Robert "Bob" Stover of Elizabethton, Carter, Tennessee

ROBERT  "BOB" STOVER

Robert Stover Ceremony--June 7, 2014

Birth:	Jan. 12, 1846 Elizabethton Carter County Tennessee, USA
Death:	Aug. 15, 1924 Elizabethton Carter County Tennessee, USA
Former slave Robert Stover filed his Confederate pension record under former owner, Samuel Murray Stover, who was a "Confederate Citizen"; Samuel being a commissary officer who worked with quartermasters to supply the Confederate cavalry with necessities. Robert was with Samuel in March of 1865 at Fall Branch, TN, when they were captured and returned to Elizabethton. Robert served the Confederate cavalry as a teamster. They were returning from Virginia when captured. Robert Stover's Pension Application was filed as C-91, filed with the papers of Samuel. Robert did not live long enough to draw his pension, dying on August 15, 1924. He is buried in Drake (Stover, Fitzsimmons)Cemetery, off Hwy 91 near Fitzsimmons Road. His marriage to Lettitia Carter in Carter County, TN is recorded as May 28,1870. A ceremony was sponsored by the Lt. Robert J. Tipton Camp #2083 of Elizabethton, TN on June 7, 2014.  Present were descendants of Robert Stover and HK Edgerton.
Burial: Fitzsimmons CemeteryElizabethtonCarter CountyTennessee, USAPlot: Unmarked Grave--Verified by Burial Records.

Nelson W. Winbush

Nelson W. Winbush, a black son of confederate black soldier Luis Napoleon Nelson who fought under Nathan Bedford Forest.

African-American man honored by Sons of Confederate Veterans

In the 1800s, an African-American man named Abe H. Officer was threatened with hanging to reveal the hiding location of two men being hunted by Yankee soldiers, but refused to give them up. This Saturday the Sons of Confederate Veterans plan to honor not only the man’s bravery in that moment, but also the greatness he showed throughout his whole life.

Story HERE

Black Confederate soldier honoured

The local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Soldiers has marked the grave of an African-American soldier who fought for the Confederacy more than 140 years ago.

Amos Rucker, a former slave who fought for the South, was laid to rest after his death in 1905, but the grave was never marked, Confederate historians say.

“It is no difference if he was white or black. All I see is that he wore gray. These men left their homes and their families for four years to fight and many of them did not return,” said Kelly Barrow, author of “Black Soldiers in Confederate Armies.”

Rucker’s tombstone , in the South View Cemetery on Jonesboro Road, has Rucker’s name printed on it along with the words “Confederate Soldier” and a Confederate flag.

“He was buried in 1905, but he didn’t have a headstone,” said Brigade Commander Sparks Ramey of the Sons of Confederate Soldiers.

According to Curtis Harris of the Herndo Heritage Museum in Florida, Rucker served in the 33rd Georgia infantry. He served as a combat soldier until severe wounds to his leg left him permanently crippled, Harris said.

“We found where he had been buried and had a dedication service,” said Ramey.

Ramey said when visitors arrived to the 11 a.m. ceremony, the new tombstone was covered by the Confederate flag. After a 21-gun salute, the tombstone was revealed.

Ramey said the number of African Americans who fought for the Confederacy is debatable.

“I have seen books that say there were up to 90,000,” said Ramey. “I don’t know if it was that high, but in the National Archives you can find quite a few. There were a lot more than most people think there were.”

Barrow said it was difficult to tell how many blacks served the Confederate Army because many of them served in a support role and not on the front line. Barrow said Rucker was born a slave, but still served in the war after his owner died and Rucker was a free man.

By Eric Hudson
ehudson@news-daily.com

Provided by:
Bro. Billy Bearden

Dedication set for monument to black Confederates

Story HERE

Reunion of the 3rd Tennessee Cavalry

Reunion of the 3rd Tennessee Cavalry....... General Nathan Bedford Forrest's escort......the original scouts. Note Black Confederate right.

Click to enlarge

Defending the Heritage

Black Confederates - Union Sources

 via Mijo Chard

UDC No. 900 Dedicates Two Black Confederate Soldiers Headstone

Story HERE

The United Daughters of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis Chapter No. 900 held dedication ceremonies marking the graves of two black Confederate soldiers in Cleveland, TN.  At both ceremonies, Chapter President Robin Ramsey welcomed everyone and the Presentation of Colors was given by members of the John C. Vaughn Camp No. 2089 Sons of the Confederate Veterans, Athens, Tn. Chapter Secretary Tonya Brantley led the pledge to the American flag and salute to the Confederate flag and the invocation was given by Chapter Chaplain Mariann Dietrich.

Black Confederates

From, Calvin Johnson

Confederate Terrill, an African-American

Terrill, an African-American slave from Williamson County (TN), was an escort on General Chalmer’s staff during the Civil War.
Source: Williamson County: Civil War Veterans. The Williamson County Historical Society, 2007: 94.
More HERE

The Black Confederate Soldier

"The Forgotten Black Confederate Soldier"

What we have been taught and come to believe has been edited, expurgated, abridged, censored and just plain rewritten for more than 140 years.

The words of Irish-born Confederate Major General Patrick Cleburne from his January, 1864, letter which proposed the mass emancipation and enlistment of Black Southerners into the Confederate Army express profoundly accurate prophecy:

Every man should endeavor to understand the meaning of subjugation before it is too late...It means the history of this heroic struggle will be written by the enemy; that our youth will be trained by Northern schoolteachers; will learn from Northern school books their version of the war; will be impressed by the influences of history and education to regard our gallant dead as traitors, and our maimed veterans as fit objects for derision...The conqueror's policy is to divide the conquered into factions and stir up animosity among them... ....It is said slavery is all we are fighting for, and if we give it up we give up all. Even if this were true, which we deny, slavery is not all our enemies are fighting for. It is merely the pretense to establish sectional superiority and a more centralized form of government, and to deprive us of our rights and liberties.

In 2000 the $37 Million movie Ride With the Devil was suppressed in distribution and offered in only 200 theaters for a limited three-day engagement despite the fact that it was directed by Oscar-winning director Ang Lee and had received many excellent reviews. It was suppressed by its distributor, USA Films, because it factually portrayed a Black Confederate guerrilla fighting with Confederate Bushwhackers in the Kansas-Missouri operations. The video release of the movie was delayed for two months to allow removal of the image of the Black Confederate from the cover art. The character was based faithfully on Free Black John Noland who rode with Quantrill as a scout and spy.

Black Southerners fought alongside white, Hispanic, Indian, Jewish and thousands of foreign-born Southerners. They fought as documented by Union sources:

Frederick Douglass, Douglass' Monthly, IV [Sept. 1861,] pp 516 - "there are at the present moment many colored men in the Confederate Army - as real soldiers, having muskets on their shoulders, and bullets in their pockets, ready to shoot down loyal troops, and do all that soldiers may do to destroy the Federal government...There were such soldiers at Manassas and they are probably there still."

"Negroes in the Confederate Army," Journal of Negro History, Charles Wesle, Vol. 4, #3, [1919,] 244-245 - "Seventy free blacks enlisted in the Confederate Army in Lynchburg, Virginia. Sixteen companies of free men of color marched through Augusta, Georgia on their way to fight in Virginia."

"The part of Adams' Brigade that the 42nd Indiana was facing were the 'Louisiana Tigers.' This name was given to Colonel Gibson's 13th Louisiana Infantry, which included five companies of 'Avegno Zouaves' who still were wearing their once dashing traditional blue jackets, red caps and red baggy trousers. These five Zouaves companies were made up of Irish, Dutch, Negroes, Spaniards, Mexicans, and Italians." - Noe, Kenneth W., Perryville: This Grand Havoc of Battle. The University of Kentucky Press, Lexington, KY, 2001. [page 270]

From James G. Bates' letter to his father reprinted in the 1 May 1863 "Winchester [Indiana] Journal" [the 13th IVI ["Hoosier Regiment"] was involved in operations around the Suffolk, Virginia area in April-May 1863 ] - "I can assure you [Father,] of a certainty, that the rebels have negro soldiers in their army. One of their best sharp shooters, and the boldest of them all here is a negro. He dug himself a rifle pit last night [16 April 1863] just across the river and has been annoying our pickets opposite him very much to-day. You can see him plain enough with the naked eye, occasionally, to make sure that he is a "wooly-head," and with a spy-glass there is no mistaking him."

