Question about US Serivce Records

[SGT Rocket]

Hi All,

I know this isn't the Golden Era per-say, but this era does cover some of my interest as well. I would like some help/knowledge/opinion on some US Civil War history that I am researching of my family.

I'm at a wall when searching for an old relative for genealogy purposes. He died in 1865 in Savannah Georgia. I know where he is buried at, but I can find no picture of the headstone online (I've looked at Findagrave.com and billiongraves.com).

I just called the cemetery where he is buried and they did confirm that he is actually buried there. Online I've looked in the Savannah, Georgia, Cemetery and Burial records, and I've looked in a few other places. In the cemetery's database, it says for Nativity, Co. B. 12th Conn. So, my guess is that he was a Yankee. But, according to my records, his brother fought for the South with an Alabama unit. Does this make sense?

Best regards,
Brian

 

[HudsonHawk]

It was not terribly uncommon for family members to fight on opposite sides during the Civil War. It was more common in the border states, such as Maryland and Kentucky, but not exclusive to those.

The 12th Connecticut Infantry was definitely a Union outfit, and they were in Savannah during the summer of 1865. What exactly are you looking for? Simply the picture of his grave marker, or some corroberation of his service?

 

[SGT Rocket]

Hi Hudsonhawk,

I would love a picture of the grave marker, but I couldn't find it on findagrave.com. I actually called the cemetery and talked to a guy there. He said it is in their database and it is there. I'm also wondering how I could find out more about him or his unit, or when he was drafted or enlisted.

Brian

 

[SGT Rocket]

Hi Hudsonhawk,

I would love a picture of the grave marker, but I couldn't find it on findagrave.com. I actually called the cemetery and talked to a guy there. He said it is in their database and it is there. I'm also wondering how I could find out more about him or his unit, or when he was drafted or enlisted.

Brian

 

[HudsonHawk]

There are various online resources that provide information on specific Civil War units, so that's probably the best place to start. Of course, various libraries and archives have hardcopies, but that requires a visit in person. I've done a little on my own ancestors, who fought on the Confederate side, and there's a fair amount out there, though it may take a little digging.

From what little I know, the 12th Connecticut was assigned to the Department/Army of the Gulf, which fought mainly in Louisiana and Mississippi during and after the capture of New Orleans by the Union in 1862. Their assignment to Savannah was their last, right before they mustered out at the end of the war, so if your relative died there during the war, it was likely from disease, not gunfire.

 

[SGT Rocket]

I think he died of a fever.