By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Adams Memorial Hospital has announced that it is partnering with the Adams County Historical Society in the restoration process of the burial site of longtime county historian French Quinn.
“As the hospital is celebrating our historical 100-year anniversary in 2023, it is fitting that we support this worthy restoration as one of our 100 Anniversary projects,” said Dr. Scott Smith, hospital CEO. “We know that this, too, is a milestone year of the passing of county historian French Quinn, that being 75 years ago in February 1948.”
The restoration process in Decatur Cemetery has begun and is expected to be completed next spring. The restoration of the cemetery stones and site is a lengthy process being done as weather permits.
Estimated cost of the project is $1,500-$1,800. Donations are being accepted by the historical society.
Officials said a dedication ceremony will be held at the site when the restoration is complete.
French Quinn has a powerful legacy in the development of Adams County and especially Decatur, the county seat, Smith noted. “While much of his accomplishments have been heretofore announced and known by many in the community, it sometimes remains important to look back and wonder how some of the events happened.”
French Quinn, Smith continued, had a leading community passion to make it a better place. To summarize, he was an author, historian, abstractor, banker and public speaker.
Quinn either facilitated or was a participant in many projects, including being the first president of the Decatur Commercial Club, a forerunner to the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, and along with then-judge Studebaker led the effort to line the streets of Decatur with trees.
He remembered Adams County author Gene Stratton Porter (author, naturalist, nature photographer) by having a boulder moved from the St. Mary’s River to the courthouse square with a plaque. That boulder remains today and is known as Elephant Rock.
Quinn’s effort there was supported in part by a countywide fundraising blitz with school children who contributed their pennies, nickels and dimes. This brought awareness across the county of the significance of Porter’s work after she was killed in an automobile accident.
He also spearheaded the extensive Peace Monument project, also on the courthouse square, negotiated for Decatur’s Hanna-Nuttman Park, and helped secure and establish the former General Electric Plant in Decatur.
Quinn’s book, “A Short, Short Story of Adams County, Indiana” includes many of his community efforts.
The hospital pointed out that an editorial in the Decatur Daily Democrat in later years of French Quinn’s life said it well: “A man of simile with noblest character that ever lived, is the beloved French Quinn. He contributed a half century of unstinted service to his home town, its progress and civic spirit.”
“Both as disciple and apostle, he lived and practiced the precept of ‘malice toward none’ and for his service, noble character, example has helped make Decatur a better place in which to live.”
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