fighting incessantly for Kinnesaws [sic] and Pine mountains for the last four days and still their artillery is hurling its missiles of death into the rebel works. Johnson’s right and left wings have been turned and are steadily being driven together. – Johnson’s army is in a critical condition. Sherman has out generaled [sic] him on every field, and has flanked him on every field except Dallas. He has won the confidence and esteem of his whole army. The officials feel confident of their ability to take Atlanta, and the rank and file know not defeat. All we ask is that the men at home do their whole duty, forward the one hundred days men as readily as possible to protect our communications and rear and guard our “Hard Tack,” and we will plant the Stars and Stripes over the towers of Atlanta before July closes, or leave our bodies to rest in the mountains and on the plains of Georgia.

The army was cut down to three-fifth rations of bread, coffee and sugar, and two-seventh rations of meat – no beans hominy or rice – making less than half rations, the 20th of May. The men are frequently two days without anything to eat, but they scarcely ever grumble. Nothing that is palatable for man or beast is left in the country. Everything is taken or destroyed. None of the citizens remained behind Johnson’s army except those that were too poor to get away, and by the time our army had passed they had nothing left by which to sustain life. The government will certainly have to feed them. We are on the right wing of our army and all the other Iowa Regiments are on the left and left center. They no doubt have done some hard fighting in the past four days. I have not seen any of [the] 6th, 15th or 39th for some time. [missing text] accounts they were all in the [missing text] hunting “Johnnies,” which is [missing text]ing on a rainy day. Their, [missing text] not over 250 yards apart.

June 22d – Hooker is s[missing text]ing away at Kinnesaw [sic] [missing text]is now trying to take it [missing text]. They are two-thirds of the [missing text] and expect to make the summit [missing text] fall. Johnson’s lines are in the [missing text] of a V, the vertex at the above [missing text] mountain. Schofield’s Corps has been fighting very hard this forenoon.

Hurrah, for old Abe! He is bound to be a Veteran, bounty or no bounty.

Yours truly,
Wm. Christy

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 9, 1864.

NOTE: There was a hole in the paper, near the ending paragraphs of this letter, which appeared on the right of the newspaper column causing text to be lost. I have annotated these occurrences with the citation [missing text]. Also this letter when it was printed in the paper was dated 1894, which is an obvious typesetter’s error, I have corrected the date so as not to lead to any confusion.

Thomas Alexander Trent

Sergeant, Company D, 39th Iowa Infantry
1st Lieutenant, Co. A., 110th U.S. Colored Infantry
Son of William M. & Susannah H. G. (Dyer) Trent. He was born in Owens County, Indiana in October 6,1834. At the age of 17 he moved to Iowa.

Many friends were present on at the home of his bride’s parents, Micajah & Hannah M. Parrish, 6 miles northwest of Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa on June 28, 1857 when, in a ceremony performed by Rev. B. C. Johnson of Osceola, he married Mary Elizabeth Parrish. She was born in Indiana on December 12, 1839.

When the Civl War broke out he, at the age of 28, he joined the Union forces and enlisted on August 9, 1862 as 5th Sergeant in Company D of the 39th Iowa Infantry under Capt. L. D. Bennett. C. W. Neal and Aaron Lewis of Osceola were also members of the same regiment. He was mustered in on November 20, 1862 and was discharged November 22, 1863 for promotion as First Lieutenant of Company A, 2nd Alabama Colored Infantry which later became the 110th U.S. Colored Infantry. "he is a brave and meritorious soldier," wrote Capt. L. D. Bennett of the 39th Iowa, "and will make and excellent officer." T. R. Oldham wrote, “This appointment is an excellent one and his many friends at home will rejoice to hear of his promotion. His company is now in the Division Pioneer corps, and is at work repairing the Railroad.” Thomas A. Trent’s name is listed on plaque D-108 on The African American Civil War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

At the close of the war he returned to Osceola and became a member of Post 173, Department of Iowa, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Trent remained a member of the G. A. R. to the time of his death. He was also at one time a member of the Blue Lodge of the Masonic order

He died April 16, 1926 at his home on South Main Street in Osceola, after having caught a cold ten days earlier. He had been able to sit up and read his newspaper the day before he passed away. A large number of friends and relatives attended the funeral services conducted at his home by Rev. C. S. Burnette after which he was interred in Osceola’s Maple Hill Cemetery. The ball bearers were: Chas. Edwards, Harry Talbott, Verne Hicks, Will Temple, Loyd Simmons and L. W. London. Those who sang at the funeral, Mrs. Ed. Banta, Miss Tot Scott, Dr. E. W. Paul and William Beard.Mary, his bride of 68 years, deid in 1929 and is buried beside her husband in Maple Hill Cemetery. To their union were born seven children: Emily H.; Jessie F.; Thomas A., Jr., who died about 1920; Charles W., of Custer, SD; Mary E.; James L., of San Jose, CA & William W. Trent, of Denver, CO.

