The Story Behind the Statue | Union Soldier Monument | Perryville, Missouri | Landmark Landing

 

Union Soldier Monument in Perryville, taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello friends, welcome to the blog. Today's stop is a statue I came across on a walk with my family in downtown Perryville, Missouri. Here we came across a monument for the Union Soldiers of Perry County, Missouri. The inscription reads "In memory of Perry County's Union Soldiers of the Civil War 1861-1865" and below that, "Erected by the Sons of Veterans and Auxiliary 1923". 

    Perry County played an important role in the American Civil War. The diary of Perry County resident Archibald Little Hager tells us that on June 11th, 1861, Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon was ordered by the Department of War to enlist Missouri's "loyal citizens" to defend against the border state's pro-Southern cause. The following day, June 12th, 1861, there was a muster at the small community of Conrad's Mill in southern Perry County in which 71 men joined the Perry County Home Guard. 

    Conrad's Mill is located in Southern Perry County just about a mile north of the Bollinger County line on the old Greenville Road. Also in 1861, Camp Greason, sometimes called Camp Grayson, was established near Conrad's Mill as a Union training camp. Today, a cemetery called Campground Cemetery is one of the few traces left of wartime in the area. 

    Conrad's Mill derives its name from Columbus Conrad, who built a flour mill in the area sometime around 1856. However, the community's name would later be changed to Millheim, which remains today. Many who pass through Millheim today likely aren't aware of the hamlet's deep history, and role in Perry County's contribution to the Civil War. 

    Next time you pass the Perryville courthouse, tip your hat to the monument of the Union Solider standing guard in the yard. He represents all of those that put it all on the line to ensure our freedom, equality, and democracy. Think of the men that spent time at Camp Greason, and the men that signed their name on the dotted line when duty called at Conrad's Mill. We have them to thank for the United States as we know it today. 

An Abandoned 1790s Mansion | The Bradford-Berry House | Hendersonville, Tennessee | Abandoned

 

Bradford-Berry House, taken by Jennie Moore, 2024

    Hello friends, welcome back to the blog. Today I would like to share with you a location I previously explored with my mom in Hendersonville, Tennessee. This is the Bradford-Berry House, a lonely brick behemoth with a deep history. 

    Built in 1795 for Sgt. Henry Bradford, the home was one of the first of its kind in Middle Tennessee. Henry Bradford was born on March 12th, 1758 in Fauquier County, Virginia to William Bradford and Mary (Morgan) Bradford. During the American Revolution, Henry joined the Third Virginia Regiment, later being discharged as a Seargent in 1777. 

Bradford-Berry House, photographer unknown, 1944

 

    For his military service, Bradford was rewarded a 1,000 acre land grant located on Drake's Creek in what is today Sumner County, Tennessee. It is on this grant that the prominent estate, originally called Hazel Patch, was built. The home's bricks were hand crafted on site by enslaved persons borrowed from Bradford's stepfather, William Nash. 

    Henry Bradford's grandson, George Bradford, wrote a partial autobiography that went unfinished. In it, George recalls his grandfather being a slave owner himself, as the enslaved were listed in Henry's will to be split among the children upon his passing in 1815. Unfortunately, records of the Bradford's enslaved are sparse, and I have been unable to find further information on their lives, conditions, or names.

Bradford-Berry House, taken by Jennie Moore, 2024

    In 1887, the home and several hundred acres were sold to Horatio Berry for his daughter, Sarah. Sarah would initiate several renovations to the home, and ultimately rent out the estate until selling it to General Electric in 1969. As of 2023, the property now belongs to the city of Hendersonville.

    Challenges have arisen with the property's deed, slowing the preservation process. However, steps have been taken to correct this. In addition, the Bradford-Berry Preservation Society was created to raise awareness and funds for the home's preservation. Click here to visit their site.

