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Wellington Jackson Eidson was born January 11,1819 in Iredell County, North Carolina to Edward and Elizabeth Eidson.
In 1841 Wellington married his first wife Susana Freeze and had four children. By 1850-1851, Wellington left Iredell County, and moved to Hawkins County, Tennessee. His wife and children remained in Iredell County. Wellington then married my Great-Great-Grandmother Mary Louisa McIntosh.
July 31, 1861 Wellington age 42 enlisted in the Confederate Army. He enlisted at Camp Powell, as a Private, Company K, 29th Tennessee Infantry. This company was comprised of men from Hawkins County under the command of Col. Samuel Powell and Captain George A. Edmonds.
The 29th regiment remained in east Tennessee until October 1861 then marched toward Barbourville and Loudon Kentucky. On Jan 7, 1862 the 29th reported 493 present for duty in spite of 854 that were on the roll. On January 19, 1862 the 29th participated in the battle of Fishing Creek, suffering 29 casualties.
February 1862, the 29th retreated with others in the brigade through Tennessee to Mississippi and was stationed in Luka, Mississippi while the battle of Shiloh was being fought.
On August 19, 1862 Wellington was discharged after one year in the war for "overage" in age.
After his discharge, Wellington settled back in Hawkins County. He was listed in the 1870 census as W. J. Eidson, age 54, occupation, shoemaker. One family story is, Wellington while in the war made and repaired soldier's shoes.
Wellington Jackson Eidson age 63 died January 25, 1882 in Hawkins County, Tennessee. Resting place is believed to be in Shanks Cemetery.
Wellington had three sons who served in the North Carolina Confederate Army. Manuel F. Eidson enlisted August 1862 as a private in Company C, 48th North Carolina Infantry. He was wounded June 15, 1864 in Richmond Virginia. His left leg was amputated at upper third of thigh. This ended his service in the war. Barnabus L. Eidson age 18 enlisted January 31, 1863 as a private in Company C, 48th North Carolina Infantry. In 1864 Barnabus was a prisoner of war and was sent to Point Lookout, MD. He was released June 26,1865 after more than a year of captivity. After taking the Oath of Allegiance he was admitted into General Hospital at Point Lookout, MD where he died July 15, 1865 of chronic dysentery. William Boyd age 17 enlisted May 16, 1864 at Camp Vance North Carolina as a private in Company A, 8th Battalion North Carolina Junior Reserves. He was a prisoner of war and sent to Point Lookout, MD the same prison camp in which his brother Barnabus was being held. William was released June 12, 1865 after signing the Oath of Allegiance.
Wellington Jackson and sons, Manuel, Barnabus and William sacrificed all and endured all for the cause in which they believed in.
With great pride and honor, I salute my Great-Great-Grandfather for his service in defending the southland.
Provided by
GG-Grandson James Edward "Jamie" Eitson
SCV member Upshur County Patriots 2109
Pastor Of Park Heights Assembly Of God Church, Tyler, Texas
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