Odenkirk Family Webpages
Odenkirk Family History
This site has been compiled from various
internet sources. I do not know the accuracy of some of the files presented and
do not have information other than that presented here.
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Notes for Martin Van Buren Arnold
[master2.FTW]
[tree 102.FTW]
[Brøderbund WFT Vol. 4, Ed. 1, Tree #0102, Date of Import: Mar 11, 2000]
V. B. stands for Van Buren, after the President, no doubt.
Records back to him are solid. He was in the Army of the Potomac since
before the Battle of Antiedam, but no records show that he was actually in that or any other battle. A photo is available of him in uniform
holding a rifle (or were they still muskets?). The photo was taken near
the beginning of the Civil War, circa 1862, probably in Frederick County.
Hate to say it, but Muster Roll records were dug up showing that he went AWOL for some time. I prefer to believe he was captured by the rebels at
Harpers Ferry. On September 15, 1862, Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall"
Jackson's Confederate forces seized the town and its 12,500-man Union
Garrison - the largest surrender of U. S. troops during the war. That was
two days before the Battle of Antiedam nearby in which the largest daily
casualty list occured...more even than D-Day, June 6, 1944. Yes, being
captured would be a good reason for being AWOL. A blessing in disguise?
Well, he survived and had all those kids and grandkids, of which I am
one - believe it or not.
Joseph A. Bligh, 6/5/1993
Lakewood, CA.
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