Confederatevets.com

The following report on the death of Maj. T. J. Pulliam was made by a special committee of Camp Sterling Price, Confederate Veterans, Dallas, Tex.:

"On Friday, June 23, 1916, as the sun was descending behind the western horizon and the shades of night, lika a canopy, were slowly settling down over the earth, the spirit of Maj. T. J. Pulliam took its flight into the blessed beyond.

"Thomas Jefferson Pulliam was born in Houston, Chickasaw County, Miss., March 23, 1838. On February 16, 1869, he was married to Miss Ellen E. Calbraith, daughter of one of the most repected families of that portion of the State. To this union there were born five sons and one daughter, all of whom are residents of this city and all of whom, save one (Walter), were at the bedside when death came.

"Comrade Pulliam came to Texas with his family in 1894. They came to Dallas in 1898 and have resided here continuously ever since. Having accepted Christ as his personal Saviour in early manhood, he united with the Presbyterian Church in Mississippi, and at the time of his death was a member of the Colonial Hill Presbyterian congregation, where he was held in high esteem and where he will be greatly missed.

"Comrade Pulliam, like thousands of the noblest young men of the South, hesitated not when the call came to arms, but enlisted in the Chickasaw Guards, the first company that went from that part of the State, afterwards known as Company C, 31st Mississippi Invantry. Col. J. A. Orr, now living at Columbus, Miss., who is probably the only living Confederate Congressman, was colonel of the regiment.

"Nothing testifies more strongly, not only to his popularity with his men, but to his coolness and bravery on the battle field, than the fact that he rose rapidly from the rank of second lieutenant, with which he entered the service, to that os major of his regiment. Although he participated in the battles of Baker's Creek, Resaca, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, and others of less importance, Comrade Pulliam was never wounded or taken prisoner.

"At the terrible battle of Franklin, Colonel Stephens, who was in command of his regiment, being severely wounded almost at the very first onslaught, the command of the Regiment fell upon the then young Major. So admirably did he handle his men, and so cool and courageous was his conduct, that Brigadier General Featherstone, in his report to General Hood, stated that in all the confusion and disorder incident to the battle Major Pulliam maintained the best order and discipline of any regiment in the engagement.

"On the retreat from Nashville General Walthall, division commander, being ordered to select the very best regiments of the army to cover the retreat, the 31st Mississippi Regiment was among those selected.

"Though more than a half century has passed since the War between the States terminated, 'when the storm-cradled nation fell,' he never tired or was lacking in interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the Confederate soldier, one of the greatest delights being the attendance at the annual Reunions whenever his strength would admit.

"Now, therefore, be it resolved by Sterling Price Camp, No. 31, U. C. V., that in the death of Comrade Pulliam this Camp loses one of its most active and energetic members, the Church to which he belonged and invaluable member, and his family a husband and father whose place can never be filled. Resolved further, That this memorial be spread upon the minutes of our Camp, a copy be sent to the family, and that the daily papers of the city be requested to publish."

[L. Hall, L. H. Craddock, R. K. Willis, Committee.]