AWTHS acquisition -Document on John Kaufman who served 16 Indiana Volunteers Civil War.
AWTHS acquired a unique Civil War record on John Kaufman, Co K 16 Indiana Volunteers. We know from the paperwork he was 23 yrs old and served in a number of engagements which are listed from 1862-1864. The last entry by the officer mentions he was reported missing at the Battle of Sabine Cross Roads in 1864.
The envelope that contained this document was donated and came from the Davis family (Byron) with Hissong ties. It also mentions he was buried in Newcomer’s Cemetery, Franklin Township. (Darke County, Ohio).
The investigator in me took me to Find a Grave. There was a burial at Newcomer’s listed for John Kaufman died July 14, 1898 at 58 (almost 59) years old. However, it say Co K 16 Regiment with OVI. The stone is unreadable so hoping to clean with D2 soon. In looking at Anita Short’s cemetery inscriptions we read: Kaufman, John our brother. d. 7-14-1898 ae 58-11-17, Co K. 16 Regt. O.V.I. GAR.
So my questions to those willing to help research are: Is the original document person the SAME John Kaufman buried at Newcomer’s? Was he found after the battle and returned home to die at 58 yrs old? Was he married? And who is his parents? Also did the Indiana Regiment and Ohio reorganize or different enlistment periods?
Anita Short’s Cemetery Inscription from 1960’s for Newcomers Cemetery.
We couldn’t find a obit. And I’m not sure how to access all the Civil War records as far as comparing regiments etc.
The family tree on Family Search doesn’t contain John’s name that is a possibility.
Any volunteer researchers willing to help?
Conclusion: We know there was a John Kaufman per the Civil War document that served with the 16th
Indiana Volunteers.
We also know there is a John Kaufman buried at Newcomers Cemetery in Franklin Township in Darke County, Ohio because of the cemetery inscription done by Anita Short in the 1960’s as well as the stone still in place as of August 2024 (unreadable except for name across top and inscription at bottom).
There is a grave registration card. Notes on Find-a-Grave and photo. And a tree on Ancestry.
At this point we are not 100% sure the same but there looks to be good speculation it’s the same person. Still a lot of unknowns and questions. The search is ongoing.
Hopefully we can uncover some more records or stories as well as hear from past descendants. If you have ANY information or would like to help research John and the Civil War please inform AWTHS or let us know your findings.
We are looking for a photo of John. And did he serve also with the Ohio regiment(s)? Any information about his parents and siblings would be helpful as well.
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