CSA Bios: Shoup, Shelley, Shelby, Sharp

[Battleline]

Brig. Gen. Francis A. Shoup, CSA (b. 1834, d. 1896) Hoosier-born Francis Asbury Shoup didn’t live long in the south before the Civil War, but that didn’t prevent him from casting his lot with the Confederacy. Shoup was born March 22, 1834 in Franklin County, Indiana. He was educated at Asbury College (now De Pauw University) and the U.S. Military Academy, graduating from West Point in 1855. He served in the army until he resigned in 1860 to study law. He was admitted to the Indianapolis bar. He moved to St. Augustine, Fla., and was admitted to the local bar there. With little to bind him to the south, he still decided to offer his services to the Confederacy and was appointed lieutenant of artillery. In October 1861, he was promoted to major. He was chief of artillery at the Battle of Shiloh to Gen. Hardee. At the Battle of Prairie Grove, he was assistant adjutant general to Gen. Hindman. Shoup got his promotion to brigadier general Sept. 12, 1862. He commanded a Louisiana brigade at the Battle of Vicksburg and was captured when the city surrendered. Exchanged, he served as the chief of artillery for Gen. Joseph E. Johnston during the Atlanta Campaign. He continued in the same role when Hood superseded Johnston. At the close of the war, he was elected to the chair of mathematics at the University of Mississippi. In 1868, he took Episcopal orders and also became the rector of St. Peter’s Parish in Oxford, Miss. In 1869, he went to Sewanee as professor of mathematics and chaplain. In 1875, he left and served as rector of many churches in the north and south. He returned to Sewanee in 1883, serving as a professor of mathematics, physics and engineering until his death, Sept. 4, 1896, in Columbia, Tenn.

Brig. Gen Charles M. Shelley, CSA (b. 1833, d. 1907) Tennessee-born Charles Miller Shelley made his Civil War career with Alabama troops. Born in Sullivan County, Tenn., Dec. 28, 1833, Shelley moved with his family to Talladega, Ala., where he intended to follow his father’s career path as an architect. A lieutenant in the Talladega Artillery in 1861, he spent six weeks at Fort Morgan. When his company was reorganized to infantry and made part of the Fifth Alabama Infantry, he was elected captain. Shelley was with Fifth Alabama at First Manassas, but was sent back to Alabama where he recruited the 30th Alabama Infantry during January 1862. Shelley was commissioned that unit’s colonel. The 30th Alabama fought in Gen. Bragg’s Kentucky Invasion, at Port Gibson and Vicksburg. Shelley was captured at the fall of Vicksburg, but was exchanged and joined the Army of Tennessee, fighting in its major battles from Chattanooga until its surrender at Vicksburg. Shelley earned his promotion to brigadier general Sept. 17, 1864. During the assault on the Federal works at Franklin, Tenn., Shelley’s brigade lost 432 killed or wounded among 1100 present. Shelley was unhurt, but had a horse killed under him and his uniform was holed. Following the war, Shelley lived in Alabama and was elected sheriff of Dallas County in 1874. He was a four-team member of the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat. He was appointed the fourth auditor of the Treasury by President Cleveland. His final years were spent promoting the industrial interests of Birmingham, Ala. He died there Jan. 20, 1907.

Brig. Gen. Joseph O. Shelby, CSA (b. 1830, d. 1897) Acquiring the reputation of being the “Nathan Bedford Forest of the West,” Joseph Orville Shelby fought longer than most of his contemporaries. Shelby was born in Lexington, Ky., Dec. 12, 1830, and was educated at Transylvania University. He engaged in the manufacture of rope in Missouri River communities Lexington and Waverly, becoming one of the wealthiest and most influential citizens. Not far from the Kansas border, Shelby led a band of pro-slavery Kentuckians in the Missouri-Kansas Border War during the 1850s. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Shelby organized a cavalry company and enlisted it into the Confederate forces. Usually attached to Gen. Sterling Price’s troops, Shelby campaigned in nearly every major battle west of the Mississippi River. He was at Carthage, Wilson’s Creek, Elkhorn Tavern, Helena, Camden and in both of Price’s Missouri raids. He was appointed to brigadier general to rank from Dec. 15, 1863 and gained the reputation of being a tactical master. At the end of the war, Shelby and others of his command buried their battle flag in the Rio Grande and crossed into Mexico, allying with either Emperor Maximilian or Gen. Juarez (it is not known which). After much confusion and the defeat of Maximilian, Shelby came back to Missouri. Very popular in the state, Shelby refused all political offers until 1893, when he accepted a proposal from President Grover Cleveland to become U.S. Marshal for the Western District. He was in this office when he died Feb. 13, 1897, in Adrian, Mo.

