Isham David Crews,b.1815 in Fitzgerald, Georgia, son of John D (veteran of 47th Georgia Regiment of Militia-War of 1812) and Elizabeth Moye Crews. At some point the family migrated to Alabama, settling in the Samson/Geneva area. He married Mary Ann Rouse in 1844, they had five children. Isham Enlisted September 14, 1861 at age 48 along with two brothers, Marquis L. D and James Madison Crews into Captain Henry Laird's Gulf Rangers, Alabama Volunteers. At some point the Gulf Rangers were absorbed into a regiment made up of men from three different states. Isham settled into Company D of the 1st Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi infantry regiment as "flag bearer".

Following garrison duty at Fort Pillow Tennessee, the regiment was ordered to New Madrid, Missouri in late February 1862. New Madrid was evacuated by the Confederates the night of March 13 1862. Continuing to fight from the area of Island No. 10 in the Mississippi River, until overwhelmed by superior forces and firepower, the Confederate forces were surrendered on 8 April 1862.

Isham, along with others captured at Island No. 10 were sent North, eventually being imprisoned at Camp Randall at Madison, Wisconsin. The mortality rate was high, disease and sickness prevailed, many died. Isham David Crews died around 26 May 1862. Family legend has it that his brother James Madison was with him when he died. His youngest son, James Madison was born April 4 1862, four days before his father was taken prisoner. Two other brothers served the Arms of the Confederacy, George Washington Crews 6th Alabama Cavalry, and John Crews 48th Alabama Infantry, killed at Chickamauga.Submitted by Quinn Elliot decendant of Isham Crews


Alexander Matthew Grantham, (called A. Matthew) b. ca 1805 Darlington Conty, SC; the third s/o Jesse and Luvicy Grantham; Matthew m. Martha Jane Morris Mar 9, 1824; four sons of Matthew and Martha also served in the war: John, James, Michael and Elias. A memorial marker was placed in Old Bertha Cemetery, Bertha, Dale County, Ala


Caleb James Moncrief b. Jan. 19, 1846 in Autauga Co., Alabama. His parents were Caleb Moncrief (b:Feb. 28, 1812, GA.-d:July 15, 1860, AL.) and Martha Blanks Vincent (b:Apr.8, 1811, Va.-d.:Dec. 24, 1868, TX.). When the Civil War broke out the Moncrief's of Alabama were one of the first families to join the cause of the Confederate Sates of America. Caleb, at the young age of 16 years joined the 1st Alabama. Caleb had four other brother that had also joined the Confederate cause at this time. They were Robert Marshall Moncrief, David Washington Moncrief, William Manoah Moncrief and John Murray Moncrief. During one of the early battles in the war Caleb James Moncrief was captured with many of his regiment on "Island number 10" off of New Madrid, Missouri. Caleb was sent with other captured comrades to Camp Randall near Madison Wisconsin. Due to poor health Caleb James Moncrief died at Camp Randall June 7, 1862, and was buried at what is now known as Confederate Rest Cemetery. Submitted by Albert M. Greco a decendant to contact him click here. He would like to learn more if you can help.


G.W. Spears, On the morning of 16 May 1862 Private G. W. Spears of Company B 1st Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi Regiment was shot and killed by one Private(?) Clarence Wicks 17 years old, of Company E 19th Wisconsin Volunteers. Private Spears along with other prisoners had came to the aid of H. W. Spears (brother of G.W Spears) whom was attempting to relieve himself (in an unauthorized sink-according to Yankees). When Private G. W. Spears shouted-to the effect of-and I quote the Official Records, "You Dammed Sons of Bitches" thats when Private Wicks killed him.

Further information on this There was a Court of Inquiry held, so there is 3 or 4 pages of testimony available for the history of this. One almost has a first hand account of the details of this murder. Additionally, in checking the list of graves at Camp Randall, there is a G. W. Spears as well as an A. F. Spears listed from Company B 1st Ala, Tenn, Miss. Could it be that there were three Spears in the prison camp, as the roster lists G. W. and H. W. Spears. The A. F. spears listed in the gravesite could be number 3. Possibly H.W. Spears was transfered on to Camp Douglas with the survivors of Camp Randall.

Lt Colonel W. Hoffman Eigth Infantry USA was Commissary General of Prisoners. He had previously written that Camp Randall was a sorry place and wasn't pleased at all with the murder of the prisoner. Submitted by Quinn Elliot decendant of Isham Crews who is also buried here at Confederate Rest.