5th Kentucky Infantry Regt. COs. D,E & F C.S.A. The Eastern 5th
"Sangdiggers"
5th KY. Vol. Inf & The 5th KY. Artillery Batteries
The 5th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry is an reenactment group of men and their families from Kentucky primarily formed by members of The Sons of Confederate Veterans with direct bloodline to these Confederate heros. The 5th Kentucky reenactment unit wish to honor the Confederate soldier in both action and deed. We have members who are both "Mainstream" and "Progressive Campaign" style reenactors but most importantly we try to Honor the Kentucky Confederate who fought and died during the war between the states.The 5th Kentucky is a Confederate unit although we do have members who are willing to galvanise and sometimes wear the blue. We are dedicated to preserving the historic deeds and legacy of the brave, ill equipped Kentucky Confederate so future generations will know the sacrifices that they made in defense of the Southern Cause.
For a complete history of the Gallant 5th Kentucky, please visit this fantastic web-page by: "The Breckinridge Greys"
"THE BOYS OF COMPANY B"
A Sketch of Company B, 5th Kentucky Infantry, CSA
by Vince Barker
When the Civil War came to Kentucky, the state was torn apart. The state joined the Confederacy in January 1862. Being a "border state" there were strong allegiances to both North and South. Although the eastern portion of the state was generally pro-Union, there were pockets of hard core pro-Confederates. These people were mainly mountaineers from the counties of Carter, Morgan, Breathitt, Johnson, Floyd, Perry, and divided loyalties during the war. Breathitt County was known as "Bloody Breathitt" well into the 20th Pike. For generations after the war, feuds and killings were commonplace, all rising from the Century.
The largest group of Confederates to come from Breathitt County became Companies B and D of the 5th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, which was re-organized in September 1862, after its initial one year enlistments had chosen to join cavalry units or simply go home.
For its first year in the field, the 5th Kentucky spent the majority of its time guarding the salt works and mountain passes along the Kentucky & Virginia border. Although their only fighting consisted of a few small skirmishes, the duty was very arduous, consisting of many marches and counter marches, and as in most other units in the Civil War, sickness was rampamt.
Then in August, 1863, the 5th Kentucky, along with several other mountain units, were ordered to join Kentuckian Gen. Buckner’s Corps in Knoxville, as he was about to join Gen. Bragg and the Army of Tennessee. The units arrived just in time to take part in the battle of Chickamauga. Held in reserve until late in the day on Sept. 20th, the 5th Kentucky and the other regiments of their brigade were called up to help drive off the last remaining Union forces from Snodgrass Hill. During this, their first real battle, the 5th Kentucky helped capture two entire Union regiments, and half of another. An officer present stated that the 5th performed "like men of a hundred fights".
As the Army of Tennessee held the heights overlooking Chattanooga for the two months following Chickamauga, the 5th Kentucky was permanently assigned to the legendary Kentucky "Orphan Brigade". Over the next 18 months, they would add considerably to the brigade’s already legendary reputation as hard fighters. During the disastrous retreat from Missionary Ridge on November 25-26, 1863, the 5th Kentucky was temporarily assigned to Gen. Patrick Cleburne’s Division to help cover the retreat. Their actions helped save the Confederate Army of Tennessee.
After spending the winter of 1863-64 at winter quarters in Dalton, Georgia, the 5th Kentucky would participate in almost every battle and skirmish of the 100 days Atlanta Campaign, starting on May 7, 1864 at Resaca. This three months of constant fighting would end the existence of the Kentucky Brigade as an effective infantry force, and would cost them over half their numbers, including many of the boys of Company B.
One of the worst engagements would come at Dallas on May 28th. Because of a series of miscommunications, the Kentucky Brigade attacked almost the entire Union XV Corps, alone. The 5th Kentucky was leading the way. Although the brigade was finally given the order to withdraw, the 5th refused. They had gone too far, only yards from the Yankee breastworks to turn back now. Finally the regimental commander, Col. Hiram Hawkins, rode to the front of the regiment, grabbed the colors and ordered his men to withdraw. When the men had returned to their lines and the smoke cleared, the boys of Company B could see their First Sergeant, Richard South, lying dead at the very head of where they had charged. He was only twenty yards from the Yankee breastworks.
