Georgia 33rd Infantry Regiment

HISTORICAL NOTES:

This regiment did not complete organization.
The photo shown is a reunion photograph taken in Vadalia Georgia around 1900. Included in this photo in the back row are two black confederate soldiers. The story that I will tell you today is of a black soldier who was well respected by all the citizens of the city of Atlanta, in the peach state of Georgia at the turn of the century. This black soldiers name was " Amos Rucker". Amos Rucker born in Elbert county Georgia went to war with his young master Col. Sandy Rucker, of the 33rd Georgia infantry. Mr Rucker was a body servant ,at first showing prowess in the procurement of needed supplies when no one else could. Amos did not remain a body servant, soon he found himself in the thick of battle. Amos Rucker was a brave soldier, as he picked up the bayoneted musket of a dead member of his unit and charged the enemy line. He continued performing as a combat soldier for the remainder of the war. One of Mr. Rucker’s duties was to call the roll after each battle. He committed to memory the entire company. Before the surrender at Appomattox Amos Rucker received a severe wound to his left breast and a leg wound that left him permanently crippled. After the war Amos joined the W.H.T Walker camp U.C.V in Atlanta. He faithfully attended each camp meeting and was proud to show his excellent memory. He often recited the names of every member from the old company from A to Z. It is said that he solemnly added after each name "here or dead." The members of the camp provided well for Mr. Rucker, even helping him to acquire a house on the west side of Atlanta. His attorney for the real estate transaction and for the settlement of his estate as well as care of his dear wife, Martha was John M. Slaton, a member of the John B. Gordon camp # 46 Sons of Confederate Veterans. Later as Georgia Governor, Slaton commuted the death sentence of Leo Frank. Mr. Rucker never missed a meeting, until just before his death when he sent a message to the members, " Give my love to the boys." Mr. Rucker’s death on August 10 1905, brought universal sorrow to Atlanta.His body lay in state,while hundreds of Atlantans representing many of the best families of the city silently paid their respects.The members of Camp Walker took care of the expenses and bought a plot for Rucker and his wife at Southview Cemetery, Where today members of the Martin Luther King family is buried. Funeral services were conducted by Clement A. Evans of Atlanta, Confederate General and U.V.C Commander in Chief. Mr Ruckers pallbearers were Gov. Allen D. Chandler, Gen A.J.West, Judge William Lowndes Calhoun Jr, ex Postmaster Amos Fox, Frank A. Hilburn, Commander of Camp Walker,J.sid Holland and R.S. Ozburne. An article in the Confederate Veteran related the sadness: Very tenderly they carried the old veteran to his grave, clothed in his uniform of gray and wrapped in a confederate flag, a grave made beautiful by flowers from comrades and friends, among which a large design from the Daughters of the Confederacy was conspicuous in its red and white." The Rev. Dr T.P. Cleveland led the prayer, and several of Amos’s favorite songs were sung. Just before the casket was lowered into the ground, Capt William "Tip" Harrison read a poem entitled" When Rucker Called the Roll." There was not a dry eye in the place, including his former master, D.C.J. Cleburne, who had made the trip to Atlanta for the services. Today the fine stone placed by the U.V.C in 1909 is gone and the grave of the most beloved of black veterans is barren. Both Amos and his dear wife Martha lie side by side, almost forgotten. Only the sexton’s map identifies the spot. It is as if someone did not want us to know about poor old Mr. Rucker. In fact there are probably hundreds of similar stories now lost. It is out duty to bring them to the light. Our southern ancestors were as loyal and as loving to those of there own race as any ever were,Black or White. The story of Amos Rucker as well as others serve as clear reminders that we must never forget, for if we discard our past ,we then also throw away our futures!

      Curtis Harris, Historian Dixie Camp #1861 Dixie Co, Florida.
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REFERENCES:
Sifakis - Compendium of the Confederate States Armies