I have ancestors in the 3rd LA Inf., Company C Winn Rifles, 3 Cockerham brothers, all Privates from Winn Parish, LA. One brother, Benjamin Cockerham, died of Measles at Fort Smith, AR in June 1861 not long after the 3rd LA arrived from New Orleans by way of Little Rock, AR. A 2nd brother, Henry was killed at the "Bloody Oak Hill" in the battle of Wilson Creek, MO, and the 3rd brother, William made it thru the Vicksburg seige and lived thru the War to carve out a life after.

I have both Regimental histories on the 3rd LA Inf,("Tunnard's Southern Record & Life in the Confederate Army by Watson") and both are excellent. The 3rd LA Inf. was one of the BEST fighting Units from LA and recognized by the wartime Governor with a celebration In Shreveport as well as the large Oblisk Monument erected and visible still today in downtown Vicksburg not far from the Old Courthouse Museum. Many refer to it as the "Louisiana Monument" but it is originally dedicated to the 3rd LA.

Inside the Military Park is found the giant 3rd Louisiana Redan named for this Unit and the scene of the Yanks mining under and exploding it. The 3rd LA Redan was next to Louisiana Troop and Division Gen. Hebert's Headquarters and within sight of today's towering Louisiana State Monument. It also provided a view of the final surrender site which I'm sure gave the 3rd LA a dramatic climax to their seige. The 3rd LA are certainly worthy of our remembrance.

I have a couple questions:
1) Does anyone know of the specific site of the 3rd LA campsite near Fort Smith where the measles epidemic might have produced a graveyard/burials?? The Regimental history describes it as "about 3 miles south of town on a ridge on the border with Indian Terrritory and next to the Poteau Creek" which was a tributary of the Arkansas River running thru Fort Smith.

2) Does anyone have info on how the dead from Wilson Creek were dealt with?? Were they taken home with the retreat or buried nearby? Any remaining evidence of burials?

3)Finally does anyone have info on Cockerham family burials in Winn Parish, LA ?