OKGenWeb Project

Military Records of McCurtain County OKGenWeb Project

Confederate Veterans


WRAY, CAPT. W. S.

Capt. W. S. Wray was born in Orange County, North Carolina in 1844 and while a boy his family moved to Tennessee and settled near the old Shiloh Church, afterwards made famous by the Battle of Shiloh, fought between the armies of the Civil War. Capt. Ray left McNairy County, Tenn. with the first Confederate company organized there, while he was not yet 17. His command was the 15th Tennessee Regiment Infantry. His first service was in Tennessee, Missouri, and Kentucky, engaged in the battles of Belmont and Shiloh. Later, he was placed under Capt. Smith as a scout and served with that officer in West Tennessee for more than a year and while in this service was in the Battles of Okolona, Paducah, and Fort Pillow. In 1864 Capt. Ray was transferred, with others, to Johnson’s army which was then near Dalton Ga., and had part in all the battles of the Georgia campaign from Dalton to Lovejoy Station. After Hood’s return from Tennessee he rejoined the 16th Tennessee Calvary where he served until he was paroled at Corinth May 15th 1865. In 1908 he moved to Idabel, this county, and lived here until his death in October 1920. Capt. Ray was a man whom to know was to love, and the state and county lost a good citizen and a Christian gentleman at his death. His descendants are today among the best citizens of McCurtain county.

DR. J. D. BLEDSOE

Dr. J. D. Bledsoe, Idabel, born in Carroll County, May 31st, 1838 educated in the common schools and had one year in college. He enlisted in the Confederate army in Anderson County, Tenn. in June 1861, Company G, 55th Tennessee Regiment under command of Gen. Joseph E. Johnson and served during the war east of the Mississippi river. At the battle of Atlanta he was wounded in the right hand, resulting in the loss of the thumb and index finger. Was taken as a prisoner at Tiptonville. He was discharged at Nashville in 1865. Dr. Bledsoe is still active but his eyesight has failed to such an extent that he cannot read very well even with a reading glass. He has not practiced his profession since coming to Oklahoma in 1907.

J. C. HUTCHENSON

J. C. Hutchenson, of Haworth, was born in Mississippi in 1842, enlisted in the Confederate service at Clarksville, Texas in 1862 in Company F, Whitfield’s Regiment and served in the army of Tennessee. He was at home on furlough when peace was declared in 1865 and never received a formal discharge. However, he is pensioned by the State Government of Texas as that state has been his residence for more than half a century. He spends much of his time with his children in this state, among whom is Pat Hutchenson of Haworth. The old fellow doesn’t get very lively but he is jolly and compassionate.

W. S. BROOKES

W. S. Brookes, of Valliant Okla., an old Confederate soldier and a member of the First Arkansas Calvary, enlisted in the Confederate soldier in 1864 when a mere boy. When Gen. Lee surrendered in 1865, he went to Helena and surrendered with his battalion. Mr. Brooks is the father of our townsman, F. M. Brookes, who for many years was the efficient court clerk of McCurtain County. He is a well-preserved man and is now in splendid health, active, and takes great interest in current events. He is loud in his praises of Oklahoma for her generous support of the old heroes of the Southland and compliments the author of this work for his interests and efforts in trying to preserve the salient features of the county’s history. Mr. Brookes was born in Yallabusha County, Mississippi in 1847 and is now in his 77th year.

CLAIBORN M. WOODS

Claiborn M. Woods was born September 18th, 1841 in Sabine Parish, La., enlisted in the Confederate service at Mansfield La with Company B., April 1st 1862, Col. Landry’s Regiment, Allen Thomas’ Brigade, Buckner’s Division. Was discharged at Natchitoches, La. in 1865. Mr. Woods carries his four score years easily, and doesn’t fail to speak his appreciation of his adopted State’s care for the old soldiers of the South.

M. D. WADDLE

M. D. Waddle, born in Cobb County, Georgia in October 1840, raised on a farm, and at the age of 21, volunteered for service in the Confederate army in Calhoun County, Alabama in 1861 by enlisting in Company I, 25th Alabama Infantry, Wither’s Division. He was in the Army of Tennessee under Hood, and was in the Battle of Shiloh. Mr. Waddle is in his 83rd year and having had a leg broken when a boy, he limps a little and carries a cane, but is still active and alert. Like many others of his old comrades, he lives with his children, some of whom are in Texas, but he claims Oklahoma as his home.

