The Life and Death of James L. Sudduth

 On October 18, 1862, Major James Sudduth of Bath County, Kentucky, suffered a cruel death at the hands of a group of Confederates who belonged to General Humphrey Marshall's command. Sudduth was a staunch and unflinching Union supporter who did much to keep his portion of the state out of rebel hands. The town of Owingsville, however, had some strong Southern sympathizers who, in the end, contributed to Sudduth's demise.

James Sudduth was a man who wore many hats during his lifetime. He was born on March 18, 1800, in Kentucky, the son of Colonel William Millard Sudduth and Mary Eleanor Hood, daughter Major Andrew Allen Hood. She was distantly related to Confederate General John Bell Hood who was born in Owingsville in 1831. Colonel (also sometimes referred to as General) Sudduth settled in Kentucky at Hood's Station in 1785. In 1794, he led 1200 Kentucky Mounted riflemen to join the army under General "Mad" Anthony Wayne and brought on the action at Fallen Timber. In later years, he was Justice of the Peace and sheriff of Clark County and served for decades as county surveyor. When he died in 1845, he was the last surviving member of the convention that framed the second Kentucky Constitution.

Not much is known about Sudduth's childhood or education. It can be reasonably assumed that he attended Winchester Academy of which his father was one of the original trustees. The school was chartered in 1798. By 1810, a building had been erected for the use of the seminary. Once Sudduth's studies had concluded, he entered the legal profession. Research has not revealed where Sudduth received his legal training. On October 22, 1821, James Sudduth married Jenett Lane in Winchester, Clark County, Kentucky. The newly wed couple settled in Cynthiana, Harrison County by 1822 where they lived for the next 4 years. The Sudduths made their home on town lot No. 4. Their next move took them to Owingsville in Bath County. Their first child, a daughter, was born abt. 1821-1826, followed by son William Newton Sudduth in 1827. A second daughter was born ca. 1826-1830, and ca. 1830, another son was born. It appears that none of the children with the exception of William Newton Sudduth made it to adulthood. 

His legal practice seemed to flourish. Sudduth's cousin Henry S. Lane, future governor of Indiana (1861) and US senator, read law under him from 1832 to 1834. Sudduth also showed an interest in political matters and was elected state representative in 1834.  After the death of his first wife, Sudduth married Richard Stanhope's widow Mary Ellen, nee Cooper, on February 22, 1844, in Fayette County, Kentucky. Mary Ellen brought with her two children from her previous marriage, Richard H. and Francis M. Stanhope who lived in the Sudduth household in 1850. Mary Ellen's parents were Rev. Spencer Cooper, a Methodist Episcopal minister, and Mary H. Burton. Spencer Cooper preached at Lexington, Versailles and other appointments in Kentucky. He also engaged in the manufacture of gun powder. When cholera struck Lexington in 1833, Cooper was prominent in service to the sick.   

After serving as state representative, Sudduth continued in his legal profession. The 1847 Kentucky State Register listed him as an attorney in Bath County, as did the Livingston's Law Register during the 1850s. 

Sudduth was civic minded and involved in the following projects as commissioner:

Improvement of the Sandy Road, from Bath County to the mouth of Big Sandy River (1835)

Owingsville, Sharpsburg and Paris Turnpike Road Company (1836) 

Licking River Navigation Company (1846) 

Owingsville, Sharpsburg Turnpike Road Company (1849)

In 1856, Sudduth served as a judge in the category of "Agricultural Literature, Essays" at the First Annual State Fair held by the Kentucky State Agricultural Society at the fair grounds in Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky, from September 30th to October 5th, 1856.

Sudduth was a Freemason and Past Master of the Maury Lodge No. 141 in Owingsville (now Bath Lodge No. 55, since 1854). 

Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky (1851)

During his lifetime, Sudduth amassed a large amount of property. Over the years he owned large tracts of land not only in Bath but also in Pike, Lawrence, Greenup and Carter Counties. According to the 1847 Bath County tax list, he owned over 12,000 acres in Morgan County, as well as nearly 5,500 acres in Bath County, plus six town lots. 5156 acres of his property were acquired by land grants between 1837 and 1859. 

Sudduth was a slave holder from the time of his first marriage. In 1847, he is listed on the tax list with two slaves over 16 years of age. By 1850, this number had increased to eleven - four  adults and seven children. Despite his large land holdings, Sudduth did not engage in agricultural pursuits but was involved in the lumber business. He owned Eagles Mill, near Olympian Springs, a steam operated board mill, which processed lumber. In 1851, the mill produced $3000 worth of posts and boards which would equal about $100,000 in today's money. The mill was operated by four male and two female slaves and overseen by a man from New York and his French Canadian wife who lived in a log house nearby. 

In 1851, Sudduth hosted the German journalist Moritz Busch, a participant of the Revolution of 1848, who later became well known as the biographer of Otto von Bismarck, Prussian prime minister and first chancellor of the German Empire. The observations of his travels in the United States were published as "Travels Between the Hudson and the Mississippi: 1851–1852." Busch practically devoted a whole chapter to his visit with James Sudduth who proved to be a congenial host. He characterized Sudduth as a lover of history and a story teller. Busch found him "Worthy without being stiff, religious without being a bigot, a nature in which leniency and strength were paired in a pleasant manner which he combined with the education, the wit, the self control and the social talents of an accomplished gentleman. In addition - a rare occurrence among Americans - he had a heart for the past of his homeland and an open mind for all efficiency, purity and righteousness, as well as an excellent memory of the customs and deeds of this beloved past." 

"Travels Between the Hudson and the Mississippi: 1851–1852."
(Original German edition)

By the mid 1850s, Sudduth once again returned to politics. He ran for state senator on the American Party ticket, was elected and served from 1855 to 1859. 

Daily Louisville Democrat, July 7, 1855

By 1860, Sudduth had given up his slaves and perhaps his mill business as well. It is possible that his nephew William L. Sudduth of Sharpsburg had taken over the business as he was listed as mill owner in Isaac Straub's Mill Factory trade catalog of 1856. 

When the Civil War broke out, "party lines began to be drawn, and home guard and state guards began to drill," according to John Alexander Joyce, a Bath Countian who later served in the 24th Kentucky Infantry. "A large portion of the people of Bath county were at first inclined to stand by the armed neutrality proclamation that Gov. Magoffin issued for their considerations. 

Louisville Daily Courier, April 30, 1861

During the summer of 1861, a great number of picnics, barbeques and meetings were held in the central counties of Kentucky, ostensibly for the purpose of social enjoyment, but in fact to recruit soldiers for the Southern army. One such meeting took place in Owingsville on August 28, 1861, featuring Col. Roger Hanson who "addressed the meeting in an eloquent and mastery speech, which received the almost unanimous approval of the assembled multitude."

Sudduth, however, became an active supporter of the Union. He was addressed as Major Sudduth, a title that stemmed from his service as an officer in the Kentucky militia. Sudduth established a recruiting camp at Isles Mill, which was located on the Licking River, 11 1/2 miles east of Owingsville, while Cy Boyd's home at the mouth of Slate served as a point of rendezvous for Southern recruits. In September of 1861, when Andrew Johnson was visiting Owingsville, Sudduth's home guard company acted as his personal security detail. Subsequently, Sudduth was instrumental in aiding the organization of the 24th Kentucky Infantry and obtaining a supply of arms for the regiment. The Owingsville Home guard company eventually became Co. I of the 24th.

In October 1861, when General William "Bull" Nelson embarked on his Eastern Kentucky campaign, Sudduth accompanied Nelson as one of the gentlemen volunteers. He helped guide his forces through the mountains to Piketon, at his own expense without pay from the Government. Within a few weeks after Nelson's withdrawal from the Big Sandy Valley, the rebels returned to Eastern Kentucky and were were gaining ground once more. Entering through Pound Gap, troops were moving in two columns toward Mt. Sterling by way of Prestonsburg and Letcher County. Menifee with 400 men took possession of West Liberty. Union men from Wolfe and Morgan County fled and made their way to Mt. Sterling. In Owingsville, a self-appointed committee reportedly warned the leading Union citizens that they had better leave if they wanted to save themselves as the Confederates would have possession of the town within days.

