There they lie,
sleeping serenely under a Southern sky. Their spirits are unruffled by
the disturbing broadcasts of
television, radio
and/or other news media. They are quite undisturbed. They came to this
part of United States of America from many areas, north, east, south and
west. And they have stayed. "They" are the dead who "rest forever from
their labors" in the small plot of ground known as the old Augusta Arsenal
'" cemetery. The Arsenal, abandoned by the U.S. Government in 1955 is now
the site of Augusta College, a branch of the University of Georgia.
Theirs are simple
stones, many with names only; no epitaphs; no rank; nothing to distinguish
them; all as uniform as the clothes they wore. The U.S. Government designated
the cemetery was by as a burial ground for military personnel and members
of their families sometime after the relocation of the Arsenal in 1826.
On a number of occasions, burial of a military man's wife, mother, or children,
was permitted; and there were instances in which military personnel had
space reserved in the cemetery for interment of such close relatives.
The first military
man to die after the Arsenal was moved from its former Savannah river location
(in 1826) was buried in the Walker family cemetery which adjoins the Arsenal's
burying ground. Later a second man was buried there also, and a third,
and then a fourth and fifth. They were no blood kin to the Walker family.
When Freeman Walker sold the 72? acre tract of land, with its "Bellevue"
cottage, to the U. S. Government, he stipulated that one acre of the tract
would be reserved for the Walker family cemetery. There were already several
members of the family buried there when the land was sold to the U.S. Government.
Later, a survey was made to determine the exact location of the burial
acre, and the Government set aside an additional acre for a military cemetery,
immediately adjoining that of the Walker family ground.
The first military
man to be interred (February 1841) in the military cemetery was assigned
to "Section 1, Grave 3, Row B", but there had been three graves occupied
before that date. Human bones, representing three individuals, (Indians,
maybe?) had been unearthed during excavations by the Government for construction
purposes. They were buried in Section 1, in Grave 1 of Row A, Grave 1 of
Row B, and Grave 2 of Row B. These graves have small headstones bearing
a single word: "Unknown". There is another grave, nearer the middle of
the cemetery, with a similar stone bearing the word "Unknown", but it is
unknown what the circumstances were surrounding that interment. Every grave
is numbered
on a plat of the
cemetery, and every interment was carefully recorded and reports made to
the proper office in Washington, D.C. The Government, upon receipt of the
report, then had a headstone shipped to the Arsenal for erection over the
grave of the deceased. Several stones vary from the regulation Government
supplied stone. The largest marker in the small plot is for a Sergeant
William Frey of U.S. Ordnance, who died January 17,1896, and a 11 similar
stone nearby marks the grave of his wife, Tabitha, who died twenty years
later, on December 6, 1916. These dates appear on their stones, which evidently
were provided by members of the family. The stone over Tabitha has this
verse from the Bible, "I know that my Redeemer liveth".
Several stones
bear the name and underneath the word "child" for "infant". One stone marks
the grave of a sailor who took his own life. One indicates that it was
placed by an organization of which the deceased was a member. Several of
the graves are grown over with grass and weeds and the cemetery in general
is unkempt. Some of the graves have had brick copings around them; there
are indications that flowers were once planted within in the bricks.
The official record
shows the persons listed on the last t pages of this article to have been
buried in the Augusta Arsenal cemetery. This record is in the Government
archives and a copy is in the possession of the Arsenal's official historian,
the writer of this article. Keeping of the cemetery record was one of the
incidental duties of the historian. Adjoining the Arsenal cemetery is the
graveyard of the Walker family. Customs and modes of the early nineteenth
century are brought to remembrance by a stroll through this plot of hallowed
ground. There are many impressive tombstones and epitaphs in rhetorically
elegant language. Fifty years ago there were more stones than exist today.
Time and dense shade have eroded many stones, especially those made of
the softer materials, and many have suffered from the rains and winds of
the long years.
Circa 1954, there
was a pile of broken pieces stacked by a gate to be hauled away. The lettering
on these stones
had worn away
completely, the stones had split, or broken, and fallen to the ground.
In 1926, this writer first visited this cemetery. It had been necessary
at that time to dust talc on the flat stones in order to read and record
the epitaphs, and then it was difficult. Some words were deciphered by
running a finger in the lettered grooves. Inscriptions vary from the inspirational
to a sad recounting of sorrow; some bring to the imagination a picture
of duels and assassinations, as well as the fatal results of ravaging disease.
