Veterans Day Post - Honoring Williamson County's African American Civil War Veterans

To honor one of Williamson County's African American Civil War Veterans, please sponsor a paver at https://www.slavestosoldiers.org/
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In honor of Veterans' Day, I am publishing this blog's most important post to date.

Felix Battle
Enlisted as a 13-year-old drummer boy
 in the 13th US Colored Infantry

Below is the full list of all the African American men from Williamson County that I have been able to identify who served in the Civil War - some as soldiers for the Army, and some as sailors in the Navy.

I find it difficult to adequately articulate what the list of their names means to me.  I have spent countless hours and sleepless nights putting this together.  Their names have become as familiar to me as those of my friends and family.  For many of these men, their enlistment in the US Army or Navy may have been the first time that their full name - as the man chose to be identified - was recorded.  Previously they had only been identified as "Male, Black, 19 years old" in a slave schedule.  Or perhaps in a bill of sale naming "Lucretia and child" - they were that nameless child.  Or maybe they were given a name by their slaveholder that did not identify what the man called himself.  So as you scroll through the list below, please pause and read some of the names and think about who they may have been.  

Distribution of Williamson County USCT by Age at Enlistment
The youngest soldier was a 13-year-old drummer boy; the oldest was 51 years old at enlistment.

These men were largely born right here in Williamson County - but you can see from this map that many of them enlisted in northern cities in fee states.  I can only assume they managed to find freedom before the War.  Other men enlisted in cities further south and west of middle Tennessee. Those men were probably taken or sold there to work as laborers.  This map shows the locations where they enlisted.

In future posts, I will provide additional details by Units about what happened to these men - as I have in previous posts.  Many died during the War - of disease often, but many of wounds in battle.  From what I've been able to determine half of the men on my list who died have unidentified graves - this list is a kind of memorial for them.  I want to be sure that their lives were not in vain; that their bravery and their daring to hope for a better future - if not for themselves, then for future generations  - not only for African Americans, but for all who dream of an America where we can all live together - will not be forgotten.  Please remember them today - Veterans Day - and always.

You should know that this list is almost certainly not complete.  I have tried very hard to be sure before I included names on these lists that they have at least one contact with Williamson County - such as being born here, enlisting in Williamson County, or living here after the War. The vast majority of the US Army soldiers on my list stated on their enlistment records that they were born in Williamson County.  A few served in the War but were not born here - rather they settled here after the war - as was proven by census, pension, voting or death records.  And, 18 enlisted here but were born elsewhere - mostly in Maury County.  I plan additional posts in the future which will provide more details and further analysis.  But for now, this post will start with providing the list of names and units that the men served with.  In some cases, the list will include a hyperlink that will take you to another site - often Ancestry.com where you can obtain additional information about the individual.  

African American Men from Williamson County who 

Served the US Army's Colored Troops during the Civil War

3rd Tennessee Volunteers

• Russell, William - 3rd Tennessee Volunteers (African Descent) Co ?, enlisted on July 10, 1864 in Memphis born in Williamson County
• Jefferson, John - 3rd Tennessee Volunteers (African Descent) Co A enlisted on May 5, 1864 in Memphis born in Williamson County
• Perkins, John - 3rd Tennessee Volunteers (African Descent) Co A enlisted on April 15, 1864 in Memphis born in Williamson County

3rd US Colored Infantry

• Fields, Alfred served in the 3rd US Colored Infantry Co E enlisted on July 7, 1863 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania born in Williamson County

6th US Colored Infantry

• Jones, Benjamin enlisted in 6th US Colored Infantry, Co. I Oct. 11, 1864 in Buffalo, NY (Aurora, NY) Erie Co, 30th District born in Williamson County

11th US Colored Infantry

• Higgens, Solomon served in the 11th US Colored Infantry (New) enlisted on Jan 12, 1864 in Ft. Pickering (Memphis, Tennessee) born in Williamson County
• Keith, Charles served in the 11th US Colored Infantry (New) Co G enlisted on Jan. 12, 1864 in Ft. Pickering (Memphis, Tennessee) born in Williamson County
• Fate, James served in the 11th US Colored Infantry (New) Co. A enlisted on May 23, 1863 in Corinth, Mississippi born in Williamson County
• Hardeman, Madison served in the 11th US Colored Infantry (Old) Co H; regiment consolidated with 111th and 113th and designated the 113th enlisted on Jan. 24, 1864 in Clarksville, Arkansas born in Williamson County
• Hardgrave, John served in the 11th US Colored Infantry (Old) Co. B enlisted on Jan 10, 1864 in Clarksville, Arkansas born in Williamson County

12th US Colored Infantry

• Beach, Austin [Bench] enlisted in the12th US Colored Infantry Co F, on 8/12/1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County (Franklin)
• Barsley, Amilton [Milton Barksley], enlisted in the12th US Colored Infantry Co F, on Sept. 5, 1863, in Stephenson, Alabama, born in Williamson County (Franklin)
• Swansey, Warren, enlisted in the12th US Colored Infantry Co F, on 8/12/1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County (Franklin) 
• Swanson, Ben 2nd (Swansey), enlisted in the12th US Colored Infantry Co F,on 8/12/1863,in Nashville born in Williamson County (Franklin) 
• Rash, Cook, 12th US Colored Infantry, in 1863, born in Williamson County 
• Hightower, Aaron, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry – Co K transferred to 101st on Aug. 12, 1863 in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Garrott, Silas, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co A, Aug. 18, 1864 at the Sec. 26 N&NW railroad born in Williamson County
• Gibson, Adam, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co A on Sept. 14, 1863 at the Elk River born in Williamson County
• Gibson, Manson, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co A, on Sept. 14, 1863 at the Elk River born in Williamson County
• Gosey, Logan, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co A, on Sept. 14, 1863 at the Elk River born in Williamson County
• Jarrett, Giles, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co A, on Sept. 14, 1863 at the Elk River born in Williamson County
• Mays, George, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co A, on July 21, 1863, at the Elk River, born in Williamson County
• Strong, James, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co A, on Sept. 14, 1863, at the Elk River, born in Williamson County
• Owens, Winstead, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co G, on Sept. 10, 1864, at Sullivan Branch, born in Williamson County
• Sneed, John, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co G, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Gaines, John, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co H, on Aug. 12, 1863,in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Jordan, Daniel, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co H, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Ledbetter, Harvey, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co H, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Hughes, Adam, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co I, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Oglesby, Elijah (Ogleby), enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co I, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• King, George, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co K, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• North, Frank, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co K, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Petway, Frank enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co K, on August 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Pratt, Augustus, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co K, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Rawlston, Ephraim, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co K, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Reece, Henry, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co K, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Reece, Joseph, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co K, on Aug. 12, 1863,in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Reece, Washington, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co K, on May 1, 1864, at the Sec. 29 of the N&NWRR, biorn in Williamson County
• Spratt, Alfred, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co K, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Waddy, Robert, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co K, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Williams, John *duplicate? Also one in the 13th USCI, 12th US Colored Infantry Co K, on Aug. 12, 1863,in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Helms, George W. enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co. F ,on Aug 12, 1864, at the Sec. 14 N&N RR – Nashville & Northwestern?, born in Williamson 
• Johnson, Thomas, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry Co. H, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Bradford, Carl, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co B, on September 23, 1864, in Kingston, born in Williamson County
• Boyd, Reuben, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co K, on August 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson 
• Cartwright, Jefferson, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co K, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson 
• Cartwright, Joseph, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co K, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Helm, Claiborn, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co K, on Aug 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Ewing, Andrew, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co. B , on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Blackman, Lum, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co. E, on September 15, 1863, at the Elk River Bridge, born in Williamson County
• Compton, Mills, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co. F, on Aug 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Berry, Washington, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co. G, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Ellis, Clayborn, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co. H(started as Co H, 1st Reg't US Col’d Infantry), on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County 
• Briggs, Harry, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co. I, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Terrill, Archie, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co. I,on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Cater, Isaac[Carter?], enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co. I / K?, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Degraffenried, Asbury, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co. K, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Ensley, Michael “Mike”, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co. K, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Perrier, Thomas, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co. K, on Aug. 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Thomas, Freeman Enlisted under the name Freeman Cruthers (Carothers) , enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co. K,on Aug 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Winstead, Abraham, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Infantry, Co.I, on Aug 14, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Andrews, James, enlisted in the 12th US. Colored Infantry, Co. G, on August 12, 1863, in Nashville, born in Williamson County

