Unknown Civil War soldier to be reburied Oct. 10

Uniforned sentries stand guard while mourners exit the gates of Rest Haven Cemetery.

Photo by Robin Hood

FRANKLIN – The sons of two Civil War veterans who fought for separate causes will meet for the first time over the unearthed remains of an unknown soldier, whose body never made it home from the battlefield 145 years ago.



Harold Becker, 93, of Grand Rapids, Mich., and James Brown, Sr., 97, of Knoxville, Tenn., will join together to help re-inter the unknown soldier’s remains, discovered in a shallow grave during a commercial construction project on the field where 10,000 casualties fell in five hours at the Battle of Franklin on Nov. 30, 1864.



Becker’s father, Charles Conrad Becker, fought through the horrific battle at Franklin with the 128th Indiana Infantry, U.S.A., while Brown’s father, James H. H. Brown – 8th Georgia Infantry, C.S.A. – saw his regiment cut in half at Gettysburg. On Saturday, Oct. 10, they will shake hands over the new grave of an American soldier.



“Most folks don’t consider the sacrifice that these soldiers made, certainly on both sides,” said Robin Hood, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer who is chair of the City of Franklin’s Battlefield Task Force. “And his family was left alone, to eventually come to closure with the fact that he was killed in action in some field a thousand miles from home.”



Thousands like him were buried with simple gravestones marked Unknown, including approximately 750 in Franklin.



It is not known for which army the Unknown Soldier fought. A coffin containing his remains will lie in state at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 510 West Main Street in Franklin – the circa 1827 sanctuary which served as barracks for Federal troops during their occupation of the town in 1864 – from 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8 until the funeral ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. One Federal and one Confederate honor-guard sentry will be posted at the front doors of the church during the 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. visitation period each day and prior to the ceremony on Saturday morning.



The soldier will receive full military honors from re-enactors representing brothers-in-arms from both the United States and the Confederacy. On Saturday morning, a Union and a Confederate Chaplain will conduct a brief funeral service in the church. Following the service, the flag-draped casket will be borne from the church by uniformed pallbearers (Confederate and Federal) and placed on a waiting, horse-drawn caisson in front of the church.



Accompanied by a color guard, honor guard, period musicians, and hundreds of uniformed re-enactors, the caisson will travel down Main Street and around the Public Square to the Rest Haven Cemetery gates.



As the procession leaves St. Paul's and continues up Main Street, townspeople and visitors are invited to fall in behind the ranks of the marching re-enactors.



After arriving at Rest Haven Cemetery, a brief eulogy will be delivered by the chaplains, and will conclude with period-appropriate military honors including a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps” by a uniformed bugler.



Active participation in the ceremonies at Rest Haven and at St. Paul’s will be restricted to uniformed re-enactors, but the public is encouraged to view the ceremonies. Re-enactment units that wish to participate should contact Robert Huff at (615) 500-8211, or via email at rghuff123@aol.com.



For more information, visit http://www.franklincivilwar.com/

http://www.murfreesboropost.com/unknown-civil-war-soldier-to-be-reburied-oct-10-cms-19613

Dedication honors Robeson Confederate

By Hilary Kraus

Staff writer

ST PAULS - The heroics of the late William Townsend were brought to life Saturday afternoon.
Eighty-two years after the Civil War veteran died, a stone dedication was performed by the Sons of Confederate Veterans South Carolina 7th Brigade.

About a dozen members of the Capt. Andrew T. Harllee Camp 2010 chapter from Dillion, S.C., dressed in Civil War garb, presented a dedication fitting for the time.

Rifles were shot, a cannon was fired and taps was played, as a few friends and family members stood near Townsend's tombstone at the Oak Ridge Cemetery.

"It touched my heart to think about what all he must have gone through and what all the others must have gone through," said Jean Townsend Duncan, great-grandaughter of William Townsend and a St. Pauls resident. "It made me almost tearful to think about it."

The ceremony was one of eight performed at six different cemeteries on Saturday. The brigade also was in Hamer, S.C.; Raynham and Lumberton, before arriving in St. Pauls.

Gilbert Townsend, a distant cousin of Duncan and member of the Dillon chapter, is a descendent of all the men recognized. He organized the ceremonies.

William Townsend, a native of Robeson County, was a private with the N.C. Infantry Company D. The infantry was organized in 1861 and included members from Robeson, New Hanover, Bladen, Columbus and Richmond counties.

The army unit of 1,100 men participated in numerous battles and lost 57 percent of the 396 men in the Seven Days battles. Of the 346 in action at Gettysburg, 25 percent were disabled.

Duncan said her great-grandfather was wounded in the war, but she was uncertain of details.

