In honor and remembrance of the ancestors who served with this regiment, lest they be forgotten, this regimental history is dedicated to:
Daniel Lott Jr. my Great-Great Grandfather who was born on 1 December 1827 in McRea, Telfair Co, GA. the son of Daniel Lott Sr. and Lucinda Peterson. On 3 April 1853 when Daniel was 25, he married (my Great-Great Grandmother) Nancy Wilcox, daughter of George W. Wilcox and Nancy Hall, in Appling Co, GA. She was born on 6 March 1836 in Appling Co, GA. and died in Nichols, Coffee Co, GA. on 28 November 1919. Daniel served in Company G, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. Daniel died in Nichols, Coffee Co, GA. on 19 October 1913, he was 85. Military: National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0037, 00002201
Isaac Alderman: a third cousin three times removed was born on 5 December 1826 in Duplin Co, NC, the son of Elisha Alderman and Rebecca Alderman. Isaac married (my third cousin three times removed) Susan Alderman daughter of Timothy Alderman & Sarah Williams. She was born on 30 August 1832 in Bullock Co, GA. and died on 29 November 1897. Isaac served as a Leutenant in Company F, 4th Georgia Cavalry. Isaac died in Thomas Co, GA on 24 September 1900, he was 73. Military: Lt, Co F, 4th Georgia Cavalry. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0001, 00002246
Allen Carver was born on 4 April 1845 the son of Jesse Carver. Allen married (my second cousin three times removed) Beady Vickers, daughter of Youngy Vickers Sr & Frances "Fannie" Peterson. She was born on 17 February 1847 in Irwin Co, GA. and died in Coffee Co, GA on 2 April 1923. Allen served with Company E, 4th Georgia Cavalry. Allen died on 8 January 1916, he was 70. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0011, 00000821
Hiram Davis a Great-Great-Great Uncle was born in 1837 in Ware Co, GA, the son of James Davis and Ann Fletcher-Smith. Hiram married Mariah Carver, born in 1845, daughter of James Carver & Sarah Ricketson. Hiram served as a Sergeant in Company G of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0016, 00000607
James M. Denton was born on 3 October 1844 in Telfair Co, GA the son of Samuel Denton and Pricilla Ward. On 4 October 1844 James married Penelope Douglas, born on 13 January 1845 in Appling Co, GA. Penelope died in Coffee Co, GA on 26 February 1898. On 12 June 1898 when James M. was 53, he second married (my first cousin three times removed) Nancy Elizabeth Lott daughter of John Madison Lott & Mary Jane Wilcox, in Coffee Co, GA. She was born on 22 June 1854 in Coffee Co, GA. and died in Coffee Co, GA on 1 June 1922. James served as a Sergeant in Company E of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. James died in Jeff Davis Co, GA in 1928, he was 83. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0017, 00000314
Henry E. T. Dorminy a first cousin four times removed was born on 17 August 1840 in Irwin Co, GA. the son of John Bradford Dorminy and Eleanor Paulk. On 21 March 1861 when Henry was 20, he married Mary Jane Curry, in Irwin Co, GA. Henry served as a Sergeant in Company B, 4th Georgia Cavalry. Henry E. T. died in service to the CSA in 1864, he was 23. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0017, 00002929
Gaines D. Ellis was born on 29 November 1836 in Telfair Co, GA., the son of Hiram Ellis and Catherine Hatton. Gaines married (my second cousin three times removed) Penelope "Penny" WARD, daughter of Andrew Jackson Ward & Sarah Davis. Born on 17 January 1846 in Telfair Co, GA. she died in Coffee Co, GA on 3 February 1909. Gaines served in Company G, 4th Georgia Cavalry. Gaines died in Coffee Co, GA on 28 December 1917, he was 81. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0019, 00002304
David Gaskins a first cousin four times removed was born on 1 March 1837 in Telfair Co, GA, the son of John Gaskins and Frances Lott. In September 1857 when David was 20, he married (my great-great-great Aunt Elizabeth Wilcox) daughter of George W. Wilcox & Nancy Hall, in Coffee Co, GA. She was born on 4 March 1842 in Coffee Co, GA and died on 22 June 1904. David served as a member of Company G, 4th Georgia Cavalry. David died in Calhoun Co, FL on 3 December 1911, he was 74. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0022, 00003405
