Police Alert

From the Smyrna Police Department.

We need your help locating a couple of suspects targeting senior citizens. Photos of the suspects are attached.

On January 25, 2012, two men attempted to fraud several elderly females in a home repair service scam. The two men went to several homes in Smyrna and introduced themselves as contractors and roofers or gutter installers and offered to perform repairs on the women's homes. The men wanted payment in advance to cover material costs. Most of the women told the men to leave; however, one woman did give the suspects a check but her bank became suspicious and would not accept the transaction when the men attempted to cash the check. Smyrna Police has identified one of the suspects as Johnny R. Lovell (photo attached) but we still do not have an identity of the suspect, who claimed to be Lovell's boss. An arrest warrant for Felony Theft has been issued for Johnny Ringo Lovell (age 27). Lovell has a Florida ID as well as a Tennessee ID. We ask that anyone with information regarding Lovell's location or the identity/location of the second suspect, to contact the Smyrna Police Department at (615) 459-6644 or Det. Robert Monroe at (615) 459-9742, 5455.

Sergeant Bobby Gibson
Smyrna Police Department

Smyrna in the Civil War IV

Company E has to retreat from not just the Smyrna area but Tennessee...this is hard on the men to leave friends and families behind 'enemy lines'.

It was hard to convince Company E that it was right and best to abandon their homes and State to the enemy without a fight. After it was known the retreat would be continued South and the State left to the enemy, Col. Battle got Gov. Harris and Secretary of State, Gen. Whitthorne, to come around and make speeches, encouraging us all they could; but the speeches were unnecessary, the men had not even hesitated, but they were sad indeed- At the conclusion of the speeches some one proposed "three cheers," but only a few tried to cheer, they were too sad.
The next morning, however, notwithstanding the sadness and gloom which hung thickly over the army, we formed, and to a man marched out, leaving home and all its endearments in the hands of the enemy. We passed through Shelbyville and Fayetteville, Tenn., Athens and Decatur, Ala., and stopped a short while at Iuka, Miss., and then on to Burnsville, Miss., where we drew new Enfield Rifles, recently brought from England. This was indeed a proud day for the 20th Tennessee Regiment.
We were now as well armed as any troops in the army and felt like we could do as good fighting as the best. From Burnsville we went to the front at Shiloh. We were now in Breckinridge's division, our brigade being in command of Col. W. S. Statham of the 15th Mississippi. On Sunday morning, April 6th, 1862, the battle was begun, Breckinridge in reserve. As we moved along, our advance driving the enemy rapidly before them, capturing their encampment and stores of every description, we (the reserve) came to the place where the battle opened; here we found our own men, the killed, wounded, and their attendants. A little further on, we came to where the enemy's line stood and received the Confederate charge. This showed where their lines had been, many of their wounded not yet cared for; but sad as it all was we must proceed, for the bat t1e was now raging. With our men steadily driving them, wt passed through their camps, and found them just as they had left them to form their line of battle; we moved to the right and started forward in the line of battle. We first came in contact with a mule lot, double staked with riders. We could not take time to tear down the fence, and had to climb it on both sides of the lot, and as we went over the second fence the enemy's skirmishers opened fire on us.
I don't think they hurt a. man, but the climbing of the fence caused some confusion. We now charged, and in about one hundred yards we met the enemy on a thinly wooded ridge. After the first volley they dropped back to a deep ravine parallel with our line, and right here was the slaughter for both sides. We halted, and it seemed a question of who could shoot quickest and best. We charged and they broke, and as they ran up the steep sides of the ravine, our men, at close range poured the fire into their backs and their loss was terrible; many of them laid down in the ravine and did not attempt to escape.
We pursued them through the woods perhaps half a mile when they disappeared from our front; then being short of ammunition, Col. Battle moved us back a short distance, we being at the time ahead of the line of battle, and re-formed his line; this was an open woods fight. We now had Enfield rifles and the fight was quickly over, but our loss was terrible. Bob Peyton, Bunk Ridley, and McLaughlin, who did not belong really to our company but went into the fight with us, were killed. J. W. Crutcher was also killed. Wm. Vardell, John Neblett, J. T. Shelton, John Espey, Dan. Miller, and Lieut. East were amongst the wounded; other casualties are not recalled. Wm. Vardell was shot through the head and left on the field for dead, but survived and was exchanged, and returned to the company at Vicksburg in the summer of 1862. But if our loss was heavy, that of the enemy was much more so. In the ravine from which we drove them, not one-half of them could possibly have escaped. The bottom of the ravine seemed to be literally piled with their dead. As we came into line and charged, the 45th Tennessee Regiment, coming up on our left, fired by mistake into the left wing of our regiment, and the loss to our left wing was considerably heavier than that of the right.
While the firing was at its heaviest, and the two lines about one hundred yards apart, a small herd of goats, led by a sedate old "billy" showed up about midway between. They did not last long, for when we charged the ravine there were only one or two of them left. The wonder is, why a soldier would shoot at a goat when so many of the enemy were present to shoot. We now moved a little to the left and forward again, reaching the top of another low wocded ridge, when Col. Statham rode in front, waved his sword and dashed forward. The line gave the yell and dashed forward wildly. The enemy had another camp in plain view where they had stacked their arms and surrendered, we never knew how many. They waved their caps and cheered us as we dashed through.