The remains of
"George Walker, Esquire, who died the 15th day of September, 1801" lie
near those of Freeman Walker
from whom the
72 acre plot was deeded to the United States Government. The flat stone
above Freeman Walker bears an epitaph couched in the language of the celebrated
poet, Richard Henry Wilde. It reads
"Consecrated to the
cherished memory and mortal relics of Freeman Walker an able and successful
advocate a graceful and fluent speaker his influence as a statesman his
reputation as an orator, his urbanity as a gentleman were embellished and
endeared by social and domestic virtue. Long a distinguished member of
the bar, often elected to the legislature of the state, he at length became
one of her senators in Congress and retired after two years of honorable
service to resume a profitable profession which he practiced with untiring
industry and unblemished character until shortly before his death. Generous,
hospitable, and human, of cheerful temper and familiar manners, he was
idealized by his family, beloved by his friends, admired by his countrymen.
Even party spirit in his favour forgot something of its bitterness and
those who differed from the politician did justice to the man born in Virginia
on 25 October 1780. His brilliant and useful life was terminated by a pulmonary
complaint, at his residence near Augusta on the 23 September 1827 in the
47th year of his age."
Also illustriously
memorialized was one of the family is buried on the same sections "Here
lie the remains of Robert Walker who departed this life on the 6th day
of May A.D. 1825 aged 50 years 10 months and 24 days. A native of Charles
City County Virginia he migrated to Georgia in the year 1791 and adopted
the profession of the law. Having during a large portion of his professional
life filled to the satisfaction of the public and dutifully to the state
the offices of Governor General and Judge of the Superior Court to the
latter of which he was repeatedly called. He died a victim to a pulmonary
disease having well sustained a character of the purest benevolence and
most extended philanthropy and leaving a bright example of excellence in
all relations of life."
While no stone
could be found for John, his wife's epitaph is flowery: "Sacred to the
memory of Mrs. Eliza
Walker, consort
of John Walker: Blessed with the Christian hope she closed a well-spent
life at Bellvue Cottage on the 21st day of November 1842. Aged 66 years.
She left a name associated by her friends with whatever is most lovely
in social excellence
and securely and tenderly embalmed in the hearts of her surviving children
and other relations.
Jesus can make
a dying bed as loft as downy pillows are While on His breast I lean my
head and breathe my life out sweetly there."
Another kinsman's
epitaph stirs the mind to colorful imagery: "Underneath this stone rest
the mortal remains of Augustus Z. Regail, Esq. A native of N.Y. who departed
this life on the 9th day of May 1830 aged 36 years. Warmly attached to
his country for nearly 13 years, he discharged the duties of an officer
in its services with exemplary zeal and fidelity. Compelled by declining
health he returned to the quietness of private life. A stranger to fear
he was won to repentance by the rich display of divine mercies exhibited
in the Gospel of Christ. Months of patience and uncomplaining endurance
proved the reality of his change, tested his pious resignation, brightened
his Christian Character and gradually matured him for Heaven. Willing to
bear the whole will of God, yet willing to depart and be with Christ he
waited for his change in calm and holy expectation and at length full of
faith and assured in hope he was released from mortal suffering to enter
into his rest. Reader, let his experience be thy warning. Formed at once
to please and to enjoy the world he tried it to the utmost and found it
vanity and vexation of spirit. He acquainted himself with God through a
crucified Savior and was at peace.
Glendenning AUG.
On one side of
those "mortal remains" lies the wife and on the other side " George Walker,
son of Augustus L. & Anna T.Regail. Born and died on the 4th day of
August 1827 at Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island, S.C."
Ghosts of fiery
emotions hover around markers, which tell of dastardly deeds. One beautiful
stone reads "A tribute of appreciation to my beloved husband Augustus R.
Bohler who fell by a deadly weapon in the hands of an enemy in Augusta,
Georgia, May lst 1865 aged 28 years. Peace to his ashes. Night falls but
soon the morning light its glories shall restore, and Thus the eyes that
sleep in death shall wake to close no more."
Within a few steps
stands a shaft memorializing Major William H.T. Walker "born in Augusta
Georgia November 26,1816. Killed in Battle of Atlanta, July 22,1864. His
soul to Him who gave it rose, God lead it to its long repose, its glorious
rest. And though the warrior's sun has set, its light shall a; linger round
us yet, bright, radiant, blest."
