Chasing the Family Ghosts

Fort Boykin Virginia

2012-02-13T03:56:00.000-08:00

My Father at Fort Boykin

While Chasing the Family Ghosts in Virginia, my father and I had the opportunity to visit Fort Boykin, located near Smithfield, Virginia. Fort Boykin was established around 1623 in order to protect the entrance of the James River from raiding Spaniards. Fort Boykin provided early warning and protection for the early colonists who had settled along the James River,. We found the Fort Boykin to be very well preserved and maintained … it was easy to make out the layout of the Fort which was a wooden and dirt structure. Fort Boykin fronts the James River on the highest point of land in the area, at a point where the navigable channel is close to the shoreline, which would have forced all vessels traveling the river within firing range. The fort is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Virginia Landmarks Register, Virginia Civil War Trails, Captain John Smith’s Trail and the Star-Spangled Banner Geotrail. Fort Boykin was named after Francis Marshall Boykin who was a Virginia state senator, general in the state militia and owner of the property on which the fort was built. The fort is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. A link to the parks website: http://www.virginia.org/Listings/HistoricSites/FortBoykinHistoricPark/

The Fort's Cistern

We chose to visit this historic site due to the fact that it was active when the first Askew colonists came to the area. While standing at Fort Boykin … it is easy to imagine the passenger and supply ships that passed by on their way to these Virginia colonist settlements. Fort Boykin was absolutely essential to their survival and existence.

The Entrance to the Fort ... it goes over the original ramparts

My British Isle Heritage

2012-02-08T03:36:00.000-08:00

Several of my earlier posts referenced my heritage from the British Isles …

Genealogy and Genetics

Origin of the Family Name

The Askew Codex

Anne Askew – Protestant Martyr

I thought I would write about some of my possible ancestors in England ….

The earliest geographic location of the Askew family is Northern England, the name appears in both Cumberland and Lancanshire County England. The earliest Askew’s can be dated back through property records. Thurston de Bosco received from the Lord of Kirksanton, Aikskeugh (Askew) or Oakwood in 1202-3. It is certain that William, son of Guy Boyville granted lands in Kirksanton and Silecroft, near the two standing stones, to John, son of John of Aykescowgh (Askew). Sir Robert Mulcaster and Joan his wife and Margaret de Bampton granted 1403 to Richard de Ayscough their lands in Lacra and Scales. These estates descended to Matthew Ayscough* (Askew) who gave them to his son Richard in 1478. They descended to Hugh Askew (1558-1625) who married Elizabeth (1560-1649).

Sir William Askew, possibly the son of Richard Askew, was knighted by Henry the VIII in 1513 at the age of 24 of Stallingsborpugh, Lincolnshire, England. Sir William Askew was a commissioner in Lincolnshire county during the Louth Rising against King Henry VIII . Sir William Askew is the father of Anne Askew, discussed in a previous Blog article.

Sir Hugh Askew is believed to be the son of Sir William Askew and brother to Anne Askew. Sir Hugh Askew was granted two estates by Henry the VIII, Marsh Grange and Seaton Priory in the year 1542. Marsh Grange was granted to the Askew Family or (Ascough, Asketh, or Askey) by Henry the VIII in the year 1542. In 1547 he was created knight-banneret at Musselburgh, in Scotland, after the battle of Pinkey. A brass plate on the wall of a church in Bootle, England bears the effigy of Sir Hugh Askew, who, as the inscription says, was knighted at the battle of Musselburgh, in 1547, and died in 1562. He married into a noble family, his wife being a cousin to Queen Jane Seymour, mother of Edward the Sixth. He died leaving no children. His estates in Lancashire then became the property of his nephew, William Askew (possible son to Anne Askew the martyr) and a niece named Bridget Askew. Marsh Grange fell to William Askew and Seaton Priory to Bridgett Askew who later married a Pennington.

According to the Lancashire County, Dalton in Furness - Parish Register, 1565-1620, John Askew married Margaret Pyper on 08 Feb 1612. John was possible son of William Askew (Son of Anne the martyr) and was buried in Lancashire County, Dalton in Furness on 25 May 1691.

One possible reason for the Askew migration from England was the English Civil War which occurred in England in the mid-17th century, between the royalist and parliamentarians. The areas of Royalist support tended to be the North, West and Wales. Royalist support would include Lancashire County and Cumberland County where the Askew family was prominent. Parliament was supported by the richer South and East, including London.

But much more research must be conducted in order to positively identify my English Ancestors and why they decided to begin a new life in the American Colonies.

Historic Map of Britain

Map of the Counties of Britain

More Askews in Colonial Virginia

2012-02-04T13:27:00.000-08:00

While in Virginia, with my Father, we stopped by the St Peter’s Church in New Kent County Virginia … the third oldest Church in Virginia. As we looked through the Parish Register (1680-1787) we discovered several other Askews that were present in Colonial Virginia. These entries were as follows:

Page 53
Sarah Askew departed this Life Jany. ye 16, 1709-10.
Jno Askew Departed this Life ye 25th February, 1719.

Page 54
Alexr. son of Jno Askew Dyed Decemr ye 20th, 1726.

Page 75
Anne ye Dar. of Jno & Anne Askew born Octr 29, baptizd Decr 3d, 1727.

Page 76
Eliz. ye Daur of Jno & Anne Askew born Jany. 13, 1729-30.

We also discovered that the above John Askew had received headrights in New Kent County of 900 acres on June 16, 1671 and 1900 acres on December 15, 1673. (Cavaliers and Pioneers, Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants, Compiled by Marion Nell Nugent) This record places his arrival in the Virginia Colony in the early 1670’s.

A headright is a legal grant of land to settlers. Headrights are most notable for their role in the expansion of the thirteen British colonies in North America; the Virginia Company of London gave headrights to settlers and the Plymouth Company followed suit. The headright system was used in several colonies, including Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Most headrights were for 1 to 100 acres (0.40 km2) of land, and were given to anyone willing to cross the Atlantic Ocean and help populate the colonies. (Wikipedia)

