Veterans in Holloman Cemetery remembered by local organization

Posted: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 8:00 pm

On a warm, sunny afternoon under the shade of an old chestnut tree, a group of 27 friends and descendants of Confederate veterans buried in Hollomon Cemetery near Mason Hall met for a gravestone dedication ceremony and memorial service conducted by the Gen. Otho French Strahl, Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 176.
They gathered to remember the sacrifices made by their ancestors in defending their homes, families and peaceful life against an invading army.
Three generations of the Hurt family were present and it is the hope that the younger generations will continue this practice for years to come. “If so, these old soldiers will never die as long as they are remembered in the hearts and minds of these descendants,” a spokesman said.
The ceremony was conducted for Charles Henry Watts, Company I, 22nd Barteau’s Cavalry, who had previously been lying in an unmarked grave for 97 years. Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp members also honored other veterans by placing flags on their graves. The five other Confederate soldiers buried there include John A. Hurt, Company H, 47th Tennessee Infantry; J.C. Holloman, Company A, 26th Tennessee Infantry; William S. Floyd, Company C, 4th Tennessee Infantry; Calvin Nichols, Company B , 17th Tennessee Infantry; and Capt. William Hollomon, Company A, 26th Tennessee Infantry.
Former SCV Camp 176 Commander Bill Threlkeld gave an interesting presentation about the different time in Obion County during the War for Southern Independence. Commander Danny Isbell welcomed the group and let the pledge to the American Flag and salute to the Confederate flag. Compatriot Bob Nichols had the opening prayer. Lt. Commander John Abernathy gave a brief history of the soldiers and their units to the group. The program closed with Compatriot Will Thralls playing “Taps.”

Published in The Messenger 6.13.12