After two years of searching, McElhaney Cemetery has its new volunteer caretakers

Susan Szuch, Springfield News-Leader
·2 min read

Gene Davison and Linda Halford couldn't bear the thought of McElhaney Cemetery falling into disrepair after they decided to step down from their voluntary caretaker positions due to their age.

It turns out they won't have to worry.

James and Makaela Smith and their sons Linus and Samuel stand in McElhaney Cemetery with Gene Davison and Linda Halford on April 30, 2023. Davison and Halford have taken care of the cemetery as volunteers since 1997, and are now stepping down due to their age. The Smiths are taking over as volunteer caretakers.
James and Makaela Smith and their sons Linus and Samuel stand in McElhaney Cemetery with Gene Davison and Linda Halford on April 30, 2023. Davison and Halford have taken care of the cemetery as volunteers since 1997, and are now stepping down due to their age. The Smiths are taking over as volunteer caretakers.

Makaela and James Smith, along with their sons Linus, 5, and Samuel, nearly 7, hope to make taking care of McElhaney Cemetery a family commitment. Both Makaela and James grew up in the Springfield area, and recently moved back to Springfield.

"When we read (the News-Leader) article, we were like, that would be a great way to give back to the community and great activity to do with the family," Makaela said. "We enjoy being outside, and when we saw the cemetery, it felt like a good fit for us."

More: Caretakers of abandoned McElhaney Cemetery look for someone to continue their work

The McElhaney Cemetery, which lies north of Republic Road and east of Wilson's Creek, was deeded to Maj. E. L. McElhaney in 1889. But since the cemetery fell off the tax rolls in 1912, "we can't establish who owns it," Davison said. The land surrounding it is owned by the City of Springfield. The cemetery also is not affiliated with any church. Davison and Halford began taking care of it in 1997.

Makaela, Linus, Samuel and James Smith visit the McElhaney Cemetery. The Smiths will be taking over from Gene Davison and Linda Halford as the cemetery's volunteer caretakers. Davison and Halford had taken care of the cemetery since 1997, but have been looking for someone to take over for the last few years.
Makaela, Linus, Samuel and James Smith visit the McElhaney Cemetery. The Smiths will be taking over from Gene Davison and Linda Halford as the cemetery's volunteer caretakers. Davison and Halford had taken care of the cemetery since 1997, but have been looking for someone to take over for the last few years.

According to Davison, several people got in touch with them after reading the original article, even though none of them had been to or seen the cemetery before. Davison and Halford met with the Smiths last week, and plan to meet again at the cemetery on Sunday to hand over the keys.

"They want to continue what we started 25 years ago," Davison said.

The Smiths are inspired by Davison's and Halford's work.

"Gene and Linda have done an absolutely wonderful job taking care of this place, and so selflessly that it's hard not to be inspired by their work and generosity for the community," Makaela said. "I hope that we can continue their work and do it justice."

Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: McElhaney Cemetery caretakers pass torch to Springfield family