The 85th Indiana Volunteer Infantry reported to the Indianapolis Daily Evening Gazette that on 5 March 1863: "During the fight the [artillery] battery in charge of the 85th Indiana [Volunteer Infantry] was attacked by two rebel negro regiments.

After the action at Missionary Ridge, Commissary Sergeant William F. Ruby forwarded a casualty list written in camp at Ringgold, Georgia about 29 November 1863, to William S. Lingle for publication. Ruby's letter was partially reprinted in the Lafayette Daily Courier for 8 December 1863: "Ruby says among the rebel dead on the [Missionary] Ridge he saw a number of negroes in the Confederate uniform."

Federal Official Records, Series I, Vol XVI Part I, pg. 805: "There were also quite a number of negroes attached to the Texas and Georgia troops, who were armed and equipped, and took part in the several engagements with my forces during the day."

Federal Official Records Series 1, Volume 15, Part 1, Pages 137-138: "Pickets were thrown out that night, and Captain Hennessy, Company E, of the Ninth Connecticut, having been sent out with his company, captured a colored rebel scout, well mounted, who had been sent out to watch our movements."

Federal Official Records, Series I, Vol. XLIX, Part II, pg. 253 - April 6, 1865: "The rebels [Forrest] are recruiting negro troops at Enterprise, Miss., and the negroes are all enrolled in the State."

Federal Official Records, Series I, Vol. XIV, pg. 24, second paragraph - "It is also difficult to state the force of the enemy, but it could not have been less than from 600 to 800. There were six companies of mounted riflemen, besides infantry, among which were a considerable number of colored men." - referring to Confederate forces opposing him at Pocotaligo, SC., Colonel B. C. Christ, 50th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, official report of May 30, 1862

"Sargt said war is close to being over. saw several negros fighting for those rebels." - From the diary of James Miles, 185th N.Y.V.I., entry dated January 8, 1865

Black Southerners also demonstrated loyalties based not on ownership, subservience or fear. The Confederate Burial Mound for Camp Morton, Indiana, at Indianapolis, Indiana, has bronze tablets which list the nearly 1200 Confederates who died at that camp. Among those names are 26 Black Southerners, seven Hispanic Southerners and six Indiaan Southerners.

At a time when those Black Southerners could have walked into the Camp Commander's office, taken a short oath and signed their name to walk out the gates free men obliged to no one they chose instead to stay even unto death. Your understanding of that choice is likely nonexistent.

Union soldiers robbed, raped and murdered Free Black and slave Southerners they had come to "emancipate." Union "recruiters" hunted, kidnapped and tortured Black Southerners to compel them to serve in the Union Army. At the Battle of the Crater white Union soldiers bayoneted retreating Black Union soldiers and the 54th Massachusetts was intentionally fired upon by Union Maine troops while assaulting Battery Wagner. The Federal Official Records and memoirs of the USCT document all of these war crimes.

Since the Civil War the United States flag has flown over a country that has continued attempted genocide against its Native Peoples with the able help of Black "Buffalo Soldiers," condoned the slavery of Orientals in California well into the 1880s, fought wars to maintain dominance over countries whose people were not white, and imprisoned its own citizens because of the color of their skin as they did with the Japanese-Americans in California from 1941-1945.

It is time that the misrepresentation which has come to be accepted as "history" is restored to its full measure and the positive and negative aspects of all parties exposed for the consideration of all Americans.

The Patriotist--LG

HK's Black Confederate Page

We are often led to believe that somehow the War For Southern Independence was fought to allow the suppression of the Black man. These articles show that to be a misconception. ~ HK Edgerton

Find Some Truth
HERE

Marker honors slave in Confederate Army

Aaron Perry was a Union County slave who followed his owner into the Confederate Army during the Civil War. For more than 80 years, Perry's grave in a tiny Marshville church cemetery sat unmarked save for a few bricks over it.

Now the site sports a granite marker that identifies when Perry was born and died, 1840-March 14, 1930, and the unit he served, 37th N.C. Regiment. Behind the marker sits a shining Confederate Cross of Honor from the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Read more HERE:

Myrtle Beach, Honours Black Confederate

South Carolina State Senator Robert Ford spoke at a ceremony to honor the service of Henry Craig Sunday afternoon at the
Old Pickens Presbyterian Church.

Henry followed his childhood friend, John Craig, to fight in Virginia. They fought under the Company A. First South Carolina Rifles from 1861 to 1864. When John lost his arm because of a wound, Henry brought him home to Pickens. The two remained close friends, and when Henry married, he named one of his five children John.

The ceremony Sunday was part of a national search to identify the graves of Confederate soldiers, said Ron Sloan, commander of the Joseph Norton Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The group performed the ceremony that has been in the works since November.

Besides John and Henry Craig, three other Craig men fought in the Civil War and now reside in the family cemetery. William, Arthur and Lawrence were John's brothers.

Henry Craig chose to stay with the Craig family after he was granted freedom. When the elder John Craig died, Henry Craig moved away. But he returned to Pickens in his last years. He died on July 18, 1927.

Stuff as this don't stay in the news long..... It may have been removed.
Read more HERE

Attack on Our Soldiers by Armed Negroes

A member of the Indiana Twentieth Regiment, now encamped near Fortress Monroe, writes to the Indianapolis Journal on the 23rd.

Yesterday morning General Mansfield with Drake de Kay, Aide-de-Camp in command of seven companies of the 20th New York, German Riffles, left Newport News on a reconnaissance. Just after passing Newmarket Bridge, seven miles from camp, they detached one company as an advance, and soon after their advance was attacked by 600 of the enemy's cavalry.

The company formed to receive cavalry, but the CAVALRY ADVANCING deployed to the right and left when within musket range and unmasked a body of SEVEN HUNDRED negro infantry, all armed with muskets, who opened fire on our men, wounding two lieutenants and two privates, and rushing forward surrounded the company of Germans who cut their way through killing six of the negroes and wounding several more. The main body, hearing the firing, advanced at a double-quick in time to recover their wounded, and drive the enemy back, but did not succeed in taking any prisoners. The wounded men TESTIFY POSITIVELY that they were shot by Negroes, and that not less than seven hundred were present, armed with muskets.

This is, indeed, a new feature in the war. We have heard of a regiment of Negroes at Manassas, and another at Memphis, and still another at New Orleans but did not believe it till it came so near home, and attacked our men. THERE IS NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT. The 20th German were actually attacked and fired on and wounded by Negroes.

It is time that this thing was understood, and if they fight us with Negroes, why should not we fight them with Negroes too? We have disbelieved these reports too long, and now let us fight the devil with fire. The feeling is intense among the men. They want to know if they came here to fight Negroes, and if they did, they would like to know it. The wounded men swear they will kill any Negro they see, so excited are they at the dastardly act. It remains to be seen how long the Government will now hesitate, when they learn these facts. One of the Lieutenants was shot in the back part of the neck, and is not expected to live.

Sandusky Ohio Register
December 31, 1861
Above From:
Indianapolis Journal December 23, 1861

The True South Through My Eyes, HK Edgerton

HK Edgerton, a black Confederate advocate, tells of his fondness for the South, the Confederacy, the distinction between the original Klan and another formed forty years later for totally different purposes, and the rarely told truth about Nathan Bedford Forrest.

A Few of Our SCV Brothers of Colour

Nelson Winbush at SCV Meeting

Mr.and Mrs. Nelson Winbush SCV Member

Nelson Winbush showing his Confederate pride in church

Left to Right: Cmdr. Ed Kennedy of Camp 1857 of Kansas City, Kansas; Roger Mills Cmdr. Camp 615 of Conway, AR, Compatriot Tyrone Williams, descent of Thompson who lives in Kansas City, Kansas, a member of Camp 1857; and Col. Marc Williams. The gentleman second from the right is the descendant of Private Thompson, and is a member of the SCV.

