Life on the Civil War Research Trail

I received an email from Darren A. Deskin, Director of the Lockport Cemetery in Lockport, Ill., who watched the video of Sgt. George Theodore Hyatt of the 127th Illinois Infantry, who volunteered for the deadly assault, known as a Forlorn Hope, against the formidable defenses of Vicksburg on May 22, 1863. You a see the video here: https://youtu.be/uWWtuWzZ3YM?si=xmOdY...

Darren noted:

As Paul Harvey used to say, “and now the rest of the story”.

Records show that Theodore Hyatt and his family lived in Lockport, IL as early as 1885. Our cemetery records show that his son, George Theodore Hyatt, Jr., was buried in Lockport in 1886. His death is what prompted the Hyatt's to purchase a 6 grave lot in the Lockport Cemetery. Theodore Hyatt lived until 1900 and was buried in the Lockport Cemetery. The original stone, seen below, was on his grave until 1998. It was replaced in 1998 by the Veteran's Administration. It was replaced with the white marble stone also seen below.

Hyatt and his wife were disinterred in 1999 and transferred to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. My understanding is that Hyatt was one of the first, if not the first, veterans buried at Abraham Lincoln. The 1998 stone remains in our cemetery as a cenotaph.

Approximately a year ago I found the original stone in a corner of a garage at the cemetery. It was covered by old fertilizer bags, 5 gallon buckets and the like. I recall saying to myself, "what's that doing here". At the Memorial Day 2025 ceremony in front of the Veterans Memorial at the Lockport City Hall I thought it might be appropriate to place the original stone in the Memorial. After doing some research I changed my mind.

George Theodore Hyatt moved with his family when he was a teenager to Gardner, IL. Prior to the Civil War he was a teacher in Missouri, When called upon to volunteer he returned to Gardner, IL and enlisted into the 127th Illinois. Knowing this I decided it was more appropriate to present the original tombstone to the Village of Gardner.

On June 21, 2025 I presented the original stone to the Gardner American Legion and the Village of Gardner. Pictured with the stone is Jonathan Hyatt, 4th Great Grandson of George Theodore Hyatt. He is a nephew of the Kim Hyatt whom you mention in your video. You can see that the condition of the stone is that it is a little beat up. Lawnmower blade marks can be seen on the stone. The Gardner American Legion has found a monument company in Pontiac that will restore the stone at no cost.

The original stone is to be dedicated at the Gardner Veteran's Memorial on Memorial Day 2026. It is expected that several descendants of George Theodore Hyatt will be present. I will be part of the ceremony giving the history of the stone. George Theodore Hyatt was the only Medal of Honor recipient in Will County, IL when he was buried in the Lockport Cemetery. He remains the only Medal of Honor recipient buried in Will County. Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery is in Will County, IL.

1 month ago | [YT] | 9

Life on the Civil War Research Trail

Thanks to @barbaramichiels5503 for asking about recommended books. I have two lists to share:

"The best books about life during the American Civil War by those who experienced it," which I shared on Shepherd: shepherd.com/best-books/the-american-civil-war-by-…

"Five Best: Ronald S. Coddington on Civil War Nurses" in the Wall Street Journal (subscription required): www.wsj.com/articles/five-best-ronald-s-coddington…

I have plenty more first person books scattered about my notes and referenced in the videos!

Ron

2 months ago | [YT] | 60

Life on the Civil War Research Trail

August Highlights: Life on the Civil War Research Trail

Hey all, you students of the Civil War know that the past speaks—through letters, newspaper reports, postwar reminiscences, and photographs and other art. Thanks to YouTube's monthly metrics, I'm pleased to share what resonated most with you on the channel.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU BACK (Top Return-Viewer Favorites)
—Confederate Gen. Harry Heth on Why the South Failed at Gettysburg: https://youtu.be/sED4sio2ESY?si=Dvv61...
—General Longstreet’s 18-Year-Old Courier Tells His Gettysburg Story: https://youtu.be/96v1uqbfXE0?si=GYmf1...
—Artillery Colonel E. Porter Alexander Recounts His Role at Pickett’s Charge: https://youtu.be/Liy3sPFmvLk?si=myx5M...

WHERE YOU LINGERED LONGEST (Highest Average Percentage Viewed)
—Three Bullets at Gettysburg—and a Medal of Honor: https://youtu.be/OyiFCwb1eTU?si=cXVeF...
—John B. Hood Replies to a Letter from James Longstreet about Gettysburg: https://youtu.be/lP0CMfi-aRM?si=tiQnv...
—A Forlorn Hope, A Ditch Too Far, and a Medal of Honor: https://youtu.be/gqqKIBRQJos?si=Ulzlg...

