Confederate Memorial Day Observance Service Held In Dallas

The General William J. Hardee Camp # 1397 Sons of Confederate Veterans of Dallas, Georgia met at the Paulding County Confederate Monument on Saturday, April 28, 2018, on a beautiful spring morning to hold a Confederate Memorial Day Observance Service. The service was called to order by Camp Commander Wayne Willingham and all were welcomed to the service, Brother John Emery was called upon to give the invocation.
This was followed by special singing from Mr. Joe Robinson from Rome, Georgia, who sang Amazing Grace. Commander Willingham introduced the Keynote speaker, Chaplain Todd Tibbitts who spoke on"Remembering & Honoring Family Sacrifices of the 1860s" Local lifelong resident, Todd Tibbitts (a 6th-generation Tibbitts in Paulding County) in his Keynote Address, shared stories of the impact from the War Between The States on his family. Todd began by reciting a quote from 18th Century English Poet, Alexander Pope …“Who finds not Providence all good and wise, alike in what it gives and what it denies.” … and reflected on Divine Providence, God’s Will, and His Eternal Favor on His People from generation to generation.
Todd took a moment to memorialize an ancestor who “Gave All” during the American Civil War. W.A. ‘Bill’ Tibbitts, brother of Todd’s 3rd Great Grandfather, was Killed In Action as he fought with the 6th Arkansas Infantry against Union troops at the Battle Of Stones River, Murfreesboro, TN on December 31, 1862. He is buried in a Confederate Mass Grave at Evergreen Cemetery in Murfreesboro, TN. “Stones River ran red that day, and Tibbitts blood contributed!”
Maston Green Tibbitts was Todd’s 3rd Great Grandfather who lived until 1924. Todd’s grandfather J. Hollis Tibbitts was born in 1903 and lived until 1989, so Todd’s granddad had 21 years with Maston Green during which time many, many first-hand war-time stories were heard. Todd was born in 1962, so he had 27 years to hear the second-hand stories handed down by his Papa Hollis. Maston Green Tibbitts enlisted in the Army of the Confederate States Of America in early 1864 as a Private, Company K, 14th Regiment, GA Infantry, CSA at Etowah, GA (Etowah Guard). He was wounded on the battlefield at The Battle of Wilderness, Virginia in May 1864, where he suffered a leg injury when a Yankee mini ball passed through his knee. By Divine Providence, Maston Green recovered in a war hospital at Richmond, VA, made it back to Paulding County where he raised a family and led a productive life … while walking with a permanent limp, of course. Maston Green is buried at Old Harmony Grove Church Cemetery in northern Paulding Co.
His brother, Sargent Thomas J. Tibbitts, was wounded just a few days later and a few miles down the road at The Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia. It, too, was a leg injury from which he recovered. Thomas is buried at Mt Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery in northern Paulding Co. Another brother, Col. James W. ‘Jim’ Tibbitts, was wounded in 1862 at the Battle Of Mechanicsville, VA … where he suffered a leg injury as well. Jim is also buried at Old Harmony Grove Church Cemetery. Lore, tales, stories, and memories went on and on during Todd’s presentation …. About a time not so long ago that left such an impact on life today right here in Paulding County, GA.
Todd closed with this thought-provoking challenge … It is “good and wise” to take time during this year’s Confederate Memorial Day Observance to remember and reflect on what God’s Providence “gives and what it denies”.
Following the speaker was the placing of the wreath at the base of the Confederate Monument by Past Commander and Hardee Camp founder Dennis Deal, As the wreath was being placed Mr. Joe Robinson sang "There is a Fountain" this was followed by the gun salute, The Honor Guard fired a 3 round volley in Honor of all Confederate Soldiers and families. Next Commander Willingham led the assembly in the singing of Dixie, the service was ended by Camp Chaplain John Emery giving the benediction.
Confederate Memorial Day is Observed on April 26th each year in Georgia. For more information on the Gen William J. Hardee Camp # 1397 Sons of Confederate Veterans www.hardeecamp1397scv.org

Pictured above are members of the Gen William J. Hardee Camp # 1397 and those who participated in the Service on April 28, 2018.