Private Nathan Ellington

Nathan Ellington was born in Claiborne County, TN in 1833. He enlisted as a private in the Caddo Rifles, Co. C, 4th Arkansas Infantry with his two brothers, George W. and William J. His service was apparently short as his discharge is listed as 6-21-1862 in Tupelo, Mississippi.
The 4th Arkansas (also called Southwestern Arkansas Regiment) assembled at Miller's Springs, Lawrence County, Missouri. They recruited their companies from Calhoun, Hempstead, Lafayette, Montgomery, Pike, and Polk Counties. After fighting at Elkhorn Tavern, the unit was sent to Kentucky where it was active at Richmond. It then was assigned to General McNair's and D. H. Reynold's Brigade, Army of the Tennessee. This Regiment was involved at Murfreesboro, participated in the campaigns of the Army from Chicamauga to Atlanta, saw action in Tennessee under General Hood, and was engaged at Averasboro and Bentonville.
Nathon Ellington survived the war and died sometime between 1910 and 1920.
Nathon Ellington is a collateral ancestor of George Bailey, Brig Gen Henry Hopkins Sibley, Camp 2075, Albuquerque, NM.
To learn more of the history of the 4th Arkansas Infantry -- click here.

   
Nathan Ellington with grandson

Compatriot George Bailey at Nathan Ellington's headstone

The 4th AR Regimental Flag has not been located. It was not among those returned to Arkansas by the US government.  Sergeant Jesse Garrett the color bearer was shot and killed at Murfreesboro. Lt. B.F. Logan took his place and suffered a leg wound which resulted in his death at the hospital. He in turn was replaced by Lt. G.D. Goodner who was also seriously wounded. Capt. Lavender witnessed the flag fall and raised it himself. Just as he salvaged the "Regimental Collors" at the Battle of Murfreesboro  the staff was cut in half just above his head. Bill Carroll of Co. C. beating a hasty retreat rushed passed and said "Hell, this is no time to wait for company." "The Flag was shot almost to strings" Capt. John W. Lavender.