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USGenWeb Archives for Alabama

Our Soldiers

Return to Lamar County Photo Album main page

Jump to:  Civil War

Civil War

Old Soldiers' Reunion Photo

Submitted by:  Kay Music lmusic1@bellsouth.net

Text of article: 

REUNION- One of the last "Old Soldier's Reunions" held in Lamar
Co. was at Ebenezer Church in the early 1900's.  Shown here is a group of men
that met at the church, organized and drilled on the grounds, then marched off to war in 1861 to fight in the war between the States.

After the end of the war the soldiers would meet each year on the same church grounds.  There they would have a celebration, the bands would play, the beat of the drums could be heard throughout the country-side as the "old soldiers" marched again.  Captain Leach was the group leader.  The group vowed to continue the reunion as long as there were two in number to meet on the Thursday before the third Sunday in July each year, according to Mrs. Arrie Mordecai, granddaughter of Johnnie Lavender, one of the leaders of the movement.

It stated the reunion continued until 1920, when only one veteran was able to attend.  People from far and wide attended the affairs which included speeches, lemonade, ice cream, and baskets full of good things to eat.  Mrs. Mordecai said this was the first time she ever tasted that good old ice cream.

Left to right the old soldiers are- bottom row:  John CURRY, Bob FRANKS, Reuben TODD, Jack WILSON, Mr. HOLLOWAY, Aaron GODFREY, Johnnie
LAVENDER, and William LAVENDER; top row, L to R- Gray Jeff ATKINS, Black B. SMITH, Balam SMITH, Big Bill SMITH, Jay GUIN, John FLEMMING, Rev. BEATY, John Q. JONES and Duff HALCOMB

This article is from The Lamar Democrat & The Sulligent News, dated March 23, 1967. 

Is this newspaper still in business?  I would like to know if anyone knows how I can get in touch with this Mrs. Arrie Mordecia, if she is still living?  Or any of her family?  We are related.  It says she is the granddaughter of Johnnie Lavender. Johnnie was my great, great, great grandfather.  Please email Kay Music lmusic1@bellsouth.net

submitted by:  Sabra N. Sudberry - added 7/16/02

Confederate Reunion - Civil War Lamar Co. - was Marion, Fayette Co., AL.  2 parts to this picture, made at Moscow Reunion.  Front kneeling 1st person on right - Sen. John Hollis Bankhead.  Front kneeling - 10th from right (light coat) John Evans Jackson (per Sabra)

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