Our Veterans

Cpl. Waylon H. Denton

U.S. Army · Korean War

Honor: "Cpl. Waylon H. Denton Bridge" - bridge on State Route 11 (Lewisburg Highway) spanning Pigeon Roost Creek in Giles County (Public Chapter 1009, 2022)

Connection: "a well-respected and long-time resident of Giles County"

“to honor Waylon H. Denton, Corporal, United States Army, a well-respected and long-time resident of Giles County, who provided distinguished and heroic service during the Korean War as part of Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division” Tennessee General Assembly

Neill S. Brown (Neill Smith Brown)

· Seminole War

Honor: Tennessee Historical Commission marker 3F 4; bust in the Giles County Courthouse foyer (one of three native governors)

Connection: Born three miles NE of the Elkton marker (Giles Co.); Pulaski city recorder (Pulaski Heritage Trail marker)

“Three miles N.E. Neill S. Brown was born April 18, 1810. Veteran of Seminole War, in 1837 became member of State Legislature; in 1847, Governor of Tennessee.” HMdb

“Busts of three natives who served as governors of the state, Aaron V. Brown, Neill Smith Brown, and John C. Brown, were placed in the foyer as a bicentennial project.” Tennessee Encyclopedia

Dr. Louie Edmundson

U.S. Army Medical Corps · World War I

Honor: Tennessee Historical Commission marker 3F 51 (2022)

Connection: Country doctor in the Bethel Community, Giles County

“After serving in the Army Medical Corps in France during World War I, he returned to the Bethel Community and resumed his practice. During the course of his career, beginning in a horse and buggy, Dr. Edmundson delivered 3,300 babies for local families.” HMdb

Col. Thomas Kennedy Gordon

Tennessee Militia (captain under Jackson) · War of 1812 / Creek War

Honor: Marker by The Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Tennessee (1991), Brick Church Presbyterian grounds

Connection: "Pioneer settler of Brick Church" (Giles Co.)

“Serving under Gen. Andrew Jackson as captain in the War of 1812, he became a lifelong friend of ailing Jackson in Creek War when he said to him, "General I'll stay, will die with you," as others threatened to leave.” HMdb

Sgt. Charles Clayton Abernathy

Tennessee State Militia · War of 1812 (Battle of Horseshoe Bend)

Honor: Marker by The Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Tennessee (1994), Amos Hamlett Rd.

Connection: "the first circuit court clerk in Giles County and served 24 years"

“Served under Gen. Andrew Jackson, War of 1812, and participated in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend before receiving a commission as a lieutenant in the Tennessee State Militia.” HMdb