Hundreds Turn Out For Cemetery Tour In Warsaw

Dr. Clifford and Betty Dubois, portrayed by Gerald Cox and Kathryn Anders, tell of their life in Warsaw and their occupation.
Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — Planning may soon begin for the second Cemetery Walk at Oakwood Cemetery, based on the initial reviews of those taking the tours and the participants.
Hal Haegy, Oakwood Cemetery sexton, stated he felt the tour went well with everyone positive about the event. He estimated the first three groups to take the approximate 90-minute walk saw 150 people. While there was no official count taken it was estimated over 300 people came out for the walk between 10 a.m. and noon and 12:30-2:30 p.m.
“Everybody seems positive.,” Heagy stated noting the organizers will get together after the event to critique. The initial thought is to add more historical figures to the walk. The goal is to do the walk every two years.
The honorees were portrayed by individuals contacted through the local actors guild.
Hannah Carter and Rachel Kruger, two of the actors who portrayed wives of Jacob Boss, said they were having a good time in their roles, and those participating in the tours were also having a good time. Kruger noted that people were learning about history and asking a variety of questions.
Glenn Hall, who portrayed Gen. Reuben Williams, stated the Kosciusko Historical Society presented each actor with a script for the presentations providing details of that honorees life.
Members of the Kosciusko County Historical Society reported a steady stream of individuals stopping by the cemetery chapel to learn more about genealogy and local history.
There were 15 honorees for the inaugural walk and included:
Rozella Ford, portrayed by Cindy Nash and Lin Metzger.
Thomas Hubler, portrayed by Wyatt Phillips.
John Butler Chapman, portrayed by Eddie Van Hartman.
Jane Cowen, portrayed by Melissa Jordan.
Dr. Clifford and Betty Dubois, portrayed by Gerald Cox and Kathryn Anders.
Homer Rodeheaver, portrayed by Todd Lucas.
John and Ann Hansman, portrayed by Tim and Katie Aguilar-Davis.
Virginia Asher, portrayed by Lori Widman.
Justin O. Zimmer, portrayed by Craig Knight.
Gen. Reuben Williams, portrayed by Glenn Hall.
Robert Lichtenwalter, portrayed by Dave Baumgartner.
Jacob Boss, portrayed by Gordon Petty.
The five wives of Jacob Boss, portrayed by Hannah Carter, Alicia Johnson, Adrianna Klein, Rachel Kruger and Ally Watkins.
Tour guides were Bill Pochron, Randy Kirkendull, Linda Stouder and Gergio Hunt. Faye Myers and Beckie Pressler provided genealogy information with Pam Carroll, Dan Coplen, Sheila Strickland, Jim Tinkey and Greg Steffe on hand to provide historical information.
- A tour group moves from one honoree site to the next.
- Shown are the five wives of Jacob Boss, who added a little comic relief to the presentation. From left are Ally Watkins, Alicia Johnson, Rachel Kruger, Adrianna Klein and Hanna Carter.
- Lori Widman portrayed Virginia Asher who sang with Homer Rodehavor and traveled with Billy Sunday. Her favorite song was The Old Rugged Cross.


