[September 20, 2016]      

On Saturday, The Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society breathed a sigh of relief as the early morning clouds disappeared and gave way to the sun. With dry weather on the horizon, they were able to hold a special event; a cemetery walk in the Holy Cross and Calvary Cemeteries in Lincoln.

A number of tour guides led groups of visitors through the cemetery every fifteen minutes from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and again from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The tour guides were Karen Birnbaum, Rojean Logan, Pat Benson, Ruth Sloot, Roseann Coers, Brenda Jones, Chuck Conzo and Mary Ellen Martin.

Visitors were provided with informational pamphlets and ice cold water at the beginning of the tour route. Each circle around the cemeteries lasted about an hour and a half, making seven stops. At each stop in the cemeteries, a presenter dressed in period clothing as an important person in Logan County history gave a presentation in character.

Presenters included Judy Lumpp as Mrs. James Coogan; Tom Peifer as Nicholas Peifer; Ron Keller as James T. Hickey; Barry King as John Thomas Musick; Tim Becke as Senator Thomas McGrath; Tim McCormick as Father James Tuohy; Tim Searby as Courtney Savage; Tom McLaughlin as John Schwenoha, also known as “Coonhound” Johnny; and Jonathan Wright as Edward Madigan.

Along the way, tour guides provided some historical context for the creation of the cemetery grounds, and pointed out additional graves of various family members. The walk was dedicated to the memory of Betty Hickey, who passed away in August. At the end of the tour, visitors could make a donation to the Society if they wished.

[Derek Hurley]

The Logan County Genealogical Society is a not for profit organization which maintains a library and historical collection for Logan County and its communities and houses information on other Illinois countries and states. Of special interest is the Lincoln Room collection and items on other American presidents.

The research center is available free of charge, although there is a charge for extensive research performed by volunteer staff. Donations are accepted.

Judy Lumpp as Mrs. James Coogan

 

Tom Peifer as Nicholas Peifer

 

Ron Keller as James T. Hickey

 

Barry King as John Thomas Musick

 

Tim Becke as Senator Thomas McGrath

 

Tim McCormick as Father James Tuohy

 

Tim Searby as Courtney Savage

 

Tom McLaughlin as “Coonhound” Johnny