Full Unit History
7th OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY
Organized: Summer, 1862
Mustered In: 9/12 – 11/8/1862 Columbus, Camp Ripley, Athens, Pomeroy and Gallipolis, OH
Mustered Out: 7/4/1865 Nashville, TN
Regimental History
REGIMENTAL HISTORY:
The 7th was a three year cavalry regiment. During the American Civil War (ACW) it served in the western theater of operations.
Recruited from the southern portion of Ohio and known as the “River Regiment,” the unit entered the field of warfare in Kentucky, and then moved into Tennessee. In 12/1862 two companies of the organization tangled with the enemy at Carter’s Station, TN. The result of the clash was a Union victory.
1863 proved to be a busy year for the 7th.Their activities during the year included, in part, the following: In March a detachment met and defeated the enemy at Mt. Sterling, KY. Then came the battle of Dutton’s Hill, followed by Mill Springs where Rebel troops under Gen. Pegram were bested and driven across the Cumberland Mountains. The 7th next took up the pursuit of Confederate troops under Gen. Morgan during his raid through Indiana and Ohio and were the first to attack him during his defeat at Buffington Island, OH (7/19/1863). In September the Reb garrison at Cumberland Gap surrendered, the “River Regiment” being detailed to occupy this “gateway to East Tennessee.”
In the battle of Blue Springs, TN (10/10/1863), the gray backs were routed and sought safety in retreat. On the other end of the spectrum, during the Union defeat at Rogersville, TN (11/6/1863) the 7th lost one hundred twelve (112) enlisted men and some of its best officers.
In 1/1864 the Rebels were defeated at Fair Garden, TN. That June the 7th was part of a force that marched toward Cynthiana, KY, there attacked the Confederates and drove them from the field in confusion. On 11/30 the unit fought in the bloody battle of Franklin, TN. It concluded its combat career at Nashville (12/15 – 16).
Final muster came on 7/4/1865 in Nashville.
REGIMENTAL LOSSES:
Officers killed or mortally wounded: 2; Officers died of disease, accidents, etc.4; Enlisted men killed or mortally wounded: 26; Enlisted men died of disease, accidents, etc.197 ‘
Soldier History
SOLDIER:
Residence: Inf. Not Avail. Age: 20.8 yrs.
Enlisted/Enrolled: 10/10/1862 Rank: Pvt.
Mustered In: 10/10/1862
Mustered Out: 7/3/1865
Highest Rank: Pvt.
Rank At Discharge: Pvt.
Family History
PERSONAL/FAMILY HISTORY:
Francis Marion “F.M.” Cavender was born 2/12/1842. The location of his birth was Kanawha County, VA**.
Father of Francis was John Willlington Cavender (b. 20/20/1819 Kanawha County, VA). His mother was Nancy Susan (nee Baxter b. 5/1821 Kanawha County, VA) Cavender. It is not known if John and Nancy produced children other than Francis.
In 10/1862 Francis enlisted in the U.S. Army. His unit was Co. “M” of the 7th Ohio Cavalry. Without accessing Private Cavender’s military service records all that can be said about his period of enlistment is that he survived and returned to civilian life.
Francis married on 10/7/1866. His bride was Susan (nee Swaar b. 1844 Charleston Kanawha County, VA.) Cavender.
During their time together Francis and Susan produced five children. They were: James Harrison Cavender (b. 9/8/1867), Almeda Susan Cavender (b. 11/181869), Minerva Abott Catherine Cavender (b. 1/20/1871), Mary Alice Cavender (b. 1/27/1875) and William Clarence Cavender (b. 12/19/1881). All except William were born in Kanawha County, WV. Clarence was birthed in Clifton Washington County, KS).
As evidenced by the birth locations of their children, after marrying, Francis and Susan settled in (Union) Kanawha County, WV. By the end of 1881, however, when Clarence was born, they had quitted that region and resettled in Kansas. Exactly when the move was made is not documented. As for why it was made, it can be surmised that it was the availability of new farming lands.
According to Susan Swaar Cavender, the family removed from Kansas to Washington Territory (WT) in 1887. Why the move was made to the Pacific Northwest she did not say. Again, however, it was likely the availability of virgin farmlands. Here, the Cavenders settled in or near the Whatcom County town of Lynden.
Francis Marion Cavender died of heart disease on 7/9/1896. He was/is buried in the Lynden Cemetery.
On 10/8/1890 Francis had applied for a U.S. Government disability pension based on his days of Civil War soldiering. Again, without accessing the old soldier’s pension files we do not know the size of his monthly stipend.
Following her husband’s passing, Susan petitioned the U. S. Government to continue receiving at least a portion of Francis’ pension. That request was honored, but – again - without appropriate records the size of her monthly payment at the time of his death remains unknown.
After Francis’ death Susan – at least until 1925- remained in Lynden, WA. In 1916 she applied for residency in the Veterans’ Home located in Retsil Kitsap County, WA. Although her application was accepted, it does not appear she acted upon it. She applied again in 1925. On 9/17/1925 her application was approved and, on this occasion (11/14/1925) she moved into the home.
Susan Swaar Cavender died on 4/28/1926 in Retsil Kitsap County WA. Her remains were transported to Lynden where they were interred in the Lynden Cemetery beside Francis.
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* The American Civil War Research Database lists the surname as Cavindes.
** During the American Civil War (ACW) Kanawha County became part of the new State of West Virginia.
Posted: 9/17/2024
Updated:
Cemetery
Buried at Lynden Cemetery