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Wilkes

May 21, 2022

Ezra Deborde, Reluctant Soldier

He had no interest in fighting someone else’s war. However, as an able-bodied farmer in the hills of Wilkes County, the local Home Guard was tasked with making sure that everyone who could serve, did serve. That included Ezra Deborde.

In 1863, the Civil War was fully under way, and most men were away from their homes in Traphill at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Ezra was a 38-year-old husband and father of seven young children. He had a modest farm within a couple miles of Stone Mountain, and he needed to be home to run that farm. Why should he risk his life in battle so that wealthy landowners could maintain the right to own slaves who ran their plantations for them? No, he had nothing to gain by going to war, and that was a popular sentiment among many of his neighbors.

Mary C. Boaz Deborde (1828-1913), wife of Ezra Deborde.

In 1862, the Confederate Congress passed a conscription law that all men between age 18 and 35 could be drafted. A major exception was that anyone who owned more than 20 slaves was exempt. And if someone was wealthy enough, he could pay someone else to serve as his substitute. Many saw this as justification for calling it “a rich man’s war and a poor man’s fight.”

At 38 years old, Ezra was slightly outside of the draft age. But the Home Guard often made up the rules as they saw fit, and they felt that he should join the local regiment. Knowing this, Ezra decided to go into hiding with the hope that the war would soon end and he could soon rejoin his family. He knew of a small cave formed by an outcrop of rocks on a hillside where he could hide. The entrance could be disguised by covering it with brush. If someone didn’t know where it was, they wouldn’t see it. Most of his time would be spent just outside the cave where it was more comfortable. When he heard someone coming, he would get inside. He could get water at the creek just a hundred yards down the hill. As for food, one of his children would occasionally bring him meals, being careful that they weren’t followed. Sometimes the family dog would join his son or daughter as a companion on the trip.

Below are photos of three of Ezra’s children.

Ezra’s son William Reid Deborde (1852-1944) with his wife Cidney Jane.

Ezra’s daughter Sarah Deborde Brooks (1853-1935).

Ezra’s daughter Mollie Deborde Byrd (1861-1923) with her son Ray.

His hiding arrangement worked well for a while, but the Home Guard had never given up on recruiting Ezra. They had been keeping an eye on his home, waiting for him to make an appearance. He never showed up, but they knew he was nearby despite his family claiming that they didn’t know where he was. Whether it was a devised plan by the Home Guard or simply a coincidence, Ezra’s hiding spot was given up by the family dog. One day when Ezra’s dog meandered into the woods, the men followed, and it led them directly to his hiding place. Ezra’s attempts at avoiding the fight had come to an end.

Years later, his widow Mary said that her husband left home on October 9, 1863. Ezra Deborde mustered into the Confederate Army in Co. G, 58^th NC Reg on October 25 at Camp Holmes in Raleigh. The major battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg had ended only three months earlier, and news of those devastating events had traveled far. It would be understandable if Ezra’s throat was dry and he had a sick feeling in his stomach when he was standing before the officers to enlist. There’s no doubt that a member of the Home Guard was by his side to make sure he didn’t run away.

During his first days as a soldier, he wrote letters back home. The last letter his family received from him was dated November 9. His regiment had suffered significant casualties in recent battles in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, and that’s where Ezra met up with them. Perhaps his first battle experience was the Battle of Missionary Ridge near Chattanooga on November 25. Unfortunately, this would also be his last battle. Over two days, the Confederacy lost over 6,500 men including Ezra Deborde.

“Battle of Missionary Ridge” by Kurz and Allison, Library of Congress

In 1885, Ezra’s widow Mary applied for her husband’s military pension. In an affidavit by John A. Brewer, he stated that he served with Ezra at the Battle of Missionary Ridge. John was taken prisoner and sent to Rock Island Prison in Illinois. Shortly after arriving there, he received word that Ezra Deborde had been wounded and captured in the battle. He said that Ezra was taken to a Union hospital where he died. An affidavit by George W. Brown included similar details. He, too, was taken prisoner. After asking about Ezra, he learned that he had been seriously wounded and died shortly thereafter.

Portion of the affidavit provided by John A. Brewer in 1885.

It's a sad end to a sad story. For every Civil War story of heroism, triumph, and victory, there’s an equally emotional story of tragedy and defeat. It’s important to remember that both the good and the bad are part of our history.

I’m not directly related to Ezra Deborde, but he was a neighbor to many of my ancestors. This information is mostly from records at the NC Archives, with additional details from stories I’ve heard and read from his descendants.

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