Joel Gaskins a first cousin four times removed was born on 28 December 1838 in Telfair Co, GA the son of John Gaskins and Frances Lott. Before 1863 when Joel was 24, he first married a Ms. Graham who died about 1863 in LA. After 1864 when Joel was 25, he second married Dorcus P. Dent, daughter of Thomas Dent & Temperance (last name unkown), in Coffee Co, GA. She was born on 28 January 1838 in Telfair Co, GA. and died in Telfair Co, GA on 18 December 1883. Joel was a Sergeant in Company G, 4th Georgia Cavalry. He died in Coffee Co, GA on 11 September 1904, he was 65. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0022, 00003416
Simon P. (Harper) Gaskins. Was born on 3 February 1842 in Telfair Co, GA. He was the son of Jordan J. Harper and Frances "Fanny" Gaksins. (note afterwards Jordan J. Harper was found to be already married so this marriage was dissolved. Frances raised her two sons and they took her maiden name of Gaskins.) On 8 November 1865 when Simon was 23, he married (My Great-Great-Great Aunt) Sarah A. Lott, daughter of Daniel LOTT Sr. & Catherine "Caty" Bown, in Coffee Co, GA. She was born on 3 February 1842 in Telfair Co, GA. and died in Coffee Co, GA. on 20 February 1902. Simon was a member of Company E, 4th Georgia Cavalry. Simon died in Coffee Co, GA on 30 April 1900, he was 58. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0022, 00003423
Henry Gray was born on 22 May 1842, the son of Zachariah Gray and Bethany Easters. On May 1, 1866 he married (my first cousin four times removed) Charlotte Nobles daughter of James Jackson Nobles & Margaret Henderson who was born in 1844. Henry second married Rachel Jernigan who was born June 13, 1878. On January 7, 1904 he married Eliza Polyann Easters, the daughter of John Easters and Mary Owens, who was born February 14, 1879. He served in Company H, 4th Georgia Cavalry. Also served some with the 1st Regiment of Georgia Volunteers, National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0024, 00002025
Zachariah Gray Jr. was born on 18 March 1844, the son of Zachariah Gray and Bethany Easters. He first married (my third cousin three times removed) Martha Griffin, 3C3R, daughter of James Griffin & Mary "Polly" Monk, in Berrien Co, GA. She was born on 15 April 1846 in Lowndes Co, GA. and died on 1 February 1911. Zachariah served in Company H, 4th Georgia Cavalry. Zachariah died on 22 September 1910, he was 66. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0024, 00002237
Berrien Lewis Hall a first cousin 4 times removed was born in1826, the son of Instance Hall Sr. and Drusilla Sellers, He married Mary or Maria Johnson. He joined Company A, 4th Georgia Cavalry. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0025, 00003110
Lewis Hall a first cousin 4 times removed was born in1843, the son of Jehu Hall and Catherine Johnson. Lewis married Levicy Crosby, daughter of Silas Crosby who was born in 1852. He joined Company A, 4th Georgia Cavalry. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0025, 00003482
Sidney S. Hargraves was born on 1 March 1844, the son of Abraham Hargraves and Rhoda Carter. In December 1867 when Sidney was 23, he married (my first cousin four times removed) Mary Lott, daughter of Mark Lott Jr. & Armintha Ward. She was born on 12 February 1847 in Telfair Co, GA. and died on 26 August 1926. Sidney served with Company I, 4th Georgia Cavalry. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0026, 00002889
Francis Marion Jackson was born on 15 July 1825 in Pike Co, AL. In 1860 he married in Clinch Co, GA (my third cousin three times removed) Mary Griffin daughter of Noah Griffin and Martha "Patsy" Gaskins. She was born in 1844 and died on 13 May 1907. Francis entered the US Army to fight in the Mexican War on 17 June 1846 for 12 months. Was discharged on 29 May 1847. He organized the first company of troops in Clinch Co, GA during the WBTS, Company H, 29th Georgia Infantry. It was mustered on Sept 1861. He served as a captain for 6 months and then later joined Company I of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. He died in Lanier Co, Ga 12 October 1912. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record:000226, 0031, 00003300, and 000226, 0031, 00003296
