Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Senior (1828-1862), honorable, respected and beloved son, brother, husband, father, friend, builder, leader and soldier, first saw the light of day in Dixieland: born at Townville, Pendleton District, Anderson County, South Carolina, USA.
Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. was the eldest child of parents Abner Ledbetter (1788-1830) and Sarah Ann (Calhoun) Ledbetter (1797-1852). Daniel Alexander Ledbetter (or "D.A.", as he was fondly known by nickname initials) had 1 sister, Sarah Ledbetter (born 1829), and no brothers.
Abner Ledbetter died on 14 August 1830, when son D.A. Ledbetter was a tender toddler of age 2 and daughter Sarah Ledbetter was a precious babe-in-arms about age 1. Young widow Sarah Ann (Calhoun) Ledbetter, left with 2 small children to rear and nurture in difficult circumstances, later remarried, to Colonel John Clarence Miller of Pendleton, Anderson County, South Carolina.
Colonel Miller appreciated the keen intelligence, sterling character, strong work ethic, and remarkable leadership potential of D.A. Ledbetter. A good, kind, supportive step-father, Colonel John C. Miller helped step-son D.A. Ledbetter develop into a skilled, productive, responsible American citizen.
"Young (D.A.) Ledbetter grew up on Colonel Miller's farm, much of the business of which was managed by him, while he was yet a boy. His education was limited, the greater part of it being obtained in the schools at old Pendleton.
"He served an apprenticeship as a millwright under Col. M. R. Hunicutt, became a master mechanic and acquired considerable property in the practice of his craft."
--"Confederate Military History", Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch.
Upon 5 May 1853, Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. married Elizabeth ("Lizzie") Earl Vandiver (1832-1915) at Townville, Anderson County, South Carolina. Together in this 1853 marriage union, parents D.A. Ledbetter, Sr. and Elizabeth Earl (Vandiver) Ledbetter produced 4 beloved children (1 lovely daughter & 3 handsome sons), named hereinafter with some basic vital information:
1) Maria ("Mary") Luiza Ledbetter,
born 2 October 1854, Townville,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
1st Marriage to William Norton Alexander;
2nd Marriage to Winfield Kennedy Sharp;
died 8 August 1936, Sandy Springs,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
2) John Peter Ledbetter,
born 2 November 1856, Townville,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
3) Hezekiah C. Ledbetter, born circa 1859;
died 3 January 1873 (at age 14),
Townville, Anderson County, South Carolina;
4) Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Junior,
born 8 November 1861, Townville,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
Note: War-baby & namesake son was conceived
just before the American Civil War commenced,
and his birth occurred while his father was
deployed for Charleston (SC) Harbor Defense.
Successively serving as Captain, Major and Colonel of South Carolina Militia, long before the American Civil War (1861-1865), citizen-soldier D.A. Ledbetter was well-known and greatly admired by Palmetto State citizenry and fellow militia troops. South Carolina Militia Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was a man of regional renown.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter patriotically served in defense of South Carolina and the United States of America, during 17 years of honorable S.C. Militia Service (1844-1861). A man of honor and a natural leader, Daniel Alexander Ledbetter was a valiant citizen-soldier of the noblest order.
"As soldier and officer, his love for his men was that of father to his children, and often, when on a march, he would give up his horse to some sick or broken-down private."
--"Confederate Military History", Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch.
A physical giant among men, D.A. Ledbetter was tall, athletic, muscular and powerful, well-proportioned in height & weight: 6 feet 6 inches & 200 pounds. Colonel D.A. Ledbetter posed a gallant, strikingly handsome, command presence.
A moral giant among men, Confederate Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter was most respected for setting a sterling example of integrity, valor and goodness, thereby living a life worthy of praise and emulation.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter "was much esteemed for conscientiousness, vigilance, and courage."
--3 separate published sources cited:
1) "History of a Brigade of South Carolinians",
Casualty Roll of Honor, 2nd Manassas Battle,
2) "And Then A.P. Hill Came Up",
Biographical Sketch: CSA Col. D.A. Ledbetter,
3) "Lee's Colonels",
Biographical Sketch: CSA Col. D.A. Ledbetter.
"His honesty and decision of character made him a favorite with every one who knew him."
--"Confederate Military History", Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch.
Within days after the 12 April 1861 outbreak of hostilities between Confederate and Union forces at Fort Sumter, S.C. Militia Colonel D.A. Ledbetter rapidly organized an infantry (rifle) company (and recruited soldiers thereunto), directly contributing to the newly-forming Army of the Confederate States of America (ACSA), or more briefly referenced, Confederate States Army (CSA). Colonel D.A. Ledbetter established this new infantry company on or about 15 April 1861, just after U.S. Army Fort Sumter was surrendered in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.
Troops of this CSA infantry company (nicknamed "Keowee Riflemen"), formed from Pickens and Occonee native sons of Anderson County, South Carolina, unanimously elected D.A. Ledbetter to be their Captain and Company Commander in April 1861. This would be the first of 4 Confederate States Army commissioned officer ranks earned by D.A. Ledbetter, during his 1861-1862 active-duty military service in the War Between the States. The "Keowee Riflemen" infantry company soon became Company A of 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment.
On 20 July 1861, First South Carolina Rifle Regiment officially was organized (also known as, 1st South Carolina Infantry Regiment and Orr's Rifle Regiment, which was abbreviated as, "O.R.R."). Intensive "boot camp" military training for 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment occurred at Sandy Springs, SC, during Summer 1861.
In the original Table of Organization (T/O) of the 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment, Company A was designated with CSA Captain D.A. Ledbetter as the first Company Commander, respecting the unanimous vote of Company A troops.
Company A was the first among 10 infantry companies formed to comprise 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment. In vanguard manner, 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment was the first infantry regiment in South Carolina to be organized and available for wartime national military service, rather than limited only to statewide service.
Upon 20 July 1861, at the first muster of 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment at Camp Pickens, Anderson District, SC, Captain D.A. Ledbetter was elected as Regimental Major of Troops, unanimously chosen by admiring fellow troops of all 10 infantry companies.
Selection as Regimental Major was a tremendous vote of confidence in CSA Major Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, as a leader and a warrior, plus a significant promotion in position of responsibility and in military rank.
In the chain-of-command structure of this CSA South Carolina infantry regiment, Regimental Major D.A. Ledbetter was third (3rd) in command, administratively next in regimental leadership authority under the Regimental Executive Officer and Regimental Commander.
However, as Regimental Major, D.A. Ledbetter was primarily responsible for directly leading all regimental troops, whether in combat, in deployment, in training, in garrison, in hospital, on bivouac, or on-the-march.
Confederate Field Officer D.A. Ledbetter rendered honorable wartime military service in South Carolina and Virginia, during the first 2 calendar years of the American Civil War.
First assigned to garrison duty and harbor protection at Charleston, SC, 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment was redeployed during Spring 1862, to defend Richmond, National Capital City of the Confederate States of America, against Union Army invasion and capture. Richmond, Virginia, was strategically situated only 100 miles south of Washington, DC, United States (Union) Capital City.
Meritorious military service prompted 2 more field officer promotions to be awarded unto CSA Major Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr.:
1) Lieutenant Colonel, Confederate States Army,
Regimental Executive Officer, 2nd in Command,
1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment,
Date of Lt. Col. Promotion: 1 February 1862;
2) Colonel, Confederate States Army,
Regimental Commander, 1st in Command,
1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment,
Date of Full Colonel Promotion: 29 August 1862.
Note: Colonel is only 1 military field officer
rank below Brigadier General.
As a gifted leader of warriors in battle, CSA Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. repeatedly received commendations. The excellent reputation of Lt. Col. D.A. Ledbetter for proficiency in leadership and courage in battle, particularly came to the attention of audacious Robert E. Lee, Commanding General, CSA Army of Northern Virginia and eventual Confederate States Army General-In-Chief.
The leadership expertise and battlefield valor were praiseworthy virtues of Confederate Colonel D.A. Ledbetter: demonstrated during several crucial battles of the War Between the States (American Civil War):
1) Battle of Mechanicsville (Beaver Dam Creek), 26 June 1862, Mechanicsville, VA, Seven Days Battles in defense of Richmond, VA and counterattacks against General George McClellan's Union Army Virginia Peninsular Campaign;
2) Battle of Gaines Mill (Chickahominy River or 1st Cold Harbor), 27 June 1862, Cold Harbor, VA, Seven Days Battles in defense of Richmond, VA and counterattacks against General George McClellan's Union Army Virginia Peninsular Campaign;
3) Battle of Frayser's Farm (Glendale), 30 June 1862, Varina, VA, Seven Days Battles in defense of Richmond, VA and counterattacks against General George McClellan's Union Army Virginia Peninsular Campaign;
4) Battle of Cedar Mountain (Cedar Run), 9 August 1862, Culpepper, VA, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson;
5) Battle of Bristoe Railroad Station, 26 August 1862, Bristoe Station, VA, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson;
6) Battle of Manassas Railroad Junction, 27 August 1862, Manassas Junction, VA, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson;
7) Battle of Groveton, 28 August 1862, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson, Groveton, Virginia;
8) 2nd Battle of Manassas, 29-30 August 1862, Manassas, Virginia, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, Sr. was blessed with a commanding stentorian voice: readily heard long distances, or even amidst the roar of war. "On the march to Cedar Mountain in Virginia, one very dark night (11 August 1862), the camp was aroused by the false alarm that the enemy was at hand, and there was a general stampede; but Colonel Ledbetter stood his ground and called again and again, till his men rallied to him."
--Confederate Military History, Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biography.
Upon 29 August 1862, CSA Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. was Mortally Wounded In Action (M.W.I.A.) at the Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), an eventual Confederate Army major victory, principally led by Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson, against Union Army forces, who were ineptly commanded by pompous Union General John Pope.
