Baptists and the American Civil War: September 19, 1861

John M. Simms, Stamford, ConnecticutWhile the month of September is otherwise occupied with Baptist associational meetings throughout the Confederate States and United States, the stream of Baptists marching off to war continues. Many of the new soldiers will not return to their home churches.

Among those marching off to war never to return is John Simms of Stamford, Connecticut. Enlisting today in the United States army, Simms is honored by his former Sunday School students from Stamford Baptist Church, who present him with a sword. He musters into Company G of the 10th CT Volunteer Infantry on October 2, initially ranking as a a Sergeant. Simms is promoted to 1st Sergeant on May 21, 1862, rising to 2d Lieutenant on September 18, 1862.

Suffering wounds on December 14, 1862 at Kingston, North Carolina, on January 7, 1863 he is promoted to 1st Lieutenant of Company C. Simms dies on January 11, 1863 from wounds received at the Battle of Kingston, North Carolina.

Source: Stamford’s Civil War: At Home and in the Field (link)