Farriers-Questions About Keeping the Cavalry Afoot

[OParks]

I am curious about anything related to the farriers. My ancestor was one of two farriers in his company. Know of any good resources that talk specifically about their duties? From my understanding, they shod the horses, but also handled other maintenance duties. Hit me with what you know! Broad answers as well as tiny details are appreciated!

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

You're timely! We've just had a few threads on farriers and a member whose ancestor was also a farrier, a member who literally wrote the book on era blacksmithing and another who does barefoot work currently as well. Hang on- will find some links! From what I've been able to see ( from other members ) they seem to have done the obvious metal repairs smiths would do, if that's what you mean? Wagons, wheels, etc.

Ok, a swift search only found 2 and I know there are a ton more- I'll call some members who will be better at finding threads! @unicornforge , @EJ Zander @damYankee .please?

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/for-want-of-a-nail-when-armies-needed-four-legs-and-a-lot-of-them.174071/

Posted this in the Photo Forum and had some terrific replies.

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/support-services-blacksmith.115632/#post-1158730

I think this thread has the most comprehensive information on what they did, who did it, etc.

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/my-new-book-called-civil-war-blacksmithing.21188/#post-263781

 

[drezac]

artillery would have artificers - they were frequently jack of all trades, doing the work of a farrier, blacksmith, harness maker, wheelwright, and carpenter - any skills needed to keep the battery in operation. I would suspect that cavalry would be similar, other than only needing the work of a farrier and harness maker. For artillery, they would have a battery wagon and forge to carry the supplies they needed. The Forges were quite interesting. Per Regulations, the limber for the forge would carry the supplies needed. Regulations specified the exact dimensions of all the containers, and they would fit in the limber like a puzzle so there was no wasted space. The artificers in a mounted battery were also explicitly instructed to ride during a march, as their duties began when the rest of the batteries duties ended.

 

[Rhea Cole]

I would recommend the The Cavalry from the ten volume Photographic History of the Civil War. Not only are the images a unique resource, but the articles that accompany them are excellent. There is the best depiction of the Union remount system that I am aware of.

 

[Iowa Miss]

The Traveling Forge

A traveling forge, when combined with a limber, comprised wagons specifically designed and constructed as blacksmith shops on wheels to carry the essential equipment necessary for blacksmiths,...

www.starkvillecivilwararsenal.com

The above is a link to photos and video of a traveling forge courtesy of the Starkville Civil War Arsenal, Starkville, MS.
There might be prior posts regarding these photos and video.

 

[OParks]

I would recommend the The Cavalry from the ten volume Photographic History of the Civil War. Not only are the images a unique resource, but the articles that accompany them are excellent. There is the best depiction of the Union remount system that I am aware of.

Thank you for the recommendation! I was able to find it for free on archive.org! I'm excited to dig in! https://archive.org/details/photographichist04mill_0