Joseph and Peggy Garnes embarked on a life journey on their 200 acre estate that would result in a family of nine children. Amazingly, the last three were triplet sons! They were: Mary Phoebe; Tapley; Susanna; Adam; Eleanor; George W.; and Andrew Jackson, Joseph III, and James... the triplets, born May 30, 1830. That triplets not only survived the birth process, but actually lived to adulthood was truly a testament to the fine care and nurturing these three received.And although it seems James was plagued with health issues and never married, he lived well into adulthood. And Jackson and Joseph? They served in the Union Army, West Virginia 3rd Cavalry, co. G. The West Virginia 3rd is legendary! and a memorial is placed at Gettysburg in honor of their brave contributions.(Tapley Garnes also served in the Jackson County Home Guard for the Union Army,as did his son Dr.Franklin Garnes). The accounts of the West Virginia Cavalry, including the 3rd. is the topic of an article by J. David Petruzzi titled "Hoofbeats and Cold Steel" which you can easily find online.. In fact, just type "WV 3rd cavalry" in the search bar and you will get a wealth of information from many sources.

The Garnes family flourished in Jackson County, and there are landmarks that bear the name: Garnes Knob, the highest summit in Jackson County is one example.They entered marriage unions with the Randolphs, the Parsons, the Shamblins, the Burdettes, the Boggesses, to name a few. But what I am amazed by is the resilience of my people, how a Welsh groomsman brought an Irish Lady to a wild new place and set into motion a wonderul legacy for those who followed. and how two triplet brothers were handed down the love of the horse and rode their way into history. I would be remiss if I did not let you know how things turned out for these two. Unfortunately, Joseph died at Danbury Prison of dysentery on November5,1864. He left behind a wife and two daughters. And fortunately for me Andrew Jackson Garnes survived! He actually had two families by successive wives, Elizabeth Burdett who bore him nine chilren (sadly she died 6/14/1874) and Harriet Shamblin, with whom he had three more. His last Child, Robert Harlow Garnes, is my paternal grandfather.