George W. Terry was born in Georgia about 1842. His family, as depicted in the Murray County Census 1850, included:

William Terry, age 39, born in SC;

Julia A. Terry, age 26, born in NC;

Dianora Terry, age 10, born in GA;

George W. Terry, age 8, born in GA;

William J. Terry, age 7, born in GA;

Sims L. Terry, age 5, born in GA;

John R. Terry, less than one year, born in GA.

By 1860, George W. Terry was listed in that year's Census, as age 18. On March 10, 1862, he enlisted in the Confederate Army, Company A, 39th Georgia Cummings Volunteers. This unit, formed in Murray County, was sometimes called "Cohutta Rangers." The county seat at that time was Spring Place.

In 1862, his unit participated in military engagements in Tazewell, Tenn.; Richmond, Kentucky; Perryville, Kentucky; Lexington, Kentucky; and Williamsburg, Kentucky. In 1863 the Cohutta Rangers fought at Edward's Station, Mississippi; Vicksburg, Mississippi; Baker's Creek, Mississippi; Big Black, Mississippi; Cumberland Gap, Tenn.; Bridgeport, Alabama; Fort Loudon, Tenn.,; Lenoir Station, Tenn.; and Knoxville, Tenn.

Confederate Army records indicate that George W. Terry was killed at Missionary Ridge, Tenn., November 25, 1863.

 

Murray County Families