I recently joined the Daughters of the Union Veterans, Civil War 1861-1865 under my gr. gr. grandfather, John Wesley Duart. It got me thinking that I know a fair amount about him, but not his Civil War experience. I decided that if I was going to find out, I might as well set a goal of writing an article for someone, about JW.
I started by writing to all my cousins that I know are descendants of John, to see if anyone has more information about him. I have had a copy of his pension file for many years, but reread it and refreshed my memory about his unit. I also know that cousin, Don Duart has gr. gr. grandfather’s Civil War sword. I got a picture of it long ago also. Don called and said he has an article about JW that he will copy for me. It is so exciting to know that the sword has been kept in the family and will be passed on to Don’s son, John. And I’m on my way.
The Duart’s have named every other generation with a John Wesley or David Henry. It dawned on me not too long ago that maybe there was a reason for John Wesley, since many of the Duart’s have been Methodist’s. The naming started just about the same time that THE John Wesley began the church. Go figure.
I’m hoping to hear from other cousins and to find someone has old letters or other articles about John Wesley Duart. I’ll be adding all my information into the Duart One-Name-Study files as I receive items.