D-Day 80 years later

 

I have recently learned that my great-grandfather served in the 7th Field Artillery during WWII. The 7th Field Artillery participated in 1st Infantry Division's assault of Omaha Beach in June 1944. While I cannot say with absolute certainty that he was part of that unit on D-Day, I do know he witnessed many difficult things which he never wanted to speak of. And I can imagine he served alongside men who were part of the assault on Omaha Beach. Was he in this picture? Was this the view he witnessed that day? 3 months later, he wrote to my grandmother from an undisclosed location that he hoped "this mess" would all be over soon and he could see his family again. He had no idea when or if he would be back home. Thank God he did make it home eventually. Many did not. They really are the greatest generation.

: Into the Jaws of Death by Robert F. Sargent

100 Years Ago

100 years ago today…my Grandma Grace was one of the children mentioned in the article. She used to tell this story often. “Pete” Wheatcraft was really Jasper. The reporter got his information wrong. Both Jasper and his wife, Jessie Lee, survived the shooting and lived with bullets inside their bodies. No alcohol was found on the property. Jasper’s distillery was at a different location. This article was in the Boynton Index. Unfortunately, this is the best scan I’ve been able to find.

My Idea of 4th of July

As of now, I have not been able to trace any of my ancestors' signatures to the Declaration of Independence.  However, I know that my ancestors lived in at least 7 of the 13 colonies at the time of the American Revolution. (Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island.)  While I have been researching my family history for several years and have been able to add nearly 3,000 names to my family tree, I'm still in the early stages of really knowing who many of these people were.  For now (and for many individuals, always) I can only speculate.  It's interesting to think about those relatives of mine who lived in those colonies, what life was like for them, and how they might have felt.  My ancestors were likely commoners, meaning they owned some land and eeked out a living for their (large) family as a type of farmer.  At the time of the war, many of the men joined the army and went off to fight when they were able.  While they were away, the women and older children were left to tend the farm and the family.  Some of the women often brought supplies to the soldiers on the front lines.  Most of my ancestors were second generation "Americans" who were siding with the colonies, deemed rebels to the throne of England.

The flag my ancestors knew in 1776

I do know that several of my ancestors fought in the war.  At least 2 died fighting for their cause, one of those being a British soldier.  Several of these soldiers were born in another country but fought for their adopted land.  While others were fighting for the land they had always called home.

I'm thankful to all these men and women because without all their sacrifices, this country wouldn't know the freedoms it enjoys.  To me, the home of the brave is the land of my ancestors who risked their lives to fight for the future of this country.
"Let this happy day give birth to an American Republic. Let her arise not to devastate and to conquer but to reestablish the reign of peace and law." -Richard Henry Lee

William Harmon Kenyon- Missouri 18th Infantry, Companies B & G

William Harmon Kenyon was a man who marched to the beat of his own drum.  He really didn't care about rules and is clearly one of the most colorful individuals in my family tree.  Therefore, he deserves 2 blog entries!  This first one will recount his Civil War journey.

Union General William T. Sherman
 and his staff in the trenches outside of Atlanta
Photo courtesy Library of Congress

William Harmon was born in January 1844 in New York state to Richard and Hannah Kenyon.  He moved to Missouri with his family by age 16.  In November 1861, William enlisted in the Missouri 18th Infantry, Company B.  In February of 1862, William was hospitalized in St. Louis due to an unspecified illness.  By June of that year, he was unaccounted for and listed as a deserter.  At some point, he was released from the hospital and returned home.  Since William had deserted/been sick he missed the Battle of Shiloh where there were over 23,000 casualties (dead, wounded, or missing) suffered in only 2 days.  William returned to his regiment with a surgeon's certificate of disability during the summer of 1862.  William and his regiment fought in the Battle of Corinth on October 3 & 4, 1862 in which the Union Army was victorious.  Following the Battle of Corinth, the Missouri 18th was on duty in the District of Corinth guarding the railroad toward Bethel until June, 1863.  During the march to Pulaski, TN on November 9, 1863 William threw out his knapsack.  His pay was withheld in order to recoup the lost knapsack.  In January 1864, at the age of 20, William re-enlisted with the Missouri 18th while in Cullioka, TN.  May thru September 1864, the Missouri 18th participated in the Atlanta Campaign under General Sherman.  During that time William took part in engagements at Snake Creek Gap, Resaca, Kingston, Dallas, Big Shanty, Kennesaw Mountain, Jonesboro and along the Chattahoochee River. 

Atlanta roundhouse
following extensive damage from the Atlanta Campaign
Photo courtesy Library of Congress

On August 1, 1864, William transferred to Company G.  According to his muster roll at this time, he was being charged about $3 "for ordnance stores lost or destroyed".  Without further description, this likely means that William lost or damaged some weaponry. 
In early 1865, the regiment marched with Sherman across the Carolinas.  It was the 18th Missouri that was present at the capture of Columbia and Fayetteville, SC, fought in the battle of Bentonville, NC, and was present when General Johnston surrendered to Sherman at Goldsboro in March 1865.  On April 10, 1865 during the advance on Raleigh, William went AWOL.  He was believed to have been captured but was back with his regiment in May and was charged $19.25 for more ordnance lost or destroyed.  William and the rest of the Missouri 18th was mustered out on July 18, 1865 in St. Louis, MO. 

