8th Battalion, South Carolina Reserves (Stalling's)

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Brief History

In February 1864 a new law passed that stated all males between ages 17-50 were liable to serve within their state. Those that were 18-45 years old and already serving were to stay in their current military unit. Those men not serving, or under 18 and over 45, were required to either join an existing local defense unit or to form a new unit. Eight battalions were created and designated as the 1st- 8th Battalions, South Carolina Reserves. Later these units were referred to as the Battalions of Senior Reserves in order to separate them from the Regiments of Junior Reserves. By the summer of 1864, these units were organized and many of them serving in different areas. They were mustered into Confederate service on October 31, 1864. Some of the units disbanded before the end of the war and others were combined with other military units on April 9, 1865.

The 8th Battalion, South Carolina Reserves was also known as Stalling's Battalion. It was organized in the summer of 1864 and mustered into State service on July 15, 1864 and into Confederate service on October 31, 1864. The 8th Battalion was not a part of the consolidation that took place in April 1865. It was officially dissolved on April 26, 1865.

Other sources state the following: The 8th Battalion, South Carolina Reserves was organized in 1864 to "fill the need for manpower and to assist in the defense of South Carolina." This battalion was organized with 3 companies but was officially disbanded on 1 February 1865. It was involved with the following units: The 1st Battalion South Carolina Reserves was "organized in mid-1864 with seven companies and served as prison guards in Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina. The unit was moved to North Carolina where it was given leave and then joined active service as cavalry, serving as a detachment in Ferguson's Brigade, Wheeler's Cavalry. The battalion was consolidated with members of the 2nd, 6th, and 7th South Carolina Reserve Infantry Battalions, the 3rd South Carolina Infantry Battalion, plus the 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 8th, and 20th South Carolina Volunteers to form the following new units at Smithfield, North Carolina on 9 April 1865 – the 2nd, 3rd, and 7th South Carolina Volunteers Consolidated.

Companies in this Regiment with the Counties of Origin

Men often enlisted in  a company recruited in the counties where they lived though not always. After many battles, companies might be combined because so many men were killed or wounded.  However if you are unsure which company your ancestor  was in, try the company recruited in his county first.

Company A - many men from Charleston District (County)- Roster

Company B - many men from Colleton District (County) - Roster

Company C - many men from  Barnwell District (County) and Beaufort District (County) - Roster

Captain William Young Fair Company (possibly Company G)

Information about the companies is taken from the websites and Seigler's book.

The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors database lists 426 men on its roster for this unit. Roster.

Other Sources

• "South Carolina Reserve and Miscellaneous Units in the War of the Rebellion". Internet site.  Lists some of the Troop and Reserve units, a few companies, officers and some dates of service.

• "South Carolina 8th Infantry Battalion Reserves". The War for Southern Independence in South Carolina. Eastern Digital Resources an Internet site, accessed 12/22/2010.  Lists a few battle involvements and resources.

• "8th Infantry Regiment Reserves". The War for Southern Independence in South Carolina. Eastern Digital Resources an Internet site, accessed 12/22/2010. Lists a few resources.  It also states the 'the composite roster contains 425 names.  The regiment was also referred to as Stalling's Regiment.

• "Eighth (8th) Battalion South Carolina State Troops Senior Reserves". Bil Brasington Internet site, accessed 12/28/2010. Lists a brief history, dates, officers, counties and rosters for Companies A-C.

• Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System from the National Parks Service. An Internet site which can be searched by soldier's name or by regiment; includes regimental rosters and additional history of the regiment. This site uses Joseph H. Crute's book, Units of the Confederate States Army, as the main source for the regiment history. FHL book 973 M2crua, Libraries where the book is available. Crute's book does not contain a history for this unit.

• Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of South Carolina. Microfilm publication M267. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Services, 1958. These records have been indexed and digitized and are available at Footnote.com (A subscription website, but is available for use at the Family History Library and some Family History Centers). It has digital Civil War soldier service records and brief regiment histories (located at the bottom of some of the muster rolls). (Accessed December 2010).

• Dickert, Augustus D. History of Kershaw's Brigade. Newberry: Elbert H Aull Company, 1899. This book as a complete roll of Companies, biographical sketches, and other information. Digital version: Google Books. FHL Book 975.7 M2d 1976 and FHL fiche 6082618 (7 fiche).

• Hewett, Janet B., ed. Supplement to the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Wilmington, North Carolina: Broadfoot Pub. Co., c1994-2001. FHL book 973 M29u ser. 1 supp. pt. 2 v. 64 & 65. Lists officers, companies, some nicknames for the companies and dates involving the company and places where they were stationed. There are 4 Companies (A-D) listed.  Libraries where the book is available.

• Seigler, Robert S. South Carolina's Military Organizations During the War Between the States. Charleston, South Carolina: The History Press, c2008. FHL book 975.7 M2sr v. 4. This book has an overview about the creation of the military units for service during the Civil War. There are four volumes which are divided into areas of the State. There is information about the different military units including dates of organization and service, company officers, battle engagements, company names and places of origin, and a few pictures. This book is also available through other libraries.