Friday, February 22, 2013

Do I have this story right?


So many times, in the course of research, I get these odd little pieces of information, and it is my job to try and get them to fit together. Here is another example. My question to you is this: do I have this story right?

In the 1860 Watauga County Census, in the Boone District, family group 179, we have Jonathan Horton, age 24, son of Phineas Horton and Rebecca Councill Horton (this is a distant cousin of mine).

In the NC Troop books (volume 14), we have Jonathan F. Horton. His record reads: "Born in Yancey County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting at the age of 22. Elected 1st Lieutenant on May 29, 1862. Promoted to Captain on July 29, 1862 [of Company C, 58th North Carolina Troops]. Detailed for twenty days on October 27, 1862, to go home for clothing for his company. Resigned on May 16, 1863, because of 'chronic bronchitis with great debility" which had rendered him 'unable for duty for the last six months...'"

According to the Heritage of Watauga County, Volume 1, we learn that Jonathan Horton served as adjutant for Col. J. B. Palmer in the battle of Missionary Ridge. Died of brain fever in 1863 at Dalton, Georgia. Buried on parents property [assumed in Watauga County].

Well, we know that Colonel Palmer was not at Missionary Ridge. Considering that, do you think we are talking about the same person?

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