Privates William and Elijah Estep

William, Elijah, and John Estep were brothers, the sons of Shade and Ruth Estep. They were all born in Tazewell County, VA, in what later became Buchanan County. All three can be found in the 1850 Tazewell County Census in household number 950. When the three of them joined the 39th at Peach Orchard on Dec. 27, 1862, Bill was 21, John was 26, and Elijah was 28.

Bill was with the regiment all through 1863, but he was sick in the hospital at Ashland, KY, in Jan.-Feb. 1864. He was back with his company by March. He deserted on Aug. 11, following the Battle of Louisa, taking his Enfield Rifle and cartridge box with him. He returned under the President's proclamation of amnesty on April 17, 1865. He married Elizabeth Blankenship in Floyd County, KY, in 1866. He may not be the same man listed on the roster of Company H, 10th Kentucky Cavalry, C.S.A.

Elijah joined on the same day as his brothers. He deserted on the same day as his brothers, and he too took his rifle and cartridge box with him. He returned from desertion on May 1, 1865. He was described as being 5'0" tall, with blue eyes, fair hair, and fair complexion. He may have (along with the rest of these Buchanan County men) enlisted in Pike County with Captain William King. He apparently did not serve with the 10th Kentucky or the 2d VSL.

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