Biographies, Photos and Anecdotes
Company C

Confederate Vets Reunion 1905 - Brookhaven, Mississippi

(Company C, unless otherwise noted.)
FRONT (from left): Clark Maxwell, J.M. May, W.M. Davis (Regiment unknown), Allen Smith, Winston Mason. REAR: A.M. Summers, Alfred Smith, Unidentified Vet, Alec Reeves, Dr. G.R. Robertson.

Reprinted in Brookhaven Leader, October 20, 194?

Courtesy of David E. Godbold

Pvt. Rholin Chiles Breeden

Rholin Chiles Breeden died in service on February 1, 1863. He was born November 18, 1808, St. Helena Parish Louisana to Paul Breeden and Elizabeth Stanley. Rholin married Malinda Allen October 13, 1839, Hinds Co., MS. His wife died June of 1862. When he learned of her illness, Rholin Breeden wrote a letter to the governor seeking a discharge, due to the fact that he had eight children to support.

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                              Courtesy of Sharon Sherry

3rd Corp. Joseph Sandifer Burns

Item #1 Lincoln County Times (Brookhaven, Mississippi), Feb. 13, 1926.


A.M. Summers writes of his departed comrades
J.S. Burns and C.H. Mason

(Note: C.H. Mason is listed as Hucled E. on this site.)

Two more of Company C, 33rd Mississippi Infantry passed over into eternity within the last thirty days.

J.S. Burns — Jo, as we called him — came from Simpson county to this county, then Lawrence, about the year 1860, when this writer became acquainted with him. In 1862 he enlisted in a company of Confederate soldiers, afterwards known as Company C, 33rd Regiment, led by his uncle, R.O. Byrne, as captain. The company enrolled from first to last 142 men, including this writer. Our intimacy was real as we were closely allied from the first of our acquaintance until the end came for him. Time and space will not permit recounting our many friendly relations. Suffice it to say it was a benediction to anyone to know and live with him as I did as a soldier, citizen, and Christian.

As a soldier Jo and I were thrown together a great deal — slept, washed, camped and fought together. In all spheres of life he was kind, genial, courteous and brave.

Jo was hit by enemy bullets on two bloody battle fields. First at Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Ga., July 20, 1864, when the company lost five dead on the field and many wounded. Jo soon recovered and was back in line. Again at Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864, Jo received a frightful wound right under the muzzles of the enemy cannon at the ginhouse when one could hardly recognize his neighbor for the smoke from the guns.

Just then an amusing incident occured which later became a byword. After being shot down, Jo sprang to his feet. Seeing Abe Nations near he called, "Abe, I'm wounded, what must I do?" The answer came, "Oh, Law, Jo, do the best you can." Jo thought it good advice and hobbled out as hard as he could. This wound up Jo's war career. He came home, recovered from his wound and helped rebuild our war-torn southland as a farmer and Democrat; and the country was better for his living in it. We realize our loss and mourn his going.

The other one was C.H. Mason ...

There are only five of our company left.
A.M. Summers

Courtesy of Michael R. Mancuso

Item #2

Joseph Sandifer Burns was born on May 15, 1843. He was the son of James and Elander Rebecca Burns. When the "Johnson Guards" were being organized in Lawrence County, Mississippi, Joe enlisted on April 1, 1862. This group later became Company C of the 33rd Mississippi Infantry Regiment. (Note: the spelling of his name on the records is "Byrne.") In October 1863 he was appointed 3rd Corporal. Wounded at the Battle of Peachtree Creek (Atlanta, Georgia) on July 20, 1864, Joe recovered, then was wounded again at the battle at Franklin, Tennessee on November 30, 1864. He was paroled May 19, 1865.

In 1886 Joe Burns was President of the Fair River Prohibition club, and a member of the Lincoln County Prohibition Executive Committee. He was active in the Lincoln County Democratic Party.
It is written that he was one of "Lincoln County's outstanding landmarks ... active in every cause of truth and righteousness ... for perhaps forty years ... a constant attendant on the meetings of the Lincoln County Baptist Association."

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                Photo and item Courtesy of David E. Godbold

Captain Richmond O. Byrne

Item #1

The death of Capt. R.O. Byrne of Silver Creek, Miss., of Jan. 25, 1895 carried sorrow to many hearts. He was not only an honest but truly a good man. He was almost 78 years old. For fifty years an earnest, active teacher, a loyal Royal Arch Mason, he aided the needy, visited the sick and was prominent in good works.

Indeed, the church, his lodge, the neighborhood and family have lost a loved one true to all their interests but Heaven is the gainer.

Capt. Byrne was for years an officer in his county, the church and the lodge and was true to all his duties and was likewise true as an army officer. He had fewer faults than any man of my acquaintance.

