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Capt. William Osceola Gordon died suddenly at his home, in Trenton, Tenn., on December 8, 1915. He was born at Jackson, La., July 13, 1843, and his early life was spent on the farm and at school. When the first call for troops to defend the South was made in Louisiana, he entered the Confederate army as a private soldier; and from the day he entered the service to the time of his surrender at Demopolis, Ala., his life was that of a brave and gallant soldier, loving the cause for which he fought and fearlessly leading in the forefront of many hard-fought battles, Belmont, Murfreesboro, Missionary Ridge, Chickamauga, Perryville, and Shiloh were some of the hotly contested fields upon which his courage was tried. From a private he rose to the rank of captain and ever held the love and confidence of his comrades.

After the war Captain Gordon returned to Louisiana and began his life work under the trying ordeals of the days of Reconstruction. In 1867 he was married to Miss Emma Faulkner, a fair-faced Southern girl who was connected with a romantic episode of his soldier days. In the midst of a running fight she had waved him a cheering salute from the window of her father's home, and he never forgot the vision. For nearly fifty years they journeyed together, exemplifying in its fullness the highest type of married life. In 1872 he removed to Gibson County, Tenn., and became one of the most successful farmers in the county. His home near Trenton, was one of happiness and hospitality. His comrades gathered there in reunion, and the young people met there in social gatherings, all enjoying the entertainment that such a home can give. On every recurring 14th of February the wedded vows of this devoted pair were renewed in the presence of friends invited to partake of the good cheer of these occasions.

Captain Gordon was one of the organizers of Camp Russell, No. 906, U. C. V., at Trenton, and to this organization he gave his time, his means, and his love. He especially looked forward to the reunions of his comrades. In 1910 he was made brigadier general commanding the Third Brigade, Tennessee Division, U. C. V., which he held to the time of his death. A few years ago, when age came on and strength began to fail, he gave up his farm life and purchased a beautiful home in Trenton. His beloved wife, a son, and two daughters survive him.

In his suit of Confederate gray and with the Stars and Bars draped about his casket he was borne to his last resting place. Confederate veterans were his pallbearers, a company of veterans formed his honor guard, and the members of Russell-Hill Chapter, U. D. C., were an escort of honor. With the touching service of the Confederate Veterans this gallant soldier was laid away to await the call that shall marshal the faithful on the fields of paradise.