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It looks like a very nice job was done. Keep up the good work.
I love the striped clothing. Her in CA they wear blue jeans, tee shirts, and
a vest.
Don Huffman
crfordy(a)comcast.net
This last Saturday, May 21st, we had the chance to work with the Central
Indiana Land Trust on restoring a pioneer cemetery here in Henry county. I
believe they have just as much concern about the cemeteries as we do.
At times we have our conflicts with them about the vegetation in the
cemeteries, and I now see there long range goals.
They can be very helpful at what we are trying to do. They are the ones who
burn off the cemeteries once a year.
Here is the link to our project of last Saturday, working with these folks:
http://hcgs.net/hccc/current2005.html
UEB
Henry Co., IN INPCRP
HCCC
WWW.HCGS.NET
As I walk the trail of life, in the fear of the wind and rain,
Grant O' Great Spirit that I may always walk like a man.
As the former treasurer of the Indiana Genealogical Society, our
organization makes grants only to genealogical societies. In some counties,
the genealogical society is part of the historical society.
This year, we had an application from a group of descendents to repair their
family cemetery. We agreed that if the family organization was an
officially organized organization with not-for-profit status, we could give
them the grant. If not, we could not. We didn't want to get into a
quagmire of giving money to one person, who said it would go for a specific
purpose, but without any accountability.
In other words, we weren't sure we, as a not-for-profit organization, could
legally give money to individuals. That is why our grant program was
written for genealogical societies. We had a group become part of the local
historical society, which was also functioning as a genealogical society in
that county, and reapply for a grant. It was awarded the second time, since
it could be given to a not-for-profit organization.
Sharon Howell
In a message dated 4/27/05 8:30:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Adhough1(a)aol.com
writes:
> What I've learned in the last few months is that we've got all
> these different groups involved in restoration, the IHS, the different
> county commissions, the Professional Restorers, the librarys, and then we
> have
> this site. I feel as if I've been out there, screaming, Hey, I'm here and
> I'd
> like to get involved, and no one hears me, because again, with all these
> different groups, it's going in to many different directions.
> Maybe what Brad was trying to accomplish was for the INPCRP to be an
> organized group that could go off into different counties, and start having
> actual
> restorations done to where it was the INPCRP actually doing the restoration
> instead of depending on those other organizations, who can't do it all. The
>
> problem is, some have mentioned,that this is just a message board. I think
> we all
> need to go back and look at the actual "site" as being the structure, and
> this message board is nothing more than just a way to converse on what needs
> done
> or a way for us all to stay on the right path. Maybe Brad couldn't do it
> all
> on his own and I'm not real sure, any of us could do it any better.
> If the INPCRP, the site, the people who are involved, the people on the
> message board could become an actual organization and split off into
> different
> leadership roles, maybe we could actually get something done. But if the
> people
> involved arn't interested in that, then fine, leave it as it is. I can
> accept
> it either way, because I will continue to get involved with or without this
> group.
>
> Every time I attend a Madison Co. Cemetery Commission meeting, I go as a
> representative for the INPCRP, whether this is how I should have been
> representing myself or not, I'm not sure, but my whole goal was to focus on
> one cemetery
> that needed restored, and try to bring the INPCRP and the commission
> together
> in order to get the restoration started. I felt, that if I was a regional
> coordinator, then I could put together a workshop, possibly find the funds,
> and
> get things started, but it hasn't happened. Again, here I am, going in my
> own
> direction. If there had been a more organized group, I might have had some
> help. I guess what I am getting at, is this is about the Indiana Pioneer
> Cemetery Restoration Project, and we all need to decide whether this is just
> a
> message board, or if there is more to it.
>
> Amy Terry
> Madison Co. Indiana
>
This is in answer to an earlier E-Mail from Amy Terry.
