CHAPTER 5

THE SHEFFIELDS

Lineage Born-Mar.-Die Spouse

Willie Dow Ford,Jr. 1930-1954- Frances Condlin

Willie Dow Ford 1894-1014-1973 Wealtha Geora Ford.

Elizabeth Sheffield 1850-1873-1936 Samuel Nelson Ford

Lorenzo Dow Sheffield 1832-1854-1854 Elizabeth Perkins

William Sheffield - - Sarah Eliz Hamiliton

Lorenzo Dow Sheffield, b. 1832, m. Elizabeth Katherine Perkins , 1854, d. Feb. 22, 1864.

Children;

Elzia (Elizabeth Catherine)

William (Billie)

Stillie

Victoria

Jane

Ella

Lorenzo Dow Sheffield enrolled as a private in the Army of the Ohio commanded buy Major Gen. Don Carios Bull, Fifth Division, under Brig Gen Thomas L Crittenden, Co. B, 9^th Reg. Ky. Inf. Vol., September 24,1861. He was commanded by Captain Bryan and B. C. Grider. From the records it appears that he was in the hospital at Vicksburg Mississippi, then was being transported to New Albany, Indiana, on the Steamboat Hastings when the boat was taken capture by the rebels on Jan 13,1863, at Harpeth Shoals. He was taken prisoner and pardon on the Hastings which was allowed to resume it's journey to New Albany under certain conditions.

He was discharged at St. Louis Mo. Feb 22, 1863 and entered the First Mississippi Marine Brigade. He was enrolled March 1, 1863, at Benton Bks., Mo.

He reportedly died at Small Pox Hospital, Vicksburg Mississippi, Feb. 22, 1864, of small pox. Muster rolls show him present in the 9^th. Capt. Bryan's Co., Commanded by Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Crittenden, Fifth Division, Army of the Ohio, Sept. 24, 1861 to Dec. 31, 1862. Jan and Feb. 1963 muster rolls show him absent and sick in New Albany since December 1852. Memorandum from Prisoner of War Records (Miss. Role 305) show him wounded and transferred from General Hospital No. 8 to be sent to Louisville, Ky. Records show him captured and paroled on Steamboat Hastings Jan 13, 1863. On March 12, 1853, at Benton Bks. Mo., He was convalescent in hospital. He was enrolled March 1, 1853 in Co. F, First Regiment of Mississippi Marine Brigade Volunteers. He was mustered in as a private on March 12,1863.

Elizabeth (Perkins) Sheffield received a pension for herself as widower of Lorenzo Sheffield and for her four children, Paulina Jane Sheffield, born in Clinton County Ky. April 14, 1855; William Christopher Sheffield, born in Clinton County, Ky., Sept 25, 1856; Rachel V. Sheffield, born in Barren Co. Ky. April 13, 1859; Elizabeth C. Sheffield, born in Barren co. Ky., Feb 25, 1861.

Elizabeth Perkins was known to have at least one sister, (Carrie) and two brothers, (John, and Will). (Reports from relatives).

Analysis of the 1850 Clinton County Kentucky Census indicate that Christopher Perkins and Rachel were her parents and Joseph Perkins and Elizabeth Perkins were her grandparents..

1850 Clinton County Ky. Census

Name Age Occupation Born Value

Joseph Perkins 65 Farmer Va 5115

Elizabeth 65 Va

Mary 24

Joseph 22

Delia 15

Christopher Perkins 41 Farmer Ky.

Rachel 43

Elizabeth 17

Joseph 14

Nelson L 12

Matilda A. 11

William .C. 8

Mary J. 6

John E. 5

Robert C. 3

Lewis Perkins 37 Farmer

Sarah 35

William 14

Joseph 13

John A. 2

William Branham 52 Shoemaker Tn

Fancy 46

James 28

Sarah 23

William 20

Elizabeth 17

Martha 15

Emily 12

Fancy 11

The William Branham family was listed next to the Perkins in the census. Christopher Perkins , Elizabeth Perkins father was known to be a shoemaker . The thought is that the Branham family and the Perkins family were connected in some mater.