Confederate States Army Order of Battle for the 2nd Battle of Manassas (29-30 August 1862), assigned 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment to a distinct (but dangerous) position of honor in the left wing of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia: Brigadier General Maxcy Gregg's South Carolina Brigade, Major General A.P. Hill's Light Division, General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson's Corps.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter led his 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment at a crucial defensive battle position, on a rocky knoll, along an unfinished railroad grade (cut), arrayed in the very front battle line, just left of center, in the left wing of the Confederate Army defensive formation. By time-honored military tradition, such a left wing battle plan assignment was a Battlefield Position of Honor, reserved for only the Best of the Best: respected, reliable, valorous, valiant military troops.
First S.C. Rifle Regiment proved worthy of this Battlefield Position of Honor in the Second Battle of Manassas, despite being greatly outnumbered, physically exhausted, and out of ammunition. This "tip of the spear" battle position was heavily and repeatedly attacked, during a half-dozen assaults from Union Army forces of U.S. Army General Phillip Kearney, Divisional Commander, a respected hero of Mexican-American War fame.
Geographically, this Confederate Army defensive battle position was situated left and in front of Stony Ridge, immediately beside Catharpin Creek, Sudley Ford, Sudley Methodist Church, Sudley Mill and Sudley Springs, all located at Manassas Battlefield, Prince William County, Virginia.
Scarcely more than 1 hour prior to being mortally wounded in battle, Lt. Col. D.A. Ledbetter received his battlefield rank promotion to Regimental Colonel and corresponding Regimental Commander duties, following the combat death of former Regimental Commander, Colonel Jehu Foster Marshall. The 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment helped repulse 5 major Union Army assaults and counterattacked 5 times, earlier during the day of 29 August 1862, setting the stage for yet a 6th Union Army deadly assault later (between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter inspired and bolstered the morale of 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment troops under his command. Thus rallied, tenacious defenses and furious counterattacks, which Colonel D.A. Ledbetter helped lead upon 29 August 1862, repeatedly repulsed Union Army assaults and resulted in Union Army retreats, key to Confederate Army victory in the 2nd Battle of Manassas.
After running out of ammunition, these determined 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment Rebel troops improvised, adapted and overcame overwhelming odds, proving their mettle with courage, creativity, determination, and sacrifice. First S.C. Rifle Regiment engaged in vicious hand-to-hand combat with fixed bayonets, clubbed rifles, bare hands, and sometimes hurled rocks, against Federal Army attackers.
However, during the 6th Union Army major assault of the day, CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was cut down by gunfire. The 29 August 1862 mortal wounding in combat of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, happened on the same day of his battlefield promotion to Colonel and Regimental Commander of 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment.
Despite two regimental commanders becoming battle casualties on the same day (29 August 1862) and exhausting their ammunition supply, 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment continuously rallied, fighting side-by-side with other reinforcing regiments of Brigadier General Maxcy Gregg's South Carolina Brigade, to repel with fury the 6th Union Army major assault focused in this sector.
This crucial first-day defensive stand on a rocky knoll, at the unfinished railroad cut near Sudley Ford, became key to later Confederate counterattacks and an eventual Confederate Army major victory, against Union Army forces at 2nd Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), 29-30 August 1862, at Manassas, Virginia, located about 30 miles south of Washington, DC.
However, the Confederate States Army triumph in this battlefield sector and the overall battle victory at Second Manassas, Virginia, came at high cost in blood and lives. Many of the best and bravest Southern Sons were sacrificed upon the Altar of War.
Fellow 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment soldiers tenderly carried their seriously wounded and greatly respected Regimental Commander, CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, from the Manassas Battlefield to a nearby rear-echelon sector.
During late afternoon of 29 August 1862, CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter received emergency medical care at an improvised wartime field hospital, located in the historic stone farmhouse named "Bushy Park", in Prince William County, VA.
During the remaining hours of 29 August 1862, and over next several days (30 August until 1 September 1862), CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter lingered in a mighty, twilight fight: clinging to waning mortal life, while suffering in agony from the destructive gunshot wound within his torso abdominal side. Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was bleeding to death, as he fought his last fight: a personal battle for his very life.
On 1 September 1862, 3 days after being Mortally Wounded In Action (M.W.I.A.), CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter breathed his last breath, and died in Bushy Park Farmhouse Confederate Field Hospital, Prince William County, Virginia.
A fitting epitaph for Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Colonel and Regimental Commander, First South Carolina Rifle Regiment, Confederate States of America Army, was written by Clement Evans, Confederate States Military Historian, as follows: "No braver soldier, more honorable citizen, kinder father and husband, gave his life to the lost cause."
--Confederate Military History, Vol. 5,
CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biography.
Deceased CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, still clad in his Confederate Army officer uniform, with his "D.A. Ledbetter" name-inscribed battle sword by his side, was wrapped in a blanket and buried upon 1 September 1862 in a small Confederate Soldiers Cemetery on Bushy Park Farm, at the edge of Manassas Battlefield, Virginia.
The 1 September 1862 military burial ceremony of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was supervised by Captain Joseph N. (J.N.) Brown, Company E Commander, 14th S.C. Volunteer Infantry Regiment, from Enoree, Laurens County, SC, a beloved lawyer friend of Colonel D.A. Ledbetter.
Joseph N. Brown, later promoted to Colonel and Regimental Commander of 14th S.C. Volunteer Infantry Regiment, also served as an executor of the D.A. Ledbetter Estate, per instructions in the Daniel Alexander Ledbetter Will (signed 18 July 1861; probated 26 January 1863).
--Anderson Co. (SC) Will Book 3, pages 119-120,
Anderson County Courthouse, Anderson, SC.
Also buried in this 1 September 1862 joint military burial ceremony, was CSA Captain Miles M. ("M.M.") Norton from Pickens, SC, a friend and military colleague of Colonel D.A. Ledbetter. Captain J.J. Norton, Company C Commander and son of Captain M.M. Norton, supervised the burial detail of his father.
Captain M.M. Norton was Company E Commander of 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment, M.W.I.A. (Mortally-Wounded-In-Action) on 29 August 1862, during the same day's combat that Regimental Commander, Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, was mortally wounded, at 2nd Battle of Manassas. Both Confederate officers were in the very thick of the bloody battling, among many cherished South Carolina sons to suffer the deadly piercing point of the Union Army spear in this vicious battlefield sector.
Late 20th Century (1990s), a large tract of countryside area nearby Manassas National Battlefield was proposed by Disney Corporation, for development into an amusement theme park. As a result of this proposed recreational urbanized development, the mortal remains of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter and CSA Captain M.M. Norton were exhumed and reinterred during Summer 2001, into Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery, Sudley Springs, VA.
A obelisk-style, marble-shaft monument tombstone, originally erected circa 1882 (about 20 years after the 1862 2nd Manassas Battle), by namesake son, Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Jr., also was removed from the small Confederate Soldiers Cemetery on Bushy Park Farm, to mark the new gravesite of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, Sr., in Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery, Sudley Springs, VA.
This final resting place within Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery, geographically is very close to the spot on the Manassas Battlefield, where Confederate States Army Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. was M.W.I.A. (Mortally-Wounded-In-Action) on 29 August 1862, in fierce combat action during the 2nd Battle of Manassas, Virginia.
CSA Colonel Daniel Alexander (D.A.) Ledbetter, Sr.
(1828-1862) Memorial Tribute Biography
By Author: Dean Ledbetter
Updated: 20 Oct. 2013,
7 Feb. 2014 & 8 May 2014;
24 Sept. 2016
Created: 23 July 2011
(Copyright 2011-2016)
Source References Cited:
"Ledbetters From Virginia",
by author Roy C. Ledbetter, et al,
Wilkinson Printing Co.,
Dallas, Texas, published 1964, page 103,
Daniel Alexander Ledbetter Biographical Sketch;
"The History of a Brigade of South Carolinians:
Known First as 'Gregg's' and subsequently as
'McGowan's Brigade', by author J.F.J. Caldwell,
King & Baird, Printers, Philadelphia, PA,
2nd Manassas Battle Casualty Roll of Honor:
CSA Col. D.A. Leadbetter Biographical Sketch,
published 1866, page 38;
"Confederate Military History: South Carolina,"
Volume 5, by Clement A. Evans, Editor,
Confederate Publishing Company,
Atlanta, Georgia, published 1899, pages 704-705,
CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch;
"Lee's Colonels: A Biographical Register of the
Field Officers of the Army of Northern Virginia",
by author Robert K. Krick, Morningside House, Inc.,
Dayton, Ohio, published 1979;
"And Then A.P. Hill Came Up",
by author Jen Goellnitz, online archival book
and Internet website,
first edition published 1997,
final edition published 2010,
CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch;
"Daniel Alexander Ledbetter Last Will & Testament",
(signed 18 July 1861; probated 26 January 1863).
Anderson County (SC) Will Book 3, pp. 119-120,
Anderson County Courthouse,
Anderson, South Carolina.
"D.A. Ledbetter (Sr.) Tombstone Inscription",
Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery,
Prince William County, Virginia;
"H.C. Ledbetter Tombstone Inscription",
Townville Baptist Church Cemetery,
Townville, Anderson County, SC;
"D.A. Ledbetter (Jr.) Tombstone Inscription",
Silverbrook Cemetery, City of Anderson,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
"Anderson County (South Carolina) Cemeteries",
Volume 6, page 191, Anderson, SC.
*************************************∼Lieutenant Colonel Daniel A. Ledbetter, 1st South Carolina Infantry, killed at Second Manassas.
Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. was the eldest child of parents Abner Ledbetter (1788-1830) and Sarah Ann (Calhoun) Ledbetter (1797-1852). Daniel Alexander Ledbetter (or "D.A.", as he was fondly known by nickname initials) had 1 sister, Sarah Ledbetter (born 1829), and no brothers.
Abner Ledbetter died on 14 August 1830, when son D.A. Ledbetter was a tender toddler of age 2 and daughter Sarah Ledbetter was a precious babe-in-arms about age 1. Young widow Sarah Ann (Calhoun) Ledbetter, left with 2 small children to rear and nurture in difficult circumstances, later remarried, to Colonel John Clarence Miller of Pendleton, Anderson County, South Carolina.
Colonel Miller appreciated the keen intelligence, sterling character, strong work ethic, and remarkable leadership potential of D.A. Ledbetter. A good, kind, supportive step-father, Colonel John C. Miller helped step-son D.A. Ledbetter develop into a skilled, productive, responsible American citizen.
"Young (D.A.) Ledbetter grew up on Colonel Miller's farm, much of the business of which was managed by him, while he was yet a boy. His education was limited, the greater part of it being obtained in the schools at old Pendleton.
"He served an apprenticeship as a millwright under Col. M. R. Hunicutt, became a master mechanic and acquired considerable property in the practice of his craft."
--"Confederate Military History", Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch.
Upon 5 May 1853, Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. married Elizabeth ("Lizzie") Earl Vandiver (1832-1915) at Townville, Anderson County, South Carolina. Together in this 1853 marriage union, parents D.A. Ledbetter, Sr. and Elizabeth Earl (Vandiver) Ledbetter produced 4 beloved children (1 lovely daughter & 3 handsome sons), named hereinafter with some basic vital information:
1) Maria ("Mary") Luiza Ledbetter,
born 2 October 1854, Townville,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
1st Marriage to William Norton Alexander;
2nd Marriage to Winfield Kennedy Sharp;
died 8 August 1936, Sandy Springs,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
2) John Peter Ledbetter,
born 2 November 1856, Townville,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
3) Hezekiah C. Ledbetter, born circa 1859;
died 3 January 1873 (at age 14),
Townville, Anderson County, South Carolina;
4) Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Junior,
born 8 November 1861, Townville,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
Note: War-baby & namesake son was conceived
just before the American Civil War commenced,
and his birth occurred while his father was
deployed for Charleston (SC) Harbor Defense.
Successively serving as Captain, Major and Colonel of South Carolina Militia, long before the American Civil War (1861-1865), citizen-soldier D.A. Ledbetter was well-known and greatly admired by Palmetto State citizenry and fellow militia troops. South Carolina Militia Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was a man of regional renown.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter patriotically served in defense of South Carolina and the United States of America, during 17 years of honorable S.C. Militia Service (1844-1861). A man of honor and a natural leader, Daniel Alexander Ledbetter was a valiant citizen-soldier of the noblest order.
"As soldier and officer, his love for his men was that of father to his children, and often, when on a march, he would give up his horse to some sick or broken-down private."
--"Confederate Military History", Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch.
A physical giant among men, D.A. Ledbetter was tall, athletic, muscular and powerful, well-proportioned in height & weight: 6 feet 6 inches & 200 pounds. Colonel D.A. Ledbetter posed a gallant, strikingly handsome, command presence.
A moral giant among men, Confederate Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter was most respected for setting a sterling example of integrity, valor and goodness, thereby living a life worthy of praise and emulation.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter "was much esteemed for conscientiousness, vigilance, and courage."
--3 separate published sources cited:
1) "History of a Brigade of South Carolinians",
Casualty Roll of Honor, 2nd Manassas Battle,
2) "And Then A.P. Hill Came Up",
Biographical Sketch: CSA Col. D.A. Ledbetter,
3) "Lee's Colonels",
Biographical Sketch: CSA Col. D.A. Ledbetter.
"His honesty and decision of character made him a favorite with every one who knew him."
--"Confederate Military History", Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch.
Within days after the 12 April 1861 outbreak of hostilities between Confederate and Union forces at Fort Sumter, S.C. Militia Colonel D.A. Ledbetter rapidly organized an infantry (rifle) company (and recruited soldiers thereunto), directly contributing to the newly-forming Army of the Confederate States of America (ACSA), or more briefly referenced, Confederate States Army (CSA). Colonel D.A. Ledbetter established this new infantry company on or about 15 April 1861, just after U.S. Army Fort Sumter was surrendered in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.
Troops of this CSA infantry company (nicknamed "Keowee Riflemen"), formed from Pickens and Occonee native sons of Anderson County, South Carolina, unanimously elected D.A. Ledbetter to be their Captain and Company Commander in April 1861. This would be the first of 4 Confederate States Army commissioned officer ranks earned by D.A. Ledbetter, during his 1861-1862 active-duty military service in the War Between the States. The "Keowee Riflemen" infantry company soon became Company A of 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment.
On 20 July 1861, First South Carolina Rifle Regiment officially was organized (also known as, 1st South Carolina Infantry Regiment and Orr's Rifle Regiment, which was abbreviated as, "O.R.R."). Intensive "boot camp" military training for 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment occurred at Sandy Springs, SC, during Summer 1861.
In the original Table of Organization (T/O) of the 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment, Company A was designated with CSA Captain D.A. Ledbetter as the first Company Commander, respecting the unanimous vote of Company A troops.
Company A was the first among 10 infantry companies formed to comprise 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment. In vanguard manner, 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment was the first infantry regiment in South Carolina to be organized and available for wartime national military service, rather than limited only to statewide service.
Upon 20 July 1861, at the first muster of 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment at Camp Pickens, Anderson District, SC, Captain D.A. Ledbetter was elected as Regimental Major of Troops, unanimously chosen by admiring fellow troops of all 10 infantry companies.
Selection as Regimental Major was a tremendous vote of confidence in CSA Major Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, as a leader and a warrior, plus a significant promotion in position of responsibility and in military rank.
In the chain-of-command structure of this CSA South Carolina infantry regiment, Regimental Major D.A. Ledbetter was third (3rd) in command, administratively next in regimental leadership authority under the Regimental Executive Officer and Regimental Commander.
However, as Regimental Major, D.A. Ledbetter was primarily responsible for directly leading all regimental troops, whether in combat, in deployment, in training, in garrison, in hospital, on bivouac, or on-the-march.
Confederate Field Officer D.A. Ledbetter rendered honorable wartime military service in South Carolina and Virginia, during the first 2 calendar years of the American Civil War.
First assigned to garrison duty and harbor protection at Charleston, SC, 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment was redeployed during Spring 1862, to defend Richmond, National Capital City of the Confederate States of America, against Union Army invasion and capture. Richmond, Virginia, was strategically situated only 100 miles south of Washington, DC, United States (Union) Capital City.
Meritorious military service prompted 2 more field officer promotions to be awarded unto CSA Major Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr.:
1) Lieutenant Colonel, Confederate States Army,
Regimental Executive Officer, 2nd in Command,
1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment,
Date of Lt. Col. Promotion: 1 February 1862;
2) Colonel, Confederate States Army,
Regimental Commander, 1st in Command,
1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment,
Date of Full Colonel Promotion: 29 August 1862.
Note: Colonel is only 1 military field officer
rank below Brigadier General.
As a gifted leader of warriors in battle, CSA Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. repeatedly received commendations. The excellent reputation of Lt. Col. D.A. Ledbetter for proficiency in leadership and courage in battle, particularly came to the attention of audacious Robert E. Lee, Commanding General, CSA Army of Northern Virginia and eventual Confederate States Army General-In-Chief.
The leadership expertise and battlefield valor were praiseworthy virtues of Confederate Colonel D.A. Ledbetter: demonstrated during several crucial battles of the War Between the States (American Civil War):
1) Battle of Mechanicsville (Beaver Dam Creek), 26 June 1862, Mechanicsville, VA, Seven Days Battles in defense of Richmond, VA and counterattacks against General George McClellan's Union Army Virginia Peninsular Campaign;
2) Battle of Gaines Mill (Chickahominy River or 1st Cold Harbor), 27 June 1862, Cold Harbor, VA, Seven Days Battles in defense of Richmond, VA and counterattacks against General George McClellan's Union Army Virginia Peninsular Campaign;
3) Battle of Frayser's Farm (Glendale), 30 June 1862, Varina, VA, Seven Days Battles in defense of Richmond, VA and counterattacks against General George McClellan's Union Army Virginia Peninsular Campaign;
4) Battle of Cedar Mountain (Cedar Run), 9 August 1862, Culpepper, VA, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson;
5) Battle of Bristoe Railroad Station, 26 August 1862, Bristoe Station, VA, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson;
6) Battle of Manassas Railroad Junction, 27 August 1862, Manassas Junction, VA, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson;
7) Battle of Groveton, 28 August 1862, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson, Groveton, Virginia;
8) 2nd Battle of Manassas, 29-30 August 1862, Manassas, Virginia, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, Sr. was blessed with a commanding stentorian voice: readily heard long distances, or even amidst the roar of war. "On the march to Cedar Mountain in Virginia, one very dark night (11 August 1862), the camp was aroused by the false alarm that the enemy was at hand, and there was a general stampede; but Colonel Ledbetter stood his ground and called again and again, till his men rallied to him."
--Confederate Military History, Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biography.
Upon 29 August 1862, CSA Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. was Mortally Wounded In Action (M.W.I.A.) at the Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), an eventual Confederate Army major victory, principally led by Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson, against Union Army forces, who were ineptly commanded by pompous Union General John Pope.
