Submitted by: greyghost45acp@yahoo.com

Marriage Information

Wife: Emeline James Gaulding
Married: 04 Oct 1827
Beginning status: Married
in: Bibb County, Georgia
Marriage Notes

Wife: Emeline James Gaulding
Born: 10 Feb 1810
in: Virginia
Died: 01 Jan 1886
in: Dale County, Alabama
Relationship with Father: John Gaulding - Natural
Relationship with Mother: Martha Gaulding - Natural
Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Ozark, Alabama
Address and Phone(s)
Medical
Notes
Originally buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Westville, moved to new Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Ozark in
1942 when Fort Rucker was established.

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Obituary of Emeline James Gaulding
Emeline J. Edwards, daughter of John Gaulding, was born in the state of Virginia in the month of February
1810. With her parents she removed to Hancock County Georgia in 1818. In that County she was converted at the
age of eleven years and joined the Methodist E. Church, in which communion she lived sixty-four years without a
stain upon her pure and spotless character. During the year 1827 she was married to Mr. Ambrose Edwards of
Monroe County, Georgia. A few years after the happy event they removed to Alabama and settled in old Russell
County. Although at the time of their marriage Mr. Edwards was not a member of any Church, not a professor in
Jesus Christ, yet by her pure and sweet spirit he was so powerfully influenced in regard to salvation from sin and
death as to become deeply concerned. At Salem, of old Russell County, 1839 he was converted and joined the
Church of his Christian (.......?) In November 1854 they removed to Dale County and settled near Pleasant Hill
Church and became members of that Church.

She was the mother of 11 children, 8 sons and 3 daughters, 5 of whom are dead and 6 living. All of those who
lived to sufficient age joined the Church of their fond parents and are strong and devoted members of the Church.
Such was the influence of the mother upon the whole family that they are perfectly united in affection, religion and
cooperation. In this respect they constitute a model family. How ever distant from each other the children realize
their unity in the mother. While breathing her last, a present was received, the gift of a son in Texas. As mother and
grandmother she was an extraordinary woman. As wife she was all the Bible commands. As Church member and
Christian she was perfect. To everybody she was tender, gentle and considerate. She always had a word of cheer
and smile of appreciation for the toiling and struggling ones in righteousness. She heartily endorsed every
enterprise of her Church and supported it's institution. Her Pastor always found her in sympathy with his efforts to
build up the Church and save sinners. The writer has known her 30 years and knows no fault in her life. At 7 A. M.
January 1, 1886 she ascended to glory. She died at the home of her son, C.A.B. Edwards, and was buried at
Pleasant Hill on Saturday beside her husband, amid tears of sorrow and hope.

By Rev. Angus Dowling

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Child: Martha Louise Edwards
Born: 20 Jul 1828
in: Russell County, Alabama
Died: 09 Aug 1881
Relationship with Father: Ambrose Edwards 
Relationship with Mother: Emeline James Gaulding 

Husband: Hope Hull Mizell
Married: Dec 1843

Child: LeRoy Marion Edwards
Born: 29 Aug 1830
in: Talbot County, Georgia
Died: 24 May 1898
in: Brundidge, Alabama
Relationship with Father: Ambrose Edwards 
Relationship with Mother: Emeline James Gaulding 
Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Ozark, Alabama
Military service: Bet. 26 Aug 1862 - 1865
Co. E, 53rd Alabama Mounted Infantry, C.S.A.
Occupation: 1850
Farmer, Russell County, Alabama
Promoted to the rank of the rank of Second Lieutenant in Company E, 53rd Alabama Mounted Infantry on
November 15, 1863. (Alabama Partisan Rangers).
Enlisted August 26, 1862 and served until the end of the War.
Served in Alabama State Legislature 1893-1895
Served as Justice of the Peace in Pike County, Alabama
Died in the home of his daughter, Mary Love Edwards, while visiting her.

