Theophilius M. Shemwell
Private, Company D, 17th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry

1843 - 1862

Theo was the son of John P. Shemwell and Drucilla (Tomerlin) Shemwell. He enrolled on 18 October 1861 and was mustered in on January 1, 1862 in Calhoun for a three-year enlistment. He was mortally wounded at the Battle of FT. Donelson on February 15, 1862. He was a private in Company C, 25th Kentucky Infantry prior to consolidation. His burial place is unknown.


Theophilus Marion Shemwell ran away at the age of 17 or so and volunteered for the 25th Kentucky Infantry Regiment of the Union army. He enrolled on October 18, 1861 and was mustered in on January 1, 1862 at Calhoun. He fought with the 25th until it was consolidated with the 17th.

The Adjutant's Report marginal notes say "mortally wounded at battle of Ft. Donelson on Feb. 15, 1862; died in hospital; date not known; was private Co C, 25th Inf. prior to consolidation."

Word later filtered home that he was shot through the jaw, transported to the field hospital and died there. His mother later would file for his pension.

His brother, John P. Shemwell, Jr., later joined the 35th KY, Co. F and spent about a year chasing raiders. Most of the family (coming from NC, KY, TN ,MO and AR ) - served the Confederate cause - losing one at Corinth, one at Petersburg and one in Virginia.


For more information contact Herb Shemwell, hshemwell@hotmail.com

 
Sources:
Email of Herb Shemwell of 2 August 2003
Official KY AG Report, listed as Shernwell pg 956
For a full story of the 17th, and to view report of Colonel McHenry, see the 17th Timeline and related links at www.geocities.com/seventeenthkyinf/timeline.html