This is their story.
On 19 Jun 1862, 18 year old Amos BOTKIN of Clark County, Ohio enlisted in the 45th Regiment, Company K. He was the oldest son of Moses and Sally Ann BOTKIN.
On 6 Aug 1862, Amos' uncle, William Innes BOTKIN, age 30 also enlisted in the 45th Regiment, Company K. Three months earlier William and his wife Nancy had lost their only child. William was the son of Jeremiah and Anna BOTKIN.
Also on 6 Aug 1862, Willam's cousin, William J. BOTKIN, age 27 also enlisted in the 45th Regiment, Company K. Willam left behind his wife Clara and two children, 1 year old Kenton and daughter Georgie who was born while Willam was at war. Willam J. was the son of Abraham and Sarah BOTKIN who lost another son, Wallace, in the war.
The 45th Regment was mustered into service on 19 Aug 1862 at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio. They faced many battles in the 15 months leading up to that day that sealed the fate of the BOTKIN men.
On 15 Nov 1863 at Holsten River, TN all three were captured and sent to Andersonville. I can only assume the two older Uncles were probably looking out for 18 year old Amos and thus were together when captured.
Andersonville prison was the deadliest prisoner of war camp during the Civil War with a total of nearly 13,000 deaths. Over 40% of all Union prisoners of war who died during the Civil War perished at Andersonville. The conditions were horrible.
Amos died first on 19 May 1864 of Debilitas, a condition described as a weakened and enfeebled condition. 5 days later his Uncle William Innes died of Anasarca followed 22 days later by William J., also of Anasarca.
All three are buried in Andersonville National Cemetery. Amos is in grave #1212, William Innes in grave #1368 and William J. in grave #1970.
