I don't do this often enough, but from time to time I'm prompted to check the new and updated databases page at Ancestry. U.S. Burial Registers, Military Posts and National Cemeteries, 1862-1960 was updated less than three weeks ago, so I decided to give it a browse.
First, here is a description of the database:
It's fascinating, yet heart wrenching at the same time. These soldiers died and were buried far from home, most likely without a single loved one in sight. In many cases, it was luck that their bodies were even found to be moved and given a more proper, fitting burial. I wasn't but a few pages in when Sgt. Marvin M. Chapin caught my eye. He was listed in a grouping of five names. These soldiers were all hastily buried near or on the property of a Mr. Stewart 3 miles north of Adairsville, GA: 2 in a cemetery, 2 in a field, and 1 in a garden. All died on 17 May 1864 during the Battle of Adairsville.
What was it about Sgt. Marvin M. Chapin that jumped out at me? A note beside his name reads, "His name was cut on a tree."
What a touching act of respect. Someone, maybe a fellow soldier and friend, took the time to make sure this individual would be found and remembered.
All five of these soldiers were moved to a National Cemetery. I found Pvt. Fish, Sgt. Chapin, and 1st Lieut. Keith in Marietta National Cemetery at Cobb County, Georgia. Though I could not find information on the other two, I presume that is where their remains were relocated to, as well.
First, here is a description of the database:
Many veterans of the U.S. armed services are buried in cemeteries established or maintained by the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) or the U.S. Army. The NCA maintains 131 national cemeteries and other smaller burial grounds. The Department of the Army is responsible for Arlington and the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery. These records also include burial details for soldiers who were disinterred and moved to military cemeteries sometime after their death.Essentially, if you choose to browse, you are reading a burial register.
It's fascinating, yet heart wrenching at the same time. These soldiers died and were buried far from home, most likely without a single loved one in sight. In many cases, it was luck that their bodies were even found to be moved and given a more proper, fitting burial. I wasn't but a few pages in when Sgt. Marvin M. Chapin caught my eye. He was listed in a grouping of five names. These soldiers were all hastily buried near or on the property of a Mr. Stewart 3 miles north of Adairsville, GA: 2 in a cemetery, 2 in a field, and 1 in a garden. All died on 17 May 1864 during the Battle of Adairsville.
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| 3 miles N of Adairsville near Mr. Stewarts in a cemetery 2 graves: Pvt. Sylvester Fish - Co D, 44th Ill & Sgt. Marvin M. Chapin - Co I, 88th Ill In a field at Mr. Stewarts 2 graves: Pvt. George Trout - 88th Ill & Pvt. Henry Grenable - Co A, 44th Ill In Mr. Stewarts garden 1 grave: 1st Lieut. Thos. T. Keith - Co D, 24th Wis Infy |
What was it about Sgt. Marvin M. Chapin that jumped out at me? A note beside his name reads, "His name was cut on a tree."
What a touching act of respect. Someone, maybe a fellow soldier and friend, took the time to make sure this individual would be found and remembered.
All five of these soldiers were moved to a National Cemetery. I found Pvt. Fish, Sgt. Chapin, and 1st Lieut. Keith in Marietta National Cemetery at Cobb County, Georgia. Though I could not find information on the other two, I presume that is where their remains were relocated to, as well.
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| Marietta National Cemetery Photo © 2011-2013 S. Lincecum |
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