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Samuel A. Sisler, my great-grandfather (one of fifteen children) joined the "Union West Virginia Volunteers" in Albrightville, (Portland District) Virginia on July 4, 1861. This was in the midst of voting on the "Ordinance of Secession" whereby Virginia would no longer be a part of the Union. Fifty counties would later become the state of West Virginia. Samuel enlisted on July 4, 1961 at age 22 and was a Private in Capt. Snider's Company A, 7th Regiment, West Virginia Infantry. He was mustered in July 16, 1861 at Portland, WVa. The Company Muster Roll shows that in Nov. 1861 he was "on extra duty at Quarter Masters Dept.". He was "Appointed Corporal June 9, 1862". He was "On detatched duty in Division's Ammunition Train", beginning in Nov. 1862. He was mustered out Aug. 10, 1864 "by reason of expiration of term of service". The Detachment Muster-out Roll showed he was owed $17.76 for clothing account and due pay of $100.00.
When he applied for a disability pension in 1883 it reads: "Disabled by rheumatism contracted at Harper's Ferry, Va." A letter under the heading "War Department, Adjustant General's Office", it states "....sick in Mount Pleasant Hospital, Washington, D.C. September or October '62...."
According to the internet site "7th Regiment, West Virginia Infantry", the Regiment has been called that state's banner regiment. Nicknamed the "Bloody Seventh", it fought in more battles and suffered more losses than any other regiment from West Virginia.
Major battles or skirmishes during Samuel's three years in service include: Port Republic, South Mountain, Md., Fredericksburg, Va., Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe Campaign, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, the "Bloody Angle", North Anna River, Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Jerusalem Plank Road. |
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