Sue Anderson of the Tiverton Historical Cemeteries Commission was leading a walking tour last Saturday at the old Congregational Church Cemetery #11 on Lake Road when she paused to tell the story of Franklin Seabury Gray, a 19-year-old from Tiverton who enlisted in the Union Army in March 1864 and was killed two months later during the battle of Cold Harbor in Virginia.

Anderson recounted how Gray was one of the more than 7,000 Union troops killed or injured in the battle in less than one hour of fighting. Her voice cracked slightly as she read a quote attributed to Ulysses S. Grant, who had ordered the disastrous attack against Robert E. Lee’s troops: “I regret this assault more than any one I have ever ordered.”

Anderson then described how, a couple of years ago, she and other commission members discovered Gray’s tombstone at the cemetery, partly buried. Initially, they couldn’t read its inscription.

“We didn’t even know who it was,” she said. “We lifted it, cleaned it, and put it on the base.”

Now, the young Civil War casualty is being properly memorialized for his sacrifice.

Stories such as this one are commonplace and illustrate the Historic Cemeteries Commission’s focus on preservation. While caretakers manage the three largest cemeteries in town, the commission is responsible for 87 others — all designated as historic. Much of their work is centered on maintenance of the grounds and cleaning, resetting and repair of gravestones.

Anderson’s knowledge of local history is vast. Sixteen Revolutionary War veterans are buried at the Congregational Church Cemetery, and during the recent tour, she described in colorful detail the lives of many of them and the roles they played in Tiverton’s history during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Those interested can learn more about the commission’s work during hands-on gravestone cleaning, resetting, and repair at the Daniel Dwelly Lot #39 on Windwood Drive scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this coming Saturday, May 11 and the following May 18. No experience or supplies are needed, but work gloves are recommended. Parking is available on Windwood Drive.