Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 114. Report of Maj. Edgar Sowers, One hundred and eighteenth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 23-December 1, 1864.

No. 114.

Report of Maj. Edgar Sowers, One hundred and eighteenth Ohio Infantry,

of operations November 23-December 1, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS 118TH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,  

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

I have the honor to submit the following report respecting the operations of the One hundred and eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry from November 23 to December 1, inclusive:

On Wednesday, November 23, the regiment left Johnsonville, Tenn., and proceeded by rail to Columbia, forty miles south of Nashville, at which point it arrived early on the morning of the 24th. As the enemy were advancing on Columbia a position was at once taken and preparations made for a vigorous defense. Our position was changed on the night of the 24th, and the 25th and part of the 26th was employed in guarding the banks of the Big Bigby Creek. The 27th, 28th, and 29th the regiment was in position at the Duck River railroad bridge, where we had considerable skirmishing with the enemy across the river. We lost 1 killed and 1 severely wounded. On the 29th we withdrew from our position near the bridge and marched toward Franklin, at which place we arrived early on the morning of the 30th, having had a slight skirmish the previous evening near Spring Hill. At Franklin a line of works was constructed, and the regiment, with the brigade, went into position on the right of the Columbia pike, the Twenty-third Michigan being on the left, and Eightieth Indiana on the right. Skirmishing began about 2 p.m. and became quite sharp an hour later, when it became evident that the enemy intended to attack us in force. About 3 o'clock their columns could be seen forming for the attack, and about 4 p.m. the enemy advanced in columns of three in depth. As the right of our line was somewhat refused, and as the attack was heaviest on the left, the line of the enemy's advance was diagonally across our regimental front. This movement gave us a good enfilading fire on the whole mass in our front, an advantage which was promptly seized and used to good effect. The conflict continued with unabated fury until 9 p.m., at intervals until 12 o'clock.

I should be doing injustice to the officers and men of the regiment were I not to bear testimony to their determined bravery and unfaltering valor in the battle at Franklin.

We lost four men only — slightly wounded.

On the 1st of December we fell back to Nashville and took position.

Our campaign has been short but severe, as much of the marching and labor was done in the night.

The losses are 1 killed and 5 wounded.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

E. SOWERS,             

Major, Commanding Regiment. Capt.

HENRY A. HALE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 388

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 112. Report of Col. Oliver L. Spaulding, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, of operations November 24-December 5, 1864.

No. 112.

Report of Col. Oliver L. Spaulding, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry,

of operations November 24-December 5, 1864.

HDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,  

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders of the colonel commanding brigade, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the regiment under my command from the 24th of November last to date:

