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Laura - 2005-01-12 14:41:31 The other striking thing about this item is that he committed suicide at his adopted daughter's grave. There must be a terribly sad story behind that.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-01-12 15:17:36 Yes, there are several questions here. 1. Did they have their own children? 2. Who and how did they adopt? 3. Why did he commit suicide? 3a. Was he attached to her? 3b. Or, perhaps, did he have a guilty conscience?* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-01-12 15:25:22 UPDATE: Ypsidixit's adventurous friend reports that the lady's name was Ella Granger, originally from Detroit. Ypsi can be proud of the tough and fearless and sly Ms. Granger. Do we have a monument to her? Of course not. To those who'd point out that we don't have a statue for every other member in the 1st Michigan Cav, I'd say that women were so repressed in those days--not even counted in the census rolls--that for her to dare to do this is so above and beyond that it deserves recognition.* * * * * * * * * * * * raymond - 2005-01-12 15:39:37 Elmwood Cemetery is quite a place. Worth an excursion and visit. Sometimes one can catch an African-American funeral around there. Some of the processions use beautiful classic hearses, flower cars, and limosines. An interesting source for burial places is the "Find a Grave".com site. Sorry, I didn't copy the URL. I looked up my father just now. Google should pull the site up readily.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-01-12 15:42:57 Wow!--great site, Raymond! Here it is: Find a Grave.* * * * * * * * * * * * tom - 2005-01-12 15:51:30 Your 3b. is chilling.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-01-12 15:55:53 Isn't it? It makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. But I've read my share of violent domestic stories in copies of old Michigan Arguses. One never knows.* * * * * * * * * * * * tom - 2005-01-12 16:00:59 You can read your share of violent domestic stories in today's newspapers, unfortunately. Anyway, Ella Granger's story must be fascinating. I hope it is preserved somewhere. I also wonder how many other Ella Grangers there were.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-01-12 18:07:02 Ypsidixit's adventurous friend says there were about 400 women who served undercover like that. Seems low to me.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-01-12 20:23:20 the A.F. sends more fascinating info on Atwood--including the reason for his suicide: Front of obit card. Died: 8-3-1867, committed suicide at grave of adopted daughter in Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit. Mar-Ella Granger of Detroit Ypsilanti True Democrat 3-25-1864 W. S. Atwood, attorney-at-law office in Norris Block opposite depot above Norris Ninde Back of obit card: Former residence of Ypsilanti He was stationed at Fort Gratiot at one time.� Enlisted for Civil War.� After the war he opened law office in Ypsilanti. Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collection Vol. 17 page 675.: �Lieut. Atwood was at one time stationed at Fort Gratiot.� His wife was a Miss Ella Granger, of Detroit.� When her husband enlisted in the war of the rebellion, she donned male attire and accompanied him, going through the war without detection.� After leaving the service Lieut. Atwood located in Ypsilanti, where he opened a law office.� An adopted daughter died, and in a fit of melancholy he committed suicide.� His lifeless body was found prone upon the little grave.� This ended a sad, but somewhat romantic career. Record of Service.: �Atwood, William S., Ypsilanti.� Entered service in company E, First Cavalry, at organization as Captain, at Detroit, Aug 15, 1861, age 21.� Mustered Sept. 4, 1861.� Commissioned Major Aug 22, 1861.� Mustered Aug. 22, 1861.� Taken prisoner at Bull Run, Va. Aug 30, 1862.� Confined in Libby prison.� Paroled Oct. 17, 1862.� Resigned Jan2, 1863.� Re-entered service in company A Thirtieth Infantry, at organization, as Second Lieutenant, Nov. 19, 1864.� Commissioned Captain Nov. 28, 1864.� Mustered Dec. 23, 1864.� Mustered out June 30, 1865.� He opened his law office in Ypsilanti in about March of 1864, but did not appear to have stayed long as he joined the 30th Michigan Infantry to protect Detroit from Confederate raids on Detroit from Canada..� A real fear at the time, as there had been raids carried out from Canada.� �The story on his death notes he is said: �to have loved with a devotion amounting almost to idolatry.�* * * * * * * * * * * * add your comment: |