RHODES, Reuben - Putnam

Preface

My Great Great Grandfather Reuben Rhoades lived until 1925 and cursed the doctor that let him die at age 95 with blood poisoning from an amputated toe. I heard many stories about him while growing up, as I lived several years with my Grandmother Gladys and she had stayed with her grandfather, Reuben, after the death of her father. My mother Evelyn and other relatives told me that Rueben was a stern old Pennsylvania Dutchman who ran away from home at age 15 and joined the army. (Pennsylvania Dutch were actually German settlers). According to family tradition Reuben was in a Pennsylvania Civil War cavalry unit and had a saber scar from combat against Confederate cavalry.

My Grandpa Hall told me old Reuben would yell out "is that S. O. B. still here!" If he thought Earl had stayed too long on the front porch while courting Gladys. Rueben was undoubtedly a tough old fellow according to all these family stories, I remember well his daughter my Great Grandmother Henry a thin no-nonsense individual who also lived into her nineties!

One of the wondrous things I recall as a child growing up with my grandparents in Carpentersville Indiana; was opening the bottom drawer of the big dresser that had belonged to our Great aunt Lou and taking out the old Civil War discharge of my ancestor. It was interesting because in addition to the plain discharge lots of decoration had been added. This decoration was patriotic artwork added at a GAR ( Grand Army of the Republic) encampment around 1893 when a reunion was held in Indianapolis.

The discharge is now lost or in the possession of someone outside the family, as my grandfather sold his old house and all it's contents in 1961 after the death of my grandmother. A similar discharge is on display at the Civil War picture gallery in the basement of the Soldiers and Sailors monument in downtown Indianapolis.

Pioneers

About 1980 I decided to record family history starting with my Renick ancestors who arrived in Pennsylvania ca. 1719 from Enniskillen, Ulster Ireland. These Scotch-Irish Presbyterians were Pioneer settlers of Barren Co. Kentucky, several having received land for Revolutionary War service.

I have a old booKnights of Pythiasoems written by my G. Grandfather William N. Renick b. 1837 who moved to Indiana just before the Civil War, this book has a biography that tells his lineage, and was the foundation stone of later research. We printed "Renick Pioneers" volume 1 in 1981.

This second chapter of " Pioneers" will tell the story of Reuben Rhoades and his adventures in the American Civil War, when he may well have fought against "Renick's Raiders" C. S. A. volunteer cavalry from south Kentucky.

The Beginning

I am grateful for family history given to me by my Aunt Anita, b. Mar. 30, 1912, before her death she gave me information recorded by my Great Aunt Zennie and other family members although Anita had little interest in it herself. Gary Walker, her son compiled much of the original data.

Reuben Rhoades, (on Pennsylvania Records and GAR report his name is spelled Rhoads). was born in 1830 probably in Pennsylvania and was living in Roachdale, Indiana before 1870 (Putnam county census records). His wife Elizabeth (b. 1847 d. 1916) and he had five children; Ida, Louise, Arnetta, b. 11-19-1870, Flora, and a Son who was a brakeman and was killed between two trains. Arnetta married Oscar Wynn and had two children Gladys b. 9-20-1890 and Horace. Great Uncle Horace Wynn lived in Omaha many years where he retired from the Telephone Company. He was a lot like his mother and grandfather a rough edged guy with an opinion about everything, and not afraid to state these opinions. I liked him.

We visited several times while I was in the U. S. Air Force stationed at SAC Headquarters, near Omaha. I ate Dinner at his house and he fixed our TV for free as he had a small electronic workshop as a hobby. His father, Oscar Wynn died when older sister Gladys was only six years old, so Arnetta and the children lived for the next 19 years with her parents, Reuben and Elizabeth. Reuben was a Roachdale school custodian in later years and received a Civil War pension. Arnetta was a postmistress at Roachdale, Indiana before she married Martin in 1911, the same year her daughter Gladys married Earl Hall on 4-5-1911. Martin Henry died three years later. Tom Henry was born of this union, and Martin Henry also had a son by his first wife. My mother Mary Evelyn Hall was born in Carpentersville, Indiana July 19, 1914 and I was born in Indianapolis Oct. 3, 1940, my Father James A. Renick was born Oct. 27, 1900 in Davenport, Iowa. His dad; Thomas Wyatt Renick, my grandfather was born in Indiana but lived in Iowa a short time. Elizabeth Rhoades died at Roachdale in her own home, so Arnetta, Tom, Reuben and Sister Lou moved to Indianapolis.

