Daughter of Palmer J. Pillans and Laura M. (Roberts) Pillans.
She married in Mobile 22 JUNE 1869, Otway B. Norvell son of Samuel Gustavus and Lelia (Bradfute) Norvell.
He was b. Dec 1846, Lynchburg, VA; d. 03 Jul 1905, Louisville, KY., and was a private in the Second Kentucky Cavalry, Confederate States of America. Burial
NORVELL, OTWAY B. PVT B
2 KY CAV CS LOT 267 1/2 #47 CAVE HILL CONFEDERATE CEMETERY, LOUISVILLE, JEFFERSON COUNTY, KENTUCKY
Some references say his name was Otway Bradfute Norvell while others indicate Otway Byrd Norvell. Otway Byrd was the name of several maternal ancestors.
Regarding his Civil War memoir, one publication titled "Recollections of a childhood friend in Old Covington Kentucky." His Civil War memoir was donated DEC 1951 by his wife's cousin, Mrs. Almarine R. Lacey of Shreveport, Louisiana, to the Southern Historical Collection at the University of North Carolina Library at Chapel Hill, NC. Ms. Lacey was a descendant of Ida Pillans Norvell's aunt, Olivea Alexander (Roberts) Mather. Olivea's grandson Francis Walsingham Mather Jr. married Mary Ellen Cheney, and their daughter Olivia Alexander Mather married A. R. Lacey.
"Otway and his two brothers, John and William, were recruited by Captain Langhorn in Lynchburg, Virginia, to join the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry. Otway and William had first served in the 11th Regiment of the Virginia Infantry together; but, for some unknown reason, had been mustered out in November of 1861. Now, all three brothers were in Duke's 2nd Cavalry and, consequently, all three were taken prisoner in Ohio on different days. They all had the supreme luck of finding each other again at Camp Douglas, Illinois. One can only imagine the joyful reunion that surely must have taken place there in the month of August 1863. It must have been bitter-sweet, though, as Camp Douglas was to become the northern equivalent of Andersonville, the south's camp of horror and atrocities. More prisoners died in Camp Douglas than in all of the north's other prisoner of war camps."
Otway was captured at Buffington Island, Ohio on 19 July 1863 then taken, first, to Gallipolis, and transferred to Cincinnati. In Gallipolis he was listed on a descriptive roll as being 23 years old, 5 ft. 11 inches tall, of light complexion with black eyes and brown hair; and having the occupation of "student" with his residence being Covington, Kentucky. It was also stated that he was taken in action. By July 23rd he was on a Prisoner of War roll at Camp Morton of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was transferred 22 Aug 1863 to Camp Douglas at Chicago, Illinois. He would stay here until 13 Feb 1865, when he would be again transferred to Pt. Lookout, Maryland. Within two weeks time, he would be sent to Camp Lee near Richmond, Virginia to be paroled or exchanged.
The Kentucky 2nd Cavalry had the remaining part of their men captured at New Lisbon, Ohio on 26 July 1863. The regiment was not reorganized. So many had been captured at Buffington Island and at New Lisbon, that it was not feasible to reorganize this regiment. The field officers were Colonels Basil W. Duke and John H. Morgan, Lieutenant Colonels James W. Bowles and John B. Hutcheson, and Majors G. W. Morgan and T. B. Webber. The unit had contained men from Kentucky, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. It had served in Morgan's Brigade and had been active in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Otway wrote a manuscript of his experiences in Camp Douglas in 1891. This manuscript still exists in the Southern Historical Collection of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (#1921). The Title of the manuscript is simply "Papers, 1864:1891" by Otway B. Norvell (one of the many spellings of his first name). His reason given for writing this account was that he felt that so much had been written regarding the South's horrendous prisoner of war camp, Andersonville, among others, that there needed to be a glimpse into the other side.......the prisoner of war camps of the North.
He represents Camp Douglas was not the harbor of comfort and rest that it had been reported to be; but a place of death by starvation and disease. Often the Union guards wantonly fired into the camp barracks at night and many died as a direct cause of these random shootings. Men were so hungry that, not only did they eat rats "when they could catch them"; but, a small brown and black dog which was accompanying a troop of visitors to the camp was captured, killed, and eaten. There were many, many acts of unbelievable cruelty, such as when a young boy who had been captured ventured over the dead line to get clean snow to melt down for water. Even the guards who were posted to keep watch over the line, recognized what he was doing and decided not to shoot; but, there was one who walked up to him, from behind, and shot him in the back of the head with a pistol, killing him instantly. Unusually cruel punishments were applied for the slightest infraction of the rules; including hanging by the thumbs with the feet off the ground. There had been built a contraption called Morgan's Horse which looked like a saw horse; but with legs about 10-12 feet high. Men were forced to sit astride
this thing with buckets of sand or water tied to each foot, forcing them down upon the wood and
applying pressure to their testicles, sometimes all day long.
This manuscript brings home the brutality of war to a degree not commonly found. It is complete with
illustrations by way of drawings by one R. M. Mather. The work covers over 30 pages, itself, add to that the drawings, which number five, plus there is a copy of the charges which were brought against
eight men who had planned to liberate the camp, gain control of munitions, and then attack Chicago, using the liberated prisoners. All in all, it is quite impressive; and really does much to show a spark of the other side of the Civil War story.
Before the war, in 1856, Otway had made application to Westpoint Military Academy. His name appears in an Index of applicants, stating that he applied in 1856, and that he was from Virginia. If he had graduated Westpoint he should have been an officer. He reached the rank of Lieutenant in the 11th Virginia Infantry before he mustered out; but, he resigned this position; and, when he mustered into the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry, he did so as a private again.
