Letters from Elijah
Contributed by Frank A. Chappell
The sixth child of Bennett Hill and
Eliza Belote Branscomb, Elijah suffered from an illness that prevented him from
serving in the army during the Civil War. Several letters from his
brothers to their sister mention his illness and their sorrow at his being “drafted”
for a short period of time before being released. He survived the war and
became a business man in Union Springs, Alabama. A memorial window in his
memory is located in the First United Methodist Church in Union Springs.
His brother's letters that mention him, as well as two letters from his father
and doctor concerning his inability to serve in the army are included in a book,
“Dear Sister, Civil War Letters to a Sister in Alabama” which was published in
2003 by Branch Springs Publishing. Frank A. Chappell, the great-great
grandson of Lucinda Hunter found the letters and published the book.
Copies are available from Frank A. Chappell, 800 Watts Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801 or
fchap10220@comcast.net.
