WPA VETERANS' CEMETERY PROJECT
The Macoupin County Archives has in its files, indexes/listings of many veterans buried in numerous Macoupin
County cemeteries. WPA workers compiled the indexes during the Depression Era (about 1939-1940). The cemeteries
below were checked for veterans and I found there was also other information that a genealogist might find useful. 1
generally didn't copy the legal descriptions of the property if they were very long and drawn out. If you want that
information, contact the Archives.

As in previous issues of the Macoupin County Searcher, 1 listed veterans' information from both typed sheets and
work sheets. The work sheets are typed in bold and the typed sheets are typed in a normal font. In some cases the work sheet had additional or conflicting information from the typed sheets. The work sheets with soldier information stated to check these sources: burial plot, cemetery record, death certificate or burial permit, patriotic organization (name), official U. S. records or other. These sources would probably be good sources to check still, today, as we have no way of knowing how thorough the WPA workers were. In these records, as always, 1 try to keep the grammar and spelling "as is" even if it appears incorrect.

Charity Church Cemetery
Bird Township 14-10-8
Macoupin County, Illinois
6 Miles Northwest of Carlinville
Name of Cemetery Charity Church
Location North Part of NE 1/4 NW 1/4 Sec. 14 T. 10. R. 8. W of 3rd P. Bird Twp.
Oldest Grave Harriet Moore died 2-22-1852 age 11 yrs. 6 ms & 6 da
Number of lots 347
Number of graves 450
Number of graves to be filled 65
Number of graves to be leveled 156
Number of Veterans graves that need stones none
Number of stones in cemetery that need- resetting 206
Number of stones that need recutting 35
Rods offence around cemetery 95
Condition of fence . Fair
Rods of fence to be repaired none
Rods of fence to be replaced none
Number of people interviewed 4
Inquire to find if any veterans grave in cemetery has no marker. none

Notes: Fair condition
New Part has very few graves in it
SW Corner of old cem - First part has grown up in brier & weed, rest is in Fair condition
Driveway - Cinder surfaced
Fence ~ Woven and good
Church - Frame
driveway parking good
Property of Charity Church

History

CHARITY BAPTIST CHURCH was organized in June, 1849 by S. D. Spain and Zacbary Waters with eight members. There has been hundreds added to this congregation by Baptisms and a large number by letter in the early days.
John Mitchell, Michael Snell, J. S. Westrope, John Courtney and J. Waters at various times served as deacons and J. R. Walker and J. C. Waters as clerks.

In 1901 the new and present church was built. There are over 200 members in the Charity Church Congregation.

We wish to touch upon the life of a man who was so honored and respected, that the township of "Bird" was named after him.

JOSEPH BIRD, who is buried in Charity Church Cemetery was born in Butler County Pennsylvania on May 14, 1828. He attended the pioneer schools for a short while when in 1836 the family came west down the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers to Columbiana, Greene County, Illinois. There the father rented land. A year later Mr. Bird died leaving the family in very limited circumstances and in a strange land.

Joseph Bird was only 9 years old when his father died and he was the only son. He at once set out to help support the family. He was a bright sturdy little lad and the 25 cents which he earned working on the farm during the busy season was a welcome addition to the family income. In 1839 the family moved to Carrollton and there he worked until 1841. At that time his mother bought a farm and he assisted her in its management until 1849 when he himself rented his mother's farm and carried it on until 1851.

In 1849, Joseph Bird was married to Eliza Ann Laster and they became the parents of 7 children of whom 4 preceded their parents in death.

In 1851, Joseph Bird and his family came to Macoupin County and he purchased 305 acres of land in what is now Bird Township, having paid $5.00 an acre for it. Mr. Bird resided on that farm until 1879 when he sold part of it and bought other land in the township. He moved to Carlinville where he purchased a large comfortable home which was one of the most attractive in the city of Carlinville. Mr. Bird became the owner of 1026 acres of valuable land, and generously attributed a share of his prosperity to the capable-assistance of his wife who had been a fine character, his wise counsel, an efficient housewife and a true helpmate.

