- Index
- Dedication
- About the Author
- Hobert L. Townsend
- Preface
- Description of the County
- Origin of the County
- Decaturville
- Photographs
- Antiquities
- Photographs
- Early Roads and Basic Occupations
- Photographs
- Religion and the People
- Photographs
- Decatur County Schools
- Photographs
- Medical Professions
- Photographs
- News Papers
- Towns
- Photographs (Part 1)
- Photographs (Part 2)
- Civic and Other Clubs
- Photographs
- Early Decatur County Families
- Photographs
- Wars
- Photographs
- Taylor Alexander Family
- Generation of Meshack Bailey
- The Cleamon Bawcum Family
- The Bawcum History
- Dr. B. M. Brooks
- Generation of Joseph Byrd
- Isaac "Ike" Cotham History
- William Bird Dodson
- William Herschel & Marie Wilson Cox
- Jonothan Duck Family
- Family of Isaac Lewis Gibson
- John William Columbus Gibson and Mary Ila Haywood
- Emanuel Gibson Family
- G. Hobert Goff
- Sam Hays' Lineage
- Robert (Bob) Hays Lineage
- Henry Hendrix (Hendricks)
- John Lucky Houston Family
- The Houston Family
- Kennie Kimbrough Houston
- Doctor Jennings Family History
- Thomas Pleas Lafferty - Ethel Leona Thompson
- History of Lancaster's
- John F. Lipscomb
- Abraham M. Leasure
- The Long Family
- The Luton Family
- John McIllwain Family
- McMillan Family Sketch
- McMurry Family
- C. V. Maxwell
- George Washington Maxwell Family
- Mrs. Eliza Ann Gullege Maxwell
- W. S. Maxwell
- Miller History
- Nathaniel Moore
- Moore Family
- C. A. Palmer
- A History of the Parsons Family
- History of George W. Partin
- Martha Baugus Powers History
- Charlie W. Pratt
- Thomas, Phillip and George Reed
- James Floyd Rogers
- The Shannons
- Micajah "Cager" Scott History
- Strawn (Straughn) Families
- William Stout Family
- Family of Thomas Davis Stout
- George W. Tate
- Joseph Bailey Taylor and Margaret (Maggie) Isabelle Middleton
- Tinker Family
- The Tolley Famly
- The Townsend Family
- Mr. And Mrs. Max L. Townsend Family
- J. P. Troutt Family
- History of Eli Michael Vise Family
- J. B. and Frances Jackson Welch History
- James Reynolds Wyatt
- Yarbro-Jennings History
- The Yarbro Family
- John Garrett and Leora Keeton Yarbro
- Younger-Washburn-White Family
From Lillye Younger, The History of Decatur County Past and Present (Southhaven,
MS: Carter Printing Company, 1978).
Special thanks to Constance Collett for permission to make these web pages.
In Memory of Lillye Washburn Younger 1912-1998.
Wars
Chapter XIII
Decatur County was divided concerning the Civil War. There were 310 votes cast for separation and 550 votes for no separation. There was no such thing as neutral ground and few able-bodied men escaped the army either for or against the Union.
The County being isolated from the great lines of travel except by the Tennessee river, it was comparatively free from the march of the armies. However it suffered from predatory bands of irregular Calvary or roving bands. They might be termed robbers under the name of soldiers.
The first troops raised for the Confederate service was the company of Capt. Isham G. Hearn. This company became the 27th. Tennessee C.S.A. It was called the Decatur County Tigers and the regiment was organized at Trenton in 1861 by the election of C. H. Williams, Colonel; B. H. Brown. Lt. Col. and Samuel Love, Major. Hearn's death occurred at Shiloh, April 6, 1862.
Jonathan Luton raised the second company in the county which was known as a part of the 31st C.S.A. (West Tenn.) Regiment. The officers of the regiment were A. H. Bradford, Col.; C. M. Cason, Lt. Col.; and John Smith, Major. Four companies were raised for the 52nd Tenn. Regiment C.S.A. There were the companies of N. A. Wesson, W. R. Akin, J. H. Thomas and John McMillam. Commissioned officers of the last company were J. L. Tuck, 1st Lt. P. R. Brasher, 2nd Lt. S. L. McClure,Col. John Esle, Lt. Col. and J. C. Rundle, Major.
Decatur County furnished two companies for the Federal Army. The first raised was by Capt. Elisha Roberts the first of Oct. 1862. Elisha Roberts, William Chandler and William C. Webb were captains of this company in the order named. They formed the Sixth Union Regiment Tenn. Calvary.
The second Union Regiment of Tennessee Mounted Infantry was raised by Andrew Roberts. The nucleus of this regiment was Co. A which was mustered into service Oct. 1, 1863. By Feb. 1, 1864, at which time the regiment was organized it had numbered seven companies. The operations of the Second were mainly in doing fort duty and scouring the country in picking up stragglers and in preventing recruiting for the Confederacy.[1]
A victim of the Guerillas, who remained behind and were not men enough to fight for the cause, was William Rushing, who lived at the Old Townsend home on Perryville road. Mr. Rushing was sick in bed when a groupof six guerillas arrived at the home. There were two at the front door, two at the back door and, two near the big chimney. His wife told them he was ill and couldn't come out but they threatened him so he got up and went out. They asked for his money but he pleaded with them, telling them he has no money. He had some buried but didn't tell them about it. They drug him to a nearby creek in attempt to bluff him into turning over his money but he couldn't be bluffed. Their next step was to hang him, however they didn't have a rope. They tried a pair of suspenders but it failed and then they fled, leaving him beaten, cold and shivering. He lived only a few days after the exposure.
Hiram Jennings, born August 23, 1811, who lived at the George Bell place on Highway 69, was one of their pitiful victims. Guerillas arrived at the Jennings home, posing as Texas Rangers and hanged Mr. Jennings. They explained that they had eaten breakfast in the Jennings home earlier and was captured a short time later by Federal troops. Accusing Mr. Jennings of turning them in, they hanged him and then burned the house. He was buried on a high hill near the Bell home.
A skirmish between the Yankees and the Rebel forces occurred on Nebo Hill in Decatur County. Nearby was a stage coach stop, labeled "Red House" The shots from the hill hit a man by accident, who was working in the field. He was carried to the Red House and the blood stained the wall of the living room and stairway and remained there until 1915 when it was painted over. It has been considered a haunted house and those living there earlier reported that they could hear horses being ungeared in the yard and the gears thrown in the hall and voices outside.
During the conflict General Forrest used the landing at Perryville as a crossing for his army. After the Gunboat battle at Johnsonville, part of the army ferried to the east side of the river. General Forrest also came through Perryville on his way to Jackson. His men followed the old Sardis road, cutting their trail wide enough for the horses and wagons to travel.
Listed among Decatur Countians who served in the Civil War were Robert J. Akin, who enlisted in the 10th Tennessee Calvary under Col. Cox. William R. Akin was Captain of the 52nd Infantry Howard Baker enlisted in the Confederate Army and became a lieutenant. J. L. Buck, Company unknown, P. R. Brasher, Company unknown, J. L. W. Boatman, Company unknown, Wm. F. Balright, Company unkown. Asa Countess enlisted in the fifth Confederate Regiment under the command of B. J. Hill and died 12 months later in Mississippi. John M. Countess enlisted in the 16th Tennessee Confederate Army under the command of John Savage. He fought in the battles of Huttonville and the Chute Mountains, Va. He became dissatisfied and received a pass to Corinth, Mississippi to be good until 10 o'clock. When about 11 miles south of Corinth he met a detachment who claimed his time had expired. He told them his brother was sick in the house a short distance away and was able to pass. Shortly afterward he entered a swamp and remained there all day, traveling by night until he reached a point miles south. The man whom he hired for a guide had a horse and they took turns riding. While attempting to cross the river, with several fugitives from Tennessee Companies, he was arrested by town authorities, tried and condemned and sent back. Two officers started back to the Army with the prisoners. While at supper Countess and his mate slipped back and covered by the darkness, slipped away unnoticed. They waded a small stream and spent the night half a mile from camp. The next morning they reached the river and secured a broad plank and with one man at each end of the plank crossed in safety and went home. Four months later he enlisted in the Fifth Tennessee Calvary of the Union Army.
The above information was compiled from the following sources: Goodspeeds Tennessee History; Mrs. Leo Yarbro, relative; Miss Vernal Striegel and Jimmy Joe Readey's research; Goodspeed's Tennessee History; Tennessee in the Civil War 1964 Copy.
William Chandler, Company unknown, Curry Dennison was an unswerving supporter of the Union Army and escaped uninjured. Nathan C. Davis was in F. Company 19th Calvary.
Dr. J. N. Houston enlisted in the 52nd Tenn. Regiment Confederate Army under the command of Col. B. J. Lee. He was assistant surgeon of the Regiment at the hospital in the battle of Shiloh. After 12 months service he returned to Decatur County.
H. M. Jordan enlisted in the Confederate Army under the command of Col. B. J. Lee and took part in the battle of Shiloh. After one year of faithful service he returned home where he remained for about six months and then enlisted in the Federal Service and was attached to the 2nd Tennessee Regiment under the command of Col. Murphy. He took part in the battle of Nashville. Maness Jordan Strawn enlisted in the Confederate Army. The Account of his service is listed in the Strawn history.
from other research...
James (“Coon”) Kincannon, born c. 1833 to Francis Kincannon III and Sarah Jackson, was not wounded at Shiloh, which took place in April 1862. He enlisted at Grand Junction, TN, on Oct. 25, 1863, in Capt. Joseph G. Berry’s Company, which was designated Company H of the 6th Tennessee Cavalry (Union), commanded by Col. Hurst.
According to his personal service record and the pension application of his widow, Mary Ann Creasy/Kincannon/Young/Patterson, he developed “brain fever” (probably meningitis) at regimental hospital at Grand Junction on about Dec. 20 and died soon afterward, on Dec. 22, 1863.
It has been reported that he was buried at the Shiloh battlefield cemetery, but this is also incorrect, according to official Shiloh cemetery records. His may have been one of the reported 145 unmarked graves at Corinth Cemetery near where he lived. Mary Ann, her two subsequent husbands, his three sons, and various other family members are listed as having been buried there.
source: Margaret Kincannon, Flower Mound, Texas
William Halford Boggan enlisted in the Confederate army. He lived in the Swallow Bluff community and raised a large family. Demps J. McClure enlisted in the Confederate Army. James "Coon" Kincannon enlisted in the Federal Army. He lived in Corinth community. James Irvin Young also enlisted in the Federal Army as well as Robert (Bob) Patterson.
The latter three men listed all married Mary Ann Creasy who lived in the Corinth community. After the death of Coon Kincannon, who was wounded and died at Shiloh, she married James Irvin Young and after his death she married Robert (Bob) Patterson. She had three sons by Kincannon, a daughter named Mollie by Young and a son by Patterson. Young is buried at Corinth Cemetery and William Halford Boggan is buried at Simmons Cemetery, both located in Decatur County. Kincannon was buried at Shiloh.
