Confederate Soldier: Marcus R. Ballenger

Cemetery: Floyd Springs Methodist Church
Location:
N 34° 25.501 W085°09.367
Floyd Springs Road
Floyd County, Georgia

Date of Visit: January 26, 2009

Inscription:

Dr. Marcus Ballenger
Born Jan 10 1827
Died Jan 12, 1886

A beloved physician, an affectionate husband, a worthy patriot, a valiant soldier, a true friend.
“rests from his labors and his works do praise him”

Discussion:
Marcus R. Ballenger was elected to the captaincy of the Floyd Springs Guards on August 31, 1861. This company became Company C of the 23rd Georgia Infantry. On September 17, 1862 Captain Ballenger was wounded during the Battle of Antietam as was the regiment commander Colonel William Barclay. In November Ballenger was named Major of the regiment. On June 22, 1863 the regimental commander Colonel Emery F. Best was relieved of his command and placed under arrest. Major Ballenger assumed command of his regiment. Ballenger lead the regiment as a part of Colquitt’s Brigade during the investment of Fort Wagner, during operations in the Cape Fear District, the second defense of Fort Fisher and in the defensive positions around Petersburg and Richmond. He was named Lieutenant Colonel in August of 1864 and Colonel of the regiment in January of 1865. He surrendered the regiment in Greensboro, North Carolina on April 26, 1865.
He returned to Floyd Springs and served his community as a physician as he did before the war. Dr. Ballenger also served one term in the Georgia General Assembly.