We were successful, and the elation of victory filled us for the time to overflowing, we thought the battle over. We passed through their tents a short distance, halted, re-formed our line and moved forward again, and when we saw them again they were re-forming their lines, and for some unaccountable reason to us, we stood there and watched them rally and re-form their lines, instead of dashing right into them while partially panicked, and making short work of it. We waited until they were ready, then an artilery duel began, the gun-boats on the river taking a hand. The roar of the cannon on both land and water, together with the screaming and explosions of the shells was simply terrible, the counterpart of which we never witnessed again. But here we remained until after dark, and withdrew a short distance to pass a miserable night in line, for in addition to the sadness caused by the loss of so many comrades, bravest of the brave, and others were missing that we could not account for, either dead, wounded, or simply lost from the command in the confusion of battle, or the darkness of the night, it rained one big, hard, thunder storm after another the entire night, the gunboats throwing their shells steadily all the while. Next morning Apr. 7th, we were moved about several times, finally going forward to support a battery, and laid down, Company E, just on the edge of a woods, the left wing of the Company in the woods the right wing in the field. Here we had an artillery duel at close range, the enemy entirely in the woods with dense underbrush. At length we were ordered to charge through, and on we went like a storm, but we met with a warm reception. Our line was badly confused in struggling through the underbrush, briars and grapevines, and the enemy held their fire until we were close on them before they opened on us.
The smoke from their guns was blinding, and while we were right at them, we could not see one of them. Human nature could stand no more. Our men broke nor could we re-form at the battery; we did re-form, however, about a quarter of a mile back in the woods, not by regiments or companies, but promiscuously, and as we were ready to move again, two regiments of re-enforcements came up, and we advanced to re-take our battery. We would run from tree to tree and fire, getting nearer all the time, until the enemy b1oke, and we held the line we had occupied early in the morning, having re-taken our battery and capturing several pieces from the enemy, which they had brought up. So far as we are aware the hard fighting at Shiloh was over, there was more fighting through the day but it was desultory.
Our loss in this day's (Monday's) fight was heavy again; and of Company E, Bailey Tucker was killed, and W. E. Brothers wounded.
We have a vivid recollection of both day's fighting as far as could be seen and understood by men fighting in the ranks. We observed on both days acts of courage and individual heroism, that could they be shown just as they occur1ed, wculd cause the actors names to be handed down in the pages of history for generations to come.
On Sunday afternoon Frank Crosthwait who was Color Bearer at the time, was lying down watching the enemy reform. He had his chin resting on the spur of an elm tree when he saw a cannon ball coming straight towards him, bouncing and bumping along. He dropped back and moved his head just before the ball struck where his chin rested. The gay little fellow looked back and laughed and remarked that "his head was not there."
Bunk Ridley who |was killed was a member of the second Tennessee, and was furloughed from Virginia, and volunteered to go into this fight with his brother, W. T. Ridley of Company E, was as big hearted and brave a man as ever battled for the Confederate's cause.
Late in the afternoon the retreat back to Corinth commenced; the spare wagons and ambulances filled with the worst wounded, those who were unable to walk. W. E. Brothers, John Neblett and J. T. Shelton casually dropped in together. All were wounded, Brothers in the head, Neblett in the arm and Shelton in the shoulder. Shelton being weakest from loss of blood took position in the center, thus they marched through mud and water, wading swollen streams, until they met the wagons, one of the teamsters was BuckHamilton of Company E.who said "he was ordered to the general hospital, but he'd be d—d if he didn't take this squad back to camp." Soon he had sixteen men of the 20th. in his wagon, when he came to a fellow lying by the road side with a bayonet hole through his thigh, who pleaded piteously to be taken up. Buck said, "you see what I've got, if my boys say so I will take you if it pulls the necks off my mules." The boys said so, and Buck's little mules pulled seventeen men through the mud to Corinth.
The army went into camp at Corinth, Miss., and were drilled incessantly. Our brigade did the provost work for the town, and the pranks and jokes were just such as to make memory pleasant yet to recall. The duty we were on prevented us from engaging in the almost daily skirmishes with the enemy in 'our front.

Community preparedness

With the small tornado hitting us earlier this month, and I-24 closing due to a fiery crash, how worried and prepared are you for natural and man made disasters. Do you know of local resources to learn how to make a tornado kit, learn life saving skills such as first-aid or CPR, or how to make a family plan in case you need to evacuate like many did in the 2010 May Flood. I'm looking to write on the subject of preparedness in Smyrna and would like your feedback.

Career help in Smyrna

The Linebaugh Public Library in Smyrna is going to be offering Training Workshops and Job Services through the Tennessee Career coach.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development is proud to roll out our Career Coaches...mobile centers with services similar to what you might find in a Tennessee Career Center. These vehicles will arrive on the scene to provide a mobile computer lab with Internet access; create a venue for workshops including résumé assistance and interviewing skills; and serve as a recruitment center for companies moving into our state.

The scheduled visit is set for March 12 at 9AM. If this sounds interesting to you please make plans on being there early.

This is rather early so I will be posting an event reminder the day before they are scheduled to be here. Good luck.

The three currently scheduled visits to Rutherford county are below. So if March 12 is bad for you there are two other local stops.

MURFREESBORO HEAD START CAREER DAY 02/23/2012 8:30 AM
SMYRNA LIBRARY 03/12/2012 09:00 AM
MURFREESBORO GOODWILL OPEN HOUSE 03/14/2012 09:00 AM

Music and more

There is an effort to bring to the downtown of Smyrna music and more.

Carpe Artista, which officially launched in February of 2011, is based at LifePoint Church, but plans to move to downtown Smyrna this year. While Alley is Carpe Artista’s only paid employee, the organization has a volunteer CFO, a volunteer public relations person, two volunteers who help with fundraising, and 18 instructors who are paid through the lessons they teach.

Smyrna in the Civil War III

The Fresh unit comes across their first battlefield casualty.

When within a few miles of our destination, Col. Battle ordered a halt for a fcv moments saying:— "We must rest a little." We dropped down on the upper side of the road under the shade of some trees. A low ledge of rocks cropped out under a sugar tree, and Brothers sat down on the ledge and leaned back on his knapsack, determined not to sleep, saying : — "twould be too bad to be roused up in a moment." This was about eight oclock in the morning. The next thing he was conscious of was the rear guard of our wagon train passing by at five oclock in the afternoon. He had slept not changing his position for about nine hours. He bestirred himself quickly and with all dilligence pursued his line of march, expecting to be court-martialed for sleeping in the face ofthe enemy. But when he reached camp he found all as sound asleep as he had been, and when they awoke, by making cautious inquiry, he learned he had not been missed. We remained here at Cumberland Ford (Camp Buncker), for some time, drilling, doing guard work, fortifying and picketing the surrounding mountains. We had a false alarm here that excited us very much, and after it was over and we were back in camp, the boys commenced to tell ludicrous yarns on each other which resulted in a number of fisticuffs.
Gen. Felix K. Zollicoffer being in command, sent a detachment to Barboursville, Ky. under command of Col. Battle. Several hundred of the enemy were reported stationed there. He had little trouble in dispersing them, killing—an old sow— and losing one man, Lieut. Powell of the 19th Tennessee. We were doing outpost duty now, and made other similar expeditions into the enemy's country; one to Goose Creek Salt Works. We got the salt, but had no fight.