Brig. Gen. Jacob H. Sharp, CSA (b. 1833, d. 1907) Active in postwar journalism and politics in Mississippi, Jacob Hunter Sharp became a brigadier general late in the war due to attrition in the ranks of his superiors. Sharp was born in Pickensville, Ala., Feb. 6, 1833. While an infant, the family moved to Lowndes County, Miss. Sharp attended the University of Alabama 1850-51. He studied law and was admitted to the bar, starting a practice in Columbus, Miss. In 1861, he enlisted in the First Battalion Mississippi Infantry as a private. That later became part of the 44th Mississippi. He was elected captain and fought at Shiloh, the Kentucky Invasion and Murfreesboro. Prior to Chickamauga, Sharp was promoted to colonel, leading the 44th Mississippi at Chickamauga and Chattanooga. During the Atlanta Campaign, Sharp received his promotion to brigadier general July 26, 1864, taking the place of Gen. William F. Tucker, who had been wounded. He led the brigade during Hood’s Tennessee Campaign and survived to join up with forces in the Carolinas. He fought at Bentonville, but there is no record of his parole. Following the war, Sharp bought the Columbus, Miss., Independent and became president of the Mississippi Press Association. Sharp was active in the white supremacy movement during Reconstruction. He served in the Mississippi legislature from 1886-90 and was, for a time, speaker. He died in Columbus, Sept. 15, 1907.

[Gil R.]

Thanks!

[Gil R.]

Okay, here's Shoup. I like the way you have interesting opening statements before delving into many of your bios.


Brig. Gen. Francis Asbury Shoup (b. 1834, d. 1896). The Hoosier-born Shoup did not live long in the south before the Civil War, but that did not prevent him from casting his lot with the Confederacy. Shoup was born March 22, 1834 in Franklin County, Indiana. He was educated at Asbury College (now De Pauw University) and the U.S. Military Academy, graduating from West Point in 1855. He served in the army until he resigned in 1860 to study law, subsequently gaining admission to the Indianapolis bar. He then moved to St. Augustine, Florida, where he continued to practice law. With little to bind him to the South, he still decided to offer his services to the Confederacy and was appointed lieutenant of artillery. In October 1861, he was promoted to Major. He was chief of artillery at the Battle of Shiloh to Gen. William J. Hardee. At the Battle of Prairie Grove, he was assistant adjutant general to Gen. Thomas C. Hindman. Shoup got his promotion to Brigadier General Sept. 12, 1862. He commanded a Louisiana brigade at the Battle of Vicksburg and was captured when the city surrendered. Exchanged, he served as the chief of artillery for Gen. Joseph E. Johnston during the Atlanta Campaign. He continued in the same role when Gen. John B. Hood superseded Johnston. At the close of the war, Shoup was elected to the chair of mathematics at the University of Mississippi. In 1868, he took Episcopal orders and also became the rector of St. Peter’s Parish in Oxford, Mississippi. In 1869, he went to Sewanee as professor of mathematics and chaplain. In 1875, he left and served as rector of many churches in the north and south. He returned to Sewanee in 1883, serving as a professor of mathematics, physics and engineering until his death, Sept. 4, 1896, in Columbia, Tennessee. (Bio by Bill Battle)

Leadership: 3
Tactical: 4
Initiative: 3
Command: 4
Cavalry: 0

Start date: 40

[Gil R.]

And Shelley:

