Civil War veteran, Daniel C. Wilson, who lies buried in an unmarked grave at Arney's Cemetery in Hickory will be remembered in a ceremony on Saturday, November 21, 1998 at 2:00 P.M. A gravestone, provided by the Veterans Administration, will be dedicated during this memorial service.
Presentation of the Color Guard. A color guard, composed of members of the Color Guard of the Reactivated 26th Regiment, NC Troops, will be present to honor our fallen comrade.
Reading of the Military Record. Daniel Wilson's record of military service will be read.
Eulogy and History. A reading of the chronology and memories will be given by descendants of Daniel Wilson.
Salute by the Color Guard. The rifle company will give a final salute to their companion in arms.
Prayer of Invocation. Rev. Charles Stephens, Minister of Bethel Methodist Church, caretaker of the Arney Cemetery, will give the Invocation.
Dismissal. An opportunity to visit with family members and members of the Reactivated 26th Regiment, NC Troops..
Guests are requested to park at the Bethel Church parking lot as there is no parking available along Main Avenue NW, adjacent to the cemetery.
While the ceremony is expected to be short, lawn chairs would be appropriate for those not desiring to stand.
And here's how the project began
Daniel C. Wilson was born in Catawba County about 1841 and served during the Civil War. He enlisted 27 Apr 1861 at the age of 19, from Catawba County and served as a private in Co. A, 12th Regiment, NC Troops. He transferred to Co. E, 32nd Regiment on 14 Sep 1861 and served in the Peninsula campaign. Wilson was wounded at Spotsylvania, Virginia, 10 May 1864, suffering a fractured skull as the result of being clubbed on the head by a Yankee a rifle butt. He spent the rest of the war as a prisoner, his wounds receiving little treatment. His release from Fort Delaware Prison came on 19 June 1865, only after he was required to take the Oath of Allegiance. He found himself weary, physically devastated, homesick and 400 miles from home. With the railroad destroyed during the war, he was forced to walk most of the way.
The return to his home in Hickory found him permanently disabled which eventually qualified him for a pension. He met a young woman, Sarah Ellen Miller, whom he married on 10 May 1866. Sadly, she died before her 34th birthday. Their marriage produced two children, including Thomas Avery Wilson who remained in Catawba County. Daniel remarried a Buncombe county girl, Mary Ann Brooks, from Hominy Creek, on 3 August 1879. They had three sons, all of whom left the area. Daniel was an independent pharmaceutical salesman and traveled between Hickory and Asheville but was always present at the Old Soldier's Reunion in Newton.
Daniel endured severe head aches and asthma and suffered poor health for the rest of his life. During the last ten weeks of his life, he was bed-ridden. His death came expectedly on 3 January 1911. He was laid to rest at Arney's Cemetery and any record or his interment has been lost to the ages.
At this time, it is appropriate that a fitting memorial be placed and the remembrance of a man who served his country be made. He paid a great price for his service and all recollections of him have faded. The memorial stone to be placed on his grave will commemorate his life and service and be a remembrance to the future generations.
"On January 3rd at 6:0'clock, Daniel C. Wilson passed away. He was in feeble health for the past two years being a sufferer from asthma and something like heart dropsy [congestive heart failure] caused his death. Mr. Wilson was 68 years old. When in early years the call to arms came, he promptly enlisted in Company E, 32nd N.C. regiment and for four years was a brave, faithful soldier. His interests in Confederate matters never abated and he was always to be found at the annual reunions." [Newton Enterprise, Jan 20, 1911]
"He was twice married. His first wife was Sarah Ellen Miller and to this union were born two children, of which one son survives him [Thomas Avery]. His second wife was Mary Ann Brooks of Hominy Creek, Buncombe county, and to them was born three sons. He is survived by his wife, four sons, one brother, nine grand children and a host of friends who mourn his departure. He was a member of the Methodist Church. His pastor, Rev. Dr. Mann and Dr. J.L. Murphy conducted his funeral which was preached at his home on Lincolnton street and then he was tenderly laid to rest ar Arney's church. [Hickory Democrat, Jan 12, 1911]
Derick S. Hartshorn - ©2008
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