Description
This is a photgraph taken of Colonel James F. McNeill of Oskaloosa, Iowa, in 1906. Colonel McNeill served on an elite team of men that was put to the task of guarding the body/tomb of President Abraham Lincoln after an attempt of stealing his remains took place on November 7, 1876 at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. The Lincoln Guard of Honor, as the group called themselves, formed on February 12, 1880, conducted secret ceremonies and honored the secret location of where Lincoln was buried following the failed grave robbery of the 16th President. This group performed these duties until 1901, when the final tomb was completed for Lincoln's remains.