A little history on St Peter’s Church, “St. Peter's Church was established in New Kent County, Virginia, on April 29, 1679. Construction began in 1701 and was complete by 1703. One of St. Peter's vestrymen, Colonel Daniel Parke Custis, married Martha Dandridge in June 1749. She became a widow after only eight years of marriage. On January 6, 1759, the Rector of St. Peter's, Rev. David Mossom, united Martha Custis and Colonel George Washington in marriage. Debate ensues over the exact location of the marriage; some believe it occurred within the church while others believe it took place a few miles away at the White House Plantation on the Pamunkey River. Following the American Revolution, the church was abandoned and fell into disrepair. Sometime around 1820, Presbyterians started worshiping at the church. Episcopalian services began again in 1843. Both denominations shared the church, alternating weeks, until 1865. Being centrally located in New Kent County, the church suffered greatly during the Civil War. Union soldiers stabled their horses in the pews and carved their names in the brick exterior. On October 23, 1869 General Robert E. Lee wrote “St. Peters is the church where General Washington was married and attended in early life. It would be a shame to America if allowed to go to destruction.” His son, General William Henry Fitzhugh Lee oversaw the partial restoration in 1872. After being designated as “The First Church of the First First-Lady” by the Virginia General Assembly in 1960, restoration again began on the church with the assistance of architectural and ecclesiological experts. The renovation required making structural improvements to the church and completely gutting the interior.” (Wikipedia)

We also discovered that the St Peter’s Church registry mentions a Thomas Askew and Joseph Askew. Little else is known of these New Kent County Askews or if they are related to the Isle of Wight Askews or what has become of their decendents. What we do know is that we have another mystery to solve and more Ghosts to Chase.

St Peter's Church, New Kent County, Virginia during our visit

Sam Snow – Setting the Record Straight

2012-01-25T03:06:00.000-08:00

I previously produced a blog entitled, 'Sergeant Sam Snow of the 8th Mississippi Infantry, A Letter from his First Sergeant, and an Unknown Mississippi Soldier's Grave' back on July 5, 2010. The Blog referenced the possibility of Sergeant Sam Snow being interned as an unknown Confederate Soldier in the Resaca Confederate Cemetery. Some time ago, my father and I were able to visit the Resaca Confederate Cemetery; while at the cemetery my father recalled a conversation that he had overheard as a child … that Sam Snow’s father had traveled to Georgia to recover his Son’s remains. While in Georgia, the father recovered Sam Snow’s remains from two sisters. While at the cemetery we read the story of Ms. Green and the story my father had heard as a child made perfect sense.

The story of Ms. Green and the Resaca Confederate Cemetery is as follows, “After the battle, a family known as the Green family returned to their plantation and the sight that met them there was almost more than they could bear. The bodies of confederate soldiers were buried in crude makeshift graves all across the yard. Compelled by a sense of respect to those who had fallen in action, Mary J. Green and her sister began collecting the bodies to bury properly. Though poverty was rampant the Green daughters wrote friends asking for any amount money they could give. Col. John Green gave his daughters 2.5 acres (10,000 m2) of land for use as a cemetery for these soldiers. With the money collected and the land provided, the Green daughters and their mother began work on what we now call the Resaca Confederate Cemetery.” (Wikipedia)

So the search for Sergeant Sam Snow continues ….

At LT Clark's Grave

AT Resaca Confederate Cemetery

Resaca Confederate Cemetery Marker

Genealogy and Genetics

2012-01-20T03:52:00.000-08:00

My father, brother, and I have been very successful tracing our genealogy back to 17th Century England using archival records research. We have definitively traced our family to the North Western portion of the British Iles prior to their arrival to the Virginia colony. I have always wanted to take the next step and determine if our family descended from one of the original Celtic tribes, such as the Picts or did my ancestors migrate from another culture to the British Isles. It has been difficult to trace our direct ancestry in Britain so the best we have been able to do is determine general relations based on family surnames and common variations.

During this past Fall I took another route and tried a DNA test through Family Tree DNA. This test looks at the Y chromosome DNA which traces the male lineage. DNA in the Y chromosome is passed from father to son, and Y-DNA analysis is now a growing method in genealogy research.

Generally speaking this Y-DNA analysis classifies the descendent within a Haplogroup. A Haplogroup is defined as branches in the human genetic tree (Phylogenetic tree). They are tied to deep ancestry (think 10,000s or 10s of 1000s of years). It basically groups people based on their genetic markers to certain regions of the World. Maps have also been developed based on archeological finds and DNA samples which trace the origins and migrations of these groups over time.

My Haplogroup turned out to be I2b1. I was very surprised to learn that Haplogroup I2b1 is a fairly small group. It reaches its highest numbers in Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands where it can constitute as much as 10 to 12.5 percent of the population. This haplogroup most likely arrived in England with the Anglo-Saxons or Vikings.

It is very likely that my ancestors were either from an Anglo Saxon Tribe from northern Germany that conquered the British Isles from 400-600 AD, establishing the Kingdom of Northumbria or were of Viking decent whom conquered the British Iles from 800-1066 AD.

And now another clue has been answered; however, it has generated as many questions as answers. We will continue to pursue the DNA approach to genealogy in order to ‘Chase the Family Ghosts’ to the farthest corners of history. I have joined several groups through Family DNA Tree to include a group project entitled Askew Family. Hopefully this approach will assist in unlocking answers and discovering new paths to explore.

Map depicting the Viking Invasion of the British Isles

Map depicting the Anglo-Saxon invasion of the British Isles

Map depicting the origin and migration of Haplogroup I2B

Virginia Colonists – Isle of Wight

2012-01-05T03:27:00.000-08:00

This past Summer I was able to travel with my father to the Isle of Wight County near Smithfield, Virginia. We spent our time finding former locations of our ancestors and researching records at the Isle of Wight Court House. This blog will cover the first Askew colonists, our discoveries and places we visited while ‘chasing the family ghosts’ in Virginia.

The first Askew found is William Askew, who arrived on the ship Prosperous in May 1610. He is also mentioned in the ‘Muster of the Inhabitants of Virginia” in 1624 which is a listing of the adventurers or stockholders of the Second Charter of the Virginia Company, London, England. He is listed as age 30 and founded a section of land named Sherley One Hundred in Nancemond which later became Isle of Wight. No other references to this William Askew could be found.

Looking at the history of the area, we discovered that tobacco was introduced to the region in 1612 and became the primary cash crop in the Isle of Wight, almost all goods were purchased or priced in comparison to pounds of tobacco. In 1619 approximately only 1000 colonists were present in Virginia by 1700 the population had greatly expanded to a population of 58,000 making it the most populous colony of the English Colonies in America. (Some Askew Family History by Earl Scott Glover). The Askews were some of the first colonists to Virginia. In 1635 the population of Isle of Wight was 520 and by 1658 the population had grown to 2019 colonists.

An interesting find was discovered in the Virginia Immigrants and Adventurers, 1607-1635, A Biographical Dictionary by Martha W. McCartney. It lists two similar entries for a John Askew (Ascue) the first states, “On August 19, 1618, the justices of Bridewell Court decided to send John Askew (Ascue), a vagrant from the Bridge Ward, to Virginia. The second entry states, “On February 27, 1619, it was decided that John Askew (Ascue), one of the youngsters rounded up from the streets of London, would be sent to Virginia.” Little else was found on this particular John Askew.

