Waverly in Morgan County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Dr. Ralph G Smedley

Photographed by Thomas Smith, January 18, 2026

1. Dr. Ralph G Smedley Marker

Inscription. Founder of
Toastmaster International
Born in Waverly Waverly, Ill. Feb 22, 1878
Died in Santa Ana Calf. Sept. 11, 1965

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical date for this entry is February 22, 1878.

Location. 39° 35.517′ N, 89° 57.188′ W. Marker is in Waverly, Illinois, in Morgan County. It is at the intersection of North Pearl Street and East State Street, on the right when traveling north on North Pearl Street. The marker stands on the grounds of Salter Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 137 N Pearl St, Waverly IL 62692, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies:

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Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War Patriots (approx. 5.2 miles away); All Gave Some, Some Gave All (approx. 9.6 miles away); Lest We Forget (approx. 11 miles away); Route 66 Coal Towns (approx. 11.7 miles away); Operation Iraqi Freedom (approx. 11.7 miles away); World War (approx. 11.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waverly.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 28, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 56 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on January 28, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?