The life and times of James Martin Hamrick, Part 3

We continue this week with the series of articles on the autobiography of James Martin Hamrick (1838-1907), a farmer who lived in rural Georgia (Meriwether, Troup and Carroll counties) during its early days.

This week's story takes us through the Civil War, a near-death, and a new start in Carroll County. Our thanks to Dave Hamrick and his father, John Hamrick, for sharing with us this fascinating story.

James continues with his personal experiences during the war:

"Chapter VI

"On Sunday morning, July 21, 1861, the Seventh and Eighth Georgia Regiments, with cavalry and artillery, formed in line and doubled quick for about 6 miles and met the enemy on the battlefield near Bull Run, where our loss was heavy many bit the dust that memorable day. We routed the enemy and captured many of them with their artillery and ran them into Washington City. Many noted men and women were out from the city in fine carriages to see the fun, but they went back double quick. After the battle, we got in shape the best way we could and camped six miles out from Washington at Manassas. From there we went to Fairfax Station. In October we went back to Centreville and remained there the remainder of the year.

"I see someone writing in the Journal about some farmer bringing in some barrels of apples with a keg of brandy in the middle and selling them for $50. I bought one of them and sold it in my tent before the officer arrived for about $300 (as I hardly ever drank in those days). In January, 1862, we built winter quarters at Rocky Run. We put up bunks in our houses and had a good time though some times we would go out on picket duty in rain and sleet, and our clothes would freeze on us (as we had no fires on that duty).

"While there, my father, came to see me, and when I met him, my heart was so hard I could not cry. On the 8th of March (my birthday) the whole army fell back for Richmond, We stopped at Culpepper Courthouse a few days, then marched to Orange Junction and camped until the 10th of April; then we were put on freight cars and rushed to Richmond. We got there in the night nearly perished and marched up Main Street about three miles and at every house we passed were barrels of water and ladies and children with buckets and waiters full of ham, chicken, bread, pies, and many other good things. Many are living today who will vouch for this.

"After staying there a few days, we took the boat and went to Yorktown landing there the 16th. Our brigade was formed in line of battle dam No. 1. The South Carolineans (sic) stacked their guns and were making breast works when the enemy crawled through the swamp and killed many of them before they could get their guns. We were ordered to charge and found the woods blue with them. I got one shot at them as they ran, leaving the ground covered with their killed and wounded. We lost a few men. A cannon ball struck our color bearer, named Fishback, in the breast cutting him in twain. On the 18th, an armistice and flag of truce were raised, and they came over and got their dead and buried them. They had been there for 2 days and were black in the face. That night while on picket, I received a gunshot in my hand, and to keep from bleeding to death, I got my suspender off with my left hand, and with it and my teeth I corded my arm until Capt. Jack Smith pulled me out of the mud and water.

"Chapter VII

"Next day after I was wounded I went up James River on a boat and was carried to the Globe Hospital and remained there until June. I took the gangrene in my hand and was at the point of death. When one was expected to die, they carried in the L of the hospital (or wing as they called it). When I came to myself, I found that I had been in there one week and had been laid out on the cooling board and pronounced dead; and when I had began to mend, I went to the bookkeeper to get my baggage to go to Petersburg. I found that my name had been recorded on the book of the dead.

"When I got to Petersburg, I was sent to a private house with three others and began to mend fast; and right here let me say that the ladies of the city were very kind to us in furnishing something good to eat. Father sent Dr. Jack Brown for me in July, and I will long remember him for his kindness. On reaching home I was completely worn out, weighing about 80 pounds. To commence life anew, that fall I went to school; and the next spring, 1863, I taught school and went to see the lady that I was engaged to and told her, as I was a cripple for life, it was with regret I would release her of our engagement, but she said she was willing to go through life with me. And so we were married the third Sunday in May by Rev. Nathan Smith.

"That fall we moved to Villa Rica, and I and Dr. Brown opened up a grocery store and made money. In the month of May, 1864, my heart and home was saddened by the death of my wife. In July I met with a nice lady, Miss F.A. Isler, and in a quiet way I proposed, was accepted, and we were married the 8th of September by T.M. Hamilton, J.P. and moved near Sand Hill, where I farmed in 1865 and 1866. By ploughing with a strap around my broken hand and Father seeing that I would not be able to support my family, bought the place at Sand Hill, and he and I went into the mercantile business and made money fast for two years, when I bought his interest and made a success. In 1875 politics or some kind of tick got into my head, and I was elected tax collector for two terms, over two as good men as was in the county."

Next week: Chapter VIII and IX, life in Carroll County 1881 to 1897 ... politics, farming and family.

If you missed the first part of this story, you can read it online at www.thecitizennews.com. From the home page, scroll down to the "Finding Your Folks" link on the right. You'll find all past columns archived there.

We want to hear your ancestors' stories too. Send them to The Citizen, Drawer 1719, Fayetteville, GA 30214; e-mail jkilgore@thecitizennews.com or jodiek444@aol.com.

Until next week, happy hunting!