My father's great grandfather was William Evander Finklea of Big Swamp, SC. Also called Hyman SC. He fought in the Civil War along with his brother. He and his brother were taken prisoners of war at the battle of Missionary Ridge in TN. They were transported to Rock Island in Ohio where they remained for the rest of the war. William's leg had been shot during the campaign and subsequently amputated. The only way he survived was because his brother was the camp cook and snuck food to him. When the war ended the were released with nothing but the clothes on their backs. It took them about 2 years to make their way back to SC on foot and with the help of anyone they could find. They returned to SC to their families who thought they were dead.

William lived a happy life later dancing, playing cards, farming and raising a large brood of kids. He took in many children and their mothers who had lost their fathers. His nickname was "Whirling Bill" because he would whirl on his peg leg after the war. We still a large portion of his farm along with the homesite, slave home sites and even a piece of two of furniture from the old house. We have remodeled a tobacco barn using wood from his home.

I bet that your relative lived with him after the war. I have so many more stories and even some family tree info. This family's roots date back to prerevolution because the Finkleas were given a substantial land grant in SC
(John Wesley Finklea) from King George. Your relatives not only fought in the Civil War but also the Revolutionary war. In addition, your relatives date back to the Magna Charta. You could probably be a candidate for the Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Magna Charta and the Society of Colonial Dames etc.

Call me if you ever want to talk or share. home 281-373-0668 cell 281-705-3469
address:
Beth Finklea Freeman
13006 Broken Brook Ct
Cypress, TX 77429