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56th North Carolina InfantryCSA Flag
Company A
William Malichi Forbes
- Private
Served and joined with his brother Issac Forbes 56th NC
Contact Name: Rick Smith
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 1/22/2006

Company A
John A. Miller
- Private
Name: John A Miller
Born: 15 May 1845 Catawba Co., NC
Died: 26 September 1901 Alexander Co., NC
Married: Mary Laura King
Buried: Macedonia Baptist Church cemetery, Alexander Co., NC
Residence: Alexander County, North Carolina
Enlistment Date: 18 October 1863
Distinguished Service: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Side Served: Confederacy
State Served: North Carolina
Unit Numbers: 163
Service Record: Enlisted in Company A, 56th Infantry Regiment North Carolina on 28 July 1862.
Enlisted as a Private on 18 October 1863 at the age of 18
Wounded on 20 May 1864 at Ware Bottom Church, VA
Wounded on 15 July 1864 at Petersburg, VA
Returned on 30 July 1864 (Estimated day)
POW on 01 April 1865 at Five Forks, VA
Confined on 06 April 1865 at Point Lookout, MD
Took Oath of Allegiance on 24 June 1865 at Point Lookout, MD.

John A. Miller was a son of Pvt. Noah Miller and his wife Leah Hefner Miller of Alexander co., NC.
Contact Name: James W. Miller, Jr.
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 5/11/2008

Company A
Noah Miller
- Private
Name: Noah Miller
Born: 1825 Lincoln (now Catawba) Co., NC
Died: 1883 Alexander Co., NC
Residence: Alexander County, North Carolina
Occupation: Miller
Enlistment Date: 31 October 1864
Distinguished Service: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Side Served: Confederacy
State Served: North Carolina
Unit Numbers: 163
Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 31 October 1864
Enlisted in Company A, 56th Infantry Regiment North Carolina on 31 October 1864.
POW on 25 March 1865 at Fort Stedman, VA
Confined on 28 March 1865 at Point Lookout, MD
Took Oath of Allegiance on 24 June 1865 at Point Lookout, MD

Noah’s physical description: dark complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, 5 feet 7 ½ inches tall.
Buried: Macedonia Baptist Church cemetery, Alexander Co., NC
Noah Miller was my great-grandfather.
Contact Name: James W. Miller, Jr.
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 5/11/2008

Company B
Jesse W Caudle
- Private
Son of Jesse W. & Abigail Caudle. Born abt. 1827 in Anson County, NC. Died 1870.
Contact Name: Tom Fagart
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 3/2/2009

Company B
Calvin Archibald Culbreth
- Private
Calvin Archibald Culbreth was the twin brother of Noah Culbreth. From the records of Company B, 56th Regiment N.C. Troops, Vol. XIII, page 609, 'Born in Bladen County and resided in Cumberland County where he was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Cumberland County at age 27, May 5, 1862 for the war. Reported present through October 1862. Reported sick in the hospital at Wilson from November 3, 1862 through February 28, 1863. Returned to duty in March and April 1863. Sent to hospital at Petersburg, VA on May 30, 1863. Returned to duty in January 1864. Wounded in the hand near Petersburg on June 17, 1864 and hospitalized at Petersburg. Furloughed from hospital at Richmond, Va. on August 27, 1864. Returned to duty prior to January 1, 1865. Surrendered at Appomattox Court House, VA on April 9, 1865.'

The 56th Infantry Regiment completed its organization in July, 1862, at Camp Magnum, near Raleigh, North Carolina. Its members were recruited in the counties of Camden, Cumberland, Pasquotank, Northampton, Orange, Cleveland, Alexander, Rutherford, and Mechlenburg. It fought at Gum Swamp, Plymouth, and Drewry's Bluff, endured the hardships of the Petersburg trenches south of the James River, and saw action around Appomattox. The regiment had 149 men captured at Gum Swamp, lost 4 killed and 84 wounded at Plymouth, and reported 90 casualties at Ware Bottom Church. Many were disabled at Sayler's Creek, and only 9 officers and 62 men surrendered with the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House.
Contact Name: Christopher Winton
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 10/8/2005

Company B
Alexander W. Finlayson
- Private
Alexander W. Finlayson is a great grand uncle
Contact Name: David Finlayson
Contact Email: Show Email
Contact Homepage: http://burruss.blogspot.com/
Date Added: 3/4/2015

Company B
Lunsford Johnson
- Private
BATTLE UNIT NAME:
56th Regiment, North Carolina Infantry
SIDE: Confederacy
COMPANY: B
SOLDIER'S RANK IN: Private
SOLDIER'S RANK OUT: Private
ALTERNATE NAME: M230 ROLL 2
Contact Name: Dennise Hochenedel
Contact Email: Show Email
Contact Homepage: dixie.adoption@gmail.com
Date Added: 7/8/2017

Company B
Benjamin W. Thornton
- 3rd Lieutenant
3rd Lieutenant, April 1, 1862, killed on April 20, 1864, at the battle of 2nd Plymouth, NC
Contact Name: Richard Eugene Thornton, Jr.
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 3/29/2024

Company B
Benjamin W Thornton
- 2nd Lieutenant
Detail: Service Record C.S.A.
Date: 1861
Notes: Historical Data Systems, comp.. American Civil War Soldiers
Actual text: Side Served: Confederacy

State Served: North Carolina

Service Record:
Enlisted as a Private

Promoted to Full Lieutenant 3rd Class on
01 April 1862

Discharged for promotion Company F, 1st Infantry Regiment North Carolina on 01 April 1862

Commission in Company B, 56th Infantry Regiment North Carolina on 01 April 1862.