On about June 20th, while the Kentuckians were on the Kennesaw Line, another of these four boys of Company B would give the ultimate sacrifice. Pvt. John P. Gum was killed while the brigade was involved in heavy skirmishing the entire week leading up the main battle of Kennesaw Mountain on June 27th.
The worst for the 5th Kentucky came on July 22, 1864, during the battle of Atlanta. They were again involved in a poorly planned attack near Intrenchment Creek. Many of their men were lost, along with their colors.
For the remainder of the war, the 5th Kentucky and the rest of the Orphan Brigade were designated as "mounted" infantry, their numbers too few to act as an effective foot infantry force. Their time was spent harassing Gen. Sherman’s massive army as it moved through Georgia and into the Carolinas. The end came on April 26, 1865, when Gen. Johnston, Commander of the Army of Tennessee, officially surrendered to Sherman. The Kentucky Brigade would not officially lay down their arms until May 6th.
This unit was of course a proud part of the heroic"Orphan Brigade" who fought from the start of the war until after General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox.
Being separated from their native state for almost the entire war, these Kentuckians never lost site in what they believed. They are certainly deserving of our admiration.
5th Kentucky Battle of Barbourville, KY. Sept. 2004
5th KY Vol. Inf. Cumerland Gap. 2007 KY.
Men of the 5 th Kentucky Infantry COs. D, E & F Active Members
Assterick indicates number events attended in 2008
Lt.Col. Ray Adkins **** 3rd Cpl. Tabby Back *** Chaplain, Johnny Pearl Back ** Pvt. Shannon Barker {CCP} ***** Pvt. Vince Barker (Presently serving our County) Pvt. Gary Begley ** Chaplain J.W. Binion ****** Pvt. Okie Blair * Pvt. Tim Blair * Pvt. Don Bowker Lt. Ron Bowling{CC} **** Pvt. Fred Brewer (Provost) ** Pvt. Richard Brown * Pvt. Jesse Byrd *** Pvt. Christian Carter ****** David Chaltas ***** Persona of Robert E. Lee Pvt. Matthew Chandler * Pvt. Jon Collett {CC} *** Pvt. Roger Cox Pvt. Stacy Cox * Lt. Manton Ray Cornett (Caudills Battery){CCBO}**** Cpl. (Muscian) Darrell Crawford **** Pvt. Clint Davis Pvt. Floyd Davis Pvt. Patrick Davis {CC} ***** Pvt. John Erwin {CC} *** Pvt. Travis Erwin {CC} **** Pvt. Tommy Goodin {CCP} ** Pvt. Travis Goodin {CCP} ** Pvt. Eric Grass Pvt. Jerry Grass {CCP} *** Pvt. Randall Haddix (Caudill Battery){CC} ** Lt. Charlie Hamblin, (Provost Marshall) **** 4th Cpl. Moses Hamblin {CC} ***** Pvt. Edgar Hayden * Pvt. Bill Hicks Pvt. John Henry **** Pvt. Lowel Jones * 1st Sgt. Terry Kidd {CC}***** Pvt. Garland Kiser * Pvt. Larry Kiser * 3rd Sgt. John Kuhn {CC} **** Pvt. R.C. Kuhn (Gaddis Battery){CG} **** Pvt. Lee May Sgt. David "Law" Maynard (Gaddis Battery){CC} ** Pvt. Charlie McDaniel **** Pvt. Joe McVey (Gaddis Battery) * Pvt. Tom Miles (Gaddis Battery){CC} * Pvt. Chadwick Noel * Pvt. Billy Ousley Pvt. David Owens * Pvt. Mark Patrick {CC}*** Pvt. Ralph Phillips (Gaddis Battery){CC} Pvt. Jon Preston {CC} *** Lt. Jimmy Reed (Gaddis Battery){CCBO} Pvt. Britt Smith {CC} **** Pvt. Eric Smith * Pvt. Henry Smith * Pvt. Bobby Spencer * Sgt. Willis Strong (Caudill Battery){CC} **** Pvt. James Sullivan * Pvt. Graig "Raven" Swarts ** Pvt. Bryan Teater Pvt. Alan Warren *** Pvt. Michael Warrix *** Pvt. Josh Watkins * Pvt. Wayne Watts ** Pvt. Chad Wells Pvt. Lethan Whitaker * Capt. Les Williamson {CC} ****** Pvt. David Williams (Gaddis Battery) {CC} ** 3rd Sgt. Dale Wright (Medical Furlough)** 2nd Sgt. Danny Wright *** Pvt. Britt Wynn {CCP}** Pvt. William Wynn{CCP} ** Color Bearer: Cpl.Color Bearer Jimmie Jackson ****** Couriers: Pvt. Mike Brewer ** Pvt. Timothy Brock Pvt. Cody Pyles Pvt. Jacob Wynn {CCP} *
