p. m., and then we made a demonstration, and all of our
batteries opened to draw their attention to this place to
strike a blow elsewhere. (John Billidew, Company C,
captured, and David Stitt, Company I, wounded.)
Friday, August 19th. We are in the same position;
nothing of importance going on in our front; we can see
Siege of Atlanta.
123
THOMAS HOLLAND, COMPANY B.
IQOO.
Born June 26, 1824, in Fayette county, Indiana. Served through
the war and was mustered out with the reg-iment. Married Asbrene
Curry, October 13, 1870, who died October 13, 1896, leaving him with
two children, a daughter and a son. A good christian man, having
been a member of the Methodist church since 1842. Has lived in
Hancock county since the war; is by occupation a farmer. He is a
true friend to his old comrades. Address, Maxwell, Hancock
county, Indiana.
124 New History of the Ninety-Ninth Indiana Infantry.
a reb occasionally over on their main line of works; in
the afternoon we made another demonstration upon our
left, don't hear anything from right. (Henry C. Coffin,
of Company H, wounded by one of our shells.)
Saturday, August 20th. I was detailed for picket,
went on at daylight; was within four rods of the rebs
and they kept shooting occasionally all day; was re-
lieved at dark; rained hard and it was very disagree-
able in our pits; our batteries fire occasionally and
the rebs make a feeble reply.
Sunday, August 21st. Everything goes on as usual
along our front; Lieutenant Burnham, Company A, was
killed and one man killed in Company G; rained through
the day and it was muddy in the pits. (Lieutenant
Burnham, of Company A, and Thomas Yelton, of Com-
pany G, killed.)
Monday, August 22d. Nothing unusual taking place;
skirmishing and cannonading; it is reported that our
forces have got the Atlanta & Macon railroad and that
they took a lot of prisoners; encouraging news from Vir-
ginia was received.
Tuesday, August 23d. We are still strengthening our
works; got orders to put another row of stakes in front
of our works; this makes three rows; it has now cleared
off with the prospects of fine weather; we are still close
to the rebs. We lose a man now and then and the rebs
do the same.
Wednesday, August 24th. Various rumors in camp;
one is that the rebs are evacuating; another is that our
division is going to be relieved from the front. L. B.
Farrer was wounded in the hand; went on picket at
dark. (John Steckelman, of Company A, also wounded.)
Thursday, August 25th. I was relieved from picket
at daylight: we got orders to march at dark; the
orders were countermanded and we put up our she-
bangs again. There was one man killed, Joseph Parker,
of Company E, and the skirmish line looked for an at-
tack in the morning.
Friday, August 26th. Erastus EUibee was wounded
in the morning on the skirmish line in the jaw; heavy
Si€{fe of Atlanta.
125
RONEY V. JONES, COMPANY K.
1900.
Born in 1841 at Urbana, Ohio. Came to near Logansport, Indi-
ana, in 1845. Enlisted in Company K in 1862 and served until the
end of the war. Since the war he has lived on a farmjnear Royal
Centre. Was married in 1867 and now has a family of a|[wife and
four children. A good soldier in time of war, he has been a good
citizen in time of peace. Address, Royal Centre, Indiana.
126 New History of the Ninety-Ninth Indiana Infantry.
skirmishing on our left; we expected to be attacked; our
forces are gradually drawing off from the left; at dark,
our corps leaving the front, quietly marched all night to
the right. (William Wilson, of Company E, and Harri-
son J. Nibarger, of Company B, wounded.)
Saturday, August 27th. Still marching on; stopped
at 10 a.m. and got a bite to eat; marched on until 2 p.m.;
stopped on a high ridge and built some works near the
enemy's left; weather very hot.
Sunday, August 28th. Marched on at 8 a. m. in the
direction of the Atlanta & Montgomery railroad, very
slow; struck the railroad at 3 p. m.; our advance built
breastworks. At 10 o'clock at night our regiment went
out and destroyed some of the railroad; the country is
very broken here. (Isaiah M. Shepherd, of Company H,
wounded and died of wounds.)
