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Veteran Affairs

2008-02-01 10:12:00

Why do some Civil War veterans not have a headstone

When visiting my father’s grave in a small country cemetery I noticed some Civil War veterans do not have a proper headstone, why is this?

Last November I wrote about trying to find the date of death for Michael Switzer of Halstead, Kansas. Michael was a Civil War veteran, living in Halstead, KS. His service was not long, from February 13, 1865 to August 5, 1865. He was discharged at Jordan’s Springs, VA. Private Switzer’s grave has a pauper’s marker. I could not find any record of his death through the mortuary, local veterans organizations and local government. Jane Jones, Archivist, Harvey County Historical Museum was able to find the obituary notice for Michael. Also I would like to thank John Jackson who found the unmarked grave while doing a database of Civil War veterans buried in Kansas. Private Michael Switzer late of Company E, 150th Regiment of the Indiana Infantry died on November 18, 1922. The newspaper notice stated the following: SUDDEN DEATH OF A VETERAN—Michael Switzer Expires Morning at the Home of His Son Frank. -- Michael Switzer died at the home of his son Frank, while seated in his chair, about 8:30 Saturday morning. He had a slight indisposition the day before and a physician was called but he was able to be up and about the house as usual when the end came without notice. He partook of his breakfast at the regular time and while engaged in conversation with Mrs. Switzer his life passed out. His son Frank, who is a Night Watchman, was sleeping in an adjoining room and he was hurriedly called but nothing could be done. Michael Switzer was born at Crawfordsville, Ind. June 24, 1843 and therefore in his eightieth year at the time of his death. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the 150th Indiana Volunteers. In 1867 he was married to Miss Theresa Strawn who passed this life in 1880. From this union eight children were born, all of whom except Frank, had preceded the father to the great beyond. He was again married in 1881 to Miss Jennie Nichols at Trenton, Mo., who died in 1916, having two children, Claude Switzer of Kansas City, Mo., and Mrs. Ray Wilbur of Kansas City, Kans., both of whom were here for the funeral. He also left one brother, William Switzer of Topeka, Kans., who also attended the funeral. The deceased suffered the loss of his eyesight about ten years ago and since that time had been making his home with the children, for the past three years he had been with his son Frank. The funeral was held Monday afternoon from the Chapel at the Cheatum & Nelligan Undertaking Parlors and was conducted by Rev. P.C. Herbert, of the Methodist Church. The pall bearers were chosen from among the member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, in which organization Frank has taken an active part. Interment was made in the City Cemetery. Now that we have a date of death, we can request a government headstone so that Michael’s grave can be properly marked. Of course there still is some paperwork to do. The cemetery must approve of the marker, and since it is an older part of the cemetery it will be an upright stone and then the monument company must sign that they will accept delivery of the marker. Then the request will be submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Delivery we hope will be prior to next Memorial Day and in time to get the marker set. The fee to set the marker will be about $200.00, but that is the easy part. Getting the correct information and waiting was the hard part. Private Michael Switzer served his country, he deserved more than a pauper’s stone. Franklin C. Bergquist, SFC U.S. Army Retired