by: Billy Whitehead
Co D, 35th Mississippi Infantry
CSA
September 12, 2009
An Introduction to the Family of Joshua Alexander Whitehead
As a young man Joshua Alexander Whitehead is said to have headed to Texas.
Likely he was headed to family there in East Texas. He had no horse as all
horses and mules were needed on the farm so he headed out by foot.
Perhaps he crossed the Tombigbee river around Possum town later to become
Columbus. Or maybe he crossed at the better known crossing of Memphis.
Ferry's were plentiful and the river was wider than a young may might risk.
His westward trek would carry him more or less toward the town of Macon on
the Noxubee River. The westward road followed the hills and hollows into
Winston County. The hills were rather easy travel and a meal could be had
for a little work such as chopping wood for a cooking fire. Or perhaps
chopping a garden and maybe feeding the cattle at milk time.
When he reached Winston County rain had swollen the creeks so travel was
difficult. Josh decided to settle in until the travel was better. He found
work there in the Ellison Ridge community with the Henry Avery family. It is
debatable who caught the eye of the other but very soon Joshua Whitehead and
Sarah Avery were thinking of getting hitched. They were married about 1824.
Soon after, they settled in the Coopwood Community where Joshua established
a family. Joshua is listed on all the census rolls from 1830 and had a hand
in building the first courthouse for Winston County carving his signature in
one of one of the seals as Josh Whitehead.
Joshua and Sarah had 8 children. After she died he married Mary Kemp and
they had three more. Charlie Weaver is the last child of Joshua Whitehead
and Mary Kemp Whitehead.
When his second child Mary Ellen died, March 08, 1867 he established the
Whitehead Cemetery because the frozen roads made travel to Ellson Ridge a
dangerous travel. Joshua selected the highest area on his property to bury
his daughter. It is here that most of the immediate family of Joshua
Alexander Whitehead rest.
James Avery Whitehead
Fourth child of 11 of Joshua Alexander Whitehead and Sarah Avery Whitehead..
James was the fourth child after Nancy Ann, Mary Elizabeth and Gracy, James
being the first son to Joshua and Sarah born 1842. He was followed by Samuel
Rip, Sarah Rufine, Lucinda Catherine, Eta Linda. He then married Sarah Duran
with no children. He then married Mary Kemp. There were then the children,
Harriet Docia, Crombie W. and Charlie Weaver
Military
James A. Whitehead was enlisted to the Winston Rifles, 5th Regiment
Mississippi Volunteers on August29, 1861 under Captain James A. Comfort but
later enlisted to the 36th Mississippi May 15, 1862 by William S. Berry for
a period of three years. They were transported on the M&O Railroad to West
Point after stopping in Macon for the Noxubee Rifles.
At West Point they went through a type of orientation then orders were
dispensed and the 35th was sent to Tupelo Mississippi. At Tupelo they were
ordered to the defense of Corinth. The 35th was active at Baldwyn, Iuka,
Pocahontas, and Tennessee then back to Corinth where they were engaged in a
three day fight sustaining heavy looses.
The 35th was under General J. C. Moore at Corinth. Losses were 32 killed 110
wounded and 347 missing. The 35th, Co. D then retreated to Holly Springs
where they reorganized and were ordered to Vicksburg.
It seems that between Holly Springs and Granada they were in a skirmish at
Water Valley. This would have been between October and December 1962. It was
at Coffeeville that James Whitehead was captured as a prisoner of war.
Muster roll for November - December 1962 show James Whitehead AOL.
Muster roll for January-February 1863 show him AOL, last paid September 1 by
W.E. Gibbs
He is then found at the Provost at Holly Springs where he is designated to
Alton Illinois Federal Prison.
POW card show that he was received at Alton Ill June 10 1862. He is shown
captured March 15, 1862 at Coffeeville, Mississippi.
Muster roll, March - June 30 1863 with the reporting note Died Mar 15, 1863
The next record shows, Captured December 5, 1862 and died March 16, 1863
Alton Isle Confederate Prison
Alton Prison was opened in 1833 as the first penitentiary with 24 cells. It
quickly grew to 296 cells. By 1855 the 296 cells held 332 inmates and was
credited with deplorable conditions. It was infamous as a disease ridden
pest-house. In 1859 a new prison was opened in Juliet and by 1860 Alton was
closed.
In 1862 the St Louis Federal prison was overcrowded so Alton was opened as a
federal prison. Some of the prisoners from St. Louis were moved to Alton but
Confederate POW, insurgents, Southern Sympathizers and those considered to
be assisting the Rebel Cause were held there. Very soon the prison was
suffering with overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. Soon the prison was
holding 1,200 with disease and dysentery, measles and pneumonia being
rampant. It was observed by some that St. Louis wasn't determined as
overcrowded until Small Pox broke out there.
