Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

[CJSchumacher]

Now some justification for all of those big boys on horseback out there!! Honestly though, its a nice picture showing a bit of "flair" for a young cav officer.

Source: http://1stalabamacavalryusv.com/rost...?trooperid=595

Alonson W Edwards
Age: 22
Rank at enlistment: 1st Lieutenant
Rank at discharge: Captain
Company Assignment: L
Company Reassignment: F/S
9/18/1863 Enlisted Glendale, MS
3/2/1864 Promoted To Adjutant
7/14/1864 Promoted To Captain.
6/1/1865 Mustered Out Huntsville, AL
Notes: Promoted to 1st Lieutentant, Co. I, 122 Regiment Illinois infantry Volunteers on 18 October 1863.

[JimKindred]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

Looks like he was in charge of guarding the mess tent. :wink_smil

[KyCavMajor]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

Looks like he was in charge of guarding the mess tent. :wink_smil

Does anyone know where his horse went....... :thinking: :dinner_pl

I can say that, being a little "large" myself

[GeraldTodd]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

At http://1stalabamacavalryusv.com/ros...p?trooperid=595
it says "picture" to the right of the image and his name. Click that - there's a second image taken without the hat.

An Alabama boy fighting for the Union, in the cavalry, in that shape! Who'da thunk it!

[CJSchumacher]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

At http://1stalabamacavalryusv.com/ros...p?trooperid=595
it says "picture" to the right of the image and his name. Click that - there's a second image taken without the hat.

An Alabama boy fighting for the Union, in the cavalry, in that shape! Who'da thunk it!

I'll go one further...he transferred from the INFANTRY!!

Maybe they grabbed a nice draft for him to ride, even better...probably a big ol' mule to carry him around! I can only imagine him taking a 5-foot fence...downhill...

Later Edited: Mods, if needed feel free to move as while a humorous post of anecdotal possiblities...its not doing much to further authentic cavalry. cjs

[AZReenactor]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

I figure I might as well share this Texan of girth with the list. He was a member of the 8th Texas Cavalry. Anyone able to identify the pistolat a glance

For more information about this individual see

http://www.terrystexasrangers.org/biographical_notes/c/culpepper_jtj.html

[10nycav]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

The 10th NY Cavalry had a German-born officer, Captain John Ordner, whose recorded weight was 250 pounds. Although large, apparently he was an excellent horseman and swordsman. I am guessing that he supplied his own horse and it was "up to weight." By the way the best weight carriers of all are not tall horses but rather cobs of 14.2 to 15.2 hands height. They are built like the proverbial brick outhouse. Old style Morgans and Canadians were essentially cobs. Add a dash of TB and their size increases while retaining the substance needed to carry a large rider.

The Tenth had an equally large (if not larger) enlisted man, however he was quickly assigned as a wagoner. Most likely, they could not find a suitable horse for him among the government issued mounts.

Ken Morris

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

I figure I might as well share this Texan of girth with the list. He was a member of the 8th Texas Cavalry. Anyone able to identify the pistolat a glance

For more information about this individual see
http://www.terrystexasrangers.org/bi...epper_jtj.html

Comparing the length of his pistol, to the width of this fellows chest, adding the fact that he is wearing an overcoat, I wouldnt say this man was very big at all.

[KyCavMajor]

John Dyer in his book

Said General John S (Cerro Gordo, sp?)Williams was a 300 pounder. He commanded a brigade Wheeler...

[K Bartsch]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

I figure I might as well share this Texan of girth with the list. He was a member of the 8th Texas Cavalry. Anyone able to identify the pistolat a glance

For more information about this individual see
http://www.terrystexasrangers.org/bi...epper_jtj.html

To me, he doesn't look obese like the Alabama trooper. IMHO, this Texan is just bundled up in a lot of clothing.

Cordially,

[GeraldTodd]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

That's definately a rough-n-ready Texican, the other one's Pugsley.

I'd love to see an image of the fellow just after the war and see if a 2nd Lt's fare and the 1st Alabama's hard riding did anything for his girlish figure.

[AZReenactor]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

Yoou're quite right. I suppose I was just overly anxious to share the photo of Cullpepper. He isn't really overweight. The layers of clothes undoubtedly contribute to his larger appearance.

I reckon Terry's Rangers always seem some somehow larger than life in my mind and I probably added a bit to his size as I thought about his photo.

That's definately a rough-n-ready Texican, the other one's Pugsley.

I'd love to see an image of the fellow just after the war and see if a 2nd Lt's fare and the 1st Alabama's hard riding did anything for his girlish figure.

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

Yoou're quite right. I suppose I was just overly anxious to share the photo of Cullpepper. He isn't really overweight. The layers of clothes undoubtedly contribute to his larger appearance.

I reckon Terry's Rangers always seem some somehow larger than life in my mind and I probably added a bit to his size as I thought about his photo.

And thankful we are that you posted that picture :wink_smil

[Mike Ventura]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

If memory serves me correctly, the 1st Alabama (US) served as Sherman's escort. They were mostly recruited from the strong Unionist area in NE Alabama.

[JimKindred]

Re: Big Boy Cavalryman - 1st AL (US)

Mike,

Which Wheeler is it that you are referring to?

The 1st ALA (US) was Sherman's headquarters escort during a part of the March to the Sea.