William Sexton

from Mary Belyea:

William Sexton was in his late twenties and early thirties during the Civil War and fought on the Confederate side. His unit was eventually joined with that of John Hunt Morgan (calvary) and participated in most of Morgan’s actions. When Morgan and many of his men were captured by Union forces during a retreat, William’s unit was covering their retreat and escaped capture. They continued to fight with the remnants of Morgan’s calvalry, but under a different commander. His unit was also involved in the battle of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in Tennessee. His unit escorted Jefferson Davis, when he went to surrender to Union forces at the end of the war.

from Oma Willoughby and Nina Kaenzig, 2004:

William and Rebecca had nine children. Three died in childhood. It was their children and grandchildren that [Mary and Bob] met as children on KY visits.

Mr. William Sexton, aged 90 years, died at the home of his son, Bruce Sexton, on East Main Street, Sunday Morning after several weeks of illness with the infirmities of age. Mr. Sexton was a retired farmer, he and his wife having moved to the city from Menifee County two years ago to make their home with their son. Mr. Sexton was a confederate soldier, having served throughout the war in Morgan's command. He is survived by his wife, one sister, two sons, Bruce Sexton of Carlisle, and Clay Sexton, of Albion, Mich., and six daughters, Mrs. Reuben Willoughby and Mrs. Sam Heizer, of Nicholas County; Mrs. Robert Dennis, of Stanton, Ky., and Mrs. C. C. Fletcher, of Prescott, Ark. Funeral Services were held at the residence of Bruce Sexton Tuesday morning, conducted by Dr. E. L. Crystal, followed by burial in the Carlisle cemetery.

Source: The Carlisle Mercury.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial