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My last post detailed the 23 men of the 183rd Ohio who were killed or mortally wounded at Franklin.
The 183rd Ohio had 23 men killed or mortally wounded at Franklin. Part of Strickland’s Brigade, the 183rd was a newly formed Regiment and had not seen any action prior to Franklin. The 183rd was on the Carter grounds, just west of the Carter House, when the fighting broke out. Refer to my Google Map to see where the 183rd was placed at Franklin in relation to other Union regiments.
The following is a list of 183rd men who were captured at Franklin and eventually died as POWs. Since the 183rd only had one man captured at Nashville, all of these men below would had to have been captured at Franklin.
Andersonville Prison as it appeared in August 1864. Drawn by Thomas O'Dea, former prisoner.
John Buscroff (age 44 in 1864), Co.H., died on 7/7/65 at Salisbury, NC. Buried at Salisbury National Cemetery.
Samuel Culp (age 24 in 1864), Co.K., died at Columbia, AL 2/28/65. Buried at Marietta National Cemetery.
Marion Folts (age 43 in 1846), Co.D., died at Andersonville 3/15/65. Buried in Andersonville National Cemetery. Grave #12781.
Frederick Fries (age 39 in 1864), Co.E., died on 7/11/65 at Salisbury. Buried at Salisbury National Cemetery.
George Hill (age 20 in 1864), Co.I., died at Andersonville. Buried in Andersonville National Cemetery.
Joseph Hunt (age 27 in 1864), Co.G., died on 1/15/65 en-route from Corinth, MS to Andersonville.
James M. Jenkins (age 22 in 1864), Co.A., died on 6/3/65 at Salisbury, NC. Buried at Salisbury National Cemetery.
Joseph Karch (age 44 in 1864), Co.B., died on 3/20/65 at Andersonville. Buried in Andersonville National Cemetery. Grave #12802.
Henry C. Koogle (age 23 in 1864), Co.G., died on 6/27/65 at Salisbury, NC. Buried at Salisbury National Cemetery.
Christan Jacob A. Lowe (age 41 in 1864), Co.B., died on 7/12/65 at Salisbury, NC. Buried at Salisbury National Cemetery.
Jackson Morehart (age 36 in 1864), Co.A., died on 5/16/65 at Salisbury, NC. Buried at Salisbury National Cemetery.
Robert Mulholland (age 23 in 1864), Co.B., died on 3/2/65 at Andersonvile. Buried in Andersonville National Cemetery. Grave #12717.
Michael O’Brien (age 42 in 1864), Co.G., died on 1/12/65 at Tupelo, MS. Buried at Corinth National Cemetery (MS).
John Posutian (age 43 in 1864), Co. F., died on 1/29/65 at Andersonville. Buried in Andersonville National Cemetery. Grave #12551.
Samuel Strawbridge (age 25 in 1864), Co.K., died on 3/11/65 at Cahaba, AL. Buried at Maretta National Cemetery. Gravesite: L-379.
Alexander Sutherland (age 43 in 1864), Co. A., died on 1/8/65 at Andersonville. Buried in Andersonville National Cemetery.
The 183rd Ohio had 23 men killed or mortally wounded at Franklin. Part of Strickland’s Brigade, the 183rd was a newly formed Regiment and had not seen any action prior to Franklin. The 183rd was on the Carter grounds, just west of the Carter House, when the fighting broke out.
Refer to my Google Map to see where the 183rd was placed at Franklin in relation to other Union regiments.
The American Civil War Research Database reports these casualty stats on the 183rd Ohio at Franklin: 12 killed, 46 wounded, 31 POWs and 9 missing.
Isaac Briggs, 27 years old, Co., A., enlisted in September 1864; died from wounds at Franklin. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
George Burnett, 25 years old, Co., F., enlisted in October 1864; killed at Franklin. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
Mervin Clark, 17 years old when enlisted in June 1861, Field & Staff (Lt. Col.); killed at Franklin. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
Noah Colcher, 32 years old when enlisted in September 1864, Co.F., killed at Franklin. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
Charles R. Ford, 39 years old when enlisted in September 1864, Co.A., killed at Franklin.
August Friedeking, 43 years old when enlisted in September 1864, Co.B., mortally wounded at Franklin. Died in Columbia on January 14, 1865. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
Francis J. Gossard, 26 years old when enlisted in September 1864, Co.A., killed at Franklin. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
Philip Gossard, 41 years old when enlisted in September 1864, Co.A., killed at Franklin. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
Ferdinand Herencourt was 22 years old when he enlisted in November 1864, Co.I., was mortally wounded at Franklin carrying the colors, and died in Cincinnati (1/6/85).
