Lifting up James Battles a Civil War Veteran - Restoring Headstones - Preserving History

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  • Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
  • James Leonard Battles
    Born 30 Nov 1822 Erie County, Pennsylvania
    Passed 8 Jun 1897 Wright County, Minnesota
    Help Support Conservation Efforts via Patreon bit.ly/3KiNZDn
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    It is important to remember and respect our veterans by doing conservation work on their headstones because it honors their service and sacrifice, preserves their historical significance and cultural heritage, provides educational opportunities for current and future generations, and shows that their contributions to our nation are valued. By preserving these headstones, we ensure that their legacy is not forgotten and that future generations can learn from their sacrifices and experiences. It also demonstrates our gratitude and respect for their service to our country.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 82

  • @AdirondackRuby
    @AdirondackRuby Рік тому +45

    I really love how you include information about these peoples lives. I enjoy that even more than seeing the repairs. The names of his children were so wonderful. Keep up your wonderful work!

  • @JosephDeLuna-yj8vg
    @JosephDeLuna-yj8vg 2 місяці тому +1

    Wow! You Are Doing A Great Service To History!!!

  • @DennisThompson-oj4lu
    @DennisThompson-oj4lu Рік тому +25

    My Father is Cousin to the Brett Battles that posted above. Thank you for your care for grandpa John’s headstone and for sharing the process!

  • @brettbattles8830
    @brettbattles8830 Рік тому +71

    That's my 3rd great grandfather! His son John apparently served in the same civil war company as he did. The name James has weaved in and out of the family for a long time. In fact, my 91 year old dad is also James Battles. He was very excited to see this. I don't believe that any of our family knew about this grave before. From all of us, thank you so very much for doing this!

    • @lisatempleton987
      @lisatempleton987 5 місяців тому +6

      What a coincidence. I bet you never expected to watch a video where someone you’re not even related to you, cared enough to completely restore your 3x great-grandfather’s grave. It warmed my heart to find out that your 91 y/o father was so happy and surprised to find out about the grave. And, he has the same name as his 2x great- grandfather must be a rewarding feeling, knowing his ancestor was a civil war veteran. I can relate with your story. I am age61. My father is 90 yrs. old. His great grandfather fought in the Civil War for the Confederacy, being from TN. I never knew my grandfather. He passed before I was born. But, my great aunt used to tell me that her daddy “had a crippled hand from the war.” She was born in 1889, and my grandfather was born in 1892. She used to tell the story of their mother dying when she was only 4 yrs. old, and her sitting on her Daddy’s lap in the horse and buggy goi g to the funeral. She told us she died of “blood poisoning”. Now, they call that toxemia. She told us her daddy made molasses for a living. She told us his name, Joel Dudley Templeton. She said everyone called him “Dud”. She died in 1978. My older sister and I started doing family history/ genealogy at a young age. We interview my grandmother that lived until she was 96 yrs. old and got a wealth of information. Well, yrs. later, we found in a book at the Nashville archives that “Joel Dudley Templeton- wounded in action, deserted. It didn’t list what company he was in, only the county. Fast forward, yes. later on Ancestry, our cousin finds the “Oath of Allegiance” he signed to never fight for the Confederacy again. Evidently, he was shot in his hand, deserted his unit, and turned himself in to the Union army for treatment. I guess he knew he could fight no longer. They let him sign the document and he came home. We don’t know his military history or which battle it was. It is not on Ancestry, so that is still a mystery. Also, we found his death record, and the had his name as “Dud Templeton”. Everything my great aunt told us about her father turned out to be true. Several yrs. ago, I bought a very hard book to find out if print $250, called “Sumner CountyTennessee in the Civil War”, by Edwin L Ferguson. It has all the known soldiers and regiments they fought in, and a wealth of genealogical information in it. Joel Dudley Templeton was married to Mary Tucker Bell. We were completely shocked to find out that he also was a soldier in the Confederacy, had his regiment listed, and he was in the cavalry. I wish I could afford a membership to Ancestry.com to find out more about their military histories. I say all of this because I believe it important to get young people interested in genealogy at a young age. Encourage them to interview the oldest members of their families, including their parents. Get it on film. Now that we have iPhones, it’s so easy. After you our grandparents are dead and gone, it’s too late. And, you find out family stories and bits of information that won’t be documented anywhere else. As you can tell, genealogy is my passion. And, Brett, I am fascinated by your story. I would love to know more about your family. Thanks for the story. I enjoyed it.😊

    • @lisatempleton987
      @lisatempleton987 5 місяців тому +3

      (edited) I meant to say that Joel Dudley Templeton’s father- law W.T. Bell fought in the Civil War as well, s as nd was in a cavalry unit.