Wife: Martha Mizell
Married: 06 Nov 1849

Child: John Wilson Gaulding Edwards
Born: 10 Jan 1833
in: Talbot County, Georgia
Died: 09 Jun 1858
in: Louisiana
Relationship with Father: Ambrose Edwards 
Relationship with Mother: Emeline James Gaulding 
Occupation: School Teacher

Wife: Frances Sharp

Child: William Archibald Edwards
Born: 28 Feb 1835
in: Talbot County, Georgia
Died: 12 Dec 1926
in: Dallas, Texas
Relationship with Father: Ambrose Edwards 
Relationship with Mother: Emeline James Gaulding 
Burial: 14 Dec 1926
Oak Cliff Cemetery, Dallas, Texas
Military service: Bet. 03 Jul 1861 - 1863
Company E, 15th Alabama Infantry, C.S.A.
Occupation: Methodist Minister



Southern Star, Jan. 5, 1916
A MOST INTERESTING LETTER
Dallas, Tex., Nov. 11, 1915.
W.E. Painter,
Dear Ruf:
I wrote you for a list of my dear old Co. E. 15th Alabama Regiment who are now living, and as you were sick
Bro. Charley Edwards sent me the following list vis.-W.R. Painter, W.C. Mizell Ozark; J.R. Edwards, Mat
Williams, Artion; C. V. Atkinson, Newton; Newt Curenton, Haw Ridge; Albert Austin, Daleville; W.D. Byrd, B.W.
Fleming, Enterprise; Dorse Fleming, Geneva; C.G. Dillard, Ozark Route 1. To this I add the Texas list---Capt.
Wm. A. Edwards, 4019 Bowser St. Dallas Texas; A.N. Edwards, Gordon, Tex.;Y.M. Edwards, Alvin, Tex.; J.P.
Martin, Italy, Tex.; Ben Martin, Waxahachie, Tex.; Wm. Mobly Crandal Dallas County, Tex. The above
constitute the list of survivors as I have it. If you know of any others please add them to this.
The Company left home with 84 men enlisted all told 200. Returned home after surrender 100. So you see 100
brave and as good men as Dale or any other county ever raised sleep in some Northern or Southern cemetery or in
shallow crude graves on some battle field, or possibly some were buried
under the winter snow or to decay on some bloody hard fought battle ground and their bones to bleach under a
burning sun, and to their dust and memory we say farewell dear comrades, and we hope some day to meet you
beyond the flash and roar of artillery and rattle of musketry.

It will probably be some interest to the friends and survivors of Co. E. to read a short write up of the Company
which I hope you will have the Star to publish and send a copy to all living members. I t will likely be the last
message they will ever get from me as I am now past eighty and they are not in their teens. I want each to take this
as a personal letter and I would be glad to have a letter from all of them.

No better Co. of citizens soldiers ever left any community than left Westville on the 18th day of July 1861, 54
years ago the past July. No more sumptuous feast was ever spread for departing patriots than was spread under the
shade of the beautiful oaks that stood around old Darian church. The
loving hands that prepared it have long since been wafted beyond the curse of war and rage of battles by the angels
of God. In all my life I have never seen deeper and purer emotions or heard so tender farewells as followed that
sumptuous feast. Husbands and wives embraced in tender love and with many it was the last embrace---fathers
kissed their only babes---mothers threw a mothers arm around her son and with a mothers deep prayer sent her
soldier boy to the conflict of battle and perils of war. And some of the boys felt the tender touch of the bride-to-be as
they clasped hands that day. It thrilled their souls and nerved their arm for deeds of daring until they either
perished in the campaign or returned home under the furled banner of the stars and bars. I have often been anxious
to know if any of them that got back got left. "That day many parted, Where few shall meet."