While stationed here we had quite a number of boys to join us from home as recruits, and our small company was now quite a large one, and had more men for duty than ever before or afterwards. Zollicoffer made the campaign from here against Wild Cat. We passad through Barboursville and London, and after passing London, our advance guard commenced firing, our regiment double-quicked to the right, formed and moved forward, but in the timber we made some little confusion in our line, which caused Col. Battle to scold at us. He said we were "excited." This proved to be a false alarm. Next morning we continued to move along cautiously and after a while our skirmishers struck the enemy's pickets and fired into them, killing one man and driving the rest. It was here we saw our first victim of the batte field, and of all who saw him and are yet living, I suppose not one has forgotten him. He was dressed in citizen's clothes, apparently about twenty-five or twenty-eight years old. He was laid out beside the road, and the boys all showed a disposition to take the other side.
The next morning we moved forward early and were soon within hearing distance of the firing. Company B, under Capt. Wm. Clark was placed on the mountain top and opened up with a heavy volley. Col. Battle now changed his front to meet the expected danger, placing his line near and parallel with the road. The skirmishing continued in our front for a while, but while we were under the skirmish fire and heard many bullets, none of our regiment saw a Yankee, with the exception of Company B, except the dead one the day before ; nor did we lose a man.
Some of the regiments met with some casualities, the nth Tennessee Regiment having some losses. We dropped back to our encampment of the previous night, gave up the job as a failure and made our way, undisturbed, back to our position at Cumberland Ford.
A laughable incident occured just before the Yankee picket was killed. The country abounded iu summer grapes, which were very palatable. The vines extended from the ground very high before reaching the limbs, and every man that could get hold of the vine would do so, and by a united pull would bring down the grapes. Now just before the picket was killed we were marching through a lane; a cedar tree grew in the fence corner with low limbs, and they were loaded with grapes, but the suspense of the battle was on us, and yet we wondered that no one had plucked a grape. Just as Company E was passing, Segt. Mark Sanders, who could always be depended on to break the record, darted in, saying that was his opportunity, and in he went and out he came instanter, with a swarm of hornets around his head. He darted in and out the files swapping his hornets off, causing quite a disturbance in the ranks. We all now understood why the grapes had been unmolested.
We remained at Cumberland Ford only a short time, when we came south through Cumberland Gap, turning westward along the south side of the mountains, passed through Wartburg, Montgomery and other small places to Jimtown in Fentress Co., Tennessee. We remained here only one night, but it was a memorable one. Some of the boys had met with the opportunity of getting their canteens filled with "Pine Top" — a liquid beverage peculiar to that section that was never known to contribute to the discipline of the Military; they made night hideous, some of their utterances are historical with Company B yet. Wild Cat Wild Cat. Some of the best boys (W. B. Sanders and myself, for instance) got forty-eight hours extra duty for their jubilee. I did not mind the extra duty at all, but the lecture that Col. Battle gave me was the worst whipping I ever had.
We continued our march through Monticello, Ky., when one of Company E stole an old neero's hound pup. The negro followed us up, found his pup, but the soldier refused to give it up, claiming that "he found it." The negro appealed to Col. Battle, who restored the pup and had the soldier put under guard. The soldier, who was full of "Pine Top," crawled under the back of the tent and escaped to his mess. He was quite wrathy, and said " that he stole a hound pup and that Col. Battle had treated him worse than a dog." We continued our march until we reached Mill Springs, Ky., where we camped on the south side of Cumberland River until flat boats could be built, on which we crossed.
One morning we were formed early, thirty men were to be picked from each company to cross the river, as we supposed, to do some desperate fighting; we had not time to get breakfast, but marched to the river, crossed over, and were put to work on the road. Imagine our disgust, — the idea was foreign to us, — picked men to work the road, when we considered ourselves the flower of our company and regiment. However, we soon found the Yankees were not near, and then a spectator would have thought we were "picked" to " play off" which we did all the day long. We left camp without breakfast; no dinner came, and the growling grew louder; night came on and no supper,, and we were getting desperate — being picked men.
The officers reported the Yanks coming and tried to make us build breast-works, but we declined to work. Lieut. Albert Roberts did his best, the boys would dropdown and go to sleep and declined to be waked up. Roberts and some other officer drew their swords and charged down the line; the boys hopped over the trenches and went to sleep on the other side. About this time Henry Ware came to W. E. Brothers and W. W. Batey and informed them that he had bought a bee stand, and that it was back a couple of hundred yards and was already open. The trio went back together, and not having eaten anything in thirty hours, eat honey as long as they wanted it, and then went a quarter of a mile to a spring and drank all the water they wanted, — and then they needed a doctor.