The Search

The national archives had no records on file of military service or pensions for Reuben Rhoads but many records were lost over the years for various reasons. I then researched state records and military and historical archives, Jack Loose of the Lancaster Pennsylvania Historical society helped me narrow the search to 3 persons named Reuben Rhoads although one is most likely a duplicate file. Well, at this point I was stuck, and almost ready to concede that my ancestor was not in the Cavalry but was the person listed as assistant surgeon who was never near a battlefield, serving a short enlistment near Washington. Although my ancestor was about 30 years old when the war started and perhaps fit the profile of a rear echelon fellow, I refused to believe that to be the case. I had heard too many stories about his tough character, and always believed he would have been where the action was. Finally Steve Towne at the Indiana State archives found the G. A. R. annual report for 1925 that confirmed Reuben did serve for three years with the Ninth Pennsylvania cavalry. The following is compiled from " The War of Rebellion", "History of the Pennsylvania Volunteers" by Samuel Bates pub. 1870, "The Civil War" by Shelby Foote, Ken Burns PBS series, Civil War Pictorial pub. 1912, Morgan's Raiders pub. 1959 by Dee Brown, the Internet and other sources.

Cumberland County

The county is over 240 years old being settled by Scotch-Irish who began arriving about 1730. It seems likely that Reuben Rhoades was born and reared in this general area of Pennsylvania and that his German ancestors had started farming in Pennsylvania before the Scotch- Irish wave of pioneers. Cumberland County was created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1750. Carlisle is the County seat and 3 signers of the Declaration of Independence were from the area. "Molly Pitcher", who took her wounded husbands place at the cannon during the battle of Monmouth in 1778 was an early resident. George Washington organized 13,000 troops here to put down the "Whisky Rebellion". In June of 1863 Confederate Cavalry burned Carlisle Barracks, present location of the Army War College and shelled Union forces at Carlisle before riding to Gettysburg where the battle had begun the same day. Scars are still visible on the sandstone pillars of the old courthouse.

The Civil War

Reuben Rhoads enlisted as a Private on 29 Oct. 1861 for three years, and was assigned to Company H, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, 92nd Regiment of the line, Volunteer. I believe his discharge recorded he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Reuben was recruited from Cumberland County, and served until he was mustered out on 27 Dec. 1864. According to Samuel Bates in his history of the Pennsylvania volunteers the Ninth Cavalry, was organized August 29th 1861. It was composed of 12 companies, and formed at camp Cameron near Harrisburg. Officers were Col. Edward C. Williams, Lt. Col. Thomas C. James and Major Thomas Jefferson Jordan of Harrisburg. Jordan served until the end of the war attaining the rank of Brevet Brig. General. On the 20th of November, by order of the secretary of war, the Regiment moved by rail to Pittsburgh, and continued by boat to Louisville Kentucky. The unit camped at Jeffersonville Indiana. Mounted drill commenced and by Jan. 10, 1862 Reuben Rhoads of company H had become proficient enough to be ordered to the front lines.

American Cavalry

Before 1776 many American colonists were expert Riflemen and in the mountains of Tennessee and Kentucky they were the finest horsemen in the world. Though ignorant of textbook Cavalry maneuvers they distinguished themselves at Kings Mountain, South Carolina where two thousand "Mountain Men" defeated 1,200 British Regulars in 1780. Marion "The Swamp Fox" led a small brigade of mounted Infantry, who usually fought on foot but at times Charged and fired their rifles from horseback. Small units of American Cavalry used the Saber and Pistol in combat against British regular Cavalry. Col. Henry Renick, led a mounted Regiment from Hiseville, Kentucky in the War of 1812 and was at the "Battle of the Thames", in Canada, where the great Indian Tecumseh was killed. In May of 1861 the War Department authorized volunteer Cavalry and Regiments were speedily formed, including the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry. The recruits regarded horses with mingled curiosity and respect as they had not yet had enough training to acquire confidence in the use of arms or in the proper care of their mounts. Now Reuben and his friends were being "pitchforked" into the field, where roving bands of Rebel Cavalry were eager to appropriate their victims superior arms and equipment.

