8TH

I COMPANY
8TH KENTUCKY
VOLUNTEER CAVALRY REGIMENT

REENACTING THE WAR OF THE REBELLION

"With drawn sabers gleaming in the bright sunlight, and a yell that filled the foe with terror, they rushed upon him, and he fled at their approach."

From the report of Brigadier-General James M. Shackelford, August 1, 1863, on the fight at Buffington Island, OH, in which the
1st, 3rd, 8th, 9th and 12th KY Cavalry charged the secesh lines, causing an immediate and unconditional surrender.

UNIT HISTORY

Continuing the Downey tradition of shooting at greybacks, which began in 1861, the unit was formed in 2003 by Timothy H. Downey of Hustonville, KY. I am a descendant of several 8th Kentucky troopers, including my great-great grandfather, Sherrod W. Downey. I participate in several reenactments throughout the year.

Great-great grandpa,
Hustonville Cemetery, Lincoln Co. KY

With Frederick Douglas in Lincoln County, KY 2006

Pittsburg Landing, 2007

Richmond, KY 2006

Letcher County, KY 2003.

With Bill Nordan, Gladeville, 2007

Logan's Cross Roads, 2007
My great, great grandfather, Adam Ellis was a trooper in B Co., 1st KY Cavalry, which fought there.

Defending Camp Nelson, 2008

Defending Ft. Sanders, TN
"we've got a fort, we've got a fort"

8TH KENTUCKY CAVALRY HISTORY

The 8th KY Cavalry was organized at Russellville and mustered August 13, 1862. They were mustered out September 23, 1863. The regiment lost during service 1 officer and 8 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 4 officers and 104 enlisted men by disease.

The regiment participated in the following service and engagements:
Duty at Russellville, Bowling Green, Hopkinsville and Clarksville, operating against guerrillas.
Morganfield, Madisonville, Geiger's Lake, Ashbysburg,
Henderson County, Greenville Road, Garrettsburg, Rural Hill,
Near Nashville, Bowling Green,
Buffington's Island.

MY 8th TROOPER KIN

PVT David Coffman, I Co.
PVT Nicholas Coffman, I Co. died 3/30/63 in Clarksville, TN
PVT Thomas Coffman, I Co., died 2/24/63 in Clarksville, TN
PVT Sherrod W. Downey, I Co.
PVT William B. Downey, K Co.
CPL George D. Ellis, I Co., and SGT, Casey County State Guards

MY OTHER FEDERAL KIN

PVT John Coffman, E. Co., 2d KY Veteran Cavalry, captured near Milledgeville, GA, 10/23/64
CPT Shadrach Combs, D Co., Three Forks Bn., KY State Troops
PVT Hector Downey, A Co., Casey County State Guards
PVT Adam Ellis, B Co., 1st KY Cavalry
1LT John Ellis, M Co., 13th KY Cavalry, also PVT, B. Co., 1st KY Cavalry
1SGT Tilford Ellis, G Co., 6th KY Veteran Volunteer Cavalry
CPL William J. Ellis, A Co., Casey County State Guards
PVT Noah May, D Co., 45th KY Mounted Infantry, died 6/23//64 in Lexington, KY
SGT Alexander Stamper, F Co., Harlan Co. Bn. and H Co., 47th KY Mounted Infantry

These Heroes, born of woman, crushed the serpent with their heel.

My Spencer, Colts and shell jacket with SUVCW and MOLLUS membership badges and awards.
I am the founding and current Commander of the KY Commandery of MOLLUS and a recipient of the MOLLUS Lincoln recruiting award. I joined MOLLUS through 1LT John Ellis, 13th KY Cavalry.
I am the first Past Camp Commander of the SGT Elijah P. Marrs Camp 5, SUVCW (1999-2001), Past Department Commander of KY (2 terms, 2000-2002) and the founding and current Camp Commander of the MAJ James H. Bridgewater Camp 7, SUVCW (2006-2007, 2008-2009). I joined the SUVCW through S. W. Downey, 8th KY Cavalry.
Also the founding Commander of A Company, 1st Capital Guards, SVR, serving 5 years as Commander (2000-2005) and the founding and current Commander of Bridgewater Scouts, SVR. I am a recipient of the SVR Distinguished Service Medal and a double recipient of the SVR Meritorious Service Medal.
Finally, carrying on an old and honorable family tradition, a Scottish Rite Mason.

LINKS

National SUVCW
Kentucky Department SUVCW
Bridgewater Scouts, SVR
MAJ James H. Bridgewater Camp 7
KY MOLLUS
8th KY Cavalry

Timothy H. Downey
downeytimothy@hotmail.com
Have Sharps, Spencer, Henry, Maynard, Springfield, Colts, Remington. Will travel.

2008