Here is yet another story as to the Origin of Taps, If anyone could provide anymore information please contact me at my email address
Almost every family has some tale or legend handed down through the generations. Many, on investigating, prove to be based on a little truth and fact, but colored by each succeeding generation, until only a kernel of truth remains. Others are well documented and adhere pretty closely to the basic facts. It usually turns out that the tale with no documentation will bring defenders of this legend storming forth to attempt to attest to the veracity of family members, and at your peril will you take a stand in opposition.
This attitude I know for a fact, as I dared to question one such family tale and almost lost all family contact with aunts and uncles. I first heard the family legend about which I write from my grandfather and later from my mother. To better understand the family “legend”, I will give a short background.
My grandfather was born in Troy, Alabama in 1850. His parents were Milton M. Butterfield and his wife, Martha Maria Batchelder, both “born and bred Yankees.” He was from Olcott, New York and she was born in New Hampshire. According to Martha’s journal in 1846 she accepted a teaching position in Lowndsboro County, Alabama. Due to her health, she could not tolerate the cold climate of northern winters.
At the completion of the school year, she returned to the north via a boat on the Alabama River to Benton, Alabama, and on to Mobile, where she boarded another boat to New Orleans. She then boarded the Alexander Scott Mississippi River Boat for the trip to Cincinnati. She traveled on to Sandusky, Ohio by over-land stage, and concluded her trip in Springfield, Massachusetts, via the Erie Canal Boat, about which she had little in the way of compliments to report. In fact the less said the better.
She was married to Milton Butterfield September 22, 1847 in Nashua, New Hampshire. In 1849, once more, due to Martha’s health, the move was made to Alabama. They settled in Troy, Alabama until the purchase of land in Macon County (Now Bullock County) was completed and a school
constructed. Both Martha and Milton were teachers. In addition to teaching math, science, history and government, Milton taught music, as he was an accomplished musician. Martha taught French, Latin, English literature and geography. The school was successful and continued in operation until the outbreak of the War Between the States.
Milton and his younger brother, Frank, joined the Confederacy by enlisting in the Alabama 23rd Infantry, Company G. Milton received promotions and rose to the rank of Captain. The Company was sent to the defense of Vicksburg, serving in Lee’s Brigade, Stevenson’s Division. This unit was under the command of Col. F.K. Beck and Capt. A.C. Robard of the 3rd Brigade. When Vicksburg fell to the Union Army, Milton’s group was among the troops released by Grant who were not required to sign their parole, thus making it possible to return honorably to the Confederate forces.
Milton stopped at his home in Union Springs, Alabama, prior to returning to the Confederate Army. While at home, among the tales he told his family of the fall of Vicksburg, was the one of the “burial music.” It seems the men serving with him, felt there should be more of a service when they had to bury one of their companions. They asked Milton to play something on his “horn” when they buried a companion. Milton demonstrated to the family the few simple notes he had composed for his men’s burial service. Those few simple notes were the notes we hear today at all military funerals known as “Taps.”
When Milton rejoined his troops he was sent to Chickamauga, Tennessee to serve as Clerk of the Court-martial Court. In a letter written to his family, he reported that while he was at this post, a relative of his, General Daniel Butterfield of the Union Army was also in Chickamauga inspecting the Union Forces. Under a Flag of Truce, he visited his relative. During their conversation Milton told of composing the “burial music,” and since General Butterfield was quite interested, he wrote down the simple notes on the back of an envelope and gave it to the General.
As a child, I was interested in anything my grandfather told me of his earlier life. This story of the “burial music” fascinated me. Many years later I was looking for some information in the Encyclopedia Britannica and came across a short biographical sketch of General Butterfield and learned that he was credited with composing “Taps.” By this time my grandfather and all of his children were dead, and there was no one left for me to consult about our family legend.
I rather doubt that my grandfather ever read an article about the good General or had any desire to check on the “burial music.” He was 13 years of age when his father visited home following Vicksburg, and remembered well all the family activities and conversations with his father, as that was the last time he saw his father.
Milton was attached to a scouting party during the Siege of Atlanta, and was killed and buried at Stone Mountain, Georgia. Martha made her home
with my grandfather and his family following the close of the War. After her death, the family moved to Birmingham, Alabama. Prior to Martha’s death, letters, which should have been saved, were discarded, including the letter from Chickamauga. And so, there is no proof that my great grandfather’s life other than records of his military service.
