Doolittle, Samuel Meek

by Patsy Bowers

Samuel Meek Doolittle was born January 11, 1843, on his father, Sterling Doolittle's plantation near Slate Springs, and reared there. Schooling in that pioneer section was limited but he persevered and became well known throughout his community. At the outbreak of the Civil War, inspired by patriotic zeal, he volunteered at age 17 in the Confederate Army.

He was in Company B, 45th Regiment, Miss. Inf., in Gen. Lawry's Brigade of Clayborn's Division in the Army of Tennessee. Samuel was mentioned for bravery by his general in the battles of Peach Tree Creek, Missionary Ridge, Chicamauga and at Kennesaw Mountain , where he lost one of his legs June 23, 1864. He was taken prisoner in 1862 but permitted to return to duty in 3 months. On being wounded, he was taken to an Army hospital and remained there until being able to go home. Once at home, he aided in supply work by making shoes for soldiers until the war ended. By using this trade, he saved enough money to buy his father's old farm and a comfortable home.

On May 7, 1865, he married Sarah Ann Elizabeth Hammock, daughter of Charles and Sarah Ann (Curtis) Hammock. He was a deacon in the Baptist church and he died January 1914, surviving his wife by only a few months. They had the following children: Lourah b. February 7, 1866, d. 1910 m. John William Brittain Embry; Samuel Clayton, b. November 26, 1867; Thomas Eatmon b. May 10, 1869; James William b. June 21, 1877, Sarah Elizabeth b. October 30, 1873(died young); Charles Calvin b. July 16, 1876; Mary Isabel b. February 17, 1880, Georgia Ann b. May 29, 1884, Betsie E. b. March 22, 1866, (died young.)

The biographies if William Brittain Embry and Samuel Meek Doolittle are submitted by granddaughter Patsey E. Bowers . She has further information on these families, if anyone is interested.