Our 2023 Pioneer of the Year, Jerry Sayre, spoke about the cemetery.
Jerry talked about the “Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War” keeping the memory of Fallbrook pioneers, veterans, and their families alive. He had a special story about Sergeant Pittenger.
Sergeant William Pittenger, under the direction of Yankee Gen. Ormsby M. Mitchell, captured a Southern railroad train called General. Twenty-two soldiers were involved in grabbing the train, running it out of the station and trying to escape pursuit. They pulled up railroad ties and took down telegraph wires. They even tried to burn a bridge. Another train of southerners boarded the Texas train. That train moved so fast it chased after the General in reverse! Eventually, the General ran out of steam, and the Southerners caught the Yankees, including Sergeant Pittenger. Several thieves were hung as spies including Yankee Gen. Ormsby M. Mitchell. Our Sergeant Pittenger escaped or was part of a prisoner trade so we have his story today.
Since William Pittenger received Medal of Honor for his valor, the “Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War” the Pittenger grave site with wrought iron fencing. There are depictions of the Texas and General trains on the fencing along with a Medal of Honor that shines the sun.
To ensure everyone can find their ancestors, Jerry manages several historical binders with copies saved at the Masonic cemetery and the Fallbrook Historical Society.
He also provided a map and pioneer directory at the Kiosk. This Kiosk was one of our Rotary’s District Grant project managed by an Eagle Scout.