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Thread ID: 17418 | Posts: 1 | Started: 2005-03-20
2005-03-20 14:43 | User Profile
Findley's remembered with re-enactment ceremonies
By Story submitted to the Star-News. Friday, March 18, 2005 6:54 PM CST
The air was filled with a hint of "festival," yet was subdued by the solemnity of the occasion, as a pair of locally-grown mules pulled the vintage wagon up the slight incline to Fairmount Baptist Church in Red Level.
Handled by Wagonmaster "Tip" Campbell, the well-trained pair stepped methodically to the strains of "Amazing Grace" as played by Charles Simon on the bagpipes. It carried the earthly remains of Magilbra (1796-1888) and Dolly Findley (who died in 1854), pioneer settlers in this area and historical figures.
Magilbra had fought with General Andrew Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans (War of 1812) and drove "the bloody British to the Gulf of Mexico!" Leading the cortege was law professor John Eidsmoe of Montgomery, who currently is the chief legal assistant to the Alabama Supreme Court Justice Tom Parker. Dressed in period 1860's attire, Eidsmoe carried the musket, which Magilbra had carried into battle in New Orleans.
Eight great-grandsons lifted the beautiful white pine box from the wagon and carried it into Fairmount Church.
Covington Historical Society President Col. William Blocker welcomed the overflow attendees and spoke on the historical significance of the proceedings and why we should honor all our veterans.
Cousin Leroy Findley then said a prayer and introduced cousin Robert Findley of Red Level and Houston who thanked everyone for their effort to attend. Robert was the "prime mover" which allowed his great-great-great-great-grandparents to be moved from the land/locked and abandoned site that they had occupied for more than 121 years, into the
well cared for cemetery at Fairmount.
Cousin Tony Findley led the family in "Amazing Grace." He especially thanked Kym and Randy Keahey for their invaluable service. He then introduced the chief curator of the Alabama Department of Archives and History who spoke about Magilbra's musket, which now rested atop the "common" casket.
Commander Leonard Wilson, Alabama Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans spoke briefly and commented on the fact that since Magilbra and Dolly's six sons, four sons-in-laws and four grandsons had worn the Confederate uniform -- then the SCV, whose duty is to protect the image and good name of the confederate soldier, was proud to be of financial assistance in the ceremony.
John Eidsmoe, who is a Presbyterian minister and who holds a 3rd degree in black belt karate delivered the eulogy and likened the elder Findleys to Washington, Jefferson, Madison and others, calling them confederates in the truest sense of the word. He also warned of the further encroachment of the federal judiciary and stated that if the likes of Magilbra Findley were alive today, there'd be another war! Eidsmoe received a standing ovation and thunderous applause.
Closing remarks were given by Ron Taylor, Southeast Brigade Commander, SCV, who had planned and coordinated the event for the family. Taylor admonished the family to never abandon these grandparents again and to "honor your father and mother" by preserving their values.
At graveside, Magilbra's military record was read and an 1812 group of re-enactors, lead by Bob Mclendon of Troy, fired a most impressive gun salute and before the smoke cleared, "taps" was heard in the distance, played by the Findley's great-great-great-great-great-granddaughter, Melissa Warr of Bainbridge, Ga.
Hundreds of the family and friends then moved to the grave of confederate soldier Bluford Findley (son of Magilbra and Dolly) where Paul Findley of Little Rock, Ark. spoke of his ancestors along with SCV official, Wyatt Willis of Prattville.
Dressed in their white uniforms, the 15th Alabama Infantry stirred those assembled with their precision drills and gun salutes. They repeated the same, as a courtesy to the family of another confederate soldier, the Rev. George Kierce, who had pastored Fairmount Baptist church in the 1870's and also served as postmaster of Red Level.
The day was ended and deemed a rousing success.
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