SCV marker dedicated

Sons of Confederate Veterans Cross of Saint Andrew Camp No. 2009 of Cherokee County held their fifth annual Confederate memorial day ceremony Saturday, April 28, at the Old City Cemetery in Jacksonville. A military grave marker was dedicated for Pvt. Thomas Wiggins, an ancestor of camp member, Shelley Cleaver. He served in Company B, 28th Texas Cavalry in the southern army.

The ceremony began with an opening prayer by Chaplain Roy Gay. Commander Kenneth McClure welcomed guests and read the charge to the SCV. Adjutant Philip Watkins read a tribute to southern soldiers and Color Sgt. Ronnie Blackstock gave the salute to the Confederate flag.

Mr. Cleaver read a history on Pvt. Wiggins. Commander McClure read a roll call of the 134 confirmed CSA veterans buried there. The troops in the rifle squad answered for them and fired a volley in their honor.

Saint Andrew Southern Belles laid flowers on Pvt. Wiggins new marker and all in attendance sang Dixie to conclude the ceremony. Mr. Cleaver, who is also a member of the Cherokee County Historical Commission led a tour of the cemetery pointing out where many notable pioneers of the area are buried. More than 20 attended.