Explosive Sounds of the Holidays

 (Originally posted Christmas 2013)

Holiday shooting? Christmas guns and "shooting in the New Year". . . it's older than you think.

We have quite a merry Christmas in the family; and a compact that no unpleasant word shall be uttered and no scramble for anything. The family were baking cakes and pies until late last night, and to day we shall have full rations. I have found enough celery in the little garden for dinner. 

Last night and this morning the boys have been firing Christmas guns incessantly- no doubt pilfering from their fathers cartridge boxes. There is much jollity and some drunkenness in the streets, notwithstanding the enemy's pickets are within an hour's march of the city

- From A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, John Beauchamp Jones, 1866

I gathered my corn, and then set out for my Fall's hunt. This was in the last of October, 1822 I found bear very plenty and indeed all sorts of game and wild varments, except buffalo There was none of them. I hunted on till Christmas, having supplied my family very well all along with wild meat, at which time my powder gave out; and I had none either to fire Christmas guns, which is very common in that country or to hunt with.

- Life of David Crockett: The Original Humorist and Irrepressible Backwoodsman - Davy Crockett

 1804.
 Robert Mitchell, Mayor, to the Governor
 Dec. 25, Richmond

Having a moment of time to spare, I take that opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your letter enclosing the advice of our Council of State, bearing date the 3rd of last November, and yours of the 19th of same month. It did not come to hand at that date or for many days after. I have done all in my power to prevent that evil of unlawful Gaming within this city pointed out by you; besides it encourages the unguarded youth in Idleness vice and Immorality. You may depend on my doing all in my power to prevent such violation of our laws, and punish them when detected. 

Your favor of the 24th Inst. came very late to hand on the evening of that day. Had I rece'd it early in the day I might have had it more in my power to have its contents put in execution more compleat in order to comply with your wish and my own desire. On the 23rd Inst. I wrote Maj'r Wolfe to furnish a Serg't Guard out of the militia, in order to aid our city Patrol to patrol the city and its Jurisdiction during the Christmas Holydays, which has been complyed with, but it does appear to me to be impossible to prevent firing what is called Christmas Guns, being an old established custom, although there is an ordinance of the city police fixing a fine of 5s. for every offence of firing Guns within this city. The addition of the militia to the city patrol may prevent in part the evil pointed out to me in your letter.

 I am &c                    

- From Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts: ... Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond, Virginia- Volume 9, Henry W. Flournoy, 1890

We have had frequent accounts of cannon firing about Norfolk for three or four days past, and which occasioned many conjectures, but last night we learned that the ships were only firing Christmas guns. I should have but a poor stomach for such mirth were I in their situation, which must be distressing. Indeed, I have heard from very good authority that Dunmore has been drunk and they say mad since his defeat at the Great Bridge.

 -Letter of Maj. Leven Powell, Loudon County Militia,  written December 1776, Williamsburg

March 1655-6    6th of Commonwealth  

                                                           ACT XII 

WHEREAS it is much to be doubted, That the comon enemie the Indians, if opportunity serve, would suddenly invade this collony to a totall subversion of the same and whereas the only means for the discovery of their plotts is by allarms, of which no certainty can be had in respect of the frequent shooting of gunns in drinking, whereby they proclaim, and as it were, justifie that beastly vice spending much powder in vaine, that might be reserved against the comon enemie, Be it therefore enacted that what person or persons soever shall, after publication hereof, shoot any gunns at drinkeing (marriages and ffuneralls onely excepted) that such person or persons so offending shall forfeit 100 lb. of tobacco to be levied by distresse in case of refusall and to be disposed of by the militia in amunition towards a magazine for the county where the offence shall be comitted.

- From The Statutes at Large: Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619, William Waller Hening,ed. 1823

You will notice they made to sure to exempt weddings and funerals from the ban.

It should be noted that there was also the tradition of the "Christmas gun," a specifically childhood exercise, that consisted of boring a hole into a particularly stout log, filling said hole with gunpowder, and then setting it off.

A Christmas Tail - 1915

 Is this a feline version of a shaggy dog story? 

Or perhaps a cat owners big fish tale? 

Here find an odd animal tale of Christmas a hundred years ago. The writer places the scene in New Kent, as they often did with odd strange stories of that time; New Kent was a lightly populated, swampy, forested locale of great antiquity yet only a half hour from Richmond by train.

(edited for content and length)

USING TAIL AS BAIT TABBY CATCHES FISH 

Faithful Tomcat Outstrips Collie Dog That Gave Its Life to Be Near Place Its Master Was Last Seen— Charlie’s “Marster,” Ill, Was Provided For

                                               (By J. M. Bell.) 

As Christmas comes around again. Good stories follow in its train. 

With the advent of Christmas there will often arise recollections of former holiday seasons, where all was good cheer and where stories were told that linger in the memory of those who sat around the blazing log fire and festive board. The writer was one of a party who enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. S -— last Christmas. All went "merry as a marriage bell.” The apple toddy from the stone jug, the ten-year old Bumgardner from the generous cut glass decanter and the egg-nog from the jovial bowl were all sampled moderately and judiciously during our stay under the hospitable roof. The Christmas dinner was enjoyed to such an extent by all that no crevice were left to be Ailed as the gay company of ladies and gentlemen arose from the festive board and repaired to the large drawing room, hence it could be plainly seen that ail the company, well dined and well wined, were in a humor for an evening of real old-time Jollity. The shades of night were closing in, the snow, driven by a bitter northwest wind, was swirling outside. We could tell that the elements were at war, and that the turbid waters of old "Jeems” River were being disturbed, for once and awhile we could hear the Co-honk of a "v" of wild geese as they winged their rapid flight over the house, seeking a roosting place in a quite creek or estuary.

Music and Legends

 We had settled down do a Christmas evening. our host had thrown another big long on the fire. Myriads of sparks went dancing up the chimney only to die as they met the north wind.

 Our hostess opened the piano and we all stood to sing Christmas carols and old-time plantation melodies.

 A cut glass pitcher of apple toddy flanked by little pot-bellied glasses occupied the center of a side table. Dr. M., a guest and an important government official, but a fiddler withal, was drawing a good bow and when-the chorus of “Auld Lang Syne” was sung he fairly made his violin tell the story of Bobby Burns' famous poem.

 Singing makes the throat of an East Virginian dry. Apple toddy is even better than the most approved patent rough remedy on the market and especially where hoarseness must be gotten rid of, when singers are needed to blend their voices with the general chorus.