Into Battle

On 5, Mar. the unit moved into Tennessee, where the third battalion engaged the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry C. S. A. under the command of Capt. John Morgan (Morgan's Raiders) at Lebanon. Helped by the 7th Pennsylvania and 3rd. Kentucky Cavalry they defeated the Raiders capturing 293 men including Lt. Col. Wood, Morgans second in command. Morgan escaped and swam across the Cumberland River leaving his animal a prize to the regiment. On May 14, 1862 the 3rd. Battalion was on the move after Morgan and came upon his rear guard at Spring Creek and after a spirited fight the guard was captured, including the Quartermaster. The Regiment then forced Morgan into the Cumberland Mountains at Sparta where the Rebels scattered and headed to Chattanooga by different routes. The Ninth then marched to Tompkinsville, Kentucky where on June 6th. Capt. Hugh McCullough and I company defeated a Rebel force. however Capt. McCullogh was shot in the stomach and killed during the battle. On July 9th Morgan with 2000 troops advanced toward Tompkinsville. The 9th. Pennsylvania had a detachment of only 230 men commanded by Major Jordan to counter the rebels. After two hours of fighting the Ninth withdrew to Burksville. Major Jordan's horse was killed in this action and Jordan was taken prisoner. Brought before Morgan, Jordan refused to sign a Parole and accused the Kentuckians of being marauders, as regular confederate soldiers would not be operating so far behind enemy lines! Jordan was sent to Georgia and put on a train to Richmond. Charges were brought against him for insulting the women of Sparta, but he denied them saying he only demanded meals cooked for his men. He was exchanged and reported back to Louisville to rejoin his troops.

Cavaliers and Outlaws

John Hunt Morgan the Alabama born leader of the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry C. S. A. considered himself a gentleman and true Knight of the South. Reuben Rhoades like most northerners considered Morgan's band as raiders and outlaws. Morgan's 2nd Cavalry created from the Lexington Rifles was the farthest ranging unit in the war fighting in ten States. The 2nd Kentucky was in Sparta on July 7th when they heard the story that angered John Morgan and his men. According to the townsfolk it was reported back in May that a certain Major Thomas Jordan of the Ninth Pennsylvania, had made an order on the ladies of the town to cook for his men within one hour or he would not be responsible for what might happen to them. The womenfolk understood this a threat of rape and complied with the order. Through civilian informants Morgan learned that the Ninth Pennsylvania was based at Thompkinsville and the 2nd Kentucky had detoured to Thompkinsville to settle accounts. The rebels considered it their duty as true Knights to seek out the offenders and do battle with the scoundrels.

Copperheads

Greencastle, Indiana and Putnam County had many Pioneer families that migrated up from Kentucky. When war broke out some of the young men from Indiana went south and joined the Rebel army. *Sgt. Henry Stone rode with Morgan's Raiders, he was captured and sent for a time to Camp Morton only 40 miles from home. Old friends in the 71st.indiana saw to it that he received clothing and other necessities, and was allowed to visit with his brothers. Stone was later put on a train to Camp Douglas outside Chicago, the North's worst military prison. Reuben Rhodes of Pennsylvania settled in Putnam County after the war, just a few miles from the Stone family. *From "Morgan's Raiders" by Dee Brown (Konecky & Konecky)

Retreat

With the rebels invading Kentucky in force, the Ninth was united again under the command of Col. Williams, at Lebanon, Kentucky. The Ninth Pennsylvania cavalry along with the Ninth Kentucky was beaten soundly at Richmond, Kentucky and on July 30th. Reuben Roades of Co. H and the other saddle weary troops fought a rear guard action covering the retreat of Gen. Nelson to Louisville. The Ninth was attacked almost daily by the 1st. Louisiana Cavalry, expert horsemen who attacked at every favorable opportunity.