POW on 22 May 1863 at Gum Swamp, NC

Confined on 25 May 1863 at New Berne, NC (Estimated day)

Paroled on 26 May 1863 at New Berne, NC (Estimated day)

Exchanged on 28 May 1863 at City Point, VA

Returned on 01 July 1863 (Estimated day)

Killed Company B, 56th Infantry Regiment North Carolina on 20 April 1864 in Plymouth, NC

Web address: http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/soldiers.cfm
********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Excerpts from Book: Histories of the Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina , in the great war 1861-'65 Written by members of the respective commands Clark's Regiments

**************** '{Lieutenant B. W. Thornton, of Company B, was mortally wounded, the ball entering just above the eye, and coming out near the ear, but was still able, though his sight was gone, to recognize the writer when he visited him with other wounded that evening. He was a faithful and efficient soldier from Fayetteville.'**********Volume III – Page 347

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Excerpt from The Heritage of Sampson County North Carolina Volume II, Kent Wrench, Editor, 2005, page 327.

An initial Thornton Cemetery on Alex Benton Road near Highway 13 east was badly damaged by Sherman’s troops during the Civil War. Shown below, is the wording on the large shiny new granite stone that angered the soldiers.


He Rests Here

Lt. Benjamin W. Thornton

56th N. C. Troops

Aged 24 years



On the 20th Day of April

1864 while gallantly leading

His men in a charge upon

The enemy’s works at

Plymouth, N. c. he was

Pierced in the head by a

Minie ball, and expired on the

25th of the same month.



A Country’s call obeyed

her wrongs redressed

God calls him hence

To mingle with the blessed



Footmarker: B.W.T.



Infromation from Jean Thornton Johnson:

Albert Herring, deceased, former Mayor of Newton Grove and his wife Ann assembled the pieces to record the message. A century after the stones had been destroyed or badly damaged, the land owner bulldozed all of the tombstones into the creek. While using the creek for watering hogs, Ernie and Ronnie Thornton discovered the pieces.

They brought Benjamin, Whitfield, and Averitt’s stone pieces into their back yard. Two weeks before Albert Herring died suddenly with a heart attack, he showed the pieces to Jean Thornton Johnson. She asked him to ask Connie Thornton, ex-wife and widow of Ronnie if she could have the pieces for the Uriah Thornton Cemetery on Emmett Thornton Road. With his sudden death, he did not get to ask Connie. The Saturday before Jean called to make the request herself, Mexicans had hauled the pieces to the dump at Connie’s request. Connie said the only stone left was a base that was so heavy they could not lift it. It was the Lieutenant’s base. The base was moved to the Uriah Thornton Cemetery by Wes and Rick Thornton.
Contact Name: Richard Eugene Thornton
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 7/27/2007

Company B
Richard Whitfield Thornton
- 1st Lieutenant
Detail: Service Record C.S.A.
Date: 1999

Notes: Enlisted a private in 1 North Carolina Infantry C.S.A. (6 Months, 1861)

Commisioned Company: B 56 North Carolina
56th North Carolina Militia - Brunswick County

Infantry C.S.A. 1st Lieutenant

Discharge: 1st Lieutenant (22 March 1865)

Actual text:
Name: Richard W Thornton
Side Served: Confederacy
State Served: North Carolina
Service Record: Enlisted as a Private 1861
Promoted to Full Lieutenant 1st Class on 01 April 1862
Commission in Company B, 56th Infantry Regiment North Carolina on 01 April 1862.
POW on 22 May 1863 at Gum Swamp, NC
Confined on 13 June 1863 at Fort Delaware, DE
Transferred on 20 July 1863 at Johnson's Island, OH
Paroled on 14 March 1865 at Johnson's Island, OH
Exchanged on 22 March 1865 at Cox's Landing, James River, VA

Side served: Confederacy;
State served: North Carolina;

Web address: http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/soldiers.cfm
Contact Name: Richard Eugene Thornton
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 3/23/2007

Company B
Richard Whitfield Thornton
- 1st Lieutenant
Richard W. Thornton, 1st Lieutenant, April 1, 1862, captured on May 22, 1863 at the battle of 2nd Gum Swamp, NC
Contact Name: Richard Eugene Thornton, Jr.
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 3/29/2024

Company C
Issac Forbes
- Private
No comments
Contact Name: Rick Smith
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 1/22/2006

Company C
William Parks Hayes
- Private
No comments
Contact Name: Bruce
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 3/6/2010

Company C
Beverly James Marlow
- Private
Enlistment Date: 1 Oct 1863
Enlistment Place: Wilkes County, North Carolina
Side Served: Confederacy
State Served: North Carolina
Service Record: Enlisted in Company C, 56th Infantry Regiment
North Carolina on 28 Jul 1862
Enlisted as a Private on 1 October 1863
Contact Name: digger
Contact Email: Show Email
Contact Homepage: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=40595705
Date Added: 1/18/2011

Company D
David S. Worley Allison
- Corporal
This is my great, great, great, great grandfather.
Contact Name: Lare Allison
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 7/2/2015