Another Civil
War casualty was: "Maj. John David Walker, died from wound received 2nd
battle of Manassas 1862. Aged 37 years. Rest, soldier, rest, thy warfare
o’er."
Not far away is:
"James, son of Sergt Luke and Catherine Walker, Co, M2, Artillery... and
another gravestone reading:
"In memory of
Anna Euphremia Regail Reab. She ...departed this life 16th February 1845
in the comfort of a reasonable religious and holy hope through Jesus Christ
our Lord."
Not only are the
military prominent and immortalized, as witness: "'Wm. Robinson, Exeter,
N.H. September 18,1893.
Died at Summerville,
Ga. May 15,1864. A resident of Augusta and its vicinity for nearly 50 years,
he was known as a
courteous gentleman,
an honorable merchant, and benefactor of the poor."
Other interesting
names and epitaphs include Robert D. Lacy, Agnes Boyce and Melvina L.M.
Poe 1805: "Sacred to the memory of Catherine Thomas who died in the year
1818. Aged 62 years." And, "Here lies the remains of Phebe Douglass, daughter
of David Croswell late of Wilkes County, Ga. Born Nov. 14, 1792, died Aug.
12, 1823. "
The accomplished
and highly regarded Madame Octavia Celeste Valentine Walker LeVert (granddaughter
of the famous George Walton, Signer of the Declaration of Independence,
daughter of Sarah Walker Walton and wife of Dr. Henry LeVert of Mobile,
Alabama) has a simple stone: "Octavia Walker LeVert born August 11,1811,
died March 12,1877". So does another prominent Augustans "L.A.R. Reab Dec.
16, 1844, July 3,1909. Father, daughter and granddaughter rest on a well
kept, flower decorated plot: "Joseph H. Milligan Aug. 8, 1861?Dec.18, 1931";
"Josie Milligan, wife of J. Marion Adams,
Jan. 31, 1904-March
24,1927.": "Arabella Walker, daughter of J.M. and J.M. Adams, February
22,1927-March 13,1927."
Among the prominent
Arsenal persons buried in the Walker family cemetery are two past commanding
officers: "Sacred to the memory of Major Nathan Hale Baden for twenty-three
years officer in the United States Array who died November 30,1836, Aged
45. Distinguished for talents and zeal as a soldier for great honor and
pure and lofty sentiments as a gentleman. He was eminently kind and courteous
in social intercourse and amiable and exemplary in his domestic relations".
"Col. Geo. W. Talcott, Ordnance Dept. U.S. died while in command of Augusta
Arsenal, June 8,1854."
The body of an
Arsenal "storekeeper" lies within the Walker plots: "The grave Of Thomas
M. Chandler, born in Lexington,
Mass. May 9th,
1801, Obt. September 1st 1836." Also, "John Leeds Tilgham died
Dec. 11, 1862 aged 25, born Sept. 30,
1837, 3rd son
of General Tench Tilgham of Talbot Co., Md., Lieut. Huger Battery Norfolk
Va. C.S.A."
One other Arsenal
soldier is buried in the Walker cemetery: "Sacred to the memory of Henry
Thompson, Ordnance
Sergeant. Born
in Johnstown Montgomery Co., New York, who 1 died 10th Sept. 1840, aged
43 years."
For many years
an old Army caisson stood in the center of the Arsenal cemetery, a silent
sentinel over the graves, which surrounded it?? mute evidence of the past,
the old, out-dated horse and buggy days. It is gone now, rusted, deteriorated
and destroyed. There it, and the marble stones which mark the graves, reminded
the passersby of the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death.
So, soundlessly,
dreamlessly, they sleep quite close to one another, Confederate and Federal,
civilians and soldiers, infants and adults. All is peace and quiet for
them. Tall trees and green grass are their constant companions in Spring,
in Summer, Autumn, and Winter. They have no more reveille, "taps", morning
nor evening guns. They are the dead; "short days ago they lived, felt dawn,
saw sunset's glow, loved and were loved, and now they lie" in quiet sleep-for
all eternity.
Unknown Unknown Sect.1
Gr.1 Row B
Unknown Unknown Sect.1
Gr.2 Row B
James Holmes,
Pvt., Co. B,
Regt. 3 , U.S.
Artillery Feb.
