Chaplain JOSEPH SMITH MILLSAPS, Regimental Staff, 86th Illinois Infantry
Joseph Smith Millsaps/Millsap was born on 29 Dec 1828 in Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana, the son of William Lacy Millsaps, who was born September 8, 1803 in Jefferson County, Tennessee, the son of Moses Millsaps and Jane Millsaps, and Elizabeth Smith, who was born on December 30, 1810 in Kentucky.
William Lacy Millsaps married Elizabeth Smith on April 10, 1828 in Orange County, Indiana. At least 10 children are known to have been born to William and Elizabeth, including;
1. Joseph Smith Millsap, born December 29, 1828 in Putnam County, Indiana. See his biography below.
2. Moses Madison Millsap, born December 31, 1830 in Indiana. Moses was married to Amanda Dustin, who was born on 3 Mar 1840 in Huntingburg, Dubois County, Indiana.
At least one son is known to have been born to Moses and Amanda;
A. Frank S. Millsap, born c. April of 1860 in Peoria County, Illinois.
B. Lee Millsap, born 1863/64 in Nebraska.
C. Ray W. Milsap, born 1866/67/68 in Colorado. Ray W Millsap died on ____________ __, 1895 and his mortal remains were laid in the Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.
D. Nellie Milsap, born c. 1868/69 in Colorado.
At the time of the 1860 census, Moses and his family are found in Princeville Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Moses M Millsapps M 29 Ind
Amanda J Millsapps F 20 Ind
Frank S Millsapps M 3/12 Ills
At the time of the 1870 census, Moses and his family are found in Denver, Arapahoe Township, Colorado Territory;
Madison M Milsap M 39 Illinois
Amanda Milsap F 29 Illinois
Frank Milsap M 10 Illinois
Lee Milsap M 6 Nebraska
Ray Milsap M 3 Colorado
Nellie Milsap F 1 Colorado
Moses and Amanda seperated and then divorced in the 1870's. M. M. Millsap, age 50, and again listed as having been born in Illinois, is found in an Insane Asylum in Precinct 2, Pueblo, Colorado. Nothing more is found of him after this.
Amanda was married 2nd to a _____________ Macken and she had at least one more child.
Amanda Jane (Dustin) Milsap Macken died on 19 Jun 1897 in Denver, Denver County, Colorado and her mortal remains were laid in the Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, Denver County, Colorado next to those of her son, Ray W. Millsap.
3. Nancy Millsapp, born c. 1832/33 in Indiana.
4. Sarah Ellin Millsap, born March 25, 1835 in Bartholomew County, Indiana. Sarah Ellin Millsap was married to ______________ Rominger. Sarah died on 14 Apr 1919 in Davis County, Iowa and her mortal remains were laid in the Bloomfield IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield, Davis County, Iowa. See her Find A Grave Memorial #60791432.
5. Elisabeth Millsapp, born c. 1835 in Indiana.
6. Margaret Millsapp, born c. 1838/39 in Illinois.
7. Jason Lee Millsap, born March 22, 1841 in McDonough County, Illinois. Jason was married to Mahala Ann Collins. Jason died on 23 Feb 1920 in Davis County, Iowa at the age of 78.
8. Eliza Millsapp, born c. 1843/44 in Illinois
9. Susan Millsapp, born c. 1845/46 in Illinois
10. Adaline Millsapp, born c. 1848/49 in Illinois.
Now to continue with what we know about William Lacy Millsaps and his family;
At the time of the 1830 census, Wm L. Milsaps is found in Washington County, Indiana. His father, Moses Milsaps lives next door. Here is the way William's household appears;
1 male 20 to 29 (William)
1 male 0 to 4 (Joseph)
1 female (Elizabeth)
At the time of the 1840 census, William has yet to be located.
At the time of the 1850 census William L. Millsapp is found in McDonough county, Illinois, where the family is farming;
William T Millsapp M 47 Tennessee
Elizabeth Millsapp F 39 Kentucky
Joseph Millsapp M 21 Indiana
Moses Millsapp M 19 Indiana
Nancy Millsapp F 17 Indiana
Sarah Millsapp F 15 Indiana
Elisabeth Millsapp F 15 Indiana
Margaret Millsapp F 11 Illinois
Jason Millsapp M 9 Illinois
Eliza Millsapp F 6 Illinois
Susan Millsapp F 4 Illinois
Adaline Millsapp F 1 Illinois
Sarah Beebe F 22 New York
Elizabeth (Smith) Millsaps died on 18 Oct 1851 in McDonough County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Friendship Cemetery in Tennessee Township, McDonough County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #25692484.
William Lacy Millsap was then married 2nd to Matilda E Jones on July 30, 1853 in Hancock County, Illinois. Matilda was born on 30 May 1819. Seven children were born to William and Matilda, including;
11. Emily Millsap, born and died in 1854 in Illinois, probably in McDonough County.
12. Francis Asbury "Frank" Millsap, born August 24 1855 in Illinois. Frank died on August 27, 1931 in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska and his mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See his Find A Grave Memorial #66352428.
13. Harriett Mariah Millsap, born c. 1856 in Iowa. Harriett died in 1899
14. John Moren/Moses Millsap, born May 14, 1858 in Davis County, Iowa. John is found with the family in the 1860, 1870 and 1880 census records seen below. Nothing more can be found on John after that 1880 census.
15. Oscar Millsap, born April 8, 1860 in Davis County, Iowa. Oscar died on April 9, 1924 and his mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See his Find A Grave Memorial #66352328.
16.William Albert Millsap, born September 6, 1862 in Davis County, Iowa. William A. Millsap was married on October 19, 1890 in York County, Nebraska to Minnie B, Smith. William died on April 16, 1931 and his mortal remains were laid in the Hillside Cemetery in Julesburg, Sedgwick County, Colorado. See his Find A Grave Memorial #74109547.
17. Celina May "Lina" Millsap, born August 30, 1864 in Davis County, Iowa. Celina died om January 30, 1885 and her mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See her Find A Grave Memorial #66352369.
Now to continue with what we know about William Lacy Millsap/Millsaps and his family;
At the time of the 1860 census, William L. Millsap/Millsaps and his family are found in Grove Township, Davis County, Iowa;
William L Millsap M 56 Tenn
Matilda E Millsap F 41 Tenn
Margaret Millsap F 20 Ill
Mary E Millsap F 16 Ill
Jason L Millsap M 19 Ill
Francis A Millsap M 4 Ill
Harriett Millsap F 3 Iowa
John M Millsap M 2 Iowa
Oscar Millsap M Iowa
At the time of the 1870 census, William L. Millsaps and his family are found in Wyacondah Township, Davis County, Iowa;
William L Millsap M 66 Tennessee
Matilda E Millsap F 51 Tennessee
Francis A Millsap M 14 Illinois
Harriet M Millsap F 12 Iowa
John M Millsap M 12 Iowa
Oscar Millsap M 10 Iowa
William A Millsap M 7 Iowa
Salissa M Millsap F 5 Iowa
At the time of the 1880 census, William Millsap and his family are found in Otis Township, Hamilton County, Nebraska, where the family is farming;
William Millsap Self M 76 Pennsylvania, United States
Matilda Millsap Wife F 61 Pennsylvania, United States
Frank Millsap Son M 24 Illinois, United States
John Millsap Son M 22 Iowa, United States
Oscar Millsap Son M 20 Iowa, United States
William Millsap Son M 17 Iowa, United States
Lina Millsap Daughter F 15 Iowa, United States
Matilda E. (Jones) Millsaps died on 4 May 1889 in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska and her mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See her Find A Grave Memorial #60784660.
Rev. William Lacy Millsap died on 8 Jul 1892 in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska at the age of 88 and his mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See Find A Grave Memorial #60784627.
Now to continue with the biography of Joseph Smith Millsaps;
Joseph Smith Millsaps became a Methodist Episcopal Minister and in 1853, joined the Rock Creek Conference of the M. E. church, which included churches in Fulton County and Peoria County in Illinois. Rev. Millsaps' first charge is believed to have been the M. E. Church in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois and it was probably there that he met a young lady by the name of Martha Jane Beeson.
Martha Jane Beeson was born August 29, 1826 in Virginia, one of at least six children born to Edward L. Beeson/Bieson, who was born c. 1795/96 in Virginia, and Julia Ann (Ridgway) Beeson/Bieson, who was born c. August 31, 1801/02 in Virginia.
The children born to Edward and Julia include;
1. Martha J. Bieson, born August 29, 1826 in Virginia.
2. Edward Bieson, born c. 1832/33 in Ohio.
3. Virginia A. Bieson, born c. 1835/36 in Ohio.
4. David Bieson, born c. 1838/39 in Ohio.
5. Jesse Bieson, born c. 1840/41 in Ohio.
6. Juliann Bieson, born c. 1843/44 in Ohio.
Edward and Julia took their family first from Virginia to Ohio c. 1830 and then from Ohio to Illinois sometime between 1844 and 1850. The Beesons settled in Canton, Illinois in Fulton County, where Edward was an Inn Keeper. The family is found in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois at the time of the 1850 census;
Edward L. Beison 54 M Inn Keeper VA
Julia A. Bieson 48 F VA
Martha J. Bieson 23 F Va
Edward Bieson 17 M OH
Virginia A. Bieson 14 F OH
David Bieson 11 M OH
Jesse Bieson 9 M OH
Juliann Bieson 6 F OH
Edward Beison/Beeson is believed to have died in the 1850's and his mortal remains may very well lie in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, Julia Ann (Ridgway) Beeson and her family are found in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois;
Julia Beeson 58 F VA
Jennie Beeson 24 F OH
David Beeson 21 M Clerk OH
Jesse Beeson 19 M Artist OH
Julia Beeson 15 F OH
Juliann (Ridgway) Beeson died on 2 Aug 1863 and her mortal remains were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #122734830.
Now to continue with the biography of Joseph Smith Millsaps;
At the time of the 1850 census, Joseph Millsaps, age 21, is found residing his parents of a farm in McDonough County, Illinois. Again, the Rev. Joseph Smith Millsaps was married to Martha Jane Beeson on November 27, 1856, in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. Only one daughter is known to have been born to Joseph and Martha. She is;
1. Julia Elizabeth Millsaps, born September 13, 1857 in Illinois. Julia was married to Charles Edwin Piatt (1850 - 1934) on September 2, 1879 in El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois. Charles was born on July __, 1850 in Indiana, the son of Joseph Paxton Piatt (1824 - 1904) and Mary Carper (Hardy) Piatt (1831 - 1891).
The children born to Julia and Charles include;
A. Harold Joseph/Joseph Harold Piatt, born September 27, 1883 in Kansas. Joseph was married to Maude V. Williams on December 12, 1906 in Auburn, Placer County, California. At the time of the 1910 census, Joseph and Maude are found in Alameda County, California;
Joseph H. Piatt 26 3 KS Electrician Own Shop
Maude V. Piatt 26 3 0 0 SD
Maude V. (Williams) Piatt died on __________ __, 1929. It is notknown where her mortal remains were laid. Joseph and Maude are not believed to have had any children.
Sometime after Maude's death, Joseph was married to Mona W. ___________. At the time of the 1940 census, Joseph and Maude are found residing at what is then identified as 410 Boynton Street in Oakland, Alameda County, California;
J. Harold Piatt 56 KS Civil Engineer
Mona W. Piatt 56 OR
Again, no children are shown. Mona died in 1942. Joseph Harold Piatt died on March 18, 1960 in Alameda County, California. It is not known where any of their earthly remains were laid.
B. Martha G. Piatt, born March __, 1885 in California.
C. Fred C. Piatt, born June __, 1888 in California.
D. Mildred E. Piatt, born March __, 1892 in California.
Julia Elizabeth (Millsaps) Piatt died on 24 Mar 1954 in Alameda County, California.
