I knew both Jesse and his brother John served in civil war from Liberty Co Tx.
I knew John came home but Jesse didn't.
a combination of Information from my grandfather (Jesse was his grandfather) was he died in Hempstead
Tx or Navasota (these aren't to far apart) early in 1865 and never made it back to Liberty Co Tx.
I located 3 records with just J Tarkington from Texas. 2 showed him in Hempstead Tx hospital
in Jan and Feb 1865. 1 was an enlistment record. All 3 had the same company/regiment etc.
Even with that I couldn't feel for sure this was my GG Grandfather. Then I located a statement from his widow
Percilla which gave information on his enlisting, etc, but more important was she stated he died in the hospital
2-1865 in Hempstead Tx. I knew then I had one and the same person. She received 1280 acres Confederate Scrip
for his service which she late sold.
The one thing we may never know is where they buried him. all records from the period are gone or not able to be located, the
cemetery where some were buried has long since been plowed over. From all my research only a couple old markers left
and they are of union solders. Research did show a hospital plus other civil war activity etc were there in Hempstead.
Nothing remains of the original buildings.
With all of the information and my grandfather story to me, we were able to apply to the VA and they, because there was no
information as to his exact burial, provided us with a stone. We will set the stone at the foot of his widows grave. That way he will not only be
with his wife, but in the same cemetery as his parents and other family. Can't think of a more fitting place to honor a long
lost solider.
Something just kept telling me , not to give up, you'll find something,he just had to be there. Sure enough he was, just not under
Jesse which I looked for a long time, and not J. H., initals, but just J. Another thing I may not find is who he paid 600.00 to fight in
his place, no nmaes given there. He was conscripted back into service and ended up in Hemsptead. Plus not sure what he died of,
although heard there was some type fever there.
Thanks for your interest
Mary Ann