B. J. Hill was a private in H. Company in the Nixon Calvary. J. C. P. Myracle served in the 81st Illinois Entry, Company E and James A. McMurray enlisted as a volunteer in the 27th Regiment of Tennessee but was discharged on account of illness after two years service. John McMillan was Captain and orgainzed a company at Shiloh, S.L. McClure was a private in the 3?nd Infantry and John Murphy was a private in F. Company in the 11th Infantry. Henry Myracle, company unknown, James R. Myracle was in the 27th Regiment of Tennessee and was discharged after two years of service.
The above information was compiled from the following sources: Goodspeed's Tennessee History; Blanche Tuten.
Thomas Jackson Pettigrew and James K. Polk Pettigrew both enlisted in the Confederate under George Cheatam and took an active and gallant lead in the engagements of Shiloh, Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Atlanta. Thomas J. was wounded and lost his left arm. James A. Pettigrew enlisted in Company G 20th Regiment mounted Confederate Infantry, and was promoted to second lieutenant before his death, which occurred at the battle of Fishing Creek, Ky. James K. Pettigrew belonged to the same company as James A. Pettigrew and was wounded at Shiloh on April 6 and again at Hoovers Gap and taken prisoner until his death on January 6, 1864. George R. Pettigrew, company unknown as well as George B. Pettigrew.
W. L. Swafford enlisted in the Third Regiment, West Tennessee Calvary Union Army. John L. Tate enlisted in Forrest's Confederate Calvary in 1864.
George H. Vise enlisted in the Col. Jack Biffle's Regiment Confederate Army and was in a skirmish at Jackson, General Forrest leading the boys. He left the army on account of his wife's illness and upon his return found his place devastated and his possessions gone.
Green B. D. Rushing, teacher, enlisted in Company Two, 28th Texas Mounted Calvary and was wounded at Pleasant Hill, La. disabled for many months and was buried at New Hope Cemetery. Issac J. Schull, John Smith, John Swafford Companies unknown.
Nathaniel A. Wesson was a Captain in A. Company 51 of the Confederate Infantry.[2] John Scott, Robert Issac Cagle and Clayborn Gibson, companies unknown.
The Captain Nathaniel A. Wesson United Daughter's of the Confederacy has placed Government Markers on the graves of the following Confederate Soldiers buried in Decatur County.
Those buried in Decaturville City Cemetery were John T. Yarbro, L. F. Panky, Samuel Adkisson, John Hardcastle, and A. J. Phillips are buried at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, and Demps McClure was buried in Averett Cemetery. David Richard Odle was buried in Manley's Cemetery and Ruben Houston Tucker. L. E. Bingham, R. L. Coady and S. D. Brasher were buried in Brasher's Cemetery.
John G. Kennedy and R. H. McNeil are buried in Peace Chapel Cemetery and William Franklin Rushing, and Andrew Jackson Rushing were buried at Rushings Grove Cemetery. George W. Bright was buried in Brigance Cemetery and Jess Wyatt, William Wyatt and James Maners were buried in Gardner Cemetery. W. G. Bawcum was buried in Yellow Springs Cemetery and L. C. Gates was buried at Gates Cemetery near Decaturville. J. F. Akin was buried in Red House Cemetery and William Crawley, and L. D. Crawley were buried in Crawley Cemetery. M. J. Strawn was buried in Strawn Cemetery and W. G. Rains was buried in Parsons Cemetery. L. F. Davis was buried in Davis Cemetery and John Black was buried in Concord Cemetery. J. H. Fisher was buried in Fisher Cemetery and Robert T. Simmons and W. H. Boggan were buried in Simmons Cemetery. A: L. Fisher and C. C. Kelley were buried in Mr. Lebanon Cemetery and Nathaniel A. Wesson was buried in Wesson's Chapel Cemetery.
In the early days family cemeteries were given family names and were considered a family cemetery. The slow mode of travel made this possible. However in later years some of these family name cemeteries are used for the general public.[3]
Civil War Veterans who could qualify received a pension after the conflict.
In 1891 Tennessee enacted legislation which established a Board of Pension Examiners whose membership consisted of the State Comptroller, the Attorney General, and three ex-Confederate soldiers recommended by the Tennessee Division of Confederate Veterans and appointed by the Governor. These men had the authority to decide if a Veteran applying for pension was incapable of making a support and if his service was honorable. The burden of the proof rested with the veteran, who was obligated to prove disability and/or indigency and separation from the service under honorable conditions.
Listed are the pension applications from Decatur County of the Soldier's. T. N. Aaron, Decatur County, 52nd. Inf.; Samuel Adkisson, 52nd Inf. J. F. Akin, Decatur 52nd Inf. J. J. Austin, 19th. Biffle's Cav., James Barnes, 6th Inf. William Bawcum, 52nd Inf., L. E. Bingham, Decatur 27th. Inf. A. J. Blackburn 9th Cav., F. S. Boyd, Jackson's Lt. Art., Sam D. Brasher, 27th. Inf. G. T. Brown, 16th Inf. John Budde, 27th. Inf., C. C. Bussell, 52nd Inf., James W. Chalk, 27th Inf., Ransom L. Coady, 23rd Inf. C. H, Coffman 50th Ala. Inf., Martin L. Conder, Decatur 3rd. Vol Inf., J. M. Creasy 52nd Inf., W. M. Daily 20th Inf., L. F. Davis, 31st Inf., Charles H. Dickson 31st Inf., Newton J. Duke, Marshall's Co. Art., A. J. Dyal, 32nd Inf. R. W. Eson, 52nd. Inf., Alfred Fanning, 18th Newson's Cav., A. L. Fisher, 52nd. Inf. J. H. Fisher, 52nd Inf. William G. Fonville, 3rd and 13th NC. Inf. J. J. Gatling, 18th Newsom's Cav., John Hardcastle, 18th Newsom's Cav., George W. Haynes, 52nd Inf. M. E. Haynes, 52nd Inf. William C. H.erndon, Undetermined. A. C. Holland, 51st Inf., James K. Ivy, 18th Cav., J. W. Johnson, 27th Inf. Burl B. Jones, 18th Newsom's Cav., Josiah A. Jones, 16th. Inf., E. Kelly 52nd Inf., S. H. Kennedy 21st. Wilson Cav., Robert C. McCrutchen, 53rd Inf. C. E. Mays, 14th McCaver's Ark. Inf., Jack Middleton, 6th Cav. G. A. Mills, Phillips Co. Lt. Art., S. G. Morgan, 12th Ky. Cav., B. F. Morris, 43rd Miss. Inf., B. S. Newman, 52nd Inf.,L. N. Panky, 7th Duckworth's Cav., Thomas Jackson Pettigrew 1st. and 27th Consolidated Inf., William N. Pitts, 26th Inf. Ala., Solomon Pitts, 48th Inf., John .H. Pratt, 27th Inf., P.P. Quinn, 5th Inf., Oliver Thompson Rice, 1st Inf., J. M. Rickmon, 6th Wheeler's Cav., A. A. Roach, 31st. Inf., G. B. D. Rushing, 28th. Tex. Cav., James Savage, 51st Consol. Inf., Thomas P. Smith, 49th Inf., Layer C. Tubbs, 52nd. Inf., J. W. Tucker, 10th. Cav., R. H. Tucker, 18th Newsom's Cav., Solomon Tucker, 23rd. Inf., S. C. Warden, 27th. Inf., Isaiah Welch, 18th Newsom's Cav. L.H. White, 27th Inf., Ward W. Woodward, Norfolk's Lt. Art. Va., Henry J. Wright, lst Cav., William M. Wright, lst Cav. W. M. Wright, 1st Cav., J. W. Wyatt, 52nd Inf. William Wyatt, 27th Inf., John T. Yarbro, 10th Cav. Veteran's Wives applying for pensions; Hulda Allen, wife of W. M. Allen, Mary Lucy Austin, John H. Austin.
Julia Francis Bingham, Leonidus E. Bingham, Mary Ann Bilin, William Bolin, Martha A. Brigance, John D. Brignace, Mahala Bright, George Whitfield Bright, Martha E. Budde, John Budde, Ellie Dixon, Wallace Dixon, Lutitia Ellison Dixon, Wallace Dixon, Emeline Kizzie Eason, Robert W. Eason, Emma Pettigrew Fisher, Thomas J. Fisher, Hetie Fisher, William Hickory Fisher, Missouri Fisher, J. H. Fisher, Charity E. Hardcastle, John Hardcastle, Mary Elender Ivey, John Jasper Ivey, Elizabeth Aggie Jackson, James Holden Jackson, Martha Kennedy, S. H. Kennedy, Susanna Kennedy, William G. Kennedy, Martha Tennessee Lancaster, Benjamin Marion Lancaster, Lucinda Laster, George Washington Laster, Margaret Lomax, James W. Lomax, Amanda Livingston, Nicholas Foster Livingston, Ellen Davy McClanahan, Pickney M. McClanahan, Fannie McCrutchen, Robert C. McCrutchen, Saphronia July Maness, James Maness, Minnie E. Morris, B. F. Morris, Martha Rickman, J. M. Rickman, Nina Roach, Adison Alsbery Roach, Dona Rogers, James Tate Rogers, Nancy Jane Strawn, Maness Jordan Strawn, Mary Lucinda Thornton, William Benjamin Thornton, Susan Webb, Henry Webb, Frances E. Welch, Jeremiah Benton Welch, Winnie Welch, Isaiah Welch, Sophie Arrilie Davis Western, Robert Davis Western, Josie O. White, Hugh L. White, Mary Ann Woods, Franklin Marion Woods, Nannie D. Woodward, William W. Woodward, Nancy E. Wyatt, and Jesse Wyatt.