Later, John Askew (different from the John Askew mentioned above), who is believed to be the direct ancestor for our branch of the family, born in England in 1638, arrived at the Virginia colony in 1653. It is known that he settled in Isle of Wight Virginia and married Bridget Smith in 1662. A search of the records revealed the following: Francis Morrison grants 200 acres to John Askew on April, 5 1662. John sells 200 acres of land to Nicholas Smith on January 12, 1668 and sells cattle to Nicholas Smith on January 2, 1670. He sells a gelding to William Bodie in January 1, 1672. In January 14, 1673 sold land to William Bodie. John died on August 23, 1683 in Isle of Wight, VA. It is possible that John may have been related to the William Askew mentioned above.

John and Bridget Askew had two sons John and Nicholas Askew. Nicholas being my direct ancestor was born 1665 at Isle of Wight, Virginia. A search of the records revealed Nicolas to have paid 99,000 lbs of Tobacco thru October 1694 to purchase the plantation of Thomas Oglethorpe, 170 acres, Nicholas resided at the Orglethorpe plantation at the time of the deed. He lived his entire life in Isle of Wight, married Sarah Ogelthorpe in 1694 and died in 1751.

Nicholas and Sarah had two sons, Thomas (b.1700 – d.unk) and Aaron Askew (b.1705 – d.1771). These two brothers were born in Isle of Wight and migrated to North Carolina, more than likely in search of more fertile soil for tobacco crops, they settled in what would later be Bertie County, North Carolina. Thomas was my direct ancestor.

Historical Map of Isle of Wight County depicting the location of John Askew’s property

Samuel L. Askew Jr. (my father) as close to the location of John Askew’s property as possible based on the above map

At the Old Isle of Wight Courthouse in Smithfield

Current Isle of Wight Courthouse where archived records are maintained

One of the records of John Askew located at the Isle of Wight Courthouse … this record depicts an appraisal of his estate dated August 23, 1683

G. W. Askew and Blythe’s Mississippi Regiment (44th Mississippi Infantry Regiment)

2011-12-23T02:52:00.000-08:00

In 1860, my GGGrandfather, George Washington Askew, was 22 years old and a recent graduate from University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill), had just returned to the family farm in Lowndes County, Mississippi. On January 9, 1861, Mississippi became the second state to secede from the Union and on February 28, 1861, George enlisted at Columbus, MS, as a private in Captain Butler’s Company of the 5^th Regiment, 1^st Brigade of Mississippi Volunteers. His company was known as the Tombigbee Rangers which was raised from volunteers within Lowndes county. The seceded states became the Confederate States of America with the ratification of the Confederate constitution on March 11, 1861. On August 8^th of the same year, George’s unit was mustered into Confederate Service as Blythe’s Mississippi Regiment, named after the commander, Lieutenant Colonel Blythe. A review of George’s service record places him and his unit at New Madrid, Missouri on August 8, 1861. On September 7, 1861, Blythe’s Mississippi regiment was assigned to the brigade of General B.F. Cheatham, near New Madrid. Later, Preston Smith commanded the brigade within Cheatham's Division.

It is interesting to note that one of George’s early company commanders was Captain J. H. Sharp, who later became a General during the Civil War, and George’s younger brother, Joseph married General Sharp’s daughter after the war. Both J. H. Sharp and Joseph Askew were involved in Mississippi politics during the reconstruction period.

Cheatham’ Division defeated Union forces under the command of U.S. Grant at Belmont, Missouri. On November 6, Grant moved by riverboat from Cairo, Illinois, to attack the Confederate fortress at Columbus, Kentucky. The next morning, he learned that Confederate troops had crossed the Mississippi River to Belmont, Missouri. He landed his men on the Missouri side and marched to Belmont. Grant's troops overran the surprised Confederate camp and destroyed it. However, the scattered Confederate forces quickly reorganized and were reinforced from Columbus. They then counterattacked, supported by heavy artillery fire from across the river. Grant retreated to his riverboats and took his men to Paducah, Kentucky. Blythes Mississippi Regiment participated in the repulse of the Union forces. Preston Smith reported that the men of his brigade "displayed the greatest coolness and determined courage, and although under fire for the first time, bore themselves like veterans, sustaining the reputation of Tennesseans and Mississippians on the glorious battle-fields of New Orleans and Buena Vista." The regiment took part in the attack on the gunboats as Grant was re-embarking. The Confederates viewed Belmont as a Southern victory, since Grant had staged a demonstration and been driven off. Union losses were 607 (120 dead, 383 wounded, and 104 captured or missing). Confederate casualties were slightly higher at 641 (105 killed, 419 wounded, 106 captured, and 11 missing).

On March 9, 1862, the regiment was listed in Preston Smith's Brigade of Polk's grand division.

Blythe's Regiment participated in the Battle of Shiloh, April 5-6, 1862. General Bushrod Johnson commanded during the battle and mentioned the command in his reports. In describing the actions of the brigade, April 6, General Cheatham said, "Blythe's Mississippi advanced to the left and attacked the enemy, and, wheeling to the right, drove one of the enemy's batteries, with its support, from its position; but as it advanced upon the enemy Colonel Blythe was shot dead from his horse while gallantly leading his regiment forward in the charge. Within a few minutes of his fall Lieutenant Colonel David L. Herron and Captain R. H. Humphreys, of the same regiment, both officers of merit, were mortally wounded and the command devolved on Major James Moore, under whose direction the regiment was actively engaged during the remainder of the day and throughout the subsequent action of the 7th. The regiment at all times eminently manifested the high spirit which has always characterized the soldiers of Mississippi and no braver soldier than its heroic leader was lost to our cause." Col. Preston Smith, who took command of the brigade after Johnson was wounded, found about 200 men of Blythe's Regiment fit for duty in the next engagement, but they were of such quality that they were entrusted alone with the support of a battery after the other regiments had fallen back for ammunition. With Marcus J. Wright's Tennessee Regiment and Joe Wheeler's Alabamians they reinforced Chalmers in time to take part in the last desperate charge against overwhelming odds.

While at Corinth, on April 26, the regiment was transferred to Trapier's Brigade of Withers' Division, Braggs' Corps. In the reorganization under General Bragg, the regiment was assigned to Chalmers' Brigade. George remained with the 44^th Mississippi until he was elected 2LT at Camp Hardee, Columbus, MS and joined F Co, 42nd Alabama Infantry Regiment in May 1862. Blythe’s Mississippi Regiment was designated the 44^th Mississippi Infantry Regiment on June 6, 1863 and continued through the remaining portion of the war.

