Memorials › James Cranston

James Cranston

1836 – 7 Mar 1862

Birth1836
Death7 Mar 1862
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/198470998

Bio

James, the second son of William and Rose Ann Cranston, was born in near Portadown, County Armagh, Ireland in about 1836 but I haven’t found his exact birth date. The Civil War pension files have the most information on James’ life, but only mentioning his dates of enlistment and death. I found very few paper documents about James other than the Pension files (see Civil War Pension Application Process page 6.) Several different persons testified to James’ contributing all of his earnings to the family finances starting when he was about15. His father’s epilepsy attacks began in 1855, so the financial help James gave was important. In about 1858 he and his father borrowed money to purchase a team of horses which allowed him to earn money hauling railroad ties in Clayton and Camp Point, using part of these earnings to pay off the debt. His earnings ran from about $100 - 300 dollars a year hauling railroad ties and offering his team for hire. He was a willing worker in various occupations: farmer, teamster, laborer and running a threshing machine according to the sworn statement of Wm Montgomery. During the threshing season, James would bring part of his pay home to the family as wheat for bread. In return for his earnings, the family fed and clothed him. He was a sober, industrious and economical person as mentioned in several affidavits. There are no letters from James in this collection of the ‘Letters Written to Timothy Miner’ saved by Timothy who did not join the family until after James' death. Close in age and 7 and 5 years older than the girls, probably, James and John, working and doing chores together, must have had a special bond. One bit of evidence to support this idea is that about a year after James’ death, John mentioned in one letter that he was dreaming about his brother. The Civil War exploded into their lives when James, at age 26, signed up to join the Cavalry in the summer of 1861. James brought his horse and the necessary equipment with his enlistment; receiving a few extra cents for this in his pay. The 'Muster In' ceremony for the induction of soldiers into the 3rd Cavalry Company G at Camp Butler, Illinois was on 27 August 1861. At Camp Butler the company of soldiers practiced, trained and drilled the many skills they would need in battle until the 25th of September. On finally departing the camp, the company’s first destination was St. Louis. James was detailed to be an escort for the Colonel on September 29, 1861, this assignment being renewed every month thereafter. Slowly the cavalry progressed through Missouri, arriving in Arkansas early in November to remain there until the end of the year. Early in 1862, the army moved into the Springfield, Missouri area where they began engagements with the enemy in the middle of February. On March 5th scouts encountered advancing enemy troops. Orders were sent out via couriers to outlying troops to pull back to Pea Ridge, Arkansas. The front line was being tighten for battle. Jacob Haslett spoke in his sworn statement about the night before the battle and how he and James shared the possibility of being killed. "James said he had $35 sewn in his clothes that was for his mother from his first paycheck. He asked Jacob to see that his mother got the money and his horse.' On March 7, 1862, during the Battle of Pea Ridge, James was carrying a message when he was shot from his horse and killed. Jacob made arrangements for the money and horse to be returned home. At this time it is not known where James’ body is buried. NARA Civil War Service Record and Pension Files, James Cranston, Application # 282,206 Cert. #192,340 #113355; #113435.

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