Honoring the Dead: Military Burials
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Our expert Amy Johnson Crow talks about honoring the military members in your family tree by doing a little bit of digging into military burials and headstones.
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Honoring the Dead: Military Burials
- 1. DNA Honoring the Dead: Military Burials by Amy Johnson Crow
- 2. Background: National Cemeteries • The first national cemeteries were created in the summer of 1861 • It was common for soldiers to be buried near the battlefield, then later re-buried in a national cemetery 2
- 3. Example: Stones River National Cemetery • Created in 1864 • In 1865 and 1866, the 111th U.S. Colored Troops disinterred bodies at Stones River, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Shelbyville, Tullahoma, and Cowan and re- interred them at Stones River National Cemetery 3
- 4. Large Number of Unknowns • Due to battlefield conditions, many soldiers were never identified; others lost their identities due to poor record- keeping. • Approximately ½ of Union soldiers buried in national cemeteries are unidentified. 4
- 6. Government-Issued Tombstones • 1861 – Federal government begins to mark the graves of those who died in service. Original markers were wooden boards. • 1873 – Federal government begins issuing marble tombstones. 6
- 7. Government-Issued Tombstones • Earliest government- issued tombstones were for Union soldiers. • Rounded top • Inscribed shield; letters in relief • Listed: – Name – State – Grave number 7 Stones River National Cemetery, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- 8. Replacement Tombstones Are a Bit Different • The shield is only outlined. • Letters are inscribed, not in relief. • Includes regiment and date of death. 8 Knoxville National Cemetery, Knoxville, Tennessee
- 9. Confederate Tombstones • Pointed top • “C.S.A.” regiment (Confederate States of America) 9 Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio
- 10. Spanish-American War • Has the same inscribed shield as for Union veterans • Adds “Sp. Am. War” – Note: sometimes that phrase is missing. 10 Maple Grove Cemetery, Delaware County, Ohio
- 11. World War I and Later • Name • Rank • State • Division • Date of Death – Sometimes date of birth • Emblem of Religious Belief 11 Maple Grove Cemetery, Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky
- 12. Pre-Civil War Veterans • Depending on when it was placed, it is styled either like a Civil War/Spanish-American War stone (with a shield) or like a WWI and later stone • The marker for this War of 1812 veteran is styled like a modern tombstone 12 Loudonville Cemetery, Ashland County, Ohio
- 13. Modern Tombstones • Same general style since WWI • Modern ones have more choices for the religious beliefs emblem • Can have a personalized message 13 Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Seville, Medina County, Ohio
- 14. “In Memory Of” • The Veterans Administration uses “In Memory Of” on tombstones when the body was: – Not buried at this location – Not recovered – Buried at sea – Donated to science – Cremated, ashes scattered 14 Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana
- 15. Clues From Non-Government Tombstones 15
- 16. Clues About Service • Tombstones sometime spell out the service. • This one notes that Thomas Griffith was in the 310th Squadron of the 9th Army Air Force. 16 Union Grove Cemetery, Canal Winchester, Franklin County, Ohio
- 17. Clues for Service • Sometimes the service is implied • Note the death on this stone: “Died at Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 16, 1862” • Question: Why would a young man buried in Fort Wayne, Indiana have died in Memphis, Tennessee in 1862? 17 Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana
- 18. Look for Military Symbols 18 Crossed swords & tassels Flags, shield, rifles & cannon
- 19. Be Cautious About Anchors • Anchors often used as a symbol of hope • Should not be taken as a sign of naval service 19
- 20. Military Organizations Shown on Tombstones 20 Grand Army of the Republic (Union veterans) American Legion
- 21. Be Careful With Flag Holders and Metal Markers • They can be a good clue, but they are also movable. • Sometimes end up in front of the wrong grave. 21 Southern Cross of Honor