NEW VIEWERS (Top New-Viewer Favs)
—Confederate Gen. Harry Heth on Why the South Failed at Gettysburg: https://youtu.be/sED4sio2ESY?si=Dvv61...
—General Longstreet’s 18-Year-Old Courier Tells His Gettysburg Story: https://youtu.be/96v1uqbfXE0?si=GYmf1...
—A Confederate Colonel Pays Tribute to Chamberlain and the 20th Maine at Little Round Top: https://youtu.be/ybXQo1Th3UU?si=fzxSB...

Thanks, as always, for watching, sharing, and leaving your feedback. If there’s a letter, diary, or battlefield voice you’d like to hear next month, let me know!

2 months ago | [YT] | 242

Life on the Civil War Research Trail

A milestone moment today: 40K subscribers! A heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for subscribing and following the channel. Your subscriptions, comments, questions, and other feedback inspire me.

Onward!

With sincere thanks,
Ron

4 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 245

Life on the Civil War Research Trail

If you watched the video about the unusual document filed by Sharpsburg resident Samuel Cramer for damages to his home and property following the Battle of Antietam (https://youtu.be/2a_PB92f91I?si=olGDh..., I'm please to share an update: This morning, I donated the original to the Sharpsburg Museum of History. I was joined by Jim and Phyllis Edwards, who had owned the document for 30 years, Museum Director Ed Beeler, and the mayor, vice mayor and board. I was not expecting such a turnout! More than anything, I am delighted the document has been returned to its new caretakers in Sharpsburg to share with current and future citizens, and other visitors. We missed the presence of Steve Cowie, who played an important role contributing his knowledge.

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7 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 85

Life on the Civil War Research Trail

A big thanks to everyone who turned out for the Lincoln Assassination tour led by guide extraordinaire Jim Garrett. He regaled us with stories recounting the events leading up to the murder of President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theater. Jim's knowledge and passion was evident in every word. Many thanks, Jim! He's is pictured here, second from left, as everyone was leaving at the end of an intriguing afternoon on the streets of Washington, D.C. I appreciate all who attended, including those not pictured here. Thanks for keeping history alive!

9 months ago | [YT] | 130

Life on the Civil War Research Trail

Lincoln Assassination Sites In D.C. Free Tour, March 8, 2025

I invite all subscribers to this channel to join me for a free walking tour exploring the sites tied to President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in Washington, D.C. Rain or shine, we’ll meet at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 625 Pennsylvania Ave. NW—the site of Mathew Brady’s famous studio, just steps from the National Mall.

Leading our journey is Jim Garrett, senior guide and trainer for Unscripted Tours, who will take us deep into the dramatic events of April 14, 1865. Follow in the footsteps of John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators, visiting where Booth lived, secured a horse, and where key figures played their roles. We’ll also stop at Ford’s Theatre, the Surratt boarding house, and the Petersen house, where Lincoln drew his final breath.

In town for the D.C. Antique Photo, Postcard & Civil War Shows (March 9)? This is the perfect pre-show adventure! We’ll finish early enough for you to grab dinner and browse dealer rooms.

For details, contact Ron Coddington at militaryimages@gmail.com, via Facebook message, or text/voice at 703-568-1616.

Learn more about the D.C. Antique Photo, Postcard & Civil War Shows: antiquephotoshow.com/

Don’t miss this captivating journey into history—I look forward to seeing you there!

9 months ago | [YT] | 28

Life on the Civil War Research Trail

Thanks to all who reported the audio issue for today's Henry Wirz story. Apologies! The buffering escaped my notice during the recording, and I was traveling on magazine business today which delayed my redo. Thanks for your patience. Here is the new version: https://youtu.be/_kNFk4KzcyA

1 year ago | [YT] | 13

Life on the Civil War Research Trail

The channel has hit a milestone: 25K subscribers!

I am truly grateful for the feedback, encouragement, and ongoing support of this channel. From the beginning, our mission has been to showcase, interpret and preserve images and stories of those who participated in the Civil War. As a token of my appreciation, please use the promo code YOUTUBE to save 25% on anything in the Military Images store: shopmilitaryimages.com/

1 year ago | [YT] | 218

Life on the Civil War Research Trail

Pleased to share a new playlist: Civil War nurses. Hope you find these stories of intrepid women of interest. www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

1 year ago | [YT] | 15