The Confederate Cleaner

The Confederate Cleaner Cleaning the headstones and telling the stories of the brave Southern soldier.

Remembering the life and service of Confederate soldier and Yalobusha County resident, Elisha Obediah Perkins.Elisha was...
08/30/2026

Remembering the life and service of Confederate soldier and Yalobusha County resident, Elisha Obediah Perkins.

Elisha was born April 23, 1826 in Pickins County, Alabama. He was the son of Robert Perkins, a veteran of the War of 1812, and Elizabeth (Hooper) Perkins. He was also brother to Robert Watson Perkins, of who we posted about prior. Around the mid 1840s, Elisha left his native home in Alabama and moved to Mississippi with his parents, settling in Yalobusha County. Here the family established a farm. Around the year of 1855, Elisha married Edith Adeline (Murphree) Perkins. Soon after their marriage, the couple would welcome the arrival of a son, Robert S. Perkins, in 1857. Two years later, a daughter was born into the family. Elisha provided for his family by working the fields. While Elisha would never reach the level of the "planter elite", he would find moderate success. By the 1860s, Elisha's real estate value was worth $2,300 while personal value shows roughly 700, showing Elisha was not one to own slaves. Around the outbreak of the war, Elisha's wife, Edith, was now pregnant with the couple's third child. As Mississippi seceded from the Union, Elisha was faced with a decision. Enlist to fight, or remain at home to help protect life and property.

The decision for Elisha was to remain at the side of his pregnant wife. As it became clear that this war would not be over quickly, and enemy combatants where now marching through his state leaving a path of destruction, Elisha could no longer remain at home. It was time to join the fight. So, Elisha laid down the tools of a farmer, and picked up the arms of a soldier. Leaving behind a wife and three small children, Elisha enlisted as a private in company H 7th Mississippi Cavalry (known previously as the 1st Mississippi Partisan Rangers). This regiment participated in numerous engagements, including Hernando, Collierville, Moscow, Ripley, Harrisburg (Tupelo), Oxford, Abbeville, and Selma. Elisha would be present for many of the engagements, rising in rank from private to sergeant of his company. Elisha remained a faithful soldier of the South, enduring its many struggles, until the close of the war.

With the war now over, Elisha returned to his family in Mississippi. Much of the state that Elisha now called home was now in ashes. Southern money was now worthless, meaning Elisha, now in his 30s, would have to basically start from scratch. Being that Elisha was a self-made man from the start, he would adapt to post-war life far better than the elite. Being that Elisha owned no slaves, he was use to doing the hard work in order to survive, and being he still had his land, he still had means of survival. So, Elisha got busy building up the life he had known before the cruel war. Although, it would be a bit more difficult with the introduction of Reconstruction. However, Elisha still managed to move forward with his life. In the coming years, Elisha and Edith managed to build a moderate family consisting of at least seven children. The years of 1871-1876, which was the peak of Reconstruction, would be the family's toughest. In 1871, they would bury their first born son at the age of 14, Robert Perkins, who was named after Elisha's father. Just before Christmas in 1874, Elisha would lose his father and patriarch of the family. In 1876, Elisha and Edith were dealt another blow with losing their daughter, Lena, at the age of 5. The years of 1876 to 1888 seemed to go well for the family, but Elisha would but hit once more in 1889 with the loss of his mother, closing out that generation of Elisha's life. That same year, Elisha witnessed the miracle of life once more as his daughter gave life to another generation of Perkins, making him and Edith grandparents. Elisha would live another four years after this milestone, passing on January 9, 1893, at the age of 66. Elisha was a member of the Baptist Church along with being a Mason, most likely belonging to the Coffeeville Masonic Lodge No.83.

The Perkins family now rest in the countryside that they once called home. The Williams Cemetery sits nestled in the countryside of the New Hope region of Yalobusha County. As you walk this quaint little cemetery, you can almost hear the whispers of a time not so long ago.