Company D
John Washington Graham
- Major
Transferred from Company G, 27th Infantry Regiment North Carolina on 21 June 1861.
Organized Company D, 56th Infantry Regiment North Carolina on 25 March 1862 and was elected Captain.
Promoted to Full Major on 1 September 1863.
Seriously wounded in the right arm during the Bermuda Hundred.
After his recovery he served in the trenches until March 25, 1865, when he participated in the famous sortie of Gordon's corps and was shot through both thighs. His wounds were severe and dangerous, and after the evacuation he was left at Petersburg, whence he was unable to leave for his home until the following June.
Contact Name: Eric Stone
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 5/22/2010

Company D
Robert Davidson Graham
- Captain
Enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant on 17 May 1862 at the age of 19.
Commission in Company D, 56th Infantry Regiment North Carolina on 22 May 1862.
Promoted to Full 1st Lieutenant on 23 May 1863.
Promoted to Full Captain on 1 September 1863.
Contact Name: Eric Stone
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 5/22/2010

Company E
William Chitwood
- Private
Chitwood, William, Private
Company E, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Cleveland Riflemen”

Resided in Cleveland County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Cleveland County at age 41, September 20, 1863, for the war. Reported present through February 1864. Wounded in the thigh at Plymouth on April 18-20, 1864. Returned to duty prior to July 1864. Wounded in the neck at Globe Tavern, Virginia, August 21, 1864. Reported absent wounded through December 1864. Returned to duty on an unspecified date. Surrendered at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, April 9, 1865.

Born: September 12, 1822 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: June 25, 1901
Buried: Big Springs Baptist, Hollis, NC
Married: Sarah Magness
Children: 6
Occupation: farmer
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/6/2007

Company E
William B. Overby
- Private
No comments
Contact Name: Rickie Overby
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 6/20/2008

Company E
Demarcus M. Price
- Private
Price, Demarcus M., Private
Company E, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Moore Guards”

Place and date of enlistment not reported (probably enlisted subsequent to December 31, 1864). Surrendered at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, April 9, 1865.

Born: September 8, 1825 in NC
Died: December 16, 1915
Buried: Price Family Cemetery, Hollis, NC
Married: Elizabeth Unknown
Children: 6
Occupation: laborer
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company E
Michael McCurry Price
- Private
Price, Michael McCurry, Private
Company E, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Moore Guards”

Broadfoot shows the following that may be this Michael Price. Price, M. NC 56th Inf. Co.E, however he is not listed in the NC Troop Roster Book for this company. A file of NC soldiers’ compiled records show an 'M. Price' who was surrendered at Appomattox Court House, VA. The file has only one card with information concerning his surrender. Company E, 56th NC Infantry was raised in Moore and Northampton Counties in NC in March to July of 1862. Michael Price most likely enlisted late in the war as he was over the conscription age and was a replacement for the regiment that had suffered many losses and casualties by the winter of 1864-65. As a blacksmith he would also have been exempt from conscription (draft) as this was an important occupation on the home front.

Born: March 30, 1825 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: February 7, 1888 in Rutherford Co., NC
Buried: Cedar Grove Methodist, Rutherford Co., NC
Married: Lurania Davis
Children: 13
Occupation: blacksmith
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company E
Wade Price
- Private
Price, Wade, Private
Company E, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Moore Guards”

Enlisted on or about November 1, 1864, for the war. Surrendered at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, April 9, 1865.

Born: May 18, 1921
Died: unknown
Buried: Price Family Cemetery, Hollis, NC
Married: Mary Ann Price
Children: 7
Occupation: farmer
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company F
John Wesley Carter
- Private
John contacted typhoid fever while fighting at Petersburg,Va. He was sent to a Richmond Hospital where he later died,1864. He was spoken of in the book written by James Carson Elliott, The Southern Soldier Boy, written in 1907. John was buried at the Hollywood Cemetery , Va.
Contact Name: Phil Digh
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 10/18/2006

Company F
William Jackson Carter
- Private
Left home on February 8, 1864, joined on February 11, 1864 as Pvt., Co. F., 56th Regiment. of North Carolina troops, Confederate States of America (CSA). From February 14 to March 26 his unit helped move prisoners from Richmond to Andersonville. The remainder of war he was located in eastern NC and VA. On or about June 17, 1864 he was wounded in the leg near Petersburg, VA and returned to service prior to July 1, 1864. He was captured at Ft. Stedman, Virginia on Mar 25, 1865 and was released as a POW from Point Lookout, Maryland, USA on May 13, 1865.

The book 'The Southern Soldier Boy: A Thousand Shots for the Confederacy' mentions both William Jackson Carter and his brother John Wesley.

Enlisted on 2/11/1864 at Halifax County, NC as a Private.

On 2/11/1864 he mustered into 'F' Co. NC 56th Infantry
(date and method of discharge not given)


He was listed as:
* Wounded 6/17/1864 Petersburg, VA
* Returned 7/1/1864 (place not stated)
* POW 3/25/1865 Fort Stedman, VA
* Confined 3/31/1865 Point Lookout, MD
* Oath of Allegiance 5/13/1865 Point Lookout, MD


Sources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.:

- North Carolina Troops 1861-65, A Roster
(c) Historical Data Systems, Inc. @ www.civilwardata.com
Contact Name: Seth Smith
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 11/18/2017

Company F
Jesse Marshall Chitwood
- Private
Born in Rutherford County and resided in Cleveland County where he was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Cleveland County at age 32, May 10, 1862, for the war. Reported present through December 1862. Hospitalized at Goldsboro on February 7, 1863. Died in hospital at Wilson on February 28, 1863, of “typhoid fever.” He was “a good soldier, a christian (sic) and a patriot.” (Daily Bulletin, Charlotte, April 1, 1863.)

