Nathaniel Grigsby died in 1890 and was interred at the Attica Cemetery in Attica, Kansas. The epitaph on his tombstone reads: “Through this inscription, I wish to enter my dying protest against what is called the Democratic party. I have watched it closely since the days of Jackson and know that our nation’s misfortunes have come to it through this so-called party; therefore, beware of this party of treason.”
As I researched further, I found Nathaniel Grigsby, a man of strong political convictions, left a lasting legacy through his famous gravestone in Attica, Kansas. Grigsby’s political life was marked by his staunch Republicanism, a stance that was deeply rooted in his personal and political experiences. His grave, located in Attica Cemetery, carries a poignant epitaph that reflects his lifelong opposition to the Democratic Party.
Born on October 11, 1811, Nathaniel Grigsby was a man of profound political and personal connections. He was a schoolmate and friend of Abraham Lincoln, a relationship that was not only personal but also political, as Grigsby supported Lincoln’s 1860 presidential candidacy. This act of political support was not without risk, as Grigsby faced threats to his life from his neighbors in Missouri, who were Southern sympathizers. Despite these challenges, Grigsby remained steadfast in his support for Lincoln, even moving back to Spencer County, Indiana, where he and four of his five sons enlisted in the Civil War to fight on the Union side. Grigsby’s commitment to the Union cause was further cemented by his appointment as a Republican Precinct Committee Man, a role he used to place Lincoln’s name on the 1860 ballot.
Grigsby’s involvement in the Civil War further solidified his anti-Democratic sentiments. As a 53-year-old Indiana cavalryman, he fought in the war that claimed the lives of 618,000 men. The loss of his son and other friends, including a close boyhood friend, was a profound personal tragedy that Grigsby attributed to the actions of the Democratic Party. The death of Abraham Lincoln, whom Grigsby considered more than just a friend but family, was seen as the ultimate national betrayal. Grigsby’s experiences during the Civil War, marked by personal loss and the broader tragedy of the war, fueled his bitterness towards the Democratic Party, which he associated with the secession and rebellion of the Confederate states.
Grigsby’s anti-Democratic sentiments were not just a reflection of his personal experiences but also a response to the political climate of his time. The Democratic Party was seen as responsible for the nation’s misfortunes, including the Civil War. Grigsby’s grave, with its powerful epitaph, serves as a testament to his lifelong opposition to the Democratic Party. This stance was deeply rooted in his Civil War experiences and connections to Lincoln.
Nathaniel Grigsby’s gravestone has become a symbol of his political legacy, attracting attention from various historical figures and even gaining a Facebook page for admirers. Despite the passage of time and the changing political landscape, Grigsby’s message continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of political engagement and the consequences of political choices. His story reminds him of the personal sacrifices made in pursuing political ideals and the lasting impact of political convictions.
Thus, Nathaniel Grigsby’s life and legacy are intertwined with the history of the United States and the Civil War. His grave in Attica, Kansas, is a powerful reminder of his staunch political beliefs and his sacrifices in the name of those beliefs. Grigsby’s story is a testament to the enduring impact of political convictions and the importance of political engagement. His legacy continues to inspire and provoke thought, reminding us of the complexities and consequences of political choices.
This message, chiseled into stone, is an enduring witness to Grigsby’s political beliefs and his desire to warn future generations about the dangers he perceived in the Democrat Party.
