“THIS WAS OUR HERO AND HIS CAUSE WAS OURS”

Another of the Ribbons I have from J C Tatum.

A description is posted HERE

The cornerstone laying was accompanied by a large and elaborate ceremony in 1896, including the Confederate veteran's reunion and plans were for a massive temple in Monroe Park costing $250,000.

 Fundraising became a problem and the project was scaled back and, with a less-elaborate design, it was finally completed in 1907 on land donated by the city of Richmond at Monument and Davis. The original cornerstone from this 1896 ceremony was included in the final monument.

On June 3, 1907, the 99th anniversary of Davis’s birth, his only surviving child, Margaret Davis Hayes, unveiled the statue (still missing a few details) on Monument Avenue. The ceremony and parade were the highlight of the annual United Confederate Veterans reunion. Attended by a crowd estimated between 80,000-200,000 people.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Richmond VA, 5/30/1894

Another Ribbon my great Grandfather had.

The Monument --

The Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument was dedicated May 30, 1894 on Libbie Hill terrace in Richmond, Va. - Known as the “Single Soldier,” “Silent Sentinel” or similar names depending on the locale, he tops many of the thousands of Civil War monuments to be found in more than 30 states. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

( source / https://www.sent-trib.com/news/civil-war-silent-sentinels/image)

The Confederate Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument Association was formed in 1889. They decided that the monument was should be modeled after "Pompey's Pillar" in Alexandria, Egypt. It depicts a bronze Confederate private standing on top of the pillar, which is composed of 13 granite blocks to symbolize each of the Confederate states. The monument was completed at the south end of 29th St. in 1894, at a total cost of over $30,000.

An inscription on the statue reads the following:

Erected by the Confederate Soldiers & Sailors Monument Association

Anno Domini 1887-1894

A wonderful on line booklet on Monuments can be found 

HERE

My Great Grandfather was a Member of The First Company Richmond Howitzers.

They also have a Monument in Richmond VA.

He was proud of his Service !

He wrote --

" After an interval of over thirty years of time my memory takes me back to my wartime days 

(1861 1865) it seems strange about my experience as a Confederate soldier , yet it is true. And that I am proud today as a prince of that experience 

. I rejoice with exceeding great joy to know that I and my brother William were  soldiers in the Army of Northern Virginia and that I lived in the same days and generation and breathed the same liberty loving atmosphere as Generals Lee and Jackson and that incomparable host of patriots whose valor and  heroic achievements for our cause has challenged the admiration of the civilized world .

My brother and I did our duty to the last, we had guns and used them in many hard fought battles to our satisfaction, without either being taken prisoner or receiving only slight wounds once in a while"

                                                                                                         John C Tatum

And I in turn am proud of Him !

May 29th 1890

I got to wondering about this Ribbon my Great Grand Father had --

So I Googled the info on the ribbon and found THIS

 So it turns out it was for The unveiling of the statue of 

General Robert E. Lee, at Richmond, Va., May 29th, 1890.

(From Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 17.Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.)

 " The unveiling of the statue of General Robert E. Lee, at Richmond, Va., May 29th, 1890.

This demonstration in its spontaneity was unique in the history of our country. All hearts were in accord, and there was harmony and entire decorum, notwithstanding that pre-arrangement of organizations was precluded, through the absence of knowledge of intending participants in the procession. Many organizations without previous intimation to the directors in Richmond, arrived but a little while before the line was forming, and many joined it whilst it was in motion. Yet there was no confusion, only a little delay as bodies were marched through divided lines resting in the shade. The wants of the waiting were well attended with refreshments from the gracious hands of gentle women.

Memory was turned back to days of anxiety, of peril, of suffering, and of sacrifice. Veneration for a great-hearted and devoted leader—sublime in dutiful performance, was paramount in the breast of every participant. Bitterness had not lodgment. Amidst crowding images and incidents, patriotism and charity were brightly present. The fiat of the sword was unreservedly accepted at Appomattox. The South holds the common interest of our reunited country in its due regard. It earnestly invokes respectful consideration and fraternity.

It was a cloudless day. The atmosphere was balmy and all nature was in its gayest garb.

It was an inspiriting expression of a generous people. No serious accident occurred. Almighty God seemingly gave His countenance. Who should cavil? The day will never be forgotten by the participants and future generations will have its incidents recounted to them by successive treasurers of its memories. "

It seems JC Tatum was there ! And at a few other events --

I have the ribbons in my collection now !

DT.

A view of Slavery from the inside.

It is what it is, My ancestors were slave owners, I've posted before about this.

I've been copying a journal of family lineage for a cousin - And ran across this page -

I've tried to transcribe it --


Slaves of Theophilus Tatum in the year 1850. (each slave worth $1.000.00)
They were set free by Abraham Lincoln when he violated his oath to the Constitution of the United States.
These Negros were all healthy, trained, gentle, happy and loved by all members of their masters family also much respected.  Any female member of his family could be left alone in the house or on the road for any length of time with perfect safety.  The ladies of the family looked upon them as good protectors.  Any of these slaves were sent at any time on errands, responsible errands for any member of the family.  They brought and carried the neighborhood news, This means of communication was common amongnst the planters in those days,  Negro messengers went to and fro on horseback for miles, bringing verbal or written news to friends and neighbors.

Names of the slaves --
Clary - Ellen - Braxton
Jemdma - Maria - Telemachus
Lucy - Lewis - Gesde - Albert.

I'll let you make your own conclusions !

Dave Tatum.