Proud new SCV member

7 minute Documentary featuring Nelson W. Winbush, a black son of confederate black soldier Luis Napoleon Nelson who fought under Nathan Bedford Forest, founder of the KKK. A series of interviews, documentation, stock footage, and reenactments all collaberate to help defend the Confederacy and it's soldiers against it's notorious reputation in regards to black slavery and what the confederate flag actually stood for.

The truth is out there, all you have to do is look!

If y'all have pictures of more proud Black SCV Members send to:

PoP

'Black Confederates: The Forgotten Men in Gray'

Part 1 'Black Confederates: The Forgotten Men in Gray'


Part 2 'Black Confederates: The Forgotten Men in Gray'


Part 3 'Black Confederates: The Forgotten Men in Gray'

William Armistead of Company H

Notwithstanding such losses the 22nd pushed onward against the retreating Yankees. Negro cook William Armistead of Company H, a mulatto barber prior to the war, got so caught up in the excitement that he picked up an abandoned rifle and joined in the fight.

Page 60
22nd Virginia Infantry by Terry Lowry


SWR's eddieinman

The Valor of Black Confederates

By: Vernon R. Padgett, Ph.D.

Of the many accounts of heroic black Confederates, here are some that especially stand out:

George Washington Yancey was captured with the Georgia militia, escaped, makes his way through the lines, and returns to his Tennessee infantry unit. Captured again at Missionary Ridge. He escaped a second time from the Federals, and rejoined his unit at Atlanta. He was captured again at Macon and imprisoned. “I was loyal to the Confederate states,” he asserted, and escaped again, spending the rest of the war foraging for the Confederate troops (TCMP No. 206).

"The efforts of Jack, servant of an officer of the Thirteenth Arkansas Regiment, stands out as an act of heroism. Jack fought beside his master during the heat of battle. He fell seriously wounded but refused to be evacuated and continued to fire at the enemy. He later died in a hospital of his wounds sustained in the ranks of the Confederate army" (Memphis Avalanche quoted in December 31, 1861).

Black Confederate Levi Miller, born in Rockbridge County Virginia, was one of thousands of slaves who accompanied their owners to the war as a body servant. After nursing his master back to death from a near-fatal wounding in the Wilderness campaign, Miller was voted by the regiment to be a full-fledged soldier (Jordan, 1995). He served during the remainder of the war, exhibiting bravery in battles in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. His former commander spoke highly of Miller's combat record, giving a riveting account of his performance at Spotsylvania Courthouse. "About 4 p.m., the enemy made a rushing charge," wrote Captain J. E. Anderson. "Levi Miller stood by my side-- and man never fought harder and better than he did-- and when the enemy tried to cross our little breastworks and we clubbed and bayoneted them off, no one used his bayonet with more skill, and effect, than Levi Miller” (Jordan, 1995).

After the war, Levi Miller received a full pension from Virginia as a Confederate veteran. According to the Winchester Evening Star, "The pension was granted without trouble, and he had the distinction of drawing one of the largest amounts of any person in the state." Upon his death in 1921, the Evening Star published a front-page obituary under the headline Levi Miller, Colored War Veteran (Jordan, 1995).

Levin Graham, a free colored man, was employed as a fifer, and attendant to Captain J. Welby Armstrong (2nd Tennessee). He refused to stay in camp when the regiment moved, an obtaining a musket and cartridges, went across the river with us. He fought manfully, and it is known that he killed four of the Yankees, from one of whom he took a Colt's revolver. He fought through the whole battle, and not a single man in our whole army fought better" (New Orleans Daily Crescent, 6 December 1861, cited in Rollins, 1994).

One federal cavalry officer related how he was held under guard by a shotgun-wielding black who kept the weapon trained on the Yankee's head with unwavering concentration. "Here I had come South and was fighting to free this man," the disgusted major wrote in his diary. "If I had made one false move on my horse, he would have shot my head off" (Barrow et al., 2001, p. 43).

Researcher Ervin Jordan (1995) cites a diary that tells of an Afro-Confederate [who] became a local hero after being thrown into jail with nothing but bread and water for three days because of his support of the South and his refusal to work for the Union side ... The old man was made to chop wood with iron ball and chains attached to his arms and legs, but the curses of his jailers were unavailing: He stubbornly vowed to support the South until death.

References

Barrow, C. K., Segars, J. H., & R.B. Rosenburg, R.B. (Eds.) (2001). Black Confederates, Pelican Publishing Company, Gretna.

Jordan, Jr., Ervin. (1995). Black Confederates and Afro-Yankees in Civil War Virginia. University Press of Virginia, 447 pages.

Rollins, Richard, Ed. (1994). Black Southerners in Gray: Essays on Afro-Americans in Confederate Armies. Rank and File Publications, Redondo Beach, California, 172 pages.

Tennessee Colored Man’s Pensions. Nashville Tennessee State Library and Archives.

Originally published at http://www.rebelgray.com/BlackValor.htm

Yankee Treatment of negroes at Fortress Monroe.

The Norfolk Day Book says:

A citizen of Hampton, a captain in the Confederate army, and at present stationed on York river, has brought us information that a few days ago 16 negroes escaped from the Yankees at Fort Monroe, and gladly returned to our lines.

They report that the negroes there are very badly treated by the Yankees, and that Gen. Wool has issued orders to his troops to shoot all negroes attempting to escape from his lines, and not to approach them.

The Daily Dispatch: February 3, 1862. Richmond Dispatch. 4 pages. by Cowardin & Hammersley. Richmond. February 3, 1862. microfilm. Ann Arbor, Mi : Proquest. 1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm.

Colored Cooks Enlisted George W Stiles Commanding 18th Georgia Battalion

George W Stiles Commanding 18th Georgia Battalion

Colored Cooks
James Polk, Company B
Scipio Africanus ,Company B
William Read, Company C
John Lery, Company A

Colored Musicians Enlisted for the War
Joe Parkman, Company A
Henry Williams, Company B
George Waddell, Company A
Louis Gardeen, Company C

Southern Historical Society Papers Volume XV
Page 226

Mike Guyton Laurens County Georgia

A dispatch from Raleigh, North Carolina, says that at a meeting of the L, O'Branch camp of Confederate Veterans of that city a resolution was passed petitioning the incoming Legislature of North Carolina to pension worthy Negro servants who followed the fortunes of the Confederacy and rendered valuable service. This action on the part of the North Carolina veterans recalls the fact that some years ago an effort was made in the Georgia Legislature to pass a bill pensioning these Negroes who had lost a limb or had become otherwise disabled while faithfully serving their Georgia masters in the Civil War, The measure failed on the ground of unconstitutionality. There is an old negro man named Mike Guyton living in Laurens County, who accompanied the late Col. C. S. Guyton of Laurens to the war as a body servant and during one of the severe winters was so unfortunate as to have his feet so badly frostbitten the had to be amputated. From that time until now Mike has always walked on his knees, and continued to reside on the Guyton Plantation, in a house that was given to him by Colonel Guyton/ The knowledge of Mikes worthy case prompted a legislator to try and get a pension for him, and other faithful Negros who like him had become disabled in the war. Mike is now quite aged and a pension would be a great blessing in his declining years. Mike has not been idle by reason of his maimed condition, but has been very industrious. Although forced to walk on his knees he has been an excellent farm hand and can yet chop an acre of cotton a day and pick one hundred pounds of the fleecy staple daily.

THE TWICE-A WEEK TELEGRAPH Friday January 11th 1907 Macon Telegraph

Atlanta Constitution Nov 4, 1900

WHAT THE NEGRO IS DOING:

Matters of Interest among thee Colored People,

Butler, H.R. Atlanta Constitution Nov 4, 1900 Lower part of article

I am glad to see an effort on the part of some of the confederate veterans to pension Amos Rucker, one of their grand heroes in black. This is a grand and noble effort on the part of those having the matter in charge. There are many others like Amos Rucker scattered throughout the south who would welcome a pension though small it might be.

