8th New Hampshire Infantry

Colonel Hawkes Fearing, Jr. served as commander of the 8th NH Infantry from December, 1862 until October, 1865. Prior to his appointment as Colonel of the Eighth New Hampshire, he had served as Lieutenant Colonel of the 4th Massachusetts Infantry, a three months unit, and was also a member of the Hingham Massachusetts militia, the town where he was originally from. Colonel Fearing moved to NH to pursue business interests at the time of his appointment. He received severe wounds during the war, losing a leg. After the war Colonel Fearing returned to his hometown of Hingham Massachusetts where he served as librarian of The Hingham Public Library until his death in 1910. Colonel Fearing is buried in the Hingham Center Cemetery, Hingham, MA.

No family notes have been added.

I would like more info on my Great-Great Grandfather. He is written in as being from Northfield, NH, but he actually was from Northwood, NH. I believe he had a twin brother Daniel(also signed up in the Co. G NH 8th infantry) Both died in Louisana, but not sure of the date. I do know that he mustered out of Carrollton, LA Sept. 1862.

My ancestor Byron D. Hoitt enlisted in the 8th New Hampshire on October 28, 1861 in Company G. He was promoted to Corporal on July 15, 1862. He fought at Georgia Landing and the Battle of Bisland. During the second charge at Port Hudson, LA on June 14, 1863, Byron was wounded in the head and side and would have been killed if not for a piece of castile soap and a bone ring he had in his pocket. After Port Hudson, Byron was promoted to Sergeant. He re-enlisted on January 4, 1864. Byron served with the 8th NH through the Red River Campaign as well as its assignment to provost duty in Natchez, MS. Byron was discharged on January 1, 1865. He settled in Lynn, MA and was a member of GAR Post #5, a membership so meaningful to him that their crest is prominent on his gravestone.

Enlisted as a Private on 1 September 1863 at the age of 24. Drafted into Company G, 8th Infantry Regiment New Hampshire on 1 Sep 1863. Died of disease Company G, 8th Infantry Regiment New Hampshire on 3 Nov 1864 at Natchez, MS.

was wounded at Port Hudson. Shot in the shoulder. Someone in the family still has the musket ball. I have a original copy of the Regimental memoirs/history i believe was written by the commanding officer

Full Pension records in Possession. Discharged in Baton Rouge. Died in Soldiers and Sailors Home in Milford Ne.

This is my 4th Great-Uncle