Trees in History- Willow from Napolean’s Tomb
Historic Willow Tree
Leroy Fitch, half-brother of Dr. G. N. Fitch, was in the United States navy for many years. In 1840 he was an officer aboard the United States war ship that was appointed to escort the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte from the Island of St. Helena back to Paris for permanent sepulcher. When at St. Helena he secured a sprout of a willow tree that stood at the head of Napoleon’s grave on that island and brought it home with him and planted it on the Fitch lot, corner of Seventh and Market streets (Logansport Indiana), where it grew into a large tree and may now be seen in front of George W. Seybold’s residence, No. 709 Market street, who purchased the property. The tree is now nearly two feet in diameter and stands in front of the house on the lot line and in building the present iron fence they were considerate enough to make a curve in the fence around this historic tree in order to preserve it.
Note from Jud: This tree no longer exists as it was toppled in a storm, years ago but the Indiana connection to Napoleon and trees is of note!
Reference: History of Cass County Indiana, Jehu Z Powell, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago IL, 1913