Thursday, February 23, 2012

Terry Hilton - 1951-54 Naval Air Squadron VA105

Terry Hilton is my father's elder brother.  He enlisted during the summer of 1951, and reported to boot camp at Great Lakes Training Camp followed by ordinance training in Jacksonville, Florida; Terry was then assigned to Naval Air Squadron VA105. His squadron was not permanently attached to any specific ship, but received temporary assignments to different ships as needed. They spent a significant amount of time aboard the USS Tarawa, including the good-will tour of the Mediterranean in 1953.



Link to USS Tarawa (CVA 40) Mediterranean Cruise Book 1953, which covers not only operations and ports of call for that year, but much about daily life aboard the USS Tarawa:  http://navysite.de/cruisebooks/cv40-53/index.html


Corporal Clarence Roberts - Phillipine-American War, Luzon

.
Clarence Roberts

Clarence Roberts is the maternal grandfather of my fiancee Kenneth Marple. Born in Charlotte, Michigan about 1879, buried in Maple Hill Cemetery, Eaton Country, Charlotte, Michigan. The description of him at time of initial enlistment in 1901 was age of 22 and 4/12 years old, medium brown eyes, light brown hair, fair complexion, and 5'5" in height. The photograph above is one of my all-time favorites of a soldier, just wonderful!
Interestingly. the years of enlistment do not fit those of the Spanish American War, but the Phillipine American War, and I find some interesting discussions about this online - here is one of them: http://www.spanamwar.com/genealogy6.html . Both these conflicts, along with the Phillipine Insurrection, were within the span of a decade, and many of the same soldiers were involved; no separate pension fund was ever set up, therefore government records officially identify all of these men as veterans of the Spanish American War.    Here is an interesting link describing the Phillipine American War, in which he actually served:  http://www.historyguy.com/PhilipineAmericanwar.html#.T0lmok4gdS4

Clarence Roberts' Military records reflect the following:
15 December 1901, enlisted at Batavia New York, for a period of 3 years,
Assigned 3rd Regiment of Cavalry, Troop A, Trumpeter
Horsemanship "Excellent"
15 December 1904 discharged, shown as on discharge document as having transferred from 3rd Cavalry Troop A to 5th Cavalry Troop K, Trumpeter, no date; (Possibly when 3rd left Phillipines in 1902, he transferred and remained until the 5th returned in 1903?)
16 December 1904 reenlisted at Fort Wingate, New Mexico, for a period of 3 years, assigned 5th Cavalry Troop K, Trumpeter
Marksman 1905
Appointed Corporal on  9 March 1905 by Captain A.C. Nissen, Colonel Stedman
Sharpshooter 1906
Marksman 1907
28 October 1907 Skirmish with hostile Navajo Indians on San Juan River, near Aneth Utah 
15 December 1907 honorable discharge, "service honest and faithful", noted as a married man.

These pictures were all taken during his time in the service.
Clarence Roberts
Clarence Roberts, left
The Bunkhouse - Clarence Roberts seated, left of center,
holding a mandolinetto  or guitar

Movement of the 3rd Cavalry, including  Philippine-American War
When the United States defeated Spain in the Spanish-American War, 400 years of Spanish rule in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippine Islands came to an end. The United States, as a new world power, saw the Philippines as the perfect location for a naval facility to support a new Pacific fleet. 3d Cavalry units had barely arrived at their new duty stations in the U.S. when, on 22 July 1899, the headquarters and Troops A, C, D, E, F, K, L, and M were ordered to Seattle, Washington. From Seattle, this force embarked for the Philippine Islands to operate against the insurgents who were trying to prevent the United States from taking control. Meanwhile, Troops B, G, H, and I were ordered to assemble at Fort Myer.
The deploying troops landed in Manila in October 1899, with the remaining four troops following from Fort Myer in 1900. The 3d Cavalry remained on the island of Luzon until 1902, fighting sixty-two engagements during that time. The fighting was often fierce with no quarter asked and none given. This would be the first time the U.S. Army would fight in a jungle environment, and the first time it would fight a counterinsurgency. The Regiment returned to the United States in detachments between April and November 1902. The headquarters, band, and Troops A, D, I, K, L, and M were stationed in Montana, Troops B and C in Wyoming, Troops G and H in Arizona, Troop E in Idaho and Troop F in North Dakota.  The 3d Cavalry Regiment remained in the United States until December 1905.

5th Cavalry
At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, the 5th Cavalry was ordered to Tampa, Florida, and then embarked for Cuba. The regiment's service in this war and later for the Puerto Rican Expedition is symbolized by the white Maltese cross in the black chief of the upper half of the regimental coat of arms

The 5th Cavalry returned to the United States in 1900, then served in the Philippine Islands from 1901 to 1903; returned to United States.


















