Chaplain Records

[Longbranch 1]

Hoping , I know, against odds, that there might be a searchable database for use by all.
Unfortunately I am searching for a particular individual; by his tombstone;

James Collis
B. Mar 09, 1812
D. Sept 10, 1886
" He was Ordained a Minister Oct. 31st, 1852"

His son enlisted in the 11th NC/1rst NC at the age of 15 , 1861.

James Collis is Purported to have served as Chaplain in either and variously the 58th, 35th, 29th or 11th NC. The 58th and 29th NC being the more probable.
But I can find no verification.
He might have just been a "circuit rider"

Not looking for particular info on Rev. James Collis,( though I would not refuse it). Just an example.

Again, just hoping for a nudge in the right direction.

Kindest regards and thanks
Kevin Ellis,
26th NC

[Becky Morgan]

Re: Chaplain Records

Hmm. Al CWSS has is
James M. Collis (First_Last)
Regiment Name Walker's Battalion, Thomas' Legion North Carolina
Side Confederate
Company B
Soldier's Rank_In Private
Soldier's Rank_Out Private
Alternate Name
Notes
Film Number M230 roll 8

That may be the son rather than the father, since no age is specified. If you want to look for yourself, the search is at

http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/soldiers.cfm

[Longbranch 1]

Re: Chaplain Records

Thanks, Ms Morgan,

Pretty sure that "my" James Collis was not " in the ranks", but the Thomas Legion opens yet another avenue to look into specifically.

I am, unfortunately, by design or not, usually able to confuse issues.

What I endeavour to find is database similar to the CWSS, inclusive of and specifically identifying Regimental, Brigade, and Army Chaplains.

This very indirectly relates to numerous "unattached persons" on original muster rolls.

My Thanks And Regards,
Kevin Ellis,
26th NC

[Becky Morgan]

Re: Chaplain Records

CWSS isn't as comprehensive as they'd have you think, either.

http://files.usgwarchives.org/nc/mecklenburg/military/mecklenberg.txt

Whole lot of information there, but I didn't go through each list.
Incidentally, you will find a James Collis in the Span-Am volunteers. Grandson, perhaps?

The unattached people on, and not on, rosters can be maddening, especially to genealogists who tend to think in straight lines and insist that all old records are complete and must be correct in every detail.

Is it possible that he was serving a church near a camp, hospital or such, and so would be listed as having been a chaplain to several regiments that were in the vicinity? There are numerous mentions in diaries, etc. of "Rev. X of the Y Church, who came by on his rounds and preached a good service" or what might be. I'm seeing several of the regiments you mentioned being organized at Camp Mangum near Raleigh. (I know nothing about Camp Mangum, so forgive my ignorance if that's obvious.) Just postwar, in 1867, there's a James Collis, actor, of Raleigh, getting married in Newfoundland. Could that be the same family, and would that give you a clue as to where to look?

Just to give you an example from this side of the Mason-Dixon, most of our local Ohio regiments passed through Camp Dennison, near Cincinatti, at one time or another. If you're looking for the Chaplain Jones who baptized Private Smith, you might not be able to find him on the roster of the 15th OVI, but if you look for him at the Mount Holiness Methodist Church three feet outside the camp gates you'll find him there all through the war years. If you can lay hands on some diaries from the units you're interested in, see if Rev. Collins didn't come over to preach. Judging by the diaries I've seen, both North and South, guest preachers were a frequent source of...I don't want to say "entertainment", but different style and a break in monotony.