William Stone's Plans and the Impact of the Battle of Shiloh

William Stone had a plan for his life. He would marry Olivia Moore, practice medicine in Selma, Alabama, and expand his love of creating anatomical drawings. The Battle of Shiloh in April, 1862 changed those plans. When a Tennessee newspaper brought news of an approaching Union Army, William decided to travel north. He would offer his assistance as a medical officer under the command of John Hunt Morgan.

William arrived in Middle Tennessee in time to participate in the Battle of Hartsville. A Union garrison had set up camp around the Averitt House and in the valley below. Morgan's forces crossed the Cumberland River before the Union troops had finished their morning coffee on December 7. After capturing the Union brigade and supplies, the Confederated soldiers re-crossed the river completing their mission just prior to the arrival of a larger Union army.

William Stone chose to stay in the Averitt house. He would provide care for the wounded soldiers from both sides of the conflict. From there, he would face the brunt of anger incurred by this Union defeat.