The Confederate Veteran Magazine published a tribute to Lieutenant Otway B. Norvell which was written by Rev. J. R. Deering in the Jan-Dec 1905 issue. He stated that Otway had joined the Rifle Grays of Lynchburg just two days before Virginia seceded from the Union. This company was later a part of the 11th Virginia, Company B. With them he fought in the battles of Bull Run and Manassas. He then transferred to the 1st Kentucky Infantry and served with them at Yorktown, Dam No. 1, the Lower Redoubt. When his term of enlistment expired, he mustered out on 01 May 1862. Upon reaching Richmond, he was made 1st Lieutenant and adjutant of the 12th Tennessee Cavalry, taking part in the Kentucky Campaign under Bragg and Kirby Smith. He was engaged at Perryville and Big Hill on the retreat. In Dec 1862 he resigned to join his own people under Gen. John H. Morgan. They invaded the northland; and, on 19 Jul 1863, he was captured near Marietta, Ohio, just a few days before his leader surrendered. When he arrived at Camp Douglas, Illinois, he took part in organizing a conspiracy to escape the camp. Some untoward event caused them to abandon the plan. He was then exchanged on 21 Feb 1865. When he arrived in Richmond, he was sent to the command of Gen. Early. Later, he once again reported to his old commander, Gen. Basil Duke, who was attempting to reorganize his cavalry. After, the surrender of Gen. Lee, he went to North Carolina and Gen. Johnston, and was one of President Davis' bodyguards in the last retreat. He surrendered on 08 May 1865 and walked back to the ruins of the capital city. A stroke of paralysis in 1882 made him helpless
and bed-ridden until the end; but he was attended, comforted, and cheered by his faithful, loving wife. He died in the Kentucky Confederate Home in Pee Wee Valley in June 1905. He lies in the Confederate Lot in Cave Hill among the men with whom he fought.
After the war, in 1870, he had married Ida Pulliam and relocated to Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, where he appears with his wife in the 1900 US Census records. According to this census,
they had two children born of this marriage, both of which were deceased by 1900.
The beginning of the year 1886 brought to Otway the decision to apply for admittance to the Ex-Confederate Soldiers Home at Richmond, Virginia. Exactly what it was that influenced this decision was not brought out in the application process; but, there were some letters which not only tell of his great service during the war; but, of the esteem with which his commanding officer regarded him. There are two particularly poignant letters from Col. Basil W. Duke, who had been made a General before the close of the war, and now was an attorney in Louisville, Kentucky.
B.W.Duke
Attorney at Law Louisville. Feby. 27th 1886
5th and Court Place
My dear Otway
On my return home from Frankfort I find your letter of the 24th inst. I enclose such a certificate as I presume will be required. If it be not in form, return it so that I may correct it. I take it for granted that the mere statement of your having been a Confederate Soldier would be sufficient for the purposes of your application--but I cannot omit a testimonial to your worth which is so heartily deserved.
I have no doubt that you will find the Home a pleasant place to remain during an illness from which I sincerely hope you will recover. I need not say that you have my warmest sympathies. Write me if I can do anything for you. When you start let me know--some days in advance--I will ask Gen. Eccols to give me a R.R. pass for you from Lexington to Richmond. I trust that we will have you with us again, sound and well.
Very truly your friend,
B. W. Duke
When I wrote the above I had not noticed the address at the head of your letter. I thought you at Covington. I do not therefore know which route you will take to Richmond. Let me know.
ON THE SAME LETTERHEAD & DATED THE SAME DAY:
I hereby certify that I know Mr. Otway B. Norvell, applicant for admission to this Confederate Soldiers' Home at Richmond, Virginia, very intimately, and know that he was a soldier in the service of the Confederate States, being a member of the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry regiment of said Confederate States Army.
I will further state Mr. Norvell was a gallant and faithful Confederate, doing his whole duty bravely and cheerfully, earning the esteem and confidence of his comrades and officers, and that he bears a most excellent and enviable reputation with all who served with him. It affords me cordial pleasure to testify in behalf of one, whom I regard as not only one of the best soldiers, but also one of the best men I have ever known. I commanded the regiment to which he belonged for more than a year.
Basil W. Duke
Formerly being Genl. C.S.A.
AND HERE I PRESENT OTWAY'S COVER LETTER WHICH ACCOMPANIED HIS APPLICATION:
Belknap Dallas Co. Mch. 1886
Dear Mr. Williams
Herewith I enclose to you the application for admission to the Home which if you think properly made out please deliver to the proper officers. I have also enclosed the certificate of General Duke under whom I served as Colonel of my regiment and then Commander of the brigade from the Spring of 1863 to the surrender in '65 except the nineteen months that I was a prisoner of war. This includes only about half my service however. I left Covington in Mch. of '61 before any troops from Kentucky & enlisted in the 11th Virginia at Lynchburg in April following and served with it until Dec when I was transferred to the 1st Kentucky, Col. Taylor commanding. This regiment was disbanded on the peninsula in the Spring of '62. I was then promoted to a Lieutenantry, and assigned to duty as adjutant of the 12th Tennessee Cav. This position I resigned and joined Col. Duke's regiment (the 2nd Kentucky
Cav.) as a private. It may not be necessary to state all this. I was not disabled in the service but I hope that fact will not count against my admission. I believe that under favorable circumstances I will recover my health. If the application is unsuccessful please get if possible Gen'l. Duke's letter and certificate and return to me.
Yours very truly
O.B. Norvell
Note: According to the other papers in this application, which is available at the Library of Virginia, Otway B. Norvell was accepted to this Home. How long he stayed here is unknown.....or even if he
ever regained any portion of his health. When he died in 1905, he was a patient in another Confederate Soldiers' Home in Pee Wee Valley, Kentucky. He is buried in the Cave Hill Cemetery,
CS Lot 267 1/2, grave no. 47, at Louisville, Kentucky with many of the men he fought with.
