McCLURE-Charles - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Charles D. McCLURE, farmer and stock raiser, Newtown, son of James McClure was born in Richland Twp, Aug 26, 1838. He was enrolled July 28, 1862 in Co H 72nd Ind Vols one of the regiments which composed Wilder's brigade of mounted infantry. He fought at Hoover's Gap and Chicamauga and in the winter of 1863-4 the brigade was attached to the expedition under Gn. W. Sooy Smith and sent into Mississippi as part of the operating force in theMeridian Campaign, the share assigned to this mounted command being, as stated by Gen. Sherman in his "Memoirs," to destroy the rebel cavalry commanded by Gen. Forrest who were a constant threat to our railway communications in middle Tennessee.The result of the movement under Gen. Smith, owing to his incompetent conduct and not the behavior of the men was a miserable failure. Neertheless, the service performed was arduous and exacting and beset with long-sustained difficulties and hardships. The 72nd was ordered to prepare for a four days's cout; and leaving Pulaski, Tenn on New Year's eve was in motion nearly 3 months, arriving at Mooresville, Alabama to which poin theadquartesr had been moved meantime, about March 25. It was not long after this that the tide of events had taken him into Georgia, where he was continually scouting and skirmishing on the flanks of the army in its triumphant progress toward Atlanta. When Hood began the invasion of Tenn, Wilder's brigade went back to Rome, and turning over their horses to Kilpatrick proceeded to Chattanooga and thence to Louisville to be remounted. Just prior to New Years 1865 the command started south with Montgomery as the objective point. From there, under Gen. Wilson, it went to Selma taking the palce by assault, and destroying foundries, roling mills and immense quantities of war material. The next place visited by this conquering column was Columbus, where large cotton factories were located and a great number of cars concentrated. These suffered a like fate, and the command moved on, taking in Macon next. the sweet songs of peace were now thrilling the nation's heart and the head of the column was turned toward Chattanooga, where the men were dismounted and place aboard the cars for Nashville. Here the 72nd was mustered out in June and disbanded at Indianapolis on the 6th of July. He was married Feb 14, 1867 to Martha A. HAAS, daughter of Jacob Haas, of Waynetown, Montgomery County. She was born Jan 26, 1842. They have 3 living children: Ina Mary; Charles Elton and Arthur D. Stewart. His wife is a Presbyterian and he is a republican.