Wade Green(e) is my 2nd great grandfather. He was born on the 6th of August 1833 in Cocke Co. and died on 15 July 1905. He is buried at Clay Creek Baptist Church near Bybee. Wade's parents were John and Martha Maria Hampton Green, who came to Tennessee from South Carolina.
I discovered that Wade had fought during the Civil War with Co. C, 8th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. Not only did he fight, it also seems that four brothers may have fought as well. Brothers Joseph and Wesley fought with the same regiment and company. Another brother, John, may have fought, but with a different regiment, and brother William may have fought in the same regiment but with a different company.
The following is a brief account of the history of the 8th Tennessee and Wade's experiences during his term of service.
Wade Green mustered into service on 15 May 1863 at Camp Dick Robinson, Kentucky. According to company muster rolls Wade was "sick in hospital at Crab Orchard, Kentucky" during July and August of 1863. The May and June roll indicates that he was "at hospital, Chattanooga Tenn. Wounded in action at Resaca, Georgia May 14, 1864." According to his pension records, Wade lost his little finger during this battle. He complained of how this wound hurt, cracked and bled during the winter. Wade's brother Wesley was wounded on the 4th of August at the battle of Utoy Creek, Georgia. Wade was again "sick in hospital, Knoxville, Tenn. Since May 14, 1864." Being sick was a typical experience for the Civil War soldier. His regiment was stationed at various places throughout the war, such as Nicholasville and Lexington, Kentucky, Greenville, Jonesboro, Strawberry Plains, and Knoxville, Tennessee. An inspection report during their stay in Knoxville on 27 Feb. 1864 stated that the 4th and 8th Tenn. Regiments were "in bad condition as regards appearance, discipline, and drill." The 8th moved by train on the 26th of April to Red Gap, Georgia for the beginning of the Atlanta Campaign.
The regiment was heavily engaged at Resaca on May 14 where Wade was wounded. Although almost constantly engaged for the next three months, the heaviest fighting for the regiment came with its attempt to cross Utoy Creek on the 6th of August 1864. Brigadier Gen. Reilly wrote " Where all behaved so gallantly, it is very difficult to give special mention to any, but I cannot, in justice, neglect to bear official testimony to the gallant and heroic conduct of the 8th Tennessee Infantry Officers and men. The list of casualties, however, is their best eulogy, when it is known that the regiment went into the charge with but 160 muskets." Captain James W. Berry stated that " The regiment entered this charge with 223 men, lost 26 killed, five mortally wounded, 36 wounded, and 16 missing, making a total of 83 casualties. In this serious charge the officers and men of the regiment exhibited in the highest degree the bravery, discipline, presence of mind which characterizes veteran troops." The regiment moved on to Decatur, Georgia September 8th where it stayed for a few months.
The regiment moved into Chattanooga, Pulaski and then took part in the fighting from Pulaski, to Columbia, to Spring Hill, to Franklin, and finally to Nashville. The 8th suffered seven casualties at Franklin. During the battle of Nashville on December 16th, 1864 the regiment made a charge and captured four pieces of artillery and about 200 or 300 prisoners. Early in 1865 the regiment helped take Wilmington, North Carolina and occupied this city until it moved on to Newbern, Goldsboro, and then to Raleigh, North Carolina. Wade and his regiment were mustered out of service at Company Shops, North Carolina on the 30th of June 1865.
No mention is made as to Wade's return trip back to his home in Cocke Co. Also, it is not really known why he decided to fight with the Federal Army. Many fought to save the Union, others fought to protect their homes and family, some fought because they would be deemed cowards if they didn&39;t, still others joined up for the adventure and excitement and to escape the boredom of farm life, and some actually believed that slavery was wrong. Many were enticed to join by the promise of a bounty and had no particular allegiance to anything but their monthly pay. For whatever reason Wade Green fought. I am proud of him, regardless of the side he chose to fight for. It is his courage, strength, and determination that I honor. We are not likely to see such displays of sheer bravery and undying loyalty to one's country and homeland as was exhibited by these men who fought during our American Civil War. I have reenacted many of the battles that Wade and the 8th Tennessee were involved in and have experienced first hand what they experienced and how they suffered. Though my experiences and sufferings are laughable compared to those of my Civil War ancestors they are plenty enough to make me appreciate their sacrifices. It would be well that we should all have to live these experiences for just one weekend.
Family tradition has it that while Wade was away three of his daughters where raped by confederate soldiers. Atrocities such as this, in addition to brutal guerrilla warfare, political differences and opinions regarding slavery and secession were common and extreme in East Tennessee.
Wades family: John and Martha Maria Hampton Green
1. Mary b. 1822 m. Pleasant O'Neil
2. Maria b. 1824 m. Preston D. Bibee
3. Elizabeth b. 1826 m. Maxwell M. Bibee
4. John b. 1828 m. Catherine
5. Sarah b. 1830 m. Wm. Riley Brooks
6. William b. 1832 m. Harriet
7. Wade b. 1833 m. Martha ( married twice )
8. Jaily b. 1835 m. John Redic
9. Alfred ? b. 1837 m. Lucinda
10. Joseph b. 1839 m. ?
11. Wesley H. b. 1841 m. ?
12. Martha b. 1842 m. ?
