Effingham County, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Ann Crooker St. Clair Chapter, NSDAR held their annual Memorial Day Service at Ewington Cemetery with a twist this year!
At the recent Ann Crooker St. Clair Chapter, NSDAR Memorial Day Service at Ewington Cemetery, the lost tombstone that had found its way home was unveiled.
You may remember the stone was at the Wayne County Sheriff Department, where an employee asked his mother-in law to find out where it was from. It was discovered that the stone was originally from the Ewington Cemetery. It was arranged to get the stone back to Ewington where the board wanted to have it reset. Bart Willenborg from Effingham Monument generously offered to set the stone at no cost.
The stone was reset with the supports being removed prior to the service. Kathy Dagg, Belle Rive, IL was instrumental in getting the stone back to Ewington where Deanna Higgs and Susan Oliver assisted. On a beautiful, sunny morning, she unveiled the stone to the public.
Lucretia Porter, wife of A.C. Keyes, died April 23 , 1873, at age 33. The stone marking her and her infant’s final resting was returned 151 years later and placed back where it belonged.
She joins other early Effingham County residents such as William Hankins, William Blakely, Daniel Kagay, Eli Philbrook, Madison Lankford and Dianna Gillenwaters ( to name a few) in this beautiful cemetery.
If you have questions about Ewington cemetery, please contact Deanna Higgs (217) 821-2563.
Pictured: L-R: Porter newly set stone. L-R: Kathy Dagg, Deanna Higgs, and Susan Oliver.
The chapter conducted the service with the help of Scout Troop 335; Pack 335, and Troop 33 as well as trumpeter Amanda Maloney, and several chapter members. Twenty nine veterans were honored with flags and Roll Call. They span six wars.
The returned headstone was unveiled by Kathy Dagg who was instrumental in getting the stone returned.
Pictured are service participants; L-R: Candice Goodrich, Brenda Wagy, Amanda Maloney, Beth Wattlet, Bobbie Reck, LoElla Baker.
Comments