Blake Henry Wiggins
Rank: 2nd North Carolina Calvary
Descendant: Milbrey B
Blake Henry Wiggins was born 17 March 1843, the 3rd of nine children of James and Milbrey Taylor Wiggins in the Town Creek area Edgecombe County, North Carolina. The family lived on land that James’ grandfather Noah received when he returned home from the American Revolutionary War. James was the local constable.
In 1861 the War Between the States began, and in the summer of 1862, Blake joined the 19th North Carolina Regiment which became the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. He rode with BG James B Gordon, the Brigade commander, Major Gen W H F Fitzhugh, the Division commander, and Major Gen James E B “Jeb” Stuart, the Corps commander. During the Battle of the Wilderness, the 2nd Cavalry was stationed at Todd’s Tavern to protect a supply train where they saw some action with Sheridan.
On 30 September 1864, the Cavalry saw action at White Oak Swamp near Petersburg. There were many casualties. No muster records have been found for over 30 of the troops after that, including Blake. It appears that many were captured and held prisoners until the near the end of the war. A few of the Cavalry show up with muster records as having been released from prison by then.
According to family Bible record, Blake was killed near Appomattox, Virginia in April, 1865. It is known that the Cavalry was overrun at Namazian Church near Appomattox on April 5, 1865