| Battle of Seven Pines Participants, Page 3 |
The following contributed by Harold C. Fisher, whose g-grandfather was one of the participants.
General Johnston watched the Federals position themselves astride the Chickahominy. He had been
waiting for them to divide their forces at which time he would attach with his full force. His plan was to
attach the first column that crossed the river (to the south bank) and then advance down the
Williamsburg Road to the area of the village of Seven Pines.
In this battle, a part of the Peninsula Campaign, the 18th Mississippi Inf Reg was under the command of
"Prince" John McGruder. Present on the field was my great-grandfather, John Henry Winstead,
1842-1939. I remember him well. His brother, Samuel James Winstead was, also, there. Samuel served
the CSA from Day1 until April 6, 1865, when he was captured at the Salor's Creek Battlefield, three days
before Appomattox.
John Winstead left a leg in The Wilderness, May 7, 1864. Somehow he found his way back to Yazoo
County, Mississippi. Their young brother, who turned 17, met them at Chattanooga in October of 1863.
He was Charles Marshall Winstead.
E-mail Harold
==============================
This information was received from Bob Willis, whose g-grandfather was at Seven Pines.
While doing family research a few years ago, I discovered my great-grandfather, Miles Henry Willis, and
retrieved a copy of his war record. During my searches, I read the Official Records on the Battle of Fair
Oaks, or Seven Pines. On page 965 of the OR, I found a list of men who "are brought to my attention in
the reports of regimental commanders, who claim for the survivors the badge of honor to be awarded
under general orders." In this list, I discovered, Second MS Battalion, Company B, Private Willis. This
was my great-grandfather. His service records indicate his presence in the battle at the time, then is
"accidentally wounded" and sent home on furlough.
About a year later he was back in battle, captured near Petersburg and spent 10 months at Point
Lookout prison in Maryland before being released. I have a good record of him since his war years. He
moved to East Texas and raised a family. I'm saddened that his gravesite has not been discovered at
this time. I hope to find it and see that a proper marker is erected for Miles Henry Willis and his
contribution to the cause he fought for.
E-mail Bob
===============================
J. Houston Ford shared the following about his ancestor, William A. Ford, who was wounded in the
Battle of Seven Pines.
William A. Ford, occupation listed as Tobacconist, enlisted in Company G, 11th Virginia Infantry
Regiment on April 23, 1861, at the age of 25. He was wounded on May 31, 1862 at Seven Pines. He
received the Distinguished Service award and was discharged on August 1, 1862.
E-mail J. Houston Ford
===============================
The following information is from Jim Gilreath, whose g-g-grandfather was killed in the Battle of 7 Pines.
My g-g-grandfather, Charles Hudson, was wounded and died on the battlefield on 31 May 1862, during
the Battle of Seven Pines. He enlisted on 21 September 1861. He was a member of Company B, 35th
Regiment, Newton County, Georgia.
He left behind a widow, Maybelle Cooper Hudson, and two children by his first wife, Sarah Jane Hudson
and William Hudson. These children had been left with their maternal grandparents before the war.
E-mail Jim
===============================
Contributed by David E. Barnett, whose g-grandfather, William A. Milling. was severely wounded at
Seven Pines.
My great-grandfather, William Alexander Milling, 1st Sgt., Co. D, 6th South Carolina Infantry Regiment,
was wounded at the battle of Seven Pines on May 31, 1861. He was hit in the abdomen, a wound that
usually proved to be fatal. He survived the wound but suffered from the effects of it the rest of his
life. He continued service to the Confederacy, being promoted to First Sergeant of his company, after
stays in various Virginia hospitals and furloughs to his home in Fairfield County, SC.
He married an Alabama girl, moved to Texas in about 1878-79 and fathered five children. He became a
successful merchant/farmer/rancher/postmaster and in his little town was known locally as "Squire"
Milling. He was killed in an accident in 1888, when a tree he was cutting fell on him. He was forty-seven
years old.
