COL Samuel Houston McCune

COL Samuel Houston McCune was born 23 Feb 1819 near what is now Fishersville, Virginia. He was a son of James V. and Sarah (McCune) McCune. His father farmed in Augusta County, Virginia and Samuel would eventually take over the working of his father's farm after his father died in 1845. In 1850 Samuel was recorded as owning two slaves, a woman and a four-year old boy who was probably the woman's son. Samuel was apparently successful as a farmer almost doubling the value of their holdings by 1860. The family had also apparently no slaves in 1860.

Samuel also became a member of the militia rising to the rank of Colonel of the 32nd Virginia Militia before the war. In the fluid politics of the area after Virginia voted for succession Samuel remained with the 32nd until it was disbanded and the 52nd Virginia Infantry Regiment was formed. Samuel was elected Captain of G Company 52nd Virginia Infantry in August 1861. However, he was not reelected in the May 1862 reorganization and was dropped from the rolls. Returning home, he would command as Captain, D Company 3rd Virginia Valley Reserves Battalion. The history of this unit is rather vague but the battalion was present at the siege of Petersburg and may have been present at Saylor's Creek and Appomattox. 

After the war Samuel returned to farming. He married at the age of 50 in 1869 to Mary Elizabeth Ramsey who was twenty years his junior. The couple would have four sons. Samuel died at the age of 70 on 29 Sep 1889 and was buried in the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Augusta County, Virginia. 

Brother, Alexander Givens McCune, also served as a CPT in the 52nd Virginia Infantry. 

NOTE: this memorial was published 75 years after COL McCune's death.