David H. Kirkland, born in 1834 in Coffee County, Georgia he was the son of Timothy Kirkland and Anna Holloway. David married (my 4 x Great Aunt) Sarah Lott (1842-1902), daughter of Daniel Lott Sr and Catherine Bowen-Carver. David served in Company B, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0035, 00000365
James Cuyler Kirkland was born in 1849 in Coffee Co, GA. the son of Joshua Kirkland and Sarah Fender. He married (my second cousin three times removed) Barbara Thigpen, daughter of Travis T. Thigpen & Mary Davis. She was born on 8 April 1846 in Ware Co, GA. and died on 16 August 1924, James served in Company B, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0035, 00000386
Arthur Lott a Great-Great-Great Uncle was born on 12 January 1838 in Telfair Co, GA. the son of Daniel Lott Sr. and Lucinda Peterson. In February 1859 when Arthur was 21, he married Eliza Carver, daughter of James Carver & Sarah Ricketson, in Coffee Co, GA. She was born on 8 April 1842 in Telfair Co, GA. and died in Coffee Co, GA. on 10 August 1905. Arthur served in Company G, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. Arthur died in Coffee Co, GA. on 8 October 1903, he was 65. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0037, 00002199
James Preston Lott a first cousin four times removed was born on 12 February 1845 in Telfair Co, GA. the son of Mark Lott Jr. and Armintha Ward. James Preston married (my first cousin tree times removed) Mary Martha Lott, daughter of Elisha Era Lott & Mary "Polly" Moore. She was born on 28 December 1845. James served in Company G, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. James died in Atkinson Co, GA on 29 February 1920, he was 75. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0037, 00002216
John C. McMillan born 25 April 1810 in Camden County, Georgia, was the son of Daniel McMillan and Margaret Smith. John married on 30 March 1837 in Irwin County, Georgia, (my first cousin four times removed), Sarah Paulk (1823-1899). Sarah was the daughter of Jacob Paulk Sr. and Catherine Henderson. John initially served with Company I, 50th Georgia Volunteer Infantry. He was their 1st Lieutenant on 4 March 1862. He later resigned on 23 May 1862 and then enlisted as a private on 23 July 1863 in Company H of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. This may have been due to his age of 52 at the time choosing to fight on horse, rather than on foot. John surrendered at Doctorstown, Georgia in 1865. He died 15 November 1887 in Berrien, County GA. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0041, 00002283
Charles Hymrick Meeks was born on 8 February 1822 in Emanuel Co, GA. the son of Charles C. Meeks and Lydia Ryner. On 9 November 1843 when Charles was 21, he married (my first cousin four times removed) Martha Davis, daughter of Stafford Davis & Penelope "Penny" Lott in Telfair Co, GA. She was born on 8 July 1825 in Montgomery Co, GA. and died in Coffee Co, GA on 20 July 1884. Charles served in Company I, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. Charles Hymrick died in Coffee Co, GA on 6 February 1894. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0042, 00000172
William Francis Meeks was born on 29 April 1829 in Emanuel Co, GA. the son of Charles C. Meeks and Lydia Ryner On 20 March 1851 when William Francis was 21, he married (my Great-Great-Great Aunt) Narcissus Lott, daughter of Daniel Lott Sr. & Lucinda "Lucy" Peterson, in Telfair Co, GA. She was born on 1 March 1833 in Telfair Co, GA. and died in Coffee Co, GA. on 29 April 1897. William served in Company I, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. William died in Coffee Co, GA on 22 May 1891, he was 62. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0042, 00000215
Elias Moore a second cousin five times removed was born on 27 August 1819 in Emanuel Co, GA. the son of John Moore Jr. and Martha Elizabeth Jones. He married (my Great-Great-Great Aunt) Hester Ann Lott daughter of Daniel Lott Sr. & Lucinda "Lucy" Peterson. She was born on 17 April 1824 in Telfair Co, Ga. and died in Atkinson Co, Ga. on 25 December 1892. Elias served as a Corporal in Company E, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry and also for a time with Newbern's Company of Cavalry called the Coffee Revengers, a local Georgia Defense Troop. . Elias died in Coffee Co, GA on 16 October 1878, he was 59. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0043, 00002040, and 000226, 0043, 00002041