On the 24th of November the regiment was at Johnsonville, Tenn., under orders to rejoin the brigade at Columbia. At 4 p.m. of that day it left Johnsonville by rail, and arrived at Columbia at noon on the 25th, and immediately built works on that part of the line to which it was assigned, sending five companies on picket. At 2 o'clock the next morning the regiment retired with the brigade some two miles, near to Duck River, and was occupied all day and night in building works on the left of the brigade line. On the morning of the 27th we were ordered to move to the right, where we took up a new position, our right resting upon the railroad a short distance from the railroad bridge, and threw up works. In the afternoon the regiment was ordered on a reconnaissance to the right of our line to ascertain what force, if any, the enemy had thrown across the river at a ford some six miles on our right. Having accomplished the object of the reconnaissance we returned to camp shortly after dark and crossed the river, with the brigade, (luring the night, taking position on the north bank of the river a short distance to the right of the railroad bridge. We remained here till morn of the 29th, when we retired with the division toward Franklin, reaching there on the morning of the 30th. On the evening of the 29th, when near Spring Hill, a body of the enemy was found to be in our front. In the advance upon them this regiment was thrown on the right flank of the line to move by the flank in the rear of the line and guard against any movement the enemy might make upon that flank. I threw out flankers, who, in the darkness, ran upon the pickets of the enemy. In the confusion we captured a rebel adjutant-general. On arriving at Franklin we threw up works in the position assigned us, throwing up traverses upon the flanks of each company, which proved of the greatest service to us in the engagement of the evening, as the enemy had a heavy flank fire upon us during most of the time. At a little past 4 p.m. the enemy assaulted our works with three lines, apparently confident of carrying them with ease, but after a most stubborn attempt he evidently became convinced that he had undertaken a very heavy contract, and one which one of the high contracting parties had no idea of ratifying. He renewed the attack several times, only to be repulsed each time, with terrible loss. During the engagement the left of the regiment was more hardly pressed than the right, and most of my fire was left oblique. At one time two companies of the One hundred and eighty-third Ohio, on our immediate left, broke and left their part of the Works unprotected. A body of the enemy occupied the outside of these works for some time. Here we shot down two color-bearers, and prevented their entering the works, till they were again occupied by two companies of the Eightieth Indiana. As the Eightieth was moving to the left to occupy this position I threw one company on the right center — where the enemy's fire at that time was very light — over the works, and fired one volley into rebels as they lay upon the outside of our works. During the engagement we took among other prisoners Lieutenant Lee, aide-de-camp, of General S. D. Lee's staff.

My loss during the engagement was 2 killed, 13 wounded, and 3 missing. Among the killed was Lieut. D. M. Averill, a brave and thorough officer.

Shortly after midnight we crossed the river with the division, and reached Nashville shortly after noon of December 1.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. L. SPAULDING, 

Colonel, Commanding.

Capt. H. A. HALE,

Assistant Adjutant-General Second Brigade.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 385-6

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 110. Report of Lieut. Col. Alfred D. Owen, Eightieth Indiana Infantry, of operations November 23-December 5, 1864.

No. 110.

Report of Lieut. Col. Alfred D. Owen, Eightieth Indiana Infantry, of

operations November 23-December 5, 1864.

HDQRS. EIGHTIETH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS,

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with circular issued from division headquarters of this date, I have the honor to make the following report of operations of my regiment from Johnsonville, Tenn., up to the present time:

Leaving that place November 23, 1864, by railroad, via Nashville, we arrived at Columbia, Tenn, about 2 a.m. of the 24th instant [ultimo], where we were ordered by Colonel Moore into the earth-works on the south side of town and the fort. About 10 a.m. I received orders to march out on the Mount Pleasant pike. After proceeding about a mile I was detached from the brigade, and moved to the right of the pike, where I relieved a battalion of cavalry, who were guarding a ford across the creek that ran into Duck River, and about one mile from its mouth. Here I threw up a barricade of rails, and at 10 p.m. Captain Lee, assistant commissary of musters, brought me orders to move to a commanding position 250 yards to my left, and relieved me by the One hundred and twenty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. After completing another barricade I permitted my men to rest during the remainder of the night, and at 8 a.m. on the 25th Colonel Moore moved my regiment to the left of the One hundred and eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, where I constructed earth-works to the pike, a distance of 300 yards. Company B, Captain Mosier commanding, was on picket and under fire during the day, but sustained no loss. At 6 p.m. I received orders to march at 12 that night to Duck River railroad bridge, following the Twenty-third Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, but in consequence of a misunderstanding the Twenty-third Michigan and my regiment were separated from the remainder of the brigade about 1 o'clock in the morning, and compelled to return to the pike, when we marched to Duck River bridge, arriving there shortly after daylight of the 26th instant. Here we were again occupied in erecting earthworks until 3 a.m. on the morning of the 28th of November, when we were ordered to cross Duck River and build works on the north side, but before finishing them the enemy's skirmishers made their appearance on the opposite bank, and occupied our attention until 11 a.m., when they opened upon my regiment with artillery. After firing a few shots two guns of the Twenty-second Indiana Battery, on my right, silenced those of the enemy.