That night we camped at Fraziers mill on Pea river and almost the entire company took a bath, and if there were
either snakes, alligators or varmints for miles around they took to the hills and swamps never to return. Such a
babel of voices and splashing of water I have never heard. The next night we camped in the open streets of Perote,
and its bests families welcomed us with royal favors, and our third night out we stopped at Union Springs and spent
the Sabbath there, which stay will always be kindly remembered by
Co.E. That was the day of the first Manassas battle and Bull Run episode. Many thought the war was ended and
some kind hearted mothers hoped their boys might see Richmond before they were disbanded. Well the boys saw
Richmond and beyond. How little we knew of war and the bitter cup before the south.

We next find ourselves organized as Co. E. in the 15th Alabama Regiment. Nothing of special interest to the Co.
E until our regiment camped at Camp Toombs between Centerville and Manassas. There Dick Neil died. This is
worthy of mentioning because he was the first member of Co. E that died and the first one that had died in a
regimental camp. He was honored as but few soldiers are ever honored. The Regiment was drawn up to witness
the solemn burial, and Co. E with reversed arms and muffled drum followed the corpse to
the road that leads from Centerville to Manassas; and there in plain coffin with a soldiers blanket for a winding
sheet we buried him and a platoon of Co. E fired a soldier salute about the lonely grave, and there on the lonely
spot unmarked by human hands and unknown to the busy world that passes that
way to-day sleeps the dust of Corporal Neil without a stain on his name or character at home or in the army. It was
the first rude shock that came to Co. E and it threw a gloom over the folks at home as nothing had done. All began
to realize that war was on, and I remember at that camp Col. Canty told me it would be a terrible struggle. We
spent the winter at Manassas and the only thing of special interest to Co. E was the task of getting boards for winter
quarters, a task I never heard a single member complain of.

I was sent with my Company across Bull Run to the east of Centerville in the hilly and wooded country that had
been but little occupied by soldiers up to that time, to get boards to cover huts for winter quarters. And old federal
sympathizer lived about half a mile from our camp and killed hogs one day, it would have been better had he killed
all he had. I went up to his house and wanted to buy a hasslet. He asked 50 cents for it and at that time we thought
ten or fifteen cents good pay. I went back where the boys were at work and related what had occurred and I saw
one of them give a significant wink and asked "Do you love hasslet Captain and I told him yes." Well to make a long
story short, next morning when I woke up there was a ham of a 250 pound hog slipped under my tent and a large 

hasslet hanging in front and John Trawick, my cook, singing,  whistling and frying liver and ham just as happy as he 

could get and you remember John could get very happy. I ate it and asked no questions for conscience sake, and as 

well as I remember it was the first and last stolen meat I ate during the war.

1862 was the fighting year of the war. Before the ground had thawed and the buds had burst into leaves we were
taken from our pleasant quarters and transferred to the valley and received a formal introduction to Stonewall
Jackson. There are two incidents in this campaign I wish to relate, not battles the historian does that, but unnoticed
and unknown to the historian yet of interest to the Co. E. I allude to the death of Jno. Trawick and Lieut. Mills.
John Trawick was killed almost under the guns of Harper Ferry, when we halted in our pursuit of Banks. We were
resting on the turn-pike when a gun accidentally discharged and shattered poor Johns heel to pieces. He was
carried to a Winchester Hospital, and in a few days I received notice he was dead.

I want to say this for John Trawick, I detailed him to cook for me, and he did more for my comfort than any one
else has ever done. He carried my luggage on marches. (He was big and strong.) When the Regiment halted if it
was mid-night. He spread my bedding and cooked my supper no matter how tired he was, and I have often
wondered if Israels chariot was sent down to take that rough, rugged yet noble son of nature to a bright and better
world.

Lieut. Mills was killed at Cross Keys, when an unexpected retreat was ordered our regiment. He was a
hightoned, brave christian gentlemen confided in at home and honored and loved in the army. He was devoted to
his mess and his mess to him quiet, intelligent, refined and dignified a high type of a christian gentleman yet he
always impressed me that a cloud was over his spirits an I have never thought he expected to survive the war, and I
thought and still think that terrible spectre of presentment was ever
before his eyes.