At the time of the 1860 census, Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps and his family are found in Princeville Township, Peoria County, Illinois, where he is the Methodist Episcopal Minister in Princeville. One of his next door neighbors is Peter H. Snyder, who is a Carpenter, by trade, and his family. Peter will soon find himself the first 1st Sergeant of a company that is going to be raised in Princeville after the civil war gets started;
Joseph S. Millsapps 31 M Meth. E. Min. Ind.
Martha J. Millsapps 33 F Vir.
Julia E Millsapps 2 F Ill.
In April of 1861, Fort Sumter is fired upon and the United States finds itself torn apart by civil war. During the next year, Rev. Millsap sees several members of his congregation join the Union army. Then in the summer of 1862, with the war not going well for the north, President Abraham Lincoln makes an appeal for 600,000 more volunteers. In early, August of 1862, many young men of Princeville respond to that appeal. Led by Princeville school teacher, John French, some 90 men from the Princeville area, a large percentage of the able bodied men of the Princeville area, many of them members of Rev. Millsaps M. E. Church, volunteer to serve together representing the Princeville community. On August 27, 1862, with John French as their Captain, 90 some men from the Princeville area are mustered into the service as Co. K of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
David D. Irons is appointed Colonel of the 86th Illinois. Col. Irons' brother-in-law, the
Rev. George W. Brown, a Methodist Episcopal Minister with a church in Knox County, Illinois, is appointed Chaplain of the 86th Illinois. Rev. Brown and Rev. Millsaps almost certainly know each other and are very likely friends. With so many of his church members in Co. K of the 86th, and their wives and children attending his services every week, Rev. Millsaps undoubtedly took great interest on the activities of the men of 86th and in their wellfare.
The winter of 1862/63 was very hard on the green troops in the field and Chaplain Brown is known to have tended to the sick and the dying and regularly led Church services for the men of the 86th. Spring brought some relief to the green troops but the summer of 1863 proved to be a hot one in Tennessee. The men of McCook's Brigade, of which the 86th was a part, spent much of the summer of 63 going out on short expeditions in Central Tennessee. Many of the men suffered terribly from heat exhaustion on those long marches in August of 1863. In early August of 1863, Colonel David D. Irons came down with a severe case of Typhoid Fever and after suffering for some time died on August 11, 1863. The following day, the entire brigade escorted Col. Irons earthly remains to the depot, where they were put on a train and taken to Peoria for burial. It is likely that, Col. Irons' brother-in-law, Chaplain Brown escorted the remains back to Peoria.
Back in Peoria, the conditions and pressures of his position, the death of his brother-in-law and having to watch as so many good young men maimed and dying, were taking their toll on Chaplain George W. Brown and Rev. Brown is believed to have talked Rev. Millsap into going south to join the 86th, possibly temporily, to give Rev. Brown some relief. Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps joined the 86th in August of 1863 while they were stationed in the Nashville, Tennesse area.
In late August of 1863, the men of McCook's Brigade found themselves scattered along the Nashville & Decatur railroad south of Nashville. The men of the 86th were stationed at West Harpeth, Tennessee, located about 8 miles south of Franklin, Tennessee, where they were detailed to repair a railroad bridge on the Nashville & Decatur Railroad. On August 27, 1863, the 1st anniversary of the men of the 86th being mustered into the service on August 27, 1862 back in Peoria, Rev. Millsaps delivered an address that Kinnear in his history of the 86th states was "suitable to the occasion."
In October of 1863, probably after rejoining the regiment in Tennessee and after discussing the matter at great lengths with Rev. Millsaps , Rev. Brown made the decision to resign with Rev. Millsaps replacing him as Chaplain of the 86th. Rev. Brown's resignation was accepted on October 13, 1863 and Rev. Millsap was appointed Chaplain of the 86th at that time. Rev. Brown is believed to have headed home shortly after this, probably in the company of Major Orlando Fountain, who also resigned his commission on October 13, 1863. Kinnear's history of the 86th Illinois states the following of Chaplain Brown. "Chaplain Brown gave his whole heart to the fulfillment of the duties incumbent on his office, by attending the sick and suffering of his regiment with a spirit and energy scarcely ever surpassed. He was indefatigable in his efforts to promote the happiness and welfare of his boys, and could always give inquiring friends from abroad the exact place and condition of the sick and suffering of the regiment."
Though appointed Chaplain of the 86th on October 13, 1863, Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps was not mustered as such until February 3, 1864, when the 86th was stationed at McAfee's Church, located on the east side of the Chickamauga Battlefield, six miles from Chattanooga, after the Battles of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Chickamauga, Georgia had taken place.
Illinois Civil War Muster and Descriptive Rolls Detail Report
from the Illinois State Archives
Name MILLSAPS, JOSEPH S Rank CHAP
Company HQ Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence _____
Age 35 Height _____ Hair _____ Eyes _____
Complexion _____ Marital Status _____
Occupation _____ Nativity _____
Service Record
Joined When FEB 3, 1864 Joined Where CAMP MCAFEE, GA
Joined By Whom GOV YATES Period 3 YRS
Muster In FEB 3, 1864 Muster In Where CHATTANOOGA, TN
Muster In By Whom _____ Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
From the time he first arrived in Tennessee in August of 1863, though not yet a member of the 86th, until the war came to a close and the surviving members of the 86th arrived back in Central Illinois in June of 1865, Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps is known to have done everything humanly possible to tend to the physical and spiritial wellbeing of the men of the 86th and McCook's Brigade. During his time in service, Rev. Millsaps was a witness to some of the bloodiest fighting of the Western Theatre of the war as the men of McCook's Brigade participated in the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia; Averysboro, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and also Marched with Sherman to the Sea. Finally, when the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington, D.C., where in May they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps was still there tending to the needs of the surviving member of the 86th when they were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865 in Washington, D.C. Shortly after that, they were put on trains bound for Chicago, where they received their final pay and were discharged. By the end of June of 1865, they were back with their families in Central Illinois.
While Rev. Millsaps was in the service with the 86th Illinois, his wife, Martha Jane (Beeson) Millsaps, and their daughter, Julia, went to live with Martha's brother, David Beeson, in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. They are believed to have remained there until Rev. Millsaps returned from the service in June/July of 1865.
In 1870, Rev. Millsaps and his family are found in Lexington, Illinois in McLean County, Illinois;
Joseph S. Millsap 41 Clergyman IND
Martha Millsap 43 Keeping House VIR
Lizzie Millsap 12 ILL
At the time of the 1880 census, Joseph and his family are found residing on Monroe Street in Streator, LaSalle County, Illinois;
Joseph S. Millsap Minister M. E. 50 Ohio
Martha J. Millsap Keeping House 53 Vir.
Sarah Watt 26 Servant PA
Riley Morgan 25 Coal Miner PA
In the 1880's, Joseph and Martha moved west, first to Kansas, then to California, where Reverand Joseph Smith Millsaps died on 22 Jun 1886 in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California and his mortal remains were laid in the Oak Mound Cemetery in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California.
The Saturday, July 3, 1886 edition of the SONOMA DEMOCRAT newspaper, of Sonoma, California carried the following notice;
"Rev. J. S. Millsap, a most estimable gentleman, died on Wednesday last, and was buried on Thursday by the Masonic fraternity. The church was decorated in appropriate emblems of mourning. The pulpit with festoons of black and white, with a sheaf of wheat and flower crosses. He leaves a devoted wife to mourn his loss, and the church has lost a good worker."
The August 5, 1886 edition of the Henry Republican newspaper, of Henry, Illinois, carried the following obituary and biography of J. S. Millsap;
"REV. J. S. MILLSAP
Chaplain of the 86th Ill. Vol.
Rev. J. S. Millsap, who recently departed this life in California, was the Chaplain of the 86th Ill. Vols., enlisting from Lacon in this county. The news of his death has caused a feeling of profound grief and sorrow among all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and especially among our soldier boys, who knew him intimately, and who bore them company in all of their long marches, and assisted them in every way possible for their temporal and spiritual welfare. He was a man of genial ways and noble impulses, and was very companionable. In church work he was zealous and was a prominent minister of the denomination. He was born in Indiana in 1828. Joined the Rock River conference in 1853. In the division of the conference he fell into the bounds of Peoria, now Central Illinois Conference. He has held charges at Canton, Princeville, Chillicothe, LaPrairie Center and Lacon. While stationed here he was elected Chaplain of the 86th Regiment in 1863, enlisting in the vicinity. He returned from the army in 1865 and resumed his M. E. connection, having pastoral appointements at Lexington, Normal, Onarga, El Paso, Streator, then to Princeville again, then to Buda. From there he moved to Kansas, and thence to California, where continually ill health finally ended in death.
At the memorial service at Buda, held in commemoration of the death of Rev. Mr. Millsap, we extract the following from the address of Dr. Huntley, giving a brief resume of his army life.
'Emery Post of the Grand Army of the Republic is called upon for the first time since its organization to record the death of one of its comrades. It is eminently fitting that we cherish the memory of the faithful defenders of the republic by placing a record of their services in the archives of the Post, and forward to the relatives of the deceased resolutions of sympathy and condolence, also by public assembly and solumn observance by anthem and by eulogy to express our high appreciation of his virtues and his character as a worthy citizen, consistent and devoted Christian, and a true hearted, brave and honored soldier. Joseph S. Millsap is dead. We gratefully bring our feeble tribute to the illustrious dead. His life work with its precepts and example now only remains to us. He was appointed Chaplain of the 86th Illinois Infantry, with rank of Captain, in the summer of 1863, and joined the regiment which was in the field in the Department of Tennessee, under General McPherson, as corp commander, participating in the battle Champion Hill, the siege of Vicksburg, and in Sherman's march from Chattanooga to the sea, and during that time his comrades speak of him as one of the most efficient chaplains in the service, ever ready and willing to do his whole duty, whether in the hospital among the sick and wounded or with his regiment. He was ever the same whole souled sympathetic friend, counsellor and assistant never shirking from going where duty called, from hardship, privation or danger with an uncomplaining spirit animated by true nobility of character he was manfully obedient to the stern behests of loyalty to his country and flag, not that evafiescent loyalty accorded a prince or potentate under a monarchial government of the old world.............
The same sterling virtue animated him that did the fathers of the nation when they pledged their lives and sacred honor to secure the blessings of liberty, to defend, protect and keep inviolate the sacred trust which had been so dearly purchased as an enduring inheiritance for ourselves and children. We deeply mourne the loss of such men as our brother comrade, for the glory of our country is in her virtuous great men, its prosperity will dysend on its docility to learn from their illustrious example. That nation is fated to ignominy and servitude if such men have lived and labored in vain to impress their own high standard of excellence on its people.'"
At the time of the 1900 census, Martha J. (Beeson) Millsap is found residing with daughter, Julia E. (Millsap) Piatt and her family at what is then identified as 2033 Hearst Avenue in Ward 1 of the city of Berkeley in Alameda County, California, where Charles is a Lumber Dealer;
Charles C. Piatt Jul 1850 49 Ind
Julia E. Piatt Sep 1857 44 ILL
Harold J. Piatt Sep 1883 16 KS
Martha G. Piatt Mar 1885 15 CAL
Fred C. Piatt Jun 1888 11 CAL
Mildred E. Piatt Mar 1892 8 CAL
Martha J. Millsap Aug 1827 72 VIR PA VIR
Martha Jane (Beeson) Millsap died on June 22, 1911 in Berkeley, Alameda County, California. Her mortal remains were laid in the Sunset View Cemetery in Berkeley, Alameda County, California.
by Baxter B. Fite III
Joseph Smith Millsaps/Millsap was born on 29 Dec 1828 in Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana, the son of William Lacy Millsaps, who was born September 8, 1803 in Jefferson County, Tennessee, the son of Moses Millsaps and Jane Millsaps, and Elizabeth Smith, who was born on December 30, 1810 in Kentucky.