Educated after the liberal arts plan, it was a feast to be with him and hear him talk about the geography and topography of all lands.

He kept up with the explorers (by reading) and was familiar with late discoveries and loved the handiwork of God.

Born of God and of the Spirit he sought the things which are above where "Christ sitteth at the right hand of God." He laid up treasures in Heaven and set his affections on things above and not on things of the earth.

It was an inspiration to be with him and hear him talk about religious enjoyments and the blessed hereafter. He was a reverential listener to the preaching of the gospel and a joyful participant in its blessings. He dearly loved the old story. He said to his brother a short while before he died, "The way is clear. I have no fear for Jesus is with me."

Evidently for him:

"Jesus made a dying bed
As soft as downy pillows are
While on his breast he leaned his head
And breathed his life out sweetly there."

He was buried with Masonic honors Jan. 26. Rev. J.L. Finley, his pastor, and Dr. Tounieson (?), officiating. Worshipful Master of his lodge offered appropriate tributes of praise.

His life will be a lasting monument to his memory. To his widow, children and all bereaved, I offer sincere condolences.
R.J.B.

Courtesy of Henry B. Motty

Item #2

R.O. Byrne was a school teacher by profession. He was appointed school Superintendent for Lawrence County in 1870 and served for two years. R.O. was a Republican and was elected state representative in 1874/1875.

RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                      Courtesy of Laura Byrne Whetzel

Pvt. Anderson Ham

On May 7, 1862 young Anderson Ham (son of William and Catherine Smith Ham) left his grandmother’s home and joined his kinsmen in Company C of the 33rd Mississippi Infantry at Grenada, MS. Six months later he died in service in Holly Springs, MS on October 19, 1862

 
RETURN TO TOP]                                                                         Courtesy of Lloyd Huguley. Additional info David E. Godbold

Pvt. James D. Ham

The son of  James and Lucy Ham, he enlisted in Company C of the 33rd Mississippi Infantry at Fair River, MS in April 1862. Throughout the war he served as a teamster and was paroled at Citronelle, AL May 10, 1865. Some records indicate he was present at the Greensboro surrender.  He died in 1873 and is buried in the Gunnell Family Cemetery in Lawrence Co., MS.

 
RETURN TO TOP]                                                                         Courtesy of Lloyd Huguley. Additional info David E. Godbold

Pvt. Reuben Anderson Ham

Reuben Anderson Ham, born May 22, 1833 to James and Lucy Ham, joined his brother, James D. Ham, in Company C of the 33rd Mississippi Infantry. He enlisted May 7, 1862 at Grenada, MS. On November 30, 1864, R. A. was wounded in the battle of Franklin, TN. According to his nephew, A.M. Summers, ”(he) fell at our side, in a few feet of the cannon's mouth in front of the gin house.”  Captured on December 17, 1864, he was transferred to Nashville (USA) Hospital. At the age of 31, Reuben Anderson Ham died March 5, 1865 of infection from his wounded hand and was buried in City Cemetery, #12400. According to the records, he had no personal effects to leave to his widow, Samantha Ham in Summit, MS.

RETURN TO TOP]                                                                      Courtesy of Lloyd Huguley. Additional info David E. Godbold

3rd Corp. / Musician Simeon Jordan

Lincoln County Times (Brookhaven, Mississippi), March 3, 1927.

A regular meeting of the Sylvester Gwin Camp was held in the office of the county superintendent March 1st, 1927. There were present at this meeting Comd. A.M. Summers, Lieut. T.J. Gill, Chap. I.H. Anding, J.W. King and L.C. May, son. On account of the bad weather there were only a few present. Comd. A.M. Summers called the Camp to order and devotional exercises were conducted by the Chaplain, I.H. Anding. In the absence of the secretary the Camp proceeded to new business, and in the matter of sponsors to the reunion to be held in April the following were appointed to represent this camp: Mrs. W.W. Kees, Miss Laurie Penn, Miss Mary Byrd, and Miss Annie Spencer.

The following resolutions of respect were offered by Com. A.M. Summers and adopted by the Camp.