Born: August 3, 1830 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: February 28, 1863 in Wilson, NC
Buried: Confederate Cemetery, Wilson, NC
Married: Rosaline Stroud
Children: 4
Occupation: farmer
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/6/2007

Company F
Phillip Pinkney Davis
- Private
Phillip Pinkney Davis is my second great-grandfather on my fathre's side.
Contact Name: Glenda Warren Carl
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 6/18/2016

Company F
Hezekiah Dedmon
- Private
No comments
Contact Name: Wayne Turner
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 7/15/2012

Company F
James Carson Elliott
- Private
Elliott, James Carson Sr., Private
Company F, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Cleveland Riflemen”

Born in Cleveland County on July 12, 1845. Resided in Cleveland County where he enlisted at age 18, August 12, 1863, for the war. Reported present or accounted for through June 1864. Sent home on sick furlough on August 13, 1864. Returned to duty in September - October 1864. Captured at Fort Stedman, Virginia, March 25,1865. Confined at Point Lookout, Maryland, March 27, 1865. Released at Point Lookout on June 12, 1865, after taking the Oath of Allegiance. [Wounded in the left arm above the elbow on an unspecified date.]

Born: June 12, 1845
Died: June 17, 1936 in Cleveland Co., NC
Buried: Elliott Family Cemetery, Polkville, NC
Married: Bridget Gettys
Children: 9
Occupation: Teacher, writer and mayor

James Elliott was a prolific writer and genealogist after the war and left behind numerous stories about his war years many of which are on file in the NC State Historical Library in Raleigh, NC.
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/6/2007

Company F
J. A. Gantt, SR
Rank Unknown
Enlisted NC Volunteers, June 15th, 1861 under Major H. F. Shank, Captain Frank Griggs and Lieutenant V. J. Palmer, Ransom Brigade. Participated in the following battles: Gum Swamp, Petersburg (The Great Blowup), Suffolk, Hatchet Run, Washington, Plymouth, High Point, Weldon, Wilderness (7 days) and Stoney Run. Captured at Petersburg March 25th, 1864, imprisoned at Point Lookout for three months, after engaging in twenty seven battles.
Contact Name: Keith E McGee
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 9/25/2022

Company F
William Pinkney Greene
- Private
Greene, William Pinkney, Private
Company F, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Cleveland Riflemen”

Resided in Cleveland County and enlisted in Wake County at age 22, July 8, 1862, for the war. Reported present through December 1862. Detailed as a teamster at Goldsboro on January 20, 1863. Returned to duty in May - June 1863. Accidentally “shot and killed himself,” near Lexington on November 20, 1863, “while hunting deserters.”

Born: about 1840 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: November 20, 1863 in Lexington, NC
Buried: Greene Family Cemetery, Rutherford Co., NC
Married: Malindy Lovelace
Children: 6
Occupation: farmer
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/6/2007

Company F
Joseph Hiram Maynor
- Private
Very interested in knowing more about relatives that fought in the War Between the States!
Contact Name: Madeline Maynor
Contact Email: Show Email
Contact Homepage: www.facebook.com/thebiblicalpolitician
Date Added: 9/1/2016

Company F
joseph hiram maynor
- Private
No comments
Contact Name: patrick phillips
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 5/13/2009

Company F
David Peter Peeler
- Private
Residence Cleveland County NC; a 22 year-old Farmer.Enlisted on 5/10/1862 at Cleveland County, NC as a Private.On 6/6/1862 he mustered into 'F' Co. NC 56th Infantry (date and method of discharge not given)He was listed as:* POW 3/25/1865 Fort Stedman, VA* Confined 3/28/1865 Point Lookout, MD* Oath of Allegiance 6/16/1865 Point Lookout, MDOther Information:born in Rutherford County, NCSources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.: - North Carolina Troops 1861-65, A Roster(c) Historical Data Systems, Inc. @ www.civilwardata.com

Peeler , David P.
Battle Unit Name:56th Regiment, North Carolina InfantrySide:ConfederacyCompany:FSoldier's Rank In:PrivateSoldier's Rank Out:PrivateAlternate name:David D./PeelerFilm Number:M230 ROLL 30Plaque Number:Notes:General Note - Original filed under David D./Peeler
Contact Name: Seth Smith
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 11/18/2017

Company F
Peter Ransom Price
- Private
Price, Peter Ransom, Private
Company F, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Cleveland Riflemen”

Resided in Cleveland County and enlisted in Wake County at age 28, July 8, 1862, for the war. Reported present through February 1864. Wounded in the chest and thigh at Plymouth on April 18 - 20, 1864. Returned to duty prior to July 1, 1864. Reported present through December 1864. Survived the war. (May have been wounded in the thigh at the Battle of the Crater, near Petersburg, Virginia, July 30, 1864.)

