Death of Innocence
This mostly fictional story covering the years 1859 to 1870 is based on true events and actual people of my family that survived one of the most troubled times of our country, the Great Civil War. A war that claimed countless lives of young men that fought the battles, and the lives of many innocent non combatants as well. I am confident that as you read their stories you will create a bond with each one as I did while doing my research.
Joseph Samuel Greene, my great grandfather was a gambler at heart, and a pilot of riverboats on the Tennessee, Mississippi and Red Rivers. It was in the city of Florence, Alabama where he met Mary McAlexander, fell in love, and married as the Civil War unfolded brining uncertainty into their lives.
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Andrew Patterson, my great, great grandfather was 43 years old when the southern cause beckoned. He left his children in the hands of a young woman named Rebecca Davis, the eighteen year old daughter of a neighbor. Unknown to Andrew, she was secretly in love with him, and the 23 years between them made no difference to her. Serving with Company D of Hampton's Legions of the Confederate Army, Andrew saw battles at Bull Run, Ethams Landing, Seven Pines, Fair Oaks, Second Battle of Bull Run, and other places of violence.
James Chrisman, my great grandfather loved a neighbor girl by the name of Martha Herd and promised he would return to her as the train pulled out of the New Site, Alabama train depot heading for the war. James served with the 47th Alabama of the Confederate Army seeing battles at such places as The Second Bull Run, Cedar Mountain, Harpers Ferry, Sharpsburg, and Hanover. Unknown to James, trouble was brewing for his family back home with the Home Guard.
Edward McAlexander, my great uncle, and brother to Mary McAlexander, was a well respected surgeon in Florence, Alabama, but he too found the need to serve his beloved south. Not wanting to fight the war from a field hospital , he joined the infantry, as a Major of the 27th Alabama, where he would rise to Colonel in command of the 27th Alabama surrendering his sword and his command at Appomattox. Tired and disappointed, he returned to his Florence, where his wife Sarah Koger McAlexander and daughter Mary awaited.