The Southford Cemetery Association will hold its annual spring cleanup on Saturday, April 30. Volunteers are needed to assist in raking, removing out-dated decorations and minor brush removal.
Association leaders and volunteers will meet at the cemetery at 9 a.m. Volunteers are requested to bring rakes, clippers and other garden tools.
The Southford Cemetery is the burial site of nine Civil War veterans and five War of 1812 veterans. With the current 150th anniversary of the Civil War and the coming 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, it is an especially appropriate time to remember these veterans who served our country. The Cemetery Association likes to have the spring clean up early so that the grounds are ready for the addition of veterans' flags for Memorial Day.
The War of 1812 is known as the "Forgotten War." This will be the first year that the War of 1812 soldiers are so recognized. The list of the War of 1812 soldiers was developed through the efforts of the Oxford Historical Society and the Daughters of the War of 1812. Previously, it was believed Oxford had only one War of 1812 soldier.
For Memorial Day, the David S. Miles American Legion will be adding flags for the War of 1812 soldiers, as well as the flags on the graves of veterans of other wars. The veterans of the War of 1812 buried in Southford Cemetery are Private Austin Hine, Capt. Japhet Curtis, Capt. Hezekiah C. Peck, Sgt. Erastus Curtis and Cpl. Lyman Stiles.
The Civil War Veterans buried in Southford Cemetery include George B. Benham, Joseph H. Benham,Legrand E. Booth, John G. Bronson, Newell Clark, Harmon T. Edwards, Charles Height, Franklin E. Hubbell and Frederick W. Hubbell.
Those seeking further information may call Bob DeBisschop at 203.906.2958.
