Civil War soldier, wife interred in Jacksonville

Thanks to the Missing in America Project, another veteran — and his wife, have finally been laid to rest, after 87 years.

Linda Smith is a key person with MIAP and was instrumental in bringing Donald Wylie home after decades of sitting on a shelf. A military service was performed for him at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville in May.

Pvt. Kling is unique in that he is the first Civil War soldier to be located by the group. Kling was born October 16, 1836 and served in E company, 2^nd Regiment. He died in 1918 and his wife Elizabeth died in 1923. Their remains have gone unclaimed since – until Linda found them.

Friday, Sept. 17 Pvt. John Kling and Elizabeth were brought to Jacksonville to be laid to rest. Joe Smith, Linda’s husband who is also active with MIAP, offered a prayer to celebrate the homecoming of John and Elizabeth. He also asked for a special blessing for all men and women in uniform.

Union re-enactors from the Sons of Veteran Reserves and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War brought the Klings to the committal shelter through a flagline provided by students from the Tri-County Christian School and the Patriot Guard. A full military ceremony was provided, including a gun salute and Taps. The funeral flag was presented to Mike “Doc” Yoshita.

“I am so honored,” said Yoshita. “It is a high honor to bestow.”

Yoshita is a Vietnam veteran and a Senior ride Captain with the Patriot Guard. He is a member of the Missing in America Project Adopt-a-Veteran program.

Yoshita explained that a donation is given to the program Donors may ask to be placed on a list. When a soldier is found with no next of kin, he is assigned to someone in the program.

“As a veteran I understand how important it is that pvt. Kling is finally put at rest.”

Yoshita also explained the significance of the flag that last honored Kling.

“This flag will never be opened again,” he said. “I have a coin that will be placed with it and it will be put into a case. My grandson is also in the military and he will carry on the tradition of caring for the flags. Four flags will be passed on to him: my father’s, a World War II vet, two veterans’ [including Kling’s] and mine.”