The sentry that stands proudly atop a granite pedestal on the northwest corner of Monroe’s courthouse Square was first dedicated in 1913 as a constant reminder of the dead from the city’s Civil War. This monument, given to the O.F. Pinney GAR Post #102, is an actual photo representation of Billy Hawkins of Clarno. Billy was killed at age 18 at the end of the Civil War battle of Petersburg, Virginia, on April 2, 1865. He was a simple enlisted infantryman of the 38th Wisconsin whose courage lived on for nearly 50 years in the memory of his commanding officer, Captain Benjamin M. Frees, also of the Monroe area. Frees, in 1912, paid $10,000 to have this statue made in Billy’s likeness. A William R. Hawkins memorial plaque was dedicated at this spot at 11 a.m. on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 1993. The Green County Historical Society has more information on this statue and other military subjects. Appointments for research can be obtained by contacting Linda Lostetter at lostetter68@gmail.com or email dkjendlie@greencountywihistoricalsociety.org