Bios: Robert James "Bob" Faulk;  Tift County, GA

Copyright © 2004 by Dot Goodman Sims. This copy contributed for use in
the USGenWeb Archives.  Jsimsfam@aol.com


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Robert James “Bob” Faulk

 

(1838 – 1917)

 

 

Our Faulk line came into central Georgia from Johnston County, North Carolina about 1795 with James and Sarah Faulk, a young couple who first settled on land they purchased on Rocky Comfort Creek and Greissen Branch in Warren County, Georgia, southwest of Augusta.  They sold part of that land and moved on to Wilkinson County around 1799 where many of our Faulks lived in or near for the next 100 years.  During that century, counties were created out of other counties, and it may be that the county names changed… and the Faulks remained.  For instance, we found them in surrounding Twiggs and Pulaski Counties, both cut out of former county Wilkinson. 

 

James was the son of Thomas Faulk, a Revolutionary Soldier, and Mary Hinnant of North Carolina.   We find James and Sarah in Wilkinson County, Georgia in 1800… and they remained there until they died – James in 1852.  James and Sarah had at least six children:  Susan, John Needham “Buck”, Bethany, Porter, Rebecca and Elizabeth “Betsy”.  Their son Porter Faulk is the father of our Robert James Faulk. 

 

In 1820, James and Sarah is found in the Wilkinson County Census, won land in the lottery and appeared on the Georgia Tax List.  He was again shown on the Georgia Tax List in 1824.  Then, he had two draws in the land lottery of 1832 (limited to Revolutionary Soldiers).  He also appears in Wilkinson County in the 1840 Census as a Farmer and then, in his eldest years, in the 1850 Census, living in the household of his son-in-law Aaron Carr (husband of daughter Elizabeth “Betsy” Faulk).

 

Porter Faulk (father of our Robert James Faulk) was born in Wilkinson County Georgia on December 5, 1800 and died before 1860.  He married Susan Winderweedle, daughter of Dr. Henry Winderweedle (believed to be Dutch) on September 29, 1824 by Peter Buckholtz, Justice of the Peace, in Wilkes County, Georgia.  Susan was born in 1805 and died in 1888 in Wilkinson County, Georgia.  Porter was a farmer and lived in and around Wilkinson County all his life.  Porter and Susan had at least eight children… one of them was our Robert James Faulk, born July 1838 in Wilkinson County, Georgia… the others were James, William, Lydia Ann, Thomas, Laura Ann, Billington and Franklin.

 

Robert James Faulk was known as “Bob”.  In 1860, at age 21, he was living in Twiggs County, Georgia with his first wife, Sarah Jane Martin, age 18, working as an overseer with a personal value of $805.  The following year, the War Between the States broke out, and in May of 1862, this gallant young man was pulled away from his young wife and a baby girl to serve with the 54th Georgia Regiment, Company A.  The next three years would drag him through some of the bloodiest battle fields of the Confederacy… and keep him hanging on until his Regiment had no more fight… and was forced to surrender with the rest of the Confederate soldiers… having lost so many to death, injury and sickness.  Bob didn’t get through it totally unscathed – he was shot in the back – where the bullet remained until he died in 1917.  We have been told by family accounts that Bob did not have the bullet removed because, in order to receive medical attention, he would have to “swear allegiance” to the United States of America… and many resolved southerners who had fought for the Confederate States of America… refused to give in to what they had sacrificed their time, families and lives to fight against.  We have been told that he would not swear… which we can assume meant that he would not swear allegiance.

 

While we have not yet found very many family documents that can re-create the life of Bob Faulk, much can be gathered from the known history of the places where he lived during his life… the causes in which he was involved… and the recalled memories and mentions of those who did know him.  Through the study of Civil War history, one can find enough accounts and photographs that it is possible to almost “relive” those times.  And, we know our Bob was there… with the 54th Regiment… from 1862 until the close of the war.  During the earlier months of Bob’s enlistment, he was stationed around Savannah (Siege Train) in the Artillery Division… then when the War heated up in 1863… he was deployed to the battlefields for the remainder of the time.  We know the battles in which his regiment and company were engaged… and while there are many accounts of those particular conflicts… I have chosen some summaries to help guide us through those years with Bob.

