Press & Standard Sept 22, 1915 page 4

Death of Capt. J.K. Risher

Capt. Joseph Koger Risher died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Thomas Black in this city on last Friday at the age of 83 years.  Capt. Risher had been ill for some months, and a few days prior to his death he suffered a stroke of paralysis from which he did not rally.

The remains were interred at South End cemetery Saturday morning immediately preceding the burial of Mrs. I.B. Felder.  The funeral was conducted by Rev. L.E. Wiggins of Pickens, assisted by Rev. W.R. McMill??, pastor of the Baptist church and Rev. E.O. Wa?son, pastor of the Methodist church.

The funeral was attended by a large aggregation of friends and relatives of the deceased.  One of the most beautiful displays of flowers ever seen in Bamberg was placed on the grave.

Capt. Risher had a long and honorable career.  He entered the War Between the States at the outbreak of hostilities with the rank of lieutenant.  He was afterward promoted to captain of the 24^th S.C. volunteers, serving throughout the four years of war.  He was considered one of the bravest and best soldiers of the Confederacy.  Capt. Risher witnessed service in some of the greatest battles of the entire war from Atlanta to Nashville, and he also served in the Mississippi campaign.  On one occasion he entered battle with practically a full regiment and when the smoke of battle cleared he had 13 men left.  The remainder had been killed, wounded or captured.  In this battle Capt. Risher had seven bullets to pass through his clothes but he escaped with only slight injuries and on one occasion a testament in his pocket probably saved his life.  A bullet struck the testament and lodged within its leaves lacking only a very little of passing through the paper.

Capt Risher’s original home was in Colleton county.  He came to Bamberg nine years ago with his wife who died a few months after coming here to reside at the age of 52.  Since that time Capt. Risher had lived with Mr. And Mrs. Thomas Black.  The only public office ever held by him was the office of coroner which he filled in Colleton County for several years.

Capt Risher was a man of high Christian character.  He was a member of the Methodist church and a faithful church worker.  He was always identified with any movement looking to the betterment of the town, county, or state.

The deceased is survived by three children.  Mrs. Thomas Black of Bamberg; Mrs. Lula Kinsey of Williams and Mr. R. Lee Risher of Bamberg.  He is also survived by several half brothers and sisters.