1860 Barren County Ky Census

Name Age Sex Occupation

Sheffield, Lorenzo 28 m Laborer

Elizabeth 28 f

Paulina J 6 f

William 4 m

Rachel 2 f

1870 Monroe County Ky. Census

Name Age Born

Sheffield, Elizabeth 36 Indiana

Paulina Jane 16 Ky

William Christopher 13 Ky

Rachel Victoria 12 Ky

Eliza Catherine 10 Ky

Joseph (Stille) 3 Ky

Maggie Ella 1 Ky

State of Kentucky

County of Monroe

Deposition of Widow

On this 28^th day of April 1870 personally appeared before me Elizabeth Sheffield widow of Lorenzo D. Sheffield, a resident of Monroe County, Kentucky to me well known to be the person she represents herself to be and states upon her oath that she is the widow of Lorenzo Sheffield , Deceased , who lived in same county and state when he died and that he was a private in Co .B, of the 9^th. Reg. Ky. Infantry and was transferred to a Mississippi Brigade and he died about 10^th. of Jan., 1864 at New Albany in the State of Indiana. She states that she is the widow of this said Lorenzo D. Sheffield and that she has remained a widow. ever since his death, having never remarried since his death. She states that she is the mother of the four Children hereinafter named and she has never abandoned the support of either of them or permitted any one of them to be adopted by any person or persons and they are the only legitimate, children of herself and her deceased husband now living. Her said husband is the father of said children and their names are Paulina J. Sheffield, born 14^th. April, 1855, and William C. Sheffield, Born 25^th. Sept 1856, Rachel V. Sheffield, born April 15^th. 1859, and Elizabeth C. Sheffield, born Feb.2, 1861 and that her said husband left no children by any former wife for the reason he was never married till he and I were married to each other

Elizabeth Sheffield.

John N. Hammer

M. -. Fippin.

Witness Testimony to Birth of Children

Army Pension Claim Increase Case Act

July 25, 1866

State of Kentucky,

County of Barren SS.

On this the 11^th. Day of April 1870 before the undersigned a Clerk of the County Court within and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared Rebecca Ann Richards of lawful age a resident of the County of Barren in the State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn according to law on oath declares that she is and has been for many years past personally acquainted with the family of Lorenzo D. Sheffield deceased with whom also was well acquainted in his life time and who at the date of his death was resident of the County and State of Kentucky. he further states that she is personally well acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth Sheffield who is the refuted and accredited widow of the aforesaid Lorenzo D. Sheffield Deceased. That during their marriage there were born to said parties the following named children at the date and places as follows. Eliza C Sheffield who was born the 25^th. Day of February, 1861 in Barren County Kentucky, Which fact of dates and places of birth she positively testifies to from personal knowledge. She further stated that she was present in the room, was eye witness to the birth when it took place and acted as midwife in the birth of said child the said Mrs. Elizabeth Sheffield the reputed and accredited widow of said Lorenzo Sheffield, Deceased. She further states that she is credibly informed and believes the fact to be true without any question to the contrary, that Lorenzo D. Sheffield, Deceased, is the father of the aforesaid minor child on account of whose services and the birth of said child, the aforesaid Mrs. Elizabeth Sheffield is making application as his widow for pension was formally a private in Company B of the 9^th. Regiment, Kentucky Infantry, Commanded by Col. B. G. Girder in the war of 1861-62 and by virtue of said Military Service and the death conquest thereof a right of claim for Pension vests in the widow herein before named as the legal beneficial of said deceased soldier. Said Pension being entitled to in amount by the Children herein before named at the rate of two dollars per month per child under sixteen years of age agreeable to the provisions of act of Congress approved July 25^th. 1855 That she has no interest in this matter whatever.

Rebecca Richards

Attests P CoseG. Martin

REPORT OF Col. Benjamin C. Grider

9^th. Kentucky Infantry

April 8^th. 1862

General; I have the honor to submit to you my report of the part taken by the 9^th. Reg. Of Kentucky. Vol. In the battle of Chickasaw Bluffs, fought on Monday April 7^th. 1862. We were landed from steamboat John J. Roe the night before about 11:00 and marched a short distance to part of the battlefield of the day before, where, without blankets or overcoats, we slept on our arms, in a heavy rain, very near the enemy. About day, without breakfast we marched to the scene of action, the firing commencing just as we started. On arriving we formed on the left of one line of your Eleventh Brigade, and just in the rear of and in position to protect the two batteries of the division then in action in thee center of our line. A portion of your brigade being dawn up a short distance in front of us, we were ordered to here remain and defend the batteries till further orders, which we did for an hour or more, the shots and shells of the enemy passing over and falling among us thick and fast. We then received an order from you to advance and form on the left of the front line of your brigade, then preparing to move into action in the center.