Next morning about two oclock our long-looked-for breakfast arrived,—the one we should have had the morning before. After despaching the breakfast, we scattered around outside of general view and slept till daylight; our minds fully made up against volunteering as "picked" men again.
After the army crossed the river we went into camp near by, and built works, and drilled and stood guard, etc. Every few days, a detachment would go out with wagons towards Somerset for forage; occasionally the cavalry would report a little fight with the enemy's cavalry. In the meantime we built winter quarters, but never occupied them. It was a severe winter, mostly rainy weather.
On the 18th of January, 1862, we marched out of camp in the direction of Fishing Creek, on a dark night and a very muddy road. About daylight we formed our line of battle, our regiment and the 15th Mississippi forming the front line, the latter on the right and to the right of the road. As we advanced in this manner and when our regiment was about middle of a stalk field the 15th Mississippi was brought under a heavy fire, which they immediately returned and then charged. Col. Battle moved us by the right flank and then moved close up to the left of the 15th Mississippi, and we were in the battle under a terrific fire. We found the enemy in our front in an open field. We opened on them from a low ridge covered with scattering timber and under-growtb; the enemy retired under our fire from the field to a heavy woods. Both regiments (15th Mississippi and 20th Tennessee) now charged; we went to within perhaps twenty or thirty feet of the fence bordering the wood, some of our men reached the fence and the slaughter was simply terrible. Col. Battle, seeing it was useless, ordered us to retire, the 15th Mississippi retiring with us.
When we had re-crossed the field over which we had charged, the enemy was already in our rear on the road, having come around our flank. We marched past them on a parellel road concealed by underbrush, regaining the road near where we first formed our line in the morning. There was little order or discipline from there back to camp.
Many of our regiment and company failing to reach the road, kept down Fishing Creek to its mouth, and then down the Cumberland River to camp. So close was the pursuit that many of our number passed inside of our works under the enemy's artillery fire. This was our first regular battle, and our company and regiment had suffered dreadfully; it was reported afterwards that in killed, wounded, and captured we had lost forty per cent of the number engaged.
Of the casualities of Company E, Shelton Crosthwaite and Tom Griggs were killed. Capt. Gooch, J. P. Sanders, and R. J. Neal were severely wounded. S. W. Stanfield was wonnded and made prisoner. Our loss was much heavier but the lapse of forty years has so dimmed the memory of the surviving members as to render them incapable of recalling more. Capt. Gooch was borne from the field to camp by W. T. Ridley and others. R. J. Neal was picked up by Frank C. Manier of Company E (who is now blind) ,and Jim Polk Edwards of Company E after having been rendered helpless by the loss of blood and carried out to the road, when Lieut. Mark S. Cockrell had him placed on a caisson and hauled to camp. Sanders fell into the hands of the enemy.
When we first received the enemy's fire they were overshooting the Mississippi Regiment, and it was here Maj. Duffy lost his horse, "Old Roan," the bullet passing through his saddle bags and through the horse; in passing, the ball cut to pieces a pair of new socks some good lady had sent him from home, rendering them useless. When his horse fell he took off the saddle bags and trudged along with them with the rest of us; he was buttoning his over coat while the bullets were rattling amongst the corn-stalks, and together with the roar of guns and artillery some of the boys seemed a little nervous. The Major said, "Boys 'tis pretty rough but that is what we are here for." After reaching camp, the Major proceeded to examine the contents of his saddle-bags, and on finding his socks demolished, he said, "he didn't mind losing his horse so much,
but hated like the d 1 to lose his new socks."
The supposition has always been, that had the day been fair, or had we been armed with precussion guns, the result of that battle would have been far different. It rained nearly all the time and our "Flint Locks" would not fire. Our men lost much time in drawing loads from their guns, the powder having gotten wet in the rain. Many of them never fired a dozen shots. But to their credit, let it be said, — no set of men ever showed more courage on a battle field than the 20th showed at Fishing Cresk; and the Yankees never forgot the lesson we taught them that day.
That night we abandoned our camp and crossed the river on the steam boat, Noble Ellis, all getting safely across by daylight, the boat was burned and we commenced our dismal retreat. Our wagons, ambulances, and artillery were all abandoned. It was in the month of January, and raining nearly all the time. Without rations or shelter, we were forced to march to Gainsboro, Tenn., before we could hope for relief. We often afterwards met with disasters and privations, but never with anything equal to the retreat from Mill Springs to Gainsboro. Here we were met by steam boats from Nashville that brought us the much needed relief, and after having rested for a while we continued our retreat, passing through Lebanon and joining Gen.'Albert Sydney Johnson's Army at Murfreesboro.

