GENEALOGY: Books lists S.C. Confederates

South Carolina Confederate soldiers and residents who were paroled at Appomattox, Va., and at Greensboro, N.C., in 1865 are the subject of a new book, “Steadfast to the Last” by Randolph W. Kirkland Jr.

While most people only remember the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s forces to Gen. U.S. Grant on April 9, 1865, at Appomattox, there was another large surrender, on April 26 at Greensboro, hence the date of Georgia’s Confederate Memorial Day being observed on April 26.

This book lists more than 9,000 South Carolina soldiers and residents in alphabetical order. Besides the names, included are the rank, position, company, regiment, brigade, date of parole and location. The appendices contain details of the terms of the surrenders and a recapitulation of the details, as well as a bibliography.

The book is based on two lists, “The Appomattox Roster (1887)” by R.A. Brock and the Greensboro parole list of Gen. William Hartsuff, now at the National Archives. Published by SCMAR, the book is available for $45, plus $4.50 mailing, from Brent H. Holcomb, P.O. Box 21766, Columbia, S.C. 29221.

For other publications, check www.scmar.com.

Hammetts of Georgia

One of the goals of a genealogist or family historian is to produce a permanent record of their research.

Louise Barfield Hammett of Columbus has produced an excellent record of her husband’s family. “A Hammett Family in Georgia History” traces not only her findings, but also the many ways that records were turned up —- from distant family members, by searching a number of surviving Bible records and on numerous research expeditions.

By including copies and abstracts of many of the records used, the author weaves an interesting story, not just listing the various births and deaths. She also gives others a chance to study many of the documents by including them verbatim.

The Hammett family’s most prominent role in Georgia history was as owners in 1779 of the farm that became the site of the Battle of Kettle Creek in Wilkes County. The author has included as many descendants as could be located, a bibliography and a full-name index.

The book is available for $45, plus postage and Georgia sales tax, from Cherith Creek Designs, P.O. Box 123, Columbus, GA 31902, or call 706-324-5952.

Contact Kenneth H. Thomas Jr. at P.O. Box 901, Decatur, GA 30031, or the Web site www.gagensociety.org