I spent the first 18 years of my life just over a mile Northeast of here, and had no idea this cemetery was here until I saw it on google maps. Once here and I hid the cache, I explored and spotted a marker for Col Wm S Brooks on the ground near the west edge of the cemetery. I was even more surprised once I got home to discover the history of Col Brooks. The state of his marker is a shame.
"KILLED -- At Big Creek, near Helena, Ark., on the 26th of July, 1864, Col. Wm. S. Brooks, of this county. He was born in Butler County, Ohio, Sept. 4th, 1839, emigrated with his parents to Iowa in the spring of 1846. . . . He entered the service as a private of the 1st Iowa Infantry. He was promoted to a Lieutenant of the 19th Iowa. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Wilson's Creek, and again at the Battle of Prairie Grove, where he was wounded. He as appointed Lieut. Colonel of his regiment, now the 56th U.S. Colored Infantry, and promoted to be its Colonel. . . . .On the morning of the 26th, Col. W. S. Brooks, early in the engagement -- mounted -- was holding and encouraging his men at the post of duty and honor, fell mortally wounded. . . . . His career, which promised fame and glory, was thus cut short. . . . .To use his own language, while he lay suffering in death: "God knows I did not love to fight, but I loved my country.". . . . .Thus lived and thus died a talented boy -- a brave soldier -- an uncompromising patriot. Peace be to his ashes; honor, love and glory to his name."
Fairfield Ledger
September 8, 1864, 3-2.