Williamson C. Kinley (7th Pennsylvania Infantry, 1842-1912) and William F. Marshall (7th Pennsylvania Reserve, 1841-1891) received the new grave markers to replace their previous headstones, which were badly deteriorated.

The project was led by the Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps Historical Society, with assistance from local Masons.

Over the course of an hour on Sunday morning, volunteers transported and installed the two stones, ensuring the soldiers’ final resting places would be properly marked for decades to come.

“You’re helping keep the memory of someone who died 130 years ago alive,” said Ethan Spieles, a volunteer with the Pennsylvania Reserve Historical Society. “These boys fought for the Union, they fought to preserve the federal government and to end slavery, and I think a lot of people are forgetting about this, and so this is how we keep their names alive.”

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Volunteers are at work installing a new grave marker for William F. Marshall, a Civil War veteran.

Spieles, who shares his restoration work on Instagram as “foxhole_relics,” has been actively preserving gravestones across the state since April.

“It’s pretty simple, it’s really fun and rewarding, and you learn a lot about these guys,” he said.

While much of his work involves cleaning and repairing sunken stones, Sunday’s project was purely a replacement effort, a task Spieles admits he usually prefers to avoid.

“I’m a big advocate of historical preservation,” he said. “If it can be preserved or restored, I’d rather do that.”

Once removed, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requires the retired headstones to be destroyed, so Spieles prefers to clean and preserve them whenever possible.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS The previous, badly decayed gravestone of William F. Marshall is pictured.

“On the flip side, this new stone’s going to last for a long time. It’s in perfect condition,” he said. “We probably won’t have to touch it for another 30-40 years.”

Over time, exposure to rain, sun and biological growth like mold and algae can weaken stones and make them prone to erosion.

“If you let mold and stuff like this on the stone, eventually, acid rain is going to just eat it away,” said Spieles. “Now in the 21st century, where acid rain is more prevalent, we’re losing more and more historical stones every day, so it’s important to make sure we get people to preserve these stones while they’re still standing.”

On Sunday, he and fellow Pennsylvania Reserve volunteers were joined by members of the Masons’ informal Cigar Chapter, who participated as part of their charitable efforts.

“Part of what we do as Masons is charity,” said Eric Stahley, who also serves as camp commander of the Columbia County chapter of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Volunteers are pictured while setting up William F. Marshall’s new stone.

According to fellow Mason Walt Rupert, “Eric — wearing both hats — learned about this project and suggested we get involved since we’re local.”

For both the Masons and Spieles, their connection to the project is also personal — tied to their own Civil War heritage.

“I had a lot of ancestors in this area that fought in the war,” said Spieles. “A lot of the guys buried up on that hill were my grandfather’s comrades.”

His grandfather, Edward Schwab, served in the 148th Pennsylvania Infantry, which participated in some of the largest battles of the war — including the Battle of the Wilderness and at Gettysburg. His other grandfather, who also served, was in the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry Company E, “and a lot of those guys are buried in Lock Haven because this is where the regiment was formed.”

Highland Cemetery is the final resting place for about 700 veterans. To help honor them this Veterans Day, Spieles volunteered to clean stones that “look like they have some good stories behind them.”

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS The grave marker of Williamson C. Kinley (7th PA Infantry, 1842-1912).

Spieles said that for anyone interested in volunteering, it’s as simple as reaching out to the Pennsylvania Reserve Historical Society.

“I would urge people to explore their Civil War ancestry, learn about their ancestors, and take an interest in this — come out and volunteer,” he said. “It’s really easy, and many of these organizations provide all the materials you need.”

Dave Wallace, former president of Highland Cemetery, praised the volunteers and urged others to help.

“What a wonderful organization. I’m very pleased they came here to do this,” he said.

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating can contact Highland Cemetery or send contributions to PO Box 93, Lock Haven, PA 17745. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and local students seeking a senior project are especially encouraged to get involved.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS The stone for William F. Marshall (7th PA Reserve, 1841-1891).