Cyrus Dwiggins
Son of Solomon and Elizabeth Dwiggins

B. 19 Dec 1843 in Wayne Co. IN (Richmond area)
Note: His marker reads 1844-1921. His 1915 Civil War Pension application gives a birthdate of 19 Dec 1943. His death certificate states that he was born 29 Jan 1844 and died at 77y 7m 20d. The 1900 US Census gives birthdate of Dec 1842. His Dec 1923 obit says he was 77 years old which would make 1844 the birth year.

D. 18 Sep 1921 in Topeka, Shawnee Co. KS
Burial – 21 Sep 1921 in Topeka Cemetery, Section 76 Lot 94, Topeka, Shawnee Co. KS
His marker is near his daughter, Virretta Dwiggins Shaw. His wives are buried in three different cemeteries: Dwiggins Cemetery in St. Charles Co. MO; Ebenezer Cemetery in St. Charles Co. MO; and Mount Hope in Topeka.

Note: Civil War, Indiana Infantry, Company G, 75th regiment, 28 July 1862 to 8 June 1865
Cyrus Dwiggins contracted Typhoid fever in 1862 which resulted in life-long effects of ill health.

Husband of
1. Mary (Mollie) McConnahay – m. 10 Sep 1867 in West Alton, St. Charles Co. MO (St. Louis area) Cyrus and Mollie had three daughters.

2. Ellen Munsey – m. 1880 (no children)

3. Alice Jones Campbell – m. 29 Oct 1886 in Carrollton, Carroll Co. MO. Cyrus and Alice had two sons and a daughter.

Topeka State Journal, 20 Sep 1921
"Funeral services for Cyrus Dwiggins age 77, who died Sunday at his home, 709 Lime street, will be held at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at Conwell's funeral home. Burial in Topeka cemetery. Lincoln Post No. 1, of the G.A.R., will have charge of the services. He was a veteran of the Civil War, serving Co. "'G" Seventy-fifth regiment of the Indiana infantry."

A closing verse to Cyrus...

Our heritage, like life itself,
We keep and yet pass on.
In doing so, we pay the debt
We owe to those now gone.
What came from them, we hold in trust –
Stored treasure that will last.
Our lives are built
On footings from the past.

In 2002 I (Jennifer L. Neff) prepared a book about our Dwiggins family. I was assisted by my mother, Maxine Alice Dwiggins Neff, Cyrus's granddaughter. Maxine was only four when her Grandfather Cyrus died and she had no memories of him, but she had family records and stories. Her older sister Geraldine only remembered that he was a quiet old man who sat in a rocking chair. The National Archives war records and pension papers were a basis for much of our report.

Cyrus's father was Solomon, a farmer in Pipe Creek Twp., Madison County, Indiana. Cyrus was twelve years old when his mother Elizabeth died in 1855 in Madison County, and was buried there at Sigler Cemetery. He had a brother, Addison, who was one year older. (No other siblings have been confirmed.) Before 1860, Solomon married a woman named Caroline and they had several children. Addison and Cyrus lived with them.
Comment: Solomon's burial site has not been located. Addison is also in Sigler Cemetery. There is more information on Cyrus's grandparents, John and Margaret Ring Dwiggins, than on his parents. They also are in Sigler.

When he was just nineteen years of age, Cyrus enrolled in the Civil War in Quincy, Indiana. Cyrus was in Company G of the 75th Indiana Infantry in the Civil War. He served from July 28, 1862 to June 8, 1865, two years, ten months and ten days. He was paid a bounty of $25.00. He was advanced $70.90 for clothing. (At one point he owed the U.S. 55 cents for loss of ordnance.) Cyrus listed Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, as his enlistment post office. War Records state that he was 5' 5", had a light complexion, hair and blue eyes. (The average height and weight for a Civil War soldier was 5' 7" and 140 to 145 pounds.) His occupation was listed as a farmer.
Note: His brother Addison fought in the 34th Indiana Infantry from October 10, 1861 to February 3, 1866.

