Since it is time to celebrate Memorial Day once again, I thought you all might like to see this story of the first Memorial Day in Ironton. Ironton Register June 4, 1868 The ceremonies attending the tribute, which Ironton paid Saturday to her noble dead, who offered up their lives to save the nation from ruin, were so successful as to make the occasion one of great interest. There was no intention to render the formalities extensive, but the gratitude and appreciation, on the part of the people , for the heroic services of the fallen soldier, were relied on to fill up the interstices in the program. And right well everyone did his duty. The people deserve honor for their generous impulses in that direction. Not withstanding the hot day, the assemblage was large beyond all expectations. At one o’clock, both of the Brass Bands were filling the air with sweet strains. Everywhere, along the streets, could be seen the ladies and little girls, hastening with their bunches and wreaths of flowers, to the place of assembling. At an early hour, a large throng had gathered beneath the great trees in the Court House yard. The Public Schools marched to the place, headed by the German band. At half past one o’clock, Capt. McQuigg, Commander, G.A.R., called the people to order, when the following program was carried out: Singing—America –by the choir Prayer – Rev. J.M. Thomas Singing – Public Schools Remarks –Rev J.H. Creighton Music – Old Hundred by All The above order of exercises was carried out in a successful manner. The speeches of Col. Hawley and Mr. Creighton were interesting and impressive. The Dirge by the Union Cornet Band was a happy hit in the program. After the exercises, the procession formed. There were three graveyards and large numbers of people filled the processions to each. Kelly’s Cemetery. The burial ground smiled with all the beauties of Spring. Little flags had been placed over the graves of the fallen heroes, to mark the resting places. The procession to this spot was very large. The Union Cornet Band accompanied it. When the throng had gathered at the Cemetery, it was announced that there was no program for decorating the graves, but that all were permitted to follow their inclination, in offering their tribute of respect, to the fallen defenders of the country. No better program could have been arranged. Solemnly, but with full hearts and full hands, the ladies and comrades gathered around the graves and literally covered all with the choicest flowers. The willing hearts and active hands did not discriminate between those who had fallen with their armor on and those who died after Peace had returned again. The following is as nearly a correct list of the dead soldiers. B.F. Shepard, 1st. VA. Artillery. Amos McKee, Co. B, 2nd VA Cav. E.A. Thomas, Sgt. Maj. 2nd VA Cav. Edwin Davis, Co. G. 2nd VA. Cav. Brackson Reeves, Co. B 2nd VA Cav. Albert Harvey, Co. G. 2nd VA Cav Thomas Coles, Co. H. 91st. OVI William Parker 2nd VA Cav. R. Kirker, Co. B. 2nd VA. Cav. John Lounz James Neal, 4th VA Inf. Edward Johns, Co. A, 5th. VA Inf. Joseph Winters, 22nd. KY Inf. Mr. Day Col. Kingsbury, Sheridan’s Adjt. General Col. Allen, 2nd VA Cav. Catholic Cemetery The throng that went to this Cemetery was very large. The exercises were the same as at Kelly’s –the heroic dead at this cemetery are: John Dundan, 2nd VA Cav Mathias Miller, 2nd VA. Cav. Edward Doren, 2nd. VA Cav. John Irwin, 2nd VA Cav. E. Killian, 2nd. KY Inf. Clement Elberfilse At Henry’s Cemetery Remarks were made by Capt. George and Judge Golden and prayer was offered by JW. Dillon. The throng joined in singing “Old Hundred”. The comrades then places the flags over the graves of the fallen defenders, and the ladies scattered the fresh flowers of Spring with generous hands. The soldiers buried here are: Richard Lambert John Peterson, William Robinson Samuel Davey M. Seagar Jackson Williams Hamilton Smith Thomas McCormick. Identification of speakers at the Memorial Day parade of May 1868 Captain McQuigg – Commander G.A.R. Rev. Jonathan M. Tomas, Pastor Dempsey Chapel, 4th & Mulberry ( Pine Street Methodist) Rev. J.H. Creighton, Pastor Spencer Chapel (Later Methodist Episcopal Church) “Old Hundred” a favorite old hymn, well beloved by the Pilgrims. It is a rendering of the 100th Psalm by William Kethe, 1561. Col. Chauncey G. Hawley, 1st Ohio Heavy Artillery; served three years. He was a promising young attorney when he left to go to the war. He resumed his practice after his return. Captain John S. George, Independent Cavalry “veteranized and discharged with regiment”. Judge Golden: Probably Thomas Golden, deputy probate judge of the County and for over twenty years a Justice of the Peace. He was a son of early pioneer, Marshall Golden. J.W. Dillion: Rev. J.W. Dillon of Buriling. He was married to Julia Borders, only daughter of Judge Borders of Lawrence County, KY, in Catlettsburg, June 5, 1863. ________________________________________ PeoplePC Online A better way to Internet http://www.peoplepc.com