There is a William Keen, Page 92 "Problems of unauthorized absences such as Vanzant's and desertions were common in both Confederate and Union regiments during the Civil War. Soldiers frequently returned to their homes but some hid out in groups in such wilderness areas as Lafayette and Taylor counties. Desertions in the Confederacy became more pronounced late in the war. The desertion of Private William Keen of Company K (Columbia and Suwannee Guards). Third Florida Infantry, was one of Florida's more celebrated cases. Keen went A.W.O.L. in 1862 while serving with the Third Florida in Tennessee. He had received a letter from his wife telling him of serious illness in the family. There is some indication that Keen intended to return to his unit after checking on his family, but he did not. He was arrested in Florida and returned to Tennessee where he was tried for desertion and sentenced to be shot. Major R. Fairbanks, a Floridian in the Quarter-Master Department, intervened on Keen's behalf, but to no avail, and the execution was carried out. News of Keen's execution caused great consternation among the Florida troops." This is the only reference in the book, History of Columbian County by Edward Keuchel. Louise Sullivan -----Original Message----- From: Tena and Clay Edwards <cedwards@dtccom.net> To: FLCOLUMB-L@rootsweb.com <FLCOLUMB-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Wednesday, February 09, 2000 11:45 AM Subject: [FLCOLUMB] History of Columbia County >Dear Listers, >Does anyone have the book to do a look up? If so are there and Keen >(e)'s mentioned? >Tena Edwards, Tn > >