Georgia:  Coweta County:  Reminisces of an Old Veteran
19 January 1923

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This file was contributed by:
Dianne Wood
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The Newnan Herald, Friday, January 19, 1923     

REMINISCENCES OF AN OLD VETERAN

   Mr. Editor:  In May 1861, twelve jolly young men boarded the train at 
Newnan for Pensacola, Fla., as recruits for the Newnan Guards.  In the squad, 
were four pairs of brothers – A. D. and Billy Freeman, Joe Nat and Billy 
Beadles, John D and Lavender R Ray and Minor and J. V. Davis. The other four 
wre almost the same as brothers – Geo W. Ramey, W. S. Askew, Abner Calhoun, 
and the writer.  These boys were brave in war and loveable in peace. I still 
cherish the memory the numerous kind and noble deeds of these good men. 

   We remember how Joe Nat Beadles fell in battle and his brother, Billy, 
lost a leg in defense of their country; also how Lavender Ray championed the 
cause of the farmers when he was in the Legislature; also how Abner Calhoun, 
famous occultist of later years, treated the eyes of old soldiers free of 
charge.  I also recall the time when Abner’s father visited our camp after 
the Laurel Hill retreat.  Abner was sick; so were my brothers and I, 
being cared for in a private home. The dear old Doctor, called to see us, 
ministered to our ailments, and left instructions with the camp physician 
what to do for us. Before leaving us he gave us his last five-dollar gold 
piece. My heart swells with gratitude whenever I recall these kind deeds, and 
aches with grief when I realize how few of my dear old comrades are left.  

T. F. Jones