The Vacant Chair: A Blackstone Valley Historical Music Video

Historical music video of the 1861 ballad "The Vacant Chair" written by Henry S. Washburn and put to music by George Root. The poem was composed to honor the memory of Lt. Willie Grout, the youngest Union officer killed during the Civil War, 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment. He was killed at the Battle of Ball's Bluff in October of 1861. The 15th Regiment was known as the Worcester County Regiment. Both Willie Grout and H. S. Washburn were Worcester residents. The video shows a poignant portrayal of a family receiving the news of their son's death in battle in the Civil War and the subsequent first Thanksgiving after his death.
The music is performed by Pendragon, a noted Celtic band from the Blackstone Valley and the re-enactors are from Rhode Island Battery B Light Artillery and their families.

[@maryleepartington1375]

It was a joy to sing and perform in this music video in the late 1990s with the amazing NPS Ranger Chuck Arning. All these years later, I am returning "The Vacant Chair" to my song list with special gratitude to Ken Lyon who appears in this video on guitar and whose passing in January of 2021, makes this work all the more special. Thank you to all for the kind comments, and to all who have viewed--many thanks and wishes for memories that bring comfort today, with new and joyful memories to be made as summer 2021 begins...on this "Decoration Day." --Mary Lee Partington

[@GidgetGacey]

Lt willie grout is my ancestor 💜

[@Pieces_Of_Eight]

This remarkable -- beautiful, meaningful, and heartbreaking -- thank you so much for creating it! A very moving rendition by talented musicians, and the actors/actresses present a touching portrayal in their impressive attire.

[@cmahue1235]

A very touching song. Thank you for sharing it.

[@foxvienna1]

LOVELY PERFORMANCE.

[@1948DESMOND]

thank you for this lovely video. i never heard of george root until NOW!!! just imagine ... stephen foster DID have competition. root's movie is just as moving.

[@michaelcomer7498]

A fine song

[@rexlibris99]

John William “Willie” Grout, 1843-1861, 15th Massachusetts Regiment. pastispresent.org/wp-content/uploads/Lt.-J.-W.-Grout.jpg

[@jasoncroteau8013]

There was also a civil war in rhode island/ quebec . Saylesville massacre

[@jasoncroteau8013]

#watertowntreaty

[@jasoncroteau8013]

#portsmouthpeaceyreaty

[@awesomeninja9178]

i see my mom and dad who are in this including me as a baby (in the one in the red suit)