He Wore the Confederate Gray

William Henry Taylor Dowling was one of the final triumvirate of Boys in Gray; the last resident of the Georgia Confederate Soldier’s Home in Atlanta, Georgia.

My father’s great uncle was born in Troupville, Georgia to William Wesley Dowling and Ardelia Frier Dowling. At the age of 15, he joined Co. I, First Regiment, Florida Volunteers. He may have also served a short period of time with the First Regiment of the Georgia Cavalry. “Henry” served for a scant few months before “The War of Northern Aggression” came to an end.

“I walked all the way home from North Carolina like a little man. Gen. Sherman’s men fed me on my way homeward. Yankees are as good friends now as any we have. One of ‘em drops in to the Home to see me every now and then.”

Henry Dowling was a Church of Christ minister for almost sixty years ‘til the mid-20’s, and pastored many small churches around Valdosta. On April 22, 1945, the cover of the Atlanta Journal Magazine featured him and a lady Marine with the caption, “Soldiers Both, 1865-1945.”

At the age of 97, January 19^th, 1946, his (and General Robert E. Lee’s) birth date, he became Commander in Chief of The United Confederate Veterans organization. He served two one year terms in this prestigious position. A year later he yielded to 96 year old William Buck, and with a chuckle mused, “Gen. Buck can do more now because he’s a younger fellow.”

“Gen.” Dowling was tall for his era, 5’10” and stood ramrod straight; even at the grand old age of 99, and he sported a goatee and intense gray eyes. On April 26, 1948 he participated in Confederate Memorial Day ceremonies at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta and paid respect at the monument to Confederate soldiers.

Several years ago I managed to locate my ancient uncle’s gravesite in Manchester, Georgia, near Warm Springs. He and his wife, Georgia, are interred there; along with a couple of their children. While his family had installed a large granite headstone, there was no indication whatever of his service to the Confederate States of America. I was mystified that the grave of one who served in the position of Commander in Chief of the United Confederate Veterans was missing the obligatory tribute to his service. As a result, when I returned home, I ordered a Southern Cross of Honor memorial, forwarded it to the local Sons of Confederate Veterans camp, and asked them to install it.

Today that unique symbol of the southern cause memorializes a good man who did what he could, as God gave him light to follow His steps, and to do His will.

By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 7