I am personally acquainted with one of these black confederates though now living in Philadelphia in old age, who followed a Colonel Mallett, his young master to war. He was with him in the thickest of the fight, and it would break his stoutest heart in grief to hear him tell how in a desperate battle they were separated and how he searched the field over to see if his master were among the dead, and how his soul wept when he found him barely alive. This faithful servant took his blanket, wrapped Colonel Mallett in it and carried him to the rear. The colonel soon died. This servant took that body from the bloody fields of Virginia to a weeping mother and relatives in north Carolina. The sight of his mistress beating on the big gate and the sound of her voice as her son and his bodyguard rode away to war. saying "Philip, if the colonel gets wounded or killed bring him home to me.", was ever before him. He kept his word.

I say there are many of these men still living to whom a pension would be a blessing about this stage in old age. But how about the old ex-slave that fed confederate soldiers, that helped make his clothes, his shoes and his bedding; the ex-slave that guarded his home and when his old master was bowed down in grief for the loss of a son would cheer her heart with those old plantation melodies.

While these men and women were not on the field of battle, yet they were heroes and heroines just the same, for they did honorable duty at home while the soldier did duty on the battlefield. Many of these black heroes and heroines in this and other states of the south are hobbling about in their old age half fed, half clothed and with no friends. This class of ex-slaves ought to be pensioned. for it was largely through their "selflessness"(illegible word) and fidelity that the confederates held out as long as they did. The statesman who will take up the honest cause of these black mothers and fathers that stood by the southern cause throughout the entire struggle and see to it that they are pensioned will recieve the thanks humanity and the blessings of God.

H. R. BUTLER

Weekly Banner August 6, 1920 page 1

NEGRO WHO COOKED FOR GEN. LEE TALKS TO GEORGIA HOUSE

Was Heard Ten Minutes When Escorted In By Confederate Vets.

(Special to The Banner)

Atlanta, Ga. August 5 - it was a touching little scene which was enacted in the House of Representatives when William Mac Lee, of Norfolk, Va was escorted into the hall by a number of old Confederate veterans and by unanimous consent granted 10 minutes of the time of the assembly.

William Mac Lee, who is a preacher, was the war time cook for General Robert E. Lee and went through the entire war with the Confederate hero general. He is a negro of the old school, typically antebellum and , besides preaching in Virginia prides himself on the fact that he has stuck to the politics as well as the religion of his old master - he always votes the Democratic ticket.

Probably the proudest attaché of the House was to see the old cook was "Ten Cent Bill" Yopp, the Georgia negro who so attracted attention by his regular Christmas pilgrimages to the Old Soldiers' Home that the Georgia Legislature finally took up and perpetuated the work of love which "Ten Cents Bill" had inaugurated, that of a yuletide token to the veterans of the Home.

Wary Clyburn, served with honour

Mattie Clyburn Rice is the second black "Real Daughter" to be recognized by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Mattie Clyburn Rice, 88, spent years searching through archives to prove her father was a black Confederate. As she leafs through a notebook filled with official-looking papers, Rice stops to read a faded photocopy with details of her father's military service.


"At Hilton Head while under fire of the enemy, he carried his master out of the field of fire on his shoulder, that he performed personal service for Robert E. Lee. That was his pension record," Rice says.

Story HERE

The Lt. F. C. Frazier has been blessed recently with the discovery of a REAL DAUGHTER of a Confederate Veteran living in our town. Mrs. Mattie Clyburn Rice's father, Wary Clyburn, served with honor in Co. E, 12th Regt. South Carolina Volunteers.

This picture shows Mrs. Rice receiving her Real Daughter's certificate from Commander Herman White.

Mrs. Rice entertained Commander White with stories of researching her father's service during her off hours while working at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC.
The Lt. F. C. Frazier Camp is proud to have a living child of a Confederate Hero in its midst.

Robert Atkinson

Macon Telegraph Feb 2, 1895


The Old Man Remembered

The Governor Rewards a Faithful Old Negro Servant

Atlanta Feb 1st (special) Governor Atkinson today made an appointment in which there is a nice story of sentiment. The appointment was that Robert Atkinson, a negro servant in the Atkinson family before the war, to be a janitor at the capitol. When the governors oldest brother John P. Atkinson, went into Confederate Service, the negro Robert accompanied him to the front, and when he received a gunshot wound that gave him his death, it was Robert who carried him off the battlefield, and later brought him to his father’s hearthstone to die.

When Governor Atkinson was elected he promised the faithful negro a place if he should want it. A few days ago the request for his promised place came, and true to his promise, the governor at once made a place for him.

The Wealthiest Colored Man in Georgia Henry Todd

Georgia Weekly Telegraph Journal and Messenger August 5, 1881 Page 8

The Wealthiest Colored Man in Georgia

Atlanta Dispatch to the Cincinnati Inquirer

His name is Henry Todd, and he lives in Darien, in this State. When a youth his master died and left him his freedom as a reward for his faithful attention during the slaveholder's last sickness. Young Todd was so esteemed by his family that hey insisted on his remaining in their employ and paid him a handsome salary. He was sort of an assistant overseer on the plantation. By the kindly aid of his white friends he soon became a landowner, and a prosperous farmer. In a few years his affairs showed the results of industry and natural business talent in a snug little fortune. his quiet manner and strict uprightedness guarded him from the bitter prejudice which in those days both races felt for the average "free nigger." Henry Todd soon had enough money to hold money to hold slaves himself, and he purchased several as a matter of economy. When the Confederacy fell he lost twenty Negroes and some money in Confederate Bonds. This severe blow was in a measure counteracted by his good fortune, having on hand a crop of cotton, which then demanded fifty cents a pound. After the war he continued his farming operations, but also engaged in the lumber business. his remarkable success continued, and today he owns two large lumber mills and exports very extensively. he is 65 years old and has a good education. he is worth $100,000 in good investments. He lives in a neat country home, surrounded by a family of five children, who enjoy the luxuries of life. Every summer then leave for the coast and spend the hot months at a house which they own in one of the cool mountain nooks of North Georgia. Henry Todd has carefully kept from active participation in politics though he has frequently been solicited as a candidate. He has constantly voted the Democratic ticket and has warned colored friends against the carpet baggers who has deceived and swindled them in Georgia since the war. His example is in every way healthy for the Negroes of Georgia. he is public spirited and generous, giving freely to charitable objects. He has educated his children well and will leave them rich.

Mr. Todd did not serve as a soldier but became a slaveholder and bought Confederate bonds. Mark Anthony Cooper, the Eatonton businessman, said this of the War between the States that it was "the capital of one nation seeking to control the capital of another." Land to be considered as capital had to add the factor of human labor. Did slaves represent capital to the South? What were slaves to Mr. Todd? Someone to oppress perhaps or maybe just maybe part of a business strategy. You can judge.

William Rose "Uncle Billy"

Athens Daily Banner May 28, 1901 Page 1

Negro Veteran Dies In Columbia

"UNCLE BILLY" ROSE DEAD

A South Carolina Negro Veteran Of Three Wars.

COLUMBIA, S. C., May 27 - William Rose, a well known Negro of this city is dead, aged 89 years.

"Uncle Billy" was born a slave. He went as a drummer to the Seminole war in 1836; to the Mexican war, and to the civil war. He volunteered to go to Cuba. He has held the office of messenger since 1876 to the governor, withstanding all political changes and upheavals on account of his fidelity to the white mans party before 1876. He was a courier on the staff of Governor McSweeney and an honorary sergeant in a local white military company. He brought back General Pierce Butlers body from Mexico and General Bragg's back from Fredricksburg. he witnessed the running of the first train in South Carolina; was here when Lafayette made his triumphant tour of America in 1825 and beat the muffed drum at Calhoun's funeral.

He was buried today with military honors.

The fortifications at Centerville From The National Republican

The fortifications at Centerville (distinguished by the letters of the alaphabet), have the number of embrasures, and wooden guns pointing terrifically through them, as stated below:
Batteries Embrasures Wooden Guns
A 7 7
B 7 6
C 3 1
D 7 3
E 5 -
F 9 9
G 6 7
H 5 5
I 4
Number of embrasures 54
Number of wooden guns 31

The guns were pine logs, charred black with muzzles delineated with chalk, and properly protruded from the embrasures. No real guns had ever been mounted. This was the representation made by the Negroes, and the appearance inside of the work proves this representation to be correct. A Negro, who had been kept at work for months by the Confederates, reports them as having said that these pine logs would answer just as well to "skeer the enemy."

