Historical Sign in Conyers, Georgia-----------

"FIGHTIN' JOE WHEELER"

"Near this spot, May 9, 1865, Major General Joseph Wheeler, C.S.A., and part of his staff were captured by Federal troops who were pursuing President Jefferson Davis, General Wheeler was released at Athens but, later, was again arrested and sent north with President Davis. He was imprisoned at Fort Delaware, Del., until June 8, 1865, when he was released. General Wheeler fought more battles than any other cavalryman in the War Between the States. Wounded 3 times, he had his horse shot out from under him 16 times. In the U.S. Army in the Spanish-American War, he served with equal honor and distinction."

The sign was erected in 1956 by the Georgia Historical Commission and placed in front of the Conyers city library where it stands today. Directly across from the library was the railroad station at Conyers, Georgia then known as the Conyers Station. Although Conyers was established prior to the War it did not become a city until 1870. According to General Wheeler's own words he was captured by Federal Cavalry and taken to Conyers and General Wheeler had taken off his rank but the faded material still on his uniform soon forced him to reveal who he really was. According to General Wheeler he had 3 members of his staff with him and a handful of enlisted men. Wheeler also said he had camped near a clearing and was surrounded by Federal troops with guns drawn. Hamilton's story dovetails with the exception of capturing Wheeler near a swamp. The only body of water near Conyers would have been the Yellow River about 1 and 1/2 miles from Conyers Station. (Note: During the War Rockdale county did not exist and this area was known as Newton county, Georgia) I'm still looking for the connection with Company L 12th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry that would have placed them in this area during this time period. It is reasonable to assume that lieutenant Hamilton may have been promoted to Captain if he did capture General Wheeler.