Springdale Cemetery: The Cove

The Lightner monument is the tallest one in the cemetery. It sits in a little protected area beside a soothing stream. Hervey Lightner was a prosperous man who was generally known as the builder of Springdale Cemetery. In 1879, he and his wife, Rachel, went to Chicago for a pleasurable visit. While at the hotel there, Rachel was accidentally crushed between the elevator and the elevator shaft...right in front of her husband. Hervey was so saddened by his wife's death that he became a recluse and withdrew from business life. He died on February 26, 1896, at the age of 83 years, 5 months and 8 days.

Hervey Lightner 1812-1896

Rachel Lightner 1824-1879

Hervey Lightner 1852-1853

Hervey Lightner 1854-1854

Rebecca H. Lightner 1849-1901

(Peoria Daily Transcript, February 27, 1896, submitted by J. Crandell)

Hervey Lightner's Funeral

The funeral service of the late Hervey Lightner was held at the home on Hamilton street yesterday morning, and the interment was at the Springdale cemetery. Both the services at the house and the interment were private and attended by but few of the relatives and very near friends. A committee from the Clearing House Association and the directors of the Central National Bank, of which Mr. Lightner was President, were in attendance.


The Elger family
Joseph Elger	Closeup of Joseph	Newer stone


Robert Elger	Veronica Elger	Newer stone

If you know who purchased the new stones for the Elger family, please contact me. Thank you so much for your help!