Portion of the Original Muster Roll of the Tombigbee Rangers

Portion of the Original Muster Roll of the Tombigbee Rangers depicting George W. Askew Age 23

Original Battle Flag of the Tombigbee Rangers, on display at the Stephen D. Lee house in Columbus, Mississippi

At Shiloh National Battlefield Park where Blythe’s Mississippi Regiment was engaged

At Shiloh National Battlefield Park where Lieutenant Colonel Blyth was Killed In Action

Early Mississippi Settlers

2011-01-02T13:36:00.000-08:00

Mississippi became the 20th state to join the Union on December 10, 1817. However, at that time, much of North Mississippi was considered Indian Territory and not open for settlement. In 1820 the Treaty of Doak's Stand opened up much of Central and West Mississippi to settlement but, the North was still considered Chickasaw and Choctaw lands not yet open for settlement. In 1830, government officials meet with the Choctow tribe at Dancing Rabbit Creek in Eastern Mississippi and they ceded their tribal lands in the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, signed on September 7, 1830. In exchange they were given lands in present-day Oklahoma to which most of them moved. Settlers began moving into the region, which includes what is now the county of Oktibbeha. The county takes its name from the creek in the northern part of the county which formed part of the boundary between the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations. Oktibbeha, in the Choctaw language, means "icy water."

In 1832 the Chickasaw Tribe ceded their land in the Treaty of Ponotoc Creek and opened up the remaining territory in Oktibbeha County for settlement. Oktibbeha County was formally organized on December 23, 1833. With the opening of these former tribal territories, the population of Mississippi increased 175% from 1830 to 1840. The price for land in this new territory, when purchased directly from the US Government was $1.25 an acre for minimum blocks of eighty acres.

My first direct ancestor to settle in Mississippi was David Outlaw Askew, my GGGGrandfather. He was born on 31 January 1794 in Duplin, NC (Bertie County). He had served in the State Legislator as a representative of Hertford County North Carolina for 1827 and 1828; at the time he resided at Pitch Landing in Hertford County. The Askew and Outlaw families of North Carolina were closely related planter families. As one family migrated from North Carolina to Mississippi, in order to develop more farmland, so did the other. Both families settled in the same area of Oktibbeha County.

Outlaw Home built during the early 1830s

David Outlaw Askew married Martha Etheridge, daughter of William Etheridge. David O. Askew purchased land in Oktibbeha County during November 1846, a total of 240 acres acquired for the sum of $250.00 dollars. On 25 January 1847, he purchased another 973 acres for the sum of $5,841.72 dollars.

David Outlaw Askew died on 13 May 1849 and is buried in a family plot, near the land he purchased. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the site and find my GGGGrandfathers grave.

Askew-Harvey Cemetery

Me and my daughter at David O. Askew (GGGGrandfather) Gravesite

In 1850 only 12% of Mississippians were born in Mississippi, 83% had migrated to Mississippi from other states as the tribal territories opened, the remaining 5% were of foreign birth. North Carolina provided the majority of Mississippi settlers, which proved to be true for my ancestors, followed by South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, and Kentucky. (From "Mississippi a Bicentennial History by John Ray Skates")

David O. Askew willed all his property to his wife Martha Etheridge and their five children. Martha was also from Bertie County North Carolina. She married David Outlaw Askew and migrated with the family to Mississippi in 1846. After the death of her husband David O. Askew, Martha E. Askew purchased additional property in October, 1852 for the sum of $800.00 dollars, to include several lots in the town of Columbus, Mississippi. She must have been a strong willed lady to manage so much during the mid 19th Century, an extremely tumultuous time for the South.

During the pre-Civil War years Oktibbeha County developed into an area of small farms with a number of large plantations. The agricultural base was cotton and livestock. The 1860 census revealed a population of 5,171 whites, 7,631 slaves, 18 free blacks, and 157 Indians.

The Civil War was hard on Oktibbeha County as it was on the rest of Mississippi. Large numbers of its men volunteered for Confederate service and the farms suffered. Martha’s sons were George Washington Askew, Joseph Holly Askew, and David Askew. Two of which joined the Confederate Army … please refer to my previous Blogs for more on these two sons.

Grierson's raiders came through the region in the spring of 1863 and looted Starkville. Another Union raid the following year was turned back just south of West Point by General Nathan Bedford Forrest.

After the Civil War, Martha Askew moved into the town of Columbus where she lived until her death in June 1890. She is buried in the Askew family plot of Friendship Cemetery, Columbus, Mississippi.

G.W. Askew and Winter 1863-1864 at Dalton, Georgia

2010-12-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

After being released from Parole Camp at Demopolis, Alabama; First Lieutenant G. W. Askew and the 42nd Alabama moved to join Braxton Bragg’s Army of Tennessee near Chattanooga. Although the regiment didn’t arrive in time to participate in the Battle of Chickamauga, the unit joined the siege forces around Chattanooga during October 1863, fully participating in the Battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. For more on the 42nd Alabama’s participation in these battles, please feel free to read my recently published article by clicking this link … The 42nd Alabama at Chattanooga

After these two disasters … Braxton Bragg was replaced with Joe Johnston and the Army of Tennessee went into Winter Camp at Dalton, Georgia. Joe Johnston immediately began repairing and refitting his new command.

Railroad Depot at Dalton, Georgia

A Confederate soldier, John S. Jackman, recorded on 18 January 1864 the state of the Army of Tennessee while at Dalton, Georgia, “The old year closed down upon us with defeat, disaster. May the present year bring us victory and success. The hour is dark and full of gloom, but such generally comes before the dawning of a beautiful day.” He continues with, “The winter is wearing away, and soon our battle flags will have to be unfurled to the breezes of spring, and the lines of gray will have to be drawn up---a living wall, against which the tide of invasion, it is hoped, will beat in vain.” (John S. Jackman, Diary of a Confederate Soldier, edited by William C. Davis, University of South Carolina Press, Columbia, 1990)

While in Winter Camp, not only did Joe Johnston refit his army materially, he also refit his army spiritually; sponsoring a ‘great revival’. Bibles were distributed, Chapels constructed, and sermons prepared. Most 42nd Alabama soldiers participated in the revivals, a common occurrence within the Army of Tennessee.

