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This is an open letter to the List,
I stopped my E-mail over St Johns Cemetery in the beginning of a sentence. I
felt I was being drawn in. I will leave the List before I would Flame anyone
on here, regardless of who they may be, or what they say. If I have offended
ANYONE, I apologize, and the matter is closed. Goodnight.!!!
Jack E. Briles Sr.
Floyd County PCRP Coordinator
Po Box 444
New Albany, In. 47151-0444
(812) 282-6585
Fax (812) 282-6585
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ernie & Connie" <elasley(a)sigecom.net>
To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2001 12:52 AM
Subject: Re: [INPCRP] Updated tally on Petition signatures
> Jack,
>
> We collected some in Gibson County last week, the Princeton Library or the
> Historical Socirty was going to mail them in. Have you received them yet?
>
> Ernie
>
> At 11:42 PM 9/29/01, you wrote:
> >In a message dated 9/29/01 7:19:20 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
> >d001b(a)yahoo.com writes:
> >
> >
> > > There are 4 signatures from Cass Co and one
> > > from Carroll
> >
> > Lois said she would like at least 1 from every county so all counties
> > would
> >be represented
> > Keep up the good work.
> >
> >
> >Jack E. Briles Sr.
> >(812) 282-6585
> >Fax (812) 282-6585
> >
> >
> >
> >==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
> >Cemetery: (n) A marble orchard not to be taken for granite.
>
>
Members of the INPCRP:
I try very hard to stay out of debates such as this as my position as List
Manager is to deal with the bounces, people who can't figure out how to
unsubscribe themselves or change their e-mail addresses, etc.
People, this situation is getting out of hand. I ask all of you to think
before you hit the SEND button. Let's consider for a moment why we are
here.
I feel certain that more than 90% of the members of this group are
passionately OPPOSED to turning pioneer cemeteries into prairie grasses
specimens. I don't know this for an absolute mortal fact as we have a
NUMBER of "lurkers" here, people who monitor this list but never post a
message here and people who are employees of the Indiana Department of
Natural Resources because they want to know what we are up to next.
NO, I'm NOT going to remove Mr. Briles. Jack is the hardest-working human
being I've ever known. He is passionate about identifying, protecting and
preserving pioneer cemeteries in Indiana and that is 100% on-point as far as
the goals and objectives of the INPCRP.
Let's review the original "mission statement" of the INPCRP:
The Indiana Pioneer Cemeteries Restoration Project was
begun by Scott Satterthwaite in October 1997 as an effort
to generate public awareness about the neglected
pioneer cemeteries of Indiana.
The state of Indiana is home to thousands of abandoned
or neglected pioneer cemeteries, the oldest of which
now approach 200 years. The goal of this project is to
IDENTIFY, PROTECT, RESTORE and PRESERVE as
many of these cemeteries as possible.
This project was founded on the belief that we owe our
pioneer ancestors a better monument than a forgotten
grave amid bramble and thicket.
Jack Briles has done more for cemetery PRESERVATION and RESTORATION than
most of the rest of us COMBINED. He is tireless and dedicated to this
cause. He has personally (and often-times single-handedly) RESTORED an
untold number of cemeteries -- and paid for every expense out of his own
pocket despite having a limited income.
Yes, Jack is angry about the situation at St. John's Lutheran Church
Cemetery. You have not witnessed the things Jack has seen. In my opinion,
he has every right to be angry about this situation. There is an EXCELLENT
possibility that Jack's first Indiana ancestor is buried in St. John's
Cemetery but, guess what? He can't find a stone there. Further, he can't
get **IN** the cemetery because of the vegetation.
Here's he's got a Township Trustee who wants to clean up the cemetery. The
people who live around the cemetery don't like the way it looks. Some of
the descendants are upset about the way it looks. And Jack is ANGRY about
the situation.
This 20-history of allowing this cemetery to "revert" went into motion
because the former Township Trustee did not WANT to take care of the
cemetery in accordance with his statutory responsibilities.
