Looking to identify which William was mine

[lisa81079]

My great great grandfather William Prince born in 1813 in GA and lived in Independence Co, AR during the war. I believe that his son (also William Prince born in TN about 1840-1842) served for sure in the conflict. The problem is that there are so many William Prince's in AR alone and more elsewhere that served in the war. I know that they lived in the Batesville, AR area. I have never seen any info that the older William served in the war but he was only 49 years old and I know of no heath reason or handicap that would have kept him from doing so. Can anyone help me find out about MY two William Prince in the civil war? Thanks, Lisa

 

[chellers]

Welcome to CivilWarTalk and good luck with your search.

 

[MRB1863]

Hello and welcome from 35 miles north of Gettysburg!

 

[CMWinkler]

Welcome

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

My great great grandfather William Prince born in 1813 in GA and lived in Independence Co, AR during the war. I believe that his son (also William Prince born in TN about 1840-1842) served for sure in the conflict. The problem is that there are so many William Prince's in AR alone and more elsewhere that served in the war. I know that they lived in the Batesville, AR area. I have never seen any info that the older William served in the war but he was only 49 years old and I know of no heath reason or handicap that would have kept him from doing so. Can anyone help me find out about MY two William Prince in the civil war? Thanks, Lisa

Welcome, Do you know if William Jr. survived the Civil War ? I count 4 Confederate soldiers named William Prince in Arkansas Units. I agree William Sr. probably didn't serve because of his age. You mentioned they lived in Batesville. The northwest part of Arkansas had strong Union sentiment. There is a William J. (Junior ?) Prince listed as part of a Union six month unit organized 7/20/1862 and mustered out 12/31/1862. Just a theory, but it might point you in the right direction.

William J. Prince

Residence was not listed; 19 years old.

Enlisted on 6/10/1862 at Batesville, AR as a Private.

On 6/10/1862 he mustered into "B" Co. Arkansas 1st Battalion Union Infantry
He died of disease on 9/30/1862 at Helena, AR
..............................................................................................................
First Battalion Six Months Arkansas
Union Infantry

Historical Memoranda

From Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Arkansas
by Albert W. Bishop, Adjutant General of Arkansas, 1867

On the march of General Curtis from northwestern Arkansas
to Helena in 1862 several hundred of the loyal citizens of the
State joined the army at Batesville. The following extract of
a letter from Hon. C. C. Bliss, late lieutenant governor of
the State, and who was himself connected with them, gives an
account of their organization:

"A few days after the arrival of the federal army in
Batesville, in the spring of 1862, H. V. Gray, a loyalist from
Black River township, in Independence County, with about forty
of his neighbors, who, with others to the number of one
hundred or upwards, had previously banded themselves together
to resist, by force, if need be, attempts to urge them into
the rebel service, made their appearance at the headquarters
of General Curtis, and tendered their services to the
government. Captain Gray requested permission to recruit for a
regiment of six-months men. A few months previous to this he
came near losing his life at the hands of a mob, but a short
distance from where headquarters then were, for saying that if
he did any fighting during the contest it would be under the
stars and stripes. This circumstance, with others showing the
determined bravery and persistent loyalty of himself and
associates so challenged the respect and admiration of the
commanding general that he complied with the request,
notwithstanding he then had no authority from the War
Department to recruit six-months men. Afterwards authority was
given to Pleasant Turney, of Independence, and L. D. Toney, of
Izard County to recruit. In June Thomas S. Williams and George
Galloway came into the lines from Conway County, each with
about thirty men. They had organized some time previously, in
like manner with the people of Black River township, for self
defense, and were compelled to flee to the army, be killed, or
go into the rebel service. Men recruited under the authority
referred to, residing within the lines, remained at home until
the last of June, no authority having been given for their
muster in.

"On the last day of June, very unexpectedly to the
people, General Curtis moved down White River. These recruits,
with many other persons obnoxious to those in rebellion, left
with the army, and so sudden and unexpected was the leaving
that men about their daily avocations a short distance from
home, on learning that the army was in motion, left without
returning to say farewell to their families or procure a
change of clothing. All believed the country was to be held,
and that they were not again to be subjected to rebel violence
and oppression. In this they were mistaken.

"On the arrival of the army at Helena, these recruits,
with others who had been compelled to leave their homes, were
mustered and organized into a battalion of infantry, of which
J. C. Bundy was appointed lieutenant colonel. They had
expected to be permitted to mount themselves, and for this
purpose, on leaving, as well as to prevent their rebel
neighbors from getting them, had taken their horses. This they
were denied, and not being allowed either to forage upon the
country or draw forage from the quartermaster's department,
some of their animals died, and the remainder were sold for a
trifle or given away. Anxiety concerning their families, who
were suffering every indignity at the hands of their enemies,
and could be heard from only after uncertain and long
intervals; inactivity in camp, loss of property, and
disappointment in not seeing their State seized and held by
the strong arm of military power, so aggravated diseases
prevailing in camp that in October there were not sufficient
men in health for camp duty. In this condition they were
ordered to St. Louis, and sent to Benton barracks, where they
remained until their muster out on the 31st day of December,
1862. During the six months nearly one hundred and fifty died
from disease, including Captains Gray and Turney and Lieut.
Clark.

"It is worthy of note that this battalion was composed
mostly of men who had banded themselves together to resist the
cause of treason before federal troops entered the State.

"Very truly, your obedient servant,

C. C. BLISS"

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Welcome from South Mississippi.

I understand your frustration, I hope the members will be able to help you.

 

[Patrick H]

Hi, Lisa. Welcome from MIssouri.

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

My great great grandfather William Prince born in 1813 in GA and lived in Independence Co, AR during the war. I believe that his son (also William Prince born in TN about 1840-1842) served for sure in the conflict. The problem is that there are so many William Prince's in AR alone and more elsewhere that served in the war. I know that they lived in the Batesville, AR area. I have never seen any info that the older William served in the war but he was only 49 years old and I know of no heath reason or handicap that would have kept him from doing so. Can anyone help me find out about MY two William Prince in the civil war? Thanks, Lisa

Dug a little deeper and found this, relative of your William Sr. ????

Larkin H. Prince

Residence was not listed; 43 years old.

Enlisted on 6/10/1862 at Batesville, AR as a Sergeant.

On 6/10/1862 he mustered into "B" Co. AR 1st Battalion Union Infantry
He died of disease on 9/25/1862 at Helena, AR