Cpl. Levin G. Murphy, Company B

Biography of Levin Graham Murphy, “Biographical and Genealogical History of Cass, Miami, Howard, and Tipton Counties Vol. 1 & 2” He is listed in company B’s roster as Grimes L. Murphy.

“LEVIN G. MURPHY – lumber dealer and leading citizen of Xenia, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, October 1, 1841, is the fourth child, and one of the five children of George G. and Margaret (Arbuckle) Murphy, the former a native of Delaware, born February 29, 1808, and the latter a native of Preble County, Ohio, born in November 1813. The father in early life followed the trade of a carpenter, and in 1849, removed with his family to Miami County, Indiana, locating at Peoria, where he engaged in saw-milling and where he now resides. The paternal grandfather was Reuben Murphy, a native of Delaware, and died with the cholera in Ohio in 1849. Samuel Arbuckle, the maternal grandfather, was a native of Pennsylvania, was a soldier in the war of 1812, a farmer by occupation and died in Hamilton County, Ohio. Our subject was reared by his parents, his education being acquired in the common schools. September 11, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Fortieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until December 9, 1864. He took part in a number of engagements, among which were Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Stone River, in which he received a slight wound in the left shoulder and head, battle of Tullahoma, and with his brigade was the first to enter Chattanooga. His next battles were Mission Ridge, Knoxville, Buzzard Roost Gap, in the last named he was wounded in the leg, the battle of Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, in that famous charge of June 27, 1864, where he received a wound in the left eye, totally destroying the sight of that organ, and which effectually ended his military career. He never wavered in the immediate discharge of such duties as devolved upon him, and throughout his military career was a brave and efficient soldier. He returned to Miami County after the war and engaged in the lumber business, in which he has successfully continued. Mr. Murphy was united in marriage January 1, 1872, to Miss Mary C. Slocum, and one daughter has blessed their union, Ethel, born January 19 1875. Mrs. Murphy is a native of Huron County, Ohio, born February 7, 1846. Her parents are George and Eliza (Pierce) Slocum, natives of Peru, the father born July 3, 1823, and the mother March 12, 1825. They removed to Wabash County, Indiana, in the fall of 1846, where the father died January 20, 1860. The mother is still living and resides in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are among the best citizens of Xenia. He is a Republican and a member of the G. A. R.”

Pvt. Milton H. Porter Letter

Grave of Milton H. Porter, Marietta National Cemetery

A very interesting letter sent home from Chattanooga, during October 1863, by Pvt. Milton H. Porter. The letter is to his brother, George Marion Porter, who resides in Montgomery County, Indiana. There are a range of topics covered by Milton. He starts by writing about his situation in Chattanooga. A soldier always wants letters, Milton inquires as to why brother George is not writing. Milton was married to Sarah Rice on May 6, 1860 in Montgomery County, Indiana. It appears at the time of the letter that the relationship was on a very rocky road, and Milton wants to know Sarah’s status. The relationship will end in divorce according to pension and Montgomery County records. He also wants to know what brother George and other people think about the 1863 Ohio election for state governor. The election was big news in the Army of the Cumberland, Ohio soldiers in the field got to vote in the heated election. Ohio soldiers are said to have turned the outcome of the election. Milton ends with a couple of more Army tidbits.

Milton H. Porter was born in 1833, Montgomery County, Indiana. He enlisted as a recruit in company H on October 4, 1862. He had severed in several actions at Stones River, Missionary Ridge and Resaca, Georgia. On June 27th, 1864 the 40th, as part of Wagner’s Brigade, assaulted the Confederate works on Kennesaw Mt., Georgia. Pvt. Porter was wounded during the charge, he was sent to the 2nd Brig., 2nd Div., 4th Army Corps Hospital at an unknown date. A surgeon recorded Milton’s diagnosis, “Gun-shot wound, both Thighs and Abdomen – Flesh wound of Thigh penetrating Abdomen.” On June 30th, 1864, Pvt. Milton H. Porter died of his wounds in the 4th Corps Hospital. He is buried in the Marietta National Cemetery, Marietta, Georgia.

Letter

Camp in Chattanooga Tennessee
October the 29, 1863

Mr. George A. Porter, dear sir I send you a few lines to let you know I ain’t well, but I hope this will find you and family well and all Gods blessings rest on you. There is a prospect for a big fight soon.

George, I don’t see what is the reason you don’t write to me for I don’t think I ever done or wrote anything that you need not write. I want to now. What it is I want you to tell me if you write. What you know about my wife, if she has got a divorce and if she is married or not. I want you to tell me all the particulars and tell me how you like the election of Ohio and how the people likes it in the town of Crawfordsville.

We have General Grant for our commander now and I think we will gain the day soon. We learn that Meade has whipped Lee once more.

Well I must close, for I shall have to by dawn.

Write soon.
M.H. Porter
to George R. Porter

Direct your letter
Chattanooga Tennessee
40th reg’t Ind. Vols.
Co. H Care of Capt. Cole