Jack Briles was also responsible for coordinating the clean-up of another
Southern Indiana cemetery that was BULLDOZED by the parish priest in the
1960s because it was "too much trouble" to mow around the stones. The
priest then allowed that cemetery to revert to what was for all the world a
jungle. I cannot imagine another person on the planet who would have worked
as hard and spent as much of his own gas and money spending DAYS down there
investigating this situation, "making nice" with the township, county and
church officials and desperately searching for intentionally smashed
remnants of stone.
Yes, Jack has the right to express his opinion in this forum, as do any of
us. But, in this case, Jack speaks in accord with the majority opinion
here. The situation at St. John's goes against everything we're trying to
accomplish in our own counties.
Mr. Curtis, you subscribed to this list at 1:35 A.M. on Friday, September
28. Mr. Lowry, you joined us at 10:33 PM on Saturday, September 29.
Gentlemen, the vast majority of the other 161 members of this group are of
the opinion that Indiana pioneer cemeteries are NOT the appropriate forum
for the preservation of native plant life to the detriment of the cemeteries
themselves or in such a way as to create an obstacle to access to those
sites by descendants, historians, family history researchers or interested
members of the public.
I was a regional officer of a national land preservation organization for
more than 3 years. I think I can appreciate as well as anyone the
importance of preserving native plant life for which so much affinity has
been expressed here in the last couple of days. I can recall several
properties owned by that organization on which old cemeteries existed and
they were specifically kept clean and accessible.
It is my personal opinion that pioneer family cemeteries are NOT the
appropriate place for prairie vegetation such as "Cemetery Barrens".
Cemeteries are not for the benefit of the dead, any more than funerals are
for the benefit of the deceased. A cemetery is a place where one human
being can go and feel a connection to persons who passed before them. They
are a connection between us and past generations. I do not feel that 5-foot
tall grasses that hide the markers and monuments placed there to mark a
loved one's final resting place are appropriate in any scenario.
I am a Board member of what is quite possibly the OLDEST active cemetery in
the State of Indiana. Our first "recorded" burial is from 1805. I am also
a Trustee of another still-active cemetery which lists its earliest
"recorded" burial as 1820. Yes, I know there are older graves in Indiana,
but I'm talking about still ACTIVE cemeteries. I assure you that the mowing
of the grass to, among other things, make the cemetery more accessible to
the living public is a primary objective of our Associations.
Finally, I have set the INPCRP list to "MODERATED" status until things calm
down a bit.
Lois Mauk
INPCRP List Manager
P.S.: Mr. Curtis unsubscribed to the INPCRP before I had a chance to send
this message.
In a message dated 9/29/01 7:19:20 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
d001b(a)yahoo.com writes:
> There are 4 signatures from Cass Co and one
> from Carroll
Lois said she would like at least 1 from every county so all counties would
be represented
Keep up the good work.
Jack E. Briles Sr.
(812) 282-6585
Fax (812) 282-6585
In a message dated 9/29/01 7:49:32 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
billn(a)tctc.com writes:
> Lois,
>
> My name is Bill Nunnally I have Benton County but I live in Fountain Co. so
> it shows for Fountain and not Benton.
> Benton Co. is covered but it will not show it.
> Bill
>
> Mr. Nunnally, Maybe I can Help,
> The County of residence of the individual signing the petition will get
> credit for those signatures. Anyone from Benton that signs and stipulates
> Benton as their county of Residence, then Benton will get the Credit. Just
> as anyone signing Fountain as their County of Residence means Fountain
> County will get the Credit. Signers can be from other States. Their
> ancestors are probably buried in Indiana. The Signatures are separated by
> Counties and States. I have Signers from 5 different Counties and 4
> different States.. Each County or State get the credit for their Respective
> signatures. They will all count. I hope this helps until Lois has a chance
> to answer you.
Jack E. Briles Sr.
Floyd County PCRP Coordinator
Po Box 444
New Albany, In. 47151-0444
(812) 282-6585
Fax (812) 282-6585
Amen!!!!
Jack Briles is our Hero! You need something done? Ask Jack Briles! We
need more Jack Briles in Indiana who are as dedicated as Jack in saving
our pioneer cemeteries.
