Rhode Island Hero General Isaac Rodman Largely Forgotten Now

From the November 30, 2013, Providence (R.I.) Journal "Grave of South Kingston Civil War hero now overgrown, largely inaccessible" by Gregory Smith.

General isaac Rodman was the co-owner of a textile facory, community leader and a state senator. When the Civil War broke out he resurrected the town militia, in part by recruiting workers from his mill and then led them into battle.

He was shot in the chest and died September 30, 1862, at the Battle of Antietam, the highest-ranking Rhode Island officer killed during the war. His body came home as a hero. A funeral service was held at the Rhode Island's Statehouse and thousands viewed it.

After that, the body was returned to his home on Rocky Hill in Peace Dale in South Kingston and viewed by many more. He was buried on the Rodman family plot and a large obelisk erected.

Today, that gravesite is overgrown and largely inaccessible. The Kingston Boy Scout Troop had it cleaned and cleared for the 150th anniversary of his death, but it since has been retaken by foliage.

South Kingston has over 150 historical cemeteries with perpetual care for just 12 and none for Rodman's.

--Old Secesh