Small Pox quickly spread in spite of efforts to immunize the population.
They soon made a quarantine effort by moving small pox victims to Sunflower
Island near the Missouri shore in the Mississippi River in 1863. Sunflower
Island was soon to be called Small Pox Island. During it's operating period
280 died and were buried on what had come to be called Smallpox Island.
All totaled there were 1,354 Confederate Soldiers, 250 Union Soldiers and
215 civilians who died at Alton Federal Prison. Among these was one woman.
In the early 1900s the Sam Davis Chapter of the Daughters of the American
Revolution petitioned the federal government to construct a monument. In
1909 the government erected a 40-foot stone obelisk with bronze plaques
honoring the dead. A year the same DAR added an ornamental gate with pillars
at the edge of the monument.
My first contact with Alton Isle Prison yielded false information that the
confederate graves and been relocated for a flood control program then
re-located again.
Lately I was contacted with more believable information that the Small Pox
Cemetery was indeed destroyed by the building of a dam. However the North
Alton Cemetery is still well kept today.
The final resting place for James Avery Whitehead is at Alton Illinois but a
memorial marker now stands at the Whitehead Cemetery in Winston County
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
FAMILY REUNIONS
by
Billy Whitehead
I have always loved family reunions. At a family reunion I know will see some cousins, uncles and aunts I haven’t seen in at least one year and sometimes it may have been three or more years. Then there may be someone I have only heard of but never met.
The first reunion I remember is when we lived near Sturgis where lived for a short time while dad worked with Grandpa Kent at his sawmill. This must have been sometime around 1959 or 1960.
About four or five months before the reunion time, letters were mailed out as to whe and where the reunion was to be held. Some would come from Texas and Mobile Alabama as well as from Tuscaloosa Alabama so notice had to be made for those to prepare for travel.
As the time grew closer dad made large tables with boards brought from the sawmill. The grass was cut short and the house got an extra cleaning.
Dad had a goat that he started feeding in the late fall. I think there was a pig also however I remember the goat best. Both of these would be baked on an open fire the night before.
It seems that the reunion was in March and maybe the last Saturday in March. A day or so before time he killed and dressed the goat and pig. Late Friday evening he started cooking on an open fire.
Usually some of the folk from Mobile would come in on Thursday or Friday afternoon. They were ready to start preparations early Saturday morning. Some others came early to help with preparations. It was a little cool in the early morning so a couple fires was started. Wood was piled to keep it going. Large cloths were put on the tables that were built between two trees. There were two or three tables close together, one for food, one for drinks and deserts and a low one for eating.
A large wash pot was cleaned and set up in order to fry up a batch of fish someone had brought. Several gallons odf peanut oul was made ready. Heating the oil would be a matter of dropping a match head into the oil. If it lit the oil was hot enough to fry fish. THis would take place about 11:00.
As more people arrived so it was time to start talking. Food was placed on tables covered with towels to keep leaves or the eyes of others. Large jugs of tea were placed about and ice was brought from the ice house in Sturgis. At this time the ice was 25 or 50 pounds blocks. A large water barrel was brought in and a block of ice dropped into it. Close by was a water dipper for use to get a drink of water. It was placed in a tub with an ice pick nearby.
By ten o’clock there were a number of cars and trucks with about 50 people sitting around. Kids ran through the yard with cousins who they had not seen in a year or more. Necks were hugged, hands shaken. All remembered the last time they were together then it was time to catch up. Some caught up for the last reunion others from the last they talked.
We must remember that it was not uncommon for most not to have a telephone at home. Letters were more common for communicating with family members. Babies were brought out and lay on a quilt on the ground. Pictures were taken and family introduced. “Have you met my sister?” “This is my mama and daddy.” Or you might hear, “Now who is that with him?” “Is that his new wife?” “Now hush, don’t talk so loud!” But none think of the laughing attracting attention.
If there was a new bride dad would wait until many were standing close then he would slip up behind the unsuspecting lady and grab her and kiss her right in front of all to see. He had already tried this on Aunt Nell but she had been forewarned. When he grabbed her to kiss, she simply planted one right on his lips turning the table on him.
About 12:00 the food has been warmed and placed on the table. Coverings were removed and the call to come close was yelled out. Someone was asked to bless the food. Lines were formed to go by the food table to fill the plate. The older folk sat around tables which were placed around under the trees. Some found a place to sit on the ground while others sat on the tailgate of a pickup truck. Dinner may last for an hour or two because eating wasn’t necessarily why we were there. Of course there was food in abundance. Of course there was dad’s barbecued goat but someone had a ham brought from the smoke-house. Some corn prepared in a special way then there were peas canned from last year or maybe early peas just picked. Pickles were always there. Many times fresh killed rabbit was there or maybe squirrel dumplings. I never remember sliced bread but there would be cornbread or rolls. Then there were deserts and cakes of all kind, pies of any imagination.
