Tombstone Tuesday - Honoring "The Woman in the Well"

Recently, the John Kinzie Chapter of the US Daughters of 1812 honored the grave of Julia Martin Lambert, the "Woman in the Well.".  We dedicated her marker this past fall, but had a formal grave marking ceremony last month.

In addition to members of our chapter, the State President of USD1812, a color guard provided by the Sons of 1812, and community members, there were 2 descendants of Julia present.  Both were great-great-great-grandchildren - one traveled from Washington state, the other traveled from Florida.

Descendants of Julia Lambert are flanked by members of John Kinzie chapter, USD1812, and our color guard.

The Yates City, IL cemetery commission had planned a catered meal at the community center to follow the ceremony.  Unfortunately, due to strong thunderstorms, we had to hold our ceremony there as well.  The wreath made its way to the ceremony a few days later, once things had dried up.

Tombstone Tuesday - Dedicating a tombstone for an 1812 Heroine

John Kinzie Chapter of the Daughters of 1812 has been busy trying to honor a Heroine of the War of 1812.  She was Julia Martin Lambert.  

Julia was living near Fort Harrison in Vigo County, IN when the Fort was attacked by a group of Indians on September 4, 1812.  The Indians set fire to the blockhouse of the Fort.  The soldiers battled the Indians, while the civilians organized a bucket brigade.  Soon the water level in the well dropped below the level that they could reach with their buckets.  Julia climbed down into the well to fill the buckets.  Her actions saved the fort.

Julia lated moved to Knox County, IL where she died in 1872.  She is buried in an unmarked grave there in Yates City.  When we  first learned about her, I was able to find her 3rd-great-granddaughter, and contacted the cemetery about a formal marking.  

The cemetery in Yates City was thrilled to have such a woman buried there.  They provided a marker for her.  Our chapter held a small tombstone dedication last weekend.  We are planning a formal ceremony in the spring when her marker is complete (metal plaque where the paper is), and when her descendant can attend.