Sorry, Mr. Curtis, as much as I love hiking through the wild flowers and
weeds at parks, when I visit a cemetery I expect it to be mowed. My
ancestors spent many hours a day hoeing weeds (or wildflowers) from
their gardens, fields, yards AND cemeteries.
Sorry you feel Flamed and insulted, but Mr. Briles has had to fight a
long time for every inch of pioneer cemeteries saved here in Indiana.
We admire his dedication and understand his frustrations and, quite
frankly, most of us sit back and expect Jack Briles to speak for us.
Mr. Curtis, you, too, deserve your viewpoint and I'm sure most of us
agree with you that there is a place for prairie grass and wildflowers.
But NOT in our cemeteries, please!
Pat Bryant, Indianapolis
Brian Smead wrote:
>
> WOW, you really like to stir the fire up, don't you? How many on this list
> Lois? 160? 170? Maybe you should just remove 95% of us because that's how
> many probably agree with Jack. Mr. Curtis, if the DNR ever tryed to make
> "MY" cemetery into a natural habitat, I'll be there weekly with a lawn mower
> and gallons of weed killer.
> End of subject for me. I'm not into tree hugging or weed planting.
> Brian E. Smead
> Terre Haute, Indiana
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Howell Curtis" <hccu(a)voyager.net>
> To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
> Sent: Saturday, September 29, 2001 9:43 PM
> Subject: [INPCRP] Flamed
>
> > Dear Ms. Mauk,
> >
> > I was quite surprised that my first post to this forum elicited such a
> > response. Apology aside, Mr. Briles' remarks were insulting, if not
> > downright abusive.
> > He has violated the rules of conduct that members of this forum agreed
> > to abide
> > by when they signed up and should be removed from the list.
> >
> > Respectfully,
> >
> > Howell Curtis
> >
> >
> > ==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
> > "Show me your cemeteries, and I will tell you what kind of people you
> have."
> > Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
> >
> >
>
> ==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
> Blessed are the Elderly, for they remember what we will never know.
WOW, you really like to stir the fire up, don't you? How many on this list
Lois? 160? 170? Maybe you should just remove 95% of us because that's how
many probably agree with Jack. Mr. Curtis, if the DNR ever tryed to make
"MY" cemetery into a natural habitat, I'll be there weekly with a lawn mower
and gallons of weed killer.
End of subject for me. I'm not into tree hugging or weed planting.
Brian E. Smead
Terre Haute, Indiana
----- Original Message -----
From: "Howell Curtis" <hccu(a)voyager.net>
To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 29, 2001 9:43 PM
Subject: [INPCRP] Flamed
> Dear Ms. Mauk,
>
> I was quite surprised that my first post to this forum elicited such a
> response. Apology aside, Mr. Briles' remarks were insulting, if not
> downright abusive.
> He has violated the rules of conduct that members of this forum agreed
> to abide
> by when they signed up and should be removed from the list.
>
> Respectfully,
>
> Howell Curtis
>
>
> ==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
> "Show me your cemeteries, and I will tell you what kind of people you
have."
> Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
>
>
Dear Ms. Mauk,
I was quite surprised that my first post to this forum elicited such a
response. Apology aside, Mr. Briles' remarks were insulting, if not
downright abusive.
He has violated the rules of conduct that members of this forum agreed
to abide
by when they signed up and should be removed from the list.
Respectfully,
Howell Curtis
Earlier this week I had an opportunity to ask my Mother if she recalls
any of our family/neighborhood cemeteries being burned off. She
advised me they had never been burned off in her lifetime. She
further advised me that each Memorial Day the families would gather at
the cemetery and each family would clear off their own group of lots
with scythes and sickles. Mother is 92.
They had enough problems each year with lightning strikes setting off
fires in the Black Water Marsh and burning off 8,000 acres, more or
less, of prairie grasses, etc.
Does anyone know if lichen is on the endangered species list? Does
anyone know if algae and fungus are on the endangered species list?
It takes algae and fungus to create lichen.
