August 2, 2026 – Town of Farmington, WI – Saturday morning brought history, patriotism and remembrance together as community members gathered at St. John of God Catholic Cemetery for the dedication of Washington County’s newest Civil War monument.
The ceremony honored local veterans of the Civil War whose service and sacrifices helped preserve the nation more than 160 years ago. Family members, local historians, veterans and residents stood quietly among the cemetery’s historic graves as the new monument was officially dedicated.
Veteran Richard Lindbeck opened the program, reflecting on the importance of remembering those who answered the nation’s call during one of the most difficult periods in American history. He spoke about the lasting legacy of the Civil War soldiers and the responsibility today’s generations have to ensure their stories are never forgotten.
Following Lindbeck’s remarks, local historian Darren Schacht shared biographies of the veterans buried at St. John of God Catholic Cemetery. One by one, he recounted the lives of the soldiers, describing their military service and the paths that eventually brought them back home to Washington County, where they were laid to rest.
The newly installed monument honors Civil War veterans Eugene Callaghan, Thomas Callaghan Sr., Thomas Callaghan Jr., James Clark, Edward Dullea, John Keenan, Martin Kenney, Christopher Probst, and Mathias Ryan.
The biographies helped transform names etched in stone into personal stories of courage, sacrifice and community, offering those in attendance a deeper appreciation for the men being honored.
The monument now stands as a permanent tribute to the Civil War veterans buried in the cemetery and serves as another reminder of Washington County’s rich military history. It also joins a growing number of memorials throughout the county dedicated to preserving the stories of local veterans for future generations.
Saturday’s dedication concluded with a moment of reflection as attendees paid their respects to the soldiers whose service continues to be remembered more than a century and a half after the Civil War ended. The monument will provide visitors with a lasting place to honor the veterans who answered the call to serve their country.
Town of Farmington, WI – Beneath one of Washington County’s most sweeping views, a quiet hillside cemetery will become the setting for a tribute to nine Civil War veterans whose service helped shape the nation’s history.
Neighbors are invited to attend a Civil War monument dedication ceremony Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. John of God Catholic Cemetery, 1488 Highland Drive, Kewaskum.
Locals say the cemetery offers one of the finest panoramic views in Washington County, WI, making it a fitting location to pause, reflect and remember those who answered the call more than 160 years ago.
The newly installed monument honors Civil War veterans Eugene Callaghan, Thomas Callaghan Sr., Thomas Callaghan Jr., James Clark, Edward Dullea, John Keenan, Martin Kenney, Christopher Probst, and Mathias Ryan.
Organizers said the memorial was created to ensure these veterans are never forgotten, even as time has worn away many of the original headstones, leaving some inscriptions difficult or impossible to read.
The dedication ceremony will feature a Color Guard, a Civil War-era cannon salute and a traditional three-round volley in honor of the fallen. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the outdoor event.
While the weather and landscape have changed countless times since these men were laid to rest, the new monument will serve as a lasting reminder of their sacrifice and preserve their names for future generations.
The public is invited to attend and help dedicate the memorial.