    • @deborahbolton3417
      @deborahbolton3417 3 місяці тому +1

      GodBless You All 🙏🏼🙏🏼✝️🇺🇸🫶🏼

    • @patrickgreene2345
      @patrickgreene2345 20 днів тому +1

      your family should send this nice guy a gift card for all his hard work!

  • @josephyanok302
    @josephyanok302 Рік тому +25

    This is my (4 greats) grandpa! Somehow the UA-cam short found me. Thank you so much for doing this!!!

    • @HopeNazir
      @HopeNazir Рік тому +4

      That is awesome! A very exciting moment

    • @jwall62
      @jwall62 3 місяці тому +1

      Do you know the guy who commented first that it was his 3rd great grandpa? @brettbattles8830

  • @carlbrown9082
    @carlbrown9082 Рік тому +61

    If I'd been in that funeral procession, I would have been really encouraged to see someone caring for the headstones like you do. Great work.

    • @millennialstonecleaner
      @millennialstonecleaner  Рік тому +15

      I appreciate that. It's happened again since. We were unloading tools and got set up but then sat and waited until the family left but it's nice to hear how others might see it from their perspective.

    • @carolk5770
      @carolk5770 Рік тому +2

      I agree with you Carl! 💐

    • @ambilaevus7607
      @ambilaevus7607 Рік тому +1

      My thoughts too.

    • @Lucinda_Jackson
      @Lucinda_Jackson Рік тому

      It's easy for us to say that, but we aren't in that place and time. That's a very stressful and emotional moment and most of us aren't thinking with our rational brains when grieving. I think it was the right and respectful thing to do. Very thoughtful.

    • @eileensorensen2414
      @eileensorensen2414 Рік тому

      @@Lucinda_Jackson ~ Carrying around some black tarps or sheets could be employed with greater ease.

  • @kathleendaugherty4218
    @kathleendaugherty4218 Рік тому +18

    I wish more people would show the respect that you showed to that family.

  • @loriholzer7996
    @loriholzer7996 Рік тому +5

    So much respect and admiration for what you do. We live next to a very old cemetary and youve inspired us to clean a few graves this spring. What do you use to clean?

  • @shaunachristensen3289
    @shaunachristensen3289 Рік тому +5

    I love hearing the stories of these people and the life they led. Thank you for doing that and cleaning the stones

  • @carolk5770
    @carolk5770 Рік тому +12

    God bless you for taking into consideration, the families who are there for a funeral. Love your channel! ❤

  • @gaijininja
    @gaijininja Рік тому +4

    Personally, if I saw someone doing restoration work in a cemetery as I was in a procession, I would be happy, knowing that people still care long after everyone has passed on or moved on. But I can also appreciate the respect shown to stop and hide the work during a procession.

  • @tanyathompson852
    @tanyathompson852 Рік тому +4

    I stumbled across your this video on UA-cam and I am so glad that I did.
    I believe that James is my 3rd Great Grandfather. If I have done my geology correctly.
    I would love to talk to you more about this.

  • @zachomis
    @zachomis Рік тому +3

    In my hometown there is a veterans memorial across the river to the naval academy. On some holidays I would ride my bike down there before dawn and sing or think out loud about my hopes and struggles as a teenager for some time. That memorial was a safe and supportive place when I needed to be alone, but not feel alone or without support.
    Thank you for sharing your work. I respect your use of hand tools, and the demonstration of using hand tools in a calm and powerful way. This could easily be something I do sometimes in retirement. Also see how partnership could be built with local social studies teachers, and have groups of 2-4 students earn their community service hours doing this project.

  • @bobadams1696
    @bobadams1696 Рік тому +4

    A tip to help you. Use lopping shears to cut the roots. I’ve found it easier than a saw on the size roots your cutting.

  • @paulajarman9314
    @paulajarman9314 Рік тому +7

    You do such a great job. I get a good feeling when I watch these videos.

  • @transmaster
    @transmaster 7 місяців тому +3

    Any one can get a headstone for free from VA for any veteran for any war the US fought in back to the beginning all you need is records of that service.

  • @deborahbolton3417
    @deborahbolton3417 3 місяці тому +2

    Thank you so much for saving that headstone. This shows how much you really care and I love the history you tell also God bless.💖🙏🏼✝️🌹🙏🏼

  • @JamesBattles-xg1lx
    @JamesBattles-xg1lx Рік тому +5

    Many thanks to you sir! My headstone has never looked better!