Seriously, if any of you will have an opportunity to speak, in the
near future, to the Chairperson of the Natural Resources Committee or
the Judicial Committee, of the Indiana General Assembly, make them
aware of the burning of cemeteries by DNR. I believe that the
Governor's office, the Attorney General's office, the Senate
President, the Speaker of the Indiana House and other "political power
houses" are going to be quite upset when they find out what is going
on; and they will find out, if they haven't already! :-)
Based on the evidence presented on this list the State of Indiana is
indeed in violation of the Indiana Constitution.
Cheers!
Sam Cline
Hoosier Web
http://www.hoosierweb.org/
The candle light will always be gleaming through the sycamores.
The latch string is always out.
Dear Mr.. Curtis,
My concern is the stones which are damp or having drawn some moisture will
have a tendency to crack and literally explode the stone....Have you ever
seen this happen with limestone flag stones.
I have and it ain't a pretty sight......why take a chance on destruction of
the headstones of our Indiana Pioneers?
John Roush
-----Original Message-----
From: Howell Curtis <hccu(a)voyager.net>
To: INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Date: Saturday, September 29, 2001 8:04 PM
Subject: Re: [INPCRP] Cemetary Barren
>Dear Ms. Silver,
>
>I see no evidence that the gravestones are being damaged by fire. In fact,
>the fire may prevent the growth of lichens that can be an instrument of
>degradation.
>If the Church owns the land then why was the cemetery abandoned years ago?
>If the IDNR hadn't instituted the annual burning program, the cemetery
would
>have been taken over by bushes and brambles long ago.
>Another point I would like to make is just how was the cemetery taken care
of
>in the past, before the annual burning program was started. It couldn't
have
>been
>very intensive or the prairie plants would have been killed out. Could it
be
>that our
>forefathers knew something that most of the members of this forum don't?
Maybe
>they recognised it as the special place that it is and let nature take its
>course. I don't
>know but that is a possibility.
>I would like to know how that someone who is dead can be punished? If
you can
>
>explain that to me I would be glad to know.
>The plants could be taken to another area, either by digging them up or
>collecting
>seed and then planting the seed, but it wouldn't be the same. These plants
have
>grown toghether in a symbiotic relationship in this plot of land for
hundreds or
>even thousands of years. They were here before the first settlers came and
>probably before the Indians were here. It is highly unlikely that this
symbiosis
>could ever be duplicated.
>
>Respectfully,
>
>Howell Curtis
>
>Sue Silver wrote:
>
>> Mr. Curtis,
>>
>> With all due respect, if the DNR or whoever is performing this "project"
>> does not own the property on which they have undertaken it, they should
>> cease and desist. The burning off of the grasses and weeds will
ultimately
>> bring the destruction of the memorial monuments erected over those
pioneers'
>> graves by their loved ones. The monuments are also considered private
>> property in most states.
>>
>> If Jack Briles is correct and the land title is in the Lutheran Church of
>> that area, then the Church's private land rights have been violated, not
to
>> mention a possible constitutional violation of the doctrine of separation
of
>> church and state.
>>
>> While I would agree with you our nation has lost much to growth and
progress
>> over the past 200 years of it's expansionism, we must never lose sight of
>> our precious freedoms that make this nation so great. The Church
purchased
>> or received the title to this ground and until that title is deemed to
have
>> failed or has been legally transferred, the state has stepped on the toes
of
>> it's freedom.
>>
>> I personally believe that by using a cemetery to undertake this project
of
>> conservation of the plant life you mention, those who claim it is being
done
>> as a memorial to the settlers and pioneers must be aware of the irony of
>> such a memorialization. It was, after all, those same pioneer citizens
who
>> moved West with so many others and, through that movement, inadvertently
>> caused the loss of the vegetation of which you speak. Sounds more like
>> these dead pioneers are being punished for being participants in those
>> losses.
>>
>> Better that some vacant land be found for this cause. I believe the dead
>> and the monuments erected so they may always be remembered should be
treated
>> with the same respect as when their loved ones were still here to ensure
>> that condition.
