Alan J. Pitts
Leighton Rangers....
Sat May 12 12:19:49 2001


This was a six-month local defense company organized by Capt. George E. Kumpe in the summer of 1863. The company reenlisted for Confederate service on January 24, 1864, becoming Company "E" of Williams' Battalion. At least one document written about the end of 1864 complains that the 11th Alabama Cavalry was a paper organization; officers and men still operating as Williams and Warren's Battalions.

I should be able to help with almost anything on the 5th Alabama Cavalry and the 35th Alabama Infantry; have some information on the 9th and 16th Regiments. Sanders' history is useful for these two commands. You may have seen my post on the 9th Alabama a week or two ago.

Here are the companies having a Franklin/Lawrence County basis which served in Jeff Forrest's Regiment. Note that all but Capt. Fancher's had prior history in other commands, such as Baxter's Battalion, Julian's Battalion and Roddey's 4th Cavalry (Julian's Co.). Note also that all but Capt. Fancher's had later history in Warren's Battalion.

Company “C” of Franklin County

Capt. William H. Warren. Subsequently Captain of Company “A”, Warren’s Alabama Cavalry Battalion.

This company enrolled in Confederate service at Russellville, Alabama, April 1, 1863, becoming Company “D” of Baxter’s Confederate Cavalry Battalion. Members later served as Company “A”, Warren’s Alabama Cavalry Battalion.

Company “G” of Franklin County

William Reese Julian. Relieved; appointed ordnance officer for General Roddey, August 20, 1863.
John Anthony Steele. Elected Captain September 6, 1863. Later served as Captain of Company “D”, Warren’s Alabama Cavalry Battalion. [NA/443]

This company enrolled for twelve months at Barton’s Station, Alabama, September 21, 1862; reenlisted for two years or the war September 6, 1863. Members served as Steele’s Company with Julian’s Alabama Cavalry Battalion, and later formed Company “D” of Warren’s Alabama Cavalry Battalion.

Company “I” of Lawrence County

A. Fancher. [Not reelected on September 28, 1863.]

This company first organized at Norman Bridge, Alabama, September 9, 1862. Serving with Julian’s Alabama Cavalry Battalion, officers and men held elections on July 6, 1863. That election was voided and new officers elected at Moulton, Alabama, September 28, 1863, the command becoming Company “E” of Moreland’s Alabama Cavalry Battalion.

Company “K” of Franklin and Lauderdale Counties

John Barr. Subsequently Captain of Company “B”, Warren’s Alabama Cavalry Battalion.

This company enrolled in Confederate service at Frankfort, Alabama, April 1, 1863. Members served as Company “E” of Baxter’s Confederate Cavalry Battalion, eventually becoming Company “B”, Warren’s Alabama Cavalry Battalion.

I'd be pleased to entertain comments or corrections.