Robert Hilton - World War II

Robert Edward Hilton is my paternal great-uncle, my grandfather George Hilton's younger brother, born 01 Apr 1916 in Michigan. He was an MP in World War II, this picture taken in Belgium, 1945:

Robert Edward Hilton, Belgium 1945

Russell Lince - WWII LCI(G)-725 Pacific Theater 1943-1945

Russ Lince age 19, 1931
 Russell Sidney Lince is my much-loved maternal grandfather. I was very blessed to grow up with such a wonderful grandpa! My most vivid memories of him are of his laughter, light hearted teasing, sillyness and jokes, and lots of hugs. Also, as far back as I can remember, the subject of his time in the Navy during World War II was taboo - the only thing I ever knew was that the big cut glass bottle of shells that sat in the dining room came home with him from the south seas.  He passed away some time ago, so I recently began a search for information on his military service; thanks to my Dad, I have found out that he served as a Fireman, enlisting October 4, 1943, on a LCI(L) 351 Class Landing Craft, which was fitted out in 1944 as a gun boat:  LCI(L)-725/LCI(G)-725, launched at Portland, Oregon; assigned Flotilla 6 and Flotilla 3. These craft were not named like the bigger ships, only known officially by number, but Mother remembers being told that Grandpa and his shipmates called her The Portland Rose.
That's Grandpa hanging out the window! (1932)
Also Joanne (Reemston) Lince, and her mother, Catherine Reemston


LCI(L) craft are small ships with flat bottoms, with a crew of about 185, designed to be used in beach landings.  Of course, we needed everything we had during that time, and these ships travelled thousands of miles out to sea - feeling every wave along the way - and provided, among other things, close-in fire support for landing troops, troop transport, and evacuation of wounded and dead.




The Portland Rose participated in the following**:

Marianas operation
Capture and occupation of Saipan 15 June to 28 July 1944
Western Caroline Islands operation;
Capture and occupation of southern Palau Islands, 6 September to 14 October 1944
Tinian capture and occupation
24 to 28 July 1944
Okinawa Gunto operation
Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto, 26 March to 14 June 1945


LCI(G)-725 and LCI(G)-726 give fire support for landing craft forming up for assault waves on Saipan,
June 15, 1944**
The Battle at Saipan was a nightmare training ground for the taking of Iwo Jima and Okinawa - Saipan was heavily fortified, with many troops underground, and strategic heights well utilized. In the end, almost the entire garrison of troops on the island—at least 30,000—died, as well as 22,000 civilians.  Very few Japanese surrendered, preferring banzai and kamikaze attacks, hara-kiri, mass suicides, and brutal killing of their own, including women and children.  For the Americans, the victory was the most costly to date in the Pacific war, with 3,426 Americans killed and over 12,000 wounded, out of 71,000 who landed.  For a detailed description of the action at Saipan, see http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USMC/USMC-C-Saipan/index.html



He recieved the following Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon:

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending LCI)(G) FLOTILLA THREE, AMPHIBIOUS FORCES, PACIFIC FLEET for service as follows
"For outstanding heroism in action in support of amphibious landings on enemy Japanese-hold Kwajalein and Eniwetok Atolls in the Marshall Islands, and on Saipan, Guam and Tinian in the Marianas, from January 31 to July 28, 1944. Operating dangerously in poorly charted waters off the reef-studded shores of those heavily fortified hostile bases, LCI(G) Flotilla THREE preceded the assault waves to deliver concentrated rocket and gunfire at perilously close range against beach entrenchments, pill boxes and blockhouses, repeatedly navigating unswept channels to carry out their missions, the ships of Flotilla THREE suffered serious damage under heavy Japanese gunfire and the intense cross-fire of our own ships and, despite numerous casualties, rendered substantial aid to our invasion forces. Gallantly responding to the many calls for close-in fire, the units of the Flotilla provided smoke and protective screens for the large combatant and auxiliary vase. sole against hostile aircraft,$ submarines and small craft; they disrupted potentially dangerous counterattacks by Japanese landing barges and they defied enemy fire to conduct daring patrols in support of reconnaissance and demolition parties, The unique and varied service rendered by LCI(G) Flotilla THREE was directly instrumental in breaking down enemy resistance on these.fiercely defended islands and reflects the aggressive fighting spirit of the officers and men who braved fanatic Japanese opposition to fulfill their missions."
All personnel serving in the Following ships which constituted Flotilla THREE during the period of this citation are hereby authorized to wear the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION Ribbons LCI(G)'s 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 345, 346, 347, 348, 365, 366, 371, 372, 373, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 470, 725, and 726.
 /s/ JAMES FORRESTAL
JAMES FORRESTAL
Secretary of the Navy

(from http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/15/15000031.htm )


Grandpa, you are my hero. I don't know how you kept your sanity, much less ever smiled again, after your experiences in the South Pacific  - I love you so much, and God bless you!

