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St. Charles (Illinois) Chronicle, Dec. 26, 1935
W.R.C. Asked to Aid Marking on Tombstone
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Of Civil War Veteran Lying in Southern Grave
A letter was recently delivered to Louis Rockwell because it was addressed "G.O.P." instead of W.R.C., for which it was intended.
It was handed to Miss Dorothy Lundgren, president of the Women's Relief Corps. The missive was from a southern woman, and related to a soldier who enlisted in the Civil War from St. Charles. Here is the letter:
1406 Wilmington Ave.
Richmond, Va.
President, Auxiliary, G.O.P.
St. Charles, Ill.
Dear Madam:-
I have been interested in having the graves of Confederate soldiers buried in the Bethel Baptist church cemetery, Midlothian, Va., marked. In getting up these records I found we have 3 Union soldiers buried there. Two of the graves have no tomb stone so I have ordered the government stones for these. One has a nice stone, but nothing to show that he was in the war. I thought possibly your society would be interested in putting a marker of some kind on this grave. I have received a certified copy of his war record from the War Dept., Washington, D.C.
"Veteran's name: Chauncey Mead. Born Nov. 12, 1839, Bradford Co., N.Y. (Poster's note: NY appears to be in error) Died Dec. 21, 1900, Hallsboro, Va. Married to Lurana Melissa Hall, Nov. 4, 1860, Somanauk, Ill., Widow died May 31, 1922, Hallsboro, Va. buried Bethel Baptist church cemetery, Midlothian, Va. 6 children - 2 dead. Names: Ida, Anna, Willie, Elon, Laura and Frank. Married. Mrs. Laura Sayles and all of the boys living.
"War record - The records of the file show that Chauncey Mead, Company K, 8th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, was mustered into serve Sept. 18, 1861, and was honorably discharged the service Sept. 28, 1864, as a private. E.T. Conely, Brigadier General."
"I would be very glad indeed to hear from you with reference to the above, as we are planning to have an honor roll of all the soldiers of the different wars buried in our cemetery placed in our church. Having this grave marked will help us to complete our honor roll.
Thanking your for your prompt reply, I am,
Yours very truly,
Mrs. H.M. Martin.
P.S. He enlisted at St. Charles, Ill., and was discharged at Chicago.
Louis Rockwell (judge advocate, St. Charles Post 342, American Legion) adds:
I cannot refrain from pointing out some features of this incident that have an unusual human appeal.
First, It is extremely gratifying is it not, to have such a request form a daughter of the South, the enemy against whom this veteran fought. It savors of the chivalry for which the South was famous and evidence that the wounds of the rebellion are healed.
It is interesting to note that Comrade Mead named one of his boys Elon. Elon J. Farnsworth was the second company commander, in command of Co. K of the 8th Illinois Cavalry, the company in which Comrade Mead served from Sept. 7, 1861 to Sept. 28, 1864 and was the conspicuous hero of the 8th, who died in a brilliant charge at Gettysburg. At that time, the two most promising Brigadier Generals on General Pleasanton's staff, were Elon J. Farnsworth and George A. Custer, two close friends just our of their teens. As you know, our G.A.R. Post and your chapter were named after Elon J. Farnsworth.
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Note: at the time, 1935, there was some interest in resurrecting Camp Kane, where Chauncey Mead enlisted, but it appears not to have come to fruition.
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Posted as a courtesy - not related to nor researching this family.
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