Historic grave markers returned

LEWISTON – Historic headstones missing from the Normal Hill Cemetery have been found.

James Molloy, of Asotin, called the Lewiston Parks and Recreation office Monday to say he had taken the stones, belonging to his great-great-grandparents.

He spotted them sitting in grass near the plots.

Molloy’s relatives were part of a pioneer convoy that helped settle North Idaho and eastern Oregon in the 19th century.

The headstones of Robert Newell, who died in 1869, and his wife, Rebecca Newell, who died in 1867, have been returned to the city, which oversees the graveyard.

A cemetery employee told Molloy the grave sites are private property and the family is responsible for upkeep, he said.

They weigh about 100 pounds each, Molloy said. He dragged them to the nearest road and heaved them into the back of his station wagon. He intended to dig out the old foundations and lay the stones flat in a new cement bed.

Molloy said he had no idea they were the two oldest headstones in the cemetery.

Lynn Moss, the city’s parks and recreation director, assured Molloy the city will try to restore the stones.