Remembering Black Confederate Private Henry Brown
The following was submitted to the SCV Dispatch by Ken Howle, Pee Dee Rifles Camp #1419
"On November 3, 2001 we came closer to an understanding
in Darlington County, SC. - an understanding of the true history of the
War Between The States and of the
Confederate soldier in particular. All differences where put aside today as black and white,
Southerner and Yankee, war-buff and mis-educated all came together to honor Pvt.
Henry "Dad" Brown.
"Uncle Dad" was a free black Confederate soldier
who served his country in the 1st (Gregg's), 8th, and 21st SC Volunteer
Infantries. He served as
a drummer, cook, sentry, and in whatever capacities he was needed. Already a veteran of the Mexican War, he
undauntedly served alongside his neighbors. After the war, this accomplished brick mason became a leader in the
community and would go on to serve in the Spanish-American War. When he died in 1907, there were an estimated 10
to 12,000 mourners at his funeral, black and white. A monument was erected in 1990 at his gravesite in
Darlington.
Today, members of the 37th Texas Cavalry, the 8th SC, the
23rd SC, the 26th SC, and the Provost guard of the Charleston Battalion reenactors proudly
honored him at a dedication ceremony of a new state historical marker. They were joined by 200 members of
the Darlington County community. In attendance were SC Senators Glenn McConnell and Kay Patterson, Congressman Ed
Saleeby, the mayors of several Darlington Co. towns, as well as the city and county councils. It was
covered by all the local media outlets.
I sincerely hope that we will be able to carry on
"Dad" Brown's legacy of spanning the racial and social issues that even now divide us. Today, we
took a step in the right direction."
In honor of Henry Brown and my ancestors who fought at his side:
Pvt. James Thomas Howle Co. G, 21st SCV
Pvt. Ervin Freeman Co. D, 21st SCV
Pvt. Joseph Edwards Co. D, 21st SCV
Pvt. Joseph Braddock Co. D, 21st SCV
Pvt. John Keith Co. E, 21st SCV
In an added postscript to the above article, Confederate Howle sent the following information:
"I have since learned that Dad Brown met Gen. Wade Hampton during the General's 1876 gubernatorial campaign when he came to speak in Darlington, and it is rumored that Brown was a member of the local "Red Shirts" mounted club (Hampton and his Red Shirts ended Reconstruction in SC). One thing is certain -- Dad Brown loved his community, and the community returned that love as evidenced by his large funeral. One would think that, considering the neighborhood Private Brown's grave is located, it would have been vandalized in the last 12 years. But it has never been disturbed. Nor have the flags been bothered that have been placed on it every Confederate Memorial Day."
Ken Howle, Lt. Commander, The Pee Dee Rifles SCV Camp #1419 Florence/Darlington, SC
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