Home > United States of America > Virginia > Lexington City > Lexington > Oak Grove Cemetery > Charles Henry Chittum

Charles Henry Chittum

View larger map

Birth	:	14 Sep 1848 Lexington, Lexington City, Virginia, USA
Death	:	10 May 1934 Lexington, Lexington City, Virginia, USA
Burial	:	Oak Grove Cemetery, Lexington, Lexington City, USA
Coordinate	:	37.7808300, -79.4450600
Plot	:	Lewis 173 - 3
Description	:	Parents: Frances Sarah "Fanny" Turner 1808-1894 Thomas G. Chittum abt. 1805-1857 burial site unknown Married Rebecca Jane Holtzman of New Market, Virginia, November 26, 1870. Mr. Chittum was widely known for his wonderful memory of the stirring events prior, during and immediately following the Civil War. He remembered well both Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee and was present at the interment of both these great men. One incident of his life, which gave him great satisfaction to recount was the finding of the coffin in which General Lee was buried, the coffin having been carried... Read More	Parents: Frances Sarah "Fanny" Turner 1808-1894 Thomas G. Chittum abt. 1805-1857 burial site unknown Married Rebecca Jane Holtzman of New Market, Virginia, November 26, 1870. Mr. Chittum was widely known for his wonderful memory of the stirring events prior, during and immediately following the Civil War. He remembered well both Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee and was present at the interment of both these great men. One incident of his life, which gave him great satisfaction to recount was the finding of the coffin in which General Lee was buried, the coffin having been carried away from the wharf at East Lexington during the record flood of North River in October, 1870. The coffin was found 2 miles down the river and was only recovered after many hours of dangerous search. The coffin lodged against a little island which is now called "Chittum Island". Charles Henry owned a boot and shoe repair shop on Main Street in Lexington. By honesty, energy and promptness he has built up a good business and solicits the patronage of his neighbors. Good leather and perfect fits guaranteed. From "Smiles & Tears" by Nannie Jordan, chapter 27, page 45 & 46 Gen. Robert E. Lee died Oct. 12, 1870. I remember the sad announcement as I sat in my Mental Science class at the Anne Smith Academy. School was instantly dismissed, and a black pall seemed to have descended over Lexington, then came the question of a casket, not one in Lexington. Mr. Koonz was our only undertaker. A shipment had been ordered several days before, from Richmond, but they had not come. The time of transportation from Richmond was three days by canal. A packed boat drawn on a tow path by a little mule with negro boys driving by relays. There was no casket for Gen. Lee, and the situation was appalling. They came at last, and were landed at Alexander's wharf in East Lexington. In the night of Oct. 9, 1870 the waters of our little "North River" were swelled to enormous proportions from mountain streams. We called it "a fresbet." The wharf and all its contents, including the coffins, were swept away. There were some indomitable spirits in the community who would not be discouraged, so search along the flooded river banks was begun, though with faint hope that a casket would be recovered. Two young men, Charlie Chittum, and Harry Wallace, were among those eager to have the honor, and win the glory of doing a last service for General Lee. they waded for hours in the mud and debris along the river banks in their earnest research. their effors were finally rewarded. A coffin had washed over the big dam and lodged on a little island two miles down the river. Valentine's recumbent statue, coming to Lexington later, passed within fifty feet of the spot, on which the coffin was found.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Charles Henry Chittum's memorial?
Charles Henry Chittum's memorial is located at: Oak Grove Cemetery, Lexington, Lexington City, USA.
When did Charles Henry Chittum death?
Charles Henry Chittum death on 10 May 1934 in Lexington, Lexington City, Virginia, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Charles Henry Chittum's memorial?
Latitude: 37.7808300
Longitude: -79.4450600

Family Members:

Parent

Frances Sarah “Fannie” Turner Chittum

(1809 - 1894)

Spouse

Rebecca Jane Holtzman Chittum

(1853 - 1945)

Siblings

Andrew J Chittum

(1830 - 1849)

Sarah Ann Chittum Deaver

(1833 - 1901)

Edna Jane Chittum Wilbourn

(1835 - 1913)

John Jordan Chittum

(1843 - 1915)

Children

Lelia Florence Chittum Figgatt

(1871 - 1940)

Harrie Jackson “Buzzie” Chittum

(1874 - 1880)

Lillie Ruth Chittum

(1882 - 1884)

Charles Henry Chittum Jr.

(1884 - 1967)

Hugh Hugo Chittum

(1886 - 1969)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Oak Grove Cemetery
Lexington, Lexington City, USA
Coordinate: 37.7808300, -79.4450600

2. Grace Episcopal Church Columbarium
Lexington, Lexington City, USA
Coordinate: 37.7866290, -79.4431810

3. Lee Chapel Museum
Lexington, Lexington City, USA
Coordinate: 37.7873740, -79.4417470

4. Evergreen Cemetery
Lexington, Lexington City, USA
Coordinate: 37.7803001, -79.4321976

5. Virginia Military Institute Museum
Lexington, Lexington City, USA
Coordinate: 37.7899950, -79.4355080

6. The Meadow
Lexington, Lexington City, USA
Coordinate: 37.7757000, -79.4615900

7. Green Hill Cemetery
Buena Vista, Buena Vista City, USA
Coordinate: 37.7300200, -79.3758200

8. Green Hill Mausoleum
Buena Vista, Buena Vista City, USA
Coordinate: 37.7286700, -79.3759300

9. Hico Cemetery
Monroe, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.6875910, -79.3291640

10. Lipscombe-Garrett Cemetery
Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.6834000, -79.3317000

11. Clarence Davis Farm Cemetery
Oronoco, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.7495540, -79.2767500

12. Oronoco Church of the Brethren Cemetery
Oronoco, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.7447020, -79.2724990

13. Asberry Methodist Church Cemetery
Oronoco, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.7372208, -79.2538910

14. Richeson Cemetery
Allwood, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.6811000, -79.2779000

15. Bridge Hill Cemetery
Alto, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.7709570, -79.2309650

16. Roberts Cemetery
Monroe, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.6519012, -79.3052979

17. Hylton Cemetery
Allwood, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.6887500, -79.2643170

18. Mount Horeb United Methodist Church Cemetery
Amherst, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.7106911, -79.2419758

19. Leonard Coffey Farm Cemetery
Alto, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.7781570, -79.2199170

20. Tyree off Slapp Creek Cemetery
Willow, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.6763890, -79.2595980

21. Whitten Family Cemetery
Willow, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.6932210, -79.2405210

22. Jennings Family Cemetery
Willow, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.7012790, -79.2342110

23. Hartless Cemetery
Allwood, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.6695710, -79.2577740

24. Tomlinson Family Cemetery
Forks of Buffalo, Amherst County, USA
Coordinate: 37.7029090, -79.2248080