Near Portland in Sumner County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

A.I. Thornburg Heath

1837-1924

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, April 23, 2023

1. A.I. Thornburg Heath Marker

Inscription. On September 1, 1862, A.I. Thornburg Heath joined Col. James D. Bennett's 9th Tennessee Cavalry (CSA) under the command of then Col. John Hunt Morgan. He was wounded and captured at the Battle of Hartsville, Tennessee, on December 7, 1862. Incarcerated in a Federal prison in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Heath led the escape of 20 Confederates to southern lines.
Continued

One and one-half miles northeast of here, prior to the War, Heath had established his blacksmith shop at Heath Springs beside Sulphur Fork Creek. Here he established his reputation as a rifle maker. Heath's wife, Martha Johnson (1848-1926), lost her father, 1st Lt. Richard E. Johnson (1821-1862) of the 20th Tennessee Infantry, Co. F. on January 19, 1862, at the Battle of Fishing Creek, Kentucky, where he, like his commander, Gen. Felix Zollicoffer, fell to Union fire.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3B 66.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is September 1, 1862.

Location. 36° 34.627′ N, 86° 23.853′ W. Marker is near Portland, Tennessee, in Sumner County. Marker is on Tennessee Route 52, one mile west of Tennessee Route 259, on

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2410 TN-52, Portland TN 37148, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sherron Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); Parker's Chapel (approx. 4½ miles away); Origins of Portland Masonic Lodge #326 (approx. 4.8 miles away); Old Fountain Head Meeting House (approx. 4.8 miles away); In Honor and Remembrance (approx. 6.1 miles away); "Freedom: Bought with their lives" (approx. 6.2 miles away); In Memory of Our Brave Men and Women (approx. 6.2 miles away); a different marker also named In Honor and Remembrance (approx. 6.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portland.

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, April 23, 2023

2. A.I. Thornburg Heath Marker

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, April 23, 2023

3. A.I. Thornburg Heath Marker

A.I. Thornburg Heath's headstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, April 23, 2023

4. A.I. Thornburg Heath's headstone

Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 23, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.