the CIRCUS ELEPHANT

Grave of Kay – the Circus Elephant


Not too many places can tell of the final resting place of an elephant. Christian County, IL. can . . . thanks to the generosity of several Taylorville/Christian Co. residents and the president of the Dakota Granite Company.

According to Kay’s obituary that was carried in Taylorville’s Breeze-Courier Kay died October 21, 1994. Barbara Byrd, Kay’s owner of over 50 years had the following inscription put on Kay’s Gravestone:

“In appreciation for over 50 years of devotion and for the joy you brought to millions of children of all ages.”

The Breeze-Courier article will be put in it’s entireity on the website of the Christian County IL. Genealogical Society (CCGS). And, when you’re in Taylorville, IL and would like to visit Kay’s grave site, Joan Pearson-Blood (CCGS Webmaster) will post the location on the CCGS’s embedded Google Map.

My Introduction to Genealogy & Cemeteries

My introduction to genealogy started in 1998 with the death of my mom. As my brother, sister and I was going thru mom's things they kept giving me photo's/paper's/eetc. and said take these home and see what they are. (my brother is 10 yrs. older/sister is 11 yrs. older than I am) and they knew my love for photography, plus I don't think they wanted to 'mess' with all this stuff.

After making several trips I finally had everything at my house. I started looking thru my 'newly aquired items' and found photo's / names, that I'd never seen or heard of. With my inquisitive mind, I just had to find out.

I knew my mom had been born in/or near Morrisonville, IL. (Christian Co.) and moved to Piasa, IL. (Macoupin Co.) at a young age. I thought that my grandfather was buried in the Morrisonville Cemetery, althoug h I wasn't sure, being only 11 at the time of his death. But, I just had to find out - so on a Saturday my wife and I headed out to find the Morrisonville Cemetery. (I live in a small town about 20 miles away). Just driving around we finally found the Morrisonville Cemetery.

WOW, it was situated on a 'high' area of land with quite a few old trees in it, very well kept and I wopndered - Will I ever find anything.

After a coupl e of hours walking around, reading names, epitaph's, I finally spotted a fairly large stone with 'Strablow' on it! And there was this name 'Bertie' inscribed. (Never heard of that one). I Had found my grandfather/mother's gravestone - there was a wonderful feeling like I'd never felt before that came over me.

Then, walking around to the oth er side I found my great grandfather/mother's names and dates inscribed. (to my knowledge I'd never heard of them.) And my great grandfather was a 'Civil War' verteran! WOW, NEAT . . . what a find!

Well, this started my quest in genealogy and cemeteries. I can't tell you how many cemeteries I've walked, looking for that 'lost' relative, or someone else's. And now with the web postings being more and more prevalent I am extremely grateful to those who take time to post
and/or manage cemetery sites so that other's can benefit. Thanks to All -until next time - c