In 1997, one of his granddaughters died and in her things was found an object wrapped in brown
paper. When the small package was opened, a flattened lead slug fell out. On the well-worn wrapping
was a message in W. A.'s own hand, which read: "This deadly missile [rifle ball] entered my lower left
abdomen, passed through the small intestine and lodged in the muscles near my spine." W. A. Milling
is buried in Antioch Cemetery, Bairdstown, TX. Contact me for more information.
E-mail David
===============================
The following information was submitted by Brenda Normandin.
Archibald Hensley was the son of Margaret McMahan and Green B. (Greenberry) Silver. He and his twin
brother, Wilson McWilliam McMahan, were born 14 March 1839. Archibald enlisted in the CSA as a
private at age 23 years, on May 1, 1861, in Yancey County, North Carolina. He joined Company C 16th
North Carolina Infantry. Archibald was killed at Chancellorsville in May, 1863.
Wilson McWilliam Hensley was the son of Margaret McMahan and Green B. (Greenberry) Silver. He and
his twin brother, Archibald, were born 14 March 1839. Wilson enlisted in the CSA as a private at age 23
years, on May 1, 1861, in Yancey County, North Carolina. He joined Company C 16th North Carolina
Infantry. He was present or accounted for until he was captured at Falling Waters, Maryland on July 14,
1863. Wilson was confined at Point Lookout, Maryland, until paroled and transferred to City Point,
Virginia, where he was received March 6, 1864, for exchange. He was promoted to sergeant
subsequent to October 31, 1864. Wilson was present or accounted for until he was captured at
Hatcher's Run, Virginia on April 2, 1865. He was confined at Hart's Island, New York Harbor until
released on June 17, 1865, after taking the Oath of Allegiance. Wilson married Harriet Margaret Proffitt
on November 16, 1865, by John Edwards, Officiator. He became a very successful and highly regarded
farmer in the Yancey County area. He died on January 16, 1919 and is buried at Gibbs Cemetery, in the
Bald Creek area of Yancey County. There is an Iron Cross with: 1861 Deo Vindici 1865 - on his grave.
E-Mail Brenda
===============================
Chris King shared the following information about her g-grandfather, Michael Larkin, and his cousin,
Patrick, who was killed at Seven Pines.
Michael Larkin enlisted on 8/20/1861 as a private in the Union Army. He mustered into F Company, Mass
19th Infantry on 8/28/1861 out of Lynnfield, MA. He was captured a few weeks after the Battle of Seven
Pines, at White Oak Swamp. He was discharged from I Company for disability on 1/31/1863 at Alexandria,
Va.
Michael Larkin's cousin, Patrick Larkin, also fought at Seven Pines. Patrick enlisting in Milford, MA and
was mustered June 21, 1861, in Yonkers, NY, into the 40th NY Regiment, Company G. He was killed
June 1, 1862, at Fair Oaks/Seven Pines, VA.
E-Mail Chris
================================
Contributed by Ken Hutchingson, whose g-grandfather was wounded in the battle.
My g-grandfather, Fletcher Tracy of Brooklyn, NY lost three fingers and full use of his hand in the Battle
of Seven Pines. He was medically discharged. He was part of the 67th Regiment, 1st Long Island of
Brooklyn.
E-Mail Ken
================================
Contributed by Robert Taylor, whose g-g-grandfather participated in the battle.
My great-great-grandfather, Walter Willis Cox, was at the Battle of Seven Pines with the 6th Alabama
Infantry Regiment, Company L, the "Loachapoka Rifles" or "Sam Rice Guards." He survived the battle
and the war. He moved to Bell County, Texas, where he lived until his death in 1900. He is interred at
the Smith Cemetery, just west of Gatesville.
E-Mail Robert
=================================
Submitted by Bruce Ford, about his great uncle, A. Wilson Ford, who died of wounds received at Seven
Pines.
