George Taliaferro Ward facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George T. Ward
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George T. Ward
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| Born | January 8, 1810 Fayette County, Kentucky, United States |
| Died | May 5, 1862 (aged 52) Williamsburg, Virginia |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1862 (CSA) |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Commands held |  2nd Florida Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Yorktown Siege American Civil War |
| Other work | Plantation owner Delegate: Florida Territorial Council 1852 Candidate Governor of Florida |
George Taliaferro Ward (born 1810 – died May 5, 1862) was an important plantation owner and a politician from Leon County, Florida. He grew a lot of cotton on his lands. During the American Civil War, he served as a colonel in the Confederate Army. He sadly died near Williamsburg, Virginia, during the war.
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George Ward's Early Life and Family
George Ward was born in Fayette County, Kentucky. When he was about 15 years old, in 1825, his family moved to Tallahassee, which was then part of the Florida Territory.
He was given a job as the Registrar of the Land Office for the territory. In 1844, Ward married Sarah Jane Chaires. Her family was also wealthy and owned a large cotton plantation in eastern Leon County. George and Sarah had at least three daughters named Georgiana, Anna, and Mattie, as well as some sons. Sarah inherited properties that became part of their plantation called Southwood. She passed away in 1859 when she was 33 years old.
What Did George Ward Do?
George Ward was a very successful plantation owner in central Florida. He owned several plantations, including Waverly, his wife's Southwood, and Clifford Place. These plantations produced a lot of crops. For example, they grew 7,500 bushels of corn and 500 bales of cotton every year.
In those days, some gentlemen would have duels to settle arguments about their honor. George Ward was involved in one such duel with a man named Augustus Alston near Tallahassee. Prince Achille Murat helped Ward, and a doctor was there to assist. During the duel, Ward was injured. The two men later agreed to continue their duel, but Alston was killed in another duel before that could happen.
George Ward's Political Journey
George Ward was involved in politics from a young age. In 1838 and 1839, he was a member of the Florida Territorial Council. When he was just 18, he attended the Florida Constitutional Convention of 1838 in Port St. Joe, Florida. This meeting was important for creating Florida's first constitution.
In 1845, Ward voted in Florida's first election after it became a state. In 1852, he ran for Governor of Florida as a member of the Whig Party. However, he lost the election to William D. Moseley, who was a Democrat.
As tensions grew before the Civil War, George Ward attended the Montgomery Convention in February 1861, which discussed secession (states leaving the United States). In April 1861, he was elected to the Confederate Provisional Congress. He also signed Florida's Ordinance of Secession, even though he was hesitant. He famously said he wanted it written on his tombstone that he was "the last man to give up the ship." Later that year, he became a colonel in the 2nd Florida Infantry.
George Ward in the Civil War
In 1862, Colonel Ward's 2nd Florida Infantry unit was sent to Virginia to fight in the war. He took part in the Yorktown siege, which was a major military event.
Sadly, George Ward was shot and died during the Battle of Williamsburg. He was buried in Williamsburg. In 1862, his family was given the Confederate battle flag to honor his service.
Honoring George Ward's Memory
To remember George Ward, a place called San Marcos de Apalache near St. Marks, in Wakulla County, Florida, was renamed Fort Ward in his honor.
Images for kids
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George T. Ward
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Confederate Colonel rank insignia