C. REED

C. Reed was born August 14th, 1844 near Columbia, Ga. Was a member of Terrell’s Artillery, an independent company, subject to the orders of Gen. Lee. Captain of his company was Edgar G. Dawren of Sparta, Ga. He enlisted in Columbia, Ga. at the age of 17, April 26th 1862, and surrendered at Greensboro, N. C. April 26th 1865, thus giving 3 years of boyhood to his country and the cause that he believed was right.

Notwithstanding his 78 years, Mr. Reed is still active and spends his time with his children who delight in catering to his comfort and enjoyment in life. He makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. James H. Crook of Idabel and is a member of Ben McCullough Camp, U. C. V. No 1748.

W. G. FAIL

W. G. Fail, born in Alabama in 1839. Had one year at the University of Alabama and three years at the University of Virginia, which at that time was a military institution, and considered the best school in the United States, except West Point. He enlisted in infantry in 1861 but later joined Company D Cavalry, Hagan’s Regiment, under Joe Wheeler’s command.

Mr. Fail has devoted practically all of his time to the school room since the end of his army service, and now, with his children and his good wife, is enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life – a ripe old age and a clear conscience.

C. N. ROBERTSON

C. N. Robertson was born in Wade County, North Carolina August 13th, 1845, raised on a farm till he was 18 years old and then entered the Confederate Army, enlisted at Camden, Ark, in the artillery service in May 1862, Blocker’s Battalion, Trans-Mississippi Department. After a three-years term of service, he was discharged in Louisiana in May 1865. Mr. Robertson lives in Idabel but spends much of his time among his different children in Oklahoma and Texas. He is a member of Ben McCullough Camp, Idabel, Okla. and for his age is very active and alert.

B. R. JACOBS

B. R. Jacobs was born in Pike County, Ark. in 1840, raised on a farm and ahs followed that occupation all of his long and interesting life. He came to McCurtain County in 1898 and settled upon Lukfata Creek where he lived for several years, then moved over to Mountain Fork River near Hochatown. He is the father of eleven children – 8 boys and 3 girls – only 5 of whom are living. His services as a Confederate soldier were confined to the campaigns west of the Mississippi and included the battles of Elkhorn, Wilson’s Creek, or as otherwise is known, Oak Hill, and other battles. He was discharged at Washington, Ark. in April 1865. Notwithstanding his 83 year s of life Mr. Jacobs is still active and frequently walks 20 to 30 miles a day on his visits from one of his children’s home to another. He is of medium height, strong and active, iron gray hair worn in long curls about his shoulders, and is a jolly companion and especially interesting in his many reminiscences of forest and stream. Uncle Rect is known better as one of the oldest and most successful hunters of Arkansas and Oklahoma. He and his wife, who is near his age, have broken up housekeeping, and live with the families of their children.

PATRICK HENRY CRENSHAW

Patrick Henry Crenshaw, of Broken Bow, was born near Athens, Ala. in 1849, a direct descendant of the American patriot, Patrick Henry (great-grandson); must have had the blood of his ancestor coursing through his veins, for he joined the Confederate Army by enlistment in Company K., 6th Regiment, Arkansas Regulars and was under heavy artillery fire before the was 13 years old. He was in all the hard fought battles of Tennessee and Georgia, under Bragg, Johnson, and Hood. After being honorably discharged from the army at Greensboro, N. C. he came home and began the study and practice of law. During his residence in Arkansas he served one term in the legislature of that state and two terms as district attorney in 16th Arkansas circuit. After moving to this state, he joined the ranks of Oklahoma teachers and until the last three or four years, has followed that profession. He and his estimable wife, who is still teaching, now reside in Broken Bow, and spend a great deal of their time at the home of Mrs. W. S. Paden, who is their daughter.