13th US Colored Infantry

• Battle, Felix, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co F, on April 6, 1864, at Camp L. Thomas, Tennessee, born in Williamson County
• Armstrong, Derry, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co. A, on August 12, 1863, at Williamson (Franklin), born in Maury County
• Armstrong, Dublin, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co. A, on August 12, 1863, at Williamson (Franklin), born in Maury County
• Armstrong, Houston or Huston, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co. A, on August 12, 1863, at Williamson (Franklin), born in Maury County
• Armstrong, Joseph, enlisted in the13th US Colored Infantry Co. A, on August 12, 1863, at Williamson (Franklin), born in Maury County
• Armstrong, McNeil, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co. A, on August 12, 1863, at Williamson (Franklin), born in Maury County
• Armstrong, Samuel, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co. A, on August 12, 1863, at Williamson (Franklin), born in Maury County
• Buford, Allen, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co. A, on August 12, 1863, at Williamson (Franklin), born in Mississippi
• Carpenter, Edmund (Esmond?) Edwin?, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co A, on August 12, 1863, at Williamson (Franklin), born in Maury County
• Daniels, Squire or Esquire, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co A, on August 12, 1863, at Williamson (Franklin), born in Maury County
• Davis, Anthony enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co A, on August 17, 1863, at Williamson (Franklin), born in Maury County
• Friarson,Williamson, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co A, on August 16, 1863, at Williamson [Franklin], born in Maury County
• Friarson, John H, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co A, on Aug. 12, 1863, at Williamson [Franklin], born in Maury County
• Galloway, Charles, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co A, on Aug. 16, 1863, at Williamson [Franklin], born in Maury County
• Gant, Solomon, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co A, on Aug. 16, 1863, at Williamson [Franklin], born in Maury County
• Gordon, John, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co A, on Aug. 12, 1863, at Williamson [Franklin], born in Maury County
• Gordon, Thomas, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co A, on Aug. 12, 1863, at Williamson [Franklin], born in Maury County
• Granberry, Essex, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co A, on Aug. 12, 1863, at Williamson [Franklin], born in Maury County
• Friarson, Elijah, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co A, on Aug. 12, 1863, at Williamson [Franklin], born in Virginia
• Childers, Stephen, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co A, on September 26, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Burnett, George, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co B, on Aug. 1, 1863, at Elk River, born in Williamson County
• Burnett, Tucker, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co B, on Aug. 1, 1863, at Elk River, born in Williamson County
• Crockett, Ephraim, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co B, on Aug. 1, 1863, at Elk River, born in Williamson County
• Anderson, Hiram, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co D, on September 14, 1863, at Estill Springs (Tullahoma), born in Williamson County (Franklin)
• Collins, Jerry, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co F, on October 1, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Crawford, Henry, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co F, on Sept. 24, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County [Triune]
• Cruthers, Jessie Carothers?, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co F, on September 28,1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County [Franklin]
• Grier, Thomas Greer? Grear?, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co F, on September 29,1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Coleman, James, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co G, on October 6, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Crawford, Andrew, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co G (burial records say Company D), on Sept. 16, 1863, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Chappell, Henry, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co H, on Nov 19, 1863, at Franklin, born in Williamson County
• Farris, Aaron, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co I, on August 12, 1863, at Stevenson, Alabama, born in Franklin, Williamson
• Crutchelow, Nick(Crutchels), enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co I, on Oct. 17, 1863, at Stevenson, Alabama, born in Williamson County
• Gallion, Albert (aka Albert Pressley), enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co D, on September 25, 1863, at Nashville, Tennessee, born in Sumner County
• German,Miles, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co A - burial records say Co I, on October 22, 1863, at Stephenson, Alabama, born in Franklin, Tennessee
• Hughes, James, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co A, on Sept. 30, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Helms, David, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co B, on Aug 1, 1863, at Elk River, born in Williamson County
• Helms, George, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co B, on Aug 1, 1863, at Elk River, born in Williamson County
• Pake, Austin, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co B, on Aug. 1, 1863, at Elk River, born in Williamson County
• Jordan, Benjamin, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co D, on Sept. 17, 1863, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Pider, John (Pointer?), enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co D, on Oct. 4, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Scruggs, Edward, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co F, on Sept. 24, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Winston, Horace, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co F, on Sept. 30, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Brown, Alexander, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co H, on Oct 22, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Parks, Samuel, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co H
• Wesley, John L., enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co H, on Oct. 22, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Williams, John, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co H, on Oct. 29, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Bittick, Robert, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co I, on Oct. 22, 1863, at Stevenson, Alabama, born in Williamson County
• Redman, William, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co I, on Oct. 22, 1863, at Stevenson, Alabama, born in Williamson County
• Armstrong, Julius, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry Co. A, on August 12,1863, at Williamson (Franklin), born in Maury County
• Moore, Monroe, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry, Co B, on Aug 1, 1863, at Elk River, born in Williamson County
• North, Columbus, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry, Co F, on Sept. 26, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Matthews II, Joseph, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry, Co G, on Sept. 29, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Simms, Walter, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry, Co G, on Oct. 10, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Tucker, Jacob, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry, Co H, on Oct 22, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Waters, Peter Two sets of records, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry, Co H, on Oct. 19, 1863, at Franklin, Tenn, born in Williamson County
• Parham, James, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry, Co H, on Oct. 16, 1863, at Stevenson, Alabama, born in Williamson County [“residence before enlistment – Franklin, Tennessee – from his record of death]
• Crite, Joseph, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry, Co H, on Nov 2, 1863, born in Wilson County
• Server, Anderson Sewer, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry, Co I, on Oct. 22, 1863, at Franklin, Tenn, born in Williamson County
• Andrews, Charles, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Infantry, Co. D, on Oct. 5, 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County