Daniel Paulk a first cousin three times removed was born in 1838 in Irwin Co, son of John Paulk Sr. and Elizabeth Lott. He served as a member of Company C, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0047, 00002246
James S. Pearson was born on 10 October 1831 in Telfair Co, GA. On 29 April 1853 when James was 21, he married (my first cousin four times removed) Delilah Gaskins, daughter of John Gaskins and Frances "Fannie" Lott. She was on 25 May 1835 in Telfair Co, GA. and died in Atkinson Co, GA on 26 October 1919. James served in Company G, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry James died in Telfair Co, GA on 9 December 1904, he was 73. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0047, 00003015
Alfred Peterson a first cousin four times removed was born in 1827 in Telfair Co, GA. the son of John Peterson III and Elizabeth "Betsy" Lott. Alfred married Mary Ann Cato, daughter of William Cato. Mary Ann died in February 1870 in Coffee Co, GA. Alfred served in Company E, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. Alfred died in Coffee Co, Ga. in February 1870, he was 43. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0048, 00000809
Godfrey Purvis a first cousin four times removed was born in 1846 in Irwin Co, GA the son of Godfrey Purvis Sr. and Christie Ann Henderson. On 27 December 1866 when Godfrey was 20, he married Mary Burns, daughter of Hugh Burns. He first enlisted in Company F, 49th Georgia Infantry, but later joined Company H of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. He was home on furlough at the close of war. Godfrey died in Irwin Co, GA in 1922, he was 76. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0049, 00003690
Robert R. Roberts a first cousin four times removed was born on 20 December 1826 in Ware Co, GA. the son of Gray Stock Roberts Sr. and Sarah "Sallie" Lott. In 1848 when Robert was 21, he married Sarah Turner, daughter of David Turner in Ware Co, GA. She was born on 24 April 1831 and died in Coffee Co, GA on 12 February 1904. Robert served in Company E, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. Robert died in Coffee Co, GA on 9 July 1896, he was 69. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0052, 00000773
William Roberts a first cousin four times removed was born in 1827 in GA. the son of William Roberts Sr. and Nancy Tucker. On 23 September 1852 when William was 25, he married Susan Williams, daughter of Matthew Williams. He served in Company H, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0052, 00000840
Ezekiel J. Sirmans a first cousin five times removed was born in 1824 in Georgia the son of Benjamin Sirmans and Martha Johnson. He married Eliza Bennett in Georgia. Ezekiel served as a Lieutenant in Company I, 4th Georgia Cavalry National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: (still searching)
Hardeman Sirmans a Great-Great-Great-Great Uncle was born in 1821 in GA. the son of Jonathan Sirmans and Martha "Patsy" Rouse. Hardeman married Elizabeth Knight, daughter of General Levi J. Knight and Ann D. Herrin. She was born in 1830. Hardeman served in Company H, 4th Georgia Cavalry National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: (still searching)
Harris Sirmans a first cousin five times removed was born in 1847 in Georgia, the son of Joseph Sirmans and Rebecca Smith. Harris married (my second cousin five times removed) Lavina Johnson, daughter of David Johnson & Nancy Burnett. Harris served in Company H, 4th Georgia Cavalry. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: (still searching)
Charles Strickland was born on 22 February 1822 in Wayne Co, GA.the son of James Strickland and Eleanor Smith. On 20 October 1846 when Charles was 24, he married (my first couisn five times removed) Lucretia Sirmans, 1C5R, daughter of Benjamin Sirmans & Martha Johnson, in Lowdnes Co, GA. She was born on 27 January 1827 in Lowdnes Co, GA. and died in Lowdnes Co, GA on 23 July 1905. Charles served in Company I, 4th Georgia Cavalry. Charles died in Clinch Co, GA on 1 November 1883, he was 61 National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: (still searching)