On December 13, 1861, the Mt. Sterling Whig published an appeal "to the patriotic fighting men, to rally at once in town, and form themselves into a cavalry company." The following day, Major Sudduth passed through town with a load of arms for Bath, where he was also raising a force. On December 18, 1861, Mt. Sterling was thrown into quite a state of alarm by a company of seventy men from Bath, dashing into town a little after dark, amidst enthusiastic cheering, under command of Major Sudduth. According to the Whig, "Nobody knew of their coming, and consequently nearly every one believed, for a short time, they were seceshers. On hearing the cheers for the Union, the illusion was soon dispelled, and the gallant and patriotic fellows were received with joy. They came after their arms, leaving the next morning."

Meanwhile, General Don Carlos Buell, in command of the Army of Ohio, was forging a plan at Federal Headquarters in Louisville to deal with the renewed Confederate threat in the Big Sandy Valley. Buell selected Colonel James Abram Garfield from Ohio, commander of the 42nd OVI, to be the man to check Marshall's advance. On December 17, 1861, Garfield was placed in command of the 18th Brigade. His orders were clear. "Go first to Lexington and Paris, and place the Fortieth Ohio Regiment in such position as will best give a moral support to the people in the counties on the route to Prestonsburg and Piketon, and oppose any further advance of the enemy on that route. Then proceed with the least possible delay to the mouth of the Sandy, and move with the force in that vicinity up the river, and drive the enemy back or cut him off." 

On December 24, 1861, Sudduth went to "Auvergne," Brutus Clay's farm in Bourbon County, situated on the Winchester Road three miles from Paris, where part of Garfield's forces were encamped. He met with Colonel Cranor, commander of the 40th Ohio Infantry and Garfield's Quartermaster Captain Ralph Plum, offering the services of 180-200 men under him. Plum related details of the meeting to Colonel Garfield. 

Image from Hewitt's 1860 Map

Paris Ky Dec 24, 1861

Colonel,

I have had an interview this evening with Col. Cranor of the 40th Ohio, and Genl James Sudduth of Owingsville. The latter gentleman has under him 180 to 200 Mounted Rangers and with guns, not in the United States Service but home guards. 

Genl Sudduth proposes to turn in with his men and aid in the expedition without pay, and Col Cranor is anxious to have his aid from and after their arrival at Owingsville.

But the men and horses will need subsistence and forage, and they desire to know whether they can be supplied through the Quartermaster and Commissary of the U.S. Army.

I cannot see how it can be done, but at their request I write to lay the matter before you for an answer. 

Genl Sudduth requests me to say that he saw Genl. Buell upon the subject of aiding with his men in the contemplated expedition, but said nothing about subsistence.

Very Respectfully

Your Obedient Servant

Ralph Plumb

Capt. 1 A.Q.M. U.S.A.

Capt. Plumb to Col. Garfield, Dec. 24, 1861

Sudduth's request was endorsed by General Buell who left it up to to Garfield, "who may, if he deems their service necessary and sufficiently valuable, order forage & subsistence to be issued to them." When the detachment of the 1st Kentucky Cavalry under Lt. Colonel Letcher arrived in Paris the following day, Cranor informed Garfield that he had "ordered them on this morning via of Owensville, as Maj. Sudduth was here waiting for them, - his force of one hundred and eighty mounted men will join them at the place above named, I ordered them to proceed at once to the Gap (McCormick's Gap; MP) and hold it untill (sic) I could reach that point; also, ascertain if possible the position of the enemy in that vicinity, and to carry out your orders in regard to marauding parties that may come in the way." Sudduth's Rangers safely guided the forces under Colonels Cranor and Letcher to Middle Creek. They arrived at Paintsville on January 8, 1862. 

In late March 1862, after his campaign in Eastern Kentucky had ended, Garfield was ordered with the larger portion of his brigade from the Big Sandy Valley. What remained was a skeleton force under the command of Colonel Jonathan Cranor. It consisted of the 40th OVI and 16th Kentucky as well as McLaughlin's Squadron. Sudduth's Rangers as well as Wolford's 1st Kentucky Cavalry detachment under command of Lt. Colonel Letcher took their leave and were heading in direction of Bath County. Upon their arrival, Wolford's men were "splendidly entertained by the ladies of Owingsville." 

On March 20, 1862, Mary Ellen Sudduth noted, "Our village is quite lively. Lt Col Letcher with a Detachment of Wolfords Cavalry came here a Week ago and are going to remain some time. The secesh dont like it but they cant help themselves. He is such a nice clever Gentleman. The Col Capt Owings (Owens) Capt Hackeley and Capt Coppage board with me so you see I have my hands full. The Ladies gave them a supper as they went to the Mountains and a Dinner when they returned. There is no doubt they love this part of the Country. They are going to put a Flag on the Seminary in the morning and one on Mrs Jones' House. I have a very pretty one on ours shows at a distance."

Wolford's 1st Kentucky Cavalry detachment spent a few more days in Owingsville, doing some scouting and "catching guerrillas and renegades aiming to join the enemy" before moving on to Lexington. There was uncertainty among the general population how Cranor, the new commander in the Big Sandy Valley, would handle any incursion by Confederates or if he was up to the job, considering that his was now dramatically reduced in numbers. The general attitude among the troops was that "Humphrey (Marshall) won't stand fire and there's no chance for a fight." 

Sudduth, on the other hand, firmly believed that another Confederate invasion into Eastern Kentucky was imminent. On April 27, 1862, Sudduth addressed his concerns in a letter to John B. Temple, president of the Kentucky Military Board.

Owingsville 27th Apl 1862

J. B. Temple, P.M.B.

                    Dear Sir,

                            From personal observation and reliable information I feel satisfied that we are at a Great Crisis in this part of Kentucky and that immediate preparations should be made to meet it like men battling for the Union should do - My information & upon which I rely most confidentially is that the rebels are arming and organizing to meet Marshal, by the first of May, who has promised to invade Kentucky again with 10,000 by a route, which our Military men seemed determined not to obstruct, lying 20 miles South of any position our men occupy and which has never been exhausted as to supplies, besides this such has been our indulgence of the rebels they have been permitted to organize and prepare for action, in our midst - will you therefore send me 30 rounds of fixed ammunition for 166 muskets to Mt. Sterling to care of Hon R. Apperson Sr., - and in view of the pending danger, can you have 334 more Guns, ready with fixed ammunition at any moment they may be wanted = I am no alarmist as upon reflection you will conceed (sic), although when I last applied to you for help, my best friends thought I was mistaken including Col. Marshall who is now with his regiment trying to keep the ground gained by the Campaign under Garfield and which I caused to be made - I repeat that I am perfectly satisfied that immediate preparation for action here, is necessary and assure you that in 48 hours I can have in the field 500 effective men if we can have arms & ammunition. I have now 166 men with muskets but need ammunition, please answer immediately

                          Most Respectfully

(A Copy)                  Your friend

                          James Sudduth 

Meanwhile, Sudduth and his men patrolled the area on the outlook for rebel elements. On July 7, 1862, they crossed paths with Cyrus "Cy" Boyd and his men. The fact that Boyd was a fellow Mason did not deter Sudduth from promptly arresting him as well as two of his companions, Benjamin Cassity and Charles Baily. Sudduth's men also confiscated a number of Boyd's horses. 

