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Halifax County
Biographies for VMI Cadets
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WILLIAM H. EASLEY, OF HALIFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA;
CAPTAIN, CO. "C," 3D VIRGINIA CAVALRY.
William H. Easley, the youngest son of Captain Thomas Easley, of Halifax County, Virginia, was born the 16th of April, 1832. The father was widely known and highly respected in his county, which he represented in the Virginia Legislature in the days when it was an honor to be elected to serve in her halls. Captain Thomas E. died in 1835, leaving a widow with six children,—three sons and three daughters. The mother, whose maiden name was Harriet Bailey, faithfully discharged the duties devolving on her in training and educating her children. Her eldest son, Thomas Easley, was the first graduate at West Point of his Congressional district "He fell, fighting most gallantly, at the head of his men," in the battle of Churubusco, the last engagement of the Mexican war. The following spring the body of Thomas E. was brought from its temporary resting-place in a foreign soil to be laid in the family burying-ground. The military funeral, which drew together a vast crowd, seemed a mockery of grief to the older members of the family, but the ardent boy, William, was thrilled with dreams of glory. When the time came for going to college, he earnestly begged to be allowed to go to West Point; but his mother, who blamed herself for the military education of the older son, would not consent Finally, as a compromise, he proposed the Virginia Military Institute, assuring his mother, if war came, he would fight for his country, and it would be better as an officer than as a private soldier.
He entered the Institute in January, 1853; remained until July, 1856, when he graduated. William was of a frank, genial nature, and from boyhood to manhood exercised a charm over his associates. He had fine abilities, and the best, most generous heart that ever beat. After leaving the* Institute, for a year or so he lived with his mother, attending to her farm. At this time his social disposition led him into such company and habits as made his friends very unhappy, but through the mercy of God he was led to see and repent of his folly. He made a profession of religion, and joined the Presbyterian Church. He bought a farm, and was living on it, respected and beloved by a large circle of friends, when the late unhappy war called him to other scenes.
A volunteer company was raised in the neighborhood, and he was given command of it. This company, the "Black Walnut Light Dragoons," was composed of noble young men from the best families, who willingly gave up the comforts and luxuries of life to repel the invader. When congratulated on having the command of such a company, he replied, "I am proud of my men; no promotion would tempt me to leave them; but we will have a hard struggle, and when I think of what is before us, I wish they were mere soldiers, not friends and kinsmen? Captain Easley went into camp early in May, 1861, and daily exercised them in such drills as would make them more efficient in service. On the 24th of May the company left Black Walnut, and was marched into service in Richmond on the 29th, and assigned to duty in the Peninsula, near Yorktown. It was Co. "C," 3d Regiment Virginia Cavalry, at first commanded by Major Hood (afterwards major-general). When the regiment was filled, General Johnson was placed in command. This regiment did a good deal of picket and scout duty, being the only cavalry regiment on the Peninsula for some time. They also pushed the enemy in their retreat from the battle of Bethel. Captain Easley filled all the duties of his office till November, 1861, when he was taken sick at the Half-Way House. His brother-in-law, Dr. C, was there at the time, and persuaded him to accompany him on his return to Halifax, where his chances of a speedy recovery would be much greater than at the noisy station. But his disease baffled the skill of physicians and the tender nursing of loving hearts that gathered around his bedside. On the night of the 10th of December, it became apparent that he must soon die. All night long his mind wandered,—most frequently he was in camp, giving orders to his men; then he would fancy he was in action, and describe a bloody engagement. As morning broke, his sister, who had watched and listened in agony to his wanderings, asked if he would not try to call his mind from such bloody scenes and fix them on Christ, who had died for him. He looked earnestly at her, and said, "I will try to pray, and you must pray for me." Then folding his hands on his breast and closing his eyes, he remained awhile apparently in prayer. Looking around after this, and seeing his mother weeping at the foot of the bed, and his servant kneeling near, sobbing as if his heart would break, he asked his mother, and then the servant, if he