>>
>> Respectfully,
>>
>> Sue Silver
>> California
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Howell Curtis" <hccu(a)voyager.net>
>> To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
>> Sent: Friday, September 28, 2001 9:30 AM
>> Subject: [INPCRP] Cemetary Barren
>>
>> > The casual observer might think Cemetary Barren to be a mess, but to
>> > one who studies plants it is a wonder to behold, a microcosm of a
>> > grassland ecosystem that at one time comprised an estimated seventy
>> > thousand acres in Harrison and Washington counties. Today there is
>> > probably less than a hundred acres left of this prairie which supported
>> > herds of bison, elk and deer as well as many species of small mammals
>> > and birds. Cemetary Barren is the most diverse of the barren remnants
>> > with well over one hundred species of native forbs and grasses. The
>> > bison and elk are gone but this precious remnant should be preserved
>> > for future generations. In my opinion it is a fitting memorial to the
>> > early
>> > settlers and to those who are buried there.
>> >
>> > Howell Curtis
>> >
>> >
>> > ==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
>> > Blessed are the Elderly, for they remember what we will never know.
>> >
>> >
>>
>> ==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
>> Please do not send queries through this list.
>
>
>==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
>Quote from William Gladstone (1809-1897), three-time Prime Minister of
England
>and Victorian contemporary of Benjamin Disraeli:
> "Show me the manner in which a nation or community
> cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical
> exactness the tender mercies of its people, their
> respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty
> to high ideals."
In a message dated 9/28/01 6:12:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
wspurlock(a)savinggraves.com writes:
> These are historical cemeteries, they are not nature preserves, and to even
> think of treating one as such is beyond comprehension.
Hi Bill and everyone,
Case in point -- some cemeteries covet their status as nature
preserves. Have a look at Mount Auburn in Cambridge, Spring Grove in
Cincinnati, Mount Hope in Rochester, Green-Wood in Brooklyn, Woodland in
Dayton -- just to name a few. They are most certainly considered nature
preserves and arboretums. They all retain some land that is undeveloped
because it reinforces the intent of the Rural Cemetery Movement landscape
architect/designer. I think your remark may be meant to refer to "pioneer"
cemeteries which did not originally have "planned" natural growth
incorporated into the design.
Just wanted to make sure that important fact was duly noted. Please
continue with your discussion -- this is most interesting.
Katie Karrick (The Cemetery Lady)
Ohio Cemetery Preservation Society
http://www.rootsweb.com/~ohcps
In a message dated 9/29/01 9:17:03 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
ssilver1951(a)jps.net writes:
> A cemetery is not a laboratory and they were never intended for
> such use.
>
> Sue,
Since I will no Longer discuss cemeteries with any one with such an
opinion, and
> who doesn't know the difference between the meaning of "yours" and "Mine"
> when discussing cemeteries. Which simply stated means, if we say that to
> each other we mean the ones you deal with and the ones I deal with, not
> implying that you or I "Own" them. To even reach a conclusion like that is
> absurd. Incidentally, no where on the only piece of paper in existence on
> the cemetery does it mention the word "BARREN" or "BARRENS". I have A
> copy. The Cemetery is officially on file in the WPA Cemetery Blueprint
> Diagram Book from 1939 in the Recorders office in Harrison County as
> "LUTHERAN" I appreciate your common sense response, It helps keep things
> in perspective, Thanks
Jack E. Briles Sr.