Music on the Hill

From the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Dept.

Join us for Music on the Hill this Friday, February 3rd from 6:30pm-8:30pm, Hilltop-Rosenwald Building, 565 Mason Tucker Drive, Smyrna.

Sponsored by US Bank and Smyrna Parks & Recreation, our second in a series event features Ron Alley, Geoff Butterworth & Brian Nelson performing a variety of 70’s soft rock music.

The fee for this event is $3.00 per person and snacks, soft drinks and hot chocolate will be available. Sincerely, Monty

Weapons Through Time Temporary Exhibit

While the Sam Davis home no longer has their BBQ festival, they still have much to offer for those who love history. The month of February has weapons as the subject of interest.

Weapons Through Time Temporary Exhibit
Saturdays and Sundays in February 2012
The Sam Davis Home in Smyrna, Tennessee is excited to announce a special exhibit honoring the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War during the month of February 2012. Military and non-military weapons used during the past 150 years will be displayed on Saturdays and Sundays only. Admission to this exhibit is included with the purchase of a regularly priced museum tour or full tour.

This looks like it could be fun.

Smyrna in the Civil War II

Now organized the men start training far from home and get their first paltry weapons.

Company E, as stated, was organized at Smyrna, Rutherford County, Tennessee in the spring of 1861, (the exact date not recalled.) An effort was being made at both Smyrna and Lavergne to organize a Company. Finally their partial enlistments were united and the organization was completed at Smyrna.
After the organization we drilled nearly every day, sometimes at Smyrna and sometimes at Lavergne, but generally in Mrs. Dr. Gooch's lot on the Jefferson Pike near Smyrna, until June, 1861, when we took the cars for Camp Trousdale. There were either 48 or 49 of us that got on at Smyrna and Lavergne; others following on later. We left the cars at the Chattanooga Depot, marched through the city, crossed the river on the suspension bridge, then had dinner under the trees, the first military dinner we ever ate. We were near the L. & N. tracks, and after a while we boarded the cars and reached Camp Trousdale late in the night. We slept any way we could, for most of us were boys and were very tired and sleepy, and we slept as only tired boys could, and that was with all our might.
Next morning we were in camp near Capt. Joel A. Battle's Company, afterwards Company B, and Capt. Moscow Carter's Company, afterwards Company H. We were mustered in by Col. Pickett, and having only 49 men the Company was too small, so Capt. Battle lent us a few of his men to stand up with us so that the Company could be received. After we had been mustered in, Battle's men returned to their own quarters and we were in for it.
In a few days we were organized into the 20th Tennessee Infantry. Capt. Joel A. Battle of Company B was chosen Colonel. Capt. Moscow Carter of Company H was chosen Lieutenant Colonel, and Patrick Duffy of Company K was chosen Major.
We were now given our Company letter "E," and for four long years we suffered, fought, and made history as such. Our position in the regimental line was the center of the left wing.
On the 8th of June, 1861, the state voted on "separation or no separation," and the soldiers in camp were allowed to vote. The men were formed and marched by companies to the polls and there they voted. The officers of election were citizens of that precinct and we were voting right along, when it came Jack Tucker's time to vote (he was only 14 years old), when one of the officers of election, an elderly man who perhaps thought there ought to be a limit somewhere between the age of twenty
one and the cradle, asked Jack " How old are you young man?" Jack promptly replied "Twenty-one years old, sir." We all laughed heartily, and the balloting proceeded.
We remained at Camp Trousdale for a number of weeks, drilling and having measles, many of us had the measles while there. The hospital was full and we were beginning to realize some of the inconveniences of a soldier's life. Many were furloughed home as soon as convalescent; quite a number of whom were never able to do much service after the disease had left its mark on them.
Henry Tune and Archer Fergus never recovered from the effects of the measles and died early in the war.
We at first stood guard duty with sticks for guns, later on we procured a few antiquated muskets, some of which had not likely been fired since the Revolution; but they had bayonets, and when we proudly walked our beats with real guns on our shoulders, we felt that we were indeed " heroes," but fancy the disgust of one of our young heroes when he drew rammer and dropped it into the barrel to hear it ring — instead of a ring it was a dull thud, the barrel being nearly half full of home-made soap.
We were finally armed with flint lock muskets that would actually shoot (if it was not raining), and they always notified you when they did shoot. Thus armed, equipped, and fairly well drilled, we were put aboard the cars and ordered to Virginia. We passed through Nashville, and were halted long enough to enjoy a splendid dinner, furnished by the citizens and served at the Nashville Female Academy on Church Street near the Chattanooga Depot. < We then proceeded on our way, stopping at Chattanooga to change cars, then on to Knoxville where we were laid over for some reasons for quite a while, during which time several of the boys got out in town and imbibed most too freely, and got into the guard house.
After everything was arranged we proceeded to Bristol, on the State line of Tennessee and Virginia, and there we received the tidings from the first battle of Manassas, which was a complete victory for the South. We remained a few days at Bristol, during which time we received our first regimental flag, presented by the ladies of Nashville, Capt. A. S. Marks of the 17th Tennessee making the presentation speech.
We then boarded the cars and returned to Knoxville and camped near the Fair Grounds, and drilled energetically for several weeks.
The right wing of the Regiment was then ordered to Jacksboro under Col. Battle and Lieut. Col. Moscow Carter; the left wing remained for a short time at Knoxville, and then started on our first march to join the right wing at Jacksboro, and such a march as we made of it; as we were going to Jacksboro, we seemed to have the idea that to " get there" was the proper thing to do, and every fellow started out his own way, regardless of others. The result was that we were soon strung out along the road in squads of any small number: company formations were lost sight of entirely.
We started out in command of Major Pat Duffy, as gallant an Irishman as ever drew blade. It was on this march that the "grand old man " got a little too much of the " how come you so?" and was lost from the battalion— and also from his sword. Finally he came dashing up on "old roan" exclaiming : — "wherein the h—1 is the battalion?"
We all reached Jacksboro however, though it was several days between first and last arrivals.
At this point we remained a short time, drilling, and detachments were sent out to blockade the mountain passes leading north into Kentucky, and nearly every day we marched through Jacksboro back and forth, our field band playing the " Bob Tail Hoss." Who that was along fails to recollect it?
We were then ordered to Cumberland Gap, where we arrived one afternoon about five oclock, and were ordered to prepare three days rations, and be ready to move at nine oclock that evening. We marched promptly at the hour, most of us very tired and sleepy. We were starting on our first campaign. We passed through the Gap over Big and Little Log Mountains, and about ten oclock next morning reached Cumberland Ford, the most completely exhausted set of men imaginable. W. E. Brothers was several times prevented from walking off bluffs on the lower side of the road by myself. W. E. Brothers was sound alseep, walking along the road.

Smyrna in the Civil War I

During the Civil War communities organized units that fought together for the entirety of the conflict. The story of the Smyrna/LaVergne company is told in the book "History of the Twentieth Tennessee Regiment Volunteer Infantry, C.S.A." written by William Josiah McMurray. This book due to its age is now in the public domain so I plan this week to share the parts on Company E of the Twentieth Tennessee Regiment. The book is downloadable for those who wish to read more.

COMPANY "E"
Bv Ralph J. Nkal.
Company E, of the twentieth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, was raised in the spring of 1861, in the vicinity of Smyrna, Rutherford County, and was considred a Rutherford County Company, although it had several members from the adjoining counties of Williamson and Davidson. This Company came from one of the best sections of the country and its members from some of the best families in the State.
Company E at its organization elected that young and courtly gentleman, John S. Gooch, as their Captain and at once boarded the cars at Smyrna, the nearest depot, and was taken to Camp Trousdale before they were sworn into service.
Its organization was as follows :—
Captain J. S. Gooch, who was severely wounded at Fishing Creek, Kentucky, made Lieutenant Colonel at re-organization, resigned at Vicksburg; lives now on his farm near Smyrna, Rutherford County Tennessee.