14th US Colored Infantry

• Green, Willis, enlisted in the 14th US Colored Infantry, on 1 Nov 1863, at Gallatin, born in Williamson County
• Johnson, Andrew G, enlisted in the 14th US Colored Infantry, on 1 Nov 1863, at Gallatin, born in Williamson County
• Dalton, Isaac, enlisted in the 14th US Colored Infantry Co B, on November 15, 1862, at Gallatin, born in Williamson County
• Spratt, Robert, enlisted in the 14th US Colored Infantry Co C, on 1 Nov 1863, at Gallatin, born in Williamson County
• McGavock, Abraham, enlisted in the 14th US Colored Infantry Co G, on 15 Nov 1863, at Gallatin, born in Williamson County
• Scales, Thomas, enlisted in the 14th US Colored Infantry Co. A, on 15 Oct 1863, at Gallatin, Tennessee, Williamson County
• Thomas, Samuel L., enlisted in the 14th US Colored Infantry Co. D, on 1 Nov 1863, at Gallatin, born in Williamson County
• Woodward, John Wm, enlisted in the 14th US Colored Infantry, Co I, on 15 Dec 1863, at Gallatin, born in Williamson County
• Johnson, William [could this be the same person as the one who served as a body servant?] enlisted in the 14th US Colored Infantry, Co K, on 15 Dec 1863, at Gallatin, born in Williamson County
• Polk, Samuel (note there is also a Samuel Polk in the 15th USCI), enlisted in the 14th US Colored Infantry, Co. B, on 15 Nov 1863, at Gallatin, born in Williamson County
• Steel, George (Steele),enlisted in the 14th US Colored Infantry, Co. F, on 1 Nov 1863, at Gallatin, born in Williamson County
• House, Peter, enlisted on 1 Dec 1863 at Gallatin, born in Williamson County

15th US Colored Infantry

• Boxley, Anderson, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co A, on 2 Dec 1863, in Columbia, Tennessee, born in Williamson County
• Creight, Abraham, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co A, on 2 Dec 1863, in Columbia, born in Williamson County
• Harrison, George, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co A, on 2 Dec 1863, in Columbia, born in Williamson County
• Jordon, William, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co A, on 28 Nov 1863, in Columbia, born in Williamson County
• Morse, Henry, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co A, on 2 Dec 1863, in Columbia, born in Williamson County
• Wilson, Rubin (Rufus?) Rubin Willson?, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co A, on 19 Nov 1863, in Columbia, Williamson County
• Bowden, Thomas, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co B, on 5 Dec 1863, in Columbia, born in Williamson County
• Boxley, George, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co B, on 4 Dec 1863, in Columbia, Tennessee, born in Williamson County
• Cole, Joseph, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co B, on 8 Dec 1863, in Columbia, born in Williamson County
• Hillem, William, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co B, on 5 Dec 1863, in Columbia, born in Williamson County
• Hughs, Peter (Hughes), enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co B, on 9 Dec 1863, in Columbia, born in Williamson County
• Hightower, Henderson, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co C, on 15 Apr 1864, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Moss, Preston, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co D, on 31 Dec 1863, in Columbia, born in Williamson County
• Cruthers, Alexander Carothers?, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co E, on 18 Jan 1864, in Columbia, born in Williamson County
• Monroe, James T., enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co E, on 11 Jan 1864, in Shelbyville, born in Williamson County
• Swanson, Josephus, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co E, on 14 Jan 1864, in Shelbyville, born in Williamson County
• Hannah, Wesley, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co I, on 11 Sep 1864, in Springfield, born in Williamson County
• Copeland, Isaac, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co K, on 11 Mar 1864, in Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Bradley, Henry, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co. B, on 8 Dec 1863, in Columbia, born in Williamson County
• Mackelmore, Thomasn [McLemore?], enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co. B, on 3 Dec 1863, in Columbia, born in Williamson County
• Polk, Samuel (also a Samual Polk in the 13th USCI), 15th US Colored Infantry Co. B, on 3 Dec 1863, in Columbia, Williamson County
• Ratcliffe, Peter, enlisted in the 15th US Colored Infantry Co. B, on 8 Dec 1863, in Columbia, Maury, born in Williamson County

16th US Colored Infantry

• Barker, James, enlisted in the 16th US Colored Infantry Co C, on 7 Dec 1863, at Clarkesville, born in Williamson County
• Dinnard, Michael Kinnard?, enlisted in the 16th US Colored Infantry Co C, on 7 Dec 1863, at Clarkesville, born in Williamson County
• Gooch, Henry, enlisted in the 16th US Colored Infantry Co G, on 30 Dec 1863, at Clarkesville, born in Williamson County
• Gouch, Charles Gooch?, enlisted in the 16th US Colored Infantry Co G, on 30 Dec 1863, at Clarkesville, born in Williamson County

17th US Colored Infantry

• Woods, Henderson, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co C, on 19 Jan 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
Alexander, James H., enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co B, on 19 Dec 1864, at Nashville, born in Franklin, Tennessee
• Dotson, Daniel, enlisted in the 17th U.S. Colored Infantry Co H, on 17 Jan 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Hendricox, Isaac Hendrix? Hendricks?, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry, on 21 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Shaw, Peter, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co A, on 24 Feb 1864, at Tennessee, born in Williamson County
• Barnes, Watson, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co C , on 21 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• VanBuren, Martin, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co C, on 24 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Reems, Archer (Archie), enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co C, on Jan 17, 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County? Perhaps Davidson County
• Hailey, Surrey, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co D, on 21 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• King, Jacob, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co D, on 2 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Marshall, William Sr., enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co D, on 7 Jan 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• McRheno, Green, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co D, on 25 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Owens, Monroe, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co D, on 21 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Shane, Samuel, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co D, on 18 Jan 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Hailey, Jesse, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co E, on 21 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Hailey, John, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co E, on 21 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Johnson, Randall, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co E, on 21 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Johnson, Washington, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co E, on 17 Jan 1864, at Murfreesboro (I think), born in Williamson County
• Owen, Isam, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co E, on 21 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Peoples, Edward, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co E, on 25 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Shelman, Joseph (Shelmond), enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co E, on 30 Jan 1864, at Tennessee, born in Williamson County
• Jordan, Samuel H., enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co F, on 30 Nov 1863, at Stevenson, Alabama, born in Williamson County
• King, Franklin, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co F, on 30 Nov 1863, at Stevenson, Alabama, born in Williamson County
• Hailey, Joseph, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co H, on 30 Nov 1863, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Haley, George, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co H, on 30 Nov 1863, at Alabama, born in Williamson County
• McPearson, Henry, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co H, on 30 Nov 1863, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Woods, John, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co I , on 30 Nov 1863, at Stevenson, Alabama, born in Williamson County
• Jackson, John 1st?, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry Co K, on 29 Nov 1863, at Stevenson, Alabama, born in Williamson County (Spring Hill) 
• Floyd, Spencer, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry, Co A, on 17 Jan 1864, at Murfreesboro, Eagleville, born in Williamson County
• Cox, Samuel, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry, Co. C Co E, on 21 Mar 1864 and 17 Apr 1864, at Franklin and Nashville (enlisted 2x), born in Williamson County
• Ellison, Samuel, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry, Co. C, on 17 Jan 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Carroll, General, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry, Co. E, on 21 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Dodson, Verger (Dobson), enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry, Co. E, on 21 Jan 1864, at Tennessee (perhaps Murfreesboro – that’s where his company mustered in), born in Williamson County
• Ellison, William, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry, Co. E, on 21 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Elmore, Noah, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry, Co. E, on 21 Feb 1864, at Murfreesboro, born in Williamson County
• Clayburn, Charles, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry, Co. G, on 5 Apr 1864, at Ashton Mill, Tennessee, born in Williamson County
• Dotson, Henry, enlisted in the 17th US Colored Infantry, Co. G, on 24 Mar 1864, at Ashton Mills, born in Maury County, Williamson County?

