The Elkinsvill Seventeen March 21

CHAPTER ONE
THE ELKINSVILLE SEVENTEEN
THE ELKINS FAMILY OF BROWN COUNTY INDIANA

IN THE CIVIL WAR
By Brian K. Elkins
Out of the pain and death of him and thousands of other braves came the perpetuity of a
great government. ---T. L. Beckwith
The white mans happiness cannot be purchased by the black mans misery ---Frederick
Douglas
Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him
personally. ---Abraham Lincoln
Let me tell you what is coming. After the sacrifice of countless millions of treasure and
hundreds of thousands of lives you may win Southern independence, but I doubt it. The
North is determined to preserve this Union. They are not a fiery, impulsive people as you
are, for they live in colder climates. But when they begin to move in a given direction,
they move with the steady momentum and perseverance of a mighty avalanche. ---Sam
Houston
I. A HOUSE DIVIDED : A PERILOUS TIME TO BE BORN
If you were an able-bodied male between the years of 1819 to 1848, the chances of your
being militarily involved in the Civil War was extremely high. Dont let the birth date of
1848 fool you. A thirteen year old male when the War broke out, namely, my first cousin,
Franklin Elkins, (three generations removed) enlisted in the 145th Infantry Indiana
Volunteers Company F, on February 7th 1865, at age seventeen.
This is an account of my seventeen Civil War Veteran Elkins ancestors. The birth years of
these individuals, (all from Elkinsville, in Brown County Indiana), ranges from 1819 to
1848. That this number of men from one family enlisted with the Union is remarkable. In
all my research on the Elkins members who fought in the War, (both Union and
Confederate) I have yet to come across similar numbers from one tiny village,
Elkinsville.
There were a total of 575 men with the surname Elkins who fought in the Civil War. Two
hundred and twenty-two for the Union, and three hundred and fifty-three for the
Confederacy. Research through Ancestry has led me to finding out that eighty-three of
these men are descended from one common ancestor, Ralph Elkins, 1636-1690, who
emigrated from Staffordshire England to Virginia in 1657. Ralph Elkins descendents
literally fought each other in the war.
He is our familys American Abraham whose descendants number in the thousands.

His family spread out following the classic settlement pattern through the Carolinas,
Kentucky, and eventually into Indiana. My 5th-great-grandfather was William Elkins,
1796-1880, founder of Elkinsville.
II. TROUBLE AT HOME: THE BROWN COUNTY WAR BETWEEN THE

STATES
The people of Brown County were as caught up in the politics leading up to the Civil War
as any other area of the Country. Some folks loyalties were divided as a number of
families still had members who fondly remembered their southern ancestral homes. Long
winded orators and loud gatherings were commonplace throughout the area. When
Abraham Lincoln was elected President, things went from bad to worse. Many
individuals were conflicted by the Secession and where their sympathies lied.
By Sunday, April 14th, 1861, the news that Fort Sumter had been fired on that previous
Friday had spread like wildfire across the county. Soon Judge Hester found himself in a
packed house meeting, in an overflowing courthouse. When he proclaimed that it was a
citizens honored duty to make every effort to go against the rebellion. The Judge was
heckled by southern sympathizers saying the government hasnt the authority to impose
its will on the seceding states.
By 1863, the horrific losses caused by the bloodshed came to a head. At a rally in
Nashville, a resolution was adopted for Brown County to withdraw from all political
association from the New England States. They also wanted an immediate armistice and
amnesty for all so-called, political offenses. To some, this sounded like another by a
politicians attempt at favoring succession. Later, in August, another gathering proposed
no more funding for the war. The conflict had reached the boiling point. What followed
later became known as the, Brown County War Between the States.
Lewis Proesser and a companion had spent the day squirrel hunting. They strolled into a
war meeting still carrying their rifles. Proesser was known by the locals as a
secessionist, adamantly opposed to the war. A few Union soldiers were also at this
meeting. They had been sent down from Indianapolis to find deserters hiding in the hills.
Someone asked Prosser if he would say a few words to the group. He sneered and
directed his scorn to the Union supporters stating, I have nothing to say to this group.
A number of Union people crowded around Proesser. A drunken soldier named Kaniels
asked Proesser what right he had to show up with a rifle. Kaniels grabbed the rifle,
whereupon Proesser produced a pistol, shooting Kaniels dead. As Proesser tried to flee,
he was shot in the leg.
When the news of this bloodshed reached Indianapolis, the Army began to make
preparations to send in troops to Brown County. Emotions were so raw that southern
backers formed a skirmish line at Bean Blossom to keep out the troops. In the meantime,
a group of citizens rushed to Indianapolis and talked the military officials down. There
would be no more trouble in Brown County. Lewis Proesser later died from his leg
wound.
III. THE ELKINS MEN SIGN UP
April 22nd, 1861 Jesse Jacob Elkins, age 21. 10th Infantry Regiment Indiana Volunteers
Company L
August 15th, 1861 Joseph Elkins, age 18. 22nd Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company E
August 15th, 1861 William Asbury Elkins, age 25. 22nd Infantry Indiana Volunteers
Company E
August 16th, 1861 James A. Elkins, age 20. 93rd Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company C
September 15th, 1861 Andrew Elkins, age 22. 31st Infantry Indiana Volunteers, Company
G
September 15th, 1861 Lewis Elkins, age 18. 31st Infantry Indiana Volunteers, Company G
September 15th, 1861 Richard Elkins, age 20. 31st Infantry Indiana Volunteers, Company
G
September 15th, 1861 George W. Elkins, age 20. 31st Infantry Indiana Volunteers,
Company G
September 15th, 1861 William Elkins Jr., age 37. 31st Infantry Indiana Volunteers,
Company G
September 16th, 1861 Daniel K. Elkins, age 21. 34th Infantry Indiana Volunteers
Company D
August 16th, 1862 Robert Elkins, age 22. 93rd Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company C
August 30th, 1862 Drury Elkins, age 43. 82nd Infantry, Indiana Volunteers, Company H
November 3rd, 1864 George Daniel Elkins, age 25. 142nd Infantry Indiana Volunteers
Company K
February 7th, 1865 Franklin Elkins, age 17. 145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company F
February 7th, 1865 Granderson Bunk Elkins, age 22. 145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers
Company K
February 7th, 1865 Wirt Elkins, age 24. 145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company K
February 21st, 1865 Henry Elkins, age 28. 143rd Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company F
III. THE FIGHTIN 31ST REGIMENT
Battle Flag of the 31st
On Sunday September 15th, 1861, five men named Elkins, from Elkinsville Indiana were
mustered into the 31st Volunteer Infantry Regiment. They were eager and ready to join the
fight. They had money in their pockets, a rare experience for them. They were all
farmers, descended from tough pioneer stock. They had no idea the hell on earth they
were about to experience.
On Saturday, September 21st, the Regiment boarded a train at Terre Haute, and headed to
Evansville. They camped at Camp Spotsville in Henderson Kentucky. Suspecting rebel
plans for a Kentucky invasion, they made several reconnaissance missions.
On Saturday, December 28th, the Confederate cavalry under the command of Nathan
Bedford Forrest attacked union forces resulting in the Battle of Sacramento. Kentucky
was fertile ground for divided loyalties. Forrests forces routed the Union troops. Now the
untested volunteers from Elkinsville realized that real fighting was getting closer. Their
baptism of fire was only forty-six days away at Fort Donelson.
An estimate of between 650,000 to 850,000 men died in the Civil War. Roughly two-
thirds died of disease. As the 31st wintered in Camp Calhoun Kentucky, men started dying
of disease brought on by filthy conditions. Rats were everywhere, measles, and mumps
was sweeping the camp. Half the regiment was unable to report for duty. Some men went
broke spending their last dollar for any scrap of nourishing food. In January of 1862, the
camp received a visit by the Sanitation Commission. Typical of bureaucrats, a long report
was written. No record if the Commissions visit improved the camp conditions.
On Sunday February 9th, 1861, the 31st boarded a steamer for Paducah Kentucky. On
February 10th, they headed for Fort Henry via the Tennessee River. They headed back to
Paducah after learning Fort Henry had been secured by Union forces. On Friday morning
they arrive at Fort Donelson, one day away from entering the gates of hell.
Richard Elkins, age twenty-one, was born in Elkinsville Indiana in 1841. He was the son
of Thomas Elkins, 1813-1859 and Rebecca Stogdill, 1813-1857. His grandfather was
William Elkins, 1796-1880, founder of Elkinsville. His mother was Rhoda Stephens,
1788-1837. He was married to Nancy Bush Elkins. He joined the 31st along with his
brothers, Andrew, George W, Lewis, and William Elkins Junior. Their brother John W.
Elkins was my great-grandfather. His cousins, Lewis, Jesse Jacob, Granderson Bunk,
William Asbury, Franklin, and George Daniel Elkins all fought in the Civil War.
Richard was wounded on Sunday February 16th, 1861. He lingered for four days, dying
on Wednesday February 19th, 1861. He left behind a nineteen year old widow, Nancy
Bush Elkins. His widows pension application states: Wounded at the Battle of Fort
Donelson from which he died four days thereafter. The deceased was wounded while the
Regiment, 31st Indy was engaged fighting overwhelming numbers of the enemy. He was
wounded on the head, the ball grazing his head, breaking his skull. He was described as
being 510 inches tall, dark complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. Occupation: Farmer.
Richards brothers would have to move on with the grief of a beloved family member.
For the 31st, nine men killed fifty-two wounded, six of these mortally.
For Andrew, George W, Lewis, and William Elkins Jr, the tragic loss of their brother at
Fort Donelson was bitter enough. Now they would see horrors beyond imagination in the
Battle of Shiloh.
On Sunday morning, April 6th, 1862, the 31st was startled awake by enemy musket firing.
The Battle of Shiloh had begun. The soldiers found itself in the infamous Sunken Road
or better known as the Hornets Nest. The slaughter they were engulfed in was beyond
imagination. Twenty-three thousand lives were lost in the battle. The 31st stood their
ground from four furious Confederate charges, pouring round after round of a murderous
volley into the Confederates. The Battle log recorded each man firing around 100 rounds.
At 3:30 that afternoon, as their left flank was about to be overrun, the 31st fell back to a
ridge (known as Grants last line). The fighting stopped at 7:30 that night. The Elkins
brothers must have wondered how in Gods grace they had survived that day. The
following day, the 31st would back up Shermans line, and by that evening the
Confederate forces had retreated. For the 31st, twenty-one killed, one hundred and
fourteen wounded, ten of these mortally, and three missing.
The 31st now begin chasing Braxton Bragg across Tennessee. On Sunday October 26th,
1862, the Elkins brothers found themselves in Somerset Kentucky in the Cumberland
Mountains. This area is where Elkins family moved from to Indiana. Many folks in
Elkinsville are descendents of the families who moved to Indiana. I wonder if they
realized where they were and what it meant.
BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE
Note: At Perryville (or Chaplin Hills), KY, Regiment was held in reserve and only
participated in some skirmishing. (Oct. 1862)
Salt of the Earth
General William Tecumseh Sherman once remarked, "Salt is eminently contraband", as