William Lacy Millsaps married Elizabeth Smith on April 10, 1828 in Orange County, Indiana. At least 10 children are known to have been born to William and Elizabeth, including;
1. Joseph Smith Millsap, born December 29, 1828 in Putnam County, Indiana. See his biography below.
2. Moses Madison Millsap, born December 31, 1830 in Indiana. Moses was married to Amanda Dustin, who was born on 3 Mar 1840 in Huntingburg, Dubois County, Indiana.
At least one son is known to have been born to Moses and Amanda;
A. Frank S. Millsap, born c. April of 1860 in Peoria County, Illinois.
B. Lee Millsap, born 1863/64 in Nebraska.
C. Ray W. Milsap, born 1866/67/68 in Colorado. Ray W Millsap died on ____________ __, 1895 and his mortal remains were laid in the Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.
D. Nellie Milsap, born c. 1868/69 in Colorado.
At the time of the 1860 census, Moses and his family are found in Princeville Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Moses M Millsapps M 29 Ind
Amanda J Millsapps F 20 Ind
Frank S Millsapps M 3/12 Ills
At the time of the 1870 census, Moses and his family are found in Denver, Arapahoe Township, Colorado Territory;
Madison M Milsap M 39 Illinois
Amanda Milsap F 29 Illinois
Frank Milsap M 10 Illinois
Lee Milsap M 6 Nebraska
Ray Milsap M 3 Colorado
Nellie Milsap F 1 Colorado
Moses and Amanda seperated and then divorced in the 1870's. M. M. Millsap, age 50, and again listed as having been born in Illinois, is found in an Insane Asylum in Precinct 2, Pueblo, Colorado. Nothing more is found of him after this.
Amanda was married 2nd to a _____________ Macken and she had at least one more child.
Amanda Jane (Dustin) Milsap Macken died on 19 Jun 1897 in Denver, Denver County, Colorado and her mortal remains were laid in the Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, Denver County, Colorado next to those of her son, Ray W. Millsap.
3. Nancy Millsapp, born c. 1832/33 in Indiana.
4. Sarah Ellin Millsap, born March 25, 1835 in Bartholomew County, Indiana. Sarah Ellin Millsap was married to ______________ Rominger. Sarah died on 14 Apr 1919 in Davis County, Iowa and her mortal remains were laid in the Bloomfield IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield, Davis County, Iowa. See her Find A Grave Memorial #60791432.
5. Elisabeth Millsapp, born c. 1835 in Indiana.
6. Margaret Millsapp, born c. 1838/39 in Illinois.
7. Jason Lee Millsap, born March 22, 1841 in McDonough County, Illinois. Jason was married to Mahala Ann Collins. Jason died on 23 Feb 1920 in Davis County, Iowa at the age of 78.
8. Eliza Millsapp, born c. 1843/44 in Illinois
9. Susan Millsapp, born c. 1845/46 in Illinois
10. Adaline Millsapp, born c. 1848/49 in Illinois.
Now to continue with what we know about William Lacy Millsaps and his family;
At the time of the 1830 census, Wm L. Milsaps is found in Washington County, Indiana. His father, Moses Milsaps lives next door. Here is the way William's household appears;
1 male 20 to 29 (William)
1 male 0 to 4 (Joseph)
1 female (Elizabeth)
At the time of the 1840 census, William has yet to be located.
At the time of the 1850 census William L. Millsapp is found in McDonough county, Illinois, where the family is farming;
William T Millsapp M 47 Tennessee
Elizabeth Millsapp F 39 Kentucky
Joseph Millsapp M 21 Indiana
Moses Millsapp M 19 Indiana
Nancy Millsapp F 17 Indiana
Sarah Millsapp F 15 Indiana
Elisabeth Millsapp F 15 Indiana
Margaret Millsapp F 11 Illinois
Jason Millsapp M 9 Illinois
Eliza Millsapp F 6 Illinois
Susan Millsapp F 4 Illinois
Adaline Millsapp F 1 Illinois
Sarah Beebe F 22 New York
Elizabeth (Smith) Millsaps died on 18 Oct 1851 in McDonough County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Friendship Cemetery in Tennessee Township, McDonough County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #25692484.
William Lacy Millsap was then married 2nd to Matilda E Jones on July 30, 1853 in Hancock County, Illinois. Matilda was born on 30 May 1819. Seven children were born to William and Matilda, including;
11. Emily Millsap, born and died in 1854 in Illinois, probably in McDonough County.
12. Francis Asbury "Frank" Millsap, born August 24 1855 in Illinois. Frank died on August 27, 1931 in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska and his mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See his Find A Grave Memorial #66352428.
13. Harriett Mariah Millsap, born c. 1856 in Iowa. Harriett died in 1899
14. John Moren/Moses Millsap, born May 14, 1858 in Davis County, Iowa. John is found with the family in the 1860, 1870 and 1880 census records seen below. Nothing more can be found on John after that 1880 census.
15. Oscar Millsap, born April 8, 1860 in Davis County, Iowa. Oscar died on April 9, 1924 and his mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See his Find A Grave Memorial #66352328.
16.William Albert Millsap, born September 6, 1862 in Davis County, Iowa. William A. Millsap was married on October 19, 1890 in York County, Nebraska to Minnie B, Smith. William died on April 16, 1931 and his mortal remains were laid in the Hillside Cemetery in Julesburg, Sedgwick County, Colorado. See his Find A Grave Memorial #74109547.
17. Celina May "Lina" Millsap, born August 30, 1864 in Davis County, Iowa. Celina died om January 30, 1885 and her mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See her Find A Grave Memorial #66352369.
Now to continue with what we know about William Lacy Millsap/Millsaps and his family;
At the time of the 1860 census, William L. Millsap/Millsaps and his family are found in Grove Township, Davis County, Iowa;
William L Millsap M 56 Tenn
Matilda E Millsap F 41 Tenn
Margaret Millsap F 20 Ill
Mary E Millsap F 16 Ill
Jason L Millsap M 19 Ill
Francis A Millsap M 4 Ill
Harriett Millsap F 3 Iowa
John M Millsap M 2 Iowa
Oscar Millsap M Iowa
At the time of the 1870 census, William L. Millsaps and his family are found in Wyacondah Township, Davis County, Iowa;
William L Millsap M 66 Tennessee
Matilda E Millsap F 51 Tennessee
Francis A Millsap M 14 Illinois
Harriet M Millsap F 12 Iowa
John M Millsap M 12 Iowa
Oscar Millsap M 10 Iowa
William A Millsap M 7 Iowa
Salissa M Millsap F 5 Iowa
At the time of the 1880 census, William Millsap and his family are found in Otis Township, Hamilton County, Nebraska, where the family is farming;
William Millsap Self M 76 Pennsylvania, United States
Matilda Millsap Wife F 61 Pennsylvania, United States
Frank Millsap Son M 24 Illinois, United States
John Millsap Son M 22 Iowa, United States
Oscar Millsap Son M 20 Iowa, United States
William Millsap Son M 17 Iowa, United States
Lina Millsap Daughter F 15 Iowa, United States
Matilda E. (Jones) Millsaps died on 4 May 1889 in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska and her mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See her Find A Grave Memorial #60784660.
Rev. William Lacy Millsap died on 8 Jul 1892 in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska at the age of 88 and his mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See Find A Grave Memorial #60784627.
Now to continue with the biography of Joseph Smith Millsaps;
Joseph Smith Millsaps became a Methodist Episcopal Minister and in 1853, joined the Rock Creek Conference of the M. E. church, which included churches in Fulton County and Peoria County in Illinois. Rev. Millsaps' first charge is believed to have been the M. E. Church in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois and it was probably there that he met a young lady by the name of Martha Jane Beeson.
Martha Jane Beeson was born August 29, 1826 in Virginia, one of at least six children born to Edward L. Beeson/Bieson, who was born c. 1795/96 in Virginia, and Julia Ann (Ridgway) Beeson/Bieson, who was born c. August 31, 1801/02 in Virginia.
The children born to Edward and Julia include;
1. Martha J. Bieson, born August 29, 1826 in Virginia.
2. Edward Bieson, born c. 1832/33 in Ohio.
3. Virginia A. Bieson, born c. 1835/36 in Ohio.
4. David Bieson, born c. 1838/39 in Ohio.
5. Jesse Bieson, born c. 1840/41 in Ohio.
6. Juliann Bieson, born c. 1843/44 in Ohio.
Edward and Julia took their family first from Virginia to Ohio c. 1830 and then from Ohio to Illinois sometime between 1844 and 1850. The Beesons settled in Canton, Illinois in Fulton County, where Edward was an Inn Keeper. The family is found in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois at the time of the 1850 census;
Edward L. Beison 54 M Inn Keeper VA
Julia A. Bieson 48 F VA
Martha J. Bieson 23 F Va
Edward Bieson 17 M OH
Virginia A. Bieson 14 F OH
David Bieson 11 M OH
Jesse Bieson 9 M OH
Juliann Bieson 6 F OH
Edward Beison/Beeson is believed to have died in the 1850's and his mortal remains may very well lie in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, Julia Ann (Ridgway) Beeson and her family are found in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois;
Julia Beeson 58 F VA
Jennie Beeson 24 F OH
David Beeson 21 M Clerk OH
Jesse Beeson 19 M Artist OH
Julia Beeson 15 F OH
Juliann (Ridgway) Beeson died on 2 Aug 1863 and her mortal remains were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #122734830.
Now to continue with the biography of Joseph Smith Millsaps;
At the time of the 1850 census, Joseph Millsaps, age 21, is found residing his parents of a farm in McDonough County, Illinois. Again, the Rev. Joseph Smith Millsaps was married to Martha Jane Beeson on November 27, 1856, in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. Only one daughter is known to have been born to Joseph and Martha. She is;
1. Julia Elizabeth Millsaps, born September 13, 1857 in Illinois. Julia was married to Charles Edwin Piatt (1850 - 1934) on September 2, 1879 in El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois. Charles was born on July __, 1850 in Indiana, the son of Joseph Paxton Piatt (1824 - 1904) and Mary Carper (Hardy) Piatt (1831 - 1891).
The children born to Julia and Charles include;
A. Harold Joseph/Joseph Harold Piatt, born September 27, 1883 in Kansas. Joseph was married to Maude V. Williams on December 12, 1906 in Auburn, Placer County, California. At the time of the 1910 census, Joseph and Maude are found in Alameda County, California;
Joseph H. Piatt 26 3 KS Electrician Own Shop
Maude V. Piatt 26 3 0 0 SD
Maude V. (Williams) Piatt died on __________ __, 1929. It is notknown where her mortal remains were laid. Joseph and Maude are not believed to have had any children.
Sometime after Maude's death, Joseph was married to Mona W. ___________. At the time of the 1940 census, Joseph and Maude are found residing at what is then identified as 410 Boynton Street in Oakland, Alameda County, California;
J. Harold Piatt 56 KS Civil Engineer
Mona W. Piatt 56 OR
Again, no children are shown. Mona died in 1942. Joseph Harold Piatt died on March 18, 1960 in Alameda County, California. It is not known where any of their earthly remains were laid.
B. Martha G. Piatt, born March __, 1885 in California.
C. Fred C. Piatt, born June __, 1888 in California.
D. Mildred E. Piatt, born March __, 1892 in California.
Julia Elizabeth (Millsaps) Piatt died on 24 Mar 1954 in Alameda County, California.
