Many men from Mecklenburg County in Virginia had earlier joined colourful companies such as the "Boydton Cavalry," "Clarksville Blues," "Chambliss Grays," "Mecklenburg Guards," "Mecklenburg Rifles," and "Confederate Guards."
C. W. Ogburn, a member of the Chambliss Grays, was killed in action at Howlett House near Richmond Virginia on June 21, 1864. Who C. W. Ogburn was, is not known.
What is known is that he was not Charles Wesley Ogburn, younger brother of Benjamin Watkins Ogburn.Charles Wesley Ogburn (1834-1885), also was a soldier in the Chambliss Grays. He enlisted early in 1861 but soon became disillusioned with the glamour--and slaughter--of warfare. He was discharged on May 17, 1862 when the family "furnished a substitute in the person of James Knight." In short, he bought his way out of the Confederate Army.Four Ogburn brothers and their uncle, all from Forsyth County, North Carolina, served with distinction during the Civil War.
Marcellus H. Ogburn
The other three brothers all served in Company D, 57th Regiment. Sihon A. Ogburn (1840-1927), was wounded at Fredericksburg and was at Appomattox with General Lee at the end of the war. Charles J. Ogburn (1842-1927), was wounded at Chancelorsville and lost his right foot. John W. Ogburn (1844-1933), was twice captured and imprisoned at Point Lookout, Maryland. Matthew L. Ogburn (1832-1913), uncle to the four Ogburn brothers, served with Company D, 21st Regiment, and was wounded at Pavilion Station.
