Two brothers, my great-great grandfather and great-great uncle enlisted in the Civil War in the state of Indiana.
Caswell F. Maxwell Jr.- private - enlisted in the 9th Calvalry, 121st Regiment, Company L of the Indiana Volunteers. He entered the service on December 8, 1863 in Indianapolis, Indiana by Captain Moorhouse. He mustered in on January 7, 1864 in Indianapolis by Captain Locke. Was promoted to Corporal on April 1, 1864. Ordered to Louisville, Kentucky on October 19, 1864 by Brig. Gen. Johnson. He deserted on November 20, 1864 and took two men with him, his revolver, cartridge pouch, holster and sabre belt. I don't know why he deserted. After talking to several researchers, desertion did not mean what it does today. If a soldier was not at roll call, he was listed as deserted, whether it was ok or not. I found that a lot of men came and went as they pleased, to check on their family or to plant their crops. I have found this so many times in my genealogy research. I have had the same families fighting for both North and South. By this time in the war, Caswell had left behind a wife and 5 small children to take care of, I assume, by her self. Also, a brother who was killed in January of that same year. I know that his obituary by his family, said that he was a good soldier.
Organized at Indianapolis, Indiana, December 7, 1863, to March 29, 1864. May 1864, District Northern Alabama, Department Cumberland. November 1864, 1st Brigade, 7th Division, Wilson's Cavalry Corps, Military Division Mississippi. Marh 1865, Department Mississippi. They left for Pulaski, Tennessee on May 3, 1864. Attached to District of North Alabama, Dept. of the Cumberland, to November, 1864. 1st Brigade, 7th Division, Wilson's Cavalry Corps, Military Division Mississippi, to March 1865. Department of Mississippi to August 1865. SERVICE- Post duty at Pulaski, Tennessee, till November 23, 1864. Actions at Florence, Alabama, September 1-12. Elk River, September 2. Lynnville, September 4. Sulphur Branch Trestle, September 25. Richland Creek, Near Pulaski, September 26. Pulaski, September 26-27. Nashville Campaign, November-December. Owen's Cross Roads, December 1. Franklin, December 10. Battle of Nashville, December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River 17-28. West Harpeth River and Hollow Tree Gap, December 17. Franklin, December 17. Lynnville, December 23. Anthony's Hill, Pulaski, December 25. Sugar Creek, December 25-26. At Gravelly Springs, January 16 to February 6, 1865. Moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi; thence to New Orleans, Louisiana, February 6-March 10. Return to Vicksburg, Mississippi, and duty there, March 25-May 3. Expedition from Rodney to Port Gibson, May 3-6. Garrison duty at various points in Mississippi, May 3 to August 22.
On October 30, 1893 Caswell Finley Maxwell applied for a pension in Montgomey County, Indiana. Caswell alledged that while on duty at Pulaski, Tennessee on or about August 1864 he was disabled by disease of the digestive organs. Also while scouting near Florance, Alabama, his horse fell on him injuring his right hip. He was in the hospital near Pulaski, Tennessee. On January 24, 1894 the army required him to send them a physical certificate. The doctor found him to be 6' tall, 145 pounds, 58 years. "Subject somewhat thin, moderately nourished. Skin is shallow. Has a murmur of the heart. No physical marks of hip injury." The army denied his pension request.
I have a list of men who served in the 121st Regiment, if you want a look-up. Graphics by Debbie's Place
