Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-04-14
BEAUTIFUL SHAFT
TO GEN. POLK
UNVEILED
ERECTED BY MAJOR GID MORRIS
AND HIS WIFE-'VENl, VIDI,
VIcI, AT FIVE TO
ONE"

The unwilling OF the monument to Ma
for General Leonidas Polk on the summit
OF Pine Mountain, near Marietta, where
that great soldier fell, was attended by
several hundred people. The majority OF
them came from the neighborhood, but
Atlanta sent a delegation OF twenty and
several other Georgia cities were repre-
scented, as were South Carolina and Ten
nessee.
The monument was erected by Mr.. j.
Gid Norris and his wife, of Cobb county,
and this is probably the only instance on
record in which a farmer and his wife
have raised a purely patriotic monument.
The shaft and base are both Of solid
white Georgia marble, and were hewn at
the works in Marietta. The shaft rises
to a height Of 20 feet and bears some mo-
table inscriptions.
on one side the word south Is cut in
large letters. Beneath 1t is the legend,
''1S61-1S64. In memory of Lieut.. Gen. Le-
onidas Polk. who fell on this spot. June
Il. 1864. Erected by ]. Gid and Mary J.
Norris. April 10, 1902"
In the center OF the southern face Of
the monument is cut the likeness OF a
Confederate battle-fiag. beneath which
appears this inscription:
Folding his arms across his breast he
stood gazing on the scene below. turning
himself around as IL to take a farewell
view. There standing. a cannon shot
from the enemy's guns crashed through
his breast and opened wide door through
which hts spirit took its fight 70 Join
his comrades on the other shore. Surely
the earth never opened her arms 70 allow
the head OF a drawer man to rest upon her
bosom. Surely the light never pushed the
darkness back 20 make brighter the road
that leads 20 the Lamb, and surely the
gates OF heaven never opened wider TO
allow a more manly spirit to enter there
IN.
on the reverse side Of the shaft are the
words, North. veni. vidi. Vici-with Five
TO One"
From the monument, which marks the
exact spot where General Polk fell, there
is a grand panoramic view for miles in all
directions. The trunk OF the chestnut tree
which was struck by the shell which
glanced and instantly killed General Polk.
is still standing. and nearly every one
present took piece Of wood from it as a
souvenir.
After the unwilling America" was
sung beautifully by a choir composed Of
George D. Anderson. Miss Leila Anderson,
d. F .McClatchey. Rev. J. 7. Jenkins and
wife, Miss Pearl McCiatchey, Mrs. Grist
and Miss Barnes. all OF Marietta. The
same choir sang shall We Gather at the
River?" at the conclusion OF the exer-
cises.
9Ir Morris. the donor OF the monument,
IN response 10 calls, made a patriotic ana
enthusiastic speech. He and his noble wife
received the hearty congratulations and
thanks Of nearly everybody present.
Capt. A. ]. West, OF Atlanta, was in
vited 10 speak as one who helped to bear
the body OF General Polk from the spot
where he fell. During his remarks nearby
him sat Mrs. 7. ]. Hardage, to whose
home the remains were taken. She is now
s. years old, but still hearty old lady.
She seemed TO be much affected by the
! proceedings and speeches yesterday. Brief
addresses were made by Captain Hudson,
OF Marietta, Col. c. d. Phillips, Gen. c.
Irwin Walker. OF South Carolina; w. G.
Dodson and F. II. Richardson, Of Allan
| IA. Rev. Sanford Pise. OF Marietta, who
had been invited TO speak was not well
enough 10 be present, but sent a beauti-
| full letter. Mr.. c. A. Cunningham, editor
/ Of the Confederate Veteran. Nashville,
/ made a few appropriate remarks during
which he stated that Mrs. Blake and Mrs.
/ Chapman. OF New Orleans. and Mrs. Gale,
| OF Nashville, daughters OF General Polk
had sent through him warm expressions
OF their gratitude TO Mr.. and Mrs. Morris.
After the benediction by Rev. ]. 7.
jenkins the assembled guests drove back
/ TO Marietta.