Padon Turner was 71 years old in 1910 when he made his statement on behalf of Anderson Shields’ widow, Kate.

In doing so, Padon [apparently pronounced like “Peyton”] provided information about his own background. He had been born in Hinds County, Mississippi, but came to Claiborne County at age 10, where he had lived ever since. He knew Kate and Anderson, before they were married, because he lived just across Bayou Pierre from them.

Turner was among the men who left the plantation in May 1863 to join the Union army. Shortly thereafter, they were sent to Milliken’s Bend, where both Anderson Shields and Padon Turner were captured. Milliken’s Bend “was an awful fight almost a massacre,” said Turner. “Anderson was badly injured and greatly disabled, … Anderson when released never returned to the company as I did. I never saw him again until I returned home after being mustered out, when I saw him he told me that he had never felt able to go back to his company and complained greatly of the injuries he received in the battle…From what I knew of Anderson I believe he would have rejoined his command had he been physically able to stand the service.”

Part 2 of a series.

Sources: Andrew Shields compiled military service record, Co. B, 49th USCI, National Archives; Kate Shields widows pension record, #954257, National Archives.