In Memoriam.
Excerpt from the minutes of Camp E. Kirby Smith, July 1st, 1911:
The following was reported and adopted:
“By the death of our Commandant, William B. McLeod, June 29, 1911, a man of sterling character, a good soldier in times “that tried men’s souls” and a patriotic citizen of the reunited country was removed from the scene of earthly activities.
Espousing a cause that had the sanction of his head and detion of his heart, he volunteered in the Confederate service as a member of Company E, 1st Fla., regiment.
He was wounded on the hotly contested field of Chicamauga in 1863 and the next year lost an arm by a cannon ball in the fighting around Atlanta.
He enlisted as a soldier of the cross also. Was a ruling elder in Freeport church and after his removal to De Funiak, was chosen for the same position in the church there.
When at last the point of exhaustion was reached and the flag he loved was lowered to overwhelming numbers, he was saddened indeed, but not unmanned. Having made an honorable record in war, he now exemplifies good citizenship in peace. Substituting the implements of industry for the weapons of war he became a factor in the up building of his beloved South. He was often entrusted with positions of responsibility in his county. He was twice tax assessor, once collector and served on the boards of Public Instruction and County commissioners.
His record is made and has won wide approval.
Our ranks are already thin, and are thinning more and more rapidly as the sun of our earthly lives hastens to its setting. But if only we, soldiers of the Confederacy, enlist under the Banner of the Crost of the Captain of Salvation will lead us to assured victory, and in lieu of the Cypress we shall one day wave the Palm.
Resolved, First; That the death of Captain McLeod entails a loss to our camp, to the community and to his family.
Second; that we tender our condolence to the family and order that a page be inscribed to his memory.
Third; that this memorial be published in the local papers and that a copy be sent to the family of our deceased comrade.
Respectfully submitted: R. Q. Baker, W. C. McLean, J. C. Douglass, W. D. McLean, W. A. Winslett. Committee.
[Contributed by Michael Strickland]