If the Lesesne Cemetery on the banks of the Wando behind the tennis stadium looks different as you walk trail along the river, you can thank Richard Porter…and Lesesne family member Dan Lesesne…and the DI POA.

According to the Daniel Island News…..”The sun had been up for only a few hours, but the humidity was already in full swing as Daniel Island resident Dick Porter arrived to begin his work at Lesesne Cemetery on a recent weekday. He gently pulled his rake across the sacred grounds, as a group of cicadas, equally undeterred by the heat, provided a lively morning chorus in the background.    If you’ve visited this site along the banks of the Wando River, just off the island’s main trail system, chances are you’ve seen Porter in action. He, and his rake, have become familiar fixtures here. A retiree who has a background in biology and chemistry, Porter has made it his personal mission to provide some tender loving care to the historic cemetery. He was inspired to help many months ago when he noticed the path leading to the burial ground was encroaching on the graves.    “People were walking over these stones as a part of the path,” Porter said. “And I told my wife, I said that’s just not right. I’m not an overly religious guy, but … it’s just respect.”  

So Porter got to work. He began clearing overgrown vegetation and cleaning headstones, some of which date back to the 1700s. Porter’s careful work has revealed inscriptions long covered from the passing of time.   “That one really got me,” Porter said, pointing at a stone dating to 1798. “… I was pleased with the way that cleaned up.”  

To read the entire Daniel Island News article, CLICK HERE

Not surprisingly, Porter’s work on the cemetery earned him the first mention in our History Heroes program…..a program that could use your input on who to nominate next. To see History Hero Spotlight, CLICK HERE