 Our host made the motion, the ladies declined, or only sipped, as the humming bird culls the sweetness from the heart of a blossom, but the gentlemen stood by to a man and with glasses raised and beaming looks drank cheerfully to all present and, to mankind in general.

 Here Dr. M., listening a moment to the hurtling blast outside, put down his empty glass and facing the assembled company, asked their undivided attention for a few moments. Gaining this, he recounted a pathetic story of a dog that had shown such devotion to its master that he had spent live years In front of a bank in which his master had entered, had been paralyzed and taken to a hospital, and there died. The doctor’s language was pathetic, graphic and altogether impressive. The dog, he said, lingered about the bank until the kind-hearted president, taking pity on him, had fed him regularly but one bitter cold night the mow fell and the north wind chilled to the bone. Nest morning a mound of snow at the bank door told the story Of the faithful collie’s supposed trust, and that he had been faithful unto death. 

Dr. M. stopped, his tale was told. All were impressed. tears glistened in the eyes of the more tender-hearted. 

         Our Host Tells His Cat Story,

 Nuts, fruits and Candy were passed around. The jovial company was somewhat subdued by the pathetic narrative of the doctor. An icy blast of wind, hail and snow flailed the north side of the brick mansion. All present naturally drew their chairs closer to the log fire which now threw out a cheerful glow, and at the same time the pitcher of apple toddy on the little side table still stood guard, for its contents were by no means depleted. The evening was young as the clock on the mantel had just struck the hour of ten.

"Ladies and gentlemen," said our jovial host, "The story just told by our guest Dr. M, I doubt not, touched the hearts of all present, setting forth as it does the well known and beautiful devotion so often evinced by the dog for his master. Now, if you will give me a few moments will tell you a true and simple story of how a cat saved his Master's life.” There was ready acquiescence on the part of all the company, so our host told the tale as follows: “Some years ago there I lived in New Kent county an old bachelor whom we will call "Uncle Nat.’ He was only possessed of most scanty means; His little tract of poor land and his small frame domicile being about the extent of his worldly goods (if you will except his Tom cat, Charlie.)

"Living alone and eking out a very precarious living, the old man led a very unobtrusive life.

"The little farm was isolated. Few neighbors called. The old man had been down in bed and sick with chills and fever for ten day a but his neighbors were unaware of his condition. He laid in his bed most of the time, alternately chilled and later  too hot to hardly breathe. 

"One day he, murmured to himself; that if he could get a nice meal of white perch he felt that he would get well. Charlie was curled up on the hearth, apparently fast asleep, but all of a sudden he rose, stretched himself and crossed the little room to his master's bedside, mewing and purring and  making every cat sign that he wanted to get out. 

"Painfully the old man dragged himself from his bed. hobbled across the room, opened the door and leaving it ajar, reached his bed and drew the faded coverlet over him. 

"Exhaustion brought on a troubled sleep from which he presently awoke. His fever-disturbed mind almost reeled. When, opening his eyes, he sow his oat enter the room with two fine white perch which, after depositing on the hearth, he jumped on his master’s bed and began to fondle him. Tears sprang in the old man's eyes as he realized this act of perfect devotion on the part of Charlie, for all of us know that it takes some sort of a cat to resist eating a fresh fish.

"Slowly Uncle Nat arose from his bed. built a small fire cleaned, cooked and ate the fish. (Charlie getting the heads, trimmings and bones).

"That night the old man slept very quietly. 

"The next morning, In fact every day for a week, Charlie brought a couple of big white perch. His owner was perfectly astounded, but he was, at the same time, recovering very rapidly.

The Mystery Solved

‘On a beautiful autumn morning the old man was sufficiently strengthened to admit of his going out for a walk, but first he cooked the last two perch that Charlie had brought him. These, with a strong cup of coffee and a hot corn pone, set him up.

"After his meal he laid down on the bed and Charlie went out. stealthily his owner followed at a distance, but always keeping his cat In view. Charlie went on down the little path which lead from the house to the Chickahominy River. His owner keeping in sight and this is what greeted his bewildered eyes as he neared ever the bank from behind a big pine tree. Charlie was seen walk out on a log that stretched far into the sluggish waters.  He seated himself on the log, allowing his tail to hang in the water. Suddenly he flirted a big perch out on the land, the fish having grasped Charlie's tall for bait, soon another perch was landed to like manner and Charlie strolled leisurely to the shore, took up the two fish by their tails and proceeded up the path home. Here was the explanation of the two perch each day for ’Uncle Nat,’ ” 

“Oh! what a beautiful story,’’ exclaimed the ladies in one voice. 

“Oh, dear, what a wonderful cat.” carolled another sweet feminine to the men. 

"Well I'll be dog-gone.”, chorused the men.

"I have never heard of such a thing," ejaculated Dr. M; "tops the dog story all round. Bless my soul, what a cat."

 The clock on the wall chimed 11:30. The fire was now only a mass dying embers. The pitcher of apple toddy which had stood on the side table was empty and the call to bed was imperative. As we severally fell asleep puzzling ideas floated our sleepy brains as some tried to study out just how that cat caught the perch with his tail for bait, how he understood in the beginning his "marster's" plea for fresh fish.

-The Richmond Evening Journal, 22 December 1915

Another Lanexa Train Wreck - 1908

 

 JOHN CHALKLEY RIDE TO DEATH

 Killed on Engine After Applying Brakes When Machine Jumped the Track. 

BAGGAGEMASTER AND FIREMAN BADLY HURT 

Fast Train Coming from Newport News Wrecked Near Lanexa Just Before Noon. All Passengers Uninjured.

 Engineer John R. Chalkley. one of the oldest employees of the Chesapeake and Ohio railway, in charge of one of the fast trains between this city and Newport News, was instantly killed near Lanexa to-day about 11:30 o'clock, while his train was coming to RICHMOND.

 The engine Jumped the track three hundred a mile this side of Lanexa, turning over on its side, crushing the life out of the engineer. The engineer died at his post, and to his rare presence of mind, his duty to those on his train, a Score might have been killed to-day.

 The train is one of the fastest on the road, and Engineer Chalkley, noted for his daring and coolness, has been pulling the train for years. An examination »f the engine shows that when it left the track the engineer shut off the steam and applied the emergency brakes. But it was too late to save himself, and the monster steel pile rolled over and caught him.