You are right, we are part of a site that is a "Message Board" To me it
has been a way for a group of people all with the same motive in mind, "SAVE
PIONEER CEMETERIES" any way we can. It would be hard to belong to a Fixed Group
because we live all over Indiana and other states as well. Sue Silver lives in
California, she can't attend meetings but she has some darn good input as to
what we could, or should do. Bill Spurlock of Saving Graves.Org does not live
in Indiana. He also has some good ideas. We also have Tewstar in New Mexico
represented. She has suggestions. We can never operate as a fixed entity with
our List scattered like that. But, we have, as a group gotten cemetery Laws
passed that would never have seen the light of day without this Diverse group. We
did fine under the Direction of Lois Mauk, but we don;t have her now. We can
start by registering our names and addresses and e-mail addresses and Counties
of which we call ourselves "Coordinator" in a Central Location, then send out
a List so we will know who to contact in each county. And if we take the
suggestions of all involved, we can come up with a way to raise funds for our
counties. This won't happen overnight, but I haven't seen very many impatient
people on the List.
Common sense will tell you that the more people you have with Ideas,
the sooner we can come up with some kind of a plan. But let's don't rush into
it. The first thing I think we should do is get a newsletter up and running.
Like Rich Green said, his wife was willing to help, that's a beginning. A
Newsletter would help people who have never heard of us begin to hear and
Understand what we are attempting to do, and are doing. It would be pretty tough for a
large group of us to get together in a specific county and work on a cemetery.
First we all have our own that HAS to come first. If we don't accomplish
anything in our own counties, then we wont have any recognition at all. Somebody
with more knowledge than myself should quietly work on the different means of
getting Grants and Funding. In Floyd Co. we can app;y for from $5,000 to
$25,000 from Caesar's Gambling Funds by submitting a Grant Proposal. I know nothing
about the procedure, but I am willing to check it out.
There is a lot we can do to raise Funds, but we must be patient and do
it right. There is no second chance if you screw up. We must be patient in
trying to secure money. It does not come easy. Also we still have our Initial
goal of saving cemeteries, in which I believe we have stopped a Developer in
Floyd Co, and another in Clark Co. from moving 2 cemeteries. This work will
always come from our own out of pocket expense. If we remain calm and work together
on suggestions, sooner or later we will make it. If you read all of this,
Thanks for listening to the ramblings of an old man, if you don't like what I
say, tell me where I am wrong. I intend on working on the above until I can't
anymore. Let's work together. God Bless;
Jack E. Briles
That sounds pretty much like our community foundation application. I know
that issue has arisen with our committee that is currently publishing a history
book for my town's sesquicentennial next year. However, the director of the
foundation has informed us that that is not a big deal if we don't have our
paperwork in order as long as we use someone who does, such as our library, town
board, etc. Again going back to what Sue and Helen have suggested.
yes, I can see where you would be frustrated considering what you were asking
for. I'm sorry it didn't work out. Maybe some of the suggestions from the
list will assist you for the next go around.
Kyle
Donna, Community Foundation is getting more difficult to get funding from.
The grant has to be written in such a way that it proves to them the large
amount of impact the project will have on the community...in other words,
they want the biggest bang for the buck. We used our Historical Society's
number for the not for profit part, other details I would be happy to
discuss with you off list.
Helen
Original Message:
-----------------
From: Donna T dtauber(a)kiva.net
Date: Sat, 21 May 2005 20:44:22 -0500
To: INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com
Subject: Re: [INPCRP] Grants/funding
This is the synopsis - minus a few details - was though our community
foundation - and I was very upset - only asking for $750.00
BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR REQUEST FOR A GRANT:
To conduct 2 professional workshops in Henry County for residents to learn
proper Cemetery Restoration Techniques. One cemetery that has been chosen
for restoration is the Leaky - Wisehart Cemetery, (see photos) located on
Dublin pike North of New Lisbon. This cemetery has a number of broken
stones and is very visible to the public. Workshops will encourage people
to learn how properly reset gravestones and other restoration methods,
restore the cemetery that has been chosen for the Workshop, and allow people
to go back to their local cemeteries with the proper guidelines and
knowledge of Cemetery Restoration. Workshops also create public awareness of
the restoration process.
