Hi Jim,
Yes, either you or Chris posted the letter wherein Carter and Shelby are
mentioned. I'm still hoping that both of them did not get killed, although
that was not the good fortune of Thomas Kincheloe Coldwell, who lost his 2
oldest sons to the Union cause and was himself murdered, perhaps by
Confederate marauders ...
Benoni Coldwell (b. 1827-1828) is listed in the 1850 and 1860 Hawkins County,
Tennessee censuses, age 22 and 33 respectively, living with his father and
mother, Thomas Kincheloe Coldwell and Maria Bussell Coldwell. Occupation in
1860 was "farm hand".
In the Blue and Gray from Hawkins County, Tennessee, Benoni is listed as
follows:
Caldwell, Benoni: Age 35; enlisted Apr 1/62, Boston, KY; b. Hawkins Co;
farmer; left sick at Nashville Feb 11/63; died of consumption Feb 22/63,
Nashville Hospital' grave # 3636. He is listed under F Company, 1st TN
Cavalry Reg - USA.
His exact birth date was obtained from Lynn Coldwell - May 3, 1827.
James Coldwell (b. 1828-1829) is listed in the 1850 and 1860 Hawkins County,
Tennessee censuses, age 21 and 32 respectively, living with his father and
mother, Thomas Kincheloe Coldwell and Maria Bussell Coldwell. Occupation in
1860 was "farm hand".
In the Blue and Gray from Hawkins County, Tennessee, James is listed as
follows:
Caldwell, James: Age 34; enlisted Apr 1/62, Boston, KY; died Apr 6/63 of
consumption at hospital at Triune, TN. As his older brother Benoni, he is
listed under F Company, 1st TN Cavalry Reg - USA.
His exact birthdate was obtained from Lynn Coldwell.
Why did these sons enlist and leave their mother?? Was it to avenge the
confederates who murdered their father??
And anyone else with theories as to Carter's and Shelby's first names? Since
Carter and Shelby were surnames of Hawkins area men, I'm thinking that it's
maybe Evan Shelby Coldwell or Isaac Shelby Coldwell. Not sure what the
Carter might be. Of course, Carter and Shelby don't HAVE to be middle names;
but the other boys were listed as Crittendon and Peyton in the 1850 census.
Linda/VA