That on February 21st, 1927, another hero--of the very few Confederate soldiers left up to that date-- answered the last Roll Call and passed over into the eternal beyond to mingle and be with the many comrades of his who has gone before him to that happy home prepared for those who walk uprightly in the promises of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In answer to his country's call for men to defend her rights, on April 15th, 1862, Simeon Jordan, then of Lawrence County, kissed his young wife and one baby good- bye and left Brookhaven for the front in that well remembered Co. C. 33rd, Miss., Reg., Featherston's Brigade, Loring's Division. This division operated in Mississippi up and down the Mississippi River until February 1864 when it joined Gen. J.E. Johnston in Georgia and was with that army until the end at Greenville [Greensboro], S.C. Sim Jordan was with his company from start to finish through all its trials and hardships in camp, in battle, and on the march. Being in the same Co. C, this writer remembers Sim on many occasions too numerous to mention here, he being one of our fortunate boys that was always able to answer the roll call. He and I were often thrown together, many times in very hard places, and I have never heard him murmer, complain, or refuse to do his full duty. Sim was always quiet and cool, always went to give relief to his wounded comrades when others refused. He was for a time litter bearer, a very dangerous and responsible position, and always he was a friend to all that would let him. At Peach Tree Creek near Atlanta, Ga., when his neighbor boy, Emmanuel Hickman, who was Reg. Drummer, laid down his drum and went into battle and was killed, Sim was made drummer and carried the bass drum from then on.

He was one of the nine left of Co. C, who were at the consolidation of the army in N.C. when we were pushed close together, putting three companies into one. Co. C, Co. B of Amite County, and Co. F of Leak (sic) County were put into one company known as Co. E, 22 Miss. Reg. Only three out of the nine are still living, A.W. Smith, Jno. Parkman and A.M. Summers. After the war, Sim came home to his wife and began farming, and in a very able way he helped to rebuild our country. In a few years he had the misfortune to lose his noble wife but continued his battle of life and some 35 years ago he married another one of those noble Southern women, who with seven children yet survive him. On Washington's birthday Sim Jordan's body was laid back into the earth from whence it came to await the Resurrection Day. He was buried in the Mt. Olive cemetery and the funeral was directed by Rev. N.F. Jacks. This writer was notified that morning and laid aside all other duties and went to attend the last sad rites, and to see the closed up grave of a very close friend and comrade. At the services I was made to feel, not so sorrowful for the departed one, for Sim had lived to a good old age, but when I looked around and saw that I was the only Confederate soldier present and one of the same company that he belonged to, and remembering that there were only four of us left, I was sad and lonesome.

In the passing of Comrade Jordan, the Sylvester Gwin Camp has lost another noble character and soldier, the home, one whose place can never be filled. The few of his company and of our camp together with his family must humbly bow our heads in submission to Him who has so generously and lovingly watched over us here on earth, and who has kept us in the hollow of His loving hand until we pass beyond.
A.M. SUMMERS

RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                         Courtesy of David E. Godbold

Pvt. Jesse Maxwell Kees

Jesse Maxwell Kees, the son of Isham Kees (December 11, 1809 Lawrence Co., MS - October 7, 1861 Lawrence Co., MS) and Mary Polly Lovell (September 28, 1815 Lawrence Co., MS - 1897 Lincoln Co., MS,) was born December 6, 1844 in Lawrence County, Mississippi.

In January 1863 he traveled to Grenada, Mississippi and attempted to enlist in Company C with his brother Martin Van Buren Kees, but was unable to do so. He then enlisted in Captain Hiram Morgan's Company B. On March 1, 1864 he transferred from Company B to Company C. He survived being wounded at New Hope Church (GA) in June 1864 and was present when the 33rd Mississippi Infantry surrendered at Greensboro, NC in 1865.

Following the war he married Nannie Cooper (September 13, 1842 - May 1, 1914) and they had eleven children. J. M. Kees died May 17, 1923.

RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                             Courtesy of Rick Lovell and David E. Godbold

Corp. Martin Van Buren Kees

Martin Van Buren Kees was born March 30, 1841 in Lawrence County, Mississippi to Isham Kees (December 11, 1809 Lawrence Co., MS - October 7, 1861 Lawrence Co., MS) and Mary Polly Lovell (September 28, 1815 Lawrence Co., MS - 1897 Lincoln Co., MS.)

Shortly after turning 21 years old, he joined the Johnson Guards of Lawrence County, which became Company C of the 33rd Mississippi Infantry Regiment. He and his older brother, Perry Commodore Kees enlisted in April 1862. Throughout the war he kept a diary, which has been a primary resource for many of us in researching the 33rd Mississippi.

In July 1862 he was sent to the Oxford (Mississippi) Hospital with the mumps, along with 72 others from the camp. In February 1865 he was furloughed and returned home to Lawrence County. Four days after he rejoined the regiment in South Carolina he was again hospitalized. On April 21, 1865 he was granted a 30 days furlough and five days later the 33rd Mississippi Infantry, along with the rest of the army, surrendered. Kees was paroled with a group of unattached men at Jackson, MS (via Citronelle, AL) on May 19, 1865.

Three days after Christmas of that year M. V. Kees married Charity Green Simmons (February 3, 1843 Perry Co., MS - December 15, 1921 Lincoln Co., MS). They had ten children.

He died May 24, 1891 in Lincoln Co., Mississippi. He and his wife are buried in Kees Cemetery, east of Brookhaven.

RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                            Courtesy of Rick Lovell and David E. Godbold

Item #2

From Charity Simmons Kees Bible. Typescript with original source not cited.

On Sunday night of May 24 1891, after an illness of several weeks duration, Bro. M. V. Kees passed from this life.

He was the son of Isham and Mary Kees. He was born Mach (sic) 31, 1841: was brought up on the farm, receiving such education as could be obtained in the neighborhood schools where (he) lived.

In 1860 he professed conversion and united with the Fair River Baptist Church, of which his parents were members, was baptized October 2nd of that year by Elder Wm. Forteberry (sic).

At the commencement of the war he enlisted in company C of the Thirty-third Mississippi Regiment, in which command he served during the war. Just after the close of the war, on the 28th of December, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Charity Simmons.

Ten sons were born unto them, eight of whom, and the mother, yet survive.

On the 2nd of October, 1873, he was ordained a deacon of his church, which position he filled until his death.

Bro. Kees was a plain, matter of fact man, always taking a common sense, practical view of things. He was strictly concientious (sic) in all his dealings, and was always on the right side of all questions.

By strict attention to business and good management, he had acquired a competency.

He was a successful farmer and country merchant, and was a useful man in his church and neighborhood and will be greatly missed.

But his loss will be felt most keenly in the home over which he presided.

His surviving companion and eight sons still needed his helping counsel and providing hand; but the Lord has called his servant away.

Bro. Kees was a Christian: He loved and trusted his Savior, loved and trusted to the end.

His Pastor talked with him a short while before he died; he said (“)I am ready; I would like to get well and live a while longer to help my boys get a start in life; they seem so ankious (sic) for me to get well; I would like to do so on their account, but I am resigned and ready to go, if the Lord wills.(“)

“Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth; yea sayeth the spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them.”

E. P. Douglass

RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                            Courtesy of Dayton Miller

Corp. Perry Commodore Kees

Perry Commodore Kees was born February 6, 1838 in Lawrence County, Mississippi to Isham Kees (December 11, 1809 Lawrence Co., MS - October 7, 1861 Lawrence Co., MS) and Mary Polly Lovell (September 28, 1815 Lawrence Co., MS - 1897 Lincoln Co., MS.)

In April 1862 he, along with his younger brother Martin Van Buren Kees, enlisted in the "Johnson Guards" of Lawrence County. Shortly after arriving in camp, he contracted measles, then "typhoid pneumonia" and died May 22, 1862.

RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                Courtesy of Rick Lovell and David E. Godbold

Pvt. Andrew J. Lovell

Item #1

Confederate Veteran. Vol. XXII, No. 12, Dec 1914, p. 570.

A. J. Lovell, aged seventy-eight years, died at his home, near Brookhaven, Miss., on August 10, 1914. His life was spent in the community near where he was born and reared, in Lawrence County, now Lincoln County, Miss. He entered the Confederate army as a member of Company C, 33d Mississippi Infantry, Featherston's Brigade, in April, 1862, and was with his command in all its hardships, mostly in Mississippi, under Maj. Gen. W. W. Loring until May, 1864, when General Loring joined General Johnston below Dalton, Ga., then all through the fighting in Georgia and back into Tennessee with General Hood. He was taken very sick on November 28, 1864, at Columbia, Tenn., and so escaped the battle of Franklin, but got to Nashville in time for the two days' fighting there and made his escape. He was also in that famous rear guard of Hood's from Columbus to the Tennessee River in February, 1865. He went home while away from his command and joined a cavalry company with which he remained until the close. Mr. Lovell had married Miss Elizabeth Mason about a year before the war. She survives him with their children.

Courtesy of Fred Kimbrell

Item #2

Andrew J. Lovell was born March 7, 1837 in Mississippi. He was the son of Gideon Lovell (b. June 24, 1785 in North Carolina, d. ca. 1855 in Mississippi. Another source states that he d. November 9, 1863.) and Sarah Jones (b. March 13, 1797 in South Carolina, d. October 14, 1862 in Lawrence Co., Mississippi.) On March 21, 1861, he married Elizabeth Susan A. Mason, in Lawrence Co., Mississippi. She was born in Pike Co., Alabama, July 16, 1840, and moved to Brookhaven, Mississippi, with her family about 1859.

Andrew enlisted in Company C, 33rd Mississippi Infantry, C. S. A., April 1, 1862. This company was called the "Johnson's Guards" and was organized in the Fair River community east of Brookhaven. Also serving in this unit were three of Andrew's brothers-in-law, Huck, John, and Winston Mason, and Andrew's older brother Gabriel Lovell, who died of wounds August 14, 1864 at Macon, Georgia.

