(This bio is from "Ye Old Virgin's Burial Ground", by Edward D. Virgin, Sr. (Found in the Echo Vol IV, pages 174-176, St. Louis Genealogical Society).
"Enoch Virgin was (in) Company K, 3rd Missouri State Militia, Cavalry Volunteers, (and) a brother to Anderson and James H. Virgin. He was born April 22, 1830 In what is now Bollinger County. He first married Sarah M. Sepp (Stepp?), who died in September 1858. Six months after being mustered out of service, on July 16, 1865 he wed Elizabeth (Shearen) Crites, widow of Andrew Crites.
At the time of this marriage she had four children: Joel M. Crites, whose wife's name was Christena, died August 9, 1910 and is buried in Baker's Cemetery, south of Lutesviile, with Rev. Samuel Virgin, his half brother; Araminta Carolina Crites, who married William Bennett Hahs [sic, see correction below] and lived in Crooked Creek Township; George W. Crites, married Susie Hollis of Sheppervill (also spelled Scheperville), Bollinger County, and Drucilla Jane Crites, who married Richard G. (or Uncle Dick) Baker.
Of the marriage between Enoch Virgln and Elizabeth (Shearen) Crites there were three children. They Included Rev. Samuel Grissorn Virgin who married Emma Jane Robins and raised a family on his father's old home place, about two and one-half miles northeast of Zalma, where Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Dennis now live. Rev. Samuel Virgin preached for a time at the Union Hill Church and is still remembered by some of the people in that area.
Joseph H. Virgin ran the shoe shop at Zalma, a skilled shoemaker, was killed by an unknown assassin at the home of Mr. Vest, about one and one-half miles from Zalma, where he resided. Using a .32 caliber weapon, on a Saturday night, the assassin fired four bullets through the window into the room where Virgin was sitting on the edge of a bed. Seated round him in the same room were Mr. and Mrs. Vest, Mrs. Dora Ladd, who was a widow, and her three daughters. Virgin was hit by three bullets, the fatal one entering the left temple lust over the eye. No one else was injured. He was rushed to a hospital at Cape Girardeau and died the following evening, December 29, 1928. The third child, Missouri B. Virgin, a daughter, was born May 25, 1872.
His "Declaration for an Original Invalid Pension," dated November 26, 1881, described Enoch Virgin as being 51 years of age, 5 feet 11 Inches tall, fair complexion, dark eyes, and dark hair. He enlisted as a private in the Bollinger County Home Guards, Volunteers, commanded by Captain Daniel Shell, July 9, 1861. On July 18, 1861 he was captured by the Confederate forces commanded by Captain Jason H. Hunter, who was well known to Enoch and others of his company.
Enoch believed that they were going to kill him, so when the opportunity presented itself, he broke loose from the guards, by jerking loose from two men that were holding him, and ran to save his life. The Rebels fired several shots at him. One of them struck him In the left leg causing a painful wound above the knee. The ball lodged in his leg and remained there the rest of his life, causing a slight limp.
Troy W. Shell of his company, and also a prisoner at that time, was an eye witness to his wounding and successful escape. The Rebels thought they had killed him, because Randolph James, of Enoch's Company, was captured about three hours after Enoch was shot and Captain Hunter, who was well known to Randolph James, told him that they had killed Enoch Virgin that morning. Such was not the case however, because about 10 days later Randolph James saw Enoch Virgin. He was suffering from the gunshot wound, was using crutches, and he was at his home.
In later years, the federal government considered this service to have been in a state organization and disallowed a pension claim for the disability caused by this wound.
When the Bollinger County Home Guards were disbanded, Enoch Virgin enlisted in Captain Roby's Company B, Murdoch's Battalion, Fremont Rangers, August 12, 1861, and continued in that service until it was disbanded on December 12, 1861. The same day he enlisted as a corporal in Captain Lindsay Murdoch's Company A, 11th Battalion, Mounted Riflemen, Missouri Militia, at Cape Girardeau. This military organization subsequently became Company A, 12th Regiment Missouri State Militia Cavalry and on February 4, 1863 was transferred to the 3rd Regiment Missouri State Militia Cavalry as Company K.
While on picket duty, during a skirmish, Enoch's horse was killed on April 8, 1862. It was valued at $75. The terseness of military records do not give further details of this action. They do not show that he was on several assignments as a scout and that he was promoted to 5th duty sergeant, January 1, 1863.
In the Battle of Pilot Knob, Iron County, on September 27, 1864 he Incurred severe deafness of both ears. It was just previous to the last charge of the rebel forces on Fort Davidson that Enoch Virgin, who had been on scouting duty, entered the fort and was immediately assigned, by General Ewing, to take charge of a siege gun. Enoch was informed that the gun was double shotted with grape shot. He took charge of the gun and was preparing to place the same in battery and while observing the advancing Rebels, preparatory to pointing the gun, the gunner in charge of the lanyard discharged the gun without orders. The explosion dismounted the gun and Enoch who was standing close by was stunned by the report, completely deafened and remained so for several days thereafter. The hearing of both his ears was permanently affected. William Nevin, 1st duty sergeant, who had also been in the Fremont Rangers with him, was in the fort with Enoch Virgin and was wounded there.
