James S. Carson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

James S. Carson (22nd of Aug 1837 - 1917) born in Penninghame, Wigtown (Wigtonshire), Scotland to James Carson and Margaret Macdowell. In 1849 his family went to the United States. Shortly thereafter his family was on a boat heading up the Hudson River when the ship capsized and James' mother Margaret and two sisters drowned.

After this the remainder of the family settled in the town of Farmington, Ontario County, Upstate New York. There they became active farmers.

[edit] The Civil War years

In 1861 James joined the Union Army. He was part of Company B 85th Infantry Veteran Volunteers NY. He was soon promoted to Lt. Corp.

On April 20, 1864 at Plymouth NC his company was routed and taken prisoner. He was sent to Andersonville, GA Prisoner of War camp. After under going subhumane treatment for several months. He was transferred to Charleston, SC and from thence to Florence, SC. He escaped with a group of 4 other men and lead them to freedom on Feb. 1865 by reaching the Atlantic Ocean via the Pee Dee River. Then flagging down a U.S. gun boat February 14, 1865.

His other positions include; Farm Laborer, Justic of Peace, Commander of the local Grand Army of the Republic, as well as a deacon in the Methodist Episcopal Church.