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Why Does Jacob Umholtz Have a G.A.R. Marker at His Grave in Gratz?
Posted By Norman Gasbarro on November 13, 2017
The photo above was recently taken at the Gratz Union Cemetery, Gratz, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, of the grave of Jacob Umholtz, who was born 18 March 1824 in Lykens Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, the son of Johannes “John” Umholtz (1796-1853) and Catherine [Harmon] Umholtz (1795-1880). Next to the grave marker is a G.A.R. Star-Flag Holder indicating that the Jacob Umholtz who is buried here was a Civil War veteran.
The photograph was previously presented here on this blog in a post entitled Gratz During the Civil War – Cemeteries (Part 3). That post presented only the grave marker photos and locations of those who were said to be veterans and who were on the original veterans’ list and cemetery map that had been compiled by a Gratz organization some time after World War I. The list and map were used to locate veteran graves to honor the veterans on Memorial Day, Veterans’ Day, and other patriotic holidays. However, there was no designation as to what regiment and company in which the veteran served.
After a significant amount of research, thus far, no Civil War service has been located for the Jacob Umholtz (1824-1894) who is buried at the Gratz Union Cemetery.
The cemetery has no records indicating military service, except what is inscribed on the markers.
Currently, the Gratz V. F. W. maintains the veteran graves for the appropriate holidays, but apparently bases the decoration of the graves on the old list and map that was prepared more than 75 years ago.
Jacob Umholtz was married twice.
His first wife was Anna Maria “Mary” Artz (1825-1858). With her he had four children: Jonathan Umholtz, born about 1848; Henry Umholtz, born about 1850; Aaron A. Umholtz, born about 1855; and Mary A. Umholtz, born about 1858.
After Mary died in 1858, Jacob Umholtz married Adaline Hess, who was born in 1844. With her he had one child, Elmer Lincoln Umholtz, who was born about 1865.
Jacob Umholtz died on 8 June 1894.
Help is requested to determine whether or not Jacob Umholtz (1824-1894) was a Civil War veteran.
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