At this moment, it becoming apparent that the enemy in force, and with great probability of successes, were trying to turn to our left. General Crittenden, just as I was moving off under our orders, rode up to me and ordered me to follow him, which I did in double quick. He led us to the left, and ordered me form in the edge of a road in front of a dense chaparral, and stand until he could bring the 59^th. Ohio, Col. Fyffe to form on my right. I had scarcely got into the line, which I did quickly when Gen. Buell came up and ordered me to move forward at once and quickly. I gave the order and it was most promptly obeyed. The very thick growth of timber and underbrush of course threw them into disorder which was greatly increased by reaching a small branch over shoe top deep in mud and water in the center of a hollow running parallel with our line. While crossing this we fired into the enemy about less than ten passes from us. We saw no one until we were notified of their presents by a most deadly and terrible fire. Some of our men and officers recoiled, but at once recovered. A few fled the field, the majority stood firm, returned the fire, advanced upon them, and fought like brave men, driving them before us and killing and wounding them in large numbers. They retired slowly and sullenly, fighting over and disputing well every inch of ground, taking advantage of every tree, thicket, log or other protection, till they reached a small field beyond the woods a distances of 300 yards. Through this they retreated in hast to timber beyond, being driven entirely off the field. To which they never returned. We followed until they were out of sight and until we observed a body of Cavalry on our left and a little to our rear. But for this we should have charged and could easily have taken a section of artillery about 250 yards to our right. But we did not regard it safe to leave the cavalry in our rear. And we returned to the woods and rested there, as we could not, of course advance, having the artillery and cavalry as above described. We remained here a short time, when we were fired into by the artillery of the enemy and our own also, the latter killing three of our men and wounding several. From this we returned to the edge of the road, where we started from, and found the Fifty-Ninth Ohio there drawn up. Our loss was heavy in this fight, and the principal one sustained by us during the day. From an examination made of the wounded and prisoners and of the persons of the dead. We ascertained that we had fought the Kentucky Regiment commanded by Joseph H. Lewis, of Glasgow Ky. And a Mississippi Regiment, and perhaps some Ark. Troops. We took several prisoners, among them a Captain and Lieutenant. We now formed with the 59^th. Ohio, and after throwing out skirmisher we advanced in line on the left of the 59^th. Ohio, into the woods where we had fought, and wheeled to the right, thus throwing the 9^th. Ky. into the field above alluded to, and causing it to pass through the same into the woods to the right of it. We found no enemy, but keeping out skirmishes to our left, we found small bodies, perhaps their skirmishers, and had for a time some desultory firing, in which we lost one killed and several wounded, all from the 9^th. Ky., as it was next to the enemy. Continuing but a short distance we came upon and captured a section of the enemies artillery, supported by a body of his infantry, but were forced to abandon it, mostly on account of a fire from another section father on in advance of us, and also by a fire of one of our own batteries in the rear. We returned to the road again, but to a point to the right of where we had first been. After remaining a short time we returned to and captured the section of the enemies battery which we had just abandoned, our battery having cease to fire on that point, and the other section of the enemies battery having been in the meantime silenced, and as I have since learned, taken by the 13^th. Ky., Col E. H. Hobson, and 11^th. Ky., Col P. B. Hawkins. We this time held it. We here lost 2 or 3 men killed and a number wounded by a discharged of one of the guns and the infantry fire. The battle had now ceased, except to our right, where we marched and met with you in person, but got into on other engagement, as the day was now ours, and the enemy retreating before other forces. Our loses, as far as we have been able to ascertain it, is as follows; ( The Lieutenant=Colonel was absent, sick in Nashville: Major absent on detached duty, and no field officer present but myself) I had 23 officers of the line and my adjutant present, of whom 4 captains were wounded, 2 dangerously ; 3 lieutenant were killed and 3 wounded. Total officers killed and wounded, 10. Non-commissioned officers and privates killed 14, wounded 67, of whom about half are dangerously wounded. Permit me to add that most of my officers and men behaved well, maintaining bravely and nobly the honor of their native state, Ky. & Tn. In which the regiment were formed. Many of them acted like heroes, and more determined bravely and coolness could not be exhibited. I mention with pleasure and pride, as principal; among them. Lt. J. H. Girder, Captain Austin, Cram, Bailey, Bryan, Vetter, Coyle, Chinowth and Harding, Lieutenants Reed, Moore, Tate, Stout, Jenkins, Underwood, Clerk, Faulkner and Smith Pipkins. Some of them were not commissioned, as they had but recently been elected to be officers, but were acting as such and steps had been taken to produce commissions. Lieutenant Tate when killed, and Captains Cram and Austin and Lieut. Warner, Underwood, when wounded, were in advance of and encouraging and railing the men by precept and example. Asst. Surg .John A Lindsay did his part nobly and bravely, not only in his profession, but often took the field and places of killed, wounded or missing officers, and was of very great service.