Born: October 12, 1833 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: June 22, 1906 in Cleveland Co., NC
Buried: Big Springs Baptist, Hollis, NC
Married: Margaret Ann Proctor
Children: 5
Occupation: unknown
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company F
John Wesley Richards
- Sergeant
There was a man in our company, F, in the Confederate army from the mountain section of our good county by the name of John[Pg 66] Wesley Richards, a stalwart fellow of thirty, who for three years was a brave and courageous soldier; but after lying in the bloody trenches of Petersburg eight and one-half months, during which time he was wounded, he became disheartened and, forsaking all rights and interest in the Confederacy, shouldered his musket and, taking a dozen of his comrades with him, set out to fight his way home, and were successful in reaching home about the time General Lee surrendered, so they were not molested. Besides the right to hold Negro slaves, there was another right dearer to the people of upper Cleveland, viz, the right to convert their sour apples into brandy and their corn into whiskey, infringed upon by the Yankee government. After the surviving remnants of the Confederate army came home, and the shirkers came in from the bushes, all of the little copper stills started up for a joyful time, and public sentiment was so strongly against Federal interference that they were not molested much for two or three years. Our hero, John Wesley Richards, after his long, arduous campaigns in the war, felt that he was entitled to a season of rest and recreation, with plenty of refreshments thrown in to boot. So he got on a long and continuous spree, and went to the bad, until his wife had to divorce him and turn him out to “root hog or die.”
Then, after a while, he began to rally and reform; and a grand, speculative idea striking him, he traded his faithful squirrel dog and his old shot gun for a warrantee deed for one hundred acres of land in the upright region of Cleveland County. Then, as Wesley began to prosper, he found himself in need of a one-horse wagon, called in these parts a “carryall”; and learning that J. S. Groves, a big merchant at Shelby, kept wagons to sell for cash and on time, Wesley wended his way to Shelby and, looking over Mr. Groves’ wagons, said he would like to have the running works of a one-horse wagon, but did not have the cash to pay down. Mr. Groves said that was all right; if he could give him a good paper he could have the wagon. John Wesley said he could give him a mortgage on one hundred[Pg 67] acres of land. Mr. Groves said that would do. The papers were fixed up, the wagon delivered and John Wesley went on his way home rejoicing. The next fall Mr. Groves notified him that his note was due and they would expect him down soon to settle. A few weeks later he wrote Wesley that if he did not come soon and make some arrangements that he would have to advertise that land. John Wesley heeded not these warnings, and the land was advertised; and here is where Col. Billy Miller butted in and bought a cheap farm.
Contact Name: Robert Steven Richards
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 9/9/2013

Company G
John C. Carson
- Private
Resided in Henderson County where he enlisted at age 19, on September 7, 1863, for the war. Reported present through June 1864. Killed near Petersburg, Va., on July 18, 1864.

Born: about 1844 Rutherford Co., NC
Died: July 18, 1864 Petersburg, VA
Buried: Unknown
Married: Margaret Cates
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/6/2007

Company G
James H. Johnson
- Private
James H. Johnson is my 3rd Great-grandfather. He married Mary Pally Stepp and bore Rachael E. Johnson. Rachael Married John H. Dill and bore Thomas James Dill. Thomas married Mary Sue Brevard. They had Mary Rachael Dill, whom married Raliegh Warren Talley. Raliegh Warren Talley's daughter, Barbara Ann Talley, was my mother.

James H. Johnson appears to be a volunteer, whom served 23 May 1862 - 28 June 1865. He was apparently a native of Hendersonville, NC. His combined service record points out that he appears on the 'Role of Honor' and that he was a POW at Point Lookout, MD.

I am currently unaware of his burial information.
Contact Name: Paul Warren Brown
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 2/14/2009

Company G
William C Ruth
- Private
No comments
Contact Name: Julie Bishop
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 1/23/2011

Company H
John L. Cozart
- Private
The son of John H. Cozart/Cozort, cousin John was born in Caswell Co. in 1832. He enlisted in Co. H of the 56th in June, 1862 and mustered at Camp Mangum. He was captured on May 12, 1864 at one of the battles of Drewry's Bluff and was imprisoned, for a while at Point Lookout, MD and at Elmira, NY. He may have been wounded at the battle, but that isn't certain. He was exchanged 2/20/65 at Boulware's Wharf, VA, condition and circumstances unknown. He is listed as dying on March 4, 1865 at Richmond, possibly in a hospital. His surname has at least 6 variant spellings. RIP, cousin John, and thanks for your service.
Contact Name: Jim Couzzourt
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 10/12/2012

Company H
Alonzo H Gooch
- Private
No comments
Contact Name: Jack Branson
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 5/29/2006

Company H
John Henry Miles
- Private
John 'James' Henry Miles: Rank at enlistment: Private Enlistment Place: Caswell County, NC State Served: North Carolina ~ imprisoned at Fortress Monroe, Hampton, Virginia. He survived the War returning to his wife Rebecca Culpepper and children Mary, Elizabeth, William and John Wesley Miles only to die April 4, 1867.

Service Record: Enlisted in Company H, North Carolina 56th Infantry Regiment 01 April 1864.
Sources:North Carolina Troops 1861-65, A Roster
Contact Name: Cassie
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 12/9/2013

Company I
Jackson H. Bolton
- Private
Born: 1833 (Rutherford Co., NC)
Died: after 1880
Records state he was hospitalized in Petersburg, Va. while serving in the 50th NC infantry. I believe he served in both the 50th and the 56th.
Was living in Polk County, NC in 1880.
Contact Name: Andrew Parker
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 11/21/2023

Company I
Albert Gallatin Freeman
- Private
Great Great Grandfather documented at www.ancestry.com
Freeman Family Tree 'NCFreeman' member profile

Contact Name: Brad Freeman
Contact Email: Show Email
Contact Homepage: www.ancestry.com
Date Added: 12/3/2012

Company I
Samuel Bridges Green
- Private
Green, Samuel Bridges, Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Resided in Rutherford County and was by occupation a laborer prior to enlisting in Rutherford County at age 27, July 8, 1862, for the war. Reported in hospital at Goldsboro on or about August 31, 1862. Returned to duty in September-October 1862. Reported present or accounted for through February 1864. Wounded in the foot at Plymouth on April 18-20, 1864. Returned to duty prior to July 1, 1864. Reported present through December 1864. Captured at Five Forks, Virginia, April 1, 1865. Confined at Point Lookout, Maryland, April 6, 1865. Released at Point Lookout on June 27, 1865, after taking the Oath of Allegiance.

