Local Civil War veterans to be honored during Greenfield Cemetery Stroll
The Greenfield Historical Society has announced its third annual Cemetery Stroll will be held on Aug. 17 in the Greenfield Cemetery on North Washington from 1-6 p.m.
During this year’s stroll, we will highlight many of the Civil War veterans buried in the Greenfield Cemetery as our nation recognizes the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. In addition, information about the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and the Women’s Relief Corp (WRC) will be shared. These were two Civil War organizations that were active in Greenfield after the war in honoring the memory of those who fought in the war and helping those less fortunate.
Included in the stroll will be James Freshour. Mr. Freshour was wounded three times during the war and never fully recovered. When he died in 1902, he left money for the Soldiers’ Monument that still stands at the entrance to the cemetery.
Two of the featured soldiers were members of the Unites States Colored Troops (USCT). John W. Bird was wounded twice and suffered gangrene in his hand. His great-granddaughter is Constance Ford, who helped the committee with information about her ancestor.
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Henry Garrett enlisted for three years and served as a cook. The committee was able to identify Garrett as a veteran because of the USCT marker beside his grave.
The stroll is different from the society's annual Ghost Walk held in October. When visitors arrive for the stroll, they will register at the Chapel near the main gate and receive an informational booklet. The booklet will allow them to take the self-guided tour at their own pace. The highlighted graves will be marked by a special flag for easy identification, and society hosts will be on hand to answer questions that the walkers might have. The booklet also includes photographs of some present-day sites that are connected to the people discussed.
The committee of John King, Wendy Royse and Susan Thompson were in charge of preparing for the stroll this year and putting together the guide booklet. Jon Brewer, cemetery superintendent, and his staff have done a great job of preparing the cemetery for visitors.
No admission to the event is being charged, and the guide booklet is free.
Guests are reminded to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. The society will also provide chairs for resting in the shade and free cold water to quench visitors' thirst after strolling.