Nothing more of interest transpired during the day or night, and at 10 a.m. on the 29th I moved, in obedience to Colonel Moore's orders, toward the Franklin pike. On arriving within two miles and a half of Spring Hill the enemy's skirmishers opened upon us and we were ordered into line of battle, and marched to within one mile of Spring Hill, where we halted for an hour, after which time we resumed our march, reaching Franklin at 7 a.m. on the 30th instant, and were again occupied in building works. At 4 p.m. the enemy moved upon us, but were driven back in confusion. During the engagement I received orders to send two companies to take possession of the works on the left of the Twenty-third Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, where troops had been driven back. I sent Companies C and H, under Captain Cochran, who retook the works and held them during the fight, taking 40 prisoners, including 1 major, 1 inspector.general, and 2 lieutenants. My loss during the fight was 10 men wounded — Sergt. George W. Walker, Company B; Corpl. J. Alexander Chambers, Company C; Privates William H. Spore and William C. Mcintire, Company E; Corpl. J. L. Knowles and Private Adam Emmert, Company F; Privates Henry Ferrell and John Hunley, Company H; Private W. H. H. Ranner, Company G, and Sergt. V. Corben, Company K. At 12 o'clock at night we left the works, crossing the river, and marched toward this place, arriving at 3 p.m. of the 1st instant, where we have remained uninterrupted until the present time.

Respectfully submitted.

ALFRED D. OWEN,            

Lieut. Col., Comdg. Eightieth Regiment Indiana Vol. Infantry.

Lieut. S. H. HUBBELL,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 383-4

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 108. Reports of Col. Orlando H. Moore, Twenty-fifth Michigan Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations November 21-30 and December 15-16, 1864.

No. 108.

Reports of Col. Orlando H. Moore, Twenty-fifth Michigan Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations November 21-30 and December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS,                     

Nashville, Tenn.: December 8, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of my brigade since leaving Johnsonville, Tenn.:

On the morning of November 21 the One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry started by rail, in accordance with orders from the general commanding the division, for Columbia, Tenn., and on the 23d of November four other regiments of my brigade, with my headquarters, took cars at Johnsonville and proceeded by way of Nashville to Columbia, arriving at 2.30 a.m. on the 24th. The troops were immediately disembarked and massed on the hill near the fort. At 9 a.m. I received orders to move my brigade out upon the Mount Pleasant pike, and placed it in position, with one regiment on the right of the Hampshire pike, having its right wing at the mill on Little Bigby Creek and the left wing near the Hampshire pike where it crosses the creek. At 8 p.m., in accordance with orders from the general commanding the division, I moved the brigade across the pike, having its left rest upon it, with the right at the Little Bigby Creek mill, and one regiment, One hundred and eighteenth Ohio Infantry, on the bank of the creek about half a mile farther to the right. The troops remained in this position throwing up breast-works until near midnight of the 25th, when I was ordered to move by the right flank to Duck River railroad bridge. Owing to the extreme darkness of the night, and having to move through a dense wood without reads, there was some irregularity in this movement. The brigade arrived at the bridge at daylight. Here the brigade was put in position, with its right across the railroad near Duck River, and its left near the road leading from the ford near the railroad bridge to Columbia. They were immediately set to work throwing up earth-works, covering nearly three times their front. I threw out a strong picket-line at night, and during the night withdrew my brigade across Duck River, and on the morning of 28th placed the brigade in position on the high ground near the river, with my left resting near the railroad, and right near the riverbank, with two regiments in reserve. One-half of the One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Sherwood, was sent two miles down the river to guard a ford. The brigade threw up a strong line of earth-works and held the position until the morning of the 29th. At this place considerable skirmishing was kept up, resulting in the loss of a few men in my brigade.

