The time span of 2011-15 marks the Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the Civil War.
The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, as well as other groups, have worked to have at least one recognition event in each of Iowa’s 99 counties before the end in April of 2015.
These events can be monument rededications or commemoration, living histories or other events that honor veterans and Iowa’s role in the Civil War. To date, several counties have not yet been completed.
On Saturday, Aug. 23, short remembrance ceremonies and special markings will be held at the grave sites of the last living Union Civil War soldiers in Lucas (there are actually two here as they both died on the same day), Decatur and Clarke counties.
The last soldiers and their grave locations are:
1.William Humphreys, Mount Zion Cemetery north of Chariton at 553rd Street and 200 Ave (also county road S-23)
2. Robert Killen, Graceland Cemetery in Otter Creek Township at 150th Street and 570th Street
3. Jonas Hoffhines, Leon City Cemetery just north of Highway 2.
4. Theodore Yetts, Hopeville Cemetery, eight miles west of Osceola to county road R15 then south five miles to Elk Street and finally follow gravel road 2.4 miles to cemetery
All veterans organizations and the public are invited and encouraged to attend.
For information contact:
Mike Rowley
MJR1825@gmail.com
Here is the Aug. 23 schedule:
7:30-8:30 a.m. — Drive to Graceland Cemetery
9- 9:30 a.m. — Remembrance at Graceland Cemetery (Lucas County) for Robert Killen
9:35-9:50 a.m. — Drive to Mount Zion Cemetery (Lucas County)
10-10:30 a.m. — Remembrance at Mount Zion Cemetery (Lucas County) for William Humphreys
10:35-11:35 a.m. — Drive to Leon City Cemetery
Noon-12:30 p.m. — Remembrance at Leon Cemetery (Decatur County) for Jonas Hoffhines
12:40-1:15 p.m. — Drive to Hopeville Cemetery (Clarke County)
1:30-2 p.m. — Remembrance at Hopeville Cemetery for Theodore Yetts
2:15-3:15 p.m. — Return home