an army that has salt can adequately feed its men. Salt also was used for curing leather
and the dyeing of uniforms. One major salt works was located on Goose Creek in
Jefferson County Kentucky.
On September 27th, 1861, Confederate troops plundered the salt works, pulling down the
American Flag, ripping it to pieces saying, These works belong to Lincoln men, but we
caused it to be receipted for, with the expectation that the Confederate Government will
pay for it. An indication of Kentuckys divided loyalties caused one local woman, a
Union supporter to say, Not only that valuable property, but all else that she and her
husband (a Colonel in our service) owned, might be destroyed, if such destruction would
help to restore the Union.
Not all of the 31st duties were battlefield related. On October 23rd and 24th, 1862, fearing
a Confederate raid on the salt works, the 31st was ordered to participate in the complete
destruction of the works. For thirty-six hours they destroyed its pumps, well, pipes, and
cisterns. There would be no more salt for rebel forces from Goose Creek the rest of the
war.
On Friday December 26th, 1862, the 31st was now in Nashville Tennessee. On the
following Tuesday, the Battle of Stones River began. On New Years Eve, at six am, the
31st was on the front lines at a placed called Cedar Woods. They began to build
breastworks to fortify their positions. They laid down their guns, and within a short time
they were master builders, everyman being a skilled stonecutter. Their position was now
impregnable. The 31st inflicted a terrible slaughter on General J.R. Chalmers Mississippi
regiments. For the 31st, five men killed, forty-five wounded, six of these mortally, and
thirty-seven missing.
In addition to suffering from the elements, lack of food, there were duties the 31st soldiers
despised. The physical exertion of flanking marching, negotiating hills, ravines, fences,
creeks, and briar patches was particularly tiring. Train guarding was also dreaded, it
meant having to march as fast as they could, lay down their arms to push out any and all
equipment stuck in the mud. When things needed fixing, the men of the 31st were chosen
for this task because their skills as farmers in repairing broken down items made them
invaluable.
From June 23rd to July 3rd, 1863, the 31st participated in the Tullahoma Campaign. This
action drove the Confederates out of Tennessee and set up the Chattanooga Campaign.
This in conjunction with union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg turned the tide in
the war.
Seventy-eight days later, the 31st would enter their next trial in the Battle of
Chickamauga. On Friday, September 18th, 1863, the 31st was bivouacked to McLemore's
Cove until six-thirty pm when they crossed the Chickamauga Creek, making the other
side by one am. The courage of the 31st, on September the 19th would be their finest of the
war. That afternoon, from two-thirty until three-fifty pm, the fighting was at its most
intense. Not a single straggler from the 31st was seen. The men had to move aside from
fleeing troops while still engaging the enemy, holding their ground, preventing a
disastrous defeat. The 31st made a charge that broke the confederate line. The union
position held until nightfall.
The next morning, from seven-forty am until twelve pm, the Confederates fired at the
Union lines with artillery and musketry volleys, with the 31st still holding their position.
At three pm, the 31st was ordered out to fill gaps in the line. They ended the day by
forming back at Missionary Ridge.
The next morning, they marched to Rossville where they maintained their line throughout
the day. On September 22nd, they fell back to rejoin the Brigade at Chattanooga. I wonder
how long it would take them to find out that they would never see their cousin, William
Asbury Elkins, of the 22nd Regiment again. He was captured at Chickamauga and sent to
Scotts Prisoner of War Camp, dying on February 6th 1864. For the 31st, five killed, sixty-
one wounded, seven of these morally, and seventeen missing.
On May 1st, 1864, the 31st found themselves embroiled in another battle as the Atlanta
Campaign. At six am they took over the captured rebel pits, turning them to face their
former troops. The rebel artillery then fired a cannonball which knocked over a dead tree
measuring over a foot in diameter. The 31st soldiers picked up the tree and proceeded to
add to their breastworks. The opposing forces within earshot of each other often engaged
in trash-talk banter. They taunted the rebels, yelling out, Hey Jonny-Reb, shoot
another cannon and cut down that other tree!
A rare truce let both side mingle with each other trading for coffee and tobacco. The truce
was supposed to last for three days, but on the second day a rebel officer warned the
Union side to beware of artillery fire. Hurried preparation began to conceal their positions
by stacking up brush and bringing up their own artillery to aim at the rebel lines. A Union
soldier, peering through the brush remarked that the enemy, on top of the rebel works was
lined with men, More numerous than one ever saw chickens on a fence after a shower.
Taking no chances, the Union artillery opened up on the Confederates. Several men were
seen flying through the air resulting in the rebels moving their artillery back. It had been
a Confederate ruse all along. The enemy commander then called back out saying they had
intended to trick us, but had failed. Almost every man on top of the Confederate works
had been killed. The truce was over. For the 31st, thirty-two killed.
Note: The Battle of Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and Jonesboro was
part of the Atlanta Campaign.
The Battle of Franklin ended all hope of the Souths dreams of independence. Historians
still debate General John Bell Hoods motives for ordering a continual suicidal wave of
his forces against the Northern forces fortified breastworks. His orders led to the
bloodiest five hours, of the war in United States History. What Hood effectively
accomplished scholars view as, dropping of the A-bomb in terms of the final destruction
of an enemy. Only in this case, the south dropped the bomb on itself.
While Sherman was making, Georgia howl, for Southerners, living through the daily
horrors of the war, a popular saying was, It werent no war, and there wasnt anything
civil about it.
John Bell Hoods legacy was out of 64,000 men under his command, 14,000 survived.
After dying from yellow fever, a detractor wrote, Hood, vanquished by a mosquito.
The soldiers of the 31st reached Franklin at eleven oclock on the morning of October
30th, 1864 exhausted but ready for battle. That afternoon, at two oclock the all too
familiar slaughter began. Just how secure were the Unions breastworks? The 31st took no
casualties that day. This is remarkable considering the number of men killed in the battle.
In less than two weeks, they would be in the last major battle of their long, agonizing
service for the 31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
For the 31st, the Confederacy was defeated; the war was all but over. At dawn on
December 31st, 1864, their last major engagement, the Battle of Nashville had begun. The
regiment was involved in heavy skirmishing, capturing Confederate artillery and taking
many prisoners. Another new year, another fight. On New Years Day, after more
skirmishing, they continued to chase Hoods army until the 28th, when the pursuit
stopped. For the 31st, ten killed thirty-three wounded, eight of these mortally.
How did these men react when on April 9th, 1865 to the news of Lees surrender reached
them? Did they consider their miraculous survival against all odds a sign of Divine
Providence? Historians have revised the casualty totals up to between 750,000 to
850,000. In the midst of any celebration, they had to be thinking of their brother Richard,
and cousin William Asbury, who wouldnt be going back home to Elkinsville.
Imagine a farmer from Elkinsville Indiana finding himself in San Antonio Texas after
surviving 1,546 days from enlistment to being mustered out. On December 9th, 1865, the
