| Joel
Cloud (December 22, 1830-June 2, 1908) The following story was told by Vicky A. Hildebran, and excerpts are reprinted with permission from the Burke County Historical Society and the publication "The Heritage of Burke County", copyright 1981. |
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| Joel Cloud was born December 22, 1830 in Burke County and was the son of Ransom P. Cloud and Katrina (Catherine) Hildebrand Cloud. He was approximately six feet two inches and had gray eyes. | |
| During 1865 Joel Cloud was appointed a Justice of the Burke County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions. He was elected Sheriff of Burke County (Republican) in 1868. He also operated a sawmill in the Lower Fork Township and at one time operated a liquor store in Morganton. | |
| On September 23, 1862, at the age of 32, Joel Cloud enlisted for the Civil War in Company E, 16th Regiment, North Carolina Troops (infantry) in Wake County. He mustered in as a private and was promoted to Corporal on February 27, 1864. He was reduced to ranks prior to May 1, 1864. He was present or accounted for until captured at Hatcher Run, Virginia on April 2, 1865 and was confined at Point Lookout, Maryland until released on June 24, 1865 after taking the oath of allegiance. He was nicknamed "Turncoat" during the Civil War because he wore a reversible overcoat. | |
| Joel Cloud was married to Angeline Hoffman, who was born September 24, 1837 and who died November 17, 1906, at the age of 69. They had four children: | |
| Julia Ann was born June 19,1863 and married John Quincy Van Horn. | |
| Candace was born October 19,1866 and married S.S. Carswell. | |
| Ransom P. was born September 15, 1868 and married Kemmie Sain. | |
| Mary was born January 21, 1875 and married John Propst. | |
| Joel Cloud died June 2, 1908, at the age of 77 and is buried in St. John's Baptist Church Cemetery in southeastern Burke County. | |
| -Vicky A. Hildebran | |