27th US Colored Infantry

• Breckenridge, Robert, enlisted in the 27th US Colored Infantry, on Aug 8, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio, born in Williamson County
• Nelson, Moses, enlisted in the 29th US Colored Infantry Co D or A?, on Jan. 29, 1864, at Chicago, Illinois, born in Williamson County

40th US Colored Infantry

• Swanson, Calvin, enlisted in the 40th US Colored Infantry Co A & F, on 16 Nov 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Davis, Edmund or Edward, enlisted in the 40th US Colored Infantry Co B, on 18 Jul 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Woods, Craig, enlisted in the 40th US Colored Infantry Co B, on 18 Jul 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Washington, Miles, enlisted in the 40th US Colored Infantry/ Co. B; transferred to 42nd US Colored Infantry on March 3, 1865 Co. I, on 18 Jul 1863, at Nashville, born in Williamson County 

42nd Colored Infantry

• Robinson, Wilson, enlisted in the 42nd Colored Infantry, Co C, on 20 Mar 1864, at Chattanooga, born in Williamson County 
• Potter, Amos, enlisted in the 42nd US Colored Infantry Co H/transferred from 15th US Colored Infantry, on 3 Dec 1863, at Columbia, born in Williamson County 

44th US Colored Infantry

• Norris, George, enlisted in the 44th US Colored Infantry Co B, on 16 Mar 1864, at Chattanooga, born in Williamson County
• Roberts, Harrison, enlisted in the 44th US Colored Infantry Co B, on 25 Mar 1864, at Chattanooga, born in Williamson County
• Scales, Granville, enlisted in the 44th US Colored Infantry Co B, on 25 Mar 1864, at Chattanooga, born in Williamson County
• Ridley, Martin, 44th US Colored Infantry Co H, on 14 Nov 1864, at Chattanooga, Williamson County
• Austin, Charles, enlisted in the 44th US Colored Infantry, Co B, on 16 Mar 1864, at Chattanooga, born in Williamson County
• Sawyer, Peter, enlisted in the 44th US Colored Infantry, Co. B, on 25 Mar 1864, at Chattanooga, born in Williamson County

46th US Colored Infantry

• Harris, Miley, enlisted in the 46th US Colored Infantry Co F, on 1 May 1863, at Helena, Arkansas, born in Williamson County
• Anderson, Isham , enlisted in the 46th US Colored Infantry, Co H [1st Regiment Arkansas Volunteer Infantry (African Descent)], on 1 May 1863, at Helena, Arkansas, born in Williamson County

47th US Colored Infantry

• Dougherty, Abram, enlisted in the 47th US Colored Infantry Co K, on 24 Feb 1864, at Vicksburg, born in Williamson County
• Wilson, Miles, enlisted in the 47th US Colored Infantry Co K, on 24 Feb 1864, at Vicksburg, born in Williamson County

49th US Colored Infantry

• Prophet, Moses Enlisted in the 49th US Colored Infantry Co F, on 6 Apr 1864, at Vicksburg, in Williamson County 

50th US Colored Infantry

• Ellis, William, enlisted in the 50th US Colored Infantry Co A, on 7 Jul 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi, born in Williamson 
• Ellison, Jerry, enlisted in the 50th US Colored Infantry Co A, on 7 Jul 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi, born in Williamson 
• Bonds, Henry, enlisted in the 50th US Colored Infantry Co A – later transferred to Co G, on 3 Oct 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi, born in Williamson 

51st US Colored Infantry

• Hinckley, Samuel [Hinkling], enlisted in the 51st US Colored Infantry, Co. F, on Nov. 30, 1864, at St. Louis, Mo, born in Williamson County? 
• Gordon, Alexander, enlisted in the 51st US Colored Infantry, Co.I, on 11 May 1865, at Providence, Alabama, born in Williamson County (Spring Hill)

53rd US Colored Infantry

• McGee, Columbus, enlisted in the 53rd US Colored Infantry Co F, on 18 Aug 1863, at Vicksburg, born in Williamson County
• Carter, Thornton, enlisted in the 53rd US Colored Infantry Co A, on Dec 4, 1863 at Millikens Bend, born in Franklin, Tennessee   

54th US Colored Infantry

• Shottle, Jeff, enlisted in the 54th US Colored Infantry Co B, on  24 Aug 1863 at Helena, Arkansas, born in Williamson County, Tennessee   

55th US Colored Infantry

• Adams, William, enlisted in the 55th US Colored Infantry Co Co. I, on 24 Aug 1863 at Pocahontas, Tennessee, born in Franklin, Tennessee
• Brown, George, enlisted in the 55th US Colored Infantry Co Co. I, on 19 Nov 1863, at Pocahontas, Tennessee, born in Williamson County
• Collyer, John [Collier?], enlisted in the 55th US Colored Infantry Co F, on 23 Feb 1864, at Memphis, born in Williamson County
• Dodson, John, enlisted in the 55th US Colored Infantry Co F, on 20 May 1863, at Corinth, Mississippi, born in Williamson County
• Carlton, Obed, enlisted in the 55th US Colored Infantry, Co. A, on 15 May 1863, at Corinth, Mississippi, born in Williamson County

63rd US Colored Infantry

• Powell, Parker enlisted in the 63rd US Colored Infantry, Co. H, on 15 Nov 1863, at Vickburg, Mississippi, born in Williamson County

100th US Colored Infantry

• Dubison, John Dubuisson?, enlisted in the 100th Colored Infantry, Co C., on Sept. 23, 1864, at Cincinnati, Ohio (substitute for Theodore Burnwell – drafted man), born in South Carolina – maybe Louisiana

111th US Colored Infantry

• Moore, James, enlisted in the 111th US Colored Infantry Co. I [originally 3rd Alabama Colored Infantry],on Feb. 1, 1864, at Columbia, Tennessee, born in Maury County [Thompsons Station]

Miscellaneous Infantry Units - In March 1863 the Conscription Act authorized the enlistment of men of African descent as undercooks in the Union Army. Undercooks assisted the designated company cook, often with tasks like food preparation, cleaning, and potentially other duties like carrying stretchers. They were paid $10 per month, with some portion potentially drawn in clothing and rations. While officially enlisted, they were not considered combatants. Some undercooks later advanced to roles like cook or even private, as their competence and the trust of their fellow soldiers grew.