Enoch retreated with the command first to Leesburg and then to Rolla. Some of the other men that were on this retreat with Virgin were Johnson M. Shell, Lutesvllle; James C. Steakiy, Patton; Allison H. Mowrie, Fillmore Township, and 1st Lt. Erich Rape, who was the only officer with the company. The captain, G.W. Hummel, had been dismissed June 8, 1864 and the 2nd Lt. William M. Brawner, had died on September 20, 1864, prior to the Baffle of Pilot Knob. The horses of most of the company, including Enoch's were captured so the retreat had to be made on foot, and they had to wade streams of water, sleep on the ground, in wet clothes without shelter, and the weather was cold and inclement. The Rebels were pressing their forces all the time and they were frequently formed into lines of battle to resist attacks and drive the Rebels back.
At Leesburg where they made a stand, they had to throw up defenses.
On the night they left Pilot Knob It was raining very hard and it was very dark. Enoch Virgin tied a white handkerchief around his neck and said he would go in the lead, expecting them to see the white handkerchief and follow. Such was not the case due to the darkness and rain and he became lost.
At Leesburg he was witnessed digging rifle pits, in the cold muddy ground, and he had contracted a bad cough and cold which settled in his lungs. He continued, in this sick condition, on to Rolla.
In the middle of November, 1864, when John D. Robbins, a member of the same company, saw Enoch, at Winter Street Barracks, St. Louis, he was trying to doctor his cold by taking Jaynes Expectorant. Robins stole Enoch's Jaynes Expectorant, because he thought it was whiskey, and it made Enoch very mad. Here Enoch looked in bad health, had a bad cough and complained to William Nevin, who had returned to his company after getting some better from the wound he received at Pilot Knobb, about the hardship he had undergone during the Price raid.
After moving to Schofield Barracks, St. Louis, the command was ordered to proceed to St. Joseph, by railroad, about the middle of December 1664. They were transported in stock cars. Virgin was still suffering from the effects of cold and had a bad cough when they left St. Louis. He got worse, very sick, from the cold and exposure on the trip. On arrival at St. Joseph, the command didn't get any quarters and had to camp out on the street. Enoch got so bad he was sent to the post hospital December 24, 1864 and was there until January 20, 1865. He was still sick and continued so after his discharge on January 31, 1865. Shortly after his discharge, William Nevin and Enoch, about February 12, 1865, both went to Ironton, then to St. Louis on February 16, 1865 to Cape Girardeau on the 19th, and on to Dallas, now Marble Hill, on the 28th of that month.
They started to return to Cape Girardeau on March 2, 1865, with the intention of returning to St. Louis. But on the morning of March 3, Enoch became too weak to go any longer and Nevin left him at the house of Andrew Taylor, near Jackson. At that time he was complaining of his breast and had a cough. The next time they met was at Marble Hill about July 8, of that year and he was still suffering from the breast complaint, had a cough and looked bad. His lung trouble continued and progressively got worse. When Lewis Storz, who had been In the Frermont Rangers with Enoch and had not seen him since 1869, saw him in the fall of 1875, when Enoch was a shoe cobbler, he reported he didn't look like the same man.
Enoch Virgin was pensioned by the U.S. Government at $4 a month on December 1, 1881, for a disability from disease of the lungs; which rate was increased to $8 per month from May 14, 1890, and to $14 from June 3,.1891. A report of a medical examination, by an examining board of three surgeons, dated August 17, 1892, reads in part as follows: "Left lung normal, right lung atrophied down to 5th rib, chest shrunk away on this side."
He was a member of Erich Pape Post 184 Mo., G.A.R., Zalma. Some of the members of this post who signed a letter to the commissioner of pensions, dated May 7, 1887, on Enoch's behalf were Monsue Hindman, post commander; William Nevin, past post commander; Joseph E. Baker, adjt.; Laban Green; Rainey Sears, chaplain; Lewis Storz, post quartermaster; Charles Sando; John C. Gregory, O. guard; Hiram A. Pickett, com.; W.R. Underwood, com.; Elias Wells, S.V., and Randolph James, post commander of Post No.100, Dept. of Mo. G.A.R.
On February 10, 1868 Enoch Virgin, for $10, bought 40 acres of land from Samuel Virgin and Fany Virgin his wlfe, consistIng of the SE quarter of the SW quarter of Section 15, T29N, R9E. He must have subsequently added to his farm, because on November 11, 1901 when he and his wife, Elizabeth (Crites) Virgin, sold It to his son, Samuel G. Virgin, he then transferred 100 acres. This was known as Enoch's old home place. It is suspected that the Samuel and Fany Virgin, from whom he purchased the original 40 acres, were his parents.
Enoch Virgin died December 18, 1905. His wife drew a widow's pension and at the time of her death, September 1, 1915, was drawing $36 a month. She is reported to have been buried in the Crites Cemetery in Bollinger County."
--------------------------------------------------
Correction to the narrative:
From: Gayle Messmer
Subject: Elizabeth Shearing Virgin
Date: September 16, 2013 11:58:13 PM CDT
To: "[email protected]"
. . . . .. . . I noticed when reading that you have Arminta Caroline Crites as married to William Bennett Hahs. I show Arminta Caroline Crites Caby as married to William Frederick Caby and buried in Crites cem with Elizabeth, and her husband William Frederick Caby. William Bennett Hahs is married to Amanda Caroline Crites , dau of Henry and Elizabeth Masters Crites. . . . . . . . .