  • @DudeCommando
    @DudeCommando Рік тому +2

    Found you on UA-cam shorts. Love the channel, instant subscribe from me.

  • @anitaludovici2859
    @anitaludovici2859 Рік тому +5

    That was so compassionate and kind to stop during a grave side service. We don't find too many men like you in this world. Amazing job.

  • @priscillan9009
    @priscillan9009 Рік тому +11

    What you do is amazing.
    As curiosity, do you need special agreement with the cemetery to fix the headstones? And anyone come up and harass you while you’re digging and doing maintenance?

    • @millennialstonecleaner
      @millennialstonecleaner  Рік тому +13

      Yup you do need permission from either the family or the cemetery to do the work. In this instance the permission was granted by the cemetery. Never had anyone harass but I've had LOTS of folks come up in a positive way asking about the work and loving it.

  • @jesseleroy76
    @jesseleroy76 Рік тому +2

    What a Honorable thing you are doing for the families. Love watching your videos and learning some history. Keep it up.

  • @swordforjustice
    @swordforjustice 10 місяців тому +2

    If the marker is damaged like that from lawn mowers, you can contact the VA and request it to be replaced with a new one.

  • @geraldblackburn4883
    @geraldblackburn4883 11 місяців тому +2

    Thank You Sir, for this restoration !

  • @Paulie1232
    @Paulie1232 Рік тому +4

    Beautiful job 👏

  • @TheTruckdriver999
    @TheTruckdriver999 Рік тому +2

    Good man doing respectable work well done
    Find it calming viewing

  • @conmckfly
    @conmckfly Рік тому +2

    What solution do you use to clean the headstones? Thank you for taking care of these stones. Very special.

  • @victoriataylor2594
    @victoriataylor2594 Місяць тому +1

    I'm honored to know you through your videos. You are a very respectful, kind person. ❤

  • @GS-xt8fu
    @GS-xt8fu 23 дні тому +1

    He was a hero in my book thank you for that respect. You are as well

  • @russell-di8js
    @russell-di8js Місяць тому +1

    Thank you for your service! Respect will never be old fashioned. uk

  • @vermontvermont9292
    @vermontvermont9292 Рік тому +1

    Try an iron removal spray from the detail section of AutoZone. That might help clean it up. Maybe? I really appreciate the work you do. You're saving history. Every time I watch your videos I'm reminded of a scene. The very end of the movie 'Gangs of New York ' . As the cemetery slowly gets covered, and you can watch as the city behind it moves further into the future. Makes you wonder, will many of the cemeteries I visit today be completely lost to history? Will my tombstone? Again, thank you for all you're doing.

  • @stevejohnstonbaugh9171
    @stevejohnstonbaugh9171 11 місяців тому +1

    Using a geogrid foundation under these monuments is a really good idea. I'll suggest you make is SOP especially considering all of the labor and materials you put into excavation and resetting. 👍 You can likely buy gravel by the 5 gallon bucket from a bulk landscape supply yard than you can buy bagged gravel at a big box store. This stone needs a hit of quaternary ammonia to bleach out the mineral stain and clean the exposed top - in my opinion.

  • @Derpy_Crow
    @Derpy_Crow 10 місяців тому +2

    I love this channel. It’s bittersweet.

  • @sandrahayes6196
    @sandrahayes6196 Рік тому +2

    Thanks for all u do God bless u

  • @anitaludovici2859
    @anitaludovici2859 8 місяців тому +1

    Wonderful work as always and such respect for the funeral coming in. You're the best. Wonderful work.

  • @martihetrick609
    @martihetrick609 3 місяці тому +1

    Love the way you are doing things for our passed away people

  • @billbucktube
    @billbucktube Рік тому +1

    I like it! Do you have a video where you raise and/or level a ground level stone? We have four stones that need adjusting.

  • @josephschmidt4157
    @josephschmidt4157 Рік тому +1

    Awesome work my friend! Salute to the Veteran! Thankyou for your service sir.

  • @valerielewis6037
    @valerielewis6037 6 місяців тому +2

    Thank you

  • @melissagregoire9278
    @melissagregoire9278 10 місяців тому +1

    Love What you're doing!😂🎉

  • @Gretchen-vh9xt
    @Gretchen-vh9xt 11 місяців тому +1

    I bet he would be amazed that nearly 100 years later a young man would do this for him. Thank you.

  • @thecottage4493
    @thecottage4493 Рік тому +1

    I love your videos! I have a few questions:
    What size gravel are you using?
    How long are the legs of your tripod?
    What gear are you using for filming and editing?

