During the Civil War, regiments were often raised in communities where soldiers knew one another. It was common for brothers, cousins, and even fathers and sons to serve in the same company. Recently, we came across an 1883 newspaper article about the extraordinary sacrifice of the Moore family from Pennsylvania. Dr. James and Harriet Barton Moore’s eight sons enlisted in the Union Army. We examined their service records and found a remarkable story of one family’s military service. All eight sons survived the war, though some were wounded and suffered from the injuries for the rest of their lives.
Kimber A. Moore was the oldest Moore son. He was born in 1817 and enlisted in October 1861 at age 43 in the Pennsylvania 77th Infantry, Company F. At the time, Kimber was married with seven children of his own. Kimber was the oldest man in his company and was greatly respected. Both officers and enlisted men often sought his counsel. He fought in many battles, including Shiloh, Corinth, Stones River, and Chickamauga. According to his obituary, he was seriously wounded and endured years of suffering. The effects of his injury eventually led to his death in 1889 at the age of 72.
John C. Moore was the second son. He was born in March 1824. When the call for volunteers came in 1861, John wanted to take up arms, but physical limitations prevented him from doing so. Instead, he enlisted to serve in the quartermaster’s department and served throughout the entire war. John died in 1895 at age 71.
Charles W. Moore was born in 1826. He was married with three children and was a respected physician when he left his practice to enlist in the Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Charles served first as an assistant surgeon and later as a head surgeon. He tenderly bound the wounds and cared for injured soldiers, often amidst heavy fighting. He died in Nebraska in 1902 at 75.
Joseph Addison Moore was born in 1833 and enlisted in the Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. After three months, he reenlisted as a Lieutenant in the 28th Pennsylvania Infantry. Joseph commanded his company during the Battle of Antietam and lost one-third of his company when they were either captured or killed. In 1863, he returned to the 147th with a commission as captain in Company B. This was the same company his brother James served in. During the Battle of New Hope Church, He was wounded in both legs and discharged with a disability. He was also suffering from chronic diarrhea throughout his service. Following the war, Joseph served as principal of one of Pennsylvania’s soldier’s orphans’ schools, where he helped educate nearly 1,000 of his lost comrade’s children. Joseph died in 1911
James M. Moore was born in 1835 and enlisted in 1861. James was severely injured during the Battle of Chancellorsville, suffering multiple gunshot wounds. He was also wounded at New Hope Church and was discharged with a disability. He suffered the effects of his service for the remainder of his life. Some of the battles James fought in included Gettysburg, Cedar Mountain, and Resaca. James died in 1915 in Nebraska.
Benjamin F. Moore was born in 1838 and enlisted on April 19, 1861, in Chambersburg, PA, in the Independent Light Artillery Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company D, under Capt. Charles Thomas Campbell. He also served in the Maryland 12 Infantry and the Pennsylvania 6th Cavalry. Benjamin fought in 37 different engagements during the war. His military record contains a letter dated September 1864, in which Benjamin requested five days leave to return home following the death of his mother and the severe illness of his father. Benjamin died in 1925 in Nebraska.
William Henry Harrison Moore was born in 1840. He enlisted in the Pennsylvania 126th Regiment, Company B. When he had fulfilled the term of his enlistment, he re-enlisted in the Third Artillery and was discharged along with the rest of the regiment at the war’s end. Moore fought at Antietam and Chancellorsville and died in 1886 in Nebraska.
Curran E. Moore was born in 1843 and enlisted in the Pennsylvania 202nd Regiment, Company K, in 1864. He also served in the 20th Pennsylvania Regiment, Company I. He mustered out on August 3, 1865. He also suffered health challenges from his service, including chronic diarrhea during the war. Curran died in 1926 in Nebraska.
The Moore brothers were descended from a long tradition of military service, beginning with their grandfather, who served in the Revolutionary War. To learn more about the Moore family or to discover more about your family’s military service, search Fold3® today!
My mother’s paternal 2x great-grandfather, Jacob Shaver 1823-1909, and four of his brothers enlisted and served during the Civil War. Sadly, two of the brothers did not survive the war.
Jacob – Co A, 10th TN Cav
John – Co F, 1st TN Cav, KIA at Campbellsville, TN
Michael – Co F, 1st TN Cav, POW at Richmond in 1862
George – Co D, 4th TN Inf
Aaron – Co F, 4th TN Inf, LOD died from typhoid
My great-grandfather and his two brothers, all from Lowell, MA, served in the Civil War. They all survived the war but, ironically, three of their sisters worked in the textile mills and did not survive the war.
I have the Moore family who are my second cousins!
My Coleman family is more than twelve hundred years old!
I am the third grandson of President Thomas Jefferson!
You have much to be proud of. Our appreciation of the connections to our past insure a hopeful future. Thank you for sharing this one part of your genealogical history.
I am also descended from a Moore family. I’m curious who was these brothers’ grandfather who served in the Revolutionary War? My Revolutionary war patriots are Benjamin Moore Sr. & Jr. who assisted troops at Lexington, MA on April 19, 1775.
The Moore brothers were descended from James Moore, who died during the Battle of Brandywine, and his son Capt. John Moore who served as a Second Lt. and Captain in the Lancaster County Militia during the Revolutionary War.
dr James Moore is my fourth great grandfather. So I’m sure we are related too.
