The Mississippi in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Life in the Vicksburg Trenches

Wesson Mills/Mississippi Mills played a big part in the life of Wesson. At it's peak, it employed 2000 people. Dr. Rea (mentioned above) married Rilla Elizabeth Oliver, daughter of William Oliver. Their beautiful home in Wesson remains in family hands.

My g grandfather, James S. Rea, younger brother of Dr. Rea, was the Sec. & Treasurer of the company. I have a original check he once wrote for 7 boxcars of dyes and chemicals; gives an idea the size of the operation. I have a wooden arm chair, with original cane bottom, on our screen porch that came out of the mill after a fire destroyed part of the mill.

Back to the War, my gg grandparents, George and Sarah Rea, had 4 sons and 2 sons-in-law who served. Beside the 2 sons in the 36th, they had 2 sons and 1 son-in-law, all in Co. D 12th MS, ANV. Two, William Josuha Rea and James L. Ard served as Capts. at some point in the War.

The 3rd member of the 12th was Thomas Meredith Rea, listed as a Lt. in UDC records but a private in service records (if any one knows which is correct, I'd appreciate it). The 2nd son-in-law Albert B Carter served in the 3rd Battalion of MS Cavalry Reserves and in Co. E 4th MS Calvary, rank Pvt.

As time went by, I became the keeper of records so to speak. I have multiple boxes, large and small, even a full suit case, of family letters, documents, photos, etc. I hope at my age I can get thru all of it and share with my family. The George Rea family came from PA to MS in the 1830's and was split by the War. In 1865 there was an exchange of letters, in which the northern family bragged about their good fortune, including oil on their property. George wrote back that if that was all they had to say, please keep it to themselves. Before the War, George had gone back to PA to visit every 2 to 3 years; he knew them well. It was not until 1937 that his son James S. Rea finally contacted the PA family and went for a visit. I'm currently in contact with a 5th cousin trying to learn of any Rea's who wore blue; no luck yet.

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Life in the Vicksburg Trenches
Re: Life in the Vicksburg Trenches
Re: Life in the Vicksburg Trenches
Re: Life in the Vicksburg Trenches
Re: Life in the Vicksburg Trenches