For some unexplained reason he disappears from the rolls after April 1862. There is no indication of birthplace.
John Simpson
Enlisted as a Comm Sergt
"B" Co. TN 5th Cavalry
Sources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.:
- Index to Compiled Military Service Records
5th TN Cavalry
( 3-years )
Organized: Nashville, TN on 7/15/62
Mustered Out: 8/14/65 at Nashville, TN
Officers Killed or Mortally Wounded: 1
Officers Died of Disease, Accidents, etc.: 1
Enlisted Men Killed or Mortally Wounded: 68
Enlisted Men Died of Disease, Accidents, etc.: 175
(Source: Fox, Regimental Losses)
Fifth Cavalry. -- Col., William B. Stokes; Lieut.-Cols.,
Robert Galbraith, William J. Clift, Majs., John Murphy, Shelah
Waters, John F. Armstrong John Wortham, Faver Cason.
This regiment was recruited and organized in Middle Tennessee
by Col. Stokes, acting under authority from Gov. Johnson, in
July, 1862. It was made up at Nashville principally, the
recruits coming from various counties in squads. It was first
known as the 1st Middle Tenn. cavalry, but was subsequently
changed to the 5th Tenn.
The regiment was in various battles and skirmishes during the
latter part of 1862, actively participated in the battle of
Stone's River from first to last, and closed the fight on the
Manchester pike on Monday evening, Jan. 5, 1863.
From that time until the close of the war it was employed
mainly in detachments, in the eastern part of Middle
Tennessee. One battalion was stationed at Shelbyville for
some time and did good service in a number of battles and
skirmishes, for which it received high compliments from its
superior officers.
The other portion of the regiment under Col. Stokes was
stationed at Carthage and had frequent skirmishes. Among
other duties it was required to carry the mail from Carthage
to Gallatin, which invited the attacks of the enemy.
A portion of the regiment was in the battle of Lookout
Mountain under command of Capt. Cain and Lieut. Carter. A
part was at Chickamauga and Chattanooga under Lieuts. Robinson
and Nelson.
The regiment was subsequently ordered to Sparta, Tenn., to
break up the guerrilla bands which infested that region. The
guerrilla chiefs, Hughes, Bledsoe and Ferguson, declared a war
of extermination against Col. Stokes' command, and then began
a series of skirmishes and battles in which no quarter was
given on either side.
After completely subduing the guerrillas the regiment was
ordered to Nashville, where under the command of Lieut.-Col
Clift, it participated in the battles in front of that city.
Upon the removal of the regiment to Nashville Col. Stokes was
assigned to the command of the forces at Carthage, where he
remained until honorably discharged in April 1865.
The regiment was mustered out Aug. 14, 1865, in accordance
with orders from the war department.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 4, p. 384
.............
5th Tennessee, "Volunteers for the Union and Liberty: History of the 5th Tennessee Infantry, U.S.A., 1862-1865," by Robert K. Cannon. After more than 5 years of extensive research and compiling information on the 5th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry Regiment, U.S.A., author Robert Cannon and the Bohemian Brigade Bookshop (7347 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37909, 615-694-8227) are pleased to announce the release of his much awaited, in-depth study of this proud and courageous group of volunteers known as the 5th Tennessee. Follow these men step-by-step through experiences and battles from the beginning of their involvement at Cumberland Gap to the final drama at Wilmington, N.C. Descendants of the 5th will find the personal information and photographs of the officers of great interest. Cannon has successfully uncovered documents, personal letters, and records which enable the reader to gain insight into the lives of these men. Their lives are followed from the beginning through battles, injuries, captures, and in some cases, to their deaths during service or after the War upon returning home. Photographs of the period are included along with photos of families, battle sites, and equipment. Many detailed maps, clarifying locations are included. These maps, which are easy to follow, clearly lead the reader through the areas of the country where the 5th Tennessee engaged in combat. Whether the reader is a descendent of these volunteers, a knowledgeable historian, or a student seeking information of this time, the impression of the men, their ideals, their loyalty and steadfast support of the Union during this period of our history will be remembered long after the facts are forgotten. Cannon has portrayed more than Civil War records, battle information, and personal insights. He has given us a look back into time and people who had to make an unbelievable decision, sometimes going against their own families, to stand up for their beliefs. He has provided a look at the lives of these brave and proud men, which we will not find in the average historical accounts. (paid ad) 428 pages, maps
See also: http://fifthtennessee.com/index2.html
http://www.tngennet.org/civilwar/rosters/cav/cav5/cob1.html
http://dlc.lib.utk.edu/f/fa/fulltext/2179.html
These two contacts may be of help in your search:
5th Tenn. Infantry Regt., USA avonlunz@comcast.net (Robert von Lunz)
5th Tenn. Mounted Inf. Co. H (USA) 1864 cori@mcm.hp.com