Person:John Sample (9)

Notes from Patrick Morgan Harrison (hamlet@@flash.net): Notes for JOHN BUCHANAN SAMPLE: in 1862, John B. Sample joined the Madison Light Artillery, formerly called "The Madison Tips," under the command of Captain George Ward. At the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Capt. Ward was in command of two batteries and due to his valor under fire was promoted to Maj. Commanding a battalion of artillery. Capt. Thomas J. Richards then commanded the Madison Battery, which was reported in March, 1864, as consisting of 127 men, 59 horses and four 12- pounder Napoleon guns. In the Battle of Spottsylvania, Virginia, the Madison Light Artillery repulsed the Federal attack on a salient in the Confederate line. When the scene of battle was changed to the South Anna River and the enemy made a demonstration higher up the river, at Jerico Ford, Poague's Battalion was sent with Heth's Division to meet that danger. In the final campaign in Virginia the battery was commanded by Lieutenant John W. Yeargain. John Sample was discharged in April, 1865, after the Confederate Army surrendered. Like the other soldiers who found themselves in Virginia after the surrender of Lee's Army, John Sample walked, rode and struggled his way back to his family in Camden, Mississippi. On April 13, 1985, Leila Harrison, Bill Castens, O. E. Castens, Marianne Mansell Beasley, Osborne Guion and Patrick Harrison, descendant nieces and nephews of John Buchanan Sample met at the Camden Cemetery to honor the memory of their ancestor who fought for the Confederate cause in the War Between the States. A grave marker (U.S. Confederate monument) was set on the grave site. The following was read in remembrance of John Sample: "In testimony of our love, recalling deeds immortal, heroism unsurpassed." With ranks unbroken, ragged, starved and decimated, the Southern soldier, for duty's sake undaunted stood to the front of the battle, until no light remained to illumine the field of carnage, save the luster of his chivalry and courage." In this grave of John Buchanan Sample . . . "Valor proudly sleeps."

More About JOHN BUCHANAN SAMPLE: Burial: Town Cemetery, Camden, Mississippi Occupation: Farmer/Confedrte