She married in Mobile 22 JUNE 1869, Otway B. Norvell son of Samuel Gustavus and Lelia (Bradfute) Norvell.
He was b. Dec 1846, Lynchburg, VA; d. 03 Jul 1905, Louisville, KY., and was a private in the Second Kentucky Cavalry, Confederate States of America. Burial
NORVELL, OTWAY B. PVT B
2 KY CAV CS LOT 267 1/2 #47 CAVE HILL CONFEDERATE CEMETERY, LOUISVILLE, JEFFERSON COUNTY, KENTUCKY
Some references say his name was Otway Bradfute Norvell while others indicate Otway Byrd Norvell. Otway Byrd was the name of several maternal ancestors.
Regarding his Civil War memoir, one publication titled "Recollections of a childhood friend in Old Covington Kentucky." His Civil War memoir was donated DEC 1951 by his wife's cousin, Mrs. Almarine R. Lacey of Shreveport, Louisiana, to the Southern Historical Collection at the University of North Carolina Library at Chapel Hill, NC. Ms. Lacey was a descendant of Ida Pillans Norvell's aunt, Olivea Alexander (Roberts) Mather. Olivea's grandson Francis Walsingham Mather Jr. married Mary Ellen Cheney, and their daughter Olivia Alexander Mather married A. R. Lacey.
"Otway and his two brothers, John and William, were recruited by Captain Langhorn in Lynchburg, Virginia, to join the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry. Otway and William had first served in the 11th Regiment of the Virginia Infantry together; but, for some unknown reason, had been mustered out in November of 1861. Now, all three brothers were in Duke's 2nd Cavalry and, consequently, all three were taken prisoner in Ohio on different days. They all had the supreme luck of finding each other again at Camp Douglas, Illinois. One can only imagine the joyful reunion that surely must have taken place there in the month of August 1863. It must have been bitter-sweet, though, as Camp Douglas was to become the northern equivalent of Andersonville, the south's camp of horror and atrocities. More prisoners died in Camp Douglas than in all of the north's other prisoner of war camps."
Otway was captured at Buffington Island, Ohio on 19 July 1863 then taken, first, to Gallipolis, and transferred to Cincinnati. In Gallipolis he was listed on a descriptive roll as being 23 years old, 5 ft. 11 inches tall, of light complexion with black eyes and brown hair; and having the occupation of "student" with his residence being Covington, Kentucky. It was also stated that he was taken in action. By July 23rd he was on a Prisoner of War roll at Camp Morton of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was transferred 22 Aug 1863 to Camp Douglas at Chicago, Illinois. He would stay here until 13 Feb 1865, when he would be again transferred to Pt. Lookout, Maryland. Within two weeks time, he would be sent to Camp Lee near Richmond, Virginia to be paroled or exchanged.
The Kentucky 2nd Cavalry had the remaining part of their men captured at New Lisbon, Ohio on 26 July 1863. The regiment was not reorganized. So many had been captured at Buffington Island and at New Lisbon, that it was not feasible to reorganize this regiment. The field officers were Colonels Basil W. Duke and John H. Morgan, Lieutenant Colonels James W. Bowles and John B. Hutcheson, and Majors G. W. Morgan and T. B. Webber. The unit had contained men from Kentucky, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. It had served in Morgan's Brigade and had been active in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Otway wrote a manuscript of his experiences in Camp Douglas in 1891. This manuscript still exists in the Southern Historical Collection of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (#1921). The Title of the manuscript is simply "Papers, 1864:1891" by Otway B. Norvell (one of the many spellings of his first name). His reason given for writing this account was that he felt that so much had been written regarding the South's horrendous prisoner of war camp, Andersonville, among others, that there needed to be a glimpse into the other side.......the prisoner of war camps of the North.
He represents Camp Douglas was not the harbor of comfort and rest that it had been reported to be; but a place of death by starvation and disease. Often the Union guards wantonly fired into the camp barracks at night and many died as a direct cause of these random shootings. Men were so hungry that, not only did they eat rats "when they could catch them"; but, a small brown and black dog which was accompanying a troop of visitors to the camp was captured, killed, and eaten. There were many, many acts of unbelievable cruelty, such as when a young boy who had been captured ventured over the dead line to get clean snow to melt down for water. Even the guards who were posted to keep watch over the line, recognized what he was doing and decided not to shoot; but, there was one who walked up to him, from behind, and shot him in the back of the head with a pistol, killing him instantly. Unusually cruel punishments were applied for the slightest infraction of the rules; including hanging by the thumbs with the feet off the ground. There had been built a contraption called Morgan's Horse which looked like a saw horse; but with legs about 10-12 feet high. Men were forced to sit astride
this thing with buckets of sand or water tied to each foot, forcing them down upon the wood and
applying pressure to their testicles, sometimes all day long.
This manuscript brings home the brutality of war to a degree not commonly found. It is complete with
illustrations by way of drawings by one R. M. Mather. The work covers over 30 pages, itself, add to that the drawings, which number five, plus there is a copy of the charges which were brought against
eight men who had planned to liberate the camp, gain control of munitions, and then attack Chicago, using the liberated prisoners. All in all, it is quite impressive; and really does much to show a spark of the other side of the Civil War story.
Before the war, in 1856, Otway had made application to Westpoint Military Academy. His name appears in an Index of applicants, stating that he applied in 1856, and that he was from Virginia. If he had graduated Westpoint he should have been an officer. He reached the rank of Lieutenant in the 11th Virginia Infantry before he mustered out; but, he resigned this position; and, when he mustered into the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry, he did so as a private again.