Listed below are Confederate Soldiers Graves in Decatur County. John Ivy (Pvt.) Company G 18th Calvary, buried in Ivy Cemetery, Wallace Dixon, (Pvt.) 27th Infantry, Company E buried at Dixon Cemetery, born 12-22-1 835, died 11-30-1894, Daniel Webster Lacy, (Cpl) Co. E 27th Inf. buried at Camp Ground, born 9-28-1841 died 7-15-1909 Jerome Smith Burton, (Pvt.) Co. E 27, Inf. buried at Bunches Chapel., T. N. Hoskins, (Pvt.) Co. A 45th Inf. buried at Old Center, Ezekiel Inman, (Pvt) Co. G 23rd Inf. buried at Hopewell Cemetery. Newton Chappell, (Pvt.) Co. K 48th Inf. Decaturville Cemetery James Chalk (Pvt.) Co. B 27th Inf. born 3-13-1831 died 8-13-1914 buried at Camp Ground, Robert H. Garrett (Pvt.) Co. A Det. cons, buried at Camp Ground Cemetery, George Vise, (Pvt.) born 12-16-1827, died 2-9-1899, buried at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, John Watson Rogers, record unknown, T. J. Jeter, (Pvt.) Co. C, 8th Inf. Born 4-19-1839 died 2-5-1902 buried in Hardin Cemetery, not used now. T. G. Hardin, Co. H 2lst Cav. born 12-20-1845, died 10-5-1922, buried in Hardin Cemetery. W. H. Johnson, Sgt. Co., E. 18th Cav., born 12-6-1818 died 10-7-1 878 buried at Johnson Cemetery, not used now. H. K. W. Sharp Lt Co. A 56th Inf. born 10-6-1824 died 12-8-1870 buried at Kelley Cemetery. Kinchen F. Kelley, (Pvt.) Company I,44th. Conf. inf. born 1-4-1820 died 11-6-1886, buried at Kelley Cemetery, Dr. Albert Kelley, (Sgt.) Co. E 30th Inf. born 2-4-1831 died 3-26-1870, buried in KelleyCemetery, Ben Frank McBride, (Pvt.) Company A 6th Cavalry, died March 9,1906 buried at Kelley Cemetery. J. J. Austin, (Pvt.) Company F 9th Cav. born 9-8-1845, died 5-25-1917 buried at Scotts Hill Methodist Cemetery, Charley McClanahan, (Pvt.) Co. D 27th Cavalary, born 1837, died 1904, buried at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, A. S. Hardin born Jan. 1, 1823 died 1901, Pvt. Company F, 26th Inf. James A. Barnes 6th Inf. born 1812, died 1907, buried at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. James M. Potterfield, (Pvt) Co. G 1st Field Inf. born May 1, 1839, died 1883, buried in Decaturville Cemetery, George Smith, Company A, Newsom's Cay, born 2-17-1823, died 12-27-1883, buried in Decaturville Cemetery. Rev. Ben F. Morris (Pvt.) Methodist Minister, born May 26, 1842, died April 20, 1917, buried at Mt. Tabor Cemetery, S. T. (Samuel T.) Bates, (Pvt.) Company 2nd 32 Inf. born 1-19-1841, died 4-2-1910, buried at Bunches Chapel Cemetery, R. L. Bates, (Reuben L.) (Pvt.) Co. 2nd Inf. born 8-28-1842, died 12-9-1909 buried at Bunches Chapel Cemetery, W. G. Fonville, Co's 3rd and 13th, NC. Inf. Born 1844 died 1904, buried in Parsons Cemetery, Calvin Cole (Pvt.) 48th Inf. Born 11-15-1833, died 4-21 -1900, buried in Perryville Cemetery, W. G. Kennedy, (Pvt.) Co. H 31st Tenn. Inf. buried at Doe Creek Cemetery.
2nd Lt. S. C. Warden, Co. G 27th Tenn. Inf. buried at Brigance cemetery. Captain Byrd Smith Newman, born 9-7-1883 died 11-29-1919, Cheatam's Division 5th Tenn C. E. buried at Red Walnut Cemetery, Bath Springs, Thomas Nance Aaron, 52nd Inf. Born 9-28-1837 Died 12-23-1 91 2. Buried at Pleasant Hill; Richard Rushing, buried at Rushing Grove Cemetery, Sgt. W. H. Rushing, H Co., 31st Infantry, Born 8-5-1837, died 10-12-1922 buried at Camp Ground, Leonidus Rushing, Pvt., H. Co., 31st Infantry, born 4-1 3-1837 died 2-27-1904, buried at Camp Ground, James Newton Houston, Private, born 1-22-1837, died 7-30-1910, Co. lst Conf. Infantry, buried at Old Houston Cemetery, H.V.M. Hendrix, buried Dodson Cemetery, Cub Creek, John Henry Pratt, 27th Infantry, born 1842, died 1910, buried Oak Grove Cemetery, John F. Gilbert, Co. H 1st Infantry buried at Old Mt. Zion cemetery, William Any, Co. A 9th Cav. Born 8-7-1840, died 4-20-1924, buried in Any Cemetery. Sgt. James Tate Rogers, Co. E 27th Inf. Buried in Decaturville Cemetery. Joseph J. Gathing, Pvt. Co. D 8th Calvary, Decaturville Address, buried at Crawford Cemetery. Henry Ezekle Paine Carey, Cpl. Company D 18th Calvary, born 6-22-1832 died 8-7-1873, buried at Old Center. L. E. Bingham, Cpt. Company E 27th buried at Brasher Cemetery. Isaiah Welch, (Pvt.) Company G 18th Newsom's Calvary, buried at Campground Cemetery. Lemuel Tubbs, (pvt.) Company A, 27th Inf. buried in Bible Hill Cemetery. Pvt. B. M. Lancaster Company E 51st Conf. Inf. Wylie Cemetery, James M. Savage, Co. D Newsom's Calvary, Born 3-23-1841, died July 20, 1928, buried at Rushing Creek Cemetery. Robert C. McCrutchen, Tenn 2 Cavalry, 53rd Company, buried at Old Center, born 3-26-1840, died 5-26-1936., Henry Wright (Pvt.) Company G 1st Calvary, born 10-13-1842, died 4-12-1901, buried at Concord Cemetery., Solomon Tucker, (Pvt.) Company G 23rd Infantry, born 4-26-1839, died 1-30-1902 buried in Ivy Cemetery, William M. Wright, 1st Calvary; Company G born 1-16-1841, died 2-1-1897, buried in Brigance Cemetery. John Tucker (Pvt.) Company D 31st Infantry, J. H. Brigance (Pvt.) Company E 27th Infantry, born 2-21-1827, died May 28, 1911, buried at Brigance Cemetery, David F. White, (Pvt.) Company H 31st Infantry, buried at Concord Cemetery, F. E. Welch, Co. I, 31st Infantry, Concord Cemetery, David Welch, (Pvt.) Company G Newsom's Calvary, Buried in Concord Cemetery, A. J. Blackburn (Pvt.) Company G, l9th Calvary, died April 1908, buried at Concord Cemetery. S. H. Kennedy, Co. H 21st Wilson's Cay, born 12-6-1832 died 2-19-1922, buried in Doe Creek Cemetery, Lewis L. Johnson, (Pvt.), 55th Inf. born 2-10-1818, died 2-13-1880, buried at Doe Creek Cemetery, John H. Jennings, (Pvt.), Co. K 52nd Inf. born 1-27-1 841, died 7-3-1907, buried at Jennings Cemetery, Pvt. L. C. Gates, Co. C, 10th. Calvary, born 5-6-1846, died 5-10-1910, buried in Gates Cemetery, near Decaturville, not used now, George W. Still, (Pvt.) Co. B 23rd Inf. born 7-10-1821 died 2-18-1904, buried in Still Cemetery, not used now, SM. Houston, 3rd. Lt. F. Company, Crews Inf. Ba. buried in Bear Creek Cemetery. J. M. Jones, buried at Scotts Hill Methodist Cemetery, J. A. Edgin, (Pvt.) Co. A 4th McLemore's Cay, born 4-15-1831, died 4-8-1905, buried at Scotts Hill Methodist Cemetery, E. H. Austin, (Pvt.) Co. H 21St Wilson's Cav. born 1820 died 1888 buried at Scotts Hill Methodist Cemetery. W. L. Smith, (Pvt.) Co. G 20th Cav., born 5-23-1820 died 9-8-1893 buried in Scotts Hill Methodist Cemetery,'J. K. Crosser, (Pvt.) Co. C 11th Inf. born 1-8-1848, date of death not known, was buried at Scotts Hill Methodist Cemetery, W. H. O'Guinn, (Pvt.) Co. H 21st Wilson's Cav., died 12-9-1 883 buried at Scotts Hill Methodist Cemetery, John Swift, Co. I 27th Tenn. Inf. born 2-14-1850, died 3-20-1918 buried in Scotts Hill Methodist Cemetery. Albert White, (Cpt.) Company E, 19/20 Cav., born 1-7-1830, died 1-1-1902 buried at Scotts Hill Methodist Cemetery, J. T. White, (Pvt.) Co. H 31st. Inf. born 1840 died 1926, buried at Scotts Hill Methodist Cemetery, James Madison Austin, 2nd Lt. Co. F 22nd, Inf. Bn. Born 1832 died 1913 buried at Bethel Cemetery John T. Murphy (Pvt.) Company D 27th. Inf. buried at Bethel Cemetery William F. Alexander, (Cpl) Co. H 6th Inf. buried at Liberty Cemetery, G. W. Singleton, (Pvt.) Co. C 21/22 Cav., born 3-8-1 848, died 12-20-1905 Liberty Cemetery, Jonathon D. Eason, (Pvt.) Co. A, 12th Con. Inf. born 3-27-1841 died 8-22-1910, buried at Liberty Cemetery, Abraham Carr Bond, (Pvt.) Co. 55 Brown's Inf. born 1843 died 1915, buried at Union Cemetery near Trenton. William Bolin, Co. D Miss Bn. born 8-28-1823 died 1-23-1892 buried at Mt. Lebanon. Christopher Columbus Thomas, (Pvt.) Co. D 4th McLemore's Cay, born 8-1 8-1 846 died 2-22-1 936 buried at Duke Cemetery. William H. Merrick, (Pvt.) Co. H 5th Inf. Shiloh, John J. Carrington, (Pvt.) Co. G 445h Conf. Inf. born Nov. 18, 1822 died 9-11-1882 buried at McMurray Cemetery. W. H. Reynolds. Sgt. Co. E 27th Inf. born 7-1-1841 died 11-30-1879 buried at Fisher Cemetery, W. A. McKinney, born 5-15-1847 died 10-29-1 923, buried at Red House Cemetery, P. P. Burton, Cpl. Co. E 27th Inf. buried at Bunches Chapel, Capt. Dan U. McCollum Co. F 55 Tenn. Inf. born 1841 died 1873 buried at Ebenezer Cemetery. Elisha Kelly, Pvt. Co. H 19th Cav. Born 2-24-1841 died 11-1-1921. buried at Corinth Cemetery.
The above information was compiled from the following sources: Index to Tennessee Confederate Pension application by Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville, Tn. page 5.
World War I
In August 1914 World War broke out in Europe. Within a short time France, Great Britian and Russia were lined up against the great nation of Germany and Austria. Smaller nations took sides. Soon Italy lined up against Austria and Germany. France and her defenders became known as the Allies while Germany and her nations were known as the Central Power.
Germany plowed through little Belgium into France. Paris was threatened Great Britain rushed troops across the English Channel to help France. This shook America because they were on friendly terms with larger nations America wanted to continue this trade and they declared themselves neutral in the war.
Despite the fact that United States tried to remain neutral it was impossible. Each of the fighting nations wanted the United State's trade but didn't want the other side to trade with them. Great Britain's navy blocked the United States trade with the Central Powers. Germany didn't have a navy sufficient to block the U.S. out of the British Isles and French ports, so they began submarine warfare.
Submarines blew several trading vessels. Then the British passenger vessel, the Lusitania, was sunk. Many Americans lost their lives. A warning was sent to Germany but they were desperate to whip Great Britain. They had to destroy British trade with the U.S. even at the risk of war. They also knew that the United States were not prepared to fight. Even if the United States did declare war, Germany and Austria thought they could win a victory before the U.S. could get help to Great Britain and France.
