I was fortunate to attend an exciting service this past Saturday at the Old Fredonia Cemetery and the Centerville-Livingston Presbyterian Church Cemetery just across the Crittenden County line on Hwy. 641 S.
It was the Patriot Grave Marking and Dedication Service of Robert Leeper, Jr., James Hawthorn and John Elder. John Elder has many descendants living in Crittenden County today. 
The ceremony was held in the peaceful setting of the Kentucky country side. Over 225 people were in attendance to see the Grave Marking Service. Several organizations were there to participate in the event. Scott G. Giltner, member of the Gov. Isaac Shelby Chapter, KYSSAR gave the tribute to Robert Leeper, since he is the direct descendant of the family. Scott is pictured as he is telling his history.
Several hundred yards from the Old Fredonia Cemetery lies the Centerville-Livingston Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Here stands the oldest recorded tombstone in Caldwell and Crittenden County, that of John Elder. Local resident, Gerald Elder, descendant of John Elder, gave his history and also shared with the audience the Elder spinning wheel that had came with the family to America.
The picture to the right is the Elder family descendants that were in attendance for the dedication. They are standing in front of John Elder's stone.
Front row are Pearl Bearden and Wanda Elder Eli.Back row are: J. T. Travis, Edward Bearden, son of Pearl, Ricky and Gerald Elder, and Nathan Eli, son of Wanda.
Gerald is holding the flag presented to their family for John Elder.
It was a day I won't ever forget, as long as my memory holds on.
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