Here black confederates did not fire a shot in battle because they didn't have to.

Leveling the playing field Confederate Women

Apparently this blog is drawing some attention which I enjoy. One idea is that somehow nurses don't count as soldiers. You have to look at the larger picture. In our modern military it take 7 or more individuals to support on soldier. It takes a cook, an accountant or paymaster, a logistics person/supply, definitely medical, communications, transportation and clerks. A nurse is indeed a hero tending to those who were injured in battle. The Confederacy relied on the entire South for its support from men, women and children from all races, creeds, colors and walks of life. Some people want the War Between The States to be defined as within their own narrow scope.

For example never mind what the CRITTENDEN-JOHNSON RESOLUTION On July 22,1861, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution declaring the Civil War was being waged to preserve the Union. According to our present day historians the war was exclusively about slavery and their was no possible way blacks could have served in the Confederacy.

It was HEGEL who said "History teaches us man learns nothing from History" When you start making theories about history suddenly the truth jumps out and slaps you. People are eager to label and tar brush the South in all things.

I did mention a Wikipedia Source for some of my data below. I also included the footnote from the Wikipedia source in the article. I will not credit Wikipedia as a great source but I must give credit where it is due.

Lastly there is an argument about the term colored as this can indicate a person is possibly Indian or dark skinned and may not be Black. This may be true and further investigation is needed.

My purpose is to document fully all I can to share the genealogy, burials, obituary and service of the Confederate listed. We want to know the whole story. This is how we honor their memory.

And without further adieu lets honor some more Confederate Women
Co. B, 63d Regiment Ga. Inf., December 1862 .
MUSTER ROLL OF *COMPANY D, 63rd REGIMENT
GEORGIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
C. S. A.
MISCELLANEOUS COUNTIES
Burroughs, Lydia (Colored)-Enlisted as a cook May 6, 1863 .

USTER ROLL OF COMPANY *K, 63rd REGIMENT
GEORGIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
C. S. A.
CHATHAM AND OTHER COUNTIES
Dawson, Catharine (Colored)-Cook April 1, 1863 .
Dawson, Hannah (Colored)-Cook April 1, 1863 .

Note that the Dawson's were mentioned in another blog. They were also mentioned with the term (Private) so they may have came with a soldier form Company K. But they were attached to the 63rd. Many of the Chatham County Resources are limited but a Benjamin Burroughs is listed as passing down slaves to Peggy and then Mary daughters but Lydia is not listed.

blackconfederatesoldiers.com

http://www.blackconfederatesoldiers.com/

Well there ya go!!!! The info I was searching for is sitting here all along. Georgia pension records are not listed but I am sure it will be there soon. Here is an online source for Georgia records too.

http://cdm.sos.state.ga.us/cdm4/TestApps.php

The online community amazes me each day.

Confederate Women

Of course many forget or deny the incredible service of women to the Confederacy and we don't know if they saw or experienced battle but as a nurse they would have seen the effects of war with soldiers losing limbs and all sorts of medical trauma only true heroes and heroines could care for these troops.

ROSTER OF *FIELD, STAFF AND BAND OF THE
63rd REGIMENT GEORGIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
C. S. A.
This company was organized as (1st) Co. A, 12th Battn. Ga. Light Artillery in April 1862 , and was composed of a good many men who had previously served in the 1st (Ramsey's) Regiment Ga. Vol. Inf. which was disbanded at the end of its one year enlistment in March 1862 . It was transferred to the 13th Battn. Ga. Inf. about November or December 1862 . This battn. was increased to regimental size in December 1862 , and became known as Gordon's Regiment Later the designation was changed to the 63rd Regiment Ga. Vol. Inf.

Fox, Joe (Colored)-Nurse. Enlisted April 1, 1863 , by consent of owner.
Jones, Nelson (Colored)-Enlisted as a nurse February 1, 1864 , for a period of one month by consent of owner.
Morgan, Eliza (Colored)-Nurse. Enlisted as a nurse and laundress April 1, 1863 .
Morris, Ellen (Colored)-Nurse. Enlisted as a nurse April 1,1863 .
Dawson, Hannah (Colored)-Cook. -- See private Co. H.
Dawson, Catharine (Colored)-Cook. -- See private Co. H.

How Many Soldiers ? 93,000, 65,000 ???

This website by Scott K. Williams estimates 65,000 with 13,000 soldiers actually involved in combat.

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/mo/county/stlouis/blackcs.htm

Another site states "He also cited professor Edward Smith, director of American studies at American University, who has calculated that between 60,000 and 93,000 blacks served the Confederacy."

The 93,000 estimate could be looked at this way.

"210,000 (9.5%) African American. Half were freedmen who lived in the North, and half were ex-slaves from the South. They served under white officers in more than 160 "colored" regiments and in Federal regiments organized as the United States Colored Troops (USCT).[6] Joseph T. Glatthaar, Forged in Battle: The Civil War Alliance of Black Soldiers and White Officers"

Another newspaper article I found from the Athens Herald had a statistician who estimated the number to be 186,000 so to say 210,000 is probably correct. the 186,000 divided in half would be 93,000 and 105,000 would be half of the other estimate. The real goal then is to collect as many pensions as possible, newspaper articles etc and document from these sources. The Lillian Henderson Roster listed some and documented solders who were to help recruit and form Negro units. With some luck we can compile names, mark graves and document these soldiers for everyone to see.

A cover-up Elisha Buchanan

Historian, Erwin L. Jordan, Jr., calls it a cover-up which started back in 1865. He writes, “During my research, I came across instances where Black men stated they were soldiers, but you can plainly see where ‘soldier’ is crossed out and ‘body servant’ inserted, or ‘teamster’ on pension applications.”

I wrote to the South Carolina Archives to collect some info on pensions. First I want to say the South Carolina Archives are very professional and sent me prompt information and by no means are part of a cover up as stated in the topic here. The archivist stated there was no info in the archives accept possibly at the county level if the individual counties kept such records. Thus begins the search at the county level.

My basis for Contacting the South Carolina Archives was due to this article Athens Daily Banner April 27, 1901 where Elisha Buchanan was denied a pension.

James Clarke Company K, Twenty-eighth Georgia regiment (Captain Wilcox)

Weekly Banner Sept 21, 1904 page 5

Negro fought for the South

And is now a Regularly Enlisted Pensioner of Uncle Sam's

Swainsboro, Georgia, August 30

A peculiar pension application has just been made to Ordinary John E. Youmans. It is that of James Clarke, a free Negro, who enlisted in Company K, Twenty-eighth Georgia regiment (Captain Wilcox), as a fifer and went through the civil war. Clark is now 104 years old and unable to work hence his friends are trying to have him placed upon pension rolls. Judge Youmans will send to Commissioner Lindsey today.

This is the first case of a free Negro applying for a pension in the state. There are many negros drawing pensions on the union side but none in this section for serving in the confederate army. On account of the Negro’s age and infirmities, his friends hope that his application will be favorable passed upon. Commissioner Lindsay's decision will be awaited with interest.

No Pensions for Negroes

Athens Daily Banner April 27, 1901 Page 1
No Pensions for Negros

Carolina Board decides against all colored applicants Columbia South Carolina April 26 The state pension board rejected all applications from Negroes on the grounds that their names did not appear on the rolls of the respective companies to which they were credited on file in the adjutant generals office and that they had no authority to issue pensions to other than enlisted soldiers. These applications had the hearty approval of the county boards and some of them have been on previous pension lists.

One of the rejected negros, Elisha Buchanan, was conscripted and put the work on confederate coast defenses, and while at work on Fort Sumter his leg was mangled by a shell from the enemy's guns and had to be amputated.

Note: Here is one of the problems we have when recognizing black confederates who served. It may be possible to find the county pension requests and enumerate the soldiers names from there but what of those that did not apply for a pension

Slave Monuments

Athens Banner January 17, 1911 Page 4

A movement looking to the erection of monuments dedicated to the slaves of the Southern Confederacy in the capital of every Southern state was instituted at the annual meeting of the Chicago chapter United Daughters of the Confederacy, in the auditorium hotel yesterday afternoon. A committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions from members of the Chicago chapters of the society and all former Southern Citizens.