was dying; and; as they did not reply, he turned to his sister and repeated the question, "Am I dying ?" The two physicians in attendance told her to tell him the truth; but one fearing she would not have nerve to speak the sad words, left to call the minister. His sister told him he was dying, but since Christ had died for sinners, none that trusted in Him need fear death. His face became calm, and he repeated, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." Pausing a moment, he said, with a tone of awe, "Then I will soon be dead, dead" His sister replied, "Dead to earth, alive to the glories of Heaven." "Yes, I will soon be home, pointing and looking upward. Then he repeated, "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will to men," with an expression so bright, that his mother, clasping her hands, repeated, Glory! glory!" The minister coming in, and not knowing what had passed, told him he must die. He said, "I know it; I had hoped to lead a useful life, but it's God's will; I'm resigned." He then asked the minister to pray for him, after which he requested to be left with his sister and servant. He was now so weak as to be able to speak only a few words connectedly, but he delivered a last message, for human love is strong even in death. Then he told his servant to hand him a shaving-glass from the mantel. It was strange the quiet look he gave, and the comment, "I look very natural." One of his company, who was on furlough and hearing of his illness, called just then to see his captain. When asked if he wished to see Dick Adams, he replied, emphatically, "Yes, I wish to see him." And when the poor fellow came in, and, after shaking hands and telling his captain, with choking voice, he was sorry to find him so sick, would have shrunk back to hide his emotion, he said, " Adams, you must—tell me farewell Tell all the—boys—farewell. Tell them if------" his sister, to help his failing voice, said, " if I have been too strict------" Looking in her face, he said, " Not that,—I wasn't too strict. If I have—hurt their feelings—forgive me—remember me. I remembered—them—to the last."
As calmly as an infant going to sleep, in a few moments more his spirit passed away, the 11th of December, 1861, as truly a sacrifice to the war as any who fell on the field of battle.
(Source: Biographical sketches of the Graduates and Eleves of the Virginia Military Institute who fell during the war between the States, by Chas. D. Walker. Published 1875. Transcribed and submitted to Genealogy Trails by Linda Rodriguez)
HOWELL CHASTAIN EDMONDSON, OF HALIFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA;
PRIVATE, 1ST RICHMOND HOWITZERS.
Howell Chastain Edmondson, the sixth son of Richard and Susan H. Edmondson, was born on the 25th of January, 1845, in the county of Halifax, Virginia, and died at Chimborazo Hospital, Richmond, on the 24th of June, 1864, of typhoid fever.
While but a boy Howell Chastain was possessed of qualities which, if his life had been spared, would have developed themselves into a noble Christian manhood. There was something so pure in his nature, so tender and considerate in his disposition, and withal so quietly brave in his bearing among men, that all who knew him were unconsciously forced to respect and love him. There are many who can remember his sweet-toned voice in the choir of old St. John's Church, and when he left us, in 1859, to enter the Virginia Military Institute, all who were intimate with him felt sure that his devoted and pious mother had instilled such Christian principles into his young heart as would enable him to be true and manly and moral amid all the new temptations of college life,—principles which took deeper root and grew stronger in the face of those temptations, and which finally led him to embrace the Christian religion, and unreservedly to give his heart to the loving Saviour.
He remained at the Virginia Military Institute until it was broken up by the war,—during which time he was once in active service with the Cadet Corps. Immediately after he left the Institute, in 1862, he joined the 1st Company of Howitzers, and remained in service until his death, never returning alive to his home in Halifax County.
Although but a youth,—only seventeen years of age when he entered the army,—he bore the hardships and privations of war without a murmur or a word of regret. He marched abreast with the strongest and the hardiest soldier, and his conduct in battle was that of a heroic and Christian patriot. One incident in his career as a soldier is mentioned by one of his comrades, which the writer of this brief memoir cannot omit, as it exhibits both his coolness and his reliance upon God in the midst of danger. In one of the battles around Richmond, while the enemy was making a fierce assault, a comrade turned to Howell and asked him how he felt. Although under fire at the time, he calmly replied, "I fear no evil, whatever, for I have long made my peace with God."
