Flag Bearers of the Civil War...

Where each soldier falls the next soldier carries on his legacy and walks on with the American flag at hand! "And as Civil War soldiers generally felt their first loyalty to their regiment, the flag of that regiment took on enormous importance. If the regimental flag was captured by the enemy, they would sacrifice their lives to stand behind her and protect her"
I hope to be the flag bearer for the Jacob Kime farm-I do not want the legacies of the men and women who spent time here at this farm to be forgotten. Each person has a special story to tell. I think that it is important for people to know these personal stories. I will carry on "the flag" of the Jacob Kime Farm and the stories behind it! Each day the history at that forgotten place is being chipped away piece by piece! History needs to be protected for the future. If someone doesn't take an interest in doing this, it will be lost forever with no more stories to tell. I would like to share the passion that I have for history with as many kids and their families as I can. I know this is a lot to take on, but I am up for it. I want people to know that this is a beautiful piece of property and I hate for it to be sitting alone with so much to say.

William L. McLeod....

William L. McLeod immigrated to this country during the late 1830's from Emmanuel County, Georgia. For the first few years they made their living from buisness at thier general store! William and two older brothers, Duncan, and Neil, bought a property that contained exactly 8,000 acres with a small plantation house which they then used mostly for farming purposes.

After years passed and William grew up, his mind wandered off into another subject, serving his country! Shortly after he then wrote letters to the commanding officer of the Georgia State troops on July 18, 1861, requesting duty to a regiment. A couple years later he then enlisted in the army on October 1,1861. His regiment was made up mostly of thirteen companies, William L. McLeod commanded Company C.

On Septemeber 17, 1862, Captain Battery died while commanding his troups. Since William was the next commading officer in line, he then became Captain William L. McLeod. With the difficulties facing William during Winter of 1862-63 he then rejoined the army on Febuary.

While fighting, William gathred his men and led them on a charge across Rock Creek and up to the surrounding banks, then they ran straight into battle, approximitly 30 feet, where they then came to a fence dividing two properties, once over the fence they charged at the enemy! Fighting with the enemy William McLeod was wounded on the right temple by a Union riffle ball where he then a few minutes later was mortally wounded. He was only twenty- years old! The commanding armies then withdrew fire and headed back towards Gettysburg. Thousands and Thousands of Union armies were then captured.

In Emmanual County, Georgia, in the summer of July 1, 1863. Willaim McLeods's paretns , Neil and Marry, were sitting on the front porch of thier home. They felt a sinking feeling in thier stomach and they knew that their son had been killed!

Shortly after, William McLeod was carried back to the Kime Farm. Sarah Ellen Kime came into possession of the prayer book held closely to his heart by Willaim McLeod, during William's final hours, Sarah was then asked to read a exerpt from the prayer book (Flowers of Piety) from at that point Willaim had perished. Out of kindness of both their hearts and soul Moses wanted Sarah to have the prayer book out of kindness for what she had done for the fallen soldier.

He was then carried back to the family's orchard where he was shortly after buried by the family's peach tree in the orcahrd in 1863.


Source: That There Be No Strain Upon My Stones, Michael W. Hofe, Gettysburg Pa, 1994.

Why would you want to save history????

The Jacob Kime farm sits on approximately 200 acres of farm land three miles north of Gettysburg on Table Rock road and is visible at the end of a long gravel driveway. Almost 150 years ago, this home was transformed into a civil war hospital at the height of the battle of Gettysburg. It is not immediately known when the home was constructed; it is estimated at being built in the early 1800's. Research has provided little information regarding the Kime family. It appears Jacob was of German descent, and it is believed that he leased the land he farmed from a gentleman named Joseph Bringman. Jacob, his wife Eliza and their five children lived in a log cabin with a large barn and several outbuildings on the property.

It is the vision of one young girl In Adams County, PA to transform this property into a living history venue where future generations can come to visit and learn and appreciate more about this specific time in history and the stories that came out of it.



Stories like the one of William Macleod, a 21 year old confederate soldier, who arrived in Gettysburg accompanied by his body servant Moses. Upon engaging in battle at Rock Creek, he was mortally wounded and was brought to the farm for medical attention. He died shortly thereafter, and was buried under a peach tree in the Kime orchard.



In a separate incident, there was Major Peter Brennan, who was also brought to the farm. He was one of only two officers killed in the 61st Georgia Infantry Regiment at Gettysburg. He also died of his injuries and like Mcleod, was buried at the farm. Both soldiers eventually were returned to their families and laid to rest in Georgia.



It is the hope and goal to eventually offer tours, re-enactments, exhibits, lectures, and seminars regarding these and other events that occurred here at the farm, including the period leading up to and during the Battle of Gettysburg, as well as what occurred in the days afterwards. In addition, accomplishments would include a working farm, heirloom garden and interactive children's museum.



Of course, tackling this endeavor will be a long, hard road. In these initial stages, it is always a daunting task to know where to begin. Information regarding the Kime family,as well as stories surrounding this historic property will need to be gathered and compiled. It will be necessary to research any available grants and funding to begin the process.



In advance we thank you for your support-this wouldn't be possible without individuals who have a common passion for history and preservation and who have faith in the visions of young people who have been told that "anything is possible if you put your mind to it; never give up."



" “I appreciate the fact, and am proud of it, that the attentions I am receiving are intended more for our country than for me personally.”

-Ulysses S. Grant