Explore/Veterans/Civil War/James L. Ashby

Veteran

James L. Ashby

The VMI Memorial of 1875 says James L. Ashby, a son of Buckner and Sophia G. Ashby born in Clarke County in 1831, joined the Clarke Cavalry, Company D, 6th Virginia, as a private in March 1862, and was killed near Trevilian Station on June 11, 1864. A War Department service record filed for "J. Lewis Ashby" of the same company holds papers he signed both "Jas Louis Ashby" and "Lewis Ashby", and is probably the same man's. Gold's 1914 roll of the company prints no James Ashby, and this page does not join him to its Lewis Ashby.

Civil War as the cited records state it

All veterans of Clarke County · How to read these pages

2 records cited
6 statements
2 images shown

Is this the same man?

IDENTITY Likely One memorial sketch names a James L. Ashby of Clarke County, Co. D, 6th Va. Cav.; Gold's roll of that company prints no James Ashby, so the match with Lewis Ashby is Unconfirmed and not made.

What distinguishes him: Name, rank and company as printed in one memorial sketch (James L. Ashby, Private, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry, the Clarke Cavalry). Gold's roll of the Clarke Cavalry prints "Ashby, Lewis; killed in action at Trevillian Station, June 11, 1864," the same company, day and place with a different first name; the print does not show whether they are one man, so the two are kept as separate entries and are not merged.

Clarke connection: Qualified: a birth statement in a memorial sketch. The VMI Memorial (1875, printed p. 33) heads the sketch "OF CLARKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA" and says he was born in Clarke County on November 6, 1831, son of Buckner and Sophia G. Ashby; that is a statement in a retrospective sketch, not a birth record. The sketch also says he went into the milling business in Warren County before the war. No residence record has been read.

This page rests on two or more independent records, each read on the page image.

Evidence depth: Documented

Service summary

Only the fields a record supplies, in the record's own words. The full statement is under What the records say.

Service summary
Field	As the record prints it	Source	RECORD	IDENTITY
Rank	PRIVATE	Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States The statement	RECORD Likely	IDENTITY Likely
Unit	'Clarke Cavalry,' Co. 'D,' 6th Virginia Regiment	Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States The statement	RECORD Likely	IDENTITY Likely

What the records say

Each line is a statement from a cited source, in the source's own terms, with the three questions asked of it. Same man as the one on this page?

