"The Washington Historical Society has found what Marc Houseman, museum director, compares to winning a lottery ticket.
"The tombstone of William G. Owens, husband of Lucinda Owens, founder of Washington, was unearthed over a month ago at Krog Park.
“It’s like winning the historical lottery,” Houseman said.
"Krog Park, which was formerly the site of the Bassora Cemetery, has at least 75 people interred there according to records from 1926, but Houseman said there may be more.
"A marker for William was included in the records. He was murdered in 1834.
"Houseman and other historical officials believe Lucinda, who died in 1860, also was buried in the cemetery.
“We are 99 percent sure she was buried next to her husband,” Houseman said. “We have no reason to believe she wouldn’t have been.”
Houseman said there is no record that Lucinda ever had a marker.
In January, the Washington Historical Society and Franklin County Cemetery Society received permission from Josh Pedersen, parks director at the time, to dig in Krog Park.
“The two groups have been meeting at the site, digging up headstones, taking photos and recording them and then reburying,” Houseman said.
The groups have been meeting to dig on Saturdays and some weeknights for the past few months.
“We’ve only been out there about four times,” Houseman said.
After six hours of digging on a Saturday in May, the groups unearthed the 8-plus-foot-tall monument for William.
“It got us excited,” Houseman said, describing the monument as four pieces, including an obelisk. In addition, there is a footstone with his initials on it.
Based on records showing where markers were located, Houseman said the groups started digging to find William’s headstone.
“We knew exactly where he was buried, but we would probe and dig and we kept finding these four layers of bricks,” Houseman said.
"The group began digging in another area nearby and eventually hit the obelisk.
“We had no idea how big or small it was or if it was broken, but knowing something was there built anxiety,” he said, noting two previous attempts failed to find anything.
"It took about 10 people initially and six hours to dig up the monument. Houseman said a large crowd gathered around as the groups worked.
"The monument was found about halfway between Highway 47 and Hancock Street and about 81 feet south of Fifth Street.
"The monument has since been placed in storage.
"What’s Next?
"Houseman approached the Washington Park Board June 16 to ask for input on what should be done with the marker.
"Park board members congratulated the groups for their find and recommended the monument stay above ground in the park.
“It should be put up and should be marked. This is history of the town,” said Park Board President Tessie Steffens.
"Houseman said the historical society will likely form a committee to review ideas for the monument.
“First and foremost, we want to properly honor William and Lucinda, but we also want to do something that is pleasing to the eye,” Houseman said.
"Over the next few months, the historical society will develop ideas and return to the park board for their feedback.
"The groups have unearthed about five other tombstones so far.
“We will continue to unearth the other markers and put them back,” Houseman said. - eMissourian