After the war ended, Andrew returned to the Brookhaven area and resumed farming. Andrew and Elizabeth were active members of the Union Hall Baptist Church east of Brookhaven. Andrew was a delegate from Union Hall to the Pearl River Baptist Association in 1861, 1866, and 1909.

Andrew died August 10, 1914 and was buried in the Kees Cemetery in the Fair River area east of Brookhaven. Elizabeth died June 11, 1916 of malarial fever and was also buried in the Kees Cemetery. Elizabeth and Andrew had thirteen children.

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                            Courtesy of James M. Perrin

Pvt. Hucled E. Mason

Item #1

Lincoln County Times (Brookhaven, Mississippi), Feb. 13, 1926.

A.M. Summers writes of his departed comrades J.S. Burns and C.H. Mason

(Note: C.H. Mason is listed as Hucled E. on this site.)

Two more of Company C, 33rd Mississippi Infantry passed over into eternity within the last thirty days.

J.S. Burns ...

The other one was C.H. Mason ---- Hench as we called him. Hench's father came from Alabama just at the beginning of the war and settled near Brookhaven. Hench also enlisted in Co. C, 33rd Regt. This writer never knew him until in the army but did know him to our great satisfaction. Our mutual love continued down the 64 years of time until a few days ago when the call came to him, "Time on earth up; lay down your bodily life and take up the spiritual life in eternity."

My greatest knowledge of Hench was as a soldier as we walked side by side to near the end of that bloody conflict. I remember him on many occasions. Hench was of a temperment that we boys could have a deal of sport at his expense. He could bless us out and then could ask Alfred W. Smith for a chew of tobacco and it was all over and all good friends.

At Decatur, Ala., October, 1864, while Gen. W.W. Loring was reconnoitering, we were lined up in a strip of woods in reach of the enemy's sharpshooters. Hench was then a very profane boy. Soon a bullet cut two of Hench's fingers nearly in two. At the same time, perhaps by the same bullet, this writer was hit on his heavy cartridge box shoulder strap over the left breast and knocked breathless. The bullet bounded back and fell on the ground. I saw it fall and knew I was not seriously hurt but the boys thought I was killed. Attention and sympathy were give to the supposed dead man. When I recovered my breath, I reached forward and picked up the bullet as evidence it was not in me. Not till then did it become known Hench was hurt. He raised his hand with the blood streaming and began slinging it exclaiming, "Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord!"

Then the boy they thought dead looked him in the face and said, "Shut your fool mouth, who are you talking to? Next you will be asking him to damn someone." This changed the sober thoughts about a dead boy into mirth and laughter.

Hench was sent to the rear for a week or so. When he returned someone slung his hand and said, "Oh, Lord." Then he got blessed out and ordered not to do it anymore. But until after the war the boys continued to tantalize Hench in this way and got a blessing out.

I mention these things in the best of feeling. It was the only way we had to keep up our spirits. There were no organized agencies to provide entertainment in our war.

Hench was a good soldier and citizen. He was with our command to February, 1865, but not with us at the final laying down of arms. He did well his part in the war and helped rebuild on the ruins of his homeland.

There are only five of our company left.
A.M. Summers

Courtesy of Michael R. Mancuso

Item #2

Hucled "Huck" Mason was born about 1842 in Pike County, Alabama. He moved to the Brookhaven, Mississippi, area with his family about 1859. He enlisted in Company C, 33rd Mississippi Infantry, Confederate States Army, and served from 1862 to 1865.

Huck returned to Brookhaven after the war and resumed farming. He married Alice Harveston, September 19, 1869 in Lawrence Co., Mississippi, on the same day his sister Rebecca Mason married Shipman Miller. They were married by the same minister in what was certainly a double wedding.

Alice Harveston was the daughter of Rev. Uriah Harveston and Alcey Ratcliff, and was born about 1836-1846 in Mississippi. Her birth date is listed as 1836 on her tombstone, but 1846 is given as her age on census records. Alice H. Mason died in 1923 and was buried in the Union Hall Baptist Church Cemetery.

Huck's death date is not known, but he was living in 1910 when the census was conducted. He and Alice were living on the upper Meadville Road at that time. Huck was buried in the Union Hall Baptist Church Cemetery. He and Alice, according to the 1900 census data, had eight children.

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                            Courtesy of James M. Perrin

Pvt. John H. Mason

John H. Mason was born March 27, 1827 in Richmond Co., North Carolina. He moved with his family to Pike Co., Alabama, about 1834. He lived on his family's farm until his marriage to Amanda S. Lamb, about 1856. Amanda was born November 17, 1839. John and Amanda moved from Pike Co., Alabama, to the area around Brookhaven, Mississippi, about 1859, with his parents.

