Black and white photograph of Private Hezekiah Blevens of Company C wearing his Civil War uniform and holding a musket Recent Website Changes

80th Indiana Volunteer Infantry
An American Civil War Regiment

Private Hezekiah Blevens of Company C, 80th Indiana
Died of "Georgia Fever" on June 20, 1864 at Marietta, Georgia
Image courtesy of Hezekiah's Great Great Niece Belinda Wiggington

Photo displayed above has been electronically enhanced by Deep Vee Productions
To view enlarged copies of this and the original image, click HERE


"The hour was sad I left the maid,
a lingering farewell taking,
Her sight and tears my steps delay'd,
I thought her heart was breaking;
In hurried words her name I blessed,
I breathed the vows that bind me,
And to my heart in anguish press'd
the girl I left behind me."

--from the early American song The Girl I left Behind Me

Below is a list of recent major changes to this website.  The list includes links to the pages, descriptions of their contents, credits for contributions, dates that things were posted, and quotes.  Check this page regularly to see what's new.

Links

Synopsis of Changes

Comments


Field Officers

Photo Added.  Of the 80th's Field Officers during the first half of 1863.

Colonel Lewis Brooks
Lieut. Col. James L. Culbertson
Major John W. Tucker
Adjutant Alfred Dale Owen
 
In this image you can see the regiment's then past, present, and future leadership. Courtesy of Indiana Historical Society, P415.  Added May 26, 2005.

 

Discharge Papers

Image Posted.  Of the official certificate issued to Corporal Francis R. Melton Co. B, 80th Indiana, on June 22, 1865 at Salisbury, North Carolina, releasing him from the Army at the end of his 3 year term of service.  This is the same document that was issued to every 80th soldier who was honorably discharged from the Army.  Courtesy of Corp. Melton's Great Great Great Grandson Tom Melton.  Added Mar. 6, 2005.

"...Know ye, that Francis R. Melton a Corporal of Captain Wm. Mosier Company "B" 80th Regiment of Indiana Infty VOLUNTEERS who was enrolled on the Fourteenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and Sixty-Two to serve three years or during the war, is hereby Discharged from the service of the United States, this 22 day of June 1865, at Salisbury North Carolina by reason of Expiration of Term of Service...  Said Francis R. Melton was born in Martin Co. in the State of Indiana and is Forty one years of age, Five feet Eleven inches high, Fair complexion, Grey eyes, Light hair, and by occupation, when enrolled, a Farmer..."

Letters

Letters Posted.  Written between March 1864 and May 1865 by 1st Sergt. Samuel T. Reeves Co. C, 80th Ind.  The letters are courtesy of Manuscripts of the American Civil War, Dept. of Special Collections, University of Notre Dame.  Added Feb. 24, 2005.

March 17, 1864

June 11, 1864

September 4, 11, 14, 1864

March 13, 15, 16, 21, 1865

April 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 12, 16, 18, 30, 1865

May 3, 7, 11, 14, 15, 18, 28, 29, 1865

June 1, 1865

Roster

Yeager to Young Posted.  Roster of the 2 soldiers in the 80th Indiana whose last name began with Y. This roster is arranged alphabetically by last name, then by first name. It includes (where known) the: highest rank the soldier attained in the 80th; sub-unit (Field & Staff or specific company) that he belonged to; where he resided at the time he joined the 80th; the date he mustered (not enlisted) into the 80th; and a few brief remarks about his service in the 80th. Added Feb. 20, 2005.

 

Letter

Letter Posted.  Written by Maj. George T. Simonson F&S, 80th Ind., on an unknown date shortly after the battle of Perryville, Ky., and published in the Princeton Clarion newspaper, Princeton, Gibson County, Ind., Oct. 25, 1862.  Courtesy of Sam I. Chesnut, Great Grandson of Pvt. Thomas J. Chesnut of Co. A.  Added Feb. 19, 2005.

