The project that has been underway here for the past several years to provide suitable markers for two old soldiers, Joshua Simmons, veteran of the Civil War, and Charles G. Minnick, veteran of the War of 1812, who are buried in neglected graves west of Lincoln, culminated last Saturday when a meeting of the Kansas Society of the Daughters of the War of 1812 was held in Lincoln for the purpose of placing one of their markers at the Minnick grave.
A meeting of the board of directors of the Society was held at the Post Rock Saturday morning where they attended to business of the Society. About 12 members of the Society were present, including Mrs. Jerry Riseley, president, of Stockton; Mrs. W.F. Hughes, also of Stockton, state corresponding secretary, and Mrs. Dan Houghton, Newton, state recording secretary; Mrs. Robert Good of Phillipsburg, graves registry chairman, and Mrs. Dan Hopson of Phillipsburg, past president.
Following the board meeting a wonderful luncheon was held in the Post Rock dining room. Arhtur J. Stanley gave an address of welcome from the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Risely responded to the welcome expressing her deep appreciation for the wonderful cooperation of the service organizations and civil bodies and the people of Lincoln for their assistance in holding with the program.
Following the luncheon a pilgrimage was made to the private burial plot west of town where appropriate services were held, particpated in by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Woman’s Relief Corps.
The ritual services of the American Legion and the VFW was conducted, including the repeating of the pledge of allegiance to the flag, in which the large audience joined.
Arthur J. Stanley gave an inspiring and patriotic address which met with high approval of the large audience present of his impassioned respects to all soldiers who had served their country throughout all its wars. Mrs. Robert Good of Phillispburg gave an account of the objectives as well as the history of the Daughters of the War of 1812 since its organization and some of the work it has planned for the future.
Final services of the day was [sic] the unveiling of the Minnick marker by Mrs. Jessie M. Anson of McPherson, a granddaughter of the old veteran, and the playing of the taps by Skip Jordan....
The life history of Mr. Minnick is quite an interesting one. He joined the army when a lad of 14 years, and served as a musician, and particpated in the action in defense of Baltimore, Md., with the First Maryland Artillery.
Following his discharge from the Army he came to Kansas and made his home at Ellsworth for a time. During his residence at Ellsworth tragedy struck his family in the death of his son-in-law, Joshua Simmons, a Civl War veteran, who was drowned in the Saline river and when the remains were recovered they were buried in a grave on a knoll west of Lincoln.
Following the passing of Mr. Simmons, Mr. Minnick came here to make his home with his daughter, where he passed away on March 5, 1889, at the age of 90 years and 10 months, and his remains were laid to rest in the burial plot beside Mr. Simmons....
Through the efforts of John Mathena of the Kansas Veterans Commission, suitable headstones were received from the Quartermaster Department of the Army, and they have been put in place at the graves of the old soldiers. The one for Joshua Simmons was dedicated some time ago with appropriate ceremonies conducted by the WRC, VFW and the AmericAn Legion.
