East Tennessee Roots
Major
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2010
- Location
- Kingsport, Tennessee
The Civil War in east Tennessee divided many families. The Kirk family of Greene County, (home of Andrew Johnson), was very much united in their support of the Union. Father, Alexander Kirk appears in a civilian coat with his five sons, all soldiers for the Union. The better-known George W. Kirk is seated far right, with his hand inside his jacket. He briefly served in the Union 1st Tennessee Cavalry after deserting the Confederates. Some believe he may actually have fought at 1st Bull Run as a Confederate soldier. General John Schofield authorized Kirk to recruit the 2nd and 3rd NC Mounted Infantry in 1863. His guerrilla bands were probably the most feared by loyal Confederates in the east Tennessee / western NC mountains.
James Kirk stands in the center. He served as a 1st Lieutenant in Co. D 8th Tennessee Cavalry.
Seated on the far left of the photo is brother John Kirk, 24 year-old Captain of Company D 8th Tennessee Cavalry. John died in 1910 in Sullivan County, Indiana.
Standing back left is young Francis who served under George, along with William, who was Captain of Co.D, 3rd NC Mounted Infantry. William was bedridden, no doubt recuperating from a wound received in late December, 1864, that required the amputation of his right leg.
On December 9, 1864, the Third NC.left Knoxville on a scout into upper East Tennessee. On December 29th, they engaged a body of about 400 Confederate infantry and cavalry under the command of Col. James Keith at Red Banks of Chucky near the North Carolina line. (With Keith in command, no doubt a portion of this body was the 64th North Carolina.) Col. Kirk reported 73 Rebels killed and 32 captured, with his own casualties limited to three wounded, one being his brother. They returned to Knoxville on January 14, 1865.
George W. Kirk