Mr. Bird was eminently a self-made man. He began life on his own account with no other capital than his mental and physical endowments but these served him well and he accumulated a handsome fortune by his determined effort to overcome all obstacles in the pathway of complete success and by exercising a quick unerring judgment in regard to the best means of making money. He was a man of strong, firm character and large enterprise. He was influential in various ways in pushing forward the undertakings of importance that have been useful in furthering the rise and progress of the county. He was one of the organizers of the Macoupin County Agricultural Board and served as its president for 6 years. He had helped to make it one of the most serviceable institutions to the farmer. he was also one of the organizers of the Carlinville National Bank in 1890 and was one of its Directors.

Another person buried in Charity Church Cemetery, of whom we make mention is Samuel Love, one of the first settlers of the County.

SAMUEL LOVE was born in Macoupin County on March 7, 1824. In 1812 his father came to Madison County from Alabama and a year later, John Love in company with Seth Hodges came to Macoupin County and these two families were the first to settle in what is now known as Macoupin County. These early pioneers endured the hardships and paved the way for the future settlement of this part of the state. Samuel Love attended the early pioneer schools and took advantage of all the learning that he could get; and they began helping is father on the farm.

In 1842, Samuel Love was married to Elizabeth Taylor but their happiness was short lived for Mrs. Love died in 1848. In 1849, his second marriage occurred and to Mr. Love and Mrs. Minerva Lasater Love 10 children were born.

Mr. Love had been a life long Democrat and the family were members of the Charity Baptist Church.

Other old settlers in the vicinity of Charity Church were: Geo. W. Arnett, John Kessinger, Robt. Wbiteley, Wm. A. and John Brown, Isaac and Mace Moore, Green Lane, Mr. Boatman, Nixon, Bates, Waters, Enos, Solomon and Lumpkin.

The Charity Church Cemetery is the property of the Charity Church of Bird Township from which it derives its name. This cemetery originated at the time that the dreaded disease of Cholera swept the country and this plot was used as the burial place of the victims of the community. The earliest date on the markers is 1852; however the graves of the Cholera victims are in the old part of the cemetery and are not marked thus we are unable to give the year in which the cemetery was started.

The early settlers built a log church on the land where the present church stands. This church was used for 15 or 20 years before the land was purchased and the second church building erected.

The first trustees of the Charity Church and Cemetery are: J. C. Waters, Joe Bird, E. Morris, M. Gore.

In 1858, the trustees of Charity Church made arrangements for the purchase of land on which stood the log church of the early pioneers and the small cemetery for a place to a new church and to enlarge the cemetery grounds. The deed conveying the title to the land over to the trustees of the Charity Church reads as follows: THIS INDENTURE made this 13th day of November, 1858 between Milton Moore and Caroline, his wife, of Macoupin County, State of Illinois of the first part, all the trustees of the Charity United Baptist Church on Bear Creek, Macoupin County, Illinois of the second part.
WITNESSETH that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of $1.00 to them paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged bave GRANTED, BARGAINED, SOLD, released an conveyed and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, release and convey to the said party of the second part and their successors in office and assigns forever, all that certain piece or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the County of Macoupin and State of Illinois and known and described as follows, to-wit:

Commencing at the NW. corner of the E. 1/2 of the NW. 1/4 of Section 14, T. 10 N. R. 8, thence South 27 rods; thence East 11 rods and 3 feet; thence North 27 rods; thence West 15 rods to the place of beginning and is intended to include the burying ground and church house now used and appropriated as a place of public worship by said society, known as "United Baptist" and of such as are in fellowship and union with said Charity Church.
Together with all the privileges and appurtenances to the said land in anywise appertaining and belonging. TO HAVE and TO HOLD the above granted premises to the said party of the second part, their successors in office and assigns to their use and behoof forever, and the said party of the first part for themselves, their heirs, executors and administrators do covenant with the said party of the second part and their successors in office and assigns that they are lawfully seized in fee of the afore-granted premises; that they the said party of the first part have good right to sell and convey the same to the said party of the second part as aforesaid; and they will and their heirs, executors and administrators shall WARRANT and DEFEND the same to the said party of the second part, their successors in office and assigns against the lawful demands of all persons. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the said party of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written. (This deed is dated November 13, 1858 and was recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds for Macoupin County, Illinois on October 30, 1860 in Book "WW" of Deed Records at page 78).