Mary E. Parrish was the sister of Addison A. Parrish of Co. B, 18th Iowa Infantry

Sources: Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System; Clarke County Iowa Cemeteries, Volume 1: Maple Hill, p. 27; Obituary of Thomas Trent, Osceola Tribune, Osceola, Iowa, 22 APR 1936 Clarke County, Iowa Early Marriages 1852-1873, p. 24; 1856 Iowa State Census for Washington Township, Clarke County, Iowa; 1880 Federal Census for Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa; Roster and Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 5, p. 1032; Gedcom file of Marsha R. Pearson; "Letter from Capt. L. D. Bennett of the 39th," The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 2, 1864; “A Letter From The 39th Regiment”, The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, 5 DEC 1863

Revised: Originally Posted 29 JAN 2008

Obituary: Thomas Alexander Trent

Thomas Trent Passes Away

Old Pioneer died at His Home in Osceola on Friday Evening at the Ripe Age of Over 91 years

Was a Civil War Veteran

Funeral services Were Conducted at the Home on Monday Afternoon. Interment at Maple Hill.

The death of Thomas A. Trent at his home on South Main St. on Last Friday evening at 6:30 brought sadness to the hearts of many. Mr. Trent had only been sick for about ten days suffering from a cold. He had been able to sit up and read his newspaper the day before he passed away.

The funeral services were conducted at the home on Monday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock by Rev. C. S. Burnette. A large number of sorrowing friends and relatives were at the last rites. Burial followed in the Maple Hill cemetery.

The ball bearers were: Chas. Edwards, Harry Talbott, Verne Hicks, Will Temple, Loyd Simmons and L. W. London. Those who sang at the funeral, Mrs. Ed. Banta, Miss Tot Scott, Dr. E. W. Paul and William Beard.

At the time of his death, Mr. Trent was 91 years, 5 months and 10 days of age. If he had lived until June 28th, he and his wife would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

In addition to his wife, Mrs. Mary E. Trent, he was survived by the following children: Chas. W. Trent, Custer, South Dakota; Wm. W. Trent, Denver, Colorado; James L. Trent, San Jose, California; Mrs. C. E. Whitlock, Denver; Mrs. H. S. Lauder and Mrs. Emily Trent of Osceola. One son, Thomas A. Trent, Jr. died about six years ago.

Thomas A. Trent, was born in Owens county, Indiana, on Oct. 6, 1834, his parents being William and Susanah Dyer Trent. He removed to Iowa when he was but 17 years of age and has lived here continually ever since. He was married to Mary E. Parrish on June 28, 1857, at the home of the bride six miles northwest of Osceola. The nuptial rites were performed by Rev. B. C. Johnson of Osceola. Many friends were present at the wedding.

When Mr. Trent and his wife first moved to Osceola the limits of the town were marked by streets one or two blocks distant from the business section. Now the blocks extend many times that distance.

When the Civil War broke out Mr. Trent joined the Union forces to fight for his country and was assigned to the 39th Iowa, Company D, under Capt. L. D. Bennett. C. W. Neal and Aaron Lewis of this city were also members of the same regiment. The three men saw services together during three years and at the close of the war returned to Osceola where they became members of Post 173, Department of Iowa, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Trent remained a member of the G. A. R. to the time of his death. He was at one time a member of the Blue Lodge of the Masonic order.

Mr. Trent was a good citizen and stood high in the community and the county where he lived so long. His death brings sadness to the many friends who knew and loved him. His passing away takes another member of the “thin and fading line” of the old soldiers who risked their lives in their country’s cause. Peace to his ashes.

- Published in The Osceola Tribune, Osceola, Iowa, April 22, 1926

From the 39th

We have been permitted to make a few extracts from a letter written home by J. L. Millard, of Co. D, 39th Iowa Inft., dated Rome, Ga., June 4th, which doubtless will be of interest to those having friends in that Reg. He says:

The 39th, all day Sunday, May 8th, led McPherson’s column in the successful flank movement which caused Johnson to evacuate Dalton. The 39th also lead the way through the noted Snake Creek Gap, where within six days from the time the 39th went through, they had been followed by over one hundred thousand Union Soldiers, with all their immense trains of supplies. Four companies of the 39th, (Co. D included), were in the first fight that ever took place between the Union and Rebel soldiers South of Dalton.

