Image: Pvt. Edward R. Simms, Co. D, 2nd South Carolina Infantry

Pvt. Edward R. Simms, Co. D, 2nd SC Infantry

Private Edward R. Simms was born March 14, 1837, in Sumter County, SC. On April 8, 1861, he enlisted, (Sumter Volunteers) which later became Company D, 2nd South Carolina Infantry. He was with that company during the firing on Fort Sumter, April 12- 14, 1861, stationed on Morris Island. Pvt. Simms transferred to Company K, South Carolina, Infantry, (Brooks Guards) on August 26, 1861. On January 28, 1862, sixty one members of the Brooks Guard voted to become light Artillery and Pvt. Sims mustered in with the Brooks Artillery. Pvt. Simms was wounded September 17, 1862, at Sharpsburg, Maryland, (Antietam) present at Gettysburg, PA, re-enlisted at Beams Station, TN, December 28, 1863, promoted Corporal September 1, 1864, furlough 45 days January, February 1865, according to his pension that was filed with the state of South Carolina, he was wounded 4 times, was deaf in one ear, had back injuries and was surrendered at Appomattox.

Image and bio sketch provided by reader David Hann.