The log church of the early pioneers was torn down and a frame building erected. This church was used for 43 years. In 1901 the present church was erected and dedicated on December 15, 1901 by Elder Wm. Gather of Medora and T. W. Marsh of Alton, Illinois. The church is in the NE Corner of the grounds.

In January, 1835 an addition was made to the Charity Church Cemetery. The deed was lost and a new deed made 4 years later but the date to the deed was recorded wrong.

In December, 1835 a plat was made of the New Addition to the Charity Church Cemetery and the Certification of survey annexed to the plat reads as follows: Editor's note: 1 edited out a portion of this First Addition to the Charity Church Cemetery for space saving purposes. If you want this information, contact the Macoupin County Archives in Carlinville.

The above described tract containing 3.96 acres of which 2.26 acres of land having previously been deed for the original Charity Church Cemetery as recorded in Book "WW", Page 788 and as shown on the annexed plat shaded in yellow, leaving 1.7 acres of land shown on the annexed plat shaded in red which area is the amount of land included in the First Addition to the Charity Church Cemetery.
    Signed: Fred S. Morse, County Surveyor, Macoupin County, illinois

(The above certification of survey and a plat of the First Addition to the Charity Church Cemetery is dated December 1935 and was recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds for Macoupin County, lllinois on May 9, 1939 in Plat Book "E" of Land Plats at page 50)

In 1935, a petition for incorporation of the Charity Church (New Addition) Cemetery Association was sent to the Secretary of State, the Honorable Edward J. Hughes, which petition reads as follows: Editor's note: I edited out a portion of this petition for space saving purposes. I am including the date and Signers for your interest. ifyou want the edited out part, contact the Macoupin County Archives.

Approved May 14, 1903, said cemetery to be located in Macoupin County and to be known by the name and style of the CHARITY CEMETERY (New Addition) ASSOCIATION. The post-office address of the business office of said association is R.F.D. #2, Carlinville in the County of Macoupin and State of Illinois     Signed: B. G. Bates, P. O. Denby, W. M. Bates, M. D. Kessinger, J. S. Yard, Chas. W. Arnett

The foregoing copy of the petition is dated December 18, 1935 and was recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds for Macoupin County, Illinois on December 19, 1935 in Volume 379 of Miscellaneous records at page 29.) Editor's note: I edited out this charter organization from this printout. To view the wording of the charter contact the Macoupin County Archives.

In 1939, another deed was made to the New Addition of the Charity Cemetery. The first deed which made in January 1935 was lost and a new one had to be made. In drawing up this deed an error was made. Instead of putting on the date of the first deed of January, 1935 the date on which the second deed was made was affixed. This shows that the land was incorporated before it was deeded, when it actually was deeded first. Editor's note: Here again I edited out the land description.

This deed is dated April 29, 1939 and was recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds for Macoupin County, Illinois on December 20, 1939 in Volume 391 of Miscellaneous Records at page 214.)

Tbe present trustees of the Charity Church Cemetery Association are the following: Byron Bates, President; Walter Bates - Secretary; Charles Arnett, Treasurer; Manning Kessinger, Treasurer of Addition; Craven Denby - Trustee; John Yard - Trustee

The Charity Church Cemetery Association has a large trust fund which is derived from the sale of lots in the New Addition and from different members of the congregation who willed a sum of money to the cemetery association.

