DGJ - Autumn 2020

[John Davis]

Picked up my copy of the Autumn 2020 DGJ at the Post Office today. Just finished Mills' article "Ward Allen & Christmas Moultrie" and thoroughly enjoyed it. Great piece Mills.

[Stan Hillis]

I would like to add my kudos for Mill's article. Having had read a book about the two I was especially eager to read Mill's article. It was not disappointing, with much great detail.

For anyone interested more in the pair I would recommend the movie Mills mentioned, SAVANNAH. I bought mine online and was favorably impressed. There is some beautiful scenery pictured in the marshes, and of "old Savannah". Jim Caviezel portrays Ward Allen, and does so very well, IMO. I get mine out every couple of three years and watch it again. The movie is pretty doggone accurate with the stories from the book, and Mill's article. The courtroom scenes are hilarious.

SRH

[Randy G Roberts]

Mine came yesterday as well. Saving it for the drive to SD on Thursday. Looking forward to reading this one.

[Frank Srebro]

Besides Mill's excellent piece there are great Parker and Fox articles by members Craig Larter and Steve Cambria, respectively.

[Mills Morrison]

Thanks for all the great comments! I was looking forward to them publishing the article as I knew people would want to read about those guns.

[Craig Budgeon]

Mills, I am sure I will remember your article in DGJ every time I pass The Port Wentworth exit on I95. I enjoyed the story so much I have reserved a reread of it over the weekend.

[Mills Morrison]

Thanks Craig! I have it on my list to visit Christmas Moultrie's grave (I think I know where it is) and get pictures which I will post here.

[Garth Gustafson]

Mills, I just finished the article. What a great job of research and storytelling! You really
paint a picture of these characters market hunting in the old south between the Civil War and WWI. And to be able to handle those old guns is very special. Thanks for a very enjoyable read and I look forward to more of your stories.

[Randy G Roberts]

Very nice Mills and Craig. I was able to read both of them on the drive out yesterday. I have not made it to Mr Cambria's article yet but I will get to it. As usual I'm sure that it will be very enjoyable as well. Getting ready to go chase some Phez now.

[Stan Hillis]

Mills, is it known where Ward Allen is buried?

SRH

[Mills Morrison]

It is in Augusta but not sure where

[Stan Hillis]

Thanks. I'll do a little poking around.

SRH

Well, looka heah'.

Magnolia Cemetery, Augusta. Looks to be him.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/91202202/ward-allen

I'll pay a visit next time I'm in the "big city", maybe get a pic of the headstone.

SRH

[Mills Morrison]

Thanks Stan! I knew I had seen where it was before, just couldn't remember the name of the cemetery

[Bill Holcombe]

Mills, love the article. A question for you regarding the disagreement on the guns actually used by Allen?

How did you come to the conclusion that these were the correct shotguns as opposed to the ones that are reported previously? And if these are the correct guns why the confusion with the other guns? Just curious, great article.

[Mills Morrison]

Bill, Good question. I know these guns belonged to Ward Allen as they were passed directly from Ward, to Pringle Peeples to Homer Peeples. He did own other guns, but Jack Cay was talking about the two left at Peeples Hardware in his book

[Bill Holcombe]

Interesting. So if I understand correctly from your article, Clay was going off what Christmas had said and the peeples family was going off what was passed down family history? Winder where the disconnect occurred. I have known family situations where "great grand daddys gun" changed because it was discovered the actual gun was a brand that had significant value. Not saying that happened here, just some interesting stories I have heard about some of the old time families growing up in the Brazos bottom. Great article thanks for writing it. I will have to watch Savannah now.

[Mills Morrison]

My guess the story evolved the way fish stories do. The old timers never let the truth ruin a good story

[Mills Morrison]

Here is a good piece on Christmas

https://www.npr.org/2014/12/21/372210614/bound-by-a-plantation-two-georgians-share-a-christmas

[Richard Flanders]

I can't even tell you how many times I've watched "Savannah" over the past few years. It's a regular in my rotating movie collection.

[Garth Gustafson]

Was finally able to sit down and finish reading the Autumn issue. I liked all the articles and think its one of the best. A big shout out to Craig, Steve and John for your great research and vivid storytelling. You guys really have your hands firmly on the controls of the "Way Back Machine"!