Proposals must include:
__Attendance of the current grant cycle workshop
__Completed application form using only the space provided
__Budget for proposed project and projected cash flow plan
__List of members of governing board
__Most recent financial audit or year-end financial statement
__Current month and year-to-date financial statement
__Copy of 501 (c) (3) tax exemption ruling from IRS
GRANT APPLICATION FORM
1.. ORGANIZATION: What is the purpose of your organization and who does
it serve?
Henry County Ordinance # 3-9-01 established the Henry County Cemetery
Commission (HCCC) as authorized by Indiana Code #23-14-67. There are 5
board members who must be Henry County residents and are appointed by the
Henry County Commissioners. All board members serve on a volunteer basis.
The purpose is to restore, clean, and maintain Henry County's oldest
cemeteries, referred to as Pioneer Cemeteries, which are dated pre -1850's.
2.. NEED: What are the issues which this project will try to address?
The goal is to educate the public on proper cemetery restoration, and give
them the knowledge and ability to help restore Henry County's 160 Pioneer
Cemeteries. Many of these pioneer cemeteries are overgrown, are in
disrepair or have all but been forgotten.
3.. PURPOSE: What will this project specifically accomplish?
Our Pioneer Cemeteries are one of our most unique historic landmarks. In
these places lie the persons who founded our county and our communities.
Men who served in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War.
About 40 (known) cemeteries in Henry County now exist without a trace.
4.. WHO: Describe who will be served by this project. How many will be
served? What is the geographic area served? Will any of the funds be used
to fulfill national affiliation or programs?
Genealogy brings a number of persons to Henry County each year researching
their roots. Many of these people use our hotels and restaurants. Funds
received will be used on a local basis for local cemeteries.
5.. COORDINATION: Who else in your community is working on this issue?
What will you do that is better or different than existing programs?
We work with a number of Township Trustees to do cemetery restoration work,
whose budgets don't allow for major restoration. Many Pioneer Cemeteries
have been abandoned. The HCCC also has an Advisory Board, appointed by our
board on a volunteer basis, which is working on an education program geared
toward school age students.
6.. OTHER FUNDS: Who has given or pledged funds for your project? Where
else are you seeking funds?
The HCCC is a non-funded entity and operates strictly on donations. By
having such a commission, it enables us to pursue grant funding,
educational programs and volunteer workdays to help restore the county's
historical burial sites. To date we have received over $8,000 in donations,
and we received recently $3,000.00 from the Food and Beverage Tax to
purchase equipment and materials.
7.. FUTURE FUNDS: How will this project be financed in the future?
Donations and fundraisers.
8.. COMPETENCE: What evidence can you give of the ability of your
organization to implement this project?
Since it's inception, the commission has been involved in many cemetery
projects. These projects range from the cleaning of cemeteries to the
rededication the Christopher Long Monument.
9.. EVALUATION: How will the project be monitored and the results
evaluated?
The HCCC is accountable to the Indiana Historical Bureau, laws of the
Indiana State Code, the
DNR, and by the Henry County Commissioners.
10.. IMPACT: Describe the effect of this project on the organization,
clients, and the community.
Cemeteries not only represent memorial markers to those who have passed, but
can also provide us with the history of that person. These gravestones can
tell us their date of birth, date of death, military information, and in
many cases who their parents were, and who their spouse was. This is the
information that many Genealogists come to Henry County to search.
11.. OTHER: Is there anything else you would like us to know about this
project?
Also we have participated for several years in the Henry County Day of
Caring, utilized the Henry County Sheriffs Departments Workforce on many
occasions, supervised and coordinated vandalism repairs in the Greensboro
Cemetery, and sponsored the Catherine Winters Memorial Dedication. Advisory
Board member Bud Bush has also developed a website for the HCCC at
http://hcgs.net/hccc/index.html. The Henry County Historical Society and
the Henry County Public Library has agreed to promote such workshops, and we
believe that they would be very well attended by the public.
Over a period time, without properly maintaining our Pioneer Cemeteries,
gravestones become covered with leaves and other vegetation, until they
disappear completely. And a major piece of our local histories will then
become lost to future generations.
