PVT Henry C. Arehart

PVT Henry C. Arehart was born in Augusta County, Virginia on 16 Aug 1841. He was the 11th of 13 children born to Andrew Jackson and Mary (Spitler) Arehart. His father was a prosperous farmer but died in 1849 leaving his farm to his wife which was valued at $4500 in 1850. His oldest brother John took on the task of farming the property although the younger siblings including Henry assisted. Mary Arehart died in August 1859 leaving 4 children, including Henry, still minors and presumably in the care of John. 

At the same time as Virginia voted to succeed from the United States Henry enlisted in August County on 17 Apr 1861. He mustered with D Company 5th Virginia Infantry on 25 May 1861. PVT Arehart was present with the company at First Manassas on 21 Jul 1861. However, as was true for many of the new soldiers being thrown together in camps, he was exposed to disease and after falling ill was treated at Manassas, Virginia. PVT Arehart died of disease on 10 Sep 1861. He was buried with other family members at the Mount Tabor Lutheran Church Cemetery in Middlebrook, Virginia.  

His brother, William M. Arehart, also served as a PVT in D Company 5th Virginia