 

 

CONFEDERATE GEORGIA TROOPS


54th Regiment, Georgia Infantry

54th Infantry Regiment, organized at Savannah, Georgia, during the summer of 1862, contained men recruited in the counties of Lamar, Appling, Harris, Muscogee, Bartow, Bibb, Chatham, and Barrow. The unit moved to the Charleston area and was involved in numerous conflicts including the fight at Battery Wagner. Later it was assigned to Mercer's and J.A. Smith's Brigade, Army of Tennessee. The 54th participated in the Atlanta Campaign, Hood's Tennessee operations, and the Battle of Bentonville. During the Atlanta Campaign, July 20 to September 1, 1864 it reported 93 casualties and in December, 1864, totaled 168 effectives. The regiment surrendered on April 26, 1865. Colonel Charlton H. Way, Lieutenant Colonel Morgan Rawls, and Major William H. Mann were in command.

 

GRIMBALL’S LANDING, SOUTH CAROLINA

Other Names: Secessionville, James Island

Location: City of Charleston and James Island

Campaign: Operations against Defenses of Charleston (1863)

Date(s): July 16, 1863

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Terry [US]; Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood [CS]

Forces Engaged: 6,800 total (US 3,800; CS 3,000)

Estimated Casualties: Total unknown (US unknown; CS 18)

Description: To divert Confederate reinforcements from a renewed attack on Fort Wagner, Gen. Gillmore designed two feints. An amphibious force ascended Stono River to threaten the Charleston & Savannah Railroad bridge. A second force, consisting of Terry’s division, landed on James Island on July 8. Terry demonstrated against the Confederate defenses. On July 16, the Confederates attacked Terry’s camp at Grimball’s Landing. Because of incomplete reconnaissance of the difficult, marshy ground, the disorganized Confederate attack was soon aborted. Their mission accomplished, Federal troops withdrew from the island on July 17.

Result(s): Inconclusive

 

CHARLESTON HARBOR, SOUTH CAROLINA

Other Names: Battery Gregg, Fort Wagner, Morris Island, Fort Sumter

Location: Charleston County

Campaign: Operations against Defenses of Charleston (1863)

Date(s): September 7-8, 1863

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Quincy Gillmore [US]; Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard [CS]

Forces Engaged: Regiments: total unknown (US 413; CS unknown)

Estimated Casualties: (US 117; CS unknown)

Description: During the night of September 6-7, Confederate forces evacuated Fort Wagner and Battery Gregg pressured by advancing Federal siegeworks. Federal troops then occupied all of Morris Island. On September 8, a storming party of about 400 marines and sailors attempted to surprise Fort Sumter. The attack was repulsed.

Result(s): Confederate victory

 

KENNESAW MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA

Other Names: None

Location: Cobb County

Campaign: Atlanta Campaign (1864)

Date(s): June 27, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman [US]; Gen. Joseph E. Johnston [CS]

Forces Engaged: Military Division of the Mississippi [US]; Army of Tennessee [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 4,000 total (US 3,000; CS 1,000)

Description: On the night of June 18-19, Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, fearing envelopment, withdrew his army to a new, previously selected position astride Kennesaw Mountain. This entrenched arc-shaped line, to the north and west of Marietta, protected the Western & Atlantic Railroad, the supply link to Atlanta. Having defeated General John B. Hood troops at Kolb’s Farm on the 22nd, Sherman was sure that Johnston had stretched his line too thin and, therefore, decided on a frontal attack with some diversions on the flanks. On the morning of June 27, Sherman sent his troops forward after an artillery bombardment. At first, they made some headway overrunning Confederate pickets south of the Burnt Hickory Road, but attacking an enemy that was dug in was futile. The fighting ended by noon, and Sherman suffered high casualties.

Result(s): Confederate victory

 

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Other Names: None

Location: Fulton County

Campaign: Atlanta Campaign (1864)

Date(s): July 22, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman [US]; Gen. John Bell Hood [CS]

Forces Engaged: Military Division of the Mississippi [US]; Army of Tennessee [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 12,140 total (US 3,641; CS 8,499)

