01/06/2026
In 1977, local residents in Saunemin, Illinois, placed a second, larger commemorative stone beside the original grave of Albert Cashier, Company G, 95th Illinois. Unlike the first gravestone, it acknowledges both identities. It identifies him and also notes that he was born Jennie Hodgers in Ireland. According to a historical marker, the monument was “bought and erected by the Citizens of Saunemin” to honor the person behind both names.
The second stone reflects a shift in how people remember Albert. Earlier generations emphasized his military service and public life as Albert Cashier. By the 1970s, there was growing interest in the full story of his life, including the fact that he had been assigned female at birth and had lived as a man for decades. The newer monument was an attempt to recognize that broader history rather than replace the original veteran’s marker. The two stones possibly reflect two different eras of remembrance and two different ways people have understood Albert’s/Jennie’s life.
For more details including photos, videos and articles see:
https://americancivilwarmonumentsireland.ie/?page_id=1603
