The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-02-18
EEELfN'S HERO!sM
Record OF n Grizz,cd Veteran of Thomas's

Legion.
WYTHEVILLE. VA. Feb. T7.-special =
The feat of daring, Of personal prowess
Of chivalry, yet unrecorded Of the private
soldier Of the Confederate Army would
make a volume OF absorbing interest.
The heroic action forming the basis Of
the classics is steadily eclipsed by the
startling deeds of some Of the unccuch
but invinciDle followers Of the starry
cross, occasionally related in that fash
ion so simple yet so natural TO the
hero OF Il yalOrous exploit. lie that with
a single weapon. I'm a narrow way. await
| ed the onslaught Of powerful foe. and
| held an army at bay while the approach
! TO his native city was hewed away, was
immortalized in bronze and verse. though
| he was dressed in metal, and fought
| hand to hand. with visible weapons.
Songs Of triumph attended him, gifts OF
public lands and the praise of a grateful
Senate were showcred upon him. aud
even Father Tibcr bare bravely I'D his
chin ms IL in recognition OF his night
decd Yet now in Bristol lives in quiet
retirement, in an humble occupation. a
Srizzled veteran of Thomas Legion OF
Western North Carolina mountaineers
James Keeiin. who at the cali of duty
and in the presence OF an enemy of
unknown numbers. rendered his countr,
a service obscurng the might and yalor
or Horatius Coolies though his reward
has been round only in the approving
conscience and the honorable BADGE of
many cicatrice.
Some time i'm November of 1862 Keelfn
in a squad Of ten men, was detailed 10
hold and guard the railroad bridge at
Strawberry Plains, Tenn, which was
threatened by raiding parties Of Federals
AnNnf q I4s .f.,
detail were withdrawn, leaving Keelfn
and one other, who faithfully patroled
the bridge until about midnight. when
suddenly party of forty Federal cayal-
ny appeared and made preparation 10
burn the structure.
heeiins companion sought safety f.
night as soon as a pros, Get OF a n.Uf
vas apparent. leaving the IN der.
horatius alone. armed with musket and
bowie knife.
Ihe nrst Federal, climbing through IN.
trestle. torch IL hand 10 fire tie noolinp
was shot by keelin, but he had exposed |
hifnscl 70 the fire of all the enemy |
command, and he received three bullets |
one in the ribs, one in an elbow. ana |
the third in hip, where it yet remains a |
painful reminder of the midnight assault
Pressed too closely for time to reload |
his musket he drew the bowie knife and |
waited at the head Of the narrow ascent
al the SIDE OF the bridge. up which the
enemy was struggling. Two more fell
uead under the knife. and seven Others
tumbled back desperately wounded Yet
keehn himself had not escaned lnieo
ana sword thrusts, his neck was drencb.
:, III MS own blood, his head showed y
long and CHASTITY cut, his right hand was
siashed across the back and his left hand
was cut off. manu-
me members Of the entire troon wera
successfully fought down the embank
,neht ny the one man, until i'm desnera-
toh the lieutenant I'm command de,or-
niiheu TO engage Keeln; but he soon too
returned with ugly wounds and cooled
ardor' and mounting horses thev hnrrisd
away. WY ""'ileu
IN TINS desperate coalition Keelln stooa
az ms position until regularly relieved
~ tne morning. binding up bis own muti-
%''u arm and staunching the now of
'ioOu from his many wounds recei,,ne
appeared ''1' u"9"sh'
NeeiIh mas now passed beyond tbe
a. unit or three score and ton
III green and vigorous old
's', ana Is even now daily laborer too
""deSt 10 relate the story Of q dood
'hleh IN any other age would have gwen
nm lmperishable fame and Zoo
'ssel.ans TO claim even praise. merely
ing that he was sent there to save
ne bridge, and did not think he oncbt 60
up without something OF a fight.