Lots in old cemetery Free
4 grave lots in Addition $25.00
2 grave lots 15.00
Single graves 10.00
Joe Bird 500.00
Kessinger Heirs 100.00
Cicero Solomon Heirs 100.00
Miles Enos Heirs 100.00
J. H. Arnett Heirs 100.00
Nixon Heirs 100.00
Wm. Waters 50.00
George Arnett Heirs 50.00

The association bought a government bond and only the interest from the bond is used for the upkeep of the cemetery.

There are no perpetual care lots in the Charity Church Cemetery. Friends and relatives of the deceased take care of the cemetery. Occasionally, groups gather and clear the cemetery grounds.

The Charity Church Cemetery is in fine condition and shows care. 450 graves have been counted in this cemetery.
Most of the graves in the old part need a little attention such as filling and leveling. 206 stones need resetting. 35 stones are weather-worn and need recutting. The land is level with a slight slope to the northwest for a good drainage. There is a good cinder-surfaced driveway in the cemetery. A good woven wire fence encloses this burial grounds. This cemetery has a very convenient location and can be reached at all times.

To reach the Charity Church Cemetery one travels 2 miles West out of Carlinville on Route 108, then 1/2 mile north on Route 108, then 2 miles north on an improved road, then 1 3/4 mile west on a graded road to the church and cemetery.

There are 17 veterans buried in the Charity Church Cemetery.

*Have government markers.

Name: Ashbaugh, Henry C. Civil War; Pvt. Co. A 122 Illinois Inf; Died 3/17/1866; Grave 2 Lot 62
Block 2
Name: Asbaugh, Henry C.
Field Check: Grave No.2 Lot No. 82 Block No.2; Upright marker
Information on Marker: H. C. Ashbaugh; (pvt Stone) died 8/17/1866; aged 39 yr 9 mo. 29 da.
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No.2 Lot No. 82 Block No.2
Death Certificate Data: Died 3/17/1866
Service Record: Ill. Inf. Pvt. Co. A 122 Ill. Inf. (Civil War)
Inspection of burial plot: Good (Stone Leaning)

Name: Cox, Henry D. Civil War; Died 3/17/1866; Grave 2 Lot 82 Block 2
Name: Cox, Henry D.
Field Check: Grave No.2 Lot No. 66 Block No.2; Upright marker
Information on Marker: Henry D. Cox (Pvt. Stone) April 30 1846 - Dec. 30, 1900
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No.2 Lot. No. 66; Date of Burial Dec. 15, 1900
Death Certificate Data: Date of Death 12/13/1900 at Carlinville; Cause apoplexy; Born at Casey Co., Ky
Inspection of burial plot: Good; Grave pointed out by Legionaire

*Name: Courtney, A. R. Civil War; Pvt. Co. A 32 Illinois Inf; Grave 4 Lot 133
Name: Courtney, A. R.
Field Check: Grave No. 4 Lot No. 133; Upright marker
Information on Marker: A. R. Courtney (Gov. Stone) Co. A 32nd Ill. Inf.
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No.4 Lot No. 133
Service Record: Ill. lof; Co. A 32nd Ill. Inf. (Civil War)
Inspection of burial plot: Fair; Stone Leaning

Name: Cundall, John R. Civil War; Pvt. Co. D 122 T1linois Inf; Died 8/11/1912; Grave 1 Lot 125
Name: Cundall, John R.
Field Check: Grave No.1 Lot No. 98 Block No.2; Uprigbt'1l'rarker
Information on Marker: John R. Cundall; July 18, 1843 - Aug. 11, 1933
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No. 1 Lot No. 98
Death Certificate Data: Died 8/11/1912
Service Record: Ill. Inf; Pvt. Co. D. 122 Ill. Inf. (Civil War)
Inspection of burial plot: Good