At the time of the 1860 census, Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps and his family are found in Princeville Township, Peoria County, Illinois, where he is the Methodist Episcopal Minister in Princeville. One of his next door neighbors is Peter H. Snyder, who is a Carpenter, by trade, and his family. Peter will soon find himself the first 1st Sergeant of a company that is going to be raised in Princeville after the civil war gets started;
Joseph S. Millsapps 31 M Meth. E. Min. Ind.
Martha J. Millsapps 33 F Vir.
Julia E Millsapps 2 F Ill.
In April of 1861, Fort Sumter is fired upon and the United States finds itself torn apart by civil war. During the next year, Rev. Millsap sees several members of his congregation join the Union army. Then in the summer of 1862, with the war not going well for the north, President Abraham Lincoln makes an appeal for 600,000 more volunteers. In early, August of 1862, many young men of Princeville respond to that appeal. Led by Princeville school teacher, John French, some 90 men from the Princeville area, a large percentage of the able bodied men of the Princeville area, many of them members of Rev. Millsaps M. E. Church, volunteer to serve together representing the Princeville community. On August 27, 1862, with John French as their Captain, 90 some men from the Princeville area are mustered into the service as Co. K of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
David D. Irons is appointed Colonel of the 86th Illinois. Col. Irons' brother-in-law, the
Rev. George W. Brown, a Methodist Episcopal Minister with a church in Knox County, Illinois, is appointed Chaplain of the 86th Illinois. Rev. Brown and Rev. Millsaps almost certainly know each other and are very likely friends. With so many of his church members in Co. K of the 86th, and their wives and children attending his services every week, Rev. Millsaps undoubtedly took great interest on the activities of the men of 86th and in their wellfare.
The winter of 1862/63 was very hard on the green troops in the field and Chaplain Brown is known to have tended to the sick and the dying and regularly led Church services for the men of the 86th. Spring brought some relief to the green troops but the summer of 1863 proved to be a hot one in Tennessee. The men of McCook's Brigade, of which the 86th was a part, spent much of the summer of 63 going out on short expeditions in Central Tennessee. Many of the men suffered terribly from heat exhaustion on those long marches in August of 1863. In early August of 1863, Colonel David D. Irons came down with a severe case of Typhoid Fever and after suffering for some time died on August 11, 1863. The following day, the entire brigade escorted Col. Irons earthly remains to the depot, where they were put on a train and taken to Peoria for burial. It is likely that, Col. Irons' brother-in-law, Chaplain Brown escorted the remains back to Peoria.
Back in Peoria, the conditions and pressures of his position, the death of his brother-in-law and having to watch as so many good young men maimed and dying, were taking their toll on Chaplain George W. Brown and Rev. Brown is believed to have talked Rev. Millsap into going south to join the 86th, possibly temporily, to give Rev. Brown some relief. Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps joined the 86th in August of 1863 while they were stationed in the Nashville, Tennesse area.
In late August of 1863, the men of McCook's Brigade found themselves scattered along the Nashville & Decatur railroad south of Nashville. The men of the 86th were stationed at West Harpeth, Tennessee, located about 8 miles south of Franklin, Tennessee, where they were detailed to repair a railroad bridge on the Nashville & Decatur Railroad. On August 27, 1863, the 1st anniversary of the men of the 86th being mustered into the service on August 27, 1862 back in Peoria, Rev. Millsaps delivered an address that Kinnear in his history of the 86th states was "suitable to the occasion."
In October of 1863, probably after rejoining the regiment in Tennessee and after discussing the matter at great lengths with Rev. Millsaps , Rev. Brown made the decision to resign with Rev. Millsaps replacing him as Chaplain of the 86th. Rev. Brown's resignation was accepted on October 13, 1863 and Rev. Millsap was appointed Chaplain of the 86th at that time. Rev. Brown is believed to have headed home shortly after this, probably in the company of Major Orlando Fountain, who also resigned his commission on October 13, 1863. Kinnear's history of the 86th Illinois states the following of Chaplain Brown. "Chaplain Brown gave his whole heart to the fulfillment of the duties incumbent on his office, by attending the sick and suffering of his regiment with a spirit and energy scarcely ever surpassed. He was indefatigable in his efforts to promote the happiness and welfare of his boys, and could always give inquiring friends from abroad the exact place and condition of the sick and suffering of the regiment."
Though appointed Chaplain of the 86th on October 13, 1863, Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps was not mustered as such until February 3, 1864, when the 86th was stationed at McAfee's Church, located on the east side of the Chickamauga Battlefield, six miles from Chattanooga, after the Battles of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Chickamauga, Georgia had taken place.
Illinois Civil War Muster and Descriptive Rolls Detail Report
from the Illinois State Archives
Name MILLSAPS, JOSEPH S Rank CHAP
Company HQ Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence _____
Age 35 Height _____ Hair _____ Eyes _____
Complexion _____ Marital Status _____
Occupation _____ Nativity _____
Service Record
Joined When FEB 3, 1864 Joined Where CAMP MCAFEE, GA
Joined By Whom GOV YATES Period 3 YRS
Muster In FEB 3, 1864 Muster In Where CHATTANOOGA, TN
Muster In By Whom _____ Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
From the time he first arrived in Tennessee in August of 1863, though not yet a member of the 86th, until the war came to a close and the surviving members of the 86th arrived back in Central Illinois in June of 1865, Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps is known to have done everything humanly possible to tend to the physical and spiritial wellbeing of the men of the 86th and McCook's Brigade. During his time in service, Rev. Millsaps was a witness to some of the bloodiest fighting of the Western Theatre of the war as the men of McCook's Brigade participated in the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia; Averysboro, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and also Marched with Sherman to the Sea. Finally, when the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington, D.C., where in May they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps was still there tending to the needs of the surviving member of the 86th when they were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865 in Washington, D.C. Shortly after that, they were put on trains bound for Chicago, where they received their final pay and were discharged. By the end of June of 1865, they were back with their families in Central Illinois.
While Rev. Millsaps was in the service with the 86th Illinois, his wife, Martha Jane (Beeson) Millsaps, and their daughter, Julia, went to live with Martha's brother, David Beeson, in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. They are believed to have remained there until Rev. Millsaps returned from the service in June/July of 1865.
In 1870, Rev. Millsaps and his family are found in Lexington, Illinois in McLean County, Illinois;
Joseph S. Millsap 41 Clergyman IND
Martha Millsap 43 Keeping House VIR
Lizzie Millsap 12 ILL
At the time of the 1880 census, Joseph and his family are found residing on Monroe Street in Streator, LaSalle County, Illinois;
Joseph S. Millsap Minister M. E. 50 Ohio
Martha J. Millsap Keeping House 53 Vir.
Sarah Watt 26 Servant PA
Riley Morgan 25 Coal Miner PA
In the 1880's, Joseph and Martha moved west, first to Kansas, then to California, where Reverand Joseph Smith Millsaps died on 22 Jun 1886 in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California and his mortal remains were laid in the Oak Mound Cemetery in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California.
The Saturday, July 3, 1886 edition of the SONOMA DEMOCRAT newspaper, of Sonoma, California carried the following notice;
"Rev. J. S. Millsap, a most estimable gentleman, died on Wednesday last, and was buried on Thursday by the Masonic fraternity. The church was decorated in appropriate emblems of mourning. The pulpit with festoons of black and white, with a sheaf of wheat and flower crosses. He leaves a devoted wife to mourn his loss, and the church has lost a good worker."
The August 5, 1886 edition of the Henry Republican newspaper, of Henry, Illinois, carried the following obituary and biography of J. S. Millsap;
"REV. J. S. MILLSAP
Chaplain of the 86th Ill. Vol.
Rev. J. S. Millsap, who recently departed this life in California, was the Chaplain of the 86th Ill. Vols., enlisting from Lacon in this county. The news of his death has caused a feeling of profound grief and sorrow among all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and especially among our soldier boys, who knew him intimately, and who bore them company in all of their long marches, and assisted them in every way possible for their temporal and spiritual welfare. He was a man of genial ways and noble impulses, and was very companionable. In church work he was zealous and was a prominent minister of the denomination. He was born in Indiana in 1828. Joined the Rock River conference in 1853. In the division of the conference he fell into the bounds of Peoria, now Central Illinois Conference. He has held charges at Canton, Princeville, Chillicothe, LaPrairie Center and Lacon. While stationed here he was elected Chaplain of the 86th Regiment in 1863, enlisting in the vicinity. He returned from the army in 1865 and resumed his M. E. connection, having pastoral appointements at Lexington, Normal, Onarga, El Paso, Streator, then to Princeville again, then to Buda. From there he moved to Kansas, and thence to California, where continually ill health finally ended in death.
At the memorial service at Buda, held in commemoration of the death of Rev. Mr. Millsap, we extract the following from the address of Dr. Huntley, giving a brief resume of his army life.
'Emery Post of the Grand Army of the Republic is called upon for the first time since its organization to record the death of one of its comrades. It is eminently fitting that we cherish the memory of the faithful defenders of the republic by placing a record of their services in the archives of the Post, and forward to the relatives of the deceased resolutions of sympathy and condolence, also by public assembly and solumn observance by anthem and by eulogy to express our high appreciation of his virtues and his character as a worthy citizen, consistent and devoted Christian, and a true hearted, brave and honored soldier. Joseph S. Millsap is dead. We gratefully bring our feeble tribute to the illustrious dead. His life work with its precepts and example now only remains to us. He was appointed Chaplain of the 86th Illinois Infantry, with rank of Captain, in the summer of 1863, and joined the regiment which was in the field in the Department of Tennessee, under General McPherson, as corp commander, participating in the battle Champion Hill, the siege of Vicksburg, and in Sherman's march from Chattanooga to the sea, and during that time his comrades speak of him as one of the most efficient chaplains in the service, ever ready and willing to do his whole duty, whether in the hospital among the sick and wounded or with his regiment. He was ever the same whole souled sympathetic friend, counsellor and assistant never shirking from going where duty called, from hardship, privation or danger with an uncomplaining spirit animated by true nobility of character he was manfully obedient to the stern behests of loyalty to his country and flag, not that evafiescent loyalty accorded a prince or potentate under a monarchial government of the old world.............
The same sterling virtue animated him that did the fathers of the nation when they pledged their lives and sacred honor to secure the blessings of liberty, to defend, protect and keep inviolate the sacred trust which had been so dearly purchased as an enduring inheiritance for ourselves and children. We deeply mourne the loss of such men as our brother comrade, for the glory of our country is in her virtuous great men, its prosperity will dysend on its docility to learn from their illustrious example. That nation is fated to ignominy and servitude if such men have lived and labored in vain to impress their own high standard of excellence on its people.'"
At the time of the 1900 census, Martha J. (Beeson) Millsap is found residing with daughter, Julia E. (Millsap) Piatt and her family at what is then identified as 2033 Hearst Avenue in Ward 1 of the city of Berkeley in Alameda County, California, where Charles is a Lumber Dealer;
Charles C. Piatt Jul 1850 49 Ind
Julia E. Piatt Sep 1857 44 ILL
Harold J. Piatt Sep 1883 16 KS
Martha G. Piatt Mar 1885 15 CAL
Fred C. Piatt Jun 1888 11 CAL
Mildred E. Piatt Mar 1892 8 CAL
Martha J. Millsap Aug 1827 72 VIR PA VIR
Martha Jane (Beeson) Millsap died on June 22, 1911 in Berkeley, Alameda County, California. Her mortal remains were laid in the Sunset View Cemetery in Berkeley, Alameda County, California.
by Baxter B. Fite III
Chaplain JOSEPH SMITH MILLSAPS, Regimental Staff, 86th Illinois Infantry
Joseph Smith Millsaps/Millsap was born on 29 Dec 1828 in Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana, the son of William Lacy Millsaps, who was born September 8, 1803 in Jefferson County, Tennessee, the son of Moses Millsaps and Jane Millsaps, and Elizabeth Smith, who was born on December 30, 1810 in Kentucky.