Cy. Boyd — The Sandy Valley (Ky.) Advocate noted that "its readers generally will be rejoiced to learn that this notorious horse thief and guerilla chief has been fixed for "slow travelling." Boyd was formerly well known throughout that district. He had been missed for some time previous to the breaking out of our difficulties, and from the character of the man his acquaintances were not surprised to hear of his turning up as a rebel marauder and cut throat. He and his gang were captured by Major Sudduth and his Home Guards one day last week, in Bath county, and lodged in jail."

Boyd and his men as well as the confiscated horses were taken to Cynthiana and delivered to Col. Metcalfe, 7th Kentucky Cavalry, from where the prisoners were transferred to Newport Barracks and then sent off to Camp Chase, Ohio. 

In June and July of 1862, Sudduth unexpectedly made an active canvass for Circuit Judgeship in the Eleventh Judicial District. His decision caused a conflict with his opponent, Richard Apperson, Jr. from Mt. Sterling who was a strong Union man and also had accompanied Nelson's forces alongside Sudduth. Apperson stated that he "was greatly surprised, as Maj. Sudduth and myself agreed distinctly in May last, that we would remain at home and leave the selection of a Judge to the people of the District, concurring as we did, cordially on my part, and as I presumed also on his, that a canvass for the office was improper. This agreement has been held by me inviolable. I had neither design nor wish to violate it, and I am unable to conceive how Maj. Sudduth could obtain his own consent to break it; and that, too, without any intimation to me, that he desired to be no longer bound by it. This may be one of the privileged modes of conducting a canvass, but if it is, I am more than ever happy that my desire for office has never been so intense as to induce such action on my part, or to experience it in others. But under no circumstances could or would I have left my sick family to follow Maj. Sudduth through the District. I may be defeated, but I will not be dishonored." In the August elections that followed, Apperson beat Sudduth and was elected Circuit Court Judge for the 11th Judicial District.

On July 14, 1862, a large Union meeting took place in Owingsville. Dr. Joshua Barnes was nominated as candidate for the state legislature to fill out the unexpired term of Van B. Young who had resigned to accept the position of Bath County clerk. A participant noted that the "Morgan raid in Southern Kentucky inclines our people to think that "Cerro Gordo" John may take a notion to pay us a visit of the same sort before long. We hope, however, that Col. Cranor will keep him back until our gallant Madcap (Metcalfe) gets his regiment organized. And then let him come."

Colonel Cranor, however, would soon have his hands full in the Big Sandy Valley. Events in August 1862 brought difficult and challenging times for Union men like Sudduth. Bragg's and Smith's invasion of Kentucky, multiple Confederate armies under Kirby Smith invaded the state, leading to the battles of Big Hill, Richmond, Munfordville. Most of central Kentucky was occupied by the Confederates. This emboldened Southern sympathizers. Sudduth's activities had made him a thorn in the side of the Confederates and a target. Sudduth's wife noted that "there is a Man in our town who said that the Rebels would hurt no one here but Maj. Sudduth and he would have to die or be taken Prisoner." Thus Sudduth, along with other Union men such as his friend James L. Warren, was compelled to leave home on September 2, 1862. He proceeded to Indiana from where he addressed a letter to new Kentucky governor James F. Robinson on September 10. Once again he offered his services to the Union and asked for the command of the now demoralized 7th Kentucky Cavalry, which mainly consisted of men from Bourbon County. It was formerly led by Col. Leonidas Metcalfe who had resigned in disgust after his unit was shattered at the Battle of Big Hill which took place on August 23, 1862, just one week after the regiment was mustered in. 

Rushville

Indiana 10th Septer 1862

Gov J. F. Robinson

Important business called me here but I am now ready and most willing to Serve my bleeding Country in any position you may assigne me. but as a work of charity would prefer the command of the Cavalry lately under the command of Col Metcalf as I feel Great confidence that I could verry soon make them useful and as I have personal knowledge of verry many of the officers and men and know them to be Good material I am most willing to make an untiring effort to reclaim them but if I cannot have that command I would be most happy to be commissioned by you to raise One thousand men in the Counties of Fleming Lewis Bath Rowan Morgan and Carter for three months service to drive out the Robbers who have possession of my home and property and are now devastating and that Country —

Gov I pray you not to consider mine as a verry common appeal to you when I inform you that I Got up the expedition of Nelson and Garfield and as an independent volunteer went with them receiving no pay and out of Scanty means bearing my own expenses and in the same way at the head of home Guards have for twelve months been actively defending my Country — At a portion of the history of my family permit me to Say That an Uncle of mine was killed in Harrods' defeat, two near my Grandfather Herod's Station in Clarke County Ky one at Fort Megs and one at the River Razin and a Brother at Fort Megs my Father was a pioneer of Kentucky Seven years before the Indians were driven out and with 30 men brought on the engagement under Genl Wayne at the Rappids in "94 I am almost the last of the family and do not wish to survive the Government of our Fathers and therefore most earnestly ask of you some situation in which I can Serve my Country

As to myself permit me to refer you to the letter of Genl Nelson to Hon J. J. Crittenden James Guthrie George D. Prentiss Garrett Davis Genl L. Combs Henry S. Lane Senator of Indiana W. H. Wadsworth and Martin P. Marshall

I shall most anxiously await an answer at Maysville Ky —

Most Sincerely

Yours

James Sudduth

Upon the urging of Bath County citizens Sudduth and other Unionists returned home after being told that it was safe to do so. He arrived in Owingsville on October 16, 1862 and made a short speech. Then he proceeded to Isles Mill to establish a recruiting camp. However, things did not go as well as he had planned and he decided to return home late the following evening. He spent the night at the house of his friend and fellow Union supporter James L. Warren, who lived on the Owingsville Turnpike at Rose Run, about four miles from town.

 

Meanwhile, General Humphrey Marshall's forces had arrived at Ticktown on their way back to Virginia as part of the Confederates' retreat from Kentucky after the Battle of Perryville. The secession sympathizers of Owingsville sent word to Marshall that 400 Union men were in town, under command of Sudduth, and that they were well armed and he could get them all and their Arms." Accordingly, elements of the 1st Kentucky Mounted Rifles, Trigg's Rangers and Fifth Kentucky Mounted Infantry left Marshall's camp the same night in direction of Owingsville. 

According to Sudduth's wife, "having been informed before they reached there that Col. Sudduth had gone to Licking to establish a camp, they sent a party of twenty-five after him, who arrived at Warren's after early breakfast on Saturday, the 18th." Warren had gone to a blacksmith shop near by, leaving Major Sudduth talking with his family. While thus engaged, one of Warren's younger sons, presumably James Warren who was sixteen years old at the time, came into the room and announced that some soldiers were approaching the house.

Warren House near Owingsville

Thinking they were his own men, Sudduth went to the front door to meet them. He stepped out to the portico, but when the soldiers were within a few yards of the house, he discovered his mistake. As soon as Henry Ewing, a brother of George Ewing, who commanded the rebel gang, saw Sudduth, he immediately called out "there is the Major." Major Sudduth advanced and, recognizing some of the rebels, shook hands with Henry Ewing and Walter and James Lane, the latter two being his own nephews. Ewing asked him if he would surrender and Sudduth remarked that he supposed he was their prisoner but told him to wait until he could get his hat. Sudduth stepped back inside the house, went into the room where he had slept, got his hat and rifle, and stepped out of the back door for the purpose of concealing the rifle, a fine Colt, which he valued very highly, before surrendering. 

As soon as he had stepped outside, two rebel soldiers came around the west corner of the house, and were ordered by the Major to leave. They all ran but just then Anderson Bowman made his appearance and levelled his piece at him, when Col. S. reminded him that he had surrendered. Regardless, Bowman fired, breaking Sudduth's right leg from the knee down and smashing the bone to pieces. About the same time and just as Major Sudduth was falling from this wound, another shot was fired from the east corner of the house by George Ewing who shot at Sudduth's back, grazing his right hip/ grazing his thigh.