“Preaching was kept up in Dalton every night except four for nearly four months, and in the camps all around the city preaching and prayer meetings occurred every night. The soldiers erected stands, improvised seats, and even built log churches, where they worshipped God in spirit and in truth. The result was glorious; thousands were happily converted and were prepared for the future that awaited them. Officers and men alike were brought under religious influence.” (Virginia Wood Alexander, Religious Life In The Army Of Tennessee. The United Daughters Of The Confederacy Magazine. May 1988. Page 52)

During this revival the Reverend James P. McMullen, minister of the Pleasant Ridge Church of Greene County, Alabama and acquaintance of Lieutenant Colonel Lanier joined the 42nd Alabama at Dalton. His son, William F. McMullen, was a member of the 36th Alabama Infantry, one of the 42nd Alabama’s sister regiments in the same brigade. Reverend McMullen continued as the Chaplain of the 42nd Alabama until he became a fatality during the Battle of Resaca on May 15, 1864. While in Winter Camp, my GGGrandfather probably participated in these revivals and attended the services conducted by Reverend McMullen.

G.W. Askew's Pay Voucher for October and November 1863

G.W. Askew's Pay Voucher for December 1863

G.W. Askew was paid $180 dollars on December 22, 1863 for the period of October 1 through November 30, 1863; certainly a very difficult period, in which I am sure he more than earned his $90 dollars a month. He must have also had the rare opportunity to spend some time back home in Mississippi; his payroll receipt for December 1863 lists him as ‘On Furlough’ when the payroll was distributed on January 15, 1864. In March 1864, G.W. Askew served as a character witness for 1LT E. A. Portis of Company K, 42nd Alabama, who was seeking a discharge due to medical disabilities after nearly three years of continuous hardship. My GGGrandfather testified:

“I have known Lieutenant E. A. Portis Co K 42nd Alabama Regiment as an officer since June 1862 and have never known him to avoid duty or fail to carry out orders when in health. He has suffered a great-deal from his disease. And I have known him to do duty and have been on duty with him when suffering from his disease, and when excused by the surgeon. He is in my opinion, in every way efficient and capable of performing the duties of an officer when not suffering with his disease. Lieutenant Portis has never been court-martialed or reprimanded by a superior officer for anything.”

G.W. Askew's testimony

E.A. Portis was discharged in May 1864 … G.W. Askew remained in Dalton until the Spring of 1864, when William T. Sherman began his opening moves of what would become known as the Campaign for Atlanta. The tranquility of Winter was broken as the 42nd Alabama once again faced combat at Mill Creek Gap during the Battle of Rocky Face Ridge on 7-12 May 1864.

G.W. Askew and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Class of 1860

2010-12-04T17:24:00.000-08:00

George W. Askew was a graduate of the Class of 1860 from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Of the 93 graduates, 92 served in the Confederate States Army. This number provides a great testimonial to the capacious impact of the American Civil War to our society. We were fortunate to discover a program from the Reunion of the Class of 1860 at Chapel Hill dated June 15, 1920.

My ggrandfather must have cherished his memories of Chapel Hill and his classmates. He maintained an autograph album of his fellow classmates and would include an entry of any information that he obtained on each individual. Displayed is G.W. Askew's autograph album with an entry on George S. Martrie, Classmate Di Society, who was killed in action on September 21st, 1863 ‘in North Alabama by bush whackers’.

It is interesting to note that the reunion program lists G.W. Askew as a Captain of a Mississippi Regiment. G.W. Askew originally enlisted with the 44th Mississippi in 1861, prior to serving in the 42nd Alabama. It is possible that he may have returned to a Mississippi Regiment toward the end of the war. I will need to do some additional research or 'chasing the family ghosts' to track this down.

Just a little additional history on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill:

Charted by the North Carolina General Assembly on December 11, 1789, the university's cornerstone was laid on October 12, 1793, near the ruins of a chapel, chosen because of its central location within the state. It was originally known as simply the University of North Carolina. Beginning instruction of undergraduates in 1795, UNC is the oldest public university in the United States and the only such institution to confer degrees in the eighteenth century. During the Civil War, North Carolina Governor David Lowry Swain persuaded Confederate President Jefferson Davis to exempt some students from the draft, so the university was among few in the Confederacy that managed to stay open.

1LT G.W. Askew's Vicksburg Parole Certificate

2010-09-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

As my father, brother, and I began our initial research into our family history … we didn’t have a lot of information. My father visited a distant cousin and was able to obtain access to several original documents. One of which was the original Vicksburg Parole certificate for 1st Lieutenant George Washington Askew of the 42nd Alabama dated July 10, 1863 and signed by a paroling officer from an Illinois Regiment. These were issued to Southern soldiers shortly following the July 4, 1863 Confederate surrender. Initially both the U.S. and Confederate governments relied on the traditional European system of parole and prisoner exchange. The terms called for prisoners to give their word not to take up arms against their captors until they were formally exchanged for an enemy captive of equal rank. These exchanges were completed on paper … while the soldiers remained in their unit Parole camp until formally exchanged. Later the parole system was abolished and the Prison Camp system was established by both sides during the War. On the back side is a note providing transportation and an approved 30 day leave of absence for my GGGrandfather at the end of which he will report to the Parole Camp at Demopolis, Alabama. The approved leave of absence is signed by his Regimental Commander, LTC Thomas Lanier on July 20, 1863.

Of course, my GGGrandfather’s Parole Certificate captured our curiosity as to the actions of the 42nd Alabama during the campaign and siege of Vicksburg. We conducted quite a bit of research which included several trips to Vicksburg National Battlefield Park. The positions for the 42nd Alabama are clearly marked and located just behind the Visitors center near the old city cemetery. During the siege the cemetery was the approximate location of the 2nd Texas lunette. The 2nd Texas was a sister regiment of the 42nd Alabama under the brigade command of General John C. Moore. The 42nd Alabama covered the right flank portion of entrenchments for the Brigade. The road in front of the Visitors Center cuts perpendicular through the 42nd Alabama positions. Their position of entrenchments ran from the current cemetery across the road and overlooked the railroad cut of the Southern Railroad of Mississippi.

The 42nd Alabama held this position from the beginning of May through the surrender on July 4th 1863. During the period of the siege the 42nd Alabama assisted in repelling two direct assaults on 19 and 22 May. It is difficult to imagine the conditions in which these soldiers lived for the remaining time until the surrender … little food, crowding, constant bombardment, and terrible sanitary conditions. I have included a telling quote from General Moore describing the worsening conditions, "From this time to the close of the siege (forty-seven days) our men were confined to the trenches night and day under a fire of musketry and artillery, which was often kept up during the whole night as well as the day. Only those who were a near witness of the siege of Vicksburg will ever have a true conception of the endurance and suffering of these men, who stood at their post until overpowered, not by the enemy, but by the wants of nature. Those who only think and read of the siege, and those who witnessed and shared its trials, may perhaps form widely different conceptions of its nature. Some idea may be formed of the artillery fire to which we were exposed, when I state that a small party sent out for that purpose collected some two thousand shells near and in rear of the trenches occupied by our brigade."

