Hugh A. Brothers was my Great great grandfather and I know several of Tirrell's descendents. I DO NOT believe that Tirrell was a union man all along. I believe that he like many men during that horrible war,conscripted to the Union army. From my many years as a Civil War historian I know the Confederates were offered a chance to join the Confederate army instead of more years in a prison of war camp. I don't blame Tirrell for going that way. I beleive he knew that the war was going badly and the best way to survive was to sign allegiance to the U.S..

I am Proud of Hugh for all his service to the great Confederate cause. I am proud of Tirrell for doing what had to be done. God bless the souls of all the fallen soliders on both sides.

I have many years of research on the Brothers family and will gladly share with any descendents.