You may recall that a member of Thomas Probert's defense team, Garrett Davis, was a pro-Union man who was totally against secession. By the end of the war, this owner of 15 slaves had become completely disillusioned with the war and later ran for the Senate as a Democrat -- not the party of Lincoln.
Credit: Wikipedia |
Such was not the case with Col. Speed Smith Fry. Col. Speed Fry was responsible for raising the 4th Kentucky Infantry. He played a major role in the Battle of Mill Springs which ended up being the first major Union victory of the war. The battle took place on January 19, 1862 -- about four weeks before the birth of Thomas and Kate's son. Col. Speed Fry was given credit for killing the Confederate General during some confusion. Apparently, General Zollicoffer mistakenly thought Col. Speed Fry was a Confederate. He rode right up to the Col. and accused him of shooting at fellow Confederates. By the time this mistake was recognized, the General had been fired upon and killed instantly. There is a lot of information available, often not consistent, about the details of this battle. But one thing was clear -- it was a victory for the North.
Credit: www.millsprings.net |
Things were definitely getting off to a rough start in Mt. Sterling. It had to get better.
Well this is fun & pls get in touch since FAMILY DOES MATTER! My father, a Sr. ranking USMC Officer & Aviator was named Speed Fry (alas my gram married that Irishman!) SHEA! But what a great name for a marine corps fearless attack pilot that spent 38 yrs active ( dragging my sis & I across the Country about every 9 mos to 2 yrs, my mother had serious health issues), & passed peacefully 2018 highly ranked w valor & a great sense of humor! I miss him greatly. We still have "Speed Frys" (cousins) around today all linked to this civil war direct distant family member & colorful family it is. Frankly Dad always admired the horse that took the General's bullet, save Col Speed Fry to get that shot off that led to the 1st major win for the Union Army. The horse is stuffed somewhere in the bowels of the Smithsonian! Great book "the Zollie Tree" explains the history - we have our own theory - hee hee! Settled in Hawaii find me on Facebook (I check in occasionally) or email me @ lindashea50@gmail.com & have fam that can fill ya in if curious. We have actresses in early talking movies, (scandalous!) & self made billionaires & everything in between. Me ke aloha pumehana, linda shea
ReplyDelete