Congress declared war in April, 1917. Despite the fact that the United States were not prepared to fight, an armed forces bill was quickly passed. The regular army was to be increased to 237,000 men. The state military units were to be called into service. Around 1,000,000 men were to be drafted. Later the number was increased. General John J. Pershing sailed for France on May 28. 1917, taking with him a division of United States regulars. Americans were fighting on the front by October. Before the end of the year a quarter million men were in France.
A great expansion of the navy was necessary. The great danger crossing the ocean was the German submarines. Rear Admiral Albert Gleaves. a Tennessean was placed in command of this protective fleet.
Around 100,000 Tennesseans joined the armed forces. Four times that number were engaged in war work at home. The first big step toward organization of the "home front" was the creation of the Tennessee State Council of Defense. Rutledge Smith of Putnam County was made chairman of this group. A Home Guard was organized to take the place of the National Guard which had been called out. Tennesseans worked hard to grow food for the armies oversea. The people conserved those types of foods that could be shipped overseas. They were asked to observe Wheatless days, sweetless days" and "fuelless days". They responded nicely.
The expenses of the war were great. It was impossible to raise enough in taxes so the people must lend their money to the United States: They must buy Liberty Bonds. Tennesseans bought more than $100,000,000 in bonds.
Red Cross Chapters were organized throughout the State. The Y.M.C.A. and the Y.W.C.A. cooperated.
The first Tennessee Troops to be called into service was the National Guard. The first unit to enter the service were the First Tenessee Ambulance Company and the First Tennessee Field Hospital. They were soon at Camp Sevier, South Carolina.
A large part of the National Guards Units became a part of the Thirtieth Division. They added up to more than 7,000 men.
The number of volunteers were not sufficient to build up a great army. It was necessary to draft men between the ages of twenty-one and thirty-one. The age limit was lowered to eighteen and raised to forty five. Half a million Tennesseans registered under the draft law and 60,000 were called into service.
It was a happy day in France when American troops arrived. Tired French, British and Belgian soldiers had done about all they could do. Americans joined the tired Allies and fought side by side. The German's drive on Paris was stopped. In the fall of 1918 the army of the Allies went over the top in a great advance which caused Germany's defeat.
Armistice was signed on Nov. 11, 1918. Sergeant Alvin York of Tennessee was the most noted American hero of the war. This war was known as the war to end all wars under President Woodrow Wilson. However it was later acclaimed untrue when World War II started.
It was a very happy time when on the eleventh month, the eleventh day and the eleventh hour this great day known as Armistice Day spiraled. It was the end of the war and celebrations all over the United States took place. Housewives were so overjoyed when the news arrived they pointed their broom skyward and thanked God that their loved ones would return home, however there were many who remained in Flounder's Field, a burying place in France. Also after Armistice was signed a battle was fought because they didn't get the information and many killed.
The name Armistice Day was changed to Veteran's Day by an act of congress in 1954 and as time passed that date of November was used to honor all of the Country's living or dead.
Veteran's Day was changed from November 11th, to be observed on the fourth Monday in October. It will be returned to the traditional Nov. 11 date in 1978.
Historians have estimated the cost of the war nearly $400 billion. The sadest report was the cost of human blood. This number has been estimated to 13 million including all beligerents.
The above information was compiled from the following sources: "Story of Tenn. History" and Jackson Sun Newspaper clipping
America had lost 107,284 killed, wounded 191,000 missing 4,912 and casualties 303,196.
A Decatur Countain, who received the Purple Heart, as well as other citations was John Williams Columbus Gibson of the Garrett Community. His infantry sailed from Camp Upton, N.Y. for Liverpool, England.
One of the highlights in England was when his company joined other allied forces and paraded before King George and Queen Mary of England on May 11, 1918. There were about 4,000 soldiers in the Parade. Just as they passed the reviewing stand, the order was given "Eyes right", so they all got to see the King and Queen.
He met Sgt. Alvin C. York, Tennessee War hero, while in service.
Under the command of General John J. Pershing, the American army launched an offensive toward a town lying 30 miles north of the American front. There were more than 7,200,000 American troops ready for the advance and 600,000 of them taking an active part in the battle.
Fifty men of his division were killed during the battle and he was captured and taken prisoner on Oct. 11, 1918 to a camp in Germany. Here 2,400 American soldiers were imprisoned. He was lucky to make friends with an American German named Bill Wormbaughf who spoke English as well as German.
Life was hard in the prison camp. They were forced to do hard labor and hauled potatoes, worked at sawmills and on the railroads. Common labor paid 6 cents a day and railroad work paid 18 cents per day. He worked at the sawmill five days and had to stand in line for half a day to collect his 30 cents.
He received the Purple Heart, for being wounded in the hip in the Argonne Forrest Battle and received three battle bars. Released from prison camp Nov. 30, 1918, nineteen days after Armistice was signed. He was discharged May 26, 1919 from Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.
Sloan Baker was the first person to volunteer for service in the World War I.
While enroute to France a submarine attacked the boat with torpedoes however the shots went on either side of the boat. They, in return, shot at the Submarine and the only thing they saw was some shattered debris and planks floating up. They thought they hit the Sub: He was later wounded in service and is listed under James S. Baker in the wounded list in this chapter.
The above information was compiled from the following sources. Tennessean article Sunday April 2, 1967; record given by his daughter, Mrs. Mary V. Moore of Parsons; story related by his wife, Mrs. Mildred Baker.
World War I Veterans Decatur County
Anderson, Clarence G.
Arnold, Mossye E.
Austin, Albert C.
Austin, Jessie
Averett, Roy Ausbon
Baker, Alpheus E.
Baker, Herman
Baker, Milo M.
Barber, John G.
Barry, Charlie G.
Bates, John
Beatty, John M.
Benthal, Bill
Bingham, E. L.
Blount, Eiias
Blount, Gus E.
Blount, Latham B.
Boggan, Finas
Boggan, James R.
Boman, Henry T.
Boyd, James C.
Bowman, Hurlot Bray
Brasher, Elbert
Brasher, James C.
Brasher, James Oren
Brasher, Joe
Brasher, W. (Herb)
Brasher, Wilson
Brawley, Mal Cisery
Brigance, Elbert P.
Brigance, P.
Burke, Bob
Burns, John Lewis
Burton, Cuthbert A.
Cagle, George M.
Cagle, Homer E.
Cagle, William P.
Cantrell, Clint C.
Channell, Sam L.
Churchwell, Arlie E.
Clark, Eugene
Coleman, Arthur M.
Colwick, Win. Connie
Conoway, John W.
Conrad, Arlo
Conrad, Arthur L.
Cordle, Lonzo
Cotham, Leslie N.
Crawley, Cecil
Crosby, Andrew B.
Crosno, Albert Lee
Curry, James C.
Dailey, Jack A.
Dailey, James W.
Daniel, Harrison
Day, Harry C.
Dennison, William S.
Duck, Ed W.
Dunkle, Jacob J.
Dunkle, Millard F.
Dunavant, John H.
Eason, Charlie W.
Elvington, Bingia
Elvington, Everett B.
Evans. Watt
Farlow, James H.
Fiddler, Herbert E.
Fisher, George H.
Fisher, John L.
Fisher, Robert G.
Fitzgerald, Baxter
Frazier, Gerbert E.
Freeman, Oder L.
Frizzell, Claude E.
Frayar, Fred Norman
Garrard, Will
Garrett, Alton
Garrett, Roman
Gathing, Murrin
Gathings, John M.
Gathings, Marion Melton
Gibson, Bird
Gibson, Don C.
Gibson, Leslie
Gibson, Noah
Gibson, Pafford
Gibson, William P.
Gilbert, John L.
Gilbert, Tom
Gooch, Harb
Gooch, Hermon Edward
Goodman, Louis Oscar
Goodman, Osco
Goodman, Willie Monroe
Graves, Herbert
Grice, Oliver H.
Grice, William M.
Griggs, Covy C.
Gulledge, Oscar B.
Gurley, John F.
Goff, Hobart
Hamm, Robert
Ham, Tobert H.
Ham, Williams M.
Haney, Rufus F.
Harmon, James E.
Harrell, Durey Burgess
Hawks, George
Hayes, Win. Clifford
Hays, Fielder P.
Hays, Leslie W.
Hedpath, Herbert
Hendrix, Robert
Hicks, Jess
Hill, Dalsie
Hill, Dolph
Hobbs, Noah A.
Hobbs, Thomas E.
Holley, Ray O.
Holden, Granville
Hopper, James M.
Houston, Edward
Houston, Egbert C.
Houston, Huly R.
Houston, Kennie K.
Houston, William R.
Howell, James M.
Ingram, James E.
Ivy, Alvin
Ivy, Leslie
Ivy, Robert Carl
James, Ernest F.
Johnson, Henry C.
Johnson, Johnnie H.
Jones, Ellis M.
Jones, Johnnie
Jones, Oscar
Jones, Walter
Jones, William C.
Keeton, Bedford B.
Kelly, Curry
Kelley, Hickory
Kelley, Jesse H.
Kennedy, Charlie E.
Kennedy, James D.
Kennedy, Joe
Kennedy, John Lee
Kennedy, John T.
Kennedy, William G.
Kimp, John M.
Kindle, Clyde
Kindle, Floyd A.
Kindle, Herman
Kindle, Homer
Knight, Stonewall
Knight, William E.
Kyle, Clarence E.
Kyle, William
Lacy, Charley
Lacy, Fieldon R.
Lacy, Jesse Melton
Lancaster, Bennie
Lancaster, Grady L.
Ledbetter, Hobart
Lee, Edgar T.
Lee, Pafford
Leeper, Albert C.
Leeper, William T.
Lewery, Jonah H.
Lines, Leroy F., Sr.
Long, Argie Elmer
Long, Howell E.
Lunsford, Gradville
Lunsford, Grandville L.
Lunsford, Jessie Fielder
McArath, Mellan
McComic, Robert D.
McCorkle, Thomas A.
McDonald, Jacob
McElrath, Jim
McKinney, Henry R.
McMurry, James A.
McMurry, John T.
McMurray, J. H.
Malone, Eathan B.
Maness, John
Manes, Leslie D.
Maples, E. G.
Martin, James D.
Martin, Haywood
Maynes, John H.
Mayo, Wesley, Aceles
Mays, Claud N.
Mays, George Thomas
Mays, James C.
Mays, James Kinney
Miller, Joe P.
Miller, John B.
Miller, Silas
Mitchell, James Richard
Modlin, Claud
Montgomery, Herbert
Moore, Hubert
Moore, J. A.
Moore, James M.
Moore, Jim
Moore, Joseph Madison
Moore, Kenneth G.
Moore, Pafford
Moore, Robert E.
Morris, Robert G.
Murphy, Jimmy
Murphy, George W.
Murphy, Hurd
Myracle, John W.
Myracle, William D.
Nickels, Clarence
Nickels, Jim
Nolen, Clyde M.
Odle, Volney A.
Parsons, John
Partin, Carl
Patterson, Walter P.
Pearson, Dow
Pearson, Robert L.
Pierce, Hubert
Pinkerton, William E.
Pinkley, Connie
Pinkley, Eugene
Pope, Bentiley
Pratt, John A.
Pratt, Lowell H.
Price, D. R.
Pritchard, Fred D.