First Lieutenant S. M. Weekley, served one year and then retired; living on his farm near Smyrna, Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Second Lieutenant Dr. A. A. East served one year, then transfered to Cavalry, wounded at Shiloh, died since the war.
Third Lieutenant Harvey Ralston, made Captain at re-organization and resigned at Vicksburg, Mississippi, died since the war.
First Sergeant Lucian Weakley, wounded at Chickamauga and died from effects of same.
Second Sergeant M. M. Sanders, wounded in many battles, was made Second Lieutenant at re-organization, afterwards promoted to First Lieutenant and served as such to the close of the war, and now lives in Texas.
Third Seargent Buck Hunter, served for a time, then hired a substitute and returned home. Died of cholera soon afterwards.
Fourth Sergeant Gid. Smart, served faithfully one year and was honorably discharged.
First Corporal, Geo. Edmondson, died in early part of the war.
Second Corporal J. W. Peyton, was made Third Lieutenant at re-organization, afterwards promoted to Seoond Lieutenant and wa« killed at Chickamauga.
Third Corporal S. J. Buchanan, served one year and was discharged under age, lives at present in Nashville.
Fourth Corporal W. T. Ridley, was made First Lieutenant at the re-organization, promoted to Captain at Vicksburg, Miss and served as such to close of the war. Was wounded at Shiloh, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, died at Franklin, Tennessee September 21, 1902.
Adcock, Tom. was killed since the war by falling tree.
Batey, W. 'W. was wounded at Chickamauga and Nashville, was made Sergeant soon after Shiloh battle. Captured at Nashville and remained prisoner till last of February 1865, was exchanged and sent to Richmond March nth, 1865. Remained in hospital there until evacuation, then went to Danville Virginia, and was furloughed from there April 9th, 1865 and was paroled at Kingston, Georgia, May 12th, 1865. Lives at Tunnel Hill, Georgia.
Brothers, W. E. was made Sergeant at re-organization, Third Lieutenant at Murfreesboro, 1862, afterward promoted to Second Lieutensnt, and served as such to close of the war, was wounded at Shiloh and Nashville. Lives at Wichita Falls, Texas.
Brewer, Klisha. Lives in Davidson County, Tennessee.
Bond, Nathaniel. Was discharged over age at the expiration of one year. Died since the war.
Crosthwaite, Frank. Was made First Lieutenant at Vicksburg and was killed at Murfreesboro.
Crosthwaite, Sheldon. Killed at Fishing Creek.
Cowan, S. M. Color Guard. Dead'
Collins, Tom. Died since the war.
Collins, Eb. Lives in Davidson County, Tennessee'
Carter, W. J. Was discharged under age, afterwards joined Cavalry and served to end of war. Dead.
Covington, T. L. Lives in Wilson County, Tennessee.
Covington, Jos. Lives in Arkansas.
Crutcher, J. W. Was killed at Shiloh.
Corder, J. A. Died since the war.
Davis, Geo. W. Captured at Missionary Ridge and died in prison.
Davis, Marion. Killed at Hoover's Gap.
Davis, Henry. Killed at Murfreesboro.
Edwards, T. K. P. Was discharged under age.
Espey, J. C. Was wounded at Shiloh, died since the war.
Eaks, G. D. Became demented and died since the war.
Elden, B. F. Lives in Arkansas.
Elden, Geo. Wounded at Murfreesboro and died.
Ferris, Jos. Lives at Mount View, Tennessee.
Fergus, Archer. Died early in the war from effects
of measles.
Griggs, Tom. Was killed at Fishing Creek.
Griggs, Wiley. Was killed at Kennesaw Mountains.
Hartman, Wm. Lives near Cane Ridge, Tennessee.
Hartman, Jack. Lives near Lavergne.
Holland, O. C. Was captured at Missionary Ridge. Died since the war in Texas.
Harris, Newt. Lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Hamilton, W. A. Was transfered to Cavalry service at Dalton, Georgia, and served to end of war, lives near Lavergne Tennessee.
Hill, J. R. Dead.
Hunter, Tom. Dead.
Hedgepath, Elisha. Liviug in Wilson County.
Humfelt, Geo. Was killed at Murfreesboro.
Irvin, A. J. Was made First Sergeant, afterwards Third Lieutenant, and killed on 22nd of July 1864, near Atlanta, Ga.
Ingle, James. Was wounded at Hoover's Gap, afterwards lost sight of.
Jones, Tom. Died since the war.
Jones, Dick. Died since the war.
Jamison, S. M. Died since the war.
Jamison, Tom. Dead.
Latimer, P. S. Wounded at Murfreesboro and Chikamauga, was made Sergeant while we were in Mississippi, lives in Sheffield, Alabama.
Lintner, Jno. Served through the war, after several years residence in Tennessee, returned to his home in Pennsylvania. Lewis, Tom. Lives in Williamson County, Tennessee.
Martin, W. D. Was made Corporal, wounded at Shiloh and Franklin, died in 1902 at his residence in Rutherford County.
Mason, M. S. .Wounded severely at Chickamauga, died in a few days.
Montgomery, J. B. Lives near Lavergne, Tennessee
McLaughlin, Wm. Was not an enlisted man, but served with Company E until killed at Shiloh.
Mullins, J. V. Lives near Lavergne, Tennessee.
Mullins, James. Sickened and died early in war.
McMennamy, Luke. Was killed by cars early in 1861.
Mason, Jno. B. Whereabouts unknown.
Neal, G. A. Was wounded severely at Chickamauga and afterwards retired from service on account of disability from wounds, lives in Tresevant Tennessee.
Neal,-W. P. Wounded at Murfreesboro, lives near Lavergne, Tennessee.
Neal, Ralph J. Was wounded at Fishing Creek, Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta, and three times slightly at Franklin, now lives near Couchville, Tennessee, surrendered at Greensboro, North Carolina.
Noe, Acquilla. Died since war of cancer.
Neblett, Jno. In Confederate Soldiers Home, Tennessee.
Perry, Henry. At last account was in West Tennessee.
Robertson, Jack. Died in 1903.
Robertson, James. Lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Robertson, Andrew. Lives in Meridian, California.
Ridley J. K. P. Was left in Tennessee in Hoods raid and got with cavalry and served till surrender at Gainsville, Alabama.
Ridley, Geo. Sickened and died early in the war.
Sloan, R. D. Dead.
Swain, B. F. Was made Corporal at Murfreesboro, committed suicide by taking ground glass since the war.
Stanfield, S. W. Wounded at Fishing Creek and made prisoner, exchanged at Vicksburg, Mississippi in 1862, dead.
Shelton, J. P. Severely wounded at Shiloh, transfered to Cavalry service afterwards, and was made Lieutenant, lives in. Indian Territory near Durant.
Sanders, L. N. Was made Corporal early in the war, served as acting assistant Surgeon until discharged in 1862.
Sanders, Jno. A. Was wounded at Murfreesboro and died from effects of wound.
Sanders, Jno. P. Was severely wounded at Fishing Creek and was retired from service.
Sanders, Mortimer. Sickened and died early in the war.
Sanders, W. B. Was made First Sergeant while in Mississippi, lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Sanders, Garrett. Died early in the war.
Sparrow, Alfred. Was transferred to Artillery early in the war,
Tucker, W. G. Killed at Shiloh.
Tucker, Jack. Discharged under age.
Tune. Henry. Sickened and died early in the war.
Towns, Hubbard. Died at Mill Springs, Kentucky 1862.
Vardell W. A. Wounded and left for dead at Shiloh, but was exchanged at Vicksburg, Mississippi, was transferred to Cavalry, and still lives somewhere in Robertson County Tennessee.
Vinson, Bud. Killed at Murfreesbo.
Ware, Henry. K1lled by citizens in Wilson County.
White, R. H. Discharged under age. Lives in Rtherford County.
White, J. A. Died since the war.
Whitfield. T. H. Lives in Williamson County, Tennessee. Walden, G. W. Wounded at Murfreesboro and Chickamauga, and died.
Walden, Sam. A. Wounded at Kennesaw Mountain and lives at Rockvale, Rutherford County Tennessee.
Walden, Pat. Thought to have been murdered.
Warren, Jos. Discharged over age. Died since the war.
Warren, Henry. Dead.
Worrell, Silas. Lives in West Tennessee.
Williams, Sam. Died early in the war.
Woods, Jack. Lives at Fruitland in West Tennessee.
Holloway, Hugh. Died early in the war of measles. Total Rank and File 108.

