Old, but very interesting article

https://fernandinaobserver.com/2012/11/14/bosque-bello-cemetery-two-union-soldiers-face-a-dilemma/

One of Fernandina Beach’s greatest assets is the original section of Bosque Bello Cemetery – locally known as “Old” Bosque Bello. The picturesque setting is truly deserving of its Spanish name “Beautiful Woods.” Burials started at least as early as 1813 based on the oldest gravestone. Many prominent people can be found resting here underneath ancient cedars and majestic oaks. Their contributions to Fernandina include Revolutionary, Civil, Spanish and World Wars service, Nuns who provided yellow-fever relief, local notables, politicians and dignitaries, and Keepers of the local lighthouses. Old Bosque Bello’s importance and significance is substantiated by being included in the Historic District.

While doing Civil War research about Fort Clinch, I discovered the Union had buried many of its soldiers in the “Fernandina Cemetery.” I walked all over Old Bosque Bello determined to find these soldiers. Due to the ravages of time, many graves in Old Bosque Bello have lost their markers. The Union placed “head-boards” on soldiers’ graves. These markers were wooden boards painted white but they quickly deteriorated. For other graves, concrete markers have deteriorated and become illegible or totally disintegrated. Vandalism has taken its toll on more permanent marble stones.

Despite my failure to find the Fort Clinch soldiers, I did discover 32 civil-war gravestones of black soldiers and sailors who either returned to, or moved to, Fernandina after the war. These veterans lived and raised their families here in post-war peace. Their stories need to be researched and told!


HEADSTONE OF JONAS MILLER
On one of my many visits, I stumbled across a dilemma for two of our Union Soldiers; Jefferson Harris and Jonas Miller (U.S. Colored Troops). The City recently gave a family permission to construct a 60’ x 17’ concrete-block enclosure to denote their family plot. The family’s existing gravestones are in one-row and extend about 60 feet along Oleander. They were allowed to expand their plot by placing a wall 5 feet behind the gravestones – for a total depth of 17’.