John Samsel

John P. Samsel (August 5, 1848 - August 13, 1929) served as a private in Company E, 13th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry.

Personal life
John Samsel was born August 5, 1848 in Grainger County, Tennesssee to Peter and Catherine Elizabeth (Shelton) Samsel. He married Martha Susan Gammon (1856-1945) with whom he had ten children.

Civil War service
Samsel enlisted as a private in Company E on October 18, 1864 in Bean Station, Tennessee for a period of three years and mustered in October 25, 1864 at New Market, Tennessee.

He is described as 18 years old, 5' 5" tall, fair complexion, blue eyes, light hair, and by occupation a farmer.

Samsel deserted on November 10, 1864 at Bulls Gap, Tennessee and never returned to the regiment. He was dishonorably discharged.

When the regiment mustered out on September 5, 1865 at Knoxville, it was noted that he had never been paid and was owed $2.42 from the government for clothing.

Post-war life
Samsel died August 13, 1929 near Tate, Tennessee [a defunct community southwest of Bean Station] and is buried at a family cemetery that has not been identified. His obituary states: "His body, at his own request, was laid to rest on a beautiful hill on his own farm by a number of friends Aug. 15, 1929."