CSA marker dedication memorial set Saturday
Thursday, March 8, 2012
A Southern Cross and Confederate States of America Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at Bell Cemetery near Bryans Mill. The service will honor Robert William Bell, who served in Sim’s Company, 23rd Georgia Infantry of the CSA.
Other relatives related to Bell who also served in the Civil War and are buried in the cemetery will also be recognized. They are: Andrew Bell Jr., Private, Orr’s 1st Regiment, South Carolina Rifles, Company L, recognized by his great-great-grandson David Bell; James Monroe Stringer, Second Lieutenant, Company B/25th Arkansas, recognized by his great-great-grandson Ron Stringer; and Samuel Matthew VanDiver, Private, Orr’s 1st Regiment, South Carolina Rifles, Company L, recognized by his great-great-granddaughter Becki Lemmon Harrington.
Members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Walter P. Lane Camp #1455 based in Longview, will conduct the service. Paul Hamilton, 1st Sergeant with the Lone Star Honor Guard in Gilmer will be in charge of posting of the colors, as well as playing “Taps.” Corporal Ben Hay will be the drummer.
Jerry Haymes, a chaplain in the Texas Division, will give the invocation and benediction. Adjutant H. M Meredith will welcome everyone and lead the pledges and salute. Reading of the SCV Charge will be Commander Robert Bailey. Other patriotic camps will also assist in the service.
Steve Austin, with the Veterans Administration of Mt. Pleasant, who is also with the Historical Society, will place the battle flags on the graves.
Bell family descendant Joyce Fountain of Gilmer will be in charge of the reading of the biography as well as having the honor of unveiling the monument. Robert Bell is her great-great-grandfather.
Members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy will place a wreath and rose upon the grave.
After the memorial service, lunch will be served for the Confederate re-enactors at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Bryans Mill.
Bell Cemetery is located on Farm Road 1766, one and one-fourth miles west of Bryans Mill in Cass County.
© Copyright 2012, Longview News-Journal,