Routine Grave Cleaning Uncovers Unmarked War of 1812 Veteran in Burr Oak Cemetery

What began as a routine gravestone cleaning project at Burr Oak Cemetery has led to the rediscovery of a War of 1812 veteran, and the installation of a military marker more than 130 years after his death. Winneshiek County Pioneer Cemetery Commission (WCPCC) board member Stacey Gossling was working on an unrelated restoration project at the cemetery, cleaning the stone of Annice Furgurson, who died in 1875. Nearby, Burr Oak Cemetery board member Kathy Smith noticed something unusual: a War of 1812 flag holder embedded in cement next to Annice's grave. Annice Furgurson's stone made no mention of a husband or of a veteran of the War of 1812. Yet the flag holder suggested a military connection nearby. That discrepancy set off a search for answers. Gossling began digging into historical records tied to Annice Furgurson and her family, where she uncovered that Annice's husband was Jared Furgurson, a veteran of the War of 1812. He lived to the age of 102, dying in 1895. Records also showed he spent many years in poverty and at one point wrote a letter seeking military back pay or assistance with funeral expenses. At the time of his death, he had two surviving children, then aged 77 and 71. Jared was buried alongside his wife, but no gravestone had ever been placed for him. That changed through the coordinated efforts of the WCPCC, the local Veterans Affairs office, monument specialist Chris Reicks of Reick's Monument in Little Turkey, and Kathy Smith of the Burr Oak Cemetery board. Together, they successfully applied for and secured an official military marker for Jared Furgurson. It was installed on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The WCPCC assumes jurisdiction over pioneer cemeteries, defined as burial grounds with twelve or fewer burials in the past fifty years, and is responsible for identifying, protecting, preserving, and maintaining them. Funding for this work, including maintenance and restoration, comes from the county general fund. For Gossling, who also serves as president of the Winneshiek County Historical Society and operates a gravestone cleaning service, the discovery demonstrated how easily history can be lost without careful attention. Lichen growth, she explained, is one of the most persistent threats to historic stones. These slow-growing organisms can etch into stone surfaces over time, and improper cleaning, such as scraping, can actually accelerate damage by spreading spores. "The best way to remedy this is to hire a professional who can safely treat the stone," Gossling said. Her process typically involves an initial deep cleaning, followed by two additional treatments spaced about a month apart. Natural weathering then continues the restoration over several months. Historic cemeteries face issues including funding shortages, labor demands for mowing and weed control, and long-term preservation costs. Improper chemical use can damage stones, while unstable ground conditions can cause monuments to shift or topple over time. Gossling noted that falling gravestones are more dangerous than many realize, contributing to accidental deaths each year nationwide. Even seemingly harmless acts like chalking stones can cause damage, she said, as the materials leave behind residues that accelerate deterioration. Vandalism and accidental vehicle damage also remain concerns for cemetery caretakers. Despite the challenges, Gossling said the work is deeply rewarding. Cemeteries remain one of the richest sources of local history and genealogy, she said. A single stone can reveal stories that would otherwise be lost. "It's really satisfying to mark an unmarked grave," she concluded. "If a family has never applied for a military marker, they can still do so. And if someone knows of an unmarked veteran, we encourage them to reach out." Visit the WCPCC website or email them at cemetery@co.winneshiek.ia.us. for more information.