History Question

Who was appointed in 1868 to head the militia
in Columbus County?
Answer on Page 2-A

History Question Answer

Josiah A. Maultsby of Whiteville obtained his “colonel” title in September 1868 by act of North Carolina’s Reconstruction Gov. William Holden.
Maultsby, who was in charge of helping feed the widows and families of the Columbus County men killed during the 1861-65 “War of Northern Aggression,” was – as a colonel – to head a group of 50 men known as the Columbus County Militia.
The size of the militia was decided by allowing 50 militia for each House of Representatives’ member from each county in the state. Columbus County had one, Daniel Pinckney (D.P.) High of Whiteville.
No man was allowed to be a member of the militia until he had first sworn allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.
The militia was to be called out to “quell any riot, or surpress or prevent any violence.”
There’s no evidence the militia was ever needed in this county during the years of Reconstruction.