Thanks for viewing this section. This series will run for a bit over a week as the unit is followed from the dusty first days training in Smyrna to the final dropping of the Confederate flag.

Being prepared.

The main months for tornadoes in Tennessee is March, April and May. Because everyone could become a victim. I thought leeting you know that Rutherford county has its own emergency agency might help make you safer. Since they said Smyrna suffered an EF-0 just 10 days ago it should be noted that tornadoes do not follow a schedule nor due they care whom they hit. Take a moment and see if there are things you can do to make yourself safer.

Mission Statement
The Rutherford County Emergency Management Agency is charged with the overall responsibility of coordinating the county's preparedness for and response to disasters. Geographically, its authority extends to the entire county as defined by state law TCA 58-2-110.

The mission of the Emergency Management Agency is to develop a comprehensive emergency management program that seeks to: mitigate the effects of various hazards, to prepare for measures which will preserve life and minimize damage, to respond during emergencies, to provide assistance, and to establish a recovery system to return the community to a normal status after an event. This agency combines the local resources of Rutherford County, the City of Murfreesboro, the Town of Smyrna, and the City of LaVergne; along with State and Federal resources to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the effects all types of emergencies including natural or man-made disasters, technological accidents, national security threats, and other disrupting incidents that may impact our area or the general population.

THE KENNETH "COON" VICTORY

Each year the Smyrna Parks and Recreation department has an award ceremony for an individual that has gone above and beyond in the service to our community plus many other awards for noted people. Here is the announcement for the award.

THE KENNETH "COON" VICTORY
LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD

The 2011 Kenneth "Coon" Victory Lifetime Service Award presentation and Volunteer of the Year Dinner will take place Friday, February 17, 6:30pm, Smyrna Town Centre. Mr. Robert Lee “Bud” Raikes will be honored as the 2011 Lifetime Service Recipient, along with Smyrna youth and adult league Volunteers of the Year, Parent of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Small & Large Business of the Year. The Kenneth “Coon” victory Lifetime Service Award is presented annually to pay tribute to a Smyrna citizen who has distinguished him or herself by years of unselfish and dedicated volunteer service to the Smyrna community, either in youth and/or adult athletics or other civic and non-profit organizations. The award is an ongoing tribute to Kenneth "Coon" Victory, also a former Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, and his family as a reminder of the years of volunteer contributions they have given to the Smyrna community. The award is also a reminder of how genuine dedication to community projects can help maintain the hometown spirit of working together to make dreams become realities. Coon Victory proved that dreams can come true and that fast growing communities can maintain the special hometown atmosphere through volunteer service. Please RSVP by February 14 to Monty Perkins, Smyrna Parks and Recreation, 459-9742, X2612 email: monty.perkins@townofsmyrna.org; Tatum Merbitz, 615-459-9742 X2622; tatum.merbitz@townofsmyrna.org. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Parks Department for $8.00 and tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Active as Animals

The Parks and Recreations department for the town of Smyrna has revamped their 'Active as Animals' program and it is now for a larger age range and is free. Here is a flyer for the program. Just click to enlarge.

Preparing for an emergency

La Vergne has impressed me with there openness to discuss emergency planning. They have gone so far as to have an "Local Emergency Planning Committee", For those who suffered the Flood of 2010 here in Smyrna I was impressed with the response of our town, but am a hint disappointed that we do not have open discussions on the subject. I would love for Smyrna to offer classes such as La Vergne does.

FaceBook
Status Update
By La Vergne, Tennessee
Today the LaVergne Senior Center is reviewing "Home Emergency Preparedness" and "Basic CPR" at 10:00am. These sessions will be followed by B-I-N-G-O at 12:00noon. If you're 60 or over, please stop by and join the fun!

I'm sure that Smyrna has well laid out plans for emergencies. The fast response during the 2010 flood shows that, but interacting with us residents on emergency planning would go a long way to helping people be ready on their own.

Active as Animals

Active as Animals weekly children's program will begin at 9:30 a.m. today at the Hilltop-Rosenwald Building in Hilltop-Rosenwald Park, 565 Mason Tucker Drive. This week's topic is turtles. Activities are geared for ages 4 and younger. Cost is $3 per child. Call 615-459-9742, ext. 2622, for more details.

Police press release

The local police have been busy fighting the drug war in our town.

On January 17, 2012, Smyrna Narcotics officers executed a search warrant at the A & M Tobacco and Beer store in Smyrna. Prior to the search warrant narcotics officers conducted several undercover operations to determine if any businesses were still selling the illegal synthetic drugs commonly known as Molly's Plant Food and Bath Salts. Narcotics officers conducting the undercover operation did purchase these items from A & M Tobacco and Beer. They presented their evidence to a judge and were granted a search warrant.

This search warrant revealed that the business was in possession of several packages of synthetics available for resale. Below is a list of items seized in the search warrant and a photo of the items is attached.

32 packages of 7H Hydro (synthetic cannabinoid)
6 packages of 25K (unknown synthetic - pending TBI lab results)
24 packages of Stars 7 (unknown synthetic/possible Molly's - pending TBI lab results)
1 package of Zaney Bar (possible synthetic Zanax - pending TBI lab results)
8 packages of unknown substances believed to be other types of synthetic pending lab results


Once lab results are returned, all evidence will be presented to the Rutherford County Grand Jury and they will determine if any or what charges will be filed.

Side Note: On September 7th, 2012, law enforcement agencies across Rutherford County including Smyrna Police, assisted the TBI in operation Sinful Smoke, targeting the distribution of synthetics in stores.

It's interesting to see the variety of products being sold.