5, 1841 Sect.1
Gr.3 Row B
John Kelly, Pvt.,
CO. Det.,
U.S. Ordnance, Sect.1
Gr.4 Row B
P.M. Fadden, Pvt.,
CSA Sect.1
Gr.5 Row B
Thomas Hannon,
Pvt., CSASect.1
Gr.6 Row B
Unknown Sect.1
Gr.7 Row B
J.W. Doyle, Pvt.,
Co. Det.,
U.S. Ordnance Sect.1
Gr.8 Row B
John Galvin, Pvt.,
Co. Det.,
U.S. Ordnance Sect.1
Gr.1 Row C
William Holden,
Cpl., Co. Det.,
U:S. Ordnance 1925(?) Sect.1
Gr.10 Row C
James Davis, Pvt.,
Co. Det.,
U.S. OrdnanceSect.
3 Gr.1 Row A
J.A. VanLeuven,
Pvt., Co. Det., Sect.
3 Gr.2 Row A
U.S. Ordnance
Henry Carne, Pvt.,
CSA SectSect.
3 Gr.2 Row A
J.W. Guyton, Pvt.,
Co. Det. Sect.
3 Gr.1 Row D
U.S. Ordnance
James Ryan, Cpl.,
Co. D, 3d Regt.,Sect.
3 Gr.2 Row D
U.S. Cavalry
Louis Daum, Sgt.,
Co.C, 2d Regt.
U.S. Infantry Sect.
3 Gr.3 Row D
Zachary Hester,
Pvt., Co.B., 3d Regt.
U.S. Infantry
("War with Spain") Sect.
3 Gr.4 Row D
Henry Redelix,
Sgt., Co. Det.,
U.S. Ordnance Sect.3
Gr. 5 Row D
H.N. Clark, Pvt.,
Co. Det.,
U.S. OrdnanceSect.3
Gr. 1 Row E
John Guyton,Pvt.,
Det.,
U.S. Ordnance Sect
3 Gr. 2 Row E
George Lindsey,
Pvt., Co. Det.,
U.S. Ordnance Sect
3 Gr. 4 Row E
Earl Erbach, Pvt.,
Co. Det.?,
U.S. Ordnance Sect
3 Gr. 5 Row E
J. N. Cosgrove,
Cpl., Co. Det.,
U . S . Ordnance Sect
3 Gr. 6 Row E
John Dobbins,
3d Regt.,
U.S. Artillery Sect
2 Gr. 10 Row B
Adolph Hillegeist,
Sgt., Co. Det.,
U.S. Ordnance 1927 Sect
2 Gr. 2 Row C
James Lane, Pvt.,
Co. Det.,
U.S. Ordnance Sect
2 Gr. 3 Row C
Charles Dorler,
Pvt., Co. Det.,
U.S. Ordnance Sect
2 Gr. 4 Row C
Morgan Piper,
Cp1., Co. Det.,
U.S. Ordnance Sect
2 Gr. 5 Row C
Henry Guerre,
Pvt., Co. Det.,
U.S. Ordnance Sect
2 Gr. 6 Row C
James Walsh, Pvt.,
Co. Det.,
U.S. Ordnance Sect
2 Gr. 7 Row C
John W. Atkin,
Sgt., Co. Det.
U.S. Ordnance Sect.2
Gr.8 Row C
Charles E. Clark,
Pvt., Co. Det.
U.S. Ordnance Sect.2
Gr. 9 Row C
W.H. Roberts,
Pvt., Co. Det.,
U.S. Ordnance Sect
4 Gr. 2 Row A
Patrick Donoughve,
Pvt., Co. Det.
U.S. Ordnance Sect
2 Gr. 3 Row A
James Long, Pvt.
, Co. Det.,
U.S. Ordnance Sect
4 Gr. 4 Row A
Albert Duerer,
Cpl., Co. Det.
U.S. Ordnance Sect
4 Gr. 5 Row A
William Frey,
Sgt., Co. Det.
U.S. Ordnance Jan.
17, 1896 Sect
4 Gr. 6 Row A
James A. Sapp,
Pvt., Co. Det.
U.S. Ordnance Sect
4 Gr. 7 Row A
*Milledge Mills,
Cpl., Co. A, l0th Regt.
U.S.V. Inf. (Col.)Sect
4 Gr. 5 Row D
*Hugh Pollard,
Pvt., Co.C, 10th Regt.
U.S.V. Infantry
(Col.) Sect
4 Gr. 6 Row D
*W.C. Brown, Pvt.,
Co.C, l0th Regt.
