A nationally known stone restorer is set to work on the deteriorating headstone of Clarissa Wilson, daughter of Betsy Ross, at the Fort Madison City Cemetery. Wade Fowler, founder of Millennial Stone Cleaner, has agreed to take on the project at no cost in exchange for documenting the work on his YouTube channel. The roughly four-foot marble stone has been poorly repaired with cement in the past and is not in good condition. Fowler believes he can remove much of the cement and reset the stone properly.
The project is being led by the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, which is also commissioning a $770 black granite marker to display a memorial plaque identifying Wilson as the daughter of Ross. The plaque cannot be attached directly to the original stone without risking damage, so the granite marker will be placed in front of it. A public unveiling ceremony is planned for June 13th, the day before Flag Day. The DAR is currently seeking donations to help cover the cost.
