.S.s. News
It's Almost Here !
"Our Connection With Savannah" A History of the 1st Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters
Russell K. Brown, author of "To the Manner Born -The Life of Gen. William H.T. Walker" has done a magnificent job putting all of our research together. The book will contain maps, drawings, and newly found photos. As well as, information from soldiers letters and journals never before published. As an added bonus, Mercer has decided to let us include the entire roster.
The book will be released Oct. 04. To place an order go to http://www.mupress.org/webpages/books/brown2.html
Kevin
To The Manner Born- The life of General William H. T. Walker by Russell K. Brown. This little known book is undoubtedly the best I have ever read concerning Walker's Division and the Sharpshooters. The book includes photo's as well as maps drawn by William R. Scaife. If you are doing any kind of research on units in Walker's Division, this book is a must. These books can be purchased directly from Russell Brown for half price!( $25.00 + $5.00 shipping) You can e-mail Russell at russell@csranet.com or by mail at Russell K. Brown 801 Thaxton Rd. Grovetown, Ga. 30813
Also, Sojourns of a Patriot by Richard Bender Abell & Fay Adamson Gecik. This is another book associated with the 30th Ga. Inf. The book consist of letters written home by A.P. Adamson who served in the 30th. This is a great book that gives a good account of everyday life in the Confederate army. Especially valuable to me because the 1st Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters served with the 30th Ga. from Savannah to Bentonville. This book can also be found on bibliofind. I paid less than $15.00 for my copy, including shipping.
I have found a copy of Blue & Gray magazine that contains a good article about the1st Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters participation in the battle of Jackson. ( The Battle of Raymond and Jackson Fall 2000). There are copies of this issue still available and can be ordered through Blue & Gray magazine. Being interested in, and learning as much as I can about the Civil War, I read a lot of books and magazines. Few magazines do as good of job as Blue & Gray. Blue & Gray continues to provide excellent articles written by the experts as well as top notch battle maps. Another thing I like is their driving tour. It is one thing to read about the battles, it's another to actually stand on that same piece of ground, so I enjoy traveling to the old battle-fields. In every issue of Blue& Gray you will find a driving tour. It's almost like having your own guide to show you around.
Services began with a prayer by Doy Willingham. SCV commander, Wayne Willingham, made a brief speech dedicating this service to all veterans and their families. Next, the history of George Garner was read by great, great, grandson; Kevin Thurman; who also participated in unveiling the marker. The marker was placed to honor his service to the Confederate States. The veteran was also honored with a gun salute performed by members of the SCV (William J. Hardee Camp- Dallas, Ga). Hugh Parson also provided music.
Unique to this service was the attendance of granddaughter, Mrs. Gurley Cole, who remembers her grandfather in great detail and often repeats stories told by him about the war. Although Mrs. Cole would not reveal her age, with a chuckle, she admits that she is the oldest surviving member of the family.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mrs. Cole was presented with a flag and a certificate honoring the service of her grandfather.
Thanks to all who participated especially my brother SCV members for making this a truly unforgettable day.
Gary Casteel has completed the miniature sculpture of the 1st Battalion Georgia Sharpshooter's monument. The actual monument is located in the Chickamauga Battlefield Park and marks the position of the 1st Battalion on the first day of fighting there. The 1st Battalion has the distinction of being one of the first Infantry units engaged at this great battle. Gary has reproduced the monument with complete precision and it is absolutely beautiful! For a look at all of Gary's marvelous works visit his web site at
The Sons of Confederate Veterans was created in 1896 for the purpose of preserving and defending the history and principles of the old South. It still serves today as a means for a gentlemen to honor his Southern ancestry with memorial, historical, and educational activities.
Why not join in preserving and defending the memory, songs and symbols of those who fought for Southern independence?
If you are a male descendent of an ancestor who served the South and you are tired of watching the misuse of Confederate flags and symbols by hate groups and others, contact your local camp or click on the S.C.V. icon for more information.
Battlefield Parks are no Playground
Most of us who are interested in the Civil War, at one time or another, have visited a National or State owned battlefield park. In my case I have visited several parks and quite often make the trip to Chickamauga. It's always good to read about the battles but there is something to be said about actually standing on the same ground. In fact, I always suggest to folks, planning to visit the parks, to read about what exactly took place there or get a battlefield tour guide. It will certainly make your trip more enjoyable to know what you are looking at, other wise it becomes just an ordinary piece of ground.
I have noticed on several occasions that parents are not properly supervising their children. I have seen children and sometimes adults climbing on monuments. I don't think people realize how fragile some of these monuments are. Some monuments were dedicated by the veterans themselves and have been in place since the early 1900's. Once broken they are almost impossible to repair and sometimes un-repairable. Each of the monuments and markers are memorials to the soldiers who fought and died on the battlefield and should be treated with the utmost respect. If your children want to climb on things take them to a play ground. If they want to learn about history and the sacrifices made by their ancestors take them to a battlefield park.
I am by no means suggesting you are not to have fun in the parks. There are miles of hiking and horse back riding trails through-out the parks. Tons of wildlife to see and even area's specifically designated for picnics, playing frisbee or what ever. Parents, go to the parks, take your children, have fun. But also teach them to respect the monuments. The children will learn a valuable lesson in American history and you may even learn a few things yourself.
Kevin Thurman
