The Alabama in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Hudsons and Champion (New) Co I, 5th Ala Inf R

Family relations, as best I understand:

Joseph W Hudson (13 Oct 1813 - 14 Oct 1885) and wife Margaret S (16 June 1817 - 21 Dec 1885) , sons
George W and James F Hudson. On the 1860 census Margaret gives her places of birth as County Antrim, Ireland.

Benjamin F (14 Dec 1832 - 1 Aug 1882) and Joseph W Hudson, sons of Richard and Delia Hudson.

George W Hudson married Mrs Lucy Ann Tucker 13 May 1867, Clarke County AL. On the 1860 census she was Lucy Ann Chaney, married Wm H Tucker 30 Dec 30 1861.

James F Hudson married Theresa J Champion 22 Aug 1862, Clarke County AL, daughter of John and Mary Champion.
Her older brother Robert N Champion (4 Mar 4 1832 - 17 Feb 1900) married Sarah French 28 Jan 1858, Clarke County AL.
Her older sister Nancy A Champion (18 Feb 1834 - 11 May 1894) married John J Woods 18 July 1855, Clarke County AL. He served with Capt Jo Robbins (later Co C, 3rd Alabama Cavalry) and Co C, 1st Alabama Art Battn. After the war they moved to Milam County TX.

Margaret E and William H Champion are reported on the 1860 census of western Wilcox County, his occupation listed as overseer. On the 1850 census of Clarke County AL, William and Margaret are listed in household# 444. John and Mary Champion are listed in household# 447, so it seems that William H Champion may be the older brother of Theresa J Champion, who married James F Hudson in 1862.

When the "Grove Hill Guards" organized for Confederate service on May 6, 1861, George W and James F Hudson enlisted as Privates. Recruits assembled to join the company in Virginia included Joseph W and Benjamin F Hudson, who enlisted on Aug 2, 1861. William H Champion also enrolled at this time. Company roll for Sept - Oct 1861, shows George W Hudson had been appointed 4th Sgt. On the Nov-Dec 1861 roll, he is listed as 3rd Sgt. The same roll lists William H Champion present on detail as a butcher, and Benjamin F Hudson absent, sick.

As required by law, the company reorganized for three years or the war on Apr 28, 1862. At this time the company letter designation became Co "I", 5th Alabama Regt. Joseph W Hudson went home at this time, being overage and not subject to compulsory service. His home was listed as Choctaw Corners, Clarke County AL. (George W Hudson had the same home address.) On May 22, 1862, William H Champion received a discharge, being over the age of 35. George W Hudson became 2nd Sgt and James F Hudson 3rd Sgt of the newly reorganized company (GWH had been promoted 3rd Sgt prior to reorganization.)

As mentioned in Steve Stacey's post, James F Hudson received a flesh wound in the thigh and was treated in a Richmond VA hospital. Based on the date (17 Jul 1862), he probably was wounded at Gaines Mill (June 27, 1862) or Malvern Hill (July 1, 1862). He went home on wounded furlough, getting married on 22 Aug 1862. On 22 July 1862, George W Hudson also went home on furlough. During much of this period, Benjamin F Hudson was absent in different hospitals. He served as a nurse through Feb 1863.

George W and James F Hudson were both captured in the fighting at Chancellorsville VA, May 3, 1863. GWH fell into enemy hands with a wound. Both were released on POW exchange. GWH received a parole at Old Capitol Prison, Washington DC, May 19, 1863. JFH was released at City Point VA, May 13, 1863. His pay receipt dated May 26, 1863, mentions that he was with his colonel, who was wounded.

By this time Benjamin J Hudson finally returned to his company. Both he and George W Hudson were captured on July 1, 1863, just north of Gettysburg PA. They were among those Confederates taken prisoner aound the McLean Farm on Oak Hill.
http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/gettysburg/maps/oakridgemap.html

Imprisoned at Fort Delaware DL, BFH was exchanged at Cox's Landing near City Point VA, Feb 14-15, 1865. His name appears on roll with other paroled prisoners at Camp Lee, Richmond VA, Feb 17, 1865. BFH was paroled at Demopolis AL, June 13, 1865. After the war he ran a dry goods store at Hampden, Marengo County AL. I see no evidence that he ever married.

GWH was also imprisoned at Fort Delaware. He was released there on June 14, 1865.

The last of these men to remain with his company, James F Hudson was wounded in the left arm in the Battle of Winchester VA, Sept 19, 1864. JFH was captured when the lines at Petersburg VA were taken on Apr 2, 1865. He was released on oath of allegiance at Point Lookout MD, June 13, 1865.

William H Champion reenlisted Feb 28, 1863, Wilcox County AL, joining Co B, 38th Ala Regt. According to his widow's pension application, her husband was killed on May 15, 1864. If accurate, WHC must have died in the fighting at Resaca GA, May 14-15, 1864.

Other members of this company were John T (age 20) and John R (age 19) Champion, both enlisting on Mar 29, 1862, Wilcox County AL. John R Champion was captured Nashville TN, Dec 16, 1864. He was released at Camp Chase OH, June 12, 1865. JRC married Mary E Sheffield Nov 15, 1861, Clarke Co., daughter of Adam and Elizabeth Sheffield. Her brothers William (age 19 in 1860) and Joseph F (age 16 in 1860) also served in Co B, 38th Alabama Regt. A Florida pension application is the source for Joseph Sheffield's claim of service.

John T Champion received a parole at Demopolis AL, June 2, 1865.

And that's all I know about that . . .

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Hudsons and Champion (New) Co I, 5th Ala Inf Regt
Re: Hudsons and Champion (New) Co I, 5th Ala Inf R
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Re: Hudsons and Champion (New) Co I, 5th Ala Inf R
Re: Hudsons and Champion (New) Co I, 5th Ala Inf R