After the war Cyrus moved to St. Charles County, Missouri where he married his first wife Mary (Mollie) McConnahay. He was twenty-four and she was nineteen. Mollie died in 1875 when she was twenty-seven. They had at least two daughters, Virretta and Mollie, and perhaps a third, Elma. Virretta was seven and Mollie was two when their mother died. At thirty-two, Cyrus was a widower with two young daughters.

Five years later, 1880, he married for the second time. Ellen Munsey owned property and was a resident of St. Charles County. She died in June of 1883 in Carrollton. Cyrus accompanied her remains to the Ebenezer Cemetery in St. Charles County for burial. Her grave is unmarked.

Cyrus, now forty years old, had been widowed twice. He remained single for three years until he married my Great Grandmother, Alice Jones Campbell on October 29, 1886 in Carrollton. Brother Hatcher, a Baptist minister, married them.

Comment: This was Alice's second marriage. She had been a widow for six years and entered the marriage to Cyrus with four children ranging in age from seven to fourteen. Her first marriage had been to Charles (Charley) Campbell who died on April 11, 1880. Charley fought for the Confederate Army, from Nashville, during the Civil War.

Alice and Cyrus had three children all of whom were born in Carrollton, Missouri. Cyrus was forty-five when their oldest, William Addison Dwiggins (my Grandfather), was born in 1888. Their other children were Joseph and Grace. Cyrus was fifty-one when Grace, his last child, was born.

On November 15, 1890 Cyrus filed a "Declaration for Invalid Pensions" in Carroll County Missouri. The reasons he sited for an increased pension were "lung disease, kidney, rheumatism and the inability to perform hard manual labor." On June 24, 1891 Cyrus was given a complete medical exam to determine his condition and to prove his disability claim. The exam stated that he was 5' 61/2" and weighed 125 pounds and was 48 years of age. Except for rheumatism, the physician, found no disabilities. After reviewing the case the board kept the pension at $8 per month.

On January 2, 1895 Cyrus was given another complete medical exam. It stated that he was 5' 7" and weighed 124 pounds and was 51 years old. Cyrus wrote, "Have had rheumatism for 7 or 8 years with pain at times so severe that I am unable to do anything. Have been troubled with a cough and lung disease for fifteen years. The trouble gradually growing worse until I am unable to do any heavy manual labor." The physician sited, "Poorly nourished." He also noted that no other disabilities were found and that "hands show labor." The report ended, "No vicious habits." The decision was made to keep the pension at $8 per month.

In 1898, when Cyrus was 55, the family moved to Topeka, Shawnee County Kansas.

On January 26, 1898 Cyrus was given another complete medical exam. It stated, "He is 5' 71/2" tall and weighs 120 pounds and is 54 years of age." Cyrus wrote, "I have been suffering from rheumatism for the last ten years, which is often very bad after exposure of any kind. I have had weak lungs since I was in the army. Have bad cough especially at night. My kidneys trouble me all the time. I am weakened. Unable to perform any hard work." The physician sited, "Very badly nourished. Skin pale. He is emaciated." Along with updates on previous problems, he added some notes on heart problems. In conclusion he wrote that no other disabilities were found and that there was no knowledge of vicious habits. A pension increase was again denied.

A 1900 Topeka, Kansas census listed Cyrus as a carpenter and Alice as a housekeeper. It stated that they had been married fourteen years. William was twelve, Joe, ten and Grace, six. Tom Campbell, a son from Alice's first marriage, lived with them. He was twenty-three.

On September 5, 1906, the Veteran's administration gave Cyrus's address as 119 E. Crane St. He was given another complete medical exam. It stated that he was 5' 8" tall and weighed 120 pounds and was 62 years of age. It said that he was of light complexion with blue eyes and that his hair was brown and gray. It said that he had no occupation. The doctor quoted Cyrus. "He alleges he had fever during army service and was in an army hospital at Gallatin Ky. (sic...should be TN) and that his disabilities originated from the privations, exposure and unsanitary conditions of army life. He has been more or less disabled ever since war."

