This is the Mobley Cemetery, burial place of Captain Byrd Mobley (1850-1925) and his family. Because the gravesite has always been marked with a Confederate flag, I assumed that Captain Mobley had been involved in the Civil War. But upon further study I realized this was very unlikely to be the case. He would have been just eleven years old at the beginning of the war. Though boys are known to have served, I have been unable to locate Mobley in any regimental histories. The “Captain” honorific on his headstone most likely refers to his occupation.
This area along the Ocmulgee River, at the Ben Hill County Public Boat Landing, is known as Mobley Bluff. Carlton E. Morrison’s invaluable history, Running the River: Poleboats, Steamboats & Timber Rafts On the Altamaha, Ocmulgee, Oconee & Ohoopee, confirms that Captain Mobley had indeed piloted a passenger steamboat known as The Cumberland for W. A. Willcox. The Cumberland made regular runs between Hawkinsville and Darien in the 1880s and 1890s. For those interested in the history of river life in South Georgia during the latter half of the 19th century, Carlton Morrison’s Running the River is an excellent resource.
Some twelve year olds served, usually as drummers during battles and errand boys at camp. Andersonville prison had a few twelve year old guards, who would shoot to kill if necessary. So it’s not outside the realm of possibility that he could have served in some capacity.
There are five adult unmarked graves in the same cemetery. His father, John B, is listed as being buried there, but it doesn’t appear that his grave is marked. His much younger sister, Mary Mobley Fussell, is buried in the same cemetery. His wife Judia is buried there too. It’s on U.S. 319 near the Coffee-Ben Hill Co line and at the corner of the road that goes to the Ben Hill Co landing for the Ocmulgee River. Hope this helps.
Yes, thanks!
Brian,He would have been approximately 15 years old at the end of the Civil War. Very interesting…would like to know more about him.Does he have family in the area?