At 9 a.m. on the 29th I was ordered to move with my brigade, following the Third Brigade, leaving the One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry to occupy the works and rejoin the brigade at midnight. Shortly before reaching Spring Hill I was ordered to place one regiment on the right flank of Third Brigade, which was then advancing in line of battle. I sent out the Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, Colonel Spaulding. In taking his position he came suddenly upon the enemy's pickets, and captured an adjutant-general belonging to Cheatham's (rebel) corps. The remainder of my brigade was formed in line of battle across the road, forming a second line, and advancing in this order until after dark, halting near town for a short time, when I received orders to march on the Franklin pike, with one regiment thrown out as an advance guard. Halted at midnight and put the brigade in position to cover the cross-roads near Thompson's Station. Marched again at 2 a.m. on the 30th, arriving at Franklin at 7 a.m.

On the morning of the 30th the One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry, with a detachment of Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry, repulsed an attack made by rebel cavalry upon our wagon train, losing one man wounded; they then resumed the march, arriving at Franklin at 12 m., and were put in position on the left of my brigade. I put my brigade position, under the direction of the general commanding the division, with its right resting on the Centerville pike, and left on the northwest slope of the hill near the Columbia pike, on the west side of the town, and immediately commenced in trenching the position. The line occupied by the brigade was so long that I found it impossible to fill it properly with my brigade, and applied to the general commanding the division for more troops, and received a company of fifty men of One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Infantry, which I put in position between the left of Twenty-third Michigan and right of One hundred and twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, near the center of my line. The officers and men were very much exhausted, having been worked night and day for several days previous, and not having enjoyed a night's rest since leaving Johnsonville, yet they went to work cheerfully and threw up a strong line of works. At noon I received orders to make a detail of six officers and 175 men for picket. These were posted under the direction of Major Huston, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, field officer of the day. There was very little skirmishing in my front, but at 4 p.m. the enemy advanced his troops in three lines of battle, driving in the pickets and pushing boldly up to the works, evidently hoping to carry them with ease, but he was met by a firm line and driven back in confusion. The men of my brigade stood to their works without flinching, but the company of One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Infantry which I had placed near the center of my line gave way. After another charge the troops on the immediate left of my line left their works, and the enemy occupied them, flanking the One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry, which was on the left of my brigade. At this juncture I ordered two companies of the Eightieth Indiana Infantry to the left to support the line, and gave orders to flank the whole brigade, if necessary, in order to close the breach made to the left of my line, and then ordered the Second Pennsylvania Battery, which was in position on the right of my line, to turn their guns from the embrasures to the left and fire upon the ridge upon the left flank of my brigade, and shell the rebel columns which were massing to charge that point. This was done with good effect. At this juncture Capt. P. H. Dowling, acting assistant inspector-general on my staff, rode forward, placed the troops in position, and endeavored to rally the troops, which had been driven back from the works, and by his heroic bravery and unsurpassed gallantry succeeded in driving the enemy from the front of the works, and saved the troops from a defeat which otherwise would have been inevitable. It was an important movement, which Captain Dowling fully appreciated, and under the most terrible fire of the enemy he nobly and gallantly cheered forward the officers and men to victory, receiving a severe wound in the arm. Too much cannot be said in praise of Captain Dowling for his important and gallant services.

I will also here state that the gallant manner in which Capt. H. A. Hale, assistant adjutant-general, Lieut. J. D. Bolles, aide-de-camp, Lieut. W. H. Clements, aide-de-camp, and other members of my staff, discharged their duties, under the hottest fire of the enemy, was worthy of the highest commendation.

The enemy made repeated charges at short intervals with fresh troops until late at night, nearly every time reaching the works at some point in my line. The many hand-to-hand encounters over the works are strongly attested by the number of bayonet wounds received by the men. The enemy succeeded in planting his colors twice upon the works of the Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, and the colors of the One hundred and seventh Illinois Infantry were seized by a rebel, who was killed in attempting to carry them away. The colors were recovered by a private of the regiment named Bailey Walker, a member of Company G, who went over the works and brought them back.

