The Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Joseph Richmond Atkins, 18th Texas infantry.

Hello. I have checked on this to the best of my ability. It is my opinion that this man Atkins probably was one of those
who died of measles in that giant epedemic that went through the Texas soldiers. They were stationed at that time
in what has become White and Lonoke counties among others at places like Newport, Jacksonport, Searcy and old
Austin. That epedemic killed hundreds.
I have spoken with Sherryl Miller who is the director of the Lonoke County Museum. If you would like a copy of an
article that came out a long time ago which tells about the Camp Nelson dedication where most of these men were
reburied, let me know and we will send it your way. There is a marker there, but unless someone shows up like
you, the museum does not have their names. We would be happy to have a photo of your ancestor for placement in
the museum's Civil War section providing he was one of those men.
A Dr Herrod, I believe his name was, tended to many of those sick ones. In the article it mentions that doctor.
It was supposed to have been so bad that the dying ones were also the healthiest and they took their friends
out to be buried and then that person would be the next one to go and right back out. It was terrible!
I may be 100 per cent wrong. I would suggest you check and see where the 18th was stationed.
Good luck in your search.
Linda T. Acrey
charter member of the Lonoke County Museum
Lonoke, Arkansas

Messages In This Thread

Joseph Richmond Atkins, 18th Texas infantry.
Re: Joseph Richmond Atkins, 18th Texas infantry.
Re: Joseph Richmond Atkins, 18th Texas infantry.