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The idea of forming a new artillery reenacting
unit came to five veteran reenactos after participating in the
2001 dedication of the St. Paul cannon tube in Edenton, North
Carolina. It was the unique story told about the very unit being
honored that inspired the idea. In March of 1862, Captain William Badham formed
up a company of artillery consisting of men from Chowan and Tyrrell
Counties. These men drilled with the 1st Battallion artillery
before officially being mustered into the army. Captain Badham
and his men arrived in Virginia ready to serve, but were on the
verge of being reduced in ranks to infantry. The men of "Badham's
Battery" had no cannon. In an act of desperation, Captain
Badham dispatched Lt. John Jones to return home in hopes of getting
assistance from the towns people. This act proved to be successful
as two churches (St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and Edenton Methodist)
in the town of Edenton, as well as Chowan County Courthouse donated
the bells that hung in their bells to the cause. Tyrrell County
Courthouse also donated it's bell. The four bronze bells were
sent to Va and were melted down into howizters for Badham's men.
Thus, Badham's unit was named The Edenton Bell Battery. The five reenactors saw fit to adopt the namesake
of Badham's men not only to honor their memory but to tell the
unique story of these men and what they did to serve the cause
they believed in. Since it's formation, the new Edenton Bell Battery
has participated in Living History events, Civil War Reenactments,
funerals, television shows, movies and school programs. It is
through these men and women that the memory of Captain Badham
and his "Bell Battery" will live on.
The battery is made up of people, from different walks of life,
who share the same passion to educate the masses about one of
our country's greatest struggles. The Bell Battery provides a
great family atmosphere and is open to those who share the same
interest and goals. For
more information on the original battery click the "History"
link above. |
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About
the Edenton Bell Battery