The Confederate Veteran Magazine published a tribute to Lieutenant Otway B. Norvell which was written by Rev. J. R. Deering in the Jan-Dec 1905 issue. He stated that Otway had joined the Rifle Grays of Lynchburg just two days before Virginia seceded from the Union. This company was later a part of the 11th Virginia, Company B. With them he fought in the battles of Bull Run and Manassas. He then transferred to the 1st Kentucky Infantry and served with them at Yorktown, Dam No. 1, the Lower Redoubt. When his term of enlistment expired, he mustered out on 01 May 1862. Upon reaching Richmond, he was made 1st Lieutenant and adjutant of the 12th Tennessee Cavalry, taking part in the Kentucky Campaign under Bragg and Kirby Smith. He was engaged at Perryville and Big Hill on the retreat. In Dec 1862 he resigned to join his own people under Gen. John H. Morgan. They invaded the northland; and, on 19 Jul 1863, he was captured near Marietta, Ohio, just a few days before his leader surrendered. When he arrived at Camp Douglas, Illinois, he took part in organizing a conspiracy to escape the camp. Some untoward event caused them to abandon the plan. He was then exchanged on 21 Feb 1865. When he arrived in Richmond, he was sent to the command of Gen. Early. Later, he once again reported to his old commander, Gen. Basil Duke, who was attempting to reorganize his cavalry. After, the surrender of Gen. Lee, he went to North Carolina and Gen. Johnston, and was one of President Davis' bodyguards in the last retreat. He surrendered on 08 May 1865 and walked back to the ruins of the capital city. A stroke of paralysis in 1882 made him helpless
and bed-ridden until the end; but he was attended, comforted, and cheered by his faithful, loving wife. He died in the Kentucky Confederate Home in Pee Wee Valley in June 1905. He lies in the Confederate Lot in Cave Hill among the men with whom he fought.
After the war, in 1870, he had married Ida Pulliam and relocated to Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, where he appears with his wife in the 1900 US Census records. According to this census,
they had two children born of this marriage, both of which were deceased by 1900.
The beginning of the year 1886 brought to Otway the decision to apply for admittance to the Ex-Confederate Soldiers Home at Richmond, Virginia. Exactly what it was that influenced this decision was not brought out in the application process; but, there were some letters which not only tell of his great service during the war; but, of the esteem with which his commanding officer regarded him. There are two particularly poignant letters from Col. Basil W. Duke, who had been made a General before the close of the war, and now was an attorney in Louisville, Kentucky.
B.W.Duke
Attorney at Law Louisville. Feby. 27th 1886
5th and Court Place
My dear Otway
On my return home from Frankfort I find your letter of the 24th inst. I enclose such a certificate as I presume will be required. If it be not in form, return it so that I may correct it. I take it for granted that the mere statement of your having been a Confederate Soldier would be sufficient for the purposes of your application--but I cannot omit a testimonial to your worth which is so heartily deserved.
I have no doubt that you will find the Home a pleasant place to remain during an illness from which I sincerely hope you will recover. I need not say that you have my warmest sympathies. Write me if I can do anything for you. When you start let me know--some days in advance--I will ask Gen. Eccols to give me a R.R. pass for you from Lexington to Richmond. I trust that we will have you with us again, sound and well.
Very truly your friend,
B. W. Duke
When I wrote the above I had not noticed the address at the head of your letter. I thought you at Covington. I do not therefore know which route you will take to Richmond. Let me know.
ON THE SAME LETTERHEAD & DATED THE SAME DAY:
I hereby certify that I know Mr. Otway B. Norvell, applicant for admission to this Confederate Soldiers' Home at Richmond, Virginia, very intimately, and know that he was a soldier in the service of the Confederate States, being a member of the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry regiment of said Confederate States Army.
I will further state Mr. Norvell was a gallant and faithful Confederate, doing his whole duty bravely and cheerfully, earning the esteem and confidence of his comrades and officers, and that he bears a most excellent and enviable reputation with all who served with him. It affords me cordial pleasure to testify in behalf of one, whom I regard as not only one of the best soldiers, but also one of the best men I have ever known. I commanded the regiment to which he belonged for more than a year.
Basil W. Duke
Formerly being Genl. C.S.A.
AND HERE I PRESENT OTWAY'S COVER LETTER WHICH ACCOMPANIED HIS APPLICATION:
Belknap Dallas Co. Mch. 1886
Dear Mr. Williams
Herewith I enclose to you the application for admission to the Home which if you think properly made out please deliver to the proper officers. I have also enclosed the certificate of General Duke under whom I served as Colonel of my regiment and then Commander of the brigade from the Spring of 1863 to the surrender in '65 except the nineteen months that I was a prisoner of war. This includes only about half my service however. I left Covington in Mch. of '61 before any troops from Kentucky & enlisted in the 11th Virginia at Lynchburg in April following and served with it until Dec when I was transferred to the 1st Kentucky, Col. Taylor commanding. This regiment was disbanded on the peninsula in the Spring of '62. I was then promoted to a Lieutenantry, and assigned to duty as adjutant of the 12th Tennessee Cav. This position I resigned and joined Col. Duke's regiment (the 2nd Kentucky
Cav.) as a private. It may not be necessary to state all this. I was not disabled in the service but I hope that fact will not count against my admission. I believe that under favorable circumstances I will recover my health. If the application is unsuccessful please get if possible Gen'l. Duke's letter and certificate and return to me.
Yours very truly
O.B. Norvell
Note: According to the other papers in this application, which is available at the Library of Virginia, Otway B. Norvell was accepted to this Home. How long he stayed here is unknown.....or even if he
ever regained any portion of his health. When he died in 1905, he was a patient in another Confederate Soldiers' Home in Pee Wee Valley, Kentucky. He is buried in the Cave Hill Cemetery,
CS Lot 267 1/2, grave no. 47, at Louisville, Kentucky with many of the men he fought with.