"Enoch Virgin was (in) Company K, 3rd Missouri State Militia, Cavalry Volunteers, (and) a brother to Anderson and James H. Virgin. He was born April 22, 1830 In what is now Bollinger County. He first married Sarah M. Sepp (Stepp?), who died in September 1858. Six months after being mustered out of service, on July 16, 1865 he wed Elizabeth (Shearen) Crites, widow of Andrew Crites.
At the time of this marriage she had four children: Joel M. Crites, whose wife's name was Christena, died August 9, 1910 and is buried in Baker's Cemetery, south of Lutesviile, with Rev. Samuel Virgin, his half brother; Araminta Carolina Crites, who married William Bennett Hahs [sic, see correction below] and lived in Crooked Creek Township; George W. Crites, married Susie Hollis of Sheppervill (also spelled Scheperville), Bollinger County, and Drucilla Jane Crites, who married Richard G. (or Uncle Dick) Baker.
Of the marriage between Enoch Virgln and Elizabeth (Shearen) Crites there were three children. They Included Rev. Samuel Grissorn Virgin who married Emma Jane Robins and raised a family on his father's old home place, about two and one-half miles northeast of Zalma, where Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Dennis now live. Rev. Samuel Virgin preached for a time at the Union Hill Church and is still remembered by some of the people in that area.
Joseph H. Virgin ran the shoe shop at Zalma, a skilled shoemaker, was killed by an unknown assassin at the home of Mr. Vest, about one and one-half miles from Zalma, where he resided. Using a .32 caliber weapon, on a Saturday night, the assassin fired four bullets through the window into the room where Virgin was sitting on the edge of a bed. Seated round him in the same room were Mr. and Mrs. Vest, Mrs. Dora Ladd, who was a widow, and her three daughters. Virgin was hit by three bullets, the fatal one entering the left temple lust over the eye. No one else was injured. He was rushed to a hospital at Cape Girardeau and died the following evening, December 29, 1928. The third child, Missouri B. Virgin, a daughter, was born May 25, 1872.
His "Declaration for an Original Invalid Pension," dated November 26, 1881, described Enoch Virgin as being 51 years of age, 5 feet 11 Inches tall, fair complexion, dark eyes, and dark hair. He enlisted as a private in the Bollinger County Home Guards, Volunteers, commanded by Captain Daniel Shell, July 9, 1861. On July 18, 1861 he was captured by the Confederate forces commanded by Captain Jason H. Hunter, who was well known to Enoch and others of his company.
Enoch believed that they were going to kill him, so when the opportunity presented itself, he broke loose from the guards, by jerking loose from two men that were holding him, and ran to save his life. The Rebels fired several shots at him. One of them struck him In the left leg causing a painful wound above the knee. The ball lodged in his leg and remained there the rest of his life, causing a slight limp.
Troy W. Shell of his company, and also a prisoner at that time, was an eye witness to his wounding and successful escape. The Rebels thought they had killed him, because Randolph James, of Enoch's Company, was captured about three hours after Enoch was shot and Captain Hunter, who was well known to Randolph James, told him that they had killed Enoch Virgin that morning. Such was not the case however, because about 10 days later Randolph James saw Enoch Virgin. He was suffering from the gunshot wound, was using crutches, and he was at his home.
In later years, the federal government considered this service to have been in a state organization and disallowed a pension claim for the disability caused by this wound.
When the Bollinger County Home Guards were disbanded, Enoch Virgin enlisted in Captain Roby's Company B, Murdoch's Battalion, Fremont Rangers, August 12, 1861, and continued in that service until it was disbanded on December 12, 1861. The same day he enlisted as a corporal in Captain Lindsay Murdoch's Company A, 11th Battalion, Mounted Riflemen, Missouri Militia, at Cape Girardeau. This military organization subsequently became Company A, 12th Regiment Missouri State Militia Cavalry and on February 4, 1863 was transferred to the 3rd Regiment Missouri State Militia Cavalry as Company K.
While on picket duty, during a skirmish, Enoch's horse was killed on April 8, 1862. It was valued at $75. The terseness of military records do not give further details of this action. They do not show that he was on several assignments as a scout and that he was promoted to 5th duty sergeant, January 1, 1863.
In the Battle of Pilot Knob, Iron County, on September 27, 1864 he Incurred severe deafness of both ears. It was just previous to the last charge of the rebel forces on Fort Davidson that Enoch Virgin, who had been on scouting duty, entered the fort and was immediately assigned, by General Ewing, to take charge of a siege gun. Enoch was informed that the gun was double shotted with grape shot. He took charge of the gun and was preparing to place the same in battery and while observing the advancing Rebels, preparatory to pointing the gun, the gunner in charge of the lanyard discharged the gun without orders. The explosion dismounted the gun and Enoch who was standing close by was stunned by the report, completely deafened and remained so for several days thereafter. The hearing of both his ears was permanently affected. William Nevin, 1st duty sergeant, who had also been in the Fremont Rangers with him, was in the fort with Enoch Virgin and was wounded there.
Enoch retreated with the command first to Leesburg and then to Rolla. Some of the other men that were on this retreat with Virgin were Johnson M. Shell, Lutesvllle; James C. Steakiy, Patton; Allison H. Mowrie, Fillmore Township, and 1st Lt. Erich Rape, who was the only officer with the company. The captain, G.W. Hummel, had been dismissed June 8, 1864 and the 2nd Lt. William M. Brawner, had died on September 20, 1864, prior to the Baffle of Pilot Knob. The horses of most of the company, including Enoch's were captured so the retreat had to be made on foot, and they had to wade streams of water, sleep on the ground, in wet clothes without shelter, and the weather was cold and inclement. The Rebels were pressing their forces all the time and they were frequently formed into lines of battle to resist attacks and drive the Rebels back.
