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The Slightly Mysterious “Little Boy” Statue at Battle Grove Cemetery in Cynthiana Everyone knows who had the statue erected, but no one is exactly sure why.

The Slightly Mysterious “Little Boy” Statue at Battle Grove Cemetery in Cynthiana Everyone knows who had the statue erected, but no one is exactly sure why.

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Feb, 2024

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Withers Monument This is Battle Grove Cemetery's most visited monument, the "Little Boy Statue". Of all the monuments in Battle Grove Cemetery, the one that always seems to be the center of attraction, is commonly referred to as the "Little Boy Statue" located on the James S. Withers lot. This statue never seems to suffer from lack of attention. Visitors leave coins around his collar, perhaps for good luck. From time to time this monument is adorned with hats placed on its head, and scarf's are placed its neck. There always seems to be a flower or flowers placed on the statue or some other little decoration. Children especially like to visit & view the life size little boy. The significance of this statue has always been a point of conjecture. It has been said that it was erected in memory of a little boy who died of illness, was killed by hogs, fell from his horse, & the stories go on & on. James S. Withers and his wife Kitty Remington Withers were the parents of six children. Three of their sons died at a very young age: Roger Withers died in 1861, age 1 Hood Withers died in 1861, age 2 Stanley Withers died June 17, 1869, age 9 In October, 1885, James S. Withers re-interred all of his deceased family members and placed their remains on his lot in Battle Grove Cemetery. He erected the "Little Boy Statue" and placed his three deceased sons in front of the statue. Even today, descendants of the James S. Withers family are unsure as to the significance of the statue. However, due to its placement in relation to the graves of his young sons, it is my belief that he errected the statue in memory of all three of his deceased young sons. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the beauty of the statue and make their own decision as to its history. Tombstone Inscriptions—Section A—Lot 73 James S. Withers, September 4, 1830—August 10, 1910 Kittie R. Withers, March 14, 1836—February 15, 1911 Roger Withers, January 14, 1862—January 14, 1863 Hood Withers, November 30, 1863—August 22, 1865 Stanley Withers, March 26, 1860—June 17, 1869