Disposition of A.V.E. Johnston's remains
Yep--just as I discussed in posts on this board on 3/8/06, 12/8/08 and 11/11/09. Back in 2004 I undertook an in-depth study of Johnston in order to determine the mindset involved that caused him to lead his troops to such a disaster. Contemporary sources that discussed Johnston's burial stated that he is buried at National Cemetery in Jefferson City. In my research I came across a pretty obscure reference that he was buried in Monroe City. I went there, found a cemetery, then found the grave. I had half-expected to be on a wild goose chase. As it turned out, everything fell into place and I located the grave within 45 minutes of arriving in Monroe City. In advising other Centralia historians who wrote of Johnston's burial that he was in fact buried in Monroe City and not Jefferson City, I met a good bit of resistance. Turns out a photograph of a striking 140-year-old moss-covered tombstone was pretty convincing.