Stephen H. DeHart was born on 30 Nov. 1834 in Patrick Co., Va. He was the oldest son of Gabriel and Martha DeHart. Stephan was married on 23 Jan. 1856 to Judith Gates from Halifax Co. Va. (first marriage) They had one son, Thomas N. DeHart, who was born on 24 Nov. 1857. This was a shortlived marriage because on 27 Oct. 1858 Stephan lost his wife, Judith. She died of Consumption (Tuberculosis) at the young age of 27.
After this tragedy in his life Stephan took his young son, Thomas and sent to live with his parents, Gabriel and Martha. (Stephan was listed along with his son, Thomas as living in the household of Gabriel DeHart in the U.S. Census of 1860). Stephan was a carpenter by trade during the next few years. (This was mentioned in the 1860 Census also.)
The next significant event in his life was the War between the states. Stephan served from 31 Dec. 1864 thru 1 April 1865 when he was taken as a prisoner of war in the Battle of Five Forks. He served as a private in Company 1, 53 rd. Regiment of the Virginia Infantry. After his capture on the first day of the Battle of Five Forks near Petersburg, Va., he was taken to Point Lookout, Maryland where he was imprisoned until 11 June 1865. He was released at this time upon his oath of allegiance to the United States which customary of all Confederate soldiers.
After the Civil War, Stephen went home to Patrick Co. where he was the head of the family after his father's death in 1861. Stephan lived at home until his second marriage in 1870.
He married Isabelle M. Woolwine on 25 June 1870 in Patrick Co. From this union there were seven children: Henry L., born 8 Feb. 1873; Carrie B., born 1877; William W., born 1875; Rufus Abraham (my grandfather), born 18 June 1879; Issac; Sam G.; and O Kirk, born 13 June 1885.
Stephan was a miller by trade and also a farmer. He lived his entire life on Rock Castle Creek in Patrick Co.
Stephen lived a long life for the times. He died on 8 Nov. 1921. His death certificate listed the cause of death as senile debility which at the age of 86 years was most certainly brought on by his old age. Stephan's wife Belle died the next year on 27 Oct. 1922. (The information on Stephan's Military service was taken from a copy of his Military records obtained from the National Archives in Washington, D.C.)
Contributed by Pat DeHart Long
Document Prepared by Gloria Lambert
Mail to:
Amber Dalakas