Gravestone of Samuel B. Howe

Samuel Bowen Howe was three months shy of his 16th birthday when he enlisted in Kanapaux's Battery, at Coosawhachie, SC, 12/10/1864. Sherman has already burned Atlanta and is just outside of Savannah, GA. On 2/1/1865, Shermans Troops begin their march into South Carolina. Kanapaux's Battery is positioned to defend Charleston, SC from Shermans attack. Instead Sherman moves to the West of Charleston and aims for Columbia, the capital of SC. Kanapaux's Battery is one of the units positioned in the direct line of Sherman's march. This regiment tries in vain to stop the march and engages Sherman's troops at the Battle of Rivers Bridge, SC. As Kanapaux's Battery retreats they destroy bridges behind them. Along the way the regiment engages in several skirmishes. Kanapaux's Battery fights again in a major battle at Bentonville NC, where the army of NC and SC are surrendered. Samuel Bowen Howe is 16 years and 1 month old when Robert E. Lee surrenders. After the war Samuel returned to his home in York County, SC. He is buried at Woodside Cemetery, Clover, SC. Samuel Bowen Howe was my great-great grandfather, and I dedicate this page to his memory. Roxsanne Wells-Layton.