Most Respectfully Submitted

B.C. Grider

Col. 9^th. Ky. Vol.

REPORT

OF

Chaplin Maxwell P GADDIS

Sec. of Ohio Infantry

Camp at Murfeesborourgh, Tn

FEB 4,1863

Sir; In accordance with your request, I herewith transmit a condenses account of the capture and subsequent destruction of a portion of your transportation by fire on the Cumberland River. On Jan 13, at the head of Harpeth Shoals, 30 miles from Nashville and 35 miles from Clarksville, I was on the Streamer Hastings at the time of her being ordered by the guerrillas to land, and at the request of the Captain of the Hastings , the officers and the men on board, (near 260 wounded), I assumed command. I answered their hail and order by saying that we were loaded with wounded and could not stop. They again ordered, "To come to", and backed their order by three volleys of musketry, after which I ordered the pilot of the Hastings, "Round the streamer to the shore". This, he immediately endeavored to do. The current being swift, the boat yielded slowly, and the enemy again fired two rounds of artillery, one of the balls taking effect on the streamer, seriously wounding one of the men. As soon as the boat struck the streamer that had been captured some two hours previously a gang of drunken rebels, under the command of Col. Wade, took possession of the Hastings.

Then followed a scene of plunder and theft never before witnesses . They robbed soldiers of their blankets, rations, medicines, and in many instances their clothing. They robbed the officers of their sidearms, overcoats, hats and clothes, the boat of all her freight, stores and money, and her officers of their personal property. I demanded of Col. Wade some explanation of their inhume course. He, being so drunk, only made me an idiotic reply. I then looked around for some other officer, and discovered Capt. Burford, Gen. Wheeler's Assist. Adj. Gen., whom I recognized as an old acquaintance. I appealed to him. He was powerless from the fact that the whole gang was drunk. He however reported the facts to Gen. Wheeler, who authorized him to parole the Hastings on the condition that she carry no more supplies for the Federal Government. I accepted the parole. I then took on board the wounded off the Streamer Trio; Also from the Streamer Pharthenia, and had succeeded in obtaining permission to pass on when they for the first time discovered that the deck of the Hastings was covered with bales of cotton on which the wounded were lying. Wade instantly ordered me to put ashore all the wounded ,(over 400), that he might burn the cotton, it being their's by capture, and with them a Contraband of War.

To move the men again was almost impossible. They had been virtually stripped of everything, medicine, rations, and clothing. We were 35 miles from any military post, night coming on, no place of shelter, no place to put our wounded and dying men save a muddy cornfield. A heavy snow had begun to fall and in view of all this, and my sympathy for men who for eighteen months had done their duty as true soldiers, and for who had for four days had fought under you, and only ceased when borne form the field, I demanded other terms. I told him I would not move a soul from the boat.

All this was reported to Gen. Wheeler, (at least they said so), and he ordered that I should be held personally responsible for the burning of their cotton upon reaching Louisville, under penalty of my return to their lines as a prisoner of war. I deemed the terms mild under the circumstances, and immediately accepted them, in which I claim I did my duty.

