The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Monday, February 13, 2012

The Civil War in Huntley, Illinois

From the April 19, 2011, Huntley (Il.) Patch "Marking the Civil War Sesquicentennial: by Nancy Bacheller.

Fifty-five soldiers from Huntley served in the war and some of their graves are now in the Huntley Cemetery, located on Dean Street in the village.

Three of those were the first village president was John Cummings who had a brother named Willard.  Thomas S, Huntley, son of town founder Thomas S. Huntley. 

On April 18th, Laurel Mellien, local cemetery art specialist made a presentation to the Kishwaukee Trail Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution called "The Art of Civil War Commemoration" explaining the significance and symbolism found on badges, monuments and headstones.

If you find crossed swords, that means the person was an officer who died in battle.  Should you see a mourning cloth draped on a decorative cannon, that means the man was in the artillery.  You would find a Confederate flag on the gravestone of one who fought for the South.

Many veterans have unadorned government-issued headstones and these can be found in great numbers in cemeteries throughout the US.  (If these have a rounded top, it means Union service.  Pointed ones indicate Confederate service.)  Sometimes families used these as foot stones.

More to Come.  --Old Secesh

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