1866 Memorial Day, Anderson County, SC A.K.A. Version 2.3, 3-Jun-2004, MR005.TXT **************************************************************** REPRODUCING NOTICE: ------------------- These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format for profit, or presentation by any other organization, or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Paul M Kankula Anderson County SC GenWeb Coordinator Anderson County SC GenWeb Homestead http://www.rootsweb.com/~scandrsn/ **************************************************************** DATAFILE INPUT . : Paul M. Kankula at kankula1@innova.net in Jun-2004 CONTRIBUTOR .... : Kim Wilson at kimwilson@mail.utexas.edu in Jun-2004 **************************************************************** [This is an account of Anderson's first Memorial Day, naming many of the district's recently-fallen young men. Please help me identify these folks. Transcribed by Kim Wilson, 2 June 2004.] The South Carolina Baptist [published Anderson SC], 8 June 1866. "Decoration of the Graves of Confederate Soldiers," by "Imogene." The last day of the month of roses was celebrated by the ladies of Anderson with a sacred festival, in memory of our heroic dead. 'Twas a holy scene to witness this beautiful tribute to the "loved and lost." It brought vividly to mind the falling tear, the parting kiss, the last good-bye. Ah, how many hearts bled afresh, at the thought of by-gone days! At 5 o'clock, the streets were thronged with people bearing in their hands the rifled sweets of many a beautiful garden, wending their way toward the Presbyterian Church. The silent throng wore solemn faces while eloquent lips invoked a blessing from the Great Supreme, after which all proceeded to the graveyard. The ladies with quiet grace strewed the grassy mounds with Flora's richest treasures; some were garlands-here and there a bouquet, and now a wreath and cross; even the stately magnolia with her rare pale face come to add honor to the occasion. A fair young maiden was bearing a star upon which she had arranged, with true artistic skill, the snowy cups of the jassimine [sic]. 'Twas a fit emblem of the pure motive with which she decked a soldier's grave. The grave of J. E. Norris was shown me as I entered the enclosure. He was a member of the "Palmetto Riflemen"-as he was among the first to go forth to the conflict, so he was among the first to return. T. [likely Theodore] Darracott was a member of the same company-his military life was short also; but he fills an honored grave. J. Mauldin of the "Butler Guards," E. Keith, and Lieut. Wm. Norris [likely Dr. William Calhoun Norris] of Orr's Reg't., are the three others who are lying asleep in that quiet graveyard. They were gallant soldiers in our common cause, may they ever live in the grateful hearts of their countrymen. Beneath the shade of a towering oak, a pyramid of flowers was erected, bearing the inscription, "To the memory of our Confederate dead, who lie upon the battlefield." It was enclosed with a garland of evergreens, and the effect was very beautiful. A long procession then proceeded to the Baptist churchyard, to continue the impressive ceremony. A fallen hero marks the Confederate cause from the plains of Manassas to the bloody field of Fredericksburg. The most conspicuous decorations were a monument and arch of evergreens and flowers, draped with crape "in memory of Brig. Gen. Elliott, the gallant, heroic defender of Fort Sumpter," and "Sacred to the memory of J. Nardin Brown, Co. C," P. S. S., killed at the second battle of Manassas, on the 30th day of August, 1862." He served for some time in the 7th Reg't S. C. V., where he won a name from his comrades which the most ambitious might be proud to bear. At his own request, he was transferred to a company from this his own native village. He proved to be all that relatives and friends could wish, a true and noble hearted soldier. Within an enclosure, beneath a marble slab, lay the handsome form of the gallant [Samuel Marion] Wilkes, who was slain after he had borne the "heat and burden of the day" on the victorious field of Manassas. He was Adjutant of the 4th S. C. Reg't, and while on his way to Virginia, made an eloquent speech, which his comrades-in-arms will remember well; among other enthusiastic remarks he said, "If I should fall, I ask no better shroud than the flag of my country." And thus fell this gifted son of Carolina! A wreath of laurel lay on the slab before me, and I could but exclaim, how appropriate! On the same memorable occasion, fell another member of the "gallant Old Fourth,"-Jesse W. Norris, Jr., whose patriotic bravery and gentle manners won the hearts of all who knew him-heaps of glowing roses were strewn by a fair hand over his peaceful remains. I stooped to read the inscription on a wooden cross, and found it marked, "The grave