"I know he was known as a sharp shooter and was there right behind Gen. (Robert E.) Lee," Duncan said.
William Townsend was 84 when he died in 1927. He was buried with his confederate pin on his chest.

http://www.fayobserver.com/Articles/2009/10/04/940007

Ringgold Gap Festival to honor Cleburne

Dalton Daily Citizen
by: Rachel Brown
September 29, 2009 07:12 pm

     The Ringgold Gap Civil War Festival this weekend will honor the Confederate general who gained notoriety when he staved off federal forces at the town in 1863.
    
     Festival organizers are planning a dedication of a statue to Patrick R. Cleburne, the Irish immigrant who they say is the first Confederate general since 1912 to have a statue dedicated in his honor in Georgia. The last one was dedicated to Joseph E. Johnston in downtown Dalton.

     Festival committee member and historian Stephen McKinney said Cleburne is known for being the first Confederate general to propose freeing Southern slaves in exchange for their military service, and he’s also remembered for holding back Union troops at Ringgold long enough for the Confederates to retreat to Dalton and regroup after a defeat at Missionary Ridge in Chattanooga.

     Cleburne died a year later when he was shot during combat in Franklin, Tenn., McKinney said. He was 36. Ringgold Telephone Company and the city of Ringgold are sponsoring the festival, which will be held off of Robin Road on county historian Bill Clark’s property. Robin Road is accessible from Alabama Highway and from Tennessee Street.

     The two-day festival kicks off Friday with events scheduled for students, while Saturday’s events are all open to the public free of charge. Ringgold downtown events coordinator Andrea Sherman said this is the first year for the festival, and it could be an annual event. Sherman said the Civil War is a high-interest subject and a big tourist draw. “We have so many people that are fans of Gen. Cleburne,” she added. “He’s quite well respected.”

     Historians say Cleburne’s 4,000 men kept 12,000 Union soldiers from breaching Ringgold Gap in November 1863. The feat earned him a resolution of thanks from the Confederate Congress a few months later. “Ringgold Gap is very narrow, and it was much narrower in 1863 than it is today,” McKinney said. “They had to widen the gap to put I-75 through.” Sherman said she couldn’t speculate about how many visitors the event might bring to Ringgold, but she knows the Cleburne statue will continue to draw tourists long after the festival is over. Close to 100 re-enactors are scheduled to be on site. There won’t be a battle re-enactment, but re-enactors will be set up with living history displays and will be available for questions, organizers said. “This is really an opportunity for the public to get a hands-on educational experience,” McKinney said.

Saturday schedule
9 a.m. — Festival grounds open
10 a.m. — Unveiling ceremony of Gen. Patrick Cleburne statue at Ringgold Confederate Park, Ga. Highway 41. Shuttles will be provided from the festival grounds to the ceremony and to Ringgold Depot.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Art exhibition at the Ringgold Depot
Cleburne’s tent historical lecture schedule
11 a.m. — Cathy Kaemmerlen will tell stories from her book “General Sherman and the Georgia Belles: Tales from Women Left Behind.” She will sign copies afterward.
Noon — Bruce Stewart, author of “Invisible Hero Patrick R. Cleburne”
1 p.m. — Jim Ogden, historian at Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
2 p.m. — Mauriel Joslyn, author and immediate past president of the Gen. Patrick Cleburne Society
3 p.m. — Ron Tunison, historical sculptor and creator of the Cleburne statue
4 p.m. — Thomas Cartwright, historian, speaking on Cleburne’s life and death
5 p.m. — Cathy Kaemmerlen, appearing as Clara Barton
6 p.m. — Bill Clark, Catoosa County historian, speaking on the county’s history
General’s tent schedule
Noon — Buttonwillow Church play
3 p.m. — Buttonwillow Church play
7 p.m. — Period ball (the public is invited to join in Civil War period dances)
Ringgold Telephone Company tent schedule
All day — Lincoln Exhibit provided by Gilder Lehrman, Institute of America History
11 a.m. — Mountain Cove Bluegrass Band
2 p.m. — Mountain Cove Bluegrass Band
Living history experience camp provided by Hardee Guard Battalion all afternoon
11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. — Unit and first person impressions in Confederate camps
Noon-5:30 p.m. — Roving and static music, period songs and tunes of the Civil War
Noon-1 p.m. — “Join the Army!” camp for kids and adults to learn about the average soldier
12:30 p.m.-1 p.m. — Artillery demonstration
1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. — Drill and artillery demonstrations
1:30 p.m.-2 p.m. — Speaker Stephen McKinney on functions of brigade and staff positions in the field

For more information
http://www.ringgoldgapfestival.com/

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http://www.daltondailycitizen.com/statenews/local_story_272191312.html?keyword=topstory

Confederate Wooden Canteen

This episode deals with a Southern ( Rebel ) canteen made of wood and why a wooden Confederate canteen was often seen as better than its metallic Union counterpart. A rare Confederate canteen is examined. What is the common motto about Civil War canteens that was remembered by all soldiers well after the war?

