"
Separation is not, of necessity, final. All we ask, is to
be left alone."
Her sons were precious and she was blessed with four. Yet, she tearfully watched them leave her, three to go the same day and the last to follow a few months later. Where they were actually going she had no idea. She only knew they were going to war as soldiers and would be facing the enemy for a cause she did not understand. How my southern great, great, great grandmother must have worried and wept as she prayed for the safe return of her children. Sophia Powers was born in North Carolina, May 1, 1807 to Matthew Powers, Sr. and Olive Regan Powers. Sophia Powers married John Humphrey, Jr. September 22, 1828 at the age of 21. Their union produced thirteen children, all daughters save the aforementioned four sons. History tells us that the Humphrey family was a practical lot with strong moral character and therefore, had no slaves on their property. The "persons of color"who lived there were paid wages which would enable them to buy freedom for their relatives who were still bound in servitude, if they so chose. This having been verified, one is left to wonder just what it was that these four sons (one of whom was my great, great grandfather) were fighting for, as they joined the Confederate Army.
We have all heard and the Northern children have been taught that the American Civil War was fought solely to abolish slavery. The South has always maintained that it was fought over "states rights". I can only present the following for you to peruse for yourself. North Carolina was the last state to secede from the Union and was the poorest of the southern states. History tells us though that the great state of North Carolina suffered more human loss than any other state that fought in this catastrophic war. Again, I ask what were they fighting for? I assure you, I will continue to do research to seek an answer to that question. But, let's get back to my grandmother Sophia. Her loss was not significant when one considers the grief suffered by some of her neighbors. All of her sons returned to her alive although some not whole.
His
brothers - My great-great uncles
William James
Humphrey "Jimmy" was 25 years old and married with three children when he enlisted for duty as a private at Robeson County. He was by occupation, a farmer. On May 31, 1862, little more than a month after he enlisted, he was wounded at Cold Harbor, Virginia. However, soon after he returned to duty and continued to serve valiently for two more years. On June 17, 1864 he was again wounded, this time in the head at Petersburg, Virgina. As a result of this wound he was permanently blinded. He retired to the Invalid Corps on November 25, 1864 and there he remained for the duration of the war.
Duncan C. Humphrey
As history gives up more of her secrets, I will continue to up-date this page.
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