AUTHOR: Leslie F. Cashwell
His home: Black Ankle area of Eastern NC
Enlisted at age 18 (Aug 27, 1861)
Assigned to Third Artillery (40th State Troops)
Captured at Fort Fisher NC on Jan 15, 1865
POW at Point Lookout, MD – Arrival on Jan 22, 1865
Released on June 21, 1865 after signing an Oath of Allegiance to the United States. (Official end of the Civil War was April 9, 1865.)
“Walked” all the way back to Rowland, NC with five other veterans.
Stayed overnight in a barn at one of the veterans (Bracey) family farm where Cole met his future wife, Mary Jane Bracey. Jane Bracey married William Cole Williams on 7 March 1867. Cole settled in Rowland, NC with his wife Jane Bracey on farm land given to them by the Bracey family.
Mary Jane Bracey and William Cole Williams had the following children:
Mary Elizabeth Williams was born 20 January 1868. Mary died 21 September 1908. Her body was interred in Bracey Cemetery in Robeson County, North Carolina. She married Silas Watson Butler, Sr. Silas was born 13 August 1862. Silas died 17 April 1911. His body was interred in Bracey Cemetery in Robeson County, North Carolina.
William Joseph Williams was born January 1870. (My Grandfather)
Frank Williams was born 22 June 1872. Frank died 17 March 1938. His body was interred Bracey Cemetery in Robeson County, North Carolina. He married Blanche W???. Blanche was born 17 March 1877. Blanche died 16 August 1951. Her body was interred in Bracey Cemetery in Robeson County, North Carolina.
Flora Ann Williams was born circa 1875.
Sarah T. Williams was born 7 November 1876. Sarah died 18 February 1920. Her body was interred in Bracey Cemetery in Robeson County, North Carolina.
Julia K. Williams was born August 1879. The 1900 census indicates she was born 1880.
Emma Williams was born 1883.
One of Cole Williams’ grandsons, Frank E. Williams, served in the United States Marine Corps (was awarded a Bronze Star Medal on 16 Sept 1944).