 The engine and the baggage car only left the track, the cars coming to a stop in short order. Not one of the passengers received more than a scare and a shaking up, with slight bruises. The fireman, Robert Walkley, was badly injured, and the baggage-master was a so severely hurt, the heavy baggage striking him and inflicting painful injuries. 

RUSHED AID TO SUFFERERS.

 Only the most meagre information of the accident came to the offices of the company for some hours, and this was promptly given out by the railroad people. The first thing done was to get a crew to man the wrecking train and to get coaches to send down to bring the passengers on to this city. Physicians were hurriedly summoned, and in an hour after the news of the accident the train had been made up, the surgeons were aboard and the train was on its way to the scene of the accident. Drs. Brock, Bryan. McCarthy and Taylor were on the train. 

 The train is one of the handsomest that goes out of the city. The cars are modern, heavy built, well appointed and substantial. Their construction is the very best possible, and the fact that the cars are of such build prevented the possible further loss of life when they struck the wrecked engine and baggage car.

 Just what caused the accident is not known. The point where the engine left the track is at a curve this side of Lanexa. The track is constantly watched by track-walkers, and every precaution is taken to prevent any sort of mishap.

 The passengers will reach this city same time during the afternoon, probably about 3 o’clock. The railroad officials say that the track will be cleared in ample time for the trains to pass through at 4 o'clock, when the fast train leaves here for Old Point.

 Engineer "Johnny” Chalkley was about fifty years old. He had been in the employ of the company for thirty years. His home was at 2306 East Broad street. The officials expressed great feeling for the unfortunate man when they heard that he had stuck to his post and gone down to death with his engine in protecting the life of his passengers.

 "He was one of the bravest of men. he was loyal to the company and to the welfare of his passengers,” said one of the high officials of the company today. “If it had been necessary for John Chalkley to have laid his arm across the track to stop the train or to save one of his passengers, he would not have hesitated a moment. I believe that he would have sacrificed his life to prevent injury to the train and passengers. He was a faithful and appreciated employee "

-News Leader, 19 September 1908

The engineer John Randolph Chalkley, 54,  is the same Engineer Chalkley from the train incident in July 1905 that killed two men that was posted here on November 10.

About fifty carriages were used In the funeral procession of John Randolph Chalkley. the engineer of the Chesapeake and Ohio railway who was killed near Lanexa Saturday, the last rites over his body having been held In the family home, 2306 East Broad street, and in Oakwood cemetery yesterday afternoon. It was one of the largest funerals seen In that section of the city In a long time. 

-News Leader, 22 September 1908

 

First Minister Corinth Baptist

 To Unveil Tablet To Church’s First Pastor 

NEW KENT, Va., June 18.—A tablet in memory of the late Rev. John Avery Richardson, founder and first pastor, who served faithfully for 21 years, will be unveiled at Corinth Baptist Church, New Kent Court House, Sunday, June 22.

 The church was organized in 1878. The original church was burned In 1910 and was replaced by the present building in 1912. There will be all-day services at this occasion and dinner will be served on the grounds.

-Suffolk News-Herald,  18 June 1930

From the book, Virginia Baptist Ministers,

JOHN A RICHARDSON 

John A. Richardson was born Sept 6, 1826 His parents who were "highly respected" gave him "all of the advantages of the neighborhood schools." In 1847 he was married to Miss A.E. Timberlake. Of this union three children were born. In 1879 he was married to Miss A.L. Binford, his first wife having died in 1875. Of this second marriage seven children were born. During the Civil War he served in the army with gallantry. Not until after this struggle was he impressed that it was his duty to preach. It is suggested that the thought of God's mercy which had guarded him from so many perils during this time of danger, led him to enter the ministry. After a careful study of the Bible he went to Rev. J.H. Barnes and made known the fact that strong convictions had decided him to unite with the Baptists. He was received into the fellowship of Liberty Church (Dover Association) of which Mr Barnes was pastor, and here on August 26, 1876, he was ordained. In January, 1878, he accepted the care of the Antioch Baptist Church Dover Association. He resigned this church in 1890, but only because the moderator of the Association was seeking to consolidate fields. This change was a distinct sacrifice to him. He left true friends to enter upon work with new and untried brethren; nor was his salary on his new field as large as it had been. From Antioch he went to the pastorate of Emmaus in New Kent County. In 1877 he did missionary work at New Kent Courthouse that led to the building there of the Corinth Baptist Church which was dedicated in November, 1878. He at once became the pastor, and remained in this office until shortly before his death, when he resigned whereupon he was made emeritus pastor. As a preacher he was earnest, sympathetic, forceful, with the missionary spirit. He gave liberally of his own means and was careful that every object of the General Association should be presented to his churches no blanks stood opposite the names of his churches in the list of contributions. Rev. J.T. Tucker who knew his work for twenty years and on whose tribute to him this sketch is mainly based says: "I have never known a serious division to arise in any one of his churches nor the desire of even a few that he should resign To me it seemed that all men loved him." His death took place February 10, 1900. 

- Virginia Baptist Ministers. 4th Series, George Braxton Taylor,    J. P. Bell Company, Incorporated, 1913

His "highly respected" parents were George Washington Richardson and Susan née Goddin.

 

THANKSGIVING DOWN IN NEW KENT 

FOX HUNTING PARTIES HAVE A SIX-HOUR CHASE, BUT FAIL TO LAND QUARRY

                     (By J. A. Wright.) 

ROXBURY, VA., Dec. 1—(Special to The Evening Journal).—Thanksgiving Day was generally observed in New Kent. Fox hunting parties were out as usual. The sport was fine, but the same old fox I spoke of before, after six hours of hard running, got away again and is yet roaming at will.

Among those in the chase, with fine dogs, were L. J. Boze. Willie and George Ellyson. R. F. Nantx(sic), Parker Shearwood and others. 

The fair sex all had fine Thanksgiving dinners with their friends and loved ones. 

Circuit Court for New Kent ended Friday after being in session four days. Several criminal cases were disposed of this term. 

Mr. R.W. Nantx. who holds a responsible position at the Hopewell powder plant, has returned to his place of business. He speaks of great things being done there, but reports of the disorderly element are greatly overrated. 

Miss Sammis Provo, of Liberty Hall, is visiting her sister, Mrs. Richardson in Richmond. 

Miss Ida Bailey, of Locust Grove, has accepted a position in Richmond. 