Quinn, Samuel Lee
Quinn, Thomas Carl
Quinn, Willie G.
Rainey, Norman
Rains, Hurshell L.
Raney, Allie O.
Raney, Edgar
Raney, John R.
Ray, Win. Hence
Reed, Henry W.
Rhoades, Tavy Rogers
Rhoads, George M.
Riggs, Arthur
Rimmer, Henry Robert
Roach, Jessie
Roberts, Herbert G.
Roberts, Oscar H.
Rogers, Barney Lee
Rogers, James W.
Rogers, Samuel T.
Rogers, William T.
Rushing, William C.
Russell, Marshel
Scott, Carl Ester
Scott, Carter Absolm
Scott, Connie
Scott, Festur J.
Scott, Hollis W.
Scott, Thomas H.
Seltzer, Robert Carrel
Sewell, Charley E.
Shannon, Marcus Falcon
Shannon, Thomas J.
Shelby, Willie
Shields, John
Singleton, Sanford E.
Smith, Alfred F.
Smith, C. B.
Smith, Eligah Torbett
Smith, John T. Jr.
Smith, Myron Cortel
Smith, Stanley L.
Sparks, Ebb W.
Sparks, Noah
Spencer, George W.
Stegall, Walter
Striegel, Roy Benjamin
Surratt, Henry B.
Sykes, Rube J.
Sykes, Troy
Tarlton, A. C.
Tate, Blount E.
Tate, Willis A.
Taylor, Charlie Bedford
Taylor, Jessie C.
Taylor, Vester
Thomas, Thurman H.
Thompson, John F.
Thweatt, William T.
Tolley, John W.
Townsend, Leonard O.
Townsend, Revo H.
Townsend, William A.
Treese, Tom
Tubbs, Bill
Tubbs, Ross
Tuck, William A.
Tuck, Wilson A.
Tucker, Albert L.
Tuten, William A.
Usry, Eddie Bryan
Vise, Elmer
Vise, Elmer E.
Volner, James H.
Volner, Jim
Volner, Murry
Wade, Jim Harvie
Wallace, Jessie
Warren, John
Warren, Willie
Warren, W. Ray
Watson, Win. Leslie
Watson, Williard C.
Welsch, Clyde
Welch, Connie B.
Welch, Floyd
Welch, Thomas
Welch, Willie F.
White, A. L.
White, Ben
White, Charles Dentis
White, Charles O.
White, Clyde
White, German Spiller
White, James Maderson
White, Thomas A.
White, Walter
White, William C.
White, William E.
White, William H.
White, Willie A.
Witherspoon, Tom
Woods, Anderson Columbus
Wright, Fount H.
Wright, John E.
Wyatt, John T.
Yarbro, James William
Yarbro, Welborn
Young, John Edward
Wounded
ARMY
Austin, Odie H.
Baker, James S.
Butler, Elmer S.
Camp, Edward A.
Coats, John A.
Faulkner, Jesley W.
Harrington, James W.
Lemons, Tommie F.
McMurry, Travis M.
Miller, Joseph
Singleton, Elison H.
Swift, John A.
Taylor, Connie A.
Tomlin, James R.
MARINES
Calhoun, Aubrey Simpson
Durbin, Edward
Keeton, Dewey Bryan
Mclllwain, Terrell
Rogers, Rube
SAILORS
Bledsoe, James
Cotham, Pred Kirsh
Cotham, Howard Haynes
Goff, Elsie Edward
Goff, Perry Albert
Grice, Green Berry
Lee, Bernard Edward
Thompson, Win. Osco
Walker, John Thomas
Wheat, Sam Henry
A Marker is placed on the lawn of Decatur County Court House in Decaturville with the names of World War I Veterans on one half of the marker and the names of World War II Veterans who gave their life for their country on the. other half. Listed at the top of the Marker are these words, Dedicated to the everlasting memory of those in Decatur County who gave their lives in the service of their country."
The list reads like this:
WORLD WAR
HONOR LIST OF DEAD
DECATUR COUNTY
ARMY
BARBER, Leonard L.,N/A
BRASHER, Wilsie, PVT
HARRINGTON, David A., PVT
IVY, Elbert C., PVT
JONES, Joseph E., PVT
JONES, Oscar N., PVT
KINDLE, Clyde D., PVT
KENNEDY, Joe T., PVT
LACY, Charlie A., PVT
LEDBETTER, John Hobert, PVT
LOCKHART, James N., PVT
MOORE, James, C., PVT
NICHOLS, Clarence, PVT
NICHOLS, James J., PVT
PREVAT, Andrew, PVT
STEED, William E., PVT
SYKES, Troy R., PVT
VOLNER, Murray A., PVT
WALKER, John H., PVT
WATSON, Willard C., PFC
WELCH, Thomas C., PVT
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS
No Casualties Reported
Veterans of World War I, Decatur County Barracks 1926, hold Memorial Services at this marker on Veteran's Day and place a big floral wreath, in red, white and blue colors.
On the World War II half of the front of the marker are the following listed names:
WORLD WAR II CASUALTY LIST
DECATUR COUNTY
ARMY
Aaron, Cleatur
Baker,Joe D., PEG, KIA
Ballinger, Frank M., SGT, KIA
Bowman, Onis A., CPL, NBC
Brasher, Vernon E., PVT, KIA
Collett, Howard J., CPL, NBC
Collett, Jessie J., SGT, KIA
Cornwell, Grady D., 2LT, KIA
Darnall, Jesse D., PEG, KIA
Davis, Charles B., PEC, KIA
Fitzgerald, Baxter D., PVT, DOW
Griggs, Gordon
Gurley, Robert I.
Haley, Robert P., CPT, NBC
Hardin, Grover, PFC, KIA
Houston, L. J., PVT, KIA
Howell, Curry C., TSG. KIA
King, Curry, PVT, KIA
Lancaster, Jessie C.
Lindsey, William L.
Long, Harry F., 1LT, KIA
Mays, James F., PVT, KIA
McCorkle, Coy M., SGT, KIA
McCorkle, Wallace
McCorkle, Mames
Moore, Howard E., PVT, KIA
Montgomery, William L.
Pratt, Joseph D., PVT, KIA
Rushing, Vergil L., 1SG, KIA
Smith, George B., PEG, NBC
Thomas, Odis A., PEG, DOW
NAVY
Bowman, Glennie Welden, SM1c, NBC
Carrington, Floyd Powell, LTJG, NA
Dodson, Leonard Ray, MM1c, NBC
Graves, Barney McCoy, CS, NA
Ivey, Everett Leon, EM1c, NA
McCorkle, James William, ARM1c, NBC
Milam, L. B., SM1c, NA
Morris, Ben Tavener, Jr., SM1c, NA
Vise, William George, HA1c, D/K POW
World War II
War was declared against Japan the day following the Pearl Harbor Attack on December 7, 1941. President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress for a declaration of war against Japan. War with Germany followed. Soon the numbers were in the millions as they fought on the sea, on land and in the air.
Unlike World War I, this war was a mechanized war. Guns, tanks, planes, trucks, submarines, fighting vessels, supply and troop vessels and many other types of equipment were used.
In Tennessee efforts were even much greater than in World War I. Bonds were bought by the hundreds of millions. Production was increased. Numerous war plants and camps were established. The largest camps were at Tullahoma, Smyrna, Clarksville, Paris and Millington. A shell-loading plant was established at Milan and a T.N.T. plant near Chattanooga. Perhaps the most important plant of all was Oak Ridge where much of the work was done on the atomic bombs. A Decatur County textile plant, Salant, Inc. had a number of government contracts and made clothing for the soldiers.
Tennesseans were in the thick of battle as usual. They rejoiced when Germany and Japan surrendered.
Decatur County Registrants
The above information was compiled from the following sources. The Study of Tennessee by Joseph H. Parks, Ph. D. Stanley J. Folmshee, Ph.D.
Aaron, James E.
Adams, Claud W.
Adams, Edward M.
Adams, Elmer M.
Adams, James O.
Adams, James V.
Adams, Mac Ray
Adams, Max Ray
Adams, Neil
Adams, Urel
Adkins, Aaron
Adkins, Clearence
Adkins, Ray
Adkinson, Albert F.
Adkisson, Clifford L.
Adkisson, Willie A.
Adkisson, Woodrow C.
Akin, Edgar C.
Alexander, Fred
Alexander, James E.
Alexander, James William
Alexander, Jerry P.
Alexander, Joe H.
Alexander, Max L.
Alexander, William T. Jr.
Allen, Covie P.
Allen, James W.
Allen, Vernon C.
Anderson, Barney
Anderson, Earl C.
Anderson, James Lewis
Arnold, James E.
Arrington, Youel J.
Austin, Edgar L.
Austin, Ernest C.
Austin, Ernest E.
Austin, James C.
Autry, Oily B.
Autry, James A.
Averett, William B.
B
Baker, Austin C.
Baker, Basil B.
Baker, Bennie W.
Baker, Carl Reed
Baker, Charlie E.
Baker, Clevie Denver
Baker, Elco D.
Baker, Esque N.
Baker, Hual P.
Baker, Hugh L.
Baker, Jay J.
Baker, Joe D.
Baker, Jordan
Ballinger, D. B.
Ballard, George W.
Barber, W.G.
Barnes, James A.
Barnickel, Alva Allen
Barnickle, Lafayette
Bartholomew, C.W.
Bateman, Billy
Bateman, Hallie
Bateman, Jamie
Bateman, Thomas
Baugus, Wallace R.
Bawcum, Charlie C.
Bawcum, Gray L.
Bawcum, Herschel
Bawcum, Jack
Bawcum, John David
Bell, Grady Wilfred AF
Bell, Jack
Benthal, Marshal T.
Bibbs, Cecil C.
Bivins, Erles T.
Bivins, Ernest M.
Bivins, Paul E.
Blackstock, Grady M.
Blankenship, Currie Tipt
Blankenship, Felix W.
Blount, Harlan B.
Blount, Robert L.
Blount, Joe L.
Blount, Millard A.
Boroughs, Charlie E.
Bowman, Albert L.
Bowman, Carl L.
Bowman, Herbert E.
Bowman, Jack
Bowman, Onis A.
Bowman, Onis
Bowman, Paul G.
Bowman, Rudolph H.
Bowman, Thomas H.
Box, Gilbert
Box, James Curtis
Box, Virgie R.
Box, William L.G.
Boyd, Clarence A.
Boyd, Edward M.
Boyd, Jimmie D. Jr.
Boyd, Lawrence Lee AF
Brasher, Welton F.
Brasher, Ben F.
Brasher, Coy
Brasher, Ennis R.
Brasher, J. W.
Brasher, James M.
Brasher, Jerry E.
Brasher, Jimmy H.
Brasher, Joe L.
Brasher, Jesse G.
Brasher, Manes V.
Brasher, Paul
Brasher, Ralph C.
Brasher, Ray E.
Brasher, Vernon
Brasher, Walter K.
Brasher, William Adylott
Brasher, Willie
Brewer, Osco
Brewer, William A.
Brigance, Hubert E.
Brigance, William F.
Bright, C. H.
