Maj. Enoch O. Wolf

Ford’s Arkansas Cavalry Battalion (CSA)

Enoch O. Wolf

Born in Ohio, Enoch Obert Wolf volunteered for service during the Mexican American War. Wolf was among many who went to California during the gold rush, returning to Ohio in 1853. Wolf moved to Fulton County, Arkansas in 1860. In September 1861, Wolf enlisted as captain of Company C, 14th Arkansas Infantry (McCarver's). In May 1862, the 14th was consolidated with other units to form the 21st Arkansas Infantry (Craven’s), and Wolf was appointed captain of Company A. The 21st Arkansas Infantry was among the commands surrendered at Vicksburg, Mississippi, in July 1863. In August 1864, Ford’s Arkansas Cavalry Battalion was organized. Lt. Col. Barney Ford was its commander and Wolf was second in command with the rank of major. On October 25, 1864, Wolf was taken prisoner during the Battle of Mine Creek. In retribution for the killing of Maj. James Wilson after the Battle of Pilot Knob, Maj. Gen William S. Rosecrans had issued an order to execute a Confederate major. But no majors were held by Federals in Missouri until Wolf and Maj. H Carlton were captured at Mine Creek. When told of their fate, Wolf and Carlton chose to draw straws, and Wolf drew the short straw. Federal authorities transported Wolf to St. Louis where he was awaiting execution by firing squad. At the last minute, President Abraham Lincoln learned of the planned execution. Lincoln told Rosecrans to suspend the execution until Lincoln could learn more details about the case. In the end, Rosecrans, at Lincoln’s request, decided against executing Major Wolf. After the war, Wolf returned to Fulton County, Arkansas.

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