THE GREAT WAR 1861-1865

North Carolina seceded from the Union on May 20, 1861.

THE DUPLIN RIFLES COMPANY C, 2d REGIMENT N. C. VOLUNTEERS

The “Duplin Rifles” (organized at Kenansville in 1859) entered the army in April, 1861, as volunteers, under Thomas S. Kenan, Captain; Thomas S. Watson, First Lieutenant; William A. Allen and John W. Hinson, Second Lieutenants; and was immediately ordered into the Camp of Instruction at Raleigh. It was mustered in for six months, and assigned to the 1st Regiment of Volunteers under Col. D. H. Hill, but as this regiment had more companies than the number allowed by army regulations, the “Duplin Rifles” and “Lumberton Guards” were taken out, and they, with eight other companies, formed the 2d Volunteers by electing Sol. Williams, Colonel; Edward Cantwell, Lieutenant-Colonel; and Augustus W. Burton, Major; the “Duplin Rifles” being Company C.

The regiment was ordered to Virginia in May, 1861, and served in and around Norfolk, without incident, except at Seawell's Point, where a detachment consisting of this and three other companies were subjected to repeated shellings from the long-ranged guns of the enemy. At the expiration of the term of service of the “Duplin Rifles” and “Lumberton Guards” they were mustered out, and the regiment supplied with other companies in their stead.

Upon the return of the company to Duplin County, it was reorganized under a notice dated December 23, 1861, and under the officers whose names appear in the following roll of Company A, 43d N. C. Regiment, and its services tendered in March, 1862, to the authorities for the war. Many of its officers and men formed other companies in Duplin, and likewise entered the Confederate army for the war.

ROLL OF COMPANY A, 43d N. C. INFANTRY

Compiled from Muster-Roll and Memoranda by Sergeant B. F. Hall

(This company was originally the “Duplin Rifles,” Company C. 2d N. C. Volunteers, and, after the expiration of the term of service of the latter, was reorganized and ordered to Raleigh and put in the 43d Regiment, which was at that time being formed.)

Kenan, Thomas S., Captain, elected Lieutenant-Colonel March 25, 1862; promoted Colonel April 24, 1862; wounded at Gettysburg July 3, 1863; captured July 4 in ambulance train with other wounded men, and imprisoned on Johnson Island, Ohio; released on parole March 22, 1865, but never exchanged.

Kenan, James G., First Lieutenant, promoted Captain March 25, 1862; wounded at Gettysburg July 1, 1863; captured in ambulance train July 4, 1863; imprisoned on Johnson Island, Ohio; released on parole March 22, 1865, but never exchanged.

Carr, Robert B., Second Lieutenant, promoted First Lieutenant March 25, 1862; wounded at Gettysburg and captured in ambulance train July 4, 1863; died in hospital at Charleston, S. C., about the close of the war.

Hinson, John W., Second Lieutenant, appointed Regimental Quartermaster April 22, 1862; elected Sheriff of Duplin, 1862, and resigned commission in the army.

Bostic, Thomas J., First Sergeant, promoted Second Lieutenant April 22, 1862; slightly wounded at Washington, N. C., April 27, at Bethesda Church May 30, and again at Winchester September 19, 1864; surrendered at Appomattox.

Farrior, Stephen D., Second Sergeant, promoted to Second Lieutenant May 14, 1862; wounded at Cedar Creek October 19, 1864.

Miller, Stephen H., Third Sergeant, killed at Hanover Junction May 24, 1864.

Hall, Benjamin F., Fourth Sergeant, promoted First Sergeant; served in the field with the company during the whole war; engaged in all its battles except the Valley Campaign of 1864, during which he was disabled by sickness; was never wounded; surrendered with the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox.

Brown, Hezekiah, Fifth Sergeant, promoted Sergeant-Major August 1, 1862; promoted Lieutenant Company C., March, 1863; surrendered at Appomattox.

Carr, Joseph J., First Corporal, promoted Sergeant April 22, 1862; killed at Winchester, Va., September 19, 1864.

Brown, Isaac, Second Corporal, lost right arm at Snicker's Gap July 18, 1864, and subsequently discharged.

Brown, John W., Third Corporal, captured at Gettysburg, July, 1863; released after the war.

Carr, James O, Fourth Corporal, captured at Fisher's Hill September 22, 1864; released after the war.