William Harmon Kenyon's Certificate of Enlistment

Sources: The Union Army, vol. 4, p. 263

Private Charles Gann- Tennessee 5th Infantry, Company C

Charles Gann is an elusive character--on so many levels.  There is almost nothing known about his childhood and very little known about him as an adult.  His birth year changes from census to census and he went AWOL several times during the Civil War. 

Charles Gann is my 4th great-grandfather.  He was born in Tennessee sometime around 1837 to 1840, and probably grew up in Tennessee.  He died sometime during the 1880's and never learned to write.  Most of what is known about him has been gathered from his Civil War records.

Charles Gann served 3 years, 1 month, and 10 days in the Union Tennessee 5th Infantry, Company C.  He enlisted February 25, 1862 in Hamilton County, Tennessee.  During the summer of 1862, this regiment participated in the operations around the Cumberland Gap.  The Cumberland Gap was initially captured by Union forces in June 1862.  But in September of that year, Confederate forces gained control and Charles Gann's regiment was among those that retreated to Ohio.  It was at the time of the retreat that Charles first deserted the Army.  He was noted as missing on September 20 when the Army was near Manchester, Kentucky.  One can only speculate where he disappeared to.  Had he returned home to Tennessee, he'd be traveling toward Confederate armies.  He returned to his regiment some time in November 1862 and was arrested and tried.  As punishment, his pay was withheld from September 20, 1862 to September 17, 1863, a total of approximately $156. 

Charles spent the next year moving around Kentucky and Tennessee with his regiment.  In December, the regiment faced a few skirmishes in Eastern Tennessee.  In January 1864, Charles was part of the Dog Creek raid.  Many men reported terrible, freezing weather there.  It was at this time that Charles again went AWOL for a couple months.  Charles returned to his wife (Elizabeth) and daughters (Amanda, 4 & Sarah, 3) in Tennessee.   Charles returned to his regiment in the Spring of 1864 and was placed under arrest for several months.  Because he was under arrest, he probably did not fight with his regiment in the Battle of Resaca.  While the Union was victorious, it saw more than 4000 casualties.  His regiment alone lost 30 men and 92 were wounded.  Is it possible his act of desertion ultimately saved his life?  Charles joined his regiment in the summer of 1864 and shortly after, his commanding officer, Colonel James T Shelley resigned.  His regiment moved around Georgia and Tennessee until on November 30, 1864 they fought in the Battle of Franklin.  Fortunately for Charles, it was one of the most disastrous battles for the Confederacy, while his regiment suffered only 6 casualties. 

A view that Charles Gann very likely witnessed himself. 
December 16, 1864 Battle of Nashville, Federal outer line.
From Library of Congress. 

On December 16, 1864, his regiment took part in day 2 of the Battle of Nashville.  He was in the line of battle on Hillsboro Pike and came under musketry fire but did little fighting.  Only one man in his regiment was injured.  About this time, Charles' wife, Elizabeth gave birth to James Shelly Gann (my g-g-great grandfather), named for Charles' former commanding officer, Colonel James T Shelley.  This confirms that Charles returned to his wife in Tennessee when he went AWOL earlier that year.  In February 1865, the regiment moved to Cape Fear, North Carolina and took part in the Battle of Wilmington, which was another Union victory.  The Battle of Wilmington was successful in closing the last major port of the Confederate States on the Atlantic coast. Wilmington had served as a major port for blockade-runners, carrying tobacco, cotton, and other goods to places such as Britain, the Bahamas, and Bermuda.  Now with the port closed, the Union blockade was complete.  The Battle of Wilmington was the final military action Charles and his regiment faced.  On March 5, 1865 they were relieved from duty and ordered to Nashville where his company was mustered out of service on April 4, 1865, 5 days before the Civil War officially ended.

Charles returned to his home in Hamilton County, Tennessee.  This is likely the first time he met his newborn son.  I can imagine that Elizabeth was very happy to have him home for good.  She had been taking care of 2 young daughters and now an infant son, all while managing a farm.  In 1868, Charles and Elizabeth had another son, William John.  Charles is last found on the 1880 census as a farmer in Washington, Dallas County, Missouri.  Elizabeth is listed on the 1890 veteran's schedule as a widow residing in Washington, Missouri.

It is unknown for sure when Charles and Elizabeth were married.  They were likely married in Tennessee since they were both born there and their first child was born there.  I have thus far been unable to confirm who Charles' parents were. 

What I find most interesting is that Charles' decision to desert his regiment resulted in the birth of his son, James Shelly, who is my direct ancestor.  Imagine if he hadn't been born?  What's more, James Shelly had a daughter, Rosa May, who had a son, Shelly Poulson.  And thus, Colonel Shelley's name lived on.  I wonder if he knew where his name came from.

