by K. McCullough
Dad & I were at Helts Prairie Cemetery this past Sunday. We saw the tombstone of Ralph & Eliza Campbell, my Grandpa (Claude) Campbell's parents. I noticed that staked in the ground behind Eliza's side of the tombstone was a metal marker from the DAR. Engraved in Ralph's side of the tombstone was a symbol--three chain links and in the center of each link was an initial--"FLT". I did some checking on the internet today, and found that this stands for "Friendship, Love and Truth" and marks members of the Oddfellows. This fraternal organization started in England in 1810, and appears to be a forerunner of labor unions in this country. Its members--who were generally laborers--paid dues, but that money went back to its members in times of need. It was also a social group.
I also saw the tall pillar tombstone for Capt. Josiah Campbell. From the dates, he was probably the father/uncle of Ralph Campbell, and I would say that he fought in the Civil War.
I also found the tombstone of Louisa Stokesberry and her husband (whose name escapes me)--my Grandma (Geneva) Campbell's parents. I noticed that she and her husband had buried two little boys who were about 12-13 months old at death. The second son that they lost was named Owen S. Stokesberry. Evidently, then, Geneva named her oldest son, Owen Stanley, after her little brother who was lost in infancy.
I also found the tombstone for Esther Ambrose Campbell--Uncle Owen's ex-wife. She's buried by herself and Owen is buried by himself in a very different part of the cemetery. Esther's parents are buried a few rows over from her.
Just thought you might find this interesting. Makes you feel a little more connected and now you can support the Oddfellows' fundraisers.
I also saw the tall pillar tombstone for Capt. Josiah Campbell. From the dates, he was probably the father/uncle of Ralph Campbell, and I would say that he fought in the Civil War.
I also found the tombstone of Louisa Stokesberry and her husband (whose name escapes me)--my Grandma (Geneva) Campbell's parents. I noticed that she and her husband had buried two little boys who were about 12-13 months old at death. The second son that they lost was named Owen S. Stokesberry. Evidently, then, Geneva named her oldest son, Owen Stanley, after her little brother who was lost in infancy.
I also found the tombstone for Esther Ambrose Campbell--Uncle Owen's ex-wife. She's buried by herself and Owen is buried by himself in a very different part of the cemetery. Esther's parents are buried a few rows over from her.
Just thought you might find this interesting. Makes you feel a little more connected and now you can support the Oddfellows' fundraisers.
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