The Secession Convention, Murray, like must of the mountain counties, was disposed to remain loyal to the old flag. Union delegates were elected to the convention. I have not been able to learn their names certainly. Gus McDonald, Anderson Farnsworlh and E. Waterhouse have been mentioned to me in this connection. The convention decided that the State should leave the Union. When the call to arms came, no county responded more nobly than old Murray.
Ten Companies went to the front from this county. They were led out by R. E. Wilson, Wm. Luffman. D.W. McDonald, John Beck, John Oats, I. W Avery, Wm. H. Harris, T. P. Edmondson, A. J. Leonard and Sam Garner. We refrain from mentioning many incidents during and immediately following the war. Much of the bitterness of those days is better forgotten. Let us rather turn with pride to the brave deeds and unselfish devotion displayed by Murray's sons on many a field of battle.
No Important Battle in Murray was fought. Perhaps the engagement described in Maurice Thompson's poem, "North Georgia Scouts," was the most important on Murray soil. It was here that Tom Polk Edmondson was killed. The poem is found in a following chapter.
The Slaves, as a rule, remained true to their masters during the war. While the men were away fighting, the slaves stayed to labor for and protect the women and children at home. Like Byron's Prisoner of Chilon, many of them "regained their freedom with a sigh."
Murray's Noble Women deserve a tribute for their great self-sacrifice. With their own hands often unused to toil, they struggled to keep the wolf from the door and even found time to make clothing and prepare dainties for the boys at the front. All honor to these noble women and may their daughters not be found wanting in those graces that have made their mothers immortal.
After the Surrender the Boys in Gray returned to their homes and resumed the duties of peaceable citizenship, from which the struggle had called them. Today the red, white and blue has no more loyal defenders than can be found in Murray County. Many people are coming from the North and settling in our midst. They invariably find a sincere and cordial welcome.
The Confederate Veterans have maintained an organization since the war. John B Gordon camp, in this county, is at present under the command of B. W. Gladden.
Murray County History 1911