Lt.Col. Ray Adkins Capt. Les Williamson, Adjutant Lt. Ronnie Bowling Provost Lt. Charlie Hamblin 1st Sgt. Terry Kidd 2nd. Sgt; Danny Wright 3rd Sgt. John Kuhn 3rd Sgt. Dale Wright (Medical Furlough) 1st Cpl. Tabby Back 2nd Cpl. Moses Hamblin Muscian Cpl. Darrell Crawford Color Cpl. Jimmie Jackson Chaplain Johnny Pearl Back Chaplain J.W. Binion David Chaltas Persona of Gen. Robert E. Lee Artillery Batteries Caudill Battery Lt. Manton Ray Cornett Sgt. Willis Strong Gaddis Battery Lt. Jimmy Reed Sgt. David Maynard
************* For help with Authenticity please contact: Pvt. Jon Preston and visit our suggested sutler page attached to our membership application
5th Kentucky is graciously Headquartered at Hickory Minton Farms in Barbourville, Kentucky
Sept. 2005 One of our company Chaplains, Rev. James Smith doing the Lord's work. Christian Baptism before the Battle. Barbourville Kentucky Civil War Ministires
Lord, Guide us and direct us always.
Scheduled events of the 5 th. Kentucky for 2008 Schedule will be updated as event dates become available
Jan. 5 Tennessee Valley Battalion meeting Princeton, Kentucky For more information: Capt. Les Williamson
Jan. 20 General Robert E. Lee's birthday Jan. 20. General Stonewall Jackson's birthday
*Jan. 19. 6:00 2006 Lee/Jackson/Kentucky Secession Dinner Corbin Tech. center. Exit 25 off of I75 Corbin, Kentucky WBTS music by Moses Hamblin & Friends, Free door prizes & Ball Period dress encouraged or come as you are. For more information Please contact: Capt. Les Williamson
**Sept. 13-14 Battle of BarbourvilleMax Effort Barbourville, Kentucky 5th KY. & SCV Co-sponsor of this event **Most troops on the Field in 2006, 2007** This event is a premire area event. For more information please contact Lt.Col. Ray Adkins or Capt. Les Williamson The grand finale in the Wilderness Trail Campaign
** Sept 26-28 Battle of Middle Creek, Kentucky Max effort Contact: Pvt. Patrick Davis for more information
*Oct. 10-12 Flemingsburg Court Days Living history Flemingsburg, KY. Contact:Cpl. Darrell Crawford
*Oct. 11 Daniel Boone parade Barbourville, KY.
**Oct. 17, 18 & 19Camp Wildcat/London, Kentucky.Max Effort 5th KY & SCV Co-sponsor of this event For more information contact Juanita Westerfield The 5th received the bounty for most troops mustered on the field for this event in 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007
*Nov. Hickory Minton Farms Barbourville, KY. Family Pic-nic and business meeting. We will be electing our officers and NCOs for 2008 and going over the 2008 schedule.
**Donotes Max effort The 5th Kentucky has Six Maximum effort events. All other events listed are optional and elective.
The 5th Kentucky also work hand in hand with our local Sons of Confederate Veterans camp, The Pvt. E.F. Arthur Camp #1783 Corbin, Kentucky and other Veterans organizations with Veteran stone dedications.