During one of these charges Lieutenant-Colonel Lowry, commanding One hundred and seventh Illinois Infantry, received a mortal wound in the head. He had distinguished himself throughout the action by his coolness and bravery. Though at other times a man of very quiet and even temperament, he displayed on this occasion great activity, at all times regardless of personal danger. By his strenuous efforts, he contributed largely to the success of the day. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him, and particularly in his own command, where he was best known.

The distinguished professional services of L. A. Brewer, brigade surgeon, during this battle, were highly appreciated, not only in his careful treatment of the wounded, but in his patriotic efforts in cheering the soldiers to nobly do their duty.

The following is a list of the casualties in my brigade:

Report of casualties in Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps.

Command.	Killed.		Wounded.		Missing.		Total.		Aggregate.
	O	M	O	M	O	M	O	M
Brigade headquarters			1				1		1
2nd Michigan Infantry	1	1		13		3	1	17	18
80th Indiana Infantry				6				6	6
129th Indiana Infantry		4	1	12		1	1	17	18
111th Ohio Infantry	1	11	4	30		8	5	49	54
118th Ohio Infantry.		1		5				6	6
107th Illinois Infantry	1	1	2	15			3	16	19
Total	3	18	8	81		12	11	111	122

[O = Officers  M=Men]

Respectfully submitted.

ORLANDO H. MOORE,     

Colonel Twenty-fifth Michigan Infantry, Comdg. Brigade.

 Lieut. S. H. HUBBELL,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Division, 23d Army Corps.

_______________

HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS,                     

In the Field, December 22, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my brigade in the battles of the 15th and 16th instant near Nashville, Tenn.:

I broke camp on the morning of the 15th, and had my command in readiness to move at 5 a.m., in pursuance of orders received from the general commanding the division the previous evening. Marched at 9 a.m., following Harvey's battery across the Franklin and Granny White pikes; halted near the Hardin pike and formed line of battle in rear of the First Brigade; remained in this position until 1 p.m., when I received orders to move by the right flank, conforming to the movements of the First Brigade, and moved to the right of General Smith's line. The lines were advanced a short distance, when the enemy opened fire upon us -with artillery and infantry. I was ordered to move my brigade on the left of the First Brigade and then charged the enemy. The enemy's artillery was soon captured by the troops on my right, and his infantry routed. The troops moved on in disorder, owing to the roughness of the ground and the rapidity with which they advanced. The enemy made very little resistance; many of them were captured, and the rest fled in confusion. After following them nearly a mile I halted my command, formed line of battle in an advanced position, and, as night was setting in, threw up a line of breast-works and occupied the position during the night, my line connecting with the First Brigade on the right and General Smith's command on the left. Two of my regiments, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry and One hundred and twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, were sent, by direction of the general commanding the division, to the right of the division during the night. On the morning of the 16th the line was moved a short distance to the right to close an interval, and remained in the position until 3 p.m. The One hundred and eleventh and One hundred and eighteenth Regiments Ohio Infantry were moved out on the right of General Smith's command for the purpose of supporting the lines in making the charge upon the enemy's works. The lines were advanced across the Granny White pike, following the enemy, and halted a little before dark. My brigade massed in the woods about one mile in advance of the position occupied the night previous.

Two stand of colors and about 200 prisoners were captured by my brigade on the 15th instant.

The following is a report of casualties:

Command.	Killed.		Wounded.		Missing.		Aggregate.
	O	M	O	M	O	M
111th Ohio Volunteer Infantry		1		7		1	9
23d Michigan Volunteer Infantry.			1	8			9
118th Ohio Volunteer Infantry			1	5			6
107th Illinois Volunteer Infantry			1				1
129th Indiana Volunteer Infantry				6			6
80th Indiana Volunteer Infantry		1		3			4
Total(*)		2	3	29		1	35

[O = Officers  M=Men]

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ORLANDO H. MOORE,     

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Lieut. S. H. HUBBELL,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Division.