four Elkins brothers were done fighting. Soon they would be back home again in Indiana.
31st Volunteer Infantry Indiana Casualty list, mortally killed and wounded
BATTLE KILLED
Fort Donelson 15
Shiloh 31
Corinth 1
Stones River 11
Chickamauga 12
Rocky Face 4
Resaca 1
Pine Mountain 1
Kennesaw Mountain 15
Marietta 1
Jonesboro 4
Atlanta Campaign 5
Nashville 18
Total killed 119
Died of disease 258
Total enrolled 1,562
V. CANT YOU HEAR THE ARTILLERY BOMBS! PTSD AMONG CIVIL WAR
VETERANS
The minds of the wounded Civil War veterans who survived the war, ravaged by the
horrors both mental and physical, in too many cases, could not be restored to its original
state. The term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was not mentioned in any medical
references until 1980. Historians today are researching the effects of the brutality on the
post Civil War soldiers.
Imagine witnessing your comrades being blown apart by mini-balls, artillery cannon
balls, being sprayed with their brains, guts, and blood. Try to comprehend the sight of
5,000 bodies lying strewn so deep, you could walk over them with your feet never
touching the ground. Visualize a third of these bodies still alive and watching the horror
of the crawling-effect.
The casualty count from the war never takes into account of the psychic wounds the
veterans had to endure. Officials in the 1860s had little or no knowledge how the stress
of battle could scar the mind. People who were considered mentally ill were looked up
with shame, when men were supposed to always exhibit courage and manliness. The
experiences of Billy-Yank and Johnny-Reb through diaries, letters, and hospital
records are being studied by historians and genealogists alike.
Individuals showing war-related anxieties were assumed to be suffering from character
flaws accompanied by physical problems. For example, today if someone were suffering
from constricted breath and heart palpitations, it would be considered a panic attack.
Civil War veterans would be labeled with conditions such as soldiers heart or irritable
heart. Doctors would list causes of this ailment to include exertion, knapsack straps that
were too tight on the mans chest, or one mental cause of breakdown was even listed as
masturbation.
Men also suffered from nostalgia or camp-disease an ancient term for home sickness
and despair. A person could also be blamed for simply having a feeble-will, moral-
turpitude, and inactivity. The recommended treatment was relentless drilling, shaming, or
if the situation warranted it, an immediate return to the excitement of the campaign,
meaning combat.
Other post-war ailments afflicting returning men were, flailing in your sleep searching for
food in a POW camp, and barricading yourself in your room screaming, The rebels have
come to kill me! Years of living with starvation, fatigue, corpses, filth, and flies haunted
men for the rest of their lives. One veteran would scream at his wife, dont you hear the
shells coming in, Im bleeding to death!
Wounded men lying in hospitals were subjected to the screams of amputation, the smells
of the dying, and the constant fear of an inglorious death far away from home. Most of
them were simple farmers who probably had never seen anything beyond their own
counties.
Not all soldiers were tormented by their personal experiences. A significant number of
them lived out their lives being productive citizens. Men coming home without a
Veterans Administration or G.I. Bill managed to pick up where they left off before the
war.
One poor soul, still wearing what was left of his uniform four decades after the war cause
of death was listed, acute suicidal melancholia. Families often received telegrams
stating only that their relative has died, shall we bury here? Answer_____?
A majority of people viewed the mentally ill veterans as sissies, who Patton would
gladly have slapped around. Rarely was there anyone there to tell them how sorry they
were for the utter hell they had lived through. Most descendents from Civil War Veterans
fantasize that all their ancestors were prosperous, well to do people. The stigma of having
a relative who died in an asylum never enters their minds.
VI. PROFILES OF THE COURAGEOUS
ANDREW ELKINS IS: OUR GREAT GRAND UNCLE
Civil War Veteran, 31st Infantry Regiment Indiana Volunteers. Organized at Terre Haute,
Indiana. Mustered in September 15th, 1861. Service: Battle of Fort Donelson, Tenn.,
February 12-16, 1861. Battle of Shiloh, April 6-7 1862. Siege of Corinth April 29-30,
1862. Battle of Perryville, October 8th, 1862. Battle of Stones River, December 30-31,
1862, January 1-3, 1863. Tullahoma Campaign, June 24th-July 3rd, 1863. Battle of
Chickamauga, September 19-20, 1863. Siege of Chattanooga, September 21st to
November 25th, 1863. Battle of Resaca, May 14-15, 1864. Assault on Kennesaw
Mountain, June 27th, 1864. Battle of Peach Tree Creek, July 19-20, 1864. Siege of
Atlanta, July 22nd to August 25th, 1864. Battle of Jonesboro, August 31st to September 1st,
1864. Battle of Franklin, November 30th, 1864. Battle of Nashville, December 15-16,
1864. Mustered out December 8th, 1865, in San Antonio Texas.
Born in Elkinsville Indiana in 1839. Died in 1909 age of 70.
WIFE: Ellen Combs
FATHER: Thomas Elkins 1813-1859
MOTHER: Rebecca Stogdill 1813-1857
GRANDFATHER: William Elkins 1796-1882
GRANDMOTHER: Rhoda Stephens
BROTHERS: 1. Richard Elkins 1841-1862 age of 21. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
Volunteer Infantry. Richard was killed in the Battle of Fort Donelson. He is buried there.
2. George W. Elkins 1844-1890 age of 46. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana Volunteer
Infantry.
COUSINS: 1. Lewis Elkins 1844-1882 age of 38. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
Volunteer Infantry. 2. Jesse Jacob Elkins 1845-1904 age of 59. Civil War Veteran, 10th
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. 3. Granderson 'Bunk' Elkins, 1843-1922 age of 79. Civil War
Veteran, 145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company K. 4. William Asbury Elkins 1836-
1863 age of 27. Civil War Veteran, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana Volunteers
Company E. 5. Frances Franklin Elkins 1848-1922 age of 74. Civil War Veteran, 145th
Infantry Indiana Volunteers. 6. George Daniel 1839-1919 age of 80. 142nd Infantry
Indiana Volunteers Company K. 7. Henry Elkins 1837-?. Civil War Veteran, 143rd
Infantry Indiana Volunteers.
DANIEL K. ELKINS: OUR 2ND GRAND GREAT UNCLE
The 34th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the Morton Rifles, was an
Infantry Regiment that served in the Union army during the Civil War. It had the
distinction of fighting the last land action of the war, the Battle of Palmito Ranch, Texas,
Ma 12-13, 1865, and also suffering the last soldier killed during the war, Private John J.
Williams.
Organized at Anderson Indiana and mustered in on September 16, 1861. Service: Siege
and capture of Island Number Ten, Mississippi River, March 15 to April 8, 1862. Battle
of Port Gibson, May 1, 1863. Battle of Champions Hill, May 16, 1863. Siege of
Vicksburg, May 18 to July 4, 1863. Siege of Jackson, July 10-17, 1863. Battle of Palmito
Ranch, May 12-13, 1865. Mustered out on February 3, 1866.
Born in Elkinsville Indiana in 1840 Died 1890 age of 50
WIFE: Pricilla Elkins
FATHER: William Elkins 1796-1882 Founder of Elkinsville
MOTHER: Rhoda Stephens 1788-1837
GRANDFATHER: Drury Elkins 1760-1840
GRANDMOTHER: Margaret Francis
BROTHERS: 1. William Elkins Jr. 1824-1903 age of 79. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
Volunteer Infantry. 2. Joseph Elkins 1843-1913 age of 70. Civil War Veteran, 22nd Indiana
Volunteer Infantry.
COUSINS: 1. Richard Elkins 1841-1862 age of 21. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
2. Andrew Elkins 1846-1909 age of 63. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana Volunteer
Infantry. 3. George W. Elkins 1844-1890 age of 46. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
Volunteer Infantry. 4. Frances Franklin Elkins 1848-1922 age of 74. Civil War Veteran,
DRURY ELKINS: OUR SECOND GREAT GRAND UNCLE