GARRETT IGO

Garrett Igo was born at Ashland, Ky. Nov. 17th, 1840. moved to Texas before the Civil War, and resided in that state until 1906, when he moved to McCurtain county, Okla. He entered the Confederate service at an early age as Calvary man and fought his first battle at Wilson’s Creek, near Springfield, Mo. After this battle, his command was ordered into the Indian Territory to take old Fort Arbuckle, which at that time was in possession of the Federal troops. The fort surrendered without firing a gun. Upon leaving the old fort his command encountered on the southern slopes of the mountain a Comanche force of 300 warriors under the command of -----. Sixty of the Indians, including the chief, was killed, and the remainder took to the mountains for protection. He next found himself at Clarksville, Texas where he joined Whitfield’s First Texas Legion, and was transported east of the Mississippi River. --------

((MISSING PAGE 188)))

? F. S. Patterson? – (page missing but there is a picture of Mr. Patterson on page 192 but no biography. Caption of photo says: F. S. Patterson, a McCurtain County Veteran)

May 1861, enlisted in Company G. 8th Tenn. Infantry, Cheatham’s Division. He served one year in Northern Virginia and then went into Tennessee. Was wounded at the battle of Murphreesboro in 1862, and again at the battle of Resika, Ga. in April 1864. He was one of President Davis’ escort from Greensboro, N. C to Washington, Ga. His long beard is snow white but is still straight and gets around like a boy.

A. W. GLADDEN

A. W. Gladden enlisted in the Southern army in South Carolina in 1862, and served most of the time east of the Mississippi. He was a member of Company B, 4th Calvary Col. Rutlage, Gen. Wade Hampton. Was in the battle of Port Royal and many other hard-fought battles. Surrendered at Greensboro, N. C. and was paroled at Chester, S. C. Mr. Gladden moved from Arkansas to this county in 1906. He is regarded as one among the best citizens and is still active for a man of his age.

W. O. CARTER

W. O. Carter, a native of Louisiana, born in Natchitoches Parish in January 1846. Received a common school education and enlisted in the Confederate army in April 1863 at the age of 16 in Company E., 2nd Louisiana Calvary. He served the remainder of the war in the trans-Mississippi department under Col Vincent in General Taylor’s command. He fought in the battles of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, La. and all the other battles of that state. He aided in the organization of Ben McCullough Camp of Idabel and is still a member of that camp.

ROBERT W. JONES

Robert W. Jones was born December 8th, 1841 at Washington, Hempstead County, Ark Enlisted in the Confederate service in March 1861. In May 1861 went to Little Rock, thence to Fort Smith. His regiment was organized with John R. Gratiot as Colonel, and known as 3rd Arkansas. Was in the battle of Oak Hill Mo August 10th, 1861, and after the battle was changed to the 2nd Arkansas Regiment, which was disbanded in Benton County in September 1861. Re-enlisted and went across Mississippi River; was in the battle of Corinth, Miss October 4th, 1862. Surrendered at Vicksburg, July 4th, 1863. Was paroled and afterwards exchanged and sent back west of the river. Discharged at Marshal, Texas, later part of May 1865. The roster of Ben McCullough Camp at Idabel shows his rank in the army of the South.

Mr. Jones is still active for his age, and it is to his efforts, to some extent, that the old soldier’s pension have been increased in the state. He has put in the most of his time since coming to Oklahoma in the state’s service as Justice of the Peace and is regarded as one of the best in the county.

C. J. STEWART

C. J. Stewart, born in Johnson County, Ark. January 28th, 1848. Attended common schools and afterwards completed high school work. Enlisted in the Confederate service at Clarksville, Ark. in September 1864 in Company C., Hill’s Regiment of Calvary, Fagan’s Division. Fought his first battle at Pilot Knob, Mo. and was later in the battles of Franklin, Boonville, Independence, Grand Prairie, and Utonia. Was discharged at Marshal, Texas in May 1865. On coming home he entered and attended Franklin College one year. Moved to Oklahoma, or rather Indian Territory, in 1897 and took charge of the Poteau High School. Came to McCurtain County in 1901. Elected District Clerk at the election for statehood and served three years. Since that time he has been regularly engaged in school and church work. Mr. Stewart has always been a zealous supporter of the prohibitions cause and is outspoken in the denunciation of crime and immortality.

Mr. Stewart was appointed State Pension Commissioner in January 1923.