For more information of the 42nd Alabama’s participation in the campaign and siege of Vicksburg please feel free to read my web published articles.

The 42nd Alabama and the Campaigns for Vicksburg

The 42nd Alabama and the Siege of Vicksburg

2LT G.W. Askew, the 42nd Alabama, and the Battle of Corinth

2010-07-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

A few years ago as I was working on my thesis involving the 42nd Alabama, I had the opportunity to visit the Battlefield at Corinth, Mississippi. My father made the visit with me as we rediscovered the past. Corinth was the first experience of combat for the 42nd Alabama. The 42nd Alabama participated in the heaviest portions of the battle from 3-5 October 1862. The regiment’s first combat occurred near Battery F on 3 October, the heaviest action occurred on 4 October during the attack on Battery Robinette and the unit saw its final fighting on 5 October at Davis Bridge during the retreat from Corinth. The regiment suffered horrendous casualties over the course of these three days of constant fighting. The severest killed-in-action rates occurred in companies A, B, and D. Overall, the 42nd Alabama suffered 57 percent casualties, reducing the regiment from 700 to approximately 304 effectives. The 42nd Alabama suffered the second highest casualty rate within its assigned Brigade, Commanded by General John C. Moore. The 42nd Alabama incurred rates of 5.8 percent killed-in-action, 9.6 percent wounded-in-action, and 41 percent missing-in-action or captured. Many of the regiment’s leaders were wounded-in-action, including the Regimental Commander, Colonel Portis and his deputy, Lieutenant Colonel Lanier. Of the ten company commanders, Captain Foster was killed-in-action and Captain Knox died of wounds, this equated to a 20 percent killed in action rate for company commanders. One other company commander, Captain Condry, was wounded-in-action and survived his wounds. One First Sergeant was killed-in-action and two of ten First Sergeants were wounded-in-action. In addition, one lieutenant was killed-in-action and six were wounded-in-action, one of these wounded was my GGGrandfather, G. W. Askew of F Company. I have included a few eye witness accounts of the bloody action experienced by the 42nd Alabama.

Charles R. Labruzan, acting commander of F Company, a former Mobile Merchant, husband and father of four, described the scene near Battery Robinette:

We were met by a perfect storm of grape, canister, cannon balls and minnie balls. Oh God! I have never seen the like! The men fell like grass even here. Giving one tremendous cheer, we dashed to the brow of the hill on which the fortifications are situated…I saw men, running at full speed, stop suddenly and fall upon their faces, with their brains scattered all around; others, with legs and arms cut off, shrieking with agony. They fell behind, beside, and within a few feet of me. (Oscar L. Jackson, The Colonel’s Diary. Sharon, PA, 1922, p. 71)

Lieutenant Jefferson R. Stockdale described the actions of G company, “We went over the breastworks into Corinth and fought in the streets, grappling with the foe, in many instances hand to hand but overwhelming numbers forced us to retire, the killed and wounded on both sides was very great.” (The Democratic Watchtower Vol. 23, No. 40 October 28, 1862)

The 42nd Alabama culminated in the town of Corinth at the railroad junction near the Tishomingo Hotel. At their high tide, General Moore reported that they were “overwhelmed” by “massive reserves” and “melted under their fire like snow in thaw.” (OR, 17.1, Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1880-1901, p. 396)

For more information on the 42^nd Alabama’s actions during these three days of combat, feel free to read my articles:

The 42nd Alabama: Baptism of Fire at Corinth Day 1

The 42nd Alabama: Bloody Battle for Battery Robinette, Corinth Day 2

The 42nd Alabama: The Little Known Battle of Davis Bridge, Corinth Day 3

Sergeant Sam Snow of the 8th Mississippi Infantry, A Letter from his First Sergeant, and an Unknown Mississippi Soldier’s Grave

2010-07-05T05:32:00.000-07:00

As my father and I began our research into our family history, my father discovered a letter of condolence which began an interesting bit of fact finding on Sergeant Sam Snow. The Letter of Condolence is as follows:

Company G 8th Mississippi Regiment Near Cassville Georgia May 18th 1864

Miss Mary, It is my very painful necessity to communicate to you the news. The very sad news of the death of your Brother Sam; he fell gallantly fighting for the liberties we are all striving, he was killed at Resaca on Saturday the 14th May. Just as the sun was sinking beneath the western hills. The Confederacy has lost one of her bravest and best boys, a more gallant boy never lived. I have fought by his side in four battles, but alas; he is done with the trials, trouble, and tribulations of this world and I hope is now a shining angel in Heaven. I cannot speak in tones high enough to [illegible] his courage as a soldier; it is the fate of war. He was left on the battlefield as we were not able to hold it. Lt. Clark also fell a victim to that “sad monster death”. I do indeed sympathize with you and the family in your loss; as He was to me almost as a Brother, and I consider I have lost one of my best friends. You have my sympathy. I am Miss Mary Yours Respectfully Frank E. Hough

During the course of our research we discovered that Samuel N. Snow was born on October 24, 1839 and was the older brother of my GGGrandmother Rachel Henritta (Snow) Askew. He was the oldest sibling of a very large family. He had a younger sister Mary F. Snow, who was the oldest of seven sisters and only two years younger than Sam.

Sam volunteered on July 13, 1861 and mustered into Company G “Tolson Guard” of the 8th Mississippi Regiment at the age of 21. He was later promoted to 4th Sergeant on April 20th, 1863. Company G was first organized at Fellowship Church and mustered into state service at Buckley's Store in the Fellowship Community of Jasper County, Mississippi on July 17, 1861. The 8th Regiment was subsequently mustered into Confederate service in early October and immediately sent to Pensacola, Florida where it defended against the Union held Fort Pickens through the remainder of 1861. In May, 1862 the regiment was ordered to Mobile, Alabama and during December, 1862 participated in the Battle of Murfreesboro, Tennessee where it suffered its first battlefield casualties of the war. The regiment remained stationed at Bridgeport, Alabama until July 1863. In September, the regiment was engaged in some of the heaviest fighting of the Battle of Chickamauga during which it 'liberated' three pieces of artillery and five horses from the Union Army. The unit participated in the Siege of Chattanooga and the battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge during November 1863, sustaining heavy casualties. Following these engagements, the regiment went into winter quarters at Dalton, Georgia with the Army of Tennessee under the command of General Joe Johnston. As Sherman began his advance toward Atlanta and flanked Joe Johnston out of Dalton; Johnston attempted to confront Sherman at Resaca. The Battle of Resaca began on May 13th 1864; the 8th Mississippi was assigned to W. H. T. Walkers Division of 1st Corps and participated in some of the most severe fighting of the battle. Sam Snow was killed in action on May 14th. The only two casualties for Company G at Resaca were Lieutenant Lewis M. Clark and Sergeant Samuel N. Snow.

