Old Kingston

New Kingston

     Take 104 out of Quincy, go through Liberty, pass the sign that says if you turn right you will go to Barry, the next sign if Kingston to the right. There is a water tower at Kingston but hardly any homes left. They still use the church but the school has about had it. [directions from Ella Tittsworth]

Kingston Methodist Church

Kingston Old Schoolhouse

Kingston Park Cemetery was canvassed by Ella Tittsworth and Laverda and Robert Gleckler
and submitted by Ella Tittsworth 2011
She has also taken photos of headstones.
Ella has also provided us with the news article of YesterYear.

KINGSTON OF YESTERYEAR
A SERIES OF ARTICLES
BY
ALICE JACKSON & ARVILLA CHAMBERLIN

KINGSTON PARK CEMETERY
     Information from the old records of the cemetery meeting Nov. 21, 1908.
     A meeting was called Nov. 21, 1908, at Kingston, to organize the new cemetery. David Hofmeister was elected chairman.
     Ed Kistner was secretary. The first motion in order was for president; David Hofmeister was elected president, with Will Meyers as vice-president; Ed Kistner, secretary; Dr. Davidson, treasurer; and trustees - 1^st Will Williams; 2^nd, Louis Atkinson; 3^rd, Herman Kill. The name chosen was Park Cemetery. The committee appointed to buy the ground and pay for same were: Will Williams and Ed Kistner.
     The State of Illinois granted a petition the 22^nd day of Sept., 1909, for the organization of the Park Cemetery Association.
     Sept. 10, 1909 – A motion that Will Williams take charge of surveying and hire the necessary help and to seed the ground carried. The record shows that those who helped survey were: Roy Metz, Holis Cook, Bert Belts and Lilburn Richardson, surveying and drawing plot.
     The record shows Oct. 9, 1909. the cemetery ground was bouught from Fred Ausmus. In 1933 land was bought from Oliver P. Buffington for the cemetery. At a later date more land was purchased from Robert O'Connor for the cemetery.
     A tool house and two restrooms were built, probable date 1939-1940.
     June, 1947 – A special meeting was held for the purpose of combining the old and new cemetery into one unit.
     Sept. 12, 1951 – the State of Illinois granted a petition to Park Cemetery Association, Park Cemetery Kingston, for perpetual care.
     1955 – Wm. Steckler of Quincy was hired to build a 42 – crypt mausoleum and walks. In the fall of 1966 a gravel driveway was made through the cemetery.
     In the spring of 1967 several trees were planted along the road to the cemetery. The trees were given to the cemetery by Start Nursery of Louisiana, Mo. The present officers and directors are: Floyd Hofmeister, president; Ralph Churchill, secretary; Emmett Jackson, treasurer; directors – Albert Klassing, Ralph Hofmeister, Addison Babcock, and Mrs. Angus Davidson.

DECORATION DAY
(Recollections of senior citizens.)
     One outstanding memory of everyone from the Kingston community is Decoration Day down through the years. It was a highlight of the year.
     Decoration Day services were started by the G. A. R. (Civil War soldiers). The parade would assemble at the Masonic Hall for the march to the cemetery. The Fairweather Band played in the earlier years. Flags were carried. Girls wore sashes of red, white and blue. Girls and boys would decorate the graves with flowers. A program would be given from a platform built in the cemetery. Sometimes young people gave drills. Songs and readings were given. It is recalled that Lorle Mellon was very good at giving readings and Mrs. George Davis and her children were good with songs and music. Large crowds were always in attendance.

MEMORIAL DAY AT KINGSTON
     Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was formerly called, has been observed at Kingston for many years. One of the most interesting things to all children of the community and many of the older folk was the march from the Masonic Hall to the cemeteries. The children, some of the Sunday School teachers, and parents met at the hall about 12:30 to help get the children ready for the march. The children were each to wear a sash of red, white and blue bunting across their shoulders and tied at the side and carry either a flag or flowers to decorate the graves, especially those of the soldiers. They were led by drummers, Johnny Hendricks and sons to the cemetery, where at some designated grave military honors were performed.
     Later that Legion, made up of some of the members from Barry, Liberty and Beverly, helps with services.
     After services at the graves, a short program was given, including patriotic songs, readings, drills, and a speaker. Later the two churches helped with the Memorial Day program.
     Today people still go to Kingston and decorate the graves of their loved ones on Memorial Day.