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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 19th, 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. Copyright Vol.s 1-15, 2015
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