Messrs. Charles Palmatrio and James Wright were in Richmond last Wednesday on business 

R. T. Clarke, one of New Kent's oldest and most respected citizens, is ill at his home, near Quinton.

- The Evening Journal (Richmond),  1 December 1915

"Six Days in the Woods" - 1961

Schools Close for Hunting

Providence Forge, VA.,

Nov. 22 (AP)- Schools in game-rich Charles City and Kent Counties shouldn't be plagued too much this year with truants during the hunting season. Pupils were given this entire week off. 

Schools boards in the two counties granted a three-day holiday the first of the week to coincide with the hunting season. With the traditional two-day Thanksgiving holiday and Saturday, the young hunters have six days in the woods. 

G.M. Hodge, Superintendent of Schools in both counties, said the pupils always get a three day holiday when teachers attend workshop sessions. These workshops were scheduled to coincide with the start of hunting season in an attempt to cut down on the usual absentee rate.

-The Washington Post, Nov 23, 1961

Car Theft, Poor Hunting and the Sad Effect of the Dog Tax - 100 Years Ago

 

QUINTON 

Everything seems quiet here; the bootlegger has gone from this section, it is reported, so have the  prohibition officers. Let all go. As long as my neighbors keep on hand the juice of the grape and blackberry for home use I need not worry. Crowds of New Kent people went to Richmond Saturday to celebrate Armistice Lay. The weather and roads were fine. All report a great time. One young man who went up in his nice new car tells of an experience that nearly cost him his $2,000 car. He said he stopped in front of Miller & Rhoads to make a small purchase and was in the store only a little while. When he returned to get his car, or the one he thought was his, he found seated in it, at the wheel, a beautiful lady with a child by her side. “That is my car, I think,” said the young man to himself, but mine had no lady left in it.” He went past to see if he made a mistake and thought of a piece of wire he had picked up in the road on the way to Richmond and made fast to the side of the car, as he might need it. He returned; there he found the wire as he had left it. He politely told the lady it was his car. "Please excuse me,” she said, “I was so tired I just wanted to rest ” She politely got out with the child and begged to be forgiven. Of course she was. The young man said he noticed two finely dressed and handsome young men who would walk back and forth and look in the store then at the lady in the car, who seemed to be an up-to-date flapper. Had he stayed a few minutes longer, at some given signal from the men the tired beauty would have been on the way to North Carolina. Of course she was only used as a decoy for the men who watched him so closely. But he is now at home, so is his car, and he is happy. Two new cars have been stolen in Richmond owned in New Kent: one was Mr. R. T. Southall’s, the other that of Mr. Elwood Mountcastle, which never have been recovered, or ever will be, as it happened twelve months ago. There is now much sickness in this section. Scarlet fever and diphtheria that have been in many homes now seem to be under control of medical skill and only a few cases are reported. There has been only one death, that of Littleberry Tunstall. Mrs. R. T. Provo, is ill at her home, “Liberty Hall.” She is 72 years old and little hope is entertained for her recovery. Her daughters, Mrs. Grover Richardson, Mrs. Linwood Bailey, Mrs. A.R. Moore, and Mrs. Garthwright of Richmond are with her. For the first time for many months the supervisors have a force of hands on the roads doing some fine work. There are two new overseers over the force. Hugh P. Fisher for St. Peters district and Rosser Moran for Black Creek. Both young men are experts in trench digging. This they learned when overseas. Both are proving expert road builders. No better choice could have been made by the supervisors, as they proved brave boys in the World War and deserve all that is good, for it is only the brave deserve the fair.

Cold and dry weather is making hunting a failure. Thus far little game has been found of any kind. Rabbits and deer, so plentiful last year, have left this section apparently; very few partridges are ever seen afield should not be killed. Where is that familiar sound so often heard to rise in years gone by? At daylight on every hand could be heard the calls of Bob White. Never hear them now; foxes, minks and cats, with the pot hunter, have driven them away or destroyed their nests and the young birds. This dog law is good in some cases but when the fox hunter had to kill his fine pack of fox dogs then old Reynard had his day. We can not afford to pay $3 for a female to raise from. As soon as born all females are destroyed. I have seen seven or eight beautiful fox dogs killed at one time, seven thoroughbred Gordon and Irish setters drowned from one litter — can not pay the tax. Let the foxes take charge of all fowl and game. 

Truthful Jeems.

-West Point News, 17 November 1922

The dog law referred to . . .

H.L. Baker, of Buckingham and Cumberland, put through what is known as the Baker Dog Law, Chapter 390, Acts of 1918, regarded as the most comprehensive legislation of its kind in the United States.

The Baker law makes it mandatory for each person owning or having a dog under his or her control, or upon the promises upon which he or she resides, on the first day of February in each year to pay a tax of one dollar on a male, and of three dollars on a female, and should an unlicensed dog come into his or her possession, or a puppy become six months of age after the first day of February in any year, then the license tax must forthwith be paid. Commissioners of the Revenue are required to list all dogs for taxation, and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is especially charged with enforcing the law, which became effective July 1, 1919.

 -Front Royal Record, 20 October 1922

Returning Heroes 1919- Pt. III

 

New Kent News 

ROXBURY, VA July K.—August 7 has been set as the date for the big home-coming reception to be tendered the fighting men of our section and arrangements are being made to have the occasion one of the biggest events ever held in New Kent county. The whole county is urged to take part. Music, both vocal and instrumental, will enliven the occasion, it is expected that prominent speakers will be present, A dinner will be served the boys in the evening. Members of the Red Cross chapters of the county win that they ere amply provided With the good things for which old Virginia is famed. Every white soldier of New Kent is expected to be present and bring with him those he holds most dear. Arrangements have been made to take care of New Kent’s colored soldiers at a date which leading members of their race will shortly announce. This is a county celebration and the whole county is asked to give it full support.

-Evening Journal,  15 July 1919

 New Kent Welcomes Soldiers. 

WEST POINT. VA . August 8 Thursday was a gala day at New Kent Courthouse, when the county and surrounding counties met to honor the  returning soldiers in a great picnic, giving to the soldiers and their friends a cordial welcome. Notwithstanding the very hot weather people from all over the section and from Richmond were astir early to attend the rally. Many West Point people went. 

-Richmond Times-Dispatch, 8 August 1919

You will notice that despite the "whole county being urged to take part," the homecoming celebration was segregated. Unfortunately I have been unable to find any mention of any other celebration. 