At Shelbyville the Ninth defeated the Rebels killing 27 and capturing 44. The Ninth Cavalry reached Louisville, where Gen. Buell and the 2nd. Michigan reinforced the troops. The Ninth Pennsylvania then took the point and advanced to Perryville, where the Ninth was under enemy fire until it was relived by McCooks corps. The Ninth then formed to the right of the line and repelled every attempt by the Rebel Cavalry to turn its flank. The regiment had 10 killed, and 27 wounded in this battle. Gen. Buell stated: "The Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry behaved most bravely, being at one time compelled to stand for almost three quarters of an hour under concentrated fire from three batteries of enemy artillery, and only retiring when ordered to do so.

The Ninth had endured some hard fighting and needed fresh horses. So Reuben and about half of the troopers were dismounted. The Ninth then headed to Louisville for fresh horses and equipment. After receiving the supplies the Ninth along with the 2nd. Michigan prepared for raids into eastern Tennessee and the railroads linking the rebel Capital. On Dec. 22nd Reuben and the men were issued 100 rounds of ammunition and army rations. The horse soldiers started a long march over the mountains, difficult terrain for the horses and men alike. In single file following deer and Indian trails the cavalry continued day and night, fording numerous creeks and swimming across both the Cumberland and Clinch Rivers

The War Horse

Confederate Gen. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's favorite horse was an 11 year old called "Old Sorrel". In May of 1861, while Jackson was in command at Harper's Ferry a Federal supply train was captured. Old Sorrel attracted Jackson's eye and he purchased him from the quartermaster's dept. The Horse carried the General over many battlefields until a volley from Jackson's own men felled the great leader. Union Gen. Shermans Horse "Sam" was a large half-thoroughbred bay. Sam was a strong and swift animal and made one of the longest marches in history, from Vicksburg through the Deep South and finally to Washington. He was as calm under fire as Sherman and was wounded several times, usually due to Sherman's disregard of the horse's anxiety to seek cover. In 1865 Sherman retired Sam to an Illinois farm where Sam received lots of affection. He died of extreme old age in 1884. Much of the hardship on the Civil War Horses was due to the privations of war, during 1863 an entire cavalry division was without Hay for 21 days and little grass was available. The Union Army used over 825,000 horses in the Civil War paying an average price of $150. 00 per head. Sometimes high-class horses were found at purchasing depots but more often the reverse was true. Men of the highest integrity lost all sense of fair play when it came to selling or swapping horses to the Government.

Reuben would typically carry rations for 5 days in haversacks, 75 to 100 rounds of ammunition and 30 pounds of feed for his horse. With his other equipment and personal items the horse needed strength and endurance to manage the burden. The Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry in a remarkable trek started from the Nashville re-mount station during April of 1864. They had 919 horses along with about 300 new recruits. Many of these new men had never ridden a horse! In four months they had ridden to Blakes Mill Georgia a distance of over 900 miles. During this time horses were without regular forage for 26 days on reduced forage for 27 days and went without feed for 7 days. Some Horses remained saddled for 60 hours! 230 horses died or were abandoned and 171 were killed or captured over the course of this expedition. Reuben wondered if the Almighty had decreed suffering for all of his creatures in this terrible war.

1863

The rough school of war had taught private Reuben Rhoades a lot over the past year. He was at home in the saddle, able to ride boot to boot in battle charges and deliver telling blows with the saber. These skills would be tested during the forthcoming battles.

