After his father died Joe was raised by Susan Meekins. After he settled in Annapolis he had no contact with his family on the Eastern Shore and never talked about them (he even changed the name he used - he was known as Gus on the Eastern Shore and Joe in Annapolis).282, 283, 284

Have found two possiblities for Susan Meekins so far:
1. 1850 census: Henry Meekins and wife Mary (Travers) with daughter Susan age 16. The age is right for the Susan in 1860 that he is living with. Could Henry have been a brother of Robert’s?285

2. 1860 census: Joe Augustus Meekins was living with a Susan Meekins. They were living with a Daniel Johnson. Could he be Susan’s grandfather? (Robert’s son, Silas Meekins and Susan Johnson were married in 1839 - according to Maryland Marriages). The 1860 census record shows Susan Meekins as 25 years old - that would make her born about 1835.) This Susan makes the most sense to me - but for the marriage/birth dates.286

Served in the Civil War. Record:
Enlistment Date: 07 April 1865
Distinguished Service: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Side Served: Union
State Served: Maryland
Unit Numbers: 3262 3262
Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 07 April 1865 at the age of 18
Enlisted in 8th Infantry Regiment Maryland on 07 April 1865.
Transferred 8th Infantry Regiment Maryland on 01 June 1865
Enlisted in Company A, 1st Infantry Regiment Maryland on 01 June 1865.
Mustered out Company A, 1st Infantry Regiment Maryland on 08 August 1865

transfer from the Eighth Maryland is listed in Historical record of the First Regiment Maryland Infantry (appendix E p.271 on file)

Martha and Jos. Meekins lived on the same street in 1870.287