Confederate Veteran, Vol. XVI , June, 1908.
BISHOP ELLISON CAPERS was born in Charleston, in
Oct., 1837 and was the fourth son of Bishop WILLIAM CAPERS. At an early age he
entered the South Carolina Military Academy as a cadet, graduated in 1856.
When he entered the Confederate army he was made major of the first Regiment
of Rifles. In 1862 he became colonel of the 23d South Carolina Regiment and
served as such with distinction. He was severely wounded at Jackson, Miss and
again at Chickamauga, where on recommendation of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, he
was promoted to brigadier general for gallant and meritorious services. At
Franklin, Tenn., he was again wounded. Rejoining his command at Bentonville,
N.C., he was at the surrender of General Johnston's army in 1865.
General Capers had begun to prepare himself
for the Episcopal ministry before entering the army. Immediately after the
close of hostilities he was appointed Sect. of State by Gov. Orr, holding that
position until his State was given over to the radical reconstruction of
Republican rule. Soon after his resignation...was consecrated a priest, in the
Episcopal Church and called to the parish of GREENVILLE, S.C. , where he
remained for 20 years, greatly beloved by the people of all religious
denominations.....
For several months prior to his death- which
occurred at his home in Columbia, on the 24th of April, 1908.
A few seconds before the last breath left
his body his face became radiant with a smile of triumph, and he exclaimed "
Cease firing, the victory is won " ! |
