TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– During the pandemic, Kevin Schultz used some of his extra downtime to research his family history. That’s how he found his connection to Pvt. Walter Dickerson, who served in the Revolutionary War nearly 250 years ago.
After years of work to track down the cemetery he was buried at and improve its condition– Schultz and around a dozen other descendants took part in a ceremony Saturday to honor Dickerson’s life and service to the country.
“Humbling, it really was,” Schultz, Dickerson’s 4th Great-Grandchild, said afterward while overcome with emotion. “It means a lot to all of us.”
The Sons of the American Revolution Indiana Chapter helped put on the ceremony, which included a marker next to his grave and a plaque that was provided by the William C. Pomeroy foundation from New York. Schultz, who is also the secretary for the Indiana SAR, said he was moved by the ceremony.
“It’s been a lot of work but it’s been rewarding,” he said. “This is everything I thought it would be. I’m so glad that the turnout was great and the Lord gave us a beautiful day.”
Dozens gathered at the Dickerson Cemetery, which is located within the Hulman Links Golf Course. Schultz said it took extensive research to finally find it– and he credited Terre Haute Parks, the Mayor’s Office and the golf course staff for helping make this a reality.
He encouraged others to research their families– saying these ceremonies are priceless.
“It reaffirms your commitment to the American spirit and honors your ancestors,” he said.
Comments