In order to show in what esteem he was held by his fellow-soldiers, we quote the following extract from the resolutions passed by the 1st Company of Richmond Howitzers: "In the death of this, our brother, though tender in years, the company has lost a pious and exemplary member, and the country a brave and patriotic defender. Stimulated by the desire to share the dangers with his brothers in the field, he came without any compulsion from his quiet studies at the Virginia Military Institute, and enlisted in his country's service. But, alas! the unrelenting hand of death has snatched him from existence; yet will his memory live, and the incidents connected with our long and pleasant association with him be the most pleasing recollections of after-life."
Yes, "his memory will live," for he was of a most loving and affectionate disposition. The youngest scion of his father's house, he was the pride and pet of his family, and all words are idle to convey an adequate expression of the grief which his untimely death caused in his bereft household. But, though gentle and affectionate, he was no less brave and ardent in the defense of his country. And thus it is ever,—
"The bravest are the tenderest,
The loving are the daring."
(Source: Biographical sketches of the Graduates and Eleves of the Virginia Military Institute who fell during the war between the States, by Chas. D. Walker. Published 1875. Transcribed and submitted to Genealogy Trails by Linda Rodriguez)
RICHARD LOGAN, Jr., OF HALIFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA
CAPTAIN, CO. "H," I4TH VIRGINIA INFANTRY.
Richard Logan, Jr., third son of Richard and Margaret Logan, was born on the 3d of December, 1829, in Halifax County, Virginia. His early education was received at the Academy at Halifax Court-House, Virginia, which school he continued to attend until the summer of 1846. In September of that year he was sent to the Virginia Military Institute,— entering the third class,—and remained there until 1849, when he graduated. On returning home he selected the profession of civil engineering, for which his education had so well fitted him, and was for some time engaged on railroads in Virginia. He was subsequently employed on a road in Ohio, but his health becoming impaired he returned to Virginia and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, settling upon a plantation near the village of Meadsville, in his native county.
He was a true son of Virginia, sensitively alive to all that concerned her honor or welfare. As soon, therefore, as it was ascertained that the State would probably secede from the Union a volunteer company was raised in his vicinity, to the command of which he was called by acclamation. He at once addressed himself with zeal and energy to the duties which his new position imposed, laboring earnestly to prepare his company for the stirring scenes in which it was destined to play so active and distinguished a part. But little time, however, was left for this. As soon as the note of war was sounded, and the call to arms went forth from the capital of the State to every city, town, and hamlet within her borders, this company was not slow to respond, but at once commenced active preparation for its departure, and soon repaired to Richmond, where, on the 1st of May, 1861, it was mustered into the service of the State. It was subsequently transferred, as were all the Virginia troops, to the service of the Confederate States, and on the organization of the 14th Virginia Regiment was assigned to it and designated as Co. "H." This regiment became a part of Armistead's Brigade, which was organized at Suffolk, Virginia, in the spring of 1862, and which was assigned successively to Huger's, Anderson's, and Pickett's Divisions, joining the latter at Culpeper Court-House, Virginia, in the fall of that year. The regiment was first engaged at Seven Pines, and subsequently, with distinction, in the bloody battle of Malvern Hill,—Captain Logan being in command during the latter part of that engagement. On the organization of the Army of Northern Virginia, the division to which this brigade belonged was assigned to Longstreet's Corps, and was engaged in nearly all the great battles afterwards fought by this army, except the battle of Chancellorsville, at which time the division was investing Suffolk.