Russell Lince (right) and shipmates aboard 725
Russell Lince (left) and shipmates aboard 725


Russell Lince (center, bottom) and shipmates aboard  725
Russell Lince (Right) and shipmates aboard 725


LCI(G)-725 at Peleliu**



If you can identify any of the sailors in these pictures, or if you have any corrections or questions, please leave a comment. I am not a military historian by any means, this is just a hobby, and I apologize if I have unintentionally misrepresented any facts or persons. 

William Hilton (Fortune 1621) Line of Descendants

WILLIAM HILTON (1) arrived on the Fortune in 1621, known as married man with children

     Wife(1) name unk.arrived on the ship The Anne in 1623, d before 1636 

          Children
               Elizabeth b 1616 d 1616
               William (elder) b 22 Jun 1617 Arrived on the Anne in 1623, m. Sarah Greenleaf
               Mary b 11 May 1619 Arrived on the Anne in 1623
               John b 1624 - baby involved in dispute about baptism which caused rift w/colonists?

     Wife(2) Francis
          Children
               Magdalene b 1636
               Mainwaring b 1646
               Agnes b 1647
               William (2) b 1653 (William the younger)


WILLIAM HILTON (2) (William (1))
b. 1653, d. 1699-1700

     Wife Ann Parsons m c.1675 
         Children
               William (3) b 24 Dec 1677 in York
               Joshua taken by Indians
               Elizabeth
               Hannah m John Cole about 1708
               Mainwaring b 1683
               Benjamin
               Patience
               Dorcas


WILLIAM HILTON (3) (William(2), William(1))
b. 24 Dec 1677, d. 21 Jun 1723
Buried Manchester, Mass in the Old Burying
Grounds. The inscription on his grave-stone calls him Lieutenant

     Wife Margaret Stillson, m. 2 June 1699 at Marblehead, Mass
          Children
               Elizabeth baptized in Marblehead 08 Dec 1700, m John Knowleton before 1729
               Stilson b 1702 d 1741, m Hannah Savery
               Mary baptized in Marblehead, 16 Apr 1704, m Samuel Woodbury 18 Oct 1719
               Margaret baptized in Marblehead, 26 May 1706, m Josiah Allen 12 Nov 1724 Manchester Mass
               Joshua baptized in Marblehead 14 March 1707 or 1708
               William b 16 May 1709, d. May 1757
               Samuel b 16 May 1713, d 21 Nov 1756
               Thomas baptized in Marblehead 14 August 1715
               Benjamin b 27 Aug 1717 in Manchester Mass.
               Amos b about 1720


SAMUEL HILTON (William(3), William(2), William(1))
b. 16 May 1713 in Manchester Mass., d 21 Nov 1756 in Lunenburg Mass.

     Wife Joanna Sarah Clark m 17 Apr 1735 in Newton Mass.
     b 26 Mar 1714, d 02 Feb 1792, daughter of William Clark and Hannah Keyes
          Children
               Samuel b 06 Nov 1736 in Boston Mass.
               Samuel b 04 Jan 1739 in Newton Mass.
               Hannah b 21 March 1740 in Newton
               William b 21 June 1742 in Newton
               Hannah b 16 August 1744 in Newton
               Mary b 20 January 1746 in Newton
               Elizabeth b 20 December 1749 m. John Fitzgerald 06 April 1783
               Thomas b 14 June 1752 in Lunenburg Mass
               David b 12 April 1755 in Lunenburg


DAVID HILTON (Samuel, William(3), William(2), William(1))
b. 12 Apr 1755, d. 9 Oct 1822 in North Chili, Monroe Co., NY
(many DAR records, and cemetery records dob 4/27/1755, c/b baptism date?)
Buried in Monroe County, Chili, New York, at Evergreen Cemetery

     Wife Mary Hammond, m. 1780-1781
          Children
               Mary b 1781 m. John Fisher
               David b 1783, m Hannah Black 20 Feb 1811
               Levi b 11 Dec 1787, m Eunice Nelson
               Hannah
               Samuel b 1797, m Sarah Morrill
               Clarissa b 1799, m Sewell Scribner
               Artemus
               Roswell b 1801, m Susan Voorheis


