Grayson County TXGenWeb

Clement A.Belote

Ex-Confederate Soldier, Who Served at 12
One of the Youngest War Veterans

Special to The Democrat

BELLS - Clement A. Belote of Bells, a Confederate veteran and member of the Mildred Lee Camp, ex-Confederate soldiers, was recently honored by the Dixie chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, by being presented with a Cross of Honor in recognition of his distinguished record during the Civil War.
Mr. Belote is one of the youngest soldiers on record who served during the hostilities between the North and South. He enlisted in 1864 at the age of 12 near Saulsbury, Tenn., when the South's forces in that state were hemmed in and every youth or aged man who could shoulder a musket or ride a horse was admitted to the ranks.
He served under Captain Wily Higgs in Buford's Brigade, ninth Tennessee cavalry, a part of N.B. Forrest's command, until 1865 when Lee's surrender put an end to the war.
Mr. Belote was born near Saulsbury, Hardeman county, Tenn, December 1, 1852 and was reared in that community. In 1873 he came to Texas, stopping at Sherman, then settling later on a farm near the present town of Bells.
He married to Miss Malessie P. Arterberry, daughter of the late Franklin Arterberry of Savoy who also served with honor in the Confederate army in General Sam Maxey's command. To this union was born 13 children, ten of whom are still living.
Charlie Belote, a son died suring his period of Training at Oglethorpe, Ga., for service in the World War. Another son, Lyle, died in 1925 as a result of injuries received in war service in the United States Navy, Roddy, a third boy, is a veteran of the recent conflict.
Mrs. Belote, who has been an invalid for the past two years, is a gold star mother and also recently honored by an award of the gold cross given to mothers who lost sons during the war.
Mr. and Mrs. Belote make their home on their farm, where he is active in overseeing his work. He has been a member of the Mildred Lee Camp for 25 years, ever since the unit was first organized.

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