Parents:
Frances Sarah "Fanny" Turner 1808-1894
Thomas G. Chittum abt. 1805-1857 burial site unknown

Married Rebecca Jane Holtzman of New Market, Virginia, November 26, 1870.

Mr. Chittum was widely known for his wonderful memory of the stirring events prior, during and immediately following the Civil War. He remembered well both Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee and was present at the interment of both these great men.

One incident of his life, which gave him great satisfaction to recount was the finding of the coffin in which General Lee was buried, the coffin having been carried away from the wharf at East Lexington during the record flood of North River in October, 1870. The coffin was found 2 miles down the river and was only recovered after many hours of dangerous search. The coffin lodged against a little island which is now called "Chittum Island".

Charles Henry owned a boot and shoe repair shop on Main Street in Lexington. By honesty, energy and promptness he has built up a good business and solicits the patronage of his neighbors. Good leather and perfect fits guaranteed.

From "Smiles & Tears" by Nannie Jordan, chapter 27, page 45 & 46

Gen. Robert E. Lee died Oct. 12, 1870. I remember the sad announcement as I sat in my Mental Science class at the Anne Smith Academy. School was instantly dismissed, and a black pall seemed to have descended over Lexington, then came the question of a casket, not one in Lexington. Mr. Koonz was our only undertaker. A shipment had been ordered several days before, from Richmond, but they had not come. The time of transportation from Richmond was three days by canal. A packed boat drawn on a tow path by a little mule with negro boys driving by relays. There was no casket for Gen. Lee, and the situation was appalling. They came at last, and were landed at Alexander's wharf in East Lexington. In the night of Oct. 9, 1870 the waters of our little "North River" were swelled to enormous proportions from mountain streams. We called it "a fresbet." The wharf and all its contents, including the coffins, were swept away. There were some indomitable spirits in the community who would not be discouraged, so search along the flooded river banks was begun, though with faint hope that a casket would be recovered. Two young men, Charlie Chittum, and Harry Wallace, were among those eager to have the honor, and win the glory of doing a last service for General Lee. they waded for hours in the mud and debris along the river banks in their earnest research. their effors were finally rewarded. A coffin had washed over the big dam and lodged on a little island two miles down the river. Valentine's recumbent statue, coming to Lexington later, passed within fifty feet of the spot, on which the coffin was found.