Willis-Bradford Cemetery, taken by Jennie Moore, 2024

    Located within eyesight of the house is the family cemetery. Here lies Henry Bradford and descendants, however, most graves are unmarked today. It is also passed through family oral history that a cemetery for the enslaved exists on the property as well, but details are unknown. Further analyzation on these burials must be done. 

    At the time of this posting, there have been no developments at the Bradford-Berry House. All eyes are on the city of Hendersonville as the clock ticks on. Elements of city expansion grow closer all around the old estate. Preservation helps us elevate the voices lost to time, including those that spent their lives in bondage, building these places with their bare hands. 

Bradford-Berry House, taken by Jennie Moore, 2024

    Thank you for joining me to explore another location. Thank you also to my mom, who was willing venture out and tromp around this site with me. I do hope you learned something new and will return to blog in the future. 

Sources:

- The Bradford-Berry House: A Hidden Treasure - Main Street Media of Tennessee

- Historic home’s fate still in question - Main Street Media of Tennessee

- TN city approves possible option to build 100-foot bubble structure behind historic home

- Bradford-Berry House Preservation Society | Hendersonville, TN

- Henry Bradford Family

    

Benjamin B. Cahoon, Fredericktown's Most Famous Lawyer | Fredericktown, Missouri | Grave Hopping

 

                                 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. 

     

Middle Tennessee's Tent Graves | Polk Bilbrey Cemetery | Overton County, Tennessee | Cemeteries

 

Polk Bilbrey Cemetery Sign taken by Jennie Moore, 2017

    In 2017, my mom and I traveled to Overton County, Tennessee on a quest of genealogy. We have deep ancestral roots in the area, prompting us to make the six-hour journey from southeast Missouri. One of the stops we made upon arrival was the Polk Bilbrey Cemetery, one of the most fascinating cemeteries I've ever visited. This was my first time seeing tent graves, which immediately grabbed my attention. American and Confederate flags decorated the graves, marking the resting places of many soldiers from both the Civil and Revolutionary wars. 

Tent Graves in Polk Bilbrey Cemetery taken by Jennie Moore, 2017

    So, what are tent graves? Primarily a trait of middle Tennessee, tent graves, also sometimes called "comb graves" first appeared here in the early 1800s. They consist of a tent-like shape formed by stone slabs over the burial. These graves can also be found in other southern states, but it is Tennessee where the phenomenon is most prevalent. Why exactly these graves came to be is debated, theories range from simply deterring digging animals to perhaps a spiritual significance. Regardless of why, these graves became ingrained in the culture of middle Tennessee.

Polk Bilbrey Cemetery taken by Jennie Moore, 2017

    Polk Bilbrey Cemetery sits off a lone gravel road outside of Livingston, Tennessee. As I walked the grounds, I felt a sense of deep wonder and curiosity. I have walked many cemeteries, but none like this one. I was so grateful to have seen these mysterious tent graves with my own eyes. They are truly one of the United States' most interesting pieces of cemetery history. 

Isham Bilbrey Grave taken by Jennie Moore, 2017

    Although not a tent grave, a burial that grabbed my attention was that of Revolutionary War soldier Isham Hansford Bilbrey, namesake of the cemetery. Bilbrey was born in 1765 in North Carolina to Thomas and Sarah (Smith) Bilbrey. He married Ruth Sellers in 1788, and they went on to have thirteen children. Isham served in the Continental Line in North Carolina during the Revolutionary War, surviving his service and passing away at age 81-82 in Overton County, Tennessee. He has the second earliest documented birth year in the cemetery.

    Thank you all for joining me on another journey. I hope you enjoyed this stop and leaned something new, I certainly did. Polk Bilbrey is one of the most interesting cemeteries I've had the pleasure of visiting, and I hope to encounter more tent graves in the future. If you have ever visited tent graves, or any unique graves for that matter, I'd love to hear about your visit in the comments. Until next time, take care friends. 

