On Saturday, October 24, 2015, nine members of the Madison County Genealogical Society met at Alton Cemetery to enjoy a living history walking tour and listen to members of the Alton Little Theater and the YWCA portray ten individuals who lived, worked, or in some significant way had an impact on Alton's history. These historical characters are unfamiliar to the general public.

Those individuals portrayed were:

Walter T. Greer (1887-1959) was the sexton for the Alton Cemetery from 1944-1956. Mr. Greer wove personal memories of his life and work in the cemetery with the historical significance of cemetery art and grave markers.

Henry Guest McPike (1825-1910) was a businessman and a close friend of Abraham Lincoln, having sat next to him on the debate platform in Alton. He was on the committee to bring the last of these debates to Alton on October 15, 1858.

Frank B. Tesson (1866-1915) and Alice E. Lowe Tesson (1855-1915) perished on the RMS Lusitania when it was torpedoed by a German U-Boat in 1915.

Virginia Nancy Duncan (1879-1955) was killed in a boarding house fire on August 20, 1955, in Alton. She was the widow of Grover Duncan and the mother of nine children. This horrific fire prompted new ordinances/codes for building construction, accountability, and responsibility of landlords. Several new local and statewide fire codes and ordinances were established shortly thereafter.

Barbara Ann Dunevant (died 9-28-1863) was one of daring women of the Civil War; she fought alongside men and was never detected as a woman, until her death.

Celia Ann French Lovejoy (1813-1870) was an innocent young woman when she married the Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy. They shared a brief, passionate, and tumultuous marriage before Elijah was killed at the hands of a pro-slavery mob. Celia struggled for years to provide for her young children and to find her own voice in honoring the value of each human life. Celia returns to her husband's tomb to commemorate the legacy imprinted on her heart.

Wanda Louise Hoskins (1924-2004) was a real-life Rosie the Riveter for Curtis-Wright Aviation during World War II.

DeMoy Wilson Schulz (1914-2004) compiled data and contributed to a multitude of scientific research publications. Her publications are still valuable resources for biochemists and molecular biologists.

Dorothy June Ashford - The historian shared information regarding Civil Rights.

The weather was fine, the three-quarter mile walk was enjoyable, and the portrayals were enlightening. The occasion was enjoyed by our members in attendance.