The Clinton County History Center and Springfield Meetinghouse are proud to announce the successful restoration of the headstone of Eli Harvey, a distinguished Quaker painter and sculptor from Clinton County. The restoration, completed by Hiron Monuments, marks a significant effort to preserve the legacy of the notable local artist.

Eli Harvey, born in 1860 in Clinton County, is celebrated for his contributions to art, particularly his sculptures of animals. Harvey did not believe in using abstraction in art, and his sculptures express the beauty of nature as he felt God intended it. The base of his headstone, located at the Springfield Meetinghouse cemetery on Todds Fork Road, had deteriorated over the years. Recognizing the importance of preserving Harvey’s memory and contributions, the Clinton County History Center and Springfield Meetinghouse initiated the restoration project.

“Hiron Monuments, the original company that created the headstone in the 1970s, was the perfect choice for this restoration,” said Shelby Boatman, director of the Clinton County History Center. “Their historical connection to the original work made them an invaluable partner in this project.”

The Springfield Meetinghouse, with its rich Quaker history, has been a custodian of the cemetery where many notable Clinton Countians, including Harvey, are laid to rest. The collaboration with the Clinton County History Center and Hiron Monuments underscores the community’s commitment to preserving its historical sites and figures.

“We are grateful for the support and expertise provided by Hiron Monuments as well as the partnership with Springfield Meetinghouse,” said Boatman. “This restoration project ensures that future generations will be able to appreciate and remember Eli Harvey’s contributions to the arts and our community for many years to come.”