LEVI HILTON (David, Samuel, William(3), William(2), William(1))
b.11 December 1787, d. 11 April 1859
Buried in Clarksville Cemetery, on Nash Road in Campbell Township, Ionia County, Mich

     Wife Eunice Nelson, also buried in Clarksville Cemetery in Michigan
          Children
               Orpha b 11 May 1806, Chili, Monroe County, NY, d 19 May 1842, Oakland County Mich
                         m Joseph Voorhees about 1832
               Lavina b 24 Dec 1807 in Ogden, Monroe Co. NY, d 08 Feb 1830 in NY, unmarried
               Farin b 26 Jun 1810, d 28 Dec 1833 in Chili, NY
               Erastus b 25 Jan 1813, d 03 Apr 1836
               Lorenza b 09 Feb 1815, d 20 Mar 1877, m Morris J. Hammond before 1850
               Amanda b16 May 1816, d 24 Dec 1902
               Norton b 02 Jan 1819, d 03 Aug 1897 Pontiac, Mich, m Fidelia Chapman 04 Nov 1844
               Anna b 01 Mar 1821, d 28 Dec 1835 in Chili, NY
               Minerva b 27 Jan 1824, m Sylvester Swick in 1842 in N. Chili, NY
               Levi Jr. b 01 Mar 1826, d 17 Jun 1864
               Judson b 30 Mar 1828 in NY, d 19 Oct 1888 in Aurelius, Ingham, MI

                         m Hannah A. Cummins 12 Aug 1855 Genesee Co., Mich
               Almeda b 16 Sep 1832, d 19 Jan 1834
               Alfred b 09 Apr 1835,d 23 Jun 1835


JUDSON HILTON (Levi, David, Samuel, William(3), William(2), William(1))
b 30 Mar 1828 in NY, d 19 Oct 1888 in Aurelius, Ingham, MI

     Wife Hannah A. Cummins m 12 August 1855 in Genesee County Mich
          Children
               Evaline b 28 Jan 1857, d 28 Aug 1926
               Edvardo b 24 Feb 1858, d 30 Mar 1936
               Judson b 02 Feb 1861, d 01 Mar 1908
               John b 14 May 1863, d 31 July 1881, drowned. Owner of trunk
               Fred b 24 Jun 1865, d 25 Jan 1919
               Louell b 08 Mar 1867, d 11 Feb 1937, m Hattie Han 30Oct1895
               Menville E. b 08 Jan 1870, d 06 May 1953
               Melville J. b 11 Aug 1871, d 02 Mar 1937
               Floyd b 24 Jan 1873, d Oct 1938
               Lottie b 12 Oct 1876, d 22 Jan 1935
              Wilber b 15 Oct 1879, d 20 Jun 1946
              Ada b 11 Oct 1881, d 02 May 1939


MELVILLE J HILTON (Judson, Levi, David, Samuel, William(3), William(2), William(1))
b. 11 Aug 1871 in Clarksville, Ionia Co., Mich, d.02 Mar 1937, Lansing, Ingham Co., Mich

     Wife Della Holley m 24 Dec 1895 in Mason, Ingham Co., Mich. b. 1872 d. 1963
          Children
               Gladys M. b 25 Jul 1896 in Mason, Ingham Co.,d 31 Jul 1966 in Lansing, Ingham Co., MI
                         m Kendall E. Merlau on 12 Aug 1922 in Lansing, MI
               Howard Delbert  b 03 Nov 1898 in Aurelius Twp, Ingham Co., MI, d 13 Oct 1957 in Mill

                         Valley, Marin  Co., CA., m  Edith B. Buck on 11 Nov 1919 in Lansing, MI             
               George Alfred. b 30 Mar 1905 in N. Aurelius, Ingham, MI,   d 03 Feb 1992 in Grayling, 
                        Crawford, MI,  m Bernice Orpha Corwin on 15 Oct 1932 in Plymouth, MI
               Robert Edward b 01 Apr 1916 in Aurelius Twp, Ingham County MI, d 10 Jul 1986 in Highlands

                        County FL,  m Florence K Wigman 13 Jan 1936 in Mason, MI


GEORGE HILTON (Melville, Judson, Levi, David, Samuel, William(3), William(2), William(1))
b 30 Mar 1905 in N. Aurelius, Ingham, MI, d 03 Feb 1992 in Grayling, Crawford, MI

     Wife Bernice Orpha Corwin m 15 Oct 1932 in Plymouth, MI
          Children
               Terry Hilton
               Nancy Hilton
               Tom Hilton