Fascinated by your lineage. I would love to know where you traced your 1200 years of Coleman family- a remarkable achievement~ I cannot get back past 1578 in my family tree.
Awesome – And you may consider book-ending this article with one about the remarkable Fighting McCooks of Carrollton, Carroll County, Ohio. Three brothers and their fifteen sons – six became generals – all served the Union cause: https://sites.google.com/view/carrollcountyhistoricalsociety/mccook-house
I was going to bring this up, as well. Thanks for mentioning it! I first learned of them while reading a handwritten account of the descendants of Archibald Alexander, written in the late 1800s, which mentioned that Janetta Waddell Alexander (my 3rd cousin 3X removed) had married John James McCook of the”famous Fighting McCooks.” I’m glad their history has been documented.
Intrigued by your description of Kimber Moore. How do you know “he was greatly respected” and “others sought his counsel”. Do you have a reference for this or are you just assuming?
I assure you Southerners did NOT respect the invading terrorist. He waged war on southern women & children. 60,000 southern women & children died because of the Yankee invaders.
Excellent question!
Great question, Kathy. There are a number of historical newspaper articles that mention this. He was held in high esteem among his fellow soldiers, who often sought his advice.
This story was so interesting! Thank you for sharing it.
My my great great grandfather was John DeWitt Clinton Atkins, a congressman from Paris, TN, who served in the Civil War. Awarded, after the war, by President Grover Cleveland the commission to serve over Indian affairs.
https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/2VMR-755/ltc-john-dewitt-clinton-atkins-1825-1908
I think I can beat this. Captain Benjamin E Spencer says he has eleven brothers and brothers-in-law who have enlisted in the Southern struggle for freedom, therefore that family gallantly furnished 12 soldiers.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/102412881/benjamin-eaton-spencer
Not all of these men made it home. A family cemetery where we hope to find a few of them is being reclaimed and hopefully restored any day now. It is on property that once belonged to the Jack Daniels Distillery in Moore County, TN, and prior to that the Eaton/Spencer families.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/26548364/nancy-spencer
Lot’s of Union troops referenced here. My family in Missouri (Hershey’s, yes that Hershey) and Chranes, all were CSA Co D Searcy’s Sharpshooters. Eleven of them, all from Keytesville Mo.
home to CSA Gen. Sterling Price. Other side of family were Union…Mundens, Harlans, etc.
All made it home and intermarried, so guess loyalties were put in the past. At the Battle of Pea Ridge there were definitely family against family. Me? Guess I became a Galvanized Yankee…served 28 years in USN. lol
Glad you cast your fate with the US Navy. Where would we all be without people like you and your family. I have lived a life of peace basically on the shoulders of folks like the Greens and McCooks. Some are chosen to military service and others are called to lesser duties.
My great grand father and his seven brothers fought for the south.At least one fought in every major battle. All eight returned to the Asheville,NC area and lived exemplary lives.
We are cousins! Dr. James Mitchell Stevens was the father of Julia Ella Stevens (Daniel Leazer Reynolds), who was the mother of Maude Reynolds (Marvin Christian Zimmerman), and their daughter Cecelia R. Zimmermann (Guy Allen Stuart) was my mother. I’d love to learn anything you know which I do not. I am Sheila Stuart Herndon (Patrick C. Herndon) and we, both native Tennesseans, have lived in Salem, VA since 1970. My email address is [email protected].
What blessed patriots that family was!! God bless them all! I’m a Moore as well but my family served from Maine!
I have close friends that are Joe and Pam Moore in Illinois, their kids are Alison and Joe Jr. They look similiar to these Moore photo’s but I have no idea if they are related. I would love to do their geneology and figure it out.
Such great personal sacrifices from everyone on both sides. We look at this as all in the past, but sadly forces work today to attempt to bring about another divide so great that only time will tell if our Civil War will someday become our First Civil War.
So true Gaylen.
Interesting story. My family has a similar instance with four brothers from Alabama. Three joined the Confederate forces. The fourth and youngest was sent by the family to Illinois to a distant cousin (likely so that he would not have to serve). However, while in Illinois the youngest joined the Union army and fought in at least one major skirmish against a Confederate force that included two of his brothers. All the brothers lived and all, including the youngest, came back home and lived out their lives in the same county in Alabama.
With regard to “Terry”, who referred o Union troops as “invading terrorists” and “Yankee invaders”, his (or her) views are emblematic of the kind of ignorant haters who are even today doing their best to destroy our democracy by spreading lies and conspiracy theories. The fact is, Terry, that the Confederate government and its leaders and generals were all traitors. They all should have been hung and the Reconstruction administrations imposed on the states of the former Confederacy should have been extended far beyond the time they were lifted. By treating the Confederacy with kid gloves our country was rewarded with the Ku Klux Klan , Jim Crow laws and the still-lingering second-class treatment of our African-American citizens. You should learn some history before you run your mouth.
I agree.
I am a white lifelong southern senior male. All of my ancestors were in the Nashville Basin by the early 1800s – some in Nashville in the 1780s before Tennessee had become a state.
Some of my ancestors fought for the Confederacy and some fought for the Union. Some did not participate – in Middle Tennessee this typically implied Union sympathizers who did not want to fight against family and friends.
