The Natchez Chapter 304, United Daughters of the Confederacy invites the public to an unveiling of a family marker at the Natchez City Cemetery at 4 pm Tuesday, November 7th.

They will be proud to finally identify and mark the Family Lot of their former member, Cora Lee Wirz Perrin. The previously unmarked lot is the burial site of ten members of her family. Cora died in Natchez June 9, 1928. She was the only child of Captain Henry Wirz, CSA.

Captain Wirz was the only person hanged for “war crimes” committed during the War Between the States. History has proven, however, that he was a “victim of circumstances” and was unjustly martyred to the Lost Cause. Captain Wirz was offered clemency the night before his execution if he would sign a statement that President Jefferson Davis was guilty of war crimes. He chose death over dishonor. His poor widow and daughter were left destitute in Kentucky.

In 1876 Cora married J. S. Perrin in Kentucky and they moved to Natchez where he was a successful equipment dealer. They resided at 504 Madison Street, now the home of John and Betty Pullen. They had six children, four of whom did not survive. Cora was a faithful member of First Baptist Church for 48 years, and also an active member of the Natchez Chapter 304, U.D.C. She always defended her father’s innocence, having experienced the sufferings at Andersonville Prison with him at age nine.

Her beautiful unmarked family lot was only discovered this year and is located very near the “Turning Angel”. This is an important addition to the many dramatic stories that we like to “keep alive” in our famous cemetery.

A very special guest is traveling a great distance to Natchez to participate in this dedication. He is Colonel Heinrich L. Wirz , Retired Swiss Army. Col. Wirtz is the great, grand nephew of Captain Wirz. He will be accompanied by an Aide, First Lieutenant Florian A. Strahm, Swiss Army. They will be touring Natchez during their visit. They will later travel to Cadiz, Kentucky to dedicate a marker for Captain Wirz’ widow Elizabeth Wirz.

An added treat will be a presentation of Cora Lee by Patty Killelea, as presented on November 3 and 4 for “Angels On The Bluff”.

Please make plans to meet us at the “Turning Angel” at 4 pm Tuesday to greet our special guests and help them dedicate a marker for our now recognized Natchezian.

By: Donald Estes