A. Wilson Ford enlisted 6/31/1861 in Pendleton, SC and became a member of the 4th SC Volunteers and
fought in the 1st Battle of Manassas and escaped unharmed. He then enlisted on 4/16/1862 in the
Palmetto Sharpshooters, 1st Palmetto (Jenkins Regiment), and was promoted to Corporal. His papers
list him as KIA Seven Pines, May 31, 1862. A book, "Broken Fortunes" by Randolph Kirkland, Jr., listed
him as DOD 7/15/1862, then wdd27p, RR=KIA 5/31/1862. A eulogy I found in the minutes of Carmel
Presbyterian Church stated ".....During last winter, he revolunteered for the war and became a member
of Capt. Daniels Co., Palmetto Sharpshooters. It is sufficient eulogy to say he belonged to the gallant
regiment of Col. Jenkins, and fell with his face to the enemy. He died in the 21st year of his age. His
body mingles with the soil of Virginia."
I am seeking any information as to where he might be buried, and if there is a marker in his memory.
E-Mail Bruce
===================================
The following was contributed by Mary Thoeni, concerning Albert Davis who was killed at the Battle of
Seven Pines.
Albert Davis, Co. D, 16 Regiment, NC, CSA (Hampton's Brigade, Smith's Division), died May 31, 1862, in
the Battle of Seven Pines. He was the son of George and Lucinda (Womack) Davis of Rutherford
County, NC.
E-Mail Mary
===================================
Shared by Erik Ryan, whose 3-g-uncle, Lt. Elijah F. Ryan, was killed in the Battle of Seven Pines.
My great-great-great-uncle, Lt. Elijah F. Ryan, Company H, 12th Alabama Infantry Regiment, died in the
Battle of Seven Pines. I have very few details and am interested in learning of the burial sites and
cemeteries he may have been buried at. If anyone has information, it would be very much appreciated.
E-Mail Erik
===================================
Contributed by Al Hemingway, whose g-grandfather, Paul LaFontaine, was wounded in the battle.
My great-grandfather, Paul LaFontaine, fought at Fair Oaks and was wounded on May 31, 1862. He
served with Company C, 100th New York Volunteers. He was also wounded in the Battle of Drury's Bluff.
E-Mail Al
===================================
This link is to a memorial page Alma Harings has created for her 2-g-uncle, James M. Sanders, who was
killed in the battle.
Tribute to James M. Sanders of Grundy County, TN
E-Mail Alma
====================================
Melissa Brown submitted this info about her ancestor, who was killed at Seven Pines.
Wiley Wyatt, private; enlisted 9/10/1861; Company B, 28 Reg., Georgia Volunteer, Army of Tennessee;
Washington County, GA; "Sandersville Volunteers." He was killed May 31, 1862, at the Battle of Seven
Pines. He lived in Washington County, GA; he married Edney Durdan 2/16/1849 in Jefferson County, GA;
they had six children.
E-Mail Melissa
======================================
The following is from Chris Hansen. At least two of his family members participated in the Battle.
I have four family members who were in Co. I, 11th AL Inf. Regt. There are only two who I know were at
Seven Pines.
Corpl. James A. Kirkland (according to information I was recently given) enlisted 11 June, 1861 in
Company I, 11th AL inf. Regt. ("Fayette and Pickens Rifles"). He was wounded in the Battle of Seven
Pines in VA. He was a CSA Captain (based on a family history site). The 11th AL Inf. Regt. was attached
to Wilcox's Brigade. On May 31, 1862, the Brigade was ordered to move across Williamsburg Road and
the 11th AL was ordered to the front by the Division Commander. Three companies of this regt. were
ordered to dislodge the enemy holding a certain point. The battle resulted in a loss of 66 wounded or
killed in a few minutes.
William F. Kirkland was with Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House, VA. Will enlisted 11 June, 1861,
and served in the CSA. He was wounded several times. With his older brother, James A., Will was
assigned to Co. I, 11th AL Inf. Regt. He was promoted to Sergeant in September, 1861. His regt.
participated in most of the major battles engaged in by the Army of Northern VA---Seven Pines (where
James died), Fredericksburg, Cold Harbor, Yorktwon, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness,
Richmond, Gaines Mill and many others. He was wounded at Gettysburg, Frayser's Farm, Mine Run,
Burgess Mill.
I am the 4th great-grandson of their father, Jeho Chaney Kirkland, by way of their brother, Robert Inge
Kirkland.
