The Tennessee in the Civil War Message Board

Shiloh National Cemetery may have missing body

While doing Camp Chase research other items sometimes appear. And also from doing Chase research I have found many tombstones that exist for National Cemeteries that have no bodies at the National Cemeteries. Such is the probable case with the grave 1639 at the Shiloh National Park. Shiloh National Cemetery Park insinuates a private M.J. Gibbons of Company H 46th Ohio Volunteer Infantry rest under or near the mentioned tombstone. He may have at one time however using secondary sources this item appeared from the Columbus, Ohio, newspaper the Ohio State Journal dated May 17, 1862.

"Soldier's Funeral.- The body of M.J. Gibbons, a member of Captain Lilley's company , 46th Regiment , who was killed at Pittsburg Landing on the second day of the fight , arrived at 3 a.m. this morning. The funeral , which will be attended by the military companies of the city, will take place from Bigelow Chapel on Sunday, at 3 p.m. Mr. G. was 23 years of age, and worked with his father in this city, at plow making. He was an industrious young man, and gave promise of usefulness as a citizen. He was shot through the head during the battle of the 7th of April, and died almost instantly, thus offering his life a sacriface to his country. "

And from the same newspaper two days later, dated May 19, 1862

"Soldier's Funeral- The funeral of M.J. Gibbons, of Captain Lilley's company, 46th Regiment, was largely attended by both military and civilians. The ""Columbus Vedettes,"" ""Columbus Cadets,"" and the ""Young American Zouaves,"" paid honor to the fallen soldier. The funeral services took place at Bigelow Chapel, and Rev. Mr. See preached an able and eloquent discourse from the words-""There is but a step between me and death."" The remains were buried in Green Lawn Cemetery, with full military honors."

Many members of the 46th Ohio were from Central Ohio. Also there is a tombstone for Private M.J. Gibbons at the Green Lawn Cemetery to this day.

Messages In This Thread

Shiloh National Cemetery may have missing body
Re: Shiloh National Cemetery may have missing body