A few years ago my brother had the opportunity to visit the Resaca Cemetery … he discovered Lieutenant Clark’s headstone and only a few yards from Lieutenant Clark’s headstone, near the back wall of the cemetery, was the headstone of an unknown Mississippi Soldier. Could this be the final resting place of Sergeant Samuel N. Snow?

Railroads and Reconstruction

2010-06-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

Railroads made a large contribution to the reconstruction of the Southern economy after the American Civil War. During the Reconstruction Era, Northern money financed the rebuilding and dramatic expansion of railroads throughout the South. The Southern rail network expanded from 11,000 miles in 1870 to 29,000 miles in 1890. These Railroads helped create a mechanically skilled group of craftsmen from the depressed post Civil War agricultural economy of the South. These conditions greatly contributed to the geographic location in which my 19th Century ancestors chose to settle. After my GGGrandfather, George Washington Askew, departed from his venture with the Hashuqua Cotton Factory, he married Rachel Henrietta Snow of Stonewall, Mississippi and settled in Fulisavay a railroad community in Meridian, Mississippi. He went to work for the New Orleans & North Eastern Railroad as a watchman. The New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad was completed in 1883 and extended 196 miles from New Orleans to Meridian, Mississippi. In 1916, the line was acquired by the Southern Railway, which eventually formed part of the Queen and Crescent Route. He remained employed by the railroad until his death in 1916.

George and Henrietta had three sons, the first born was my GGrandfather William David Askew, 13 July 1873. He began to work for the railroad at the age of 16, probably around 1889 and retired from the Illinois Central Railroad after 40 years of service. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. The Brotherhood of Railroad Brakemen, founded in 1883, became the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen in 1899 and served as a Labor Union for railroad employees. In 1916, using his railroad proceeds, William David Askew purchased from Henrietta's brother, approximately 160 acres of land at Arundel Springs in Lauderdale County Mississippi, in order to establish a family farm, this land remains in our family to this day.

George Washington Askew’s younger brother, born in 1846, was Joseph Holly Askew, who married Willie Sharp, the daughter of Confederate General Jacob H. Sharp of Columbus, Mississippi. During the Reconstruction Era, Jacob Sharp served as a Speaker in the Mississippi State House of Representatives in 1886. Railroads, Employment, and Politics were well connected in Mississippi during the Reconstruction Era. Probably through his father in law, Joe Askew became involved in State politics. Joe was a member of the Mississippi State Legislature as the representative for Oktibbeha County in 1886 and 1888. He also served as the Railroad Commissioner for the Mississippi Third District from 1890 to 1894. In both positions, Joe was influential in key decisions which impacted the economy of Northeast Mississippi. The January 6, 1888 Clarion Ledger Newspaper reported, “A lengthy running debate took place in the House on Tuesday, on a bill to pay disabled Confederate soldiers and sailors the small gratuity of $30 per annum, in cases where they are totally disabled and have not property to the amount of $500, or are not receiving salaries from any source. …. The remarks of Mr. Askew were forcible and a strong appeal to the House to grant the small pittance asked.” Upon his election as Railroad Commissioner, the January 1890 edition of the Clarion Ledger stated, “Mr. Askew was chosen on the third ballot, receiving 86 votes. He has served two terms in the House and was among its leading members. He is a man of fine sense, and will prove a worthy successor of one of the best Railroad Commissioners the State has ever had.” In 1893, Joe testified at a Board hearing to reinstate a questionable penitentiary warden that was favored by the Governor. The September Biloxi Herald may have captured a bit of Joe’s temperament when it reported, “The meeting has been somewhat warm … Mr. Askew arose and said that he would not sign it under any circumstances, whereupon the governor replied that he (Askew) was on the other side. Mr. Askew responded with some heat; ‘Governor Stone, you cannot bulldoze me into signing against my convictions.’” He remained at the original family estate near Starkville, Mississippi until his death in 1896.

As a continuation of our family history, my first cousin, a direct descendant of G. W. and David Askew, Jim Askew, is currently employed by the Norfolk Southern Railroad in Meridian, Mississippi at the same junction worked by his ancestors over a century ago. He is also a member of the Queen and Crescent Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society and the Meridian Railroad Museum. http://www.meridian-railroad-museum.org/index.html

Origin of the Family Name

2010-05-24T05:59:00.000-07:00

Thought I would cite a reference which explains the origin of our family name. The name ‘Askew’ appears to originate from the name of a location in Northern England.

“ The property in Cumbria, England listed in the Doomsday Book (dating from the time of William the Conqueror) as ECHESCOL was a grove of ash trees, as such a grove was called ASKOOG in that region where Norse (Old English) was spoken. The word ask means ash in Norse and the word esk means ash in Saxon (Askew and Eskew) … This property always referred to as the Ash Grove (askoog) was given to a man named Thurston in the time of King John, c. 1198, by the Boyvills, Lords of Kirksantons, ‘within the lordship of Millom.’ … most likely Thurston (a Norman name) was given this property which made him a yeoman (land owner) in return for his accompanying Boyhill on the Crusade. … The Askew name was given to those people who lived in the now extinct village of Ayskeugh which evidently was formed as the family of Thurston grew into a community in that same ash grove which he had received as a feoffment. Thurston was later called Thurston de Bosco (forest) translated Thurston of the wood (forest), the forest being the same ash grove (askoog). Evidently his children became John of the askoog, Mary of the askoog, later John Aiscough, Ayscough, Aiskeughe, Ascue on to Askew.” (Some Askew Family History by Earl Scott Glover)

The Askew Codex

2010-05-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

As I researched Anne Askew, I discovered another tidbit of information in relation to the English branch of the Askew family tree. Dr. A. Askew of London, England had acquired a lost gospel inscribed on its binding as "Piste Sophiea Cotice" which has been interpreted to mean “Books of the Savior”. The British Museum purchased the lost gospel from Dr. Askew in 1795. It is still not known how Dr. Askew originally acquired the document but, it is believed that he purchased it in a London book shop. This gospel became known as The Askew Codex and is still maintained by the British Library. The Askew Codex

