BARBER, M.L. (1838 ~ 1906). Captain M.L. Barber, Confederate veteran, was born in South Carolina in 1838. He was 23 years old when he joined Company C of the 14th Alabama Infantry. He was 5'10", had dark eyes and hair and a fair complexion. During his service he was promoted to the rank of Captain.
M.L. Barber was mustered into service June 15, 1861. The first time he appears on a hospital roll (the first of several appearances) was in March of 1862 but it appears he returned to service that same month. In July of 1862 he was admitted to Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond, Virginia for treatment of gun shot wounds received in engagements around Richmond.
Barber's first promotion came on September 9, 1862 when he was appointed Second Lieutenant. He is then present with his company in November of 1862. After the Battle of Chancellorsville in April of 1863 Barber returned to the hospital with unknown injuries. However, he was back with his company in June of 1863. A few months later, he was in the hospital again and was furloughed because of wounds received on September 17, 1863.
Barber's leave was extended several times, but he did eventually return to duty as he was shot in the right leg on or about April 13, 1864. At some point, it is uncertain of the exact date, he was promoted to Captain. Barber retired from that position August 19, 1864, but was captured in May of 1865 and paroled at Tallahassee, Florida May 10, 1865.
After the war, Barber married a woman named Fannie and had two sons when they were still living in Alabama, Cadmus and Theodore. They moved to Texas in 1871 and he made his living as a farmer in Van Zandt County. M.L and Fannie Barber had five more children after they moved to Texas according to the 1880 Census. Their names were Francis, Alurah, Bessie, Ada, and Anna. It is uncertain if they had any other children after the census was taken. At some point, Barber moved to Galveston; it is uncertain if this took place before or after his wife died.
When he entered the Confederate Men's Home on July 20, 1900, he listed his profession as a carpenter. His only listed correspondent was a Frank Barber in Lafayette, Alabama, possibly his son. Barber died November 29, 1906 and was buried at the Texas State Cemetery.
Information from compiled military service records, Confederate Home Roster records, the National Park Service website at itd.nps.gov, and familysearch.org. |
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