William Lacy Millsaps married Elizabeth Smith on April 10, 1828 in Orange County, Indiana. At least 10 children are known to have been born to William and Elizabeth, including;
1. Joseph Smith Millsap, born December 29, 1828 in Putnam County, Indiana. See his biography below.
2. Moses Madison Millsap, born December 31, 1830 in Indiana. Moses was married to Amanda Dustin, who was born on 3 Mar 1840 in Huntingburg, Dubois County, Indiana.
At least one son is known to have been born to Moses and Amanda;
A. Frank S. Millsap, born c. April of 1860 in Peoria County, Illinois.
B. Lee Millsap, born 1863/64 in Nebraska.
C. Ray W. Milsap, born 1866/67/68 in Colorado. Ray W Millsap died on ____________ __, 1895 and his mortal remains were laid in the Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.
D. Nellie Milsap, born c. 1868/69 in Colorado.
At the time of the 1860 census, Moses and his family are found in Princeville Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Moses M Millsapps M 29 Ind
Amanda J Millsapps F 20 Ind
Frank S Millsapps M 3/12 Ills
At the time of the 1870 census, Moses and his family are found in Denver, Arapahoe Township, Colorado Territory;
Madison M Milsap M 39 Illinois
Amanda Milsap F 29 Illinois
Frank Milsap M 10 Illinois
Lee Milsap M 6 Nebraska
Ray Milsap M 3 Colorado
Nellie Milsap F 1 Colorado
Moses and Amanda seperated and then divorced in the 1870's. M. M. Millsap, age 50, and again listed as having been born in Illinois, is found in an Insane Asylum in Precinct 2, Pueblo, Colorado. Nothing more is found of him after this.
Amanda was married 2nd to a _____________ Macken and she had at least one more child.
Amanda Jane (Dustin) Milsap Macken died on 19 Jun 1897 in Denver, Denver County, Colorado and her mortal remains were laid in the Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, Denver County, Colorado next to those of her son, Ray W. Millsap.
3. Nancy Millsapp, born c. 1832/33 in Indiana.
4. Sarah Ellin Millsap, born March 25, 1835 in Bartholomew County, Indiana. Sarah Ellin Millsap was married to ______________ Rominger. Sarah died on 14 Apr 1919 in Davis County, Iowa and her mortal remains were laid in the Bloomfield IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield, Davis County, Iowa. See her Find A Grave Memorial #60791432.
5. Elisabeth Millsapp, born c. 1835 in Indiana.
6. Margaret Millsapp, born c. 1838/39 in Illinois.
7. Jason Lee Millsap, born March 22, 1841 in McDonough County, Illinois. Jason was married to Mahala Ann Collins. Jason died on 23 Feb 1920 in Davis County, Iowa at the age of 78.
8. Eliza Millsapp, born c. 1843/44 in Illinois
9. Susan Millsapp, born c. 1845/46 in Illinois
10. Adaline Millsapp, born c. 1848/49 in Illinois.
Now to continue with what we know about William Lacy Millsaps and his family;
At the time of the 1830 census, Wm L. Milsaps is found in Washington County, Indiana. His father, Moses Milsaps lives next door. Here is the way William's household appears;
1 male 20 to 29 (William)
1 male 0 to 4 (Joseph)
1 female (Elizabeth)
At the time of the 1840 census, William has yet to be located.
At the time of the 1850 census William L. Millsapp is found in McDonough county, Illinois, where the family is farming;
William T Millsapp M 47 Tennessee
Elizabeth Millsapp F 39 Kentucky
Joseph Millsapp M 21 Indiana
Moses Millsapp M 19 Indiana
Nancy Millsapp F 17 Indiana
Sarah Millsapp F 15 Indiana
Elisabeth Millsapp F 15 Indiana
Margaret Millsapp F 11 Illinois
Jason Millsapp M 9 Illinois
Eliza Millsapp F 6 Illinois
Susan Millsapp F 4 Illinois
Adaline Millsapp F 1 Illinois
Sarah Beebe F 22 New York
Elizabeth (Smith) Millsaps died on 18 Oct 1851 in McDonough County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Friendship Cemetery in Tennessee Township, McDonough County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #25692484.
William Lacy Millsap was then married 2nd to Matilda E Jones on July 30, 1853 in Hancock County, Illinois. Matilda was born on 30 May 1819. Seven children were born to William and Matilda, including;
11. Emily Millsap, born and died in 1854 in Illinois, probably in McDonough County.
12. Francis Asbury "Frank" Millsap, born August 24 1855 in Illinois. Frank died on August 27, 1931 in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska and his mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See his Find A Grave Memorial #66352428.
13. Harriett Mariah Millsap, born c. 1856 in Iowa. Harriett died in 1899
14. John Moren/Moses Millsap, born May 14, 1858 in Davis County, Iowa. John is found with the family in the 1860, 1870 and 1880 census records seen below. Nothing more can be found on John after that 1880 census.
15. Oscar Millsap, born April 8, 1860 in Davis County, Iowa. Oscar died on April 9, 1924 and his mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See his Find A Grave Memorial #66352328.
16.William Albert Millsap, born September 6, 1862 in Davis County, Iowa. William A. Millsap was married on October 19, 1890 in York County, Nebraska to Minnie B, Smith. William died on April 16, 1931 and his mortal remains were laid in the Hillside Cemetery in Julesburg, Sedgwick County, Colorado. See his Find A Grave Memorial #74109547.
17. Celina May "Lina" Millsap, born August 30, 1864 in Davis County, Iowa. Celina died om January 30, 1885 and her mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See her Find A Grave Memorial #66352369.
Now to continue with what we know about William Lacy Millsap/Millsaps and his family;
At the time of the 1860 census, William L. Millsap/Millsaps and his family are found in Grove Township, Davis County, Iowa;
William L Millsap M 56 Tenn
Matilda E Millsap F 41 Tenn
Margaret Millsap F 20 Ill
Mary E Millsap F 16 Ill
Jason L Millsap M 19 Ill
Francis A Millsap M 4 Ill
Harriett Millsap F 3 Iowa
John M Millsap M 2 Iowa
Oscar Millsap M Iowa
At the time of the 1870 census, William L. Millsaps and his family are found in Wyacondah Township, Davis County, Iowa;
William L Millsap M 66 Tennessee
Matilda E Millsap F 51 Tennessee
Francis A Millsap M 14 Illinois
Harriet M Millsap F 12 Iowa
John M Millsap M 12 Iowa
Oscar Millsap M 10 Iowa
William A Millsap M 7 Iowa
Salissa M Millsap F 5 Iowa
At the time of the 1880 census, William Millsap and his family are found in Otis Township, Hamilton County, Nebraska, where the family is farming;
William Millsap Self M 76 Pennsylvania, United States
Matilda Millsap Wife F 61 Pennsylvania, United States
Frank Millsap Son M 24 Illinois, United States
John Millsap Son M 22 Iowa, United States
Oscar Millsap Son M 20 Iowa, United States
William Millsap Son M 17 Iowa, United States
Lina Millsap Daughter F 15 Iowa, United States
Matilda E. (Jones) Millsaps died on 4 May 1889 in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska and her mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See her Find A Grave Memorial #60784660.
Rev. William Lacy Millsap died on 8 Jul 1892 in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska at the age of 88 and his mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See Find A Grave Memorial #60784627.
Now to continue with the biography of Joseph Smith Millsaps;
Joseph Smith Millsaps became a Methodist Episcopal Minister and in 1853, joined the Rock Creek Conference of the M. E. church, which included churches in Fulton County and Peoria County in Illinois. Rev. Millsaps' first charge is believed to have been the M. E. Church in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois and it was probably there that he met a young lady by the name of Martha Jane Beeson.
Martha Jane Beeson was born August 29, 1826 in Virginia, one of at least six children born to Edward L. Beeson/Bieson, who was born c. 1795/96 in Virginia, and Julia Ann (Ridgway) Beeson/Bieson, who was born c. August 31, 1801/02 in Virginia.
The children born to Edward and Julia include;
1. Martha J. Bieson, born August 29, 1826 in Virginia.
2. Edward Bieson, born c. 1832/33 in Ohio.
3. Virginia A. Bieson, born c. 1835/36 in Ohio.
4. David Bieson, born c. 1838/39 in Ohio.
5. Jesse Bieson, born c. 1840/41 in Ohio.
6. Juliann Bieson, born c. 1843/44 in Ohio.
Edward and Julia took their family first from Virginia to Ohio c. 1830 and then from Ohio to Illinois sometime between 1844 and 1850. The Beesons settled in Canton, Illinois in Fulton County, where Edward was an Inn Keeper. The family is found in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois at the time of the 1850 census;
Edward L. Beison 54 M Inn Keeper VA
Julia A. Bieson 48 F VA
Martha J. Bieson 23 F Va
Edward Bieson 17 M OH
Virginia A. Bieson 14 F OH
David Bieson 11 M OH
Jesse Bieson 9 M OH
Juliann Bieson 6 F OH
Edward Beison/Beeson is believed to have died in the 1850's and his mortal remains may very well lie in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, Julia Ann (Ridgway) Beeson and her family are found in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois;
Julia Beeson 58 F VA
Jennie Beeson 24 F OH
David Beeson 21 M Clerk OH
Jesse Beeson 19 M Artist OH
Julia Beeson 15 F OH
Juliann (Ridgway) Beeson died on 2 Aug 1863 and her mortal remains were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #122734830.
Now to continue with the biography of Joseph Smith Millsaps;
At the time of the 1850 census, Joseph Millsaps, age 21, is found residing his parents of a farm in McDonough County, Illinois. Again, the Rev. Joseph Smith Millsaps was married to Martha Jane Beeson on November 27, 1856, in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. Only one daughter is known to have been born to Joseph and Martha. She is;
1. Julia Elizabeth Millsaps, born September 13, 1857 in Illinois. Julia was married to Charles Edwin Piatt (1850 - 1934) on September 2, 1879 in El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois. Charles was born on July __, 1850 in Indiana, the son of Joseph Paxton Piatt (1824 - 1904) and Mary Carper (Hardy) Piatt (1831 - 1891).
The children born to Julia and Charles include;
A. Harold Joseph/Joseph Harold Piatt, born September 27, 1883 in Kansas. Joseph was married to Maude V. Williams on December 12, 1906 in Auburn, Placer County, California. At the time of the 1910 census, Joseph and Maude are found in Alameda County, California;
Joseph H. Piatt 26 3 KS Electrician Own Shop
Maude V. Piatt 26 3 0 0 SD
Maude V. (Williams) Piatt died on __________ __, 1929. It is notknown where her mortal remains were laid. Joseph and Maude are not believed to have had any children.
Sometime after Maude's death, Joseph was married to Mona W. ___________. At the time of the 1940 census, Joseph and Maude are found residing at what is then identified as 410 Boynton Street in Oakland, Alameda County, California;
J. Harold Piatt 56 KS Civil Engineer
Mona W. Piatt 56 OR
Again, no children are shown. Mona died in 1942. Joseph Harold Piatt died on March 18, 1960 in Alameda County, California. It is not known where any of their earthly remains were laid.
B. Martha G. Piatt, born March __, 1885 in California.
C. Fred C. Piatt, born June __, 1888 in California.
D. Mildred E. Piatt, born March __, 1892 in California.
Julia Elizabeth (Millsaps) Piatt died on 24 Mar 1954 in Alameda County, California.
