NAME: Hampton, David M.
PENSION #: S1763
COUNTY: Madison
UNIT: 51st Inf.
NAME: Hampton, David M.
WIDOW: Hampton, Laura Ann
PENSION #: W5548
COUNTY: Madison
Rank in: PVT Rank Out: SGT
DMH enlisted in the 51st Tn Infantry, Dec 3 1861 in Madison County. I believe that actual enlistment place was known as Henderson Station in what is now (then it was Madison Co) Chester County. In DMH's pension application he talks about enlisting shortly after the fall of Fort Donelson early in 1862. From that point I have pay stubs for several months leading up to about 2 years worth of service. His unit fought in several battles in and around middle Tennessee. His unit then pulled back to Dalton GA. It was between Marrietta and Atlanta when he was preparing for dinner and a Union bomb landed nearby. There were four soldiers (including DMH) that were affected. 2 were killed in the blast. DMH suffered a severe ankle injury that prohibited him from participating in any other battles. He served for a while after that in the quartermaster's area (he could barely walk). He was on crutches for nearly 8 months.
DMH was sent home to Jackson and discharged there. He is listed on the parole of POW's in Memphis in 1865 but he doesn't mention that in his application for pension.
In Laura Ann's pension application, one of her witnesses Edward F Alexander (neighbor and served with DMH in the 51st) details the events of DMH's injury. He also mentions that Laura Ann was nearly blind at the time of the application.
Ken Hampton
11129 Lord Taylor Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32246
904-553-5114