If you are a frequent reader of my blog then you have read the story of Major Gilliland/Gildon/Bates. He ran away from his plantation in Lauderdale County, TN and joined the United States Colored Troops. After months of wondering if Major really did have David Gilliland as his owner this was proved to me by taking a look at Major’s Civil War troops records where he listed Mr. Gilliland as his owner and Lauderdale County, TN as his home.
Yesterday I was out in Lauderdale County, TN doing some genealogy research and I decided to go and see if I could find Major’s grave. I had found an application completed by his wife to get him a military headstone so I was confident that he had a headstone and would be easy to find. Needless to say he was more than easy to find! He was right at the front of the cemetery along with his descendants.
Major Bates Grave
Major’s story is a remarkable one. He escaped from slavery and somehow he made it to Kentucky. Ripley, TN is located right on the Mississippi River and the town he made it to in Kentucky is located on the Mississippi River as well. I’d like to think that he somehow caught a ride up the river. What I am curious about is why his brother William did not join him, but that’s another story for another day. Although his headstone was no longer standing upright I am glad that it is still in one piece and it is in a cemetery that appears to be somewhat taken care of.
– Tiffany
Source: Photo My Own
Distant History 