Corsicana
Navarro County, Texas
32 05.888' N 96 28.439' W
Address: Oakwood Cemetery

Text: This marker is dedicated to the intrepid, brave and patriotic Confederate States of America balloonist, LT Adolphus E Morse who, during 18 months in 1862 and 1863 against ridicule, skepticism and doubt, helped to form a foundation for this nation’s future military exploits in the sky. In June 1862, PVT Morse was detailed from his Savannah artillery unit and promoted brevet Lieutenant to accompany the new Confederate Air Corps balloonist commander, Captain Charles Cevor, to Virginia where they performed aeronautical operations in the defense of Richmond and the ensuing Peninsular Campaign. In early June 1863, CAPT Cevor and LT Morse moved their new balloon unit from Savannah to aid in the defense of Charleston, SC. Observing Yankee activity on Morris Island on June 16, LT Morse made tethered ascents from the James Island – Confederate stronghold of Fort Johnson. Since civilian contracted Union balloon operations were terminated in June 1863, it is highly probable LT Morse was the last military balloonist to ascend skyward during final stages of the WBTS. In October 1863, the Southern balloon Nimbus was lost in a wind storm near Charleston. CAPT Cevor and LT Morse returned to their Savannah’s Chatham Artillery unit to serve as privates until the end of the war. In 1872, Adolphus at age 29, and his wife Sally (Talley) Morse, moved from Georgia to Texas to farm. They had five children. Sally passed away in 1888. They are both interred at Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana, Texas.May the patriotism, bravery, skills and aerial feats of LT Adolphus E. Morse now be so noted and today valued from words on this memorial of 2013. Norman & Dana Stubbs, C Robert Keathley, UDC,DCV,SCV,MOSB

Date Photographed: 21-05-06