Remembering Cincinatus C. Slay

photo  by Larry Van Horn

Birth:
May 18, 1843
Copiah County, Mississippi
Death: Dec. 31, 1864
near Iuka, Tishomingo County, Mississippi
Cincinatus was the son of Alexander Slay and Elizabeth McLean. Sibling to: Martha, Nathan Wesley (Capt.) Alexander Jr., Mary, Elizabeth, Norvell, Elijah (Capt.) Corydon, Leonidus, Alonzo Duncan, and twin sisters, Cornelia and Ophelia. All of his brothers served in the Civil War.

Cincinatus served as a Corporal in the CSA-Army of TN, 6th MS Infantry Co. F, known as the Crystal Springs Guards.

Originally, it was assumed by viewing his tombstone inscription, that he died during the Battle of Iuka, and there was a question on the correct date. However, a Slay family bible indicates the following;

photo by Larry Van Horn

Family bible records states "killed by the cars near Iuka"
As it was passed down through the family, Cincinatus and another man had survived the recent Battle of Nashville (December 15-16, 1864). (This would have been part of Loring's Division). After their defeat the Rebels walked from Nashville to near Tupelo. Here was an opportunity to ride a train rather than walk. The wounded and sick were laid on flat cars. Cincinatus Slay and another man, being well, put a board between two flat cars since there was no other place for them. At some time after the train cars began rolling the board collapsed and he was crushed by the train.


Thanks very much to Tim Burgess for his bible information and settling a question on when and where Cincinatus died. May he rest in peace.

 Parents:
  Alexander Slay (1806 - 1878)
  Elizabeth McLean Slay (1806 - 1872)

 Siblings:
  Martha Slay Miller (1828 - 1910)
  Nathan W. Slay (1830 - 1899)
  Alexander Slay (1831 - 1866)
  Mary Slay (1833 - 1833)
  Elizabeth Slay (1834 - 1835)
  Elijah Slay (1838 - 1864)
  Corydon Slay (1841 - 1918)
  Cincinatus C. Slay (1843 - 1864)
  Leonidas Slay (1846 - 1868)
  Alonzo Duncan Slay (1848 - 1921)
  Cornelia Slay Bell (1850 - 1932)
  Ophelia Slay Briley (1850 - 1884)

Burial:
County Line Cemetery
Crystal Springs, Copiah County, Mississippi