Elijah Monroe Gantt, (1846 to 1936), my great great grand father, was born and died in Springfield, Orangeburg County, South Carolina.

In April of 1862, at the age of 16, he enlisted in Company “I”, 20th South Carolina Volunteer Infantry, Commanded by Captain Gunter. The 20th was stationed on James Island near Secessionville and served on guard and picket duty.

At an unknown date they relocated to Sullivan's Island and four companies manned the siege guns on Battery Marshall. On April 7, 1863 they under went bombardment from Union ironclads. By October 20, 1863 their headquarters had moved to Mt. Pleasant. During the long period of fighting on Morris Island that summer in defense of Battery Wagner, they would take their turn at picket duty, coming over by steamer after dark and returning the next morning.

In May of 1864 the 20th was transferred to Virginia to join Kershaw’s Brigade and saw action at Cold Harbor and the Siege of Petersburg.

In early December 1864 the brigade returned to the Richmond area and a month later had the honor of being sent to defend their native state against Sherman. For the rest of January and most of February 1865 the brigade alternated between the front lines along the Salkehatchie River and Charleston. After Charleston was abandoned they made a brief stand near Cheraw. The brigade was also engaged at the Battles of Averasboro and Bentonville in North Carolina in the aborted attempt to link up with Lee's Army redeploying south. The survivors of the 20th were part of General Joe Johnston's surrender at the Bennett House near Durham Station, North Carolina on April 26, 1865.

Private Gantt received his paroled on May 2, 1865. He then commenced to walk home. A significant event in his journey home was a broken leg, which occurred, in consequence of his falling off a train. He was found and nursed back to health by a North Carolina “Good Samaritan” named George Swepson.

Following his return Elijah married the former Henrietta Phillips who bore him twelve children, His first born son, George Swepson Gantt, (1870 to 1950), they named in remembrance of his N.C. benefactor.