Monday, August 29th. Lay still all day. The Six-
teenth Army corps went out without their knapsacks;
destroyed some more railroad; the boys were all very
willing to rest; there was very little foraging in that
section of the country; weather warm.
Tuesday, August 30th. In the morning at seven
o'clock the Army of the Tennessee commenced advancing
toward Macon railroad in two columns; our advance
commenced skirmishing with them and drove them
within a mile of the railroad, where we found them forti-
fied; crossed the Flint river.
Wednesday, August 31st. In the morning the rebs
woke up and found the Yankees were in force in their
front and they thought we were too close on their com-
munication and that they would drive us back; they at-
tacked us at 2 p. m.; fighting lasted two hours, but the
rebs were repulsed with considerable loss; at the same
time the rebs attacked us. the Twenty-third and the
Fourth Army corps swung in on the left near East Point
and took thi railroad and destroyed some of it. (Wm.
Catt and Ferdinand Julius, of Company B, wounded.)
Thursday, September 1st. We took the rebs' skir-
mishers in the morning and the Fourth and Fourteenth
Siege of Atlanta. 127
corps commenced advancing down the railroad on the
enemy's flank, and we made several demonstrations in
their favor; they had considerable tighting- to do, but
drove the enemy before them and captured some prison-
ers and one batter}'. (John A. Condiff, of Company H,
and Jasper Barker, of Company G, wounded.)
Friday, September IM. Our grand flank movement of
the last few days caused the rebs to evacuate Atlanta
last night. The railroad being cut, they could not get
their ammunition away and they blew up thirt}- carloads;
the rebs left our front last night and we follow^ed them
up this morning; passed through Jonesbo^-o.
Monday, September 3d. Yesterday we found the
rebs in force four miles south of Jonesboro; we formed in
line of battle, the Fourth corps and the Sixteenth and
Seventeenth corps on our right, all moved forward to
cannonading and found nothing but slight skirmishing
to do on our front during the day.
Sunday, September 4th. Nothing of importance
took place in our front; some slight skirmishing; our
batteries kept banging away. The rebs used no artil-
lery. Various rumors in camp about going back to
Atlanta: got orders to brighten up our guns.
Monday, September 5th. Slight skirmishing and
cannonading going on all day; the rebs didn't reply with
artillery; we quietly drew oft" from front at 2 p. m., fell
back to Jonesboro, supposed that our whole army has
gone back to the vicinity of Atlanta to take a rest after
four months' fighting.
Tuesday, September Gth. We lay in camp all day
just outside of the town; our trains all rolled out in the
morning toward Atlanta. The rebs have a lot of
wounded in town.
Wednesday, September 7th. Our corps marched out
in the direction of Atlanta at 7 a. m., our division in the
rear; our brigade was rear guard. The rebs have got
fight enough so they don't follow us up: we marched
eight miles and went into camp for the night; weather
cool.
128 New History of the Ninety- Ninth Indiana Infantry.
Thursday, September 8th. Marched out at 8 a. m. to
East Point, got there about noon; went into camp; it
was told that we would stay here some time and com-
menced cleaning- up quarters. General Grant and the
president paid their compliments to this army for the
taking of Atlanta.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE PURSUIT OF HOOD.
The pursuit of General Hood which begun Ocober 4th,
was a part of the service in which the regiment marched
.270 miles, and that has attracted as a campaign but
very little attention from the country. It was one of
those hard, tramping campaigns in which there was
much marching and little fighting. General W. B. Ha-
zen was in command of the division at the time of its
commencement, then known as the Second division. Fif-
teenth Army Corps. The Third brigade was under the
command of Colonel Fowler, and Captain Gwin in com-
mand of the regiment, succeeded by Major Homan.
