Morningstar Fallen Heroes Project

08/05/2026

🇺🇸 Honoring Rev. Edwin Ruthwin Coburn 🇺🇸

Rev. Edwin Ruthwin Coburn was born on August 10, 1835, in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio. He was the son of John F. and Minerva Twadell Coburn and grew up in a family devoted to faith and public service. As a young man, Edwin worked as a clerk and teacher before entering the ministry.

On September 23, 1861, Edwin answered his country’s call and enlisted in Company F of the 44th Indiana Infantry during the Civil War. He served in several major campaigns, including Corinth, Chickamauga and Chattanooga. During the Battle of Chickamauga, Edwin was wounded in action. He later assisted with surveying the National Cemetery at Chattanooga before being honorably discharged on November 21, 1864, after more than three years of military service.

Following the war, Edwin continued a life of service. In 1866, he moved to Isabella County, Michigan, and settled near Dushville. Over the years, he worked as a minister, teacher, land surveyor and civil engineer. He also served his community as a justice of the peace, school inspector, postmaster and county surveyor. Records identify him as a minister of the Gospel and a pastor in the Church of Christ.

Edwin married Elizabeth Martha Johnston Coburn on October 25, 1858. They shared nearly 51 years of marriage before Edwin passed away on August 31, 1909, at the age of 74.

Rev. Edwin Ruthwin Coburn now rests at Riverside Cemetery in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, beside his wife Elizabeth. His life was defined by service—to his country, his faith, his family and his community.

Today, we are honored to help preserve his final resting place and ensure that his sacrifice and remarkable life are not forgotten.

Rest in peace, Reverend Coburn. Your service is remembered.

🇺🇸 Company F, 44th Indiana Infantry
🪖 Civil War Veteran
📍 Riverside Cemetery — Mount Pleasant, Michigan

07/23/2026

🇺🇸 Captain Ferdinand Boughton🇺🇸
Company F, 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics
American Civil War Veteran

Ferdinand Boughton was a resident of Albion, Michigan, when he enlisted in the Union Army on August 27, 1861. He was 24 years old and entered Company A of the 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics as a corporal. He officially mustered into service on October 29, 1861.

Throughout the Civil War, Boughton demonstrated strong leadership and steadily advanced through the ranks. He was promoted to sergeant on September 12, 1862, commissioned as a second lieutenant on December 25, 1862, and mustered into that rank on June 16, 1863. He was later commissioned as a first lieutenant on January 1, 1864, mustering into the position on February 13.

On November 3, 1864, Ferdinand Boughton received his commission as captain of Company F. He formally mustered into command on January 8, 1865. Captain Boughton continued serving through the conclusion of the war and was honorably mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, on September 22, 1865—more than four years after first answering his country’s call.

The 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics performed essential work for the Union Army, including constructing and repairing railroads, bridges, fortifications and military infrastructure. Their labor helped keep Union troops supplied and moving throughout the Western Theater.

Ferdinand was married to Olive Cornelia Crane Boughton, who lived from 1840 to 1875. They had a son, Thomas Boughton, who lived from 1864 to 1914.

A surviving newspaper account also tells of a serious accident involving “Fred” Boughton near Meredith. While a group of men fought a fire threatening railroad ties and tracks near Wells, Stone & Company’s camp, a partially burned tree fell and struck Boughton on the head. He was severely injured and reportedly left paralyzed. He was transported into town by handcar and taken to the American House for treatment.

May he forever rest in peace!

07/22/2026

Private James Conner
Company G, 27th Michigan Infantry
American Civil War Veteran

James Conner was just 18 years old when he answered the call to serve his country during the American Civil War. He enlisted in Detroit, Michigan, on August 8, 1863, committing to a three-year term of service.

On August 28, 1863, James was officially mustered into Company G of the 27th Michigan Volunteer Infantry. Just three days later, he joined his regiment at Nicholasville, Kentucky, beginning nearly two years of military service.

Private Conner remained with the 27th Michigan Infantry until the closing months of the war. He was honorably mustered out on July 26, 1865, at Delaney House in Washington, D.C.

James Conner was one of the many young men who left behind their homes and families to preserve the Union. His courage, sacrifice, and willingness to serve at such a young age will not be forgotten.

Today, we proudly remember and honor Private James Conner for his faithful service to our nation.

🇺🇸 Rest in honor, Private Conner. Your service and sacrifice are remembered.

07/21/2026

🇺🇸 Honoring U.S. Army Veteran Scott William Deegan, this grave was done in the cold michigan winter!

Scott William Deegan was born on September 8, 1954, the son of Theodore Daniel Deegan and Velma Ruth Scott Deegan. A public genealogical index records his birthplace as an Oceanside naval facility, although the full name of the facility is not visible in the available record.

Scott answered the call to serve his country as a member of the United States Army. Unfortunately, the records currently available do not identify his rank, unit, military occupation, dates of service, or any medals he may have received.