TOM HILTON

     Wife Martha Jane Lince
          Children
               Patricia Hilton (me)
               Catherine Hilton
               Christine Hilton
               George Hilton
               Russell Hilton

Civil War - The Flag of The Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment

"Yes, we'll rally 'round the flag, boys, we'll rally once again,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
We will rally from the hillside, we'll gather from the plain,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!"
-From the song Rally 'Round The Flag, Boys

SC.56.90 Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry

The Civil War was the last major war in which regimental flags held vital strategic importance on the battlefield: flags marked the location of each regiment during the chaos of battle, and were a rallying point. Any soldier that acted as color-bearer was a significant target, and many, many men died protecting their flags. They represented, with great pride, a regiment's state; more often than not, men fought with friends, relatives and neighbors, and identified very strongly with their home. A regiment's flag also became a record of major engagements, and was altered throughout the war to reflect battles of note. This original flag of the 12th Michigan Volunteer Infantry is typical of what remained of the Civil War battle flags, being heavily damaged by gunfire and shrapnel, stained with blood, and with small souvenir pieces removed by veterans of the regiment. Some of the starred blue field, and the darker white and red areas surrounding it, are all that actually remains. The wonderful conservators at the Michigan Historical Museum have intimated the size and content of the original flag, yet allowed us to envision the flag as it exists today. I was able to see this flag where it is stored, on an archival tray at the museum, and it is a moment I will never forget.  Many thanks to Kerry Chartkoff for her amazing work in preserving Michigan battle flags, and in educating the public about their historical importance.  

In 1866, the flags of the Michigan Civil War regiments were presented to the state.  Speeches given during the ceremony give an emotional picture of their great meaning to our veterans of the day - here is a link to excerpts from that event:
http://www.hal.state.mi.us/mhc/museum/explore/museums/hismus/special/flags/flag1866.html

*****
The following is documentation from the Michigan Historical Museum about the 12th Michigan Volunteer Infantry flag:
The Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment was organized in Niles and mustered into service in March 1862. It was placed under the command of Colonel Francis Quinn. On February 22, 1862, the regiment formed a hollow square on a frozen parade ground. Through the snow, a double sleigh drawn by two black horses appeared. It halted in the middle of the square and Miss May Penrose stood up in the sleigh to present the regiment with a "valuable silk banner" on behalf of the ladies of Niles. One of those ladies-Julia Bretschneider-whose husband Robert had fought with the Second and now would fight with the Twelfth-had embroidered the motto, "Michigan Expects every man to do his Duty," on the flag (SC.56.90). This flag was carried by the regiment for two years and bears the names of the regiment's major battles during that time. Almost immediately after leaving Michigan, the regiment fought in the desperate battle of Shiloh in Tennessee. For green troops not in the field even two weeks and with one half of the regiment too sick to fight, the regiment acquitted itself quite well.
On September 2, the regiment was engaged at Iuka, then at Metamora on October 5. Then,
on December 12, the regiment met the enemy at Middleburg, Tennessee. A detachment of the Twelfth armed only with 115 Austrian muskets suecessfully held off five to six thousand rebel cavalry for over two hours. The rebels finally gave up and withdrew. General Grant issued an official order commending the "valor and discipline of the gallant Twelfth" and directing the regiment to inscribe "Middleburg" on it's banner. Perhaps Grant was aware of the motto on the Twelfth's flag: his order also noted that the regiment's real reward would be the public's undying gratitude for those who had "done their duty."   The original presentation flag was not surrendered to the state in 1866. After the war, it passed through several hands until it reached the regiment's colonel, William Graves. Graves directed that, when he died, the "shot ridden old banner be divided into parts and each survivor of the regiment should have a portion." According the Niles Mirror, when Professor T.E. Howard received his portion at an Indiana G.A.R. meeting, he "tried several times to make his trembling lips and choked up voice express his feelings-then he spoke most feelingly of the old flag and its associations and asked that when he died that scrap of faded flag be laid upon his breast and buried with him".   SC-56-90 is all that remains of that souvenired flag: the rest may well be interred with the men who fought under it.
*****
If you have any corrections or questions, please email me at kennedypatti@gmail.com. I am not a military historian by any means, this is just a hobby, and I apologize if I have unintentionally misrepresented any fact or persons.

