Echoes of Valor event recognizes local figures, past and present

During Saturday’s Echoes of Valor event, hosted on Armed Forces Day, attendees learned about local historical figures, alongside listening to Civil-War-era songs.

The Historic Oakwood Cemetery Improvement Committee hosted the event and it was led by David Mattox, and his wife, Julie.

Mattox highlighted that this event also celebrates the recent improvements made to the cemetery’s Grand Army of the Republic circles, including the repainting of the dome and the cannons.

Mattox highlighted CivilWar musicians, and noted thatbeing a musician was a dangerous, and important job. Hesaid they would play music to tell troops where and how to move and convey orders.

“It was kind of a big deal,” Mattox said.

He said musicians also frequently helped provide medical assistance during the war. Some suchmusicians included Richard Ferguson; B. M. Pippen; and Henry Tuttle.

Also recognized were Henry Partridge, an early Justice of the Peace, credited with performing the first marriage ceremony in Parsons. Randolph Gibson, who was a crossing guard for the Katy railroad, and Charles M. Parks, are two veterans in need of new headstones. Mattox said they are working on getting those, but it may take a while.

Mattox highlighted several Black soldiers who served in the Civil War. In one section, seven such men are buried in a row: Henderson Blair, Thomas Ford, Dan Williams, Frederick Marshall, David Davis, John Jackson, and James Flynn.

Mattox said that over 180,000 Black men served in the war, and noted that these soldiers also battled discrimination, unequal pay, and harsher treatment if captured, including possibly being re-enslaved.

The last individuals recognized included J.Q. Howey, an early Parsons pioneer, who Mattox noted was only mentioned because he settled the land where Mattox lives today, near the former Country Club. Also included were A.C. Hilligoss, who served as a doorkeeper in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington D.C., and Colonel Joseph Jackson Woods, who is the highest ranking Civil War soldier buried at Oakwood cemetery.

Near the end of the ceremony, Mattox was surprised by Mary Colvin of the Oceanus Hopkins Chapter of the Daughter of the American Revolution, based in Pittsburg.

“As you know, Dave’s very humble and does not like to take a lot of credit for all the hard, amazing work that he does,” Colvin said.

She presented Mattox with the Historic Preservation Recognition Award.

“Today the Oceanus Hopkins Chapter is honored to present the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Historic Preservation Recognition Award for Dave Mattox,” Colvin said.

“This award recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding dedication to preserving and promoting history through volunteer service, education, restoration, research and community involvement; and Dave does all of those things.”

Colvin told the Parsons Sun that Mattox is making an impact and leaving a legacy with the work he does.

Mattox wrapped up the event, thanking John Cole, Pete Carrillo, Matt Cornett and to Joyce and David Austin, as well as the Grits & Grass String Band.

Of the event Mattox said he was happy to show off the improvements made to the cemetery, and highlighted that in the past, Memorial Day events would be held in the cemetery, featuring a march of soldiers or veterans.

“I’m most happy that we’re getting to use it again,” Mattox said of the dome.

Of his award, Mattox said it’s nice to be recognized, but it is not why he does it. He said he’s not a good public speaker, and never thought he would volunteer to do so.

“It’s just one of those things where there are not a lot of other people who are wanting to do it, and I have the knowledge, but getting it out is hard for me. That’s the hardest part of everything. Anyway, I do the best I can,” Mattox said.