Greenville's Unknown Soldier | Landmark Landing

 

Grave of unknown soldier in Greenville, Missouri, taken by Jennie Moore

     Deep in the hills of southeast Missouri, lies a mystery that thousands unknowingly pass by everyday. Under the shade of a skyscraping, generations old pine tree, lies a man who's identity has been lost to time. Although we don't know his name, we do know pieces of his story. This story has resonated with the citizens around, who then came together to protect and pay respects to him and his sacrifice. 

     Just a few hundred feet from the northbound lanes of US Highway 67, about 3 and 1/2 miles from Greenville, the unknown man rests. Here he has his own piece of serenity, called the Lonesome Pine Memorial. Where he lay, sits a raw granite stone with a plaque that reads "Unknown US Soldier, Civil War". Nearby, a flagpole with the stars and stripes flies proudly in the breeze. A sidewalk leads from a small parking area, to a lookout point of the grave, shown in the photo above. The grave and surrounding area are maintained by Wappapello Eagles 4066, Piedmont Eagles 4227, Wayne County Eagles 4187, VFW Post 3416, and American Legion Post 281. They have done a fantastic job upkeeping, and upgrading the memorial. 

Grave of unknown soldier, taken by Jennie Moore

     When I first caught wind of this man, my first thought was "What do we know about him?", and the truth is, not much. Regardless of not knowing even the most basic details of the soldier's personal identity, we do know enough to conclude his heroic identity. 

     The first confirmed reports of the unknown soldier and his gravesite appear in 1917-18, when Highway 23, now US Highway 67, was being constructed. (The next account is vital to the story, but does vaguely describe the discovery of the grave. This may disturb some audiences. Feel free to skip to the next paragraph.) Jeff Garner says on Facebook, "My Grandfather, Charles Franklin Gibbons (born 1901) was working on that highway about that same time. His dad, Joseph T. (Gibbons) was one of the supervisors as I remember the story, and they had their MO mule teams. My grandfather was driving a team when the head mule fell in a giant hole. They had to unhook the mule and get him out of the hole. When they did, they discovered he'd fallen into a grave. My grandfather took the shovel and lifted up the legs. He said it was a Civil War soldier unknown. The uniform cloth and buttons were still visible. He said the mule team was straddling a young pine tree, and they left it as a marker as to where the grave was. They moved the road bed over a few yards to avoid the grave, and kept up their work. So, my grandfather discovered the grave at the Lonesome Pine Memorial on Highway 67. I am fairly certain he said it was a blue uniform of a Union soldier." 

     A cousin of Jeff's, Jim Gibbons says, "I heard much of the same story, and was told it was state route 23 at the time. Dad said Grandpa (Joseph Gibbons) was working off his property taxes by supervising the road work. When Highway 67 was widened some time in the 1950's the grave would have been on the right of way and was not marked on the maps. Dad told one of the state engineers (Charles Ellinghouse Jr.) about the grave and where it was. They moved the new road over and built the rock embankment around it."

     The Historical Wayne County, Missouri Facebook page added some of their thoughts on the topic. “I believe there are probably 2 other soldiers there as well. There was a skirmish in Greenville during the war. 5 Confederates were killed and 3 Union. The Confederates were buried in town, and presently marked. The Union were camped on the south side of the river out of town. Those 3 Union soldiers had to be buried somewhere in the vicinity. Yes the 5 Confederate are at Old Greenville. It’s my belief the 3 Union are at this site."

     

     I found this theory of Historical Wayne County, Missouri's very interesting, and very plausible. According to reputable sources, there were two skirmishes at Greenville, just six days apart from one another. The first took place on July 20th, 1862 when Confederate forces arrived in Greenville. Also in Greenville, was a Union camp occupied by the Twelfth Missouri State Militia Calvary Companies B and G. Upon learning of this camp, the Confederates carried out a surprise attack as daylight broke. This resulted in a Union loss, forcing them to retreat. The Confederates made off with most of their rifles, 16 Savage revolvers, 50 pairs of holster pistols, and all of their horses. Four were killed, and five were wounded. 

