Smyrna in the Civil War VIII

The writer of the history of Company E takes a moment to add some personal commentary as the war is over and many friends and neighbors have been lost. This is the next to final section about the men of Company E. I hope you've enjoyed this. A lot of the names in the unit are now part of the history of Smyrna in the businesses and the names of roads.

PERSONAL:—Justice demands "Honor to whom honor is due." Captain J. S. Gooch, although a mere boy at the beginning of the war, was chosen to the command of Company E, and to his credit it must be said, that he made an excellent officer. He was an ideal officer as long as he commanded the company. His men loved and obeyed him for his manly and sterling qualities as such. He commanded us in only one fight, in which he was severely wounded, in gallantly leading his men on a desperate charge. No man or officer behaved more gloriously on the battle field of Fishing Creek, than did Captain Gooch. As a proof of his sterling qualities as a man and officer, he was chosen to the Lieutenant Colonency of the Regiment at the reorganization of the army at Corinth, Miss.
He resigned his commision as Lieutenant Colonel at Vicksburg, Miss., owing to his inability for service, caused from the wound received at Fishing Creek. He still lives on his farm near Smyrna, Rutherford Co., Tenn., and is respected by all who know him. As he made a good soldier, so he naturally makes a good citizen.

W. T. RIDLEY.
We could write a long time portraying the many good and noble qualities of Capt. W. T. Ridley of Company E, 20th Tennessee Regiment. He assisted in organizing the company and was chosen as one of its Corporals. At the re-organization at Corinth, Miss., he was chosen 1st Lieutenant. At Vicksburg, Miss., Capt. Ralston resigned, and Ridley was promoted to the Captaincy, which he held to the close of the war. He was in nearly every battle in which the company engaged. (He was sick when the battle of Baton Rouge was fought.)
He was probably the best known man of his rank in Breckinridge's or Bates' divisions. He was noted for his cool courage and quick decision.
On the field of battle no one ever saw him excited. He was as brave as a Spartan; no braver man ever lived; he knew not the word "fear." He was kind, gentle, and as chivalrous as a knight. On the march, or in camp with his men, he was more a pleasant companion, than a military commander, yet his wish was law for his ccmpany ; he was the arbiter in all the differences that came up amongst his men; he had a keen sense of justice and the personal rights of each individual, and never censured a man for asserting his rights, even though in doing so he may have trampled on technicalities with which he had no patience.
Captain Ridley, though then a young man, took almost paternal care, not only of the company as a whole, but of each individual. To illustrate: Two of the men were quarreling; one applied an insulting epithet to the other, for which he was struck a dangerous blow with the butt of a gun; Captain Ridley immediately arrested the offender, and sent him to the "guard house," but five minutes later he was at the " guard house" and had the culprit released, giving as his reason: "I would have knocked him down myself. I can not punish a man for what I would certainly do myself."
Though a brave man, no braver soldier ever lived; yet he was kindness itself. No man could be more alive to the joys or sorrows of his men, and they not only obeyed, honored, and respected him, but they loved him. He was scrupulously true to every trust, and never forsook a principle, or failed a friend; he was an ideal man and soldier.
Captain Ridley died at his home in Williamson County, April 21, 1902. His loss is deeply felt by a host of friends, especially by the living members of Company E, every one of whom will willingly attest to the truth of every word of the above.
Captain Ridley was dangerously wounded at Missionary Ridge in the head, and while being borne from the field was wounded a second time, this time in the leg. He never recovered from the effects of these wounds. When he died he was filling the office of County Trustee of Williamson County.