Confederate States Army Order of Battle for the 2nd Battle of Manassas (29-30 August 1862), assigned 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment to a distinct (but dangerous) position of honor in the left wing of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia: Brigadier General Maxcy Gregg's South Carolina Brigade, Major General A.P. Hill's Light Division, General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson's Corps.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter led his 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment at a crucial defensive battle position, on a rocky knoll, along an unfinished railroad grade (cut), arrayed in the very front battle line, just left of center, in the left wing of the Confederate Army defensive formation. By time-honored military tradition, such a left wing battle plan assignment was a Battlefield Position of Honor, reserved for only the Best of the Best: respected, reliable, valorous, valiant military troops.
First S.C. Rifle Regiment proved worthy of this Battlefield Position of Honor in the Second Battle of Manassas, despite being greatly outnumbered, physically exhausted, and out of ammunition. This "tip of the spear" battle position was heavily and repeatedly attacked, during a half-dozen assaults from Union Army forces of U.S. Army General Phillip Kearney, Divisional Commander, a respected hero of Mexican-American War fame.
Geographically, this Confederate Army defensive battle position was situated left and in front of Stony Ridge, immediately beside Catharpin Creek, Sudley Ford, Sudley Methodist Church, Sudley Mill and Sudley Springs, all located at Manassas Battlefield, Prince William County, Virginia.
Scarcely more than 1 hour prior to being mortally wounded in battle, Lt. Col. D.A. Ledbetter received his battlefield rank promotion to Regimental Colonel and corresponding Regimental Commander duties, following the combat death of former Regimental Commander, Colonel Jehu Foster Marshall. The 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment helped repulse 5 major Union Army assaults and counterattacked 5 times, earlier during the day of 29 August 1862, setting the stage for yet a 6th Union Army deadly assault later (between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter inspired and bolstered the morale of 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment troops under his command. Thus rallied, tenacious defenses and furious counterattacks, which Colonel D.A. Ledbetter helped lead upon 29 August 1862, repeatedly repulsed Union Army assaults and resulted in Union Army retreats, key to Confederate Army victory in the 2nd Battle of Manassas.
After running out of ammunition, these determined 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment Rebel troops improvised, adapted and overcame overwhelming odds, proving their mettle with courage, creativity, determination, and sacrifice. First S.C. Rifle Regiment engaged in vicious hand-to-hand combat with fixed bayonets, clubbed rifles, bare hands, and sometimes hurled rocks, against Federal Army attackers.
However, during the 6th Union Army major assault of the day, CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was cut down by gunfire. The 29 August 1862 mortal wounding in combat of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, happened on the same day of his battlefield promotion to Colonel and Regimental Commander of 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment.
Despite two regimental commanders becoming battle casualties on the same day (29 August 1862) and exhausting their ammunition supply, 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment continuously rallied, fighting side-by-side with other reinforcing regiments of Brigadier General Maxcy Gregg's South Carolina Brigade, to repel with fury the 6th Union Army major assault focused in this sector.
This crucial first-day defensive stand on a rocky knoll, at the unfinished railroad cut near Sudley Ford, became key to later Confederate counterattacks and an eventual Confederate Army major victory, against Union Army forces at 2nd Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), 29-30 August 1862, at Manassas, Virginia, located about 30 miles south of Washington, DC.
However, the Confederate States Army triumph in this battlefield sector and the overall battle victory at Second Manassas, Virginia, came at high cost in blood and lives. Many of the best and bravest Southern Sons were sacrificed upon the Altar of War.
Fellow 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment soldiers tenderly carried their seriously wounded and greatly respected Regimental Commander, CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, from the Manassas Battlefield to a nearby rear-echelon sector.
During late afternoon of 29 August 1862, CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter received emergency medical care at an improvised wartime field hospital, located in the historic stone farmhouse named "Bushy Park", in Prince William County, VA.
During the remaining hours of 29 August 1862, and over next several days (30 August until 1 September 1862), CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter lingered in a mighty, twilight fight: clinging to waning mortal life, while suffering in agony from the destructive gunshot wound within his torso abdominal side. Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was bleeding to death, as he fought his last fight: a personal battle for his very life.
On 1 September 1862, 3 days after being Mortally Wounded In Action (M.W.I.A.), CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter breathed his last breath, and died in Bushy Park Farmhouse Confederate Field Hospital, Prince William County, Virginia.
A fitting epitaph for Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Colonel and Regimental Commander, First South Carolina Rifle Regiment, Confederate States of America Army, was written by Clement Evans, Confederate States Military Historian, as follows: "No braver soldier, more honorable citizen, kinder father and husband, gave his life to the lost cause."
--Confederate Military History, Vol. 5,
CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biography.
Deceased CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, still clad in his Confederate Army officer uniform, with his "D.A. Ledbetter" name-inscribed battle sword by his side, was wrapped in a blanket and buried upon 1 September 1862 in a small Confederate Soldiers Cemetery on Bushy Park Farm, at the edge of Manassas Battlefield, Virginia.
The 1 September 1862 military burial ceremony of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was supervised by Captain Joseph N. (J.N.) Brown, Company E Commander, 14th S.C. Volunteer Infantry Regiment, from Enoree, Laurens County, SC, a beloved lawyer friend of Colonel D.A. Ledbetter.
Joseph N. Brown, later promoted to Colonel and Regimental Commander of 14th S.C. Volunteer Infantry Regiment, also served as an executor of the D.A. Ledbetter Estate, per instructions in the Daniel Alexander Ledbetter Will (signed 18 July 1861; probated 26 January 1863).
--Anderson Co. (SC) Will Book 3, pages 119-120,
Anderson County Courthouse, Anderson, SC.
Also buried in this 1 September 1862 joint military burial ceremony, was CSA Captain Miles M. ("M.M.") Norton from Pickens, SC, a friend and military colleague of Colonel D.A. Ledbetter. Captain J.J. Norton, Company C Commander and son of Captain M.M. Norton, supervised the burial detail of his father.
Captain M.M. Norton was Company E Commander of 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment, M.W.I.A. (Mortally-Wounded-In-Action) on 29 August 1862, during the same day's combat that Regimental Commander, Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, was mortally wounded, at 2nd Battle of Manassas. Both Confederate officers were in the very thick of the bloody battling, among many cherished South Carolina sons to suffer the deadly piercing point of the Union Army spear in this vicious battlefield sector.
Late 20th Century (1990s), a large tract of countryside area nearby Manassas National Battlefield was proposed by Disney Corporation, for development into an amusement theme park. As a result of this proposed recreational urbanized development, the mortal remains of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter and CSA Captain M.M. Norton were exhumed and reinterred during Summer 2001, into Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery, Sudley Springs, VA.
A obelisk-style, marble-shaft monument tombstone, originally erected circa 1882 (about 20 years after the 1862 2nd Manassas Battle), by namesake son, Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Jr., also was removed from the small Confederate Soldiers Cemetery on Bushy Park Farm, to mark the new gravesite of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, Sr., in Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery, Sudley Springs, VA.
This final resting place within Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery, geographically is very close to the spot on the Manassas Battlefield, where Confederate States Army Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. was M.W.I.A. (Mortally-Wounded-In-Action) on 29 August 1862, in fierce combat action during the 2nd Battle of Manassas, Virginia.
CSA Colonel Daniel Alexander (D.A.) Ledbetter, Sr.
(1828-1862) Memorial Tribute Biography
By Author: Dean Ledbetter
Updated: 20 Oct. 2013,
7 Feb. 2014 & 8 May 2014;
24 Sept. 2016
Created: 23 July 2011
(Copyright 2011-2016)
Source References Cited:
"Ledbetters From Virginia",
by author Roy C. Ledbetter, et al,
Wilkinson Printing Co.,
Dallas, Texas, published 1964, page 103,
Daniel Alexander Ledbetter Biographical Sketch;
"The History of a Brigade of South Carolinians:
Known First as 'Gregg's' and subsequently as
'McGowan's Brigade', by author J.F.J. Caldwell,
King & Baird, Printers, Philadelphia, PA,
2nd Manassas Battle Casualty Roll of Honor:
CSA Col. D.A. Leadbetter Biographical Sketch,
published 1866, page 38;
"Confederate Military History: South Carolina,"
Volume 5, by Clement A. Evans, Editor,
Confederate Publishing Company,
Atlanta, Georgia, published 1899, pages 704-705,
CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch;
"Lee's Colonels: A Biographical Register of the
Field Officers of the Army of Northern Virginia",
by author Robert K. Krick, Morningside House, Inc.,
Dayton, Ohio, published 1979;
"And Then A.P. Hill Came Up",
by author Jen Goellnitz, online archival book
and Internet website,
first edition published 1997,
final edition published 2010,
CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch;
"Daniel Alexander Ledbetter Last Will & Testament",
(signed 18 July 1861; probated 26 January 1863).
Anderson County (SC) Will Book 3, pp. 119-120,
Anderson County Courthouse,
Anderson, South Carolina.
"D.A. Ledbetter (Sr.) Tombstone Inscription",
Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery,
Prince William County, Virginia;
"H.C. Ledbetter Tombstone Inscription",
Townville Baptist Church Cemetery,
Townville, Anderson County, SC;
"D.A. Ledbetter (Jr.) Tombstone Inscription",
Silverbrook Cemetery, City of Anderson,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
"Anderson County (South Carolina) Cemeteries",
Volume 6, page 191, Anderson, SC.
*************************************∼Lieutenant Colonel Daniel A. Ledbetter, 1st South Carolina Infantry, killed at Second Manassas.
Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Senior (1828-1862), honorable, respected and beloved son, brother, husband, father, friend, builder, leader and soldier, first saw the light of day in Dixieland: born at Townville, Pendleton District, Anderson County, South Carolina, USA.
Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. was the eldest child of parents Abner Ledbetter (1788-1830) and Sarah Ann (Calhoun) Ledbetter (1797-1852). Daniel Alexander Ledbetter (or "D.A.", as he was fondly known by nickname initials) had 1 sister, Sarah Ledbetter (born 1829), and no brothers.
Abner Ledbetter died on 14 August 1830, when son D.A. Ledbetter was a tender toddler of age 2 and daughter Sarah Ledbetter was a precious babe-in-arms about age 1. Young widow Sarah Ann (Calhoun) Ledbetter, left with 2 small children to rear and nurture in difficult circumstances, later remarried, to Colonel John Clarence Miller of Pendleton, Anderson County, South Carolina.
Colonel Miller appreciated the keen intelligence, sterling character, strong work ethic, and remarkable leadership potential of D.A. Ledbetter. A good, kind, supportive step-father, Colonel John C. Miller helped step-son D.A. Ledbetter develop into a skilled, productive, responsible American citizen.
"Young (D.A.) Ledbetter grew up on Colonel Miller's farm, much of the business of which was managed by him, while he was yet a boy. His education was limited, the greater part of it being obtained in the schools at old Pendleton.
"He served an apprenticeship as a millwright under Col. M. R. Hunicutt, became a master mechanic and acquired considerable property in the practice of his craft."
--"Confederate Military History", Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch.
Upon 5 May 1853, Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. married Elizabeth ("Lizzie") Earl Vandiver (1832-1915) at Townville, Anderson County, South Carolina. Together in this 1853 marriage union, parents D.A. Ledbetter, Sr. and Elizabeth Earl (Vandiver) Ledbetter produced 4 beloved children (1 lovely daughter & 3 handsome sons), named hereinafter with some basic vital information:
1) Maria ("Mary") Luiza Ledbetter,
born 2 October 1854, Townville,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
1st Marriage to William Norton Alexander;
2nd Marriage to Winfield Kennedy Sharp;
died 8 August 1936, Sandy Springs,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
2) John Peter Ledbetter,
born 2 November 1856, Townville,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
3) Hezekiah C. Ledbetter, born circa 1859;
died 3 January 1873 (at age 14),
Townville, Anderson County, South Carolina;
4) Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Junior,
born 8 November 1861, Townville,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
Note: War-baby & namesake son was conceived
just before the American Civil War commenced,
and his birth occurred while his father was
deployed for Charleston (SC) Harbor Defense.
Successively serving as Captain, Major and Colonel of South Carolina Militia, long before the American Civil War (1861-1865), citizen-soldier D.A. Ledbetter was well-known and greatly admired by Palmetto State citizenry and fellow militia troops. South Carolina Militia Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was a man of regional renown.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter patriotically served in defense of South Carolina and the United States of America, during 17 years of honorable S.C. Militia Service (1844-1861). A man of honor and a natural leader, Daniel Alexander Ledbetter was a valiant citizen-soldier of the noblest order.
"As soldier and officer, his love for his men was that of father to his children, and often, when on a march, he would give up his horse to some sick or broken-down private."
--"Confederate Military History", Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch.
A physical giant among men, D.A. Ledbetter was tall, athletic, muscular and powerful, well-proportioned in height & weight: 6 feet 6 inches & 200 pounds. Colonel D.A. Ledbetter posed a gallant, strikingly handsome, command presence.
A moral giant among men, Confederate Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter was most respected for setting a sterling example of integrity, valor and goodness, thereby living a life worthy of praise and emulation.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter "was much esteemed for conscientiousness, vigilance, and courage."
--3 separate published sources cited:
1) "History of a Brigade of South Carolinians",
Casualty Roll of Honor, 2nd Manassas Battle,
2) "And Then A.P. Hill Came Up",
Biographical Sketch: CSA Col. D.A. Ledbetter,
3) "Lee's Colonels",
Biographical Sketch: CSA Col. D.A. Ledbetter.
"His honesty and decision of character made him a favorite with every one who knew him."
--"Confederate Military History", Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch.
Within days after the 12 April 1861 outbreak of hostilities between Confederate and Union forces at Fort Sumter, S.C. Militia Colonel D.A. Ledbetter rapidly organized an infantry (rifle) company (and recruited soldiers thereunto), directly contributing to the newly-forming Army of the Confederate States of America (ACSA), or more briefly referenced, Confederate States Army (CSA). Colonel D.A. Ledbetter established this new infantry company on or about 15 April 1861, just after U.S. Army Fort Sumter was surrendered in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.
Troops of this CSA infantry company (nicknamed "Keowee Riflemen"), formed from Pickens and Occonee native sons of Anderson County, South Carolina, unanimously elected D.A. Ledbetter to be their Captain and Company Commander in April 1861. This would be the first of 4 Confederate States Army commissioned officer ranks earned by D.A. Ledbetter, during his 1861-1862 active-duty military service in the War Between the States. The "Keowee Riflemen" infantry company soon became Company A of 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment.
On 20 July 1861, First South Carolina Rifle Regiment officially was organized (also known as, 1st South Carolina Infantry Regiment and Orr's Rifle Regiment, which was abbreviated as, "O.R.R."). Intensive "boot camp" military training for 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment occurred at Sandy Springs, SC, during Summer 1861.
In the original Table of Organization (T/O) of the 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment, Company A was designated with CSA Captain D.A. Ledbetter as the first Company Commander, respecting the unanimous vote of Company A troops.
Company A was the first among 10 infantry companies formed to comprise 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment. In vanguard manner, 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment was the first infantry regiment in South Carolina to be organized and available for wartime national military service, rather than limited only to statewide service.
Upon 20 July 1861, at the first muster of 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment at Camp Pickens, Anderson District, SC, Captain D.A. Ledbetter was elected as Regimental Major of Troops, unanimously chosen by admiring fellow troops of all 10 infantry companies.
Selection as Regimental Major was a tremendous vote of confidence in CSA Major Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, as a leader and a warrior, plus a significant promotion in position of responsibility and in military rank.
In the chain-of-command structure of this CSA South Carolina infantry regiment, Regimental Major D.A. Ledbetter was third (3rd) in command, administratively next in regimental leadership authority under the Regimental Executive Officer and Regimental Commander.
However, as Regimental Major, D.A. Ledbetter was primarily responsible for directly leading all regimental troops, whether in combat, in deployment, in training, in garrison, in hospital, on bivouac, or on-the-march.
Confederate Field Officer D.A. Ledbetter rendered honorable wartime military service in South Carolina and Virginia, during the first 2 calendar years of the American Civil War.
First assigned to garrison duty and harbor protection at Charleston, SC, 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment was redeployed during Spring 1862, to defend Richmond, National Capital City of the Confederate States of America, against Union Army invasion and capture. Richmond, Virginia, was strategically situated only 100 miles south of Washington, DC, United States (Union) Capital City.
Meritorious military service prompted 2 more field officer promotions to be awarded unto CSA Major Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr.:
1) Lieutenant Colonel, Confederate States Army,
Regimental Executive Officer, 2nd in Command,
1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment,
Date of Lt. Col. Promotion: 1 February 1862;
2) Colonel, Confederate States Army,
Regimental Commander, 1st in Command,
1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment,
Date of Full Colonel Promotion: 29 August 1862.
Note: Colonel is only 1 military field officer
rank below Brigadier General.
As a gifted leader of warriors in battle, CSA Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. repeatedly received commendations. The excellent reputation of Lt. Col. D.A. Ledbetter for proficiency in leadership and courage in battle, particularly came to the attention of audacious Robert E. Lee, Commanding General, CSA Army of Northern Virginia and eventual Confederate States Army General-In-Chief.
The leadership expertise and battlefield valor were praiseworthy virtues of Confederate Colonel D.A. Ledbetter: demonstrated during several crucial battles of the War Between the States (American Civil War):
1) Battle of Mechanicsville (Beaver Dam Creek), 26 June 1862, Mechanicsville, VA, Seven Days Battles in defense of Richmond, VA and counterattacks against General George McClellan's Union Army Virginia Peninsular Campaign;
2) Battle of Gaines Mill (Chickahominy River or 1st Cold Harbor), 27 June 1862, Cold Harbor, VA, Seven Days Battles in defense of Richmond, VA and counterattacks against General George McClellan's Union Army Virginia Peninsular Campaign;
3) Battle of Frayser's Farm (Glendale), 30 June 1862, Varina, VA, Seven Days Battles in defense of Richmond, VA and counterattacks against General George McClellan's Union Army Virginia Peninsular Campaign;
4) Battle of Cedar Mountain (Cedar Run), 9 August 1862, Culpepper, VA, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson;
5) Battle of Bristoe Railroad Station, 26 August 1862, Bristoe Station, VA, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson;
6) Battle of Manassas Railroad Junction, 27 August 1862, Manassas Junction, VA, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson;
7) Battle of Groveton, 28 August 1862, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson, Groveton, Virginia;
8) 2nd Battle of Manassas, 29-30 August 1862, Manassas, Virginia, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, Sr. was blessed with a commanding stentorian voice: readily heard long distances, or even amidst the roar of war. "On the march to Cedar Mountain in Virginia, one very dark night (11 August 1862), the camp was aroused by the false alarm that the enemy was at hand, and there was a general stampede; but Colonel Ledbetter stood his ground and called again and again, till his men rallied to him."
--Confederate Military History, Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biography.
Upon 29 August 1862, CSA Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. was Mortally Wounded In Action (M.W.I.A.) at the Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), an eventual Confederate Army major victory, principally led by Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson, against Union Army forces, who were ineptly commanded by pompous Union General John Pope.