Bass, William H., promoted Corporal April 22, 1862, to fill vacancy caused by promotion of Corporal J. J. Carr; captured at fall of Richmond, Va.; released after the war.

Barden, Robert W., died at Petersburg, Va., August 11, 1862.

Bass, Lewis U., died in prison at Point Lookout, Md., March 7, ’64.

Bennett, Isaac, killed at Gettysburg July 3, ’63.

Blalock, William B., wounded in hand at Harper's Ferry July 5, ’64; surrendered at Appomattox.

Bostic, Isaac, wounded and captured at Winchester, Va.; subsequently released; at home at close of the war on furlough.

Bostic, John M., discharged October 1, ’62.

Bradshaw, David W., disabled by wound in arm at Hanover Junction, Va., May 24, ’64, and discharged from service.

Brinson, Edward F., Sr., discharged July 15, ’62.

Brinson, Edward F., Jr., captured at Hare's Hill, Va., March 25, ’65; released after the war.

Brinson, Jonas, killed at Charleston August 21, ’64.

Brinson, William, wounded and captured at Gettysburg, July, ’63; exchanged and returned to the army in April, ’64; surrendered at Appomattox.

Brown, James, wounded at Cold Harbor June 2, ’64; captured at Hare's Hill March 25, ’65; released after the war.

Brown, James D., wounded at Bachelor's Creek February 1, ’64; at Drewry's Bluff May 16, ’64, and Winchester September 19, ’64; surrendered at Appomattox.

Brown, Lafayette W., surrendered at Appomattox.

Brown, Lewis U., discharged March 14, ’63.

Bryan, Benjamin B., wounded at Drewry's Bluff May 16, ’64; captured at Fisher's Hill, Va., September 22, ’64; released after the war.

Bryan, William D., captured April 6, ’65, on retreat from Petersburg; released after the war.

Bryan, Wright W., captured April 2, ’65, at Petersburg; released after the war.

Caffrey, Thomas, wounded at Plymouth April 19, ’64, Winchester September 19, ’64; captured at Hare's Hill March 25, ’65; released after the war.

Carr, Marshall D., killed at Fisher's Hill, Va., September 22, ’64.

Carr, Joseph H., captured at Hare's Hill March 25, ’65, released after the war.

Carr, Joseph W., wounded at Snicker's Gap July 18, ’64; disabled for field duty; detailed on special duty; captured at fall of Richmond, Va.; released after the war.

Carr, William D., killed at Petersburg April 2, ’65.

Carlton, John W., killed at Bethesda Church, Va., May 30, ’64.

Carroll, James G., died at Gordonsville, Va., November 9, ’63.

Carter, James A., captured at Hare's Hill March 25, ’65, released after the war.

Casey, Lemuel, died at Goldsboro, N. C., March ’63.

Cavanaugh, John E., wounded at Hanover Junction May 24, and Snicker's Gap July 18, ’64; captured April 6 on retreat from Petersburg; released after the war.

Chambers, Alex., surrendered at Appomattox.

Chambers, Richard A., killed (or captured) at Winchester, Va., September 19, ’64.

Cooper, George, wounded at Hanover Junction May 24 and died May 27, ’64.

Dail, Stephen B., wounded at Drewry's Bluff May 16, ’64; captured at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, ’64; released after the war.

Davis, Thomas E., surrendered at Appomattox.

Edwards, Burwell, died at Goldsboro, N. C., January 29, ’63.

Edwards, Edward, died at Goldsboro December 24, ’62.

Edwards, John H., died at Orange Court House, Va., January 1, ’64.

Edwards, John J., died at Wilmington, N. C., July 18, ’62.

Edwards, Lemon R., killed at Snicker's Gap, Va., July 18, ’64.

Evans, Samuel B., captured April 6, ’65, on retreat from Petersburg; released after the war.

Farrior, John W., wounded and captured at Gettysburg; released June 26, ’65.

Forlaw, Robert H., detailed as Quartermaster Sergeant; discharged June, ’63.

Fountain, Jere W., discharged January 12, ’63.

Futrall, Allen, captured April 2, ’65, at Petersburg; released after the war.

Futrall, David, captured April 2, ’65, at Petersburg; released after the war.

Futrall, Nathan, wounded at Hanover Junction May 24, ’64, and died in June, ’64.