Clark Koon - Civil War - Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry


"About the hour of sunrise the battle it began;
Before the day was ended, we fought 'em hand to hand. 
The horrors of that field did my heart with anguish fill
 For the wounded and the dying that lay on Shiloh Hill."
From "Shiloh Hill" by M.G. Smith 


Clark Koon, 12th Mich Vol. Infantry, 15 Feb 1862

Clark Koon is the great great great grandfather of my youngest children, Erin and Robert. He left an interesting diary of his years in the war, which has been transcribed; I will eventually get it posted on this blog. Signing up at the country general store near his home, he enlisted in January of 1862, and was mustered into the Grand Army of the Republic, Twelfth Michigan Volunteers Infantry on March 5, 1862, assigned to Company G.  Clark returned home safely to Windsor Township after the war, married his sweetheart Mary Courter, and had one son, DeForest.  Clark Koon passed away on May 9, 1873 and is buried, along side his wife, at the Courter-Pray Cemetery on Vermontville Highway in Eaton County, Windsor Township, Michigan.

A permanent veteran's grave marker was placed, next to the worn, original stone, in 2005, and honored with a GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) ceremony.

The regiment was in a number of significant fights - just a month after being mustered in, the 12th found themselves at the Battle of Shiloh (Pittsburg Landing), where the raw, untried troops were abruptly awoken from sleep to find themselves in the middle of their first significant engagement.  In late 1862, at Middleburg, they were commended as a detachment held off 3000 confederate soldiers for 2-1/2 hours, until reinforcements arrived.  The Twelfth was also at Iuka, Metamora, Mechanicsville, Vicksburg, and Little Rock.  Check out my post on the Flag of the Twelfth Michigan to see how these battles are displayed with honor on their regimental flag.

The following is taken verbatim from a general entry on the officers, troop movements, engagements, and losses of the Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry:

The Twelfth Infantry was organized at Niles by Colonel Francis Quinn of that city, and was mustered into service March 5, 1862, with an enrollment of 1.000 officers and men.
The field, line and staff officers at organization were as follows:
Colonel, Francis Quinn, Niles.  Lieutenant Colonel, William H. Graves, Adrian. Major,George Kimmel, Niles. Surgeon, Robert C. Kedzie, Lansing. Adjuntant, Charles L. Bissell, Chicago, Illinois. Quartermaster, Fitz H. Stevens, Niles. Chaplain, Andrew J Eldred, Niles.
A. Captain, Joseph Harper, Cassopolis. First Lieutenant, Charles A. VanRiper, Cassopolis. Second Lieutenant, David M. McLelland, Dowagiac.
B. Captain, Thomas Wallace, St. Joseph. First Lieutenant, Lewis W. Pearl, Benton. Second Lieutenant, Robert B. King, St. Joseph.
C.  Captain, John M. Albert, Buchanan. First Lieutenant, William F. Molsberry, Buchanan. Second Lieutenant, Benjamin E. Binns, Buchanan.
D.  Captain, Phineas Graves, Albion.  First Lieutenant, Joseph McCloy, Jackson.  Second Lieutenant, George H. Graves, Albion.
E.  Captain, Henry Gephart, Niles.  First Lieutenant, Thomas C. Bradkey, Three Oaks.  Second Lieutenant, Byron B. Rockwell, Niles.
F.  Captain, Russell M. Weston, Niles.  First Lieutenant, David Reeve, Jackson.  Second Lieutenant, Samuel E. Graves, Adrian.
G.  Captain, Isaac M Cravath, Lansing.  First Lieutenant, George H. Gassimere, Lansing.  Second Lieutenant, Alexander G. Davis, Dearborn.
H.  Captain, Gilbert D. Johnson, Lawton.  First Lieutenant, Charles E. Harvey, Marshall.  Second Lieutenant, Jonathan L. Chase, Lawton.
J.  Captain, Darius Brown, Berrien.  First Lieutenant, John Graham, Berrien.  Second Lieutenant, Charles E. Howe, Berrien.
K.  Captain, William H. S. Banks, Porter.  First Lieutenant, Andrew P. Collins, Niles.  Second Lieutenant, Daniel D. Flanigan, Niles.

