RUSSELLVILLE — Area history will be recognized for the first time at the Enloe Cemetery in Russellville.
Speeches and reenactments of veterans are scheduled at the Back In Time Enloe event from noon-2 p.m. May 4. Organizer Jeremy Amick said the “living” history tour will help locals recognize the fascinating characters laid to rest there.
Most people are familiar with the cemeteries in Jefferson City, however, decorated veterans and pioneers have roots in Russellville, he added.
Enoch Enloe Sr. is recognized as one of the first settlers in the area. He donated the land where the cemetery is located 2 miles west of Russellville on Route C.
Volunteers will also tell stories of many from the area like Dr. Isaac Newton Enloe and Dr. Cortez Enloe Jr., both physicians. Dr. Cortez was a decorated flight surgeon in World War II.
“It’s fascinating to see the history that lies out there,” Amick said.
Reenacters will demonstrate the ancient practice of locating grave sites with “diving rods” and share civil war artifacts found in central Missouri.
At 1 p.m., the American Legion Post 5 Auxiliary will place a memorial wreath on the stone of Roscoe Enloe. Roscoe was killed in World War I and buried in France. An honorary stone is located at the Enloe cemetery.
Light refreshments will be available.
Amick is a cemetery board member and descendant of Enloe. He hopes events like this will inspire people in surrounding areas to uncover some of the stories there that can be told.