Union Burials in Eastern Kentucky - Lawrence County

This is the second post in a series dealing with Union burials in Eastern Kentucky. It focuses on burials in Lawrence County.

Throughout the years I have received numerous inquiries regarding the burial sites of Union soldiers who died in Eastern Kentucky during the Civil War. Contrary to popular (or logical) assumption the majority of these men are not resting in Kentucky soil but were taken to Indiana to be re-interred in the New Albany National Cemetery. For a detailed explanation, please read my introduction here.

Legend
NANC = New Albany National Cemetery
Sec. = Section
# ABC/XYZ = old/new site number in New Albany National Cemetery

Note: Burial numbers without any additional information indicate unknown soldiers.

Gordon Burgess Farm

Buried in Citizens Graveyard on Gordon Burges farm, 3 miles below Peach Orchard opposite George's Creek on a ridge 1/3 mile north of Big Sandy River. Died on George's Creek but taken to opposite side of River for burial. 350 yards north East of Mr. Burges House and 60 yds North of Sycamore tree ~ Head lying west.
Two brothers, belonged to the same Regiment and Company and died the same month. Were identified by Mr. Burges who was present at burial.

# 2369 James White, Private, Co. I, 39th KY, d. January 1, 1863. ~ NANC, Sec. B, # 992/1245

# 2370 P. White, Private, Co. I, 39th KY, d. January 6, 1863. ~ NANC, Sec. B, # 993/1246

John Borders Farm

(no map)

In citizens Graveyard on Squire John Border's land 2 Miles from Peach Orchard up the river. 1/3 mile from Big Sandy River. 140 paces East of road leading from Peach Orchard to Rock Castle Creek, on side Hill, 19 1/2 paces south of Dead white oak tree and 26 paces North of Beech tree.

# 2366 Joseph Adkins, Private, Co. E, 39th KY, d. April 5, 1863. Died at John Borders' house April 5, 1863 ~ information received from Mr. Borders. ~ NANC Sec. B, # 989/1242

J. W. Hawes Farm

Buried 2 Miles west of Louisa on J. W. Hawes' farm in an old field among some citizens graves, his child is buried on right side facing west, graves marked "C" in plat are Citizens. Apple tree 15 yards N. E. of grave.

# 2457 George Willis, Private, Co. F, 39th KY Inf., d. January 12, 1865. Was murdered at his house by some robbers ~ 1 mile North West from where he was buried. His family has since moved to Ohio ~ was identified by citizens who helped to bury him. ~ His child was buried on the right side of Willis' grave, facing west.
According to his service records, he was "Killed by Rebels."  Lieutenant Augustus Kendrick, Co. F, 39th Kentucky Infantry, stated that the command was just returning from a raid on Saltville, Virginia, and that while on the march, Willis was furloughed to come by his home. He was killed by "Gurillas" on the night of January 12, 1865. Colonel George W. Gallup (14th Kentucky Infantry) who, at the time, was commander of the Military District of Eastern Kentucky, stated that George Willis was killed in the line of duty. His house was approximately 1/2 mile from camp but still within the vidette line. Gallup, with a detachment of cavalry, went in pursuit of the guilty parties who were subsequently captured. ~ NANC Sec. A, # 16/16.

Peach Orchard

Peach Orchard, Lawrence Co. Ky. 20 miles above Louisa on East side of river ~ 900 feet North East of Peach Orchard, 12 feet South of Oak tree.

# 2367 Wm. Cavens, Private, Co. C, 14th Ky Inf. Head stone marked "W. C." was identified by Citizen who was present at funeral ~ NANC Sec. B, # 990/1243

86 feet South of above ~
# 2368 Recorded as John S. Sipples, Corporal, 39th KY Inf., d. Feb. 7, 1863. Head stone marked "E. J. S." ~ was identified by a Citizen who took care of him until death and was present at funeral. (According to regimental records, this was Florentine John Sipples, Corporal, 39th KY Inf., d. Feb. 7, 1863, Peach Orchard)  ~ NANC Sec. B, # 991/1244



Helpful Sources and Links

Union Burials in Eastern Kentucky - Louisa

Roll of honor; names of soldiers who died in defense of the American union, interred in the national [and other] cemeteries. 27 volumes. (Available on Hathi Trust Digital Library)

Burial Ledgers. The National Cemetery Administration, Washington, D.C. (Original records transferred to NARA: Burial Registers, compiled 1867-2006, documenting the period 1831-2006. ARC ID: 5928352. Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1773–2007, Record Group 15. National Archives at Washington, D.C. (Available on Ancestry.com) 

Nationwide Gravesite Locator
National Cemetery Administration, US Department of Veterans Affairs

New Albany National Cemetery
New Albany, Indiana


Article researched and written by Marlitta H. Perkins, February 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication without express written notice by the author is strictly prohibited. 

Marlitta H. Perkins © 2018. All Rights Reserved