Bama

Bama was what Daddy called his grandmother, Inez. Bama lived to see her son Preston turn 42 and her grandchildren become teenagers. She died in 1938. Two things come down from her: 1) a decorative ewer and 2) the scrapbook she kept for her son (grand)Pop Thames, from his birth in 1896.

Let us dispense with the ewer. Mom gave this to me a while back. I can't decide if it is hideous or not. But I brought it out for company once and said, "Here is something that has been handed down from generation to generation..." and someone, possibly Aaron, said, "because no one has had the nerve to throw it away."

The namesake

The name Thames first appears in the ancestors in the 1880 census, where we find a J.T.L. Thames, age 49, and his wife Sarah A. Thames, and their 11 children, ranging from Preston B. Thames, 23, to an unnamed 4-month-old baby girl. Preston is the right age and has the right name to be the man who married Inez Clark.

J.T.L. was a carpenter and architect, Preston was a farmer, and Sarah was "Keeping House," according to the census. J.T.L. Thames' parents were both born in S.C.; Sarah's mother was born in S.C., but her father came from Scotland. Their named children after Preston were Jacolin, Mary, Maxey G. (Maxey Gregg was a noted Confederate general), John, James Q., Peter P., Sirell D., Fanne S., and Dottie V.

Was Preston Brooks Thames named to honor the Preston S. Brooks who beat up Charles Sumner? The Sumner assault was 1856 and the first Preston Brooks Thames was named 1857 so it's highly likely. The fact that J.T.L named another son for rebel general indicates a propensity. Sumner said vile things but it's a real stretch to believe he deserved to be beaten bloody, and kind of embarrassing how proud S.C. was of the man who did the deed. I pass Sumner's statue in the Public Garden from time to time and apologize.

Preston S. Brooks is buried in the Willow Brook Cemetery in Edgefield, where our old friend Strom Thurmond also rests.

Letter from Sullivan's Island

Camp of the 23rd S.C. R. Sullivan's Island, S.C. Nov. 27 1863
Mr. L. M. Jones
My Dear Friend:
Pardon me for troubling you with this. This leaves me quite well at present though I have been suffering sometime from diarrhea, it is due to the water we have to drink on this Island. George is quite well, they and he with the rest are having very hard duty to do now. Guard picket and fatague duty that is gives them very little rest time.

Hope this may find you in good health. News is rather dull about here the enemy keep up a steady fire upon Fort Sumter, and occasionally they give Fort Moultrie and the city a touching up. Rather discouraging news from Braggs army. Grant has driven him back to Chickamauga and report is also that Longstreet has captured Brunside and seven thousand men.

Well what about my election can you give me any idea how I will run in your company. I want to soon send a short address to each company in service, get the commanding officer to read it to each company when our company drill. I have some very encouraging reports from some parts, and of course I hear some things that are just the contrary--that of course I must expect. I want you to stir up matters not only in your company but at home.

Capt. Lesesne will be with us on next Sunday or Monday, we are all anxiously looking for him, it has been some time since he has been with us.

Well as my time is short you must excuse this. Give by best responcts to Capt. McKnight and to all my friends and acquaintances--and accept the best regards for youself. From you friend,
Lovingly and Sincerely,
Wm. J. Clark, Co. I 23rd, S.C.R. Evans Brigade, Charleston, S.C.