Floyd County PCRP Coordinator
Po Box 444
New Albany, In. 47151-0444
(812) 282-6585
Fax (812) 282-6585
I can appreciate the beauty and historical value of an area (field, pasture,
etc) of pioneer grasses (they all look like weeds to me). In fact, earlier
this year when our cemetery lost our caretaker and before one was hired, our
grass grew taller than I had ever seen it. I was amazed at all of the
wildflowers that grew on some of the graves in the old section of the
cemetery, obviously planted there 50-100 years ago by family members. But
our society's tradition has changed and we now expect our cemetery to be
manicured and well maintained. I, too, have family buried in cemeteries
where no care is given, except that which a few of us do each spring, which
lasts only a few weeks and then reverts back to the way it was. (Maybe this
will change with the inception of the Henry Co. Cemetery Commission) I see
no difference between one that is left to nature and one that is reverted
back to nature. The fact is, they appear to be abandoned. Keep in mind that
not only did our pioneer ancestors clear this land for 'development', but in
many areas they drained it as well. My question is simple...if we allow the
DNR to let these areas grow wild and appear to be uncared for, what do we do
when they want to flood an area where a cemetery exists, supposedly to revert
it back to its natural state? For several counties here in Northwest
Indiana, this could become an issue in the next few years as the DNR is
wanting to revert us back to the swamp that we once were... Tell me, where
does it stop? Yes, I agree our pioneer cemeteries may not have been as
manicured back in those days, but I can also assure you that they were not
without care and maintenance. My research into my cemetery clearly points
this out in 1895 and again in 1925 when the cemetery was organized and
reorganized, all due to deteriorating maintenance and care. The main reason
the DNR uses cemeteries for this purpose is because so few farmers are
willing to give up their tillable acres for such a project, and they find
little opposition when they converge on an already uncared for cemetery.
Kyle D. Conrad
bound selected articles / Doane, Dubois Co. Library at Jasper...The condition
of the Jasper graveyard is a disgrace to civilization. (reference to deed
etc.) then: The town board should see to its proper fencing and probably by
giving some one the use of the unoccupied acre of ground, the balance might
be kept in decent condition.(more general)then: The first settlers of this
county lie buried there and their graves should not be run over and
desecrated by hogs and cattle.We noticed Tuesday that some worse than devils
in human shape, had broken a number of old tombstones...{this is not the
oldest cemetery in Dubois Co.}....and then the next week this was
written,,,,: The members of St. Joseph church have accomplished a much needed
and highly creditable work by thoroughly cleaning up their graveyard. It was
in a terrible condition, but now looks much better. Now let those who use
the graveyard across the creek see to it that that one receives the
improvement which it needs so sadly. Respect for the dead is a sacred duty
of the living.....
copied by Ruth Pride Wheatland ,In.
The problem, Steve, is that the conservationists are allowed to burn the
vegetation off on some periodic schedule. This will bring the true ultimate
demise of the stones and in a more rapid manner.
It is true that most native stone monuments will degrade over time.
However, properly cared for and maintained stones can be conserved and their
"life" is greatly extended for it.
The cause of both the native plant conservationists and the cemetery
preservationists doe not need to clash in this manner. The cemeteries are
stationary (for the most part), but the native plants projects can be
relocated to other lands not currently in use for any other purpose. A
cemetery is a place for the permanent deposit of the dead, a place of sacred
repose. A cemetery is not a laboratory and they were never intended for
such use.
I refer you also to my response to Howell Curtis.
Sue Silver
California
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Frevert" <rfrevert(a)megsinet.net>
To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2001 1:25 PM
Subject: [INPCRP] Cemeteries and nature
> I have no doubt that this will generate some angry replies, but I have to
say that the vitriolic language I've seen regarding whether or not native
ecosystems should be maintained in pioneer cemeteries seems to be getting
out of hand. Presumably all subscribers to this list are interested in
preserving cemeteries; this common cause should serve to unite us, not
divide us along lines of pro- or anti-ecology, etc. I have ancestors and
relatives buried all over Indiana from one end of the state to the other, in
well-kept municipal cemeteries and in completely overgrown family burial
grounds close to 200 years old. While I have a strong interest in the
stones themselves, I cherish the information found there, and I hate to see
how they have weathered over the years due to purely natural causes, it is
more important to me that the cemeteries themselves remain intact. A
cemetery is not a collection of gravestones; the markers are cultural
artifacts, and nothing will prevent th!