of Maj. Anderson." Although born in Scotland, he was an adopted son of the Sunny South, and with a chivalry characteristic of Scotia's sons, he buckled on his armor and went forth to battle for our rights. He was elected Captain of a Company in the 4th S. C. Regiment, and was afterwards promoted to Major in the famous Regiment of "Palmetto Sharpshooters." He was killed at the battle of Seven Pines, while gallantly leading his men to victory. Next, is the grave of Lt. Andrew Pagett, who fell at Fredericksburg. He was a member of Orr's Regiment, and proved himself a soldier and a gentleman. On the same day, Sergt. H. B. Arnold received his death wound; he died, a stranger in a strange land, but loving friends brought his body hither, and on a bright New Year's morning, laid it down gently to rest. A cross of white rose-buds and an emblem of that mystic fraternity he loves so well, made of the same pure flowers, marked his grave. My heart was filled with bitter sadness, as I stood beside the grace of Jas. Wilson. He served the cause of the South as long as his health permitted. He was discharged, returned home and died-but where? The answer is a melancholy truth, and one that reflects no credit on those charged with the care of soldiers and their families or the charity of our citizens-he died in the District poor-house! May he receive that reward in Heaven, which he failed to receive from the Patriots at home! A beautiful star-a wreath and bouquet shed their fragrance o'er the remains of John J. Brown, who was wounded at Frazier's Farm; but by the kind providence of God, he was permitted to meet his "loved ones at home" ere his spirit was called to another clime. John H. Wilson served, for a while, in the 4th Regiment, S. C. V., but at the time of his death, he belonged to the 2nd Regiment of Rifles. As he lived, he died-a true and faithful soldier; fair flowers press lightly upon the sod that covers his youthful form! D. A. Anderson next claims our attention. No gleaming marble points to strangers the name of him who sleeps beneath, but his friends know in what cause he contracted a disease which carried him to the tomb. Gentle hands forgot not their mission there. The grave of Lt. J. Berry Sloan was beautifully decorated with garlands of evergreen and wreathes of flowers. One wreath was made of white lillies, whose beautiful emblem is purity. 'Tis vain to speak of the many Christian virtues that adorned his character. He was mortally wounded at the first battle of Fredericksburg. The remains of Col. Pickett lay close by. He was a member of Gen. Lovell's staff until disease warned him to leave the field, and recruit his wasting strength, but alas! He was cut down in the prime of manhood, and laid to rest in our midst. Appropriate decorations were strewn within the little enclosure. A cross entwined with a wreath bore the name of Wm. Fant-his duties were confined to the coast of our own State. The next spot of interest was a mimic garden with an arch of living green over the gate; within grew beautiful flowers, and in their midst sleeps the pure hearted Lieut. John B. Sloan. For hours I have sat and listened to the words of wisdom that fell from his lips as he taught our Bible class in happy days gone by; and even now tears fill my eyes as I think of the beautiful lessons of patience, humility and love he taught us, by example as well as by precept. He was a brave soldier, and loving, willing hands laid their flowers to rest o'er his tomb. And now we approach the graves of two brothers. A garland was festooned to form an enclosure, and the cross and anchor which was placed within bespoke a pure taste as well as a loving heart. Other flowers were lavished around and over the graves of the brothers Alfred and Americus Hammond. The place which once held the remains of McKenzie Parker, the youth who was murdered by Brown's raiders, received the tribute paid to departed worth. Sleeping beneath the fragrant flowers is one familiar to us all; an ever generous friend, he was mourned by all who knew him. Capt. K. L. Simmons-Peace to his ashes! And last, but not least in the memory of a grateful people, is the spot were lie close together, three stranger soldiers! They surrendered with our gallant army, and with mingled joy and sadness, were hastening to the beloved home circle when the grim reaper met them and mowed them down with his relentless scythe. The eager wife and watchful mother looked in vain for their familiar faces. At last the sad news reached them and they knew their loved ones had been laid to sleep in our quiet church-yard. In the midst of beautiful flowerets and living evergreens was placed a scrap of paper bearing this significant warning. "Stop, stranger, stop, in passing by As you are now, so once was I, As I am now, so you must be, Therefore prepare to follow me."