Description: Following the Battle of Peachtree Creek, Hood determined to attack Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson’s Army of the Tennessee. He withdrew his main army at night from Atlanta’ s outer line to the inner line, enticing Sherman to follow. In the meantime, he sent William J. Hardee with his corps on a fifteen-mile march to hit the unprotected Union left and rear, east of the city. Wheeler’s cavalry was to operate farther out on Sherman’s supply line, and Gen. Frank Cheatham’s corps were to attack the Union front. Hood, however, miscalculated the time necessary to make the march, and Hardee was unable to attack until afternoon. Although Hood had outmaneuvered Sherman for the time being, McPherson was concerned about his left flank and sent his reserves—Grenville Dodge’s XVI Army Corps—to that location. Two of Hood’s divisions ran into this reserve force and were repulsed. The Rebel attack stalled on the Union rear but began to roll up the left flank. Around the same time, a Confederate soldier shot and killed McPherson when he rode out to observe the fighting. Determined attacks continued, but the Union forces held. About 4:00 pm, Cheatham’s corps broke through the Union front at the Hurt House, but Sherman massed twenty artillery pieces on a knoll near his headquarters to shell these Confederates and halt their drive. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan’ s XV Army Corps then led a counterattack that restored the Union line. The Union troops held, and Hood suffered high casualties.

Result(s): Union victory

 

JONESBOROUGH, GEORGIA

Other Names: None

Location: Clayton County

Campaign: Atlanta Campaign (1864)

Date(s): August 31–September 1, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman [US]; Lt. Gen. William J. Hardee [CS]

Forces Engaged: Six corps [US]; two corps [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 3,149 total (US 1,149; CS 2,000)

Description: Sherman had successfully cut Hood’s supply lines in the past by sending out detachments, but the Confederates quickly repaired the damage. In late August, Sherman determined that if he could cut Hood’s supply lines—the Macon & Western and the Atlanta & West Point Railroads—the Rebels would have to evacuate Atlanta. Sherman, therefore, decided to move six of his seven infantry corps against the supply lines. The army began pulling out of its positions on August 25 to hit the Macon & Western Railroad between Rough and Ready and Jonesborough. To counter the move, Hood sent Lt. Gen. William J. Hardee with two corps to halt and possibly rout the Union troops, not realizing Sherman’s army was there in force. On August 31, Hardee attacked two Union corps west of Jonesborough but was easily repulsed. Fearing an attack on Atlanta, Hood withdrew one corps from Hardee’s force that night. The next day, a Union corps broke through Hardee’ s troops which retreated to Lovejoy’s Station, and on the night of September 1, Hood evacuated Atlanta. Sherman did cut Hood’s supply line but failed to destroy Hardee’s command.

Result(s): Union victory

 

FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE

Other Names: None

Location: Williamson County

Campaign: Franklin-Nashville Campaign (1864)

Date(s): November 30, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield [US]; Gen. John B. Hood [CS]

Forces Engaged: IV and XXIII Army Corps (Army of the Ohio and Cumberland) [US]; Army of Tennessee [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 8,587 total (US 2,326; CS 6,261)

Description: Having lost a good opportunity at Spring Hill to hurt significantly the Union Army, Gen. John B. Hood marched in rapid pursuit of Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield’s retreating Union army. Schofield’s advance reached Franklin about sunrise on November 30 and quickly formed a defensive line in works thrown up by the Yankees in the spring of 1863, on the southern edge of town. Schofield wished to remain in Franklin to repair the bridges and get his supply trains over them. Skirmishing at Thompson’s Station and elsewhere delayed Hood’s march, but, around 4:00 pm, he marshaled a frontal attack against the Union perimeter. Two Federal brigades holding a forward position gave way and retreated to the inner works, but their comrades ultimately held in a battle that caused frightening casualties. When the battle ceased, after dark, six Confederate generals were dead or had mortal wounds. Despite this terrible loss, Hood’s army, late, depleted and worn, crawled on toward Nashville.

Result(s): Union victory

 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Other Names: None

Location: Davidson County

Campaign: Franklin-Nashville Campaign (1864)

Date(s): December 15-16, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas [US]; Gen. John Bell Hood [CS]

Forces Engaged: IV Army Corps, XXIII Army Corps, Detachment of Army of the Tennessee, provisional detachment, and cavalry corps [US]; Army of Tennessee [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 88 total (US 23; CS 65)