On the morning of the 15th (Sunday) we were moved down near the Ostanula River, in the direction where Dodge’s Division was laying pontoons. On these one brigade crossed in the afternoon, and passed through an open field half a mile. The rebels, who were lying in wait for them, charged down on them furiously. The fight was terrible but it did not last long. Our men stood firm and finally charged on, and drove them in disorder. The Iowa 7th lost heavily in this fight. Our regiment passed over immediately expecting to take part in the fight, but the rebs did not try it again that night. We threw up breast works that night, and the next morning felt for, found them and drove them for a while, when they halted, and we fought them all day. In this fight our brigade came very near being surrounded.

Our Brigade is now at this place – the advance is far down towards Alotona [sic]. It has been continual fighting from Ringgold down as far as our advance has gone.

Other items omitted for want of time and room.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, June 18, 1864

Letter from Capt. L. D. Bennett of the 39th

Head Quarters Co. D. 39th Iowa
Parson’s Mill Dec. 18th 1863

Friend Caverly:-

While looking over your paper of the 5th, I noticed a letter from T. R. Oldham, in which he states that Sergt. T. A. Trent had been mustered in the service as 1st Lieut. Of a Colored Company in the 2nd Ala. A.D. I can now state with much pleasure and satisfaction that our friend “Tom” was also mustered in a few days ago as Capt. of Co. E of the same Regiment.

No better selection could have been made that that of T. R. Oldham for that position. He is worthy and well qualified, and merits the place he now holds. As. Sergt. Major of the 39th Iowa, he was ever ready and willing to do his duty, and he had the respect and good will of every officer and man in the Regiment.

As regards Lieut. Trent, he is a brave and meritorious soldier, and will make and excellent officer.

My Company is detached, and we are now guarding and running a mill for the benefit of the troops of our brigade. We have built a fine Stockade with comfortable quarters attached to it, and are now living at our care and in peace, except with poultry and hogs, and as they are not reckoned in with the Commissary supplies, it seems impossible for me to reconcile my boys to let them remain in their presence.

Whether we will remain here this winter or not, I am, at present, unable to say. Gen. Dodge is ambitious and desires to be in front, and I was told yesterday that he had gone to visit Gen. Grant at Nashville with that object in view. Should we be ordered forward, we can have no excuse to complain, for I must say that our lot has rather been one of ease than otherwise, compared to that of the majority of the Iowa Regiments.

Our men are ever ready and willing, and will cheerfully go to any point when the order is given.

The boys of Co. D are in excellent health and spirits: the sanitary condition of the Co. has never been better.

Sergt. Pike is now at Louisville Ky. in the Hospital. He is afflicted with rheumatism.

I will remark, before closing this letter to those persons of Clark Co. who wish to volunteer in some of the old Regiments under the last call, that Co. D lacks some twenty men of having its maximum number, and that we will be glad to receive any who will join us. It will be to the advantage of those who desire to enlist in this way. We are one among the last Regiments that was raised and consequently will remain much longer in the service from this time, and hence, any one joining us will have the satisfaction of knowing that they will not be placed among strange[r]s in a few months by the mustering out of their friends in the old regiments.

And again, should we remain here all winter, there will be a fine opportunity of milling, besides becoming accustomed to camp life before being mustered into more active service.

Your friend;
Capt. L. D. Bennett

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 2, 1864

Gilman L. Pike

1st Sergeant, Companies I & D, 39th Iowa Infantry

Age (at enlistment): 30
Residence: Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa
Nativity: Maine
Enlisted: August 9, 1862
Mustered In: November 20, 1862
Mustered Out: June 5, 1865, Washington D. C.

“Orderly Serg’t. Pike was unable to march on account of a sore foot,” wrote Thomas R. Oldham in a letter published in The Union Sentinel on December 5, 1863. He was left at Eastport, Alabama to be sent down the Tennessee River to rejoin his regiment at a later date. Capt. L. D. Bennett reported in a letter dated December 18, 1863 that "Sergt. Pike is now at Louisville Ky. in the Hospital. He is afflicted with rheumatism"

Sources: Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System; Roster and Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 5, p. 1015; “A Letter from the 39th Regiment,” The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 5, 1863; "Letter from Capt. L. D. Bennett of the 39th," The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 2, 1864

See Other Blog Entry:
A Letter from the 39th Regiment

A Letter from the 39th Regiment.