Captain Logan commanded his company in all these battles up to the day of his death,—second Manassas, Sharpsburg, Harper's Ferry, Fredericksburg, Suffolk, and, lastly, in the great battle of Gettysburg. He led his company in the celebrated charge of Pickett's Division, and on the ever-memorable 3d of July, 1863, at the close of the action, after having aided in capturing the enemy's guns, fell facing the enemy, pierced by a ball, which passed entirely through his body about the region of the heart. He died instantly, without uttering a word
His fall was for a long time in doubt, and though the most anxious forebodings were felt by his relatives and friends, it was yet hoped that he might be among the thousands of gallant men who, in the very hour of victory, were made prisoners. This hope, alas was destined to be disappointed, certain information having been subsequently received making known the manner of his death as above detailed.
Richard Logan, Sr., the father of Captain Logan, was a distinguished member of the Halifax bar, known and respected for and near for his talents, his high character, his stern and unbending integrity. He was repeatedly elected by the people of his county to stations of high public trust, having been a member of the Convention of 1829-30, and frequently of the Senate of Virginia. Mrs. Logan was a daughter of Colonel Henry E. Coleman, of Halifax County, from whom the large, wealthy, and respectable family of that name, so well known in South-side Virginia, was descended.
Captain Logan inherited from his parents a mind distinguished by sound judgment and practical good sense, and a warm and affectionate heart, which made him friends wherever he was thrown, in school, at college, in camp. His sound judgment, his high and chivalrous courage, his perfect sincerity, his genial good nature and modest demeanor, commanded the respect and won the esteem and affection of all with whom he came in contact, and made him a favorite wherever he was known. He was singularly well fitted for command, by talents, character, and education, having that happy faculty which enabled him to enforce the necessary discipline without losing the respect and affection of his men.
He would have filled a much higher station in the service with credit to himself and advantage to the country, and would doubtless have been promoted had he or his friends exerted themselves to that end. He seems, however, to have been actuated rather by a sense of duty than a desire for personal distinction, and was content to perform faithfully the duties of the position to which he had been called by his company, and preferred to remain with those—the sons of his friends and neighbors—who had been, as it were, intrusted to his care.
It so happened that there were no vacancies in the regimental offices of the 14th until the battle of Gettysburg, which proved so destructive to that gallant regiment, and in which Captain Logan himself fell. Thus it was that he failed to reach the high official position which he so well merited. This, however, is a matter of but little moment. He was loved and respected for what he was and what he did,—his warm heart, his manly courage, his gallant bearing, his faithful performance of duty. A higher position might have opened to him a wider sphere of usefulness and influence'; it could have added nothing to the esteem and affection with which he was regarded by those who knew and appreciated him, and who watched with just pride his honorable career from the day of its commencement to that of its close on the bloody field of Gettysburg.
N. T. Green.
(Source: Biographical sketches of the Graduates and Eleves of the Virginia Military Institute who fell during the war between the States, by Chas. D. Walker. Published 1875. Transcribed and submitted to Genealogy Trails by Linda Rodriguez)
WILLIAM E. WATKINS, OF HALIFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA
ORDERLY SERGEANT, ALRIGHT'S BATTERY.
William E. Watkins, son of Samuel P. Watkins, Esq., was born in Halifax County, in 1844; in August, 1860, became a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute, where he remained until the corps went to Richmond, in the spring of 1861, to serve as drill-masters. When the corps was disbanded, young Watkins, though under age, enlisted as a private in Alright's Battery,—an artillery company from his native county. With this battery he served during the whole war, having for his soldierly qualities been made orderly sergeant. The severe service of the last campaigns of the war brought on disease which proved fatal, taking him home just a few months after hostilities had ceased.
One of his comrades says of him, " He was a noble boy, much beloved among us."
(Source: Biographical sketches of the Graduates and Eleves of the Virginia Military Institute who fell during the war between the States, by Chas. D. Walker. Published 1875. Transcribed and submitted to Genealogy Trails by Linda Rodriguez)