The regiment left the state March 18, and proceeded to St. Louis, Mo., where it embarked on steamers for Pittsburg Landing, Tenn.  When it arrived it was assigned to Colonel Peabody's brigade, General Prentiss' division, Army of the Tennessee.  At the date the Twelfth joined the army commanded by General Grand, the brigades, divisions and corps were not numbered and organized as they were later in the war.
The regiment, with others newly organized and with no actual field experience, was pushed to the front, and from reports of the commanding officer no adequate precautions or means of defense were taken to guard against a surprise by the enemy.  Evidences seemed to multiply that the confederates were in force somewhere in the vicinity, and Lieutenant Colonel Graves obtained permission of the Brigade Commander to send two companies of the Twelfth under Major Powell as an advanced picket.  These companies were attacked at daylight and driven back to camp but their stubborn resistance gave some timely notice of the approach of the enemy.  Sunday morning, April 6th the confederate army under General Albert Sidney Johnson delivered a crushing blow upon the Union lines at Pittsburg Landing. The want of organization caused the Union troops to fight by detachments, and the solidity of the Union army was not brought to resist the compact lines of the confederates as a unit force, and the result was disastrous. Prentiss' division fought as heroically as men could fight under such discouraging circumstances, and though swept from their first line by the rush of the enemy, losing large numbers in killed or captured, the division fought desperately until the afternoon when overpowered and exhausted most of it surrendered.  During the battle of Sunday General Johnson was killed and General Beauregard assumed command. The troops lay upon their arms during the night, and before morning General Buell's army arrived, when the battle was resumed Monday, culminating in driving General Beauregard and his troops from the field. The losses of the Twelfth in this engagement was serious.
The regiment during the rest of the year occupied stations at Bolivar, Tenn, Iuka, Miss., and Metamora, and from November, 1862, to May 1863 was guarding the Mississippe Central R.R. with headquarters at Middleburg, Tenn.  At this place in December a detachment of the regiment was besieged in a block house which was gallantly defended against an attack by General VanDorn's forces, estimated 3,000 strong.
Colonel Graves refused to surrender and succeeded after and engagement of two hours and a half in driving off the confederate forces.  The command was complimented by General Grant in General Orders for this brilliant work.  The regiment was ordered to Vicksburg, Miss., in June 1863, where it took post at Haynes' Bluff and remained until the fall of Vicksburg.
In July, 1864, the Twelfth comprised a part of the force under General Steele, when he invested Little Rock, Ark.  At this point the regiment veteranized, 334 re-enlisting, and in January, 1864, started for Michigan on veteran furlough.  After the expiration of the 30 days furlough, the Twelfth reassembled at Niles and returned to Little Rock, Ark. where it arrived April 1.  The regiment was engaged in long marches and frequent skirmishes with the enemy, and in doing picket and guard duty until October when it arrived at DeValls's Bluff, Ark.
The regiment was then separated into detachments, the different companies occupying posts wherever their services were needed until January, 1866, when the detachments were ordered to assemble at Camden, where the regiment was mustered out of service February 15, 1866.  The Twelfth started at once for Michigan, and arrived at Jackson the 27th, and was paid off and disbanded the 6th of March.

The 12th was engaged with the enemy at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., April 6, 7, 1862; Iuka, Miss., September 19, 1862; Metamora, Tenn., October 5, 1862; Middleburg, Tenn., December 24, 1862; Mechanicsville, Miss., June 4, 1863; siege of Vicksburg, Miss., June and July 1863; siege of Little Rock, Ark., August and September 1863; Clarendon, Ark., June 26, 1864; Gregory's Landing, September 4, 1864.

Total enrollment.................................................2357
Killed in action...................................................   29
Died of wounds..................................................   26
Died in confederate prisons.................................   17
Died of disease..................................................  316
Discharged for disability (wounds and disease)...... 221

If you have any corrections or questions, please email me at kennedypatti@gmail.com. I am not a military historian by any means, this is just a hobby, and I apologize if I have unintentionally misrepresented any fact or persons.



Amos Bird Corwin - Civil War - 19th Michigan Volunteer Infantry

We have shared the incommunicable experience of war....
In our youths, our hearts were touched by fire.
-Oliver Wendall Holmes

Amos Bird Corwin is my great great grandfather, father of Nelson Corwin, my paternal grandmother Bernice (Corwin) Hilton's father.  Born 15 December 1832, in Salem, New York. Married on 22 February 1866 in Denton, Wayne County, Michigan, to Sarah Jane Felt (b. 16 January 1848, d. 11 September 1921)  He died May 30, 1905, and is buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Grayling Michigan.