Name: Davenport, Milton E. Civil War; Sgt. Co. A 122 Illinois Tnf; Died 2/5/1894; Grave 1 Lot 125
Name: Davenport, Milton E.
Field Check: Grave No.1 Lot No. 125 Block No.2; Upright marker
Information on Marker: Milton E. Davenport; May 8, 1825 - Mar. 5, 18949 (as is)
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No.1 Lot No. 125; Buried 3/6/1894
Death Certificate Data: Died 3/5/1894 at Carlinville; Cause - cancer; Born 3/8/1825 in Ky
Service Record: Ill. Inf; Sgt. Co. A 122 Ill, Inf. (Civil War)
Inspection of burial plot: Good

Name: Hubbard, Alvin B. Civil War; Died 1916; Grave 4 Lot 35 Block 2
Name: Hubbard, Alvin B.
Field Check: Grave No.4 Lot No. 35 Block No.2; Upright marker
Information on Marker: Hubbard, Alvin B; 1843 -1916
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No.4 Lot No. 35 Block No. 2; Buried 7/16/1916
Death Certificate Data: Died 7/14/1916 Place - Charity Cem; Cause Chr. Mephritis; Born Sep. 15, 1843 in lllinois
Service Record: (Civil War)
Inspection of burial plot: Good; Pointed out by Legionaire

Name: Killam, John L. Civil War; Died 5/31/1900; Grave 2 Lot 31 Block 2
Name: Killam, John L.
Field Check: Grave No.2 Lot No. 31 Block No.2; Upright marker
Information on Marker: John L. Killam (pvt. Stone); Aug. 9 1839 - May 31, 1900
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No.2 Lot No. 31 Block No. 2
Death Certificate Data: Died 5/31/1900
Inspection of burial plot: Good

*Name: McGinnis, Oliver Civil War: Pvt. Co. A 122 Illinois Inf; Died 7/24/1866; Grave 1 Lot 128 Block 2
Name: McGinnis, Oliver W.
Field Check: Grave No.1 Lot No. 128 Block No.2; Upright marker
Information on Marker: Oliver W; Co. A 122 Ill. Vol. Gov. Son or G. M. & E. B. McGinnis; Died 7/24/1866 aged
19 y's 4 m's 21 d's
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No.1 Lot No. 128
Death Certificate Data: Died 7/24/1866
Service Record: m. Vols. Pvt. Civil War Co. A 122 Ill. Vols.
Inspection of burial plot: fair. Stone leaning

Name: Roach, William War of 1812; Died 7/4/1861; Grave 2 Lot 126 Block 2
Name: Roach, William
Field Check: Grave No.2 Lot No. 126 Block No.2
Information on Marker: William Roach; (Pvt. Stone) died July 4, 1861 age 69 yrs, 4 ms. & 22 ds
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No. 2 Lot No. 126 Block No. 2
Death Certificate Data: Died 7/4/1861
Service Record: 1812
Inspection of burial plot: Fair

Name: Sacre, J. M. Civil War; Died 1905; Grave 4 Lot 85 Block 2
Name: Saere, J. M.
Field Check: Grave No.4 Lot No. 85 Block No.2; Upright marker
Information on Marker: J. M. Sacre; (Pvt. Stone) 1848 - 1905
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No. 4 Lot No. 85 Block No. 2
Death Certificate Data: Died 1905 Born 1848
Inspection of burial plot: Good

Name: Solomon, Cicero 1. Civil War; Co. K 7 Illinois Vol; Died 6/24/1911; Grave 1 Lot 112 Block 2
Name: Solomon, Cicero J.
Field Check: Grave No.1 Lot No. 112 Block No.2; Upright marker
Information on Marker: Cicero J. Solomon; (Pvt. Stone) Oct. 3, 1848 - June 24, 1911
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No.1 Lot No. 112
Death Certificate Data: Died 6/24/1911 Born 10/3/1848
Service Record: Co. K. Ill. Vol. 7 reg (Civil War)
Inspection of burial plot: Good