Description: In a last desperate attempt to force Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman’s army out of Georgia, Gen. John Bell Hood led the Army of Tennessee north toward Nashville in November 1864.  Although he suffered terrible losses at Franklin on November 30, he continued toward Nashville. By the next day, the various elements of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas’s army had reached Nashville. Hood reached the outskirts of Nashville on December 2, occupied positions on a line of hills parallel to those of the Union and began erecting fieldworks. Union Army Engineer, Brig. Gen. James St. Clair Morton, had overseen the construction of sophisticated fortifications at Nashville in 1862-63, strengthened by others, which would soon see use. From the 1st through the 14th, Thomas made preparations for the Battle of Nashville in which he intended to destroy Hood’s army. On the night of December 14, Thomas informed Maj. Gen. Henry W. Halleck, acting as Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s chief of staff, that he would attack the next day. Thomas planned to strike both of Hood’s flanks. Before daylight on the 15th, the first of the Union troops, led by Maj. Gen. James Steedman, set out to hit the Confederate right. The attack was made and the Union forces held down one Rebel corps there for the rest of the day. Attack on the Confederate left did not begin until after noon when a charge commenced on Montgomery Hill. With this classic charge’s success, attacks on other parts of the Confederate left commenced, all eventually successful. By this time it was dark and fighting stopped for the day. Although battered and with a much smaller battle line, Gen. Hood was still confident. He established a main line of resistance along the base of a ridge about two miles south of the former location, throwing up new works and fortifying Shy’s and Overton’s hills on their flanks. The IV Army Corps marched out to within 250 yards, in some places, of the Confederate’s new line and began constructing fieldworks. During the rest of the morning, other Union troops moved out toward the new Confederate line and took up positions opposite it. The Union attack began against Hood’s strong right flank on Overton’s Hill. The same brigade that had taken Montgomery Hill the day before received the nod for the charge up Overton’s Hill. This charge, although gallantly conducted, failed, but other troops (Maj. Gen. A.J. Smith’s  “Israelites”) successfully assaulted Shy’s Hill in their fronts. Seeing the success along the line, other Union troops charged up Overton’s Hill and took it. Hood’s army fled. Thomas had left one escape route open but the Union army set off in pursuit. For ten days, the pursuit continued until the beaten and battered Army of Tennessee recrossed the Tennessee River. Hood’s army was stalled at Columbia, beaten at Franklin, and routed at Nashville. Hood retreated to Tupelo and resigned his command.

Result(s): Union victory

 

BENTONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Other Names: Bentonsville

Location: Johnston County

Campaign: Campaign of the Carolinas (February-April 1865)

Date(s): March 19-21, 1865

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman and Maj. Gen. Henry Slocum [US]; Gen. Joseph E. Johnston [CS]

Forces Engaged: Sherman’s Right Wing (XX and XIV Corps) [US]; Johnston's Army [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 4,738 total (US 1,646; CS 3,092)

Description: While Slocum’s advance was stalled at Averasborough by Hardee’s troops, the right wing of Sherman’s army under command of Maj. Gen. O.O. Howard marched toward Goldsborough.  On March 19, Slocum encountered the entrenched Confederates of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston who had concentrated to meet his advance at Bentonville. Late afternoon, Johnston attacked, crushing the line of the XIV Corps. Only strong counterattacks and desperate fighting south of the Goldsborough Road blunted the Confederate offensive. Elements of the XX Corps were thrown into the action as they arrived on the field. Five Confederate attacks failed to dislodge the Federal defenders and darkness ended the first day’s fighting. During the night, Johnston contracted his line into a “V” to protect his flanks with Mill Creek to his rear. On March 20, Slocum was heavily reinforced, but fighting was sporadic. Sherman was inclined to let Johnston retreat. On the 21st, however, Johnston remained in position while he removed his wounded. Skirmishing heated up along the entire front. In the afternoon, Maj. Gen. Joseph Mower led his Union division along a narrow trace that carried it across Mill Creek into Johnston’s rear. Confederate counterattacks stopped Mower’s advance, saving the army’s only line of communication and retreat. Mower withdrew, ending fighting for the day. During the night, Johnston retreated across the bridge at Bentonville. Union forces pursued at first light, driving back Wheeler’s rearguard and saving the bridge. Federal pursuit was halted at Hannah’s Creek after a severe skirmish. Sherman, after regrouping at Goldsborough, pursued Johnston toward Raleigh. On April 18, Johnston signed an armistice with Sherman at the Bennett House, and on April 26, formally surrendered his army.