The passengers and soldiers of the Trio and Parthenis were robbed in a like manner. After they had done all the harm they could, barely escaping with our lives, they allowed us to cross the river during the burning of the Steamers.

While they were preparing to burn, the Gunboat Sidell hove in sight, and to all appearance made preparation to drive the enemy away, but for some cause or other, Van Dorn made no fight, and surrendered the boat without firing a single shot. They then took possession of her, threw over her guns and arms, fired the three boats, and in a short time nothing remained but charred hulls.

On reaching Clarksville, I reported by telegraph to Major Sidell, who ordered me to proceed on as rapidly as possible to Louisville and report to Gen. Boyle or Wright. This, I did, and the inclosed papers will explain the final results of the unfortunate affair.

Thus hopping that in all this you will not condemn me. I remain, in most respectfully, your obedient servant.

M P. Gaddis

Chaplain Sec. Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf

Maj-Gen Rosecrans

Comm Dept. Of the Cumberland

Report of Surg. Luther Waterman 39^th. Indiana Inf.

General Hospital No. 17

Nashville, Tenn.

Jan 27, 1863

Sir; I have the honor to report that on Jan 13^th. 1863, as surgeon in charge, I started with 212 wounded and sick solders of the United States Army on the Steamer Hastings, on the Cumberland River, bound for Louisville, KY. At Harpeth Shoals, on that same day, the boat was captured by the Confederate Forces, (after being fired upon by artillery and musketry, the hospital flag flying). The list of about 212 soldiers from Gen. Hospitals No. 8, 15, and No 6,

Nashville, Tenn. were taken, and the boat and the men permitted to proceed only on the condition that I certify to the list as captured and paroled. They dictated and I appended the following certificate to each of the hospital list, no copy of which was left me

.

On the Cumberland River, near Ashland, Jan 13, 1863

I certify that the above lists of sick and wounded U.S. Soldiers on board Streamer Hastings were captured by the Confederate Forces, (or Forces of the Confederate States), on Jan 13^th. 1863, on the Cumberland River, and duly paroled by E. S. Burford, Ass.. Adj-Gen. Of Gen Wheeler's Cav. Corps.

L. D. Waterman, Surgeon 39^th. Ind. Vol

. In charge of sick and wounded

.

Headquarters Cavalry

On board Hastings, on the Cumberland River, Tenn.

Jan 13, 1863

The Streamer Hastings having been captured by the Confederate forces on the 13^th. of Jan 1863, and having 212 US Soldiers wounded in the late battle before Murfreesboro they do swear that they will not aid or in any wise do anything prejudicial to the interest of the Confederate States until they are duly exchanged according to the Cartel.

Witness

E. S. Burford, Jr.

Ass.. Adj-Gen., Gen. Wheeler's Cavalry Corps

Headquarters Department of The Tennessee.

Vicksburg, Miss. August 14, 1863

Brig. Gen. L. Thomas

Adj-Gen. Of the Army

General, Enclosed I sent you a letter directed to Gen. Ransom from A. T. Bowie. This is but one of the numerous complaints made of conduct of the Marine Brigade under Gen. Ellet. I think it highly probable the charges brought against the Marine Brigade are exaggerated, but that their conduct is bad and their services but very slight in comparison to the great expense they are to the Government, and the injury they do, I do not doubt. Seven of the finest boats on the Mississippi are kept for the use of this Brigade. This Brigade, I understand not numbering over 800 effective men. They live on board their boats, keeping cavalry horses all with them. I should think very much to the prejudice of their effectiveness and good of their service.

These boats, in charge of the Department Commander might be made very useful in transporting troops from one place to another within the department, and in carrying troops to operate against guerrillas. But then the troops could be selected with reference of their Commanding officer, and the numbers necessary to the service performed.

If there is nothing in terms of enlistment of the Marine Brigade to prevent it, I would earnestly recommend that they be transferred to land service and their boats to the Quartermaster Department, to be used as above suggested. If they cannot be so transferred, I would earnestly recommend that the whole Brigade be mustered out of service and the boats taken for general use. I am fully satisfied the boats are worth much more to the service than the boats and men.