• Pointer, David aka David Fleming, served as a cook for the white 113th Ohio, Co F, March 2, 1863, joined them while they were in Franklin and stayed with them until they mustered out back in Ohio. Folowing hte War, he returned to Williamson County where he married and started a family. In the 1870s he and his family were exodusters and moved to Fort Scott, Kansas.  He was involved in founding a GAR chapter there. When he died in 1922, his remains were buried in the Fort Scott National Cemetery with a military headstone. He received a pension for his service.
• Pointer, William aka William Haddox, served as a cook for the white 113th Ohio, Co F, March 2, 1863, joined them while they were in Franklin and stayed with them until they mustered out back in Ohio. Following the War, he moved to western Pennsylvania where he became a coal miner. He died there in 1913 and received a pension for his service.
• Stevenson, Jackson, served as a cook for the white 113th Ohio, Co F, March 2, 1863 (not formally enlisted), joined them while they were in Franklin and stayed with them until they mustered out back in Ohio. Following the war, he settled in Spring Hill and received a penson for his service. 
• Wade, Paul, Unknown (Teamster), enlisted in Aug 1861, born in Williamson County

Colored Cavalry Veterans

• Holmes, William, enlisted in the 5th Mass Cav (Colored) Co G (reported in Census as Co A), on Feb 17, 1864, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, born in Pennsylvania (later moved to Williamson County)
• Patton, Thomas (Patten/Pattin), enlisted in the 3rd US Colored Cavalry Co. M, on 6 Jan 1865, at Vicksburg, born in Williamson County
• Scales, William, enlisted in the 5th US Colored Cavalry Co A, on Sept. 14, 1864, at Louisville, born in Williamson County

Colored Artillery Veterans

2nd Regiment US Colored Light Artillery 

• Willington, Harvey , enlisted in the 2nd Regiment US Colored Light Artillery Battery A, on 4 Feb 1864, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Covington, Samuel, enlisted in the 2nd Regiment US Colored Light Artillery Battery A, on 16 Sep 1864, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Petway, Mack, enlisted in the 2nd Regiment US Colored Light Artillery Battery A, on 2 Apr 1864, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Walden, Richard (Richmond), enlisted in the 2nd Regiment US Colored Light Artillery Battery C, on 26 Oct 1863, at the Black River Bridge, Mississippi, born in Williamson County
• Cooper, Galloway, enlisted in the 2nd Regiment US Colored Light Artillery Battery E, on Jan 29, 1864, at Helena, Arkansas, born in Franklin, Tenn. (one record says Franklin Co) 
• Battle, Peter, enlisted in the 2nd Regiment US Colored Light Artillery, Battery A , on 2 Apr 1864, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Berry, Henry, enlisted in the 2nd Regiment US Colored Light Artillery, Battery A, on 2 Apr 1864, at Nashville, born in Williamson County
• Carter, Alfred (Albert), enlisted in the 2nd Regiment US Colored Light Artillery, Battery E C?, on 9 Feb 1864, at Helena, Arkansas, born in Williamson County

1st US Colored Heavy Artillery

• Roberts, James, enlisted in the 1st US Colored Heavy Artillery Co C, on 28 Jan 1864, at Knoxville, born in Williamson County
• Winston, John, enlisted in the 1st US Colored Heavy Artillery Co C, on 24 Feb 1864, at Knoxville, born in Williamson County
• Preston, Ballard, enlisted in the 1st US Colored Heavy Artillery Co F, on 24 Mar 1864, at Knoxville, Tennessee, born in Williamson County
• Wilkins, Jordan, enlisted in the 1st US Colored Heavy Artillery Co G, on 6 May 1864, at Knoxville, born in Williamson County
• Baker, William, enlisted in the 1st US Colored Heavy Artillery Co M, on 14 Oct 1864, at Knoxville, born in Williamson County

3rd US Colored Heavy Artillery

• Allen, Samuel, enlisted in the 3rd US Colored Heavy Artillery Co A; later became Co. I 3 Reg’t US Col’d Heavy Artillery, on 10 Sep 1863, at Memphis (Ft. Pickering), born in Williamson County
• Harris, USA (Asa), enlisted in the 3rd US Colored Heavy Artillery Co B, on 5 Jun 1863, at Memphis (Ft. Pickering), born in Williamson County
• Pillard, Ellick (Alex Pollard?), enlisted in the 3rd US Colored Heavy Artillery Co B, on 5 Jun 1863, at Memphis (Ft. Pickering), born in Williamson County
• Horton, Samuel, enlisted in the 3rd US Colored Heavy Artillery Co D, on 31 Jan 1865, at Memphis, born in Williamson County
• Barnes, John, enlisted in the 3rd US Colored Heavy Artillery Co G, on 25 Jul 1863, at Corinth, Mississippi, born in Williamson County
• Dickinson, Abram, enlisted in the 3rd US Colored Heavy Artillery Co I, on 19 Jan 1865, at Memphis, born in Williamson County
• Dodson, Littleton (Dolson?), enlisted in the 3rd US Colored Heavy Artillery Co K, on Nov. 18 1863, at Memphis (Ft. Pickering), born in Williamson County
• Jordan, John, enlisted in the 3rd US Colored Heavy Artillery Co K, on 18 Nov 1863, at Memphis (Ft. Pickering), born in Williamson County
• Prophet, Moses, enlisted in the 3rd US Colored Heavy Artillery Co K, 18 Nov 1863 on 6 Apr 1864, at Memphis (Ft. Pickering), born in Williamson County
• Crockett, Pierson, enlisted in the 3rd US Colored Heavy Artillery Co M, on 22 Dec 1863, at Memphis, born in Williamson County
• Buford, Thomas (spelled Beauford), enlisted in the 3rd US Colored Heavy Artillery Co. E , on 31 Jul 1863, at Ft. Pickering (Memphis), born in Williamson County
• Barnes, Osmond, enlisted in the 3rd US Colored Heavy Artillery, Co G, on 25 Jul 1863, at Jackson, Tennessee, born in Williamson County