Returning Heroes 1919- Pt. II

 

NEW KENT BOYS HOME AFTER FACING TWO SETS OF ENEMIES 

Picnic to Be Spread at Courthouse in Honor of War Veterans. 

Roxbury, Va-, June 7.—(Special.)— 

 New Kent county soldiers, who faced two sets of enemies, the Huns and the cooties, have returned from overseas, having taken part in the recent homecoming parades in RICHMOND. Some of the boys have already gotten hold of the plow handles and now helping to reduce the high cost of living. Several of the boys are stronger and better physically than when they left home.

 Rosser L. Provo, youngest son of R.O.(sic) Provo, of Quinton, is among the world war veterans now at home. He became a member of the Richmond fire department when he was 18 years old and served two years in the position before joining the colors of his country and receiving military training at Camp Lee. He is a crack rifle shot. 

 He has doffed his uniform for overalls to aid his only brother in a corn crop. He will resume his position as a member of the Richmond fire department next Monday.

 Hugh Fisher, Son of G.E. Fisher, county treasurer, has also returned from France and resumed work on his father’s farm. Hugh saw some pf the hardest fighting and went “over the top" three times, not being wounded a single time. He was promoted to the position of sergeant.

 New Kent county citizens are now planning to give a big picnic in honor of the returned heroes. The picnic will be held at the county courthouse. 

-News Leader, 7 June 1919

Hugh Pearson Fisher(28 Apr 1894-29 Mar 1968)  was a 23 year old farmer when called up in 1917. The Find a Grave link on his name above has a nice bio as well as a photograph of him in his uniform. He was a Sergeant in Co. F, 318 Infantry Regiment.

New Kent News 

QUINTON. VA., July 3.—Board of Supervisors met at the courthouse Tuesday and great preparations are being made for a picnic to be given of the boys from overseas by New Kent folks.

 Red Cross will give a moving picture show at Quinton school house - Monday evening. July 7, at 1:30 o'clock. An address will be made-by an overseas veteran. 

 Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Tunstall are quite sick at their home near Roxbury. Mr. Tunstall was badly hurt by a young mule.

 R.D. Provo, who has been in a hospital in Richmond where a delicate operation was performed, is now home.

 Our young men have returned home and gone to farming. Among those who have put aside the uniform and who are wearing overalls are: Hugh Fisher, R.E Provo, Gilbert Black, Sterling and Forest Atchison.  Messrs. Wood and Higgins, of Quinton, served in the Eightieth division and were in five hard-fought battles. The Hun bullets, failed to stop them, but cupid captured them single-handed. They were married Tuesday to two sisters, daughters  of Mr. and Mrs. George Mantlo, of Quinton. 

-Evening Journal,  3 July 1919

The Wood and Higgins mentioned above have to be Euric Hamilton Higgins and Myrtland Peace Wood who married  Minnie and Ruby Mantlo daughters of George Edward Mantlo on June 18, 1919 in New Kent.

Returning Heroes 1919

 

 NEW KENT READY TO WELCOME ITS RETURNED HEROES

 QUINTON. VA.. May 31— While a large number of young men, both white and colored, from this section was in the hardest fighting, only one was killed —Young Timberlake*. Rosser Provo†, of the Twenty-ninth division, after two years- service, arrived home Friday, He tails of the deeds of daring done by the American boys. While he is a fine shot, he modestly tells of his own experiences, but others tell of his deadly aim as a sharpshooter. He has two slight wounds on one arm and the effects of the deadly gas is shown on his hands Though quite young, he left New Kent and joined the Richmond fire department. This he left to go overseas to fight for his country. Of fifteen young men who left with him only five returned. 

R.D. Provo, of Quinton, who was taken to Richmond a few days ago for an operation, reported in a critical condition with little hope of recovery. A grand reception will be given the New Kent boys when they return home by friends and relatives. The exercises will be held at the courthouse in their honor. A fine dinner will be provided.

-Evening Journal (Richmond), 31 May 1919

*That is James Whitfield Timberlake of Barhamsville. A 27 year old box maker living in Richmond. The son of James Lycurgus and Harriet Timberlake, James was a Marine of the 6 USMC Regiment. He is listed as dying of wounds on 19 June 1918 which matches up with the regiment's participation in  the Aisne-Marne Offensive. He is buried at the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery and Memorial.

†Rosser Edward Provo, 26, had been a fireman at Station 13 in Richmond. R.D. Provo is, I assume, his father Robert Dawson Provo who lived until 1935.  Rosser Provo died in 1983 at the age of 86.

"A Mile a Minute" 1905

 

                                    FAST MAIL TRAIN KILL TWO MEN

          White Farmer and Negro Track Walker Are Instantly Killed.

                               GO TO MEET FLYER ON VELOCIPEDE CAR

Mystery Surrounds the Accident. Track Walker Knew of Approaching Express. Engineer Says Neither Man Made Any Move to Escape Death.

 

 Mr. A.A. Laudell, a farmer, and William Winfred, a colored track walker in the employ of the railroad, were struck by Chesapeake and Ohio train No. 8 on yesterday afternoon and Instantly killed.

 The scene of the accident was one-half a mile east of Windsor Shades. The men were upon the velocipede car belonging to the section master of the division, and, strange as it may seem, were going west to meet the approaching train. 

 The fast flyer of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway left the Main Street station, at Richmond 4 P.M. on his usual race to Newport News. A mile a minute is no unusual speed for No. 8 to make on straight stretches.

 After leaving Windsor Shades the engineer, Mr. Chalkley, on engine No. 71 saw on the straight track ahead of him a hand-car containing two men. It was impossible to stop the fast moving train, and besides he thought the men on the car would certainly jump to save their lives. They made not the slightest movement, however, for safety, and simply advanced to met their death. The straight stretch of track is of some length at this point; the sound of an approaching train can be heard there for a great, distance, and William Winfred, the track walker, was familiar with the train schedules and was aware that the fast train was due at that time. The fact that the men were on the main track and were approaching an express train which was known to be due, lends an air of mystery to the unhappy occurrence. 

            Who the Men Are.

 Mr. A. A. Laudell is a farmer who resides about a mile from Walker's Station, which is about eight miles from Providence Forge.

 William Winfred, the negro track walker, is highly spoken of by railroad men. They say he was a good and careful employee and they cannot understand how he rushed willingly into the very jaws of death. He was familiar they say with the time of passing trains and was a temperate man in his habits.

