Gilliam Bounds and wife, Kizziah Nelson
(Seated outside their cabin and displaying their most precious material
possessions. Gilliam is holding his shotgun and in left hand, a leash for his favorite
coon dog. Kizziah is holding what appears to be the family Bible. They were devoted
Christians.) Gilliam Bounds, Pvt., 3rd Btn Miss. State Troops. Gilliam lived
most of his life in Mississippi but did live for a period of time in St.
Helen Parish, Louisiana which is just across the State border. He was born
Jan. 22, 1822 and died April 6th 1912 at the age of ninety. During his
life he was a farmer, trapper and hunter. He had the reputation of having
the best coon dog in the county. During one unfortunate night, this
coon dog became engaged in a battle with a very large coon over on the
railroad tracks near the Bounds' home. While locked in ferocious combat,
both dog and coon were struck and killed by a fast moving train.
Gilliam was always sad when he told this story because he was afraid the
hound dog died not knowing he was killed by a train instead to some oversized
coon !
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Mississippi State Flag
When his native State was invaded, Gilliam enlisted as a private
in Company H, 3rd Battalion State Troops on August 6th 1862. He was recruited
by Captain Griffin at Augusta, Mississippi for a period until discharged.
The Battalion was disbanded by Lt. Gen. Pemberton, on about 17th July 1863,
following the fall of Vicksburg. They were officially mustered out of service
Sept. 22nd 1863 by order of Gen. J.E. Johnston.
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Gilliam Bounds' log cabin as it appears today.
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Gilliam married Kizziah Nelson and to them were born 10 children
(6 boys and 4 girls). They are buried in the Landrum Cemetery at Lumberton,
Lamar County, Mississippi. A military headstone was installed in later
years, combined with ceremonies conducted by Rev. W.B. Ainsworth
of the United Methodist Church and the Nathan Bedford Forrest Chapter of
the United Daughters of the Confederacy. They are the great grandparents
of Sterling Price Camp member, Don W. Davis.
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Gilliam Bounds' Grave, Landrum Cemetery,
Lumberton, MS
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Mississippi State Three Dollar Bill, (Nov 1st 1862)
(From the collection of Scott Williams)
