Confederate Colonel (and Alabama Governor) John Anthony Winston Grave Dedication

Sunday October 10th saw the dedication of a Confederate grave marker for Colonel John Anthony Winston in Emelle, AL.  The dedication program was hosted by the Winston County Grays SCV Camp 1788 and Mrs. McGough on whose property the grave is located, atop an Indian mound.  

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Commander Waldo presented greetings from the Alabama Division SCV Southwest Central Brigade with remarks including a brief recollection of Winston's biography.   "Winston lived thru an amazing period in our state’s history born in the Alabama territory, serving in the state legislature and as Governor in the antebellum period and serving in the Confederate States Army as a Colonel in the 8^th Alabama Infantry.   He was also a member of the 1865 Alabama Constitutional Convention which convened in Richmond of that year before the fall of the Confederacy.   Winston was a son of Alabama, the state’s first native born Governor, serving the state in the public domain in all these capacities.  He was a firm believer in the Confederate Cause of States' Rights and sovereignty - when he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1867, he was removed when he refused to take the oath of allegiance.  He was a staunch opponent to the Reconstruction indoctrination.   As governor he signed the bill in 1854 creating Alabama’s public school system.  He also had a strong record of limited government and against the redistribution of public funds to private corporations and institutions.  It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the honorable service of Governor Winston in the Confederate States Army in the defense of his state and his home and family as all our Confederate ancestors so nobly did as the SCV Charge reminds us."  

It was an outstanding program and service.  The 3rd Alabama Cavalry Company B posted colors as Confederate reenactors.  Ms Floyd, VP of the Order of Confederate Rose Alabama Society offered the pledges and salutes to the U.S., Alabama and Confederate flags.  Lt Green of the NW Platoon of the Mechanized Cavalry recited the Opening Prayer.  Welcomes were provided by Commander McClung of Camp 1788, Ms Green who is President of the OCR and Ms. Mott of the Winnie Davis Chapter 24 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.  In addition to Commander Waldo's remarks, SCV AL Division Commander McMurry gave additional insights on Winston's life before Ms McGough concluded the speakers portion reading from some of Winston's personal memoirs.  The ladies of the OCR then placed a wreath at Winston's grave and laid white and red carnations on his tombstone.  The Winston County Grays then provided consecutive musket and cannon volleys in salute.  After a closing prayer, everyone joined together in singing "Dixie".  Mrs. McGough then invited everyone back to her beautiful home to enjoy an amazing spread of refreshments including cakes, finger foods and punch.  She shared some of her personal research on Gov. Winston (her ancestor) including his tumultuous personal marital story.  It was a tremendous occasion to come together to honor the service of John Anthony Winston to his state of Alabama and to the Confederate States of America.