The accident occurred about 4:40 P.M. 

The bodies of the unfortunate men were turned over to the Coroner, who will summons a Jury this morning. It is said that no blame attaches to the Engineer Chalkley of the railroad.

-The Times Dispatch, July 5, 1905

More on Engineer Chalkey soon

A Lonely Road and Two Foot-pads

 

           TAKES REFUGE IN HOLLOW TREE

"Truthful Jeems" Tells a Remarkable Story of a Hold up in New Kent

Roxbury. Va.. July 28.

 Messrs. C. D. Binns and Bryan Ewan, of this place, who were held up Friday night, in a lonely road by two foot-pads, while returning from a visit to some young ladies, is yet in a nervous state. Not thinking of any danger, leisurely singing some love song, feeling good perhaps from some sweet word spoken by their lady love. When in a dark spot a call to halt was heard from the bushes followed by two shots, the young men became frightened and they ran several miles. More shots were fired when young Mr. Binns fell prostrate upon the ground crying he was shot, but fortunately he was only frightened. Young Ewan left his friend calling for help. The shots out on the midnight air and the calling for help by young Ewan woke up the neighborhood. Soon all quieted down and Mr. Binns go home safe, but lost a pair of gold rimmed spectacles and a fine watch charm. A searching party found young Ewan the next morning hatless and shoeless, in a hallow tree. The young men say they will stay home at nights and the girls will come and see them.

  - Virginia Gazette, August 1, 1908

Opening a Coffin- 1884

         Another Halloween appropriate story . . .

                                                    NEW KENT COUNTY.

A Mysterious Affair- Opening a coffin on Which There was No Address.

[correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]

    Wilcox Wharf, June 7. 1884.

A few weeks ago a large coffin from which the address had been lost was landed at one of the depots on the Chesapeake and Ohio railway in New Kent county. It was placed in the depot. The people of the neighborhood wondered where it came from and who was inside, and curiosity began to run high on the second day after its arrival, when no one called for it. Then, too, it began to be offensive, the agent said, and others began to hold their noses as they peeped in to look at it. One old gentleman said his family were offended by it a hundred yards away. It grew worse and  worse as the weather warmed, and something had to be done. Crowds began to collect to and hear some solution of the mystery, where did he come from, and what was his destination? How long was the corpse to remain? A proposition was made to bury it. It would make everybody sick. The agent could stand it no longer. But they must know who the corpse was if any trace could be had from a view of it. So it was decided to unscrew the coffin. Fifteen men gathered around, all but one holding their noses. This man said he could smell nothing, but he had a cold, and he supposed that accounted for it. So an expert took out the screws, and the crowd gently lifted the lid, each with one hand, the other hand to a nose, when lo! there were six other coffins packed in the big one like hats in a box.

The pall-bearers let down the lid, took down their nose-hands, looked very solemn and walked away; but as they went one man said, "It's no use to blab about it." But the man who had a cold in his head and could not detect anything offensive did blab, and so you have it.

                                           I.H.C.

-Daily Dispatch, June 08, 1884

What's In a Name - Maidstone

Postcard illustrated by M. F. Peck

 It is not by accident that the commercial/residential development in the village of New Kent was named Maidstone in 2008. Maidstone is a town of 120,000 in southeastern England, on the river Medway. Maidstone is "county town" or administrative center of the county of some 1,500,000 people.

A settlement since Neolithic times, notable sites inside the town include the palace of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Fourteenth Century building was the rural residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury until passing into the hands of Henry VIII. It is now a wedding venue.

The Palace as seen from the river Medway

"Invicta Lane" is the first entrance road of the Maidstone development as you arrive  from the east, the name originating in the Latin motto of the county of Kent, meaning "unconquered." Other roads in the development: "Allington Castle" named for a Twelfth  Century castle just north of Maidstone, "Knockholt" for a village on the eastern border of Kent with London, "Leeds Castle" for  a castle some seven miles southeast of Maidstone dating from 1823 (though a fortification has been on the site for approximately a 1000 years), and "Broadstairs" for a village on the North Sea on the far western tip of Kent.

The rather interesting maps of Kent used here are from a postcard by 20th Century artist M.F. Peck.

A Coffin for Keeping

 

In keeping with the Halloween story I present . . .

 

A strange story was brought here to day, from New Kent, the truth of which is vouched for. Last week Mr. J.H. Christian, an eccentric old gentleman, was taken very ill und he thought he could not recover. He sent to Tunstall's for an undertaker to come and take his measure for a coffin, which he did. The initial box was made and taken to Mr. Christian's who approved it. He is now much better, him will no-over, but will keep the box until he needs it.

- Norfolk Virginian,  18 August 1895

"There is Always Something Doing at Roxbury" - September 1922

 

 ROXBURY

 Items from Charles City and New Kent.

 As The News is finding its way into homes of both counties, I will try to speak of those good people. As I have written before of this beautiful little town of Roxbury, I can not find much to say, jet there is always something doing at Roxbury.

 I can but feel proud of that New Kent boy, Grover McCann, agent and operator at that place; a life that is certainly an inspiration for any young man, only to see what honesty, sobriety and determination will win. Only a few years ago, when but a boy, he learned telegraphy at Walkers, Va., and has held positions for many years with the C. & O.. R.R. Co. Yet quite a young man, he has from push and pluck bought fine farms, has a pretty home and a family of a faithful wife and two beautiful little boys. It is one of the happiest and most beautiful homes in the Peninsula section.

 Then there is R. B. Henley, an old Essex boy, one of the most popular in this section. He has retired from the mercantile business and is now in the insurance business. He too has a beautiful home and a devoted wile. All he lacks to make the family ties strong and binding is a little Henley boy and girl, then all will be complete.

 Parker Sherwood, another Essex boy, was located here for some time, but now with his pretty wife and little girl is located at Williamsburg. He is brother-in-law of Mr. Henley and is doing fine also in the insurance business. There is some "pep” in in these two fine agents.

 There are others I should like to mention who are an honor to their adopted county.

 There are fine crops of all kinds in this section, but the melon crop, owing to the railroad strike, was a loss. Only a few got the price of their fertilizer bill back. The farmer will find out better; let this perishable crop alone; confine themselves to substantial crops.