Located just outside of Corinth, Mississippi is a small abandoned cemetery where a few of our Southern heroes rest. We o...
08/30/2026

Located just outside of Corinth, Mississippi is a small abandoned cemetery where a few of our Southern heroes rest. We ordered a headstone for a soldier whose descendants now live in Virginia. Being it was late fall when we ordered the stone, we didn't get it until spring. We made the 3 hour trip over yesterday to see just how overgrown the cemetery gets during the spring and summer months, and this is what I pulled up to. This area has been hit with numerous storms since our first trip. Not only is it overgrown, but trees down everywhere. We will return after our first frost to get down to business.

Tomorrow there will be no post regarding our soldiers due to an extremely active day in preserving the stones of said so...
08/28/2026

Tomorrow there will be no post regarding our soldiers due to an extremely active day in preserving the stones of said soldiers. We will start around about 6am as we head over to Aberdeen in order to check on a few stones we have previously treated. From Aberdeen, we'll head a bit north to check on a soldier's stone that's broken to pieces. If it's broken beyond repair, then we'll begin taking the necessary steps to remedy that problem. From there we'll head to one of Lee County's oldest cemeteries, and that's the Old Union Cemetery located in Shannon. We have preserved several stones there and we're hoping to flag the soldiers while there. From Shannon we'll head to Booneville to check on a repair job there and flag about three or four soldiers there. From Booneville we'll head to Kossuth to check on a cemetery where we will be placing a stone in the coming weeks. The cemetery located at our final stop is a bit abandoned. So we're checking to see if the plot is accessible now or do we need to wait until late fall. We also have a soldier here that needs to be flagged. We'll then begin our nearly 3 hour drive home. The day will be long indeed, but a small price to pay in order to make sure each of these soldiers are remembered for many more years. I'm sure sometime Sunday we'll resume posting about our boys in gray. Until then, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

08/27/2026

Saving our history!

Most of the time, our journey takes us to very remote cemeteries. More often than not, it's the private soldier that res...
08/26/2026

Most of the time, our journey takes us to very remote cemeteries. More often than not, it's the private soldier that rest in the soil of the countryside. Sure, occasionally we'll come across a high ranking soldier, but most of the time, we're preserving the stone and telling the stories of the private soldier, and God bless em, they showed their courage time and time again. R. C. Eckles is one of those privates, and this is his story!

Much of Mr. Eckles' life remains in question. I stumbled across his headstone as I was making my final walk-through of the Longtown Cemetery, located in Panola County, making sure all of our Southern veterans had been cleaned and treated. As you see in the before picture, his stone was in such a shape that it was hard to make out the name. After cleaning it enough to read the initials on the stone, we looked through our basic resources, such as Find-A-Grave and so on, to see if we could get a bite on a possible name. We got very little. After digging a bit deeper, we found that R. C. Eckles was on a military graves registry, though it didn't specify where or when he served. Given his birth date was 1843, I was sure he was one of ours. At that point, we knew we were not going to quit until we had uncovered his service records. As I stated in the first sentence, much still remains in question, but we were also able to answer a good many questions.

R. C., we believe, stands for Robert Clyde. Robert Clyde Eckles was born on March 9, 1843, near Dinwiddie, Virginia. Now, during the war, all the records in the Dinwiddie, Virginia courthouse were destroyed, which could offer an explanation as to why so much of Robert's early life remains questionable. While we were unable to locate his birth parents, we do believe Robert Eckles is a descendant of William Eckles, and quite possibly the grandson or nephew to Robert Eckles. The Eckles family of this region were a tight-knit family and were recognized as Patriots during the Revolutionary War as they provided supplies to the Continental Army. Most all members of the Eckles clan were middle-class farmers. While they weren't necessarily part of the planter elite, they did OK for themselves. As Robert grew, he would continue the family's history of farming the soil of Virginia, but he would become far more than just a simple farmer.

