Groups Form with Plans to Restore McCord Cemetery

The Irving Area Historical Museum announces the formation of "Restore McCord," a group dedicated to repairing, restoring and maintaining the nearly 175 year-old cemetery, located on McCord's Trail in Irving Township.

The first group meeting will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, at 3 p.m. at the Century House, 117 E. Union in Irving.  The meeting is open to the public.

Lemar Hartman, chairman of the museum board said, "Many prominent citizens are buried there, including veterans from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War and the Civil War.  Other notable people buried there include Joel Knight, one of the earliest Presbyterian ministers in the Montgomery County area.  It is an important place for many people in Montgomery County."

The cemetery has declined over the years.  Nature has taken over a major section of the cemetery.  Many historically significant gravestones toppled over and are buried beneath grass and brambles.  The new group plans to restore the cemetery and ensure a maintenance plan is implemented.

"We hope to see a lot of folks at the meeting," said Hartman.  "McCord is such an important historical place in Irving.  It deserves our attention."

For more information, or to provide a donation, contact Lemar Hartman, PO Box 29, Irving, IL 62051, call 217-533-4596 or email lemaranne1946@consolidated.net.

Source:  The Journal-News, September 21st, 2009, page 3A