Near Chapel Hill in Marshall County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Freeman's Battery
Commanded by Samuel L Freeman
— General Nathan Bedford Forrest's 1st Artillery Captain —
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, June 21, 2014
1. Freeman's Battery Marker
Freeman's Battery under the command of Captain Samuel L. Freeman, served with General Forrest from October 9, 1862 until April 10, 1863. On that day, while advancing toward Franklin, Tennessee on the Lewisburg Pike, General Forrest's command was attacked by the 4th U.S. Cavalry. Forrest's regiments were widely separated and Freeman's isolated battery was the focus of their charge. Freeman ordered the battery into action, injuring his knee while placing the guns. A primer failed, and the enemy captured 31 men and their guns.
Hearing the gunfire, Forrest rushed toward the battery's position. Fearing Forrest's vengeance, the Federals cut the guns down, and ordered their captives to run or be shot. Unable to run, the unarmed and injured Freeman was shot in the mouth, killing him instantly. The battery doctor was also shot, but survived. The promising young teacher, law student and Forrest's first artillery captain had been murdered.
Captain Freeman was buried in Springhill, Tennessee, on April 11, 1863. In future engagements, General Forrest never gave quarter to the 4th U.S. Cavalry. Of Captain Freeman, Forrest said, "Brave man, none braver".
Command of the battery then passed to Captain Amirah Huggins who would command the battery until the end of the war. Years after the war, one of the battery's
this page online
Erected 2010 by Freeman's Battery, Forrest's Artillery, Camp 1939 Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is April 10, 1781.
Location. 35° 38.282′ N, 86° 45.35′ W. Marker is near Chapel Hill, Tennessee, in Marshall County. Marker can be reached from Pyles Road, 2.3 miles north of Sylvester Chunn Highway (Tennessee Route 99), on the right when traveling north. Marker is just inside the entrance gates to the Forrest Boyhood Home, on the right side of the driveway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4435 Pyles Road, Chapel Hill TN 37034, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Forrest Boyhood Home (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Forrest Boyhood Home (about 500 feet away); Swaim House (approx. 3.6 miles away); Isaac Rainey (approx. 4˝ miles away); Henry Hollis Horton (approx. 5 miles away); Edwards Grove Church (approx. 5.3 miles away); Moses Steele Cemetery (approx. 5.4 miles away); Old Reed’s Store (approx. 5.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chapel Hill.
More about this marker. The marker indicates August
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, June 21, 2014
2. Freeman's Battery Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2014, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 820 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2014, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