----- Original Message -----
From: <KidClerk(a)aol.com>
To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 21, 2005 8:11 PM
Subject: [INPCRP] Grants/funding
> In a message dated 5/21/2005 6:49:45 PM Central Standard Time,
> dtauber(a)kiva.net writes:
>
> > very good impute Jack - but we just lost a grant because we are not - or
> > are
> > not part of a 501c3 - a cemetery commission currently falls under county
> > government at the present -
> > how can we get around this? What could be the advantages?
> > Donna
> > Henry County Cemetery Commission
> >
>
> Donna:
>
> What kind of a grant was it and who from? The sole reason you weren't
> granted the money was based on your non profit status? I've known county
and local
> government agencies to receive grants on several instances, inlcuding my
> volunteer fire department and our county sheriff's dept., neither of which
are
> 501's. What were your intentions on using the money?
>
> What about funnelling this through your community foundation? Is that a
> possibility to get around this issue?
>
> Kyle
>
>
> ==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
> THIS IS A CEMETERY -----
> "Lives are commemorated - deaths are recorded - families
> are reunited - memories are made tangible - and love is
> undisguised. This is a cemetery.
> "Communities accord respect, families bestow reverence,
> historians seek information and our heritage is thereby enriched.
> "Testimonies of devotion, pride and remembrance are carved
> in stone to pay warm tribute to accomplishments and to the life -
> not the death - of a loved one. The cemetery is homeland for family
> memorials that are a sustaining source of comfort to the living.
> "A cemetery is a history of people - a perpetual record of
> yesterday and sanctuary of peace and quiet today. A cemetery
> exists because every life is worth loving and remembering - always."
> --Author unknown -- Seen at a monument dealer in West Union, IA
>
>
==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
"Show me your cemeteries, and I will tell you what kind of people you have."
Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web - Check your email from the web at
http://mail2web.com/ .
Morgan Co. Historical did this with the project in Mooresville., Community
Foundation will also be willing to be the holding party for nonprofit funds
for restoration and cemetery work.
Helen
Original Message:
-----------------
From: Sue Silver ssilver1951(a)jps.net
Date: Sat, 21 May 2005 18:10:35 -0700
To:
Subject: [INPCRP] Non-Profit Status
Just a thought from California....
Wouldn't it be possible for each county's Historical Society to team up
with the cemetery preservationists working in the counties so that
donations earmarked for cemetery work could be made to the historical
societies? Most of them are non-profit corporations and one would think
that contributing toward the preservation of the historic cemeteries in the
county would go hand in hand with their organization's purposes.
I know that the Old Sacramento City Cemetery Committee functions under the
Sacramento County Historical Society and has for over fifteen years. From
everything I know, it has worked very well.
Just a thought....
Sue Silver
==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
"Show me your cemeteries, and I will tell you what kind of people you have."
Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web - Check your email from the web at
http://mail2web.com/ .
In a message dated 5/21/2005 6:49:45 PM Central Standard Time,
dtauber(a)kiva.net writes:
> very good impute Jack - but we just lost a grant because we are not - or
> are
> not part of a 501c3 - a cemetery commission currently falls under county
> government at the present -
> how can we get around this? What could be the advantages?
> Donna
> Henry County Cemetery Commission
>
Donna:
What kind of a grant was it and who from? The sole reason you weren't
granted the money was based on your non profit status? I've known county and local
government agencies to receive grants on several instances, inlcuding my
volunteer fire department and our county sheriff's dept., neither of which are
501's. What were your intentions on using the money?
What about funnelling this through your community foundation? Is that a
possibility to get around this issue?
Kyle
In a message dated 5/21/05 2:41:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
rgreen(a)insightbb.com writes:
> I also agree that someone needs to be driving this bus...I think you could
> do a lot worse than LA Clugh. She's hard working, honest and really has no
> other aspiration than to pitch in where she's needed. Last I heard she was
> going to assume the vacant position...but I haven't heard from anyone recently.
