Saturday May 8, 2010 - Two rededication cermonies: Morrow Gravestone and Parrott Cannon

The Frederick H. Hackeman Camp No. 85, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

Proudly invites you to share with them as they conduct two rededication ceremonies on Saturday, May 8, 2010 in Niles, MI.

Ceremony 1:  1:00 PM Silverbrook Cemetery

Gravestone of Henry A. Morrow, Colonel, 24th Michgian Infantry (Iron Brigade), brevet Brig. General, U.S. Volunteers

Ceremony 2:  2:30 PM Riverfront Park

6.4" (100-pounder) Parrott rifled cannon, Originally dedicated in 1899 by the Frank Graves GAR Post No. 64


Morrow Monument in Silverbrook Cemetery - 1400 East Main Street:

The double monument is the final resting place of William Graves (1809-1881) and Henry A. Morrow (1829-1891).

On Friday, May 7, 2010, at 4:30 PM, several students of the Brandywine High School History Club will help clean the monument with assistance from the Frederick H. Hackeman Camp No. 85 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

  

The rededication ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 8 will be conducted by Camp 85 and will include the placement of several symbols and tributes to Brig. General Henry A. Morrow. A new flag holder will be pre­sented so that the marker can be identified as the grave of two soldiers who served their country. 

Parrott Cannon in Riverfront Park - Near intersection of E. Main (Bus US-12) & Front St. (Old 31)

This Civil War cannon is a Parrott rifled cannon cast in 1863. The cannon first arrived in Niles in 1898 and was placed on the grounds of the Niles High School until some time in the late 1950s or early 1960 when the cannon just disappeared. In 1961, the cannon was loaned to the American Legion Post 26. In 2009, the City accepted the cannon from the American Legion and installed it in Riverfront Park near the Veterans Memorial.

The City is working to have the cannon cleaned and restored in time for the rededication. Local historian Donna Ochenryder is creating an interpretive sign that will share the history of the cannon, the 12th Michigan Infantry, and more.

Niles Mayor Michael McCauslin will participate in the cannon rededication.

For more information, please contact:
Bruce B. Butgereit
1691 Summerfield St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Ph: 616.827.3369

Email: civil-war@comcast.net