Benjamin Franklin Welcker and Henry I. Welcker recruited a company of men who were subsequently mustered into Confederate service as Co. I, 26th Reg. of Vol. Infantry, with Benjamin F. as Captain. After action in Knoxville and Bowling Green, KY, the Company was taken prisoner at the fall of Ft. Donelson. Benjamin and Henry were released in a prisoner exchange at Vicksburg. They returned to Roane County and raised a battalion for Cavalry Service. Benjamin F. was elected to command the battalion as Major. This battalion, known as Welcker‘s Silver Greys, saw much action in Roane and Loudon counties. William Lewis Welcker (all brothers) attended West Point Military Academy in 1849, and served as a Captain in the Confederate Army.

 

Click here to view a listing of soldiers in Kincaid’s Company, Welcker’s Battalion