E-Mail Chris
=====================================
General Johnston watched the Federals position themselves astride the Chickahominy. He had been
waiting for them to divide their forces at which time he would attach with his full force. His plan was to
attach the first column that crossed the river (to the south bank) and then advance down the
Williamsburg Road to the area of the village of Seven Pines.
In this battle, a part of the Peninsula Campaign, the 18th Mississippi Inf Reg was under the command of
"Prince" John McGruder. Present on the field was my great-grandfather, John Henry Winstead,
1842-1939. I remember him well. His brother, Samuel James Winstead was, also, there. Samuel served
the CSA from Day1 until April 6, 1865, when he was captured at the Salor's Creek Battlefield, three days
before Appomattox.
John Winstead left a leg in The Wilderness, May 7, 1864. Somehow he found his way back to Yazoo
County, Mississippi. Their young brother, who turned 17, met them at Chattanooga in October of 1863.
He was Charles Marshall Winstead.
E-mail Harold
==============================
This information was received from Bob Willis, whose g-grandfather was at Seven Pines.
While doing family research a few years ago, I discovered my great-grandfather, Miles Henry Willis, and
retrieved a copy of his war record. During my searches, I read the Official Records on the Battle of Fair
Oaks, or Seven Pines. On page 965 of the OR, I found a list of men who "are brought to my attention in
the reports of regimental commanders, who claim for the survivors the badge of honor to be awarded
under general orders." In this list, I discovered, Second MS Battalion, Company B, Private Willis. This
was my great-grandfather. His service records indicate his presence in the battle at the time, then is
"accidentally wounded" and sent home on furlough.
About a year later he was back in battle, captured near Petersburg and spent 10 months at Point
Lookout prison in Maryland before being released. I have a good record of him since his war years. He
moved to East Texas and raised a family. I'm saddened that his gravesite has not been discovered at
this time. I hope to find it and see that a proper marker is erected for Miles Henry Willis and his
contribution to the cause he fought for.
E-mail Bob
===============================
J. Houston Ford shared the following about his ancestor, William A. Ford, who was wounded in the
Battle of Seven Pines.
William A. Ford, occupation listed as Tobacconist, enlisted in Company G, 11th Virginia Infantry
Regiment on April 23, 1861, at the age of 25. He was wounded on May 31, 1862 at Seven Pines. He
received the Distinguished Service award and was discharged on August 1, 1862.
E-mail J. Houston Ford
===============================
The following information is from Jim Gilreath, whose g-g-grandfather was killed in the Battle of 7 Pines.
My g-g-grandfather, Charles Hudson, was wounded and died on the battlefield on 31 May 1862, during
the Battle of Seven Pines. He enlisted on 21 September 1861. He was a member of Company B, 35th
Regiment, Newton County, Georgia.
He left behind a widow, Maybelle Cooper Hudson, and two children by his first wife, Sarah Jane Hudson
and William Hudson. These children had been left with their maternal grandparents before the war.
E-mail Jim
===============================
Contributed by David E. Barnett, whose g-grandfather, William A. Milling. was severely wounded at
Seven Pines.
My great-grandfather, William Alexander Milling, 1st Sgt., Co. D, 6th South Carolina Infantry Regiment,
was wounded at the battle of Seven Pines on May 31, 1861. He was hit in the abdomen, a wound that
usually proved to be fatal. He survived the wound but suffered from the effects of it the rest of his
life. He continued service to the Confederacy, being promoted to First Sergeant of his company, after
stays in various Virginia hospitals and furloughs to his home in Fairfield County, SC.
He married an Alabama girl, moved to Texas in about 1878-79 and fathered five children. He became a
successful merchant/farmer/rancher/postmaster and in his little town was known locally as "Squire"
Milling. He was killed in an accident in 1888, when a tree he was cutting fell on him. He was forty-seven
years old.