"While engaged [with Confederate forces at Perryville] the Col. [Lieut. Col. Lewis Brooks 80th F&S] sent Sergt. Maj. Slack [believed to be Edward W. Slack 80th F&S] on my horse for more ammunition and he, with the horse, was captured.  I am left afoot and am nearly naked -- all I had being on my saddle except my trunk which was left at Louisville.  Adjutant Owen [1st Lieut. Alfred Dale Owen 80th F&S] is among the missing.  We know Slack was captured because they had Asst. Surgeon Culbertson [Robert H. Culbertson 80th F&S] and released him, holding Slack still a prisoner; also Joseph Small [Pvt. Joseph Small Co. A], and Steven Stewart [Pvt. Stephen T. Stewart Co. A], with an ambulance which they had on the field and got over in the rebel lines, were captured.  This was just at the close of the battle."

James S. Morgan

Photo Added.  2nd Lieutenant Morgan, third in command of Co. E from September 1862 until August 1864.  Photo and permission to use it courtesy of Lieut. Morgan's Great Great Grandson Matthew H. Morgan.  Added Feb. 14, 2005.

Full length portrait of Lieut. Morgan in his officer's uniform, believed to have been taken sometime between 1862 and 1864.

James S. Morgan

Genealogical Data Added.  Information about the family and life of 2nd Lieutenant Morgan, third in command of Co. E from September 1862 until August 1864.  Genealogical data courtesy of Lieut. Morgan's Great Great Grandson Matthew H. Morgan.  Added Feb. 8, 2005.

Born in Valparasio, Indiana, he earned a Bachelor of Law degree from Indiana University just before being commissioned by Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton.  During the war Lieut. Morgan got married in Glasgow Kentucky, where he lived for many years before moving his family to Arroyo Grande, California where he passed away in 1915 at age 78.

Article

Article Posted.  Discussion on how President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation aided the Union war effort.  Published in the Princeton Clarion newspaper, Princeton, Gibson County, Ind., Jan. 10, 1863.  Courtesy of Sam I. Chesnut, Great Grandson of Pvt. Thomas J. Chesnut of Co. A.  Added Feb. 7, 2005.

""Without the agricultural and domestic labor of the slaves, tens of thousands of whites, who have been and are now in the rebel army, could not have been withdrawn from the cultivation of the ground, and the various other pursuits requisite to supply, for that whole region, of the actual necessities of life..."

Article

Article Posted.  Discussion on how President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation aided the Union war effort.  Published in the Princeton Clarion newspaper, Princeton, Gibson County, Ind., Jan. 10, 1863.  Courtesy of Sam I. Chesnut, Great Grandson of Pvt. Thomas J. Chesnut of Co. A.  Added Feb. 7, 2005.

""Without the agricultural and domestic labor of the slaves, tens of thousands of whites, who have been and are now in the rebel army, could not have been withdrawn from the cultivation of the ground, and the various other pursuits requisite to supply, for that whole region, of the actual necessities of life..."

Letter

Letter Posted.  Written by 1st Lieutenant Alexander Montgomery Co E, 80th Ind., on Sept. 18, 1862, published in the Princeton Clarion newspaper, Princeton, Gibson County, Ind., Sept. 27, 1862.  Courtesy of Sam I. Chesnut, Great Grandson of Pvt. Thomas J. Chesnut of Co. A.  Added Jan. 30, 2005.

"Capt. Dobbins [Capt. Cutter S. Dobbins Co. B] arrested a Methodist preacher by the name of Thomas N. Arnold, whether a relation of Benedict's I know not, but from all accounts he is about as great a traitor.  He was turned over to the military authorities and is now in jail at Covington [Ky.] and his house is used for the headquarters of our pickets."

Thou Art Gone From My Gaze

Song Posted.  Lyrics and cover art to this sentimental 1852 parlor song composed by George Linley.  Added Dec. 31, 2004.

"In the stillness of night,
when the stars mildly shine,
My heart fondly holds,
a communion with Thine;
For I feel thou art near,
and where'er I may be,
That the Spirit of Love
keeps watch over me."