 

Then a man by the name of Carpenter shot at his head, but his cap exploded. After Sudduth was in this wounded condition, Bowman drew up his rifle to fire a second time, but Sudduth, observing it, raised himself up on his knee and elbow and shot him through the heart. The Lanes were ordered to fire, but they refused, saying he was their uncle, though they stood by and did not interfere in his behalf.

Then two more of the rebels, Peyton Miller and Edward Sanders/Edwin Saunders, rushed to the back of the house, declaring that they would kill him. According to Sudduth's wife, "Mrs. Warren, her mother, a woman of eighty years of age, and a little girl of eleven, surrounded him and tried to shield him, but his assailants pulled them away and pushed them off, and regardless of their entreaties and cries threatened to shoot them if they interfered." (The identity of the eighty year old woman remains a mystery, as Mrs. Warren's mother had died in 1830. Her mother-in-law was also dead since 1825. The little girl may have been Florence Virginia "Jennie" Warren who was eight years old in 1862.)

By this time the entire band, some twenty-five in number, were present. Major Sudduth then laid aside his rifle and called  out that he surrendered." Then one of the rebels...(and depending on what account to believe, it was either Edward Sanders, a fellow named Jardus/Jarvis or Peyton Miller) caught Sudduth by the throat and choked him. But there is no disagreement as to who dealt out the final shot. Peyton Miller exclaimed, "G-d- d-n you, I'll give you surrender," placed a pistol to the top of his head and shot him." Sanders had his foot upon Sudduth's breast, leaving the print of it upon his clothes.

The rebels left Sudduth weltering in his blood and went to Owingsville, "where they made their boasts that they had killed him and showed his gun as a trophy. They afterwards heard that he was still alive but did not credit it, though Miller said if he thought the d—d old scoundrel was not dead he would go back and shoot him with his own gun, and Sanders said he would go and cut his throat. Subsequently, Capt. Magee and another man were sent back for his shawl. Mrs. Warren told them he had none, but they insisted that they had been informed by the citizens of Owingsville that he rode out in one."

Sudduth, "the brave old man, though speechless" lingered for two more days until the night of Monday, the 20th, when he succumbed to his injuries. His final resting place is unknown. 

When word of the affair reached Marshall's command that night, Edward O. Guerrant of Marshall's staff gave a somewhat different account. "Col. Trigg returned with his command from Owingsville. No Yankees there. Maj James Sudduth shot and killed Bowman of Miller's Bath Company, & was afterwards shot by Bowman,  Hop Bickley & L't Miller, - and will die. Shot through the head. Poor Bowman! He was a good & brave soldier. Yesterday, I saw him in health & strength. Today, how cold, how lifeless!! Soldier rest, thy warfare o'er."

The Louisville Daily Journal noted on November 19, 1862, "We have detailed the circumstances connected with this cold-blooded and cowardly murder, because we are anxious to name the men and the part they took in it. They were all raised in Bath county and the Ewings within a mile of Col. Sudduth's residence, and he has protected Henry for near a year, as the latter professed that he wanted nothing to do with the Southern Confederacy, but wished to remain loyal. These fiends in human shape are now at large, returning to their homes at pleasure and then going back to Humphrey Marshall's army. The citizens of Owingsville, who put these fiends upon the track of their victim and hunted him down like a wild beast, are known and should be punished, as accessories both before and after the fact of the murder. Such an outrage upon any citizen should not pass unavenged by the sternest enforcement of the laws, but Col. Sudduth met his death because he was a patriot, and one of the noblest specimens of mankind we have ever known."

Major Sudduth's widow Mary Ellen took her husband's death hard. She noted, "I cannot yet say what I shall do for I am broken hearted  it nearly kills me to think I had been so long separated from Mr Sudduth and that he came home just to be killed, the best Man that ever lived I am very sure and then he loved me so devotedly that he would have died for me any moment  it was so hard to have him butchered in the way he was by such as set of devils. It seems to me I never shall be able to realize that he is gone forever  as to being resigned to it it is impossible although I have to give him up."

Maj. General Gordon Granger, commander of the Army of Kentucky, considered Sudduth's death an act by guerrillas. On January 12, 1863, he offered a $1000 bounty for Sudduth's killers. 

Louisville Daily Journal, January 17, 1863

Attacks against Union citizens continued. Meanwhile, Major Sudduth's family was still dealing with the aftermath of his death. His widow Mary Ellen wrote on January 27th, 1863, that his son, "Newton is so much opposed to my leaving while he is here and I begin to think he will not leave here at all. He seems to have given up entirely and is drinking harder then I ever seen him and yet he is distressed to death about his Papa  says he has not a friend left if forsake him ... There are Squads of men passing in from the Rebel Army constantly and the Union men have to have every few Days to keep out of their way  A Man they took Prisoner near Mudlick Springs got away from them and was here last Sunday says they said they intended to kill Newt if it cost them their lives  Greenwade was in the gang. I have tried every way to get him to leave but have failed, and if they come here in a gang they will be sure to get him  he is drinking so much."

The following day, January 28, 1863, a party of 150 rebels under Thomas Greenwade who was recruiting a company under Humphrey Marshall, appeared at Mudlick Springs. Hiram Jenkins, who, according to Sudduth's widow, had tried his best to earn Granger's bounty money, was killed as was  Jenkins' son. 19 year old Thomas Yarber, son of Randolph Yarber and Annie Griffin from Olympian Springs, a paroled soldier of the 2nd OVI, was the third victim. He was a member of Company E, the Lafayette Guards from Cincinnati.

Thomas Yarber Pension index card

Sudduth's Rangers, who in the past were able to offer at least some protection against these type of depredations, were no more. Many of them had joined the army and there simply were not enough men left to form a Home Guard that would be of any service.

Sudduth's widow decided to write a letter to Brig. General John Quincy Gilmore, division commander of the Army of Kentucky, imploring him to send troops and protect the Union citizens. Just days later, her greatest fears became reality when on February 1, 1863, a group of 250 rebels entered Owingsville at a late hour, "stripped two boot and shoe stores completely—even taking baby shoes—then entered a dry goods house, from which they took all the cotton cloth, women's shoes, and other articles. They then gathered all the quilts in the neighborhood and all the sacks that could be found for the purpose of carrying off their plunder. They also took about one hundred of the best horses in the vicinity." Union authorities reported that Rebels entered Owingsville Sunday night [1st]; robbed all the Union stores, stole 40 or 50 horses, and took off as prisoners several Union men." William Newton Sudduth was taken by the rebels. Fortunately, he was able to escape and return home. Other Unionists, including John Miller, the Jailer of Bath county as well as Mr. Gill, the proprietor of the Olympian Springs, fled for their lives to Mount Sterling.  

 

On February 20, 1863, Mary Ellen Sudduth noted, "I have felt so bad and so much depressed that it is a bother for me to live. Four months to Day since my happiness on Earth ceased. I am ruined and miserable every day makes my troubles more and harder to bear, it is the hardest trial I have ever had by far all put together are nothing to compare to it. it seems as if never can be able to realize that Mr Sudduth is dead. No mortal was missed so much. There is a Report here to Day that Peyton Miller was taken by a Party of Col Cochrans men a few days ago but I am so much afraid it is not true." This may have been the arrest eluded to by the Louisville Daily Journal on February 23, 1863, noting that a report from Paris had announced the capture of at least one of the murderers of Sudduth. However, there are no records confirming Peyton Miller's arrest. 

On March 18, 1863, Mary Ellen Sudduth wrote to her sister Anna, "There was two of the Villains taken Prisoner in the Winter that was there and took part in it (Sudduth's murder; MP)  they were sent to Camp Chase and I am so afraid they will be released or exchanged  I never knew until after the Mail was stopped that they were there  Mrs Daniel said they eat Breakfast at her House and was bragging about it  their names are Jesse Nelson and a Man named Hadden or Hatten. I wish you would see some one and get them to write to the Proper Authority at Camp Chase or do it your self  I feel so anxious that all that took part in it should be punished." 