Two 2x great-grandfathers were compensated by the Southern Claims Commission after the war. A 3x great-grandfather died fighting for the Confederacy. A 4x great-grandfather freed his slaves prior to the Civil War – he had one son who fought for the Union and one who fought for the Confederacy. My maternal grandfather’s grandparents lived near a branch of the Underground Railroad – an area of Union sympathizers.
Prior to Charlottesville 2017, I had (naively) thought that people like Terry (see above) were hiding under a rock. The Constitution does not include, and never has included, a provision for a state leaving the Union. By definition, an invasion did not occur. The U.S. Army was not a terrorist organization. An example of terrorists would be the radicals, who attacked the U.S. Capitol on 06 Jan 2021 – some with Confederate flags.
Regarding the unsourced comment about civilian deaths, it is interesting that Terry is not concerned abou the violent deaths of slaves, which occurred from the 17th century through the Civil War and continued through the Jim Crow years. Is Terry familiar with who died in the 16th Avenue church bombing in Birmingham? That is another example of terrorism.
Most of the Civil War battles occurred in Virginia and Tennessee. Presumably, this is where most of the civilain deaths would have occurred – not in the states that seceded first, e.g. South Carolina and Alabama.
The Ku Klux Klan and the United Daughters of the Confederacy have caused considerable damage to America by perpetuating the Lost Cause nonsense. We, as Americans, should be focused on preserving our democracy.
Mr Gordon, you may be correct about the Confederacy traitors, but that doesn’t condone the killing of women and children.
life long southerner who totally agrees .
You and Terry take your private renactment of the Civil War to another forum . It is completely out of place here!
Doesn’t say where in Pa the Moore’s were from? The name Moore sounds vaguely familiar. My Thomson, Besore, Clark & other surnamed ancestors were from Franklin Co in southcentral Pa. Chambersburg is the county seat of Franklin Co & since it is stated that at least one Moore brother enlisted there, the family likely lived near or knew some of my ancestors. Mine were most all farmers, although one was a merchant. I read stories of those Yankee ancestors hiding their horses in caves or places in the hills & mountains from the Confederates when they came through before Gettysburg & burned the town of Chambersburg.
The family came from Fulton County, PA.
Hi, I also have Besore ancestors who were living in Lancaster and Franklin Co’s in southcentral Pa in the Revolutionary War period. Later, some relations with my surname served in the Civil War, one with the 142nd PA infantry under Abner Doubleday was killed on July 1, 1863 at Gettysburg.
Yes a lot of brothers served in wars. Our Walkers had brothers and cousins to come to Pennsylvania and serve in the Revolution War. There were Walkers and Morrows serving in the Civil War as well and serving both sides. My great grandfather Lt Henry Martin Walker served in the Union and my great Uncle Capt. John M Morrow served in the Confederacy. My great grandfather James Hagan Morrow had to leave the Confederacy because of a heart problem. The Morrows kept enslaved people but were very kind to them ; the Walkers had blacks working for them but not as enslaved. We know there were blacks who were in the Revolution War as well as the Civil War and it is too bad some folks are still fighting the civil war.
Inspiring group of men. Thank you for bringing them to our attention.
Very interesting read. I noticed the one brother served at Chicamauga. My GG grand dad was captured there. Anytime I hear the certain features of the Civil War, my ears perk up. Franklin Roth was in the 79th Penn. infantry and after he was captured, he died at Andersonville Prison Camp. He and his wife, Elisabeth, lived on a place in Lancaster, Pa., before the war, and after his death, she moved to Reinholdsville, not far to the east. Interestingly, this is her maiden name.
While in Lancaster this past summer, I visited many cemetery’s in the area. Haha, It seemed that every woman in these places was named Mary or Elisabeth, or some form of those names. I wish I had had more time to investigate the whole area. It seems that the Pennsylvania countryside could be set in the 1860’s with little change. I came away with more questions than answers, but I enjoyed my time there. I also visited Gettysburg while there, and was suitably impressed.
If you return to Lancaster, PA visit the Lacaster Historical Society and the Mennonite Historical Society. My Swiss, Anabaptist ancestors came to Lancaster, part of William Penn’s holy experiment, in 1717 by way of Germany. Their name was Nissley, I’m nineth generation. My grandfather, Crist, grew up in Lancaster County but moved to Philadelphia. He and other relatives are buried in Lancaster.
I’d encourage you to visit the small towns away from the tourist centers. Stop in the local businesses, and visit the “Green Dragon,” a huge farmers market and auction. Get on the back roads and drive slowly though the countryside and observe the Amish and the Mennonites enjoying life.
I had ancestors from Maine to Georgia to (present) Oklahoma on both sides. Few had any illusion that it would turn out any way but disastrous. A cousin landed as POW of his uncle of the same name, was buried next to his brother from the other side, an uncle of one ggm whom I remember commanded a unit which killed his brother-in-law, another pair of cousins with the same namesake were on opposing sides. The father of another ggm also in my memory succumbed to his injuries and she was orphaned at age 1. A 2nd ggf commanded slaves working to build Union forts and advocated abolition, 3 cousins I have found as officers of colored troops. Now reading Inskeep’s “Differ we must,” found another ggm’s stepfather had been one of the original organizers of IL Republican party. All feels more recent than it was.