At night after the terrible battle of Gains Mills at Richmond after night fall had covered the field of carnage and
death which was strowed with dead and dying, I fell on Billy Robinson, a fine speciman of manhood, tall,
angular swarthy, hair as black as a crow and fearless as a lion. He told me he was mortally wounded and could
live but a little while. He asked me who held the field I told him we held it. Then he said I am willing to die. Tell
father I died fighting for my home and country, that I died brave and I feel I am prepared for a better world. His
father was a Methodist preacher.

Co. E did the fighting for Hood's division at Suffolk. It held the line against great odds early morning till night,
did the picket duty till mid night and covered the retreat of the army twenty or twenty five to Black Water River. I
doubt if any Company ever withstood so strong and persistent attack, more courageously and firmly than did Co. E.
company for an entire day, but we had the position on them.

During the engagement I met Jess Flowers, hat off sleeves rolled up, and sweat rolling from his brow. He said
Captain they have killed my mess mate Cameron, and I am ready to fight the whole Yankee army. I believe Jess
would have tried it. Cameron was a good man and soldier and died with his face to the enemy. The only three men
I detailed to cook for me were Trawick, Flowers and Charley Jones; the two first were killed and Charley Jones
crippled for life.

While we were at Suffolk, the battle of the wilderness was fought andfighting Joe Hooper whipped. Thence we
followed Lee to Gettysburg, which with the surrender of Fort Donaldson sealed the fate of the Confederacy. They
first brought Grant, the man of destiny into the lime light, and second, settled the question of invasion, and so
reduced Lee's army that it was only a question of time when it would succumb to superior force. But I wish to say a
few things about that great and fatal battle. First the 15th, Alabama went further in that battle than any other troop, 

second Co. E went as far as any part of the Regiment and staid as long. The men fired their guns until the barrel 

become so hot they could not hold and load them.

The death of private Holloway was to me the sadest feature of thissanguinary struggle. We were well protected
behind a great rock about 4 feet high, the enemy equally protected behind a rock fence not more than 50 yards in
front of us, and Captain Park reported a flanking division (Sickles) coming in our rear. Col. Oats ordered a charge
and mounted the rock himself and discharged the contents of a six shooter in the face of the enemy. No one would
follow but Holloway who mounted the roch [rock], fell on his left knee, fixed his musket and a ball from the enemy
crashed through his left temple and he fell dead on the feet of his gallant Colonel. How gallant! How useless! I
saw the gallant deed and in the rage of battle and reign of death I thought what a sorrow it would carry to the
bereaved wife and ten orphaned children far away in our beloved Alabama.

But our hearts were not always heavy and our heads bowed with grief. The soldier out of battle was ready for
favor and the evening before the Gettysburg battle Co. E. was out on picket line.
Gen. Lee had ordered no private property disturbed and among the grove of large oaks in which [we] were
camped a bunch of fine hogs had been browsing for acorns all day. Co. E's mouth had been watering all day for a
taste of Yankee pork. Late that evening the Colonel told me there would be rations that evening and to let any one
kill one of those hogs. I called the Co. together and told them to kill one of the biggest hogs and before I could stop
then they had killed three and had a fourth so nearly dead I allowed them to finish it. But a very amazing thing
occurred during the hog killing. I had two men in my Company, some of you may still remember them for no
Company could well be without two such men. One was Sam Hog a great big over grown man, and Peters a small
little fellow, and I looked out and saw Peters coming towards me closely pursued by Hog, nearly in touching
distance and at every leap he would cry "help me Captain! Help me Captain." I called a halt-inquired the trouble,
Hog said Peters hit him with a rock and nearly broke his leg, and Peters gasping for breath said "Captain youtold
us to kill the biggest hog we could find and he was the biggest one Isaw. It was so ludecrious Hog burst into loud
laughter and limping turnedto his quarters. The truth was Peters had missed his mark.