Mrs. Sudduth's fears seem justified. According to arrest records, Jesse Daniel Nelson and Thomas Hadden were capture in Powell County, Kentucky near Red River on December 26, 1862. Both men were sent to Vicksburg via Cairo for exchange, on January 11, 1863.  Nelson was paroled at Camp Douglas, Ill., on March 30, 1863. There is no further record for Hadden. 

On February 26, 1863, the Kentucky legislature introduced a bill appropriating "$500 for expenses incurred by Col. Sudduth, in the service of the State, in the raising of troops for the State." The Frankfort Daily Commonwealth reported, that "Mr. PRALL addressed the Senate in a few eloquent remarks of eulogy on Col. Sudduth, and earnestly advocated the passage of the bill, only as an act of justice. On motion of Mr. RHEA, the vote rejecting the bill for the benefit of the widow of Col. James Sudduth, was reconsidered, and some discussion then ensued on the merits of the bill, in which Messrs. WRIGHT, PRALL, SPEED, and GOODLOE, advocated its passage, and Mr. WORTHINGTON opposed it, as setting a bad precedent." The bill eventually passed. 

Several months passed until additional guilty parties involved in Major Sudduth's killing were apprehended on June 16, 1863, following a raid on Maysville by Pete Everett. The Maysville Eagle reported that "Jas. A. Connor, one of them captured at Triplett's Bridge, was present at the murder of Major Sudduth last fall. He has been heavily ironed and confined in a seperate cell." Also captured was Nicholas Hadden "who helped to Murder Mr Sudduth." Mary Ellen Sudduth noted, "I am so afraid he will be turned loose  as soon as I found out that they had him I wrote to Genl Sturgiss and he answered that he had written to the Provost Marshal to retain him and Jim Connor  that he intended to make them tell all that was engaged in it.." Connor and Hadden were sent to Lexington and then to Camp Chase, Johnson's Island and finally to Pt. Lookout, Maryland. Conner died on Aug. 12, 1864, from acute dysentery. Hadden was released on oath, April 12, 1864.

Mary Ellen Sudduth soon left her home in Bath County and moved to Fayette County to be closer to her family. According to a letter written by her from Owingsville on July 5, 1863, she seemed to have suffered from dropsy. She died a month later on August 4, 1863. The following note appeared in the Louisville Daily Journal, on Friday, August 7, 1863. "Mrs. Mary E. Sudduth died on Tuesday last at the residence of her mother, near Lexington. She was the widow of Major James Sudduth, of Bath county, who was so cruelly murdered by guerillas in that county last year."

Major Sudduth's son William Newton Sudduth never overcame his father's death as well as the loss of his step mother Mary Ellen who seemed to have been his support. He died on January 24, 1864, at the Manning House in Springfield, Illinois, from "pneumonia, caused by intemperance."

Sangamon Journal - Illinois State Journal
January 25, 1864

Approximately 25 men were part of the group that were involved in Major Sudduth's killing. 13 of them are known by name, two of them are not 100% confirmed. The rest of the group have remained unknown up to this day. Some of the men belonged to Robert G. Stoner's Bath County Company of Cavalry, later Co. E, First Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles. 

Peyton Morris Miller

3rd Lt. /Captain, Co. E, First Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles

He was born in 1838 in Missouri, the son of John T. Miller, a physician and his wife Isabella. In 1850, the family lived in  Bourbon County, Kentucky. In 1860, Miller clerked in a dry goods store in Owingsville. Burial site

Anderson Bowman 

Private/Sergeant, Co. E, First Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles

Edward E. Sanders/Edwin E. Saunders

Ordinance Sgt./ 1st Lieutenant, Co. E, First Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles, mustered out Nov. 20, 1862.

Son of Oliver M. Saunders and wife Mariah Burns. Born abt. 1842. Place of residence was Sharpsburg. Died 5 Aug 1865. burial site

John "Hop" Bickley

Private, Co. E, First Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles

Walter W. Lane

Corporal, Co. E, First Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles, mustered out Nov. 20, 1862.

b. 1836, KY. Lived in Bethel, Bath County in 1880 and was a teacher.

James N. Lane

Private, Co. E, First Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles, mustered out Nov. 20, 1862.

b. abt. 1842.

Both Walter W. and James N. Lane were sons of William S. Lane of Sharpsburg, KY.

Gustavis S. Magee

2nd Lieutenant, Co. A, First Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles. Asst. Act. Quartermaster.

B. abt. 1829, farmer in Harrison Co. KY in 1860, District No. 1.

George M. Ewing 

Captain, Co. H, 5th KY Mounted. Infantry. Mustered out Oct. 22, 1862.

Henry Ewing

Co. F, First Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles

Both Ewings were sons of iron master Joshua Ewing, who, with Harrison Connor, built Caney Furnace abt. 1837-38. Henry Ewing served as deputy sheriff of Bath County in 1860. There are no surviving service records for Henry Ewing. His service is mentioned in his obituary. He served as a commissioner of the Confederate Home at Pee Wee Valley.

James A. Conner

Private, Co. F, 2nd Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles

Captured at Tripletts Bridge, June 16, 1863. Arrived from Lexington, KY at Camp Chase, June 24, 1863. Sent to Johnson's Island, June 26, 1863. Sent to Point Lookout, Nov. 30, 1863. Died Aug. 12, 1864, Pt. Lookout, Maryland, from acute dysentery. 6' 4", hazel eyes, dark hair, dark complexion, 41 years old.

Jesse Daniel Nelson

Corp./Sgt., Co. E, 1st Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles, enl. Oct. 12, 1861, Camp Buckner, Cumberland Ford, present at muster-out Nov. 20, 1862, Abingdon, VA.

Private Co. E, 2nd Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles, enl. Dec. 20, 186?, captured Dec. 25, 1862.

When captured he gave his names as Jesse Daniel Nelson and his unit as 5th Kentucky Cavalry. Captured Dec. 26, 1862, Red River, Powell Co. KY.; taken to Lexington, KY; sent by Provost Marshal to Vicksburg for exchange, Jan. 2, 1863 (date appearing on roll of prisoners); sent to Vicksburg via Cairo, Jan. 11, 1863; paroled Camp Douglas, Ill. March 30, 1863; no other service record.

Thomas Hadden

Private, Co. A, 5th Kentucky Cavalry, sent to Vicksburg via Cairo, Jan. 11, 1863; no other service record. Captured with Jesse Daniel Nelson.

Nicholas Hadden

Private, Co. B (Pete Everett's Company), 1st Battalion Kentucky Mounted Rifles

Enl. Sept. 1, 1862, Mt. Sterling; absent since Oct. 20, 1862; captured June 16, 1863, Triplett's Bridge, received at Camp Chase June 24, 1863 from Lexington, KY; 6 ft; 23 years old, blue eyes, light hair, fair complexion; Transf. to Johnson's Island June 26, 1863; sent to Point Lookout, Nov. 30, 1863; released on oath April 12, 1864. 

B. abt. 1840, from Montgomery County, Kentucky. 

Uncertain about exact identity

M. Carpenter

Private, Co. H, 5th KY Mounted Infantry, mustered out Oct. 22, 1862

OR

Willis Green Carpenter

Private, Co. D, 5th KY Mounted Infantry until mustered out October 20, 1862 at Hazel Green; captured July 22, 1863, at Mt. Sterling and went to Camp Chase until February 8, 1865 when released upon taking the oath. CSA pension. From Bath County, KY but resided in Morgan County, KY in 1865.