Confederate States Army Order of Battle for the 2nd Battle of Manassas (29-30 August 1862), assigned 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment to a distinct (but dangerous) position of honor in the left wing of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia: Brigadier General Maxcy Gregg's South Carolina Brigade, Major General A.P. Hill's Light Division, General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson's Corps.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter led his 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment at a crucial defensive battle position, on a rocky knoll, along an unfinished railroad grade (cut), arrayed in the very front battle line, just left of center, in the left wing of the Confederate Army defensive formation. By time-honored military tradition, such a left wing battle plan assignment was a Battlefield Position of Honor, reserved for only the Best of the Best: respected, reliable, valorous, valiant military troops.
First S.C. Rifle Regiment proved worthy of this Battlefield Position of Honor in the Second Battle of Manassas, despite being greatly outnumbered, physically exhausted, and out of ammunition. This "tip of the spear" battle position was heavily and repeatedly attacked, during a half-dozen assaults from Union Army forces of U.S. Army General Phillip Kearney, Divisional Commander, a respected hero of Mexican-American War fame.
Geographically, this Confederate Army defensive battle position was situated left and in front of Stony Ridge, immediately beside Catharpin Creek, Sudley Ford, Sudley Methodist Church, Sudley Mill and Sudley Springs, all located at Manassas Battlefield, Prince William County, Virginia.
Scarcely more than 1 hour prior to being mortally wounded in battle, Lt. Col. D.A. Ledbetter received his battlefield rank promotion to Regimental Colonel and corresponding Regimental Commander duties, following the combat death of former Regimental Commander, Colonel Jehu Foster Marshall. The 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment helped repulse 5 major Union Army assaults and counterattacked 5 times, earlier during the day of 29 August 1862, setting the stage for yet a 6th Union Army deadly assault later (between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter inspired and bolstered the morale of 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment troops under his command. Thus rallied, tenacious defenses and furious counterattacks, which Colonel D.A. Ledbetter helped lead upon 29 August 1862, repeatedly repulsed Union Army assaults and resulted in Union Army retreats, key to Confederate Army victory in the 2nd Battle of Manassas.
After running out of ammunition, these determined 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment Rebel troops improvised, adapted and overcame overwhelming odds, proving their mettle with courage, creativity, determination, and sacrifice. First S.C. Rifle Regiment engaged in vicious hand-to-hand combat with fixed bayonets, clubbed rifles, bare hands, and sometimes hurled rocks, against Federal Army attackers.
However, during the 6th Union Army major assault of the day, CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was cut down by gunfire. The 29 August 1862 mortal wounding in combat of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, happened on the same day of his battlefield promotion to Colonel and Regimental Commander of 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment.
Despite two regimental commanders becoming battle casualties on the same day (29 August 1862) and exhausting their ammunition supply, 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment continuously rallied, fighting side-by-side with other reinforcing regiments of Brigadier General Maxcy Gregg's South Carolina Brigade, to repel with fury the 6th Union Army major assault focused in this sector.
This crucial first-day defensive stand on a rocky knoll, at the unfinished railroad cut near Sudley Ford, became key to later Confederate counterattacks and an eventual Confederate Army major victory, against Union Army forces at 2nd Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), 29-30 August 1862, at Manassas, Virginia, located about 30 miles south of Washington, DC.
However, the Confederate States Army triumph in this battlefield sector and the overall battle victory at Second Manassas, Virginia, came at high cost in blood and lives. Many of the best and bravest Southern Sons were sacrificed upon the Altar of War.
Fellow 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment soldiers tenderly carried their seriously wounded and greatly respected Regimental Commander, CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, from the Manassas Battlefield to a nearby rear-echelon sector.
During late afternoon of 29 August 1862, CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter received emergency medical care at an improvised wartime field hospital, located in the historic stone farmhouse named "Bushy Park", in Prince William County, VA.
During the remaining hours of 29 August 1862, and over next several days (30 August until 1 September 1862), CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter lingered in a mighty, twilight fight: clinging to waning mortal life, while suffering in agony from the destructive gunshot wound within his torso abdominal side. Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was bleeding to death, as he fought his last fight: a personal battle for his very life.
On 1 September 1862, 3 days after being Mortally Wounded In Action (M.W.I.A.), CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter breathed his last breath, and died in Bushy Park Farmhouse Confederate Field Hospital, Prince William County, Virginia.
A fitting epitaph for Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Colonel and Regimental Commander, First South Carolina Rifle Regiment, Confederate States of America Army, was written by Clement Evans, Confederate States Military Historian, as follows: "No braver soldier, more honorable citizen, kinder father and husband, gave his life to the lost cause."
--Confederate Military History, Vol. 5,
CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biography.
Deceased CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, still clad in his Confederate Army officer uniform, with his "D.A. Ledbetter" name-inscribed battle sword by his side, was wrapped in a blanket and buried upon 1 September 1862 in a small Confederate Soldiers Cemetery on Bushy Park Farm, at the edge of Manassas Battlefield, Virginia.
The 1 September 1862 military burial ceremony of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was supervised by Captain Joseph N. (J.N.) Brown, Company E Commander, 14th S.C. Volunteer Infantry Regiment, from Enoree, Laurens County, SC, a beloved lawyer friend of Colonel D.A. Ledbetter.
Joseph N. Brown, later promoted to Colonel and Regimental Commander of 14th S.C. Volunteer Infantry Regiment, also served as an executor of the D.A. Ledbetter Estate, per instructions in the Daniel Alexander Ledbetter Will (signed 18 July 1861; probated 26 January 1863).
--Anderson Co. (SC) Will Book 3, pages 119-120,
Anderson County Courthouse, Anderson, SC.
Also buried in this 1 September 1862 joint military burial ceremony, was CSA Captain Miles M. ("M.M.") Norton from Pickens, SC, a friend and military colleague of Colonel D.A. Ledbetter. Captain J.J. Norton, Company C Commander and son of Captain M.M. Norton, supervised the burial detail of his father.
Captain M.M. Norton was Company E Commander of 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment, M.W.I.A. (Mortally-Wounded-In-Action) on 29 August 1862, during the same day's combat that Regimental Commander, Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, was mortally wounded, at 2nd Battle of Manassas. Both Confederate officers were in the very thick of the bloody battling, among many cherished South Carolina sons to suffer the deadly piercing point of the Union Army spear in this vicious battlefield sector.
Late 20th Century (1990s), a large tract of countryside area nearby Manassas National Battlefield was proposed by Disney Corporation, for development into an amusement theme park. As a result of this proposed recreational urbanized development, the mortal remains of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter and CSA Captain M.M. Norton were exhumed and reinterred during Summer 2001, into Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery, Sudley Springs, VA.
A obelisk-style, marble-shaft monument tombstone, originally erected circa 1882 (about 20 years after the 1862 2nd Manassas Battle), by namesake son, Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Jr., also was removed from the small Confederate Soldiers Cemetery on Bushy Park Farm, to mark the new gravesite of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, Sr., in Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery, Sudley Springs, VA.
This final resting place within Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery, geographically is very close to the spot on the Manassas Battlefield, where Confederate States Army Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. was M.W.I.A. (Mortally-Wounded-In-Action) on 29 August 1862, in fierce combat action during the 2nd Battle of Manassas, Virginia.
CSA Colonel Daniel Alexander (D.A.) Ledbetter, Sr.
(1828-1862) Memorial Tribute Biography
By Author: Dean Ledbetter
Updated: 20 Oct. 2013,
7 Feb. 2014 & 8 May 2014;
24 Sept. 2016
Created: 23 July 2011
(Copyright 2011-2016)
Source References Cited:
"Ledbetters From Virginia",
by author Roy C. Ledbetter, et al,
Wilkinson Printing Co.,
Dallas, Texas, published 1964, page 103,
Daniel Alexander Ledbetter Biographical Sketch;
"The History of a Brigade of South Carolinians:
Known First as 'Gregg's' and subsequently as
'McGowan's Brigade', by author J.F.J. Caldwell,
King & Baird, Printers, Philadelphia, PA,
2nd Manassas Battle Casualty Roll of Honor:
CSA Col. D.A. Leadbetter Biographical Sketch,
published 1866, page 38;
"Confederate Military History: South Carolina,"
Volume 5, by Clement A. Evans, Editor,
Confederate Publishing Company,
Atlanta, Georgia, published 1899, pages 704-705,
CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch;
"Lee's Colonels: A Biographical Register of the
Field Officers of the Army of Northern Virginia",
by author Robert K. Krick, Morningside House, Inc.,
Dayton, Ohio, published 1979;
"And Then A.P. Hill Came Up",
by author Jen Goellnitz, online archival book
and Internet website,
first edition published 1997,
final edition published 2010,
CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch;
"Daniel Alexander Ledbetter Last Will & Testament",
(signed 18 July 1861; probated 26 January 1863).
Anderson County (SC) Will Book 3, pp. 119-120,
Anderson County Courthouse,
Anderson, South Carolina.
"D.A. Ledbetter (Sr.) Tombstone Inscription",
Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery,
Prince William County, Virginia;
"H.C. Ledbetter Tombstone Inscription",
Townville Baptist Church Cemetery,
Townville, Anderson County, SC;
"D.A. Ledbetter (Jr.) Tombstone Inscription",
Silverbrook Cemetery, City of Anderson,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
"Anderson County (South Carolina) Cemeteries",
Volume 6, page 191, Anderson, SC.
*************************************∼Lieutenant Colonel Daniel A. Ledbetter, 1st South Carolina Infantry, killed at Second Manassas.
Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. was the eldest child of parents Abner Ledbetter (1788-1830) and Sarah Ann (Calhoun) Ledbetter (1797-1852). Daniel Alexander Ledbetter (or "D.A.", as he was fondly known by nickname initials) had 1 sister, Sarah Ledbetter (born 1829), and no brothers.
