Civil War Figure. Crewman of the HL Hunley submarine. Only his last name is actually known. Some have speculated that this crewmember may have been named Simpkins, but forensic genealogists say his name was most likely Lumpkin (Lumkin). A recently discovered Confederate States Navy Pay Roster from October 1863 lists C. Lumpkins. Also, there is a handwritten note by William Alexander, one of the Hunley’s builders, that states a Lumpkin worked onboard the submarine. Seaman Lumpkin was probably in his early forties making him one of the oldest crewmembers of the HL Hunley. He held the second crank position. Currently, little is known about him, except the strenuous lifestyle the forensic analysis points to. He was European born but had been away from Europe for many years. Standing 5'10", Lumpkin’s main duty on the Hunley was manual cranking, and his remains indicate most of his life was spent the same way, with a long history of strenuous physical work. An examination of his remains confirms that Lumpkin suffered from arthritis, back aches, and walked with a slouch. He had broken several bones throughout his life including his nose, cheek, and foot. These injuries could have been sustained during a battle, an accident or a fist fight. Lumpkin was an avid smoker and had worn notches in his teeth where he cradled his pipe. Other personal items found next to Lumpkin were a sewing kit and pocketknife. The HL Hunley sank 4 miles off the coast of Sullivan's Island (Charleston), South Carolina, on February 17, 1864, after sinking the USS Housatonic. The submarine was raised in 2000 and the crewmembers reinterred with the first 2 crews in Magnolia Cemetery, April 17, 2004.
Civil War Figure. Crewman of the HL Hunley submarine. Only his last name is actually known. Some have speculated that this crewmember may have been named Simpkins, but forensic genealogists say his name was most likely Lumpkin (Lumkin). A recently discovered Confederate States Navy Pay Roster from October 1863 lists C. Lumpkins. Also, there is a handwritten note by William Alexander, one of the Hunley’s builders, that states a Lumpkin worked onboard the submarine. Seaman Lumpkin was probably in his early forties making him one of the oldest crewmembers of the HL Hunley. He held the second crank position. Currently, little is known about him, except the strenuous lifestyle the forensic analysis points to. He was European born but had been away from Europe for many years. Standing 5'10", Lumpkin’s main duty on the Hunley was manual cranking, and his remains indicate most of his life was spent the same way, with a long history of strenuous physical work. An examination of his remains confirms that Lumpkin suffered from arthritis, back aches, and walked with a slouch. He had broken several bones throughout his life including his nose, cheek, and foot. These injuries could have been sustained during a battle, an accident or a fist fight. Lumpkin was an avid smoker and had worn notches in his teeth where he cradled his pipe. Other personal items found next to Lumpkin were a sewing kit and pocketknife. The HL Hunley sank 4 miles off the coast of Sullivan's Island (Charleston), South Carolina, on February 17, 1864, after sinking the USS Housatonic. The submarine was raised in 2000 and the crewmembers reinterred with the first 2 crews in Magnolia Cemetery, April 17, 2004.
Bio by: Just another taphophile
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