Brig. Gen. Charles M. Shelley (b. 1833, d. 1907). Tennessee-born Charles Miller Shelley made his Civil War career serving with Alabama troops. Born in Sullivan County, Tennessee, on Dec. 28, 1833, Shelley moved with his family to Talladega, Alabama, where he intended to follow his father’s career path as an architect. As war broke out, he became a Lieutenant in the Talladega Artillery, spending six weeks at Fort Morgan. When his company was reorganized into infantry and made part of the Fifth Alabama Infantry, he was elected Captain. Shelley was with Fifth Alabama at First Manassas, but was sent back to Alabama, where he recruited the 30th Alabama Infantry during January 1862 and was commissioned that unit’s Colonel. The 30th Alabama fought in Gen. Braxton Bragg’s Kentucky Invasion, at Port Gibson and Vicksburg. Shelley was captured at the fall of Vicksburg, but was exchanged and joined the Army of Tennessee, fighting in its major battles from Chattanooga until its surrender. You wrote “until its surrender at Vicksburg,” but since the Army of Tennessee did not surrender at Vicksburg I’m assuming that you typed that by mistake so I took it out. (According to Wikipedia, the AoT just faded away after reaching Tupelo, Miss.) Shelley earned his promotion to Brigadier General on Sept. 17, 1864. During the assault on the Federal works at Franklin, Tennessee, Shelley’s brigade lost 432 killed or wounded among 1100 present. Shelley himself was unhurt, but had a horse killed under him and his uniform was holed. I’m leaving in “holed,” since I’m assuming that’s the proper term. If it’s not proper (military) English I can replace it with “shot full of holes” or some such thing. Following the war, Shelley lived in Alabama and was elected sheriff of Dallas County in 1874. He was a four-team member of the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat from Alabama, and later was appointed the fourth auditor of the Treasury by Pres. Grover Cleveland. Shelley’s final years were spent promoting the industrial interests of Birmingham. He died there on Jan. 20, 1907.

Leadership: 4
Tactical: 4
Initiative: 3
Command: 5
Cavalry:

Start date: 89

[Gil R.]

Brig. Gen. Joseph O. Shelby (b. 1830, d. 1897). Acquiring the reputation of being the “Nathan Bedford Forest of the West” for his skills as both a raider and cavalry leader in conventional battles (I added the boldface part, since I thought it was important to specify that Shelby himself led raids. This can be changed if need be.), Shelby fought longer than most of his contemporaries. Born in Lexington, Kentucky on Dec. 12, 1830, Shelby was educated at Transylvania University. He engaged in the manufacture of rope in Missouri River communities Lexington and Waverly, becoming one of the wealthiest and most influential citizens. Not far from the Kansas border, Shelby led a band of pro-slavery Kentuckians in the Missouri-Kansas Border War during the 1850’s. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Shelby organized a cavalry company and enlisted it into the Confederate forces. Usually attached to Gen. Sterling Price’s troops, Shelby campaigned in nearly every major battle west of the Mississippi River. He was a participant in the fighting at Carthage, Wilson’s Creek, Elkhorn Tavern, Helena, and Camden, and in both of Price’s Missouri raids. According to Wikipedia, Price had one raid, in 1864. But in late-1863, Shelby himself led a 1500-mile raid in Missouri. Are you combining the two? I think we should definitely refer to that monthlong raid that Shelby himself led. He was appointed to Brigadier General to rank from Dec. 15, 1863 and gained the reputation of being a tactical master. At the end of the war, Shelby and others of his command submerged their battle flag in the Rio Grande River rather than surrender it and crossed into Mexico, allying with either Emperor Maximilian or Gen. Benito Juarez (it is not known which). After much confusion and the defeat of Maximilian, Shelby returned to Missouri. Very popular in the state, Shelby refused all political offers until 1893, when he accepted a proposal from Pres. Grover Cleveland to become U.S. Marshal for the Western District. He was serving in this office when he died on Feb. 13, 1897, in Adrian, Missouri.

Leadership: 5
Tactical: 6
Initiative: 5
Command: 5
Cavalry: 5

Start date: 70

Teaches: Fast (4), Foragers (17)

[Gil R.]

And here's Sharp:

Brig. Gen. Jacob Hunter Sharp (b. 1833, d. 1907). Active in postwar journalism and politics in Mississippi, Sharp became a brigadier general late in the war due to attrition in the ranks of his superiors. Sharp was born in Pickensville, Alabama, on Feb. 6, 1833. While an infant, the family moved to Lowndes County, Mississippi. Sharp attended the University of Alabama in 1850-51. He studied law and was admitted to the bar, starting a practice in Columbus, Mississippi. In 1861, he enlisted in the First Battalion Mississippi Infantry as a private. That unit later became part of the 44th Mississippi. Sharp was elected captain and fought at Shiloh, in Kentucky during the Kentucky Invasion, and at Murfreesboro. Prior to the Battle of Chickamauga, Sharp was promoted to Colonel, leading the 44th Mississippi at Chickamauga and Chattanooga. During the Atlanta Campaign, Sharp received his promotion to Brigadier General on July 26, 1864, taking the place of the wounded Gen. William F. Tucker. Sharp led the brigade during Gen. John B. Hood’s Tennessee Campaign and survived to join up with forces in the Carolinas. He fought at Bentonville, but there is no record of his parole. Following the war, Sharp bought the Columbus “Independent” and became president of the Mississippi Press Association. Sharp was active in the white supremacy movement during Reconstruction. He served in the Mississippi legislature from 1886-90 and was, for a time, its Speaker. Sharp died in Columbus on Sept. 15, 1907.