Abner Ledbetter died on 14 August 1830, when son D.A. Ledbetter was a tender toddler of age 2 and daughter Sarah Ledbetter was a precious babe-in-arms about age 1. Young widow Sarah Ann (Calhoun) Ledbetter, left with 2 small children to rear and nurture in difficult circumstances, later remarried, to Colonel John Clarence Miller of Pendleton, Anderson County, South Carolina.
Colonel Miller appreciated the keen intelligence, sterling character, strong work ethic, and remarkable leadership potential of D.A. Ledbetter. A good, kind, supportive step-father, Colonel John C. Miller helped step-son D.A. Ledbetter develop into a skilled, productive, responsible American citizen.
"Young (D.A.) Ledbetter grew up on Colonel Miller's farm, much of the business of which was managed by him, while he was yet a boy. His education was limited, the greater part of it being obtained in the schools at old Pendleton.
"He served an apprenticeship as a millwright under Col. M. R. Hunicutt, became a master mechanic and acquired considerable property in the practice of his craft."
--"Confederate Military History", Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch.
Upon 5 May 1853, Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. married Elizabeth ("Lizzie") Earl Vandiver (1832-1915) at Townville, Anderson County, South Carolina. Together in this 1853 marriage union, parents D.A. Ledbetter, Sr. and Elizabeth Earl (Vandiver) Ledbetter produced 4 beloved children (1 lovely daughter & 3 handsome sons), named hereinafter with some basic vital information:
1) Maria ("Mary") Luiza Ledbetter,
born 2 October 1854, Townville,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
1st Marriage to William Norton Alexander;
2nd Marriage to Winfield Kennedy Sharp;
died 8 August 1936, Sandy Springs,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
2) John Peter Ledbetter,
born 2 November 1856, Townville,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
3) Hezekiah C. Ledbetter, born circa 1859;
died 3 January 1873 (at age 14),
Townville, Anderson County, South Carolina;
4) Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Junior,
born 8 November 1861, Townville,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
Note: War-baby & namesake son was conceived
just before the American Civil War commenced,
and his birth occurred while his father was
deployed for Charleston (SC) Harbor Defense.
Successively serving as Captain, Major and Colonel of South Carolina Militia, long before the American Civil War (1861-1865), citizen-soldier D.A. Ledbetter was well-known and greatly admired by Palmetto State citizenry and fellow militia troops. South Carolina Militia Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was a man of regional renown.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter patriotically served in defense of South Carolina and the United States of America, during 17 years of honorable S.C. Militia Service (1844-1861). A man of honor and a natural leader, Daniel Alexander Ledbetter was a valiant citizen-soldier of the noblest order.
"As soldier and officer, his love for his men was that of father to his children, and often, when on a march, he would give up his horse to some sick or broken-down private."
--"Confederate Military History", Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch.
A physical giant among men, D.A. Ledbetter was tall, athletic, muscular and powerful, well-proportioned in height & weight: 6 feet 6 inches & 200 pounds. Colonel D.A. Ledbetter posed a gallant, strikingly handsome, command presence.
A moral giant among men, Confederate Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter was most respected for setting a sterling example of integrity, valor and goodness, thereby living a life worthy of praise and emulation.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter "was much esteemed for conscientiousness, vigilance, and courage."
--3 separate published sources cited:
1) "History of a Brigade of South Carolinians",
Casualty Roll of Honor, 2nd Manassas Battle,
2) "And Then A.P. Hill Came Up",
Biographical Sketch: CSA Col. D.A. Ledbetter,
3) "Lee's Colonels",
Biographical Sketch: CSA Col. D.A. Ledbetter.
"His honesty and decision of character made him a favorite with every one who knew him."
--"Confederate Military History", Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch.
Within days after the 12 April 1861 outbreak of hostilities between Confederate and Union forces at Fort Sumter, S.C. Militia Colonel D.A. Ledbetter rapidly organized an infantry (rifle) company (and recruited soldiers thereunto), directly contributing to the newly-forming Army of the Confederate States of America (ACSA), or more briefly referenced, Confederate States Army (CSA). Colonel D.A. Ledbetter established this new infantry company on or about 15 April 1861, just after U.S. Army Fort Sumter was surrendered in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.
Troops of this CSA infantry company (nicknamed "Keowee Riflemen"), formed from Pickens and Occonee native sons of Anderson County, South Carolina, unanimously elected D.A. Ledbetter to be their Captain and Company Commander in April 1861. This would be the first of 4 Confederate States Army commissioned officer ranks earned by D.A. Ledbetter, during his 1861-1862 active-duty military service in the War Between the States. The "Keowee Riflemen" infantry company soon became Company A of 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment.
On 20 July 1861, First South Carolina Rifle Regiment officially was organized (also known as, 1st South Carolina Infantry Regiment and Orr's Rifle Regiment, which was abbreviated as, "O.R.R."). Intensive "boot camp" military training for 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment occurred at Sandy Springs, SC, during Summer 1861.
In the original Table of Organization (T/O) of the 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment, Company A was designated with CSA Captain D.A. Ledbetter as the first Company Commander, respecting the unanimous vote of Company A troops.
Company A was the first among 10 infantry companies formed to comprise 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment. In vanguard manner, 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment was the first infantry regiment in South Carolina to be organized and available for wartime national military service, rather than limited only to statewide service.
Upon 20 July 1861, at the first muster of 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment at Camp Pickens, Anderson District, SC, Captain D.A. Ledbetter was elected as Regimental Major of Troops, unanimously chosen by admiring fellow troops of all 10 infantry companies.
Selection as Regimental Major was a tremendous vote of confidence in CSA Major Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, as a leader and a warrior, plus a significant promotion in position of responsibility and in military rank.
In the chain-of-command structure of this CSA South Carolina infantry regiment, Regimental Major D.A. Ledbetter was third (3rd) in command, administratively next in regimental leadership authority under the Regimental Executive Officer and Regimental Commander.
However, as Regimental Major, D.A. Ledbetter was primarily responsible for directly leading all regimental troops, whether in combat, in deployment, in training, in garrison, in hospital, on bivouac, or on-the-march.
Confederate Field Officer D.A. Ledbetter rendered honorable wartime military service in South Carolina and Virginia, during the first 2 calendar years of the American Civil War.
First assigned to garrison duty and harbor protection at Charleston, SC, 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment was redeployed during Spring 1862, to defend Richmond, National Capital City of the Confederate States of America, against Union Army invasion and capture. Richmond, Virginia, was strategically situated only 100 miles south of Washington, DC, United States (Union) Capital City.
Meritorious military service prompted 2 more field officer promotions to be awarded unto CSA Major Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr.:
1) Lieutenant Colonel, Confederate States Army,
Regimental Executive Officer, 2nd in Command,
1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment,
Date of Lt. Col. Promotion: 1 February 1862;
2) Colonel, Confederate States Army,
Regimental Commander, 1st in Command,
1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment,
Date of Full Colonel Promotion: 29 August 1862.
Note: Colonel is only 1 military field officer
rank below Brigadier General.
As a gifted leader of warriors in battle, CSA Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. repeatedly received commendations. The excellent reputation of Lt. Col. D.A. Ledbetter for proficiency in leadership and courage in battle, particularly came to the attention of audacious Robert E. Lee, Commanding General, CSA Army of Northern Virginia and eventual Confederate States Army General-In-Chief.
The leadership expertise and battlefield valor were praiseworthy virtues of Confederate Colonel D.A. Ledbetter: demonstrated during several crucial battles of the War Between the States (American Civil War):
1) Battle of Mechanicsville (Beaver Dam Creek), 26 June 1862, Mechanicsville, VA, Seven Days Battles in defense of Richmond, VA and counterattacks against General George McClellan's Union Army Virginia Peninsular Campaign;
2) Battle of Gaines Mill (Chickahominy River or 1st Cold Harbor), 27 June 1862, Cold Harbor, VA, Seven Days Battles in defense of Richmond, VA and counterattacks against General George McClellan's Union Army Virginia Peninsular Campaign;
3) Battle of Frayser's Farm (Glendale), 30 June 1862, Varina, VA, Seven Days Battles in defense of Richmond, VA and counterattacks against General George McClellan's Union Army Virginia Peninsular Campaign;
4) Battle of Cedar Mountain (Cedar Run), 9 August 1862, Culpepper, VA, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson;
5) Battle of Bristoe Railroad Station, 26 August 1862, Bristoe Station, VA, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson;
6) Battle of Manassas Railroad Junction, 27 August 1862, Manassas Junction, VA, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson;
7) Battle of Groveton, 28 August 1862, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson, Groveton, Virginia;
8) 2nd Battle of Manassas, 29-30 August 1862, Manassas, Virginia, Northern Virginia Campaign of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee & "Stonewall" Jackson.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, Sr. was blessed with a commanding stentorian voice: readily heard long distances, or even amidst the roar of war. "On the march to Cedar Mountain in Virginia, one very dark night (11 August 1862), the camp was aroused by the false alarm that the enemy was at hand, and there was a general stampede; but Colonel Ledbetter stood his ground and called again and again, till his men rallied to him."
--Confederate Military History, Vol. 5,
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biography.
Upon 29 August 1862, CSA Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. was Mortally Wounded In Action (M.W.I.A.) at the Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), an eventual Confederate Army major victory, principally led by Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson, against Union Army forces, who were ineptly commanded by pompous Union General John Pope.
Confederate States Army Order of Battle for the 2nd Battle of Manassas (29-30 August 1862), assigned 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment to a distinct (but dangerous) position of honor in the left wing of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia: Brigadier General Maxcy Gregg's South Carolina Brigade, Major General A.P. Hill's Light Division, General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson's Corps.