Then hidden away from little eyes. . . . well you know what it was. Down the hill from the house was a spring. There was a pump in the spring to pump water to the house however it was cool water so somehow cans of beer happened to be left there. Of course this was kept from mom but I think she knew it was there.
After dinner was somewhat over some would start leaving. Generally these were from Tuscaloosa or Louisville. About three o’clock others would leave but usually there were those who would spend the night with plans to leave on Sunday. As kids we looked forward to this time to play. We would head out to the barn loft where we would pile hay bails to make houses or tunnels. Or we would simply sit up there and talk about nothing. The girls would go to the bedroom to sit in the bed and talk. Late
The Kents lived about a mile from our house so those who would spend the night went to either house for the night. Saturday evening at the Kent house, a card table was set up for a round of rummy. They would play rummy until late. There was arguing over who made the points or how they did not make that point. About 9:00 or so the game was declared a winner and all would leave for the night.
Sometime before nightfall grandma would call us boys to bring in stove-wood. For those who do not know what stove-wood is, I will explain the term. Stove wood should not be confused with fire-wood. Firewood is cut for the fireplace while stove-wood is cut for the cook stove. It is generally cut in shorter length of about 12–18 inches and small enough to grip with the hand. We would place it into a wood-box which was close beside the stove. A few pine kindling pieces were placed on top. In the morning whoever was to cook breakfast would start the fire by lighting the kindling then placing some bits of wood on it. When it was burning larger pieces of firewood was placed in the firebox. A container for water is built on the outside of the firebox. The warm water was for washing the dishes afterward. When the stove is hot enough large skillets of bacon (or fatback), ham and sausage are fried up. Then eggs are cooked up and a skillet of gravy was made. A large put of Lousanne coffee is steaming on the back of the stove. At least two large skillets of biscuits are baking.
When breakfast is ready grandmother Kent loved to yell, “Come and get it!”
The table was home-made table of pine from grand-dad’s sawmill. It was about four feet wide and about ten feet long. The first one had benches on the side. Later straight back chairs were there. Grandpa sat at one end and grandma sat at the other end. The table was filled with breakfast food along with several jars of syrup and preserves. We were free to eat all we wanted but never waste what we got. Coffee was there as was milk fresh from the cow. As we ate, we talked too. Mostly the topic was who we saw and what they were doing. We knew grandpa Kent was through with breakfast when he poured a bit of sugar and poured some milk or water into it. He would mix it a bit then sop it with his last piece of bisquit.
As breakfast was over those who had to drive home began packing. Goodbyes were said and plans for the next visit were promised. We woulkd take out opertunity to say our goodbyes looking forward to the next time we could be together. For some it would be Thanksgiving or Christmas. For others there may be a visit during the summer school hollidays.
The family reunion was then over. Some who attended were not seen again because of the inevitability of life. Others would make visits ever so often. Family ties are made more secure. Remembrances’ are pleasant to think of. A great time is had by all.
We are tired but it is a pleasing tiredness.
Billy Whitehead
I have always loved family reunions. At a family reunion I know will see some cousins, uncles and aunts I haven’t seen in at least one year and sometimes it may have been three or more years. Then there may be someone I have only heard of but never met.
The first reunion I remember is when we lived near Sturgis where lived for a short time while dad worked with Grandpa Kent at his sawmill. This must have been sometime around 1959 or 1960.
About four or five months before the reunion time, letters were mailed out as to whe and where the reunion was to be held. Some would come from Texas and Mobile Alabama as well as from Tuscaloosa Alabama so notice had to be made for those to prepare for travel.
As the time grew closer dad made large tables with boards brought from the sawmill. The grass was cut short and the house got an extra cleaning.
Dad had a goat that he started feeding in the late fall. I think there was a pig also however I remember the goat best. Both of these would be baked on an open fire the night before.
It seems that the reunion was in March and maybe the last Saturday in March. A day or so before time he killed and dressed the goat and pig. Late Friday evening he started cooking on an open fire.
Usually some of the folk from Mobile would come in on Thursday or Friday afternoon. They were ready to start preparations early Saturday morning. Some others came early to help with preparations. It was a little cool in the early morning so a couple fires was started. Wood was piled to keep it going. Large cloths were put on the tables that were built between two trees. There were two or three tables close together, one for food, one for drinks and deserts and a low one for eating.
A large wash pot was cleaned and set up in order to fry up a batch of fish someone had brought. Several gallons odf peanut oul was made ready. Heating the oil would be a matter of dropping a match head into the oil. If it lit the oil was hot enough to fry fish. THis would take place about 11:00.
As more people arrived so it was time to start talking. Food was placed on tables covered with towels to keep leaves or the eyes of others. Large jugs of tea were placed about and ice was brought from the ice house in Sturgis. At this time the ice was 25 or 50 pounds blocks. A large water barrel was brought in and a block of ice dropped into it. Close by was a water dipper for use to get a drink of water. It was placed in a tub with an ice pick nearby.
