The Texas in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Likens 35th Texas Cavalry Roster

Donna,
Thank you for contacting me. Pvt Gentry name is found on a Service Record at the National Archives which can also be found at Fold3.com. Searching for D. S. Gentry on Ancestry, I found your family tree and reference sources showing you had the Texas Muster Roll Index and Compiled Service Records of CW Soldiers, 1861-1865. These tell us that Dulaney Gentry enlisted in a local militia unit in 1861 and due to his age, served in that capacity until the spring or summer of 1863 when he enlisted in a new company being organized for CSA service. Additional research shows this company was initially part of Captain J. R. Burns Battalion called "Magruder's Light Horse Cavalry" assembled from several counties in central Texas. Granville Hickey was elected Captain in September and in October the battalion was ordered to Camp Lubbock in Houston to be merged with Likens Battalion in to a new regiment mistakenly given the numerical identification of 35. There was already a 35th regiment in service commanded by Col. Rueben Brown. The two are often confused, including the records in the National Archives and therefore at Fold3.com. Three surplus companies in Col. Terrell's 37th Tx Cav were also transferred to Likens Rgt in November 1863 and the new regiment was activated late that month. Your ancestor's company was designated "E" and commanded by Captain Hickey.

On December 1, 1863 Likens Rgt was ordered to Brazoria County to oppose an expected Federal invasion on the Texas Gulf Coast. Between January 1 and March 18, 1864 they were on picket and scouting duties in Matagorda, Jackson, and Lavaca Counties when they were ordered to force march to Louisiana to support Gen Richard Taylor in the Red River Campaign. There is only one Service Record for Pvt D. S. Gentry.
While camped at Hempstead on March 27, 1864, D. S. Gentry wrote a letter applying for reassignment to a shoe shop in Dallas based on Gen Magruder's Order #51 detailing service for invalids. The Regimental Surgeon, J. R. Scales, certified Pvt Gentry had a large tumor on his thigh over the femoral artery which made him unfit for field service.

There are no further records for Pvt D. S. Gentry which is not unusual for Texas units. We can assume his disability was approved and he served in some capacity whether in Dallas or was assigned to some other job or location.

If you do not have access to Fold3.com, provide your email and I will send you a copy of the letter he wrote requesting transfer. If I can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to let me know.

Again, thank you for contacting me.

Messages In This Thread

Likens 35th Texas Cavalry Roster
Re: Likens 35th Texas Cavalry Roster
Re: Likens 35th Texas Cavalry Roster
Re: Likens 35th Texas Cavalry Roster
Re: Likens 35th Texas Cavalry Roster
Re: Likens 35th Texas Cavalry Roster
Re: Likens 35th Texas Cavalry Roster
Re: Likens 35th Texas Cavalry Roster
Re: Likens 35th Texas Cavalry Roster
Re: Likens 35th Texas Cavalry Roster