Francis Marion Sharp

November 7, 1831 –  August 24, 1913

Glenwood Cemetery Crockett Texas

According to enlistment papers, Francis Marion Sharp was born in Merewether, Georgia on November 7, 1831. His height was given as 5 feet 8 1/2 inches, eyes – hazel, and hair – red. His hair remained red until his death.

He volunteered for the Confederacy in Natchitoches, Louisiana on May 7, 1862 for three years or the war. He served in Company C, 11 Battalion, Louisiana Infantry where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. His first assignment as a private was in Shelby’s Battalion Louisiana Volunteers. In May 1865, Francis Marion and his brother, William Baxter were taken as POWs to New Orleans where they remained until June 10, 1865…two months after General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. They were furloughed to Natchitoches. (Laura Sharp Higginbotham thought Francis Sharp fought at the second battle of Bull Run – Manassas.) He and his brother, William Baxter, both suffered digestive problems the remainder of their lives which started during their years in the CSA army. William Baxter was also captured at the battle of Vicksburg where he was freed in a prisoner exchange. He swore not to again take up arms against the United States.

On November 12, 1901, Francis Marion applied for a disability pension because of poor health and poor vision which was approved.

After his death on August 24, 1913, his widow Martha Davis Porter Sharp received this pension until her death on April 11, 1931. She was a widow with a son, Walker Porter, when they married March 16 1865 in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. All of their children were born in Latexo, TX.

After the death of Francis Marion, Martha lived with the Robert C. Stokes family, until her death.