Southern Cross marker dedication services will be held March 16

A Southern Cross marker dedication memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., March 16, at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Bettie, in Upshur County. The service will honor two Civil War veterans.
This will be a tribute to Private James W. Carter, Co. B, 36th Regiment Alabama Infantry, and Private Calvin C. Qualls, Co. C, 43rd Regiment Alabama Infantry.  Pvt.  Qualls was in Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Private Army up until the surrender. His sister, Martha, was the wife of James Carter. Their son, W.I. Carter, owned the store in Bettie.
Members from the Walter P. Lane Camp, No. 1455, Longview, will be involved in the re-enactment.  Honor Guard, First Sergeant Paul Hamilton, will be commanding.  Archie Hass (Native American name “Otter”), Color Guard, will represent the Cherokee Nations in music and dress in honor of these two soldiers. The Upshur County Patriots of Gilmer, Red Diamond Camp of Texarkana, and other camps will also be involved in the re-enactment.
A great-grandson, Johnny Carter, of Gilmer, will be the coordinator of the service. Nelda Sturdivant, great niece of James W. Carter, will be in charge of the unveiling. Joyce Fountain will read the biographies of the soldiers.
A private luncheon for the re-enactors and press will be catered Donna Baber.

The public is invited, and cameras are allowed. For further information, contact Ms.  Fountain, 903-738-4322.