The reason I first chose to research the soldiers who served at Sabine Pass was that I discovered that Charles Burch, my ancestor, reportedly served as Pilot aboard the C.S.S Uncle Ben during the Battle of Sabine Pass in 1863, as well as performing naval duties throughout the Civil War in and around Sabine Pass.  I have yet to validate these claims through official records, however, I do believe they are true.  Charles Burch, as well as other sailors who performed duty aboard ships in this area during the Civil War, may not have been bona fide soldiers, but were paid by the Confederate States, as is evidenced by the Pension Application of Mrs. Mary Stockholm, widow of Peter Stockholm.

    Other units served here, most notably Dick Dowling's Company and Spaights Battalion, 13th Texas Infantry. Dick Dowling was a hero of Southeast Texas for his activities in the Civil War, as well as his affairs in civilian life.  More of him will be spoken as I add more content to this site.

Joanna Burch:  Joanna Burch was the wife of Charles C. Burch.  She  reported Charles Burch as serving "on the Steamer Uncle Ben as Capt. And Pilot."  She applied for Confederate pension in August, 1906, but was apparently rejected on the grounds that there were no official records found that Charles Burch had ever served and she did not provide any documentation to support her claim.  She did not reapply for a pension.  She filed the claim in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.

Mary Stockholm:  Mary Stockholm was the wife of Peter D. Stockholm.  Peter Stockholm was also a sailor, with the records from the Adjutant General's office stating, "...that one Peter D. Stockholm served as Pilot, Mate and Capt. of the steamer (also called gunboat) "J.H. Bell" and also as Capt. of the steamer "Uncle Ben" and was paid by a Quartermaster C.S.A."  She filed the claim in May, 1922 and was pensioned.  She filed the claim in Jefferson County, Texas.

    For more information on the soldiers at Sabine Pass, as well as historical information on the areas in Texas and Louisiana surrounding Sabine Pass, please visit www.wtblock.com.  Mr. Block is a resident and historian of the area and has done some amazing writing on the history of individuals, as well as the areas.  Since some of my family hails from Johnson Bayou, Louisiana, it is especially interesting to see that the area has a rich history, despite its remote location.