Preserving a Legacy | News, Sports, Jobs

December 2, 2023

103

[ad_1]

Restoration and stone maintenance have been priorities, especially in the World War I section and the GAR Circle where many Civil War veterans were laid to rest. The work is rooted in a “commitment to honor the veterans,” Oakland President Marty Meddock stressed.

There are a myriad number of ways that veterans in Warren County will be honored this weekend.

Some are very public.

Some aren’t.

One such way marches on without much fanfare throughout the year.

It’s work that’s been done for well over a century here in Warren County.

Times Observer photos by Josh Cotton
Ron Peterson works on a grave in the World War I section of Oakland Cemetery.

It’s the work done in cemeteries; the faithful marking and care of graves where veterans from the Revolution to today have been laid to rest.

According to Marty Meddock, who is currently the president of the board that oversees Oakland Cemetery, there are 27,000 individuals buried there between Oakland and the adjoining St. Joseph Cemetery.

That includes hundreds and hundreds of men and women who answered the nation’s call.

And there’s a “commitment to honor the veterans,” Meddock stressed.

That plays out in the day-to-day operations – more on that in a bit – but takes a very visible presence in the spring when county Boy Scouts come and place flags at the graves of each veteran.

The land where Oakland Cemetery is now located was purchased in May 1863 and the cemetery was dedicated the following October.

The first town cemetery – located in the area of East St. and Fourth Ave. – was at capacity by 1860.

The international Order of Odd Fellows ultimately bought the 48 acres that made up the initial Oakland Cemetery.

“The whole history of this town is here,” Meddock said.

A Revolutionary War veteran – who may have also been the last surviving veteran of the French & Indian War years earlier – is buried there.

His name is James Owen and he reportedly lived to the age of 107 when he died in 1843.

Men who fought in some of the nation’s most significant battles – Antietam, Gettysburg, the march to Atlanta – also are laid to rest there.

Perhaps the county’s most notorious Civil War veteran is Col. George Cobham, promoted to brigadier general upon his death in Georgia in 1864. Cobham is buried at Oakland, surrounded by fellow Civil War veterans.

One of his best friends, William Alexander, rests at the top of the hill.

When Cobham was killed, it was his friend Alexander’s responsibility to make arrangements for Cobham’s body to return home.

“About 10:30 p.m. after the work was done and all quiet, I went back to the hospital to see Colonel Cobham and got there too late,” Alexander wrote. “He had been dead for about half an hour. Oh, the sadness that fills my heart when I think of our loss. My best, and dearest friend, the Colonel has gone. His loss can never be replaced, a more galient officer, and truer friend, never lived. I did not sleep all night but made arrangements to send his body home. Dr. Dunn embalmed his body.”

Alexander secured Cobham’s horse, had a coffin made and gathered his personal effects, which he had shipped back to Warren to his family.

Alexander lived until 1904.

Meddock told the Times Observer that crews – both paid and volunteer – have done “extensive work” straightening stones as well as introducing D2 – a biological agent that safely removes stains including algae from gravestones.

One particular area of focus is the GAR Circle, where dozens of Civil War veterans are laid to rest together in a circle around a central flag pole.

“It looks really nice,” Meddock said. “Lots of stones were leaning.”

Ron Peterson, who has been volunteering at the cemetery and joined the board, said a descendant of Cobham recently visited the grave and left flowers there.

“We’ve got a tremendous board here who cares for the place,” Meddock said. “This place is beautiful. You can’t do any better than honoring the veterans.”

It’s work that can be pretty personal.

Peterson said he got interested when doing family tree work.

“The history is unbelievable here,” he said. “(It’s) kind of an addiction.”

Meddock mentioned the history but also said he has friends and relatives buried at Oakland.

“It’s a good thing to do,” he said, calling it “peaceful.

“Everyone’s got to have something to contribute to.”

Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

[ad_2]

Source link