There were about 1200 Rowland participants in the American Civil War. They were roughly equally divided between the Union and the Confederacy. Although people like to talk about “brothers fighting brothers” in the Civil War, there are no documented cases of a Rowland family or Rowland first cousins on opposite sides.
This is a genealogy website, and therefore it will not entertain any political debates regarding the war or the participation of our ancestors.
- The list of 636 known Rowland Union soldiers is here.
- The list of 570 known Rowland Confederate soldiers is here.
- There are 23 known Rowland casualties (both sides), although this quantity would appear to be too low.
Civil War Officers of Note
Major Thomas Rowland (1842-1874) CSA. Although born in Detroit, Michigan and a cadet at the West Point Military Academy, Major Thomas Rowland fought for the Confederacy. He enlisted in Virginia, and after the war became a lawyer, living in Baltimore.
Major Alexander M “A.M” Rowland (1837-1871) CSA. Starting service as a private in the 37th Georgia Infantry, A.M. Rowland quickly rose through the ranks, serving as a Lieutenant in the 6th Georgia Infantry and the 4th Alabama Infantry. As a major, he was the commander of Rowland’s Battalion, Georgia Conscripts.
A Special Salute: Dedicated to a Cause
Although many Rowland families fought in the Civil War, William Rowland of Oconee County, South Carolina deserves special attention. Sergeant William Rowland served in Co. G, 5th Regiment, South Carolina. Additionally six of his sons served — seven men from a single family, truly dedicated to a cause. His sons were
- Cpl Henry Dobson Rowland, 1st South Carolina Rifles (Orr’s)
- Waddy Thompson Rowland, 1st Tennessee (died in service)
- Samuel C Rowland 1st South Carolina Rifles (Orr’s) (died in service)
- William F Rowland (unit unknown)
- John T Rowland went into service with the 16-year old boys (unit unknown) and died of measles upon returning home in 1865
- Carlos Alexander Rowland 1st South Carolina Rifles (Orr’s) returned home disabled.
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