Perhaps the best report of the campaign is that of
General Hazen, who says: "At 9 a. m., October 4th, we
left camp at East Point, Georgia, and marched for Raff's
Mill across the Chattahoochie, continuing the march to
a point three miles southwest of Marietta where it ar-
rived on the 5th, remaining till the 8th, when it moved
three miles north of Marietta where it remained until the
evening of the 10th, when it marched toward Rome via
AUatoona. At that point Colonel Fowler's brigade (the
Third), was put on cars and sent forward. The division
arrived at Rome the 12th, and next day marched toward
Ressaca, reaching that place and passing through it and
Snake Creek Gap on the 15th. We passed Villanow the
The Pursuit of Hood.
129,
LIEUTENANT JOHN C. PARKS, COMPANY I.
1900.
Bora May 30, 1844, Miami county, Indiana. His first ten years
were spent with his parents and with the Miami Indians, and was
known as Chief Gabriel Godtrey's Wapeciet, or "pet white boy,"
and the old chieftain with his long, white hair and careworn looks,
still visits him at his place of business in Peru. He was raised on
a farm until he enlisted. He was appointed corporal, and at Louis-
ville was appointed one of the color-guards and served as such until
Atlanta fell when he was appointed 1st sergeant, and served as such
until the muster out, when he received a commission as lieutenant.
Was injured by the explosion of a shell at Kenesaw and so was
mounted and put in command of a foraging party, and thus became
one of Sherman's "bummers" on the "march to the sea." He is a
moulder by trade and when able, has engaged in foundry work
at Peru and other places since the war. In February, 1868, he was
married to Miss Emma L. Arrasmith, who, with three children, two
sons and one daughter, all of them of age, still lives to be his com-
panion in life's work. Comrade Parks is a thoroughgoing comrade,
attends the reunions and takes a lively interest in ever3'thing that
pertains to the honor and fame of the 99th Indiana. Address, Peru,
Indiana.
130 New History of the Ninety-Ninth Indiana Infantry.
16th and stopped for the nig-ht in Ship's Gap on Taylor's
Ridge. On the 17th we moved to Lafayette, on the 18th
to Summerville, on the 19th to Alpine, and on the 20th
to Galesville, and on the 21st moved out seven miles on
Little river and went into camp, where we remained till
the 24th, when the division with the first of this corps
went in the direction of Gadsden on a reconnoissance.
On the 25th this division, having- been left in reserve at
Blount's farm, was ordered forward to form on the rig-ht
of the First division which was five miles in our front,
deployed and sharply engaged the enemy with artillery
from points considerably m front of the infantry line.
Taking a right hand road, Colonel Wells S. Jones' bri-
gade was deployed while marching and moving forward
without any halt or use of any artillery. Wheeler's en-
tire force was driven from a strong- line of railworks and
to a point near the town of Gadsden. There were four
men wounded in this affair. The division returned to its
former camp on Little river where it remained until the
29th, when it crossed the Ghattahoochie and took up its
march in the direction of Atlanta, arriving at Cave's
Spring the 31st. Number of miles marched during the
month, 270. The march was resumed November 1st, and
on the 5th the division arrived at Smyrna camp ground
near the Ghattahoochie, where it remained, receiving-
payment and breaking up railroad, till the 13th, when it
moved across Turner's Ferry and the White Hall, two
miles west of Atlanta." — War Records, serial 77, page 745.
In his report of the advance on Rome and the line of
railroad. General John M. Corse says: "General
Howard sent a brigade from Second division, Fifteenth-
Corps, commanded by Colonel Fowler which arrived on
the cars about noon of the 11th and was placed in camp
ready for any emergency. General Sherman arrived on
the 12th and his array encamped within three miles of
Rome. On the 13th, by order of General Sherman, I
moved my division, augmented by Colonel Fowler's
brigade and Colonel Spencer's regiment of cavalry,
across the Etowah and with Colonel Hurlbut's brigade
The Pursuit of Hood.
