1/6 Plate Ambrotype of Lloyd Browning Franklin of Jones Co. Richmond Howitzers and 2nd Co. Virginia Howitzers Light Artillery

1/6 Plate Ambrotype of Lloyd Browning Franklin of Jones Co. Richmond Howitzers and 2^nd Co. Virginia Howitzers Light Artillery – This sixth plate ambrotype depicts Private Lloyd Browning Franklin wearing a mounted, enlisted greatcoat; the brass, military buttons on the coat were gilded shortly after the image was taken. Franklin is holding a musket – the hammer, trigger guard and two barrel bands are visible in the image. Franklin enlisted in April 1861, just a week after the firing on Ft. Sumter; he joined the Richmond Howitzers which would evolve into the 2^nd Co. of the Virginia Howitzers Light Artillery. Franklin would remain with his regiment throughout the war, finally surrendering at Appomattox on April 9, 1865. During the course of his service, Franklin and his regiment would participate in several major campaigns of the Eastern Theater, including the Peninsula Campaign, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville; the unit brought 64 effective men to the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. Additionally, the regiment would see action at Cold Harbor, Petersburg and the Appomattox Campaign. The image remains in overall very good condition, with some circumferential “solarization” which does not impinge on the image proper; the image is housed in its original, half case. Found inside the case, behind the image, was an old file card which identifies the image and notes that it depicts Lloyd Browing Franklin as a Confederate Sergeant of the Richmond Howitzers; it notes that he entered the service at the rank of Private. The card also notes that Franklin was known as “Squire” and is interred in Hollywood Cemetery, in Richmond. Also noted on the card is that Sgt. Franklin was the grandfather of Helen Wright (of Richmond), and that a Priest at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, in Richmond, has a record of Franklin’s various life dates.

Lloyd B. Franklin

Residence was not listed.
Enlisted as a Private (date unknown).

He mustered into “Jones'” Co. Virginia Rich Howitzers Light Artillery.

Lloyd Browning Franklin

Residence was not listed.
Enlisted on 4/21/1861 at Richmond, VA as a Priv.

On 4/21/1861, he mustered into “2nd” Co. Virginia 2nd Co. Howitzers Light Artillery.
He was Surrendered on 4/9/1865 at Appomattox Court House, VA

Promotions:

• Corpl

Born in 1842 in Falmouth, VA
Died 2/16/1933 in Richmond, VA

After the war, he lived in Richmond, VA

 The 2nd Company, Richmond Howitzers was a prominent Confederate light artillery battery from Virginia organized in May 1861 during the American Civil War.

Unit Overview

• Designation: L.F. Jones’ Company, Virginia Artillery (also known as the 2nd Company, Richmond Howitzers).
• Organization: Formed in May 1861, the battery initially served within the 1st Regiment Virginia Artillery before operating independently or attached to various artillery battalions in the Army of Northern Virginia.
• Key Commanders: Captains John T. Brown, Henry Hudnall, David Watson, and L.F. Jones.

Service History and Engagements

• Campaigns: The battery participated in major campaigns of the Eastern Theater, including the Peninsula Campaign, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville.
• Gettysburg: The unit brought 64 effective men to the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863.
• Surrender: The company ultimately surrendered at Appomattox Court House in April 1865, mustering down to 1 officer and 45 men.

 The 2nd Company Richmond Howitzers was a famous Confederate light artillery unit from Virginia that served throughout the American Civil War in the Army of Northern Virginia.

Origins and Organization

• Formation: Organized in May 1861 in Richmond, Virginia, stemming from the original Richmond Howitzer Company founded in November 1859 by George Wythe Randolph (grandson of Thomas Jefferson).
• Composition: Known as the military home for many prominent and wealthy central Virginians, as well as skilled clerks and young businessmen.
• Commanders: Led by Captain John Thompson Brown, Captain Henry Hudnall, and Captain David Watson.

Military Service and Campaigns

• Early War: Initially served in the 1st Regiment Virginia Artillery and fought at Big Bethel in June 1861.
• Army of Northern Virginia: Assigned to artillery battalions under J.T. Brown, R.A. Hardaway, and W.E. Cutshaw.
• Key Engagements: Fought in major campaigns from the Peninsula Campaign (Seven Pines) and Antietam through Cold Harbor, the Siege of Petersburg, and the Appomattox Campaign.
• Gettysburg: Brought 64 effective men to the Battle of Gettysburg under Captain David Watson.
• Surrender: Surrendered at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, with 1 officer and 45 men.

Legacy and Post-War

• Reorganization: Reorganized as a militia company in 1871 and later incorporated into the Virginia National Guard. Today, the lineage is carried on by Battery A, 111th Field Artillery Regiment.
• Monument: A bronze monument sculpted by Civil War veteran William Ludwell Sheppard was erected at Park Avenue and Harrison Street in Richmond in 1892, though the statue was pulled from its pedestal during protests in 2020.

L.F. Jones’ Company, Virginia Artillery (2nd Company, Richmond Howitzers)

Overview:

Richmond Howitzers – 2nd Company was organized in May, 1861, and for a time served in the 1st Regiment Virginia Artillery. After becoming an independent command, it was assigned to J.T. Brown’s, R.A. Hardaway’s, and W.E. Cutshaw’s Battalion of Artillery, Army of Northern Virginia. The unit served from Seven Pines to Cold Harbor, then participated in the siege operations against Petersburg and the Appomattox Campaign. It took 64 effectives to Gettysburg and surrendered with 1 officer and 45 men. Its commanders were John T. Brown, Henry Hudnall, and David Watson.

 Lloyd Browning Franklin 

Birth

9 Feb 1842

Death

16 Feb 1933 (aged 91)

Burial

Hollywood Cemetery

Richmond, City of Richmond, Virginia,