John Moody McElhiney

John Moody McElhiney was born on Aug 25, 1833 in Armstrong county, Wayne Township, Pennsylvania to William and Margaret McGarvey McElhiney. He appears to be the third born with brother William George being born 1834. Two older brothers were born and died before him. His mother, Margaret died when he was only 4 years old. His father remarried and had 6 more children, Samuel, Hannah, Maggie, Robert, Mary Ann and one who died in infancy. Before the age of 23 he moved from Pennsylvania to Vinton, Ohio. At the age of 23 he married Rebecca Stevens in Vinton Ohio March 29, 1857. In 1858 they had their first child, a daughter named Sarah 1859 a son, William was born. On Sept 1, 1861 John enlisted up for 3 years in the 2nd Virginia Calvary. The very next day, Sept 2, 1861 his daughter, Margaret was born. John served the Union Army those 3 years and then reenlisted for 3 more. Although he was discharged as a corporal, he earned the nickname Capt Jack due to his handling abilities with the mules and horses. He was at Appomattox when Lee surrendered to Grant. He was discharged on June 30, 1865. He returned home to Ohio and in June 1866, Benjamin Scott was born. 1868 along came Mary Ann. In early 1869 they sold there place in Ohio, packed their bags, boarded a train to Tennessee City and settled near Garners Creek. 1870, Their son Samuel was born and per the 1870 census their oldest daughter Sarah had died. Not sure if she died before or after the move. In 1873 they had a daughter, Isabella, a daughter named Inda was born in 1875 and another daughter, Rebecca Pearl born 1877. By the 1880 census there is no record of their oldest son , William. Their last child was John Moody McElhiney, Jr born Aug 18, 1881. In 1895 John lost Rebecca, his wife of 38 years. John received a military pension. John suffered failing health due to age and illness suffered during the war. During the war he caught the measles which caused partial blindness and weakness. He died in Tennessee City on Dec 10, 1914 at the age of 81.