Confederatevets.com

Col. E. E. Tansil, prominent citizen of Dresden, Tenn., answered to the last roll call on June 9, 1919. Thus is recorded another invasion in the ranks of our noble Confederate veterans. "By reason of strength" he had passed the eighteenth milepost, but had been a sufferer for months before the end. His immediate ancestors were pioneer settlers in Weakly County, West Tennessee, and among its distinguished citizens.

Colonel Tansil had just graduated from the law school at Lebanon, Tenn., when the War between the States came on. He was among the first to enlist in Weakly County, and in the organization of the first company he was elected captain and went into the regiment commanded by Colonel Bradford. Upon the reorganization of the 31st Tennessee Regiment he was promoted to colonel. As gallant an officer as ever wore the gray, cool and courageous, ever in the forefront in light skirmish or fierce conflict, he proved his leadership and inspired his men to deeds of daring and heroism.

After the surrender Colonel Tansil returned home and intelligently set about helping to rebuild the devastated country and bringing order into the demoralized state of affairs. Of attractive personality and mental culture above the ordinary, his genial disposition and Christian bearing won and held a host of admiring friends, and he became a prominent factor in every movement for the uplift and betterment of social conditions. For some time he served efficiently as United States deputy marshal and later as county clerk of Weakly County. he was a loyal and devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

In the meridian of life Colonel Tansil was married to Miss Jackie Bell, daughter of Dr. P. B. Bell, of Dresden, tenn., and to them were born three sons and two daughters, who survive him. In the domestic circle his graces and virtues were rare and beautiful.

After the funeral services he was laid to rest in the Dresden Cemetery by his brother Masons, attended by a large number of sorrowing friends.
[D. C. Johnson]