The H.A. Carrington Chapter of The United Daughters of the Confederacy, assisted by the Charlotte County Grays #1964 Camp of Sons of Confederate Veterans, dedicated four iron crosses to Confederate veterans in Randolph on Oct. 10. The Charlotte County Grays consist of members living in Charlotte and Lunenburg counties.

The group was honored to be asked by Travis Toombs, of Prince George County, to hold this service to complete the dream he had to bring a final honor to his great-great-grandfather Branch B. Toombs. Travis learned that his ancestor was buried somewhere in Charlotte County and he contacted Bea King at the Charlotte County Historical Society. She contacted David and JoJo Palmer, who contacted Stanley Foster, who is a great-great-grandson of John H. Toombs and also knew where the site was in the county on a farm close to the Palmers’ farm.

Foster contacted the landowners for permission to go to the location of the graves. The Brown family not only gave permission but also assisted by upgrading the road through their farm to the site.

According to the group, it is with great thanks to the Brown family that work on the site was continued. After several months of clearing and cleaning, Travis, his family and friends from the A.P. Hill camp and the Charlotte County Grays had the site ready. The graves of brothers Charles W. Toombs, Branch B. Toombs, John H. Toombs and brother-in-law St. John Rutledge had iron crosses placed at each grave site. 

Descendants of these veterans were invited. Between 50 and 60 people attended the service.

A descendant of each veteran was asked to place a wreath of honor or flower cross at each grave. Placing the wreath for Charles W. Toombs was his great-great-nephew, Charlie Toombs; placing the wreath for Branch B. Toombs was his great-grandson Harrison Toombs (Travis’ father); placing a wreath for his great-great-grandfather, St. John Rutledge, was Melvin Newcomb; and placing a flower cross for his grandfather, John H. Toombs, was his grandson Earl Toombs.

To have a Confederate veteran ancestor who is buried in Charlotte County or Lunenburg County honored, please notify the Charlotte County Grays at (434) 735-8415 or (434) 696-2202.