Hello. Could anyone here help me locate a grave in West Virginia? I have been trying to find the grave of someone who I believe may be one of my ancestors for years. His name is Benjamin F. Sams and he served with G.B. Chapman's Company, Virginia Light Artillery, also known as the Monroe Battery and the Dixie Artillery. He was a private soldier in this unit. They also served for a time in McLaughlin's Battalion of Field Artillery. Private Sams enlisted for the war at Lewisburg, VA (currently West Virginia). He was also detailed for some time with the quartermaster's department. He served until the end of the war and was paroled at Charleston, VA on June 12, 1865. He was probably born sometime around 1835-1840 in either Wood County, VA(now WV) or somewhere near Greenbrier County (West Virginia).
He may have been the son of Jonathan Sams and his wife Susan who were living in Wood County, WV in 1860. In this census, there is a Benjn F Sams listed as their son, being born about 1835 in Virginia.
He also served with some other Sams in this unit during the war. This included Hugh C. Sams, Andrew A. Sams, and Andrew J. W. Sams.
I believe that Benjamin may have been married to a woman named Louisa who is found with him in the 1880 US Federal Census in Tygart, Wood County, WV, USA along with their 5 children named George W.F., Thomas J.M., Albert N., Elizabeth E., and Sarah A. Sams.
There are many Sams buried within Big Tygart Cemetery in Rockport, Wood County, WV. Does anyone know where Benjamin F. Sams may be buried? The last I can find of him is in the 1880 Census.
I believe that his wife's name is Louisa Eliza Byrd (1842-1926). She is listed as being buried in Hopewell Cemetery , Belleville, Wood County, West Virginia, USA. Some of their children are also buried there: Elizabeth E. Sams who married Charles Albert Kaufman.
I could be wrong that this is the same Benjamin F. Sams who served in the artillery during the war. I am just trying to find where he is buried to provide me with more clues.
Thank you so much in advance for your help!