A Confederate and a Yankee

Today, I’d like you to meet Madison Earnest “Matt” Craigo, born October 17, 1840, in Putnam County, (West) Virginia, the son of George H. and Sally (Martin) Craigo. He enlisted in the 22nd Virginia Infantry, alongside his twin brother, “Hack.”

Matt saw early combat and was wounded at the Battle of Scary Creek on July 17, 1861, while serving under Col. George Patton—grandfather of the famed World War II general. Matt was cared for by Hack, who received a leave of absence to accompany his brother. While they were away, the Union army gained control of their home region. Facing the new reality, Matt decided it was in his best interest to change sides and enlist with the Union.

He joined the 7th West Virginia Cavalry (then designated the 8th Mounted Infantry). Illiterate, Matt signed his enlistment papers by “making his mark.” He received a furlough in February 1862 and did not return until March 1863. During that time, he married Angeline Kersey on June 24, 1863. The couple would go on to have ten children.

When Matt rejoined the regiment, he first faced confinement and a court-martial but later re-enlisted in 1864, serving honorably until his discharge in August 1865. One story passed down recalls that he contracted typhoid fever during service. Left behind by his unit and presumed near death, someone even took his shoes. Against the odds, Matt recovered, wrapped his feet in rags, and walked a great distance to reunite with his regiment.

After the war’s end, the 7th West Virginia Cavalry continued to serve, patrolling 20 counties of southwestern Virginia. Their duty included paroling returned Confederates and maintaining order; in total, the regiment’s officers paroled more than 5,000 men. The unit’s commander, John Olney of New York, had been sent west to drill troops at the request of Unionist Virginia’s governor, Francis Piermont, in 1861.

Matt filed for his federal pension in June 1890. By 1911, the Charleston city directory listed him at 1027 6th Street. He died on February 16, 1913, and is interred in beautiful, historic Spring Hill Cemetery Park and Arboretum in Charleston.

About the Author

Donny Jones, a native of Jackson County, West Virginia, has been fascinated by the Civil War since childhood. He grew up hearing stories of his Civil War ancestors from his PaPa, Trueman Jones, and has been on a mission to sharing the lives of ordinary soldiers who endured extraordinary times. Follow more of his work at “The Uniformed Historian” on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.