Barrett, Thomas G., of Augusta, where he is now living practically retired, was for many years one of the prominent business men of that city, while to his honor also stands a record of faithful service in the Confederate cause during the war between the states. Captain Barrett was born in Augusta, on July 5, 1838, and is a son of Thomas and Mary Savannah (Glascock) Barrett, the former of whom was born in Augusta, April 2, 1808, while the same city, which was then a small village, also figures as the native place of his wife, who was born in 1814. … Captain Barrett secured his preparatory education in Richmond academy, Augusta, and then entered a military academy at Marietta, Ga., being graduated in that institution as a member of the class of 1858. He had just attained his legal majority at the time when the Civil war was precipitated and he was one of the first of the loyal youth of Georgia to tender his aid in fighting for the cause of the Confederacy. On May 7, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Irish volunteers, of Augusta, being made first lieutenant of his company, which became a part of the Fifth Georgia volunteer infantry. He continued in active service until history recorded for the valiant southerners the loss of their cause. He was with the command of Gen. Joseph E. Johnson at the time of the final surrender, being at the time chief ordnance officer in General Hardee’s corps. He was commissioned captain shortly after the battle of Shiloh, in which he took part, as did he also in the battles of Chickamauga, Murfreesboro and many others. After the close of the war he returned to his home in Augusta, and here for many years he was a member of the firm of Barrett & Caswell, dealers in grain, produce, etc., while he was also a successful dealer in railroad securities, acquiring a competency through his well directed efforts. He is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and while he has never sought official preferment, his interest in his home city was such that he felt constrained to not deny his services as a member of the city council, of whose finance committee he was chairman for eight years. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, as was also his wife, and is identified with the United Confederate Veterans. On Feb. 12, 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Grace Arrington Ware, daughter of Dr. Edwin R. Ware, who was a prominent physician and surgeon of Athens. Mrs. Barrett was summoned into eternal rest on Jan. 12, 1892, and is survived by five children, namely: Thomas, Jr., individually mentioned in this compilation; Edward W., editor of the Birmingham Age-Herald, at Birmingham, Ala.; Harry G. a resident of Augusta; Margaret E., widow of Lewis Dugas and a resident of- Augusta, and Savannah G., wife of Edward H. Butt, of Liverpool, England.”
Source: Georgia, Vol. 1, by Allen D. Chandler and Clement A. Evans, State Historical Association, Atlanta, 1906, pages 131-2
Hi,
The father of Grace Arrington Ware is Edward Rowell Ware. He is my 3rd great grandfather. During the Civil War Edward Rowell (due to his age) stayed home in Athens, GA. A group of men from Athens formed the Thunderbolts to guard the home front.
“They were not enlisted in the Confederate Service, were organized solely for home defense, refused to be sworn into service or be inspected by by staff officer sent for that purpose. As private Junius Hillyer fully explained in his protest to the oath, they were authorized by the laws of the the state. The Captain was Col. John Billups. Among the ranks and file were Col. W. L. Mitchell, Dr. E. R. Ware, Dr. Henry Hull, Judge Jenuis Hillyer, Col. Stevens Thomas, Judge Y. L. G. Harris.
The Thunderbolts were out in several occassions. Some six hundred Yankee prisoners were brought to Athens by Col. William Cabell, Preston Breckinridge, and corralled on the campus. The Thunderbolts were called out to guard the prisoners.” 1
History of Athens and Clarke County
” The prisoners were quartered for a time on the campus, under the guard by the Thunderbolts. When Dr. Edward R. Ware sat watch, the prisoners stretched out in the shade, silently for hours , forbidden to utter a sound.”2
These Men She Gave Civil War Diary of Athens Georgia John F Stegman.
Edward Rowell Ware had two sons that enlisted in the Troup Artillery in Athens: William J Ware ( my 2nd great grandfather) and Edward Hull “Paddy” Ware. William J was injured and was discharged 1 Mar 1862 with his brother participating much longer.
Edward R. Ware’s Obit Atlanta Constitution
Athens, June 6, 1873
Edward R. Ware, one of our best and most worthy citizens, died this afternoon, after an illness of nine and a half weeks. He was one of the original stockholders and for many years the director of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company. He was 69 years of age.
Edward R. Ware was also the first mayor of Athens, serving at least two terms. He built the historic Ware-Lyndon House which is presently open for tours in Athens. He married Margaret Ann Elizaeth Bacon and they had five children:
Mary Elizabeth Ware
Grace Arrington Ware
William J “Bud” Ware
Lucy C. Ware
Edward Hull Ware.
He along with his wife are buried in Oconee Cemetery in Athens.