Bright, Harry W.
Britt, Clayburn
Britt, John T.
Britt, Leon Edgar
Britten, Glen M.
Brock, John
Brooks, Robert 2.
Brown, Alton W.
Brown, James Ray
Brown, Johnnie
Brown, Laurel E.
Bryant, J. W.
Buchanan, Hugh D.
Burns, John Lewis
Burton, Cuthbert A. Jr.
Butler, William C. Jr.
Butler, Max R.
Byrd, C. Ray
C
Cagle, Denver, J. D.
Cagle, William J.
Cagle, William L.
Cagle, William P.
Campbell, J. D.
Campbell, Joe
Campbell, John R.
Campbell, Malcolm
Campbell, Richard R
Campbell, William C.
Campbell, Willie
Camper, Clovis
Carrington, Asley H.
Carrington, Casey
Carrington, Fay
Carrington, Joe
Carrington, Ira Lee
Carrington, Royal C.
Carrington, William T.
Carver, Clifford Lee
Carver, T. J.
Carver, Winford D.
Chalk, Glen W.
Cherry, Cecil
Cherry, Russell F.
Chumney, Raymond Gordon
Chumney, Rex Albon
Churchwell, Delmos
Churchwell, Elbert P.
Clark, Neal
Clark, T. J. Jr.
Clenney, Edgar L.
Clenney, Elco W.
Clenney, Grady B.
Clenney, James C.
Clenney, Otis S.
Clenney, Olen D.
Clenney, Thomas J.
Clenney, William Franklin
Clenney, Willie E.
Clifft, John L.
Coates, James Hurlet
Coble, Curtiss C.
Coble, Frank J.
Cole, Harold Francis
Cole, Merritt E.
Coleman, Charlie G.
Coleman, Henry T.
Collett, Perry L.
Colwick, Glennie L.
Colwick, Marshall W.
Coiner, Charlie W.
Conder, John R
Conder, Ray M.J.
Conder, Van Buron
Conrad, Connie G. W.
Conrad, Dewey Clifford
Conrad, Fay D.
Conrad, Hudie
Conrad, Parker
Cordle, C. L.
Cordle, Ernest W.
Cordle, J. W.
Cordle, Leales
Cordle, Liggie L.
Cordle, Robert C.
Cordle, Thomas L.
Cotham, Edward C.
Cotham, Joe
Cotham, Fred Jr.
Cotham, Thomas W.
Cottrell, Herman E.
Cottrell, O. T.
Craft, William C.
Crawley, William C.
Creasy, J.T.
Crews, Earl O.
Crews, Leonard Ezra
Crosby, James Earl
Crosby, Johnie W.
Crosby, Lester Frank
Crosby, William M.
Cruse, John R.
Cruse, Ruby R.
CuIp, James H.
Curry, Eugene
Curry, Paul J.
Curtis, Hubert M.
Curtis, Hershell B.
D
Davis, Dee C. Jr.
Daily, Fred B.
Davis, Glen R.
Davis, James E.
Davis, James H.
Davis, Johnny J.
Davis, Lester Ray
Davis, Marvin C.
Davis, Paul W.
Deere, Wilbert
Dees, Johnnie E.
Delaney, Cecil H.
Denison, Mack
Dennison, James B.
Dixon, Melvis
Dixon, Willie F.
Dodd, Biffle D.
Dodd, Ernest Ruble
Dodd, Fred H.
Dodson, Leonard Ray
Doherty, Charlie J.
Doherty, Connie E.
Doyel, Clarence O.
Doyal, J. C.
Doyle, William
Duck, Billy C.
Duck, David H.
Duck, F?ed "J"
Duck, J"' B'
Duck, Roy Benton
Duke, Casey E.
Duke, Hallie Louis
Duke, Lucion B.
Duke, Ray
Duke, Rex
Duke, Troy
Duke, Woodrow
Duncan, Howell Craig
Duncan, Oscar L. Jr.
Dunavant, Buren L.
Dunavant, Edd W.
Dyer, Robert L.
E
Eason, Bob R.
Eason, Charles J.
Eason, Charlie E.
Eason, Edgar L.
Eason, Walter G.
Eaton, Rubert S.
Edmonds, Milford H.
Elliott, Eddie
England, James L.
England, Jim
Etheridge, J" C"
Evans, James E.
Evans, Thomas J.
F
Faulkner, Jasper P.
Fiddler, Jesse C.
Fisher, Byrd B.
Fisher, Coy V.
Fisher, James
Fisher, James W.
Fisher, James M.
Fisher, Marshall
Fisher, Marvin Curtis
Fisher, Perry R.
Fisher, Sidney L.
Fisher Willie ‘T"
Fisher, Willard I.
Fisher, William Elston
Fitzgerald, Baxter Denis
Flatt, Erskine L.
Franks, Ruben I.
Free, Louis E.
Freeman, William R. AF
Frith, Ellsworth
Frizzell, Ernest L.
Fuller, Kermit B. AF
Funderburk, Earl F.
Funderburk, William E.
G
Garrard, Leo
Garrett, Roy E.
Garrett, Wilson C.
Gathings, Parker L.
Gibson, Arthur L.
Gibson, Berry
Gibson, Henry B.
Gibson, James Harding AF
Gibson, James Harding
Gibson, Robert H.
Gilbert, Orbie R.
Gilbert, Sammie L.
Gilbert, William E.
Gist, James W.
Goff, James R.
Goff, Selma W.
Gooch, O. C.
Gooch, O. T.
Goodman, James L.
Goodman, James T.
Goodman, Jessie T.
Goodman, John T.
Goodman, Kenneth F.
Goodman, Warren G.
Gordon, Luther G.
Graves, James Kenneth
Graves, Jessie P.
Gray, Joe H.
Greenway, Casey Jones
Greenway, George L.
Greenway, Henry C.
Greer, Erbie N.
Grice, Neulon H.
Griffin, Hugh I.
Grimsley, C. L.
Groom, L. T.
Gurley, Cove H.
Gurley, Hanley Voist
Gurley, Harold "B'
Gurley, John F.
Gurley, Robert Clarence
Guthrie, Wayne H.
Gurley, Wilson W.
H
Haggard, Bradie C.
Haggard, Chessie T.
Haggard, Silas A.
Haggard, Stanley G.
Halbrook, Guy
Hardin, Amos F.
Hardin, Grover
Hardin, William George
Hardin, William
Hardison, L. M.
Harrell, Bill
Harrington, Almond F.
Harrington, Bobbie T.
Harrison, Robert Lawrence
Hartley, Richard C.
Hayes, Earl A.
Hayes, Harry L.
Hayes, Raymond G.
Hays, Ben W. H.
Hays, Luther
Hayes, William Thomas
Haynes, William R.
Haynes, Uriel W.
Hays, Bennie R.
Hays, Cecil
Hays, Joe W.
Hays, Lavon A.
Hays, Milford L.
Hays, Orvel
Hays, Ralph E.
Hays, Thomas Newton
Hearington, Rex
Hedgepath, William E.
Henderson, Otto I.
Hendrix, Lazonal Yot AF
Hendrix, Obie P.
Hickerson, James C.
Hicks, Oval L.
Higgins, Ollie J.
Hill, Gordon B.
Hill, James L.
Hodge, Chester L.
Holley, Reeder
Holt, Albert Franklin
Hooten, Franklin R.
Hooten, Keelin
Hopper, Harold Ivey
Hopper, William Marles
Hoskins, Tom F.
Houston, Dewey Edward
Houston, Foley C.
Houston, James C.
Houston, James L.
Houston, James Ray
Houston, Melvin O.
Houston, Odell W.
Houston, Raymond O.
Houston, Robert L.
Houston, T. W.
Houston, Thomas J.
Houston, William Glen
Houston, Wilton R.
Hurst, Cleo V.
Hustead, Dorothy Dees
Hutson, James L.
Hutson, Joe W.
Hutson, Philip Edward
I
Inman, Floyd
Inman, Garvis G.
Inman, Harding W.
Inman, Loyd A.
Ivey, Arthur M. Jr.
Ivey, Charlie E.
Ivey, Cledous R
Ivey, Elbert F.
Ivey, Forrest
Ivey, Gilbert U.
Ivey, J. C.
Ivey, Joe Wayne
Ivey, Woodrow W.
Ivy, James E.
Ivy, Newman L.
Ivy, Van R.
J
Jackson, Emmitt G.
Jackson, Joe O.
Jennings, Evan J.
Jennings, Henry H.
Jennings, Jack R.
Jennings, Jay R.
Jennings, Torbet, E.
Johnson, Clyde H.
Johnson, Coy V.
Johnson, George M.
Johnson, Dr. Glen
Johnson, Grady Earl
Johnson, Haskell L.
Johnson, J. W.
Johnson, James H.
Johnson, Joseph Leon
Johnson, Kenneth J.
Johnson, Mather
Johnson, Odie
Johnson, William D.
Jones, James C.
Jones, James O.
Jones, Neal G.
Jones, Paul T.
Jordan, Earl
Jordan, Elihu
Jordan, George H.
Jordan, Leonard R.
Jordan, Oris C. Jr.
K
Keen, Charley C.
Keen, Reba Fleetwood
Keen, Wylie S.
Keeton, Charles R.
Keeton, Hollis L.
Keeton, Lewis R.
Keeton, Ovid A.
Keeton, Sanders L.
Kelley, Henry
Kelley, Jessie R.
Kelley, Johnie C.
Kelley, Logan F.
Kelley, T. W.
Kennedy, Guy Elmer
Kennedy, Guy T.
Kennedy, Hoover W.
Kennedy, Joe T.
Kennedy, Walbert H.
Kennedy, William O.
Keymon, Claude A.
Kindle, Arlie M.
Kindle, Charlie Arvil
Kindle, Jerry Lynn
Kindle, John W. Sr.
Kindle, Newton
Kindle, Riley
Kindle, Riley
Kindle, Robert H.
Kindle, William C.
King, Bonnie
King, Luther
Knight, Gordon, L.
Knight, Robert C. Jr.
Knight, Willie E. Jr.
L
Lancaster, Babe M.
Lancaster, Gordon
Lancaster, James Luther
Lancaster, Jesse R.
Lancaster, Kenneth
Lansford, Edwin G.
Laster, Arvel
Laster, James E.
Lee, Ray
Lee, Robert E.
Leeper, Paul Boyd
Lines, Leroy F., Sr.
Lindsey, Noble C.
Lindsey, Troy
Lindsey, William Loyd
Linton, Fred L.
Linton, Thomas M.
Lipshie, Joseph
Livingston, Curtley D.
Livingston, Gearl
Livingston, O. T.
Livingston, Gordon B.
Lomax, Charles
Lomax, Connie E.
Lomax, Johnnie H.
Lomax, Otis P.
Lomax, William C.
Long, Gordon C.
Long, Herbert P.
Long, Johnnie M. L.
Long, Richard Thomas
M
McBride, Bernard
McBride, Jim F.
McClure, James M.
McClure, William L.
McComic, Robert E.
McCorkle, Jahue T.
McCorkle, Wallace F.
