Headstone of Benjamin Benson Cahoon, taken by Jennie Moore Hello everyone, welcome back to the blog. As y'all know, visiting cemeteries is a big part of my work, and frankly a big part of my passion. Rather I visit for a specific reason or am just looking to learn, I often find myself drawn to random graves within the cemetery. For one reason or another, sometimes unbeknownst to me, I'm often gravitated toward a specific headstone among the sea of so many. When I experience this, I snap a picture, and go home to begin my research. I've decided to start writing about my findings, and sharing their stories with you all. Although many of these subjects may not be famous people, I find inspiration in the lives of these everyday persons. It is impossible to predict what is hiding behind the names on each stone. This series may not be for everyone, but I do hope some of you will enjoy and come along on these journeys with me!
One of the first images I have taken in such a scenario is the one seen above. My dad and I are both interested in local history, so he has accompanied me on many cemetery visits. A few years back, we were visiting the Saint Michaels Church Catholic Cemetery in Fredericktown, Missouri. This cemetery is one of the oldest in the area, so it wasn't long before I found my stone of interest. When I see a stone of this type, it peaks my interest, as it may be a military issued stone. One with this weathering tipped me off that this could be a soldier of the Civil War, perhaps my favorite era to research. Sure enough, it became clear that it was my lucky day as I made my way closer. I had reached the grave of Benjamin B. Cahoon. I liked the name and was eager to know more.
Benjamin Benson Cahoon was born on July 7th, 1846 in Wilmington, Delaware. He was brought up in a respectable family, his father being a minister. Cahoon had plans to further pursue education when the Civil War broke out. He would join the Union cause, fighting with the First Regiment of the Delaware Volunteer Infantry, a part of the notable Army of the Potomac. During his service, Benjamin sustained injuries at both Antietam and Gettysburg, two of the bloodiest battles of the war. In spite of seeing the heights of the war's brutality, the young man returned home not only a survivor, but a hero.
After the war concluded, Cahoon resumed his education, focusing in law. He also made the move to Missouri, settling in Fredericktown in 1868. Here, he established his law practice, understanding that Fredericktown was a growing hamlet with a need for his work. On February 3rd, 1869, Cahoon wed Miss Marie Isabella "Belle/Bella" LeCompte. Bella was born on October 18th, 1847 in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, a descendant of one of Ste. Genevieve's early French settler families. Together, they would have three children Virginia, Eugenia, and Benjamin Jr. The marriage would last just under twenty years, until Bella passed away after a difficult battle with cancer on January 15th, 1889. She was surrounded by her family, including loving husband, Benjamin. Bella is remembered as a dedicated wife, mother, and member of the church. She is also buried in Saint Michaels Church Catholic Cemetery.
Benjamin Benson "B.B." Cahoon By this time, Cahoon's political career was going well. He had advanced from county attorney to circuit attorney, and had many impressive connections. His success had taken him to Washington D.C., where he met Miss Nancy Owens "Annie" Fisher, daughter of prominent Judge Fisher who was born on Christmas Day 1847. The two wed on March 5th, 1891 in a small but prestigious ceremony. From here, Cahoon continued his career, obtaining a nomination for governor in 1896. He would not win this election, but that set him on a path to pursue another interest of his. Governor Hadley went on to name Cahoon one of the managers of the Farmington Hospital, which still exists today.
After a prolonged battle with disease, Annie passed away on October 27th, 1915. She was laid to rest back in her home state of Delaware. Now a widower, Cahoon went on with his practice despite experiencing hearing loss in his advancing age. On July 22nd 1923, tragedy struck the family once again when Cahoon's granddaughter, Virginia Ann Cahoon, was killed in a car accident in Wayne County, Missouri. Virginia was the daughter of Benjamin Jr., and she was only 18 years old at the time of her passing. This is often attributed to be the ultimate downfall of Benjamin Sr.'s health and well being, as his health began to spiral after this incident.
On the morning of November 9th the same year, Benjamin Benson Cahoon Sr. passed away in his sleep at his home in Fredericktown. The loss of the community's beloved "B.B." was felt widely, as many paid respect to the man and his impressive career. Cahoon came from humble roots, and was truly self made. From a poor young man traveling west, to a soldier, to a lawyer and politician, Cahoon had done it all.
Over a century has elapsed since Cahoon's death, and had I not stumbled upon his stone, I likely would've never known his story. Now you know his story too, and I hope you found it interesting enough to join me on the blog again in the future.
