By NEIL DUDDY - Western Leader | Saturday, 20 December 2008
He was a colourful and well-travelled character who ended up forgotten in an unmarked grave – until now.
American Civil War veteran and diplomat Andrews Andrew St John has finally been acknowledged 106 years after his death.
A headstone was unveiled on his grave at Waikumete Cemetery this month during a service attended by dignitaries from the United States consulate.
Mr St John’s story came to light after investigations by Glendene historical researcher Audrey Lange.
She discovered the unmarked grave last year and began to look into its background.
Her digging unearthed a colourful story.
Mr St John was born in 1835 in Connecticut and was a dentist by profession.
He was 27 when he joined the 141st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment that fought on the union side during the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865.
Mr St John was involved in several major incidents during the conflict, including the second Battle of Bull Run and the defence of Washington.
He returned to a dental practice in New York after the war before being appointed to a diplomatic post in Fiji in 1886.
A further stint as American Consul to Indonesia followed in 1893, and he then spent a short period in Australia before shifting to Auckland and retirement in 1894 with his wife and two children.
He died in 1902 and was buried at Waikumete. The remaining family later returned to the United States.
The new headstone on Mr St John’s grave has been provided by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs.
Ms Lange says it was a special moment to see it unveiled.
"It has taken almost a year from my spotting the grave to this dedication ceremony. It’s great because Mr St John’s family members in America now have closure because they believed he had died somewhere in Fiji."
Mr St John is survived by one granddaughter, Winifred Mont-Eton, now aged 97 and living in California.
There are also several great-grandchildren and their families.
Great-granddaughter Lorry Wagner says the installation of the headstone came as wonderful news.
"I have tears in my eyes and goose bumps all over, and my mom Winifred is speechless and crying too. It’s just overwhelming and I cannot express our thanks and appreciation enough."
American Consul General John Desrocher says the ceremony and headstone were a fitting tribute.
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to be able to honour one of our own in this way. Diplomats like Mr St John made great sacrifices for their country for very little reward, so we are very grateful to Ms Lange for bringing his story to light so that we can honour him correctly."