Henry Lambert was 29 years old when enlisted in October 1864, Co.D., killed at Franklin. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
John Lambur was just 16 years old when he enlisted in August 1864, Co. E., he was mortally wounded at Franklin, severe wound in left arm (amputated); died 12/8/64 in Nashville. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.
Joseph Meyer was 23 years old when he enlisted in October 1864, Co.B., was mortally wounded at Franklin, died of wounds on 12/6/64 at Jeffersonville, Indiana. Buried at New Albany National Cemetery (IN), Gravesite B-86.
Daniel Risser was 36 years old when he enlisted in October 1864, Co.B., killed at Franklin. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
William Sheldon was 28 years old when he enlisted in September 1864, Co.A. He was mortally wounded at Franklin and died on 12/17/64 at Nashville. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery, Gravesite: G-145.
Freeman Stokes was just 16 years old when he enlisted in September 1864, Co.F., killed at Franklin. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
Lorence Stork was 40 years old when he enlisted in October 1864, Co.H., mortally wounded at Franklin. Died January 7, 1865 at Nashville. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery, Gravesite: G-411.
George W. Taylor was 29 years old when he enlisted as a Corporal in October 1864, Co.E., mortally wounded at Franklin. Died of wounds 12/18/64 at Franklin, TN. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
Abraham Walker was 33 years old when he enlisted in October 1864, Co.K., killed at Franklin. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
John J. Wiley was 29 years old when he enlisted in August 1864, Co.A., promoted to Corporal, mortally wounded at Franklin. Died of wounds 12/25/64 at Franklin, TN. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
Christian Wolf was 42 years old when he enlisted in October 1864, Co.B., killed at Franklin. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
John Wonderlich was 33 years old when he enlisted in October 1864, Co.C., killed at Franklin. Buried at Stone’s River National Cemetery.
This is a series of posts based on an interview with Williamson County historian Rick Warwick.
Earlier posts include:
- Prominent people in Franklin (c. 1864)?
- Important businesses in Franklin (c. 1864)?
- What was the size of Franklin during the Civil War?
Here is a link to contemporary photos of historic Franklin homes, many near downtown.
How many homes or structures exist in Franklin today that were here in 1864?
I count 28 or 29 in downtown Franklin and add two more if you include the Truett House and Jasmine Grove. then you could add Wyatt hall and Creekside inside the Mack Hatcher.
Your favorite antebellum home in Franklin or Williamson County: no longer standing? Still standing?
Everbright , Westview and the McNutt House are no longer standing. Clouston Hall and Carter House in Franklin.
Sources: Rick Warwick, Williamson County Historical Society
Click to see larger map
I recently emailed historian and author Wiley Sword to see if he’d like to weigh in on the current discussion regarding Hood’s blunder-failure at Franklin. He offered this commentary.
There are a variety of modern viewpoints involving Gen. John Bell Hood’s performance at Spring Hill and Franklin,and there often is some merit with each opinion. On the positive side, Hood was a physically brave soldier, had a burning desire to succeed, and planned his operations on the basis of his considerable experience in combat.
From a negative perspective, Hood was not very adaptive of the innovation required in confronting a new era in the methodology of war, his stubborn nature disallowed constructive criticism , and being prone to blame others he could not accept responsibility for his mistakes. This led, in my opinion, to the ultimate disaster to his army at Franklin. Based upon my extensive research for my book Embrace an Angry Wind, Hood’s greatest critics were his own soldiers. Anyone wishing to explore this aspect should look at the sources listed in my book for each statement, which is based on contemporaneously written materials, not some “Lost Cause” postwar musings.
Hood at Franklin is perhaps best put into perspective by a modern observer asking himself: If I were a member of Hood’s army at Franklin, what would I think; would I willingly go; would I like my chances of surviving?
Or, would I rather have the likes of Robert E. Lee, Pat Cleburne, or Nathan Bedford Forrest calling the shots as to fighting that battle?
There are a variety of modern viewpoints involving Gen. John Bell Hood’s performance at Spring Hill and Franklin,
and there often is some merit with each opinion. On the positive side, Hood was a physically brave soldier, had a
burning desire to succeed, and planned his operations on the basis of his considerable experience in combat.