Headstone of Sergeant Drury Elkins, Elkinsville Indiana Cemetery
Civil War Veteran, 82nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company H. Mustered in August 30,
1862. Service: Battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862. Battle of Stones River, December 31
to January 2, 1864. Tullahoma Campaign, June 24 to July 3, 1863. Siege of Chattanooga,
September 21 to November 25, 1863. Battle of Missionary Ridge, November 25, 1863.
Atlanta Campaign, May 7 to September 2, 1864. Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, June 27
1864. Siege of Atlanta, May 7 to September 2, 1864. Shermans March to the Sea,
November 15 to December 21, 1864. Battle of Bentonville, March 19-21, 1865. Mustered
out, June 9, 1865 as Sergeant.
Born in Elkinsville Indiana in 1819. Died in Elkinsville in 1868, age of 48.
WIFE: Nancy Uley
FATHER: William Elkins. 1796-1882 Founder of Elkinsville
GRANDFATHER: Drury Elkins 1760-1840 age of 80 Born in Virginia, died in Indiana.
GRANDMOTHER: Margaret Francis 1766-1830 age of 64 Also born in Virginia, died in

Indiana
SONS: 1. Lewis Elkins 1844-1882 age of 38. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana Volunteer
Infantry. 2. Jesse Jacob Elkins 1845-1904 age of 59. Civil War Veteran, 10th Indiana
Volunteer Infantry.
BROTHERS: 1. William Elkins Jr. 1824-1903 age of 79. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
Volunteer Infantry.
COUSINS: 1. Richard Elkins 1841-1862 age of 21. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers. 5. Henry Elkins 1837 Civil War Veteran, 143rd
FRANCIS 'FRANKLIN' ELKINS: OUR FIRST COUSIN, THREE GENERATIONS

REMOVED
Civil War Veteran, 145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers, Company F. Mustered in on

February 7, 1865. Service: Skirmishes at Spring Place, February 27 and April 20, 1865.
Skirmish near Tunnel Hill, March 3, 1865. Mustered out on January 2, 1866.
Born in Elkinsville Indiana in 1848. Died 1922 age of 74.
WIFE: Unknown
FATHER: Ambaziah Elkins 1819-1909
MOTHER: Hannah Cummins 1820-1890
GRANDMOTHER: Rhoda Stephens 1788-1837
BROTHERS: 1. Granderson 'Bunk' Elkins, 1843-1922 age of 79. Civil War Veteran,
145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company K. 2. George Daniel 1839-1919 age of 80.
142nd Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company K.
COUSINS: 1. Henry Elkins 1837-?. Civil War Veteran, 143rd Infantry Indiana
Volunteers. 2. William Elkins Jr. 1824-1903 age of 79. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. 6. Lewis Elkins 1844-1882 age of 38. Civil War Veteran, 31st
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. 7. Andrew Elkins 1846-1909 age of 63. Civil War Veteran,
31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry. 8. George W. Elkins 1844-1890 age of 46. Civil War
Veteran, 31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
GEORGE DANIEL ELKINS: OUR FIRST COUSIN, THREE GENERATIONS
REMOVED
Civil War Veteran 142nd Infantry Indiana Volunteers, Company K. Mustered in on