My 5th Great Grandfather, Abraham Pence had 14 grandsons that fought for the Confederacy (Georgia). Seven of them were killed in action, died of wounds or disease or were MIA and presumed dead.
Agree!
All who served on both sides were American Patriots, their vision of the country differed but afterwards they all joined together to create the great country we share today.
Amen!! Brothers fought against brother and even family on both sides, we still
came together, but tearing down some monuments and statues to soldiers who
died defending their home is wrong? If they tearing down monuments to soldiers
how much longer till we start tearing down vandalism monuments in our nations
Capitol to all soldiers. I lost relatives on both sides, some died as POW’s never saw
their families again
If you return to Lancaster, PA visit the Lacaster Historical Society and the Mennonite Historical Society. My Swiss, Anabaptist ancestors came to Lancaster, part of William Penn’s holy experiment, in 1717 by way of Germany. Their name was Nissley, I’m nineth generation. My grandfather, Crist, grew up in Lancaster County but moved to Philadelphia. He and other relatives are buried in Lancaster.
I’d encourage you to visit the small towns away from the tourist centers. Stop in the local businesses, and visit the “Green Dragon,” a huge farmers market and auction. Get on the back roads and drive slowly though the countryside and observe the Amish and the Mennonites enjoying life.
My family fought on both sides of the Civil War. Some ended up as prisoners of war. My husband’s family fought for the south. Several died at Andersonville. Several died at the battle of Vicksburg.
My McElyea and Kilgore relatives were from Lancaster Count, Penn. They fought for their freedom against the south in many battles of the civil war. Some were lucky to return home, but many did not; dying in prisoner of war prisons.
Many of the Moore brothers died in Nebraska. I wonder what cause their externeed family to make such a major move out west.
Thank you for your Civil War family history.
My Heaton Family Service record is as follows:
1) John Heaton (1744-1813) Private in Captain Hugh McClellan’s Colerain Company Colonel Samuel Williams Regiment in 1775. Then Second Lieutenant in the 8th. Company of the 5th. Hampshire County Regiment in 1780 under Captain John Wells.
2) John C. Heaton (1818-1874), husband of Adeline Norton Heaton served as a Private in Company F of the Michigan Infantry from Sep. 1864 to Apr of 1865. He died of complication from dysentery.
3) Hylon Edwin Norton (1929-1911)was the brother of Adeline Norton. He was a Private in Company I of the 6th. Calvary in 1862 and became First Sargent on 1 Feb 1865. He was discharged on 30 Jun 1865.
4) Hylon E. Heaton (1847-1868) Company C of the 9th Michigan Cavalry in the Civil War. Then re-enlisted in the US Army Civil War in the Southern States and died after multiple bouts of Malaria. He is buried in the National Cemetery, Memphis, Tn. Section “F” Site # 3649. Post Humous, he was buried as Sargent Hylon E. Heaton.
4) George Elias William Beryl Heaton(1894-1922) the son of John C. Heaton and Adeline (Norton) Heaton. He entered the Civil War as a Private in the 28th. Michigan Inf. Company “F”. He was hospitalized in Soldiers Hospital in Chicago, Il. USA for an infected gunshot wound to his right leg. Upon his release, he rejoined Company “B” of the 3rd Michigan Inf. In the Battle of Chickamauga, he was trapped under breastworks for 72 hours but was freed by fellow Union soldiers. He suffered double inguinal hernias. Surgery was not possible in that era, and he lived with a double truss the rest of his life. His wife, Kate would twice a day reduce the hernias. She died in June of 1921. With little or no help to reduce the hernias, he suffered a bowel strangulation and died post-surgery to reduce the strangulation in March of 1922. He was buried as Sargent George Elias William Beryl Heaton.
Need to add one more Heaton Relative:
6)Volney Bolmay Mix, the brother of Evaline (Mix) Dornburg, the mother of Mildred (Dornburg) Heaton. He was a member of the 53rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, recruited in Potter, VA. He died at Spotsylvania Court House, Spotsylvania City, VA., USA. He received a pellet ball shot to the head. He was normal but died in surgery in an attempt to remove the pellet ball. He was a cousin to the famous Hollywood Cowboy Tom Mix.
Jenny one other question. I descend from the sister of the brothers. Rebecca Moore. Do we have any of her stories. She eventually marries into the Alexander family. Thanks
I see her find a grave updated. With a photo. And in her obit she mentions her one other living sister.
Hi Bill, that is really cool. I did not research Rebecca Moore but you have a wonderful family history.
Great article! Thank you.
Say what you will, but my 3rd great grandmother was known at the time as the “Mother of the Civil War.” Several news articles after the war, and her portrait was even shown in the National Gallery (trust me, not a pretty picture) for a period of time. Sallie (Sarah) Brandon had 17 sons in the conflict (not all by birth, but she raised most of them as the sons of her husband)—two on the southern side, and the rest fought for the Union. Amazingly, even though two of the Union soldiers were at Andersonville, the one who died there was the only one not to survive.
John, that is amazing! I heard about your 3rd great-grandmother and spent many hours trying to document all of those sons, but I couldn’t find enough existing records to corroborate the story. I have no doubt it is true. She is mentioned in quite a few publications.
Thank you for telling about this family of amazing patriots who served in the Union army as did my great grandfather William Henry Gilchrist. He served with the colored troops of company D to help ensure the freedom of his descendants and the survival of our nation while the traitors tried to tear it asunder and tried to keep their fellow humans enslaved.