I am general, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

U. S. Grant

Major-General

INCLOSURE

Natchez, August 4, 1863

Brigadier-General Ransom

As requested, I give the information obtained here in reference to Mr John Routh, and his Grandson, Mr. Andrew S. Routh.

Dr. J. Y. Hollingsworth, from Hard Times Landing, La., 3 miles above Grand Gulf, brought the following information her on Sunday last week last. That on or about July 21, a Company of Marine Cavalry styling themselves as "Ellet's Marines", saying they were a corps of cavalry independent of the authority of US. And whose pay was their booty, landed at Judge Perkins, or Ashwood Landing, La. Dashed around Lake St. Joseph, inquiring for Mr. John Routh.. On reaching his plantation demanded from him first his arms, which were given them, then burst open a barrel of whiskey, made all the Negroes drunk, and in that way learned where the valuables were, consisting of silverware, liquor, meats, clothes, table and house linen and even scuffled with him for his purse. They took the amount of $25,000 worth of property, $15,000 of silverware, and perhaps the most valuable private collection of table and house linen in the South. Mr Routh is an old man of nearly 70 years, had his house, gin, barn, stables and everything burn last spring at the time others on the lake lost their property. These Marines also threatened to take hm prisoner, did take his grandson, Mr Andrew S Routh prisoner, who is now, it is said, in jail at Vicksburg. Andrew has not been in the Army since last April; has been with his grandfather assisting him in taking care of his property. He has been ordered back to Col. Harrison's Reg. But determined to put a substitute, in order that he might remain with his grandfather, and this was his position at the time he was taken off by Ellet's Marines. Mr Routh is all alone, and wishes Andrew to live with him.

Very Respectfully Yours

A T Bowie

Washington, August 24, 1863

Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, Vicksburg

General; Adj-Gen. Thomas has telegraphed to the War Department asking that Brig-General Ellet's Marine Brigade be placed on shore duty, and his ram-boats be turned over to you as transports.

The Sec. Of War does not approve the conversion of this Marine or River Brigade into a land brigade, but authorizes you to use any of Gen. Ellet's Brigade for shore duty, and any of his boats for temporary transports whenever the exigencies of this service requires this use.

This Brigade was organized and the men enlisted especially for service as river men, in conjunction with either the military or naval forces, as circumstances might require. They have already proved themselves valuable auxiliaries, and can probably be used to great advantage against guerrilla parties on the Mississippi. And with expeditions up the Arkansas and Red River.

Moreover, as the men have been enlisted for a special service, if that service were entirely changed it might be claimed that they were released from their contract.

Alternate employment on land and water, as circumstances may require is deemed within the object of their organization. You are therefore authorized to employ the boats and men as you may require their services. It is said by Adj-Gen. Thomas that Adm. Porter wishes you to take charge of these boats and the Brigade.

Very Respectfully Yours.

Your Obedient Servant.

H. W Heliac

General in Chief

Washington D C

August 27, 1863

Maj-General Grant

Vicksburg, Mississippi

General; your dispatch of the 14^th, in regard to Ellet's Brigade has been received and shown to the Sec. Of War. He directs that you assume command of this brigade and take proper measures to reduce it to discipline, trying and punishing the guilty parties. For reasons given in my letter of the 24^th. Instant, it is not deemed advisable at present to break up the Brigade, but you can detach and place on shore such portions of it as you may deem necessary for the good of the service.

Very Respectfully Yours,

Your Obedient Servant.

H W Halleck

General in Chief

Jas. H. Coates, Col. 11^th. Ill. Inf.

Hdqrs. U S. Forces on Boars Streamer Des Moines

Yazoo River, near Satartia

Feb. 6, 1864

At 9:30 PM, the Streamer Hastings made her appearance with clearances passes & etc. from the Treasury Dept., and is now consequently attached to our fleet. She had also been fired into at the same point our transports were , (near Liverpool) , and the watchman of the boat seriously wounded.

J. S. Coates

Col. 11^th. Ill. Infantry.

Lieut. Col W. T. Clark

Assistant Adj-General.

The streamer Hastings leaves here tomorrow on business connected with the Treasury Department. And on her I send my wounded to Vicksburg.