The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-03-07


 Cs. appeal to Alabamians to put a window in this church to the memory of the Alabama troops. being the only state that has failed up to this time to place a window.
 Shall 1t be said of Alabamians we are derelict in our love for Alabama? No. no! Let 1t be said of us that Ala bama will do her duty and place a window in this historic church in me- mory of her brave sons. We. the un- dersigned committee, appeal to you to do your part Any amount will be ap- preciated.
 H. k. Malone.
 Chairman.
 John Barbich,
 John F. Powers
 Geo. T. Lyndall,
 Commander.
 F. w Christian
 A. c. Pfckens
 The Women of Florence During the
 Civil War-1S01-1605.
 'srhe bravest battle that ever was shall I tell you where or when? On the maps of the world you will find Twas fought by the mothers of men. Nay, not with cannon or battle shot.
 With sword or nobler pen; Nay, not with eloquent words of From mouths of wonderful men. But deep in walled up woman's Of woman that would not yield. But bravely. silently bore her part
 Lo! there is that battlefield"
 V. c. c.
 In no section of the Western World have the women proved their great love for their country as in Dixie. and In all the history of the civil war, there is no place In the South where there was displayed more courage, sacrifice and devotion than by the women of Florence, Ala. Soldiers from the Con- federate and Federal army. in turn. oc- cupied this section from the spring of 1882 until the close of the war. To shelter, feed and care for our boys in gray meant that we we're sure to suf- fer when the Federals came. With on- ly the aged men and children at home. the courage of the women never failed When stripped of food to sustain life they were still hopeful and by their eheerfulness and fortitude they nerved the spirits of the soldiers on the bat tleheld. .-s.s
 The Soldiers Aid Society was orga- nized the summer of 1861, and was composed of true hearts and willing hands. The Presbyterian lecture room was the place of meeting Mrs. Cassi- ty was President and Mrs. Robert M Patton, Vice-President. The ladies spent one day of each week cutting garments and distributing them. The grey wool goods. was made in mills near Florence. Lunches were taken faith full women worked. S%I sometimes accompaniedsmy mother and 1t was an inspiration to see the great enthusi- asm and the work accomplished. Our home being a short distance in the country her carriage was filled with bundles of sewing. A faithful old family servant distributed these in the neigh borhood, and collected the gar ments when finished. Hundreds of comforts were quilted. undergarments made and socks knit, besides the uni forms and overcoats, and were brought in every week. The demand was great CT than the supply. Boxes and barrels of clothing with many additional com forts were sent to different commands, especially to the soldiers from Lauder dale County. After the battle of Corinth, many of the wounded were. brought to Florence. A hospital was provided and every comfort given to them. Miss Mary DydS, UHc Ol lHt HOUlOSI Ol HOHlClip WdS made President, an able and efficient manager, assisted by Miss Mary Kirk man.. Mrs. Cutler and many patriotic women. After the battle at Iuka. Miss | Dyas took several ladies to the battle- 1 field. twenty-five miles away, nursed | the wounded soldiers and brought a l large number of them to Florence. The | hospital was filled and many were ta- ken into private homes. l remember | the two my mother brought home in her carriage from the boat. at the Florence landing. They were Texans. both badly wounded. and for weeks watchful care was given them before they were out of danger.
 Miss Dyas, with her able assistants | nursed to health and strength hun ireds of wounded and sick soldiers in the hospital. The young ladies were not idle during these strenuous times There were some who assisted with the sewing for the soldiers, others For their own wardrobes, making old dresses into new ones, or new ones of 
 I had a homespun dress of grey and black thread that was woven by a country woman, and 1t looked like silk at a distance. It was made prin cess with a train, trimmed In black with three rows or DIack buttons the ength of the front. was as proud ,f it as If 1t had been silk and enter aimed officers from captains to major in it-and with pride. Our lats were pretty, and we plated the ,traw and made them ourselves. We made our own shoes. Cloth shoes were worn then and a pair of leather soles would outlast two or three pair of ops.
 I made several pairs of black broad doth cut from a pair of trousers, worked the eyelets neatly and laced hem. friend of mine gave a party ind all had happy time. They danced he square dances Old Virginia Reel, md the girls danced the round dances ogether. It was not considered re- Ipectable for girls to dance the round lances with the boys.
 For refreshments there was pop ,orn, molasses candy. scalybarks, wal iuts and teacakes The. beaux were lnder IS years of age. Young people will be young even in time of war. IIufO nf FlOranca Cbantar n