From a 1993 photo John Sarter of Union, SC holds the sword used by his father as a Confederate sentry. Photo and information courtesy Free North Carolina blogspot... You don't put a big sword into the hands of someone you don't trust with your life...
Jim Harrelson · In honor of Black History Month we salute Confederate Veteran John Alex Sarter of Union South Carolina. John Sarter enlisted with his owner William Sarter. William was appointed captain in Company B, 18th SC Infantry Regiment on August 1862. Captain Sarter later died the following September wounds he received in combat, but John chose to stay on with the 18th SC after William died. John was “mustered in” and pulled picket or sentry duty according to unit records. He would be captured during the siege of Petersburg in 1864, later escaped Union custody and returned to his unit. John survived the war and is listed among the rolls of the United Confederate Veterans, mustered in as a Private, Company B, (Union District Volunteers) 18th South Carolina Infantry, and received a pension from the State of South Carolina. Combat Engagements: Second Battle of Manassas Battle of South Mountain Battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam) -Capt. Sarter killed Siege of Petersburg Battle of the Crater Battle of Fort Stedman Battle of Five Forks John Alex Sarter’s descendants honored him with a US Veterans Administration upright Confederate monument, and he is buried in the Wyatt Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery in Union County, SC. Ceremony conducted by Sons of Confederate Veterans, Gist Camp, December 11, 1993, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c5xd2WWJGCw
