The names of three Christian brothers are inscribed on the north face of the base. They are "A. C. Christian, T. M. Christian and "Poss" Christian." Their full names are Asa Chandler Christian, Meriwether Garret Christian, and Thomas M. Christian. "Poss" was another nickname by which Meriwether was known.

Private Thomas D. Gilham was the clerk for Company K. He gave an authentic account of the battles they fought and individual deeds of daring. He maintained a roll of members, with a list of casualties and prisoners. Private Gilham was wounded twice and lost an arm. One of the most painful entries he had to record was that of the death of his brother, B. F. Gilham. His report stated that July 2, 1863, was a sad day at the battle of Gettysburg. His report stated:

"On the 2nd of July we had killed in the Oglethorpe Rifles, Lieutenant B. F. Gilham, Sergeant T. R. Maxey, A. King and Henry Arnold. The wounded were Captain T. J. Bowling, William Butler, Jack Arthur, G. W. Young and J. H. Brightwell. Captured were B. L. Young, A. C. Christian and Poss Christian. In this fight we had four killed, six wounded and taken prisoners. Sergeant A. J. Royston was wounded in a cavalry fight before we got back across the river."

In closing his report of Company K, he recapped the losses and the number remaining at the close of the war:

"Total killed 19, wounded 42, died in hospital 29, Total loss 48. Discharged 26, which left the command with 27 names on the Muster Roll, seven of whom were at home disabled, and seven were prisoners of War; so we had 13 to surrender". (At Appomattox)

View the "History of the Oglethorpe Rifles" by Thomas D. Gilham, at: www.rootsweb.com/~gaogleth/ogrifle.htm

(Information and photo from Irvin Christian, Jacksonville, Fla.)