Futrall, William, killed at Hanover Junction May 24, ’64.

Grady, Leonidas C., discharged September 1, ’62.

Grady, Stephen H., wounded at Charleston, Va., August 21, ’64, and absent at close of the war.

Grady, L. D. H., killed at Snicker's Gap July 18, ’64.

Grady, Atlas J., died of disease in ’64.

Grady, Lewis J., surrendered at Appomattox.

Grady, R. M. S., wounded near Washington City July 12, ’64; surrendered at Appomattox.

Grady, Thomas N., wounded at Hare's Hill March 25, ’65; captured at fall of Richmond; released after the war.

Grady, William, detailed as shoemaker in Quartermaster's Department in Richmond in ’62.

Grisham, Lewis R., detailed on special duty, March, ’65.

Guy, Alex., wounded at Cold Harbor June 3, ’64; surrendered at Appomattox.

Hodges, Buck L., sick at home at close of the war.

Horne, William H., died at Petersburg Sept. 7, ’62.

Horne, Jesse, surrendered at Appomattox.

Halso, James G., wounded at Winchester September 19, ’64; surrendered at Appomattox.

Jarman, Samuel D., died in Richmond Nov. 21, ’63.

Jones, Amos, captured April 6, ’65, on retreat from Petersburg; released after the war.

Jones, George W., wounded at Gaines’ Mill June 2, ’64, and died a few days later.

Jones, Stephen, died at Orange Court House December 21, ’63.

Jones, Stephen L., discharged May, ’62.

Kenan, William R., left college at Chapel Hill and enlisted on December 13, ’63, and, having been made Sergeant-Major of the regiment, was not entered on the company roll; promoted to Junior Second Lieutenant June 10, ’64, and placed in command of corps of sharpshooters from the left wing of the regiment; wounded at Charlestown, Va., August 22, ’64, and from about November 1, ’64, acted as Adjutant of the regiment; surrendered with the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox.

Kornegay, A. S., wounded at Cold Harbor June 3, ’64, and died during the war.

Kornegay, Benj. T., sick at home at close of the war.

Kornegay, Dudley, captured April 6, ’65, on retreat from Petersburg, and died in prison at Point Lookout, Md.

Kornegay, Hargett, wounded and captured at Gettysburg; subsequently exchanged and returned to the army; wounded at Bethesda Church May 30, ’64; surrendered at Appomattox.

Lanier, Green L., killed at Bunker Hill, Va., September 3, ’64.

Lanier, Jacob S., wounded at Bunker Hill September 3, ’64; captured at Winchester, Va., September 19, ’64; released after the war.

Loftin, Jason W., killed at Snicker's Gap, Va., July 18, ’64.

Matthis, Kedar L., killed near Washington City July 12, ’64.

Maxwell, James D., died at Staunton, Va., July 18, ’63, from wounds received at Gettysburg July 3, ’63.

McGowen, Henry J., died at Petersburg Aug. 10, ’62.

Mitchell, John, transferred to 57th N. C. Regiment March 24, ’64.

Mobley, George S., disabled by wounds received at Charlestown, Va., August 21, ’64, and discharged.

Murray, Robert F., discharged December 18, ’63.

Outlaw, James E., captured at Winchester, Va., September 19, ’64; released after the war.

Outlaw, John E., wounded at Snicker's Gap July 18, ’64; wounded at Cedar Creek, Va., October 19, ’64, and captured; left leg amputated; released after the war.

Outlaw, John H., killed at Snicker's Gap July 18, ’64.

Outlaw, John J., killed at Gettysburg July 1, ’63.

Padgett, George W., wounded at Bethesda Church, Va., May 30, ’64; died from effects of the wound after the war.

Padgett, James L., killed at Gettysburg July 1, ’63.

Padgett, William A., captured; died in prison.

Pate, William R., captured at Winchester, Va., September 19, ’64; released after the war.

Pearce, George W., discharged, May 18, ’62.

Pearsall, Jere J., captured at Fisher's Hill September 22, ’64; subsequently exchanged and returned to the army; surrendered at Appomattox.

Powell, David R., detailed on special duty in North Carolina.

Quinn, Lewis J., wounded at Plymouth April 18, ’64; killed at Charlestown, Va., August 21, ’64.

Rich, Lewis J., wounded at Hanover Junction May 24, ’64; surrendered at Appomattox.