One more incident that was very amusing to me, and the strange part isit never cease to be amusing to me. The
parties to this incident were uncle Dave Snell and Latimer, both as true and worth men as ever girded theirshoes
with the accentments of war or shouldered a musket, both are now under the soil beyond the din of battle.

One morning at roll call Latimer came up with a broken arm and it was broken after the rest of the Company had
gone to bed, Uncle Dave was to report the case and with the usual gravity of old men. He said he and
Latimer went to the spring to get water to cook and coming up from the spring with a bucket of water his foot
slipped, he fell and broke his arm. No one dared question Uncle Dave's word, but it seemed strange to me they
should be out at midnight after water to cook, I said nothing knowing full well if it had any rich or racy features the
boys could not keep it from me. So I pretty soon got a full statement of the case, and not very much like Uncle
Daves. They had gone to a nearby apple orchard and Latimer climbed a tree and sized a hornets nest and in his
hasty retreat a limb broke, he fell and broke his arm. A few days after on the march I asked the old soldier to tell
me exactly how the accident occurred and with great precision he
related the affair to where Latimer started up the hill with his camp kettle of water and said "Captain he got slickest
fall I ever saw." Well says I, Uncle Dave were there any hornets about the spring. "Captain he said I'll tell you all
about it. I told him no I knew it all. I never blamed him not Latimer only for not knowing the difference between an
apple and a hornet nest. In fact I never blamed Adam so much for eating that red apple Eve gave him, I expect I
would have done as he did. This occurred as well as I remember at Racoon ford of the Rapidam.
In conclusion of this article to my old true and tried friends and comrades-friends and soldiers tried in the
concible [crucible?] of fire. There are a few things I reflect on with great pleasure.

1st, after the surrender Co. E returned from the scenes of battle and war, with true manhood and moral character
and honest purpose entered honorable business and have been successful and useful citizens.
2nd, that my original mess eight of us are still living and constitute nearly half of the now living members of the
Company.

3rd, and last and by far the most pleasing reflection is that I treated my Company as gentlemen, They were
gentlemen at home and I could see no reason why they should not be treated as gentlemen in the army and I do not
remember having punished one of my men, I consciously believed discipline could be maintained without it, and I
do not believe the Confederacy ever produced a better Company on the march a more orderly one in camps, nor a
braver one in battle, and soon the last of us will hear the tatoo for final sleep and rest, and the revilee. When the
trumpit of God shall awake and the sleeping dust of earths millions, and may we answer the roll call on that side of
the river that makes glad the city of God.

First Lieutenant July 3, 1861; Captain March 6, 1862; Resigned September 2, 1863 and served as Chaplain for
the duration of the War.

Enlisted on July 3, 1861 at Fort Mitchell, Alabama and served until resigning to become Chaplain on
September 2, 1863.
Engagements: Winchester, Cross Keys, Cold Harbor, Fredricksburg, Suffolk, Hazel River, 2nd Manassas,
Chantilly, Harpers Ferry, Sharpsburg, Shepards Town, Gettysburg, Battle Mount.
Pre War residence was Westville, Alabama.
June 3-August 1, 1863 -- The Gettysburg Campaign.
No. 444.--Report of Col. William C. Oates, Fifteenth Alabama Infantry.

AUGUST 8, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report, in obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, the participation of my
regiment in the battle near Gettysburg on the 2d ultimo.
My regiment occupied the center of the brigade when the line of battle was formed. During the advance, the two
regiments on my right were moved by the left flank across my rear, which threw me on the extreme right of the
whole line. I encountered the enemy's sharpshooters posted behind a stone fence, and sustained some loss thereby.
It was here that Lieut. Col. Isaac B. Feagin, a most excellent and gallant officer, received a severe wound in the
right knee, which caused him to lose his leg. Privates (A.) Kennedy, of Company B, and (William) Trimner, of
Company G, were killed at this point, and Private (G. E.) Spencer, Company D, severely wounded.

