I COMPANY 8TH KENTUCKY VOLUNTEER CAVALRY REGIMENT REENACTING THE WAR OF THE REBELLION

"With drawn sabers gleaming in the bright sunlight, and a yell that filled the foe with terror, they rushed upon him, and he fled at their approach." From the report of Brigadier-General James M. Shackelford, August 1, 1863 on the fight at Buffington Island, OH, in which the 1st, 3rd, 8th, 9th and 12th KY Cavalry charged the secesh lines, causing an immediate and unconditional surrender.

UNIT HISTORY The unit was formed in 2003 by Timothy Downey of Hustonville, KY. I am a descendant of several I Company troopers, including my great-great grandfather, Sherrod W. Downey. I participate in several reenactments in Kentucky throughout the year.

Cousin John Ellis, 1LT, 13th KY Cavalry grave in Stanford, KY

Downey in Letcher County, KY 2003.

With Frederick Douglas in Lincoln County, KY

Great-great grandpa, Hustonville Cemetery, Lincoln Co.

8TH KENTUCKY CAVALRY HISTORY The 8th KY Cavalry was organized at Russellville and mustered in August 13, 1862. They were mustered out September 23, 1863. The regiment lost during service 1 officer and 8 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 4 officers and 104 enlisted men by disease. The regiment participated in the following service and engagements: Duty at Russellville, Bowling Green, Hopkinsville and Clarksville, operating against guerrillas. Morganfield, Madisonville, Geiger's Lake, Ashbysburg, Henderson County, Greenville Road, Garrettsburg, Rural Hill, Near Nashville, Bowling Green, Buffington's Island.

MY 8th TROOPER KIN PVT David Coffman, I Co. PVT Nicholas Coffman, I Co. died 3/30/63 in Clarksville, TN PVT Thomas Coffman, I Co., died 2/24/63 in Clarksville, TN PVT Sherrod W. Downey, I Co. PVT William B. Downey, K Co. CPL George D. Ellis, I Co.

My Spencer, Colts and shell jacket with SUVCW and MOLLUS membership badges and awards. I am the founding Commander of the KY Commandery of MOLLUS and a recipient of the MOLLUS Lincoln recruiting award. I joined MOLLUS through 1LT John Ellis, 13th KY Cavalry. I am the Past Camp Commander of the SGT Elijah P. Marrs Camp 5, SUVCW, Past Department Commander of KY (2 terms) and the current Commander of the MAJ James H. Bridgewater Camp 7, SUVCW. Also the founding Commander of A Company, 1st Capital Guards, SVR, serving 5 years as Commander and the founding and current Commander of Bridgewater Scouts, SVR. I am a double recipient of the SVR Meritorious Service Medal. Finally, carrying on an old and honorable family tradition, a Scottish Rite Mason.

LINKS National SUVCW Kentucky Department SUVCW Bridgewater Scouts, SVR MAJ James H. Bridgewater Camp 7 KY MOLLUS The best 8th KY Cavalry page on the web