"Sarah Buchanan Morrison possessed equal courage and strength. Her husband, Murdoch Morrison, was making guns for the Confederacy in the area known today as Ida Mill. Ruth Morgan believes that Sherman purposely came through Scotland County to capture Murdoch and destroy his operation. Since destruction of anything that sustained the Confederacy was Sherman's goal, Ruth is probably correct. Sarah and Murdoch heard that Union troops were down in Marlborough County. There was little time to plan for the family's safety. Murdoch had to find a hiding place quickly and leave the rest to Sarah. According to legend, he hid on an island in the middle of Richmond Mill Pond, carrying some of the farm animals and machinery with him. An informer would tell the soldiers about the island. One version of the story says they found the animals but never did find him. While her husband was trying to elude the enemy, Sarah at home faced the raucous Union troops. She had three children - two hanging onto her skirts and another in her arms - ages 7, 5 and 2.
The soldiers made great sport at Sarah's expense. They chased chickens around the yard, caught them, and demanded she cook those chickens for their dinner. She probably sent up a fervent prayer that they would grow tired of the fun and leave her in peace.
But Sarah Morrison was not to be so lucky. Told to take her children and leave, she started down Old Wire Road on foot toward the home of a relative, Dr. Patterson. All horses, mules and wagons had been confiscated by Sherman's men. Glancing back, she saw flames licking the corners of her house and realized everything she owned was going up in smoke. Out on his island, Murdoch, too, must have spied the smoke curling up in the sky, and worried about the safety of his family.
Sarah Morrison would later walk to her fathers house. Ironically, her grandfather, John Buchanan, had taught Murdoch the gun trade when he came to work as an apprentice."
"A Sense of Place", by Marilyn Wright
"Sarah Buchanan Morrison possessed equal courage and strength. Her husband, Murdoch Morrison, was making guns for the Confederacy in the area known today as Ida Mill. Ruth Morgan believes that Sherman purposely came through Scotland County to capture Murdoch and destroy his operation. Since destruction of anything that sustained the Confederacy was Sherman's goal, Ruth is probably correct. Sarah and Murdoch heard that Union troops were down in Marlborough County. There was little time to plan for the family's safety. Murdoch had to find a hiding place quickly and leave the rest to Sarah. According to legend, he hid on an island in the middle of Richmond Mill Pond, carrying some of the farm animals and machinery with him. An informer would tell the soldiers about the island. One version of the story says they found the animals but never did find him. While her husband was trying to elude the enemy, Sarah at home faced the raucous Union troops. She had three children - two hanging onto her skirts and another in her arms - ages 7, 5 and 2.
The soldiers made great sport at Sarah's expense. They chased chickens around the yard, caught them, and demanded she cook those chickens for their dinner. She probably sent up a fervent prayer that they would grow tired of the fun and leave her in peace.
But Sarah Morrison was not to be so lucky. Told to take her children and leave, she started down Old Wire Road on foot toward the home of a relative, Dr. Patterson. All horses, mules and wagons had been confiscated by Sherman's men. Glancing back, she saw flames licking the corners of her house and realized everything she owned was going up in smoke. Out on his island, Murdoch, too, must have spied the smoke curling up in the sky, and worried about the safety of his family.
Sarah Morrison would later walk to her fathers house. Ironically, her grandfather, John Buchanan, had taught Murdoch the gun trade when he came to work as an apprentice."
"A Sense of Place", by Marilyn Wright
Family Members
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John Blue Buchanan
1834–1882
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2LT James Calvin Buchanan
1836–1864
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William Buchanan
1841–1912
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Alexander Buchanan
1843–1862
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Effie Jane Buchanan McNeill
1845–1912
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Luther Buchanan
1848–1850
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Flora Virginia Buchanan
1850–1941
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Catherine Isabella "Kate" Buchanan McNeill
1853–1922
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Edwin Buchanan
1855–1937
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Infant Son Buchanan
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