The idea of such monuments are to commemorate the fidelity of negro slaves who during the Civil war protected the homes and women and children of Confederate soldiers, originated with Mrs. James Longstreet at the unveiling of the Confederacy monument at Carnesville, Georgia last October, and this week the Chicago chapter was asked to assist in the movement.

The officers elected and installed for 1911 were:
President Mrs. Agnes Grant Manson: vice-presidents, Mrs. Pauling Fitzgerald and Mrs. B.A. Johnson: Treasurer Mrs. Virginia F. Wilson: corresponding secretary Mrs. Mary Ashmore Carter: recording secretary Mary Lee Beban: registrar. Miss Rutherford: custodian Mrs. H. C. Myers Historian. Mrs. Josephine Keys: recorder of crosses Lethe McClain

An Ex Slaves Generosity

Weekly Banner, Feb. 1, 1901 -- page 5

An Ex Slaves Generosity
Memphis Jan 29

The Finance Committee of the Confederate Veterans Reunion has recieved a check for $1,000 from Robert R. Church, the wealthiest negro citizen of Memphis who was born a slave, and served as such in his youth. This is the second largest individual contribution yet recieved by the committee.

His generosity Remembered...

Camp Morton Prison

Confederates of Color
Camp Morton Prison

Confederate Soldiers and Sailors who died at Indianapolis, Ind. while prisoners of war

Alabama
Adam Cagle 8/16/64
William Birdsong 8/1864
Joseph Light 6/14/64
John Willis 7/16/64

Arkansas
R.M. Evans 2/2/65

Georgia
James E. Baldwin 2/17/65

Kentucky
J. Christian Morgan’s 2nd Cav. 11/22/63
J.W. Vance CSA Mail Carrier 3/14/64

Mississippi
Samuel Johnson 12/14/65
B.F. Keelin 2/14/65
Solomon Littleton 3/3/62
C.L. Matthews 6/18/64
Robert Vance 1/27/64
James Williams 1/20/65

Virginia
Benjamin Brown 4/2/65
Jacob Groves 2/1/65
Henry Mayo 3/23/62
John S. Kyger 1/28/65
A. Lee 3/14/65

Unknown CSA States
Alexander Blanton 1/12/64
George Frazier 1863
G.W. Hardy 2/6/65
J.C. Mitchell 1/24/64
John Woolsey 10/7/63

Source

Jack Turner, Wounded at Antietam

Banner-Watchman Athens, Mar. 10, 1885 -- page 1
Jack Turner one of the most reliable negroes in Columbus died Friday night. jack Served as a soldier in the Confederate service and recieved a wound toward the close of the war.

Columbus Sunday Enquirer Sunday Morning March 1st,1885

Death of Jack Turner
For the past eight years Jack Turner, colored, had been porter for Mr. I. L. Pollard, and was universally respected for his politeness and the promptness with which he performed his work. About three weeks ago he was stricken with paralysis, which resulted fatally yesterday morning at 2 o'clock. He was one of the most prominent colored citizens of the city and had friends among the white people who will regret to hear his is no more.

At the outbreak of war he accompanied his young master, Mr. Rube Shorter, who was a member of the Columbus Guards, to the front. He never shirked a duty or failed to be present at the most critical times. At the battle of Antietam, when our forces were outnumbered two to one and the fortunes of the day were nearly lost, volunteers were sought, and Jack, with his musket joined the ranks. The gallant conduct of the confederates on that day, assisted by just such brave volunteers as Turner, made that battle a draw one. He received a serious wound on his arm. Turner was prominently connected with the colored fire company and other organizations of the city. The remains will be buried today.

Jere May

Macon Telegraph, Jun. 2, 1901 -- page 11
Jere May was delighted

Jere May, the negro mail carrier whose greatest boast is that he was a Confederate Veteran and fought for the cause of the South, returned from Memphis Yesterday loud in his praises of the good people of that city. He says if anybody enjoyed the occasion better than he did he does not that know it, He says he could not spend any money. Jere never misses a reunion and says if he lives he will go to the one in Texas next year.

Negros on Confederate Roll

Athens Daily Banner, Apr. 9, 1901 Page 1

"Columbia, South Carolina April 8th

Confederate Veterans are considerably exercised over the fact that there are several negros on the pension rolls. These men have been indorsed for pensions by the county boards, and unless the state board is shown that they are not entitled for pensions they cannot be stricken off. Some camps have passed resolutions of protest. In one instance the negro pensioner was a free negro; in another he was a slave, but lost his leg in following his master into battle."

What we see here sadly is first not all Confederates welcomed these soldiers as comrades. Perhaps they were concerned of getting flim flammed. This makes research more difficult as we want to honor the soldiers by name and they are not readily available. Here we see a soldier was a casulty in battle. The Black Confederate is trapped between the Liberals who wished they didnt exist, Some sodliers who want to deny them, and a government that will cling to thier pension.

Three Negro Regiments

Southern Banner, Mar. 18, 1863 -- page 2

Second Dispatch
Columbia Tennessee , March 12

The enemy are greatly suprised and exasperated at Van Dorn's escape. They returned to Franklin to protect their rear, and committed many depredations, burning the houses Van Dorn had occupied as his headquarters. Nashville papers state that the enemies loss at Spring Hill was only 300, and that the Confederates had three negro regiments who fought bravely. The four brigades sent in pursuit of Van Dorn have returned.

Confederate Congress Feb 6

Southern Watchman, Feb. 15, 1865 -- page 3

Congressional
Richmond February 6th
Mr. Morse introduced a resolution directing the Committee on Military Affairs to inquire into the ezpediency on investing the President with the power to call into service all able bodied negros into the Confederate States to be used as he may think best, to aid in the military defence of our country. The motion lay on he was negatived - yeas 32, nays 30. The resolution was then adopted.

The Cleburne Marker and Georgia Historical Society

http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x349137771/Historical-society-sets-date-to-dedicate-Dalton-marker

"The Georgia Historical Society has erected a new historical marker and the society is planning a big ceremony for this one on Thursday, July 14, at 10 a.m. ....

The historical society placed a marker on Fort Hill last fall to commemorate the role of black solders during the Civil War. Fort Hill was chosen because it was the site of the only battle in Georgia in which black troops took part."

Apparently Mrs Crisp with the Georgia Historical society does not agree. Dan Coleman, Spokeman for the Georgia Division Sons of Confederate Veterans sent a letter and made repeated calls to the Historical Society to correct this oversight. His comments below.

"Dear Ms. Crisp:
I have quickly assembled the following evidence of black Southerners who fought for the Confederacy, not just as cooks, teamsters, etc. but as actual soldiers. This is just a very brief example of the available evidence but it should be enough to show that thousands of black Southerners did see combat. The approval of the Confederate Congress was late in the war but as seen below, the evidence of participation of blacks in actual battle is overwhelming.
A useful website is: blackconfederatesoldiers.com
We would greatly appreciate a review and modification of the inscription to conform with true history. We gladly offer our assistance if you will allow us to participate.
Sincerely,
Dan Coleman"

Dans letter contains a great deal of data that I will share in other pats of this blog. Special thanks to Mr. Coleman

The Application of Eli Pickett

A Black Confederate.
The Atlanta Constitution (1881-1945); Aug 4, 1889;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Atlanta Constitution (1868-1945)

The application of Eli Pickett, a colored man, for a confederate pension from the State of Georgia. If this clever Negro really rendered service and was disabled in the military branch of the confederacy it seems a pity to shut him from the pension list on the account of some irregularity. Perhaps many people north and south are not aware, or have forgotten, that an act of the confederate congress, passed in the spring of 1865, authorized the enlistment of colored troops. Under that act colored men were enrolled. The work of organizing them commenced, and doubtless some old confederates in Georgia remember seeing them drilling in the streets of Richmond. But the confederacy was then tottering to its fall. The black confederates never had a fighting chance. Appomattox wound up the whole business. The act refereed to made it lawful for Eli Pickett to be regularly enlisted, but as the surrender came only a few weeks after its passage it is possible that he failed to come from a legal point of view technically within its limited operations. it is a case however which will excite sympathy and Pickett will find he has plenty of confederate friends.

another blog reported he was from Bartow County Georgia http://genealogical.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/eli-pickett-bartow-co-ga/

The following item was published in the 8 August 1889 issue of the The Franklin Press of Franklin, Macon Co., NC (Volume 4, Number 21, 2nd page, 1st column):

Eli Pickett, of Bartow county, Ga., a negro Confederate soldier who was severely wounded in the Georgia campaigns, has appealed to the State of Georgia for a pension. He was free-born and fought bravely for the Confederacy.

