In this state of affairs, in the absence of adequate government protection, citizens everywhere on the border had to organize themselves into militia companies in the hope that by watchfulness and prompt pursuit to be able in some way measure to stay the hand of savage butchery, and recover stolen property, women and children.  And J.A. Formwalt, keenly sensative [sic] to the demands of public duty as well as self-protection, frequently, at his own expense led a company of the militia far to the west in pursuit of the Indians, but owing to the advantages possessed by the pursued over the pursuers in the circumstance, among other things of the delays necessary in trailing them and insufficient supplies, Formwalt was never able to overtake them, but forced to return after exhausting all their provisions, and suffering often for days without food for men or horses. On these occasions Formwalt was ably supported by such public spirited neighbors and allies as Capt. Ben Irby, then residing on the east of the Brazos, in Parker county, and whose son, Dr. A.H. Irby, formerly lived in Thorp Spring; Josiah Washburn, then settled in what is now known as the Dawes valley; Jeff Scott, who resided near Thorp Spring, and now in Jones county, J.E. Smith of Stroud's creek, who was noted as an Indian trailer and always performed that important duty by keeping in advance of the pursuing party.  He is the same man who was known as "Caddo" Smith, heretofore referred to, and was a quiet, good citizen.  All of the above mentioned gentlemen were influential and patriotic men in this section, useful and greatly respected by all who knew them.

But soon the exigencies of a new born Republic, struggling for recognition upon the map of the world, called to its standard many of the brave spirits, who hitherto had withstood the wiley savage; and J.A. Formwalt in October, 1861, as a true born Southerner, enlisted as a private in Capt. Wm. Shannon's company to serve in the Confederate army, and in the spring following Col. A. Nelson, to whom this company reported, well discerning in the modest private, qualities fitting him for command, sent Formwalt back to the Brazos (Johnson and Bosque counties) to raise a company which, with the aid of J.A. Willingham, was soon accomplished.  Formwalt was elected Captain, Willingham 1st Lieutenant, and Jerry Johnson and George Wakefield, from the neighborhood of Acton, 2nd and 3rd Lieutenants.  Among those who enlisted in this company I am now enabled to mention the names of Add Huffstettler, Jno. Edwards, James Allison, Mart Sikes, Andrew Ledbetter, Clint Goodwin, ---- Arrington, Manuel and David Gibson, and two sons of Gabriel Deavers.  This company was organized into Col. Nelson's Texas infantry, of which Roger Q. Mills was their Lieutenant Colonel and afterward Colonel.  This regiment was noted for gallantry and hard service:  At the battle of Franklin, while serving under those heroic Generals, H.B. Granbury and Pat Cleburne, Formwalt, as senior Captain in command of the regiment, led it in that fatal assault and fell severely wounded among other heroes whose rich blood commingled on the soil of Tennessee.  After this he was promoted to the rank of Major, but the war soon coming to a close, he returned to his west Texas home, to find that his brave wife, with his children, had by the farm and the loom managed to support and clothe themselves, while having suffered many dangers and hardships, known only to those who were within the territory so frequently invaded by the Indians.  Much of his property was wasted and gone, but with spirit yet undaunted, Formwalt set about with his usual energy, the duties of a civilian, and soon became prosperous as a farmer.  Early in the seventies he entered mercantile business in Granbury, but his kindly nature rendered it impossible for him to resist the importunities of the sometimes unfortunate, and at times unprincipled debtor classes, and after a few years' experience he retired to his farm much crippled in fortune.  After this he lost his noble companion, and some years later married again, this time an estimable daughter of Judge Jowers of Palestine, whom he had known in her childhood, and is now living a quiet life in Granbury, serving his neighbors as magistrate, at the age of seventy-five years, but with figure still erect buoyant steps appears not to be exceeding sixty.

The march of the soldier is ending,

On the hill-tops over the river

The camp-fire lights are ascending

To our God, the Merciful Giver;

Where comrades assembling in glory;

At the heavenly gates are waiting;

While mortals in song and in story,

Their valorous deeds are relating.