From a negative perspective, Hood was not very adaptive of the innovation required in confronting a new era
in the methodology of war, his stubborn nature disallowed constructive criticism , and being prone to blame others
he could not accept responsibility for his mistakes. This led, in my opinion, to the ultimate disaster to his army at
Franklin. Based upon my extensive research for my book Embrace an Angry Wind, Hood’s greatest critics were his
own soldiers. Anyone wishing to explore this aspect should look at the sources listed in my book for each statement,
which is based on contemporaneously written materials, not some “Lost Cause” postwar musings.
Hood at Franklin is perhaps best put into perspective by a modern observer asking himself: If I were a member
of Hood’s army at Franklin, what would I think; would I willingly go; would I like my chances of surviving?
Or, would I rather have the likes of Robert E. Lee, Pat Cleburne, or Nathan Bedford Forrest calling the shots
as to fighting that battle?
Dr. Woodworth is Professor of History at T.C.U.
On a recent post — Hood’s blunder-failure at Franklin? — Professor Steven E. Woodworth left this comment on Hood’s failure at Franklin. I think it worthwhile to bring it to our attention as a separate post.
A case can be made in defense of Hood’s battle plans at Atlanta, though not his execution of those plans. Such is not the case at Franklin. It’s true that frontal attacks were sometimes necessary and sometimes successful. It’s also true that every truly great Civil War general launched one or two such attacks that he would no doubt have liked to have taken back afterward but that seemed reasonable when he launched them. Yet there simply can be no palliation or excuse for Hood’s Franklin assault. it did not seem at all reasonable when he launched it. By that point in the war, the simplest drummer boy could see that it could not succeed and would lead to the slaughter of the army. Bad as Hood’s situation was, wrecking his army could only make it worse. His only reasonable option was to maneuver in such a way as to maintain his army, since it was one of the Confederacy’s last assets.
Dr. Woodworth has authored many respectable and industry-leading books on the Civil War: see his Amazon.com list.
The History Press is publishing a series of books called “Civil War: Sesquicentennial Series”. History Press just published a volume on Franklin by James R. Knight, aptly titled “The Battle of Franklin“.
The books in this series are not known for breaking new ground when it comes to understanding or interpreting a battle. Rather, the chief value of this book is that it is short enough to allow the reader to get through it in a few hours and it exposes the reader to the bare essentials.
I always enjoy the pictures, maps and narrative layout of these books.
Who were some of the prominent family names in Franklin (c. 1864)?
McEwen, Ewing, Clouston, Wooldridge, Figures, Marshall, Carter, McGavock, Bostick, McNutt, Perkins, Park, Hanner
Who was the mayor of Franklin in 1864?
Probably John B. McEwen. He was in 1861, ‘62 , ‘63.
Source: Rick Warwick, Williamson County Historical Society
My wife and I were honored to host a dinner on Friday, October 10th with our special guests of honor. Harold Becker (91) is the son of Civil War veteran Charles Conrad Becker, who served with the 128th Indiana Infantry and fought at Franklin. James Brown, Sr., is the son of James H.H. Brown who served with the 8th Georgia Infantry, and fought at Gettysburg.
Mr. Becker and Mr. Brown have attended Civil War reunions and events for seventy years but until October 10th had NEVER met a Civil War son who fought for “the other side”.
The Civil War News covered the story.
Stanley, David S., major-general, was born in Cedar Valley, Ohio, June 1, 1828. He was graduated at West Point in 1852 and as an officer of cavalry served on the Western plains for several years, reaching the grade of captain in 1861. At the opening of the Civil war he was tendered and refused an important commission in the Confederate service; took part in the early operations of the Federal forces in Missouri, and on Sept. 28, 1861, was promoted to be brigadier-general of volunteers. He participated in the battles of New Madrid and Island No. 1O, and for his special services on these occasions received the thanks of his superior officers. He took part in the capture of Corinth and the battle of Iuka, and on Nov. 29, 1862, was raised to the rank of major-general of volunteers. During the Atlanta campaign he rendered conspicuous service, especially at the battle of Jonesboro, where he commanded the 4th army corps. On Oct. 6, 1864, in the absence of Gen. Thomas, he was assigned to the command of the Army of the Cumberland in the field, and by his energy, skill and activity contributed largely to the successful defense of Nashville. At Spring Hill he repulsed three desperate assaults of the Confederate cavalry and infantry, and at the battle of Franklin, when the Federal line was broken and defeat threatened, he led a charge of a reserve brigade and in a gallant struggle at close quarters succeeded in recovering the ground that had been lost. He was severely wounded at Franklin but refused to leave the field until the battle was won, although his injuries incapacitated him for active service during the remainder of the war. For his services he received brevet ranks from lieutenant-colonel, to major-general in the regular army, and in 1866 was appointed colonel of the 22nd infantry. From 1866 until 1874 he was stationed mainly in Dakota. In 1873, as commander of the Yellowstone expedition, he led his troops into western Montana, and by his reports upon the section visited greatly hastened its settlement. From 1874 until 1879 he served on the lakes. In the latter year he was transferred to the Texas frontier, where he promptly suppressed Indian raids into that state and established more amicable relations with the Mexicans on the other side of the border. From 1882 until 1884 he commanded the Department of New Mexico and put down uprisings of the Navajo and Ute Indians by peaceful means. In March, 1884, he was promoted to be brigadier-general in the regular army and he retired from service on June 1, 1892. Gen. Stanley died March 13, 1902.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 8
What kind of businesses or industries did Franklin have in 1860?
