TOM BURNEY DEAD

Groesbeck Journal

Another Ex-Confederate Soldier Responds to the Last Summons

Again has the buglar's blast been heard, and another warrior who wore the gray and fought for states rights, summoned to that Valhalla where the soldier's warfare if over. Tom Burney, than whom there was no better known citizen in the country, after and illness extending over a period of years, breathed his last at his residence at Sulphar Springs, Monday morning, March 21, 1910. With shattered heath and a torn and bruised spirit, for months he had been calmly waiting the end, realizing that in the peacefulness and quietude of death alone could he gain surcease from sickness, turmoil, strife and suffering. When the swift-winged messenger came he lay down his burden and with a smile of joy and gladness began his last march to the external camping ground, where bivouaced the brave souls of Lee and Jackson and Forrest, and other kindred spirits, whose earthly existence is immortal.

Tuesday morning his earthly remains were carried to Honest Ridge and tenderly laid to rest in the family burying ground, and thus was performed the last act of respect for one who was loved for his nobility of character and uprightness of conduct.

In August of last year, Mr. Burney, realizing that his stay upon earth was limited, and expecting the messanger at any time, penciled a brief biography of his life and addressed it to the writer to be used by him upon this occasion. It was delivered the day of his death and came like a voice from the tomb. We give it here just as he wrote it:

Sulphur Springs, Aug.----, 1909 Tom Burney was born in Tallapoosa county, Alabama, May 28, 1842. Moved to Texas in July, 1855 and has lived here ever since, except while I was in the army of Tenn., fighting for what I thought was right. I joined the 8th or Terry's Rangers on September 16, 1861 and went to Bowling Green, Kentucky where I saw my first service under Sidney Johnston. Was in all the battles fought by the army and we did a lot of picket duty for the army when the other troops were resting. I was under Forrest, Wharton, Wheeler, Morgan and other Calvary leader of less note. Was with Gen. Joe Johnston at Greensboro, N.C. but left for Georgia before he surrendered. Got home in July 1865 having been gone nearly four years. I was married October 6, 1879 to Miss Mary A. Wimbish, still living in Limestone. We raised quite a family--7 living, 1 dead and buried on Honest Ridge near our old home.

Yours,
Tom Burney

In late years, after the infirmities of age and sickness and disease had laid its hand upon him, there are those who failed to recognize Tom Burney, the dashing young soldier and gallant of former days. It is said of him that he was the life of his company and many a dark and dreary day was brightened by the efflugent rays reflected from his sunny nature and disposition. In social circles he was the life of eary gathering and no programs were ever arranged that did not include him. He was a man of broad intellect and most wonderful infomration gained by extensive reading and study. He kept abreast of the times and was always ready to discuss in an intelligent manner questions that affected the weal and woe of the country. Despite these endowments, Mr. Burney was never succesful in a business way to the extent that some of his comrades were. He, unfortunately, belonged to that school of men whose accumulations are of the brain rather than of the purse, but no man ever got more out of life in the way of enjoyment, than did he, and after all, who can say that his life was not a success?

Mr. Burney leaves a large family, several brothers and a sister, Mr. D. Oliver surviving him, to all of whom the sympathies of all are extended in their bereavement. H.E.E.

Provided by , Tom Burney's great great grandson.