Crossed swords are often see on the gravestones of veterans, especially officers and symbolizes that the deceased died in battle.
G. A. R. – stands for Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization for men who fought and were honorably discharged from the Union Army during the Civil War.
On Capt. Curtis’s head stone we find quite a bit of information. His rank, his regiment and state served from, where he died in battle and date and his age at death.
Capt. D. K. Curtis of the 11 REG ONG fell at Mission Ridge, Tenn. November 25, 1863. Aged 23 years, 11 months, 17 days.
John S. Downs was a Civil War Union Army Officer. He served during the Civil War as Captain and commander of Company B, 4th New York Volunteer Infantry. He was killed at the Battle of Antietam during his regiment’s participation in the Union assault on the Sunken Road. His name is inscribed on the 4th New York Infantry Monument that stands in the Antietam National Cemetery, and on the New York State Monument in the Antietam National Battlefield.
Captain Downs died on September 17, 1862 at the age of 38.
Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located at 118 Woodland Avenue off of Brown Street near the UD Campus. The Woodland Office is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm. The Cemetery and Arboretum are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The Mausoleum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Fore more information call 937-228-3221 or visit the Woodland website.