The largest would have been the Spencer & McCoy Cotton & Flour Mill at the end of East Main St. along with the Pugh Iron Works on 1st. Both were destroyed by Buell’s men in 1862. All the goods were taken from the Factory Store (Landmark Books), especially a wagon load of whiskey. Eelbeck, Priest, Wells had carriage shops.
Which 2-3 businesses were the most successful then?
The cotton & flour mill were the largest. The columns at the courthouse were by Pugh on First Ave. in 1858.
Source: Rick Warwick, Historian, Williamson County Historical Society
Many people are familiar with the name of the famous Carter Cotton Gin that stood within 150 yards south-east of the Carter family house in 1864. I thought it would be a good idea to ask David Fraley to give us a little more detail about the Cotton Gin.
What size was it?
It measured roughly 36’ by 36’ and was 2.5 stories high but we’re not sure who built it.
Was it completely destroyed during the Battle of Franklin (30 November 1864)?
It was not completely destroyed during the battle. Some weather boarding was removed, as were other portions of it, but largely, it remained intact. Obviously, the bullet damage was substantial, but apparently there was no major structural damage.
Was a new version built after the war?
“Lint sheds” were built on to either flank of the structure, but otherwise, I believe it remained largely the same.
Are there any extant pieces that still remain from the original Cotton Gin?
Yes. A few poplar beams remain, and they can be seen in the Carter House visitor’s center.
How important was the action that centered around the Cotton Gin during the Battle of Franklin?
It was vital. Had that portion of the Federal line not held, I believe it would have been a dramatically different battle. The 104th O.V.I., and the units supporting it, deserve alot of credit for holding against the likes of General Cleburne’s division.
Source: David Fraley, Director of the Carter House, Franklin, TN
The Carter Cotton Gin
Plantation negroes working at the site of a cotton gin during the civil war.
Marker near present-day site of Cotton Gin Assault
Franklin had a population of 2,000 in 1860, while Williamson County’s was 23,467, with 11,315 white and 12,152 slaves. Williamson County was also one of the few counties in Tennessee that had a majority of slaves. There were a couple more in West Tennessee.
Franklin was smaller than Columbia or Murfreesboro in 1860. The population of Rutherford County in 1860 was 27,918. There were 14, 934 whites, 12, 984 slaves, and 190 freed blacks.
Sources: Rick Warwick, Williamson County Historical Society; Fisher Library at the University of Virginia
The Tennessean reported today that Franklin’s Charge hopes to buy more property at the corner of Columbia Ave and Cleburne St (across from the Cleburne Park) where a Dominoe’s Pizza and Four Star Market is currently.
The land purchase would give Franklin’s Charge a large enough tract of green space to rebuild the Carter Cotton Gin on virtually the exact same spot it originally stood. Some of the fiercest action during the Battle of Franklin took place around the Cotton Gin.
This map shows the location of the strip mall and the Dominoe’s Pizza. Franklin’s Charge recently secured the financing to buy the Holt Property as well
Oct 10, 6:06 PM EDT
Unknown Civil War soldier reburied in Tennessee
By ERIK SCHELZIG
Associated Press Writer
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) — A Civil War soldier whose remains were found in a battlefield grave last spring was reburied Saturday by admirers who knew neither his name nor even what side he fought on.
Among the history buffs paying tribute to him were two old men whose fathers fought on opposing sides in the War Between the States.
“This soldier represents all of the soldiers, the thousands that were lost and are still buried across the South,” said Robin Hood, chairman of the Franklin Battlefield Task Force that organized the event.
The unknown soldier was constantly flanked today by reenactors and docents.
Our dinner party was honored tonight as Mayor John Shrorer stopped by to meet Civil War sons Harold Becker and James Brown, Sr.
The Mayor honored the two sons by giving them each a special acknowledgment and commendation from the city of Franklin.
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