| HIST |
Uncle Billie, Dr. William R. Burgess, practiced medicine at the old home, Brewington, until he went into the war (Confederate War). When General Hampton’s son, Preston, was killed in battle, he dismounted, called our uncle and gave him orders to send the body to Columbia--he knelt and kissed the boy soldier--then mounted and was soon lost in battle. How brave they were in those terrible days! Soon after that, Uncle Billie was transferred to the hospital in Macon, Georgia, where he served as surgeon till the close of the war. He then married Mary, daughter of General Pickett. He was greatly beloved as physician and friend, and was laid to rest in the beautiful cemetery in Macon, Georgia. When he came to Columbia with his bride after the war, he found all bridges burned, and General Hampton sent him through to Camden in the farm wagon with the Hampton horses, a romantic bridal trip! He brought to our home the first kerosene lamp in that community, and we still have that small hand lamp. [1] |