Travis T. Thigpen was born on 13 August 1824 in Emanuel Co, GA. the son of Lyman Calvin Thigpen and Margaret Carver. In 1843 when Travis was 18, he married (my fist cousin four times removed) Mary Davis, daughter of Stafford Davis & Penelope "Penny" Lott in Ware Co, GA. She was born on 7 May 1827 in Montgomery Co, GA. and died in Ware Co, GA on 17 September 1899. Travis served in Company E, 4th Georgia Cavalry. Travis died in Ware Co, GA on 6 March 1896, he was 71. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0060, 00000624
John G. Tomlinson a third cousin four times removed was born in 1831 the son of Harris Tomlinson and Elizabeth Driggers. John married Mary Stavley, daughter of Benjamin Stavley. She was born about 1833. He first enlisted as a private 1 September 1861 in Company K, 29th Georgia Infantry. Discharged by civil authority at Savannah, GA. 28 September 1862. He next joined and was appointed 2d Sergeant of Company I, 4th Georgia Cavalry (Clinch's) on 2 January 1863 . Appointed 1st Sergeant on a roll dated 30 April 1864 , last on file, shows him present. No later record. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0061, 00000356 and 000226, 0061, 00000358, and later 000226, 0061, 00000357
John Abrahm Trowell was born on 13 April 1845 in Coffee Co, GA. John married (first cousin four times removed) Elizabeth "Bettie" Gaskins daughter of John Gaskins and Frances Lott. She was born on 18 May 1844 in Telfair Co, GA. and died in Coffee Co, GA on 31 January 1925. John served in Company F, 4th Georgia Cavalry John died in Coffee Co, GA on 17 June 1917, he was 72. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0061, 00001529
Elijah Tucker, a first cousin 4 times removed was born on 8 March 1830 in Irwin Co, GA the son of John Tucker and Hester Ann Nobles On 17 December 1857 when Elijah was 27, he married Rebecca Paulk (my first cousin four times removed), daughter of Thomas Paulk & Nancy Henderson in Berrien Co, Ga. She was born on 7 October 1834 in Irwin Co, GA. and died in Coffee Co, Ga. in 1928. Elijah enlisted as a private in Company I on 4 March 1862. He also spent time in service with Company G of the 4th Georgia (Clinch’s) Cavalry. Pension records show he surrendered at Appomattox, Va. April 9,1865. Elijah died in Coffee Co, GAon 2 January 1916, he was 85. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0061, 00001740
Richard Tucker a first cousin four times was born in 1832 in Georgia, the son of Elisha Tucker & Zilpha Williams. On 5 February 1855 when Richard was 23, he married Elizabeth Mary Jane Young. She was born about 1836. He joined Company F of the 49th Georgia Infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant 4 March 1862. He later resigned from the regiment on 1 September 1862. Later he was appointed Sergeant of Company H, 4th Georgia Cavalry, 10 December 1862. The roll for June 1864 shows him present. He surrendered 10 May 1865 and was paroled at Albany, GA. 29 May 1865. Richard died in 1908, he was 76. Buried in Sycamore, GA. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0061, 00001877 and 000226, 0061, 00001876
Richard M. Tucker a first cousin four times removed born in 1829 in Irwin County, Georgia. He was the son of John Tucker and Hestser Ann Nobles. He married Nancy Hughes. He served as a private, Company H, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0061, 00001872
Thomas Tucker a first cousin four times removed born in 1839 in Irwin County, Georgia. He was the son of Thomas Tucker Sr. He served as a private, Company H, of the 4th Georgia Cavalry. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0061, 00001901
Benjamin Franklin "Frank" Willcox was my Great Uncle (times 4) born on 12 July 1826 in Appling County, Georgia. He was the son of Thomas Wilcox and Mary McMillian. On 17 June 1863 he married Mary Jane Simmons. Frank served the state of Georgia and the CSA as a member of 4th Georgia Cavalry. He died on 18 December 1896 in Jeff Davis County, Georgia. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0065, 00001076