The physician named the disabilities "Albumenuria - chronic catarrhal bronchitis - disease of heart-impaired vision -rheumatism - general and senile debility." The physician wrote, "This man is very much emaciated and shows great weakness and prostration - his muscles are weak and flabby - totally disabled for the performance of any and all manual labor - his disabilities are the result of disease rather than senility. No indications of vicious habit past or present. The combined and aggregate disabilities most certainly entitle this claimant to a rating of $12 a month." An increase of $2 was granted for partial disability so a rate of $10 was put into effect.

On March 21, 1907 M. Hawkins and W.A. Sloo, who had known Cyrus for eight years, swore that Cyrus qualified for a full $12 pension because he had reached the age of sixty-three. Cyrus was finally approved for the full $12 that was allowed. When Cyrus became sixty-eight years of age (1911) an amount of $18 was issued.

A 1912 a Topeka City Directory lists, "Dwiggins Cyrus, grocer 1201 E. 8th av, r 709 Lime and underneath this entry is "Dwiggins Joseph, b 709 Lime."

On December 19, 1918 the pension became $30.00 and on June 9, 1920 the amount issued was $40.00. His last pension check was dated August 4, 1921 and it was for $50.00.

In June of 1921 Cyrus and his physician had sent affidavits requesting an increase in pension. Cyrus was seventy-seven and the physician said that he was very weak and in a helpless condition from a serious case of Broncho Pneumonia and Influenza. "The influenza is recurrent and he has never fully recovered from its onset in January of 1920. He is constantly getting weaker. He requires constant care and is not able to be out of bed. Before this sickness, which started in January of 1920, he was in good health and able to walk about town and to attend to business." Cyrus's affidavit verified that he never served in WW I and that he required constant care and could not help himself. The form was marked by his X and signed by his wife Alice.

The declaration for the increase stated, "He is utterly helpless and requires constant aid, help and careful attendance of another person and now fully and justly is entitled to the rate of $72 for month for which he asks." The approval for the increase to $72 was signed June 8, 1922, which was exactly fifty-seven years to the day after his mustering-out on June 8, 1865. It was retroactive to June 14, 1921, the date of his request, and was in effect until the date of death, which came just three months later. Cyrus was ordered to report for a physical examination on October 6, 1921, but the papers were returned and stamped "DEAD". Cyrus Dwiggins died September 18th after being helpless for two years.


Cyrus Dwiggins in the Civil War

At the onset of the Civil War there were virtually no trained soldiers in Indiana. However within a week after the assault upon Fort Sumter thousands of volunteers assembled in Indianapolis to meet the call. Within a year, more that 61,000 Indiana men were enlisted. No one in the North expected the civil rebellion to last over three months or so. Those coming in were young, excited and inexperienced. Many, like Cyrus, wanted to leave the farm and join the war. Soon they realized that the war was going to last a lot longer than anticipated and it was not going to be the exciting adventure that they had imagined. Far from home, with sickness rampant, they suffered greatly. Their sacrifices gave our nation the gift of unity.

One of the most famous events in the annals of war, "Sherman's March to the Sea", was manned by an army of 60,000. Nineteen year-old Cyrus Dwiggins, was a private in this march. His grandfather had settled in Indiana coming from North Carolina. Cyrus's participation in the Civil War pitted him against North Carolina and Missouri cousins. After the war he married the widow of a Confederate.

During the War of Rebellion, his Regiment lost one officer and 43 enlisted men, who were killed or mortally wounded, and two officers and 186 enlisted men by disease. The total loss was 232 men. (Comment: Cyrus was sick in the hospital at Gallatin, TN in Nov and Dec of 1862. This is where he spent his 20th birthday. He had Typhoid fever and the results of this affected him for the rest of his life.

Following is an Abbreviated, Approximate Version of Cyrus's Civil War Experience:

Aug 19, 1862 - Muster-in roll of Captain Joseph T. Smith's Co. G, 75th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, commanded by Colonel John W. Petit, called into service of the U.S. by the President from August 19, 1862 for the term of thee years, unless sooner discharged.

Cyrus left Indiana for Louisville, KY on Aug 21, 1862 and was stationed at Frankfort, KY from Aug 20 to Oct 31, 1862. His company pursued Bragg into KY on Oct 1-20. On Oct 8, they fought the Battle of Perryville.