At Leesburg where they made a stand, they had to throw up defenses.
On the night they left Pilot Knob It was raining very hard and it was very dark. Enoch Virgin tied a white handkerchief around his neck and said he would go in the lead, expecting them to see the white handkerchief and follow. Such was not the case due to the darkness and rain and he became lost.
At Leesburg he was witnessed digging rifle pits, in the cold muddy ground, and he had contracted a bad cough and cold which settled in his lungs. He continued, in this sick condition, on to Rolla.
In the middle of November, 1864, when John D. Robbins, a member of the same company, saw Enoch, at Winter Street Barracks, St. Louis, he was trying to doctor his cold by taking Jaynes Expectorant. Robins stole Enoch's Jaynes Expectorant, because he thought it was whiskey, and it made Enoch very mad. Here Enoch looked in bad health, had a bad cough and complained to William Nevin, who had returned to his company after getting some better from the wound he received at Pilot Knobb, about the hardship he had undergone during the Price raid.
After moving to Schofield Barracks, St. Louis, the command was ordered to proceed to St. Joseph, by railroad, about the middle of December 1664. They were transported in stock cars. Virgin was still suffering from the effects of cold and had a bad cough when they left St. Louis. He got worse, very sick, from the cold and exposure on the trip. On arrival at St. Joseph, the command didn't get any quarters and had to camp out on the street. Enoch got so bad he was sent to the post hospital December 24, 1864 and was there until January 20, 1865. He was still sick and continued so after his discharge on January 31, 1865. Shortly after his discharge, William Nevin and Enoch, about February 12, 1865, both went to Ironton, then to St. Louis on February 16, 1865 to Cape Girardeau on the 19th, and on to Dallas, now Marble Hill, on the 28th of that month.
They started to return to Cape Girardeau on March 2, 1865, with the intention of returning to St. Louis. But on the morning of March 3, Enoch became too weak to go any longer and Nevin left him at the house of Andrew Taylor, near Jackson. At that time he was complaining of his breast and had a cough. The next time they met was at Marble Hill about July 8, of that year and he was still suffering from the breast complaint, had a cough and looked bad. His lung trouble continued and progressively got worse. When Lewis Storz, who had been In the Frermont Rangers with Enoch and had not seen him since 1869, saw him in the fall of 1875, when Enoch was a shoe cobbler, he reported he didn't look like the same man.
Enoch Virgin was pensioned by the U.S. Government at $4 a month on December 1, 1881, for a disability from disease of the lungs; which rate was increased to $8 per month from May 14, 1890, and to $14 from June 3,.1891. A report of a medical examination, by an examining board of three surgeons, dated August 17, 1892, reads in part as follows: "Left lung normal, right lung atrophied down to 5th rib, chest shrunk away on this side."
He was a member of Erich Pape Post 184 Mo., G.A.R., Zalma. Some of the members of this post who signed a letter to the commissioner of pensions, dated May 7, 1887, on Enoch's behalf were Monsue Hindman, post commander; William Nevin, past post commander; Joseph E. Baker, adjt.; Laban Green; Rainey Sears, chaplain; Lewis Storz, post quartermaster; Charles Sando; John C. Gregory, O. guard; Hiram A. Pickett, com.; W.R. Underwood, com.; Elias Wells, S.V., and Randolph James, post commander of Post No.100, Dept. of Mo. G.A.R.
On February 10, 1868 Enoch Virgin, for $10, bought 40 acres of land from Samuel Virgin and Fany Virgin his wlfe, consistIng of the SE quarter of the SW quarter of Section 15, T29N, R9E. He must have subsequently added to his farm, because on November 11, 1901 when he and his wife, Elizabeth (Crites) Virgin, sold It to his son, Samuel G. Virgin, he then transferred 100 acres. This was known as Enoch's old home place. It is suspected that the Samuel and Fany Virgin, from whom he purchased the original 40 acres, were his parents.
Enoch Virgin died December 18, 1905. His wife drew a widow's pension and at the time of her death, September 1, 1915, was drawing $36 a month. She is reported to have been buried in the Crites Cemetery in Bollinger County."
--------------------------------------------------
Correction to the narrative:
From: Gayle Messmer
Subject: Elizabeth Shearing Virgin
Date: September 16, 2013 11:58:13 PM CDT
To: "[email protected]"
. . . . .. . . I noticed when reading that you have Arminta Caroline Crites as married to William Bennett Hahs. I show Arminta Caroline Crites Caby as married to William Frederick Caby and buried in Crites cem with Elizabeth, and her husband William Frederick Caby. William Bennett Hahs is married to Amanda Caroline Crites , dau of Henry and Elizabeth Masters Crites. . . . . . . . .
(This bio is from "Ye Old Virgin's Burial Ground", by Edward D. Virgin, Sr. (Found in the Echo Vol IV, pages 174-176, St. Louis Genealogical Society).
