Graves of Civil War Veterans

Most of our Civil War veterans are to be found in the oldest, and sometimes most neglected, of our county cemeteries. Be wary of landscape terrain, mole mounds and holes, snakes, bugs, and unsteady monuments. It's not a bad idea to go with a friend!

  1. 1
  2. 2

Conditions of Graves

Sometimes it is obvious who is a Civil War veteran by the presence of a marble, government-issued tablet. Some may have modern (possibly replacement) stones. Many of these government-issued stones have sunk over time. When sunk, these markers are easy to hit and damage by lawn mowing.

Many of these marble stones have eroded over time from wind, blown sand and dirt, acid rain, poor cemetery management, vandalism, and age. 

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6

Some families chose to purchase family tombstones for their veterans.

Nathan Peabody, Jr. and Sr. are on the same tablet. The son died in 1860; his father followed in 1862. Under Sr.’s name is written: Who enlisted in the 15 Mich. Vol. In. Feb. 7. Died at St. Louis Apr. 2, 1862 Aged 53 yrs. & 6 m.

He died of disease (a common Civil War soldier's death) and is actually buried at St. Louis. Stone in King Cemetery, Raisinville township.

Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Posts

Have you seen stones marked with metal stars that hold flags? These are good Civil War service indicators, placed on the graves by the different Grand Army of the Republic Posts in the county and should not be removed.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3

Unmarked Graves

Many Civil War veterans lie unmarked in county cemeteries. Without a doubt, your community has these veterans. Wouldn't the 150-year anniversary of the Civil War be an appropriate time to find these graves and mark them, or document their service?

Watch the museum for more on the Civil War- events, programs, exhibits, displays and more in the coming years of the sesquicentennial.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3