James L. Jarvis

5th Sgt./hospital steward, Co. E, 5th Kentucky Mounted Infantry

Links of Interest

Abraham Lincoln papers: Series 1. General Correspondence. 1833-1916: James Sudduth to John B. Temple, Sunday, April 27, 1862 (Affairs in Kentucky)

Civil War Governors of Kentucky: James Sudduth to Governor James F. Robinson

Cooper-Phillips family papers, letters from Ellen Cooper to Anna Cooper, University of Kentucky Special Collections

Civil War in Bath County from a Civilian Perspective - Mary E. Sudduth's letter to General Quincy A. Gilmore

Colonel Roy S. Cluke and the Arrests of Dr. Joshua Barnes & George W. Deatley

Researched, transcribed and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, April 2022. Updated May 1, 2022. Copyright © 2022, All Rights Reserved.

The Pardon of Henry L. Stone

After the end of the Civil War, many veterans were returning home. Under the terms of surrender for the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House on April 10, 1865, General Ulysses S. Grant stipulated that "each officer and man will be allowed to return to his home, not to be disturbed by United States authority so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force where they may reside". 

On May 5 the parole was extended so that soldiers from the eleven Confederate states, plus West Virginia, would be allowed to return home on their paroles. This did not include Confederates who claimed homes in the District of Columbia and in States that never passed the Ordinance of Secession, such as Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri, who "have forfeited them and can only return thereto by complying with the Amnesty Proclamation of the president and obtaining special permission from the War Department."

Source: Library of Congress (link)

On May 29, 1865, Andrew Johnson issued an Amnesty Proclamation that extended to all Confederates and included the restoration of all rights of property, with the exception of slaves. The only condition required was taking of the oath of allegiance. 

However, 14 classes of persons were still excluded from the benefits of the proclamation who had to make special application to the President of the United States for pardon and were required to take the oath of allegiance. By June 5, 1866, 12,652 pardons were issued but those granted in Kentucky under Johnson's exemptions numbered only 11. This included the pardon for Henry L. Stone.

Henry L. Stone, ca. 1906

Henry Lane Stone was born in Bath County, Kentucky, on January 17, 1842, to Samuel and Sallie (Lane) Stone. His father Samuel Stone served Kentucky and its people in many capacities, including in the Kentucky state militia (1816–1846), as Bath County state representative (1824–1836), and as magistrate and then sheriff in Bath County (1823–1841). In 1851, the family removed to Indiana. Henry L. Stone attended Kentucky and Indiana public schools and later studied law. 

When the Civil War erupted, the Stone family was politically divided. Henry's mother and his two brothers Valentine H. Stone and Richard French Stone supported the Union while Samuel and Henry favored the Confederacy. In 1862, Henry L. Stone left his home in Indiana and joined the Ninth Kentucky Cavalry (CS). At the end of the war, Henry was ready to settle down and move on with his life. 

As he did not meet all the criteria for a general pardon, he made special application to President Andrew Johnson on September 26, 1865. What follows is a transcript of his application. 

Hon. Andrew Johnson

          President of the U.S.: 

                              Sir, 

                                  Being

one of that class, excepted in your proclamation of amnesty, who left their homes within the jurisdiction and prosecution of the United States and went beyond their military lines, to aid the Rebellion, I hereby most respectfully present you a petition for pardon. The following is a full and true statement of the circumstances of my case. 

I left Greencastle, Indiana, my home at the time, on the 18th of Sept., 1862, with the design of joining Gen. Bragg's forces, who were then occupying the State of Kentucky; passed Cincinnati, O., when it was under martial law; tried to procure a pass there from the Provost Marshal, but failed; walked up the Ohio River, twenty miles; took a boat for Augusta, Ky.; from the latter point I went on foot to Cynthiana, Ky., where I found a force of Confederate cavalry; I here took an oath not to reveal any information to the U.S. authorities; by so doing received a pass to go to Mt. Sterling; from hence I went to Sharpsburg, in Bath Co. Ky., where on the 7th of Oct., 1862, I was enlisted, by Geo. M. Coleman, a Confederate Capt. of Cav., into the Confederate States Army. On the 10th of Nov., 1862, I was with the rest of my command at Knoxville, Tenn., mustered into the service, under Gen. John H. Morgan; I was a Sergeant Major of the 2nd Battalion, Maj. Robert G. Stoner, commanding, in Gen. Morgan's Brigade of Cav. for four months; at the expiration of this time, my Bat. and the 1st Bat. in said Brig., were consolidated, making a Reg., known afterwards as the 9th Ky. Cav. and I was appointed an Ordinance Sergt. in said Reg.; this position I held till I was captured by the U.S. forces at Buffington Island, O., on the 19th of July, 1863. I was placed as a prisoner in Camp Morton, on the 21st of July, 1863; was confined there one month; was then taken to Camp Douglas; escaped from that prison and was recaptured, on the 20th of Aug, 1863; was turned into said prison again; escaped finally, on the 16th of Oct., 1863; made my way to Ky. on the route to rejoin the Confederate Army; was captured and released, near Cynthiana, Ky., having successfully passed myself of as a citizen of Indiana; on the 15th of Nov., 1863, was again re-captured, near Sharpsburg, Bath Co., Ky.; was placed in confinement in the jail-dungeon, at Mt. Sterling, Ky., for nineteen days, when I was started under guard to Lexington, Ky., via Winchester; at the latter place, I again escaped the U.S. authorities, making my fourth escape; finding no means of getting South, I went to Canada; staid there from the 4th of Dec., 1863, to the 20th of Apr., 1864; when I left Canada, to go to the Confederacy; arrived in Ky.; remained in that State six weeks, when I took up my journey South, through Eastern Ky.; reported to Gen. John H. Morgan, at Abingdon, Va., on the 28th of June, 1864; continued in his command till his death, on the 4th of Sept., 1864; then was in Gen. B. W. Duke's Brig. till the 2d of Oct. following, at which time I re-joined the 9th Ky. Cav. as a private soldier; in which capacity I served in Gen. John S. Williams's Brig., Gen. Wheeler's Corps, Gen. J. E. Johnston's Dept., till the 9th of May, 1865; when I surrendered(under my Dept. General's order of surrender), at Augusta, Ga., to the U. S. forces then and there stationed in command of Brevet. Brig. Gen. Upton; received a parole from W. W. Woods, Gen. Upton's A.A. G. and Maj. of the 4th Iowa Cav; on this parole I returned to Ky., where I have remained since my arrival, abiding by the laws of the land., and strictly observing the provisions of my parole.

There are no circumstances, which you, Sir, would consider mitigating, except those which exist in the composition of my nature, or result from my early political training. Being born and raised in the State of Kentucky, I naturally clung to her as the home of my childhood, "my own, my native land." I considered her one of the Rebellion States, when the Confederate forces pitched their tents upon her Blue Grass pastures; I was carried off into the rebellious ranks by a spirit of enthusiasm; the name of John Morgan, and the accounts of his dashing exploits as a Cavalry Chief did much to entice me from the notorious life of a law student in Greencastle, Indiana; I longed to play a part in the great national contest; I did not wish to sit idle by, and let the greatest war of modern ages pass away upon the records of history, without indulging my military aspirations; I did not assist the authorities of the U.S. is perhaps owing to an inborn prejudice in favor of the South and her institutions. My present condition is: exile from a happy home, and the best parents; alone in the world, with an empty purse; and nothing to depend upon in future but my own exertions. Your pardon, Sir, would greatly alleviate my situation.

With hope that my application may meet with approval at your hands, I am, Most Honored Sir, your humble St.

Henry L. Stone

Bath Co. KY.,

Sep. 25th, 1865.

Stone's required oath of allegiance accompanied the application.

Letter by US Senator and former Indiana governor, H. S. Lane,
endorsing his nephew's application for pardon

Stone was granted a pardon on December 9, 1865. In 1866, he began practicing law in Owingsville, Kentucky and served in several firms throughout the state before becoming city attorney of Louisville, Kentucky, in 1896. In 1905, he became general council of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad and served in this position until 1921. His wife was Pamela Lane Boune, with whom he had a daughter and a son. Stone died on May 31, 1922, in Louisville. 

