Comments on: McGavock Cemetery

By: Chris Evans

Chris Evans — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:13:11 +0000

Very nice videos. ‘Going Home’ by Mary Fahl is especially moving. I have always been fascinated by the Battle of Franklin. I find it such a tragic and horrendous battle.

I would highly recommend to you the novels by Howard Bahr- ‘The Black Flower’, ‘The Year of Jubilo’, and ‘The Judas Field’. The first and the last are especially evocative about the Battle of Franklin and the meaning of the war to the South.

I had ancestors who were in the 3rd Mississippi which was really torn up during the battle.

The brave soldiers from both sides who fought and died at Franklin should never be forgotten.

Thank you,
Chris Evans
Biloxi MS

By: Maureen Rousseau

Maureen Rousseau — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:44:29 +0000

I was fortunate enough to be able to walk through the cemetery earlier this year. It was a cold, windy, overcast day and so quiet. I felt a sense
of peace in spite of being in a place where so many victims of terrible carnage were buried. Reading about war had never bothered me until I read “Widow of the South” and learned how the tactics of war at that time insured that many many men would be killed. The cemetery is a reminder that in spite of the horrors of war, there are people like Carrie McGavock who tried to do some good by making sure that young men were buried with their own. The cemetery is a hallowed place and all generations of Americans who visit it should come away feeling proud of the young men buried there and all young men who have given their lives in all wars.

By: sharon alberque

sharon alberque — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:12:54 +0000

both videos break my heart each in its own particular way. the first as if lamenting a loved one lost. the second the voice and longing of the soldier sacraficed. after reading Widow of the South, i can picture it all…

By: Elaine Everett Shelton

Elaine Everett Shelton — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:17:11 +0000

Both videos were beautiful and moving, however I like “Going Home” the best. I just found out last year that my gg grandfather, Asa Minor Laney, was killed at the Carter Cotton Gin and reburied at the McGavock Confederate Cemetery. (Row 25, #51.) It was my great honor to have been able to visit the cemetery and tour the beautiful Carnton last week. Equally as great an honor to have Eric Jacobson actually take us on the tour of the beautiful McGavock home and present a riveting, beautiful narrative of the events as they unfolded there. I can tell you that I actually got “goosebumps” standing in the home and listening to his story – you could close your eyes and easily imagine the scenes of the war taking place inside the house. The grounds and the cemetery are beautiful beyond words. I felt such a peace standing there among those brave and tortured souls’ graves, knowing they also were at peace to have been so well cared for. Everyone who has ever had anything to do with the preservation of Carnton deserves a deep heartfelt “Thank You”.
Also a special thank you to Eric who cares so much about the cemetery and Carnton and the battle of Franklin and has written two great books on the subject, which I treasure. I still wonder about another Laney buried there. On the roster, he is listed as J. Laney, (Row 25, #61) He is also listed as being from the same county in Mississippi, but in “D” Company, but also in the 5th Reg. I was sure he was also a relative, but can find no information about anyone else in our family being killed in Franklin. Does anyone know his first name? Thanks to everyone again for a wonderful visit to Franklin and an experience at Carnton that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Elaine Everett Shelton, Whitehouse, Texas

By: Bill Wayne

Bill Wayne — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:40:08 +0000

Is there a way to replace markers that are difficult to read? My reenactment unit is interested in our company’s captain who is buried there (Co I, 3rd & 5th MO Inf).

By: Eric A. Jacobson

Eric A. Jacobson — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:19:22 +0000

Bobbie, You may have helped answer a question many of us have had for many years. You may be aware that the only identification for Grave #265 is Dr. J. F. S. There was never any indication in the original list of the dead which unit this person was associated with. Please contact me at Carnton at 615-794-0903 as I would love to talk to you about this and get Dr. Smith’s name entered into the record once and for all. Thank you. Eric

By: Bobbie (Ellis) Ford

Bobbie (Ellis) Ford — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:41:16 +0000

I do not understand why my great, great grandfather is not listed as being buried in the cemetery. He is buried in the Mississippi Section #39, grave # 265, 30th Mississippi-Brantly’s Brigade. My ancestor is Dr. Joseph F. Smith or J.F. Smith. How can he be added? This wonderful man was a doctor and also gave his life for his country.

By: Suzzie

Suzzie — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 08:05:31 +0000

Hi folks..
I have a passion with Carnton. My GGfather was born there. That place is special. I want to go back to see it now that its all fancy.

Suzzie

By: Paul Lindner

Paul Lindner — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 04:14:55 +0000

My wife and I just visited Carnton Plantation for the second time in 20 yrs.Alot has changed since our first visit.Carnton and the cemetery are truly Historical treasures.I would like to know more historical facts about Carnton,such as where were the stables or coach house located.?? Are there any slaves buried on the property.??What if anything has been found in Excavations of the grounds??On our tour,the house was dark inside.I really think more light needs to be let in.I to like the “GOING HOME”. version better.I’m reading the book about Carrie now. What a caring and beautiful lady she was.She”s resting in peace with her boy’s.

By: Steven Robertson

Steven Robertson — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:35:12 +0000

Both versions are beautiful, but I have to say I prefer the Going Home version. The words and music just seem to fit the sight of the cemetery better.