My Genealogy Hound

CLARK, JOHN M. mechanic, Sec. 32, P.O. Rockbridge, was born in Rockbridge County, Va., Aug. 4, 1846, is the son of Samuel and Ann Clark, her maiden name was Reynolds. At the age of 14 he moved to Green County, Ohio, with his parents. August, 1862, enlisted in the 5th Ohio Cav., Co. C, Gov. Todd’s Independent Scouts; remained about one year, and when they were disbanded re-enlisted in the 60th Ohio Vol., Co. C. This regiment was unfortunate, being severely cut to pieces. The Colonel in one instance led the regiment into the very face of a division of Lee’s army, and thirty-three out of his company were buried in one grave at Spottsylvania, and out of 102 men in his company only nine of them returned unscathed, of which John was one of the number. He was at the battle of the Wilderness, Nye River, Bethesda Church, North Anna River, Spottsylvania, and Cold Harbor, where he was taken prisoner, and served about seven months in several prisons. Belle Isle, Libby, Milan, and Andersonville. During the time he was at Milan he escaped, but was pursued by blood hounds and captured, having to climb a tree to escape being torn to pieces. During the time he was with the regiment he had some very narrow escapes; had at one time twenty-three bullet holes through his overcoat, but came out without a scratch. When he came out of Andersonville prison he weighed but seventy-five pounds, and when he went home his mother did not recognize him. He received his discharge Aug. 6, 1865, and after the war came to this county; hired out to Charles Scandredt, jr.; worked for him three years on a farm; married Jennie Howard, born Jan. 19, 1851; had five children: Charles W., born Feb. 6, 1870; Magnolia, born Oct. 19, 1872; Elizabeth O., born Nov. 21, 1874; John S., born Dec. 12, 1876; Roy E., born Feb. 17, 1878. He has learned the wagon maker and carpenter’s trade; is proprietor of a steam thresher, which he has been running for ten years; is a member of Sheffield Lodge No. 678, A. F. and A. M.; cast his first vote for U. S. Grant.