Alan J. Pitts
Another Heaton in the same company....
Thu Mar 22 20:58:04 2001


You are correct about John L. Heaton; killed in the assault on Fort Sanders at Knoxville TN Nov. 29, 1863.

But there's more.

In records of the 44th Ala. a series of documents describe the election of Henry A. Heaton to fill this vacancy. They are very specific as to his qualifications and how the election was conducted. He was elected on Feb. 13, 1864 and commanded this company for the remainder of the war. The regimental commander says that only two other officers remained on roll. One had been badly wounded and the other in poor health; neither were present to lead the company.

On Dec. 13, 1864, Brig. Gen. William F. Perry, his brigade commander, noted that Lt. Heaton had directed his company with "marked gallantry". On Feb. 18, 1865, Heaton received a furlough, the authority given being that of Gen. Lee, and went home to Calhoun County. He evidently was unable to return to his commanded and was paroled after the war ended at Talladega on May 20, 1865.

Thought you'd be interested. Surely the last name isn't a coincidence -- how are these men related?

• Henry A. Heaton — Susan, Sat Mar 24 10:36