the oldest gravestones in our cemetery
The three non-military gravestones in the cemetery all have the last name Parker. They are all relatives of David Parker, who was one of Timbuctoo’s first settlers in 1826, and who was arguably the most prominent member of the Timbuctoo community for several decades. His first wife, Eliza Parker, died in 1847. He second wife, Matilda, died in 1870. There is also a stone for his son Frisby, who died in 1872. The first US Colored Troops' gravestone is also from the early 1870s, but clearly, the cemetery was in operation before the Civil War broke out in 1861.
Gravestone photos courtesy of Sue Melnick Fajgier and Holly Draycott
Eliza Parker
The inscription reads:
ELIZA PARKER
Died Sep. 1847
In the 44th year of her age
Matilda Parker
The inscription reads:
MATILDA
wife of David Parker
Died March 1, 1870
Aged 69 years
Frisby Parker
The inscription reads:
FRISBY
son of David Parker
Married Oct. 20, 1872
Died June 26, 1873
aged 45 years
US Colored Troops' gravestones in our cemetery
Three United States Infantry (USCI) regiments of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) and one state Colored Troop are represented among the soldiers buried here: 22nd USCI, 6th USCI, 29th USCI and 29th Connecticut Infantry (Colored). Most of these soldiers mustered into service at Camp William Penn near Philadelphia to serve for a three-year enlistment. They served as Privates, Corporals, and Sergeants in various companies. Most were free-born; some could read and write, but all were eager to fight for freedom and citizenship. Charles Love also enlisted in the Regular Army after the Civil War and served until 1894.
See hyperlinks to each soldier's biography in the captions.
Charles H. Love
William H. Davis
Theophilus W. Pinion
Louis Armstrong
John Johnson