4th US Colored Heavy Artillery

• Barnes, Samuel, enlisted in the 4th US Colored Heavy Artillery Co A, on 5 Aug 1863, at Columbus, Kentucky, born in Williamson County
• Pascall, Caswell, enlisted in the 4th US Colored Heavy Artillery Co B, on 26 Oct 1864, at Columbus, Kentucky, born in Williamson County
• Irwing, William A., enlisted in the 4th US Colored Heavy Artillery Co C, on 21 Jun 1863, at Columbus, Kentucky , born in Williamson County
• Giles, William, enlisted in the 4th US Colored Heavy Artillery Co F, on 24 Aug 1863, at Columbus, Kentucky, born in Williamson County
• Henry, William, enlisted in the 4th US Colored Heavy Artillery Co F, on 10 Sep 1863, at Columbus, Kentucky (perhaps Fort Pillow?), born in Williamson County
• Sharp, Davie, enlisted in the 4th US Colored Heavy Artillery Co K, on 19 Dec 1863, at Columbus, Kentucky , born in Williamson County
• Halfacre, George, enlisted in the 4th US Colored Heavy Artillery Co L, on 25 Jan 1864, at Columbus, Kentucky, born in Williamson County
• Hawkins, Albert, enlisted in the 4th US Colored Heavy Artillery Co L, on 10 Jan 1864, at Columbus, Kentucky, born in Williamson County
• Stevens, Anthony, enlisted in the 4th US Colored Heavy Artillery Co L, on 14 Mar 1864, at Columbus, Kentucky, born in Williamson County

5th US Colored Heavy Artillery

• Draper, Anderson, enlisted in the 5th US Colored Heavy Artillery Co H, on 10 Feb 1865, at Lima, Ohio, born in Williamson County

8th US Colored Heavy Artillery

• Cook, Benjamin, enlisted in the 8th US Colored Heavy Artillery Co A, on 28 Jan 1864, at Paducah, Kentucky, born in Williamson County
• Gordon, James, enlisted in the 8th US Colored Heavy Artillery Co A, on 14 Sep 1864, at Paducah, Kentucky, born in Williamson County
• Bell, Thompson, enlisted in the 8th US Colored Heavy Artillery, Co A, on 21 Jan 1864, at Paducah, Kentucky, born in Williamson County

12th US Colored Heavy Artillery

• Reese, Louise, enlisted in the 12th US Colored Heavy Artillery Co M, on 18 Jan 1865, in Cleveland, Ohio, born in Brentwood, Tennessee 

13th US Colored Heavy Artillery

• Stone, John, enlisted in the 13th US Colored Heavy Artillery Co B, on 18 Jan 1865, at Smithland, Kentucky (location of the Union’s Fort Star) -5th Ill Dist., born in Williamson County 

US Navy

• Jones, William, US Navy, enlisted on 1864.12.21, at Cairo, Illinois, born in Franklin, TN 
• Sharp, Anderson, US Navy, enlisted on 1862.3.18, at New York, born in Franklin, TN 
• Bostick, Burton “Bostwick”, US Navy , enlisted on 1863.1.4, aboard the "Gen. Bragg"/ Memphis, born in Williamson County
• Bostick, Douglas or Dudley, US Navy , enlisted on 1863.1.4, aboard the "Gen. Bragg"/ Memphis, born in Williamson County
• Bostick, Harding “Harden Bostwick”, US Navy , enlisted on 1863.1.4,aboard the "Gen. Bragg"/ Memphis, born in Williamson  County
• Bostick, Stephen, US Navy , enlisted on1863.1.4, aboard the "Gen. Bragg"/ Memphis, born in Williamson County
• Bostick, William J., US Navy , enlisted on 1863.1.4, aboard the "Gen. Bragg"/ Memphis, born in Williamson County
• Hender, Isaac, US Navy, enlisted on 1864.6.16, at Bridgeport AL, born in Williamson 
• Cannon , Warren, US Navy –USS Key West, enlisted on1863.3.26, at Cairo, Illinois, born in Williamson County
• Baugh, Anthony, US Navy, enlisted aboard the USS Reindeer on1863.11.15, in Nashville, born in Williamson County (Franklin) 
• Brown, Louis, US Navy, served aboard the USS Black Hawk, enlisted on1863.1.10, at the Arkansas River, born in Spring Hill, TN 
• Johnson, Jerry , US Navy, served aboard the USS Prairie Bird, enlisted on 1864.2.22, at the French Bend, MS, born in Franklin, TN 
• Mason , Peter Aka Peter Overstreet -owned by Isaac Hilliard, US Navy – served aboard the, USS Red Rover (floating hospital ship) and USS Clara Dolsen, enlisted on1862.12.20, at Cairo, Illinois, born in Williamson County
• Dotson , Joseph (Joe), US Navy,served aboard the USS Reindeer, enlisted on 1863.11.15, in Nashville, born in Williamson County

African American Men from Williamson County who 
Served the Confederate Army during the Civil War as Body Servants

Another group of men that I have researched were taken to war by Confederate forces as body servants or laborers.  These men did not enlist and do not have military records. I have included their information here as well.  In most cases, I found their names through pensions given to Confederate cooks and laborers in the 1920s by the state of Tennessee. In a few cases, I included their names because others have identified them as being from Williamson County.  In some instances, I have tried to research those men and have been unsuccessful in identifying their ties to Williamson County - however, I have kept them on the list because I may not be privy to research that other have that led them to identify them initially as being from Williamson County - in those cases I have noted it below. 

