Conway Township Civil War Headstone Restoration Project at Coughran Cemetery

October 27, 2026

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Conway Township Civil War Veterans' Headstones Restored at Coughran Cemetery

On October 10, representatives of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), together with members of the Conway Township Cemetery Committee, gathered at Coughran Cemetery on Owosso Road to restore and reset four sunken headstones belonging to Civil War veterans buried in Conway Township.

The SUVCW is the successor to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the historic organization established by Union Civil War veterans. Today, the organization works to preserve the memory and legacy of Civil War soldiers through grave registration, monument preservation, historical research, and cemetery restoration projects. The organization maintains extensive records of Civil War veterans and operates through more than 200 community-based camps nationwide.

The Michigan database maintained by the organization contains more than 60,000 records, including all known Civil War soldiers buried in Michigan, as well as Michigan veterans buried elsewhere. The database also includes reported burial locations of veterans from the American Revolution through the Spanish-American War.

Conway Township's cemeteries are the final resting place of 63 Civil War veterans. Familiar local family names include Harmon, Sherman, Chase, Schrepfer, and Stow. Many of these historic markers have endured more than a century of weather and natural settling, making restoration efforts increasingly important.

The restoration project was led by Paul Scheidler, Post Commander of the SUVCW camp involved in the effort. The four headstones had gradually sunk deep into the ground and required careful excavation and lifting. Volunteers used specialized techniques and equipment to raise each stone, stabilize its foundation, and return it to its proper position while protecting the integrity of the aging monuments. The process required considerable skill, patience, and attention to detail.

Following the restoration work, bronze GAR markers were placed alongside the graves. Visitors who see a star-shaped GAR marker next to a headstone can identify that individual as a Union Civil War veteran.

Among the veterans whose graves were restored were Elmer Holloway, who served with the 24th Michigan Infantry, and Henry F. Chase, who served with the 19th Michigan Infantry. Two additional Civil War veterans' headstones were also restored during the project.

A list of Civil War veterans buried in Conway Township cemeteries is available at the Township Hall. The listing identifies each veteran, the military unit in which they served, and the cemetery where they are buried. Residents with family history information related to these veterans are encouraged to share their knowledge to help preserve the community's historical record.

Unlike some cemeteries that are privately owned, Conway Township's cemeteries are owned and maintained by the township. Community support and volunteer involvement continue to play an important role in preserving these historic sites and honoring the generations who came before us. Residents interested in learning more about cemetery preservation efforts are encouraged to contact the Township Office.

Conway Township's rich heritage is a legacy worthy of preservation for future generations.