Daughter of Palmer J. Pillans and Laura M. (Roberts) Pillans.
She married in Mobile 22 JUNE 1869, Otway B. Norvell son of Samuel Gustavus and Lelia (Bradfute) Norvell.
He was b. Dec 1846, Lynchburg, VA; d. 03 Jul 1905, Louisville, KY., and was a private in the Second Kentucky Cavalry, Confederate States of America. Burial
NORVELL, OTWAY B. PVT B
2 KY CAV CS LOT 267 1/2 #47 CAVE HILL CONFEDERATE CEMETERY, LOUISVILLE, JEFFERSON COUNTY, KENTUCKY
Some references say his name was Otway Bradfute Norvell while others indicate Otway Byrd Norvell. Otway Byrd was the name of several maternal ancestors.
Regarding his Civil War memoir, one publication titled "Recollections of a childhood friend in Old Covington Kentucky." His Civil War memoir was donated DEC 1951 by his wife's cousin, Mrs. Almarine R. Lacey of Shreveport, Louisiana, to the Southern Historical Collection at the University of North Carolina Library at Chapel Hill, NC. Ms. Lacey was a descendant of Ida Pillans Norvell's aunt, Olivea Alexander (Roberts) Mather. Olivea's grandson Francis Walsingham Mather Jr. married Mary Ellen Cheney, and their daughter Olivia Alexander Mather married A. R. Lacey.
"Otway and his two brothers, John and William, were recruited by Captain Langhorn in Lynchburg, Virginia, to join the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry. Otway and William had first served in the 11th Regiment of the Virginia Infantry together; but, for some unknown reason, had been mustered out in November of 1861. Now, all three brothers were in Duke's 2nd Cavalry and, consequently, all three were taken prisoner in Ohio on different days. They all had the supreme luck of finding each other again at Camp Douglas, Illinois. One can only imagine the joyful reunion that surely must have taken place there in the month of August 1863. It must have been bitter-sweet, though, as Camp Douglas was to become the northern equivalent of Andersonville, the south's camp of horror and atrocities. More prisoners died in Camp Douglas than in all of the north's other prisoner of war camps."
Otway was captured at Buffington Island, Ohio on 19 July 1863 then taken, first, to Gallipolis, and transferred to Cincinnati. In Gallipolis he was listed on a descriptive roll as being 23 years old, 5 ft. 11 inches tall, of light complexion with black eyes and brown hair; and having the occupation of "student" with his residence being Covington, Kentucky. It was also stated that he was taken in action. By July 23rd he was on a Prisoner of War roll at Camp Morton of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was transferred 22 Aug 1863 to Camp Douglas at Chicago, Illinois. He would stay here until 13 Feb 1865, when he would be again transferred to Pt. Lookout, Maryland. Within two weeks time, he would be sent to Camp Lee near Richmond, Virginia to be paroled or exchanged.
The Kentucky 2nd Cavalry had the remaining part of their men captured at New Lisbon, Ohio on 26 July 1863. The regiment was not reorganized. So many had been captured at Buffington Island and at New Lisbon, that it was not feasible to reorganize this regiment. The field officers were Colonels Basil W. Duke and John H. Morgan, Lieutenant Colonels James W. Bowles and John B. Hutcheson, and Majors G. W. Morgan and T. B. Webber. The unit had contained men from Kentucky, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. It had served in Morgan's Brigade and had been active in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Otway wrote a manuscript of his experiences in Camp Douglas in 1891. This manuscript still exists in the Southern Historical Collection of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (#1921). The Title of the manuscript is simply "Papers, 1864:1891" by Otway B. Norvell (one of the many spellings of his first name). His reason given for writing this account was that he felt that so much had been written regarding the South's horrendous prisoner of war camp, Andersonville, among others, that there needed to be a glimpse into the other side.......the prisoner of war camps of the North.
He represents Camp Douglas was not the harbor of comfort and rest that it had been reported to be; but a place of death by starvation and disease. Often the Union guards wantonly fired into the camp barracks at night and many died as a direct cause of these random shootings. Men were so hungry that, not only did they eat rats "when they could catch them"; but, a small brown and black dog which was accompanying a troop of visitors to the camp was captured, killed, and eaten. There were many, many acts of unbelievable cruelty, such as when a young boy who had been captured ventured over the dead line to get clean snow to melt down for water. Even the guards who were posted to keep watch over the line, recognized what he was doing and decided not to shoot; but, there was one who walked up to him, from behind, and shot him in the back of the head with a pistol, killing him instantly. Unusually cruel punishments were applied for the slightest infraction of the rules; including hanging by the thumbs with the feet off the ground. There had been built a contraption called Morgan's Horse which looked like a saw horse; but with legs about 10-12 feet high. Men were forced to sit astride
this thing with buckets of sand or water tied to each foot, forcing them down upon the wood and
applying pressure to their testicles, sometimes all day long.
This manuscript brings home the brutality of war to a degree not commonly found. It is complete with
illustrations by way of drawings by one R. M. Mather. The work covers over 30 pages, itself, add to that the drawings, which number five, plus there is a copy of the charges which were brought against
eight men who had planned to liberate the camp, gain control of munitions, and then attack Chicago, using the liberated prisoners. All in all, it is quite impressive; and really does much to show a spark of the other side of the Civil War story.
Before the war, in 1856, Otway had made application to Westpoint Military Academy. His name appears in an Index of applicants, stating that he applied in 1856, and that he was from Virginia. If he had graduated Westpoint he should have been an officer. He reached the rank of Lieutenant in the 11th Virginia Infantry before he mustered out; but, he resigned this position; and, when he mustered into the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry, he did so as a private again.
