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Special Interests - Groups & Societies => The Barracks => Topic started by: Dalton Masterson on September 30, 2009, 02:26:41 PM

Title: Researching an old US headstone - need info
Post by: Dalton Masterson on September 30, 2009, 02:26:41 PM
Howdy all. I have an old govt. issue headstone here at work that I am trying to figure out why its here.
The info on it is:
John Wisner
Pvt Co D
10 NY
Hvy Arty
Apr 14 1844
Feb 21 1968

Basically, Mr. Wisner is not in our cemetary records at all, and not in county as far as I can tell. Does anyone know a way to get a burial location for this man? I am assuming that its a replacement stone due to a typo (124 years old?), but maybe not. If I can find the current disposition of the burial plot, and the stone is missing, it can be returned. If it has a stone, I can do something different with this one.

Thanks, DM
Title: Re: Researching an old US headstone - need info
Post by: St. George on September 30, 2009, 03:46:37 PM
Check with the Wyuka Cemetary in Lincoln.

They were the first to have a GAR burial area, because they are the oldest in the region.

There's every chance their records may have something.

Good Luck.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!
Title: Re: Researching an old US headstone - need info
Post by: Regret Chancy on September 30, 2009, 04:45:14 PM
Was that a misprint or was he 124 years old? ??? I have a cemetary on my adjoining neighbors property with rock headstones that are worn enough to look like the names and dates are scratches in old hand done chisel work. Most info I can get is that it was a slaves cemetary with no recent (last 75 years) additions. It has fallen into bad shape as the resident owners used it for a goat and occasional cow pasture and have let it grow up horribly. I volunteered to clean it up and fence it off but was told to shove it if I didnt like it and refuse me access now. Its a real pity that some have no respect for those who came before and the history they left. I hope you find the info you seek.
                                                 Regret
Title: Re: Researching an old US headstone - need info
Post by: Dalton Masterson on September 30, 2009, 04:53:12 PM
It reads as if he is 124, but dang, thats old for the time. If I can find the burial records/ location, then I can confirm or deny the typo part.
St. George, that sounds like a mission for tomorrow at work. Thanks for that lead.
DM
Title: Re: Researching an old US headstone - need info
Post by: St. George on October 01, 2009, 12:34:59 AM
De nada.

Likely that the date is supposed to read 1908.

In 1925, there were 1845 Civil War veterans living in the state of Nebraska - according to my records - he wasn't one of them.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Title: Re: Researching an old US headstone - need info
Post by: River City John on October 01, 2009, 08:21:17 AM
Dalton,
it took a moment to look through some stored book boxes.
From Roster of Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines . . . Residing In Nebraska, June 1, 1893. ,Jacob North & Co.,Printers, Lincoln, Neb 1893

on page #399 in the New York section:
"  Name           Rank       Company            Address
Wisner, J. R.  Private  Unassigned 15       Hansen, Neb "

Not sure if this is your man, but I only checked in the New York section and this is the sole Wisner listed there. Curious about the unit ambiguity, and "15" is not identified as to branch.

(Something to keep in mind, in the latter part of the war numbers of the Heavy Artillery units were re-outfitted to act as Infantry and sent to the front to fill in losses caused by combat and the three-year enlistments coming to an end. No need to man the big fortress guns as the South was weakened, and these "Heavies" were large units, somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,200 to 1,500 men. They looked like a whole brigade at a time when the typical veteran Infantry regiment may have numbered 300 or less. You'd have to do some looking to see if you can find any history on the 10th NYHArty, or a 15th if one existed. Wouldn't make any difference as far as locating your man, but just to flesh out a possible background history.)

RCJ  
Title: Re: Researching an old US headstone - need info
Post by: WaddWatsonEllis on October 01, 2009, 09:24:35 AM
Dalton,

I applaude your efforts; I know it is probably a thankless job to find an answer to such a question .....

Just know that everyone on htis thread knows that you are going 'above and beyond' ... made even mor special because your post and your priority is on Private Wisner ....

Kudos!
Title: Re: Researching an old US headstone - need info
Post by: Dalton Masterson on October 01, 2009, 09:38:57 AM
Wow. I just made a breakthrough.
I found a site (http://www.civilwarmuseumnc.org/burials-W.html) that has the Nebraska Civil War burials on it. A John Wisner, with the same birthdate, is buried here in Lexington, in our old cemetary. They have him listed as Co B, 7th NY CAVALRY, not artillery.
Now to pop into the office next door, and see if he is in our records. ???
DM

PS, they show the same death date, but as 1908.
Title: Re: Researching an old US headstone - need info
Post by: Dalton Masterson on October 01, 2009, 09:44:11 AM
Got him.
Spc 3, Lot 15, Div A of Evergreen Cemetary.
 
Now I just have to take a little trip later to verify the stone.
DM
Title: Re: Researching an old US headstone - need info
Post by: Forty Rod on October 01, 2009, 10:59:11 AM
Good for you.  When you find him, say a thanks from me for his service.
Title: Re: Researching an old US headstone - need info
Post by: Sir Charles deMouton-Black on October 01, 2009, 02:42:52 PM
Connecting the dots; - A member of the 10th NY Hy Arty is transferred to the 7th NY Cav, survives the war and lives until 1908 in Nebraska and is buried in Arlington.

With all the help found here this only took two days.
Title: Re: Researching an old US headstone - need info
Post by: Dalton Masterson on October 01, 2009, 03:42:26 PM
Well from what I can tell so far, the 7th NY Cav was only around for a short time, due to lack of horses, and was disbanded. Maybe he went to the Arty after that... Does make a guy wonder. And what brought him to Nebraska? Free land? Trouble in NY and ran away?
I will know more tonite if the weather is good, and I can make it to the cemetary.

DM
Title: Re: Researching an old US headstone - need info
Post by: Pitspitr on October 01, 2009, 08:45:48 PM
And what brought him to Nebraska? Free land?
Probably the economy! There was a terrible recession in the late '60-'70's and a lot of people came out west to try something different... including mining in Colorado and South Dakota. Quite a few saw good land along the way and never made it to the mine fields.
Title: Re: Researching an old US headstone - need info
Post by: Dalton Masterson on October 01, 2009, 09:25:25 PM
You are probably right Pitspitr.

Well, a quick 10 minute drive had me looking at his correctly dated marker, meaning that the one at our shop is an error that got dropped off.
Thank you gents, for helping with this little historical mystery.
Now I have 2 more out there to figure out, but they arent military..... :-\

Thanks again!
DM