The Branch Family
Irwin Cowboys (Co. A), 61st Georgia
By Tom Myers
My Great-Great Grandfather Jesse Branch, his father James T. Branch and his four brothers (David, Elias, James C., Jr. and William) served in the Irwin County Cowboys (Co. A) of the 61st Georgia. What follows are short bios on each.
Jesse Branch
Jesse Branch was born in 1842 in Irwin County. He was the son of James T. Branch
and Rutha Ann Sumner Branch. Jesse was named for his maternal grandfather
Jesse C. Sumner. Jesse was 20 year old and single when he enlisted on August 27, 1861
in the Irwin County Cowboys at Camp Stephens, near Savannah , Georgia. Jesse's
brothers David and Elias also enlisted that same day and his brother William enlisted
in 1862 and his brother James in 1864. His father served in the same company but
spent most of his time either in hospitals in Richmond or home on sick leave.
The unit that the Irwin County Cowboys belong to changed names several times, but on
June 1, 1862, it became A Company / 61st Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Jesse enlisted as a private and fought at Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, Second Manassas,
Sharpsburg, Fredricksburg, Chancellorsville, and many other smaller battles and
skirmishes. On March 31, 1863 he was promoted to 2nd Corporal. Jesse was killed
on July 1st, 1863 at the Battle of Gettysburg. The 61st Georgia was involved in
heavy fighting with Barlow's Union Brigade, Northeast of Gettysburg at Rock Creek
and it is most likely here that Jesse was killed. Jesse is buried at the National Cemetery
at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
David Branch
David Branch was born on November 17, 1844 in Irwin County, Georgia. He was the son
of James Thomas Branch and Rutha Sumner Branch. He was named for his Uncle
David Branch of Appling County, Georgia. He enlisted in the Irwin County Cowboys
on August 27, 1861, along with his brothers Elias and Jesse, at Camp Stephens near
Savannah, Georgia. He was sixteen years old and single when he enlisted. He enlisted
as a private. His brothers William and James and his father also served in the same
company.
The unit that the Irwin County Cowboys was assigned to changed names several times
but on June 1st, 1862 it became the 61st Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The
Irwin County Cowboys were designated Company A.
David fought at Gaines Mill and Second Manassas. David was wounded three times
at the Battle of Sharpsburg, probably in the Miller's Cornfield. He was wounded in
the right arm, left knee, and left thigh. He was captured when the outnumbered
Georgia Brigade was forced to pull back. David was wounded and captured on
September 17, 1862 and was admitted to the U.S. Army Hospital at Fredrick, Maryland
on October 22, 1862. He spent three months in the hospital and on January 17, 1863
he was released and sent to Fort Monroe. On January 20, 1863 he was listed as a
prisoner at Fort McHenry. David was released by order of General Schenck (U.S.A.)
as part of a prisoner exchange.
David was admitted to the Confederate General Hospital at Petersburg, Virgiina on
January 26, 1863 and on Feb. 2, 1863 he released on wounded furlough. David
returned to his home, in Irwin County, to rest. David must have gotten sick or
either his wounds did not heal well, because he was admitted to the hospital in
Macon, Georgia in August 1863. He was in the hospital in Macon at least until
April, 1864.
David survived his injuries and went on to marry and have children. His arm was
permantly disabled and he drew a pension for his service. David died in Holmes
County, Florida on July 20, 1920.
James C. Branch
James (Jim) Branch was born December 28, 1847 in Irwin County. Jim was the son
of James T. Branch and Rutha Sumner Branch. Jim joined the Irwin County Cowboys
( A company 61st Georgia Volunteer Infantry) on July 20, 1864. He enlisted at Camp
Cooper, Georgia. He was present at the Third Battle of Winchester, Fisher's Hill,
Cedar Creek, Petersburg Siege, Hatcher's Run and the Appomattox. He surrendered
with his company at Appomattox and was described as being 18 years old with
dark hair, dark eyes and a fair complextion.
Jim made it home and married Margarette Smith ,whose mother was a full blooded
Cherokee, in 1869. He was killed in a hunting accident in 1895.
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Last Updated: April 17, 2000
My thanks to Tom Myers for sharing this biographical information on his Civil War ancestors.
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