Civil War veteran, Grand Army of the Republic, 19th Michigan Infantry, Company A (Private). Enlisted 8 Aug 1862, age 30, mustered into service Dowagiac Michigan 5 September 1862, mustered out of service 10 June 1865. 
Amos Bird Corwin, Charcoal portrait, handed down in family
**Nineteenth Michigan Infantry. — "Col., Henry C. Gilbert; Lieut. -Cols., David Bacon, William R. Shafter, John J. Baker; Majs., William R. Shafter, George C. Barnes. This regiment was organized at Dowagiac in July and August, and was mustered in Sept. 5, 1862.  It left the state Sept. 14, reported at Cincinnati, and was stationed in Kentucky until January, in Coburn's brigade, Baird's division, Army of Kentucky. It moved to Nashville, thence to Franklin, and in March, while on a reconnaissance, was in a skirmish with a small band, and met the enemy in force at Thompson's station. After repelling several attacks it was at last overwhelmed and compelled to surrender, but not until it had captured the colors of the 4th Miss. and several prisoners. The fight lasted 5 hours, when their ammunition was exhausted, the loss being 113 killed and wounded out of 512 engaged. Those of the regiment who escaped and those who had been left in camp were sent to Brentwood, organized with the fragments of a brigade, placed in command of an officer of another regiment and surrendered to Forrest at Murfreesboro without being given an opportunity to fire a gun — a shameful affair, which was bitterly resented by the men. The enlisted men were soon paroled and sent north, the commissioned officers were exchanged at Camp Chase, Ohio, and reached Nashville June 11, 1863.

The regiment was ordered to Murfreesboro in July 1863 for garrison duty. Co. D, 50 men, stationed at Stone's river, was attacked in October by a large force and after a gallant fight surrendered, but after being plundered the men were released. The regiment was then ordered to McMinnville and attached to the 2nd brigade, 3d division, 20th corps. It built several forts, a railroad bridge, put a saw-mill in operation and got out lumber for blockhouses.
 It moved to Lookout valley in April, 1864 and then with the army for Georgia. It was engaged in the battle of Resaca, participating in a charge in which a battery was taken, and lost 14 killed and 66 wounded, Col. Gilbert being mortally wounded. In the charge at Cassville and at New Hope Church the 19th lost 6 killed and 51 wounded. It was engaged at Golgotha, Kolb's farm, aided in repelling an attack at Peachtree creek, and was in the siege of Atlanta, most of the time under fire. The greater part of the regiment advanced from Turner's ferry on Sept. 2 in a reconnaissance toward Atlanta, and finding the city evacuated took possession. The remainder entered the following day.
On Sept. 5 1864 the regiment was detached for guard duty, and in November it joined the advance on Savannah and took an active part in siege. It moved into South Carolina in Jan., 1865, destroyed the arsenal and public buildings at Fayetteville, and was in the engagement at Averasboro, its brigade assaulting and carrying the enemy's works, capturing his artillery and many prisoners.
At Bentonville it was in line of battle, but was not engaged. It then proceeded to Raleigh and after Johnston's surrender marched to Alexandria, arriving there May 18. It participated in the grand review and was mustered out June 10, 1865. The original strength was 995: gain by recruits, 243; total, 1,238. Loss by death, 237."
(**Regimental history taken from "The Union Army" by Federal Publishing Company, 1908 - Volume 3)




David Hilton - Revolutionary War - Massachusettes

David Hilton is my great great great great grandfather, the father of Levi Hilton, and the great great grandson of William Hilton, who immigrated from England on The Fortune in 1621 (see Levi Hilton/Wm. Hilton posts).  David served in the Revolutionary War 1777-78 with Massachusetts troops, Capt. Joseph Sargent's company, Col. Josiah Whitney's regiment. 


Born 27 April 1755 in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, David married Mary Hammond in 1780, and they had eight children. He died 9 October 1822 in North Chili, New York;  buried in Monroe County, Chili, New York, at Evergreen Cemetery, which is actually part of the original Hilton homestead in Monroe County.


Levi Hilton - War of 1812 - New York Militia

"To have shrunk, under such circumstances, from manly resistence, would have been a degradation blasting our best and proudest hopes; it would have struck us from the high ranks where the virtuous struggles of our fathers had placed us, and have betrayed the magnificent legacy which we hold in trust for future generations.
- President James Madison, November 1812

Levi Hilton is my great great great grandfather, direct line through my father; he is the son of David Hilton, and great great great grandson of William Hilton, who immigrated from England on The Fortune in 1621 (see Wm Hilton and David Hilton posts).  Levi is a veteran of the War of 1812, New York Militia, rank of private, from Chili, Monroe County. NY.
This photo of Levi is a copy of the daguerreotype owned by my father, Tom, that has been handed down through the family.

He was born 11 December 1789, and died 11 April 1859.  He is buried in Clarksville Cemetery, on Nash Road in Campbell Township, Ionia County, Michigan, along with his wife, Eunice (Nelson) Hilton.



My Military Wall Honoring Family Veterans

"All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope."  -Winston Churchill

This is the wall I have in my home to honor members of my family, throughout the generations, who have served our country. Although there are several Revolutionary War veterans as well, this wall currently begins with the War of 1812, will continue through 21st century actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is definitely a work in progress.