Aaron W. Tripp
Baker Cemetery
Coffins Grove, Delaware County, Iowa
(1843 - Feb. 11, 1865)
Note: there is a discrepancy in his date of death. Even though the tombstone clearly says died Feb. 11, 1865, there is a note on Find a Grave that disputes that:
"Some accounts list his death as Feb 11, 1865, but his military records show that he mustered out of the service; Detachment Muster roll dated Oct 20, 1865 at Ashville, Alabama shows him present. Detachment Muster-out Roll of Co F. 12 Reg't Iowa Infantry says Montgomery Ala., Oct 26, 1865. mustered out by reason of expiration of term of service. He kept a diary of part of his military experience in which he describes places and confrontations in mid Dec, 1864 which matches closely History's descriptions of the "Battle of Nashville" and movements following as they advanced south through Tennessee. His last entry that I have from his Diary was Jan 27, 1865. Perhaps because he discontinued writing in his Diary someone assumed that he had been killed. I have recently in 2004 became aware of a letter that Aaron wrote to his sister Rachel Lillebridge dated May 23, 1865 and sent from Montgomery, Alabama informing her that he was alive and well and had a romantic interest?? Will show more when I get a copy of the letter."
Note by Elaine Johnson: So I wonder if the Aaron Tripp listed on this tombstone could be a different Aaron? Phebe Tripp appears to be the sister of Aaron Tripp (based on the 1856 Iowa State Census record). I know that it is not uncommon for young siblings to share a tombstone. But these two were both grown. Is there any chance she had a child? OR maybe he died Feb. 11, 1866 and they used the wrong year??