The Confederate Veteran Magazine published a tribute to Lieutenant Otway B. Norvell which was written by Rev. J. R. Deering in the Jan-Dec 1905 issue. He stated that Otway had joined the Rifle Grays of Lynchburg just two days before Virginia seceded from the Union. This company was later a part of the 11th Virginia, Company B. With them he fought in the battles of Bull Run and Manassas. He then transferred to the 1st Kentucky Infantry and served with them at Yorktown, Dam No. 1, the Lower Redoubt. When his term of enlistment expired, he mustered out on 01 May 1862. Upon reaching Richmond, he was made 1st Lieutenant and adjutant of the 12th Tennessee Cavalry, taking part in the Kentucky Campaign under Bragg and Kirby Smith. He was engaged at Perryville and Big Hill on the retreat. In Dec 1862 he resigned to join his own people under Gen. John H. Morgan. They invaded the northland; and, on 19 Jul 1863, he was captured near Marietta, Ohio, just a few days before his leader surrendered. When he arrived at Camp Douglas, Illinois, he took part in organizing a conspiracy to escape the camp. Some untoward event caused them to abandon the plan. He was then exchanged on 21 Feb 1865. When he arrived in Richmond, he was sent to the command of Gen. Early. Later, he once again reported to his old commander, Gen. Basil Duke, who was attempting to reorganize his cavalry. After, the surrender of Gen. Lee, he went to North Carolina and Gen. Johnston, and was one of President Davis' bodyguards in the last retreat. He surrendered on 08 May 1865 and walked back to the ruins of the capital city. A stroke of paralysis in 1882 made him helpless
and bed-ridden until the end; but he was attended, comforted, and cheered by his faithful, loving wife. He died in the Kentucky Confederate Home in Pee Wee Valley in June 1905. He lies in the Confederate Lot in Cave Hill among the men with whom he fought.
After the war, in 1870, he had married Ida Pulliam and relocated to Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, where he appears with his wife in the 1900 US Census records. According to this census,
they had two children born of this marriage, both of which were deceased by 1900.
The beginning of the year 1886 brought to Otway the decision to apply for admittance to the Ex-Confederate Soldiers Home at Richmond, Virginia. Exactly what it was that influenced this decision was not brought out in the application process; but, there were some letters which not only tell of his great service during the war; but, of the esteem with which his commanding officer regarded him. There are two particularly poignant letters from Col. Basil W. Duke, who had been made a General before the close of the war, and now was an attorney in Louisville, Kentucky.
B.W.Duke
Attorney at Law Louisville. Feby. 27th 1886
5th and Court Place
My dear Otway
On my return home from Frankfort I find your letter of the 24th inst. I enclose such a certificate as I presume will be required. If it be not in form, return it so that I may correct it. I take it for granted that the mere statement of your having been a Confederate Soldier would be sufficient for the purposes of your application--but I cannot omit a testimonial to your worth which is so heartily deserved.
I have no doubt that you will find the Home a pleasant place to remain during an illness from which I sincerely hope you will recover. I need not say that you have my warmest sympathies. Write me if I can do anything for you. When you start let me know--some days in advance--I will ask Gen. Eccols to give me a R.R. pass for you from Lexington to Richmond. I trust that we will have you with us again, sound and well.
Very truly your friend,
B. W. Duke
When I wrote the above I had not noticed the address at the head of your letter. I thought you at Covington. I do not therefore know which route you will take to Richmond. Let me know.
ON THE SAME LETTERHEAD & DATED THE SAME DAY:
I hereby certify that I know Mr. Otway B. Norvell, applicant for admission to this Confederate Soldiers' Home at Richmond, Virginia, very intimately, and know that he was a soldier in the service of the Confederate States, being a member of the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry regiment of said Confederate States Army.
I will further state Mr. Norvell was a gallant and faithful Confederate, doing his whole duty bravely and cheerfully, earning the esteem and confidence of his comrades and officers, and that he bears a most excellent and enviable reputation with all who served with him. It affords me cordial pleasure to testify in behalf of one, whom I regard as not only one of the best soldiers, but also one of the best men I have ever known. I commanded the regiment to which he belonged for more than a year.
Basil W. Duke
Formerly being Genl. C.S.A.
AND HERE I PRESENT OTWAY'S COVER LETTER WHICH ACCOMPANIED HIS APPLICATION:
Belknap Dallas Co. Mch. 1886
Dear Mr. Williams
Herewith I enclose to you the application for admission to the Home which if you think properly made out please deliver to the proper officers. I have also enclosed the certificate of General Duke under whom I served as Colonel of my regiment and then Commander of the brigade from the Spring of 1863 to the surrender in '65 except the nineteen months that I was a prisoner of war. This includes only about half my service however. I left Covington in Mch. of '61 before any troops from Kentucky & enlisted in the 11th Virginia at Lynchburg in April following and served with it until Dec when I was transferred to the 1st Kentucky, Col. Taylor commanding. This regiment was disbanded on the peninsula in the Spring of '62. I was then promoted to a Lieutenantry, and assigned to duty as adjutant of the 12th Tennessee Cav. This position I resigned and joined Col. Duke's regiment (the 2nd Kentucky
Cav.) as a private. It may not be necessary to state all this. I was not disabled in the service but I hope that fact will not count against my admission. I believe that under favorable circumstances I will recover my health. If the application is unsuccessful please get if possible Gen'l. Duke's letter and certificate and return to me.
Yours very truly
O.B. Norvell
Note: According to the other papers in this application, which is available at the Library of Virginia, Otway B. Norvell was accepted to this Home. How long he stayed here is unknown.....or even if he
ever regained any portion of his health. When he died in 1905, he was a patient in another Confederate Soldiers' Home in Pee Wee Valley, Kentucky. He is buried in the Cave Hill Cemetery,
CS Lot 267 1/2, grave no. 47, at Louisville, Kentucky with many of the men he fought with.