  • @kimmie2044
    @kimmie2044 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for the amazing work you are doing😊

  • @davidblanks7089
    @davidblanks7089 11 днів тому

    There is a cemetery in Irondale Missouri that everyone has forgotten and is old. I remembered as a kid when the tracks. I walked saw headstones laying beside them.

  • @krispipermel
    @krispipermel 11 місяців тому +1

    nice work ,in new zealand we aren't aloud to touch head stones ,without family permission ,which can be hard if theres no family to contact,not even clean them.

    • @millennialstonecleaner
      @millennialstonecleaner  11 місяців тому +1

      Yes getting permission is always required and from whom very much depends on the laws of the area you live in. Here in the US, the family can provide it always, and sometimes the cemetery officials can. Certainly can be a very tricky issue.

  • @nanamonster9233
    @nanamonster9233 Місяць тому

    I'm glad I found your channel. I'm a 70 yr old lady who cleans stones. I went down to my grandma's today and her stone is sinking out of sight. Same with a couple of other family members. I need to make some kind of base for them so they won't sink again. What would you recommend?? Also, what is the rope caulk you use to adhere the stones together? I found Grandma's and my Uncle's stones are together but will move really easily from their bases. Thanks for the help.

  • @michelmoss7559
    @michelmoss7559 3 місяці тому

    Going out to lift my brother’s and my son’s stones this week, wanted to look over some of your videos first. Thank you for all you do.

  • @kristinfrazee2097
    @kristinfrazee2097 4 місяці тому

    Had I been in that funeral procession are part of the family I would have known for certain that I was Burying my loved one in the right place knowing someone like you will be there to look after them❤

  • @VangoghsDoggo
    @VangoghsDoggo 3 місяці тому

    I saw a guy mowing a local cemetery, he didn't care what he hit. He had a big zero turn. On of my family stones was hit on the corner when the cemetery changed to a new sexton. That stone has been there for 100 years and never hit until then. The sexton previous to the new one was the last in a line of a family that took care of the cemetery for 4 generations.

  • @pigskinfanboy
    @pigskinfanboy Рік тому +1

    I wonder if a long handled pair of pruning shears would work better than the bow saw ? Just a thought. Love what you’re doing !

    • @millennialstonecleaner
      @millennialstonecleaner  Рік тому +3

      They would have, agreed, I ran home to grab the saw was just the first thing I found. I now carry a small folding pruning saw with me just because it is compact and light weight.

  • @Lisabrrj
    @Lisabrrj 4 місяці тому

    Question: when you're digging, how do you know you're not going to find the casket?

  • @mikey29211
    @mikey29211 Місяць тому

    Have you ever received flak from cemetery board of trustees?

  • @petestsck7774
    @petestsck7774 Рік тому

    Funny I was going to ask if I could clean up the stones. In my area

  • @tommymonroe8706
    @tommymonroe8706 2 місяці тому

    Terrific job there! Best wishes.

  • @crystalcorbett1705
    @crystalcorbett1705 Рік тому

    U did an amazing job …do u do this for fun or for pay

  • @GS-xt8fu
    @GS-xt8fu 23 дні тому

    Great job my man

  • @YOYODIET-lw1mh
    @YOYODIET-lw1mh Місяць тому

    Thank you

  • @gerbrand8132
    @gerbrand8132 6 днів тому

    👍

  • @user-27nuci
    @user-27nuci 9 місяців тому

    😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮

  • @longgone9869
    @longgone9869 Рік тому

    It’s very considerate of you to give your time but if I might make a suggestion placing a wider base under the stone would help prevent it from sinking again. Something as simple as a concrete patio square. Stone of that weight of standing on such a narrow footprint, it can’t help but settled into the ground overtime

  • @Smiglett11
    @Smiglett11 2 місяці тому

    💜💜

  • @Owlshead110
    @Owlshead110 Рік тому

    Your work is such a kindness. How does one find information about those that are buried in any cemetery? I am so curious about that.

  • @SpartanTrees
    @SpartanTrees Рік тому

    Is there anything specific you use to clean headstones? I'm volunteering as a grounds keeper at the local cemetery, and all they have is water and a brush. Any info helps. Thanks.

  • @BrandedBadger
    @BrandedBadger 3 місяці тому

    Hello sir. I just stumbled across a video showing John Bonham’s headstone and gravesite. His headstone looks absolutely horrible and frankly it’s beyond wrong. I was wondering if you could use your platform to try to get awareness out to somebody that lives in England that can help.