After crossing the fence, I
received an order from Brigadier-General Law to left-wheel my regiment and move in the direction of the heights
upon my left, which order I failed to obey, for the reason that when I received it I was rapidly advancing up the
mountain, and in my front I discovered a heavy force of the enemy. Besides this, there was great difficulty in
accomplishing the maneuver at that moment, as the regiment on my left (Forty-seventh Alabama) was crowding me
on the left, and running into my regiment, which had already created considerable confusion. In the event that I had
obeyed the order, I should have come in contact with the regiment on my left, and also have exposed my right flank
to an enfilading fire from the enemy. I therefore continued to press forward, my right passing over the top of the
mountain, on the right of the line. On reaching the foot of the mountain below, I found the enemy in
heavy force, posted in rear of large rocks upon a slight elevation beyond a depression of some 300 yards in width
between the base of the mountain and the open plain beyond. I engaged them, my right meeting the left of their line
exactly. Here I lost several gallant officers and men.

After firing two or three rounds, I discovered that the enemy were giving way in my front. I ordered a charge, and
the enemy in my front fled, but that portion of his line confronting the two companies on my left held their ground,
and continued a most galling fire upon my left. Just at this moment,
I discovered the regiment on my left (Forty-seventh Alabama) retiring. I halted my regiment as its left reached a
very large rock, and ordered a left-wheel of the regiment, which was executed in good order under fire, thus taking
advantage of a ledge of rocks running off in a line perpendicular to the one I had just abandoned, and affording
very good protection to my men. This position enabled me to keep up a constant flank and cross fire upon the
enemy, which in less than five minutes caused him to change front. Receiving reinforcements, he charged me five
times, and was as often repulsed with heavy loss. Finally, I discovered that the enemy had flanked me on the right,
and two regiments were moving rapidly upon my rear and not 200 yards distant, when, to save my regiment from
capture or destruction, I ordered a retreat. Having become exhausted from fatigue and the excessive heat
of the day, I turned the command of the regiment over to Capt. B. A. Hill, and instructed him to take the men off the
field, and reform the regiment and report to the brigade.

My loss was, as near as can now be ascertained, as follows, to wit: 17 killed upon the field, 54 wounded and
brought off the field, and 90 missing, most of whom are either killed or wounded. Among the killed and wounded
are 8 officers, most of whom were very gallant and efficient men.
Recapitulation.--Killed, 17; wounded, 54; missing, 90; total, 161.
I am, lieutenant, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. C. OATES,
Colonel, Commanding Fifteenth Alabama Regiment
Lieut. B.O. PETERSON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General


Wife: Eliza Jones White
Married: 05 Jan 1858
in: Russell County, Alabama

Child: Mary Clementine Edwards
Born: 06 Dec 1836
in: Talbot County, Georgia
Died: 28 Sep 1871
in: Statesville, Alabama
Relationship with Father: Ambrose Edwards
Relationship with Mother: Emeline James Gaulding 
Burned to death protecting her children when a kerosene lamp exploded.


Husband: Mordecai White
Married: 17 Mar 1853


Child: Sarah E. Edwards
Born: 06 Aug 1838
in: Talbot County, Georgia
Died: Jun 1849
in: Alabama
Relationship with Father: Ambrose Edwards 
Relationship with Mother: Emeline James Gaulding 

Child: Ambrose Newton Edwards
Born: 21 Oct 1840
in: Russell County, Alabama
Died: 20 Jul 1933
in: Strawn, Texas
Relationship with Father: Ambrose Edwards 
Relationship with Mother: Emeline James Gaulding 
Burial: Greenville, Texas- Moved later to Dallas, Texas
Military service: Bet. 03 Jul 1861 - 11 Jun 1865
Company E, 15th Alabama Infantry, C.S.A.
Occupation: 1880
County Clerk, Hopkins County, Texas
Height: 5 ft. 10 in.
Cause of death: Prostate Cancer