On Jan. 1, 1863 the Ninth Pennsylvania reached the Virginia and Tennessee railroad at the Watauga Bridge. Reuben Rhoades now about 32 years old looked with apprehension at 100 well entrenched Rebel troops. The Ninth dismounted and assaulted the Rebels on foot. Cavalry tactics were different from the old movies that showed a mounted charge, horses were too valuable as transportation and also presented a large target, so they were left with holders when the unit attacked Confederate Infantry. The Cavalry would stay mounted when attacking opposing cavalry troops. After winning a short battle the Ninth burned the bridge and immediately paroled all captured prisoners. The Ninth then rode about 11 miles down the railroad to the Holston River. About two hundred and fifty men behind stockades and entrenchment's defended the bridge. The Cavalry attacked this force immediately and captured the entire rebel force. The Ninth lost six men killed and 25 wounded. Sergeant Ellis Hamersly was wounded and he and the other wounded men were left with the paroled enemy, the regiment having no ambulances. Hamersly refused to stay behind, and managed to stay on his horse until they reached Kentucky. After destroying nearly a mile of railroad trestle they headed for Kentucky. By rapid maneuvering they eluded an enemy force of 8000 under command of Marshall, and recrossed the mountains. The success of the Ninth so angered the Rebel Commanders that Marshall was relieved from duty. The Ninth reached Nicholasville on Jan. 13 with Reuben and two thirds of the regiment dismounted, Their horses had not been fed for over 100 miles!

Colonel Williams had meanwhile resigned and Major Jordan was promoted to Colonel on Jan. 13th, after the death of Lt. Col. James. After a few days rest the regiment marched to Louisville, where Reuben and the troops received fresh horses. They were then transported by railroad to Nashville on Feb. 8th. Two days after arrival they proceeded to Franklin by order of Gen. Rosecrans (a devout Catholic who nonetheless was prone to curse). At Franklin the regiment skirmished with a Brigade under the command of the Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, one of the South's top Cavalry Commanders. Forrest was a tough fighter who became the first Imperial wizard of the KKK, but later resigned when it became too violent even for him! The Ninth fought hard and Reuben was glad to see the rebels withdraw from the town. The Butternut and Gray boys were tough fighters. Col. Jordan now commanded the right wing of the army of the Cumberland, confronting forces at Liberty on the left, Shelbyville & Tullhoma* at the center and Franklin on the right. At Spring Hill fourteen miles from Franklin was the enemy's left wing under command of Gen. Van Dorn with Wheeler and the formidable Forrest each commanding a Division.

* The joke among Confederates was that inancient Greek "Tulla" meant mud and "homa" meant more mud, this was before paved roads and wagons got stuck while hauling supplies.

The Ninth Pennsylvania aided by 300 men of the 2nd Michigan Cavalry confronted the rebel force and made daily attacks upon the advance positions for 18 successive days in order to hide their inferior strength of numbers. The strategy worked until March 4th when Van Dorn attacked in force. A Division of Infantry commanded by Col. John Coburn from Indiana had reached Franklin during the night and joined up with the Union cavalry, the combined force then engaged the enemy four miles from Franklin. The ensuing battle lasted from 9 a. m. until 3 p. m. when the rebel force was finally forced back to Thompson's Station. Col. Colburn pursued the retreating rebels with the Ninth Pennsylvania engaging the enemy at the hills in front of the station. The rebels were forced back until the Infantry advanced. Unfortunately Col. Coburn and over 3000 troops were captured when Brig. Gen. "Red" Jackson's dismounted 2nd. Division made a frontal attack as Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest swung to the rear. After three attempts Jackson's troops carried the Union hilltop position. Gen. Forrest had meanwhile captured Coburn's wagon train. Surrounded and out of ammunition, Coburn surrendered. Reuben Rhoads and Company H fought their way out and joining up with the rest of the Ninth they retreated to Franklin. The Ninth also was able to bring back the artillery and many wounded soldiers, along with over 200 prisoners.

To Chickamauga

Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg, a harsh disciplinarian, disliked by his own troops, was about to meet the Pennsylvania Cavalry. The Ninth was assigned to the 1st. Division Cavalry commanded by General Stanley. Reuben Rhoades fought at Rover, Middletown and Shelbyville, where the Ninth charged the enemy left flank while the Seventh Pennsylvania attacked the center. Reuben fought for his life in hand-to-hand combat at Shelbyville where the Ninth captured almost 1000 of the enemy along with their artillery battery. Capt. Gilbert Waters was killed in the fight. The Ninth then fought at Elk River and Cowan were they captured 200 of Bragg's rear guard. Shortly before the battle at Chickamauga the cavalry had ridden to Lafayette, Georgia (about 35 miles south of Chattanooga) capturing an advance guard of Gen. Longstreet's who were marching from Lee's army in Virginia to re-inforce Bragg.