131
CAPTAIN KELLOGG M. BURNHAM, COMPANY A.
1900, aged 70.
Born February 1, 1830, in Berlin, Ohio. Came to Lake county,
Indiana, in 1853, and it has ever since been his home. His grand-
father, Joseph Burnham, was a captain in the war of 1812, and his
grandfather on his mother's side, was Rev. John Norton, also in
that war. They were all Scotch Presbyterians of the straitest
sect. He says in a letter: "I was married in 1855 to Eunice
Wheeler, a sister of Colonel John Wheeler, of the 20th Indiana. We
were only permitted to rear one son to manhood, Harry, who was
born in 1865, and died in September, 1897. My wife died in 1881,
and now at 70 years, I am traveling the road alone." On page 50
will be found an account of his sickness. He continued faithfully in
the service for another year, but was compelled to resign February
29, 1864. Captain Burnham is a man of line character, genial dis-
position and loves his comrades. He spends his winters in Florida
to get away from the cold, spending four months last winter at Jack-
sonville and on the East Coast. His address is Lowell, Indiana.
132 Ntw History of the Ninety-Ninth Indiana Infantry.
in advance, the other three brigades in supporting-
column, the cavalry on the flanks, we advanced on Cave's
Spring for the purpose of developing- the character and
strength of the eaemy's force lying near the pontoon
bridge on which they crossed over the Coosa. Arm-
strong's and Gholson's brigades of cavalry of Jackson's
division opposed us for about seven miles with but very
slight loss to ourselves. The enemy were driven back
toward Cave's Spring by the infantry, while I sent the
cavalry to a point opposite Coosaville where Hood had
his pontoons, which were found to be gone and no enemy
there." — War Records, serial 77, page 769.
On this march, October 30th, four men, Thomas
Rodg-ers and Andrew J. York, of Company G, Henry C.
Lindley of Company I, and Wm. Bray, of Company H,
were captured and all taken to rebel prisons. The first
three were exchang'ed at Vicksburgh, w^ent north on the
Sultana which was wrecked, but were all fortunately
saved. Comrade Bray was exchanged and joined the
regiment May 30, 1865. Thomas Rodgers now lives at
Hesper, Kansas; York at Grayville, 111.; Henry C. Lind-
ley died sometime after his return from the war. The
whereabouts of Wm. Bray is unknown.
CHAPTER XVIII.
MARCH TO THE SEA.
The march from Atlanta to the sea as a military
campaign was one of the most original in conception,
boldness of purpose and success in execution, of any
campaign during the war. The distance from Atlanta to
Savannah by the Georgia Railroad was 294 miles; the
distance by the wagon road was considerably farther, in
March to the Sea.
133
LIEUTENANT FREDERICK W. DRAWANS, COMPANY C.
lOQO.
Born March 30, 1835, in Medrin, Posen Province, Prussia, where
he was reared. When 15 years of age his father died leaving- him
to care for his mother who lived on a small farm. When 19, entered
the Second Regiment of Guards, King William's body guard, toper-
form his three years of military service. He was stationed at Ber-
lin and gained the rank of corporal and afterwards sergeant Af-
ter his service he remained one year on the farm. Ift 1859 he came
to America, settling in LaPorte county, Indiana. He entered the
service in August, 1862, and was appointed sergeant, and was soon
after made color-sergeant, carrying the colors for a year and a half
when he was appointed 1st sergeant, and in March, 1864, he was
commissioned 1st lieutenant. He resigned January 31, 1865, to at-
tend to private business in Germany. He was in command of the
company during the "march to the sea," Captain Scott being absent
on leave. "Lieutenant Fred," as he was called, was a good soldier.
Married in 1865, to Ann A DeWitt; to them were born two children,
a son and daughter. The son died in 1898, aged 30 years. Address,
Valparaiso, Indiana.