What the records say
When	What the record shows	RECORD	IDENTITY	Source
Date not established	The Virginia Military Institute Memorial (Walker, 1875), printed p. 33, opens its sketch with the heading "JAMES L. ASHBY, OF CLARKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA; PRIVATE, CO. 'D,' 6TH VIRGINIA CAVALRY," says that "James L. Ashby, son of Buckner and Sophia G. Ashby, was born in Clarke County, Virginia, on 6th of November, 1831," and says that he "went into the milling business in Warren County, where he remained pursuing his quiet avocation until the breaking out of the war in 1861."	RECORD Likely	IDENTITY LikelyOne memorial sketch names a James L. Ashby of Clarke County, Co. D, 6th Va. Cav.; Gold's roll of that company prints no James Ashby, only Lewis Ashby killed at Trevillian Station on the same day. The two are not merged.	Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States See the source and its limits ✓ LikelyAn account exists The Virginia Military Institute Memorial (Walker, 1875), printed p. 33, opens its sketch with the heading "JAMES L. ASHBY, OF CLARKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA; PRIVATE, CO. 'D,' 6TH VIRGINIA CAVALRY," says that "James L. Ashby, son of Buckner and Sophia G. Ashby, was born in Clarke County, Virginia, on 6th of November, 1831," and says that he "went into the milling business in Warren County, where he remained pursuing his quiet avocation until the breaking out of the war in 1861." What the source supports What the VMI Memorial prints at the head of its sketch of James L. Ashby: his rank and company, a Clarke County birth and date, his parents' names, and that before the war he lived in Warren County. Uncertainty A memorial sketch written for the 1875 book from the writer's knowledge and the accounts of comrades and family, a decade after the events: a retrospective account, not a service or death record, and not checked here against any other record. The heading "OF CLARKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA" and the birth sentence are the book's own statements; a birth statement in a memorial sketch is not a birth record, so the Clarke basis is qualified. His later home before the war was Warren County (milling), which the page says; his Clarke link here is the birth statement. The printed signature mark "3" at the foot of the page is a sheet mark, not text. His brother John W. Ashby has the next sketch. The Trevilian Station entry (Co. D, June 11, 1864) appears for two men in two sources: James L. Ashby in the VMI Memorial and Lewis Ashby in Gold's roll of the Clarke Cavalry. Neither source names the other's man, the first names differ, and the print does not show whether they are one man or two; this site keeps them as two entries, James L. Ashby and Lewis Ashby, and does not merge them. Each cited passage was read twice, the second time independently: first as a rendered page image of a digital reproduction (a 200 dpi render of the stated PDF page of the hosted copy), then on a cropped image of the same page. Both readings support the claim; neither was of the paper itself. The crop is held privately and is not shown on this site. Nothing beyond the quoted passage was read from the page. No human historian has reviewed this claim. Source Later historical account Evidence role: supports. Supports the claim at the cited book's own level; the underlying record was not read. See limits. Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States Walker, Charles D. · 1875 (publication) Locator: Printed p. 33, PDF p. 34 of the hosted copy, the heading and first sentence of the sketch headed JAMES L. ASHBY Relevant passage JAMES L. ASHBY, OF CLARKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA; PRIVATE, CO. "D," 6TH VIRGINIA CAVALRY. James L. Ashby, son of Buckner and Sophia G. Ashby, was born in Clarke County, Virginia, on 6th of November, 1831. Checked: This passage was read on a digital reproduction of the page; no original has been handled. The source's other readings: page text reviewed, original image not independently inspected. Open source Source family: vmi-memorial-1875. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Later historical account Evidence role: supports. Supports the claim at the cited book's own level; the underlying record was not read. See limits. Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States Walker, Charles D. · 1875 (publication) Locator: Printed p. 33, PDF p. 34 of the hosted copy, the sentence of the sketch on his return from the West and the milling business Relevant passage he returned to his native State, and went into the milling business in Warren County, where he remained pursuing his quiet avocation until the breaking out of the war in 1861. Checked: This passage was read on a digital reproduction of the page; no original has been handled. The source's other readings: page text reviewed, original image not independently inspected. Open source Source family: vmi-memorial-1875. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Date not established	On printed p. 34 the VMI Memorial says that James L. Ashby "joined the 'Clarke Cavalry,' Co. 