Anne Askew – Protestant Martyr

2010-04-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

As I have continued exploring our family history … one of the most intriguing personalities that I have stumbled across is Anne Askew. She was born in 1521, the daughter of an English nobleman, Sir William Askew. Unfortunately she was forced into an unhappy marriage to Thomas Kyme at the tender age of fifteen but, remained defiant to all unjust authority. She came of age at a time when the Church of England under King Henry VIII was of the Catholic faith but, the English Protestant Reform movement was gaining popularity. Anne was a well educated and devout Protestant. She would visit homes and conduct study groups based on Protestant beliefs. These study groups were considered illegal at the time. Her beliefs were not condoned by her husband so Anne traveled to London in order to obtain a divorce. While in London, Anne continued her Protestant study groups which were believed to be attended by Katherine Parr, King Henry the VIII’s last wife and Queen of England. Katherine Parr was a known reformist and a threat to the Catholic clergy within the Church of England. The Catholic clergy had declared some Protestant practices and beliefs as heresy. Stephen Gardiner, who served as the Bishop of Winchester, determined to stop the Protestant Reform movement, desired to prove that the Queen had engaged in heretic practices against the crown by having Anne confess to the Katherine Parr’s attendance at her study groups. Anne was arrested and endured several ‘examinations’ by the Church of England clergy to determine ‘heretical’ practices and beliefs. While confined at the Tower of London, Anne was tortured on the rack but, she never confessed even under great duress. She was finally condemned and burned at the stake at Smithfield on July 16, 1546 at the age of 25. Although, I cannot draw a direct lineage to Anne as she did have two children with Thomas Kyme, I am positive she is from the same family, as my family originated from England. Recently, I completed Only Glory Awaits by Leslie S. Nuernberg which does a fantastic job of capturing her mortal life and indomitable spirit. Anne wrote of her beliefs and the tribulations of her trails in Examinations. John Foxe, who was married to Margaret Askew (1614-1702) a descendant of Anne and reformist as well, also wrote of her in his Book of Martyrs. Anne has impressed me as a strong young lady with a deep commitment to her faith. I have also had the opportunity to visit the Tower of London a few years ago and could have possibly walked the same grounds as Anne. I truly believe that Anne was a steadfast force of Faith … and a great representation of how Faith can change unjust societal constraints.

42nd Alabama at Kennesaw Mountain

2010-04-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

Last week I visited the Kennesaw National Battlefield Park. The 42nd Alabama participated in the attempt to check Sherman's march toward Atlanta. At the time of the campaign George Washington Askew served as a First Lieutenant in F Company of the 42nd Alabama. His unit was part of Baker's Brigade, Stewart's Division of Hood's Corps. Below is 1LT G. W. Askew's payroll receipt for March 1864.

On June 4, 1864, Sherman's army had reached Allatoona and flanked Confederate General Johnston out of his position near New Hope Church. Johnston fell back to Kennesaw Mountain in order to block Sherman’s advance. Hood’s corps was placed on the right flank of Johnston's Army. The Battle of Kenesaw Mountain occurred on 27 June, when Sherman ordered a general assault against the Confederate positions which ended in failure within a few hours. After the battle, Sherman again chose to maneuver around Johnston's position, crossing the Chattahoochee on 9 July. This manuever forced Johnston to abandon his defense on Kennesaw Mountain and fall back to the city of Atlanta. Private Lambert, assigned to the same regiment as G.W. Askew, described Sherman’s flanking maneuvers, "We held our line some two weeks or more, as best I remember now, without any further desperate attempts on General Sherman’s part, but he finally started getting around in our rear again, causing us to again fall back to a defensible position, which was Kennesaw mountain, Marietta, and Powder Springs, where we locked horns, more or less, for a number of days; and the same performance was again forced on us. This time we fell back across the Chattahoochee River to Atlanta, but Sherman dropped down the river, and his army crossed on pontoon bridges." (R. A. Lambert, “In the Georgia Campaign” Confederate Veteran, (1930) 38: 21.)

Confederate President Jefferson Davis, displeased with Johnston's performance, replaced him with General Hood on 18 July. Lambert described the affect on the 42nd Alabama soldiers upon hearing the news of Hood replacing Johnston, “The effect of this change . . . can best be compared to a very warm man wearing a suit of thin underclothing and having a very cold, wet blanket thrown over him.”

After visiting the park it is easy to understand why Johnston chose this terrain for his attempt to stop Sherman's advance. It is clearly the key geographic feature with a commanding view of the approaches to Atlanta. Sherman was indeed wise to manuever around this formidable obstacle after his initial attempt failed. Below is a photo of Kennesaw Mountain from the Union position, photo was taken shortly after the Civil War.

The below photos were taken from the Confederate positions atop Kennesaw Mountain during last week's trip.

The Hashuqua Cotton Factory

2010-04-12T03:46:00.000-07:00

Had the recent opportunity to chase some ghosts of our family history. My great, great, grandfather, George Wahington Askew had joined in with several other local farmers and confederate veterans to establish the Hashuqua Cotton Factory in 1866. My father and I had conducted significant research and located a lengthy article produced by an ancestor of one of the owners, some industrial census records, several newspaper articles, and a possible photo of the factory. We were recently able to visit the site of the old Factory located in Noxubee County, Mississippi. All that remains is the abutments for the dam along the Hashuqua stream, a small portion of the wooden structure of the water gates, and the foot pillers or piers that supported the floor of the factory structure.

A few facts on the factory:

- Operated from 1866 to approximately 1890. Unfortunately the company was forced into foreclosure and the property went back to its creditors.

- The machinery was imported from Liverpool, England through the port of Mobile, Albama. The import tax cost as much as the machinery.

- 1870 Mississippi Manufactoring Census of Noxubee County lists the Capital Stock at $70,000, employed 10 males and 14 females, and produced domestic yarn. By 1880, the factory employed seven males, eight females, and three children.

George W. Askew's initial investment was five thousand dollars, he was the acting secretary and treasurer for the company, and managed the general store on the site. By 1868, the company was at 'low ebb' through several misfortunes which included high water damage to the factory structure, machinery, and the deaths of three of the original owners, leaving only my GGGrandfather and one other. My GGGrandfather is described as "a young man of about 30 years of age, who was a graduate of Chapel Hill College, N.C. He came among us as active secretary and treasurer of the company; being a stockholder of five thousand dollars, he put his shoulder to the wheel right at the start. By this time the company had established a general store, and Askew was in charge of this and put in all his time, accepting such fare and eating at the same table with all the others. He remained at Hashuqua for several years until his health gave way from the effects of malaria." (Historical Notes of Noxubee County Mississippi by John Anderson Tyson)