Sarah E. Gabbett

Wrapped in an atmosphere of a by-gone day, cherishing an abiding love for her husband, an Irish emigrant and Confederate States Army veteran, she was all but a recluse.

Gabbett was very proud of her father, and often spoke of him, and of her brave young brother, Cosmo, who took part in the first bombardment of Fort Sumter with General P. G. T. Beauregard, his tutor.

Later, he was transferred to an engineer corps under General John B. Magruder, and afterwards detailed for mining work in North Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.

[2][1] Gabbett travelled extensively after the war, staying a great portion of her time in Ireland looking after her landed estates.

[2][3] At any rate, Mrs. Erwin said that Gabbett did suggest the Deo vindice from the Seal of the Confederate States to be inscribed around the battle flag.

Below is an extract from the speech made upon that occasion: "I, as Custodian, desire to assure the veterans that every possible precaution shall be taken to keep the integrity of the cross inviolate.

Intended as a gift of love and honor to the brave defenders of their rights, the Daughters of the Confederacy shall protect it from falling into the hands of the unworthy.

"At the UDC Convention at Richmond, Va., in 1899, Mrs. Weed presiding, Gabbett was made Custodian of the Cross, and a committee given her to draw up the rules regulating its bestowal.

In 1905, she became very feeble and the work greatly taxed her, so she presented her resignation at New Orleans in 1910 and her successor was named, Mrs. L. H. Raines, of Savannah, Georgia.

[3] Gabbett owned a large amount of property in on Bedford Place, and her estate was considered a valuable one.

[2] Sarah E. Gabbett died at her home, in Atlanta, on July 16, 1911,[3] after a few weeks of serious illness, although she had been failing in health for a year; interment was in Savannah.