African-American Civil War GAR Vet from 1890's, Eagle River, Wisconsin

[ROCKET]

It took me well over a year to research and I.D. this African-American Civil War Veteran. He has quite a unique (and sad) story.

 

 

It wasn't too difficult to I.D. the photo. According to the census data from 1880 - 1890 only 1 African-American was listed as residing in Northern Wisconsin at the time. Henry Ashby's name also appeared in the Civil War Veteran's census from 1885 and 1895. It listed his unit as the 6th Wisconsin Light Artillery Battery. Henry Ashby was Eagle River's first black resident. He died in Eagle River, WI in 1907 and was buried in an unmarked grave at the local cemetery. Together with the help of the local historical society we were able to get Henry Ashby a proper headstone and Civil War GAR flag holder (see picture of newspaper article & headstone) which was dedicated on Memorial Day 2012.

Henry Ashby was born a slave in Missouri and ran away from his master shortly after the start of the Civil War. He served with an engineer company digging entrenchments near New Madrid. Missouri along the Mississippi River. He later joined up with the 6th Wisconsin Light Artillery and served in several campaigns. Henry Ashby was wounded at the Battle of Corinth in Mississippi in 1864, receiving powder burns to his face and eyes. Because his name was never officially entered on the unit's muster roll, Ashby was denied a pension in his later years. When you read through his 117 page pension application file you can't help but feel sorry for him. He fought to get a pension for over 20 years, with no success.

More information is listed below:

Private Henry Ashby

6th Wisconsin Volunteer Artillery Battery

Born on or about 1832.

Died on May 14, 1907 of pneumonia in Eagle River, Wisconsin.

Joined the 6^th Wisconsin Light Artillery Battery at New Madrid, Missouri.

Discharged in October 1865

Henry Ashby filed a disability pension claim in 1887. Henry claimed an injury to his eyes due to powder burns from a cannon during the battle of Corinth in Mississippi. Henry was treated by the battery surgeon at the battery field hospital (noted in pension file). Henry’s Civil War disability pension claim was never approved due to the fact that his name was not listed in the official rolls of the 6^th Wisconsin and the fact that he could not produce his official discharge certificate. Henry stated in his pension claim that he gave his discharge certificate to the commander of the 6^th Wisconsin Volunteer Light Artillery Battery, Captain Henry Dillon, for safe keeping. Henry also stated that the reason his name was not on the unit payroll was because he did not draw any pay during the war.

A written statement was given by 1^st Lieutenant Samuel F. Clark of the 6^th Wis. Light Artillery as part of Henry’s pension claim (noted in pension file).

“Henry is a noble, faithful fellow and was my servant while in the battery but took an active part in every battle carrying water to the boys in the thickest of the fight and in one or two battles carried a musket – with good effect”

1^st Lieutenant Samuel F. Clark

 

Now that I've researched Henry, and provided him a proper headstone, I plan to auction off the cabinet card. Here's a link to the ebay auction in case anybody is interested. Thanks!

 

John

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151135673626?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

 

[Rodney]

John

I am new to this form. I am working to create a a research library for the Lone Rock Wisconsin historical  6th Wis. light artily. Do you or some way to copy the photo with out the water mark? The photo of Henry Ashby is grate and all of your research is FANTASTIC.  Thank you for all your hard work.    Rodney     ps photo of Capt.  Dillon

[ROCKET]

No problem Rodney...here you go! :)