Soldier's grave in the woods - Elijah T. GILTNER, 1840 - 1863

GILTNER, WATKINS, LAUGHLIN, LINDSLEY

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 3/13/2006 at 17:19:18

"The Fairfield Ledger"
December 10, 1902
Page 7, Columns 4 & 5

LIBERTYVILLE.... In the woods ten miles north of Eminence and three miles south of Blue Springs, Mo., is a lonely grave and a rough limestone slab with the inscription: "R.F.G., Company F, Third Iowa Cavalry". This information was obtained from the "St. Louis Globe-Democrat"; it is quite probable that the soldier whose remains are interred in this lone grave is R. F GILTNER, a relative of Capt. S. H. WATKINS, and it will be of interest to old soldiers, especially to the sorrowing memebers of the Third Cavalry, to learn the above facts.

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"The Fairfield Ledger"
December 24, 1902
Page 7, Column 3

IT IS GILTNER'S GRAVE. It seems to be conclusively settled that the soldier whose remains are quietly resting in that lone grave mentioned in your paper a week or so since, is Elijah T. GILTNER, Company F, Third Iowa Cavalry. J. R. LAUGHLIN and others residing at this place witnessed his death.

GILTNER and others were engaged in rolling a large stone to the brow of a very steep bank, with a view of witnessing it splash in the stream below. GILTNER's revolver slipped from his belt, struck a rock, and was discharged; the ball penetrated his body, probably striking the heart, killing him instantly. The next day he was buried in this lone grave.

Charles LINDSLEY obtained a rough limestone slab and by the use of a cold chisel made the inscription: "E.T.G. Company F. Third Iowa Cavalry". This death occurred in the Ozark Mountains, and his grave is about four miles from Blue Springs. Several of his comrades reside here and remember the circumstances well.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s).