Historic Bleak House Living History 3 April 2005 Knoxville, Tennessee
April 17 2004 The Pride of the Bluegrass Charleston, South Carolina Kentucky Division SCV Honor Guard Hunley Funeral Procession
Aug. 2006 2nd, 5th and 9th Kentucky in action Battle of Richmond Kentucky
The Retreating Yanks Battle of Barbourville Kentucky
Wildcat 2007 Capt. Russell Huffman, Kentucky Cavalry Brigade & Capt. Les Williamson
Fight As Kentuckians Called up for service General James Mason and 5th Kentucky member David Owens Camp Shelby and Jefferson Davis home
5th Kentucky Ladies Aid Society "The Pistol Packing Mammas"
Officers: Pres.Deb Adkins V. Pres. Judy Bowling Sec. treas. Amy Crawford Membership: Deb Adkins,****Sue Babb, **** Debra Back, *** Rosetta Back,* Melissa Barker,**** Judy Bowling,*** * Donna Binion,**** Deb Bowker, Donna Brewer, ** M. Clancy,** Charlene Clemons, Linda Cornett, Brooke Cowden, * Katie Cowden, * Amy Crawford, * Livie Elliott, Levina Erwin, ***Debbie Fugate, Heather Grass, ** Brenda Greene, Evelyn. Hamblin,** Debbie Hamblin,**Carla Hamblin,* * Josie Hawkins, Bealuh Hayden, Robin Hayden, Mary Hefner,* Linda Hicks, Doreatha Aker Hogg, Tawny Acker Hogg, Marsee Huffman, Missy Kidd, ***** Janice King, Angie Phillips **** Sandy Profitt, ***** B. May, Bambi Maynard, ** Chris Miles,* Faye Myers, April Neace, Brenda Neace, Stephanie Ockerman, Angie Phillips, *** Beverly Puckett, Kathy Smith,* Cecila Stewart, Megan Williamson, * Morgan Williamson,*** Cindy Wright , Sandra Wright,*** Lesa Wrinn,*** Danielle York,** Brooke Young, Lana Young
For Ladies Auxilury information please contact: Debra Adkins
God Bless these ladies who put up with us on and off the field. We appreciate you!
12 June 2005 Williamson/Huffman wedding
Original organizers of the 5th Ray Adkins, Chad Wrinn, Ronnie Bowling, Les Williamson, Danny Wright and Dale Wright Not pictured but active,David Chaltas, Tom Miles and Edgar Hayden
Chaplains Corner with Chaplain John Back & Chaplain J.W. Binion
Victory Through Faith
Deuteronomy 20:3-4 (NIV) – He shall say: “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid, do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
I have said many times, “Fully Rely On God”; but what does that mean? The words of this passage from the Old Testament express that thought in a manner that should explain. We are told in these verses to not be fainthearted or afraid for the Lord God will protect us against the enemy.
What or who is the enemy? In today’s world that enemy comes in many forms. The enemy is actually anything or anyone that threatens the relationship between us and our Saviour. There are factors of materialism, false pride, and reliance upon the world instead of the Word. There are also false prophets, people only interested in their own self interests, and those who would cause problems within the church, families, and groups.
When we realize that the only true victory comes in our total commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ it is much easier to face these enemies. As stated in the passage from Deuteronomy, “the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory”; the Lord will go with us. Of course, we must have faith – believe with all our hearts – that this is true. The words of our Lord tell us that faith the size of a grain of mustard seed will move mountains – isn’t that wonderful, we can overcome the enemy if we just have faith in God.
We have all faced our own enemies recently; we have encountered problems that test our resolve and faith. None of these enemies can defeat us as long as we continue to hold to the purpose the Lord has for us. Staying on the path the Lord has for us is the key. We can not stray from HIS paths because of our desire to be popular, gain prestige in the eye of man, or lack of courage. Yes, our Southern ancestors did not gain victory over those other people – but, they held to their principles and belief. Our ancestors continued to believe in their cause and cling to their faith in Christ – the surrender at Appomattox did not signify defeat of their faith. We can not allow the desires of the enemy to keep us from fulfilling our mission. Stay strong in the faith; stay clear in what the will of God is for us; and keep working for the glory of God – not for man’s honors and rewards.
We can reach the victory if we hold strong to our faith, pray for each other continually, love each other (regardless of individual faults), and be ready to forgive each other for our short-comings. As Christ forgave those who persecuted Him – we must be open and ready to do the same. Place Christ at the head, others before self, and seek the face of God – we will overcome. Peace, Grace, and Mercy to you all.
humble chaplain
"In the South, the War is what A.D. is elsewhere; they date from it." Mark Twain
"Sentiment moves the world; man is nothing without it.
He who feels no pride in his ancestors is unworthy to be remembered by his descendants."
-- Major David French Boyd, 9th Louisiana Infantry
First President of Louisiana State University
This Web-page is Dedicated to our dear Friend, Compatriot and Brother Sgt. Major Luther Gaddis Luther and Edgar Hayden, SCV Convention 2004. We will never forget you. Luther H. Gaddis 11/16/39 12/14/05