Born: about 1836 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: after 1897 in Rutherford Co., NC
Buried: Walls Baptist, Rutherford Co., NC
Married: Sisley Padgett
Children: 6
Occupation: farmer

I have a post war photo of Sam Green.
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/6/2007

Company I
George O. Griffin
- Private
Griffin, George O. Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Enlisted in Rutherford County on November 19, 1863 for the war. Reported present through February 1864. Wounded in the bowels near Ware Bottom Church, Virginia, May 20, 1864. Died on or about the same date. (For further details concerning the circumstances of Griffin's death, see a letter dated February 26, 1865 from Captain Lawson Harrill to Griffin's sister. Private Collection No. 153, North Carolina Division of Archives and History, Raleigh.)

Born: July 7, 1821 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: May 20, 1864 at Ware Bottom Church, VA
Buried: unknown
Married: Martha Tanner
Children: 6
Occupation: unknown
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/6/2007

Company I
Laswon B Harrill
- Captain
Captain Lawson B. Harrill was a fascinating man. In fact, I was stunned when I discovered my relation to him in the late 1990's. While researching other relatives, I continued to see references to 'Reminicenses,' by Captain Harrill.
As it turns out, this amazing man authored his own history of the 56th and published it in early 1900. I know of only a couple of the originals left, one being in the North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, NC. Highlights:
He enlisted in Rutherford County, NC. Was present in the gallery (with his Uncle Micajah Durham) when NC passed the affirmative vote on succession, had a fairly successful military record and a personal encounter (outside Richmond) with General R. E. Lee on at least one occasion.
Contact Name: Bill Bridges
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 6/10/2012

Company I
John Smith Melton
- Private
Enlisted abt 19 Jun 1862. Captured at Five Forks, VA, 1 Apr 1865. As P.O.W. to Point Lookout, MD, 1 Apr 1865 and released 29 Jun 1865. Died 6 Apr 1930.
Contact Name: Mark Anderson
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 11/18/2007

Company I
Joseph L. Melton
- Private
Enlisted 16 Oct 1863, age 18. Enlisted 16 Oct 1863. To Wilson, NC hospital 12 Mar 1864. To Richmond, VA hospital, diarrhea, 10 Jun 1864. Captured there 3 Apr 1865.
Contact Name: Mark Anderson
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 11/18/2007

Company I
Peter Mooney
- Private
No comments
Contact Name: Donna Mills
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 9/22/2014

Company I
Craton Padgett
- Private
Padgett, Craton, Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Previously served in Company N, 16th Regiment NC Troops (6th Regiment NC Volunteers). Transferred to this Company on or about June 19, 1862. Reported absent with leave in July-August, 1862. Returned to duty in September-October, 1862. Reported present through February 1864. Wounded at Ware Bottom Church, Virginia, May 20, 1864. Returned to duty in July- August 1864. Reported present through December 1864. Captured at Five Forks, Virginia, April 1, 1865. Confined at Point Lookout, Maryland, April 6, 1865. Released at Point Lookout on June 16, 1865, after taking the Oath of Allegiance.

Born: October 9, 1843 in NC
Died: September 17, 1924 in Rutherford Co., NC
Buried: Oak Grove Methodist, Ellenboro, NC
Married: Amelia B. Edwards
Children: 8
Occupation: farmer
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/6/2007

Company I
John Landrum Padgett
- Private
Padgett, John Landrum, Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Resided in Rutherford County where he enlisted at age 20, July 8, 1862, for the war. Reported present through June 1863. Hospitalized in Farmville, Virginia, August 3, 1863 with chronic diarrhea. Furloughed for forty days on August 7, 1863. Returned to duty November - December 1863. Wounded at Ware Bottom Church, Virginia, May 20, 1864. Reported absent wounded or absent on furlough through August 1864. Returned to duty September - December 1864. Captured at Five Forks, Virginia, April 1, 1865. Confined at Point Lookout Maryland, April 6, 1865. Released at Point Lookout on June 16, 1865, after taking the Oath of Allegiance.

Born: July 21, 1946 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: Jan 21, 1924 in Rutherford Co., NC
Buried: Mt. Harmony Baptist, Rutherford Co., NC
Married: Jane Caroline Toney
Children: 8
Occupation: unknown
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company I
Landrum Padgett
- Private
Padgett, Landrum, Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Enlisted in Rutherford County at age 24 April 6, 1864, for the war. Repoted present through August 1864. Hospitalized at Richmond, Virginia, October 7, 1864 with anemia. Returned to duty on November 24, 1864. Deserted to the enemy on or about March 16, 1865. Confined at Washington, DC, March 24, 1865. Released on or about the same date after taking the oath of Allegiance. (North Carolina Pension records indicate he was wounded at Ware Bottom Church, Virginia, May 20, 1864.)

Born: unknown
Died: unknown
Buried: unknown
Married: unknown
Children: unknown
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company I
Adam Price
- Sergeant
Price, Adam, Sergeant
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Previously served as Corporal in Company N, 16th Regiment NC Troops (6th Regiment NC Volunteers). Transferred to this Company on or about June 19, 1862. Mustered in as Corporal. Reported present or accounted until December 1864. Promoted to Sergeant subsequent to December 31, 1864. Captured at Five Forks, Virginia, April 1, 1865. Confined at Point Lookout, Maryland, April 6, 1865. Released at Point Lookout on June 16, 1865 after taking the Oath of Allegiance.