November 3, 1864. Reserve at the Battle of Nashville, December 15-16, 1864. Mustered
out on July 14, 1865.
Born in Elkinsville Indiana in 1839. died in 1919 age of 80.
WIFE: Unknown
BROTHERS: 1. Granderson 'Bunk' Elkins, 1843-1922 age of 79. Civil War Veteran,
145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company K. 2. Frances Franklin Elkins 1848-1922
age of 74. Civil War Veteran, 145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers.
GEORGE W. ELKINS: OUR GREAT GRAND UNCLE
Ind. Mustered in September 15th, 1861. Service: Battle of Fort Donelson, Tenn., February
12-16, 1861. Battle of Shiloh, April 6-7 1862. Siege of Corinth April 29-30, 1862. Battle
of Perryville, October 8th, 1862. Battle of Stones River, December 30-31, 1862, January
1-3, 1863. Tullahoma Campaign, June 24th-July 3rd, 1863. Battle of Chickamauga,
September 19-20, 1863. Siege of Chattanooga, September 21st to November 25th, 1863.
Battle of Resaca, May 14-15, 1864. Assault on Kennesaw Mountain, June 27th, 1864.
Battle of Peach Tree Creek, July 19-20, 1864. Siege of Atlanta, July 22nd to August 25th,
1864. Battle of Jonesboro, August 31st to September 1st, 1864. Battle of Franklin,
November 30th, 1864. Battle of Nashville, December 15-16, 1864. Mustered out
December 8th, 1865, in San Antonio Texas.
WIFE: Unknown
GRANDMOTHER: Rhoda Stephens
BROTHERS: 1. Andrew Elkins 1846-1909 age of 63. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
Volunteer Infantry. 2. Richard Elkins 1841-1862 age of 21. Civil War Veteran, 31st
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Richard was killed in the Battle of Fort Donelson. He is
buried there. 3. George W. Elkins 1844-1890 age of 46. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
Volunteer Infantry.
1863 age of 27. Civil War Veteran, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana Volunteers. 5.
Frances Franklin Elkins 1848-1922 age of 74. Civil War Veteran, 145th Infantry Indiana
Volunteers. 6. George Daniel 1839-1919 age of 80. 142nd Infantry Indiana Volunteers
Company K.
GRANDVILLE BUNK ELKINS: OUR 1ST COUSIN THREE TIMES REMOVED

WIFE: Lydian Ann Longhorn
GRANDFATHER: William Elkins 1796-1882. Founder of Elkinsville.
BROTHERS: 1. George Daniel 1839-1919 age of 80. 142nd Infantry Indiana Volunteers
Company K. 2. Frances Franklin Elkins 1848-1922 age of 74. Civil War Veteran, 145th
COUSINS: 1. Henry Elkins 1837-? Civil War Veteran, 143rd Infantry Indiana Volunteers.
2. William Elkins Jr. 1824-1903 age of 79. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana Volunteer
Infantry. 3. Joseph Elkins 1843-1913 age of 70. Civil War Veteran, 22nd Indiana Volunteer
Volunteer Infantry. 5. Lewis Elkins 1844-1882 age of 38. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
Volunteer Infantry. 6. Andrew Elkins 1846-1909 age of 63. Civil War Veteran, 31st
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. 7. George W. Elkins 1844-1890 age of 46. Civil War Veteran,
31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
The tragic story of Grandville Bunk Elkins
WARNING! GRAPHIC CONTENT
GRANVILLE ELKINS TAKES LIFE AT KURTZ SATURDAY
COMMITS SUICIDE BY HANGING HIMSELF AT BALLPARK-HAD BEEN

BROODING OVER ILL-HEALTH
Granville Elkins, a Civil War Veteran committed suicide about midnight Friday night by
hanging himself to a beam in the grandstand at the Kurtz ballpark. The body was found
by his son-in-law John Reeves and George Weininger.
About midnight Friday night Mr. Elkins got up, and lighting his lantern; started out in the
yard. Mart Elkins, a nephew, who has been staying with him at night, thought that he
would be back in a few minutes and dozed off to sleep. When he failed to appear for
breakfast about four oclock, a searching party was started and he was found about four-
thirty oclock.
From all appearances, he died immediately from a broken neck and not from
strangulation. He had tied the rope to the back of the top row of seats in the grandstand
and dropped over. His feet lacked about three feet of touching the ground.
All indications point to the fact that he hung himself almost immediately after leaving the
house as J.L. Lucas who works at Bedford came in on the freight arriving at Kurtz at one
oclock and noticed the lantern sitting on the grandstand.
It is thought by some that in his second attempt as marks were found under his beard that
looked as if a rope had blistered his neck.
A short time ago he suffered a stroke of paralysis and since that time has worried over his
ill-health and the loss of his wife who preceded him to the grave several years ago.
Funeral services were held at the Union Church, Kurtz Sunday afternoon. An obituary
will be found with the Kurtz items on page three.
OBITUARY
GRANVILLE ELKINS
Granville Elkins, son of Ambazar and Hannah Elkins was born in Indiana, February 24th,
1843. He departed this life May 20th, 1922, aged 79 years, 2 months, and twenty-six days.
He was united in marriage to Lydia Ann Lawhorne about 1860. To this union were born
ten children, six having preceded him to the grave. Four survive, namely, Mrs. Sarah
Sturgeon of near Kurtz, Mrs. Rose Lochiner of Bedford, Mrs. Hettie Reeves of Kurtz
who he has lived near and taken his meals with for two years, and one son, Daniel Elkins
of near Kurtz with whom he lived for nine or ten years. He also leaves twelve
grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, one brother, Richard of this place, and a host
of relatives and friends to mourn their loss.
Funeral services were conducted by Reverend Eph Scott of near Gorbetts, at 2p.m.
Sunday, followed by internment in the Cummings Cemetery near here. The bereaved
relatives have the sympathy of the entire community in this tragedy.
HENRY ELKINS: OUR FIRST COUSIN, FOUR GENERATIONS REMOVED
Civil War Veteran 143rd Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company F. Mustered in on February
21, 1865. With the war winding down, the 143rd main duties were mop-up and guard duty.
Duty at Nashville, Murfreesboro, Tullahoma, Clarksville, and Fort Donelson. Mustered
out on Octobber 17, 1865.
Born in Elkinsville Indiana in 1837. Died ?
WIFE: Unknown
FATHER: Jesse Elkins
MOTHER: Matilda Rogers Bagwell
GRANDMOTHER: Margaret Francis 1766-1830
COUSINS: 1. William Elkins Jr. 1824-1903 age of 79. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
JAMES A. ELKINS: OUR FIRST COUSIN, THREE GENERATIONS REMOVED