McCormick, James
McCormick, Verdell L.
McCutcheon, Fred W.
McDonald, Leroy
McElrath, James B.
McElrath, Richard M.
Mclllwain, Harold Alexander
Mclllwain, John T. AF
McKinney, William A.
McMurray, James A.
McMurry, Martin J.
McPeak, Walter
McPeake, Martha Lois
Malcolm, Tom Ellis
Mallard, Homer T.
Maners, Rubert A.
Maness, Eugene M.
Maness, George O.
Maness, Gordon B.
Maness, James U.
Maness, Joseph C.
Marchbanks, Robert
Marshall, Herbert
Marshall, K.Z.
Marshall, Thomas
Martin, James B. Jr.
Martin, James K.
Martin, James William
Maxwell, Max Ray
Maxwell, Odell
Mays, Albert H.
Mays, Billy
Mays, Charles G.
Mays, Edward L.
Mays, Houston B.
Mays, James
Mays, James E.
Mays, James P.
Mays, R.B.
Mays, Stanley R.
Mays, Vernon R.
Medlin, Cleo
Medlin, Raymond L.
Meggs, James A.
Milam, Ruel
Milam, Van M.
Milam, William C.
Miller, Clarence D.
Miller, Carl I.
Miller, Clyde O.
Miller, Donald B.
Miller, Gordon Browning
Miller, J.B.
Miller, Leo D.
Miller, Marshall G.
Miller, Mossie R.
Miller, Olan Thomas
Miller, Ray V.
Miller, Robert T.
Miller, Trio
Miller, Wesley W.
Mills, Ottis R.
Mitchell, Gilford
Mitchell, Johnnie
Mitchell, Kenneth D.
Mitchell, Paul A.
Mitchell, Richard E.
Mitchell, Richard E.
Moffatt, James W. Jr.
Monday, Warren
Montgomery, Alvis H.
Montgomery, Carmon
Montgomery, Earl Dee
Montgomery, Edward H.
Montgomery, Ernest L.
Montgomery, George A.
Montgomery, James A.
Montgomery, Johnson C.
Montgomery, Nealous L.
Montgomery, Otto L.
Montgomery, R.T.
Montgomery, Thomas J.
Montgomery, W. R.
Moody, Alton R.
Moody, Birks
Moody, Roy A.
Moore, Clyde Lee
Moore, Harbert Buron
Moore, James H.
Moore, James Mack
Moore, Joe B.
Moore, Joe
Moore, Joseph Lee
Moore, Joseph Lewis
Moore, John T.
Moore, Lee M.
Moore, Ottis ‘Bill"
Moore, Paul D.
Moore, Rogers L.
Moore, Roy
Moore, Walter Thomas
Moore, Willie B.
Moore, William Rex
Morgan, James V.
Morgan, Thomas E.
Morris, Albert Leon
Mullican, Amond Burnice
Murphy, James C.
Murphy, Johnny R.
Myracle, Edwin
Myracle, Heari L.
Myracle, Joseph Perry
Myracle, William R.
N
Nelson, Robert Philip
Niece, Curtis
Nix, Joe L.
Norman, Jess
Nunnery, Noel
O
Odle, Bernard
Odle, Charles W.
Odle, Dorsey A.
Odle, James E.
Odle, Mike J. Jr.
Odle, Ross D.
Odle, Thomas R.
OGwin, Harry Earnest
Oliver, George T.
ONeal, Truaz L.
Oxford, Glennie L.
P
Parish, Harvel
Parish, William
Parsons, James R.
Partin, George E.
Partin, James A.
Pate, McCall
Patterson, Bob Wiley
Patterson, Boyd R.
Patterson, Clyde O.
Patterson, Zade
Patterson, Loyd M.
Patterson, William Logar
Pearcy, Jessie E.
Pearcy, Willie L.
Pearson, Albert David AF
Pearson, Charles F.
Pearson, Herbert D.
Perkins, Paul J.
Perry, William C.
Peterson, Elbert E.
Petitt, Henry Clifford
Pettigrew, Earnest J.
Pettigrew, George L.
Pettigrew, Russell
Pettigrew, George W.
Pettigrew, Herbert L.,
Pettigrew, James E.
Pettigrew, John H.
Pettigrew, Mike
Pettigrew, Vernal W.
Pettigrew, William Ray
Phillips, Arthur
Phillips, Barmer R.
Phillips, James
Phillips, Walter A.
Pitts, J. C.
Pitts, Woodrow
Pomeroy, Almon C.
Pomeroy, William T.
Poore, Carl A.
Pope, Clarence
Pratt, Austin H.
Pratt, Charlie M.
Pratt, Eddie C.
Pratt, J. W.
Pratt, James C.
Pratt, John E.
Pratt, Weldon
Pratt, WIllie E.
Primm, Alma W.
Primm, Earnest C.
Primm, Harry L.
Puller, Kermit B.
Q
Ouinn, Garvis H.
Ouinn, Chester G.
Quinn, Gray C.
Quinn, John E.
Quinn, Joe L.
Quinn, Uless G.
R
Ragsdale, Jack S.
Rainbolt, William E.
Rains, Billy Boyd
Rains, Ernest W.
Rains, James A.
Rains, Leroy
Raney, Johnnie L.
Raney, William
Ray, Jonath L.
Ray, Joseph G.
Redden, Kenneth R.
Redden, William A.
Reed, Rujim
Renfroe, Carrie
Renfroe, Gird W.
Renfroe, Ganiin O.
Renfroe, Jack
Renfroe, Pete
Renfroe, Silas C.
Reynolds, Royce Cleo
Rhodes, John S.
Rhodes, Newt
Rhodes, Olie R.
Rhodes, Pete
Richardson, Clyde
Rickman, Willie R.
Riggs, James W.
Riggs, Sybern W.
Riley, Chess
Riley, J. D.
Rimmer, Joe W.
Rivins, Ernest M.
Roach, James R.
Robertson, Fred R.
Robertson, Johnny
Rogers, Rev. Floyd
Rogers, Gerald B.
Rogers, Paul
Rosson, Ollie
Rosson, William E.
Rushing, Claude A.
Rushing, Earl H.
Rushing, Elbert G.
Rushing, Hasting S.
Rushing, Herschel Lee
Rushing, Voyd
S
Sales, Buster
Sanders, Leslie Glen
Sanders, Lexie G.
Scott, Dover T.
Scott, Fred Vernon
Scott, ‘J" I"
Scott, "J" ‘W"
Scott, James M.
Scott, Jonathan E.
Scott, Kenneth McKeller
Scott, Leland
Scott, Mack
Scott, Malcolm W.
Scott, Milton J.
Scott, Paul L.
Scott, R. C.
Scott, R. T.
Sewell, Robert A. Jr.
Shannon, Albert C.
Shannon, Falcon E.
Shannon, Luther Jr.
Shannon, Neal
Shelby, Edward W.
Shelby, William L.
Sherden, Wallace Thomas
Shipman, William R.
Shute, Maggie Sue Warden
Sims, Grady Colon
Sims, James F.
Singleton, Lelon L.
Smart, Leon
Smith, Alanson Brown
Smith, Billy Sunday
Smith, Charles Billy
Smith, Charles Frederick
Smith, Ernest T.
Smith, Frank R.
Smith, George
Smith, Glinnie G.
Smith, James M.
Smith, James N.
Smith, Jessie H.
Smith, Joseph Fred
Smith, Myron T.
Smith, Ralph L.
Smith, Richard H.
Smith, Robert C.
Smith, Robert U.
Smith, Tommie M.
Smith, Vernon
Smith, Wallace W.
Smith, Will C.
Smith, Willie B.
Snider, Charles R.
Spain, Clyde R.
Spain, Luther M.
Sparks, Gilman E.
Sparks, Ruil
Spence, Edward C.
Spence, Felix B.
Spence, John Theodore
Spence, Wilford P.
Staggs, Audrey Jenny
Stanfill, Clyde R.
Starnes, Marvin
Stegall, Homer T.
Stegall, Roscoe C.
Stephens, Shelby
Stephens, Vaughan R.
Stewart, Odis C.
Stigall, Edward F.
Stokes, Guy L.
Stokes, Leon
Stone, Barney L.
Stone, James E.
Stone, Robert L.
Stone, Terry L.
Stout, James W.
Stout, John Smith
Stout, John William
Stout, Thomas D. Jr.
Stuart, Thomas L.
Sullivan, Cony R.
Sullivan, Coy A.
Sullivan, Glenn W.
Surett, Loye
Swafford, James P.
Swift, Barney L.
Swift, Jerry J.
Swift, Robert Thomas
Sykes, Curtis D.
T
Tate, Billy M.
Tate, edward E.
Taylor, Earnest R.
Taylor, Floyd E.
Taylor, James C.
Taylor, Joe
Taylor, Joseph J.
Taylor, Lonzo D.
Taylor, Neis McCoy
Taylor, Osco O.
Teague, George A.
Teague, Ollie R.
Thomas, Guy P.
Thomas, Odell
Thomas, Oliver A. Jr.
Thompson, Charlie C.
Thompson, William M.
Tillman, J. L. Jr.
Tillman, J. T. Jr.
Tillman, Willie H.
Tinsley, Johnnie D.
Tinsley, William F.
Todd, Fred ‘M"
Todd, Leroy Wendell
Tole, Kelley
Toles, Earnest H.
Tolley, Cecil D.
Tolley, Connie Way
Tolley, Ernest E.
Tolley, Eugene
Tolley, James M.
Tolley, John P.
Tolley, Leslie T.
Tolley, Loy A
Tolley, Provincher
Tolley, Paul D.
Tolley, Roby J.
Tolley, Ronnie
Tolley, Troy L.
Townsend, Cecil B.
Townsend, Kenneth
Townsend, Earl W.
Treenway, George W.
Tubbs, Edward S.
Tucker, Abe H.
Tucker, David E.
Tucker, Dwayne V.
Tucker, Blame
Tucker, Habert W. V.
Tucker, Liamon P.
Tucker, Mather N.
Tucker, Reaford L.
Tucker, William B.
Tucker, William H.
Tucker, Willard J.
Turpin, Harry E.
Turpin, William E.
Turnbo, Grady H.
Turnbo, William R.
Turner, Bill B.
Turner, Bruce E.
Tuten, A. C. Bud'
Tuten, Ernest P.
Tuten, Mack F.
Tuten, Robert C.
Tuten, Robert
Tuten, W. R.
Tuten, W. H.
Tuten, Wiley W.
Tyler, Denver
U
Usry, Ceacle R.
V
Vancleave, Celton D.
Vaughn, Forrest T.
Vaughn, Joe B.
Veal, Alton A.
Veal, R. M.
Vise, Earnest R.
Vise, Elmer E. Jr.
Vise, Elmer Floyd
Vise, John Dee
Vise, William G.
Vise, William G.
Volner, Ellis A.
Volner, James H.
Volner, Louis J.
Volner, William Henry
W
Wade, James R.
Walker, Granville
Walker, James E.
Walker, James R.
Walker, Leeroy
Walker, R. T.
Wallace, Audrian
Wallace, Charles A.
