The local attorney David Wills was the person who mostly bought the land , managed the building of the cemetery , and planned its ceremony . However , the basic concept and early organizing efforts were led by rival lawyer David McConaughy .
Local attorney David Wills was the man primarily responsible for acquiring the land , overseeing the construction of the cemetery , and planning its dedication ceremony , although the initial concept and early organizational efforts were led by rival lawyer David McConaughy .