On Saturday morning, August 9 the Tellico Iron Works Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the “Bonnie Blues” Chapter of the Children of the Confederacy and two members of the John C. Vaughn Camp of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, all of Tellico Plains, honored Riley N. Massengill with a memorial service. His great grandson, Ed Massengill of McCaysville, GA, had a government stone placed at the grave which shows the Confederate service of Riley Massengill and requested the Daughters perform the dedication ceremony.

Several men from the North Carolina, Thomas Legion, Co H, Light Artillery were present and fired cannon salutes after the ceremony.

Ed Massengil told of the life of Riley Massengill, battles he served in during the War Between the States, and his migration to Greasy Creek, where he lived out his life and was buried, beside his wife, in Greasy Creek Baptist Cemetery.

About 35 descendants of Riley attended the ceremony. Present from the UDC Chapter was Sharon Cain, President, Debbie Wilson, Secretary, and Renae McKiven, Third Vice President. C of C members present were Patrick McKiven, President, Sarah McKiven, Recording Secretary, Danielle Cain, Treasurer and Courtney Hollenhead, Historian. SCV members were William McKiven, Chaplain, and Patrick McKiven, Lt. Commander, (who is also president of the “Bonnie Blues”).

If anyone knows of a soldier, of any war, whose grave is not marked, please contact Sharon Cain at 423/338-2291 and she can get you the information needed to mark the site.