G2G: A divided Nation and Family of the U.S. Civil War

Question

Hi Wikitreers,

We’ve found another fascinating US Civil War family! This time, we’re looking at the Hunter family from Maryland. It seems one son and his family played a role in the Civil War, with one son serving in the North and the Union cause with the 106th New York Infantry Regiment, while the other son was a Confederate veteran. To confirm this is indeed the family and that this brother is the same one who fought in the 106th New York Infantry Regiment, we need to do some more research.

It looks like James Welsh Hunter and Joseph Maurice Hunter were brothers, and somehow, their family split apart, with different political views and causes. James obituary (memorial) clearly shows he was a Confederate, and the research indicates that Joseph was in the 106th New York and later joined the regiment in 1865.

”John W. Hunter, a former captain of the Fifth Regiment, Maryland National Guard, passed away yesterday in New Rochelle, N. Y., after a brief illness. Mr. Hunter was born in this city on October 1, 1838. As a Confederate veteran of the Civil War, he was part of the Stonewall Jackson Brigade.”

Any collaboration is appreciated

Thank you

Note: the name in obituary is a John W. Hunter however it’s connected to James Welsh Hunter. Also, Joseph’s obit posted at his memorial shows nephews were his pallbearers doesn’t mention wife or children as is found connected to his FindAGrave. 

Answer 1

Here's a newspaper report of the death of Joseph Hunter on August 2, 1901 (the same date as the Wikitree profile), in Baltimore.

https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun/188547715/

It expressly names a brother James Hunter.

However, it says that he served in the Confederate Navy and was a strong Southern sympathizer.

Comments

Thanks, Roger! I think I’ve got it now—the memorial isn’t for our veteran from the 106th NYV, and it seems like there might be a mix-up. The parents might need to be disconnected.

Still researching

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Removed parents attached to his profile. Removed the FindAGrave memorial for conflation. He is in need of further research. The place of his birth is Maryland per fold3 for the 106th NYV company F. He has a birthdate of estimation in 1845 as he enlisted at age 20 in the year 1865.

The two men are not brothers however the Joseph Hunter who served in confederate navy and his brother who served with Jackson’s Stonewall Brigade would be a interesting to research

This veteran of the 106th NYV still needs connecting.

Thank you

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Here is the correct brother of the Confederate who was in Stonewall Jackson’s brigade. See https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Hunter-30738