Samuel Carrington Means and the Loudoun Rangers
During the American Civil War, the state of Virginia was deeply divided. While many aligned with the Confederacy, a courageous minority remained loyal to the United States. Among these figures was Samuel Carrington Means, a businessman and former Quaker whose commitment to the Union led him to found one of the region's most distinct military units: the Loudoun Rangers.
Early Life and Business Success
Born on August 5, 1827, in Fauquier County, Virginia, Samuel Carrington Means established himself as a prominent figure in Waterford, Virginia. He was a successful gristmiller—someone who operates a mill to grind grain into flour—and a versatile businessman. His professional reach extended into Point of Rocks, Maryland, where he served as the station master for the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad.
Means' background as an erstwhile Quaker and his strong business ties to Maryland shaped his political leanings. When Virginia seceded from the Union in May 1861, Means remained a steadfast unionist.
Conflict and Exile
Because Means operated the largest mill in Loudoun County, he became a target of interest for Confederate authorities. When he refused to cooperate with the Confederacy, the government issued warrants for his arrest. To avoid capture, Means was forced to flee to Maryland on July 1, 1861, leaving his family behind.
The consequences of his defiance were severe. The Confederate government seized all of his Virginia property and assets, which included 28 horses, 42 hogs, two wagons, and the entire stock of flour and meal from his mill.
The Formation of the Loudoun Rangers
Means' opportunity to fight back arrived in March 1862, when Union forces led by John Geary invaded Loudoun. Means utilized his local knowledge to serve as a scout for the invading force. Recognizing his value, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton granted Means a captaincy and the authority to raise a company of cavalry specifically for border service in Loudoun and Maryland.
This unit became known as the Loudoun Rangers. For much of the war, the Rangers operated as partisans—irregular soldiers who engage in guerrilla warfare—providing critical intelligence and conducting raids in their home territory.
Military Service and Later Years
The Loudoun Rangers participated in significant engagements, including the Battle of Charlestown and the Battle of Monocacy. While they began as an irregular force, they were eventually mustered into regular army service. This transition created friction, and Means departed from the unit in 1864 over issues surrounding this change in status.
Samuel Carrington Means spent his final years in the nation's capital. He passed away on March 2, 1884, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 56.
Key Facts
- Founder: Samuel Carrington Means founded and served as the first captain of the Loudoun Rangers.
- Loyalty: A Virginia unionist and former Quaker who refused to support the Confederacy.
- Losses: Had his mill and livestock (including 28 horses and 42 hogs) seized by Confederate forces.
- Military Role: Served as a scout and cavalry captain under the authority of Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton.
- Major Battles: The unit fought in the Battle of Charlestown and the Battle of Monocacy.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | August 5, 1827 (Fauquier County, VA) |
| Died | March 2, 1884 (Washington, D.C.) |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Loudoun Rangers (Union Army) |
| Service Years | 1862–1864 |
| Primary Conflicts | American Civil War |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Confederate government arrest Samuel Carrington Means?
The Confederates targeted Means because he was a prominent unionist who refused to allow the Confederate authorities to use his mill, which was the largest in Loudoun County.
What were the Loudoun Rangers?
The Loudoun Rangers were a Union Army cavalry unit from Virginia, initially serving as partisans (irregular soldiers) before being mustered into regular service.
How did Samuel Means obtain his captaincy?
After serving as a scout for Union forces under John Geary, Means was issued a captaincy by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, with permission to raise his own company.
What happened to Means' property during the war?
After Means fled to Maryland in 1861, the Confederate government seized his assets, including his mill's flour and meal, two wagons, 42 hogs, and 28 horses.
Why did Samuel Means leave the Loudoun Rangers in 1864?
Means departed from the unit due to disagreements regarding the Rangers being mustered into regular army service.