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter led his 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment at a crucial defensive battle position, on a rocky knoll, along an unfinished railroad grade (cut), arrayed in the very front battle line, just left of center, in the left wing of the Confederate Army defensive formation. By time-honored military tradition, such a left wing battle plan assignment was a Battlefield Position of Honor, reserved for only the Best of the Best: respected, reliable, valorous, valiant military troops.
First S.C. Rifle Regiment proved worthy of this Battlefield Position of Honor in the Second Battle of Manassas, despite being greatly outnumbered, physically exhausted, and out of ammunition. This "tip of the spear" battle position was heavily and repeatedly attacked, during a half-dozen assaults from Union Army forces of U.S. Army General Phillip Kearney, Divisional Commander, a respected hero of Mexican-American War fame.
Geographically, this Confederate Army defensive battle position was situated left and in front of Stony Ridge, immediately beside Catharpin Creek, Sudley Ford, Sudley Methodist Church, Sudley Mill and Sudley Springs, all located at Manassas Battlefield, Prince William County, Virginia.
Scarcely more than 1 hour prior to being mortally wounded in battle, Lt. Col. D.A. Ledbetter received his battlefield rank promotion to Regimental Colonel and corresponding Regimental Commander duties, following the combat death of former Regimental Commander, Colonel Jehu Foster Marshall. The 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment helped repulse 5 major Union Army assaults and counterattacked 5 times, earlier during the day of 29 August 1862, setting the stage for yet a 6th Union Army deadly assault later (between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
Colonel D.A. Ledbetter inspired and bolstered the morale of 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment troops under his command. Thus rallied, tenacious defenses and furious counterattacks, which Colonel D.A. Ledbetter helped lead upon 29 August 1862, repeatedly repulsed Union Army assaults and resulted in Union Army retreats, key to Confederate Army victory in the 2nd Battle of Manassas.
After running out of ammunition, these determined 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment Rebel troops improvised, adapted and overcame overwhelming odds, proving their mettle with courage, creativity, determination, and sacrifice. First S.C. Rifle Regiment engaged in vicious hand-to-hand combat with fixed bayonets, clubbed rifles, bare hands, and sometimes hurled rocks, against Federal Army attackers.
However, during the 6th Union Army major assault of the day, CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was cut down by gunfire. The 29 August 1862 mortal wounding in combat of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, happened on the same day of his battlefield promotion to Colonel and Regimental Commander of 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment.
Despite two regimental commanders becoming battle casualties on the same day (29 August 1862) and exhausting their ammunition supply, 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment continuously rallied, fighting side-by-side with other reinforcing regiments of Brigadier General Maxcy Gregg's South Carolina Brigade, to repel with fury the 6th Union Army major assault focused in this sector.
This crucial first-day defensive stand on a rocky knoll, at the unfinished railroad cut near Sudley Ford, became key to later Confederate counterattacks and an eventual Confederate Army major victory, against Union Army forces at 2nd Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), 29-30 August 1862, at Manassas, Virginia, located about 30 miles south of Washington, DC.
However, the Confederate States Army triumph in this battlefield sector and the overall battle victory at Second Manassas, Virginia, came at high cost in blood and lives. Many of the best and bravest Southern Sons were sacrificed upon the Altar of War.
Fellow 1st South Carolina Rifle Regiment soldiers tenderly carried their seriously wounded and greatly respected Regimental Commander, CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, from the Manassas Battlefield to a nearby rear-echelon sector.
During late afternoon of 29 August 1862, CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter received emergency medical care at an improvised wartime field hospital, located in the historic stone farmhouse named "Bushy Park", in Prince William County, VA.
During the remaining hours of 29 August 1862, and over next several days (30 August until 1 September 1862), CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter lingered in a mighty, twilight fight: clinging to waning mortal life, while suffering in agony from the destructive gunshot wound within his torso abdominal side. Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was bleeding to death, as he fought his last fight: a personal battle for his very life.
On 1 September 1862, 3 days after being Mortally Wounded In Action (M.W.I.A.), CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter breathed his last breath, and died in Bushy Park Farmhouse Confederate Field Hospital, Prince William County, Virginia.
A fitting epitaph for Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Colonel and Regimental Commander, First South Carolina Rifle Regiment, Confederate States of America Army, was written by Clement Evans, Confederate States Military Historian, as follows: "No braver soldier, more honorable citizen, kinder father and husband, gave his life to the lost cause."
--Confederate Military History, Vol. 5,
CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biography.
Deceased CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, still clad in his Confederate Army officer uniform, with his "D.A. Ledbetter" name-inscribed battle sword by his side, was wrapped in a blanket and buried upon 1 September 1862 in a small Confederate Soldiers Cemetery on Bushy Park Farm, at the edge of Manassas Battlefield, Virginia.
The 1 September 1862 military burial ceremony of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter was supervised by Captain Joseph N. (J.N.) Brown, Company E Commander, 14th S.C. Volunteer Infantry Regiment, from Enoree, Laurens County, SC, a beloved lawyer friend of Colonel D.A. Ledbetter.
Joseph N. Brown, later promoted to Colonel and Regimental Commander of 14th S.C. Volunteer Infantry Regiment, also served as an executor of the D.A. Ledbetter Estate, per instructions in the Daniel Alexander Ledbetter Will (signed 18 July 1861; probated 26 January 1863).
--Anderson Co. (SC) Will Book 3, pages 119-120,
Anderson County Courthouse, Anderson, SC.
Also buried in this 1 September 1862 joint military burial ceremony, was CSA Captain Miles M. ("M.M.") Norton from Pickens, SC, a friend and military colleague of Colonel D.A. Ledbetter. Captain J.J. Norton, Company C Commander and son of Captain M.M. Norton, supervised the burial detail of his father.
Captain M.M. Norton was Company E Commander of 1st S.C. Rifle Regiment, M.W.I.A. (Mortally-Wounded-In-Action) on 29 August 1862, during the same day's combat that Regimental Commander, Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, was mortally wounded, at 2nd Battle of Manassas. Both Confederate officers were in the very thick of the bloody battling, among many cherished South Carolina sons to suffer the deadly piercing point of the Union Army spear in this vicious battlefield sector.
Late 20th Century (1990s), a large tract of countryside area nearby Manassas National Battlefield was proposed by Disney Corporation, for development into an amusement theme park. As a result of this proposed recreational urbanized development, the mortal remains of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter and CSA Captain M.M. Norton were exhumed and reinterred during Summer 2001, into Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery, Sudley Springs, VA.
A obelisk-style, marble-shaft monument tombstone, originally erected circa 1882 (about 20 years after the 1862 2nd Manassas Battle), by namesake son, Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Jr., also was removed from the small Confederate Soldiers Cemetery on Bushy Park Farm, to mark the new gravesite of CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter, Sr., in Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery, Sudley Springs, VA.
This final resting place within Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery, geographically is very close to the spot on the Manassas Battlefield, where Confederate States Army Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. was M.W.I.A. (Mortally-Wounded-In-Action) on 29 August 1862, in fierce combat action during the 2nd Battle of Manassas, Virginia.
CSA Colonel Daniel Alexander (D.A.) Ledbetter, Sr.
(1828-1862) Memorial Tribute Biography
By Author: Dean Ledbetter
Updated: 20 Oct. 2013,
7 Feb. 2014 & 8 May 2014;
24 Sept. 2016
Created: 23 July 2011
(Copyright 2011-2016)
Source References Cited:
"Ledbetters From Virginia",
by author Roy C. Ledbetter, et al,
Wilkinson Printing Co.,
Dallas, Texas, published 1964, page 103,
Daniel Alexander Ledbetter Biographical Sketch;
"The History of a Brigade of South Carolinians:
Known First as 'Gregg's' and subsequently as
'McGowan's Brigade', by author J.F.J. Caldwell,
King & Baird, Printers, Philadelphia, PA,
2nd Manassas Battle Casualty Roll of Honor:
CSA Col. D.A. Leadbetter Biographical Sketch,
published 1866, page 38;
"Confederate Military History: South Carolina,"
Volume 5, by Clement A. Evans, Editor,
Confederate Publishing Company,
Atlanta, Georgia, published 1899, pages 704-705,
CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch;
"Lee's Colonels: A Biographical Register of the
Field Officers of the Army of Northern Virginia",
by author Robert K. Krick, Morningside House, Inc.,
Dayton, Ohio, published 1979;
"And Then A.P. Hill Came Up",
by author Jen Goellnitz, online archival book
and Internet website,
first edition published 1997,
final edition published 2010,
CSA Colonel D.A. Ledbetter Biographical Sketch;
"Daniel Alexander Ledbetter Last Will & Testament",
(signed 18 July 1861; probated 26 January 1863).
Anderson County (SC) Will Book 3, pp. 119-120,
Anderson County Courthouse,
Anderson, South Carolina.
"D.A. Ledbetter (Sr.) Tombstone Inscription",
Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery,
Prince William County, Virginia;
"H.C. Ledbetter Tombstone Inscription",
Townville Baptist Church Cemetery,
Townville, Anderson County, SC;
"D.A. Ledbetter (Jr.) Tombstone Inscription",
Silverbrook Cemetery, City of Anderson,
Anderson County, South Carolina;
"Anderson County (South Carolina) Cemeteries",
Volume 6, page 191, Anderson, SC.
*************************************∼Lieutenant Colonel Daniel A. Ledbetter, 1st South Carolina Infantry, killed at Second Manassas.
Bio by: Dean Ledbetter
Inscription
"Col of Orr's SC Regt. Killed at 2nd Battle of Manassas"
Gravesite Details
CSA Colonel Daniel Alexander Ledbetter, Sr. originally was buried 1 Sept. 1862, in a wartime cemetery on Bushy Park Farm, rear echelon sector of Manassas Battlefield, VA; reinterred Summer 2001, Sudley United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Family Members
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