In the Civil War, John had served in the Orphan Brigade, Kentucky Confederates “orphaned” when the state legislature sided with the Union. He enlisted in 1861 and served the entire war. He was taken prisoner twice, promoted regularly, recognized for “distinguished bravery and coolness in the heat of battle” by his commanding general and chosen regimental color bearer. 45 After the war, John clerked in a family business eventually rising to partner. In the early 1870s, the local economy had improved so much that he built a new home “with many of the modern conveniences.” 46 In 1880, he was a general merchant and farmer who owned more than 400 acres. His land, farm machinery and livestock were worth more than $2,500. The 1879 value of his farm production was $1,275. 47 The 1880s were different. Tragedy struck when a child died at age four. 48 “Hard times” returned forcing John to write-down the capital value of his merchandising business by thousands of dollars. 49 Soon, he put a long list of real property up for sale including a 10-room house and out-buildings with figs and grapes under cultivation. 50 This probably was the family home built 10 years earlier. 45 Compiled service record, John H. Oldham, 5 th Sgt., Co. B, 2 Regiment, Kentucky Infantry, Civil War; digital images, Fold3 (http://www.fold3.com : 16 September 2020), citing NARA microfilm publication M319, roll 86. The oath of allegiance described John as 6 ft. 2 in. with brown hair, dark complexion and dark eyes. Also, David S. Heidler and Jeanne T. Heidler, “Orphan Brigade,” in David S. Heidler and Jeanne T. Heidler, editors, Encyclopedia of the American Civil War (New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2000), 1441-1444. 46 “Greenwood–Its Business Men–Private Residences–Churches–Improvements, &q.,” The Abbeville (South Carolina) Press and Banner , 26 June 1872, online archives (https://www.newspapers.com : 2 September 2020), p. 2, cols. 3-4. Also, “Dissolution – New Firm.” The Abbeville (South Carolina) Press and Banner , 16 April 1873, online archives (https://www.newspapers.com : 2 September 2020), p. 4, col. 1. 47 1880 U.S. census, Abbeville County, South Carolina, population schedule, Greenwood Township, pp. 47-48 (penned), enumeration district (ED) 13, dwelling 42, family 42, John H. Oldham; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : 24 August 2020), citing NARA microfilm publication T9, roll 1217. Also, 1880 U.S. census, Greenwood, Abbeville County, South Carolina, agricultural schedule, John Oldham, p. 19, line 5; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : 24 August 2020), citing Archive Collection Number: AD268, roll 7. 48 Greenwood Co., S.C. Cemetery Records , 2:61. 49 “Abbeville Medium,” The (Anderson, South Carolina) Intelligencer , 12 January 1882, online archives (http://www,newspapers.com : 2 September 2020), p. 2, col. 1. 50 “Lands For Sale,” The Abbeville (South Carolina) Press and Banner , 17 September 1884, online archives (https://www.newspapers.com : 2 September 2020), p. 3, col. 7.
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