Tent 23 Events

Tent 23 Events

Dedication Ceremony for Captain Alonzo Newton's Tombstone
1 Oct 2017

The Dedication Ceremony of the military tombstone for Captain Alonzo Newton was October 1, 2017, at 2 p.m., at Oakwood Cemetery, Macon, MO.  Descendents of Captain Alonzo Newton, American Legion Post 57 Bucklin MO Color Guard, Tent 23 sisters, and guests attended the Dedication Ceremony of this Civil War soldier who died 100 years ago.

The dedication ceremony opened with the song, “America”, sung by the Nelson Family, who are the great-great-great-grandchildren of Alonzo Newton.

The draped tombstone was uncovered by Alonzo’s great-granddaughter and Tent 23 sister, Marianne Nelson; and great-great-grandsons, Mark, Greg & Chris Nelson.  Great-granddaughter, Marianne Nelson, read a tribute honoring Alonzo Newton.  Alonzo was a Captain in Company H, 107th Illinois Infantry.     He had formed a glee club which performed at the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Alonzo soon became a close personal friend of Abraham Lincoln.

A second patriotic song, “God Bless the USA”, was sung by the Nelson Family.

The ceremony was concluded by the Bucklin American Legion Post 57 giving 3 volleys with a firing team of 7, immediately following was the playing of taps in the far distance.
 
alonzo nelson duvsm
 
Pictures (Top to Bottom, Left to Right) - DUV members: Sandy Swadley, Gail Shoush, Joanne Gaine, Marilyn Freeman, Marianne Nelson, Mary Kitchen, Linda Haley, Merlyn Amedei, Mary Ann Wilson, and Ruth Masten. Alonzo Newton's descendants: great granddaughter Marianne Nelson with her children and grandchildren. Nelson Family - great-great-great grandchildren of Alonzo Newton. Next 2 pictures - Bucklin American Legion Post 57 (several of the American Legion Post 57 members are spouses of Tent 23 sisters). Harold Carothers playing TAPS. (Photos used with permission.)