U.S.V. Infantry
(Col.) Sect
4 Gr. 7 Row D
Charles Pfahler,
Commissary Sgt.,
(Retired) Feb.
5, 1926 Sect
3 Gr. 6 Row D
Harry Anthony
Duggan, U.S. Navy Dept.
March
11,1926Sect
3 Gr. 7 Row D
John Mays, Corporal,
(Retired)
U.S. Ordnance July
25,1926 Sect
3 Gr. 4 Row A
Louis Wittemer,
Corporal
(Retired, U.S.
Ordnance)March 16,1928 Sect
3 Gr. 6 Row A.
Marion A, Smith,
Sgt., (Retired)
U.S. Ordnance March
26,1928 Sect
4 Gr. 9 Row A
Hiram W. Frost,
Pvt., Co. G, 136th Regt.
Ohio Infantry
USA April
21,1933 Sect.3
Gr.2a Row A
Clifton Clary,
Pvt. Co. K,
4th Regt. U.S.
ArtilleryFeb.19,
1934 Sect
2 Gr. 5 Row B
Alfred E. Bailey,
Pvt. ; Co. D,
83rd Regt. Field
ArtilleryAug.4, 1938 Sect
2 Gr. 9 Row B
Joseph Luttringer,
Cpl.,
US Ordnance Feb.1,
1941 Sect
2 Gr. 4 Row B
George S. Pickett,
Master
Sgt., Quartermaster
Corps June 5,1948 Sect
2 G. 7 Row B
Mrs. Lilly Doyle
(wife of
J.W. Doyle) Sect
1 Gr. 9 Row B
Mrs. Jennie C.
Cosgrove (wife _of
J.W. Cosgrove) Sect
1 Gr. 10 Row B
Lucy Galvin (wife
of
John Galvin) Sect
1 Gr. 2 Row C
Fred Galvin (son
of John
J Galvin) Sect
1 Gr. 3 Row C
Nancy Kennedy
(wife of
Jackson Kennedy Sect
1 Gr. 4 Row C
Laura Kennedy
(daughter
of Jackson Kennedy) Sect
1 Gr. 5 Row C
T.A. King's infant
childSect
1 Gr. 6 Row C
Joseph E. Mays
(son of
John Mays) Sect
1 Gr. 7 Row C
Annie B. Ford
(daughter of
Patrick J. Ford) Sect
1 Gr. 8 Row C
Charles D. Mays
(son of
John Mays) Sect
1 Gr. 9 Row C
Infant of George
LindseySect
3 Gr. 3 Row ?E
Tabitha Frey (wife
of
William Frey) Sect
4 Gr. 6 Row B
"I know that my
Redeemer liveth."
Helen Grace Nunn
(infant daughter of Cpl.
Medie M. Nunn,
Ordnance Dept.) June 5,1925 Sect
2 Gr. 10 Row C
Sarah Holden (wife
of William
Holden) May
27, 1925 Sect
1 Gr. 11 Row C
Mary E. Hillegeist
(wife of
Adolph Hillegeist) March
16,1927 Sect
2 Gr. 1 Row C
Velma Grace Harrison
(child
of Pvt. Clyde
A. Harrison)Nov.20,
1927 Sect
2 Gr. 1 Row B`
Mary Louise Luttringer
(wife
of Retired Cpl.
Luttringer) Sept.1,
1932 Sect
2 Gr. 3 Row B
Marion Singleton
Smith, (wife
of retired Sgt.
Smith) July
1,1933 Sect
4 Gr. 8 Row Ai
Mrs. Bertha Agnes
Pickett ( wife
of Sgt. Geo. Pickett,
QMC,
retired Augusta
Arsenal; June 30,1926)Oct.26, 1937 Sect
2 Gr. 6 Row B
Mary Ann Berrong
(daughter of
Sgt. Willard J.
Berrong,
79th Ordnance
Co.) Aug.29,
1941 Sect
2 Gr. 8 Row B
Mrs. Louise Kennedy
Mays
(widow of Cpl.
retired U.S. Ordnance) Nov.27,
1946 Sect
3 Gr. 5 Row A
Mrs. Bertha Kennedy
Wittemer
(widow of Cpl.
Louis Wittemer,
U.S. Ordnance) June
8,1949 Sect
3 Gr. 7 Row A
* "(Col.?)" =
colored, or negro
Transcribed and web version by William R. Wells, II, Reese Library, 2000.