Links of Interest

Henry L. Stone Civil War diary - Kentucky Historical Society

"Morgan's Men:" A Narrative of Personal Experiences, by Henry L. Stone

Morgan's Men Escape from Prison, by Henry L. Stone - Confederate Veteran, Vol. 14, No. 4 (April 1906), p. 188-191

Lane–Elston Family Papers, 1775–1936, box 3, folder 13 - Indiana Historical Society

Hoosier Confederate: The Civil War Experiences of Henry Lane Stone from Putnam County - INDepth Stories, Indiana Historical Society

Even Cataloging a Bandana Leads to Exciting Discoveries. - The Kentucky Historical Society Chronicle, Summer/Fall 2012, p. 6

Henry Lane Stone - Find A Grave Memorial page

Transcribed and researched by Marlitta H. Perkins, March 2022. Copyright © 2022, All Rights Reserved.

Scouting Eastern Kentucky - A Letter from the 6th Indiana Cavalry

Mt. Sterling, situated in Montgomery County, Kentucky, on the state road leading from Pound Gap to central Kentucky, was long considered the gateway between the Appalachian Mountains and the Bluegrass. The town's strategic location made it an ideal base for Union Army operations. A number of cavalry units were station in Mt. Sterling throughout the war who went on scouting expedition into the mountainous areas of Eastern Kentucky. Some of these units had just been mustered into the service and therefore lacked experience in operating in such a difficult terrain. However, what the men may have lacked in experience, they managed to make up with enthusiasm which, more often than not, produced results.

United States Cavalry Scouts
"The soldier in our Civil War - a pictorial history of the conflict, 1861-1865"

One of these units was the 6th Indiana Cavalry. The regiment was organized at Indianapolis on February 23, 1863, from the 71st Indiana Infantry. The regiment left Indiana for Kentucky on August 26, 1863 and were stationed at Mt. Sterling from September 2, 1863 until the beginning of November 1863. 

A soldier of the 6th Indiana Cavalry, only known by his initials L. S. J., sent a rather detailed account of one of their scouting expeditions to the Indianapolis Daily Journal which is given in full below. 

LETTER FROM THE 6TH INDIANA CAVALRY.

HD. QUS. 2D BATTALION, 6TH IND. CAVALRY,

MOUNT STERLING, KY, Sept. 15, 1863

ED. JOURNAL: As there appears to be but few correspondents from this section of the country, I propose giving a few items relative to the events as they have transpired since our arrival at the above-mentioned place. -

There might be a great deal written of things that have transpired here. I presume there is no place East or West where the horrors of war have been felt more than here. -

It's true there have been no large armies in the country disputing their right of possession, as there has been in many places, but it has been the scene of something more terrible. It has been infested by prowling bands of guerrillas, murderers and incendiaries, who have been preying upon the helpless and old, almost at their leisure. No one knows the suffering of mind and body of the people through here, except those who live here. The life of no one is safe. No man's property is his, for on any night it may be taken from him by a band of desperadoes. -

The headquarters of the 71st Regiment has been here since the 2d inst. The duties of the regiment have been rather hard, but I think not altogether devoid of benefit.

A detachment of 250 men, consisting of companies F, I, D and G, commanded by Lieut. Col. Matson, left camp on the 10th to make a scout some thirty or forty miles from here, where there was reported to be a force of guerrillas pillaging the country. Being the first trip of the kind since "drawing" our horses, it was interesting in the extreme. The first night's travel - it being dark when the battalion left - was ten miles, which tested the endurance of some men effectually. Next morning there was considerable complaining of soreness of bones, which, however, soon wore off as the blood began to circulate.

Next morning, about 8 P.M., found us in Owingsville, a small town on a very large hill. It is rather a nice little place, having some very nice buildings in it and pretty well provided with nice shade trees. The appearance of the "blue coats" seemed to be a great relief to inhabitants, and fair women and brave men were seen from every window and corner. I will here mention that the countenances of the people through this portion of Kentucky are a very poor index to their real sentiments and feelings. The most contemptible of rebels, the guerrilla, will meet you and talk as though they were as true and loyal to their country as those they were talking to. But too much by the way of digression -

About thirty miles farther down on the Licking river we heard of the approach of 700 to 800 rebels. The truthfulness of the report seemed to be indisputable, as it had been brought by those who were fleeing before them for dear life. It is always an easy matter to tell when a force is coming into Kentucky - from the droves of cattle, horses and mules that are taken beyond the Ohio river for safe keeping. Our colonel was not long deciding what to do. The order was given to move on them at once, although their reported force was about three to our one. But we were sorry to learn as we advanced that their force gradually diminished, until there remained nothing but a small band of guerrillas. That night we encamped where they had been that day. 

Next day, scouting parties, consisting of companies F and I, started in different directions, as they had learned the guerrillas had gone. Some ten miles from camp, at a little place by the name of Morehead, in the direction company F was going, it was found that ten guerrillas had just passed before the arrival of the company. In Morehead they had entered several houses, taking what suited them, and passed ahead to West Liberty to do likewise. At Morehead, they had taken from an old man $21, the last cent of money he had. They had learned of his selling a little tobacco a few days before, and, like the eagle in search of its prey, they came upon him, and, holding a revolver at his head, made him tell where his money was. They had taken a horse, also, from a man living close to town, which, however, was recaptured from them a short time after they had taken it.

From this place they were pursued as fast as horses could go until they were overtaken some eight miles east. It appears they knew nothing of our approach, and had been sauntering along at their leisure, stopping here and there as they thought they might get something of value. The advance guard, consisting of seven men, soon came up to them. The guerrillas did not know of their presence until the crack of the carbine, which they fear so much, told them of their danger. They were completely surprised, and in ten minutes they were fleeing to the mountains. They had but little time to shoot if they had felt so disposed. As they numbered one third more than those that charged upon them, they might have resisted successfully if they had tried. But it is not their intention to fight - it is for profit and gain.

The result was one prisoner, who was made to come to by a shot in the arm, and two horses, besides hats and numerous specimens of other articles which they had taken in their route. Company I was also successful in their scout, and (and) treated them with due respect. They had heard of some thirty or forty of these fellows some twenty miles distant, making their way towards West Liberty, which seems to be a favorite resort for all guerrillas in this part of Kentucky. They were formed on Little Sandy, the band commanded by a Lieutenant named Bumgardner. When they were overtaken they were coolly partaking of a dinner which they had forced a Union man to provide for them. They were like the former squad "unconscious of their danger." The pursuing party could be seen from the house where they were near half a mile off. As soon as the advance saw them they lost no time in coming up with them, and before the guerrillas could get their horses the shot was coming thick and fast into them. Like all of their kind they flew in every direction, taking to the mountains and secreting themselves like young partridges.

The charge resulted in taking six prisoners, killing two and wounding two or three who will die, besides capturing eight horses. To say the least of this charge, it was rather a bold dash, and the certainty of success was decidedly against them, but the Hoosier boys are known even down in these mountain fastness, their yell and crack of their guns are ominous of something dangerous. It is the general opinion these guerrillas will infest these mountains and hollows a long while before they can be gotten out. It is such a poor country it would be impossible to quarter a force sufficient to keep them out. This is the nearest point where troops can be kept and provided for, which is some 40 miles from where these desperadoes visit so often. Col. Biddle has not yet got here; he has gone with a small detachment to Tennessee. The 71st does not anticipate any danger in the future, all it asks is a fair chance and its name will be as unsullied as any regiment that has left Indiana.

L. S. J.

Links of Interest

Mt. Sterling - An Important Military Base During the Civil War

Transcribed and researched by Marlitta H. Perkins, March 2022. Copyright © 2022, All Rights Reserved.