At Chickamauga the Ninth held the right side of the union line and after the defeat of McCooks corps they moved to the right of * Gen. Thomas and defended the flank. This obstinate stand by two brigades of Union cavalry against the confederate Infantry gave time for formation of union lines. Col. Jordan and the Ninth Pennsylvania were again complimented for their gallantry.

* "The Rock of Chickamauga". Gen. Thomas was a Virginian who chose to fight for the Union. "Pap" Thomas was a large man who was well liked by his troops, a fearless and unassuming leader.

During the winter of 1863 and spring of 1864 Reuben fought in eastern Tennessee at Dandridge, New Market, Mossy creek and Fair Garden where the regiment captured Rebel cannons.

1864

In early April the Ninth Cavalry re-enlisted, Reuben Rhoads and his friends returned to their homes in Pennsylvania for a 30-day leave. At the end of May they again assembled at Louisville with newly recruited men, the ranks now swollen to 1200 troops. While Reuben and the Ninth were at Louisville waiting for horses and weapons, General Morgan made his last raid into Kentucky. He was headed for Frankfort and crossed the Kentucky River where he overpowered the troops scattered along the Louisville and Nashville railroad. Morgan then broke up track and burned bridges disrupting the supply lines going to Gen. Sherman, then on the march to Atlanta. The Ninth Cavalry, armed with muskets* rode 54 miles under cover of darkness to relieve the Capital. The Ninth Cavalry forced Morgan to fall back to Pound Gap, where a Union Cavalry division under Gen. Burbridge defeated the Rebels. * Some Cavalry troops, both North and South were at times armed with Spencer repeating rifles and other breech loading rifles. The Henry rifle could fire 15 shots without re-loading and was a prototype of the famous Winchester used by cowboys in the west.

The Ninth rode through Nashville and arrived at Chattanooga on Sept. 2nd Meanwhile Gen. Wheeler and the Rebel forces were crossing into Tennessee. The Ninth started in pursuit arriving at Murfreesboro on Sept. 5th. Twelve miles from Murfreesboro the Ninth Pennsylvania defeated Gen. Dibberels brigade on Sept. 6th, and took 294 prisoners, many of whom were wounded with *Saber cuts from the close encounter. The Yankee horse soldiers were also wounded by confederate sabers and Reuben would someday show this badge of courage to his grandchildren.

* U. S. Cavalry manual of tactics up until World War I outlined the use of a Rifle then Sabers for close in- fighting.

The next day a telegram placed all Cavalry in Tennessee under command of Col. Jordan, and directed him to pursue the Rebel army. That same afternoon the Ninth defeated part of rebel Gen. Williams division under the command of Col. Anderson. Numerous bands of Independent Confederate Cavalry had had their own way for two years, under fierce and enterprising leaders like General Forrest and John Morgan. Now seasoned by many battles against the confederates the Ninth had become a match for any Rebel unit. The Pennsylvania Cavalry continued the pursuit to Sparta where the rebels fled into the mountains. Gen. Wheeler placed confederate Gen. Williams under arrest for refusing to fight, and he was not released until the end of the war. The Ninth Pennsylvania, which constituted about two thirds of the Union force was issued complimentary orders by headquarters.

