John Malcolm Culpepper
Culpepper memorial dedicated in Pine Forest
THE NEWS-TELEGRAM
Sulphur Springs, Texas
Weekend, May 27-28, 2000
Page 3B
The dedication of a Confederate Veteran’s memorial marker at the
grave of John M. Culpepper was held in Pine Forest in Hopkins county on
Sunday, April 30. 250 family members and friends were in attendance.
The posting of the flags was performed by members of the Texas
Division Color Guard Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV).
Lavyn Wright Sisco, great-grand-daughter, welcomed guests. The
invocation was given by Eric Martin, Chaplain with the SCV Motorcycle
Riders Association.
Brief remarks of greeting were made by great-grandchildren, Hanna
Simpson, Harry Hogue and James Edward Young. Martha Young,
great-granddaughter-in-law, read a poem,
The youngest great-grandson, Capos Conley "Chip" Culpepper,
gave biographical information about the three years John M. Culpepper
spent in the service of the 37th
Alabama Regiment of Volunteer Infantry. "Today is April 30,
2000. 138 years and 2 days ago, April 28, 1862 John Malcolm Culpepper,
then age 26, enlisted in the Confederate Army. Every male member of his
family served in the Civil War at some time. Two of his brothers and two
cousins served with him in Company b of the 37th
Alabama." The 37th Alabama eventually contained 1,275
men. The 37th had many skirmishes, but Vicksburg, Missionary
Ridge and Atlanta were the most notable.
John Culpepper and his two cousins survived the 48-day Siege at
Vicksburg. They were paroled and were sent home. After a few weeks, the
men were ordered to report back to duty. Within a few days, the 37th
Alabama took position on Lookout Mountain overlooking Chattanooga,
Tenn., where they were engaged in the battle in and above the clouds.
"Today is April 30, 2000. 135 years and four days ago, on April
26, 1865, General Joseph E. Johnson formally surrendered his once mighty
army to General William T. Sherman at Durham Station, North Carolina …
Out of the 1,275 men who once served, only about 75 officers and men
were left in the regiment in the end. John M. Culpepper was one of
them."
The ceremony included the unveiling of the marker by grandchildren,
Conley Culpepper and Mattie Bradford Young.
Charles Buchannan Harris, Chapter 2531 of the United Daughters of the
Confederacy (UDC), oversaw the placement of SCV and UDC wreaths on the
grave. Presentation of the family wreath was by
great-great-great-grandsons, Justin Sisco and Scott Gonzales. Smaller
versions of "Stars and Bars" and the confederate battle flag
were placed on the graves by Daniel Feike, great-great-great-grandson
and Hunter Culpepper, great-great-great-great-grandson. Individual long
stemmed roses were placed on the stone by members of the Society of
Descendants of the Immortal 600 Wreath, led by members of the Texas
Division Color Guard, SVC.
Roll call of Honor was given by the Color Honor Guard to John M.
Culpepper and the other 22 confederate Veterans buried in Pine Forest
Cemetery. Flags ere also placed on the grave of each Confederate
veteran.
Mrs. Marilyn bolding and Mr. Arian Williams, members of the UDC and
SCV, sang "Dixie," and Honor Guard gave a three-round volley
from their muzzle-loading rifles. Mr. Williams closed the ceremony as he
blew "taps" for the fallen John M. Culpepper.
2 photos to be supplied at future data. The photo caption read as
follows:
Unveiling
Left: the historical marker of Civil War veteran John M. Culpepper
is unveiled by his grandchildren, Conley Culpepper and Mattie Bradford
Young, at a ceremony attended by 250 of his family.
Right: John M. Culpepper.
Provided to Culpepper Connections! by Capos Conley
"Chip" Culpepper, II