• Charles Cannon served with the 154th Tennessee Infantry from Williamson County
• James Gentry served with the 17th Tennessee Infantry from Williamson County (College Grove) 
• Osborne Cunningham served with the 1st Tenn. Infantry Co. D. from Williamson County 
• Ephraim Otey served with the 1st Tenn. Quartermaster's Dept., from Virginia 
• Felix Goodrum served with the 1st Tenn. Reg., Forrest’s Cavalry 
• Harrison Summer served with the 1st Tennessee Infantry (Williamson Grays) 
• Jack Crutcher served with the 20th Tenn. Inf. Co. D – Rucker’s Company, Battle’s Regiment? From Williamson County
• Silas Newsom [Newcome?] served with the 20th Tennessee Infantry, from Davidson County
• Green Carothers served with the 20th Tennessee Infantry Co H from Franklin, Williamson County
• Bob Battle served with the 20th Tennessee Infantry Co. B, from Williamson County (Nolensville) 
• Reuben Battle served with the 20th Tennessee Infantry Co. B, from Williamson County (Nolensville); he died in May 1903
• Bill King served with the 20th Tennessee Infantry Co. B, from Williamson County  Nolensville]; this picture of him has survived; he died in February 1910
• Stephen Claybrooke served with the 20th Tennessee Infantry Company D? 
• Sol House served with the 22nd Tennessee Cavalry (Barteau’s), from Williamson County
• John Parish[Parrish?] served with the 2nd Tennessee Cavalry Co. F, from Williamson County
• James Howard served with the 3rd Tenn. Inf. From Maury County? 
• Mack Dabney served with the 3rd Tennessee Infantry – Statement says he served in Co E, served with S.D. and George Dabney from Hoods Raid, 11th Tenn. Cavalry Surrendered at Gainesville, Alabama May 8th, 1865 from Giles County (he appears on others’ research as being from Williamson County, but it doesn’t appear to my research that he lived in Williamson County) 
• Peter Hyde served with 45th Tennessee Infantry, Co D perhaps from near Triune 
• Charlie Whiteside served with the 48th Tennessee Infantry [statement from Mrs. M.A. Beakly: he would be sent home at times to look after the children and she knows he was faithful and true to the south, that the helped to feed the soldiers, shod horses for the soldiers and was loyal always helped scouting parties] from Williamson County
• Henry Church served with the 48th Tennessee Infantry, Co. K from Maury County
• John Maston Fitzgerald served with the 48th Tennessee Infantry, Company A, Voorhies [Not sure he qualifies as from Williamson County] from Maury County
• John Briggs served with the 4th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry (McLemore’s) 
• Daniel McLemore served with the 4th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry (McLemore’s) 
• Ike Norris served with the 4th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry (McLemore’s) 
• Hardin Starnes served with the 4th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry (McLemore’s) from Williamson County
• Charles (Charlie) House served with the 4th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry (McLemore’s) – General Starnes 
• Robert Bruce Patton served with the 4th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry (McLemore’s), Co F from Williamson County
• Tom Johnson served with the 50th Tenn Infantry, Capt. Sugg’s company from Robinson County 
• Taylor Kinnon [Kinnard, Taylor?] 54th Tenn. Inf. Co K - Multiple pension applications, including #227 One note states that he and “three others” ran away one night in the early part of the war to the Yankees. But other statements to the contrary; can’t find anyone by this name as a USCT] from Bedford County; not sure why he’s on the list – can’t find any Williamson County ties
• William Buford served with the 9th Tennessee Infantry – Captain Head’s Company from Williamson County 
• William Johnson served with Capt. White's Battery, [Horse Artillery, served in Wharton’s and Forrest’s Cavalry Brigade, and Hamilton’s Battalion, Wheeler’s Cavalry Corps] from Williamson 
• Frank Russell served with Forrest's Escort Jacksons Cav Co from Bedford County 
• Booker Hunter served with Gen? Capt. Preston Smith's Staff from Williamson County
• John Terrell served with Gen. Chalmer’s Escort 
• John Briggs served with Gen. Starnes 
• Blunt Tullus served with Gen. Starnes 
• Luke Hays served with an unknown organization, from Williamson County
• George Adam Conn, Quartermaster Hawes Brigade, from Williamson County

Rest in peace gentlemen.  Thank you for your service.

Lecture - Race and Reconciliation: A Conversation for Consideration on Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Please consider attending this very special event being held at the Historic Franklin Masonic Hall on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 6pm. Come willing to converse in an open and honest dialogue with historians and community members on the ideas of Race and Reconciliation in Franklin and the United States. I will be discussing the journey that African Americans took during the Civil War from slaves to soldiers -- the path from field hands and house slaves, to contrabands and run aways, to soldiers and camp slaves, and ultimately to freedmen. We hope to encourage others to want to learn more, ask questions, and begin the conversation!



The Historic Franklin Masonic Hall in Franklin, Tennessee, will host the lecture series Race and Reconciliation: A Conversation for Consideration, on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at 6 o’clock. Three local historians and community activists will come together to converse and candidly discuss the issues surrounding race and reconciliation from the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement.

The Historic Franklin Masonic Hall cordially invites the community to attend. Along with Rachael Finch, Preservation Consultant for the Historic Franklin Masonic Hall and Principal of Engage Preservation Consulting, guest speakers will include Ms. Pearl Bransford, Alderman At Large for the City of Franklin and Community Activist and Ms. Tina Cahalan Jones, lawyer, historian and blogger, specializing in the research on former slaves who joined the United States Colored Troops from Williamson County, Tennessee. The conversation will focus on Franklin and Williamson County’s significant ties to difficult history, speak frankly on its history and discuss new methodologies for educating the public on the under-served and often misunderstood parts of our history.

Prior to the lecture, coffee and light refreshments will be served beginning at 6pm and the discussion will follow promptly at 6:30pm. The speakers will welcome questions from the audience attendees. The lecture series is free and open to the public.


UPDATE!

We had a great response to our lecture and both the Tennessean and the Williamson Herald covered our program --

WILLIAMSON HERALD
Local historians tell the stories of Williamson County slaves who became soldiers

By Susannah Marley • Staff Writer | Posted: Thursday, November 17, 2016 4:52 pm


Slave to Soldier

Preservation Consultant for the Historic Franklin Masonic Hall Rachael Finch, Franklin Alderman-At-Large Pearl Bransford, and historian Tina Calahan Jones answer audience questions after their presentation.

Community members were treated to a free lecture from historians and community activists on the experience of the African American soldier during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods on Wednesday evening at the Historic Franklin Masonic Hall.

Franklin Alderman-At-Large Pearl Bransford, Preservation Consultant for the Historic Franklin Masonic Hall and Principal of Engage Preservation Consulting Rachael Finch, and blogger, historian, and lawyer Tina Calahan Jones told attendees of how more than 300 slaves from Williamson County joined the Confederate and Federal troops on the battlefields of the Civil War.

According to Finch, there were more than 12,000 slaves in Williamson County before the Civil War and more than 275,000 in Tennessee.

“As we start to examine the Civil War with new eyes, especially after passing the 150th commemoration…it’s important to start moving beyond [asking] who was the architect of the Masonic Hall or St. Paul’s [Episcopal Church] and really start to focus on who were the builders? Who actually built these buildings for the public use?” Finch said.

According to Jones, who specializes in research of former slaves who joined the United States Colored Troops from Williamson County, the Emancipation Proclamation provided African American men with the opportunity to become soldiers in the United States armed services. 284 men from Williamson County were among the thousands of former slaves who entered the United States military during the war. 271 entered the infantry, artillery, cavalry units, and 13 served in the Navy.

Jones said she had a much harder time researching African American men from Williamson County in the Confederate Army. So far, she has found 38 men who were “body servants” during the war.

“These were not soldiers,” Jones said.

“They were taken to the war by their owners. They were not armed, they were cooks, they cleaned clothes, and they took care of the horses. There are no real records about these men, they don’t really appear in the military records.”

Jones thanked the “magic of the Internet” for helping her track down these men.