Though people often remember the generals and commanders from a major war, its outcome also depends largely on the nameless soldiers in the front lines. Illuminating little known history, CIVIL WAR MINUTES® - Confederate features rarely told stories of both the famous and average Confederate soldiers in the Civil War. This film reveals the intimate details of the soldiers' lives in their own words, such as their weapons of choice, their uniforms and how soldiers form fellowships during the war that last throughout their lives.

Community Orginizing at it's Best!!

Jonesborough Chapter of Sons of Confederate Veterans A Reality



By Melissa Hipolit
Published: September 24, 2009

Relatives of Confederate veterans have a new advocate in Washington County, Tennessee. A Jonesborough chapter of the group held its first meeting Thursday night.

The chapter’s creation comes months after the Town of Jonesborough decided bricks honoring Civil War veterans placed in the Veterans Memorial Park cannot designate whether the soldier fought for the Confederacy or the Union.

The decision angered area descendants of Confederate soldiers and compelled the Sons of the Confederate Veterans to boycott the town. Meanwhile, local members of the group joined together to form a Jonesborough chapter called the General Alfred E. “Mudwall” Jackson camp.

"My congratulations and appreciation go out to all the new members for making this SCV camp a reality tonight. In the coming months, we plan to bring in guest speakers and present programs on Civil War history that will be of interest, not only to the members, but to the general public as well. Our meetings will be open to the public and we hope that our members and visitors will be richly rewarded with knowledge of American history and Southern tradition, honor, and valor."

Deo Vindice
Cmdr. Joe Adkins

http://www2.tricities.com/tri/news/local/article/jonesborough_chapter_of_sons_of_confederate_veterans_a_reality/32997/

The Confederate Yankee

Roscommon County Herald News
By James P. Dikin (1991)

Ten years ago we lost one of our’s to the land of sunshine, red clay, snakes & spiders. Having traded his overcoat, gloves, thermal underwear and snow shovel for sun block, mosquito repellant and snake boots, he headed southward to fame and fortune.

During the long evolution the Yank developed a tolerance for grits, fried okra, fat back with soup beans and cracklin’ cornbread. That tolerance led to the greater gastric experiences of banana pudd’n, peach cobbler, fried pies and sweet roasted pecans (pronounced pe’cans).

Even the hunting and fishing was different. The locals climbed trees and viewed their prey from atop (long before us Yanks thought of it). I tried it a few times. Close your eyes and imagine a 300 lb. man in camo perched between two trees, sitting on a board. All was fine, but you see, I often doze off when I’m comfortable… caught myself twice just in time and decided to stay on the tare’ ferma.

Yank was used to the Northern Pike, Sunfish, Walleye and Perch, but found his counterpart to be masters of Bass, Catfish and Brim (our Bluegill). Every Saturday and Sunday the highways were jammed with endless streams of Bass & Jon Boats in search of the elusive lunkers. Bait shops along the way provide hot biscuits from the Tasty Pig, coffee, Moon Pies, Dr. Pepper & Yahoo (a bottle of Hot Chocolate made yesterday and left in the fridge overnight). These roadside malls also had every size and color of rubber worm imaginable, jigs galore and just about anything needed to get the job done.

I finally got to the fishing hole. Boy I hate red water… As Yank waits patiently in line to slide his 12ft skiff into the water he eyes the rig next in line. That good-ol-boy’s got him a ‘92 model Ranger sporting (2) depth finders, trolling motor larger than my 5 hp. Elgin, carpeted deck and live-box.

While Yank put-puts around Lake Lanier aimlessly trying to find the secret holes, his Southern counterparts zip from spot to spot at breakneck speed creating a wake that would rock the Queen Elizabeth II. What ever happened to the peaceful tranquility of fishing? This new breed of sport fisherman is high-keyed, short-tempered, high strung and high tech, lacking the patience to accept fishing as a means to peaceful relaxation.

Southern shopping provided Yank a special treat. The drawl of the southern girls & women was different and pleasing to the ears. He would swear that 90 percent of them were pregnant, maybe they’re all drinking the same red water. Yank could never totally understand the conversations of the local males. Their talk was a blurred blend of drool & drawl. Yank did develop a keen ability to predict how difficult a local would be to understand by following behind him. You see, if a man (or even a boy) wore jeans with a circle outlined on the back pocket the guy was a mumbler. Chaw, chew, dip and snuff all provide media for jawbone exercise. Chewing is a very private but public habit. Hank never had anyone offer to share their chaw with him. Most chawers keep a Coke can or plastic cup handy as a portable spittoon. My wife once grabbed a pop can thinking it was her’s…. not!! Almost had to take her to Emergency to get her stomach pumped. That would have been hard to explain to the doctor… he would have been local and blamed my wife (she’s blonde). Yank once observed competitive target practice where flies and spiders evaded the brown barrage. Some chaw’ers brag of mid-air insect interceptions, although like their fish stories, they’re hard to believe.