These men are not directly related to me but to a distant relative. All of them served out of Pennsylvania. They are father Abraham Smeltzer died of disease at City Point, Virginia. Son Andrew died as a POW at Richmond, Virginia. Second son James K. Smeltzer died at Andersonville Prison, Andersonville, Georgia. The only survivor was son Samuel P. Smeltzer who died in 1907
My great-grandfather, Harlow Edgar Ellis, born in May 1858, had the following TWELVE family members serve in the Union Army
Father = Ananias McMillan Ellis, Co. B, Mich 12th Infantry
Uncle = Nathan Ellis, Co. C, Mich 10th Cavalry, died
Uncle = John Ellis, Co. C, Mich 10th Cavalry
Uncle = Alonzo Hamilton Taylor, Co. A, Missouri 5th Cavalry
Uncle = Byron B. Taylor, Co. B, Mich 6th Infantry
1st Cousin = John Tibbet, Co. C, Mich 10th Cavalry
1st Cousin = Henry Tibbet, Co. C., Mich 10th Cavalry
1st Cousin = William Tibbet, Co. H, Mich 4th Cavalry
1st Cousin = Hiram Tibbet, Co. I, Mich 2nd Cavalry
1st Cousin once rem = Archibald McMillan, Co. M, Mich 1st Artillary
1st Cousin once rem = John W. McMillan, Co. G, Mich 24th Infantry
1st Cousin once rem = John F. McMillan, Co. A, Mich 1st Infantry
The ten Ellis, Tibbet, and McMillan men were sons or grandsons of Mary (Kilbourn) McMillan (who died in 1869) and her husband Ananias McMillan (who was killed by Indians near Detroit in Sep 1814 while serving as a Mounted Ranger during the War of 1812. The father of Ananias McMillan was Archibald McMillan of New Boston, New Hampshire who marched on the Lexington Alarm, enlisted while outside of Boston, was injured during the Battle of Bunker Hill and relieved a half-pay Pension from the NH legislature during the Revolutionary War.
I guess the service of those men’s ancestors was their example.
Correction
They were grandsons or great-grandsons of Ananias and Mary (Kilbourn) McMillan.
Further, the seven Ellis and Tibbet men were sons or grandsons of Sarah Coe (McMillan) Ellis and Jesse Ellis (who served multiple tours of duty in the Ohio militia during the War of 1812.
There were also a family whose 8 sons fought for the Confederacy. Seven made it home. The David Easter (1798-1869) and Susannah Stockinger Easter (1894-1890) family.
Thank you all, North and South, for your service. My ancestors and several cousins fout in the Civil War. From the 26th Co C, Indiana. John Henry Shill, Andrew Jackson Shill, Thomas Jefferson Shill all enlisted and served in the Ind26. Other cousin Benjamin Franklin Shill served from Iowa along with a few more. Andrew and Thomas were captured by CSA in Sept 1863 in Mississippi. Walked barefoot barely clothed to Camp Ford in Tyler, TX. Ate tsp. of cornmeal and sometimes dried beef daily. According to Andrew’s military file. Released after living 9 months in a hole in the ground in a prison exchange deal.
I live in Tyler and have a print of Camp Ford from an 1865 Harpers Weekly. Poor POWs were in rags and living in hovels-as you have described. Camp Ford has a walking tour with signage and is well maintained. My ancestry was a POW at Johnson’s Island which was a Union hell hole as well-moldy bread, “bully” beef, and freezing temps during winter. Neither side took care of POWs and death rates were incredibly high. My ancestry was exchanged and at least got a boat and train ride back to Vicksburg. It was a terrible war and essentially destroyed a generation.
Enjoyed this article much …perhaps more so because my ancestors fought as family in the
Revolutionary War, War or 1812, and the Civil War. Yes, too, all Germans from Pennsylvania and the branch in North Carolina…who fought for the Union.
I so appreciate the stories folks share through Ancestry about our common ancestors.
Truly remarkable that all 8 sons survived the war, though some suffered greatly the remainder of their lives.. My family story is similar. 4 brothers-Issac, Charles, Thomas, and William all enlisted in 39th Mississippi. They fought at Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Port Hudson and several other battles. Charles (my great grandfather), Issac, and Thomas were all wounded and suffered from their wounds the rest of their lives. William died from wounds and disease. Such a tragedy for both sides.
Such remarkable family histories. Every one of the descendants can be proud of their relatives, no matter what “side” they fought on. War is hell and never solves human problems. The willingness to serve should never be viewed as an evil act. May all who perished along with those who survived be honored. Amen
It’s a shame that people like Terry post such idiocy while others appreciate the sacrifice of the featured story.
So enjoy all the genealogy and history. My 4th great grandfather Jacob Lentz served in the Revolutionary War in Lancaster, PA. My great grandfather John A. Lentz served in the Civil War at Gettysburg PA.
I really like what Shirley F B Carter wrote: “May all who perished along with those who survived be honored.”
My great-grandfather, Charles Henry Winn, and his brother John fought with the 8th U.S. Colored Artillery in Kentucky. Both returned from the war as did my husband’s 2nd great-grandfather, William Henry Juniper, Jr. ( Company B, U.S. Colored Troops, 3rd Infantry). I’ve really enjoyed reading all the comments. There were patriots on both sides if you use the definition from Oxford Languages Dictionary: “a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.”
