Hiram S. Spriggs, PVT

PVT Hiram Spriggs was born between 1809 and 1811 in Virginia or Kentucky. He reportedly was also known as Hiriam. He appeared in the census in 1850 in District 66, Wayne, Virginia (present day West Virginia). In 1850, the family was across the river in what would become, in 1863, West Virginia.

Hiram appeared in the census in 1860 in Johnson County, Kentucky. According to the agricultural schedule, he owned 13 acres of improved land and 100 acres of unimproved land in Johnson County, Kentucky. The farm had a cash value of $300.00 (the equivalent of $10,427.60 in 2023). The value of farming implements and machinery was $5.00 (equivalent of $178.79 in 2023).

Livestock included one horse, two Milch cows, two other cattle, two sheep with a value of $110.00 (equivalent of $3,933.45 in 2023).

Produce included 350 bushels of Indian corn, 30 (?) pounds of tobacco and 5 (?) pounds of wool. Other items were 3 bushels of peas and beans, 10 bushels of Irish potatoes, 150 pounds of butter, 12 pounds of beeswax and 100 pounds of honey.

Value of homemade manufactures was $15.00 (equivalent of $536.38 in 2023). Value of animals slaughtered was $25.00 (equivalent of $893.97 in 2023).

Hiram served as a Confederate soldier during the Civil War and enlisted in Company E, Kentucky, 5th Infantry Regiment on October 19, 1861 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky where many of his descendants were eventually born.

In 1870, he was residing in Toms Creek, Johnson County, Kentucky. He appeared in the census in 1880 in Greasy, Johnson, Kentucky. He died circa 1885.

Hiram was buried in the Dennie Pigg Cemetery in Johnson County, Kentucky.

(biography by Travis Collins, third great-grandson of PVT Hiram Spriggs)