William Lowe, 1st Tenn. Cav.

Born in England June 11, 1839, William Jackson Lowe settled in Madisonville, Tennessee, before the war. On September 13, 1861, he joined the 1st Tennessee Cavalry Regiment, commanded by Colonel Henry M. Ashby.

There are hints that the unit was not top drawer, or at least so considered by Confederate brass. From Richmond Assistant Adjutant General H.L. Clay sent an order on March 26, 1862, to General Danville Leadbetter, commander of the brigade to which the 1st was assigned, instructing the general to inspect his units, "especially the First Regiment East Tennessee Cavalry, and report to headquarters the degree of discipline and efficiency they have attained. If, after making your inspection, it is your opinion that any company or companies should be disbanded, you will recommend the adoption of such course, and state your reasons..."

The regiment survived, however, Major General E. Kirby Smith, reported from Knoxville, March 15, 1862: "I have the honor to report that the enemy, having passed the Cumberland Mountains, yesterday surprised and captured, without the fire of a gun, I believe, the larger number of two companies of the First East Tennessee Cavalry near Jacksborough. Their force consisted of a regiment of infantry."

Lowe was not one of the captured, and supposedly avoided capture when visiting his home by hiding under a trap door in the parlor, while his wife sat in a chair over the trap door, hiding it by her skirts, when Union troops visited the home.

Lowe's luck ran out October 7, 1863. On October 10, 1863, Union Brigadier General D.S. Stanley, Chief of Cavalry, reported from Rogersville, "I have arrived here with my command. The enemy succeeded in crossing the Tennessee a short distance above Lamb's Ferry. Crook fought them at Farmington the 7th, and has captured 5 pieces of artillery and about 700 prisoners. I think their losses, including killed, deserters, and stragglers, will amount to 2,000 men."

One of those captured at Farmington, Lowe was sent to Louisville, Kentucky, October 14, 1863, and then on to Camp Morton, Indiana. He remained there until released June 12, 1865. He returned home, and died there November 7, 1899.