Gold Pile Posted January 13, 2016 Posted January 13, 2016 I've met most of her family, the Canadian branch was a nightmare but I'm dreading to meet her Grandparents, they live in Georgia near Chatuge Lake. My family name has a bad reputation down there. The G'parents aren't native to the area and apparently haven't yet make the name connection between myself and my ancestor Thadeous Gold Pile. (do I need to say GP isn't my real name?)Sigh, it's important to our relationship that I meet them. General Sherman got all the press for his 300 mile long swath of destruction, Sherman's march to the sea, they call it. The idea came from my ancestor. His assignment was to lead a group of 12 soldiers to capture a telegraph office and transmit several message from his commanding general to Washington. There wasn't much Confederate military in the area. All Piles are big thinkers. He decided to wreak havoc on the infrastructure so it couldn't be of much use to the Confederate's war effort. Thus began what the locals came to call Pile's march to the Lake. My Aunt still has a copies of some of the telegrams sent and received. Something of a glory hound (and probably drunk) he sent his own report of his success to Washington DC. 19:00 seized enemy plantation and sheltered for the evening. Confiscated food and drink as necessary. 07:10 proceeded towards town 07:15 destroyed 3 sections of split rail fencing. 09:50: Knocked down several fence posts. 11:20: seized a tavern and confiscated food and drink as needed. 13:00 overturned a horse trough and knocked down 4 hitching posts. 13:40 removed 2 supports holding up the porch roof at mayor's office. For the next few hours he listed various similar acts of destruction. They stormed the telegraph office and transmitted the reports. They camped in the office till the next morning. Amongst the replies was a transmission from an officer claiming to speak on behalf of Abe Lincoln. "the president appreciates your efforts. Area deemed unimportant to enemy war effort. Discontinue campaign immediately. Sherman got wind of this tactic and the rest is history. Thankfully some mistakenly believe that the destruction visited on them was part of Sherman's effort. But I fear some in town will know my name. I'm not sure if I should tell my GF now, or wait and see how it goes first.
Toodaloo Posted January 16, 2016 Posted January 16, 2016 Gold Pile. It was a long time ago now. If you watch National Treasure 2 you will see that if you go on an expedition and throw liquid over random rocks near a monument you can make your own name for finding secret treasure and exonerate your Grandpappy. Suggest you use Evian rather than peeing on the water feature next to the gnomes in your neighbours back garden... Although it is good for the compost heap and waste not want not! If you feel that bad then you can always pop down and donate 6 fence posts and a handful of fencing rails to the local township in memory and apology for past misbehaviour. You could even get them to erect a plaque in memory and plant a tree. A grander gesture may be required in which case you can always donate a bucket from B&Q to the ongoing use for all horses in the area to ensure their ongoing care and personal well being. Hope this helps with your quandary. 2
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