Georgia, Reuben and his sword and Sally Couch
Reuben Ralph Couch has become my companion. Though he died 80
years ago,
his personality still lives to us that have endeavored to find out who
and what he was. Born in South Carolina while Andrew Jackson was
president,
moving through Georgia to Walker County with his pioneering family as a
youth, serving in the Confederacy, returning home to desolation and
despair,
and raising a family . He watched as Lincoln was assassinated,
Johnson impeached, Grant and other Federal Officers became president.
He saw the Maine bombed, Teddy Roosevelt and San Juan Hill,
The War to end all Wars, where his Grandson died of the flu
as he was being recruited, and finally, the beginnings of the Roaring twenties.
He last a brother , John, at Sharpsburg, and his father-in-laws
house was Rosecran's headquarters at the Battle of Chickamauga, the remains
now at the foot of Wilders tower. He served under Robert E. Lee and
John B. Gordon, in the Army of Virginia. I cannot imagine the carnage
he witnessed. He was just an illiterate farmer , hard headed, opinionated
but beloved to those who knew him. Anything that belonged to him
is a prized family heirloom, even his memory.
Georgia, Reuben and his sword and Sally Couch
Boss Family Reunion-1948
Click here to see the above individuals:
About Walker County:
Walker County is in the Ridge and Valley region of the
Appalachian foothills. The Cherokee Indian Nation conquered the area many years before the Europeans arrived on these shores, and was part of the last area of their land conquered by the EuroAmericans. The Trail of Tears began in this region as the Cherokee were rounded up and forced to western lands. The Cherokee married into other races and many in the county claim Cherokee heritage in their lineage. Due to many cultural and political reasons it is usually difficult to prove Indian ancestry.Folks from eastern Tennessee and many parts of north Georgia were pro-union at the outbreak of the War of Northern Aggression. Residents of the county served on both sides but most opted to serve with the South. There were also several renegade guerilla groups that preyed on the area during the war. The county was strategic in the years 1863-64. The Confederacy won the Battle of Chickamauga and drove the Yanks back to Chattanooga. General Bragg then choose to sit on his -ahh- position for several months while Grant brought in supplies and troops that made Union victory at Mission Ridge and the March to the Sea possible.
Civilians in the area must have had deadening poverty imposed on them as thousands of troops scavenged the countryside for food and necessities. Salt was difficult or impossible to acquire and necessary for preserving meats, if they could be found. Seeds and crops were often destroyed or consumed, livestock confiscated. Had money been available, the means to acquire goods from other places would have been stopped by the troop movements and military control of transportation. Seasoned pioneers they were, but life would have been most difficult and frightening.
Lincoln's assassination to avenge the south set off a string of events that made life difficult for several decades after the war. As was the American tradition, many families moved westward during this time looking for better lives.
With the arrival of manufacturing and transportation jobs and the agricultural gains of the last century have made the area prosperous. This with the natural beauty of the area has made the choice to remain in the area by our ancestors seem very wise.
Who are you looking for? Try Here:
 |
||