Civil War Veteran, 93rd Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company C. Service: The regiment
was primarily on guard duty until March of 1863. It then marched off to meet up with
other contingents to join in the Siege of Vicksburg from May 18 to July 4, 1863. Siege of
Jackson, July 10 -17, 1863. Battle of Brices Cross Roads, June 10, 1864. Battle of
Nashville, December 15-16, 1864. Sent to campaign against Mobile Alabama on March
17, 1865. Siege of Spanish Fort, and Fort Blakely, March 26 to April 8, 1865. Mustered
out, August 10, 1865.
WIFE: Unknown
FATHER: Zechariah Elkins
MOTHER: Elizabeth Tatlock
GRANDFATHER: Jesse Elkins 1789-1871
GRANDMOTHER: Unknown
BROTHERS: Robert Elkins. 93rd Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company C
COUSINS: 1. Henry Elkins 1837-? Civil War Veteran, 143rd Infantry Indiana Volunteers.
2. William Elkins Jr. 1824-1903 age of 79. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana Volunteer
Volunteer Infantry. 6. Andrew Elkins 1846-1909 age of 63. Civil War Veteran, 31st
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. 7. George W. Elkins 1844-1890 age of 46. Civil War Veteran,
31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
Additional notes: James Elkins joined up at age 15. His older brother, Robert Elkins
joined with him. He was age 22. Big brother watching out for little brother.
JESSE JACOB ELKINS: OUR FIRST COUSIN, THREE GENERATIONS REMOVED
Civil War Veteran, 10th Infantry Regiment Indiana Volunteers Company L. Organized at
Indianapolis April 22-25, 1861 in response to President Lincolns call for 75,000
volunteers. Service: Battle of Rich Mountain, July 11, 1861. Battle of Mill Springs,
January 19-20, 1862. Battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862. Tullahoma, June 29-30, 1863.
Battle of Chickamauga, September 19-21, 1863. Siege of Chattanooga, September 24 to
November 23, 1863. Battle of Missionary Ridge, November 25, 1863. Atlanta Campaign,
May 1 to September 8, 1864. Battle of Resaca, May 14-15, 1864. Assault on Kennesaw
Mountain, June 27, 1864. Battle of Peach Tree Creek, July 19-20, 1864. Siege of Atlanta,
July 22 to August 25, 1864. Battle of Jonesboro, August 31 to September 1, 1864. The
10th Indiana Infantry mustered out on September 19, 1864.
WIFE: Unknown
FATHER: Drury Elkins 1819-1867
MOTHER: Nancy Uley
BROTHERS: Lewis Elkins 1844-1882 age of 38. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
Volunteer Infantry.
COUSINS: 1. Granderson 'Bunk' Elkins, 1843-1922 age of 79. Civil War Veteran, 145th
Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company K. 2. William Asbury Elkins 1836-1863 age of
27. Civil War Veteran, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana Volunteers Company E. 3. .
Company K.
JOSEPH ELKINS: OUR 2ND GRAND GREAT UNCLE
Civil War Veteran, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana Volunteers Company E. Mustered in
on August 15th, 1861. Service: Battle of Pea Ridge, March 6-8, 1862. Battle of Perryville,
October 8, 1862. Battle of Chickamauga, September 18-20, 1863. Siege of Chattanooga,
September 21 to November 25, 1863. Battle of Resaca, May 14-15, 1864. Assault on
Kennesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864. Siege of Atlanta, July 22 to August 25, 1864.
Operations against Hood in North Georgia and North Alabama, September 29 to
November 3, 1864. March to the Sea, November 15 to December 10, 1864. Battle of
Bentonville, March 19-21, 1865. Moved to Louisville Kentucky until mustered out on
July 24, 1865.
WIFE: Unknown
FATHER: William Elkins 1796-1882

BROTHERS: William Elkins Jr. 1824-1903 age of 79. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
Volunteer Infantry.
COUSINS: 1. . Richard Elkins 1841-1862 age of 21. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers. 6. Henry Elkins 1837-. Civil War Veteran, 143rd
LEWIS ELKINS: OUR FIRST COUSIN, THREE GENERATIONS REMOVED
Headstone of Corporal Lewis Elkins, Elkinsville Indiana Cemetery
WIFE: Unknown
FATHER: Drury Elkins 1819-1867
MOTHER: Nancy Uley
BROTHERS: Jesse Jacob Elkins 1845-1904 age of 59. Civil War Veteran, 10th Indiana
Volunteer Infantry.
COUSINS: 1. Granderson 'Bunk' Elkins, 1843-1922 age of 79. Civil War Veteran, 145th
Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company K. 2. William Asbury Elkins 1836-1863 age of
27. Civil War Veteran, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana Volunteers Company E. 3. .
Company K. 5. Henry Elkins 1837-?. Civil War Veteran, 143rd Infantry Indiana
Volunteers.
RICHARD ELKINS: OUR GREAT GRAND UNCLE
12-16, 1861.
Born in Elkinsville Indiana in 1841. Killed in the Battle of Fort Donelson, February 19th,
1862, age of 21.
WIFE: Nancy E. Bush Elkins. Widowed at 19.

BROTHERS: 1. Andrew Elkins 1846-1909 age of 63. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
Volunteer Infantry. 2. George W. Elkins 1844-1890 age of 46. Civil War Veteran, 31st
Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
1863 age of 27. Civil War Veteran, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana Volunteers Company
E. 5. Frances Franklin Elkins 1848-1922 age of 74. Civil War Veteran, 145th Infantry
Indiana Volunteers. 6. George Daniel 1839-1919 age of 80. 142nd Infantry Indiana
Volunteers Company K.
UNCLES: 1. Drury Elkins Civil War Veteran, 82nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry Company
H. 2. William Elkins Jr. 1824-1903 age of 79. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana Volunteer
Infantry.
Notes from his widows pension application:
Description of wounds: Wounded at the Battle of Fort Donelson from which he died four
days thereafter. The deceased was wounded while the Regiment, 31st Indy was engaged
fighting overwhelming numbers of the enemy. He was wounded on the head, the ball
grazing his head, breaking his skull. Lingered four days.
Tough Elkins folks.
Described 510 inches, dark complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. Occupation: Farmer.
Pension application approved, Nancy Elkins signed with an X, her mark).
ROBERT ELKINS: OUR FIRST COUSIN, THREE GENERATIONS REMOVED

Civil War Veteran, Acme Cemetery, Jackson County Indiana
Civil War Veteran, 93rd Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company C. Service: The regiment
was primarily on guard duty until March of 1863. It then marched off to meet up with
other contingents to join in the Siege of Vicksburg from May 18 to July 4, 1863. Siege of
Jackson, July 10 -17, 1863. Battle of Brices Cross Roads, June 10, 1864. Battle of
Nashville, December 15-16, 1864. Sent to campaign against Mobile Alabama on March
17, 1865. Siege of Spanish Fort, and Fort Blakely, March 26 to April 8, 1865. Mustered
out, August 10, 1865.
WIFE: Unknown
FATHER: Zechariah Elkins
MOTHER: Elizabeth Tatlock
GRANDFATHER: Jesse Elkins 1789-1871 Bro Of William
GRANDMOTHER: Unknown
BROTHERS: Robert Elkins. 93rd Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company C
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. 5. . Lewis Elkins 1844-1882 age of 38. Civil War Veteran,
31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry. 6. Andrew Elkins 1846-1909 age of 63. Civil War
Veteran, 31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry. 7. George W. Elkins 1844-1890 age of 46. Civil
War Veteran, 31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
WILLIAM ASBURY ELKINS: OUR FIRST COUSIN, THREE TIMES REMOVED
Civil War Veteran, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana Volunteers Company E. Mustered in
on August 15th, 1861. Service: Battle of Pea Ridge, March 6-8, 1862. Battle of Perryville,
October 8, 1862. Battle of Chickamauga, September 18-20, 1863.
Born in Elkinsville Indiana in 1836. Captured in the Battle of Chickamauga. Died

