Age at Enlistment: 25
Length of Service: 1861-1865
Rank: Pvt
State: Virginia
Unit(s): 4th VA Infantry Regiment; 7th VA Cavalry Regiment (Ashby’s); 14th VA Cavalry Regiment
Service Record: Enlisted Co. G “Montgomery Fencibles” 17 Apr 1861;
At the battle of first Manassas, Jackson reportedly ordered the 4th Va, “Reserve your fire until they come within 50 yards! Then fire and give them the bayonet! And when you charge, yell like furies!” This may have been the first use of the Rebel Yell.
One year after service in the 4th VA, he was transferred to the 7th Va Cav (Ashby’s Regt) 17 Apr 1862 and served through the Shenandoah Valley Campaign; parts of his unit (Preston’s Co.) were then consolidated into the 14th Va Cavalry in Sep 1862, where he served until the end of the war.
Survived War: Yes
Soldier Info: Prior to the war, the 1860 census in Montgomery Co, VA lists his occupation as Carpenter, aged 23; Born near Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., VA in 1836; Died at Lafayette, VA in 1923.
Cemetery / Burial: Watterson Cemetery or “Burial Ground” , Ironto, Montgomery Co., VA (note: Cemetery is located on Rt. 603, North Fork Road, 1 mile west of I-81)
Relationship to Author: 1st cousin 7x
Our Military Ancestors 