_______________

* But see revised table, p. 99.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 378-82

From the 16th Iowa Regiment

PACKET CRESCENT CITY,

PADUCAH, Ky., April 2d, 1862.

ED. COURIER: – Dear Sir:  The 16th Iowa Regiment, accompanied by the Iowa 15th, Missouri 23d, Michigan 15th and a Wisconsin Regiment, and also three Batteries, arrived here from St. Louis this A. M., bound for Pittsburg, on the Tennessee River.  We will join the 3d and 12th Iowa at or near that place.  In fact all Iowa troops, excepting four regiments, are stationed in that vicinity.

I would state that all Waterloo “boys” connected with the 16th are well and “spilling” for a fight.  The 16th is fully armed and equipped in best style, and is determined to make her mark.

The “boys” in our company are hard up.  Not any of us have money to buy stamps. – All letters for the North, written South of here, are holden [sic] at this point for fear that plans may be exposed.  They are making great preparations for a fight.  Not less than 160,000 troops are concentrated at the point above mentioned.  It is to be the fight of the season.

Those in Blackhawk County having friends in the 16th should address letters “In care of Company I, 16th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, St. Louis, Mo.”  They will be forwarded to the Regiment.  More anon.

HANK.

– Published in The Waterloo Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 2

William C. Watson

W. C. WATSON, section 8, Jackson Township, Clarke County, Iowa, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, February 22, 1840. His father, Hugh Watson, was born in Inverness, Scotland, in 1809, and died in Dunlap, Michigan, in 1873. His mother, whose maiden name was Isabella Chisholm, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1814, and died in her native county in 1847.   W. C. was the second of a family of four children. His only brother, Alexander, was born February 2, 1838, and died while in the service of his country, at Bowling Green, Kentucky, February 7, 1863. He was a member of Company K, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry. His sister, Margaret, born in March, 1842, and Jennet, born in May, 1844, are living, the former in Iowa, and the latter in Michigan. After the death of his mother, when eight years old, he went to live with an uncle, William Chisholm, and with him came to Iowa in 1861.  August 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, but was unable to serve his entire term of enlistment, as he was taken sick with typhus fever, which resulted in total deafness, and he was discharged at the general hospital at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, February 27, 1863. From 1863 till 1869, he was under the care of physicians, trying to regain his health and hearing. Although not successful in the latter he has never regretted the part he took in saving his country from her enemies, and the nation’s flag from dishonor.  During these years following his return from the war, he made his home with his uncle, William Chisholm, in Monroe County, Iowa. In December, 1869, he formed a partnership with Isaac Elder, of Eddyville, Wapello County, and engaged in farming, and feeding and herding cattle, Mr. Elder furnishing $25,000 worth of property, and Mr. Watson giving his experience and time to the management of the work.  In April, 1873, he moved to Clarke County, Iowa, and bought ninety acres of land of Joseph Heasley, forty acres of which had been improved. To this he has added at different times until he now owns 220 acres, 200 acres being under cultivation, and twenty acres timber land. He makes a specialty of stock-raising, and claims to have as fine herds of high-grade, short-horn cattle, Berkshire hogs, and Clydesdale horses as can be found in the county.  Although he has never been well since leaving the army, being totally deaf and suffering constantly with a pain in his head, he has been ambitious and has been successful beyond his most sanguine expectations. Few men in his condition physically, would think themselves able to perform manual labor, but notwithstanding the difficulties which are constantly to be encountered he has persevered, and save the small pension given him by the Government, has supported his family and acquired a good home.  Mr. Watson was married December 22, 1872, to Martha E. Hamilton, daughter of Alexander and Freelove Hamilton of Monroe County, Iowa. They have five children – Hugh Alexander, William, Matilda, Charles and Jennet; aged respectively fourteen, twelve, ten, eight and six years.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 295-6