Leadership: 4
Tactical: 3
Initiative: 3
Command: 3
Cavalry: 0

Start date: 85

[Battleline]

Gil,
Your changes are good. Warner attributed Price with two raids, but then again, some information we have now might not have been available when Warner was writing those works. I would lead your other Shelby bio information in there.
The next chance I get, I'll cobble together a Sibley bio from all the info we have.
Thanks,
Battleline

[Gil R.]

I've been researching teachable abilities for the 100-percenters and 50-percenters, which gave me an excuse to research Shelby and this raiding business further. I consulted Heidler & Heidler's "Encyclopedia of the American Civil War," which is an absolutely outstanding reference work, and sells on Amazon for just $50 (we provide a direct link to it on the right side of the screen at http://www.west-civ.com/ForgeOfFreedom/FOF_Index.htm ). In doing so, I came across some more info that I took the liberty to add: the bit about Frank James was nifty trivia; the info about the politicians in his family is important to me because all three of those guys are in the governors datafile; and, I'm considering adding "Shelby's Iron Brigade" as a new Legendary Unit. Please let me know if any further changes to this should be made.

Brig. Gen. Joseph O. Shelby (b. 1830, d. 1897). Acquiring the reputation of being the “Nathan Bedford Forest of the West” for his skills as both a raider and cavalry leader in conventional battles, Shelby fought longer than most of his contemporaries. Born in Lexington, Kentucky on Dec. 12, 1830 to a family that included the prominent political figures Francis P. Blair, Sr. (his uncle), Francis P. Blair, Jr., and B. Gratz Brown (his cousins), Shelby was educated at Transylvania University. Having followed his two cousins to Missouri, he engaged in hemp planting and the manufacture of rope in the Missouri River communities Lexington and Waverly, becoming one of the wealthiest and most influential citizens. Not far from the Kansas border, Shelby led a band of pro-slavery Kentuckians in the Missouri-Kansas Border War during the 1850’s. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Shelby – who had turned down a captaincy in the Union army offered by his cousin Francis Blair, a future Union general – organized a Missouri cavalry company and enlisted it into the Confederate forces. Later, in June 1862, Shelby raised an entire regiment of cavalry in order to earn his promotion to Colonel, recruiting 1000 cavalrymen by crossing more than 500 miles of Union-held territory in Missouri in four days. Soon thereafter, he combined this cavalry regiment with two others from southwestern Missouri to create the Missouri Cavalry Brigade, which soon came to be known as the “Iron Brigade.” Usually attached to Gen. Sterling Price’s troops, Shelby campaigned in nearly every major battle west of the Mississippi River, including in the fighting at Carthage, Wilson’s Creek, Elkhorn Tavern, Helena, and Camden, and Pea Ridge. (It was at Pea Ridge that Shelby’s life was saved by the future outlaw Frank James, for whom he would later testify as a character witness when James was on trial for murder in 1883.) Shelby, however, is more famous as a raider, and he led his brigade into Union territory four times, most notably conducting the longest raid of the Civil War: a 1500-mile, 41-day raid in late 1863 from southwestern Arkansas to the Missouri River in order to prevent the transfer of a large number of Union troops to Gen. William S. Rosecrans’s command at Chattanooga. A year later, Shelby led a division in Price’s Missouri Raid, having been appointed to Brigadier General to rank from Dec. 15, 1863. Shelby gained the reputation of being a tactical master, and was praised highly by both Price and Union Gen. Alfred Pleasanton, who called him “the best cavalry general of the South.” At the end of the war, Shelby and others of his command submerged their battle flag in the Rio Grande River rather than surrender it and crossed into Mexico, allying with either Emperor Maximilian or Gen. Benito Juarez (it is not known which). After much confusion and the defeat of Maximilian, Shelby returned to Missouri. Very popular in the state, Shelby refused all political offers until 1893, when he accepted a proposal from Pres. Grover Cleveland to become U.S. Marshal for the Western District. He was serving in this office when he died on Feb. 13, 1897, in Adrian, Missouri.

Teaches: Fast (4), Foragers (17), Independent (9), Flankers (11)