134 New History of the Ninety- Ninth Indiana Infantry.
fact the 99th Indiana marched, in going from Atlanta to
Savannah, 346 miles by actual count. The campaign
was made by what was known as the Army of the Ten-
nessee, composed of aright wing, commanded by General
O. O. Howard; the Fifteenth corps, commanded by
General P. J. Osterhaus, General Logan being absent on
leave; the Seventeenth corps, commanded by>Ma3or-
General Frank P. Blair, Jr.; the left wing, called the
Army of Georgia, consisting of the Fourteenth Army
Corps, commanded by General Jefferson C. Davis and
the Twentieth Army Corps, commanded by General
Alpheus S. Williams; the two corps being commanded
by Major-General Henry W. Slocum. The returns of
this army on the 30th of November showed 55,329 infantry,
5,036 cavalry and 1,812 artilery; a total of 62,204; the
99th Indiana was in the third brigade, second division,
15th Army Corps, commanded by John M, Oliver, colonel
of the 15th Michingan Infantry. I give his diary of the
campaign.
November 15th. Left White Hall at 10 a. m. ; marched
in a southerly direction, passing through Rough and
Ready; camped near Tucker's cabin, Henry county, at
5 p. m. ; marched fourteen miles.
November 16. Left camp at 6 a. m., passing through
McDonough; camped two miles south of town at 5 p. m. ;
marched sixteen miles.
November 17th. Marched from 3:30 p. m. until 12:30
at night; th^, troops marched to the left side of the road
while the wagon trains and artillery took the road;
marched seventeen miles.
November 18th. Resumed our march at 8 a. m. and
camped at Indian Springs at 1 p. m., distance six miles.
November 19th. Left camp at 3 a. m., marched to
the Ocmulgee river and crossed on pontoon bridge;
halted for the night near Hillsboro; arrived in camp at
4:30 p. m. ; distance marched fifteen miles.
November 20th. Marched at 10 a. m. , passing through
Hillsboro, camped five miles south of town; arrived at 7
p. m; distance marched twelve miles.
March to the Sea.
135
ALONZO B. THORN, MUSICIAN, COMPANY D.
1863.
Born February 9, 1844, in Coshocton county, Ohio; carhe with
his parents to Miami county, Indiana, in 1856. Enlisted as a mu-
sician and went the entire round with the regiment, saying: "The
regiment never marched five miles from the beginning to the end
that I was not with it." This tells the story of his faithful service
in a few words as well as a volume could tell it. He was married
July 12, 1867, but was so unfortunate as to lose his wife by death
July 13, 1890, and has remained unmarried since. He has three
sons and two daughters living. The above picture was taken at
Moscow, Tennessee, in 1863. Comrade Thorn is a great friend to all
his old comrades and says: "I hope to meet them all at the next
reunion." Address, Amboy, Indiana.
136 New History of the Ninety -Ninth Indiana Infantry.
November 21st. Resumed march at 6 a. m. ; rained all
day; roads in a terrible condition; passed throug-h the
town of Clinton and camped within nine miles of Macon;
marched thirteen miles; left Fifteenth Michig"an infantry
at Clinton to guard roads leading to Macon until the
trains had passed: about -l p. m. they had a sharp
skirmish with Breckinridge's brigade of cavalry and re-
pulsed them with the loss of two men wounded.
November 22d. Broke camp at 8 a. m., marched in
a southeasterly course, crossing the Macon & Augusta
railroad which has been destroyed by our troops: camped
on the Gordon road; the enemy attacked the first divis-
ion and were repulsed: the 15th Michigan infantry re-
ported at 6 p. m. Marched this day sixteen miles.
November 23d. Marched at 9 a. m. in the direction
of Gordon by a circuitous route: reaching camp at 12 m. ;
took position and fortified; marched five miles.
November 24th. Left camp at 9 a. m. arriving at
Irwinton at 3 p. m. ; marched five miles.
