The Coweta Guards

Private William Thomas Overby
43rd Virginia Cavalry
September 23, 1864 ~ Front Royal, Virginia

This is a second monument on the Courthouse Square in Newnan, GA. and is erected in memory of William Thomas Overby, Confederate Hero. He enlisted May 31,1861, into Co. A 7th Ga. Infantry. He was wounded at second Manassas, Aug. 30, 1862, then joined Co. D, 43rd Batln. Mosby's Rangers. They raided within Federal lines to embarrass the enemy, causing U. S. Grant to issue the order that "when found Mosby's men were to be hanged without trial." William Overby was captured at Front Royal, Va. on Friday, Sept. 23,1864. He was offered his life if he would reveal the hiding place of Mosby's men. This he refused, and was executed without trial. A federal said "He was the Nathan Hale of the Confederacy." Scott said, "He was a famous soldier and died unafraid." A lady, present at his death said, "He died a Christian-unafraid." William Overby suffered death rather than betray his friends. He is buried in Markham, Va. The monument reads: "Erected 1956 by Alfred Colquitt and Newnan Chapters UDC, Inscription by Col. Thomas Spencer. At the top of this granite Boulder are crossed battle flags.