Elbert G. Ainsworth, from near Eldorado, Union County, Ark., enlisted in the Confederate Army, and later taken prisoner and sent to Camp Douglas, in Chicago, Ill.

Camp Douglas was a prisoner of war internment camp near the 35th street estate of Stephen Douglas, named for the late senator. Like all P.O.W. camps of its day, it was ripe with communicable diseases-small pox and dysentery. Conditions were appaling, and thousands died. A group of prisoners plotted to escape the camp and capture Chicago for the Confederacy, but were thwarted by Allan Pinkerton. By the end of the war, thousands had died and been buried in the North Sides old City Cemetery.

Upon closing of the city cemetery, the bodies interred there were moved to other cemeteries. The government in 1867 purchased a section of Oak Woods to accomodate 4200 known casualties of Camp Douglas. The coffins were placed in concentric circular trenches.

One section of Oak Woods cemetery is known as the "Confederate Mound". A 46-foot monument stands alone, surrounded by cannon and cannonballs. Buried around it are an estimated six thousand soldiers and sailors of the Confederacy.

The 46-foot monument was dedicated on Memorial Day, May 30, 1895. Records indicate 6,000 coffins were buried here. In addition to the unknown number of Southerners, twelve Union soldiers are buried here as well. Centered around the monument are bronze panels with the name and unit of every Confederate buried here.

The panel reading A.B. Ainsworth, should read E. G. (Elbert) Ainsworth, but has the initials of Elbert's twin brother, Alfred B. Ainsworth. Since both brother's were attached to the 24 Ark. Regt., it's possible Alfred was present at Arkansas Post (Fort Hindman) when CSA General Churchhill surrendered his troops (about 4800) & may also been sent to Camp Douglas, and later exchanged and returned home. Further research from family members could confirm this mystery.

Parts of this biography taken from the internet on the website "Oak Wood cemetery" or "Confederate Mound".

Elbert G. Ainsworth was a brother of my great-great grandfather David Spence Ainsworth of Skullyville, Indian Territory. (Milton A. Stephens)

Photo: "Confederate Mound Monument".

Update on above: Both Alfred B. (A.B.)Ainsworth and his twin brother Elbert G. Ainsworth, enlisted on 25 June 1862 at Hutchison's Mill, Arkansas and were assigned to Company "C", 24th Arkansas Infantry Regiment. Elbert G. Ainsworth was captured 11 Jan 1863 at Arkansas Post, Ark. Death claim filed in 1864 by Malessa Ainsworth, widow.



Check the internet at the following website: www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/war/24infcoc.html
This website has a roster of all men assigned to all company's of the 24th Ark. Inf. Regt.

Alfred B. Ainsworth lived out his life in Union Co., Ark. and died 27 May 1911, at the age of 73. He left many descendants as he married twice, and fathered 11 children.