Elizabeth B. Custer

“ On 30 Sept. he assumed command of the 3d division of cavalry, with which he fought the brilliant battle of Woodstock on 9 Oct., where he was confronted by his former classmate at West Point, the Confederate Gen. Rosser. He drove the enemy twenty-six miles, capturing everything they had on wheels except one gun. At Cedar Creek he confronted the enemy from the first attack in the morning until the battle ended. The 3d division recaptured, before the day was over, guns and colors that had been taken from the army earlier in the fight, together with Confederate flags and cannon. ”

“ Ouster was sent to Washington in charge of the captured colors, and recommended for promotion. In the spring of 1865, when Gen. Sheridan moved his cavalry toward Richmond again, the 3d division fought alone the battle of Waynesboro. The enemy's works were carried, and 11 guns, 200 wagons, 1,000 prisoners, and 17 battle-flags were captured. On reaching Fredrickshall Station, Gen. Custer found that Gen. Early had rallied from his retreat at Waynesboro and was preparing for another attack. He therefore sent a regiment to meet him at once. Gen. ”

“ Custer in Dakota” (New York, 1885) , and “Tenting on the Plains, or Gen. Custer in Kansas and Texas,” with a sketch of his life (1888) . — His brother, Thomas Ward, soldier, b. in New Rumley, Harrison co., Ohio, 15 March, 1845; d. in Montana, 25 June, 1870. After repeated attempts, which failed on account of his youth, he succeeded in enlisting as a private in an Ohio regiment, and served in the west until he was made aide-de-camp on his brother's staff, then with the Army of the Potomac. His appointment as second lieutenant in the 6th Michigan cavalry dated from 8 Nov., 1864. ”

“ For daring gallantry in a skirmish at Aldie and in the action at Brandy Station, as well as in the closing operations of the Rappahannock campaign, he was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, dating from 29 June, 1863, and assigned to duty as commander of the Michigan brigade. ”