In 1997, one of his granddaughters died and in her things was found an object wrapped in brown
paper. When the small package was opened, a flattened lead slug fell out. On the well-worn wrapping
was a message in W. A.'s own hand, which read: "This deadly missile [rifle ball] entered my lower left
abdomen, passed through the small intestine and lodged in the muscles near my spine." W. A. Milling
is buried in Antioch Cemetery, Bairdstown, TX. Contact me for more information.
E-mail David
===============================
The following information was submitted by Brenda Normandin.
Archibald Hensley was the son of Margaret McMahan and Green B. (Greenberry) Silver. He and his twin
brother, Wilson McWilliam McMahan, were born 14 March 1839. Archibald enlisted in the CSA as a
private at age 23 years, on May 1, 1861, in Yancey County, North Carolina. He joined Company C 16th
North Carolina Infantry. Archibald was killed at Chancellorsville in May, 1863.
Wilson McWilliam Hensley was the son of Margaret McMahan and Green B. (Greenberry) Silver. He and
his twin brother, Archibald, were born 14 March 1839. Wilson enlisted in the CSA as a private at age 23
years, on May 1, 1861, in Yancey County, North Carolina. He joined Company C 16th North Carolina
Infantry. He was present or accounted for until he was captured at Falling Waters, Maryland on July 14,
1863. Wilson was confined at Point Lookout, Maryland, until paroled and transferred to City Point,
Virginia, where he was received March 6, 1864, for exchange. He was promoted to sergeant
subsequent to October 31, 1864. Wilson was present or accounted for until he was captured at
Hatcher's Run, Virginia on April 2, 1865. He was confined at Hart's Island, New York Harbor until
released on June 17, 1865, after taking the Oath of Allegiance. Wilson married Harriet Margaret Proffitt
on November 16, 1865, by John Edwards, Officiator. He became a very successful and highly regarded
farmer in the Yancey County area. He died on January 16, 1919 and is buried at Gibbs Cemetery, in the
Bald Creek area of Yancey County. There is an Iron Cross with: 1861 Deo Vindici 1865 - on his grave.
E-Mail Brenda
===============================
Chris King shared the following information about her g-grandfather, Michael Larkin, and his cousin,
Patrick, who was killed at Seven Pines.
Michael Larkin enlisted on 8/20/1861 as a private in the Union Army. He mustered into F Company, Mass
19th Infantry on 8/28/1861 out of Lynnfield, MA. He was captured a few weeks after the Battle of Seven
Pines, at White Oak Swamp. He was discharged from I Company for disability on 1/31/1863 at Alexandria,
Va.
Michael Larkin's cousin, Patrick Larkin, also fought at Seven Pines. Patrick enlisting in Milford, MA and
was mustered June 21, 1861, in Yonkers, NY, into the 40th NY Regiment, Company G. He was killed
June 1, 1862, at Fair Oaks/Seven Pines, VA.
E-Mail Chris
================================
Contributed by Ken Hutchingson, whose g-grandfather was wounded in the battle.
My g-grandfather, Fletcher Tracy of Brooklyn, NY lost three fingers and full use of his hand in the Battle
of Seven Pines. He was medically discharged. He was part of the 67th Regiment, 1st Long Island of
Brooklyn.
E-Mail Ken
================================
Contributed by Robert Taylor, whose g-g-grandfather participated in the battle.
My great-great-grandfather, Walter Willis Cox, was at the Battle of Seven Pines with the 6th Alabama
Infantry Regiment, Company L, the "Loachapoka Rifles" or "Sam Rice Guards." He survived the battle
and the war. He moved to Bell County, Texas, where he lived until his death in 1900. He is interred at
the Smith Cemetery, just west of Gatesville.
E-Mail Robert
=================================
Submitted by Bruce Ford, about his great uncle, A. Wilson Ford, who died of wounds received at Seven
Pines.
