Mothers of Invention

Jenna,
You are right. My grandfather joined the union in Alabama (although he lived in Dickson County, Tennessee) fought in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Tennessee. He was then sent to Texas where he was demobbed. He then had no way home. It was a hard gig back then, no doubt.

[johan_steele]

You might be suprised how many Union Regiments rode the rails, steamship & steamboats home. Most traveled home as Regiments (to where they were mustered in the first place) and THEN were discharged either purchasing their kit or turning it in to the State armory. That still left a walk home, which could easily be the other side of the state.

Aphillbilly, you might want to check Dyers for your G Grandfathers unit history... I wasn't aware of any units (off the top of my head anyway) being mustered out except in their Regiment or battery home state.

(Message edited by johan steele on September 28, 2004)

[jenna]

No Shane that doesn't surprise me at all. The North had way more miles of track then the South did, and with Sherman destroying what he could of the Southern railroad on his way to the sea, that even left less. And if you think about it, Lincoln's funeral train made it all the way to Illinois, so that would make sence that allot of Union men got a ride home.

Like I have said before Tommy, you have a very rich family history. Very interesting to hear.

Jenna