"Enoch Virgin was (in) Company K, 3rd Missouri State Militia, Cavalry Volunteers, (and) a brother to Anderson and James H. Virgin. He was born April 22, 1830 In what is now Bollinger County. He first married Sarah M. Sepp (Stepp?), who died in September 1858. Six months after being mustered out of service, on July 16, 1865 he wed Elizabeth (Shearen) Crites, widow of Andrew Crites.
At the time of this marriage she had four children: Joel M. Crites, whose wife's name was Christena, died August 9, 1910 and is buried in Baker's Cemetery, south of Lutesviile, with Rev. Samuel Virgin, his half brother; Araminta Carolina Crites, who married William Bennett Hahs [sic, see correction below] and lived in Crooked Creek Township; George W. Crites, married Susie Hollis of Sheppervill (also spelled Scheperville), Bollinger County, and Drucilla Jane Crites, who married Richard G. (or Uncle Dick) Baker.
Of the marriage between Enoch Virgln and Elizabeth (Shearen) Crites there were three children. They Included Rev. Samuel Grissorn Virgin who married Emma Jane Robins and raised a family on his father's old home place, about two and one-half miles northeast of Zalma, where Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Dennis now live. Rev. Samuel Virgin preached for a time at the Union Hill Church and is still remembered by some of the people in that area.
Joseph H. Virgin ran the shoe shop at Zalma, a skilled shoemaker, was killed by an unknown assassin at the home of Mr. Vest, about one and one-half miles from Zalma, where he resided. Using a .32 caliber weapon, on a Saturday night, the assassin fired four bullets through the window into the room where Virgin was sitting on the edge of a bed. Seated round him in the same room were Mr. and Mrs. Vest, Mrs. Dora Ladd, who was a widow, and her three daughters. Virgin was hit by three bullets, the fatal one entering the left temple lust over the eye. No one else was injured. He was rushed to a hospital at Cape Girardeau and died the following evening, December 29, 1928. The third child, Missouri B. Virgin, a daughter, was born May 25, 1872.
His "Declaration for an Original Invalid Pension," dated November 26, 1881, described Enoch Virgin as being 51 years of age, 5 feet 11 Inches tall, fair complexion, dark eyes, and dark hair. He enlisted as a private in the Bollinger County Home Guards, Volunteers, commanded by Captain Daniel Shell, July 9, 1861. On July 18, 1861 he was captured by the Confederate forces commanded by Captain Jason H. Hunter, who was well known to Enoch and others of his company.
Enoch believed that they were going to kill him, so when the opportunity presented itself, he broke loose from the guards, by jerking loose from two men that were holding him, and ran to save his life. The Rebels fired several shots at him. One of them struck him In the left leg causing a painful wound above the knee. The ball lodged in his leg and remained there the rest of his life, causing a slight limp.
Troy W. Shell of his company, and also a prisoner at that time, was an eye witness to his wounding and successful escape. The Rebels thought they had killed him, because Randolph James, of Enoch's Company, was captured about three hours after Enoch was shot and Captain Hunter, who was well known to Randolph James, told him that they had killed Enoch Virgin that morning. Such was not the case however, because about 10 days later Randolph James saw Enoch Virgin. He was suffering from the gunshot wound, was using crutches, and he was at his home.
In later years, the federal government considered this service to have been in a state organization and disallowed a pension claim for the disability caused by this wound.
When the Bollinger County Home Guards were disbanded, Enoch Virgin enlisted in Captain Roby's Company B, Murdoch's Battalion, Fremont Rangers, August 12, 1861, and continued in that service until it was disbanded on December 12, 1861. The same day he enlisted as a corporal in Captain Lindsay Murdoch's Company A, 11th Battalion, Mounted Riflemen, Missouri Militia, at Cape Girardeau. This military organization subsequently became Company A, 12th Regiment Missouri State Militia Cavalry and on February 4, 1863 was transferred to the 3rd Regiment Missouri State Militia Cavalry as Company K.
While on picket duty, during a skirmish, Enoch's horse was killed on April 8, 1862. It was valued at $75. The terseness of military records do not give further details of this action. They do not show that he was on several assignments as a scout and that he was promoted to 5th duty sergeant, January 1, 1863.
In the Battle of Pilot Knob, Iron County, on September 27, 1864 he Incurred severe deafness of both ears. It was just previous to the last charge of the rebel forces on Fort Davidson that Enoch Virgin, who had been on scouting duty, entered the fort and was immediately assigned, by General Ewing, to take charge of a siege gun. Enoch was informed that the gun was double shotted with grape shot. He took charge of the gun and was preparing to place the same in battery and while observing the advancing Rebels, preparatory to pointing the gun, the gunner in charge of the lanyard discharged the gun without orders. The explosion dismounted the gun and Enoch who was standing close by was stunned by the report, completely deafened and remained so for several days thereafter. The hearing of both his ears was permanently affected. William Nevin, 1st duty sergeant, who had also been in the Fremont Rangers with him, was in the fort with Enoch Virgin and was wounded there.
Enoch retreated with the command first to Leesburg and then to Rolla. Some of the other men that were on this retreat with Virgin were Johnson M. Shell, Lutesvllle; James C. Steakiy, Patton; Allison H. Mowrie, Fillmore Township, and 1st Lt. Erich Rape, who was the only officer with the company. The captain, G.W. Hummel, had been dismissed June 8, 1864 and the 2nd Lt. William M. Brawner, had died on September 20, 1864, prior to the Baffle of Pilot Knob. The horses of most of the company, including Enoch's were captured so the retreat had to be made on foot, and they had to wade streams of water, sleep on the ground, in wet clothes without shelter, and the weather was cold and inclement. The Rebels were pressing their forces all the time and they were frequently formed into lines of battle to resist attacks and drive the Rebels back.
