RAWLS, JOSEPH C. (1828 ~ 1899). Confederate veteran Joseph C. Rawls was born in Buyckville, Alabama in 1828.
He enlisted March 7, 1862 at Corinth, Mississippi in Company D, 17th Alabama Infantry. At the time of his enlistment, he was described as five-feet, eight-inches tall with blue eyes, light hair and a fair complexion.
A month after Rawls' enlistment, the 17th Alabama Infantry fought at the Battle of Shiloh. After Shiloh, they were transferred to Mobile and stayed there until 1864. The 17th fought during the Atlanta Campaign and at the Battle of Peachtree Creek. They surrendered at Greensboro, North Carolina in April 1865.
Rawls signed his parole papers on May 19, 1865 at Montgomery, Alabama as a private.
Following the War, Rawls moved to Texas in 1870 and worked as a blacksmith in Hill County. he was married at some point, but his wife's name is unknown at this time.
Rawls was admitted to the Confederate Men's Home on May 21, 1897 complaining of blindness. He died on April 23, 1899 and was buried at the Texas State Cemetery.
Rawls listed a son, Harry Rawls of Waco, Texas as a contact name while living at the Home.
Information taken from Compiled Military Service Record; Confederate Home Roster records; and www.archives.state.al.us/referenc/alamilor/17thinf.html. |