My 4th Great Grandfather was Holden Garthur Evans MD of Carthage, MS. He had a very large farm and is revered in MS to this day for pioneering crop rotation. He kept a fascinating diary that is on file at the Mississippi Statehouse. I have a copy and I’ve enjoyed reading that history so much. He served honorably during “The War Between the States”, as my Mississippi Great Grandmother always called it. He had to amputate his own son’s leg after he was wounded at The Battle of Vicksburg. After the war, Dr. Evans returned home, freed his slaves and farmed the rest of his life. According to his diary, most of his slaves stayed with him on the farm.
That same Great Grandmother, Josephine Allen, was married to Barney Madison Johnson Sr. As I researched his line, I discovered his GGG Grandfather, Obadiah Johnson, served in the French and Indian War and GG Grandfather, Obadiah Johnson Jr., served in the Revolutionary War and both survived. I was able to visit Coventry, Connecticut, where they are buried side by side in the very first row of the cemetery. All of these people are on my Dad’s side and I am proud of their service.
I must give praise to the mother that bore all these sons from 1817 to 1840. What a feat! She not only bore them but apparently raised them up to be good men willing to lay down their life for their country.
I also have a family connection to my g-g-grandfather who had 9 brothers. He and the nine all served in Georgia Regiments, and fought at major battles with the ANV. Four served with Stonewall Jackson in his famous brigade and fought in all the Valley Campaign battles of 1862. My grandfather was in the 53rd Georgia and fought in the Wheatfield at Gettysburg, and went all the way to Petersburg. I had many others who served too, but this number of brothers is probably a pretty common thing during that war. Think how many family were ravaged by the losses. God bless them all.
Thank you, Benjamin Moore was one of my Grandfathers several generations past. I also had 6 Great Uncles who served in both the 1st World War as teenagers and then in the 2nd World War as middle aged men. My family is rich in service to their country.
My 2nd great-grandfather, Henry Samuel Boyer, of Union County, Pa., served with Co. F, 172nd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, from 28 Oct 1862–31 Jul 1863. I was hoping that he’d served with any of these fine gentlemen from the Moore family, but that’s apparently not the case. Henry performed garrison duty at Yorktown, Va., until June, 1863. Dix’s Peninsula Campaign June 27-July 7. Ordered to Washington, D.C., July 9. Join Army of the Potomac at Hagerstown, Md., July 14. Was in pursuit of Lee to Williamsport, Md. Marched to Warrenton Junction, Va., July 19-25, 1863. Ordered to Harrisburg, Pa., and mustered out August 1, 1863. Commendable but not spectacular.
I’m a 6th cousin of Gen. Grant, but also a 3rd cousin of CSA General A.P. Hill and a 4th cousin of Robt. E. Lee. “North and South,” go figure…
I have enjoyed reading all of the posts very interesting. I live in the United Kingdom and have never quite understood how if the :South: lost the war did it become the United States of America when it appears that all the state’s have different laws, am I missing something. In the UK all of our counties have the same laws.
I’ve read so many different books makes my head spin.
Great article! My Great Great Grandfather David Hayes Johns and his 4 brothers all fought in Civil War. Benjamin Franklin Johns wrote some published articles. Reuben Scott Johns was in the cavalry of Sherman’s March to Sea. Few of them in the 49th PA Infantry which were in many battles. The other 2 were Samuel A. Johns and Joseph A. Johns. The other 3 Only one was shot in thumb and opted to take care of by himself instead of getting amputated.
Thank you for the many great articles.
My Lineage had five brothers who fought in the Civil War from Mercersburg, Franklin Co., PA
Sons of JOHN MYERS and ELIZABETH McCUNE who fought in the Civl War:
(1) John Johnston MYERS , born Dec. 7, 1823*, Franklin Co., Pa., died Aug. 22, 1877,
buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Canton, Fulton Co., Illinois, Lot N ½ 474 Grave #4 Div. A
married (1) Jan. 13, 1853, Dayton, Ohio, Phoebe Ann CODINGTON , born ca. 1825, Ohio, died
Sept. 8, 1903, buried in Woodland Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio
divorced (1) Jan. 13, 1868 Phoebe Ann CODINGTON
married (2) Dec. 2, 1869, Canton, IL, Mary Elizabeth AMSLEY (Drake) , born July 22, 1841**, Pa.,
died Dec. 27, 1921, Des Moines, Polk Co., Iowa, buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Canton, Fulton Co., Illinois, Lot N ½ 474 Div. A (Perforated Gastric Ulcer)
Notes: John Johnston Myers Occupation – Tailor (1870 census)
Civil War Veteran, Private, Co. “I”, 113th Ohio Infantry
“Detailed on Brigade Ambulance Corp. March 30, 1864.” (from National Archives Civil War Records)
*G.W.C.Myers’ Family Bible transcription has birth date as Dec. 7, 1823;
Greenwood Cemetery has birth date as Nov. 22, 1823
(2) William Lightner MYERS , born Dec. 7, 1825, Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Pa., died April 14, 1864, buried in First Methodist Episcopal Cemetery, Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Pa.
married Aug. 28, 1845 Sarah Elizabeth CUNNINGHAM , born Feb. 20, 1825, Welsh Run, Pa.,
died May 15, 1865, buried in First Methodist Episcopal Cemetery, Franklin Co., Mercersburg, Pa.
