Col. Milton J. Ferguson, 16th Virginia Cavalry, C.S.A.

Judge Milton Jemison Ferguson (from Ely).

On January 9th, 1864, a large force of Confederate Cavalry attacked Company H of the 39th at Turman's Ferry. The Confederates under Milton J. Ferguson succeeded in routing the Federal soldiers, taking many prisoners and scattering the rest to the surrounding hills. The weather was so cold that many of the Union soldiers suffered from frostbite after hiding in the hills overnight. At least three soldiers were discharged in April due to disabilities acquired after having their limbs amputated. In fact, it was so cold that Ferguson and his men rode across the ice on the Big Sandy to attack the 39th.

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