As far as is known, no one has a picture of Martin Bates, but this is his son, George Mack, who also served in the War Between the States. (This picture was shared by Margaret Bates Rogers.)
Martin Bates was born in 1810 and was one of four brothers who came into Polk County from North Carolina where he settled in the Springtown area.
He was married to Rebecca Phillips, whose grave will also be marked during the ceremony. They were parents of 11 children: George Mack, Preston, Martin, Jane, John, Isaac, Mary, William, Winny, Alfred and Greenberry.
Although Bates was 51 years old, Martin enlisted in the Confederate Army as a private in Company C, 3rd Mounted Infantry and served for six months until he was discharged due to chronic rheumatism.
A year after Martin returned home, his oldest son, George Mack, also enlisted in the Confederate Army, was captured, and then was later released from Vicksburg in 1863.
Many of the descendants of Martin through George Mack still live in Polk County.
All descendants of Bates are invited and encouraged to attend this special event to honor their ancestor.
The invitation is also extended to anyone in the community who would like to take part in honoring one of our Confederate soldiers.
The ceremony is very impressive, with the UDC ladies dressed in period attire as are the color guard.
