Marking Another Grave?

[Christine]

Hey, is anybody up for helping mark another grave? I first became 'acquainted' with General Frederick Lander when I researched Frederick Aiken. Lander was Aiken's contact when he served as a spy for Seward early in the war, but Lander didn't want to remain a spy. He begged for an Army position but wasn't given one, so he volunteered to serve on McClellan's staff. Finally he was given his own command and served magnificantly, but died in early 1862 from pnemonia and the lingering effects of a gunshot wound during the fall of 1861.

His widow was Jean Davenport Lander, the famous actress who John Hay had a huge crush on. At one point early in Lincoln's presidency, Jean rushed to the White House because she had overheard a plot to assassinate the president.

General Lander is buried in his mother's West family tomb in Salem Massachusetts, and his name doesn't appear anywhere at the cemetery or on the tomb. One of the 'forgotten' heroes of the Civil War. I sent an email to the cemetery suggesting that they might want to consider commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War by giving him a marker, and they agreed and asked me how soon I want to do that.

Ummmmm, not exactly what I was thinking - I was hoping they would foot the bill. . .

Here's his findagrave memorial: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi...11&df=all&

Any ideas about how I should proceed?

[DanielC]

Hi Christine,

Maybe a call to Salem's Veterans Services may be a good start. Kim Emerling is the Veterans Agent (978) 745-0883.

Best,

Dan

[LincolnMan]

Christine:
I am a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War here in Michigan. The SUVCW actively works to place GAR markers on the graves of honorably discharged Union veterans. There is a National website for the SUVCW that could be contacted. Or maybe look for a local SUVCW Camp web site in the State that the veteran is buried in. Typically, each local Camp has a Graves Registration Officer whose duties include covering what you are seeking to do- which is a wonderful thing. Hope this helps.

[Christine]

Thanks for the suggestions! I've contacted the city and we're working on those ideas.