Enlisted on July 3, 1861 and served until July 2, 1863 when he was captured at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and
made a prisoner of war at Fort Delaware. Released on June 11, 1865.
Engagements: Winchester, Cross Keys, Harpers Ferry, Sharpsburg, Fredricksburg, Suffolk, Malvern Hill, Cedar
Mt. Hazel River, 2nd Manassas, Chantilly, Gettysburg.
Wounded at Sharpsburg.and Fredricksburg.
Promoted to Second Sergeant May 15, 1862.
Promoted to First Sergeant July 25, 1862.
Promoted to Second Lieutenant but was captured at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania before his commission arrived.
Flag of the Army of Northern Virginia covered his casket during his first funeral and burial at Greeneville, Texas.
County clerk in Hopkins County, Texas (1880)
Postmaster of Eliasville, Texas (March 27, 1886 - October 20, 1891)
Member of the first Board of Regents for the University of Texas 1881-1882
Re buried in Restland Cemetery, Dallas, Texas on February 9, 1955, marker set on August 31, 1955.
Dictated to Emma Irene Garland (Edwards) in 1930
I well remember the day when my company assembled at old Darian Church in Dale County, Alabama, where
we bade good bye to our loved ones and took up our march to the battle front in answer to our country's call.
I remember the first night we camped on the banks of Pea River and bathed in its waters and spent this our first
night in joyous hilarity. I remember after three days march we reached old Fort Mitchell near Columbus Georgia,
where we were organized into the 15th Alabama Infantry, my company being known as co. E. Then after a few
weeks of company and regimental drill we had orders to go to Virginia, and this was for me a matter of exquisite
thrill and interest which cannot be well depicted here.
When we reached Richmond we were quartered at Old Chimborozo where we remained about three weeks and
thence to Manassas. Shortly after the noted first battle of the war, as there was no more fighting in this section, we
went into winter quarters there. Up to this time we had not had to suffer any great hardships, but had many
interesting experiences.
In the beginning of 1862, the second year of the war, greater activities in war matters became more tense.
McClelland was assembling a great army in the Yorktown peninsula with the purpose of marching on to Richmond
and General Johnson was ordered to fall back from Manassas to meet this move of the enemy. But Ewell's division,
to which I belonged, was ordered to join Stonewall Jackson in the valley. Then my regiment was in the noted
Valley campaign in which Jackson defeated three armies and then it was at Cross Keys we received our baptism of
battle. From here the scene changed and the Seven days battle around Richmond was fought in which my regiment
took an active part and lost quite a number of noble men.
I was sick and in the hospital at Charlottesville at that time. After McClelland's defeat General Lee moved his
army North. On the first invasion. we crossed the Potomac at Leesburg, wading it of course as there were no
bridges. My division was ordered to go around and cross back above Harper's Ferry where General Wool was
stationed with seven thousand men. We had him completely surrounded and he surrendered. In this surrender we
secured arms, commissary, and quarter master supplies in great abundance.
Immediately after the surrender we were ordered back across the Potomac to be in the battle of Sharpsburg -
called Antetim by the North Historians - this was one of the hardest battles of the war, and was known as a draw.
Lee withdrew to the Virginia side and there ended that year's campaign in Virginia.
To avoid being tedious, I will omit many important military operations including the battle of Fredricksburg in
which i took a part and will speak of the Pennsylvania invasion and the battle of Gettysburg. I was in this battle and
on the second day of July 1863, with thirteen other men of my company was captured and carried to Fort Delaware
where we were kept as prisoners until the war closed.
I could make an interesting chapter about our prison, but only say we managed to keep up spirit and hope amid
its trials and troubles until the day came for our release nearly two months after the surrender.
I reached home on the 5th of June 1865, to find our beloved Southland wrecked and ruined by war's devastation.
Then it was with unflinching courage we took up the task of reconstructing the ruin and building our new South
upon it. While I cannot elaborate on this work, for it would require many words, yet I cannot omit saying that the
work was done in a way that solicited the admiration of all people. Our noble women were our staunch co-laborers
in every sence, and deserve a monument for their wonderful work.
On the 5th of December 1865 it was my good fortune to lead to the marriage alter one of the best of the noble
daughters of the South, to walk with me and share with me, every joy and every sorrow that awaited us on lifes
pilgrimage. We came to Texas in 1866 where eight sons came to bless our union, all noble men and all living useful
lives in Texas except one. Eight years ago my precious one left me to go and wear her crown.
Now in my 90th year I can truly say that much love and kindness have been meted out to me, but must say that
the best friends we old veterans have are the noble Daughters of the Confederacy, and may god bless them in my
closing word.
A. N. Edwards
Co. E. 15th Alabama Inf.