At the time of the 1860 census, Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps and his family are found in Princeville Township, Peoria County, Illinois, where he is the Methodist Episcopal Minister in Princeville. One of his next door neighbors is Peter H. Snyder, who is a Carpenter, by trade, and his family. Peter will soon find himself the first 1st Sergeant of a company that is going to be raised in Princeville after the civil war gets started;
Joseph S. Millsapps 31 M Meth. E. Min. Ind.
Martha J. Millsapps 33 F Vir.
Julia E Millsapps 2 F Ill.
In April of 1861, Fort Sumter is fired upon and the United States finds itself torn apart by civil war. During the next year, Rev. Millsap sees several members of his congregation join the Union army. Then in the summer of 1862, with the war not going well for the north, President Abraham Lincoln makes an appeal for 600,000 more volunteers. In early, August of 1862, many young men of Princeville respond to that appeal. Led by Princeville school teacher, John French, some 90 men from the Princeville area, a large percentage of the able bodied men of the Princeville area, many of them members of Rev. Millsaps M. E. Church, volunteer to serve together representing the Princeville community. On August 27, 1862, with John French as their Captain, 90 some men from the Princeville area are mustered into the service as Co. K of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
David D. Irons is appointed Colonel of the 86th Illinois. Col. Irons' brother-in-law, the
Rev. George W. Brown, a Methodist Episcopal Minister with a church in Knox County, Illinois, is appointed Chaplain of the 86th Illinois. Rev. Brown and Rev. Millsaps almost certainly know each other and are very likely friends. With so many of his church members in Co. K of the 86th, and their wives and children attending his services every week, Rev. Millsaps undoubtedly took great interest on the activities of the men of 86th and in their wellfare.
The winter of 1862/63 was very hard on the green troops in the field and Chaplain Brown is known to have tended to the sick and the dying and regularly led Church services for the men of the 86th. Spring brought some relief to the green troops but the summer of 1863 proved to be a hot one in Tennessee. The men of McCook's Brigade, of which the 86th was a part, spent much of the summer of 63 going out on short expeditions in Central Tennessee. Many of the men suffered terribly from heat exhaustion on those long marches in August of 1863. In early August of 1863, Colonel David D. Irons came down with a severe case of Typhoid Fever and after suffering for some time died on August 11, 1863. The following day, the entire brigade escorted Col. Irons earthly remains to the depot, where they were put on a train and taken to Peoria for burial. It is likely that, Col. Irons' brother-in-law, Chaplain Brown escorted the remains back to Peoria.
Back in Peoria, the conditions and pressures of his position, the death of his brother-in-law and having to watch as so many good young men maimed and dying, were taking their toll on Chaplain George W. Brown and Rev. Brown is believed to have talked Rev. Millsap into going south to join the 86th, possibly temporily, to give Rev. Brown some relief. Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps joined the 86th in August of 1863 while they were stationed in the Nashville, Tennesse area.
In late August of 1863, the men of McCook's Brigade found themselves scattered along the Nashville & Decatur railroad south of Nashville. The men of the 86th were stationed at West Harpeth, Tennessee, located about 8 miles south of Franklin, Tennessee, where they were detailed to repair a railroad bridge on the Nashville & Decatur Railroad. On August 27, 1863, the 1st anniversary of the men of the 86th being mustered into the service on August 27, 1862 back in Peoria, Rev. Millsaps delivered an address that Kinnear in his history of the 86th states was "suitable to the occasion."
In October of 1863, probably after rejoining the regiment in Tennessee and after discussing the matter at great lengths with Rev. Millsaps , Rev. Brown made the decision to resign with Rev. Millsaps replacing him as Chaplain of the 86th. Rev. Brown's resignation was accepted on October 13, 1863 and Rev. Millsap was appointed Chaplain of the 86th at that time. Rev. Brown is believed to have headed home shortly after this, probably in the company of Major Orlando Fountain, who also resigned his commission on October 13, 1863. Kinnear's history of the 86th Illinois states the following of Chaplain Brown. "Chaplain Brown gave his whole heart to the fulfillment of the duties incumbent on his office, by attending the sick and suffering of his regiment with a spirit and energy scarcely ever surpassed. He was indefatigable in his efforts to promote the happiness and welfare of his boys, and could always give inquiring friends from abroad the exact place and condition of the sick and suffering of the regiment."
Though appointed Chaplain of the 86th on October 13, 1863, Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps was not mustered as such until February 3, 1864, when the 86th was stationed at McAfee's Church, located on the east side of the Chickamauga Battlefield, six miles from Chattanooga, after the Battles of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Chickamauga, Georgia had taken place.
Illinois Civil War Muster and Descriptive Rolls Detail Report
from the Illinois State Archives
Name MILLSAPS, JOSEPH S Rank CHAP
Company HQ Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence _____
Age 35 Height _____ Hair _____ Eyes _____
Complexion _____ Marital Status _____
Occupation _____ Nativity _____
Service Record
Joined When FEB 3, 1864 Joined Where CAMP MCAFEE, GA
Joined By Whom GOV YATES Period 3 YRS
Muster In FEB 3, 1864 Muster In Where CHATTANOOGA, TN
Muster In By Whom _____ Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
From the time he first arrived in Tennessee in August of 1863, though not yet a member of the 86th, until the war came to a close and the surviving members of the 86th arrived back in Central Illinois in June of 1865, Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps is known to have done everything humanly possible to tend to the physical and spiritial wellbeing of the men of the 86th and McCook's Brigade. During his time in service, Rev. Millsaps was a witness to some of the bloodiest fighting of the Western Theatre of the war as the men of McCook's Brigade participated in the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia; Averysboro, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and also Marched with Sherman to the Sea. Finally, when the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington, D.C., where in May they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps was still there tending to the needs of the surviving member of the 86th when they were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865 in Washington, D.C. Shortly after that, they were put on trains bound for Chicago, where they received their final pay and were discharged. By the end of June of 1865, they were back with their families in Central Illinois.
While Rev. Millsaps was in the service with the 86th Illinois, his wife, Martha Jane (Beeson) Millsaps, and their daughter, Julia, went to live with Martha's brother, David Beeson, in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. They are believed to have remained there until Rev. Millsaps returned from the service in June/July of 1865.
In 1870, Rev. Millsaps and his family are found in Lexington, Illinois in McLean County, Illinois;
Joseph S. Millsap 41 Clergyman IND
Martha Millsap 43 Keeping House VIR
Lizzie Millsap 12 ILL
At the time of the 1880 census, Joseph and his family are found residing on Monroe Street in Streator, LaSalle County, Illinois;
Joseph S. Millsap Minister M. E. 50 Ohio
Martha J. Millsap Keeping House 53 Vir.
Sarah Watt 26 Servant PA
Riley Morgan 25 Coal Miner PA
In the 1880's, Joseph and Martha moved west, first to Kansas, then to California, where Reverand Joseph Smith Millsaps died on 22 Jun 1886 in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California and his mortal remains were laid in the Oak Mound Cemetery in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California.
The Saturday, July 3, 1886 edition of the SONOMA DEMOCRAT newspaper, of Sonoma, California carried the following notice;
"Rev. J. S. Millsap, a most estimable gentleman, died on Wednesday last, and was buried on Thursday by the Masonic fraternity. The church was decorated in appropriate emblems of mourning. The pulpit with festoons of black and white, with a sheaf of wheat and flower crosses. He leaves a devoted wife to mourn his loss, and the church has lost a good worker."
The August 5, 1886 edition of the Henry Republican newspaper, of Henry, Illinois, carried the following obituary and biography of J. S. Millsap;
"REV. J. S. MILLSAP
Chaplain of the 86th Ill. Vol.
Rev. J. S. Millsap, who recently departed this life in California, was the Chaplain of the 86th Ill. Vols., enlisting from Lacon in this county. The news of his death has caused a feeling of profound grief and sorrow among all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and especially among our soldier boys, who knew him intimately, and who bore them company in all of their long marches, and assisted them in every way possible for their temporal and spiritual welfare. He was a man of genial ways and noble impulses, and was very companionable. In church work he was zealous and was a prominent minister of the denomination. He was born in Indiana in 1828. Joined the Rock River conference in 1853. In the division of the conference he fell into the bounds of Peoria, now Central Illinois Conference. He has held charges at Canton, Princeville, Chillicothe, LaPrairie Center and Lacon. While stationed here he was elected Chaplain of the 86th Regiment in 1863, enlisting in the vicinity. He returned from the army in 1865 and resumed his M. E. connection, having pastoral appointements at Lexington, Normal, Onarga, El Paso, Streator, then to Princeville again, then to Buda. From there he moved to Kansas, and thence to California, where continually ill health finally ended in death.
At the memorial service at Buda, held in commemoration of the death of Rev. Mr. Millsap, we extract the following from the address of Dr. Huntley, giving a brief resume of his army life.
'Emery Post of the Grand Army of the Republic is called upon for the first time since its organization to record the death of one of its comrades. It is eminently fitting that we cherish the memory of the faithful defenders of the republic by placing a record of their services in the archives of the Post, and forward to the relatives of the deceased resolutions of sympathy and condolence, also by public assembly and solumn observance by anthem and by eulogy to express our high appreciation of his virtues and his character as a worthy citizen, consistent and devoted Christian, and a true hearted, brave and honored soldier. Joseph S. Millsap is dead. We gratefully bring our feeble tribute to the illustrious dead. His life work with its precepts and example now only remains to us. He was appointed Chaplain of the 86th Illinois Infantry, with rank of Captain, in the summer of 1863, and joined the regiment which was in the field in the Department of Tennessee, under General McPherson, as corp commander, participating in the battle Champion Hill, the siege of Vicksburg, and in Sherman's march from Chattanooga to the sea, and during that time his comrades speak of him as one of the most efficient chaplains in the service, ever ready and willing to do his whole duty, whether in the hospital among the sick and wounded or with his regiment. He was ever the same whole souled sympathetic friend, counsellor and assistant never shirking from going where duty called, from hardship, privation or danger with an uncomplaining spirit animated by true nobility of character he was manfully obedient to the stern behests of loyalty to his country and flag, not that evafiescent loyalty accorded a prince or potentate under a monarchial government of the old world.............
The same sterling virtue animated him that did the fathers of the nation when they pledged their lives and sacred honor to secure the blessings of liberty, to defend, protect and keep inviolate the sacred trust which had been so dearly purchased as an enduring inheiritance for ourselves and children. We deeply mourne the loss of such men as our brother comrade, for the glory of our country is in her virtuous great men, its prosperity will dysend on its docility to learn from their illustrious example. That nation is fated to ignominy and servitude if such men have lived and labored in vain to impress their own high standard of excellence on its people.'"
At the time of the 1900 census, Martha J. (Beeson) Millsap is found residing with daughter, Julia E. (Millsap) Piatt and her family at what is then identified as 2033 Hearst Avenue in Ward 1 of the city of Berkeley in Alameda County, California, where Charles is a Lumber Dealer;
Charles C. Piatt Jul 1850 49 Ind
Julia E. Piatt Sep 1857 44 ILL
Harold J. Piatt Sep 1883 16 KS
Martha G. Piatt Mar 1885 15 CAL
Fred C. Piatt Jun 1888 11 CAL
Mildred E. Piatt Mar 1892 8 CAL
Martha J. Millsap Aug 1827 72 VIR PA VIR
Martha Jane (Beeson) Millsap died on June 22, 1911 in Berkeley, Alameda County, California. Her mortal remains were laid in the Sunset View Cemetery in Berkeley, Alameda County, California.
by Baxter B. Fite III
Joseph Smith Millsaps/Millsap was born on 29 Dec 1828 in Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana, the son of William Lacy Millsaps, who was born September 8, 1803 in Jefferson County, Tennessee, the son of Moses Millsaps and Jane Millsaps, and Elizabeth Smith, who was born on December 30, 1810 in Kentucky.
