Joseph Henry PhlegarFrom the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove
Hello to All,
In tonight’s virtual family reunion we discuss the email I received from a distant Phlegar cousin from North Carolina sent to everyone in an earlier email. I’m currently interested in our family’s historical military service, which is why you’ve seen several posts recently covering their heroic service. We are all proud of our family members who served and currently serve in the armed forces. On the Williamson side we currently have cousin Andrew Williamson currently serving in the armed forces, having returned from active duty in Afganistan recently. We are proud of him.
In tonight’s post I’d like to introduce you to a Phlegar cousin who served in the Confederate Army. His name was Joseph Henry Phlegar. He was our 2nd cousin four times removed.
First his relation to all of us is outline below:
And now the Story of our cousin, Joseph Henry Phlegar
Simply,
Victor
Joseph Henry Phlegar
Joseph was born to Isaac George Phlegar and Sarah Catherine Rutherford on Thursday, August 15, 1839 in the rolling hills of Floyd County, Virginia. He was the first of 5 children for Isaac and Sarah. Joseph married the love of his life in 1860, Angeline C. Epperly.
Joseph and Angeline were blessed with thirteen children, with the first being expected when Joseph enlisted in the 54th Virginia Infantry, CSA, April 15, 1861. April 30, 1862 in Virginia, Joseph was one of 4 enlistees diverted by Captain Culpepper Pelham from the 54th to Stuarts Horse Artillery. Captain Pelham had promised his men that Stuarts Horse Artillery would be very active and on the move in the months ahead.
Captain Pelham kept his word, moving from Culpepper through Richmond, then to the Virginia peninsula, taking part in many skirmishes in early May of 1862. Although close by, roads had become almost impassable due to rains and prevented them from assisting in the Battle of Seven Pines.
Early June, the Brigade moved to Hanover C.H., and June 25th joined forces with Stonewall Jacksons troops in the Shenandoah Valley. They encountered enemy troops at Cold Harbor, White House, Bottoms Bridge, Providence Forge and back to Malvern Hill.
Early July the brigade was encamped on the banks of James River in Charles City County. There purpose was to harass the enemy transport boats and gunboats, including the Monitor.
Most of July and August was spent in the Northern Neck area of Virginia, with many skirmishes and protecting the Virginia Central Railroad in Gordonsville, VA.
August 29th Battle of 2nd Manassas, September 17th, Battle of Sharpsburg, then crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains in late October, and was involved in the Ten Days skirmishes. From there, Stuart was ordered to Fredericksburg, Virginia in early December.
On Saturday, December 13, 1862 at the Battle of Fredericksburg Joseph receive a serious wound by an enemy shell, resulting in the loss of his right forearm.
Joseph was ultimately sent to a converted tobacco warehouse in Lynchburg, Virginia to recuperate. Joseph had fought at the side of many great Confederate leaders, General Robert E. Lee, Lieutenant General James Longstreet, Lieutenant General Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson, Major General James E. B. Stuart, Lieutenant Col. John Pelham, Major James Breathed, and Captain Robert Beckham. After being released from the hospital in Lynchburg, Joseph was to spend the rest of the war at home with Angeline and a growing family.
Submitted by Carolyn E. Austin, wife of Thomas E. Austin, Great, Great, Grandson.
