Showing posts with label Thomas A. Trent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thomas A. Trent. Show all posts

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Co. D, 39th Iowa Volunteers

This Co. left this place on Wednesday Sept. 23d for quarters at Des Moines, and with them went the prayers and well wishes of many a sad heart.  We are personally acquainted with the officers and most of the privates that belong to this company, and it is not enough to say of them that they will render a good account of themselves hereafter.  The officers are gentlemen, have souls, and are proud of their men.  The privates, so far as we are acquainted with them, are high minded patriots, moral, and many of them pious.

The resolution passed by the company since they left us (which may be seen in Mr. Starbuck’s letter in another column) will be a source of satisfaction to their many relations and friends at home, as well as the assurance which I received while paying them a hasty visit on Tuesday last, that the privates all love their officers.  This is as it should be, and as we hope it will continue to be.  We can have no better evidence than this that they will succeed in whatever they undertake.  God be with them, is the prayer of every human heart.

Below are the names of the officers as furnished me with then left.  Mr. Oldham (Formerly Editor of the “Courier,”) is now Sergt. Major.

I have not learned who takes his place as 2d Sergt. But think it is David Johnson, who was next below him in office.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS:

Captain,
L. D. Bennett
1st Lieutenant,
Wm. T. Mathews
2nd Lieutenant,
C. Carter

NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS:

1st Sergeant,
G. L. Pike
2d Sergeant,
T. R. Oldham
[3d Sergeant]
david johnson
[4th Sergeant]
j. l. millard
[5th Sergeant]
able chaCe
[6th Sergeant]
thomas trent
[1stCorporal]
[j]ames denny
[2d Corporal]
[ROBER]t Hamilton
[3d Corporal]
[REUBE]n harper
[4th Corporal]
[LEVI ga]rdner
[5th Corporal]
[cHARLES b]lack
_______________

[Editors Note: This page of the Union Sentinel was torn from the middle of the left side diagonally to the lower right side.  Therefore items appearing within brackets have been reconstructed using the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Database along with the Roster And Records Of Iowa Soldiers In The War Of The Rebellion, Volume 4.  There are some minor inconsistencies between this article, the Soldiers and Sailors Data Base and the Roster.  What appears above is as I believe what appeared in The Union Sentinel.  The Roster lists Levi Gardner as the 3rd Corporal, Charles Black the 4th Corporal and Reuben Harper the 5th Corporal.  I have numbered them in the order they were given as logically they would not have been listed in a random fashion.]

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, October 18, 1862, p. 2

Thursday, November 13, 2008

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

Monday, September 1, 2008

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


Sunday, August 24, 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

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

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

Saturday, February 23, 2008

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

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Letter from T. A. Trent

Mr. Caverly:

The stillness that pervaded Corinth previous to the 4th was a source of annoyance to those who love excitement, but that day the several regiments prepared to have a picnic. The 39th was up to time of course, and the boom of the cannon at 12 o’clock, and the music of the serveral bands playing in the evening made it all the more handsome to me, as I was unable to leave the hospital.

Towards the close of the day word came of the death of Lieut. Marshal of the 39th; the facts in connection with which are these, as near as I could learn them:

The regiment had a dinner about 2 miles east of town, where Co. H, of the 39th, were guarding mules. Everything went on smoothly until evening when a few of the boys 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.

Blodgett escaped and brought the news to camp. Marshal was a fine young officer, beloved by all, and lately promoted. A sad day’s work for him.

The rebels took his boots, money and revolver, and left before our boys arrived.

Monday, news came of the fall of Vicksburg, which was greeted by 13 guns. Joy was in every man’s face; the sun begins to break through the clouds. Home, wife and children are the scenes that come up before the eyes.

Tuesday -7th- just at daylight we heard firing from the hospital, over where Co. H is camped, and soon news came that the rebels were satisfied with having their Lt. killed and surrendered themselves as prisoners – mules, negros and all. No one hurt on our side.

T. A. Trent

- Published in The Union Sentinel, 25 July 1863

See Other Blog Entries:
Thomas Alexander Trent
Letter from T. A. Trent – 13 June 1863

Monday, January 21, 2008

Letter from T. A. Trent

A letter from Sgt. Trent has been received from which – as it came too late for publication in full – we make a few extracts.

I think I before told you that I belong to the Engineer Corps. After writing my last we took a trip to Alabama, our corps taking the lead, most of the time, making roads & bridges over Rivers. Sloughs and creeks, which was no easy work I assure you. When we returned to Corinth, we commenced building barracks but were ordered to move to Cypress Creek, to build a bridge on the R. R. connecting Corinth and Memphis. We are now building an other over the Tuscumbia River which will take nearly 3 weeks to finish. We have 50 negroes and 60 whites in the corps. Bissals corps is at work on the Hatchie, a mile ahead, and 20 miles from Corinth. When these bridges are done the R. R. will be finished through to Memphis.

The Country here is low and Swampy except along the creeks, the banks of which are covered with Pine & Oak. Nothing of interest along the line except a R. R. cut through a hill, the hight of which from the rail is 90 feet; this cut is about one third of a mile in length, along which Iron ore is occasionally seen protruding from the banks.

The cars run down here every few days but have to be guarded by Soldiers, as the Guerrillas have been rather troublesome, but the Union Scouts keep them on the run, killing them and taking prisoners every few days.

yours truly,
T. A. Trent

- Published in the Union Sentinel, Osceola, IA, 13 JUN 1863

See Other Blog Entry:
Thomas Alexander Trent