Rogers, Calvin I., wounded at Cold Harbor June 3, ’64; surrendered at Appomattox.

Rogers, John B., died Jan. 29, ’63, at Goldsboro, N. C.

Rogers, William P. D., captured; died in prison.

Sharpless, William J., killed at Gettysburg July 1, ’63.

Simmons, Amos W., captured at Hare's Hill March 25, ’65; released after the war.

Simmons, Frank A., promoted Sergeant May 14, ’62; wounded at Bethesda Church May 30, ’64; surrendered at Appomattox.

Smith, Chauncey G., captured at Gettysburg July 3, ’63; released after the war.

Smith, John E., surrendered at Appomattox.

Southerland, Ransom, at home on sick furlough at close of the war.

Southerland, Robert J., promoted to Sergeant August 1, ’62; captured at Gettysburg July 4, ’63; released after the war.

Stokes, William J., discharged September 9, ’63.

Streets, Boney W., discharged May 12, ’63.

Strickland, Jere, wounded at Harper's Ferry July 5, ’64; surrendered at Appomattox.

Strickland, John W., detailed on special duty in North Carolina.

Turner, Andrew J., died August 11, ’62 at Petersburg.

Turner, James B., wounded and captured at Fisher's Hill September 22, ’64; subsequently exchanged and returned to the army; at home on furlough at close of the war.

Turner, John M., was with the company when the army withdrew from Malvern Hill, Va., in July, ’62; has never been heard of since; supposed to have died from exhaustion during a night's march.

Wallace, Bland, disabled by wounds received at Gettysburg July 1, ’63, and discharged.

Wallace, John R., transferred to 38th N. C. Regiment, and promoted to Sergeant-Major in November, ’64.

Westbrook, Jesse E., captured near Washington City July 12, ’64; released after the war.

Whaley, Maxwell, captured at Gettysburg; released June 24, ’65.

Whaley, William, captured at Gettysburg July 3, ’63; died in prison.

Williams, Brozard, died of wounds received at Hare's Hill March 25, ’65.

Williford, John W., disabled by wounds received at Hanover Junction May 24, ’64, and discharged.

The following is a list of the members of the company who surrendered with the Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865, at Appomattox Court House, Va.: Thomas J. Bostic, William R. Kenan, Benjamin F. Hall, William B. Blalock, William N. Brinson, James D. Brown, LaFayette W. Brown, Alex. Chambers, Thomas E. Davis, Lewis J. Grady, R. M. S. Grady, Alex. Guy, James G. Halso, Jesse Horne, Hargett Kornegay, Jere J. Pearsall, Lewis J. Rich, Calvin I. Rogers, John E. Smith, Jere Strickland, Frank A. Simmons.

RECAPITULATION

Commissioned and non-commissioned officers 13

Privates enlisted at different times 117

Total on roll during the war 130

Of this number there were—killed and died of wounds, 25; died of disease, 22; disabled by wounds, 10; discharges for disability, 12; transferred to other companies or regiments, 5; on roll at close of the war, 56; number living at close of the war, 83.

Of the fifty-six (56) on the roll at the close of the war, twenty-one (21) surrendered with the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox, and the remaining thirty-five (35) were either in prison or on parole, or on detail or furlough. There was not a deserter from the company during the entire war.

(Sketch of the Duplin Rifles, Prepared in 1895 by Participants in its Movements.)

DUPLIN RIFLES

Editor Messenger:—On Monday evening, Dec. 26th, the above named organization gave a hop at the Masonic Hall, in Kenansville, which was hugely enjoyed by all the participants of the Terpsichorean art in attendance.

Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather a goodly number of the elite of Duplin's fair sex put in, showing their appreciation of our military band. The boys all got credit given them for their urbanity and gallantry, but especially gallant and soldierly was our noble old captain; we must deem it a little hateful in him though for being an eye witness then laughing at the young corporal, who came so near running his car (r) off the track that the “ladies to the right” couldn't tell for the life of them whether he was dancing or not.

The light fantastic toe was shuffled till early in the morn, when many an aching heart wended its way homeward severely pierced by cupid's cruel dart.

Our company will give another hop anniversary day, which comes on the 19th of January. The boys all look forward with great anticipations to that gala day of our patriotic few. Till then adieu.

THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE DUPLIN RIFLES AT KENANSVILLE

Editor Messenger:—Owing to the very inclement weather on the 19th inst., the anniversary of the Duplin Rifles—the program for the day was a failure, but it had but little if any effect on the ball for the evening. Barker's Italian band from Wilmington was on hand at the proper time, and at seven and a half o'clock, sharp, “ball was put in motion,” at the seminary. A lovelier and more graceful cortege of young ladies could not have been gathered together had North Carolina been explored from Currituck to Cherokee; and as for the young men in attendance, it is a fact too well known to need mention, that the members of the Duplin Rifles are among the handsomest and most gallant boys in America (?) and at the ball they were joined by many others of the same kind from various quarters.

Old Duplin and every county adjoining her were represented by their respective lovers of the giddy dance. The crowd was not too large though, but just large enough. The music was perfectly melodious, and many a foot kept time with its harmonious strains. About midnight the very sudden, but prepared for announcement that supper would be served in the next room, struck upon the tympanum of many a hungry dancer. Oh! and such a supper! The writer would like for the ladies of Kenansville to have the preparation of his wedding supper. The table was not filled with the worthless delicacies so frequently prepared for such occasions, but it was groaning, as it were, under its burden of edibles—luscious, bountiful and substantial.

After doing justice to the inner man, the musicians again struck up, and everything went on as merry as a marriage bell till about half past three in the morning, when we all reluctantly separated knowing that we all had enjoyed an occasion long to be remembered.

BATTLE DEPICTED

The eighth scene changes to the stage, an open field “Somewhere in Duplin County,” on a Spring night during 1863, at the headquarters of Capt. James Kenan and the Duplin Rifles. From the distance on a rolling hillside the first campfire has been lighted, and troops are singing, “We're Tenting Tonight on the Old Camp Ground.”

A sentry brings to Captain Kenan a middle-aged Negro, recognized as Charlie Prince, a slave owned by a Duplin friend, who had been caught in a skirmish with the enemy. Humorously the Negro describes the fight, with a frank admission that “courage ain't in my line, cookin's my profeshun.” A loyal Negro woman slave brings the captain his supper, with late reports on his family's health, while they hear the distant roar of cannon.

His mother arrives, and as the captain kisses her goodbye, the campfire is extinguished, the troops “fall in,” with a wild Rebel yell, and march in front of their leader singing, “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” Kenan mounts his horse and rides off with his men. Suddenly from the darkness there is a blinding flash, an explosion and the piercing wail of a Negro woman's voice.

The Duplin Rifles: Cecil Hunter, Colon Whaley, Stanley Bratcher, Perry Williams, Allan W. Norris, Alois Mobley, Samuel H. Williams, Johnnie Gray, Arthur Edwards, Robert Pickett, Ralph Moore, J. D. Hall, J. D. Whaley, Arthur Penny, Randolph Futrell, Walter Rogers, Marvin Foster, Rueford Kennedy, Morris Grady, Richard Williams, Wilbert Futrell, LeRoy Kennedy, Eddie E. Griffin, Bertis Brown, Ira J. Jones, Charles Albertson, Hallie Albertson, P. E. Thigpen, Scott Smith, Woodrow Mercer, Earl W. Salmon, Edgar H. Carr, William R. English, Donald G. Buckner, James W. Page, Jr., Roy C. Sanderson, Nance G. Thomas, Allen E. Padgett, Flavius H. Danley, James J. Padgett, Dewitt C. McGowen, Leon R. Cole, Charles M. Matthews, John E. Higgins, Earl C. Jones, Frank D. Bonham, Bronnie E. Henderson, James S. Smith, Floyd G. James, Jesse R. Fussell, Bobby J. Padgett, Alvin E. Lanier, Richard U. Henderson, Cecil R. Register, Wendell V. Teachey, Major E. Murray, James D. Brinson, Carol Jones, Norwood C. Knowles, Daniel L. Lanier, Henry D. Jones, Julius Swinson, Joel D. Jones, Samuel R. Simmons, Howard D. Boone.

An open field, “Somewhere in Duplin County,” in 1863 shows the headquarters of the Duplin Rifles. From the distance on the rolling hillside campfires are lighted, and troops are singing, “We're Tenting Tonight on the Old Camp Ground.” Humor is provided by the elderly slave, Charlie Prince, who admits frankly, “Courage ain't in my line, cookin's my profeshun.”