At Leesburg where they made a stand, they had to throw up defenses.
On the night they left Pilot Knob It was raining very hard and it was very dark. Enoch Virgin tied a white handkerchief around his neck and said he would go in the lead, expecting them to see the white handkerchief and follow. Such was not the case due to the darkness and rain and he became lost.
At Leesburg he was witnessed digging rifle pits, in the cold muddy ground, and he had contracted a bad cough and cold which settled in his lungs. He continued, in this sick condition, on to Rolla.
In the middle of November, 1864, when John D. Robbins, a member of the same company, saw Enoch, at Winter Street Barracks, St. Louis, he was trying to doctor his cold by taking Jaynes Expectorant. Robins stole Enoch's Jaynes Expectorant, because he thought it was whiskey, and it made Enoch very mad. Here Enoch looked in bad health, had a bad cough and complained to William Nevin, who had returned to his company after getting some better from the wound he received at Pilot Knobb, about the hardship he had undergone during the Price raid.
After moving to Schofield Barracks, St. Louis, the command was ordered to proceed to St. Joseph, by railroad, about the middle of December 1664. They were transported in stock cars. Virgin was still suffering from the effects of cold and had a bad cough when they left St. Louis. He got worse, very sick, from the cold and exposure on the trip. On arrival at St. Joseph, the command didn't get any quarters and had to camp out on the street. Enoch got so bad he was sent to the post hospital December 24, 1864 and was there until January 20, 1865. He was still sick and continued so after his discharge on January 31, 1865. Shortly after his discharge, William Nevin and Enoch, about February 12, 1865, both went to Ironton, then to St. Louis on February 16, 1865 to Cape Girardeau on the 19th, and on to Dallas, now Marble Hill, on the 28th of that month.
They started to return to Cape Girardeau on March 2, 1865, with the intention of returning to St. Louis. But on the morning of March 3, Enoch became too weak to go any longer and Nevin left him at the house of Andrew Taylor, near Jackson. At that time he was complaining of his breast and had a cough. The next time they met was at Marble Hill about July 8, of that year and he was still suffering from the breast complaint, had a cough and looked bad. His lung trouble continued and progressively got worse. When Lewis Storz, who had been In the Frermont Rangers with Enoch and had not seen him since 1869, saw him in the fall of 1875, when Enoch was a shoe cobbler, he reported he didn't look like the same man.
Enoch Virgin was pensioned by the U.S. Government at $4 a month on December 1, 1881, for a disability from disease of the lungs; which rate was increased to $8 per month from May 14, 1890, and to $14 from June 3,.1891. A report of a medical examination, by an examining board of three surgeons, dated August 17, 1892, reads in part as follows: "Left lung normal, right lung atrophied down to 5th rib, chest shrunk away on this side."
He was a member of Erich Pape Post 184 Mo., G.A.R., Zalma. Some of the members of this post who signed a letter to the commissioner of pensions, dated May 7, 1887, on Enoch's behalf were Monsue Hindman, post commander; William Nevin, past post commander; Joseph E. Baker, adjt.; Laban Green; Rainey Sears, chaplain; Lewis Storz, post quartermaster; Charles Sando; John C. Gregory, O. guard; Hiram A. Pickett, com.; W.R. Underwood, com.; Elias Wells, S.V., and Randolph James, post commander of Post No.100, Dept. of Mo. G.A.R.
On February 10, 1868 Enoch Virgin, for $10, bought 40 acres of land from Samuel Virgin and Fany Virgin his wlfe, consistIng of the SE quarter of the SW quarter of Section 15, T29N, R9E. He must have subsequently added to his farm, because on November 11, 1901 when he and his wife, Elizabeth (Crites) Virgin, sold It to his son, Samuel G. Virgin, he then transferred 100 acres. This was known as Enoch's old home place. It is suspected that the Samuel and Fany Virgin, from whom he purchased the original 40 acres, were his parents.
Enoch Virgin died December 18, 1905. His wife drew a widow's pension and at the time of her death, September 1, 1915, was drawing $36 a month. She is reported to have been buried in the Crites Cemetery in Bollinger County."
--------------------------------------------------
Correction to the narrative:
From: Gayle Messmer
Subject: Elizabeth Shearing Virgin
Date: September 16, 2013 11:58:13 PM CDT
To: "[email protected]"
. . . . .. . . I noticed when reading that you have Arminta Caroline Crites as married to William Bennett Hahs. I show Arminta Caroline Crites Caby as married to William Frederick Caby and buried in Crites cem with Elizabeth, and her husband William Frederick Caby. William Bennett Hahs is married to Amanda Caroline Crites , dau of Henry and Elizabeth Masters Crites. . . . . . . . .
"Enoch Virgin was (in) Company K, 3rd Missouri State Militia, Cavalry Volunteers, (and) a brother to Anderson and James H. Virgin. He was born April 22, 1830 In what is now Bollinger County. He first married Sarah M. Sepp (Stepp?), who died in September 1858. Six months after being mustered out of service, on July 16, 1865 he wed Elizabeth (Shearen) Crites, widow of Andrew Crites.
