I have spent the last week working on a project that I am excited to share with all of you. Last Sunday, my mom and I decided to ride around basically to get out of the house. As many of you know, I researched and wrote the story of the murder of Sheriff J.M. Poag. My mother asked if we could stop by Thyatira Cemetery to see his grave. As you can imagine, I was thrilled to go by and see this hero’s grave. I had not been back since April 2017 when I was researching his story. His monument was in pretty bad shape back then, but nothing like what I walked up to last Sunday afternoon.
Of course, I was pretty upset, but luckily, my husband, Brian sells monuments and is basically a genius in the area. I sent him a picture and asked what could be done. He told me that we needed construction adhesive and quickrete to set the monument back in place. I enlisted the help of my future son-in-law, Hunter and we gathered all the supplies that we needed. Monday morning, I contacted the person in charge of the cemetery to ask permission to fix this grave. He was more than happy to grant me permission and told me to fix some others while I was at it!
Around lunch time, Brian, Hunter, and I went out to the cemetery to respectfully restore Sheriff J.M. Poag’s grave. Brian supervised and instructed us what to do each step of the way.
Hunter and I had to move the base and level the ground. Brian hurt his back recently so I would not allow him to help move anything!
Next, we poured the quickrete in the hole and set the base back evenly in place and added water to allow the concrete mix to set properly.
Now, I will admit that I recently finished Jillian Michaels’ Body revolution and have some pretty large bicep muscles to show for it, but placing this monument back on the base was not pretty. Brian assured us that marble is not as heavy as granite, but nothing could prepare my almost 50 year old body for this heavy thing. Before we picked it up, Brian put the construction adhesive on the base and then the moment of truth…very heavy object was then placed on top of the base covered in adhesive and…
Being the overachiever that I am, I was not completely satisfied. I started researching how to appropriately and safely clean marble monuments. I watched multiple videos and read countless tutorials to find the best and most amazing stuff ever…D2 Biological solution – it is used on the White House, at all our national parks and Arlington Cemetery. I ordered it and thankfully, it was delivered Thursday. I could not contain myself! I was so excited to go clean Sheriff Poag’s monument and restore it to its original condition. I know, I know…I’m weird.
Hunter, Olivia, and I went out to the cemetery that afternoon.
We started with this…
But now…we have this incredible transformation:
The great thing about D2 is that it will continue to work its magic over time and protect the stone against any future damage. Sheriff Poag’s daughter is buried in this spot and she is represented on the side of the monument. It was barely legible before and now you can read it perfectly. I hope you have enjoyed the transformation and restoration of Sheriff J.M. Poag’s monument. If you have not read his story, you can find it on this blog or contact me for your very own copy of the book.
Also, Hunter and I enjoyed this project so much that we would love to do more! Contact us if you are interested in our help.
UPDATE:
24 days after the first application of D2.
Absolutely amazing!!! What a transformation!
Another Update from July 2022...Still the shining star of Thyatira Cemetery!
Cindy, the transformation that you achieved with this monument is incredible. Truest an act of respect, honor and love. Your work is selfless and to be commended. You are truest a very special person.
Thank you so much! I love it! It is an honor to restore these monuments.
I found your work about a year ago and was amazed at what you accomplished. This is truly an act of kindness to his family and to members of his family now and in the future. I have been to the cemetery in Tate County and others there are a lot of neglected graves everywhere.
I wish to ask your permission to use your right up about John Poag in my genealogy. Please let me know, if I put with a genealogy report it can get copied by others tracing their family lines. I know I am asking a lot of you to be able to use.
Thank you for alll did to save this grave.
Laura
Thank you so much for your comment! I emailed you directly to answer your question.
Hi!
I have been looking for your book on John Macon Poag and have not been able to find it. Can you please tell me where I can purchase a copy. Thanks for letting me use your work on the headstone repair. So much has come up since `October I haven’t gotten it put on yet. I want it to be perfect. It truly was a wonderful job. I have relatives at Mt. Zion that I would like to get to clean. I am just going to have to set the time aside to do it. The Johnson’s Memorial is a big one, I just hope that I can do it. You have inspired me. Thank you, Laura
Hi! Unfortunately, the book is no longer in publication, but I have several copies available. I will be happy to mail you one or you can pick one up sometime. Please email me directly and I will be happy to send you a copy. My email is jbjones@respectandrestore.com I’m so excited that you were inspired and plan to work on some monuments. It is a rewarding experience! Thank you so much for your kind words and hope to hear from you soon. Cindy
Have you ever been to Mt. Perrin cemetery?
No, I would love to, but I thought it is on private land.