By ten o’clock there were a number of cars and trucks with about 50 people sitting around. Kids ran through the yard with cousins who they had not seen in a year or more. Necks were hugged, hands shaken. All remembered the last time they were together then it was time to catch up. Some caught up for the last reunion others from the last they talked.
We must remember that it was not uncommon for most not to have a telephone at home. Letters were more common for communicating with family members. Babies were brought out and lay on a quilt on the ground. Pictures were taken and family introduced. “Have you met my sister?” “This is my mama and daddy.” Or you might hear, “Now who is that with him?” “Is that his new wife?” “Now hush, don’t talk so loud!” But none think of the laughing attracting attention.
If there was a new bride dad would wait until many were standing close then he would slip up behind the unsuspecting lady and grab her and kiss her right in front of all to see. He had already tried this on Aunt Nell but she had been forewarned. When he grabbed her to kiss, she simply planted one right on his lips turning the table on him.
About 12:00 the food has been warmed and placed on the table. Coverings were removed and the call to come close was yelled out. Someone was asked to bless the food. Lines were formed to go by the food table to fill the plate. The older folk sat around tables which were placed around under the trees. Some found a place to sit on the ground while others sat on the tailgate of a pickup truck. Dinner may last for an hour or two because eating wasn’t necessarily why we were there. Of course there was food in abundance. Of course there was dad’s barbecued goat but someone had a ham brought from the smoke-house. Some corn prepared in a special way then there were peas canned from last year or maybe early peas just picked. Pickles were always there. Many times fresh killed rabbit was there or maybe squirrel dumplings. I never remember sliced bread but there would be cornbread or rolls. Then there were deserts and cakes of all kind, pies of any imagination.
Then hidden away from little eyes. . . . well you know what it was. Down the hill from the house was a spring. There was a pump in the spring to pump water to the house however it was cool water so somehow cans of beer happened to be left there. Of course this was kept from mom but I think she knew it was there.
After dinner was somewhat over some would start leaving. Generally these were from Tuscaloosa or Louisville. About three o’clock others would leave but usually there were those who would spend the night with plans to leave on Sunday. As kids we looked forward to this time to play. We would head out to the barn loft where we would pile hay bails to make houses or tunnels. Or we would simply sit up there and talk about nothing. The girls would go to the bedroom to sit in the bed and talk. Late
The Kents lived about a mile from our house so those who would spend the night went to either house for the night. Saturday evening at the Kent house, a card table was set up for a round of rummy. They would play rummy until late. There was arguing over who made the points or how they did not make that point. About 9:00 or so the game was declared a winner and all would leave for the night.
Sometime before nightfall grandma would call us boys to bring in stove-wood. For those who do not know what stove-wood is, I will explain the term. Stove wood should not be confused with fire-wood. Firewood is cut for the fireplace while stove-wood is cut for the cook stove. It is generally cut in shorter length of about 12–18 inches and small enough to grip with the hand. We would place it into a wood-box which was close beside the stove. A few pine kindling pieces were placed on top. In the morning whoever was to cook breakfast would start the fire by lighting the kindling then placing some bits of wood on it. When it was burning larger pieces of firewood was placed in the firebox. A container for water is built on the outside of the firebox. The warm water was for washing the dishes afterward. When the stove is hot enough large skillets of bacon (or fatback), ham and sausage are fried up. Then eggs are cooked up and a skillet of gravy was made. A large put of Lousanne coffee is steaming on the back of the stove. At least two large skillets of biscuits are baking.
When breakfast is ready grandmother Kent loved to yell, “Come and get it!”
The table was home-made table of pine from grand-dad’s sawmill. It was about four feet wide and about ten feet long. The first one had benches on the side. Later straight back chairs were there. Grandpa sat at one end and grandma sat at the other end. The table was filled with breakfast food along with several jars of syrup and preserves. We were free to eat all we wanted but never waste what we got. Coffee was there as was milk fresh from the cow. As we ate, we talked too. Mostly the topic was who we saw and what they were doing. We knew grandpa Kent was through with breakfast when he poured a bit of sugar and poured some milk or water into it. He would mix it a bit then sop it with his last piece of bisquit.
As breakfast was over those who had to drive home began packing. Goodbyes were said and plans for the next visit were promised. We woulkd take out opertunity to say our goodbyes looking forward to the next time we could be together. For some it would be Thanksgiving or Christmas. For others there may be a visit during the summer school hollidays.
The family reunion was then over. Some who attended were not seen again because of the inevitability of life. Others would make visits ever so often. Family ties are made more secure. Remembrances’ are pleasant to think of. A great time is had by all.
We are tired but it is a pleasing tiredness.
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