Ralph G. Terry

Ralph Goweth Terry was born on August 17,1831 in Galt, Waterloo Ontario, Canada. He was the son of Stevens Terry and Sarah Bryant. Exactly when and why Ralph came to the United States is not currently known.

He was a 30 year old farmer from Plymouth at the time of the Regiment's formation. He enlisted in Company C on August 9, 1862 at Plymouth, and was mustered into service on August 15, 1862. Like most of Company C, Ralph was one of Colonel Morrow's "Two Hour" boys - the entire company was recruited in the remarkably short period of two hours.

The Photograph at left is of pre-war vintage, based on his youthful appearance, possibly c. 1855.

The photo at right was taken after Ralph entered service. Notice the backdrop he is posed against. It is remarkably similar to the one in the Willy Young and Augustus Pomeroy photographs, and may, in fact be the same one. Although Ralph is wearing a cavalryman's boots, this was not uncommon early in the war, or among soldiers in winter camp or on detached service. He is wearing the distinctive frock coat.

During October of 1862 Ralph was absent sick and in the hospital a Frederick Maryland. Ralph eventually returned to duty with the regiment, where he gave faithful service.

He was wounded in the arm at Laurel Hill (Spottsylvania) May 10, 1864. The wound was apparently not serious, because he soon returned to duty.

He was again wounded on June 18, 1864 during an unsuccessful assault on the confederate works at Petersburg. The exact nature of the wound is not known. it was not serious enough to prevent him from returning to duty with the Regiment, however.

Ralph Terry was promoted to corporal on January 1, 1865 in recognition of his service.

Ralph mustered out with the Regiment at Detroit, June 30, 1865. He returned to Plymouth and farming.

Ralph married Elizabeth R. Seeley August 2, 1860 in Nankin, Wayne County, Michigan. She was the daughter of Hector C. Seeley and Dorinda Sarinda Durland.(the couple is shown at left in a post-war photo circa 1885)

Ralph Terry was also a very active member of the Eddy Post #231, G.A.R, Plymouth, Michigan. His involvement in veteran's affairs kept him in close contact with his 'pards from the 24th. He attended the Dedication of the 24th Michigan's Monument at Michigan Day at Gettysburg, June 12th-14th, 1889.

Ralph Goweth Terry died on August 21, 1898. He is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Plymouth, Michigan.

Descendants:

Jim Sprague Spraguewow@aol.com

Marie Joslin mjoslin@hps.k12.mi.us

Sharon West Shhhharon@aol.com

Photographs courtesy of Sharon West, used with permission.
Some of the information on this page is also courtesy of Sharon West