The Murfreesboro Post, November 21, 2013
SMYRNA, Tenn. –- “Sam Davis, a Hero Remembered” will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the capture, trial and execution of Sam Davis beginning Friday, Nov. 22, at his historic home.
The commemoration will last through Sunday, Nov. 24.
Events begin with a bus ride to the Sam Davis monument at the Tennessee State Capitol building at 11:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 22, for a memorial. State Sen. Douglas Henry will serve as the keynote speaker. The return trip to the Sam Davis Home will also include several Coleman Scouts related sites.
Later that evening, a banquet and seminar will be held at the Sam Davis Home. Tickets are $25 per person, and a meal will be served. Speakers will be Dr. Michael Bradley, Giles County historian Dan Watson and James Solomon, the author of a new book entitled, “The Murder of Sam Davis.”
The gates will open at the Sam Davis home at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, for tours of the Sam Davis home and museum. Attendees will also be able to view private relic collections, the shackles that Sam Davis wore and the ink well that the Union Army generals used to sign the execution orders.
That night, a Sam Davis Memorial Ball will be held from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m.. Tickets are $15 per person. Civil War era music will be performed by Marlin Road and Ole South. A caller will instruct dancers on all of the steps. Period or formal attire is required.
There will be a prayer service at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at the grave of Sam Davis.
Sam Davis, a Smyrna native, was a member of the Coleman Scouts for the Confederacy, during the Civil War.
He was captured by Union soldiers Nov. 20, 1863, and charged with being a spy, charges he strongly denied. He was offered his freedom if he would name his leader but refused to do so. He was executed seven days later.
He is buried in the family cemetery, behind the Sam Davis home in Smyrna.
For more information, visit www.samdavis150.com.