Notes: William Lightner Myers Occupation – Mason
Civil War Veteran, Private, Co. “H”, 107th Pa. Inf.
Height 6′-2″, Dark complexion, Gray eyes, Dark hair
Wounded. Taken prisoner at Bull Run. Paroled at Annapolis.
“Said William L. Myers has not been able to do any duty since the Battle of Bull Run – aug. 30, 1862 – growing rapidly worse and seemingly no hopes of his getting better. I earnestly hope he may be discharged without delay.” “…Phithisis Pulmonalis [Consumption] attended with much emaciations and wasting of Muscular tissue. The said Myers will not be able to perform any military duty whatever” (from the National Archives Civil War Records)
(3) Robert Brewer MYERS , born Feb. 21, 1827, Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Pa., died Feb. 26, 1882, buried in Fulton Township Cemetery, Fulton, Whiteside Co., Illinois, Old Section: Lot 66, Grave #5 (Lymphadenoma)
married May 26, 1847 Eleanor C. PRICE , born March 9, 1826, Pa.,
died Oct. 12, 1893, Danville, Vermilion Co., Ill.,
buried in Fulton Township Cemetery, Fulton, Whiteside Co., Illinois, Old Section: Lot 66, Grave #4 (neuralgia of the heart)
Notes: Robert Brewer Myers Occupation – Wagon Builder (1850-1880 census)
Robert Brewer Myers & Eleanor C. Price married by Rev. J. W. Nevin of the
Upper West Conococheague Presbyterian Church, Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Pa.
“Mr. Robert B. Myers has also a carriage and wagon manufactory, doing mostly custom work. His wagons and carriages are of excellent make and finish.” (from the book “History of Whiteside
County, Illinois” (1877) , p. 170)
“The first Sabbath School Library for Fulton was purchased for this church [M. E. Church] in the
spring of 1855 by Mr. Robert B. Myers, and brought from Chicago by him at his own expense.”
(from the book “History of Whiteside County, Illinois” (1877) , p. 174)
Civil War Veteran, Private, Co. “F”, 93rd Illinois Infantry
Height 6’-0”, Sandy complexion, Hazel eyes, Brown hair
“…who from excessive fatigue and exposure to severe weather in the spring of 1863, at the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, was attacked with inflammation of the kidneys and also bloody flux which eventuated in the piles, from which disease he never recovered and whose death, affiant is informed and believes was the result of said disease.” (from National Archives Civil War Pension Records).
(4) George Washington Carson MYERS , born March 2, 1837, Mercersburg, Pa., died Oct. 2, 1911,
buried in Fairview Cemetery , Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Pa. (paralysis and apoplexy)
(Pa. Death Cert. # 95726)
married Jan. 18, 1860 Laura “Dolly” AMSLEY , born Aug. 16, 1839, Pa., died Feb. 13, 1890,
buried in Fairview Cemetery, Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Pa.
Notes: George Washington Carson Myers Occupation – Cabinet Maker
Civil War Veteran, Private, Co. “C”, 126th Pa. Inf. & Co. “D”, 21st Regt., Pa. Cavalry
Height 5′-6″, Fair complexion, Brown eyes, 125 lbs
(5) Andrew Anderson MYERS (twin) , born July 4, 1840, Mercersburg, Pa., died Jan. 11, 1917,
buried in Fairview Cemetery, Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Pa. (Pa. Death Cert. # 4904)
married April 17, 1860 Mary Ellen MARTZ , born Aug. 31, 1841, Welsh Run, Pa.,
died May 7, 1921, buried in Fairview Cemetery, Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Pa.
Notes: Andrew Anderson Myers Occupation – Plasterer
Civil War Veteran, Private, Co. “C”, 126th Pa. Inf. & 17th Pa. Cavalry
Height 5′-11″, Light complexion, Grey/Blue eyes, Sandy hair
“Captured at Woodstock, Va., Sept. 29, 1864. Delivered at N. E. Bridge, N.C., Feb. 28, 1865.” (from National Archives Civil War Records)
This is all very interesting and I learn so much about this era.
I just wanted to note that you stated, “Curran E. Moore was born in 1843 and enlisted in the Pennsylvania 202nd Regiment, Company K, in 1864. He also served in the 20th Pennsylvania Regiment, Company I. He fought in the Battles of Antietam and Chancellorsville and was discharged on May 20, 1863.”
So how could he have been discharged before he enlisted?
A common error in Genealogy.
Thank you for your information.
Thanks for catching that mistake, Janet. I have revised the date.
I live in Australia but have many kin who fought in America’s Wars since 1775. My 2C6R surnamed McCrae served in the PA volunteers from 1777. He was an expat Scot. His grandsons fought on both sides of the Civil War. The McCrays from PA fought for the North, and the Mcquerrys from Texas fought for the South. Other descendants fought in WW1, WW2, Korea and Vietnam. I also had paternal cousins fight for the North originating in Chatteris Cambridgeshire England surnamed Young. One descendant served in Vietnam as an Infantryman, as did I but in the Australian Army….cheers, Warren, 11.30am Sunday 19th Nov 2023.