Civil War in Bath County from a Civilian Perspective - Mary E. Sudduth's letter to General Quincy A. Gilmore

On January 28, 1863, 150 men from Humphrey Marshall's command descended upon Olympian Springs (aka Mudlick Springs) and surrounded the house of Hiram Jenkins. The main perpetrator Thomas Greenwade, who was actively recruiting a company for Marshall's command, had an on-going conflict with Jenkins which he intended to settle that night. Greenwade killed Jenkins and mortally wounded his son. He also killed 19 year old Thomas Yarber, a paroled soldier of the 2nd OVI who had the misfortune to be at Jenkins' house that night. His parents Randolph and Annie Yarber lived near Olympian Springs.

Prompted by these murders, Mary Ellen Sudduth, the widow of Major James Sudduth of Bath County whose husband had been killed in a similar fashion just three months earlier, wrote a letter to Brig. General Quincy A. Gilmore, pleading for protection from the incursions of the Confederates. Gilmore was division commander of  the Army of Kentucky under Major General Gordon Granger.

Owingsville Jan 30th 1863

Brigadier Genl Gilmore

                    Sir 

                        Although a perfect stranger to you I take the Liberty of addressing a few lines to you to let you know the the fix (sic) the Union Men are in in this Section of Country. Day before yesterday there was a Party of a bout (sic) 150 come to the Neighborhood of Mudlick Springs and surrounded the House of a good and true Union man Mr Jenkins (and suppose you there are not many of that kind here but what there is have to suffer many inconveniences) knocked at his Door and as he opened it shot him down and Thomas Greenwade one of the most notorious characters run up to him and stabbed him through his heart in the presence of his family. There was his Son and another Gentleman in the house they shot his son twice one shot going through his Neck and the Other through his Arm near the Shoulder breaking his Arm all to pieces. Mr Yarber attempted to get out of the Way by running they shot him and as soon as he fell they stabbed him to the heart his Son was not dead last Night but it was said to be impossible for him to live. They chased a Union Man living near the town who made his escape only by outriding them and swimming Slate Creek who came to town and let the Union Men know so as to get out of the way which they did and some of the Rebels here gave them notice that they were all gone which prevented them from coming to town. 

It is the case constantly now that the good Union Men by these I mean those that have used the last exertion to crush the Rebellion in any way have to have their homes every Week to keep out of the way of them and indeed I do not consider that the loyal Females are at all safe under such circumstances. We have the worst set of Rebels here I know there has been a good many Arrests made and nearly every Man sent back Although they have been in the Confederate Army and are now entertaining Squads of Rebels as they pass in from the Army. 

On the 18th of October they surrounded the house where my Husband had staid all Night and Murdered him in the most Brutal and cruel Manner. He had been absent from home 8 Weeks with a good many neighbors who returned on the 16 of Oct and the Evening after he returned he went to Licking for the purpose of establishing a Camp to recruit Men to defend this Section and on his way home staid all night with a friend and before 7 oclock in the Morning he was Murdered by a Detachment of Camerons Cavalry under Command of Col Triggs. They were camped at Tictown a distance of 20 Miles from here when the Union Men came from Maysville but they knew nothing of it. - and the Rebel Citizens here sent for them to come writing to Triggs as he said that there had 400 Men come under the Command of my lamented Husband Maj Sudduth that they were well armed and he could get them all and their Arms. I think if some of the Citizens here were made to suffer we could be more quiet and live in some peace. They were so eager for my Husband that they detached a Company to go out on Licking for him but he had left there before they arrived and they followed on and another Party went out of town and met at the House. He was informed by a little boy of the House that there were some Soldiers coming but not knowing there were any Rebels in the County he went out of the house expecting to see some of his own Men. Seeing he was completely overpowered he surrendered to them when one fired and broke his leg all to pieces & at the same Moment another fired and struck his hip inflicting a terrible wound and then a third fired but the ball missed him. In that condition he raised to his Elbow and Shot the Man who broke his leg killing him just as he was in the act of shooting him again. Then a fellow named Jardus caught him by the Throat and choked him till Miller put a Pistol to his head and shot him Threatening to shoot the Ladies about the house if they interfered. You therefore see what I have had to suffer from them. 

Maj Sudduth was an uncompromising Union Man and has done many things in his power to keep the Rebels out of this part of the State. He went as a private with Genl Nelson and Col Cranor & Letcher to Piketon and Middle Creek guiding the Armies through the Mountains bearing his own expenses and receiving no pay from the Government. There is a Man in our town who said that the Rebels would hurt no one here but Maj. Sudduth and he would have to die or be taken Prisoner, this can be proven by two respectable Gentlemen, would it not be sufficient to have him arrested for and sent off. Jenkins was a poor Man and has left a large family. It seems hard that the loyal people should suffer so much and the Rebels permitted to return to and from the Confederate Army at leisure and boast that there will be nothing done with them. Cant you do something for us in the way of sending us some troops to clean out the Mountains. 

Greenwade says there are several men in Owingsville he intends to kill, and sent the Sheriff and if he attempted to ride East of Owingsville he would kill him. Genl Granger offered $1000 for the Murderers of Maj Sudduth and Jenkins was very vigilant intending to get them if it was possible for which he has lost his life. An answer to this will be most kindly received hoping that you will remove some of the Rebels from among us.

Hoping to hear from you soon I am most

Respectfully your Friend

Mary E. Sudduth

Refer you to Col. Warren who knows my

Husband and myself.

Mary Ellen Sudduth letter to Gen. Gilmore

Unfortunately, on February 1, 1863, the Confederates returned to Bath County and  descended upon Owingsville with a force of 250 men.  John Miller, the Jailer of Bath county, was barely able to escape and fled to Mt. Sterling. He then went to Lexington and gave an account of the incident to the local newspaper.

HUMPHREY MARSAHLL'S DOINGS IN NORTH-EASTERN KENTUCKY.—We have stated heretofore that several of the counties of Northeastern Kentucky were overrun by rebel guerillas. Mr. John Miller, the Jailer of Bath county, Ky., arrived in Lexington on Friday. He informs the Observer and Reporter that great trouble and suffering exists in Owingsville and vicinity, owing to the depredations which in the last week or so have been perpetrated by Humphrey Marshall's command. Their camp is but twenty-one miles from Owingsville, in the mountains, and whenever their necessities require it, they make a descent upon the town and vicinity—supply themselves with such articles as they want, so far as they can be found, and return. Mr. Miller states that about two hundred and fifty of these men entered Owingsville at a late hour on Sunday night, the 1st inst., stripped two boot and shoe stores completely—even taking baby shoes—then entered a dry goods house, from which they took all the cotton cloth, women's shoes, and other articles. They then gathered all the quilts in the neighborhood and all the sacks that could be found for the purpose of carrying off their plunder. They also took about one hundred of the best horses in the vicinity. 

These bands are growing worse and more savage in their deportment daily; and it is now almost impossible for a Union man to live in Owingsville or vicinity. About the first of last week they murdered three men, two by the name of Jenkins—father and son —and a paroled soldier of the Second Ohio regiment by the name of Yarber. After shooting these men, to make sure of their death they stabbed them through the body with bowie knives. 

Nearly all the Union men of Owingsville have had to fly for safety. Mr. Miller left himself, barefooted, with others, on a cold night, in the same condition, and in consequence had his feet frosted. He left a number of the refugees at Mount Sterling. The guerillas had a few days since a son of Colonel Sudduth who was recently brutally murdered, as a captive, but luckily he made his escape. Mr. Gill, the proprietor of the Olympian Springs, had to fly for his life. 

The robberies perpetrated by the guerillas so far have been confined to Union men. He thinks if a small force could be sent to Olympian Springs these marauders could be checked or kept back in their mountain passes. So many men have joined the army from that section of the country that there are not now enough left to form a Home Guard that would be of any service. 

Continued Reading

The Life and Death of James L. Sudduth

Researched, compiled and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, January 2022. This specific article is under full copyright. Copyright © 2022, All Rights Reserved.