When the War Between the States began in 1861, John left his wife and baby daughter and joined the Rebel Army. He enlisted in Company D, 7th Mississippi Infantry and served for about three years. Towards the end of the war, John transferred to Company C, 33rd Mississippi Infantry, so that he would be closer to his brothers Huck and Wince who were serving in that unit.

After the war, John returned to Brookhaven and resumed farming. He joined the Union Hall Baptist Church about 1883. John died September 12, 1904, and Amanda died in 1909. Both were buried in the Union Hall Church Cemetery. John and Amanda had eleven children.

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                            Courtesy of James M. Perrin

Pvt. Winston C. Mason see ConfederateVets Reunion Photo

Winston "Wince" Mason was born in New Fatha, Pike Co., Alabama, February 27, 1839. He moved to the Brookhaven, Mississippi, area with his family about 1859.

Wince enlisted April 1, 1862 in the Confederate Army at Fair River, Mississippi, east of Brookhaven. He served in Company C, of the 33rd Mississippi Infantry Regiment, along with his brothers John and Hucled Mason, and with his brother-in-law, Andrew J. Lovell. Wince is listed as being hospitalized at Clinton, Louisiana, in 1862; in Vaiden, Mississippi, in November 1862; and in Georgia in 1864. He worked as an overseer on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad line in November and December 1864, and was paroled at the end of the war at Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Wince returned to Brookhaven after the war. He married Frances "Fannie" A. Price, January 2, 1866 in Brookhaven. Frances was born May 15, 1842 in Brookhaven, and was the daughter of Thomas Price (b. ca. 1809 in Clark Co., Georgia) and Rebecca White (b. January 6, 1815 in Georgia, d. May 6, 1916). Wince and Frances farmed a large tract of land east of Brookhaven. Wince died June 7, 1915 at his home near Brookhaven of chronic nephritis and was buried in the Union Hall Baptist Church Cemetery near his home.

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                            Courtesy of James M. Perrin

Pvt. Alfred Hardy McGuffee

Alfred Hardy McGuffee was born June 2, 1833 in Lawrence County, MS to Alfred and Avarilla Garner McGuffee. He was wounded November 30, 1864 in the Battle of Franklin, TN. After the war, he was a farmer, marrying Amanda Jones, daughter of Andrew Vastine Jones and Feraby Charity Hickman on January 19, 1868. Of their ten children, only four were living in 1900. Recorded descendants were William Alfred, Aaron David, Martha, Lucetta and James. A proud Mason, he died December 22, 1920 and was buried in Bethel Cemetery in Monticello, Lawrence County, MS.

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                   Courtesy of Michael H. Logue

Pvt. Delton Cobb Moore

Delton Cobb Moore was born May 11, 1837, Wilcox Co., Alabama to James Levi Moore and Sarah Ann Cobb. He died September 2, 1862 while serving in the Confederacy. His estate record was filed in Lawrence Co., MS which was divided among his siblings William Burgess Moore, Isaac Edward Moore, James Levi Moore, Sarah Rebecca Moore Davis, Charles Hamilton Moore, and Arabella Brock Moore. His brothers were also soldiers in the Confederacy, and Charles Hamilton Moore was killed in the war on April 9, 1865.

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                               Courtesy of Sharon Sherry

Pvt. Abraham Nations

Confederate Veteran. Vol. XXII, No. 7, Jul 1914, p. 329.

On January 4, 1914, Abraham Nations died at his home, in Lincoln County, Miss., aged seventy-nine years. He enlisted as a Confederate soldier on April 15, 1862, leaving Brookhaven in Company C, 33d Mississippi Infantry, under Captain R. O. Burns (Byrne according to the records) and later Capt. L. C. Maxwell. From the beginning to the end that company mustered about one hundred and forty men, and Comrade Nations was one of those who went through all the service with his command, surrendering with Johnston at Greensboro, N. C. with only ten men of the old company, one lieutenant, one litter bearer, the bass drummer of the regiment, and seven guns. Seven of the ten still survive. Comrade Nations was not only a good soldier but a noble citizen as well. He was born and reared in the community where he died. He was married four times and is survived by his wife and one daughter. He was a devoted Church member and a comrade of Sylvester Gwyn Camp, U. C. V., of Brookhaven, Miss.

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                                Courtesy of Fred Kimbrell

Pvt. John Westley Parnell

John Westley Parnell was born to James and Francis Parnell in Lincoln, County, MS, on July 25, 1836. My grandfather, Rea Parnell, said he believed the family came to Mississippi from South Carolina and earlier from Ireland. The Parnells were Baptist in faith, and were known to be tall, thin and with blue eyes. They were farmers who enjoyed nature, woodworking, hunting and fishing. Most of all they wanted freedom to worship and to live their lives free of overbearing authority, be it church or state. John W. seems to have received no formal education. Schools were scarce, and mostly private, at that time. Perhaps there were none in his area, SE of Brookhaven, MS. In 1858, in Lincoln County, John married Mary Tresa McDavid, who was a few years older than he. Court records show them buying appoximately 200 acres of land along with a sawmill, and signing their names with an "X" .

In April, 1862 John joined the Johnson Guards, as Co. C. was first known, so named in respect to the man, Harvey Johnson, a preacher in the area. Most of the men in Co. C were from Lincoln Co. The basic training of sorts was at Grenada, MS that spring. I believe he joined up because Mississippi was being invaded and it all seemed like a big adventure at the time. Preachers and politicians easily convinced him this was the thing to do. To not have joined while most of his neighbors were would have seemed cowardly, which was unthinkable.

The first small skirmish was at a place called Davis' Mill, in north Mississippi. The first major battle was at Corinth, MS, in Oct. of 1862, where the 33rd Miss., was engaged in an assault on Federal positions that caused quite a few losses. Surely he knew now that war was not all glory and adventure but hardship and misery at the loss of friends and fear of being hurt himself. For some reason he was hospitalized in May of 1863 in Vicksburg. This led to his being captured there as the town was cut-off and surrendered on July 4, 1863. His unit however escaped capture by going to Jackson, MS, at night after the battle of Champion Hill. John was paroled awaiting exchange that summer but must have spent time at home later that fall and winter because his first child, Zack, was born in the early summer of 1864. After being paroled, or just being encouraged to rejoin his unit, he returned to the 33rd Miss., in the early fall of 1864 to participate in the army's ill fated advance into Tennessee. How he survived the battle at Franklin, TN, I will never know, for the 33rd losses that day were many.

Later at the battle of Nashville, some few weeks later on Dec. 16, on a cold and rainy evening about 4 p.m., John made his last stand behind a low stone wall. As the left of the Confederate line gave way, the troops in the center began to retreat. Many were captured because the Union Cavalry had gotten in the rear of the outnumbered Confederates, or they had trouble keeping up because they had no shoes and they were exhausted from the two day battle. Exactly how John was captured, I will never know but he certainly wasn't the only one. This was the last major battle of the Civil War in the west. John was taken by boat upriver to Louisville, KY, and then to Camp Chase, Ohio. to serve the rest of the war as a P.O.W. This was another challenge, as life here was not easy and many died of disease while confined there.

In June of 1865, he was released after signing the, then hated, Oath of Allegiance to the U. S. and told to get home the best he could. This was going on all over at this time, and today I wonder at the task of walking all the way back to Brookhaven, MS from Ohio. They were a lot tougher than we are. After reaching home 2-3 months later, he tried his best to work his sawmill and help the south rebuild. He and his wife then had more children, Allen, Floyd, John-Ira, (my ancestor) and Dewitt, girls were Mollie and Mattie. Unfortunately for John W. on July 24, 1886, he died one day before turning 50. I heard it was from pneumonia or some respiratory problem, perhaps stemming from the war and being out doors so much. Another story was that he died in a drowning accident, I just don't know for sure but the first account is more likely.

He left behind children ranging in ages from 10 to 22. His wife and oldest boys took to working the sawmill as best they could. Mary, his wife lived until 1918 and my Grandfather knew her. He said that, like most Parnell's, she had mostly all black hair in her old age and lived a long life to age 86. Here's what I know about the children. Zack lived in Brookhaven and became Lincoln County's first county agent and farmed most of the while. Allen, I believe, moved to McComb, MS, but I know of nothing more. Dewitt never married but lived in the area all his life until his 82nd birthday and is buried next to his parents. John Ira Parnell, my Great Grandfather, married Katherine V. Odom of Wesson, MS, and they left Brookhaven in 1896 to move to Elgin, TX, where he was owner of a barbershop-bathhouse. In 1950 he returned to Brookhaven, and lived to age 82. Floyd, married Miss Boutwell and that's all I know. Mattie Parnell married Chester Boyd and took care of her mom until her death, then moved to Illinois. Mollie Parnell married Mr. Kyzar and today their descendents live in the Brookhaven area.

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                     Courtesy of Michael R. Mancuso

Pvt. Elijah Hickerson Smith

Elijah Hickerson Smith was born October 12, 1843 in Lawrence Co., MS to Isaiah Smith, Jr. and Talitha C. Carney. He enlisted in Company C at Fair River, Lawrence Co., on April 1, 1862 for three years or the war. He was severely wounded in the head, right wrist, right knee and heel on July 20, 1864 at Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, GA. On August 15, 1864 he died at the USA General Hospital in Chattanooga, TN and was buried there.