Thomas J. Wilcox Great-Great-Great Uncle was born on 27 February 1838 in Appling Co, Ga. the son of George W. Wilcox and Nancy Hall. On 9 November 1862 when Thomas was 24, he married Susannah H. Pickern, daughter of Elijah Pickern & Catherine Girtman. She was born on 19 July 1841 and died on 19 January 1883. Thomas was a Captain in Company G, 4th Georgia Cavalry. Thomas died on 17 August 1900, he was 62. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0065, 00001095
Andrew Jackson "Jack" Willcox a Great-Great-Great-Great Uncle was born on 26 May 1843 in Appling Co, GA, the son of Thomas Willcox and Mary Margaret McMillan. On 26 April 1866 when Jack was 22, he married (my first cousin three times removed) Emma Jane Hinson, daughter of James Fulwood Hinson & Salina Hall. She was born in 1846 in Telfair Co, GA. Jack served as a Corporal in Company G, 4th Georgia Cavalry. He died in Alma, Bacon Co, Ga. on 18 December 1913, he was 70. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0065, 00001075
Clark B. Willcox a first cousin five times removed was born on 21 January 1823 in Telfair Co, GA. the son of John Willcox Jr. and Mary "Polly" Lea. Clark first married Jane E. Fuller and second married Susan Read, daughter of George R. Read & Ceclia Reeves. She was born in 1835. Clark served in Company B, 4th Georgia Cavalry. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0065, 00001077
Dekalb "Cab" Willcox a Great-Great-Great-Great Uncle was born on 16 October 1832 in Appling Co, GA. the son of Thomas Willcox and Mary Margaret McMillan. On 20 December 1867 when DeKalb was 35, he married Elizabeth Tanner, daughter of Elijah Tanner & Emily Mims. She was born in 1846. Cab served in Company G, 4th Georgia Cavalry DeKalb "Cab" died on 5 January 1903, he was 70. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0065, 00001081
John Coffee Willcox, a second cousin four times removed was born on 23 November 1828 in Telfair Co, GA the son of General Mark Lea Willcox and Sarah Ann Elizabeth Coffee. John married Elizabeth Swain, daughter of Thomas S. Swain. John enlisted in Company B, 4th Georgia Cavalry. He was granted a disability discharge 2 October 1862 having become disabled because of a twice broken arm in a fall from his horse. He then served two years in Confederate commissary department and the last two years of the war was sent to Florida where he bought cattle for the Confederate Army. National Archives Microfilm Box, Roll, and Record: 000226, 0065, 00001089 and 000226, 0065, 00001090
Confusion in research: Two 4th Georgia Cavalry regiments
The 4th (Clinch's) Cavalry regiment was formed in January 1862 using the 3rd Georgia Cavalry Battalion as it nucleus and the addition of extra volunteers that resulted in the formation of the 26th Georgia Infantry Regiment. The call for volunteers to the 26th Georgia Volunteer Infantry resulted in so many men enlisting that thirteen full companies were raised. Since the standard infantry regiment had ten companies the excess volunteers from the 26th Georgia Infantry were reassigned and combined with other volunteers to form the 4th Georgia, a full cavalry regiment. Colonel Duncan L. Clinch Jr., son of the prominent Georgian Brigadier General Duncan L. Clinch, Sr., was its founder and commander.
There was another Georgia Cavalry of 11 companies designated also as the 4th Georgia Cavalry under the command of Colonel Isaac W. Avery. That regiment is often referred to as (Avery’s) 4th Georgia Cavalry and used Avery’s 23rd Georgia Cavalry Battalion as its nucleus. Prior to this Avery was in command of the "Mountain Dragoons". Towards the end of the war, January 1865 it was reorganized into the 12th Georgia Cavalry. When researching any 4th Georgia Cavalry action, it is important to review the commanding officers as to not confuse the two separate units.
Officers and Organization:
Colonel Clinch’s regiment drew many of its men from Wayne, Glynn, Berrien and Camden counties. The regimental commanders were Colonel Duncan L. Clinch jr., Lt. Colonel John L. Harris and Major Jesse C. McDonald. Other Officers included:
Company A Captain J.S. Wiggins, Company B Captain W.M. Hazzard, Company C Captain N.A. Brown, Company D Captain John Raddick, Company E Captain R.N. King,
Company F Captain J.P. Turner, Company G Captain A. McMillian, Company H Captain T.S. Wylley, Company I Captain J.C. Nichols, Company K Captain D. Crum.