Bartow county is my stomping ground so I will look for Eli's grave site and data where I can find, The pension records site does not hold any more info.

Doc Clinton Rogers

Pictured above is Doctor Clinton Rogers he followed his master Dr. Rogers of Griffin into the war and was by his side in many noted battles. He was himself slightly wounded and shows the scar as if it were the grandest trophy. He was a member of the Atlanta Camp #153 and in this article he was married to Mary Allen a widow of fifty years of age. The article says he will be buried with full military honors.

The Atlanta Constitution (1881-1945); May 17, 1899;Page 4

A tale of two musicians

MUSTER ROLL OF CO. A, 1st REGIMENT GEORGIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY (OLMSTEAD'S), ARMY OF TENNESSEE C. S. A.,CHATHAM COUNTY, GEORGIA

McCleskey, Henry (colored)-Musician August 10, 1861 . Term

of enlistment six months. Roll for February 1862 , shows him present. Appointed Musician of Co. B, 18th Battalion Ga. Inf. Paroled near Sailor's Creek, Va. April 7, 1865 .

DeLyon, Charles Henry (colored)-Musician August 10, 1861 . Transferred to Co. D, 63d Regiment Ga. Inf. August 1, 1863 ; Co. B, October 31, 1863 . No later record.

Listed above are two soldiers from Georgia who served as musicians in the 1st Georgia Regiment. We learn some facts about the unit as members moved to the 18th Battalion, Georgia Volunteer Infantry and another Black Confederate Amos Rucker also served in the 63rd Georgia of Company C.

My goal here was to introduce more than just these names from the Henderson Roster but to look at more of the lives of these men possibly before or after the war. My Chatham county records are few as I searched cemeteries to see if these men were buried there. I could not find a pension record for these men. I did find some info in a mortality schedule

Chatham 360 DeLYON, Clarence  1m   M  M S  GA     GA     GA  OCT  Abscess 1m Chatham 360 DeLYON, Clifford  1m   M  M S  GA     GA     GA  OCT  Thrash  1m

http://files.usgwarchives.org/ga/chatham/census/1880/mortchat.txt

This was an 1880 schedule and shows the children were 1 month old and mulatto. Surely this was a sad loss for this family. We don't know if this was Charles children or not but part of the Delyon family. Other census records mention a Mordecai Delyon working for Public office and a James Delyon family of 3 with one daughter. If we can find these soldiers and they don't have a marker we can see about getting one. 

If you have any info on Henry McClesky or Charles Delyon please forward to this blog. 

Thank you

How Did Black Southerners Respond When War Was Declared?

When the war started in 1861 there were public demonstrations of support for the Confederacy by blacks throughout the South (Wesley, 1937, p. 141; Rollins, 1994, p. 2).

The largest demonstration came in New Orleans. A mass meeting attended by black residents was held just after the news arrived from Fort Sumter. They organized a regiment of black Confederate troops with black officers (New Orleans Picayune, 24 Nov 1861; Annual Cyclopedia, 1864, p. 202.)

In Nashville a company of free blacks offered their services to the Confederate government, and in June the state legislature authorized Gov. Harris to accept into Tennessee service all male persons of color (Wesley, 1937, page 153).

In Memphis in 'September a procession of several hundred free blacks marched through the streets under the command of Confederate officers. "They were brimful of patriotism, shouting for Jeff Davis and singing war songs" (Memphis Avalanche, 3 Sept 1861).

In Montgomery, blacks were seen being drilled and armed for military duty (Wesley, 1919, p. 242).

Two companies of black Confederates were formed in Ft. Smith, Arkansas (Rebellion Record, 46, in Rollins 1994).

Similar occurrences took place in Virginia. In Lynchburg, 70 men enlisted to fight for the defense of Virginia soon after it seceded; a local newspaper raised "three cheers for the patriotic Negroes of Lynchburg" (Ibid; Wesley, 1937, p. 142).

One hundred free Negroes reported for service to aid the Confederacy in Petersburg, Virginia, on 26 April 1861, and were addressed by the mayor. One of the Negroes stepped forward to receive the Confederate flag, and said “We are willing to aid Virginia’s cause to the utmost of our ability … there is not an unwilling heart among us … we promise unhesitating obedience to all orders that may be given us” (Petersburg Daily Express, April 23, 26, 1861).

In late April 1861 in Richmond, 60 black men carrying a Confederate flag asked to be enlisted. In Hampton, 300 blacks volunteered to serve in Artillery batteries (Quarles, 1955, p. 36).

In Petersburg, a group of blacks who had volunteered to work on defenses held a mass rally at the courthouse square. The former Mayor, John Dodson, presented them with a Confederate flag, and promised them "a rich reward of praise, and merit, from a thankful people” (Oblatala, 1979, p. 94).

In April of 1861, a company of 60 free blacks marched into Richmond with a Confederate flag at the head of their column. They volunteered their services to the military, but were sent home after being complimented for their show of Southern patriotism (Barrow, 2001).

Conclusion: How did black Southerners respond? They responded in the same ways that white Southerners responded.

Why did blacks fight for the South? Because an enemy army was invading their country, raping women, burning and looting homes, and attacking the only life they knew.

References

Barrow, C. K., Segars, J. H., & R.B. Rosenburg, R.B. (Eds.) (2001). Black Confederates. Gretna: Pelican Publishing Company.

Oblatala, J.K. (1979). The Unlikely Story of Negroes Who Were Loyal to Dixie. Smithsonian, 9, page 94.

Quarles, Benjamin (1955). The Negro in the Civil War. Boston: Little, Brown.

Rollins, Richard, Ed. (1994). Black Southerners in Gray: Essays on Afro-Americans in Confederate Armies. Rank and File Publications, Redondo Beach, California, 172 pages.

Wesley, C. H. (1919). The Employment of Negroes as Soldiers in the Confederate Army. Journal of Negro History, 4, 242.

Wesley, C. H. (1937). The Collapse of the Confederacy. New York: Russell & Russell.

Originally published at http://www.rebelgray.com/BlackResponse.htm

Angered at the loss of life at the hands of blacks

"Angered at the loss of life at the hands of blacks at Manassas and somewhat disillusioned the northern Exchange editorialized: 'The war has dispelled one delusion of the abolitionists. The Negroes regard them as enemies instead of friends. No insurrection has occurred in the South - no important stampede of slaves has evinced their desire for freedom. On the contrary, they have jeered at and insulted our troops, have readily enlisted in the rebel army and on Sunday, at Manassas, shot down our men with as much alacrity as if abolitionism had never existed.'"

New Bern Weekly Press, August 13, 1861

Tennessee Black soldiers

Tennessee in June 1861 became the first in the South to legislate the use of free black soldiers. The governor was authorized to enroll those between the ages of fifteen and fifty, to be paid $18 a month and the same rations and clothing as white soldiers; the black men appeared in two black regiments in Memphis by September

Black Confederates and Afro-Yankees in Civil War Virginia, Ervin L. Jordan, Jr., (Charlottesville, VA: University Press of Virginia, 1995) pp. 218-219

Fort Fisher Black Confederates

- (Notice that these blacks were paroled and exchanged just as white soldiers would have been. It should be noted that most if not all captured Confederates were offered the opportunity to sign the Oath of Allegiance. Notice that none of them did except the fourth man listed, Daniel Herring. And even he didn't agree to sign it until more than two months Lee's surrender!)