     Two men present during the attack spoke on the event soon after. E. Francis, First Lieutenant Company B, Twelfth Regiment Cav., Mo. S. M. says, "Leeper's brother came in from Black River and reported that Deas and Reeves, or a part of their bands, had been and took some horses from him. They belonged to the same party that attacked the camp next morning. There had been guards on the east side of the camp, but were withdrawn after Major Lazear left. I know of no other cause for the guard being withdrawn than the confidence of the commanding officer that he could whip 500 men. I think that if the camp had been guarded as it should have been, and as there were men sufficient to have guarded it, that we could not have been surprised and could have whipped the rebels. The attack came from the southeast side of the camp. If a guard had been where it usually was I do not think a body of men could have passed them without being seen. There were over 100 men in camp at that time, but I cannot remember exactly the number reported."

October 29th, 1862 copy of New York Times newspaper

Sergt. James M. L. Jamieson, of lawful age, being sworn, says, "I reside in Saint Francis County, Missouri. Am now first Sergeant of Company B, Twelfth Regiment Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, commanded by Captain William T. Leeper. I was in camp near Greenville, Mo., on the morning of July 20, at the time the attack was made on said camp. I was in camp all the night before. On the night before the attack there were 3 pickets between the camp and town at the spring, and 3 on the Fredericktown road, up the river from the camp. The first 3 were on the river below the camp, and 3 camp guards and 1 corporal. This was all the guards that I have any knowledge of being out that night. These were the only guards we had out after Major Lazear left the camp, or at least there were no others out that night or the night before. I think Major Lazear left the camp some time between July 10 and 20. Some few days before the camp was attacked Captain Leeper said to me that we would have to keep a sharp lookout, for that we would be attacked, for they knew our strength, and that would be the place they would attack. I don't think a proper guard was kept at that point. There were at that time considerably over 100 men in camp."

 

     The second skirmish took place on July 26th, 1862, however, I could not find as many details on the matter. We do know that the skirmish involved the Third and Twelfth Missouri State Militia Calvary. It was another Union loss, with two more men killed, and six wounded.

     The chances of the unknown soldier being one of these Union casualties, is fairly high. If that is the case, we can add another piece to the puzzle, as we know which regiments, even down to the possible company, he may have belonged to. We can imagine what life would have been like for the unknown soldier, by analyzing the lives of men in the Union Army during this time. 

     Another reason I believe may contribute to the lack of information on the identity and burial of the soldier (along with the other unaccounted for Union casualties) is the poor luck of the Wayne County Courthouse in Greenville. In 1866, records were stolen from the courthouse, and never recovered. Then on December 14th, 1892, a fire broke out, destroying a portion of the records. Perhaps any documentation containing the names, burials, or acknowledgements of the unknown soldier were lost during these events.

Myself leaving a flower arrangement at the grave, photographed by Colleen Gallagher

     Even with the information we do have, it tends to leave us with more questions than answers. We may never know the true identity of the unknown soldier, but that isn't a requirement when preserving his memory. His identity, or lack of thereof, doesn't subtract from the sacrifice he made. Our soldier is one who left behind all he had, to fight for unity, and a better future for the United States. He may have wondered as he passed that day if what he had done was worth the hardship, or if his one life made a difference. I hope he is able to watch the visitors pay their respects, and thank him, to answer that question. Even without a name, or details of his life, he brings our community together 160 years later. That is a true hero.

     Thank you all for reading, I hope you enjoyed. This article was a bit different than my past work, because it involves a bit more hypothesis opposed to solid facts. Though this site spoke to me, and I knew I had to write a piece on it. I feel it is worth sharing, regardless of what we are missing. If you are interested in visiting the Lonesome Pine Memorial, I will leave the directions below! 

     Directions: If you are traveling south on Highway 67, you will have to drive about a mile past the site and then return on the north bound lanes to access it. You will see the large pine tree in the clearing before you reach the right turn. Parking is available at the site. 

     Coordinates:  37°5'37"N   90°27'23"W

  

Until next time,

Jennie