I have no documentation, diary, letters, etc to use as proof of the “burial music” being “Taps” as we know it today. And so I can only tell you this family legend and let your own imagination decide whether it is FACT or FICTION.
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Tags: myth, ripley's believe it or not, taps
That story was circulated for many years and taken by many people as true. However, If such a person existed, military records do not show it. According to Military records from the Civil War, there was NO Captain Robert Ellicombe in the Union Army. Yet this story has been widely told all around the world and has been believed by many to be the true story of taps.
The story does have a few truths in it. “Taps” was first played in 1862 at a funeral near Harrison’s landing. Further, we know that many fathers wept over the death of their sons in this war. Brother fought against brother and father against sun during this time when our country was divided.
Credit for the music is given by many people to Brigadear General Daniel Butterfield, who had the music played to extinguish lights at bedtime.
The story about the actual playing of Taps at a funeral is “said to be the following:
Tidball’s Battery A of the Second Artillery was in an advanced position. They were a close distance to the enemy and fighting from a concealed position. A young man from the unit had been killed in action, and his friends were trying to bury him with military honors.
This is from The Story of Taps
As Retold by Dr. Mike Lockett, The Normal Storyteller
Wow!! I found you quite by accident, and am I ever glad that I did. I have now for quite a few years heard the FALSE story of how TAPS came to be, and I as so many others believed it! Thank God that I found you! I have bookmarked your site so that I may tell others where they too can learn the truth of this great Bugle Call. I am military veteran of both the US Air Force and the US Army. I am the news editor of my local VFW Post’s newsletter and I want so much to quote you and reference your web site in my Memorial Day edition. Thank you.
Robert
The piece the young girl is playing is Il Silenzio, originally composed in 1965 by Nino Rosso
Recently on PBS TV, a young 12-13 year old girl, played what was introduced as the original TAPS accompanied by the Dutch or Holland Philharmonic. It was an absolutely stunning performance by the young lady, by admitedly was not the 24 note version of TAPS and I have tried to obtain a copy of the music, ever since, to no avail A person could discern the notes of TAPS in the backgroung if you listened real hard, it was not the 24 note TAPS. If I could find this music I would be very happy- thank you for the opportunity to inquire about it.
Sincerely, Robert Royce
Lights out! Life is a light so its such an appropriate Military Service sound for the calling of a member passing over! Its a piece of genius music that sounds respectful and fitting.
I’ve heard this story many times and because of this,I thought it was true.Now I just don’t know.While it does make for a good Taps story,I have not found one good document for or against it.Now if only I had more proof,proof,proof.
There’s nothing a Civil War afficionado loves more than a good myth. That’s why poignant, heart warming stories like Sgt. Kirkland et. al. find such credence, even to the point of having memorial statuary built in their honor. Like you said, they’re nice campfire tales – too bad the reality is so much more mundane, or even unpleasant.
I have the mystical version and shed a tear or two with it’s emotional appeal, however the truth should be told. If it did not originate with the General and his 24 notes, than who and where did it orignate from?
Question? Is taps for use with military deceased only? If so, then it would not be appropriate for ceremonies of non-military government employees, politicians or Merchant Mariners.
I received an email from one of my clients about Capt Ellicombe (TAPS). I have worked with disabled veterans for the past 24 years and was moved by the story and the presentation with all of the words. My first reaction was to pass it along to the clients I have email contact with…but thought I would check it out first and found your site. I don’t know what the truth is…but I found your version, though not as “moving”, to be more plausible. I grew up on military bases, lost my husband during the Vietnam War and these simple notes are a significant part of the fabric of my life. Who ever wrote them lives on in the lives of millions of people not just in this country but around the world. I would like to know if the words that were sent to me are accurate and did the same person who wrote the music write the words. If I can figure out how, I will forward the words I received to you. Appreciate the research you have done.
L. Mark
It’s interesting that you might be a doubting Thomas. One of the things I plan to announce for the 150th anniversary is a substantial prize to anyone who can prove the myth. All that one needs to do is provide unit, hometown and brief bio of Captain Ellicombe and the name of the son.
Still not convinced. My son has been playng the taps for about 20 yrs —so will make my own judgement. Thanks. L.
I am so glad that I found this website. I traditionally speak at our school’s Remembrance Day Service – 500 students. I was planning to use the “Mythical” version of the origin of Taps. Thank you for setting me straight and giving me the proper info. I will put out the message to my friend who sent me the myth.