Russell Cemetery
I found this in an 1897 Galesburg paper while looking for something else and thought someone else could use it. Sorry, I didn't write down exact date, but was late May or early June.
Persons interested in the Russell Cemetery, with some of their friends,
gathered at the cemetery for the purpose of holding memorial services and
electing trustees. The meeting was called to order at 2 o'clock by Edmund
Russell.
First in order was a song, "The Fallen Brave", sung by a double quartet, led
by Miss Jennie Miles, Miss Georgia Wesner presiding at the organ. Prayer was
offered by Rev. A. P. Rolen, of Gilson.
Song, "They Died Not In Vain".
David Russell was called forward to tell something of the history of the
selection of this spot by his grandmother, Patience Russell, more than 56
years ago. Mrs. Russell was the first one to be buried in the new cemetery.
Her husband quarried a rock and lettered a tombstone, which now stands over
her grave.
The next speaker was Rev. H. P. Kline, of Gilson, who made a brief address,
and was followed by Rev. A. P. Rolen, who spoke a few moments. "America" was
then rendered by the quartet, and James Rebstock, of Gilson, read the names
of the soldiers buried here and directed the work of a dozen little girls,
who decorated with beautiful flowers the graves of the fallen heroes.
At the business meeting which followed, E. Russell was elected trustee. A
few remarks were then made by Mr. Russell.
Over three hundred persons were in attendance. The music was excellent, and
the speeches were all good.
Note that Patience Russell is NOT listed in the cemetery record from
KCGS.
Contributed by Todd Walter.