A. Wilson Ford enlisted 6/31/1861 in Pendleton, SC and became a member of the 4th SC Volunteers and
fought in the 1st Battle of Manassas and escaped unharmed. He then enlisted on 4/16/1862 in the
Palmetto Sharpshooters, 1st Palmetto (Jenkins Regiment), and was promoted to Corporal. His papers
list him as KIA Seven Pines, May 31, 1862. A book, "Broken Fortunes" by Randolph Kirkland, Jr., listed
him as DOD 7/15/1862, then wdd27p, RR=KIA 5/31/1862. A eulogy I found in the minutes of Carmel
Presbyterian Church stated ".....During last winter, he revolunteered for the war and became a member
of Capt. Daniels Co., Palmetto Sharpshooters. It is sufficient eulogy to say he belonged to the gallant
regiment of Col. Jenkins, and fell with his face to the enemy. He died in the 21st year of his age. His
body mingles with the soil of Virginia."
I am seeking any information as to where he might be buried, and if there is a marker in his memory.
E-Mail Bruce
===================================
The following was contributed by Mary Thoeni, concerning Albert Davis who was killed at the Battle of
Seven Pines.
Albert Davis, Co. D, 16 Regiment, NC, CSA (Hampton's Brigade, Smith's Division), died May 31, 1862, in
the Battle of Seven Pines. He was the son of George and Lucinda (Womack) Davis of Rutherford
County, NC.
E-Mail Mary
===================================
Shared by Erik Ryan, whose 3-g-uncle, Lt. Elijah F. Ryan, was killed in the Battle of Seven Pines.
My great-great-great-uncle, Lt. Elijah F. Ryan, Company H, 12th Alabama Infantry Regiment, died in the
Battle of Seven Pines. I have very few details and am interested in learning of the burial sites and
cemeteries he may have been buried at. If anyone has information, it would be very much appreciated.
E-Mail Erik
===================================
Contributed by Al Hemingway, whose g-grandfather, Paul LaFontaine, was wounded in the battle.
My great-grandfather, Paul LaFontaine, fought at Fair Oaks and was wounded on May 31, 1862. He
served with Company C, 100th New York Volunteers. He was also wounded in the Battle of Drury's Bluff.
E-Mail Al
===================================
This link is to a memorial page Alma Harings has created for her 2-g-uncle, James M. Sanders, who was
killed in the battle.
Tribute to James M. Sanders of Grundy County, TN
E-Mail Alma
====================================
Melissa Brown submitted this info about her ancestor, who was killed at Seven Pines.
Wiley Wyatt, private; enlisted 9/10/1861; Company B, 28 Reg., Georgia Volunteer, Army of Tennessee;
Washington County, GA; "Sandersville Volunteers." He was killed May 31, 1862, at the Battle of Seven
Pines. He lived in Washington County, GA; he married Edney Durdan 2/16/1849 in Jefferson County, GA;
they had six children.
E-Mail Melissa
======================================
The following is from Chris Hansen. At least two of his family members participated in the Battle.
I have four family members who were in Co. I, 11th AL Inf. Regt. There are only two who I know were at
Seven Pines.
Corpl. James A. Kirkland (according to information I was recently given) enlisted 11 June, 1861 in
Company I, 11th AL inf. Regt. ("Fayette and Pickens Rifles"). He was wounded in the Battle of Seven
Pines in VA. He was a CSA Captain (based on a family history site). The 11th AL Inf. Regt. was attached
to Wilcox's Brigade. On May 31, 1862, the Brigade was ordered to move across Williamsburg Road and
the 11th AL was ordered to the front by the Division Commander. Three companies of this regt. were
ordered to dislodge the enemy holding a certain point. The battle resulted in a loss of 66 wounded or
killed in a few minutes.
William F. Kirkland was with Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House, VA. Will enlisted 11 June, 1861,
and served in the CSA. He was wounded several times. With his older brother, James A., Will was
assigned to Co. I, 11th AL Inf. Regt. He was promoted to Sergeant in September, 1861. His regt.
participated in most of the major battles engaged in by the Army of Northern VA---Seven Pines (where
James died), Fredericksburg, Cold Harbor, Yorktwon, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness,
Richmond, Gaines Mill and many others. He was wounded at Gettysburg, Frayser's Farm, Mine Run,
Burgess Mill.
I am the 4th great-grandson of their father, Jeho Chaney Kirkland, by way of their brother, Robert Inge
Kirkland.
E-Mail Chris
=====================================