Sources: http://www.tngenweb.org/civilwar/usainf/usa5inf.html
http://fifthtennessee.com/

James Finley Wheatcraft- Iowa 40th Infantry, Company E

James Finley Wheatcraft worked hard and fought hard.  James was my great-great-grandfather.  Not much has been written about him but much can be surmised about him based on census and military records.  James was born in March 1843 in Perry County, Ohio.  He was the youngest in his family and had 1 sister and 3 brothers.  His father, Edward, and brother, Joseph, died within one day of each other (likely from disease) when James was 5 years old.  When he was about 16, he moved to Iowa with his mother, Deborah, and brother, Daniel.  Shortly thereafter, the Civil War began and James enlisted on August 15, 1862 at the age of 19.

Civil War Service
James served under John A Garrett as a private in Company E of the 40th Infantry Regiment out of Iowa.  His regiment was mustered into service November 15, 1862 and had about a month of drilling before he was sent to Columbus, Kentucky where the Confederate army was preparing an attack. The Confederates backed down and the regiment remained in Columbus during the winter.  Though the men saw no action, many became sick and died or had to be discharged during this time.  In March 1863, the men moved to Paducah, Kentucky where conditions were better and their health improved.  On May 31, 1863 Colonel Garrett received orders to move down the river and join General Grant's army in the Vicksburg Campaign but only as part of the army of observation.  After 6 months of service, the regiment still had not participated in combat.  During a 5-mile march to Mechanicsville, the men heard the sounds of artillery fire ahead and upon their arrival, the Confederate army was in full retreat.  No doubt the men of the Iowa 40th Infantry were anxious to put their months of drilling to the test.  Still, they played an important part in keeping the enemy forces away from Union troops during the Vicksburg Campaign.  On July 23, 1863, the regiment joined General Steele's army in the march on Little Rock and remained there for nearly a year.  One man in the regiment reported that at one point during the march to Little Rock only 219 men out of the regiment's 750 were able for duty.  In March 1864, the regiment joined General Banks in the Red River Campaign.  Finally the regiment saw action but this initiative was a Union failure and may have even extended the length of the war.  In early 1865, Colonel Garrett was assigned to the command of the District of South Kansas at Fort Gibson, where he and his regiment stayed until they were mustered out August 2, 1865.  During the course of the war, only 15 men in this regiment died in battle and 43 were wounded. However, 186 men died from disease, mainly malaria. 

James likely heard these words spoken from Colonel Garrett before going into one of the few battles the regiment encountered:

"Boys! we will probably have a little fight. Remember your own good name, and the fair fame of the glorious young State which sent you to the field. Don't tarnish them. Do you see that flag? Follow and defend it. Don't shoot at the sky; there are no rebels up there. That climate does not suit them. Aim low, and send them where they belong. That's all."

Following the war, James married Serepta Blackwood in 1867.  He and Serepta had a son, Oscar.  Serepta died before Oscar was even 2 years old.  James was faced with raising Oscar on his own while tending to about 80 acres of farmland.  James' own mother had passed away in 1866 so he couldn't turn to her for help as most widowed men would have done in that time. James married Helen Mariah Bishop within 6 months of Serepta's passing.  James and Helen had 8 daughters and 3 sons.  By 1880, James packed up his family and moved to Valley County, Nebraska. 

James Finley Wheatcraft and family circa 1887

Helen died in 1891 and James married Sarah Greene 7 years later.  Toward the end of his life, James was an active member of the United Brethren Church of Davis Creek, Nebraska.  James passed away January 10, 1918 at the age of 74 from heart trouble.  A tragic, recurring theme throughout James' life was death by disease--the death of his father and brother when he was young, the death of 2 wives and raising young children while tending to a large farm, and most notably serving nearly 3 years in the Civil War in a regiment that saw so much loss.  James was clearly a strong man both in physique and in character.

Sources:

-Roster and Record of Iowa Troops In the Rebellion, Vol. 5  By Guy E. Logan  found at http://iagenweb.org/civilwar/books/logan/mil709.htm

-The Union Army, Vol. 4

150 Years Ago

In honor of the beginning of the Civil War 150 years ago tomorrow, my next few blog posts will take a look at my ancestors who risked life and limb in service of their country.  Many associate the Civil War with slavery.  While abolishing slavery was definitely an important and central part of the Civil War, really, it was about even more than that.  The Confederate states wanted to secede from the Union and become a separate nation.  According to the Constitution, they had every right to secede.  But the North wasn't willing to give up those states without a fight.  And what a fight it was!  For 4 years, North fought against South.  Brothers literally fought against their brothers.  Some states were divided on which side to take.  Men fought out of moral obligation.  Other men fought in order to make money for their family.  For $300, a large amount in those days, men could buy their way out of fighting.  Some didn't want to fight but couldn't afford the $300 and were forced to fight or become deserters.  In the end, more than half a million soldiers lost their lives but the Union was victorious in preserving the integrity of the United States and abolishing slavery.  The damage was done and reconstructing the Southern states took another 12 years.