She married in Mobile 22 JUNE 1869, Otway B. Norvell son of Samuel Gustavus and Lelia (Bradfute) Norvell.
He was b. Dec 1846, Lynchburg, VA; d. 03 Jul 1905, Louisville, KY., and was a private in the Second Kentucky Cavalry, Confederate States of America. Burial
NORVELL, OTWAY B. PVT B
2 KY CAV CS LOT 267 1/2 #47 CAVE HILL CONFEDERATE CEMETERY, LOUISVILLE, JEFFERSON COUNTY, KENTUCKY
Some references say his name was Otway Bradfute Norvell while others indicate Otway Byrd Norvell. Otway Byrd was the name of several maternal ancestors.
Regarding his Civil War memoir, one publication titled "Recollections of a childhood friend in Old Covington Kentucky." His Civil War memoir was donated DEC 1951 by his wife's cousin, Mrs. Almarine R. Lacey of Shreveport, Louisiana, to the Southern Historical Collection at the University of North Carolina Library at Chapel Hill, NC. Ms. Lacey was a descendant of Ida Pillans Norvell's aunt, Olivea Alexander (Roberts) Mather. Olivea's grandson Francis Walsingham Mather Jr. married Mary Ellen Cheney, and their daughter Olivia Alexander Mather married A. R. Lacey.
"Otway and his two brothers, John and William, were recruited by Captain Langhorn in Lynchburg, Virginia, to join the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry. Otway and William had first served in the 11th Regiment of the Virginia Infantry together; but, for some unknown reason, had been mustered out in November of 1861. Now, all three brothers were in Duke's 2nd Cavalry and, consequently, all three were taken prisoner in Ohio on different days. They all had the supreme luck of finding each other again at Camp Douglas, Illinois. One can only imagine the joyful reunion that surely must have taken place there in the month of August 1863. It must have been bitter-sweet, though, as Camp Douglas was to become the northern equivalent of Andersonville, the south's camp of horror and atrocities. More prisoners died in Camp Douglas than in all of the north's other prisoner of war camps."
Otway was captured at Buffington Island, Ohio on 19 July 1863 then taken, first, to Gallipolis, and transferred to Cincinnati. In Gallipolis he was listed on a descriptive roll as being 23 years old, 5 ft. 11 inches tall, of light complexion with black eyes and brown hair; and having the occupation of "student" with his residence being Covington, Kentucky. It was also stated that he was taken in action. By July 23rd he was on a Prisoner of War roll at Camp Morton of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was transferred 22 Aug 1863 to Camp Douglas at Chicago, Illinois. He would stay here until 13 Feb 1865, when he would be again transferred to Pt. Lookout, Maryland. Within two weeks time, he would be sent to Camp Lee near Richmond, Virginia to be paroled or exchanged.
The Kentucky 2nd Cavalry had the remaining part of their men captured at New Lisbon, Ohio on 26 July 1863. The regiment was not reorganized. So many had been captured at Buffington Island and at New Lisbon, that it was not feasible to reorganize this regiment. The field officers were Colonels Basil W. Duke and John H. Morgan, Lieutenant Colonels James W. Bowles and John B. Hutcheson, and Majors G. W. Morgan and T. B. Webber. The unit had contained men from Kentucky, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. It had served in Morgan's Brigade and had been active in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Otway wrote a manuscript of his experiences in Camp Douglas in 1891. This manuscript still exists in the Southern Historical Collection of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (#1921). The Title of the manuscript is simply "Papers, 1864:1891" by Otway B. Norvell (one of the many spellings of his first name). His reason given for writing this account was that he felt that so much had been written regarding the South's horrendous prisoner of war camp, Andersonville, among others, that there needed to be a glimpse into the other side.......the prisoner of war camps of the North.
He represents Camp Douglas was not the harbor of comfort and rest that it had been reported to be; but a place of death by starvation and disease. Often the Union guards wantonly fired into the camp barracks at night and many died as a direct cause of these random shootings. Men were so hungry that, not only did they eat rats "when they could catch them"; but, a small brown and black dog which was accompanying a troop of visitors to the camp was captured, killed, and eaten. There were many, many acts of unbelievable cruelty, such as when a young boy who had been captured ventured over the dead line to get clean snow to melt down for water. Even the guards who were posted to keep watch over the line, recognized what he was doing and decided not to shoot; but, there was one who walked up to him, from behind, and shot him in the back of the head with a pistol, killing him instantly. Unusually cruel punishments were applied for the slightest infraction of the rules; including hanging by the thumbs with the feet off the ground. There had been built a contraption called Morgan's Horse which looked like a saw horse; but with legs about 10-12 feet high. Men were forced to sit astride
this thing with buckets of sand or water tied to each foot, forcing them down upon the wood and
applying pressure to their testicles, sometimes all day long.
This manuscript brings home the brutality of war to a degree not commonly found. It is complete with
illustrations by way of drawings by one R. M. Mather. The work covers over 30 pages, itself, add to that the drawings, which number five, plus there is a copy of the charges which were brought against
eight men who had planned to liberate the camp, gain control of munitions, and then attack Chicago, using the liberated prisoners. All in all, it is quite impressive; and really does much to show a spark of the other side of the Civil War story.
Before the war, in 1856, Otway had made application to Westpoint Military Academy. His name appears in an Index of applicants, stating that he applied in 1856, and that he was from Virginia. If he had graduated Westpoint he should have been an officer. He reached the rank of Lieutenant in the 11th Virginia Infantry before he mustered out; but, he resigned this position; and, when he mustered into the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry, he did so as a private again.
