Col. W. W. Rich

Col. Wm. W. Rich, of Gadsden, Ala., was born in Habersham county, Georgia, in 1823, and died at Gadsden, Ala., April 25th, 1892. He moved to Cass county, Georgia, away back in the forties, and was a good, useful citizen.

When the bugle of war was sounded in 1846 for volunteers for the war with Mexico, he was among the first to volunteer, and left Cass county as first lieutenant of the cavalry company known as Wofford’s company—and of which Gen. W. T. Wofford was captain. This company performed gallant and efficient services in Gen. Taylor’s campaign into Mexico, and there was no man more zealous in the discharge of his onerous duties than Lieutenant Rich. After the close of the Mexican War and the disbanding of the army, he returned to his home near Cassville and resumed the life of a farmer. He was at one time the agent of the W. & A. railroad at Cartersville, and for some time a merchant in the same place.

At the breaking out of the late war between the states Capt. Rich, full of that patriotic spirit which was ever his characteristic, volunteered his services as a private soldier, but on the assembling of the company known as “Company B., Phillips’ Legion,” he was elected captain, and when the battalions were formed he was elected major and afterwards lieutenant-colonel. He participated in all the campaigns of Georgia’s army up to October, 1864. He was ever regarded as a zealous, efficient and brave officer. The writer of this sketch has often witnessed the gallantry of Col. Rich upon the battlefield. He has seen him among his men around the camp fire sharing their scanty rations, and suffering all the hardships of those terrible winters in the mountains of Virginia. He was ever cheerful, always ready for duty and always in the front of the battle. He served as lieutenant colonel and commander of the cavalry of Phillips’ legion for several years throughout the most trying campaigns of the army of Northern Virginia. He was one of the most efficient officers in the cavalry of Lee’s army. He always had the confidence, respect and admiration of his commanders—and the devoted affection of his men. No braver spirit ever led his comrades into battle than Col. Rich. No more affectionate father or devoted husband ever lived than this gallant gentleman. He has left a large family and many friends and relatives to mourn his loss. May he rest in peace till the bugle shall sound to summon him to that land where wars and strife are unknown.---- A Brother Soldier.