>
> I'm sure this will all get worked out sometime soon.
>
>
How about it LA ??? Would you consider the job ??
Jack E. Briles Sr.
In a message dated 5/21/05 2:41:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
rgreen(a)insightbb.com writes:
> P.S. Missed you last week when we were working in Floyd County? Thought
> you might stop by and say Hi?
>
> Regards,
>
> Rich Green
> Historic Archaeological Research
> 4338 Hadley Court
> West Lafayette, IN 47906
> Office: (765) 464-8735
> Mobile: (765) 427-4082
>
Hi Rich,
I told Tom I was going to come out to the Veron Cemetery, But Doctors for my
wife Nixed that. Also he said you were going up on the Hill to the McMullin
Cemetery. That was the one I wanted to be in on. There were stones there in 1945
when I used to ride my bike up there, but I can;t remember any stones after
about that time. That is when on the "Hill" was the place to live and children
moved in and I guess the stones moved out. Did you get up there, and how many
did you find. I told Tom when we first talked about it, I believed there was
around 15. But that may have been way out of the park. Sorry I missed you,
maybe next time you are down in this area we can get together.
Jack E. Briles Sr.
Just a thought from California....
Wouldn't it be possible for each county's Historical Society to team up with the cemetery preservationists working in the counties so that donations earmarked for cemetery work could be made to the historical societies? Most of them are non-profit corporations and one would think that contributing toward the preservation of the historic cemeteries in the county would go hand in hand with their organization's purposes.
I know that the Old Sacramento City Cemetery Committee functions under the Sacramento County Historical Society and has for over fifteen years. From everything I know, it has worked very well.
Just a thought....
Sue Silver
Howdy Jack,
Like you, I think a newsletter is a good idea and one worthy of contributing some time and or money to. My wife, Debbie, is still willing to assist with the design of the newsletter. My impression was that the newsletter has been put on hold for the moment so everyone can catch their breath, but then the last round of arguments may have left some folks cold. It's also a hectic time of year for those that donate their time and energy to summer outdoor activities. I know I'm busy this time of year, but my wife and I are both willing to contribute to the newsletter if the group puts it back on the front burner.
I also agree that someone needs to be driving this bus...I think you could do a lot worse than LA Clugh. She's hard working, honest and really has no other aspiration than to pitch in where she's needed. Last I heard she was going to assume the vacant position...but I haven't heard from anyone recently.
I'm sure this will all get worked out sometime soon.
P.S. Missed you last week when we were working in Floyd County? Thought you might stop by and say Hi?
Regards,
Rich Green
Historic Archaeological Research
4338 Hadley Court
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Office: (765) 464-8735
Mobile: (765) 427-4082
www.har-indy.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Jackbriles(a)aol.com
To: INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com
Sent: Saturday, May 21, 2005 12:28 PM
Subject: [INPCRP] Lets not Quit !!! An Appeal
When all of the uproar came about recently we lost our State
Coordinator. We also were discussing our Tax status. (I Believe 501c or such) We were
Discussing (rightfully so) a News Letter. We all know from our association with
Lois Mauk, (For any new Listers, our former State Coordinator) That almost
any group need;s a leader of some sort to keep things straight and level for
all. We also must not lose sight of our original Goal of Discussing the Pros
and Cons of Cemetery Restoration.
I see nothing wrong with continuing to talk about our Tax Status, A
News Letter (Of which I am in Favor) and Cemetery Restoration. I also was under
the Impression that LA or someone was going to take the Helm and keep us
going. We do need some responsible party to take charge of the INPCRP list and
"Run" it, whoever it may be. If not I can see the List on it's own slowly sliding
into Oblivion.
We have worked to long and hard on our Restoring, our Conversing, our
Workshops and statewide assistance to each other whenever we can. Please,
whether or not you all like me personally, lets not let this happen. I enjoy
coming on line to ask a question, or trying to answer one to let it all disappear.
