A simple presentation of a flag and cannon balls GAR Veterans Memorial
Riverside Cemetery
Mt Pleasant, Isabella County
Riverside is a moderately large cemetery and a true reflection of the community. The GAR section is located on the west side of the primary driveway going into the cemetery. Native Americans of the area served with, and now lie aside their comrades. J. J. Crowfoot and Joseph Wa Bu Jo, both from Michigan regiments, are at rest beside their old comrades; Hiram Cheney, Isaac Neal, and many more.
The surprise of seeing native names among the veterans is outweighed only by the fact that popular modern histories rarely acknowledge the instances of these men fighting for either Union or Confederate forces. In fact, about 20,000 native Americans did serve on both sides. Their choice to serve was difficult. Knowing that tribal land issues were inflamatory to citizens on each side of the Mason-Dixon line, it may be they simply hoped to have a strong voice in whatever government(s) prevailed; this, even as Union forces in the west were still attacking native tribes during the Civil War.
It is very likely that Crowfoot and Wa Bu Jo were members of Company K, 1st Michigan Sharpshooters. This force was comprised mainly of natives that answered the call of their chiefs. Saginaw Chippewa Chief Nock-ke-chick-faw-me spoke to a gathering of young native men at Detroit and stated in no un-certain terms that a Confederate win would mean "no protection for us; we shall be driven from our homes, our lands, and the graves of our friends." (1)
The instrument of surrender that was signed by Generals Grant and Lee at Appomattox was drafted by General Ely S. Parker, a member of the Seneca indian tribe. Parker, a trained attorney, was Grant's military secretary and at the outset of the war had been rejected for service because of his tribal roots.
Before signing the surrender document General Lee is reported to have said, "I am glad to see one real American here." Parker's reply, "We are all Americans."
There is no evident dedication here, or memorial tablet found, just the flag pole and stacked cannon balls.
(1) Interested in more about native Americans in uniform? Click here to read an article by Gordon Berg.
