Eagle Scout restores civil war grave sites in Eureka Cemetery

r By Ed and Janice Helmick

In September of 2015, it was discovered that 6 civil war soldiers were buried in the Eureka Cemetery, and the grave sites were in a state of disarray. Curtis Evans, who is 18 years old, took on the renovation of the grave sites as an Eagle Scout project.

Curtis began cleaning up the grave sites in various sites in the cemetery. Curtis’s neighbor, Robert Pagnani, is active in the Eureka Elks Lodge, and the Elks donated new markers, lava rock, and bricks to outline the individual plots. The work was completed in time for Tintic Silver Jubilee Days August 18 and 19. A ceremony was held at the Eureka Cemetery with Patrick Mahoney dressed in Civil War garb who played songs on an old tin whistle and a fife. Curtis has filed paper work with the VA for two tomb stones, and that request is pending.

Soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic (Union) are: Samuel H. Nelson of the Indiana Regiment; J. A. Davidson (Wagner) of Company C or G; George T. Bridges possibly from Indiana; John T. Sullivan and Alexander Tony. There is one Confederate soldier, J.C. Kirkenall buried in Eureka.

This is a great Eagle Scout project, and we bring the story to Utah County hoping a similar project can be accomplished in our area. Pass the word about this story and let’s see what can happen.