I notice a lot of the "Old" regulars don't come on the list at all for any
purpose anymore. I have been a member since 1998 and have worked on to many
projects to just let it go without saying something. I know there are projects
coming up this summer, and more could if we would only bring them to the
attention of the list. We still have a lot of Cemeteries to go, and Trustees to
convince. What we need is for someone to step up and say they are willing to take
charge, I will support them now more than ever, we need help.
Sincerely,
Jack E. Briles Sr.
==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
"Show me your cemeteries, and I will tell you what kind of people you have."
Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
When all of the uproar came about recently we lost our State
Coordinator. We also were discussing our Tax status. (I Believe 501c or such) We were
Discussing (rightfully so) a News Letter. We all know from our association with
Lois Mauk, (For any new Listers, our former State Coordinator) That almost
any group need;s a leader of some sort to keep things straight and level for
all. We also must not lose sight of our original Goal of Discussing the Pros
and Cons of Cemetery Restoration.
I see nothing wrong with continuing to talk about our Tax Status, A
News Letter (Of which I am in Favor) and Cemetery Restoration. I also was under
the Impression that LA or someone was going to take the Helm and keep us
going. We do need some responsible party to take charge of the INPCRP list and
"Run" it, whoever it may be. If not I can see the List on it's own slowly sliding
into Oblivion.
We have worked to long and hard on our Restoring, our Conversing, our
Workshops and statewide assistance to each other whenever we can. Please,
whether or not you all like me personally, lets not let this happen. I enjoy
coming on line to ask a question, or trying to answer one to let it all disappear.
I notice a lot of the "Old" regulars don't come on the list at all for any
purpose anymore. I have been a member since 1998 and have worked on to many
projects to just let it go without saying something. I know there are projects
coming up this summer, and more could if we would only bring them to the
attention of the list. We still have a lot of Cemeteries to go, and Trustees to
convince. What we need is for someone to step up and say they are willing to take
charge, I will support them now more than ever, we need help.
Sincerely,
Jack E. Briles Sr.
NOTE: Rep. Markt Lytle was formerly the Chair of the Agriculture, Natural
Resources and Rural Development Committee of the Indiana House of
Representatives. He lost the election in his district last year and is now
a part-time lobbyist. He is still the owner of a funeral home in Madison,
where he previously served as County Recorder and as City Mayor.
====================================================
May 19, 2005
Hon. Markt Lytle
423 W. Main Street
Madison, Indiana 47250
RE: IC 23-14-57 (Disinterment, Disentombment and Disurnment) -- Effective
7/1/2002 -- New statute established procedures to be followed when removing
human remains from a cemetery
Dear Mr. Lytle:
I realize you are no longer a member of the House of Representatives, but I
am pleased to have this opportunity to let you know that we were able to put
IC 23-14-57 to a test this month here in Clark County and the cemetery won!
You were instrumental and invaluable in getting that legislation passed, but
you will never know how deeply your efforts are appreciated.
First a little background: You may remember that on October 6, 2001, you
were a key speaker at a cemetery preservation and restoration workshop held
across the street from your funeral home in downtown Madison. Just prior to
your appearance at that seminar, I approached you with disturbing news of
how casually and callously cemeteries were being transplanted in the Clark
and Floyd County area. We brought you a copy of a Petition to Disinter that
was granted less than a week after it was requested on a three-person
cemetery we were trying to restore in Silver Creek Township. The Petition
was sought by an individual who did not own the property on which the
cemetery was situated and neither did the person(s) on whose behalf he was
acting own the cemetery property. The cemetery was, in fact, a specific
exception on this individual's deed and the property owner was fully aware
of this. The Petition was granted nonetheless. [A sad aside is that now,
four years later, the Petitioner in that action still has not complied with
the Court's Order insofar as memorializing the one grave where he buried
these persons' remains. But, I digress.]
In addition to raising this issue, we also presented you with thousands of
petition signatures begging the Indiana Legislature to make it more
difficult to uproot and destroy these old cemeteries in the name of
"progress". And thus Indiana Code 23-14-57 was born and eventually passed
both chambers and became law on July 1, 2002. It was one of my proudest
moments ever.