Songs and Poems

Page Posted.  List of songs and poems that would have been known by the 80th soldiers, or which provide insights into the social or political events and their sentiments about them during the war.  Added Dec. 31, 2004

"Many are the hearts
that are weary tonight,
Wishing for the war to cease;
Many are the hearts
looking for the right
To see the dawn of peace.
Tenting tonight,
Tenting tonight,
Tenting on the old Camp ground."

Places

Page Posted.  Master list of images of places the 80th visited.  Added Dec. 30, 2004

 

Other Persons

Page Posted.  Master list of images of Civil War politicians and soldiers who impacted the 80th.  Added Dec. 30, 2004

 

Alfred D. Owen

Photo Posted.  Alfred was the 80th's Adjutant, Lieutenant Colonel (second in command), and then its Colonel (commander).  Added Dec. 29, 2004

Shows him wearing the 'shoulder straps' of a 1st Lieutenant on his Union Army officer's coat.  Courtesy of Brian and Triva Schrader.  

Henry C. Jerauld

Photo Posted.  Henry was a Sergeant in Co. A and then its 1st Lieutenant (second in command) before resigning his commission.  Added Dec. 16, 2004

Shows him wearing the 'shoulder straps' of a 1st Lieutenant on his Union Army officer's coat.  Courtesy of Brian and Triva Schrader.  

George T. Simonson

Photo Posted.  George was the elected Captain of Co. A and was then promoted to be the 80th's Major and then Lieutenant Colonel (third and second in command, respectively) before resigning due to ill health.  Added Dec. 15, 2004

Shows him wearing the 'shoulder straps' of a Major on his Union Army officer's coat.  Courtesy of Brian and Triva Schrader.  

Isum Gwin

Profile Added.  Isum was one of the earliest members of Co. D and served in it from August 1862 to June 1865 as its 1st Sergt., 2nd Lieut., 1st Lieut., and Capt.  Added Dec. 12, 2004

Was a 35 year old "Farmer" and resident of Alfordsville in Daviess County, Indiana when he enlisted.  Received official praise for his "efficient, brave, and gallant conduct" in action.  Profile includes photo of him in uniform and some genealogical data.  

William F. Hudleson

Photo Added.  "Frank" as he was known served in Co. A from August 1862 to June 1864 as a Corporal.  Added Dec. 8, 2004

Shows him wearing a jaunty civilian tie with his Union Army sack coat.  Courtesy of Brian and Triva Schrader.  

Isum Gwin

Photo Added.  Isum served in Co. D from August 1862 to June 1865 as, respectively, its 1st Sergeant, 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant, and its Captain (commanding officer).  Added Dec. 7, 2004

Shows him wearing a Union Army Officer's hat and uniform coat with the 'shoulder straps' of a Captain.  Courtesy of his Great Grandson Kenny Gwin.  

Isum Gwin

Photo Added.  Isum was a resident of Alfordsville in Daviess County, Indiana when he enlisted August 9, 1862 in what became Company D of the 80th Indiana.  Added Dec. 7, 2004

Believed to be a post-war image, it shows him wearing civilian clothing.  Courtesy of his Great Grandson Kenny Gwin.  

Elijah E. Richardson

Profile Added.  Corporal Richardson served in Co H with 2 brothers from September 1862 until his discharge due to wounds in April 1865.  Includes post-war photo of him courtesy of his Great Grandson John W. Wineinger.  Added Dec. 4, 2004

Was 26 year old "Farmer" when he joined the 80th. Captured and paroled by Morgan's Raiders Jan.1, 1863.  Severely wounded at Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1864. Profile includes post-war photo and extensive genealogical data.

James S. Morgan

Profile Added.  2nd Lieutenant Morgan was third in command of Co. E from September 1862 until his resignation in August 1864.  Includes photo of him in uniform courtesy of Brian and Triva Schrader.  Added Nov. 25, 2004

Was 24 year old residing at Princeton in Gibson County when he was commissioned by Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton.  Lieut. Morgan resigned "for the good of the service" effective August 26, 1864.

