In 1861, John Ray helped organize a new regiment of Infantry,
for the Civil War, in Jeffersonville, at Camp Joe Holt. This regiment
became the 49th Indiana, and John Ray became it's Colonel. After the
49th Indiana had been moved to Cumberland Ford, Kentucky, in Early 1862,
and sickness had became critical, Governor Oliver P. Morton, of Indiana,
sent a surgeon to investigate the causes of the illnesses. The man reported
back that the men were in sever condition, and hinted that at least part
of the fault lie with Colonel John Ray's handling of the regiment. Other
investigations reported that John Ray inspired to Public office, and was
using the 49th as a means to that end. The reports recommended that
John Ray be replaced with then Lieutenant Colonel James Keigwin, who proved
to be an excellent soldier. Whether John Ray deserved this report remains
unclear, but the facts remain, he was asked to step down, and James Keigwin
was made Colonel October 18, 1862. Keigwin himself makes the statement
that Colonel Ray was a better talker then a fighter.(2)
Buried: Walnut Ridge Cemetery, Jeffersonville, IN

https://ehistory.osu.edu/exhibitions/Regimental/indiana/union/49thIndiana/text

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Photos In Honor of the Men of the 49th Indiana

https://ehistory.osu.edu/exhibitions/Regimental/indiana/union/49thIndiana/photos