Elisha Gardner - 58th NCT

To date, Camp 1946 has placed just over 180 tombstones on the graves of Confederate soldiers from the Toe River Valley. This past Saturday, several members of the camp ventured to Blount County, Tennessee, to place a marker on the grave of a Toe River Valley soldier who relocated to Tennessee after the war.

According to the North Carolina Troops roster, Elisha M. Gardner lived in Mitchell or Yancey County when he enlisted in Mitchell County at the age of 18 on May 17, 1862. On July 29, 1862, he was mustered in as a private in Company B, 58th North Carolina Troops. Gardner deserted at Bell’s Bridge, Tennessee, on July 24, 1863, and had returned to duty some time before December 31 of that year. At some point prior to August 31, 1864, Gardner transferred to Company D of the 58th regiment. Gardner was paroled on May 1, 1865. At some point, Gardner moved to east Tennessee, where he died on May 20, 1909. He is buried at the Chilhowee Primitive Baptist Church.

Camp 1946 is always looking for more unmarked graves of local soldiers. If you are aware of any, please drop us a note.