September 15, 1831, Mr. Neptune Small was born. In 1861 Neptune went to war as a manservant or “body guard” to his master’s son, C.S. Captain Henry Page, in Lincoln’s War Between the States.
When C.S. Capt. Page was killed December 13, 1862, in the battle for Fredericksburg Virginia, Neptune ventured out on the battlefield, under enemy fire, and retrieved Henry’s body. He then made the arduous journey home to Georgia with Henry’s body for burial. Neptune then returned to the battlefield, accompanying the youngest Page son, Cuyler Page into combat, taking his place in his brothers former unit.
After he returned home from Lincoln’s war, Neptune Small was manumitted (legally freed) and given a large tract of land by the Page family in return for his service. Neptune built a home and farm with his family, wife Ila and 5 Children. As a Freedman, Neptune purchased several other tracts of land near by, and developed them. Neptune and his family prospered and lived there for the remainder of their lives. He died there in 1907. Sources: "Neptune Small | Golden Isles, Georgia". www.goldenisles.com. Archived from the original on 6 March 2020. Retrieved 6 March 2020. Neptune Park on St. Simons Island is named for Neptune Small, a faithful servant of the King family, one-time owners of St. Simons Island’s Retreat Plantation.
Neptune Park on St. Simons Island, GA is named in his honor. St. Simons Park – Georgia Historical Society
