My ancestor, John Francis Lauderdale, was born November 7, 1842, in the Goodwater Community, Coosa County, Alabama. About 1860, the family migrated to Union County, Arkansas. When the Civil War began, John Francis became a member of Company D, 3rd Regiment, Arkansas Volunteers assigned to General Robert E Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. He was later involved with Generals Hood and Johnston in the Atlanta Campaign. John Francis was wounded two times in the war, one time very seriously in the shoulder and arm at the Battle of the Wilderness. After the surrender, John Francis returned to Alabama, married Miss Mary Wright and soon the family migrated to Forest, Scott County, Mississippi. After a short time in Scott County, the family migrated down the railroad to Vicksburg where descendants remain today.

After the surrender, many organizations of Confederates and the female members of their families developed across the South. In 1889, General Stephen D Lee summoned the veterans to a meeting in New Orleans and the “United Sons of Confederate Veterans” organization was the result. The U C V would later become the Sons of Confederate Veterans, our organization.

John Francis Lauderdale attended the 1889 Organizational Meeting of the U C V in New Orleans and between the organization and the National Convention of 1920 missed only two National Conventions. At the 1920 National Convention in Chattanooga, Mr. Lauderdale suffered a stroke. He soon came home to Vicksburg, but never recovered. He died September 24, 1922. Mrs. Mary Lauderdale preceded him in death and died May 09th, 1915.

John Francis was, at his request, buried in his Confederate uniform with the Confederate flag wrapped about his body. He was a member of the Southern Presbyterian Church.

The family has always been heavily involved in public service. My grandfather served as Chief of Police in the city of Vicksburg. My Daddy worked at Waterways Experiment Station, my brother served on the Board of Supervisors for many years, and I taught school and today 2016 am with the Chamber of Commerce.