David A. Ham

Payette Independent
Thursday, July 12, 1923

The subject of this sketch was born June 6, 1844, at Springfield, Illinois, and died July 8, 1923, at the age of 79 years, 1 month and 2 days. He was united in marriage to Meriza Prentiss at Madison, Wisconsin, on November 25, 1867, from which union was born one child, Capitola A., wife of T. H. Sanger.

David A. Ham enlisted from Dane county, Wisconsin, to serve 3 years, or during the Civil War. He was mustered into the U. S. service at Madison, Wisconsin, on September 18, 1861, as a private of Captain William C. Young's Company E. 8th regiment, Wisconsin Infantry, Col. Robert C. Murphy commanding. He was honorably discharged at Black River, Mississippi, on February 22, 1864. By reason of re-enlistment as a veteran in the same company and regiment and was mustered into the U. S. service on February 23rd as Sergeant, to serve 3 years more under Captain Wm. C. Young and Col. John W. Jefferson.

The 8th Wisconsin was known as the "Eagle" regiment from the fact that it carried a live, bald-head eagle; the property of Company C, many times into battle. The men named him "Old Abe" and swore him into the U.S. Service by decorating him with red, white and blue ribbons. during the battles Old Abe would soar high above the battle-field and screech continually. He never lost track of his regiment and always returned to his company immediately after the battle. Old Abe survived the war and for many years afterward was kept at the state capitol of Wisconsin.

David A. Ham participated in many important battles, including Island No. 10, Siege of Corinth, Battle of Iuka and Corinth. In the latter battle, the regiment was exposed to a terrific fire for three hours. In March, 1863, the regiment joined Grant's forces for the Vicksburg campaign, participating in engagements at Raymond, Jackson, and the siege and assaults of Vicksburg. The regiment was employed as sharp-shooters in front of Vicksburg until the surrender July 4th when the army then moved into the city. At one time they were without tents for 56 days, in bad weather, marching and bivouacking, and many of the men were without shoes. For 16 days they drew but 4 days' rations.

Having re-enlisted, the 8th regiment was about to return to return to Wisconsin on veteran furlough in the spring of 1864, but when the Red River Expedition was projected, General Sherman desired it to accompany General Smith and to take part in it. After the surrender of Mobile, the regiment went to Montgomery, Ala.

David A. Ham was mustered out of service at Demopolis, Alabama. He was injured at Corinth, Mississippi, in the right hip and one of his ear drums was injured at Jackson, Mississippi, which affected his hearing. He was constantly with his command during its service as outlines, bore a gallant part in all its engagements and rendered faithful and meritorious service at all times. He received an honorable discharge at Demopolis, Alabama, September 5, 1865, by reason of the close of the war, having served just 13 days less than 4 years.

He was a member of W. T. Sherman Post No. 31, Department of Idaho, Grand Army of the Republic; and a member of the Odd Fellows and A. O. U. W. Lodges.

The funeral was held at the residence on July 9th conducted by Rev. Ashworth, and at Riverside cemetery conducted by the Odd Fellows.

CARD OF THANKS

We take this opportunity to tender our thanks to the good people of Payette and vicinity, who gave their aid and sympathy during the death and funeral of our beloved husband, father and grand-father, Mrs. David A. Ham
T. H. Sanger and Family