Trapshoot honoring Greg Kuenle

A Memorial Trap Shoot to honor and remember Greg Kuenle (July 3, 1958-March 4, 2025) will be from noon to 5 p.m. on July 27 at the East Chain Sportsman’s Club. Greg was a member for many years. There will be a traditional five-bird event, Annie Oakley’s and Jeopardy. Each will be $2 per shoot. Lunch and prizes will be provided. Beverages can be purchased from the club. Greg never wanted a funeral; this will be the best way to honor him and celebrate his life. For additional information about the event, contact (507) 848-5342.

Fairmont to honor Civil War veteran

Private George Murray, the last Civil War veteran buried in Martin County, will be honored in a ceremony at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, at Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont. The ceremony is open to veterans, those with an interest in Civil War history, and the general public. Wearing Civil War-era attire is encouraged. Private Murray’s descendants are most cordially invited to attend as special guests. The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) is conducting the ceremony with the assistance of the Martin County Historical Society, VFW Post 1222 and American Legion Post 36 Veterans Honor Guard. The “Last Union Veteran,” George Murray, was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, on Jan. 31, 1841. He enlisted in the first Minnesota Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment on Feb. 15, 1865. He was mustered into Company K, as a Private. He was 24 years old. He served with the Regiment in Chattanooga, Tenn. The regiment manned the heavy guns in the forts of that city in anticipation of an attack by southern General John B. Hood. The attack never came, and the regiment was mustered out on Sept. 27, 1865. George died in Martin County on July 19, 1940. He was 99 years old, six months short of his 100th birthday. SUVCW William Colvill Camp #56, Department of Wisconsin, will be presiding over the ceremony. The ceremony will feature the Last Soldier dedication ritual of the SUVCW and includes the placing of a Last Soldier Marker on the veteran’s grave.