In 1861 the then Captain Clinch, an aide-de-camp for General Lawton, is identified as such in a 5 October 1861 correspondence. The correspondence helps set the concern felt in the state of Georgia regarding the threat posed by the Federal Army
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, REPORTS, AND RETURNS OF THE CONFEDERATE
AUTHORITIES, DECEMBER 20, 1860-JUNE 30, 1862.HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT, Savannah, October 5, 1861. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th of September by the hands of my aide-de-camp, Captain Clinch. That the course I found it my duty to pursue in an emergency with regard to a portion of the arms landed in Savannah from the steamer Bermuda does not meet with the approval of the Department is to me a source of sincere regret. I would content myself, however, with the reflection that I had discharged my whole duty according to my best judgment, and bow in silence to the decision of the proper authority, did not the terms in which you are pleased to characterize my conduct, and the illustrations to which you resort to make manifest its impropriety, force me either to call your attention to some of them or to consent at once to an entire surrender of my own self-respect. When such an alternative is presented I cannot hesitate as to my duty. Indulge me while I state the facts briefly: For several days after the
arrival of the Bermuda at Savannah it was impossible to ascertain here whether the arms and munitions by the steamer were public or private property. Sorely pressed for the want of arms, and authorized as I was by the War Department to organize the necessary force for the defense of this coast, I communicated promptly with the consignees in Charleston, and wrote and telegraphed the Adjutant--General on the subject. I am not aware that I transcended my authority in this. There was no reply to either my letter or telegraph to the Adjutant-General, though these applications were certainly most respectful in terms and directly connected with my official duties. Repeated inquiries from day to day satisfied me that neither the ordnance officer nor quartermaster of this command (to whose care would naturally have been committed such portions of the cargo as appertained to each of these departments), nor any other Confederate officer, had any control or supervision over these arms, so invaluable to the Confederate Government. Without reference even to my extreme desire to procure a portion of these arms for my command, as the military commander of this district I did not feel that I was officious in exercising some general supervision over, or at least manifesting profound interest in, so much valuable public property, for I had not then been informed by the War Department that this was no more to be expected of me "than that I would assume to exercise authority in Virginia or Missouri." In this state of uncertainty and anxiety I received an application from the collector of this port to place a guard over certain arms and munitions believed to be the property of the Confederate States. It was
after this, and when the report that the enemy's fleet was intended for the coast of Georgia had caused great excitement and alarm among the good people within the limits of my command, that I took possession of a portion of these arms, notifying the Department promptly of my action
in the premises. The Department seems to treat this matter as though the arms were by my act placed out of its reach, or even sent "beyond seas," whereas they were simply taken possession of by an ordnance officer of the Confederate service under my command, and such as were issued at all were placed in the hands of troops mustered in for the war, subject to be ordered anywhere or disarmed, at the pleasure of the Government, when the emergency was over; and the result has shown the correctness of this view, for the order of the Department touching these very arms has now been executed to the letter, without obstacle or delay. I was not a little surprised to learn from your letter that instead of asking instructions I had "informed the Department by telegraph of my intention to seize these arms, to which no other reply could be made," &c. If I ever sent any such dispatch, neither my memory nor my copy book recalls it, and should it have any existence, I beg to ask the favor of you to forward me a copy of it from the files of the Department. I know of but two dispatches sent by me on this subject, the first to the Adjutant-General, as follows:
SEPTEMBER 20, 1861.
I earnestly request that the arms and munitions of war by steamer Bermuda now here may not leave Savannah until you receive my letter of this date. The second, addressed to the Secretary of War, in reply to one warning me as to the intended attack on Brunswick, &c., and dated 25th of
September, was as follows: I can do nothing for want of arms, unless I hold those from steamer Bermuda. I sent to-day a special agent to Richmond on this subject. There is an entire absence of any expression of intention in either of these, and both of them simply and earnestly ask the assistance of the Department. I will here add that if in all matters of importance appertaining to this military district I delay action until I can receive instructions from Richmond, my presence here can be of little importance in any emergency, for the average time consumed in asking for and receiving instructions or replies of any kind is at least ten days, so great is the pressure of correspondence on the Department. Was there no emergency to justify my act? Aside from the rumors with which the public ear was filled, the Governor of Georgia notified me of a private dispatch from Richmond announcing that the mammoth fleet of the enemy was intended for