At the time of this marriage she had four children: Joel M. Crites, whose wife's name was Christena, died August 9, 1910 and is buried in Baker's Cemetery, south of Lutesviile, with Rev. Samuel Virgin, his half brother; Araminta Carolina Crites, who married William Bennett Hahs [sic, see correction below] and lived in Crooked Creek Township; George W. Crites, married Susie Hollis of Sheppervill (also spelled Scheperville), Bollinger County, and Drucilla Jane Crites, who married Richard G. (or Uncle Dick) Baker.
Of the marriage between Enoch Virgln and Elizabeth (Shearen) Crites there were three children. They Included Rev. Samuel Grissorn Virgin who married Emma Jane Robins and raised a family on his father's old home place, about two and one-half miles northeast of Zalma, where Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Dennis now live. Rev. Samuel Virgin preached for a time at the Union Hill Church and is still remembered by some of the people in that area.
Joseph H. Virgin ran the shoe shop at Zalma, a skilled shoemaker, was killed by an unknown assassin at the home of Mr. Vest, about one and one-half miles from Zalma, where he resided. Using a .32 caliber weapon, on a Saturday night, the assassin fired four bullets through the window into the room where Virgin was sitting on the edge of a bed. Seated round him in the same room were Mr. and Mrs. Vest, Mrs. Dora Ladd, who was a widow, and her three daughters. Virgin was hit by three bullets, the fatal one entering the left temple lust over the eye. No one else was injured. He was rushed to a hospital at Cape Girardeau and died the following evening, December 29, 1928. The third child, Missouri B. Virgin, a daughter, was born May 25, 1872.
His "Declaration for an Original Invalid Pension," dated November 26, 1881, described Enoch Virgin as being 51 years of age, 5 feet 11 Inches tall, fair complexion, dark eyes, and dark hair. He enlisted as a private in the Bollinger County Home Guards, Volunteers, commanded by Captain Daniel Shell, July 9, 1861. On July 18, 1861 he was captured by the Confederate forces commanded by Captain Jason H. Hunter, who was well known to Enoch and others of his company.
Enoch believed that they were going to kill him, so when the opportunity presented itself, he broke loose from the guards, by jerking loose from two men that were holding him, and ran to save his life. The Rebels fired several shots at him. One of them struck him In the left leg causing a painful wound above the knee. The ball lodged in his leg and remained there the rest of his life, causing a slight limp.
Troy W. Shell of his company, and also a prisoner at that time, was an eye witness to his wounding and successful escape. The Rebels thought they had killed him, because Randolph James, of Enoch's Company, was captured about three hours after Enoch was shot and Captain Hunter, who was well known to Randolph James, told him that they had killed Enoch Virgin that morning. Such was not the case however, because about 10 days later Randolph James saw Enoch Virgin. He was suffering from the gunshot wound, was using crutches, and he was at his home.
In later years, the federal government considered this service to have been in a state organization and disallowed a pension claim for the disability caused by this wound.
When the Bollinger County Home Guards were disbanded, Enoch Virgin enlisted in Captain Roby's Company B, Murdoch's Battalion, Fremont Rangers, August 12, 1861, and continued in that service until it was disbanded on December 12, 1861. The same day he enlisted as a corporal in Captain Lindsay Murdoch's Company A, 11th Battalion, Mounted Riflemen, Missouri Militia, at Cape Girardeau. This military organization subsequently became Company A, 12th Regiment Missouri State Militia Cavalry and on February 4, 1863 was transferred to the 3rd Regiment Missouri State Militia Cavalry as Company K.
While on picket duty, during a skirmish, Enoch's horse was killed on April 8, 1862. It was valued at $75. The terseness of military records do not give further details of this action. They do not show that he was on several assignments as a scout and that he was promoted to 5th duty sergeant, January 1, 1863.
In the Battle of Pilot Knob, Iron County, on September 27, 1864 he Incurred severe deafness of both ears. It was just previous to the last charge of the rebel forces on Fort Davidson that Enoch Virgin, who had been on scouting duty, entered the fort and was immediately assigned, by General Ewing, to take charge of a siege gun. Enoch was informed that the gun was double shotted with grape shot. He took charge of the gun and was preparing to place the same in battery and while observing the advancing Rebels, preparatory to pointing the gun, the gunner in charge of the lanyard discharged the gun without orders. The explosion dismounted the gun and Enoch who was standing close by was stunned by the report, completely deafened and remained so for several days thereafter. The hearing of both his ears was permanently affected. William Nevin, 1st duty sergeant, who had also been in the Fremont Rangers with him, was in the fort with Enoch Virgin and was wounded there.
Enoch retreated with the command first to Leesburg and then to Rolla. Some of the other men that were on this retreat with Virgin were Johnson M. Shell, Lutesvllle; James C. Steakiy, Patton; Allison H. Mowrie, Fillmore Township, and 1st Lt. Erich Rape, who was the only officer with the company. The captain, G.W. Hummel, had been dismissed June 8, 1864 and the 2nd Lt. William M. Brawner, had died on September 20, 1864, prior to the Baffle of Pilot Knob. The horses of most of the company, including Enoch's were captured so the retreat had to be made on foot, and they had to wade streams of water, sleep on the ground, in wet clothes without shelter, and the weather was cold and inclement. The Rebels were pressing their forces all the time and they were frequently formed into lines of battle to resist attacks and drive the Rebels back.
