This month Samuel Augustus Hayden (1839-1918), Louisiana native and Baptist minister, is released from Johnson’s Island Prison in Ohio. The war interrupted Johnson’s ministerial training as he enlisted in Company B, Sixteenth Regiment, Louisiana Infantry. Fighting in Shiloh (April 1862) and other western theater battles, Johnson rose to the rank of captain prior to being…
The paroling of Confederate soldiers continues. Among today’s paroled Confederates is Felix Winchester Magee (1845-1924) of Winchester, Texas. The ceremony takes place in Brazos County. At a mere 16 years of age Magee enlisted in Company D, 12th Regiment, Texas Infantry, on January 17, 1862. Discharged five months later once his age was discovered, he…
The Elmira Prison Camp in Elmira, New York opened July 6, 1864. The buildings used by the camp had earlier been utilized for the training of Union troops. The prison quickly became overcrowded. With the onset of winter, many Confederate prisoners yet lived in tents. Unaccustomed to the harsh weather, many became ill or died.…