Civil War genealogy
I have been having fun recently tracing my family history and genealogy. My cousin's husband did a lot of this work, as did other relatives, and I have been filling in around the edges, as well as helping research other family members. I am a native of Ohio, and in digging through old family records, I discovered that I am related to former U.S. President William Henry Harrison, something that I had not previously known.
A number of my ancestors fought in the Civil War, including my great-great-grandfather John D. Sisson of the 51st Ohio Infantry. An English immigrant, he fought in Sherman's army during the Atlanta Campaign and was on the famous March to the Sea. My mom remembers as a little girl in the 1930s visiting Mr. Sisson in his home in Dover, Ohio, and being frightened when he fell asleep in his rocking chair and started reliving old battles. He would suddenly yell out comments to long ago comrades, scaring Mom half to death.
My great-great-uncles on my Dad's side fought in the 7th West Virginia Infantry at the Battle of Gettysburg on East Cemetery Hill. The Chambers boys were part of the Gibraltar Brigade of Samuel Carroll, and were sent into action as reinforcements to relieve the XI Corps.
Did you have ancestors in the Civil War? If so, what regiments? Any stories?