Enclosed are recent local newspaper stories detailing how a couple of local
developers announced that they were going to destroy and move the old
Allen-Jenkins Cemetery in Carr Township of Clark County and build yet
another high-density subdivision in a rural part of our County. As is
usually the case, the neighbors were up in arms, both in opposition to the
destruction of the cemetery (with its more than 30 burials) and the
intrusion into their bucolic setting by this new development. Some of the
neighbors hired attorney David Lewis, a former Clark County Commissioner, to
represent them in this matter and his services were invaluable in this
effort.
At no point in this process have I seen any evidence or documentation which
proves that the developers in question actually own the property on which
Allen-Jenkins Cemetery sits. The Township Trustee has been caring for this
site for a number of years, which would seem to indicate that taxes are not
being paid on the property (pursuant to IC 23-14-68).
In this particular instance, a couple from the Memphis area who have been
instrumental in cleaning and restoring at least nine pioneer cemeteries in
Clark County, who live less than a mile from Allen-Jenkins Cemetery and who
have spent several years working at the site took particular offense at the
proposal to move the cemetery. Dan and Betty Johnson were doing cemetery
restoration long before I ever got involved. Both in their 70s, they are
still tireless workers and ever faithful to the cause.
On January 31, 1947, in her previous marriage, Betty Johnson gave birth to a
baby girl. The child lived approximately 8 hours. Betty was never allowed to
see or hold her baby. While she was in the hospital recuperating, Betty's
husband's family had the newborn buried. For several years, Betty did not
even know where the baby she had never seen or held was laid to rest. It was
simply a topic never discussed within the family, which was common in that
era. Betty eventually learned the child was buried at Allen-Jenkins
Cemetery.
When the uproar about the destruction of Allen-Jenkins Cemetery began, Betty
became indignant. Not only had she and her husband Dan spent countless hours
working to clean and restore this site, but her baby was buried there in an
unmarked grave.
Thanks to you, Mr. Lytle, IC 23-14-57 included a provision which gives
parents the right to object to the disinterment of their children's remains.
Betty registered her most strenuous objection with every agency imaginable,
including the state and local health departments, the DNR, the County, and
so on. She and Dan spearheaded the efforts to draw attention to the
developers' plans and to focus it on the plight of this cemetery.
On May 11th, the Clark County Plan Commission chastised the developer for
prematurely excavating and draining the lake only 33 feet from the cemetery
fence. We had some trouble convincing the DNR that they were not
"landscaping", but instead were draining a large lake (with no permits
whatsoever) for the purpose of "building a structure"; in this case, three
new houses. Thanks to your work on IC 14-21-1-26.5 back in 2000, that
statute includes a prohibition against disturbance of soil within 100 feet
of known cemetery or burial ground for the purpose of erecting, altering, or
repairing any structure. DNR is believed to be in the midst of investigating
this violation. The developers and the Board agreed to table the initial
plan for this development until the June meeting.
This evening (May 19, 2005), Dan Johnson addressed the Clark County
Commissioners on the subject of the destruction of Allen-Jenkins Cemetery,
the botched disinterment of Whalen Cemetery back in 2001, the fact that the
legal notice published by the developer omitted the recorded easement for
access to Allen-Jenkins Cemetery and the County's refusal to fund or support
the County Cemetery Commission since its creation in 1992.
Though I was unable to attend tonight's meeting, I am pleased to advise you
that it was announced at the Commissioners' meeting that the developers in
question have decided not to move Allen-Jenkins Cemetery.
We cannot say today whether this cemetery was spared because of the
developers' inexperience, their cavalier attitude toward the relocation of
this large cemetery for their own benefit, their ignorance and/or disregard
for state, local and federal laws in jump-starting the development of their
project before receiving preliminary approval from the County Plan
Commission or the uproar resulting from their announcements that they were
going to move a cemetery they very well may not own in the first place.