Born: February 2, 1840 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: August 16, 1915 in Rutherford Co., NC
Buried: Big Springs Baptist, Hollis, NC
Married: Lourana Adeline Harris
Children: 7
Occupation: laborer
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company I
Frederick J. Price
- Private
Price, Frederick J., Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Resided in Rutherford County where he enlisted at age 35, July 10, 1862, for the war. Reported present through December 1864. Captured at Five Forks, Virginia, April 1, 1865. Released at Point Lookout, Maryland, June 16, 1865, after taking the Oath of Allegiance.
From his compiled records he is listed as 5' 7 1/2' tall with a dark complexion, black hair and blues eyes. He signed his name with his mark.

Born: about 1828 in KY
Died: unknown
Buried: unknown
Married: Isabella Caulder Price
Children: 2
Occupation: unknown
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company I
George Washington Price
- Private
Price, George Washington, Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Previously served as a Private in Company N, 16th Regiment NC Troops (6th Regiment NC Volunteers). Transferred to this Company on or about June 19, 1862, while absent wounded. Reported absent with leave in July - August 1862. Reported for duty in September - October 1862. Reported present or accounted for through February 1864. Wounded in the foot near Petersburg, Virginia, June 17, 1864. Transferred to the hospital at Danville, Virginia, June 22, 1864. Furloughed prior to September 1, 1864. Reported absent on furlough through December 1864. Survived the war.

The compiled records of George Price indicate he was 5' 9' tall. He was wounded while in Company N, 16th NC Infantry at the Battle of Seven Pines, Virginia.

Born: April 12, 1836 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: September 23, 1900
Buried: Big Springs Baptist, Hollis, NC
Married: Barbara S. Morgan
Children: 1
Occupation: farmer
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company I
Henry Wade Price
- Private
Price, Henry Wade, Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Resided in Rutherford County where he enlisted at age 18, July 8, 1862, for the war. Reported present through February 1864. Wounded in the thigh at Plymouth on April 20, 1864. Returned to duty in September - December 1864. Captured at Fort Stedman, Virginia, March 25, 1865. Confined at Point Lookout, Maryland, March 28, 1865. Died at Point Lookout on April 7, 1865, of “inflammation of lungs.”

Born: February 8, 1842
Died: April 7, 1865 at Point Lookout, MD
Buried: Plot # 1417, Point Lookout, MD
Married: unknown
Children: unknown
Occupation: unknown
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company I
John M. M. Price
- Private
Price, John M. M., Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Resided in Rutherford County and was by occupation a teacher prior to enlisting at age 53, April 1, 1863 for the war as a substitute for R. H. McBrayer. Sent to hospital at Petersburg, Virginia, June 1, 1863. Returned to duty in July - August 1863. Reported present through February 1864. Wounded in the right hip near Petersburg on June 17, 1864. Hospitalized at Petersburg. Furloughed for sixty days on August 10, 1864. Reported absent wounded through December 1864. Disabled as a result of wounds. Survived the war.

John M. M. Price was listed as a maimed Confederate soldier from Rutherford County, NC. As such the state authorized John and other soldiers who lost an arm or leg the option of receiving an artificial limb or they could receive $50. On June 5, 1867, John Price accepted the $50 due to a “uselass leg.”

Born: 1811 in NC
Died: unknown
Buried: unknown
Married: Margaret Gettys
Children: 5
Occupation: teacher
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company I
John Ransom Price
- Private
Price, John Ransom, Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Previously served as a Private in Company N, 16th Regiment NC Troops (6th Regiment NC Volunteers). Transferred to this company on or about June 19, 1862. Promoted to Corporal on February 28, 1863. Reported present or accounted for through April 1863. Sent to hospital at Petersburg, Virginia, June 26, 1863. Returned to duty July - August 1863. Reported present through June 1864. Hospitalized at Richmond, Virginia, August 17, 1864, with fever. Reported in hospital at Richmond on October 12, 1864, with an ulcer of the right arm. Returned to duty on October 17, 1864. Reported present through December 1864. Reduced to ranks subsequent to December 31, 1864. Captured at Fort Stedman, Virginia, March 25, 1865. Confined at Point Lookout, Maryland, March 28, 1865. Released at Point Lookout on June 16, 1865, after taking the Oath of Allegiance.

From his compiled records he is listed as being 5' 8' tall, having a dark complexion, brown hair and blue eyes.

Born: June 6, 1839 in NC
Died: October 8, 1899
Buried: Big Springs Baptist, Hollis, NC
Married: Cynthia Jane Walker
Children: 6
Occupation: farmer
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company I
Joseph Grayson Price
- Private
Price, Joseph Grayson, Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Joseph Grayson Price enlisted January 13, 1862 in the Rutherford County Home Guard. He was a 1st Lieutenant in the 1st Company, 25th Brigade, 104th Regiment. The regiment became Company N of the 16th NC Infantry on April 7, 1862. Broadfoot lists a Joseph Grayson Price as a drummer in Company I, 56th NC Infantry. He is not however listed in the North Carolina Troop Roster for Company I, 56th NC Infantry. From the book, 'Histories of Several Regiments and Battalions from North Carolina in the Great War' by Walter Clark, a drummer, J. G. Price, was killed in action while attached to Company N, 16th NC Infantry at the Battle of Seven Pines, Virginia on May 31, 1862.
The compiled records of Joseph G. Price show him as being enlisted at Camp Mangum on July 1, 1861, and then attached to the 56th NC Infantry on March 2, 1862.