February 6th 1864 At Confederate Scotts Prison Camp In Richmond Virginia Age 28
WIFE: Susan Mariah Morgason
FATHER: Francis Elkins 1808-1913
MOTHER:
GRANDMOTHER: Nancy Uley
COUSINS: 1. Andrew Elkins 1846-1909 age of 63. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
Volunteer Infantry. 3. Richard Elkins 1841-1862 age of 21. Civil War Veteran, 31st
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Richard was killed in the Battle of Fort Donelson. He is
buried there. 4. George W. Elkins 1844-1890 age of 46. Civil War Veteran, 31st Indiana
Volunteer Infantry.6. Granderson 'Bunk' Elkins, 1843-1922 age of 79. Civil War Veteran,
145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company K.
Notes from his widows pension application:
Died of Smallpox (whilst a prisoner in the hands of the Rebels at Scotts Prison in
Richmond Virginia on or about the sixth day of February A.D. 1864.)
WILLIAM ELKINS JR: OUR 2ND GRAND GREAT UNCLE
WIFE: 1. Rachel Cummins 2. Elizabeth Prather
FATHER: William Elkins 1796-1882
BROTHERS: Joseph Elkins 1843-1913 age of 70. Civil War Veteran, 22nd Indiana
Volunteer Infantry.
145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers. 6. Henry Elkins 1837-?. Civil War Veteran, 143rd
Infantry Indiana Volunteers. 7. William Asbury Elkins 1836-1863 age of 27. Civil War
Veteran, 22nd Infantry Regiment Indiana Volunteers Company E.
William Elkins was born the son of William and Rhoda Stephens Elkins in Brown
County, IN. His father was born in 1796 in Pulaski County, KY. Rhoda Stephens was
born in 1815, the daughter of Francis Stephens in Pulaski County, KY.
William Elkins married Rachel Cummins on February 8, 1847 in Jackson County, IN.
William Elkins married on February 13, 1890 in Jackson County, IN to Elizabeth Prather,
who was born in June 1825.
OBITUARY - ELKINS - William Elkins died at his home here Friday evening,
September 6, 1907 of general infirmities, aged 83 years, 5 months and 15 days. He is
survived by his wife and several children all grown. He was a soldier in the Civil War.
Funeral services were conducted at the residence Sunday morning at nine o'clock, Elder
G M Shutts officiating, after which the remains were taken to Kurtz for burial.
Obituary from the September 11, 1907 edition of the Brownstown, IN, Banner.
A resolution was passed on September 15, 1907 at the Hall of Gordon Tanner Post No
150, Grand Army of the Republic and published in the September 18, 1907 edition of the
Brownstown Banner.
Whereas The Great Commander of all has called from our Post our beloved comrade,
William Elkins, and transferred him to another sphere, the Post adopts the following
resolutions to wit:
First. That in the death of Comrade Elkins, the Post has lost a valued comrade, a wise and
safe counselor and an ever faithful husband and father and the community a patriotic and
honorable citizen.
Second. That as a token of our live and esteem for our departed comrade the charter of
the Post, the vacant chair and Post flag be draped in mourning for thirty days.
Third. That these resolutions be spread on the Post record as a memorial to Comrade
Elkins, a copy sent to the family of our departed comrade and a copy furnished the
Brownstown Banner for publication.
WIRT ELKINSIS OUR 2ND GRAND GREAT UNCLE

WIFE: Unknown
FATHER: William Elkins. 1796-1882
MOTHER: Rhoda Stephens. 1788-1837
E.M. Wells
W.W. Hayes
D.B. Vance
Committee
WIRT ELKINSIS: OUR 2ND GRAND GREAT UNCLE
Civil War Veteran, 145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers Company F. Mustered in February 7
1865, in Indianapolis. Service record: Moved to Nashville, Tenn., February 18-21; thence
to Chattanooga, Tenn., February 22-23, and to Dalton, Ga., February 23. Skirmishes
Spring Place February 27 and April 20. On Railroad Guard duty at Dalton, Marietta and
Cuthbert, Ga., till January, 1866. Skirmish near Tunnel Hill March 3, 1865 (Detachment).
Mustered out January 21, 1866.
WIFE: Unknown
FATHER: William Elkins. 1796-1882
MOTHER: Rhoda Stephens. 1788-1837
VII. CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY: THE FICTIONAL DIARY OF

WIILIAM ASBURY ELKINS
For the people of the Civil War era, dying alone, far from home was a terrible prospect.
For William Asbury Elkins, dying in a Confederate Prison Camp in Richmond Virginia
must have been beyond what he had considered when he enlisted in the 22nd Regiment
Infantry of the Indiana Volunteers.
He was a twenty-seven year old soldier, captured in the Battle of Chickamauga on

September 20th, 1863, from Elkinsville Indiana when died in Richmond Virginias Scotts
prison camp on February 6th, 1864. He lasted 140 days in Richmonds prison camp
system. His widows pension application states he died in Scotts Prison Camp, part of
the infamous other locations like Libby, and Belle Island.
Both the North and the South alike were guilty of crimes against humanity in their
treatment of prisoners of war. An estimated 56,000 soldiers died in the Civil War prison
camps, almost 10% of all who served.
The ordeal he suffered through cannot be even remotely comprehended. If he would have
kept a journal of his suffering, it would have said this:
Saturday, September 26th, 1863
We were brought to this here place in Richmond from Georgia. When we walked through
the gates we saw what used to be men, once proud brave soldiers, now just shuffling
skeletons, crawling with bugs, filthy. Our blood froze in our veins and someone said,
Did we die, is this hell?
Sunday September 27th, 1863
Today we were given a one pound loaf of corn bread in which we had to divide up
sixteen ways. I am luckier than most still wearing whats left of my uniform. Enough to
hide my journal. My shoes are worn out. I am starving.
Tuesday, September 29th, 1863
I saw four men today who were so starved they couldnt get off the floor fighting over a
crumb of bread on the floor. While they were rolling around you could see their bones
almost coming out of their skins. Is this going to happen to me? I miss Susan.
Monday October 19th, 1863
Finally feeling strong enough to write. The windows here have no glass. No blankets, no
wood for the stove. To keep warm we have been spooning. Ill never get used to the
smell. This afternoon a man started screaming that he heard his mother calling outside
and he poked out his head out of the nearest window when we heard a guard shout, Get
away from the window you damned Yankee, followed instantly by a shot. The man fell
back inside with most of his head missing. He stayed there till the next morning, No one
cared.
Saturday October 24th, 1863