Event for tomorrow

A local free music event that you might find interesting.

Ensemble 1720, a newly formed MTSU School of Music faculty period-instrument group, will make its debut Friday in the University's Hinton Music Hall inside the Wright Music Building.

The special 7:30 p.m. performance will be free and is open to the public.

First Mayor

Local writer Susan Harber wrote a DNJ article about the first Mayor of Smyrna.

On the cold evening of Dec. 20, 1869, a man of integrity took the oath of office as Smyrna's very first mayor. Maverick, trailblazer, pioneer, innovator and pacesetter all define the universal persona of Joseph Engles, whose portrait hangs today at town hall.

Our first, emerging mayor sought this position, garnering 25 votes to lead Smyrna to new heights. Engles, an attorney, set the precedent as one man willing for change, as he laid the foundation to make lives better.

I hope to see more such articles in the future.

Event reminder for tomorrow

Don't forget that tomorrow is the exhibit for the "A fine Romance" show at the Smyrna Public Library.

SMYRNA LIBRARY SELECTED TO HOST TRAVELING EXHIBIT

The exhibit A Fine Romance: Jewish Artists, American Songs 1910-1965 will be traveling through San Francisco, Baltimore, and Houston during a 55-city tour celebrating the music of artists like George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Jerome Kern. One of the other stops it will be making is at Smyrna Public Library.

“We’re very excited to have this exhibit here in Smyrna,” said Carol Kersey, branch director at the library. “This will be a chance to celebrate diversity and to enjoy music that has really defined America.” The exhibit will be the key attraction of this year’s Walter King Hoover Winter Reading Program, which celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2012.

A Fine Romance was developed by Nextbook, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Jewish literature, culture, and ideas, and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The national tour of the exhibit has been made possible by grants from the Charles H. Revson Foundation, the Righteous Persons Foundation, the David Berg Foundation, and an anonymous donor, with additional support from Tablet Magazine: A New Read on Jewish Life. Locally, Friends of Smyrna Library, the Vanderbilt University music department, Dance with Stacey, and the MTSU English department have given their support.

The grand opening of the exhibit will be January 13 at the library. Scheduled to appear are Dr. Jim Lovensheimer, professor of ethnomusicology at Vanderbilt University, and the Vanderbilt Jazz Quintet. Other events will be scheduled throughout the run of the event, which will conclude in late February.

Smyrna Public Library is located at 400 Enon Springs Road West in Smyrna. The Library is the cornerstone of our community, enriching lives through free resources for learning, fun, and opportunity. For more information, call 615-459-4884 or visit www.linebaugh.org.

Another business is closing in Smyrna

It seems the Food Lion on Nissan Blvd. will be closing soon. I feel bad for the other shops in that small strip mall. When an anchor store leaves the business of the rest are hurt.

About 1,000 employees were informed Wednesday that Food Lion is closing dozens of grocery stores in Tennessee and cutting jobs, including two Murfreesboro locations and a Smyrna store.

My wife says it has a better selection of ethnic foods then the other. Send good thoughts out to the other businesses there.

What's going on at the library

From Jerome at the Smyrna Public library here is what is going on this month.

Smyrna Library is abuzz with new programs this month, including a Lego club, a traveling arts display, an e-book workshop, and the return of the Walter King Hoover Winter Reading Program.

Friday evening, January 13, at 6:30 p.m., the library will be hosting the grand opening of the A Fine Romance traveling exhibit. This free event will feature live music from the Vandy Jazz Quartet and a keynote given by Dr. James Lovensheimer, professor of ethnomusicology at Vanderbilt. Viewing of the exhibit itself begins today and will last through February 24.

A Fine Romance was developed by Nextbook, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Jewish literature, culture, and ideas, and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The national tour of the exhibit has been made possible by grants from the Charles H. Revson Foundation, the Righteous Persons Foundation, the David Berg Foundation, and an anonymous donor, with additional support from Tablet Magazine: A New Read on Jewish Life. Locally, Friends of Smyrna Library, the Vanderbilt University music department, Dance with Stacey, OmniHut, Fox’s Pizza, and Legend’s Steakhouse have given their support.

The youth services department is back in full swing as well, with storytimes already going again and several events planned for this month. Next Thursday, January 19, an all-ages pajama storytime and stuffed animal sleepover will be held at 6:00 p.m. Stuffed animals can be left overnight, and children can views pictures of their shenanigans when they pick up their stuffed friends on Friday morning.

This Saturday, a try-before-you-buy teen gaming program will be taking place 2:30-4:30 p.m. Teens will be able to use the library’s large screens to try out a recent release. Also coming up is the Lego Club, which will be meeting January 24 at 4:00 p.m. Registration is required, and this program is limited to those 8 years old and up.

If you received an e-book reader over the holidays and are interested in getting free library books on your device, the library will be hosting an e-book workshop for you tomorrow, January 12, at 3:00 p.m. This event will cover lending on our popular R.E.A.D.S. system, along with giving information for those who are still in the market for a device.

Smyrna Public Library is located at 400 Enon Springs Road West in Smyrna. The Library is the cornerstone of our community, enriching lives through free resources for learning, fun, and opportunity. For more information, call 615-459-4884 or visit www.linebaugh.org.

Our town

Here are the basic numbers for December and the year 2011 for police responses.

A new tax on the horizon?

This article goes a little into detail on something that has popped up on the agenda for the town meeting Tuesday night. Section 8-C New Business, on the town agenda tonight has this listed.

Consideration of a resolution to adopt a litigation tax pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 67-4-601(b)(6)

Looks like Smyrna will have another new tax for us to pay. The way the code looks it seems to be another fee added to court costs. The turnip is feeling squeezed a hint more today. $25 here and $25 there...that starts to add up to some real money.

Jazz!

Make plans for a fun afternoon

Short Notice on this program

Sorry I did not post this earlier....did not hear about it until the latest parks newsletter.

Here is the PDF link for the forms and more information on this program.

River Otter

River Otter, a photo by David P James on Flickr.

Stewart Creek Smyrna TN In 15 minutes I photographed a squirrel, 2 turtles, a duck and this otter while sitting in my swing on the creek bank.

Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport

Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport, a photo by Tom C. Frundle on Flickr.

This image by Tom C. Frundle is one of the better ones I've seen of the Smyrna area.