Wife: Joanna Columbia Ardis
Married: 05 Dec 1865
in: Dale County, Alabama
Ambrose and Joanna were married in a double ceremony with Young Mansfield Edwards and Martha Ardis.

Child: Young Mansfield Edwards
Born: 04 Nov 1842
in: Russell County, Alabama
Died: 1922
in: Hopkins County, Texas
Relationship with Father: Ambrose Edwards 
Relationship with Mother: Emeline James Gaulding 
Burial: City Cemetery, Sulphur Springs, Texas, 1C, Lot 40
Military service: Bet. 03 Jul 1861 - 09 Apr 1865
Company E. 15th Alabama Infantry, C.S.A.
Occupation: Merchant
Captured near Knoxville, Tennessee November 29, 1863 and imprisoned at Fort Delaware. Released from Fort
Delaware on June 11, 1865.
Enlisted in Company E, 15th Alabama Infantry at Fort Mitchell, Alabama on July 3, 1861.
Engagements: Winchester, Cross Keys, Cold Harbor, Malvern Hill, Cedar Mountain, Hazel River, Second
Manasses Junction, Chantilly, Harper's Ferry, Sharpsburg, Fredricksburg, Suffolk, Battle Mount, Chicamauga,
Raccoon Mountain, Lookout Valley, Camel Station, Knoxville.
Wounded at Sharpsburg.and Fredricksburg.
Pre War residence was Westville, Alabama

Wife: Martha E. Ardis
Married: 05 Dec 1865
Beginning status: Married
in: Dale County, Alabama
Young and Martha were married in a double ceremony with Ambrose Newton Edwards and Joanna Ardis.

Child: James Carter Edwards
Born: 20 Sep 1844
in: Russell County, Alabama
Died: Abt. 1854
Relationship with Father: Ambrose Edwards 
Relationship with Mother: Emeline James Gaulding 

Child: Charles Anderson Brown Edwards
Born: 25 Oct 1846
in: Russell County, Alabama
Died Dec 1937
in: Ozark, Alabama
Relationship with Father: Ambrose Edwards 
Relationship with Mother: Emeline James Gaulding 
Burial: Morning View Cemetery, Ozark, Alabama
Military service: Bet. Feb 1864 - 05 May 1865
Brown's Independant Cav., Davidson's Batt., Alabama Cavalry
Occupation: Farmer

Served two terms in the state legislature from Dale County; 1887-1889 and 1890-1891.
Probate Judge January 16, 1911 to January 16, 1917.

Wife: Martha Carolyn Crittenden
Married: 01 Sep 1867
Beginning status: Married
in: Ozark, Alabama

Child: Walter Starr Edwards
Born: 09 Sep 1850
in: Russell County, Alabama
Died: 21 Sep 1927
in: Enterprise, Alabama
Relationship with Father: Ambrose Edwards 
Relationship with Mother: Emeline James Gaulding 
Burial: Enterprise City Cemetery, Enterprise, Alabama
Occupation: 1892
Superintendent of Education, Coffee County, Alabama. Elected August 1, 1892
and commissioned August 25, 1892.

Wife: Sarah Frances Brown
Married: 08 Jan 1871
Beginning status: Married