Marching through Georgia

The Ninth Cavalry joined up with Gen. Sherman at Marietta Georgia and on Nov. 14Th. Rueben Rhoads was on the "March to the Sea" under command of Gen. Kilpatrick as part of the First Brigade, 3rd Cavalry division. This right wing of troops advanced toward Macon and Milledgeville Georgia. One days march from Atlanta they met a rebel force at Lovejoy's Station on the Macon Railroad. The rebels were well entrenched and opened fire with four Cannons. The Ninth sounded charge and drove the enemy from their guns, taking over 300 confederates' prisoner. The Ninth used the captured cannon for the remainder of the war. These guns had been surrendered to the rebels earlier in the war. The brigade then pushed Wheeler into Macon in December and fought at Griswoldville where 95 men were killed or wounded. The Ninth then started toward Millen where Reuben Rhoads and his company hoped to free captured Union soldiers from their prison-pens. At Waynesboro Wheeler made a night attack but two times was beaten back by the Yankee Horse soldiers. They discovered that the Union prisoners had been moved, so the troops headed toward Louisville, Georgia to join Gen. Baird's Infantry. Wheeler attacked again at Buckhead creek, hoping to cut off the Ninth, then defending the rear of the column. The other troops had already crossed Ogeechee creek, but the Ninth fought off this attack.

The Ninth had the center with the Ohio 9th on the right, Fifth Ohio on the left with the 8th.indiana, 3rd & 5th Kentucky in reserve. Over the gentle rolling hills the Ninth charged and forced Wheeler's men to retreat. Wheeler made another stand at Waynesboro but was again forced to withdraw. The Union Army then headed toward historic Savannah, Georgia arriving on Dec. 21st. This was Reuben Rhoads third Christmas spent at war with his fellow Americans and on expiration of his enlistment he was honorably discharged December 27 1864. The Ninth fought on with action in South and North Carolina until April 13, 1865 when the horse soldiers entered Raleigh, the city having been surrendered by order of the civil authorities. After passing through the city the enemy attacked and then fell back about 10 miles. The Ninth was ready to charge when a flag of truce approached. The Ninth delivered a dispatch to General Sherman who met with Gen. Johnson CSA and accepted his surrender. The Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry fired the final guns in Sherman's command and after the surrender was mustered out of service. It returned to Harrisburg where it was disbanded.

Epilogue

Rueben Rhoades and the cavalry veterans returned to their peacetime pursuits, knowing our great country as never before, having traveled to new and different States. Americans were again united under the Stars and Stripes and old soldiers in Blue and Gray were again friends. The Victors shared their rations with their half-starved countrymen and the southerners followed the advice of the much-loved Gen. Lee and took the "Oath of "Allegiance" from parole officers. In the war-torn South former Yankee prisoners moved from their northern homes to Beautiful southern towns like Thomasville, Georgia to settle down. (Thomasville is called the city of Roses).

Reuben Rhoades moved to Roachdale, Indiana in Putnam County where he raised his children and lived until his wife died. Reuben and Elizabeth are buried in the Roachdale Cemetery along with Arnetta, Henry Earl and Gladys Hall, my Mother Mary Evelyn and others of our clan. I don't know why Reuben moved to Roachdale, Indiana but there were other Rhoads families living in that area before the Civil War and they may have been relatives. William F. Rhoads married Margaret Osborn 6 June 1861 and she was born in 1832 near Carpentersville, Indiana, this William is listed in census as being born in Pennsylvania. Reuben may also have worked for the Railroad as his son was a Railroad Brakeman and Roachdale was a crossing for North, South, East and West Tracks. (Roachdale was named for Judge Roach who was a director of the Decatur and Springfield R. R. ).

As a final note many Union Veterans joined the Grand Army of the Republic which as a forerunner of the American Legion was very active during the late 1800s and influenced political and social events during that era.

Reuben was in the G. A. R. and their annual report of 1925 confirmed the family stories told to me as a child by my Grandmother. The sons of Union War Veterans took over the Charter of the G. A. R. about 1925 and they have an active membership today. The last National Encampment of the G. A. R. was held in Indianapolis in 1949! Americans have established memorials at Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and other battle sites including Lookout Mountain Civil War Park overlooking the modern city of Chattanooga and the Chickamauga National battlefield where so many brave men in Blue and Gray fought and died years ago. Abraham Lincoln in his second Inauguration address declared that God might require a blood sacrifice for the sin of Slavery and 640,000 Americans died during the "War Between the States" The Civil War.

Posted with the permission of Tom Renick, 27651 S. R. 64 E.,Myakka, Fl. 34251, 1998. Sy@worldnet.att.net.