At Leesburg where they made a stand, they had to throw up defenses.
On the night they left Pilot Knob It was raining very hard and it was very dark. Enoch Virgin tied a white handkerchief around his neck and said he would go in the lead, expecting them to see the white handkerchief and follow. Such was not the case due to the darkness and rain and he became lost.
At Leesburg he was witnessed digging rifle pits, in the cold muddy ground, and he had contracted a bad cough and cold which settled in his lungs. He continued, in this sick condition, on to Rolla.
In the middle of November, 1864, when John D. Robbins, a member of the same company, saw Enoch, at Winter Street Barracks, St. Louis, he was trying to doctor his cold by taking Jaynes Expectorant. Robins stole Enoch's Jaynes Expectorant, because he thought it was whiskey, and it made Enoch very mad. Here Enoch looked in bad health, had a bad cough and complained to William Nevin, who had returned to his company after getting some better from the wound he received at Pilot Knobb, about the hardship he had undergone during the Price raid.
After moving to Schofield Barracks, St. Louis, the command was ordered to proceed to St. Joseph, by railroad, about the middle of December 1664. They were transported in stock cars. Virgin was still suffering from the effects of cold and had a bad cough when they left St. Louis. He got worse, very sick, from the cold and exposure on the trip. On arrival at St. Joseph, the command didn't get any quarters and had to camp out on the street. Enoch got so bad he was sent to the post hospital December 24, 1864 and was there until January 20, 1865. He was still sick and continued so after his discharge on January 31, 1865. Shortly after his discharge, William Nevin and Enoch, about February 12, 1865, both went to Ironton, then to St. Louis on February 16, 1865 to Cape Girardeau on the 19th, and on to Dallas, now Marble Hill, on the 28th of that month.
They started to return to Cape Girardeau on March 2, 1865, with the intention of returning to St. Louis. But on the morning of March 3, Enoch became too weak to go any longer and Nevin left him at the house of Andrew Taylor, near Jackson. At that time he was complaining of his breast and had a cough. The next time they met was at Marble Hill about July 8, of that year and he was still suffering from the breast complaint, had a cough and looked bad. His lung trouble continued and progressively got worse. When Lewis Storz, who had been In the Frermont Rangers with Enoch and had not seen him since 1869, saw him in the fall of 1875, when Enoch was a shoe cobbler, he reported he didn't look like the same man.
Enoch Virgin was pensioned by the U.S. Government at $4 a month on December 1, 1881, for a disability from disease of the lungs; which rate was increased to $8 per month from May 14, 1890, and to $14 from June 3,.1891. A report of a medical examination, by an examining board of three surgeons, dated August 17, 1892, reads in part as follows: "Left lung normal, right lung atrophied down to 5th rib, chest shrunk away on this side."
He was a member of Erich Pape Post 184 Mo., G.A.R., Zalma. Some of the members of this post who signed a letter to the commissioner of pensions, dated May 7, 1887, on Enoch's behalf were Monsue Hindman, post commander; William Nevin, past post commander; Joseph E. Baker, adjt.; Laban Green; Rainey Sears, chaplain; Lewis Storz, post quartermaster; Charles Sando; John C. Gregory, O. guard; Hiram A. Pickett, com.; W.R. Underwood, com.; Elias Wells, S.V., and Randolph James, post commander of Post No.100, Dept. of Mo. G.A.R.
On February 10, 1868 Enoch Virgin, for $10, bought 40 acres of land from Samuel Virgin and Fany Virgin his wlfe, consistIng of the SE quarter of the SW quarter of Section 15, T29N, R9E. He must have subsequently added to his farm, because on November 11, 1901 when he and his wife, Elizabeth (Crites) Virgin, sold It to his son, Samuel G. Virgin, he then transferred 100 acres. This was known as Enoch's old home place. It is suspected that the Samuel and Fany Virgin, from whom he purchased the original 40 acres, were his parents.
Enoch Virgin died December 18, 1905. His wife drew a widow's pension and at the time of her death, September 1, 1915, was drawing $36 a month. She is reported to have been buried in the Crites Cemetery in Bollinger County."
--------------------------------------------------
Correction to the narrative:
From: Gayle Messmer
Subject: Elizabeth Shearing Virgin
Date: September 16, 2013 11:58:13 PM CDT
To: "[email protected]"
. . . . .. . . I noticed when reading that you have Arminta Caroline Crites as married to William Bennett Hahs. I show Arminta Caroline Crites Caby as married to William Frederick Caby and buried in Crites cem with Elizabeth, and her husband William Frederick Caby. William Bennett Hahs is married to Amanda Caroline Crites , dau of Henry and Elizabeth Masters Crites. . . . . . . . .
Inscription
Tombstone Inscription
Enoch Husband of Elizabeth Virgin, born Apr 22, 1830, died Dec 18, 1905, Member of G. A. R. Post No. 184, Zalma, Mo.
The following was found on the Internet at http://www.suvcwmo.org/memorials.php which provides information about the G. A. R., Grand Army of the Republic.
"As legal heir to the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), the preservation of monuments, memorials, and outdoor sculpture erected and dedicated by the G.A.R., is one of the most important objectives of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). Our American tradition of Memorial Day, founded by the G.A.R. in 1868, is celebrated each year with many communities still centering their Memorial Day programs around a monument erected by the G.A.R.. With proper care, these monuments will continue to stand in tribute to those who saved the Union."
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