Head Quarters 39th Iowa Infantry.
Camp Redfield, Tenn. Nov. 20th’, 1863

Friend Caverly:-

I have just had the pleasure of perusing the Sentinel, of the 7th inst., which now lies on the desk before me. I am happy to learn that you have determined to continue the publication of the paper another year, and I hope the citizens of Clark [sic] County will appreciate your effort, and give the paper the support which its merit so richly deserves. They are abundantly able, and I feel confident are willing to do so.

In your address to your patrons you rather insinuate that some of your correspondents in the army have failed to fulfil [sic] their promise. If you had any reference whatever to me, I can only plead guilty to the charge. I hope, in the future, I shall give you no cause for complaint. I shall endeavor to keep you posted in reference to all matter, worthy of note, that comes under my observation.

Your readers, doubtless, are posted in reference to the recent movements of the army of the Tennessee. During the latter part of October the 16th army Corps’ under General Sherman; passed through Corinth on its way to join the army of the Cumberland. The left wing of the 16th army Corps commenced moving forward about the 1st inst. The command of this division of the army was entrusted to Brig. Gen. Dodge, one of the live Generals whom Iowa soldiers are proud to honor. The 39th Iowa broke camp at Corinth on the 2d inst., and went by rail to Iuka, Miss., 20 miles east of Corinth, on the Memphis & Charleston Rail-road. Here we remained until the morning of the 7th, when we marched to Eastport Alabama, a distance of eight miles, at which place we arrived about noon. Eastport is situated on the Tennessee river, about twenty-five miles below Tuscumbia. It has been a place of but very little importance, and was probaly [sic] located at that point on account of its being an excellnt [sic] landing. The town is now desolate. I do not think there is a family living in the place. A great number of the buildings have been burned, and those that are left standing all have their doors and windows battered in. The place is a fit abode for “bats and owls”.

On the afternoon of the 7th we commenced crossing the river, and although four or five steamboats were constantly plying between the two banks, the crossing was not affected the morning of the 8th. Those who have never witnessed the movements of an army, have but little idea of the time and labor required for even a Division of troops to cross a river by means of transports.

Early the next morning (the 8th) we again commenced moving forward, but owing to the great length of our supply trains it was nearly noon before the whole column got fairly in motion. Our line of march was up the Tennessee river, bearing however a little to the north, and gradually leaving the river to our right. The river bottom here is not over one-fourth of a mile wide, and the bluffs, extending back, are very high and rugged. The farms, through this portion of Alabama, are generally very small and in a poor state of cultivation, and the inhabitants belong to, what is termed in the south the “poorer class.” There are exceptions, however. In some of the valleys along the numerous creeks and streams that empty into the Tennessee, are some very fine plantations, owned by men of wealth and affluence. The soil is very fertile and produces heavy crops of corn of which there is an abundance in the country, and, in fact, of almost any crop that is grown in the northern States. A large number of the inhabitants in this part of the state have been for the Union from the commencement of the war, and a great many of them have enlisted in the Union army.

As we crossed the line, and advanced into Tennessee, there was a marked improvement in the appearance and condition of the country. The country was generally less hilly and better adapted for farming purposes. Large plantations and fine houses no longer attracted special attention, and the evidence of wealth and luxury were abundant on every hand. But to enter into a detailed description of the country, and give anything like a history of our march, would necessarily make this letter too long. Suffice it to say that after five days hard marching we reached Pulaski, the county seat of Giles county, Tenn., located on the railroad running from Nashville to Decatur, and about 80 or so miles south of the former place. The town probably contains about two thousand inhabitants, is finely located, and has been, I should think, quite a flourishing and prosperous place. No business, however, is carried on there now, and the store-rooms have all long since, been closed. Several business houses were burnt by Gen’l Mitchell’s forces when they passed through this part of the State about a year and a half ago. Many of the citizens are wealthy planters and own large plantations in the country.

They are nearly all, as a matter of course, rebels, and have sons and sons-in-law in the rebel army.

The county is reputed the wealthiest in the state.