"When Fort Fisher fell to the Union troops in January, 1865, the following blacks are recorded as being among the captured Confederates:

Charles Dempsey, Private, Company F, 36th NC Regiment (2nd NC Artillery), Negro. Captured at Fort Fisher January 15, 1865 and confined at Point Lookout, MD, until paroled and exchanged at Coxes Landing, James River, VA, February 14-15, 1865.
Henry Dempsey, Private, Company F, 36th NC Regiment (2nd NC Artillery), Negro. Captured at Fort Fisher January 15, 1865 and confined at Point Lookout, MD, until paroled and exchanged at Coxes Landing, James River, VA, February 14-15, 1865.
J. Doyle, Private, Company E, 40th NC Regiment (3rd NC Artillery), Negro. Captured at Fort Fisher January 15, 1865 and confined at Point Lookout, MD, until paroled and exchanged at Boulware's Wharf, James River, VA, March 16, 1865.
Daniel Herring, Cook, Company F, 36th NC Regiment (2nd NC Artillery), Negro. Captured at Fort Fisher January 15, 1865 and confined at Point Lookout, MD, until released after taking Oath of Allegiance June 19, 1865 (he was held prisoner for two months AFTER the official surrender)."

North Carolina Troops, Volume I:

Maryland, 3,000 Blacks with Stonewall

“Wednesday, September 10.–At four o’clock this morning the rebel army began to move from our town "Frederick, Maryland," Jackson’s force taking the advance. The movement continued until eight o’clock p.m., occupying sixteen hours. The most liberal calculations could not give them more than 64,000 men.
Over 3,000 negroes must be included in this number. These were clad in all kinds of uniforms, not only in cast-off or captured United States uniforms, but in coats with Southern buttons, State buttons, etc. These were shabby, but not shabbier or seedier than those worn by white men in the rebel ranks. Most of the negroes had arms, rifles, muskets, sabres, bowie-knives, dirks, etc. They were supplied, in many instances, with knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, etc., and were manifestly an integral portion of the Southern Confederacy Army. They were seen riding on horses and mules, driving wagons, riding on caissons, in ambulances, with the staff of Generals, and promiscuously mixed up with all the rebel horde. The fact was patent, and rather interesting when considered in connection with the horror rebels express at the suggestion of black soldiers being employed for the
National defence.” ~ Dr. Lewis Steiner, Chief Inspector of the United States Sanitary Commission while observing Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson's occupation of Frederick, Maryland, in 1862:

CIVIL WAR MAGAZINE, vol. VIII, No. 3, Issue XXIII, pg. 14:

New York Herald, July 11, 1863

After the battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, ...reported among the rebel prisoners were seven blacks in Confederate uniforms fully armed as soldiers..."
- New York Herald, July 11, 1863. [1]

Young Black Reb

The 21-foot high granite obelisk, stands in a residential area on Academy Street, E.
Canton, MS in front of a cemetery. It was built in the 1890s with funds provided by William Hill Howcott.. The inscription includes these words: “A tribute to my faithful servant and friend, Willis Howcott, a colored boy of rare loyalty and faithfulness, whose memory I cherish with deep gratitude.”

Harley Howcott reports that his Great-grandfather, W.H. Howcott, was only 15 years old when he joined Harvey's Scouts in 1864. Willis, his childhood playmate and friend, was only 13 but would not be dissuaded from being at his side. Willis was, tragically, killed in combat sometime in 1865 at the age of 14. The monument was erected by his friend years after the war, after he had left Mississippi for New Orleans and made his fortune. The memory of the loss of his close friend never left him. That W.H. Howcott returned 31 years after Willis' death to erect a 21 foot tall monument to their friendship speaks volumes.

Black Reb, Chattanooga, TN,

Chattanooga, TN. Confederate Cemetery

African American Confederate soldier to be honored

PETERSBURG - The 7th annual Richard Poplar Day Memorial will honor Pvt. Richard Poplar this Saturday during National POW/MIA Recognition Week. The public is invited to this program which will start at 11:30 a.m. at Memorial Hill in Blandford Cemetery.

A Petersburg resident and member of Company H, 13th Virginia Cavalry, Pvt. Richard Poplar was captured alongside other members of his unit as a prisoner of war in July 1863 at Gettysburg. Pvt. Poplar was confined at Fort Delaware for five months and confined at the infamous Point Lookout, Maryland Prison for an additional 14 months. He overcame this peril in a heroic manner that required outstanding courage and sacrifice.

Poplar is recognized by his veteran comrades for providing aid and comfort to his comrades while confined at Point Lookout, including fellow Petersburg residents captured during the Petersburg Battle of the Old Men and Young Boys on 9 June 1864.

In 1886 in Petersburg, Poplar passed away being given a large military funeral and laid to rest with his fellow comrads at Memorial Hill.

"His pall bearers included Capt. E.A. Goodwyn, Capt. J.R. Patterson, Gen. Stith Bolling, Col.E.M. Fiield, and Mesrs. Jesse Newcomb and R. M. Dobie," according to published reports in Petersburg's "The Index Appeal".

On Sept. 18, 2004, at Blandford Church, Mayor Annie Mickens recognized POW Richard Poplar by presenting the Richard A. Stewart/Pocahontas Black History Museum, located on Pocahontas Island, Petersburg, a resolution proclaiming September 18th as Richard Poplar Day.

- This information was provided by the Richard Poplar Memorial Commttee

Black Soldiers in Confederate Army

Daniel Jenkins Mulatto Confederate

Mulatto Confederate Soldier Daniel Jenkins and his wife. Jenkins was with the Confederate 9th Kentucky Infantry and was killed at Shiloh on 4/6/62.



SCV Camp 1745
Black Confederates Page

A challenge

Reader, please read the below. The union generals and soldiers had a profound dislike for blacks. They belittled them at every opportunity, this can be proven with very little research...The best source being, The Official Records "War of the Rebellion."


Now a challenge, if you can find "any" information of same toward blacks by The Confederates...Please let me know the source and I'll post it. All I can find is praise for the service of our black brothers in arms by their Confederate comrades.

GB/PoP


General HALLECK:

MY DEAR FRIEND: I owe you a private letter, and believe one at this time will be acceptable to you. I appreciate your position and the delicate responsibilities that devolve on you, but believe you will master and surmount them all. I confess I owe you all I now enjoy of fame, for I had allowed myself in 1861 to sink into a perfect "slough of despond," and do believe if I could I would have run away and hid from the dangers and complications that surrounded us. You alone seemed to be confident, and opened to us the first avenue of success and hope, and you gradually put me in the way of recovering from what might have proved an ignoble end....................I hope anything I may have said or done will not be construed unfriendly to Mr. Lincoln or Stanton. That negro letter of mine I never designed for publication, but I am honest in my belief that it is not fair to our men to count negroes as equals. Cannot we at this day drop theories, and be reasonable men? Let us capture negroes, of course, and use them to the best advantage. My quartermaster now could give employment to 3,200, and relieve that number of soldiers who are now used to unload and dispatch trains, whereas those recruiting agents take them back to Nashville, where, so far as my experience goes, they disappear. When I call for expeditions at distant points, the answer invariably comes that they have not sufficient troops. All count the negroes out. On the Mississippi, where Thomas talked about 100,000 negro troops, I find I cannot draw away a white soldier, because they are indispensable to the safety of the river. I am willing to use them as far as possible, but object to fighting with "paper" men. Occasionally an exception occurs, which simply deceives.

We want the best young white men of the land, and they should be inspired with the pride of freemen to fight for their country. If Mr. Lincoln or Stanton could walk through the camps of this army and hear the soldiers talk they would hear new ideas. I have had the question put to me often: "Is not a negro as good as a white man to stop a bullet?" Yes, and a sand-bag is better; but can a negro do our skirmishing and picket duty? Can they improvise roads, bridges, sorties, flank movements, &c., like the white man? I say no. Soldiers must and do many things without orders from their own sense, as in sentinels. Negroes are not equal to this. I have gone steadily, firmly, and confidently along, and I could not have done it with black troops, but with my old troops I have never felt a waver of doubt, and that very confidence begets success..............

Your sincere friend,

W. T. SHERMAN.

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/5 [S# 76]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, FROM JULY 1, 1864, TO SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.(*)--#32
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, near Lovejoy's, twenty-six miles south of Atlanta,
September 4, 1864.