'D,' 6th Virginia Regiment, as a private" on the 12th of March, 1862, that he took part in the battles of his regiment "until June 11, 1864," when "Co. 'D' was ordered to charge and take a battery of the Federal forces, near Trevyllian Station, Virginia," and that "James Ashby fell dead, shot through the head with a bullet."	RECORD Likely	IDENTITY LikelySame James L. Ashby as the heading on p. 33. Whether he is the "Ashby, Lewis" of Gold's roll (same company, day and place, different first name) is Unconfirmed and is not decided here.	Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States See the source and its limits ✓ LikelyAn account exists On printed p. 34 the VMI Memorial says that James L. Ashby "joined the 'Clarke Cavalry,' Co. 'D,' 6th Virginia Regiment, as a private" on the 12th of March, 1862, that he took part in the battles of his regiment "until June 11, 1864," when "Co. 'D' was ordered to charge and take a battery of the Federal forces, near Trevyllian Station, Virginia," and that "James Ashby fell dead, shot through the head with a bullet." What the source supports What the VMI sketch says of his service and death: a private in Co. D (the Clarke Cavalry), 6th Virginia, killed at Trevyllian Station on June 11, 1864. Uncertainty A memorial sketch written for the 1875 book from the writer's knowledge and the accounts of comrades and family, a decade after the events: a retrospective account, not a service or death record, and not checked here against any other record. "Trevyllian" is printed so and kept. The page says "James Ashby" at the death, not "Lewis." The page number 34 touches the top edge of the crop and is not quoted. The sentence continues from p. 33 ("In the fall of that year he was called to Winchester"). No casualty list was read. The Trevilian Station entry (Co. D, June 11, 1864) appears for two men in two sources: James L. Ashby in the VMI Memorial and Lewis Ashby in Gold's roll of the Clarke Cavalry. Neither source names the other's man, the first names differ, and the print does not show whether they are one man or two; this site keeps them as two entries, James L. Ashby and Lewis Ashby, and does not merge them. Each cited passage was read twice, the second time independently: first as a rendered page image of a digital reproduction (a 200 dpi render of the stated PDF page of the hosted copy), then on a cropped image of the same page. Both readings support the claim; neither was of the paper itself. The crop is held privately and is not shown on this site. Nothing beyond the quoted passage was read from the page. No human historian has reviewed this claim. Source Later historical account Evidence role: supports. Supports the claim at the cited book's own level; the underlying record was not read. See limits. Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States Walker, Charles D. · 1875 (publication) Locator: Printed p. 34, PDF p. 35 of the hosted copy, the sentence of the sketch on his joining the Clarke Cavalry Relevant passage On the 12th of March, 1862, the need of drill-masters no longer existing, he joined the "Clarke Cavalry," Co. "D," 6th Virginia Regiment, as a private Checked: This passage was read on a digital reproduction of the page; no original has been handled. The source's other readings: page text reviewed, original image not independently inspected. Open source Source family: vmi-memorial-1875. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Later historical account Evidence role: supports. Supports the claim at the cited book's own level; the underlying record was not read. See limits. Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States Walker, Charles D. · 1875 (publication) Locator: Printed p. 34, PDF p. 35 of the hosted copy, the sentences of the sketch on June 11, 1864 Relevant passage participated in every battle in which it was engaged, until June 11, 1864. On that day Co. "D" was ordered to charge and take a battery of the Federal forces, near Trevyllian Station, Virginia; Checked: This passage was read on a digital reproduction of the page; no original has been handled. The source's other readings: page text reviewed, original image not independently inspected. Open source Source family: vmi-memorial-1875. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Later historical account Evidence role: supports. Supports the claim at the cited book's own level; the underlying record was not read. See limits. Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States Walker, Charles D. · 1875 (publication) Locator: Printed p. 34, PDF p. 35 of the hosted copy, the sentence of the sketch on his death Relevant passage James Ashby fell dead, shot through the head with a bullet. Checked: This passage was read on a digital reproduction of the page; no original has been handled. The source's other readings: page text reviewed, original image not independently inspected. Open source Source family: vmi-memorial-1875. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Date not established	A compiled service record in NARA M324 (Fold3 file id 7948999) for "J. Lewis Ashby" shows him a private of Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry -- Moore's and Allen's own company -- re-enlisted July 18, 1862 at Richmond by Capt. Richards, the same officer who signed Moore's horse-claim voucher; marked absent, detached to the Signal Corps, on the Dec. 1862 regimental return; and issued clothing with the company again on May 19, 1864, three weeks before the June 11, 1864 action at Trevilian Station.	RECORD Likely	IDENTITY UnconfirmedNo identity statement has been recorded for this statement.	Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3 See the source and its limits ✓ LikelyAn account exists A compiled service record in NARA M324 (Fold3 file id 7948999) for "J. Lewis Ashby" shows him a private of Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry -- Moore's and Allen's own company -- re-enlisted July 18, 1862 at Richmond by Capt. Richards, the same officer who signed Moore's horse-claim voucher; marked absent, detached to the Signal Corps, on the Dec. 1862 regimental return; and issued clothing with the company again on May 19, 1864, three weeks before the June 11, 1864 action at Trevilian Station. What the source supports A documented Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry service record for a man named "J. Lewis Ashby": enlistment under the same officers as Moore and Allen, a Signal Corps detachment through at least the end of 1862, and his return to the company by May 1864. Uncertainty None of the three cards cited here gives a full first name; each gives only "J. Lewis" or "J. L." The card does not by itself say he was present at, wounded at, or killed at Trevilian Station on June 11, 1864 -- only that he was issued clothing with the company three weeks before that date; all twenty-three cards of the file have now been read (October 10, 2026), and none is a casualty, parole or discharge card; the file ends with this May 1864 clothing receipt. The cards are the War Department's later abstracts of musters and returns, not the original rolls. Read once, at 2.2-3x render resolution, directly from the downloaded Fold3 scan; not independently re-read a second time. No human historian has reviewed this claim. For the question of whether this "J. Lewis Ashby" is the James L. Ashby of the VMI Memorial (see C1428 and R168), the entity link below is to James L. Ashby on the strength of C1428's signature evidence, not of this card alone. Source Contemporary document Evidence role: supports. The muster/re-enlistment card: company, officers, date. Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3 U.S. War Department (compiled service records of Confederate soldiers), National Archives microfilm publication M324 Locator: Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; the May-June 1862 Company Muster Roll card, page 2 of 23 within the file Relevant passage J. Lewis Ashby, Pvt, Co. D, 6 Reg't Virginia Cavalry. Appears on Company Muster Roll of the organization named above, for May & June, 1862. Enlisted (re-enlisted): When July 18, 1862. Where Richmond. By whom Capt Richards. Period 2 yrs or War. Last paid: By whom Capt Carter. To what time April 30, 1862. Present or absent: Present. Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled. Open source Source family: nara-m324-ashby-j-lewis-co-d-6th-va-cav. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Contemporary document Evidence role: supports. The Dec. 1862 regimental return: Signal Corps detachment. Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3 U.S. War Department (compiled service records of Confederate soldiers), National Archives microfilm publication M324 Locator: Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; the December 1862 Regimental Return card, page 9 of 23 within the file Relevant passage Ashby, Pvt, Co. D, 6 Reg't Virginia Cavalry. Appears on Regimental Return of the organization named above, for the month of Dec, 1862. Absent enlisted men accounted for: Absent, Signal Corps. Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled. Open source Source family: nara-m324-ashby-j-lewis-co-d-6th-va-cav. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Contemporary document Evidence role: supports. The May 1864 clothing receipt: back with the company before Trevilian Station. Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3 U.S. War Department (compiled service records of Confederate soldiers), National Archives microfilm publication M324 Locator: Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; the 2nd Quarter 1864 clothing Receipt Roll card, page 10 of 23 within the file Relevant passage J. L. Ashby, Co D 6 Va Cav. Appears on a Receipt Roll for clothing, for 2 Qr, 1864. Date of issue May 19, 1864. Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled. Open source Source family: nara-m324-ashby-j-lewis-co-d-6th-va-cav. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Date not established	In the same compiled service record, the soldier signs a November 1861 ration-commutation voucher in his own hand "Jas Louis Ashby", and a separate 1863 Confederate-States voucher for Signal Corps extra-service pay "Lewis Ashby" -- the full given name "James" (as "Jas") and the name "Lewis" both written by the same man, in his own signature, in the same CSR file.	RECORD Likely	IDENTITY UnconfirmedNo identity statement has been recorded for this statement.	Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3 See the source and its limits ✓ LikelyAn account exists In the same compiled service record, the soldier signs a November 1861 ration-commutation voucher in his own hand "Jas Louis Ashby", and a separate 1863 Confederate-States voucher for Signal Corps extra-service pay "Lewis Ashby" -- the full given name "James" (as "Jas") and the name "Lewis" both written by the same man, in his own signature, in the same CSR file. What the source supports That the man this file calls "J. Lewis Ashby" signed his own name, on different occasions, both as "Jas[James] Louis Ashby" and as "Lewis Ashby" -- direct documentary evidence that "James L." (the form in the VMI Memorial's sketch of James L. Ashby) and "Lewis" (the form Gold prints for the man killed at Trevilian Station) could be one and the same man using two forms of his own name. Uncertainty This establishes only that one man of Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry used both name forms himself; it does not by itself establish that THIS man is the one the VMI Memorial calls James L. Ashby or the one Gold's roll calls Lewis Ashby, since no record read here names both the VMI sketch's or Gold's own facts (birth date, parents, place, or the Trevilian Station death) alongside either signature. The two signatures are read as "Jas Louis Ashby" and "Lewis Ashby"; the middle/second name could also be read "Lewis" in the first signature (the two readings look alike in this hand) -- either reading still carries a plain "Jas" for James. Read once, at 2.2-3x render resolution, directly from the downloaded Fold3 scan; not independently re-read a second time. No human historian has reviewed this claim. A closer look at the 1863 voucher at full resolution (October 10, 2026) shows a single long stroke before "Lewis Ashby"; it may be an initial "J" or a stray pen stroke, so the signature may read "J Lewis Ashby". Either way the soldier wrote "Lewis" as his own form of the name. A January 1864 forage requisition in the same file (C1429) carries "Lewis Ashby" and "Jas L Ashby" on one sheet. Source Contemporary document Evidence role: supports. Nov. 1861 voucher, signed "Jas Louis Ashby". Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3 U.S. War Department (compiled service records of Confederate soldiers), National Archives microfilm publication M324 Locator: Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; a Confederate States ration-commutation voucher, page 17 of 23 within the file Relevant passage The Confederate States To J. L. Ashby Dr. 1861 Nov 1st For Commutation of Rations for 36 days from July 3rd 1861 to August 8th 1861, while on detached service at 75 cents per day ... $27.00 ... Received at Winchester Nov 5th 1861 Twenty seven dollars in full of above acct. Jas Louis Ashby Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled. Open source Source family: nara-m324-ashby-j-lewis-co-d-6th-va-cav. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses. Contemporary document Evidence role: supports. 1863 Signal Corps voucher, signed "Lewis Ashby". Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3 U.S. War Department (compiled service records of Confederate soldiers), National Archives microfilm publication M324 Locator: Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; a Confederate States extra-service pay voucher, page 19 of 23 within the file Relevant passage The Confederate States To J. L. Ashby Co. D, 6th Va. Cav. Dr. 1863 For extra service as a member of Lt. Bellinger's Signal Corps from April 18th '63 to July 4th '63 (inclusive) = 78 days @ 40 cts per day ... $31.20 ... Received at Orange C[ourt] H[ouse] the 1st day of January 1864 of [P. H. ?] Major & Q.M.C.S. Army the sum of Thirty-one Dollars & twenty cents in full of the above account. (Signed in duplicate.) Lewis Ashby Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled. Open source Source family: nara-m324-ashby-j-lewis-co-d-6th-va-cav. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Date not established	In the same compiled service record (Fold3 file id 7948999), a Confederate requisition for forage for one public horse for January 1864, at Harrisonburg Hospital, is made out "in the service of Lewis Ashby, Company D, 6th Regiment of Va Cavy" and is signed twice, at the certificate and at the receipt, "Jas L Ashby Co D 6th Regt". The forage, 372 pounds of corn and 434 pounds of hay, was received at Harrisonburg on January 1, 1864.	RECORD Likely	IDENTITY UnconfirmedNo identity statement has been recorded for this statement.	Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3 See the source and its limits ✓ LikelyAn account exists In the same compiled service record (Fold3 file id 7948999), a Confederate requisition for forage for one public horse for January 1864, at Harrisonburg Hospital, is made out "in the service of Lewis Ashby, Company D, 6th Regiment of Va Cavy" and is signed twice, at the certificate and at the receipt, "Jas L Ashby Co D 6th Regt". The forage, 372 pounds of corn and 434 pounds of hay, was received at Harrisonburg on January 1, 1864. What the source supports One document, of one date, in which "Lewis Ashby" in the body and "Jas L Ashby" in the signature are the same Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry soldier. Uncertainty The name in the body appears to be in the same hand as the signatures, so the sheet shows the soldier writing his name both ways, not a clerk matching two names. It names none of the VMI Memorial's facts (birth, parents) and says nothing of Gold's Trevilian Station death, so the identity link between James L. Ashby and Lewis Ashby stays Likely. The document does not explain "Harrisonburg Hospital" on its place line. This is an original voucher kept in the file, not one of the War Department's abstract cards. Read from the downloaded Fold3 scan at full resolution; no human historian has reviewed this claim. Source Contemporary document Evidence role: supports. The January 1864 forage requisition: "Lewis Ashby" in the body, "Jas L Ashby" in both signatures. Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3 U.S. War Department (compiled service records of Confederate soldiers), National Archives microfilm publication M324 Locator: Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; a Requisition for Forage for Public Horses for January 1864, page 15 of 23 within the file Relevant passage REQUISITION for Forage for Public Horses, one in the service of Lewis Ashby Company D 6th Regiment, of Va Cavy C. S. Army, for 31 days, commencing the 1st of January 1864, and ending on the 31st of January 1864, at Harrisonburg Hospital ... I certify, on honor, that the above Requisition is correct and just ... Jas L Ashby Co D 6th Regt ... Received, at Harrisonburg the 1st of January 1864, of Capt A Baker A Qr Mr ... 372 pounds of corn ... 434 pounds of hay ... in full of the above Requisition. Jas L Ashby Co D 6th Regt Cav Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled. Open source Source family: nara-m324-ashby-j-lewis-co-d-6th-va-cav. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Date not established	In the same compiled service record, a requisition for forage for one horse for January 1864, at Harrisonburg, is made out "in the service of Lewis Ashby, Company D, 6th Regiment" of Virginia Cavalry, and is signed twice by the soldier "Jas L Ashby": the two forms of the name on one document.	RECORD Likely	IDENTITY UnconfirmedNo identity statement has been recorded for this statement.	Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3 See the source and its limits ✓ LikelyAn account exists In the same compiled service record, a requisition for forage for one horse for January 1864, at Harrisonburg, is made out "in the service of Lewis Ashby, Company D, 6th Regiment" of Virginia Cavalry, and is signed twice by the soldier "Jas L Ashby": the two forms of the name on one document. What the source supports That "Lewis Ashby" and "Jas L Ashby" are one soldier of Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry, on one form, as C1428 shows across two vouchers. Uncertainty This ties the two name forms together inside the file; like C1428, it does not connect this soldier to the VMI Memorial sketch of James L. Ashby or to Gold's account of a Lewis Ashby killed at Trevilian Station (see R168). The place is written "Harrisonburg Hospital" on the requisition; the form does not say why he drew forage there. Read once on 2026-10-14 from the archived Fold3 scan at 150-300 dpi, a digital reproduction of the National Archives microfilm. No human historian has reviewed this claim. Source Contemporary document Evidence role: supports. Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; the January 1864 Requisition for Forage for Public Horses [No. 32], page 15 of 23 within the file. Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3 U.S. War Department (compiled service records of Confederate soldiers), National Archives microfilm publication M324 Locator: Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; the January 1864 Requisition for Forage for Public Horses [No. 32], page 15 of 23 within the file Relevant passage Requisition for Forage for Public Horses, one, in the service of Lewis Ashby, Company D, 6th Regiment, of Va Cavy, C. S. Army, for 31 days, commencing the 1st of January 1864, and ending on the 31st of January 1864, at Harrisonburg Hospital. [Certificate signed:] Jas L Ashby Co D 6th Regt. Received at Harrisonburg the 1st of January 1864, of Capt A Baker A Q M, 372 pounds of corn, 434 pounds of hay. [Signed:] Jas L Ashby Co D 6th Regt Cav. Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled. Open source Source family: nara-m324-ashby-j-lewis-co-d-6th-va-cav. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.