When the great war began, Robert was now 18 years of age and still living in his native state of Virginia. In May 1861, Robert enlisted into company B 5th Battalion Virginia Infantry, serving as a private. The 5th Battalion would also be known by two other names Wilson and Archer's Battalion, and not to be confused with the 5th Virginia Infantry which was part of the Stonewall Brigade. The 5th Battalion would spend much of 1861 as a battalion of heavy artillery defending the James River before becoming an Infantry battalion and joining Armistead's Brigade in 1862. Robert would participate in the fighting of the Seven Days, and at Malvern Hill, Robert was listed on a casualty list as well as missing after the fighting had concluded at MalvernHill. However, Robert would find his way back into the ranks, and by September 1862, re-enlisted for two more years now as a member of company G 53rd Virginia Infantry. The 53rd Virginia would absorb many of the soldiers of the 5th Battalion as it was being reorganized. With the 53rd Virginia, and still part of Armistead's Brigade, Robert would serve through the carnage at Sharpsburg as his regiment bravely marched through the woods of Dunkard Church while in support of McLaws. Many a good Southern men would fall on this day, being the single bloodiest day of the entire war. Robert managed to survive it, and would participate in many more engagements, but none more defining than Gettysburg.

Around 1 pm on the fateful day of July 3, 1863, thunder began to roar from the Southern cannons as the bombardment began. When it finished "Lo" Armistead gathered his fellow Virginians, and together, they stepped from the tree line. Lo would not lead his men from atop a horse, but instead placed himself right among his fellow countrymen. While many other states would be represented in this charge, today, they were ALL Virginians! As our boys charged across the vast open fields of Gettysburg, shells sent from the enemy began to tear through the the ranks, leaving gaping holes in the lines, and each time, our brave boys quickly filled the gap as they continued forward. Lieutenant Frank A. Haskell of the Union 6th Corps described the charge in the following words:

"None of the spectators could command the tumultuous emotions of that grand sight. Fifty thousand men, up to this moment, were engaged in a fierce and terrific struggle...The enemy advanced in three lines, or rather in three distinct bodies...moving with the regularity of clockwork, slow, solemn, and grandly terrible."

As the men got closer, canister and small arms fire began ripping through their lines. With their heads slightly tilted, the men kept moving forward, though disorder was beginning to take shape. To rally the men, Lo Armistead placed his hat on his sword and ordered the men "double-quick" toward the enemy, making their way toward the part of the stone wall known as The Angle. Waving his sword, General Armistead yelled "Give em the cold steel, boys", as he leaped over the stone wall. Minutes later, Armistead would give his life to the cause, but the boys of the 53rd Virginia fought on until realizing the fight was lost. Robert would survive this great battle and continued fighting at least until December 1864, at which time records for Robert cease.

Robert's life after the war comes a bit more into focus. He would ultimately leave Virginia and would settle in the countryside of Panola County. He would first marry Margaret "Maggie" Hall, and together would have two children Susan and Lucy. Sadly, Margaret would pass in 1877. The following year, Robert would marry Ella A (Johnson) Eckles. Through this marriage, I believe they welcomed two more children. Robert would not only provide for his family by farming, but would also serve as a postmaster for the small town of Crenshaw. Through all of life's challenges, Robert managed to live to the age of 66, passing on April 19, 1909.

Remembering the life and service of Confederate soldier William Wesley Caldwell. William entered this world on July 15, ...
08/25/2026

Remembering the life and service of Confederate soldier William Wesley Caldwell.

William entered this world on July 15, 1827, in the countryside of Tennessee. While we haven't yet been able to find the names of his parents, we do know he was born to two native Southerners as his father was from Virginia and his mother from Alabama. As a young boy, William would help tend the fields with his father. As soon as he was old enough, William left the nest to start establishing his own life, leaving behind Tennessee and setting roots in Mississippi as 1850 Census Records verify. William began farming the fertile soil of the Mississippi Delta, and would soon marry Mary C. Caldwell. Together, they would have two wonderful children, a son, William H. Caldwell, and a daughter, Irene F. Caldwell. The Census for 1860 shows William now enjoying the fruits of his labor. Sadly, all that he'd built would be threatened in the coming years of war.

