Person:John Decatur (2)

Captain John P. Decatur, interred in Grave 2101, was the Sutler (a person who follows an army and sells provisions, etc., to the soldiers) at Fort Gibson and is the brother of Commodore Stephen Decatur, naval hero of the War of 1812. He was appointed as Sutler to the Army at Fort Gibson in April 1831. The Sutler served an important role for the Army, particularly at the remote frontier posts. The Army provided food and uniforms for the troops, so the soldiers and their families were dependent upon the Sutler's store for everything from shaving equipment and toothbrushes to dress fabrics and jewelry. He died on November 12, 1832, of typhoid.