Jones told the stories of Osborn Cunningham, a body servant in the Confederate Army. After his owner surrendered at the end of the war, Cunningham returned to Williamson County. Jones said she lost track of him for a time because he did not show up on the 1870 census, the first census where African Americans were listed as citizens, not property. Jones finally found record of him filing a marriage certificate in the Franklin Courthouse, as well as in the 1880 census where he and his wife were listed as domestic servants and living in Franklin.

Jones also told the story of Freeman Thomas who joined the United States Colored Infantry. Thomas was a former slave and Civil War soldier who was interviewed by Fisk University students. He told his interviewers a story of fighting in the Battle of Nashville. On his furlough, he went to see his mistress, Mrs. Carothers, in Williamson County. Carothers, though glad to see Thomas, reminded him of the time when he was a sick child and how she took him into her house and nursed him back to health.

“Now you are fighting me,” Carothers said.

“I said ‘No, I ain’t fighting you, I’m fighting to get free,’” Thomas said.

Thomas survived the war, returned to Williamson County, where he lived and worked on Harlinsdale Farm, eventually building a house on Church Street.

Jones said that U.S. Colored Infantry soldiers were given equal pay to that of their white counterparts and that no U.S. Colored Infantry troops fought in the Battle of Franklin.

Of these 284 Union soldiers from Williamson County, Finch said five became prisoners of war, four were wounded, 10 were killed in action, 47 died of disease, and three died of other causes such as drowning. 50 percent of these men have unmarked graves.

“We want to realize the long road,” Finch said.

“These slaves knew what the cost of freedom was going to cost them.”

Finch also told the trials of slaves to ran to contraband camps as the war began.

“These camps were essentially refugee camps,” Jones said.

“These camps were dangerous, dirty, and disease ridden,” Finch said.

“Many of these slaves running away to these camps lost their lives in these camps due to camp diseases. Then they become soldiers. They’re given a new identity. There’s hope…they’re being recognized for who they are. They’re not just someone’s property, they are their own person.”

“Lincoln said it best in the Getty’sburg Address,” Finch said.

“272 words and he said so much, it was so powerful. The one phrase that stands out to me is when he says, ‘This is going to be a new birth of freedom.’ If you read the Gettysburg Address and you really digest the first sentence, ‘Fourscore and seven years ago, our founding fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation conceived in liberty,’ he is referencing the Declaration of Independence where all men are created equal. Towards the end, he says, ‘This country will birth a new freedom.’ That is the freedom of the end of slavery, the abolition, and of owning people as property as we know it.”

And from THE TENNESSEAN -  Franklin series looks at race and reconciliation history
Jordan Buie , jbuie@tennessean.com 10:24 p.m. CST November 16, 2016

At the heart of the American Civil War was the institution of slavery, and in towns like Franklin, where plantations were abundant, so were slaves.

But oftentimes their stories are lost, buried in the background behind tales of battles, generals and wealthy plantation owners.

This is one reason three Franklin women came together to educate the public on “the other histories” that regularly go untold.

“We have decided to look beyond the buildings themselves and instead to who built the buildings,” said Rachael Finch, who along with Tina Calahan Jones and alderman-at-large Pearl Bransford will hold panel discussions in the historic Masonic Hall in Franklin.

The discussions will focus on the hard-fought battles for unity and equality among various groups that date back to treaties with the Chickasaw Indians.

The women have various backgrounds in history, politics and social action.

Wednesday night, about 40 Franklin residents heard the story of the Civil War through the census records and quotes of men and women who were born slaves and died free.

For many, the night had a particular significance because the walls themselves contributed to the history.

“Think just for a minute that men could have walked into this building as slaves and walked out as U.S. Army privates,” Finch said of the Masonic Hall. The building was used as a hospital during the Battle of Franklin and later as an enlistment spot.

Those gathered heard the stories of “contraband camps,” referring to the names for African-American refugees during the war.

“Forty percent of all Union troops fighting in Tennessee during the war were African-American,” Jones said.

Stories of those like Freeman Thompson reflected the complicated struggle between the races as the institution of slavery crumbled.

“No’m, I ain’t fighting you. I’m fighting to get free,” Thompson told his female owner.

Bransford said the series began because she, Finch and Jones realized they each had a piece of history they wanted to share.

Reach Jordan Buie on Twitter @jordanbuie.

Also - while I'm at it -- my Veterans' Day post was covered by the Tennessean with a really nice feature article and I so appreciate that these brave men are getting some recognition!








A ‘rabbit hole of research’

RAY HOWZE

RHOWZE@TENNESSEAN.COM

At the beginning of the Civil War, there were as many as 12,000 slaves in Williamson County. Many went on to fight in the war but their connections to the county have not been thoroughly documented.

Christina Jones, a Franklin resident and co-chair of the Historic Committee for the local African-American Heritage Society, wants to change that.

Jones has been researching for months to try and chronicle where the slaves went during the war and which served for the Union or Confederacy. She’s looked through thousands of military records to determine who was born in Williamson County or which ones either fought here or ended up staying in the county.

On Friday, in conjunction with Veterans Day, Jones plans to release the names she’s discovered since she started the research earlier this year. The names are those of black slaves who served in the Civil War in some capacity and have a connection to Williamson County.

“I found this online and it mentioned that there were only three US Colored Troops and Navy veterans from Williamson County,” Jones said. “I thought that number seemed really low.

“I’ve been doing African-American genealogy research for six or seven years and I just completely fell down this rabbit hole of research.”

The US Army regiment from the Civil War consisting of mostly African-Americans was known as the United States Colored Troops.

Jones’ research started while working with her church outreach program that works with many low-income African- American senior citizens. Jones helped them trace their ancestry and someone finally asked her about any Civil War connections.

Jones publishes her research updates on her blog at usctwillcotn.blogspot.com , which is also where you can find the names. In total, she has found 284 names but knows there’s more out there. She hasn’t been able to go through all the records because they’re not all digitized andshe said she’d have to travel to Washington, D.C., or Atlanta to look at other records.

“If they were born in Williamson or served in Williamson, I put them in,” Jones said. “Or if I can find some other record that said they went to war with a unit and later lived here, I’ll include it.”

Eventually, Jones said she’d like to create a sponsorship program for people to donate pavers at the Veterans Park in downtown Franklin with each of their names. Some of the names she’s found were either killed in action or given unmarked graves. She hopes to raise about $26,000 for all the pavers. Each costs $65 to have their name engraved and installed. She’d also like to create a database online so the public can click on their records and see their connections for Franklin and the area.

“I feel like this is part of Franklin’s history,” Jones said. “It’s not that it’s forgotten but it’s never been known before and I feel like Franklin and Williamson County would love to know this.”

Jones will also be speaking Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Masonic Hall at 115 2nd Ave. South along with Franklin Alderman Pearl Bransford and Rachel Finch, another historian with Engage Preservation Consulting, for a talk titled “Race and Reconciliation: A Conversation for Consideration.”

Reach Ray Howze at 615-664-2251 or on Twitter @rayhowze1.