Ellis Rangers

James Nathan Patrick was born 25 Feb 1843 in Polk County, Texas, the son of a wealthy plantation owner, Judge Isham Tyler Patrick. When the Civil War erupted, James Nathan Patrick enlisted in the Confederate Army as a private on 9 September in Company F., of the Fourth Texas Cavalry Regiment in Livingston, Polk County, Texas. The Regiment was also known as The Fourth Regiment - Texas Mounted Volunteers, and Reily’s Regiment after it’s commander, Colonel James Reily. The 4th Texas Cavalry Regiment was originally organized in September 1861, in San Antonio, Texas. Company F, commanded by Captain James Murray Crosson marched from Polk County, to San Antonio where they were mustered into the regiment on 25 September 1861. In the Confederate Army Cavalry soldiers were required to furnish their own mounts. James’s Horse was valued at $120 and his equipment at $20.


While serving at San Antonio, James was promoted to the rank of third corporal. Only 18 at the time he was one of the youngest men in Company F. He would have been required to issue orders to men much older than he was. James however was the first born son of a wealthy and influential man and had likely been groomed all his life to accept responsibility for his father’s estate. James Patrick was likely well suited for his leadership role in spite of his age.

The Fouth Cavalry Regiment was attached to Sibley's Brigade and marched to El Paso where they participated in the Ill fated invasion of New Mexico. After their return James Patrick and the other men were furloughed home.

After returning to his regiment in October 1862 James Patrick marched with the regiment to Galveston in preparation for the Confederate attempt to recapture Galveston in January 1863. While stationed near Galveston, James Patrick had a a vivid dream that his wife was dying. He left his Regiment without a furlough to return home to Polk County, where he discovered that his wife had died during childbirth.

After his grief stricken trip home, James Patrick apparently returned to his Regiment. Sixteen days after the Confederates were successful in the recapture of Galveston on 1 January 1863, the regiment and the remainder of Silbey’s Brigade was assigned to Major General Richard Taylor’s Army and transferred to Fort Bisland in Louisiana.

When the regiment started to return to Texas 14 December 1863, but was ordered back to Louisiana to reinforce Gen. Dick Taylor, James Patrick did not return to Louisana with his regiment, but arranged a transfer so he could remain near Galveston. James had apparently had all he wanted of Louisiana.

On 3 January 1864, James Patrick was transferred to Company E. 20th Texas Infantry Regiment located at Galveston in exchange for E. C. Henry. James Patrick remained with the 20th Texas Infantry Regiment performing coastal defense duties at Galveston from January 1864 until June 1864. On 15 June 1864. James was transferred to Company H. 1st Texas Heavy Artillery Regiment, also known as Cook’s Regiment. The Regiment was located on Matagorda Island in the Galveston area. In June 1864 James was granted a furlough and returned home to Polk County where he married his first wife's younger sister, Virginia McClanahan. It is not clear at this point If James ever returned to his Regiment as in October 1864 he was reported as sick at home in Polk County.

No comments

No comments

Mustered into service 16 September 1861 at San Antonio, Texas. The unit was originally called 4th Regiment Texas Mounted Vols. Later was remaned Company D, 4th Regiment Texas Cavalry. Moved to the Oklahoma Territory after the war.

Brannick Riggs was my great-great uncle. He was a brother to Lt.Col. James Monroe Riggs of the 27th Arkansas Infantry. Three other brothers also served with Arkansas and Texas Confederate units. Brannick Riggs was enlisted on Oct. 1, 1861 at Milam County by Captain Lesneur. He was severely wounded in the arm and shoulder at the Battle of Irish Bend (Nerson's Woods) Louisiana on April 14, 1863. He was captured, his wounds tended and later released near confederate lines. His wounds left him unable to serve and he was medically discharged. He had a stiff arm for the rest of his life.

1830-1862 Killed in action at the Battle of Valverde, 21 Feb 1862.

1834-1862 Killed at the Battle of Glorieta Pass, 28 March 1862.

Elija was born in Illinois. Age 30 found him in Corsicana, Milam Co. Texas. He enlisted 9 Sept 1861 in Capt Charles Buckholt's Co. 4th Mounted Cavalry Vols. Mustered into 1st Regt Sibley's Brigade. His horse was valued at $150 and equipment $15.00. He was injured at Camp Sibley and was medically discharged by certificate of the unit surgeon. He was the father in law of my 4th cousin.

Daniel was born 15 May 1832 in Morgan Co. Ala., he had previously served in the 22nt Texas Infantry [Hubbard's] where he was medically discharged the dx of bad leg. He enlisted in the 4th Cav aka Mounted Vols. on 8 Nov 1862. This was part of Walkers Division and saw action in the Arkansas and Red River Campaigns. He applied for and received a CSA Pension. He died 4 June 1867 in Polk Co. Texas.

Captured at Camp Pratt on the Vermillion Bayou in Louisiana and held captive in the US Custom House Prison in New Orleans. He was released in July 1864.

Was a member of Henry Hopkin Sibley''s Brigade which went to New Mexico in 1862. His horse died due to lack of forage. The brigade lost 1/2 its strength and walked back to Texas in the Summer of 1862. He was part of the land based troops during the Battle of Galveston. He was wounded at the Battle of Donaldsonville, Louisiana. He later transferred to McNalley''s Scouts.

Known as 'Red Rooster' of Nacogdoches. Son of Haden Harrison Edwards who was married to Sarah Forbes. She was the daughter of Col. John Forbes, who was Sam Houston's Quartermaster at the Battle of San Jacinto. May have also served in the 17th Texas Cavalry. My great grandfather.

Son of James Jefferson Farrar. He was married to Effaline Fowler. He was a member of Col Wood's regiment in the Mexican war. He was elected a Lieutenant in the State Militia of Texas. Upon his return he and four other men were selected to choose a spot for a Fort in the west. They selected the site that became the city of Fort Worth. In 1862 he raised Co. H, 4th regiment Cavalry, Texas troops of which he was Captain.

Was wounded in the battle of Gloretia Pass, captured and exchange at Sante Fe.

No comments

No comments

No comments

Elisha Tindall was wounded at Valverde on 21 February 1862, transported to Socorro NM where he died of his wounds. The location of his grave, and those of about 15 other Confederate dead is still the subject of much speculation and research. To date, the precise location has not been found.

No comments

Born on 9/26/1843 in Alabama. Died on 9/21/1912 in Texas. Buried in Shiloh Cemetery, Alto, Cherokee County, Texas.

No comments

No comments

No comments

No comments