Civil War Era Calhoun resident Elizabeth Temms, was a mother, wife and a Confederate spy. Temms is the only woman buried amongst the Confederate dead in Cave Hill Cemetery in Kentucky.

Temms was captured on her farm in Calhoun, in late 1864, during General William T. Sherman’s “March to the Sea” campaign. She allegedly alerted the Confederacy that the Union was fast approaching, which prompted her capture and imprisonment.

Temms was imprisoned and died in a Union prison in Lousiville, Ky. At her dying request, she said, “Bury me with my people,” which is how she was buried amongst the Confederate soldiers in Cave Hill Cemetery. Her marker even reflects this last sentiment.

Today, Temms’ headstone stands weathered from nearly 150 years of acid rain and pollution, rendering the stone virtually unreadable, however the Cave Hill Heritage Foundation is asking for donations to replace the historical headstone.

A 501(c)3 public charity, and associated organization of Cave Hill Cemetery, the Cave Hill Heritage Foundation has currently collected $250 to date and is seeking the needed $300 to replace the headstone of Elizabeth Temms and its original writings.

Contributions are tax deductible, as allowed by the extent of the law, and can be made payable to the Cave Hill Heritage Foundation. Checks can be sent to our mailing address, 701 Baxter Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky 40204. For further information, please contact J. Michael Higgs, Foundation Coordinator, Cave Hill Heritage Foundation, at 502-451-5630, EXT. 5.

The Cave Hill Heritage Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) public charity devoted to the restoration, preservation and development of educational opportunities involving Cave Hill Cemetery. For more information on Cave Hill Cemetery or the Cave Hill Heritage Foundation, please visit our website at www.cavehillcemetery.com.