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                     Courtesy of Dewey Smith

Pvt. John Martin Smith

John Martin Smith, the son of Issac Denman Smith and Sarah Dickerson, was born February 27, 1827 in Lawrence Co., MS. On February 5, 1852 he married Mary Ann Hickman; he was a farmer and owned one slave. He joined Co. C of the 33rd Mississippi Infantry April 1, 1862 in Lawrence Co., MS and died in service in the hospital in Jackson, MS on August 10, 1863. There were four daughters and one son born to John and Mary Ann. Until her death in Lincoln Co., MS. on August 18, 1922 she lived with their son, Derrell Smith. She is buried at Mt. Moriah Baptist Cemetery, Bogue Chitto, Lincoln Co., MS.

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                     Courtesy of Dewey Smith

Pvt. Achilles M. Summers see Confederate Vets Reunion Photo

Achilles M. Summers was the third child born to Hezekiah and Keziah Summers in Lawrence County, Mississippi on March 8, 1845. During the War Between The States, a company known as the "Johnson Guards" (named for the Rev. Harvey F. Johnson) was organized at Fair River by R.O. Byrne, on April 1, 1862. A.M. was 20 years of age when he enlisted in this company, which later became Company C of the 33rd Mississippi Infantry Regiment. He was unharmed during the war, and was with Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's army at the surrender in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was discharged April 26, 1865.

On Mar 3, 1870 Achilles married Adela "Dilly" Tyler in Lincoln County, Mississippi. In their early married life, they lived in the Fair River neighborhood, later moving to Topisaw. They were loyal members of the Topisaw Baptist Church and "the Summers home was always open to ministers and co-laborers." (1)

Achilles was a farmer and very active in the community. In 1886 he was a member of the Lincoln County Prohibition Executive Committee, and one of six delegates to the State Prohibition Convention in Jackson, Mississippi. He was active with the County Democratic Executive Committee, often being elected as a delegate to district conventions. In 1905 he was elected President of the County Cotton Association, and in 1906 was a delegate to the State Convention. In 1906, Achilles along with his brother, W.C. Summers, started the Topisaw Telephone Exchange for southeast Lincoln County. He was also active in the Topisaw Masonic Lodge.

"Captain Summers was a loyal citizen, a true friend, a jovial companion. He affiliated with the Baptist Church and lived its tenets. He was among the organizers of Sylvester Gwin Camp, U.C.V. and served as its commander for more than thirty years." (2)

Achilles M. Summers died on August 6, 1931 at Beauvoir, the retirement home for Confederate veterans, in Biloxi, Mississippi.

After her husband's death, Adella Tyler Summers' "interest in life waned" and she died on July 1, 1932 at Beauvoir. She was a good neighbor and faithful friend..." (3)

They are both buried at Rosehill Cemetery in Brookhaven, Mississippi . They had three sons.

1. Brookhaven Semi-weekly Leader. July 6, 1932.
2. Lincoln County Times. August 13, 1931.
3. Brookhaven Semi-weekly Leader. July 6, 1932.

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                         Courtesy of David E. Godbold

Pvt. Gwin L. Summers

Gwin L. Summers was born November 5, 1840 in Lawrence County, Mississippi to Zephaniah Summers and Elizabeth Ham. At age 24, he enlisted in the "Johnson Guards" from the Fair River Community, which became Company C of the 33rd Mississippi Infantry. He was captured December 17, 1864 at Franklin, Tennessee, on the retreat from the Battle of Nashville. A prisoner of war, originally interred at Camp Chase, Ohio, he was later transferred to Point Lookout, Maryland.

Following the war he returned to Lawrence County and married Henrietta Smith. They had five children. He died April 19, 1881 and is buried in the Smith Cemetery.

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                       Courtesy of David E. Godbold

Pvt. Zephaniah J. Summers

Zephaniah J. Emery Summers, the first child of Hezekiah and Keziah Summers, was born in Lawrence County, Mississippi on October 15, 1841. Six months prior to his 24th birthday, he enlisted in the "Johnson Guards" from the Fair River Community, which became Company C of the 33rd Mississippi Infantry. He was wounded in the battle of Peachtree Creek (Atlanta, Georgia) on July 20, 1864, and was unable to return to service. His brother, Achilles M. Summers, says that this wound left him a cripple for the rest of his life. He was paroled in Jackson, Mississippi on May 19, 1865.

Following the war, Emery Summers married Martha Jane "Mattie" Simmons on December 28, 1865 in Lawrence County, Mississippi. Sometime during the early 1870s the family moved to Coryell County, Texas. Of their eight children, three were Baptist ministers. Emery died in Gatesville, Texas on August 20, 1886.

[RETURN TO TOP]                                                                                                                       Courtesy of David E. Godbold