November 25th. Resumed our march to the Oconee
river; passed through the town of Irwinton: arrived at
the river at 4 p. m. : the ememy being posted on the oppo-
site bank prevented our crossing; artillery was placed
in position and opened on their works; the 90th Illinois
and 99th Indiana were detailed to picket the river: the
Seventeenth army corps joined us at this point; the
Fourth division and pontoon trains also arrived; dis-
tance marched twelve miles.
November 26th. The enemy evacuated the opposite
bank of the Oconee at 12 o'clock at night. At 6 p. m.
crossed the river, marched two miles and encam^^ed.
November 27th. Marched in a northeasterly course
and encamped at Irwin's cross-roads at 12 m. ; distance
marched eight miles.
November 28th. Resumed march and encamped;
distance fifteen miles.
November 29th. Marched eighteen miles; roads in a
terrible condition on account of rain.
November 30th. Marched fifteen miles; had to cor-
duroy and bridge roads continually.
March to the Sea.
137
AMOS MILNER, COMPANY B.
1898.
Born in Fayette county, Indiana, September 9, 1834. Was en-
g-ag-ed in farming- but enlisted in 1862, and served through the war,
a faithful and true soldier. In 1868 moved to Kansas, and has lived
in and near Madison, Greenwood countj-, ever since, living- on his
farm up to 1893, and since that has lived a retired life in the citj- of
Madison. Comrade Milner has been twice married; his first wife
dying in 1861, he was married in 1865, to Phebe Ann Blakely. He
has two sons living. Comrade Milner says: "Company B suffered
more because they were charged twice while on the picket line and
nearly all killed or wonnded." The badge on his picture shows that
he is a G. A R. man, "a friend of his comrades and the flag."
Address, Madison, Kansas. His brother, William, of the 99th, died
in February, 1885, in Lyon county, Kansas, leaving a wife and
seven children.
138 New History of the Ninety-Ninth Indiana Infantry.
December 1st. Left camp at 7 a. m. passing through
Cannouchee postoffice and camped at the iunction of the
Jones Ferry on the old Savannah roads, arriving at 5
p. m. ; marched fourteen miles.
December 2d. At 8 a. m. marched on the Savannah
road crossing Scull's creek and encamped in Bullock
county; distance ten miles.
December 8d. Marched and encamped on Lott's
creek; distance five miles.
December 4th. At 8 a. m. resumed march in a south-
erly course; at 3 p. m. some mounted foragers of the
division were attacked by some 600 cavalry near States-
boro and driven back until the enemy encountered the
70th Ohio infantry, who were in advance as guard for
pioneers corduroying the road. The 70th Ohio gave
them one volley, after which the rebels hastily retreated,
leaving six killed and one wounded in our hands; our
loss was slight; we encamped at Statesboro; distance
marched, fourteen miles.
December 5th. At 9 a. m. marched in an easterly
direction and camped at 6 p. m. ; distance thirteen miles.
December 6th, I was ordered to march to Jenks'
bridge to secure the crossing; left camp between 6 and 7
a. m., leaving all my trains but four ambulances, two
wagon loads of ammunition and the tool wagon. Upon
arriving at the river, found the bridge destroyed. The
15th Michigan and 70th Ohio took position on the river
bank; the 48th Illinois and 90th Illinois and 99th Indiana
were put into position, face to the rear, with a section of
artillery from the Third division on a hill back of the
river half a mile; distance marched fifteen miles.
Stacked arms and went into camp at 12 m. ; the vigor of
the troops and their earnest efforts to reach the river,
secure the bridge and strike the enemey's cavalry
enabled us to make this march with astonishing quick-
ness. When we arrived at the camp of the Third divis-
ion, which was one mile and a half nearer Jenks' bridge
than our camp, we waited an hour and a half, at least,
for the artillery, which had not been notified that they
March to the Sea.
139
JACOB TRITT, COMPANY D.
1862
(As he was at 18 when he eniered the service. See page 43.)
were to accompany the expedition; this delay in the
outset and some skirmishing on the way left the actual