Evidence gallery

Each image is the document itself, cropped from a saved original, and is shown only after a check by a reader who did not choose it found that it supports the passage it is cited for. Open one to read it closely.

The heading and opening of the sketch of James L. Ashby, private, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry, in the Memorial of the Virginia Military Institute (1875), printed p. 33: son of Buckner and Sophia G. Ashby, born in Clarke County, November 6, 1831.
What this image does and does not showA crop of part of one printed page; the rest of the page and the book is not shown.
Charles D. Walker, Memorial, Virginia Military Institute (1875), p. 33. Rights Changes: Cropped to the document only (box 15,600 840x920 pixels of the page image); not retouched, enhanced, highlighted or re-encoded.
Source: Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States Open the full image
What this image is evidence for
Passage it reproduces: Printed p. 33, PDF p. 34 of the hosted copy, the heading and first sentence of the sketch headed JAMES L. ASHBY
Statements on this site that rest on it:
The Virginia Military Institute Memorial (Walker, 1875), printed p. 33, opens its sketch with the heading "JAMES L. ASHBY, OF CLARKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA; PRIVATE, CO. 'D,' 6TH VIRGINIA CAVALRY," says that "James L. Ashby, son of Buckner and Sophia G. Ashby, was born in Clarke County, Virginia, on 6th of November, 1831," and says that he "went into the milling business in Warren County, where he remained pursuing his quiet avocation until the breaking out of the war in 1861."
People namedJames L. Ashby
Typed transcription
JAMES L. ASHBY, OF CLARKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA; PRIVATE, CO. "D," 6TH VIRGINIA CAVALRY. James L. Ashby, son of Buckner and Sophia G. Ashby, was born in Clarke County, Virginia, on 6th of November, 1831. His boyhood life, spent on his father's farm and at neighborhood schools, was uneventful. In his seventeenth year, receiving an appointment to a cadetship in the Virginia Military Institute, he entered that school on the 30th of July, 1848, pursued the prescribed course of study during a period of four years, and was graduated on the 4th of July, 1852. After a short rest at home, young Ashby emigrated to St. Joseph, Missouri, and there entered a corps of engineers in the service of the St. Joseph and Hannibal Railroad Company, with whom he remained for some time, engaged in preliminary surveys in the Territory of Kansas, and on the construction of the above-mentioned railroad. In the many difficulties arising in that Territory between anti- and pro-slavery men, Ashby took a conspicuous part. Soon becoming wearied of rough Western life, he returned to his native State, and went into the milling business in Warren County, where he remained pursuing his quiet avocation until the breaking out of the war in 1861. In the fall of that year he was called to [Winchester, on p. 34] [printed signature mark: 3]
Source
Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States, Walker, Charles D.
Date as printed
1875 (published)
Page
33 as printed; PDF page 34
Passage
Printed p. 33, PDF p. 34 of the hosted copy, the heading and first sentence of the sketch headed JAMES L. ASHBY
What it supports
The Virginia Military Institute Memorial (Walker, 1875), printed p. 33, opens its sketch with the heading "JAMES L. ASHBY, OF CLARKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA; PRIVATE, CO. 'D,' 6TH VIRGINIA CAVALRY," says that "James L. Ashby, son of Buckner and Sophia G. Ashby, was born in Clarke County, Virginia, on 6th of November, 1831," and says that he "went into the milling business in Warren County, where he remained pursuing his quiet avocation until the breaking out of the war in 1861."
Treatment
Cropped to the document only; no retouch, no highlight.
RECORD Likely IDENTITY Likely
One memorial sketch names a James L. Ashby of Clarke County, Co. D, 6th Va. Cav.; Gold's roll of that company prints no James Ashby, only Lewis Ashby killed at Trevillian Station on the same day. The two are not merged.
See the original
The rest of the sketch of James L. Ashby in the Memorial of the Virginia Military Institute (1875), printed p. 34: his service as a drill-master, his joining the Clarke Cavalry on March 12, 1862, and his death on June 11, 1864.
What this image does and does not showA crop of part of one printed page; the rest of the page and the book is not shown.
Charles D. Walker, Memorial, Virginia Military Institute (1875), p. 34. Rights Changes: Cropped to the document only (box 90,160 820x800 pixels of the page image); not retouched, enhanced, highlighted or re-encoded.
Source: Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States Open the full image
What this image is evidence for
Passage it reproduces: Printed p. 34, PDF p. 35 of the hosted copy, the sentence of the sketch on his joining the Clarke Cavalry
Statements on this site that rest on it:
On printed p. 34 the VMI Memorial says that James L. Ashby "joined the 'Clarke Cavalry,' Co. 'D,' 6th Virginia Regiment, as a private" on the 12th of March, 1862, that he took part in the battles of his regiment "until June 11, 1864," when "Co. 'D' was ordered to charge and take a battery of the Federal forces, near Trevyllian Station, Virginia," and that "James Ashby fell dead, shot through the head with a bullet."
People namedJames L. Ashby
Typed transcription
[p. 33 ends 'In the fall of that year he was called to'] Winchester, and assigned to duty, by General Jackson, as a drill-master to the raw troops assembled there. Performing with care and alacrity the duties of his office, he did efficient service in assisting to discipline the rude and disorganized masses of Southern volunteers who were flocking to that point. On the 12th of March, 1862, the need of drill-masters no longer existing, he joined the "Clarke Cavalry," Co. "D," 6th Virginia Regiment, as a private, and in this capacity served with his regiment in the division of the gallant J. E. B. Stuart, and participated in every battle in which it was engaged, until June 11, 1864. On that day Co. "D" was ordered to charge and take a battery of the Federal forces, near Trevyllian Station, Virginia; gallantly and successfully performed the duty. In the desperate counter-charge made by the enemy in endeavor to retake the battery, James Ashby fell dead, shot through the head with a bullet. Though "only a private," his record as a soldier compares favorably with many in higher station. Of undoubted courage, he was not unworthy to bear the name of Ashby, a name which his native Valley proudly claims as that of the noblest, bravest soldier, "Ashby, the peerless one," who raised his arm in defense of his home and the right.
Source
Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States, Walker, Charles D.
Date as printed
1875 (published)
Page
34 as printed; PDF page 35
Passage
Printed p. 34, PDF p. 35 of the hosted copy, the sentence of the sketch on his joining the Clarke Cavalry
What it supports
On printed p. 34 the VMI Memorial says that James L. Ashby "joined the 'Clarke Cavalry,' Co. 'D,' 6th Virginia Regiment, as a private" on the 12th of March, 1862, that he took part in the battles of his regiment "until June 11, 1864," when "Co. 'D' was ordered to charge and take a battery of the Federal forces, near Trevyllian Station, Virginia," and that "James Ashby fell dead, shot through the head with a bullet."
Treatment
Cropped to the document only; no retouch, no highlight.
RECORD Likely IDENTITY Likely
Same James L. Ashby as the heading on p. 33. Whether he is the "Ashby, Lewis" of Gold's roll (same company, day and place, different first name) is Unconfirmed and is not decided here.
See the original