Born: 1836 in NC
Died: May 31, 1862 at Seven Pines, VA
Buried: unknown
Married: Drucilla Earls
Children: 1
Occupation: farmer
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company I
Martin Goode Price
- Private
Price, Martin Goode, Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Resided in Rutherford County where he enlisted at age 23, July 8, 1862, for the war. Reported present or accounted for through December 1864. (According to Captain Lawson Harrill's “Reminiscences, 1861 - 1865,” 24, Private Price's hands, face, hair, and whiskers were “badly singed” when a “stray shot” exploded his cartridge belt at Ware Bottom Church, Virginia, May 20, 1864.) Survived the war.

Born: December 30, 1838 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: February 17, 1926 in Lajara, CO
Buried: unknown
Married: Jane Bird Price
Children: 6
Occupation: farmer
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company I
Oliver Dixon Price
- Private
Price, Oliver Dixon, Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Previously served as a musician (Fifer) in Company N, 16th Regiment NC Troops (6th Regiment NC Volunteers). Transferred to this company on or about June 19, 1862. Reported present or accounted for through December 1864. Survived the war.

The compiled records of Oliver Price show that he was 5' 10 1/2' tall.

Born: January 16, 1844 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: May 17, 1930 in Rutherford Co., NC
Buried: Lattimore Baptist, Lattimore, NC
Married: Hanna Caroline Mode
Children: 1
Occupation: farmer, storeowner and musician
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company I
Reuben S. Price
- Private
Price, Reuben S., Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Resided in Rutherford County where he enlisted at age 18, July 8, 1862, for the war. Reported present or accounted for until December 1864. Survived the war.

Born: March 10, 1844 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: July 5, 1924 in Rutherford Co., NC
Buried: Big Springs Baptist, Hollis, NC
Married: Mary Elmira Price
Children: 6
Occupation: unknown
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company I
Thomas Francis Price
- Private
Price, Thomas Francis, Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Resided in Rutherford County where he enlisted at age 28, July 8, 1862, for the war. Reported present through June 1864. Deserted on August 21, 1864.

Born: about 1832 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: April 30, 1907 in Rutherford Co., NC
Buried: Big Springs Baptist, Hollis, NC
Married: Sarah Harrill
Children: 6
Occupation: laborer
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company I
john brisco robbins
- 2nd Corporal
march 3 1862 pow march 25 1865 near petersburg va.
Contact Name: john robbins
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 11/20/2013

Company I
David Posey Smart
- Private
No comments
Contact Name: Donna Mills
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 9/22/2014

Company I
George Washington Spurlin
- Private
Spurlin, George Washington, Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Previously served as a Private in Company N, 16th Regiment NC Troops, (6th Regiment NC Volunteers).
Transferred to this Company on or about June 19, 1862. Reported present through February 1864. Wounded in the right arm at Drewery's Bluff, Virginia on or about May 12, 1864. Hospitalized at Richmond, Virginia. Died in hospital at Richmond on June 5, 1864, of wounds and “pneumonia.”

Born: about 1844 in Rutherford Co., NC
Died: June 5, 1864 in Petersburg, VA
Buried: Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, VA
Married: never married
Children: none
Occupation: farmer

I have a photo of George Spurlin in uniform during the war.
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company I
Riley Hubert Wall
- Private
Wall, Riley Hubert, Private
Company I, 56th North Carolina Infantry
“The Rutherford Rifles”

Previously served as Private in Company N, 16th Regiment NC Troops (6th Regiment NC Volunteers). Transferred to this Company on or about June 19, 1862, while absent wounded. Reported to duty prior to September 1, 1862. Reported present through February 1864. Wounded in the head at Plymouth, NC, on April 18 - 20, 1864. Returned to duty prior to July 1, 1864. Surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia, April 9, 1865. (He was wounded in the chest near Petersburg, Virginia on an unspecified date. ' For hours I lay on the battlefield with an open bulging wound. My strength was rapidly failing and I knew that any exertion would prove fatal to me. Just when my plight seemed utterly hopeless., someone came along and carried me to the hospital. After the doctor dressed my wound I felt much better, though very weak. I guess I sort of forgot my own pains when I looked about me at the maimed bodies - loads of them. Anyway, the surgeon needed all the help he could get and I sat beside him all night long holding a lantern while he amputated arms and legs. There were so many wounded and dying that it seemed and endless job trying to care for them.' Wall died in Henderson County, NC on February 10, 1940, at the age of 99. He was survived by only twenty-nine North Carolina Confederate veterans. See Martha Norris Mcleod, Brother Warriors, 300; Jay S. Hoar, The South's Last Boy's in Gray, 73 - 74, 540)

Born: 1841
Died: February 10, 1940
Buried: unknown
Married: Tincy Elizabeth Huntley
Children: 1
Occupation: unknown
Contact Name: Adrian C. Sims
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 4/7/2007

Company K
James B Christenberry
Rank Unknown
Looking for information on J.B.Christenberry. Have several letters from 1861-1865. I believe he was in the North Carolina 56th, company K. Could be wrong. Have also seen his name under Ransoms Brigade. Any help would be great.
Thank You
Contact Name: Thomas Johnson
Contact Email: Show Email
Date Added: 5/5/2002

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