Baptists and the American Civil War: July 11, 1865

Texas Civil War MapThe paroling of Confederate soldiers continues.

Among today’s paroled Confederates is Felix Winchester Magee (1845-1924) of Winchester, Texas. The ceremony takes place in Brazos County.

At a mere 16 years of age Magee enlisted in Company D, 12th Regiment, Texas Infantry, on January 17, 1862. Discharged five months later once his age was discovered, he re-enlisted on his 18th birthday, April 9, 1863. He thus joined his father’s unit, Captain George W. Durant’s Company, later known as Company B, Madison’s Regiment, Texas Cavalry.

Following his parole, Magee remains in Texas, marries, raises a family. He farms and for a time serves as a postmaster, one of many Baptist layman of the South who largely remain anonymous both during and after the war.

Source: “Felix Winchester Magee,” Texas State Cemetery (link)