 One young farmer told the writer today who had just returned from Richmond, that there is no sale for anything. Sweet potatoes now are only 50 cents a bushel, and no one has money, as thousands are out of work. No one attempts to pull fodder, no labor to be had, or they will not work on the farm for less than $1.25 a day, 8-hour system. No farmer can afford to pay such prices.

 The question now being asked is, Where is the central highway going to connect with the old Williamsburg route? A large crowd is now surveying a new route, cutting out about 10 miles of the central route, leaving Roxbury, Long bridge, Glendale out. Why they chose such route no one can tell. Of course it will cost millions to complete this route, but. it is a straight line from Richmond to Newport News. Bottom bridge, a substantial, concrete bridge, is already built to stand all heavy traffic. No one can tell where the connection will be made, or when.

 "I want a good job,” said a young man some time ago. "with little work and big pay.” 

"Then get a government job,” he was told.

 It seems all true, when one sees the surveyors of the highway get on the job at 10 o’clock and leave at 3 o'clock. The advice was good.

 Go through the woods now. One can see well-beaten paths in every direction, leading nobody knows where. But the bootlegger is on the job, for a few nights ago, while out coon hunting, the dogs were treeing a coon when the old darky hastened to them and suddenly went head foremost into a full barrel of mash ready to run. But no one was in sight or still found. It is said this was in the wilds of Chickahominy, where no prohibition officers ever go. If he did, he’d just as well kiss his wife good-bye when he leaves home; it is doubtful if ever he returns, for the bootlegger is a desperate character.

 It is said the spirits of the departed will return, but the spirit of old John Barleycorn never makes its appearance here for we keep a lookout for it; but it certainly visits some sections, for a sight often seen is a man running with his hat in his hand trying to get away from or get in the way of, the spirit(s). 

J. A. W.

                    

-West Point News,  15 September 1922

 

 Airplane No. 56, in charge of Lieutenant Saunders, is stranded on the New Kent side of the Pamunkey over on the Brick House farm, opposite West Point, and for the past thirty-six hours crowds of people have visited it. The airplane was plying between Norfolk and Washington when the gas gave out.

-Richmond Times-Dispatch, 9 February 1919

Only some 16 years after the Wright Brothers first flight this would have been the first sight most civilian residents of New Kent had ever had of an aircraft.

New Kent for Zachary Taylor

 

 Nomination of General Zachary Taylor as a Candidate for the next Presidency, by the People.

 

 Saturday week, the 8th inst., being the day of Regimental Parade, a large number of the citizens of New Kent and Charles City counties, composing the 52d Regiment,* assembled at the Forge in New Kent; and the Parade being over, a meeting was held, without distinction of party, to nominate Gen. Taylor for the next Presidency.

 The meeting was organized by the appointing of Col. E.G. Crump as Chairman, and Wm. R.C. Douglass as Secretary and its object having been appropriately explained by the committee or is appointed to report proceedings  in accordance therewith; which motion prevailed, and the following gentlemen named as said committee: Doct. Robt. S. Apperson, Hill Carter, A.H. Fergusson, Col. Jno. S. Stubblefield, Jacquelin L. Poindexter, Rich'd. Crump, Dr. Wm. R. Savage, Canellene C. Fowlkes, R. T. Lacy, Dr. G.W. Morriss, Wm. Fowlkes, Braxton Garlick and Wm R. C. Douglas, who, after a short retirement, returned and reported through their chairman, Dr. Apperson, the subjoined preamble and resolution, which were submitted to the meeting in the usual manner, and adopted with but one dissenting voice.

 When the committee returned with their report Thos. H. Willcox, Esq., was in the midst of an address, the soul-stirring sentiments of which elicited frequent bursts of applause.

 The meeting was also addressed, in very handsome style, by Messrs. Hill Carter, R.T. Lacy and John Walker; and the only thing that occurred to mar, in the slightest degree, the harmony of its proceedings, was the position which Mr. Walker fell constrained to occupy in reference to them. Differing with the meeting as to the propriety of nominating Gen. Taylor, he nevertheless expressed the commendable sentiment that the People's choice should be his choice.

                                     Preamble and Resolution.

 Whereas, we are of opinion that the high state of party feeling, which has existed for the last twelve or fifteen years, has been deleterious both to our interests-and to our social relations, and whereas we have entire confidence in the fitness of Gen. ZACHARY TAYLOR for the Presidency, and believe that his nomination for that office by the People, without distinction of party, and without reference to his opinions upon those questions that have hereto divided parties, will tend in a great degree to foster a spirit conducive of good alike to our interests and to our social relations- Therefore,

 Resolved, That we do hereby nominate Gen Zachary Taylor as the People's Candidate for the next Presidency, and pledge ourselves to use every honorable effort to ensure his election.

 On motion of Capt. Braxton Garlick, it was, 

 R'solved, That these proceedings be signed by the Chairman and Secretary; and that the Whig and Democratic papers in Richmond, Norfolk and Petersburg be requested to publish them.

 On motion, the meeting then adjourned.

  E.G. CRUMP, Chairman. 

Wm. R.C. Douglas, Secretary.

 -Richmond Enquirer,  25 May 1847

Zachary Taylor would go on to claim the Whig nomination for Presidency in 1848 and would win the election in November. He would carry New Kent with 178 votes against 101 for the Democrats' Lewis Cass. This is not really surprising considering that New Kent was considered a strong Whig county.

The 52 Regiment was the militia regiment composed of the militia companies of New Kent and Charles City.

                         

                           JEALOUSY CAUSE OF FIGHT AT ROXBURY 

Ladies Fainted When Boys Started Row in Front of School 

(By J. A. Wright.) 

ROXBURY, VA„ May 14.—Since my last letter many unexpected incidents have occurred; fortunately, nothing serious. At the closing exercises of the Graded School near Quinton Friday night a large crowd attended. The program consisted of recitations, music and songs. Every seat was filled. All seemed happy when a fight outside was started by some young men. The battle raged with fury. Many ladies fainted. It was a disgraceful scene, and has cast a shadow, over this section.

 Five of the young men were arrested. They were tried Saturday by 'Squire, C. C. Tunstall and each fined -$25 and costs. The lecture that Mr. Tunstall gave them will follow them through life, it is hoped. Jealousy was the cause of the row.

 Young Higgins, who is quite a favorite with the ladies, has strewn the path along lovers' fame with thorns instead of flowers. So several others decided to get rid of this young man by force. But they selected the wrong time and place, which they have found out to their sorrow.

             Fred S. Bock Postmaster.