Name: Vaughan, William H. Civil War; Died 3/10/1862; Grave 2 Lot 106 Block 2
Name: Vaughan, William H.
Field Check: Grave No.2 Lot No. 106 Block No.2; Upright marker
Information on Marker: William H; Son of J. & R. M. Vaughan; (Pvt. Stone) Born Sept. 18, 1842- died Mar. 10,
1862; age 19 yrs. 5 ms, & 23 ds
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No. 2 Lot No. 106 Block No. 2
Death Certificate Data: Died 3/10/1862 Born 9/18/1842
Service Record: (Civil War)
Inspection of burial plot: Fair

Name: Wamack, C. W. Civil War; Died 6/26/1874; Grave 3 Lot 148 Block 2
Name: Wamack, C. W.
Field check: Grave No.3 Lot No. 148 Block No.2; Upright marker
Information on Marker: Col C. W. Wamack; (Pvt. Stone) died June 26, 1874; Age 78 yrs. 5 ms & 5 das
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No.3 Lot No. 148 Block No.2
Death Certificate Data: Died 6/26/1874
Service Record: (Civil War)
Inspection of burial plot: Good

Name: Womack, J. H. Civil War; Pvt. Co. A 122 lllinois Inf; Died 3/22/1864; Grave 3 Lot 148
Block 2
Name: Womack, J. H.
Field Check: Grave No.3 Lot No. 148 Block No.2; Upright marker
Information on Marker: J. H. Womack; (Pvt. Stone) died Mar. 22, 1864; age 23 yrs. 3 ms; Member of Co.
A. 122 Reg Ill. Vol.
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No.3 Lot No. 148 Block No.2
Death Certificate Data: Died 3/22/1864
Service Record: Ill. Vol. Inf. Pvt. Co. A. 122 Ill. Vol. Inf. (Civil War)
Inspection of burial plot: Fair; Stone Leaning

Name: Wright, John M. Civil War; Corp. Co. K 7 Illinois Inf; Died 2/2/1862; Grave 6 Lot 105
Block 2
Name: Wright, John M.
Field Check: Grave No. 6 Lot No. 105 Block No. 2; Flat marker, Upright marker
Information on Marker: John M; Son of B. & M. Wright; Born Oct 17, 1837; died Feb. 2, 1862; age 24 yrs. 3 ms. &
15 ds
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No.6 Lot No. 105
Death Certificate Data: Died 2/2/1862
Service Record: Ill. Inf; Corp. Co. K. 7 Ill. Inf (Civil War)
Inspection of burial plot: Good

Name: Wright, Hoah E. Civil War; Died 11/7/1862; Grave 5 Lot 105 Block 2
Name: Wright Noah E.
Field Check: Grave No. 5 Lot No. 105 Block No. 2; Upright marker
Information on Marker: Noah E; Son of B. & M. Wright; Born Sept. 29, 1841; died Nov. 7, 1862; age 21 yrs.
1 mo. & 8 da

*Name: Yard, Alfred C. World War; Pvt; Co. 39th l60 D.B. 10 Bat; Died 10/7/1918; Grave 3
Lot 38 Block 2
Name: Yard, Alfred C.
Field Check: Grave No.3 Lot No. 38 Block No.2; Upright marker
information on Marker: Co. 39. 160 Depot Brigade (Privt Stone) Privet AJfred C. Yard; Born Dec. 7, 1889 - died
Oct 7, 1918 at Camp Custer, Battle Creek, Mich. (Gov. Stone) Alfred C. Yard; Ill, Pvt. 160 Depot Brigade, Oct. 17,
1918
Cemetery Record Data: Grave No.3 Lot No. 38 Block No.2
Death Certificate Data: Died 10/17/1918 at Battle Creek, Mich. Born 12/7/1889
Service Record: Pvt; Co. 39 160 Depot Brigade (World War)
Inspection of burial plot: Good

The oldest grave in Charity Church Cemetery that we can locate by the dates on the markers is that of "Harriet Moore" who died on February 22, 1852 at the age of 11 years 6 months and 6 days.