What we can say is that your input into the development of the language of
IC 23-14-57 was integral in stalling this disinterment plan and eventually
persuading the developer to overhaul his plans instead of destroying this
cemetery. Thank you!
Betty Johnson has asked me to convey to you her personal gratitude for
allowing the baby taken from her 58 years ago to rest in peace!
Most sincerely yours,
Lois M. Mauk
Email: LoisMauk(a)insightbb.com
Clark County Cemetery Commissioner
Former State Coordinator, Indiana Pioneer Cemeteries Restoration Project
("INPCRP")
CC: Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Johnson
Sen. James Lewis
Indiana Senate, District 45
774 Level Street
Charlestown, Indiana 47111
Sen. Connie Sipes
Indiana Senate, District 46
1825 Ekin Avenue
New Albany, Indiana 47150
Rep. Terry Goodin
Indiana House of Representatives
House District 66
200 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Rep. Paul J. Robertson
Indiana House of Representatives
House District 70
200 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Rep. Jim Bottorff
Indiana House of Representatives
House District 71
2413 Highway 62
Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130
Representative William C. Cochran
Indiana House of Representatives
House District 71
200 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
GOOD NEWS OUT OF CLARK COUNTY RE: CEMETERY STAYS PUT....AND HOPEFULLY THE
FED. LAW DISALLOWING VETERANS GRAVES TO BE RELOCATED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF
FAMILY WILL COME INTO BEING...TOO BAD THIS WASN'T IN EFFECT WHEN THE MINE MOVED
THE CEMETERY SEVERAL YEARS AGO IN PIKE CO...BELIEVE THE GREAT GRANDSON OF THE
CIVIL WAR VETERAN OPPOSED, BUT DIDN'T HOLD UP TO MUCH WITH THE COUNTY JUDGE AT
THE TIME.....THIS JUDGE ALSO DID NOT FEEL IT THE DUTY OF THE COURT TO
RECORD WHERE THE GRAVES WERE MOVED...RUTH PRIDE KNOX CO.
Jack,
Indeed the arsonist was arraigned in court this week at Rockville and
charged with attempted arson at Mansfield which is very near me, as well
as for his deed at
Bridgeton.
The Bainbridge vandals stand at the original 19 year old, with a 15 and
16 year old recently charged. The police believe these are all that
were involved.
Bainbridge Police are encouraging descendants to come forward and figure
a monetary amount of damage to tombstones. The vast bulk have been
re-assembled or repaired with silicone, but I think there were three or
so beyond much help.
Lee Creed
In a message dated 5/12/05 11:19:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
Armytruck(a)webtv.net writes:
> Also for those that were following the covered bridge arson, an arrest
> was made the same night at Mansfield, where the idiot was found at that
> covered bridge. He is also a suspect in the one burned
> three years ago. I hope all these people get what they have coming.
>
>
>
Lee,
Have there been any further developments in this episode of the Burned Bridge
and the Cemetery Vandalism.
Jack Briles
In a message dated 5/19/05 11:32:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
loismauk(a)insightbb.com writes:
> This
> provision was critically important in stalling and eventually dissuading the
>
> developer from moving the cemetery.
>
> I'll post the text of my letter to the list when I get it finished.
>
> Lois
>
Lois,
I have heard that a Federal Law has, or is going to be passed preventing
a VETERAN of ANY WAR in any cemetery from being moved without tracking down
their relatives, or in the case of the CIVIL WAR or the REVOLUTIONARY WAR the
veterans surviving DESCENDANTS and getting permission to Disinter the remains.
We will have to wait, I suppose, a few days, unless someone has already heard
about it and can confirm, or deny this Law
Bill Spurlock, have you heard anything about such a Law. As of now there
is no protection of any kind, unless a state or states have such such a Law.
Indiana does not.
Jack E. Briles Sr.
Jack:
If anyone has had any doubts about this group not having a continued
influence in the preservation and protection of Indiana's pioneer cemeteries, you have
just proved that once again, we do.
My congratulations to the people of Clark County and to Lois for yet another
job well done! Another pioneer cemetery saved!
Kyle D. Conrad