Hezekiah Blevens

Profile Added.  Private Blevens served in Co. C from September 1862 until his death.  Includes photo of him in uniform courtesy of his Great Great Niece Belinda Wiggington.  Added Nov. 21, 2004

Born in Indiana, he was a 19 year old "Farmer" residing at Edwardsport in Knox County when he enlisted.  Died June 20, 1864 of "disease" at Marietta, Georgia.

Jesse C. Kimball

Profile Added.  1st Lieutenant Kimball served 6 months as the second in command of Co. A.  Includes photo of him in uniform courtesy of Brian and Triva Schrader.  Added Nov. 20, 2004

Born in Posey County, Indiana, he was a 31 year old "Tin Smith" residing at Princeton in Gibson County when he enlisted.  Resigned due to "Chronic Bronchitias" in February 1863.

Jesse Bryant

Profile Added.  Musician Bryant served 6 months playing fife in the regimental band.  Includes photo courtesy of William J. Marshall and Cecil E. Goode.  Added Nov. 20, 2004

Born in Pike County, Indiana, he was a 16 or 18 year old "Farmer" residing at Winslow in Pike County when he enlisted.  Recorded as having deserted, he was honorably discharged by the War Department after the war.

James F. Cantwell

Profile Added.  Captain Cantwell served most of the war as the 1st Sergeant of Co. G.  Includes photo courtesy of Charles Cantwell Dumbaugh, Sr. and genealogical data.  Added Nov. 18, 2004

Born at Coshocton in Coshocton County, Ohio, he was a married 33 year old "Farmer" residing at Vincennes in Knox County, Indiana when he enlisted.  After the war he lived at Vincennes and Worthington in Greene County, Indiana where he is buried.

Enos H. Kirk

Profile Added.  Captain Kirk served as the 1st Sergeant, 1st Lieutenant, and then commanding officer of Company E.  Includes photo courtesy of Brian and Triva Schrader.  Added Nov. 18, 2004

He was 28 years old and residing at Bovine in Gibson County, Indiana when he enlisted.  

William M. Duncan

Profile Added.  Captain Duncan served as the 2nd Sergeant, 2nd Lieutenant, and then commanding officer of Company A.  Includes photo.  Added Nov. 18, 2004

Born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, he was residing at Princeton in Gibson County, Indiana when he enlisted.

William M. Duncan

Photo Added.  Captain Duncan served as the commanding officer of Company A, shown in his officer's uniform in an image taken during the war.  
Courtesy of Brian and Triva Schrader.  Added Nov. 14, 2004

Shows him wearing the insignia (known then as 'shoulder straps') of a 2nd Lieutenant on his navy blue Union Army officer's coat.  Believed taken sometime between September 1862 and April 1864.

Enos H. Kirk

Photo Added.  Captain Kirk served as the 1st Sergeant, 1st Lieutenant, and then commanding officer of Company E.  Courtesy of Brian and Triva Schrader.  Added Nov. 14, 2004

Shows him in an enlisted man's uniform wearing the 3 stripes and diamond lozenge of a 1st Sergeant (also known as an Orderly Sergeant) on his sleeves. Believed to have been taken sometime between August 1862 and November 1864. 

Thomas M. Brown

Photo Added.  1st Lieutenant Brown served as the 80th's Quarter Master on its Regimental Field & Staff.  Courtesy of Brian and Triva Schrader.  Added Oct. 27, 2004

Shows him dressed in his navy blue Union Army officer's uniform with the insignia (referred to then as 'shoulder straps') of a 1st Lieutenant on his coat. Believed to have been taken sometime between August 1862 and June 1865. 


This page Copyright by Scott Cantwell Meeker of Deep Vee Productions.
All Rights Reserved. Created May 12, 2000. Last updated May 26, 2005.

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