Daniel Dillard, War of 1812 Veteran

Today I want to take an opportunity to display cemeteries and gravesites of importance to our families. The first tombstone I have selected is that of Daniel Dillard, my husband's 4th great-grandfather on his mother's side.

Daniel Dillard, comes from a family with a proud history of military service. His father, Osborne Dillard, served in the Revolutionary War with the 4th Regiment, Williams Company, under the command of Colonel Thomas Polk for the North Carolina Continental Line. Daniel was a Private in the United States Army during the War of 1812. He served in the 3rd Regiment (Copeland's), William Hodge's Company, of the West Tennessee Militia.

Daniel was born 15 Apr 1786 in Chatham County, North Carolina. He died 06 May 1875 in Smith County, Tennessee. Daniel's resting place is located in Dillard Cemetery, in Ferguson Hollow, near Chestnut Mound, Smith County, Tennessee. Chestnut Mound is an unincorporated area about 50 miles east of Nashville.

What is particularly striking about Daniel's final resting place is that the cemetery is now on private land, and is in need of maintenance and care. However, even though the cemetery is in disrepair, the local VFW was able to procure a new tombstone for Daniel. It is a wonderful thing that even though 135 years have passed since Daniel passed away, we continue to honor soldiers in remote areas with tombstones befitting their position as defenders of the nation.

 

This is Daniel's new tombstone, provided by the local VFW.

Dillard Cemetery, near Chestnut Mound Cemetery. It is currently

abandoned and on private land. The owner has requested that

if anyone is interested, they are welcome to maintain the cemetery.