Wallace, Henry B.
Wallace, James M.
Wallace, Jess M.
Wallace, Millard
Wallace, Ralph D.
Wallace, Robie
Wallace, Stanley Howell
Wallace, William D.
Wallace, William E.
Wallace, Willis T.
Warren, Roy
Warrington, James W.
Watson, Harrell F.
Watson, Hugh F.
Watson, Fred Willard
Weatherford, James W.
Weatherford, Johnnie T.
Weatherford, Steven B.
Webster, Charles
Welch, John T.
Wells, James
West, James B. Jr.
West, John W.
West, Louis L.
West, Mitchell
Western, Logan T.
Wheat, Harry Clay
Wheat, Hugh Earl A
Wheat, Hugh E.
Wheat, Robert Lewis
Wheat, Sam Ed
Wheat, Tommie E.
White, Bon, Clayton Jr.
White, Charlie F.
White, Elmo Floyd
White, George W.
White, Gordon B.
White, Jake
White, John T.
White, Lloyd J.
White, Odell C.
White, Oscar William
White, Palmer E.
White, Paul Chester
White, William O.
Wilkens, Elbert O.
Wilkins, Dorsey E.
Wilkins, Fred J.
Wilkins, Glen Toss
Wilkins, James Gordie
Wilkins, Vernal J.
Williams, Robert P. AF
Williford, Theodore R.
Willis, R. C.
Wilson, Malcolm J.
Wood, James Elbert
Woods, Joe D.
Woods, Nealie
Woods, Ottis T.
Wortham, George L.
Wortham, Herbert P.
Wright, Jesse P.
Wright, Phelia G.
Wright, Walker E.
Wright, Willie B.
Wyatt, Clifford C.
Wyatt, James R.
Wyatt, Parker R.
Wylie, James E.
Y
Yates, Wayne
Yarbro, Clyde Jr.
Yarbro, Jacob F.
Yarbro, James L.
Yarbro, James W.
Yarbro, Forrest
Yarbro, Georgia D.
Yarbro, Leo
Yarbro, Tom R.
Yarbro, Walter G.
Young, Cecil O. Jr.
Younger, Joseph H.
Mrs. Donna Rogers of Decaturville was a four star mother, having four sons serving in World War II. Mrs. Rogers sons were Sam, Jess, Will and Weaver.
Mrs. Bessie Odle of Sugar Tree was a five star Mother, having five sons serve in the Worfd War II. Her sons were James Earl, Charles William, Bernard, Thomas Richard and Ross Odle.
Mrs. Maude Tuten had six children in her family and five of them served in the Armed Forces. They are W.H., A.C., W.R., Porter and Martha Lois Tuten McPeake. The first four served a 20 year stretch each.
Tennessee State Guard
Created by Chapter 15, Public Act of the State of Tennessee, 1941.
For the purpose of replacing the National Guard which was being mobilized to enter World War II.
The Fourth Provisional Company was organized beginning April 28, 1942 and reached full strength and duly commissioned as an active company on November 16, 1942. The first officers of the company being:
G. Tiliman Stewart, Principal of Parsons High School as Captain
Arthur F. Tolley, Mgr. Holcomb Produce Company and Parsons Mortuary as 1st
Lt.
Audrey Plautt Maxwell, Shop Foreman, Townsend Chevrolet Co., as 2nd Lt.
Ernest Sylvester Yates, Foreman, Salant Company, as 2nd Lt.
Walter Eugene McPeak, 2nd Lt.
Leonard O. Townsend, Co-owner of Townsend Chevrolet Co., as Top Sgt.
Harold White, Manager, Salant Company, as Supply Sgt.
Hobart L. Townsend, Cashier, Farmers Bank, as Company Clerk
Capt. G. Tillman having resigned his position as principal of Parsons High School and returned to his native home of Lexington, Tennessee, thereby creating a vacancy and Lt. Ernest Sylvester Yates was promoted to Captain and served only thirty days and resigned; thereupon Hobart L. Townsend was promoted from Company Clerk to Captain under Colonel A. Lacy Price of Jackson, Tennessee. Captain Townsend commanded the company the remainder of its duration. Other promotions to Lieutenants from the ranks during the remainder of the duration were:
Donald Bangs, Foreman, Salant Company
Joseph Harmon Younger, Foreman, Salant Company
Arthur R. Evans, Jr., Student
Wylie F. Jones, State employee
There were 120 men in the Company at the beginning composed of men throughout Decatur County ages 16 to 60. According to an annual Federal inspection report of the Company on April 18, 1946, sixty of the original men in the Company had gone into the armed forces of World War II and a remainder of the strength of thirty eight enlisted men and four officers, or a total of forty two remaining in the Company on April 18, 1946.
The Company drilled on one night each week for three hours, went to other places as Jackson, Milan, Shiloh National Park on various weekend maneuvers, bivouacs, mock battles, etc. and on many occasions went out around Parsons on the Townsend Farm on weekend maneuvers and encampment where many bar-b-ques were staged with high officials from Jackson, Memphis, and Milan, Tennessee attending, including General A. Lacy Price of Jackson, Major Clyde Thompson of Milan and Colonel George Brasher of Jackson and many other officers from other companies in surrounding communities.
The Guard was called upon on a few occasions to take charge of and guard military airplanes in the community which had been forced to land in the community and even one plane had crashed in the Tennessee River near or under the Alvin C. York Bridge crossing Tennessee River, now Kentucky Lake, and on one occasion, the Guard was alerted and put into a standby position in prospect of being called into active duty at Columbia, Tennessee, due to a race riot in that community.
Much experience was gained by many of the young men in the Guard which prepared them for better service when they entered the Armed Forces of the United States in World War II.
When World War II ended shortly after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, the Tennessee State Guard was ordered demobilized since it was only created for a period of time from its beginning in 1941 ending thirty days after the Tennessee National Guard returned to its home base. The complete dissolution of the Fourth Provisional Company of Parsons, Tennessee was effective April 15, 1947 at which time Captain Hobart L. Townsend was promoted to Major by the late Governor Jim Nance McCord.
The Korean War
The Korean War occurred as a result of an invasion of South Korea by Communist controlled North Korea in 1950. This invasion was carried out by both regular North Korean troops aided by Soviet equipment, and later by troops of Communist China. President Truman called for a force to stop this invasion and Korea became the first war wherein the United Nations used armed force to "Keep The Peace."
The Korean War resulted in over 50,000 American casualties. An armistice was finally signed after prolonged talks and protected border was established by U.N. troops along the 38th Parallel, which divides north and south Korea. The United States, as a matter of continuing foreign policy has maintained a sizable force in south Korea to the present time to deter aggression and aid the development of a modern south Korean army.
Names of Decatur County veterans who served in the Korean War and whose names have been called in to the authur are as follows: Jack Ray Alexander, Richard Kelley Baird, Jack Bawcum, Henry Bawcum, Dean Bawcum, Grey Lynn Bawcum, Billy Beddingfield, Grady Bell, and O'Neil Baker. Printice M. Chumney, Eugene Chumney, Charles C. Clenney, Parce Collett, William Earl Maness, Clovis Gibson, Edward Griggs, Joel Gibson, Reeder Hayes, Lewis Earl Harris, James Lindsey, Gordon Lee Lancaster, James Frank Martin, Kenneth Gilbert Moore, Troy Murphy, Grady Murphy, Walter Thomas Moore, Kenneth Gilbert Moore, Robert Enloe Moore Jr., William Earl Maness, Harold R. Montgomery, William Edward McClure, Royal Wood, Charles F. Pratt, Richard Pope, Jr., Leo Yarbro, Gerald Rogers, Gordon Marvin Scott, Floyd Taylor, E. L. Taylor, Clarence Lee Taylor, James L. Tolley, and Jerry Taylor.
There were more from the county who served but was unable to secure records.
Korean Conflict
Honor List of Dead and Missing
Decatur County
State of Tennessee
Hamm, James F., PFC, KIA
Jennings, Frank P., PV2, FOD
The Vietnamese Conflict
For a period dating to the mid 1950's the United States became involved in an "Advisor" role to the Government of South Viet Nam. This action was designed to assist the South Vietnamese Army in its struggle with the Communist underground forces known as the "Viet Cong" as the Viet Cong became more and more organized and powerful they began to present a serious threat to the already unstable South Vietnamese Government. By the early 1960's the United States was already in the position of active aid to South Viet Nam. Viet Nam was a situation that was inherited by several American Presidents and by 1964 we became greatly involved as a result of an attack on United States ships in the nearby coastal waters of Viet Nam by North Vietnamese gunboats. This resulted in the Bay of Tonkin resolution passed by Congress. This resolution was often used to justify continued United States involvement in the war.
United States troops poured into South Viet Nam and reached over 500,000. As more United States troops were killed and incidents such as the Meilei Massacre and the invasion of Cambodia occurred, United States public opinion turned against the war.
Viet Nam was a tragic period in American history, with over 50,000 killed and double that figure wounded. President Johnson was forced not to seek re-election because of the war and his role in it. President Nixon finally removed United States forces on a gradual basis after extensive talks with Communist officials of North Viet Nam, held in Paris.
An all-out communist invasion of South Viet Nam resulted in a Communist take over of all of Viet Nam in 1975.
Due to the fact that the Veterans Administration was unable to furnish data concerning Decatur Countians who served in the Viet Nam conflict, some of the families of these veterans have sent their names in as follows:
Jerry Adisson
Gene W. Bledsoe
Vernon L. Benthal
Denver H. Bowman
Jack Bawcum
Henry Bawcum
Robert Bawcum
Freddie Jean Bartholomew
John H. Campbell
Randall J. Cagle
Richard Cotham
Harvey Cotham
Wayne Cagle
Robert Dickson
Lester R. Davis
Fredie A. Fisher
Johnnie Gibson
Mac Arthur Gibson
Michael Griggs
Joe Griggs
Roy Gibbons, Jr.
Tony P. Johnson
Jimmy Jones
Eugene King
David Inman
Jerry W. Lee
Jimmy H. Long
Billy Lomax
Cohn K. Mathis
Jerry Lynn Miller
Edward Milton Mathis
Garney Mathis
Lewis C. Pratt
J. W. Perry
Clifford Henry Pettit, Jr.
Eli Michael Pettit
Logan Patterson
James Robert Perkins
James R. Raney
Donald A. Ruiz
Jerry Wayne Rosson
W. C. Sims
Franklin Rogers Borough
William H. Simpson
Don R. Smith
Guy Lynn Stokes
William Clyde Smith
Bob Stivers
Eugene R. Scott
Bunes Smith
Buddy Tuten
Jerry Paul Teague
Bryan Gene Townsend
Roger D. Tuten
Steven W. Tolley
William Taylor
Vernon Veazey
Clyde Wisham
Harold Dean Weatherford
Jodie Warren
Royah Wood
Garry S. Yarbro
Mike Yarbro
Tony O. Yates
Boyd Lee Young
Endnotes
- Goodspeeds Tenn. History
- Goodspeed's History
- Information collected by Mrs. Marjorie Alexander and Mrs. Blanche Tuten.
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