I got this e-mail from Jordan Kearney about Edwin D. Willcox (who married Eliza Shanks, the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Shanks):

I have been able to find a little information on three of his children. Robert E. Willcox enlisted on June 19, 1861 in Co. A, 12th Virginia Infantry in Petersburg. He was present or accounted for until killed in action at Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862. It’s interesting to note that Malvern Hill once belonged to his paternal ancestor, Col. Richard Cocke.

John Thomas Willcox served as a private in Co. B, 44th Battalion of Virginia Infantry prior to being transferred to Nichol’s (or Graham’s) Virginia Artillery Battery during the Civil War. This battery was part of Jeb Stuart’s Horse Artillery. He was paroled on April 9, 1865 at Appomattox Courthouse, VA.

Alice A. Willcox was married to John Walke Baylor. John Walke Baylor enlisted on April 25, 1861 in Co. A, 12th Virginia Infantry in Petersburg. Served in this unit until February 27, 1864, when he was transferred to the Pioneer Corps of Mahone’s Brigade. Returned to the 12th Virginia in September of 1864. John was captured in April of 1865 and was confined in Libby Prison, Richmond, VA.

And here’s some additional information on Thomas Shanks, Eliza’s brother:

He enlisted on April 19, 1861 in Co. A, 12th Virginia Infantry in Petersburg. Promoted to 1st Sergeant on May 15, 1861 and Second Lieutenant on October 15, 1861. He was not reelected on reorganization of the army on May 1, 1862. Later served as a private in the Virginia State Reserves in 1864.

I didn’t know that he didn’t get reelected, nor that he served in the state reserves. Fascinating. He was involved in the fire company there in Petersburg, and he shows up quite often in the newspapers. Unfortunately there isn’t as much coverage of his brother James (my line), but that’s life.

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