
Sylacauga History Fact
Presented by Bettye Lessley
Local History Facts About World War II

Mrs. Mary Gwathney, highlighted, had six sons who fought in
World War II. Three surviving sons shown below live in the
Sylacauga area.

Left to right: #13 William F. Gwathney,
#17 Homer Gwathney and #15 Walter
E. Gwathney

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Sylacauga Boy Pall-Bearer to President When the news reels of the funeral of President Roosevelt were flashed on the screen and later when copies of Life magazine came out, Sgt. Major Roy Culberson was recognized by his family and friends. The pall-bearers for the president were chosen two from each of the armed services of the United States, Roy Culberson was one. This was not only a distinct honor for Roy but a great honor for Sylacauga, his home town. Roy Culberson graduated from Sylacauga High School in
1937 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in October, 1938. He was sent to the
Pacific Theatre of War in the spring of 1942. He is a veteran of
Guadalcanal and wears four major battle stars. After the grim experience
of Guadalcanal he had a severe attack of typhus fever and was in the
hospital in New Guinea and Australia for many months.
____________ Honorary Pall Bearer at Roosevelt Funeral Cpl. Robert D. McKinnon, son of Mr. & Mrs. D. McKinnon of Talladega Springs, was selected to represent his branch of service as honor guard for President Roosevelt's funeral at the White House. Cpl. McKinnon was a native of Cusseta, Ga. He enlisted in the Army at Columbus, Ga. and has been stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Ref: Sylacauga News Thursday, May 3, 1945 ______________
Mrs. Blanchard Brown received notice from the War
Department, 24 April 1945, that her son, Pvt. Paul Brown had been slightly
sounded in action in Germany. He is now in a hospital in England. Ref: Sylacauga News Thursday, April 26, 1945 _____________
Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Nichols have returned home from
Presque Isle, Maine, where they have for the past month visited their son,
Lieutenant W. F. (Bill) Nichols, who is hospitalized there as a result of
wounds received in action in the European Theater of War. Ref: Sylacauga News Thursday, March 29, 1945.
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Archived Sylacauga History Facts:
Rising Star
Baptist Church
The Barnes-Prather
House
Mignon Baptist Church
Marble
City Cemetery
First Presbyterian
Church
Rozelle Service Station
Comet Drive
Dr. Adair K. Whetstone
Sylacauga High
School Football Program
Sylacauga Christmas
Sylacauga First Baptist Church
Sam Martin Ex Slave