The next morning after reaching Pulaski our Brigade was sent north for the purpose of guarding the Corps. Our camp is on Richland creek, about eight miles north of Pulaski. The other regiments of our Brigade are still north of us. We have a fine location, excellent water, and the surrounding country is wealthy, making “foraging” quite a profitable business. We fare well, in the way of rations – have plenty of flour, cornmeal, fresh beef and mutton, and Irish and sweet potatoes, and, by the way a chicken, or a turky [sic] is not a rare dish with us. –

Co. “D” is about two miles west of us, running a mill. The boys, I believe, are all well. Companies “A” and “G” are two miles beyond, running another mill. Companies “B”, “F” and “K” are guarding railroad bridges, leaving us but four companies in camp.

Orderly Serg’t. Pike was unable to march on account of a sore foot and was left at Eastport, to be sent down the river. Sergt. Trent was yesterday mustered as 1st Lieut., Co. “A” 2d Regt. Ala. Vols. A. D. This appointment is an excellent one and his many friends at home will rejoice to hear of his promotion. His company is now in the Division Pioneer corps, and is at work repairing the Railroad. But I am admonished, by the quantity of paper I have already scribbled over, that this letter is getting too lengthy. I shall, therefore, close leaving other matters for some future communications.

T. R. Oldham.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 5, 1863

See Other Blog Entries:

Thomas R. Oldham

Letter from T. R. Oldham - January 20, 1863

Thomas Alexander Trent

Gilman L. Pike

Thanks to T. R. Oldham

Mr. T. R. Oldham, of the 39th has our thanks for his communica-tion in this weeks issue. Hope he will not forget his promise to write often in the future.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 5, 1863

Thomas R. Oldham

Sergeant Major, Company D, 39th Iowa Infantry
Captain, Company E, 110th U.S. Colored Infantry

He was born between 1834 & 1835 in Ohio. He resided in Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa at the time of his enlistment in Company D of the 39th Iowa Infantry. He was appointed Sergeant Major on August 9, 1862 and was mustered in November 24, 1862. "As. Sergt. Major of the 39th Iowa, he was ever ready and willing to do his duty, and he had the respect and good will of every officer and man in the Regiment."

He was discharged December 10, 1863 for promotion to Captain of Company E, 2nd Alabama Colored Infantry which later became the 110th U.S. Colored Infantry. He is listed on plaque D-107 of the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

He married Sarah E. Johnson 18 Sep 1861, Clarke County, Iowa. By 1880 he had moved to Walton, Harvey County, Kansas, where he resided and worked as a fire insurance agent, with his wife, and three children: Inez, Lillian & Clarence.

SOURCES: Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System; Roster and Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 5, p. 950; Clarke County Iowa Early Marriages 1852-1873, p. 18; 1880 Federal Census for Walton, Harvey Co., KS; "Letter from Capt. L. D. Bennett of the 39th," The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 2, 1864

See Other Blog Entries:
Letter from T. R. Oldham

A Letter from the 39th Regiment

Andrew T. Blodgett

Captain, Company B, 39th Iowa Infantry

Born in Wisconsin, he was just 22 years & resided in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa when he was appointed First Lieutenant in Company B of the 39th Iowa Infantry on August 6, 1862. He was mustered into the service of the United States at Camp Herron, near Davenport, Iowa on November 24, 1862 by Captain H. B. Hendershott of the Regular Army.

On July 4th, 1863, while in camp near Corinth, Mississippi, a few of the boys of the 39th Iowa Infantry “concluded to have a little dance, and some went to sweeping the earth, while others went after the girls. Of the latter were Lieut’s. Marshal and Blodgett, who were on the road for a couple of fair damsels, when out stepped about a dozen guerrillas, and called to them to halt. - Their horses wheeled, the rebels fired, and Lt. Marshal fell dead, pierced by four bullets.” Lieutenant Blodgett escaped and brought the news to camp but before the men of the 39th could arrive at the scene of the incident the Rebels had already taken the Leiutenant Marshall’s boots, money and revolver.

Lieutenant Blodgett was promoted to Captian on August 7, 1864 and shorly thereafter was killed in action at Allatoona, Georgia October 5, 1864. Blodgett was one of the best line officers which the State of Iowa Sent into the field. His untimely death caused a profound sensantion at Des Moines where his remains were taken and buried inWoodlawn Cemtery more than a year after his heroic death.

Sources: Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System; Letter from T. A. Trent, published in The Union Sentinel, 25 July 1863; Roster and Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion,Vol. 5, p. 939, 956; Lurton Dunham Ingersoll, Iowa and the Rebellion, p. 724

See Other Blog Entry:
Letter from T. A. Trent – July 25, 1863
Collin Marshall