Brunswick, on this coast. The same information was dispatched directly to me by Hon. Howell Cobb and by the Secretary of War, the latter on the same day, though after I had sent my agent to Richmond. Under these circumstances, had the enemy obtained a footing on this coast for the want of a force to resist, while I had unarmed men under my command and arms in abundance boxed up in a warehouse near by, I never could have justified myself before any tribunal, military, civil, or social. In the trying and almost unaided position in which I am placed, pardon me for saying that it is truly painful to have it intimated by the Department that I have utterly misconceived my powers and duties and, indeed, that I am ignorant of the first principles of organization; that the Department "acts through its appropriate bureaus." I had hoped that an early military education, followed by some experience in the military service of my country, would have protected me, even after many years spent in civil life, from official suggestions so mortifying to manly pride. While I hold a commission those in authority over me have only to command and I obey. If, however, my conduct, when left without instructions, deserves to be characterized by the Department as it has been through your letter of the 29th of September, I respectfully ask that the facts may be ascertained and passed upon by a military tribunal. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. LAWTON, Brigadier-General, Commanding. O.R.--SERIES IV--VOLUME I
Regimental Duty-Scouting and Courier assignments Southeast Georgia
A Confederate military presence was needed in the coastal region of southeastern Georgia. This was the reason the 4th Georgia Cavlary under its command Clinch was formed. This area of Georgia was virtually without defense by 1862. The Confederate military leaders of the District of Georgia, Florida and South Carolina had essentially abandoned this practically indefensible area with its numerous rivers, bays, creeks, tidal estuaries, and off-shore islands. Most of the men had left to join the Confederate Armies being raised in South Georgia leaving behind many women and negros at home to work the farms and stand in defense of their property. The only military forces remaining in the area were several independent companies of Partisan Rangers, and three excess mounted companies which had been spun off from the 26th GA Infantry and left behind when that regiment went north in the spring of 1862 to join the Army of Northern Virginia.
These mounted and Partisan Ranger companies were formed into the 3rd Battalion of Georgia Volunteer Cavalry in early 1862, under the command of then Major Duncan L. Clinch. Their mission eventually over-taxed the limited man-power of the 3rd Battalion and, in early 1863, the Battalion was enlarged to ten companies, and re-designated the 4th Georgia Cavlary. At that point, Clinch was promoted to a full colonel.
The regiment served on the Georgia coast from 1862 until the spring of 1864. The majority of this cavalry’s assignment was to provide scouting and courier service to the Confederate Army in the coastal regions of South Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. In addition to trying to offer some resistance and harassment to invading Federal troops in the area, they were a presence of protection for the Georgia families left behind. It was hard, unglamorous work and it took its toll in the health of men and animals. This caused their duty station to be between the Altamaha and Saint Mary's Rivers for most of its service prior to summer 1864.
One early correspondence from Captain Hazzard to Colonel Clinch relates to a possible attack on the city of Charleston. Captain Hazzard urges his commander to pass up the information received regarding the shift from Savannah to Charleston of the Yankee threat.
Would you like to learn more about the 4th Cavalry (Clinch) and other Georgia regiments and also help support the cause of Southern Heritage? More information on the history of this regiment is available in:
- "Warriors of the Wiregrass"
a soft-bound, 8-1/2 x 11 publication, consisting 500 pages, covering the history of 14 Regiments Georgia Regiments:
1st Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 4th Cavalry (Clinch), 10th Battalion Infantry, 11th Cavalry-State Guards, 20th Battalion Cavalry, 20th Volunteer Infantry, 29th Volunteer Infantry, 49th Volunteer Infantry, 50th Volunteer Infantry, 54th Volunteer Infantry, 61st Volunteer Infantry, 63rd Volunteer Infantry. 64th Volunteer Infantry, and Coffee County Revengers Local Defense Unit.....plus information on researching Confederate ancestors, obtaining Veterans Administration grave markers for Confederate veterans, SCV Iron Crosses and more.
The author has donated all profits from the sale of this book directly to the Moultrie SCV Camp to support Confederate History and Heritage preservation programs and the continuing fight to save our Southern Heritage. The retail price is $50.00 plus $5.00 shipping. Not a bad price when compared to single abbreviated regimental histories sold by others "up North" at $8-$15 each or cost of $112-$210 if purchased separately and having much less detail! Discounts for current SCV & UDC members (20% off) and for bulk orders, schools, libraries, and teachers. Please contact the camp for discount information.
If you are interested send a check or money order made payable to the Moultrie SCV Camp #674 to: P.O. Box 1213 Moultrie, GA 31776. Please include your name, address, and phone number.
Inquiries about the book, discounts, ordering, or content can be sent via email to Mr. Jack Bridwell, Moultrie SCV Camp or calling (229) 985-8409
Please pass along to others as every book sold goes to preserve our Southern Heritage.
© 2001 John Griffin