William Lacy Millsaps married Elizabeth Smith on April 10, 1828 in Orange County, Indiana. At least 10 children are known to have been born to William and Elizabeth, including;
1. Joseph Smith Millsap, born December 29, 1828 in Putnam County, Indiana. See his biography below.
2. Moses Madison Millsap, born December 31, 1830 in Indiana. Moses was married to Amanda Dustin, who was born on 3 Mar 1840 in Huntingburg, Dubois County, Indiana.
At least one son is known to have been born to Moses and Amanda;
A. Frank S. Millsap, born c. April of 1860 in Peoria County, Illinois.
B. Lee Millsap, born 1863/64 in Nebraska.
C. Ray W. Milsap, born 1866/67/68 in Colorado. Ray W Millsap died on ____________ __, 1895 and his mortal remains were laid in the Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.
D. Nellie Milsap, born c. 1868/69 in Colorado.
At the time of the 1860 census, Moses and his family are found in Princeville Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Moses M Millsapps M 29 Ind
Amanda J Millsapps F 20 Ind
Frank S Millsapps M 3/12 Ills
At the time of the 1870 census, Moses and his family are found in Denver, Arapahoe Township, Colorado Territory;
Madison M Milsap M 39 Illinois
Amanda Milsap F 29 Illinois
Frank Milsap M 10 Illinois
Lee Milsap M 6 Nebraska
Ray Milsap M 3 Colorado
Nellie Milsap F 1 Colorado
Moses and Amanda seperated and then divorced in the 1870's. M. M. Millsap, age 50, and again listed as having been born in Illinois, is found in an Insane Asylum in Precinct 2, Pueblo, Colorado. Nothing more is found of him after this.
Amanda was married 2nd to a _____________ Macken and she had at least one more child.
Amanda Jane (Dustin) Milsap Macken died on 19 Jun 1897 in Denver, Denver County, Colorado and her mortal remains were laid in the Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, Denver County, Colorado next to those of her son, Ray W. Millsap.
3. Nancy Millsapp, born c. 1832/33 in Indiana.
4. Sarah Ellin Millsap, born March 25, 1835 in Bartholomew County, Indiana. Sarah Ellin Millsap was married to ______________ Rominger. Sarah died on 14 Apr 1919 in Davis County, Iowa and her mortal remains were laid in the Bloomfield IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield, Davis County, Iowa. See her Find A Grave Memorial #60791432.
5. Elisabeth Millsapp, born c. 1835 in Indiana.
6. Margaret Millsapp, born c. 1838/39 in Illinois.
7. Jason Lee Millsap, born March 22, 1841 in McDonough County, Illinois. Jason was married to Mahala Ann Collins. Jason died on 23 Feb 1920 in Davis County, Iowa at the age of 78.
8. Eliza Millsapp, born c. 1843/44 in Illinois
9. Susan Millsapp, born c. 1845/46 in Illinois
10. Adaline Millsapp, born c. 1848/49 in Illinois.
Now to continue with what we know about William Lacy Millsaps and his family;
At the time of the 1830 census, Wm L. Milsaps is found in Washington County, Indiana. His father, Moses Milsaps lives next door. Here is the way William's household appears;
1 male 20 to 29 (William)
1 male 0 to 4 (Joseph)
1 female (Elizabeth)
At the time of the 1840 census, William has yet to be located.
At the time of the 1850 census William L. Millsapp is found in McDonough county, Illinois, where the family is farming;
William T Millsapp M 47 Tennessee
Elizabeth Millsapp F 39 Kentucky
Joseph Millsapp M 21 Indiana
Moses Millsapp M 19 Indiana
Nancy Millsapp F 17 Indiana
Sarah Millsapp F 15 Indiana
Elisabeth Millsapp F 15 Indiana
Margaret Millsapp F 11 Illinois
Jason Millsapp M 9 Illinois
Eliza Millsapp F 6 Illinois
Susan Millsapp F 4 Illinois
Adaline Millsapp F 1 Illinois
Sarah Beebe F 22 New York
Elizabeth (Smith) Millsaps died on 18 Oct 1851 in McDonough County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Friendship Cemetery in Tennessee Township, McDonough County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #25692484.
William Lacy Millsap was then married 2nd to Matilda E Jones on July 30, 1853 in Hancock County, Illinois. Matilda was born on 30 May 1819. Seven children were born to William and Matilda, including;
11. Emily Millsap, born and died in 1854 in Illinois, probably in McDonough County.
12. Francis Asbury "Frank" Millsap, born August 24 1855 in Illinois. Frank died on August 27, 1931 in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska and his mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See his Find A Grave Memorial #66352428.
13. Harriett Mariah Millsap, born c. 1856 in Iowa. Harriett died in 1899
14. John Moren/Moses Millsap, born May 14, 1858 in Davis County, Iowa. John is found with the family in the 1860, 1870 and 1880 census records seen below. Nothing more can be found on John after that 1880 census.
15. Oscar Millsap, born April 8, 1860 in Davis County, Iowa. Oscar died on April 9, 1924 and his mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See his Find A Grave Memorial #66352328.
16.William Albert Millsap, born September 6, 1862 in Davis County, Iowa. William A. Millsap was married on October 19, 1890 in York County, Nebraska to Minnie B, Smith. William died on April 16, 1931 and his mortal remains were laid in the Hillside Cemetery in Julesburg, Sedgwick County, Colorado. See his Find A Grave Memorial #74109547.
17. Celina May "Lina" Millsap, born August 30, 1864 in Davis County, Iowa. Celina died om January 30, 1885 and her mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See her Find A Grave Memorial #66352369.
Now to continue with what we know about William Lacy Millsap/Millsaps and his family;
At the time of the 1860 census, William L. Millsap/Millsaps and his family are found in Grove Township, Davis County, Iowa;
William L Millsap M 56 Tenn
Matilda E Millsap F 41 Tenn
Margaret Millsap F 20 Ill
Mary E Millsap F 16 Ill
Jason L Millsap M 19 Ill
Francis A Millsap M 4 Ill
Harriett Millsap F 3 Iowa
John M Millsap M 2 Iowa
Oscar Millsap M Iowa
At the time of the 1870 census, William L. Millsaps and his family are found in Wyacondah Township, Davis County, Iowa;
William L Millsap M 66 Tennessee
Matilda E Millsap F 51 Tennessee
Francis A Millsap M 14 Illinois
Harriet M Millsap F 12 Iowa
John M Millsap M 12 Iowa
Oscar Millsap M 10 Iowa
William A Millsap M 7 Iowa
Salissa M Millsap F 5 Iowa
At the time of the 1880 census, William Millsap and his family are found in Otis Township, Hamilton County, Nebraska, where the family is farming;
William Millsap Self M 76 Pennsylvania, United States
Matilda Millsap Wife F 61 Pennsylvania, United States
Frank Millsap Son M 24 Illinois, United States
John Millsap Son M 22 Iowa, United States
Oscar Millsap Son M 20 Iowa, United States
William Millsap Son M 17 Iowa, United States
Lina Millsap Daughter F 15 Iowa, United States
Matilda E. (Jones) Millsaps died on 4 May 1889 in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska and her mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See her Find A Grave Memorial #60784660.
Rev. William Lacy Millsap died on 8 Jul 1892 in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska at the age of 88 and his mortal remains were laid in the North Blue Cemetery in Hordville, Hamilton County, Nebraska. See Find A Grave Memorial #60784627.
Now to continue with the biography of Joseph Smith Millsaps;
Joseph Smith Millsaps became a Methodist Episcopal Minister and in 1853, joined the Rock Creek Conference of the M. E. church, which included churches in Fulton County and Peoria County in Illinois. Rev. Millsaps' first charge is believed to have been the M. E. Church in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois and it was probably there that he met a young lady by the name of Martha Jane Beeson.
Martha Jane Beeson was born August 29, 1826 in Virginia, one of at least six children born to Edward L. Beeson/Bieson, who was born c. 1795/96 in Virginia, and Julia Ann (Ridgway) Beeson/Bieson, who was born c. August 31, 1801/02 in Virginia.
The children born to Edward and Julia include;
1. Martha J. Bieson, born August 29, 1826 in Virginia.
2. Edward Bieson, born c. 1832/33 in Ohio.
3. Virginia A. Bieson, born c. 1835/36 in Ohio.
4. David Bieson, born c. 1838/39 in Ohio.
5. Jesse Bieson, born c. 1840/41 in Ohio.
6. Juliann Bieson, born c. 1843/44 in Ohio.
Edward and Julia took their family first from Virginia to Ohio c. 1830 and then from Ohio to Illinois sometime between 1844 and 1850. The Beesons settled in Canton, Illinois in Fulton County, where Edward was an Inn Keeper. The family is found in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois at the time of the 1850 census;
Edward L. Beison 54 M Inn Keeper VA
Julia A. Bieson 48 F VA
Martha J. Bieson 23 F Va
Edward Bieson 17 M OH
Virginia A. Bieson 14 F OH
David Bieson 11 M OH
Jesse Bieson 9 M OH
Juliann Bieson 6 F OH
Edward Beison/Beeson is believed to have died in the 1850's and his mortal remains may very well lie in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, Julia Ann (Ridgway) Beeson and her family are found in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois;
Julia Beeson 58 F VA
Jennie Beeson 24 F OH
David Beeson 21 M Clerk OH
Jesse Beeson 19 M Artist OH
Julia Beeson 15 F OH
Juliann (Ridgway) Beeson died on 2 Aug 1863 and her mortal remains were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial #122734830.
Now to continue with the biography of Joseph Smith Millsaps;
At the time of the 1850 census, Joseph Millsaps, age 21, is found residing his parents of a farm in McDonough County, Illinois. Again, the Rev. Joseph Smith Millsaps was married to Martha Jane Beeson on November 27, 1856, in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. Only one daughter is known to have been born to Joseph and Martha. She is;
1. Julia Elizabeth Millsaps, born September 13, 1857 in Illinois. Julia was married to Charles Edwin Piatt (1850 - 1934) on September 2, 1879 in El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois. Charles was born on July __, 1850 in Indiana, the son of Joseph Paxton Piatt (1824 - 1904) and Mary Carper (Hardy) Piatt (1831 - 1891).
The children born to Julia and Charles include;
A. Harold Joseph/Joseph Harold Piatt, born September 27, 1883 in Kansas. Joseph was married to Maude V. Williams on December 12, 1906 in Auburn, Placer County, California. At the time of the 1910 census, Joseph and Maude are found in Alameda County, California;
Joseph H. Piatt 26 3 KS Electrician Own Shop
Maude V. Piatt 26 3 0 0 SD
Maude V. (Williams) Piatt died on __________ __, 1929. It is notknown where her mortal remains were laid. Joseph and Maude are not believed to have had any children.
Sometime after Maude's death, Joseph was married to Mona W. ___________. At the time of the 1940 census, Joseph and Maude are found residing at what is then identified as 410 Boynton Street in Oakland, Alameda County, California;
J. Harold Piatt 56 KS Civil Engineer
Mona W. Piatt 56 OR
Again, no children are shown. Mona died in 1942. Joseph Harold Piatt died on March 18, 1960 in Alameda County, California. It is not known where any of their earthly remains were laid.
B. Martha G. Piatt, born March __, 1885 in California.
C. Fred C. Piatt, born June __, 1888 in California.
D. Mildred E. Piatt, born March __, 1892 in California.
Julia Elizabeth (Millsaps) Piatt died on 24 Mar 1954 in Alameda County, California.
At the time of the 1860 census, Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps and his family are found in Princeville Township, Peoria County, Illinois, where he is the Methodist Episcopal Minister in Princeville. One of his next door neighbors is Peter H. Snyder, who is a Carpenter, by trade, and his family. Peter will soon find himself the first 1st Sergeant of a company that is going to be raised in Princeville after the civil war gets started;
Joseph S. Millsapps 31 M Meth. E. Min. Ind.