The Confederate Veteran Magazine published a tribute to Lieutenant Otway B. Norvell which was written by Rev. J. R. Deering in the Jan-Dec 1905 issue. He stated that Otway had joined the Rifle Grays of Lynchburg just two days before Virginia seceded from the Union. This company was later a part of the 11th Virginia, Company B. With them he fought in the battles of Bull Run and Manassas. He then transferred to the 1st Kentucky Infantry and served with them at Yorktown, Dam No. 1, the Lower Redoubt. When his term of enlistment expired, he mustered out on 01 May 1862. Upon reaching Richmond, he was made 1st Lieutenant and adjutant of the 12th Tennessee Cavalry, taking part in the Kentucky Campaign under Bragg and Kirby Smith. He was engaged at Perryville and Big Hill on the retreat. In Dec 1862 he resigned to join his own people under Gen. John H. Morgan. They invaded the northland; and, on 19 Jul 1863, he was captured near Marietta, Ohio, just a few days before his leader surrendered. When he arrived at Camp Douglas, Illinois, he took part in organizing a conspiracy to escape the camp. Some untoward event caused them to abandon the plan. He was then exchanged on 21 Feb 1865. When he arrived in Richmond, he was sent to the command of Gen. Early. Later, he once again reported to his old commander, Gen. Basil Duke, who was attempting to reorganize his cavalry. After, the surrender of Gen. Lee, he went to North Carolina and Gen. Johnston, and was one of President Davis' bodyguards in the last retreat. He surrendered on 08 May 1865 and walked back to the ruins of the capital city. A stroke of paralysis in 1882 made him helpless
and bed-ridden until the end; but he was attended, comforted, and cheered by his faithful, loving wife. He died in the Kentucky Confederate Home in Pee Wee Valley in June 1905. He lies in the Confederate Lot in Cave Hill among the men with whom he fought.
After the war, in 1870, he had married Ida Pulliam and relocated to Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, where he appears with his wife in the 1900 US Census records. According to this census,
they had two children born of this marriage, both of which were deceased by 1900.
The beginning of the year 1886 brought to Otway the decision to apply for admittance to the Ex-Confederate Soldiers Home at Richmond, Virginia. Exactly what it was that influenced this decision was not brought out in the application process; but, there were some letters which not only tell of his great service during the war; but, of the esteem with which his commanding officer regarded him. There are two particularly poignant letters from Col. Basil W. Duke, who had been made a General before the close of the war, and now was an attorney in Louisville, Kentucky.
B.W.Duke
Attorney at Law Louisville. Feby. 27th 1886
5th and Court Place
My dear Otway
On my return home from Frankfort I find your letter of the 24th inst. I enclose such a certificate as I presume will be required. If it be not in form, return it so that I may correct it. I take it for granted that the mere statement of your having been a Confederate Soldier would be sufficient for the purposes of your application--but I cannot omit a testimonial to your worth which is so heartily deserved.
I have no doubt that you will find the Home a pleasant place to remain during an illness from which I sincerely hope you will recover. I need not say that you have my warmest sympathies. Write me if I can do anything for you. When you start let me know--some days in advance--I will ask Gen. Eccols to give me a R.R. pass for you from Lexington to Richmond. I trust that we will have you with us again, sound and well.
Very truly your friend,
B. W. Duke
When I wrote the above I had not noticed the address at the head of your letter. I thought you at Covington. I do not therefore know which route you will take to Richmond. Let me know.
ON THE SAME LETTERHEAD & DATED THE SAME DAY:
I hereby certify that I know Mr. Otway B. Norvell, applicant for admission to this Confederate Soldiers' Home at Richmond, Virginia, very intimately, and know that he was a soldier in the service of the Confederate States, being a member of the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry regiment of said Confederate States Army.
I will further state Mr. Norvell was a gallant and faithful Confederate, doing his whole duty bravely and cheerfully, earning the esteem and confidence of his comrades and officers, and that he bears a most excellent and enviable reputation with all who served with him. It affords me cordial pleasure to testify in behalf of one, whom I regard as not only one of the best soldiers, but also one of the best men I have ever known. I commanded the regiment to which he belonged for more than a year.
Basil W. Duke
Formerly being Genl. C.S.A.
AND HERE I PRESENT OTWAY'S COVER LETTER WHICH ACCOMPANIED HIS APPLICATION:
Belknap Dallas Co. Mch. 1886
Dear Mr. Williams
Herewith I enclose to you the application for admission to the Home which if you think properly made out please deliver to the proper officers. I have also enclosed the certificate of General Duke under whom I served as Colonel of my regiment and then Commander of the brigade from the Spring of 1863 to the surrender in '65 except the nineteen months that I was a prisoner of war. This includes only about half my service however. I left Covington in Mch. of '61 before any troops from Kentucky & enlisted in the 11th Virginia at Lynchburg in April following and served with it until Dec when I was transferred to the 1st Kentucky, Col. Taylor commanding. This regiment was disbanded on the peninsula in the Spring of '62. I was then promoted to a Lieutenantry, and assigned to duty as adjutant of the 12th Tennessee Cav. This position I resigned and joined Col. Duke's regiment (the 2nd Kentucky
Cav.) as a private. It may not be necessary to state all this. I was not disabled in the service but I hope that fact will not count against my admission. I believe that under favorable circumstances I will recover my health. If the application is unsuccessful please get if possible Gen'l. Duke's letter and certificate and return to me.
Yours very truly
O.B. Norvell
Note: According to the other papers in this application, which is available at the Library of Virginia, Otway B. Norvell was accepted to this Home. How long he stayed here is unknown.....or even if he
ever regained any portion of his health. When he died in 1905, he was a patient in another Confederate Soldiers' Home in Pee Wee Valley, Kentucky. He is buried in the Cave Hill Cemetery,
CS Lot 267 1/2, grave no. 47, at Louisville, Kentucky with many of the men he fought with.
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