(Carter, W. A., McCurtain County and southeast Oklahoma : history, biography, statistics : a complete church, lodge, school, professional, business and trade directory of the county ; Idabel, Okla.: unknown, 1923, (Photos of these men included in book) - Submitted by Veneta McKinney)

SPANISH – AMERICAN VETERANS

J. C. HOWELL

J. C. Howell, at present a citizen of Garvin, this county, enlisted for the war with Spain in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1898. After a year’s service in the Philippine Islands, was sent back home and was honorably discharged at For Sam Houston in 1900. He immediately re-enlisted and was sent back to the islands as a member of Troop A, U. S. Calvary. The full time of his service was five and a half years.

ROBERT E. GINN

Robert E. Ginn, a Spanish-American war veteran, was born at Salem, Arkansas March 11th, 1881, educated only in the common schools of the state, and when 21 years of age enlisted in the U. S. Army for the war with Spain at Bonham, Texas in 1902. He was sent across to the Philippine Islands where he served for the term of his enlistment, came back to the United States, and was honorably discharged at San Francisco in August 1903.

(Carter, W. A., McCurtain County and southeast Oklahoma : history, biography, statistics : a complete church, lodge, school, professional, business and trade directory of the county ; Idabel, Okla.: unknown, 1923 - Submitted by Veneta McKinney)

World War I Honor Roll

HONOR ROLL

Below will be given a list of McCurtain County soldiers who have been killed in action, wounded, died of disease, missing in action or died in training camps:

Killed in Action

Brown, Nicholas America
Crain, Jerry Newton Idabel
Dodd, John Sampel Broken Bow
Dollarhide, Louis W. Bismark
Perkins, John N. Haworth
Powell, Murray Broken Bow
Scott, Jesse Millerton
Sweet, Rupert Haworth
Thompson, Walter Garvin
Ward, Sampson Boktuklo
Died of Disease

Dillahunty, Paul Shults
Galloway, Frank Idabel
Greeley, Tom Idabel
Huddleston, Talmage M. Idabel
Meashintubby, Eastman Smithville
Nailing, W. I. (Bill) Valliant
Died From Wounds

Buchanan, Clyde Valliant
Cushock, Simeon Smithville
Oakley, George Idabel
Pate, Sylvester Shults
Paulley, Henry C. Cerro Gorda
Rudisill, Joe Ida
Missing in Action

Homer, Nelson Golden
Magby, Luther M. Pickens
Monroe, Louis Bismark
Stevens, J. Foster Idabel
Wounded in Action

Adair, Isaac Haworth
Adams, Benjamin F. Garvin
Billingsley, Tim Idabel
Bivins, Henry J. Garvin
Denison, Henry Idabel
Dennington, Oscar J. Bokhoma
Dye, Tillman Idabel
Evans, Lee Haworth
Harbour, Adams Hayes Idabel
Herndon, Russell Idabel
McCullough, Jim Idabel
McKinney, Jackson Idabel
Monk, Elmus H. Eagletown
Moore, Dick America
Morris, Frank Idabel
Morris, Robert T. Holly Creek
Murray, Henry W. Haworth
Neese, W. V. Broken Bow
Oakley, Bill Idabel
Pebworth, Louis Idabel
Prince, Joe E. Valliant
Robinson, James Golden
Russell, Paris O. Idabel
Tyree, Norman Idabel
Williams, Alonzo W. Valliant
Died in Training Camps

Allen, Marcus Garvin
Ayers, Frank Boktuklo
Compton, L. Holly Creek
Cooper, R. V. (Bob) idabel
Green, Jake C. idabel
Halliburton, Arthur idabel
Harrison, William idabel
Hill, Edgar Cisco
Lamb, W. D. idabel
Littleton, John Haworth
Nowell, Alex Millerton
Risenhoover, Herbert Iola
(Source: McCurtain Gazette, Saturday, January 11, 1919, page 4)


WORLD WAR II ARMY HONOR LIST OF DEAD AND MISSING PERSONNEL

McCURTAIN COUNTY, OKLAHOMA

Source: photocopies from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
transcribed & submitted by Peggy Thompson

DNB -Died, non battle DOW -Died of wounds
FOD -Finding of death KIA -Killed in action
CPL - Corporal LT - Lieutenant
JG - Junior grade PFC - Private First Class
PVT - Private SGT - Sargent
SSGT - Staff Sargent TEC - Technician

VIETNAM CASUALTIES

PDF from NARA for the State of Oklahoma