> eir eventual decay. A cemetery is a burial place for human remains. I
absolutely abhor cemetery vandalism, willful or not, but I think the first
focus should be on the graves themselves. Surely those of us who support
conservation causes are as concerned about preservation as those of us whose
interests lie in local history. And surely a cemetery located on land that
is permanently protected for its natural resources is safer than one located
in the path of rampant and ill-considered development. Native plants don't
destroy cemeteries, people do- whether with bovines, baseball bats, or
bulldozers. Could a relatively low temperature, fast moving controlled burn
damage stones? Possibly. But I'd rather walk through a family plot devoid
of stones and covered with wild flowers and grasses ("weeds" are non-native,
introduced species that crowd out native plants) than one covered with sod,
or blacktop, for that matter.
>
>
> ==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, send message consisting only of
> "UNSUBSCRIBE" to INPCRP-L-REQUEST(a)rootsweb.com
> or to INPCRP-D-REQUEST(a)rootsweb.com (for DIGEST version)
>
>
Mr. Curtis,
With all due respect, if the DNR or whoever is performing this "project"
does not own the property on which they have undertaken it, they should
cease and desist. The burning off of the grasses and weeds will ultimately
bring the destruction of the memorial monuments erected over those pioneers'
graves by their loved ones. The monuments are also considered private
property in most states.
If Jack Briles is correct and the land title is in the Lutheran Church of
that area, then the Church's private land rights have been violated, not to
mention a possible constitutional violation of the doctrine of separation of
church and state.
While I would agree with you our nation has lost much to growth and progress
over the past 200 years of it's expansionism, we must never lose sight of
our precious freedoms that make this nation so great. The Church purchased
or received the title to this ground and until that title is deemed to have
failed or has been legally transferred, the state has stepped on the toes of
it's freedom.
I personally believe that by using a cemetery to undertake this project of
conservation of the plant life you mention, those who claim it is being done
as a memorial to the settlers and pioneers must be aware of the irony of
such a memorialization. It was, after all, those same pioneer citizens who
moved West with so many others and, through that movement, inadvertently
caused the loss of the vegetation of which you speak. Sounds more like
these dead pioneers are being punished for being participants in those
losses.
Better that some vacant land be found for this cause. I believe the dead
and the monuments erected so they may always be remembered should be treated
with the same respect as when their loved ones were still here to ensure
that condition.
Respectfully,
Sue Silver
California
----- Original Message -----
From: "Howell Curtis" <hccu(a)voyager.net>
To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2001 9:30 AM
Subject: [INPCRP] Cemetary Barren
> The casual observer might think Cemetary Barren to be a mess, but to
> one who studies plants it is a wonder to behold, a microcosm of a
> grassland ecosystem that at one time comprised an estimated seventy
> thousand acres in Harrison and Washington counties. Today there is
> probably less than a hundred acres left of this prairie which supported
> herds of bison, elk and deer as well as many species of small mammals
> and birds. Cemetary Barren is the most diverse of the barren remnants
> with well over one hundred species of native forbs and grasses. The
> bison and elk are gone but this precious remnant should be preserved
> for future generations. In my opinion it is a fitting memorial to the
> early
> settlers and to those who are buried there.
>
> Howell Curtis
>
>
> ==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
> Blessed are the Elderly, for they remember what we will never know.
>
>
I would like the List to know I will not get drawn into any more of those
type of Discussions. I have used my mail control to avoid becoming involved.
I apologize for letting it get out of Hand. Lets use the List for it's
original Purpose, Thanks
Jack E. Briles Sr.
Floyd County PCRP Coordinator
Po Box 444
New Albany, In. 47151-0444
(812) 282-6585
Fax (812) 282-6585
For those of you who didn't check them out earlier this month, there are
photos of St. John's Cemetery (the subject of much debate today) at:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~inpcrp/barrenscem.html
@home is apparently playing games with my e-mail again, and my e-mail
delivery is running a bit behind. However, I just got the INPCRP Digest for
this afternoon and picked up on today's debate.
Ladies and gentlemen, I ask all of you to please remember that we are ALL
entitled to our respective opinions in this and any other subject. But
don't forget that we have much more in COMMON here than what might divide
us.
Let's keep any debates on "friendly" terms, respecting each others'
positions. I may not agree with every one of you on every subject, but I
will defend to the death your right to express YOUR positions, so long as it
does not get PERSONAL.
Lois