W.C. GUESS, 77 years old, was born January 22, 1851 and is now living in Dycusburg, Ky. He is a veteran of the Civil War, having served seven months in the Union army.
There are 75 people in the four generations of Mr. Guess' family. Eleven of his 15 children are living, as well as 48 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
The oldest son, Jesse Guess, of near Frances, is about 50 years old. Mr. Guess' other living children are Mrs. J.M. Duvall, of near Dycusburg; Mrs. W.W. Green, of near Fredonia; Mrs. Warner Bell, of near Dycusburg; Mrs. Earl Bell, of near Dycusburg; J.A. Guess, of Dycusburg; Mrs. J.C. Duncan, of near Dycusburg; H.C. Guess, of near Frances; Mrs. Arcie Turley, of near Dycusburg; Arlin Guess and Miss Lucy
Guess, who make their home with their parents. Three children died in infancy and one when he was six years old.
Mr. Guess, who was born in Caldwell county near Walnut Grove, moved to Tiline when he was about 18. He says that at that time there was not a single building at that place and the woods were filled with turkeys, deer and wildcats. Since that time he has made his home in Ballard, McCracken and other places.
Mrs. Guess was Miss Sarah H. Polk, daughter of William Polk, of near Sommersville, Tenn. Mr. Guess' own story of the Civil War follows:
"I served in the army for about seven months as a volunteer. I was living on my father's farm near Walnut Grove when I enlisted in a regiment being organized at Pleasant Hill. Went from Pleasant Hill to Princeton. All were ready to fight and the enemy failed to make the charge. We were expecting the Rebels at Princeton and they deceived us and captured Eddyville.
"I remember we were at Wilson Dollar's eating our dinner when all at once the Confederates surrounded the house and captured us and ate all our dinner so we had to get another dinner. Was held captive until one o'clock the next day. They took all the supplies we had and left us without anything so we went to Princeton and got in line again. Our captain was Hays Bugg. We went from Princeton to Smithland. Stayed all night in the church in Fredonia.
"I took the measles while at Smithland and was about to recover when I was taken to a barn to sleep and took a back set. I was taken from Smithland to Owensboro but while there was so weak they decided to send me home. So I came to Ford Ferry, thence to Marion, which was only a small place; just a few houses, one store and the Court house and hotel. The city of Marion was all in woods then. Before I was able to go back, peace was declared and I was never mustered out so I never got anything for my service, not even the honor of being a soldier but I was Johnny on the spot. If any of my soldier buddies are living and see this, please write me as I would like to have your evidence."
Source: The Crittenden Press, Marion, Kentucky.