After pursuit of Morgan to Glasgow, KY Co. G was stationed at Glasgow from Nov-Dec 1862. During this time, Cyrus was sick in the hospital at Gallatin, TN where he spent his 20th birthday. He returned to his company in Jan of 1863.

While Cyrus was in the hospital, Company G moved to Cave City then to Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN where they were stationed Jan-Feb. That is probably where Cyrus reunited with them. There was an expedition to Auburn, Liberty and Alexandria on Feb 3-5.

During Mar and Apr of 1863 expeditions to Woodbury Mar 3-8; Lebanon, Carthage and Liberty Apr 1-8; and McMinnville Apr 20-30.

During May and June of 1863 Co. G was stationed in the field. Additional references to their location at this time include Hoover's Gap June 24-26 and Tullahoma June 29-30.

During July-Aug of 1863 they were stationed at Shellmound, TN where they occupied the middle of TN til Aug 16. From there they went to Shellmound Aug 21 ... narrows near Shellmound Aug 28 ... and reconnaissance from Shellmound toward Chattanooga Aug 30-31.

Battle of Chickamauga September 19 - 21 1863
On Sep 19, 1863 they lost one officer and had 12 injured men. On Sep 20, 1863 they engaged again and two men were killed, one was wounded, and one was missing. Two of those who were wounded on the previous day died , leaving the loss: Five killed and died of wounds; 11 wounded; and one missing.

During Sep-Dec 1863 they were stationed at Chattanooga, TN. Events from here were the Mission Ridge expedition on Nov 23-25 and then the pursuit to Graysville on Nov 26-27. Cyrus turned 21 on Dec 19th.

Jan-Apr 1864 they were stationed at Ringgold, GA and on Apr 29 reconnaissance from Ringgold toward Tunnel Hill began.

Atlanta Georgia Campaign May 1 to 8 Sep 1864
May-June 1864 saw Co. G stationed in a field near Kenesaw Mountain. There were demonstrations on Rocky Faced Ridge May 8-11; the Battle of Resaca May 14-15; Advance on Dallas May 18-25; operations on Pumpkin Vine Creek, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5; Pine Hill June 11-14; Lost Mountain June 15-17; operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2 with the assault on Kenesaw June 27.

July-Aug 1864 they were stationed near Jonesborough, GA. They were in Ruff's Station, Smyrna Camp Ground, July 4; Chattahoochie River July 5-17; Peach Tree Creek July 19-20; Utoy Creek Aug. 5-7; Flank movement on Jonesboro Aug 25-30; Battle of Jonesboro Aug 31-Sep 1.

Atlanta fell on Sep 2, 1864

On Oct 31 the company and the regiment were at Rome, Georgia when they began marching via Atlanta and Milledgeville to Savannah, a distance of nearly 400 miles.

Sherman's "March to the Sea" (Savannah Campaign)
Nov-Dec 1864 Co. G had operations against Hood in North GA and North AL Sep 29-Nov 3. The siege of Savannah occurred from Dec 10-21 1864. During it Cyrus turned 22.

Co. G spent 6 weeks resting in Savannah, preparing for the Carolina Campaign which by reports was even more brutal than the March to the Sea.

Campaign of the Carolinas Jan to Apr 1865
Jan-Feb 1865 Co. G was stationed at Goldsborough, NC. Cyrus cousins from Stokes - Guilford, N.C. area were only about 100 miles away.

Mar - Apr 1865 their station is not stated, but they were in Fayetteville, NC on Mar 11, and in Averysboro on Mar 16. They engaged in the Battle of Bentonville on Mar 19-21. They occupied Goldsboro Mar 24, and advanced on Raleigh Apr 10-14. They occupied Raleigh Apr 14, and were at Bennett's House. On Apr 26, 1865 at Durham Station, NC, Johnston and his army surrendered, effectively ending the war. Co. G marched to Washington D. C. via Richmond, VA Apr 29 - May 19th. Their Grand Review was May 24, and they mustered out at Washington D.C. June 8, 1865