Life History

Notes

• [WFT Pedigree #1068 dec of capt nathaniel turner.FTW]     [BrøderbundWFT Vol. 1, Ed. 1, Tree #1068, Date of Import: Aug 7, 2000]     Heenlisted in Co. D, 2nd Conn. Vol. Heavy Artillery on July 25th, 1862.The Regiment was stationed in the fortifications at Washington untilthe bloody Wilderness Campaign of 1864.  Due to severe losses, theArmy of the Potomac was reinforced by drawing upon the large heavyartillery regiments around the capital city.  The 2nd Conn. HeavyArtillery, now serving as infantry in the famous VI Army Corps, sawtheir first action on the North Anna River.   They were among the fewRegiments to pierce the Confederate lines during the slaughter at ColdHarbor, where they lost their Colonel.  The replacement Colonel wasRanald McKenzie of later Indian War fame.  Later the regiment tookpart in the siege of Petersburg, and then went with the rest of the VICorps to take part, under Gen. Sheridan, in the Valley Campaign of1864.  At the subsequent Battle of Winchester, which broke theConfederate Army under Gen. Early, the Second Conn. was instrumentalin preventing the Confederates from breaking through the Union lines.They were subsequently cited in reports for gallentry. al.  During thelatter part of the battle, Col. McKenzie rode on his horse in front ofthe regiment, daring the Confederates to shoot him.  Although thislittle action undoubtedly impressed his superiors, it caused manycasualties in the ranks.  As it was later related to his widow, "Hiramwas killed while lying between two friends, in a trench, at the battleof Winchester.  He rose up to shoot, a ball pierced his head, and hefell back lifeless."  " His friends took charge of the body and sawthat it was sent back to his home for burial."  It was first placed inthe old cemetary where the Thomaston City Hall now stands, but wasexhumed during the construction, and moved to the new cemetery on ahill overlooking Thomaston.

Sources

• 1. World Family Tree Vol. 1, Ed. 1
  • Name: Release date: November 29, 1995;
  • Tree #1068
• 2. WFT Pedigree #1068 dec of capt nathaniel turner.FTW