HAIRGROVE, MARCUS DEE LAFAYETTE (1844~1928). Marcus Hairgrove was born in Monroe County, Mississippi in 1844. His family settled in Port Lavaca, Texas in the 1850's. According to family lore, Marcus Hairgrove stabbed a panther in the heart with his pocket knife, because his dog had been attacked by the panther.
On September 12, 1861, he enlisted with Captain L. M. Rayburn's Company, Texas Volunteers. This company became Company E, 8th Regiment Texas Cavalry. The 8th Regiment Texas Cavalry was also known as Terry's Texas Rangers. Terry's Texas Rangers was one of the hardest fighting cavalry units in the Confederate States Army. The 8th Texas Cavalry distinguished itself during many of the War's major engagements including Shiloh, Chickamauga, and the Atlanta Campaign. Terry's Texas Rangers final engagement was at Bentonville, North Carolina on March 21, 1865 and they were paroled at Greensboro, North Carolina on April 28, 1865.
Following the War, Marcus Hairgrove returned to Texas and married Frances Emiline Harbour. He was the first deputy sheriff of Lavaca County. After retiring from the county, he taught penmanship. He was admitted to the Confederate Men's Home on August 23, 1916. Marcus Hairgrove died on December 29, 1928 and was buried at the Texas State Cemetery on December 30, 1928.
Information taken from Compiled Military Service Record; Confederate Home Roster; Confederate Pension Application, 15370 Harris County; and biographical information provided by Jackie Sorrells. |
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