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Confederate Veteran, Vol. XXXVIII, 1930, page
353.
Capt. MUNSON M. BUFORD, beloved citizen of
Newberry, S.C., died at his home there on August 7, in his 85th year. He
leaves behind him a remarkable record of a life filled with service as
soldier, as civilian and as official.
Captain Buford was born in Union, Feb. 13,
1845, the son of JAMES C. and CAROLINE HUDGPETH BUFORD, and for his early
education he had only the advantages of a county school. He married SARA A.
BELL, of Laurens County, March 15, 1870, his wife preceding him in death by 20
years.
In the year 1862 he entered the Confederate
service, enlisting in Company K, South Carolina Cavalry, under Hampton, and
fought onward and upward under that brave leader. The moral and physical
courage of young Buford gained him honors at the hands if superior officers,
and at last he helped in delivering the last dispatches making arrangements
for the surrender of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston.
In 1896 he was elected sheriff of Newberry
County and served in this capacity for 16 years.
He thoroughly identified himself with
farmers and their interests and engaged in farming himself on his return from
the war to the time of his death. During the latter years he labored
ceaselessly in the interest of Confederate veterans and widows, his efforts
being directed to securing ample pensions, and he also was instrumental in
securing pensions for slaves who went to war with their masters. He was an
interested attendant on Confederate reunions until his health failed.
For over 60 years Captain Buford had kept a
diary, faithfully recording the events of his life and those of general
interest. He was known far and wide for his public spirit and patriotism,
always working for the public good.
He was a Mason, a Knight of Pythias, a Red
Man, a member of various other orders and he had capably served as Adjutant of
the James D. Nance Camp, U.C.V.
Captain Buford is survived by 5 sons, and 2
daughters. Interment was in the Fairview Cemetery.
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