>From the FLORENCE GAZETTE (Lauderdale Co, AL) published September 11, 1861 "For the FLORENCE GAZETTE: "DIED -- Near Manasses Junction, VA, of Typhoid "Fever, THOMAS A. NEWTON, 1st Sergeant of the " 'Sparks Guards', of Macon, Ga.; about 23 years of "age. "The deceased was a native of Macon, Ga., but for "5 years a resident of this county, where his high "moral character and many sterling qualities gained "him the affection and esteem of all who knew him. He "joined the "Jackson Artillery", of Macon, in January "last, served 3 months with them on St. Simons Island, "from which place his company was recalled on the 2nd "of April and honorably discharged from service. Finding "that there was no chance for active service soon again in "that company, he left it, (although offered a Lieutenancy "if he would remain,) and joined the Sparks Guards as a "private when he unanimously elected 1st Sergeant and "Drill Master of the company. His last communication to "his friends here, contained these words: "This may be the "last time I may ever write to you; before many weeks, my "blood may crimson the soil of Virginia. If I die, I feel that I "will die in a holy cause, and I trust my life may not be lost "in vain." He left a widowed Mother and many warm "friends to mourn his untimely fate." NOTE: Listed on the census of 1860 Lauderdale County, Alabama, 2nd District -- Florence Post Office -- page 97 HH 693 THOMAS A. NEWTON, age 24, b. Georgia, Machinist-Foundry