 At last, alter a hard-fought battle for postmaster at this place for several months, Mr. Fred S. Bock* has been appointed postmaster to succeed Mr. L. H. Rowzie. Mr. George Binns, with many years' experience, will be his assistant. 

 Roxbury is one of the best paying fourth-class post offices in the Peninsula, with two rural routes running out and one star route.

 Mr. Rowzie has made many friends here. Not a complaint was ever heard by the patrons of the office or the department. All wish him well in his new held of operations.

 This appointment was no political pull, for both Mr. Bock and Mr. Rowzie are staunch Republicans. The honor was won by merit alone. Mr. Bock standing highest on examination.

  The political situation is at fever heat now as to the congressional honors between Senator L. O. Wendenburg and Congressman A. J. Montague. No one can foretell results.

 The Methodist churches are preaching prohibition every Sunday. Several have given notice that their pulpits will be supplied for the summer by students, while the pastors go out in the highways and byways to stump for the prohibition ticket.

 No one will venture to predict the result of the September election. 

Personal News.

  There will be an all-day service at Olivet Church Sunday. A large crowd is expected to attend the unveiling of the monument by the Woodmen of the World to the late Forest Gilliam, of Providence Forge.

 Misses Bessie and Sammie Provoo, with Mr. Parker Shearwood and Mr. Richardson, who have been visiting relatives in New Kent, returned to Richmond Sunday.

  All Sunday schools in this section are now in a flourishing condition. 

 Preparations are being made for an excursion to Buckroe Beach this summer over the Chesapeake arid Ohio.

-Evening Journal, 14 May 1914

Fred Stanley Bock (21 Jul 1878- 2 May 1936)

Engagement at Slatersville- 1862

 The selection below is from the book, From Yorktown to Santiago with the Sixth U. S. Cavalry, by William Harding Carter, published in 1900. The 6th US Cavalry was one of those rarities in the Civil War, a professional regular army regiment. The story picks up during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862 right after the Battle of Williamsburg.

On May 7th the regiment left Williamsburg in pursuit of the enemy, and after a march of about five miles , overtook the rear guard, with which the carbine squadron, composed of B and H companies, became engaged. After a brief but lively skirmish the enemy withdrew. Nine men were wounded in this affair and were left to be cared for in houses in the vicinity. 

The pursuit was continued and on the 9th the advance reached Slatersville about 3 p.m. reported to the regimental commander that a detachment of about twenty Confederate cavalrymen were near by, and he sent a part of Captain Lowell's¹ squadron, consisting of fifty-five men, and Captain Sanders'² company of thirty-two men, to make a detour of the town and cut them off. Soon after the column started a vedette was discovered in the edge of the woods on the right of the village. He signaled to the company of cavalry to which he belonged and it wheeled about. Captain Lowell, who was in advance, immediately took up the gallop, and on reaching the opening he led his squadron to the charge in person. The enemy retreated before the advancing troopers in the direction of some buildings, from which a heavy fire was poured into Captain Lowell's men as soon as the enemy had uncovered them.

At this moment, and before Captain Sanders' company had completely emerged from the wood, a squadron of Confederate cavalry, heretofore concealed , suddenly approached on the left. Captain Sanders' company was immediately diverted from the road through a gap in the fence, and boldly charged down upon the squadron, which greatly exceeded in strength his own force. The sudden attack by Captain Sanders threw the advancing squadron into confusion and caused it to retreat. At this juncture some consternation was produced by the appearance of still another squadron of the enemy advancing rapidly. Captain Sanders showed his signal ability as a cavalryman by rallying his small company, which he had well in hand, wheeling about, charging the Confederate squadron which had last come upon the field, throwing it into confusion and compelling a retreat. 

It was apparent that the the small force was greatly outnumbered and the recall was sounded. Captain Sanders quickly rallied his men and withdrew. Captain Lowell, in the meantime, had pursued through the town beyond the sound of recall, but by prompt action he managed to withdraw before the enemy had recovered sufficiently to recognize the smallness of the force opposed to them. Lieutenants Hutchins³, Whitside⁴ and Coats⁵ were engaged in this affair and were commended for their good conduct. The loss in this action was four killed, eight wounded and three missing. 

The regiment was very proud of this little fight, for the companies engaged were greatly outnumbered at every turn, and it was only by the exhibition of perfect confidence and unhesitating courage that the command was enabled to withdraw, after it was discovered that the supposed small detachment of the enemy had suddenly grown to several squadrons, backed up by infantry. 

The Confederates continued their retreat and the regiment remained in close proximity to the rear guard through the 10th and 11th; on the latter date a sharp engagement, lasting nearly two hours, took place at New Kent Court House, when the enemy withdrew and the regiment pushed on to Cumberland Landing, on the Pamunkey river. During the pursuit, near New Kent Court House, the enemy's rear guard was constantly driven back, and Lieutenants Balder⁶ and Kerin⁷ behaved with such fearlessness and gallantry as to call forth a special report to the brigade commander.

¹ Charles R. Lowell (January 2, 1835 – October 20, 1864)- Charles Russell Lowell III rose to the rank of Brigadier General only to be mortally wounded 2 days later at the Battle of Cedar Creek.

² William P. Sanders (August 12, 1833 – November 19, 1863)- William Price Sanders rose to the rank of Brigadier General but was mortally wounded shortly after at the Siege of Knoxville.

³ Benjamin T. Hutchins (14 March 1836 -5 May 1889)-Benjamin Tucker Hutchins finished the war a Colonel. A Harvard graduate and  attorney, he resigned from the  Army in 1869 to go to seminary becoming an Episcopal minister.

⁴ Samuel M. Whitside (January 9, 1839 -December 15, 1904)- Samuel Marmaduke     Whitside finished the war as a Major surviving a major wound at the Battle of Culpepper Courthouse. He continued in the army serving on the frontier and in the Spanish American War, dying in 1904 as Brigadier General. He is the author of the above work.

⁵ Albert Coats  - Coats ended the war as a Lieutenant Colonel.

⁶ Christian Balder- 1st Lieutenant Balder was killed during the Gettysburg campaign at the Battle of Fairfield.

⁷ Joseph Kerin ( d. September 24, 1890) - The Irish born Kerin was captured in 1863 being held captive till exchanged in 1865. He retired from the Army in 1878.

Another good account of this actiona is at the website, Fiddler's Green-Regular Cavalry in the Civil War.