It appears that William remained at home for the first few years of the war. William was by no means a spring chicken, and I'm sure he was thinking about what could possibly happen to his family and home if he left. However, when the South was in dire need for men to step forward, William did so, enlisting in January 1864 as a private in the 2nd Mississippi Partisan Rangers (Ballentine's Cavalry). This regiment would be extremely active through 1864-65. They would face Sherman and his band of terrorists in not only in Meridian, Mississippi, but Georgia as well. During the Franklin-Nashville Campaign, William would ride with one of the best to ever do it, and that's General Nathan Bedford Forrest. William would continue on with the general, making their final stand at Selma, Alabama.

After completing his service, William returned home to his family, which now consisted of an infant son, Elijah. To ensure his family's survival through the hard days of Reconstruction, William returned to the fields, doing what his father had taught him as a young boy. In 1872, the family welcomed another son, Joseph Caldwell. The family spent the next several years living in or near the small community of Pope. Up to the time of his passing, William continued fulfilling his duties as a provider, a loving father, and faithful husband. Sadly, William would only live to see the age of 58, passing from this world on September 2, 1885. William was laid to rest in the now historic Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville, Mississippi.

As you can see in the before pictures, William's stone was in desperate need of attention. I must say, William's stone (placed by his wife) is one of my favorites in this cemetery. Such beautiful detail with the simple yet loving words "My Husband" etched in the stone. I think it speaks to what William meant to his wife. After working with the stone for over a year and a half, it's finally shining once more in the Magnolia Cemetery.

Remembering the life and service of Confederate soldier Charles Wesley "Wes" Kendall.In most instances, as yall have cle...
08/24/2026

Remembering the life and service of Confederate soldier Charles Wesley "Wes" Kendall.

In most instances, as yall have clearly seen, we try to bring yall stories rich in details of each soldier whose stone we have preserved. However, in some cases, information just isn't easily obtained, though we try to bring you whatever we can put together. This soldier just needs more time, and hopefully in the coming years, we can give him the time he deserves, fully telling his life story. From start to finish, this has been confusing to say the least.

The confusion starts at Charles' birth. Some records have him born in 1845 in Alabama while others state he was born in 1846 in Chickasaw County, Mississippi. He was around 16 years of age when the War Between the States began. There's mention of Charles serving in the 6th Mississippi Cavalry early in the war, although I have yet to locate the records. Later records show Charles serving as a private in company H (Spartan Band) 13th Mississippi Infantry. In his pension records, Charles states that he was wounded three times during his service years. Once at Fredericksburg, once at The Wilderness, and once at High Bridge where he was ultimately captured on April 6, 1865. He would be hit in the arm, shoulder, and knee. His wounding in the knee would leave him with a limp for the remaining years of his life. After being captured at High Bridge, Charles was sent to Point Lookout where he was held captive until July 28, 1865. After taking the Oath, Charles was paroled and released.

Following his release, Charles began his journey home. After taking some time to recover from his days as a soldier, Charles got busy on establishing his life. He would earn a living by working in a nearby mill. As Charles left Chickasaw County, he began working as a farm laborer. He would eventually marry Martha Ann "Mattie" (Martin) Kendall. Together, they would welcome at least three children, all of which would survive into adulthood. After living in Calhoun and Yalobusha Counties, Charles finally set his roots in Tallahatchie County. Sadly, the old war wounds continued to hamper Charles, although one would never know as he suffered quietly. Charles had given the best part of him to a cause that was ultimately lost, but still burned in the heart of the old soldier. Through the many days of pain and suffering, Charles managed to live until the age of 64, passing in October of 1910. He was laid to rest in the Ashland Cemetery to suffer no more.

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