Cited, with no image here

Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States, Printed p. 33, PDF p. 34 of the hosted copy, the sentence of the sketch on his return from the West and the milling business. The page was read on its image; no crop of it is shown yet.
Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States, Printed p. 34, PDF p. 35 of the hosted copy, the sentences of the sketch on June 11, 1864. The page was read on its image; no crop of it is shown yet.
Memorial, Virginia Military Institute: Biographical Sketches of the Graduates and Elèves of the Virginia Military Institute Who Fell During the War Between the States, Printed p. 34, PDF p. 35 of the hosted copy, the sentence of the sketch on his death. The page was read on its image; no crop of it is shown yet.
Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3, Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; the May-June 1862 Company Muster Roll card, page 2 of 23 within the file. The page was read on its image; no crop of it is shown yet.
Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3, Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; the December 1862 Regimental Return card, page 9 of 23 within the file. The page was read on its image; no crop of it is shown yet.
Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3, Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; the 2nd Quarter 1864 clothing Receipt Roll card, page 10 of 23 within the file. The page was read on its image; no crop of it is shown yet.
Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3, Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; a Confederate States ration-commutation voucher, page 17 of 23 within the file. The page was read on its image; no crop of it is shown yet.
Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3, Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; a Confederate States extra-service pay voucher, page 19 of 23 within the file. The page was read on its image; no crop of it is shown yet.
Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3, Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; a Requisition for Forage for Public Horses for January 1864, page 15 of 23 within the file. The page was read on its image; no crop of it is shown yet.
Compiled service record of J. Lewis Ashby, Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate), NARA M324, as viewed on Fold3, Fold3 file id 7948999, "Ashby, J Lewis", Sixth Cavalry; the January 1864 Requisition for Forage for Public Horses [No. 32], page 15 of 23 within the file. The page was read on its image; no crop of it is shown yet.

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Lewis Ashby Likely the same man: a Co. D, 6th Virginia Cavalry soldier's compiled service record shows him signing his own name both "Jas[James] Louis Ashby" and "Lewis Ashby"

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