Result(s): Union victory

 

 

After the War was over, Bob Faulk, having witnessed and survived some of the most horrific events in our history, returned to the war-torn state of Georgia to pick up the pieces and raise a family.  He went back to farming, and became a Baptist preacher.  He and Sarah Jane Martin had four more children together – Nancy J. “Fannie”, born 1869, Elizabeth “Sallie” Faulk, born 1873; Laura J. Faulk, born October 26, 1877 and Robert Faulk, Jr., born December, 1879 in Pulaski County, Georgia

 

It is believed that Sarah Jane died around 1880… and Bob was then married to Sarah Jane Arnold Howell.  Sarah Jane Arnold Howell already had three children from her previous husband Daniel Howell (who had died) -- Linda, Matilda and William “Bud” Howell.  Bob and Sarah Jane had two children together – John Faulk, born May 1883 and Edna Jane Faulk, born November 2, 1889.

 

A document from 1895 was located in the Civil War Archives in which our Robert “Bob” Faulk attested to a pension application for James M. Garland.  His responses to the witness questions give us a little insight into his directness and honesty.

 

STATE OF GEORGIA

PULASKI COUNTY

 

Robt. J. Faulk, of said State and County, having been presented as a witness in support of the application of James W. Garland for pension under the Act approved December 15th, 1894, and after being duly sworn true answers to make to the following questions, deposes and answers as follows:

 

1.     What is your name and where to you reside?  Robt. J. Faulk.  Pulaski County, Ga.

2.     Are you acquainted with James W. Garland, the applicant, if so how long have you known him?  I am, and have known him 30 years.

3.     Where does he reside, and how long has he been a resident of this State?  Hancock County, Ga. And has lived in this State ever since I have known him.

4.     Do you know of his having served in the Confederate Army or the Georgia militia?  How do you know this?  I know he served in the Confederate Army.  I was with him.

5.     When, where and in what company and regiment did he enlist?  Milledgeville, Ga. 54th Regt. Co. A.

6.     Were you a member of the same company and regiment?  I was.

7.     How long did he perform regular military duty, and what do you know of his service as a Confederate soldier, and the time and circumstances of his discharge from the service?  From 1862 until the close of the was in 1865.  Was a good soldier and always done his duty.

8.     What property, effects or income has the applicant?  (Give your means of knowledge)  Nothing.

9.     What property, effects or income did the applicant possess in 1893 and 1894, and what disposition, if any, did he make of same?  Don’t know but I don’t think he had anything.

10. What is the applicant’s occupation and physical condition?  He is unable to do anything.  He is very feeble – I can’t say what his disease is.

11. Is the applicant unable to support himself by labor of any sort.  If so, why?  He is.  On account of his very feeble condition as above stated.  I do not know his disease.

12. How was he supported during the years 1893 and 1894?  I don’t know.

13. What portion of his support for these two years was derived from his own labor or income?  I don’t know.

14. Give a full and complete statement of the applicant’s physical condition that entitles him to a pension under the Act of December 15th, 1894?  I know he was a good Soldier.  And the scars on his body and limbs show that he was.  I only know that he is feeble, his looks show that.  He is unable to work.

15.  What interest have you in the recovery of a pension by this applicant?  None at all.

 

Around 1898, the family moved from Pulaski County to Irwin County, Georgia and lived near where Liberty Baptist Church is today… where records show the Faulk family attended church and Bob Faulk donated money toward a new church building in 1906.  It is not known if Bob preached at Liberty Baptist or another area church… but we do know that he was a preacher.

 

On November 9, 1916, Robert Faulk applied for his military pension.

 

Robert Faulk’s grandson, Robert Goodman (named after his grandfather), recalls stories told to him by his grandmother Faulk:

 

During the Civil War, a bandit broke into camp one night and stole the food money.  Robert, along with several other soldiers, jumped on horseback and rode through the night chasing the thief.  They were so happy when they apprehended the thief, they rejoiced by pulling up an apple tree.

 

Robert was shot in the back during the Civil War... and never had the bullet removed... on the account he would have to swear to have it taken out... and he did not swear. 

 

An Account by Dot Goodman Sims:

 

Daddy proudly showed John and me a shotgun that appeared to be unique.  The hunting gun, from the Civil War Era, had belonged to his Grandfather (Robert Faulk) and protruded a very long barrel (already sawed off 6 inches by Daddy’s father) and a "ring" near the breach lock trigger.  Daddy told us that when Grandma Faulk heard the gun go off in the "head" (swamp head), she'd go ahead and get the grease hot -- Grandpa Faulk didn't miss. 

 

 

Robert Faulk was a good man… and lived a good life.  He taught his children well and set the example for them.  We only have to look around us to see some of the effect of Robert’s life… for much of who he was… has been passed down to many of us through the generations.

 

Written and compiled by

Dot Goodman Sims