Yank learned much about Southern Hospitality. He learned the meaning of “sit-a-spell”, “Ya’ll come back now, ‘ya her”, “ya’ll come see us”. But, nothing was so enlightening as the “Hey” wave, (Hey means hi below the Line). While driving down the road Yank saw locals walking, cutting their grass, sitting on their front porch or even approaching in their pre 70’s pick up and they would raise their hand with forefinger extended to salute you. Yank felt like he was finally acknowledged and someone special and promptly learned to respond with a similar gesture. He often wondered how that salute would be taken back is his Northern environment. Would the salute be miss-interpreted and take offense? Would it prompt a negative response from the salute’s 9mm Oozy, or maybe it would start a gang war.

Yank’s counterparts were oft-times referred to as “Lay-back”. Lay back does not mean lazy, they just march to the beat of a different drum. It’s like comparing march music in 6/8 time to the ¾ time of a waltz. Yank found many laborers worked sun-up to sun-down, but left work at noon every Friday. Bosses never really expected workers to show up on opening day of hunting or fishing season. He went to work one day, but his boss never showed - it was the opening day of dove season.

Well, Yank’s come back home now. Back to friends and family. Back to the environment and lifestyle he fully understands. It’s time to renew relationships. This will be easy. He doesn’t have to learn to fit in…. just remember. His friends don’t have to be made… just looked up. Relatives don’t have to be written to…… just stop by and “sit-a-spell”.

Welcome Home Yank and remember…… Don’t Wave!!

In reversal, Confederate flag gets booted from parade

Miami Herald
BY TANIA VALDEMORO
tvaldemoro@MiamiHerald.com

The Confederate battle flag -- a symbol of Southern pride to some and hate to others -- will not be displayed after all at this year's Veterans Day parade in Homestead.

The Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce's Military Affairs Committee, which organizes the popular event, reversed Wednesday an earlier announcement that the controversial flag could be flown.
In an e-mail sent to the media, committee chairman Jeffrey Wander said all the members within the Military Affairs Committee had been polled via e-mail and a majority voted to prohibit the flag.

``Due to the importance of this issue and the future of the largest Veterans Day Parade in South Florida, I felt that the motion should be presented to the entire membership of the MAC,'' Wander wrote.

On Sept. 3, a smaller group within the military affairs committee had taken a vote on whether to prohibit the display of the flag and that vote had ended in a stalemate, Wander wrote. The committee then decided to allow the flag into the parade.

On Wednesday, the new ban confused local members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the group that marched with the rebel flag at last year's parade for the first time.

Greg Kalof, commander of the Miami camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, said he wasn't even sure this vote would be the final one.

``I can even envision that there won't be a parade after all of the attempts by the NAACP to threaten the sponsors of the parade into submission,'' Kalof said in an e-mail. ``It's a sad state of affairs when a veterans group, like the Sons of Confederate Veterans, are told that they cannot carry the one flag that represents their group, their ancestors and their heritage.''

However, opponents of the battle flag cheered after hearing the news.

``Obviously, I am pleased to see that the wider membership of the MAC had voted the way one had hoped it would vote,'' said Brad Brown, political action chair of the Miami-Dade branch of the NAACP.
Brown said he would contact the U.S. Department of Justice, which had been mediating the dispute, to set up a meeting with the parade organizers and determine how to move forward.

But without any formal communication from the military affairs committee, Brown also expressed some weariness. ``As long as this is an open issue, everything is on the table,'' he said, referring to possible protests at the parade as well as a boycott of chamber businesses.

Florida City Mayor Otis Wallace, who had threatened to skip this year's parade, said the military affairs committee did the right thing. ``I think the decision to prohibit the flag reflects that the organization cares about unity in this community,'' he said. ``I look forward to celebrating with them the contributions of our veterans.''

For Mary Finlan, executive director of the Homestead/Florida City Chamber, the policy to ban the Confederate battle flag has ended a divisive controversy. In May, the chamber's executive board had recommended that the military affairs committee ban the rebel flag. ``If there is a segment of the population that feels the flag is inflammatory and insulting to them, it needs to be removed,'' Finlan said. ``We all have really pressing things to do and other issues to take care of.''

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/story/1237434.html