Greensborough Patriot
February 5, 1863
Page 4
IN MEMORY OF SERGEANT J W LUTHER
On the battle field near Fredericksburg on the 13th of
December 1862, Sergeant J. W. Luther sacrificed his life in his country’s
cause. He was a native of Randolph county, N. C., aged 26 years and 6 months, and a son of
Martin and Sarah Luther. At an early
period of the war he promptly responded to Carolina’s call, and nobly stepped forward to
aid in the great struggle for liberty.
He was a member of Co. L 22nd Regiment N. C. Troops. He loved his country with all the order of a
warm and generous nature, and his comrades bear testimony that he promptly and
cheerfully discharged his whole duty. He
had participated in twelve regular fought battles, and at the battle of Cedar
Run, the other officers being absent, he was in
command of Co. L and led his brother soldiers nobly through, acting the part of
a brave and noble soldier. While at
home, he had acquired many of the treasures of learning ad literature, and his
cultivated mind was ever eager to follow still farther the shining footprints
of Master Spirits up the steps of knowledge and honor. But! He is gone! He has made his mark, one that will live
after many that have survived him. It
was hard for him to be killed after performing so many kind duties, and had
made his escape through so many battles, and had done so much for the cause of
the South, and then hit by a random shell which killed him instantly. Alas, that one so young, so promising, should
be cut down so soon! But death loves a
shining mark, and stays not his hand for art or fortune, or talents angel
bright. His work is done. His race though short is run. Let him rest from his labors. How many joys, sorrows, regrets, noble
feelings and perished sentiments have gone with his once human possession to
the dust beneath the damp and heavy sod, which the dews of night, the light of
morn and the hot burning sunshine of noon alternately decorate and vivify. What is the
grave but the outer gate of life eternal?
And what is earth which but entombs the body? The triumph infinite. The king of terrors is the Prince of
Peace. His remains were taken up after
having been interred a month near Fredericksburg and brought to his native home
in N. C., and reinterred side by side with his little niece in the church yard
at Oak Grove. He has left a father and
mother, a brother in Co. L, one brother at Wilmington, three sisters and many
friends to lament his early death;
Farewell! kind, generous, noble hearted
WHIT. Your brave comrades on the weary
march and by the bivouac fire will often think of you and your deeds of
kindness, love and charity. The
companions of your schoolboy and college days will often think of you, and of
their sweet communion with your guileless spirit. Loved ones at home have consecrated your
grave with many a tear and as long as their hearts are warm they will think of
you and weep for your early doom.
PARTHENA L…
[Transcribed
by Sharon Strout]