Today a man started telling us how we were all rich men because we had thousands of
bugs on us. He was out of his mind saying that the bugs were turning into money right
before our eyes. Another man said he had a bug so big that he could jump on its back,
hold onto its ears and gallop around the room. The laughing sounded strange. Dead men
laugh at peculiar things.
Pemberton is a friend of mine. I am too weak to write so he is doing it for me. I want
Susan and all the kinfolk back in Indiany know I am not coming home. Pemberton says
to hold on because once I go to the infirmary, I wont be coming back. I will be leaving
this earthly hell soon. Pemberton says that they through our bodies in a big cellar to let
the rats gnaw us to the bone. That makes it easier to just throw them in a hole in the
ground. He then says hes sorry for telling me. I knew about it anyway. These sons-of-
bitches dont even have the decency to give us a Christian burial.
Saturday November 28th, 1863
About a dozen of us die everyday. Soon I will join them. Pemberton still writing for me, I
asked him how I look and he says fine. He is lying because I can now count how many
bones I have in my legs and hands.
Friday January 1st, 1864
A new year, the year, I will die. I never imagined after seeing bullets smashing men,
heads blown off of someone close to me, surviving all the grape shot that somewhere it
could be worse.
Thursday February 4th, 1864
Pemberton writing: William was taken to the infirmary today. He is dying. He made me
beg to get this journal to his wife Susan in Nashville Indiana. I promised him I would
which had a calming effect on his suffering. He then starting muttering nonstop about
Jesus and the blue angels.
Saturday February 6th, 1864
William died yesterday. I am sure the rats are feasting on him. They sure eat better than
us. Last entry.
Later when Pemberton died, some men found the journal and burned it in the stove for
heat.
VIII. FAMILY REUNION: ELKINS SOLDIERS AT THE SAME BATTLES
Battle of Perryville Jesse Jacob, Joseph, William Asbury, Andrew, George W, Lewis,
William Jr, Drury Elkins
Battle of Stones River Joseph, William Asbury, Andrew, George W, Lewis, William Jr,
Drury Elkins
Siege of Vicksburg James A, Robert, Daniel K Elkins Ends July 4th
Tullahoma Campaign Jesse Jacob, Andrew, George W, Lewis, William Jr, Drury Elkins
Battle of Chickamauga Joseph, William Asbury, Andrew, George W, Lewis, William Jr,
Drury Elkins
Siege of Chattanooga Jesse Jacob, Joseph, Andrew, George W, Lewis, William Jr. Elkins
Atlanta Campaign Jesse Jacob, Andrew, George W, Lewis, William Jr., Drury Elkins
Battle of Resaca Joseph, Jesse Jacob, Andrew, George W, Lewis, William Jr, Drury Elkins
Assault On Kennesaw Mountain Jesse Jacob, Joseph, Andrew, George W, Lewis,

William Jr, Drury Elkins
Battle of Peach Tree Creek Jesse Jacob, Andrew, George W, Lewis, William Jr. Elkins
Siege of Atlanta Jesse Jacob, Joseph, Andrew, George W, Lewis, William Jr. Elkins
Battle of Jonesboro Jesse Jacob, Joseph, Andrew, George W, Lewis, William Jr, Drury
Elkins
IX. POST WAR NOTES
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Abraham Lincoln
Adams Michael
Ancestry
Dean Eric
Dunkelman Mark H.
Family Search Org
Flavion, Gary
Frederick Douglas
Gallagher Gary
Goodspeed's History of Brown County
Google
Gordon Lesley
Horwitz Tony
Hutchison Dennis
Lankford Margaret
National Archives
Sam Houston
Smithsonian Institute
T. L. Beckwith
Timberlake Amy
Wikipedia

The Elkinsvill Seventeen March 21

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Titolo originale

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

The Elkinsvill Seventeen March 21

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

CHAPTER ONE

THE ELKINSVILLE SEVENTEEN

THE ELKINS FAMILY OF BROWN COUNTY INDIANA

I. A HOUSE DIVIDED : A PERILOUS TIME TO BE BORN

He is our familys American Abraham whose descendants number in the thousands.

II. TROUBLE AT HOME: THE BROWN COUNTY WAR BETWEEN THE

III. THE ELKINS MEN SIGN UP

III. THE FIGHTIN 31ST REGIMENT

Battle Flag of the 31st

Salt of the Earth

General William Tecumseh Sherman once remarked, "Salt is eminently contraband", as

Total killed 119

Died of disease 258

Total enrolled 1,562

VI. PROFILES OF THE COURAGEOUS

ANDREW ELKINS IS: OUR GREAT GRAND UNCLE

Born in Elkinsville Indiana in 1839. Died in 1909 age of 70.

WIFE: Ellen Combs

FATHER: Thomas Elkins 1813-1859

MOTHER: Rebecca Stogdill 1813-1857

GRANDFATHER: William Elkins 1796-1882

GRANDMOTHER: Rhoda Stephens

DANIEL K. ELKINS: OUR 2ND GRAND GREAT UNCLE

Born in Elkinsville Indiana in 1840 Died 1890 age of 50

WIFE: Pricilla Elkins

FATHER: William Elkins 1796-1882 Founder of Elkinsville

MOTHER: Rhoda Stephens 1788-1837

GRANDFATHER: Drury Elkins 1760-1840

GRANDMOTHER: Margaret Francis

DRURY ELKINS: OUR SECOND GREAT GRAND UNCLE

Born in Elkinsville Indiana in 1819. Died in Elkinsville in 1868, age of 48.

WIFE: Nancy Uley

FATHER: William Elkins. 1796-1882 Founder of Elkinsville

MOTHER: Rhoda Stephens 1788-1837

GRANDFATHER: Drury Elkins 1760-1840 age of 80 Born in Virginia, died in Indiana.

GRANDMOTHER: Margaret Francis 1766-1830 age of 64 Also born in Virginia, died in

FRANCIS 'FRANKLIN' ELKINS: OUR FIRST COUSIN, THREE GENERATIONS

Civil War Veteran, 145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers, Company F. Mustered in on

Born in Elkinsville Indiana in 1848. Died 1922 age of 74.

FATHER: Ambaziah Elkins 1819-1909

MOTHER: Hannah Cummins 1820-1890

GRANDFATHER: William Elkins 1796-1882

GRANDMOTHER: Rhoda Stephens 1788-1837

Civil War Veteran 142nd Infantry Indiana Volunteers, Company K. Mustered in on

Born in Elkinsville Indiana in 1839. died in 1919 age of 80.

FATHER: Ambaziah Elkins 1819-1909

MOTHER: Hannah Cummins 1820-1890

GRANDFATHER: William Elkins 1796-1882

GRANDMOTHER: Rhoda Stephens 1788-1837

GEORGE W. ELKINS: OUR GREAT GRAND UNCLE

FATHER: Thomas Elkins 1813-1859

MOTHER: Rebecca Stogdill 1813-1857

GRANDFATHER: William Elkins 1796-1882

GRANDMOTHER: Rhoda Stephens

GRANDVILLE BUNK ELKINS: OUR 1ST COUSIN THREE TIMES REMOVED

Civil War Veteran, 145th Infantry Indiana Volunteers, Company F. Mustered in on

WIFE: Lydian Ann Longhorn

FATHER: Ambaziah Elkins 1819-1909

MOTHER: Hannah Cummins 1820-1890

GRANDFATHER: William Elkins 1796-1882. Founder of Elkinsville.

GRANDMOTHER: Rhoda Stephens 1788-1837

The tragic story of Grandville Bunk Elkins

WARNING! GRAPHIC CONTENT