Christopher Thompson had temporary marker at town's 2011 commemoration ceremony
The Amherst Historical Commission on Monday night voted unanimously to approve placing a request before the Community Preservation Act Committee for $5,000 to purchase a granite marker to remember Christopher Thompson who is buried in sacred West Cemetery.
Although it is not known exactly where he is buried the marker would probably be placed next to his son Charles Thompson. Both father and son served in the 5th cavalry, a black regiment, during the Civil War, the bloodiest conflict in our entire history.
The funding request came via the newest member to the Historical Commission, retired Amherst College professor Bob Romer.
In September, 2011 Mr. Romer was instrumental in motivating the town to host a ceremony at West Cemetery to commemorate the five black soldiers buried there who fought in the Civil War, including Christopher Thompson and his son Charles.
Bob Romer, Veterans Agent Steven Connor, Reynolds Winslow, Dave Ziomek 9/18/11 
Likely image of Christopher Thompson
nice!
ReplyDeleteHow do you not know where he is buried in the cemetery? There aren't records?!?!?
ReplyDeleteFolks tended to keep track of this sort of thing because they didn't want to dig up someone else when digging graves...
Anyone consider asking the GAR?