Scott passed away in Gladwin, Michigan, on December 11, 1989, at only 35 years old. He was laid to rest on May 22, 1990, at Garfield Township Cemetery in Lake, Michigan, where he rests in Block 10, Row 20, Grave 4. His parents were later laid to rest beside him in the same row—Velma in Grave 2 and Theodore in Grave 3.

Although many details of Scott’s life and military service remain to be uncovered, his service to our nation will not be forgotten. Restoring his marker allows his name to be seen once again and ensures that this young Army veteran continues to receive the honor, dignity, and remembrance he deserves.

Rest in peace, Scott William Deegan. Thank you for your service.

🇺🇸 Honoring the Service. Remembering the Sacrifice. 🇺🇸

07/18/2026

What an honor to make it in my local newspaper! Sometimes I forget how far I've came as a person! This mission of mine is something bigger than myself!

Thank you Clare County Cleaver .

By ETHAN WALLACE CMU Journalism Intern HARRISON – Marcus Morningstar of Clare, has an enduring passion to honor veterans. Inspired by family and loss, he has cleaned veteran …

07/13/2026

Omar Dale Austin
November 25, 1905 – June 18, 2002

Omar Dale Austin was born on November 25, 1905, in Flint, Michigan, to Spencer and Frances Austin. He later married on February 23, 1935, in Ferndale, Michigan.

Before entering the military, Omar worked as a railroad clerk and was employed by T.J. Shorkey. On March 30, 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army in Detroit, Michigan, beginning his service as a private during World War II. He later attained the rank of Technician Third Grade, commonly abbreviated as TEC 3.

Omar lived a long life following his military service and passed away on June 18, 2002, at the age of 96. We proudly remember Omar Dale Austin for answering his country’s call during World War II and honor the life, work, and legacy he left behind.

Thank you for your service, TEC 3 Omar Dale Austin. You are remembered, honored, and never forgotten. 🇺🇸

07/13/2026

I know this is not a veteran’s grave, but while we were out cleaning headstones, my stepdaughter saw this one and said it deserved to be cleaned too.

She reminded me that every headstone represents a person who was loved, remembered, and mattered to someone. So we took the time to clean it and show this resting place the care and respect it deserved.

I am proud of her kind heart and the compassion she showed today. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. ❤️

07/11/2026

🇺🇸 First Sergeant Dennis M. Doran 🇺🇸
Company B, 16th Michigan Infantry

Dennis M. Doran was born around 1838 in New York and later made his home in Michigan. At approximately 22 years old, he enlisted in the Union Army in August 1861 at Plymouth, Michigan. He entered service as a private with Company F of the 16th Michigan Infantry and was later transferred to Company B.

On December 24, 1863, Dennis reenlisted at Rappahannock Station, Virginia, and held the rank of corporal. On June 2, 1864, he was wounded in action during the Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia. Despite his wounds, Dennis continued his military service and was promoted to first sergeant on March 14, 1865.

After nearly four years in uniform, Dennis was discharged on July 7, 1865, in Washington, D.C., because of the wounds he had received in battle. He applied for a military pension shortly after leaving the Army.

Following the war, Dennis lived in several Michigan communities, including Sebewa and Portland townships in Ionia County and Greenwood Township in Clare County. Records list his occupation as a laborer. By 1910, he was living at the Michigan Soldiers’ Home in Grand Rapids.

First Sergeant Dennis M. Doran passed away on January 25, 1911, in Greenwood Township, Clare County, Michigan, at approximately 73 years old.

Today, we remember Dennis M. Doran not only for the rank carved upon his headstone, but for the courage, sacrifice, and perseverance represented by his service. He answered his country’s call, suffered wounds in battle, and faithfully served until the closing months of the Civil War.

May his service and sacrifice never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

07/11/2026

07/10/2026

🇺🇸 Honoring Corporal John Fesler 🇺🇸

Corporal John Fesler, whose surname also appears in some records as Fesler, was a Civil War veteran who served with Company K of the 14th Michigan Infantry.

A resident of Greenbush, Michigan, John enlisted at St. Johns on December 17, 1861, at approximately 25 years old. He officially mustered into service on January 7, 1862, committing himself to three years in defense of the Union.

Rather than return home when his original enlistment neared its end, John reenlisted at Columbia, Tennessee, on January 4, 1864, and mustered again the following month. On March 5, 1865, during the final weeks of the Civil War, he was taken prisoner. John was later paroled and honorably discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, on June 15, 1865.

John’s family included his wife, Ellen Gale Fesler Kauffman, and their children: Charles, Lena, Frances “Nellie,” Mary, Etta and Gladys.

Corporal Fesler endured years of military service, reenlisted when his country continued to need him and survived being held as a prisoner of war. Today, we remember his courage, sacrifice and faithful service to our nation.

Rest in honor, Corporal Fesler. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten. 🇺🇸