queries & surnames...

Genealogy Queries and Family Surname Project

Query posted July 26, 2004

I have tried for years to get the name of my ancestor, Wilson Alexander Hurt, corrected in the muster rolls of the 15th Mississippi Infantry (Winona Stars). My research indicates his company was under the command of a Capt. Thomas Booth. He is variously listed as William A. Hurt or William H. Hurt, neither of which are correct. Wilson, who was a private soldier, was badly wounded at Shiloh. He was hospitalized and later send home to recuperate. After his wounds healed, he returned to his regiment and was later transferred to the military hospital at Vaiden as an orderly. He was so proficient at these duties that a letter was written by the post surgeon at Vaiden asking that W.A. be permanently transferred to the hospital. The surgeon said it would be difficult for Wilson to serve in a combat unit any longer due to a "gunshot wound received at the Battle of Shiloh. The surgeon ended the letter with the request to "Please have this request brought to the notice of Gen'l Pemberton. \Signed\ T.J. Taliaferro, Post Surgeon." W.A. served in the CSA Army from 25 May 1861 until August 1864, having entered service at Corinth. His CSA records are in the files of the Mississippi Dept. of Archives and History and copies are in the files of my father, Col.(Ret) William C. Hurt, 601 Turner St, Waynesboro, MS. I have written the Sons of Confederate Veterans, countless webmasters and historical organizations, most of which haven't responded and none which have made the correction. I ask you help in putting this man's correct name on the rolls of the unit in which he so proudly served. If I may provide any additional information, please let me know. Incidentally, he apparently had a talent for medicine after all. Following the war, he attended medical school at Dartmouth and was a practicing physician until his death in 1901. He is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Winona.


John Hurt
Austin, Texas