A Soldier's Story: Private John Winston Leftridge


Private John Winston Leftridge was born in Bedford County, Virginia, on October 18, 1837. His early life is a mystery, and it is suspected he may have been born enslaved and escaped to Ironton, Ohio, in his late teens or early twenties.  

In response to the US Civil War, Private John Winston Leftridge enlisted in the US Army in 1862 and was assigned to Company F of the 100th Regiment, US Colored Infantry.   He and his unit were responsible for guarding rail lines throughout the northern Tennessee and Kentucky frontier and fought in the battle of Nashville. Private Leftridge left the US Army in December 1865.

Private Leftridge returned to Ironton, Ohio, working as a laborer until 1902, when the after-effects of the war debilitated him enough to seek treatment at the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. He returned to Virginia following his discharge from the care facility in 1903.

He died on August 20, 1918, and rests in the Old Lick Cemetery in Roanoke, Virginia.


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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

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Location: Bedford County, VA, USA

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