Martha J. Millsapps 33 F Vir.
Julia E Millsapps 2 F Ill.
In April of 1861, Fort Sumter is fired upon and the United States finds itself torn apart by civil war. During the next year, Rev. Millsap sees several members of his congregation join the Union army. Then in the summer of 1862, with the war not going well for the north, President Abraham Lincoln makes an appeal for 600,000 more volunteers. In early, August of 1862, many young men of Princeville respond to that appeal. Led by Princeville school teacher, John French, some 90 men from the Princeville area, a large percentage of the able bodied men of the Princeville area, many of them members of Rev. Millsaps M. E. Church, volunteer to serve together representing the Princeville community. On August 27, 1862, with John French as their Captain, 90 some men from the Princeville area are mustered into the service as Co. K of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
David D. Irons is appointed Colonel of the 86th Illinois. Col. Irons' brother-in-law, the
Rev. George W. Brown, a Methodist Episcopal Minister with a church in Knox County, Illinois, is appointed Chaplain of the 86th Illinois. Rev. Brown and Rev. Millsaps almost certainly know each other and are very likely friends. With so many of his church members in Co. K of the 86th, and their wives and children attending his services every week, Rev. Millsaps undoubtedly took great interest on the activities of the men of 86th and in their wellfare.
The winter of 1862/63 was very hard on the green troops in the field and Chaplain Brown is known to have tended to the sick and the dying and regularly led Church services for the men of the 86th. Spring brought some relief to the green troops but the summer of 1863 proved to be a hot one in Tennessee. The men of McCook's Brigade, of which the 86th was a part, spent much of the summer of 63 going out on short expeditions in Central Tennessee. Many of the men suffered terribly from heat exhaustion on those long marches in August of 1863. In early August of 1863, Colonel David D. Irons came down with a severe case of Typhoid Fever and after suffering for some time died on August 11, 1863. The following day, the entire brigade escorted Col. Irons earthly remains to the depot, where they were put on a train and taken to Peoria for burial. It is likely that, Col. Irons' brother-in-law, Chaplain Brown escorted the remains back to Peoria.
Back in Peoria, the conditions and pressures of his position, the death of his brother-in-law and having to watch as so many good young men maimed and dying, were taking their toll on Chaplain George W. Brown and Rev. Brown is believed to have talked Rev. Millsap into going south to join the 86th, possibly temporily, to give Rev. Brown some relief. Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps joined the 86th in August of 1863 while they were stationed in the Nashville, Tennesse area.
In late August of 1863, the men of McCook's Brigade found themselves scattered along the Nashville & Decatur railroad south of Nashville. The men of the 86th were stationed at West Harpeth, Tennessee, located about 8 miles south of Franklin, Tennessee, where they were detailed to repair a railroad bridge on the Nashville & Decatur Railroad. On August 27, 1863, the 1st anniversary of the men of the 86th being mustered into the service on August 27, 1862 back in Peoria, Rev. Millsaps delivered an address that Kinnear in his history of the 86th states was "suitable to the occasion."
In October of 1863, probably after rejoining the regiment in Tennessee and after discussing the matter at great lengths with Rev. Millsaps , Rev. Brown made the decision to resign with Rev. Millsaps replacing him as Chaplain of the 86th. Rev. Brown's resignation was accepted on October 13, 1863 and Rev. Millsap was appointed Chaplain of the 86th at that time. Rev. Brown is believed to have headed home shortly after this, probably in the company of Major Orlando Fountain, who also resigned his commission on October 13, 1863. Kinnear's history of the 86th Illinois states the following of Chaplain Brown. "Chaplain Brown gave his whole heart to the fulfillment of the duties incumbent on his office, by attending the sick and suffering of his regiment with a spirit and energy scarcely ever surpassed. He was indefatigable in his efforts to promote the happiness and welfare of his boys, and could always give inquiring friends from abroad the exact place and condition of the sick and suffering of the regiment."
Though appointed Chaplain of the 86th on October 13, 1863, Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps was not mustered as such until February 3, 1864, when the 86th was stationed at McAfee's Church, located on the east side of the Chickamauga Battlefield, six miles from Chattanooga, after the Battles of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Chickamauga, Georgia had taken place.
Illinois Civil War Muster and Descriptive Rolls Detail Report
from the Illinois State Archives
Name MILLSAPS, JOSEPH S Rank CHAP
Company HQ Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence _____
Age 35 Height _____ Hair _____ Eyes _____
Complexion _____ Marital Status _____
Occupation _____ Nativity _____
Service Record
Joined When FEB 3, 1864 Joined Where CAMP MCAFEE, GA
Joined By Whom GOV YATES Period 3 YRS
Muster In FEB 3, 1864 Muster In Where CHATTANOOGA, TN
Muster In By Whom _____ Muster Out JUN 6, 1865
Muster Out Where WASHINGTON, DC
Muster Out By Whom LT SCROGGS
From the time he first arrived in Tennessee in August of 1863, though not yet a member of the 86th, until the war came to a close and the surviving members of the 86th arrived back in Central Illinois in June of 1865, Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps is known to have done everything humanly possible to tend to the physical and spiritial wellbeing of the men of the 86th and McCook's Brigade. During his time in service, Rev. Millsaps was a witness to some of the bloodiest fighting of the Western Theatre of the war as the men of McCook's Brigade participated in the Battles of Chickamauga, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia; Rome, Georgia; Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, Jonesboro, Georgia; Averysboro, North Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina and also Marched with Sherman to the Sea. Finally, when the war came to a close, the men of McCook's Brigade marched on to Washington, D.C., where in May they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on the 2nd day of the Grand Review. Rev. Joseph S. Millsaps was still there tending to the needs of the surviving member of the 86th when they were mustered out of the service on June 6, 1865 in Washington, D.C. Shortly after that, they were put on trains bound for Chicago, where they received their final pay and were discharged. By the end of June of 1865, they were back with their families in Central Illinois.
While Rev. Millsaps was in the service with the 86th Illinois, his wife, Martha Jane (Beeson) Millsaps, and their daughter, Julia, went to live with Martha's brother, David Beeson, in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. They are believed to have remained there until Rev. Millsaps returned from the service in June/July of 1865.
In 1870, Rev. Millsaps and his family are found in Lexington, Illinois in McLean County, Illinois;
Joseph S. Millsap 41 Clergyman IND
Martha Millsap 43 Keeping House VIR
Lizzie Millsap 12 ILL
At the time of the 1880 census, Joseph and his family are found residing on Monroe Street in Streator, LaSalle County, Illinois;
Joseph S. Millsap Minister M. E. 50 Ohio
Martha J. Millsap Keeping House 53 Vir.
Sarah Watt 26 Servant PA
Riley Morgan 25 Coal Miner PA
In the 1880's, Joseph and Martha moved west, first to Kansas, then to California, where Reverand Joseph Smith Millsaps died on 22 Jun 1886 in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California and his mortal remains were laid in the Oak Mound Cemetery in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California.
The Saturday, July 3, 1886 edition of the SONOMA DEMOCRAT newspaper, of Sonoma, California carried the following notice;
"Rev. J. S. Millsap, a most estimable gentleman, died on Wednesday last, and was buried on Thursday by the Masonic fraternity. The church was decorated in appropriate emblems of mourning. The pulpit with festoons of black and white, with a sheaf of wheat and flower crosses. He leaves a devoted wife to mourn his loss, and the church has lost a good worker."
The August 5, 1886 edition of the Henry Republican newspaper, of Henry, Illinois, carried the following obituary and biography of J. S. Millsap;
"REV. J. S. MILLSAP
Chaplain of the 86th Ill. Vol.
Rev. J. S. Millsap, who recently departed this life in California, was the Chaplain of the 86th Ill. Vols., enlisting from Lacon in this county. The news of his death has caused a feeling of profound grief and sorrow among all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and especially among our soldier boys, who knew him intimately, and who bore them company in all of their long marches, and assisted them in every way possible for their temporal and spiritual welfare. He was a man of genial ways and noble impulses, and was very companionable. In church work he was zealous and was a prominent minister of the denomination. He was born in Indiana in 1828. Joined the Rock River conference in 1853. In the division of the conference he fell into the bounds of Peoria, now Central Illinois Conference. He has held charges at Canton, Princeville, Chillicothe, LaPrairie Center and Lacon. While stationed here he was elected Chaplain of the 86th Regiment in 1863, enlisting in the vicinity. He returned from the army in 1865 and resumed his M. E. connection, having pastoral appointements at Lexington, Normal, Onarga, El Paso, Streator, then to Princeville again, then to Buda. From there he moved to Kansas, and thence to California, where continually ill health finally ended in death.
At the memorial service at Buda, held in commemoration of the death of Rev. Mr. Millsap, we extract the following from the address of Dr. Huntley, giving a brief resume of his army life.
'Emery Post of the Grand Army of the Republic is called upon for the first time since its organization to record the death of one of its comrades. It is eminently fitting that we cherish the memory of the faithful defenders of the republic by placing a record of their services in the archives of the Post, and forward to the relatives of the deceased resolutions of sympathy and condolence, also by public assembly and solumn observance by anthem and by eulogy to express our high appreciation of his virtues and his character as a worthy citizen, consistent and devoted Christian, and a true hearted, brave and honored soldier. Joseph S. Millsap is dead. We gratefully bring our feeble tribute to the illustrious dead. His life work with its precepts and example now only remains to us. He was appointed Chaplain of the 86th Illinois Infantry, with rank of Captain, in the summer of 1863, and joined the regiment which was in the field in the Department of Tennessee, under General McPherson, as corp commander, participating in the battle Champion Hill, the siege of Vicksburg, and in Sherman's march from Chattanooga to the sea, and during that time his comrades speak of him as one of the most efficient chaplains in the service, ever ready and willing to do his whole duty, whether in the hospital among the sick and wounded or with his regiment. He was ever the same whole souled sympathetic friend, counsellor and assistant never shirking from going where duty called, from hardship, privation or danger with an uncomplaining spirit animated by true nobility of character he was manfully obedient to the stern behests of loyalty to his country and flag, not that evafiescent loyalty accorded a prince or potentate under a monarchial government of the old world.............
The same sterling virtue animated him that did the fathers of the nation when they pledged their lives and sacred honor to secure the blessings of liberty, to defend, protect and keep inviolate the sacred trust which had been so dearly purchased as an enduring inheiritance for ourselves and children. We deeply mourne the loss of such men as our brother comrade, for the glory of our country is in her virtuous great men, its prosperity will dysend on its docility to learn from their illustrious example. That nation is fated to ignominy and servitude if such men have lived and labored in vain to impress their own high standard of excellence on its people.'"
At the time of the 1900 census, Martha J. (Beeson) Millsap is found residing with daughter, Julia E. (Millsap) Piatt and her family at what is then identified as 2033 Hearst Avenue in Ward 1 of the city of Berkeley in Alameda County, California, where Charles is a Lumber Dealer;
Charles C. Piatt Jul 1850 49 Ind
Julia E. Piatt Sep 1857 44 ILL
Harold J. Piatt Sep 1883 16 KS
Martha G. Piatt Mar 1885 15 CAL
Fred C. Piatt Jun 1888 11 CAL
Mildred E. Piatt Mar 1892 8 CAL
Martha J. Millsap Aug 1827 72 VIR PA VIR
Martha Jane (Beeson) Millsap died on June 22, 1911 in Berkeley, Alameda County, California. Her mortal remains were laid in the Sunset View Cemetery in Berkeley, Alameda County, California.
by Baxter B. Fite III
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