MY GG Grandfather, John O VanBuskirk served in the 132nd PA Volunteers, an amazing short-term regiment of 9Mo from Bradford County. He was at the sunken road; Antietam battlefield & discharged February 6th, 1863, with a certificate of disability. Family oral tradition was he sustained his injury somewhere on the Antietam battlefield. Since his service record from the National Archive disclosed limited information about his service the family oral tradition remined unchanged until a copy of his disability record from the National archives disclosed, he was injured during the regiment’s reconnaissance in force mission on the 3rd of October 1862. Although the injury was not life threatening it changed his life as the Civil War did for so many & their families. The Civil War generation certainly earned the Red Badge of Courage.
also 8 brothers from Ohio, McDaniel: Johnson (killed) , George, Job, Alfred, Samuel (Lost a leg), Jacob (killed), Isaac, James, and two brother in law’s, Calvin Rush (Captured and was in Andersonville) and Samuel Wemmer. and one nephew…. Charles Cassidy, and Calvin’s brother Alva Rush.
After reading these comments about families and the civil war I just realized how little I know about my family during that time. My father from Kentucky and my family are direct descendants of John Marshall, Chief Justice of the US. and my family inhered many item from his life. I also have my families descendants from the approximately year of 746 but with only names and dates. I know my father and mother visited the Gettysburg battle field to see the grave of one of our ancestors but that is all I know. I will start looking in to that part of my families life.. Enjoyed the article and keep researching everyone,, Even at 90 I am still working on my mothers side.
Eight Brothers All Serve in the Civil War
My g-grandfather Marquis de Lafayette (Pal) Price and all six of his brothers served in Texas units during the Civil War.
Marquis and brothers Benjamin F. and George J. all joined the 17th Texas Cavalry when it was initially organized. The regiment was quickly stationed in Arkansas, then reorganized as infantry in mid-1862. Experienced a lot of minor combat, then were surrounded and captured at the Battle of Arkansas Post in Jan. 1863. They were transferred and imprisoned under horrific conditions in Camp Douglas, Illinois. Both of Pal’s brothers died of disease within a month and families back in Texas were soon notified. Pal himself barely survived an extreme bout with typhoid. He was exchanged in May, 1863, returned to the 17th Texas, and served the remained of the war as one of Gen. Patrick Cleburne’s sharpshooter unit.
Brothers Madison F. and John M. Price owned farms next to each other in Smith County, Texas when the war broke out. Together they joined the 22nd Texas Infantry. Saw most of their duty in Louisiana, including the highly controversial Battle of Milliken’s Bend. After that horrible experience, they both deserted and returned to their families. They were quickly taken into custody and returned to their regiment. Soon deserted again, returned to Texas and in late 1863 enlisted in a Collin County militia unit that became part of the Texas Brush Battalion. Unit saw some combat and casualties on the Texas north border and experienced some disease losses. Madison and John simply disappeared while in service there and never returned to their families. No records whatsoever about what exactly happened with them.
Youngest brother Howard was working on his father’s big farm in Texas when he turned 17 in 1863 and became subject to conscription. He didn’t want to serve the Confederacy, but was willing to protect Texas and avoided the draft by sneaking away and joining the Brush Battalion with brothers Madison and John. Just like them, he disappeared and was never heard from again.
Oldest brother George W. Price farmed near Tyler, TX. He joined the 37th Texas Cavalry and saw some combat on the Texas-Louisiana border. In early 1864, he suffered a disease infection while on duty and was hospitalized near Houston. After several weeks, doctors decided he was too ill to return to duty and he was furloughed. His wife was notified and she travelled on a horse-drawn wagon all the way from Tyler to Houston to pick him up. They returned safely, but George died from the disease just a couple of months later.
These Price Brothers had six sisters … and in addition to all the horror described above, two of those sisters lost their husbands in the Civil War and one sister’s husband suffered an injury that he never completely recovered from.
I am a descendant of Moses Moore and the family who settled in Ft. Defiance, VA in the 1700’s. I would love to see if there is a connection to the PA Moore Brothers. Their given names are mostly the same as those in my tree. This Moore family was kidnapped by Shawnees, taken to OH, Mother and sm. daughter burned at stake and one daughter, Mary Moore was sold and taken to Canada and later made it back to VA. There is a book about this family “The Captives of Abbs Valley.
Wow! It’s amazing to read all of the stories of the men who served. It must have been so painful for so many families who had to wait behind and worry over their safety.
We had five brothers who served from Massachusetts and I’ve often wondered what caused the dysentery that our five had. Some of the wives took the men’s place working in the Clinton Mills.
It’s nice to know that the Moore descendants now have photos to go with the names of their ancestors. I will try to search Fold Three and search for more information on my Graichen brothers.
Outstanding record of service for this family in answering the call to arms.
My Great grandfather (PVT Samuel A Stewart) served as a bugler in the Company D, 16th Volunteer Kansas Cavalry surviving the war but having a disability from drinking “bad” water for the rest of his life. He was 15 when he enlisted. His son (William B Stewart Jr) served in WW I, WW II and Korea. His son served in WW II, Korea, and Vietnam. I am his son who served in Desert Storm and Iraq.
v/r
John R Stewart Colonel, US Army (Retired)
Thank you Stewart family, for all of your service!