The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1921-09-28
COMMUNICATING THE
BATTLE OF MARIANNA

place during the afternoon of Septem-
ber 9th, 1864. the eombatants being
six or seven hundred federal soldiers
and not more than half that number
CT the old men and boys of Mariana
all of whom were too old or too young
to join the Confederate service.
This battle was short but the result
was important 1t is considered of so
great Importance in the Confederate
history of Florida that the United
Daughters of the Confederacy, of the
Florida division, observe it some way
every recurring 9th day of Septem-
Der as Mariana Day." and at the
same time the birthday anniversary of
Raphael Semmes, which is on the
same day of September, is also cele-
brated.
On Tuesday, September 9th, the
members of Dickson Chapter, U. D.
C., and some others met with Mrs. E.
L. Carney, the historian of this chap
ter, to commemorate these two i'm
portant events. The many present
were glad to be there, for Mrs. Car
ney had arranged program which
was enjoyable. interesting, instructive
and, at times. very touching.
The meeting opened with the Lord 5
prayer, after which Mrs. R. G. Blake
read loving tribute to Mrs. Fanny
R. Gary, the chapters first president,
whose birthday. Sept. 26th, is always
remembered by placing flowers on her
grave, a committee from Dickson
chapter performing this token of love.
Every one then stood for a few
moments in silent prayer in honor of
the memory of Col j. M. Martin,
whose sweet, gentle spirit passed on
to the great beyond not many weeks
ago.
After this sincere manifestation of
affection and esteem which is felt by
every one in Ocala, Mrs. A. A Winer
real the beautiful poem, a real gem,
written by her sister, Mrs. Sarah
Weaver, the poet laureate of the Flor
ida division, U. d. c. This poem is a
memorial to Col John Marshall Mar
tin and was so feelingly read that the
hearts of all were deeply touched.
Mrs. ]. E. Bailey was asked to say
a few words in loving memory of Mrs.
S. E. Waterman, whose death just two
years ago. saddened the whole town,
for Mrs. Waterman was one of the
oldest and best loved women of 0cala.
Mrs. Bailey modestly responded in
well chosen language, telling among
other lovely things of the close friend
ship that existed between herself and
Mrs. Waterman, which continued for
fifty. consecutive years. A more sub
lime tribute could not be made.
Friends for so long period and not
single misunderstanding ever COM
ing between them,
Mrs. Carney then said that she had
Invited one of Ocala's most talented
men to make an address, having for
his subject "Marianna Battle" and
Raphael Semmes." At a late hour
this gentleman had been called out
of town for the day, so of course, could
not be present. This was a matter
of great regret, but could not be help
ed. Several others had been asked to
make talks on these subjects but no
ore could do so, consequently Mrs.
Carney said she had hurriedly pre-
pared a paper dealing briefly with
each theme.
Mrs. Carney's paper was well writ
ten and well read 1t was both inter
esting and full of historic facts. One
point of special import to Marion
county, was that two of the sailors
on board the Inflated Alabama"
when she sank, were two brothers,
Mr.. Henry Young and Mr.. William
Young, who belonged to the Marion
County Confederate Veterans and
whose home after the "War Between
the States" ended was Fairfield, in
this county. These grand, good men
died only short time ago. They left
many relatives who like themselves,
belong to Marion county's best people.
One of the most pleasant features
of the afternoons entertainment was
the beautiful music, so faultlessly
rendered between the talks, readings
and papers by some of the most tai
ented musicians in the city, among
whom were Mrs. Bland Ware, Miss
Dorothy Lancaster, Miss Lille Bailey
and Master Webster Gillen. The music
seemed just suited to the occasion and
each number was given IN the most
perfect manner and added largely to
the success of the afternoons pro-
gram.
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