1864 Homeguard, Sevier County, Tennessee

(Following text posted by James R. Marie.)

This list contains the names of men who served with Co A, TN Volunteers, US Army. This Unit was part of the National Guard and was active between 9/20/1863 and 2/21/1864. The men who served in these Units received Federal benefits. They served as a Peace-keeping force near their homes and also were available to serve in the active military, if needed, and if physically fit and of age.

This type Unit was established about one month after the Battle of Chickamauga when the National forces were reorganized.

The men listed were of ages ranging from 30 to 85 during 1878. These fellows would have been aged about 15 to 70 during 1863 - the year the Unit was activated.

Several of the men served in an active Unit during the War, both before and after this Unit (a National Guard Unit) was in existence.

A brief history of The National Guard: the Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States and one of the nation's longest-enduring institutions. The National Guard celebrates its 365th birthday this year. The National Guard traces its history back to the earliest English colonies in North America. Responsible for their own defense, the colonists drew on English military tradition and organized their able-bodied male citizens into militias. The colonial militias protected their fellow citizens from Indian attack, foreign invaders, and later helped to win the Revolutionary War.

Following independence, the authors of the Constitution empowered Congress to "provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia". However, recognizing the militia's state role, the Founding Fathers reserved the appointment of officers and training of the militia to the states.

Throughout the 19th century the size of the Regular Army was small, and the militia provided the bulk of the troops during the Mexican War, the early months of the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War.

On September 14, 1863, Major General Stephen A. Hurlbut, Commanding XVI Corps, issued General Order Number 129, as follows:

"I. Officers commanding divisions in Kentucky and Tennessee will encourage the formation of home guards within their limits from unquestionably loyal men, and will render to them military protection while in process of formation.

"II. Home guards may be organized under the militia laws of the state where they are located, and after the election of officers, the muster rolls in duplicate will be reported to headquarters of the division, where temporary commissions will be issued by the general commanding, who will report the names of the officers and one muster roll to the Governor of the respective states to which they belong.

General order 88, dated November 25, 1863: From headquarters Army of the Ohio: The national Guard of Sevier County are hereby called into active service for 30 days. They will report to Major Inman at Sevierville.