2018.047.003 [Marker, Grave]

This tombstone marks the grave of Colonel David Carskaddon from Marion, Iowa. During the Civil War,Carskaddon joined Company K of the 9th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Soon after he volunteered, Carskaddon was involved in the Battle of Wilson Creek, Missouri, the Siege of Vicksburg, and the Battle of Jackson. As his company marched from battle to battle, a former slave named William Harrison approached Carskaddon and offered to be his aide. The men became friends and often played cards and chess together. In late 1864, the 9th Iowa Volunteer Infantry joined William Sherman's "March to the Sea" campaign. Following the attack on Atlanta, Georgia, Carskaddon did not return to camp. Harrison went to the battlefield that evening to search for his friend. Late in the evening he found him wounded and was able to get him back to camp. Harrison then escorted Carskaddon to Indiana were Carskaddon's in-laws lived and stayed until he recovered. Carskaddon was mustered out of the Army in January 1865 and returned to Marion, Iowa. Harrison followed him to Marion and made his home there as well. Carskaddon returned to his livery stable in uptown Marion and also opened a furniture store. He was elected State Senator in 1866 and Linn County Sheriff in 1877. Later he retired to Lake City, Iowa. William Harrison did odd jobs around town, such as farm work, livery work, and cutting and chopping fireplace wood. He died in 1885. Colonel Carskaddon happened to be in Marion that day, so he was told of Harrison's death. He ordered and had erected a white marble tombstone shaped like a chess rook as the two had enjoyed playing chess together. This tombstone sill stands today in Oak Shade Cemetery in Marion, Iowa. Carskaddon passed away in 1894. He is also buried in Oak Shade Cemetery, just down the hill from where William Harrison is buried. Content can be used with the following standards: SS-US 9-12.23 Iowans Influence US History in a lesson on Iowa's involvement in the Civil War. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.