Restore the Legacy of Pvt Joseph W. Whitman

This is a great opportunity to support a fallen hero.

Headstone replacement for Private Joseph W. Whitman (the men) of Company M, 1st Infantry Regiment, SD Volunteers.

Fundraiser to replace the damaged headstone on the currently unmarked grave of Spanish American War veteran Pvt J.W. Whitman within the veteran’s section of Mt View Cemetery, Rapid City, South Dakota.

The headstones of the seven men of Company M that did not return from the Philippines following the war. They were not then and should not now be supplied by the government. These markers were purchased and placed by the men of Company M upon their return to the United States in 1899.

The new marker(s) will be engraved in a manner to reflect as closely as possible; the unique patterns and inscriptions and should remain consistent with those of his fallen “comrades”.

This headstone is one of seven markers purchased and placed by the men of Company M, 1st SD Infantry Volunteers upon their return San Fransisco to muster out 1899. Five of these headstones are in a single row, side by side and a six is marker is in a family plot to the southeast of the veterans’ section, alongside what I believe to be another family member who also happened to serve in Company M. The seventh headstone is in a cemetery in Gettysburg, SD.

Company M was formed as part of the South Dakota National Guard in the spring of 1898. The company is made up primarily with men from Rapid City, SD for deployment to fight Spanish forces in Manila at the start of the Spanish American War.

Pvt Whitman’s marker was placed at the southwest corner of the veterans’ section in 1899; a time before motorized vehicles and was relatively safe from damage. Its placement has become problematic, and it has unfortunately seen more than its share of damage due to motor vehicle traffic within the cemetery. Past damage has resulted in the bottom inscriptions being unreadable as they are encased in the concrete footing. The most recent damage has rendered the headstone unrepairable, and his grave is left unmarked.

The remaining four headstones in this row should also be replaced soon as much of their inscriptions are now also encased underground. Their sacrifice deserves to be honored, their history preserved, and their stories told. Never forget!

I would like to see all seven of these 125-year-old headstones be replaced to maintain their similarity.

I continue to find more of the history of these men and their brothers-in-arms. There’s more to be told!