George Henry Black, of LaFayette, Alabama, was born m 1838 in County Cavan, Ireland, the birthplace of General Phil Sheridan, the Federal cavalry leader. In 1839 Mr. Black was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Chambers county, Alabama.
George Henry Black was the brother of Prof. R. E. Black. of Ellis County, Texas, the director of music at the old Judson College, Marion, Alabama, and the Shorter College in Rome, Georgia. He received his education in such schools as the country afforded in those days.
At the outbreak of the Civil war, he enlisted in Company A, Seventh Alabama regiment, of which he became second lieutenant. This regiment was organized in June 1861, and served with distinction at the bombardment of Pensacola, Oct. 9, 1861. Most of the time he served with General John Morgan.
Mr. Black claims to have fired the first shot in the battle of Chickamauga. After the war he returned home and went to work to retrieve his own fortunes and to aid in the resurrection and encouragement of his stricken country. He was at one time the leading merchant of his section and contributed many interesting articles to the local press regarding past events and the history of his county.
He was a member of the Methodist church.
Mr. Black had two daughters and three sons, the youngest of whom is agent for the Central Railroad of Georgia at LaFayette.
George Henry Black passed away June 18, 1908, and is buried in Lafayette Cemetery, Lafayette, Chambers County, Alabama along with many of his children. His wife is buried in Georgia.
SOURCES
1.Notable men of Alabama: personal and genealogical, Volume 1 By Joel Campbell DuBose
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