Here are some comments to the IndyStar about the Whitsell cemetery so far...
Bob
Indianapolis, IN Reply >
|Flag |#2 5 hrs ago
Steve wrote:
This is really disrespecting the deceased. There is also an old cemetery at
the FedEx hub by the airport that has been left alone and built around. I
pioneers should be allowed to rest in their original bural plots that their
families placed them in so long ago.
How else can they waste 400,000 dollars of our tax dollars???????
Dan Carpenter
Indianapolis, IN Reply >
|Flag |#3 4 hrs ago
Hot Dog! More progress! Bulldoze that history and honor out of the way! We
need more lanes! Maybe they can build a stripmall nearby and name it
"Whitesell Cemetary Mall". That should fill the "respect" square.
Don Gentile
Indianapolis, IN Reply >
|Flag |#4 4 hrs ago
Hey Margaret Tsai! Perhaps one day I can desecrate your grave!
Honestly
Indianapolis, IN Reply >
|Flag |#5 4 hrs ago
Ummmm, you wouldn't believe the number of old cemeteries that were simply
bulldozed and built over. It's fantastic that this one, at least, will be
done RIGHT.
Pragmatic
Indianapolis, IN Reply >
|Flag |#6 4 hrs ago
They've been dead quite a while, I would bet the families don't even live
around here anymore or even know these graves exist. Why not move the bones
to Crown Hill where the graves are taken care of and a few history buffs can
marvel at the accomplishments of the pioneers? Not only are we the fattest
state with the worst legislature in the country, we must surely rank up
there with the most superstitious.
Rob C
Indianapolis, IN Reply >
|Flag |#7 4 hrs ago
Dan Carpenter wrote:
Hot Dog! More progress! Bulldoze that history and honor out of the way! We
need more lanes! Maybe they can build a stripmall nearby and name it
"Whitesell Cemetary Mall". That should fill the "respect" square.
It would be impossible to keep every piece of "history and honor", and still
maintain a reasonable life for those still living. But INDOT is doing a
pretty decent job of it in this case.
As a genealogist, I've been worried about that cemetery for years, every
time I've driven past it. But, reading this article, I'm not nearly as
worried any more. These graves and remains are being treated more honorably,
more carefully, than most of the others in the state -- tombstones cleaned,
plots mapped, ground mowed. The rest of us should be so lucky.
Small family cemeteries don't usually last long, historically speaking.
Several cemeteries where my ancestors were buried were just destroyed --
wiped off the face of the map -- by rural farmers who wanted just a wee bit
more land. The stones were buried (usually in a single hole near the grave
site), and the ground was plowed over. They're now just another piece of
farmland.
I applaud INDOT for taking such good care of this particular site, and
handling this relocation with this level of respect. Considering the
alternatives, they're doing a wonderful job.
Joshua
New Point, IN Reply >
|Flag |#8 4 hrs ago
I hadn't thought about that , but its still WRONG.
Ummmm, you wouldn't believe the number of old cemeteries that were simply
bulldozed and built over. It's fantastic that this one, at least, will be
done RIGHT.
SUPERBROKER
Joined: Apr 20, 2007
Comments: 61
Fishers, Indiana
ISP Location: Indianapolis, IN Reply >
|Flag |#9 3 hrs ago
This is not disrespectful in any way shape or form. The same people who will
be against this will be bitching on another post about traffic congestion on
I-69. You CANT have it both ways. I agree there have been multiple occasions
where there has been no consideration for the departed; however this is not
the case.
peace advocate
United States Reply >
|Flag |#10 3 hrs ago
Even the Deceased have had their "property Tax" increased...Great job,
Hoosier legislators...NOT
Rest for the weary
Grand Rapids, MI Reply >
|Flag |#11 3 hrs ago
Is there even anything left to be moved?
cicero resident
Rossville, IN Reply >
|Flag |#12 3 hrs ago
I am sure the little girl was shaking her head in a yes motion as she
talked. I have noticed this when she is trying to convince people of what
she is talking about. Or is she trying to convince herself as she tries us
the public?
A reader
Cecil, GA Reply >
|Flag |#13 3 hrs ago
Pragmatic wrote:
They've been dead quite a while, I would bet the families don't even live
around here anymore or even know these graves exist. Why not move the bones
to Crown Hill where the graves are taken care of and a few history buffs can
marvel at the accomplishments of the pioneers? Not only are we the fattest
state with the worst legislature in the country, we must surely rank up
there with the most superstitious.
In my family, we know where our pioneer father's are burried back to 1700's.
We care. We visit the ones close by with children to talk about their
heritage. I bet many of those people have families who know about them too.
cicero resident
"When is recess"
Joined: Mar 29, 2007
Comments: 149
Greene County Indiana
ISP Location: Rossville, IN Reply >
|Flag |#14 3 hrs ago
Rob C wrote:
<quoted text>
It would be impossible to keep every piece of "history and honor", and still
maintain a reasonable life for those still living. But INDOT is doing a
pretty decent job of it in this case.
As a genealogist, I've been worried about that cemetery for years, every
time I've driven past it. But, reading this article, I'm not nearly as
worried any more. These graves and remains are being treated more honorably,
more carefully, than most of the others in the state -- tombstones cleaned,
plots mapped, ground mowed. The rest of us should be so lucky.
Small family cemeteries don't usually last long, historically speaking.
Several cemeteries where my ancestors were buried were just destroyed --
wiped off the face of the map -- by rural farmers who wanted just a wee bit
more land. The stones were buried (usually in a single hole near the grave
site), and the ground was plowed over. They're now just another piece of
farmland.
I applaud INDOT for taking such good care of this particular site, and
handling this relocation with this level of respect. Considering the
alternatives, they're doing a wonderful job.
I would like you to prove your statement!!! As a farmer I do not know any
other farmers in my county that have done this. I think you are trying to
grab attaention with your comment. I cannot imagine any farmer in the
counties around me-#1 to have people know I destroyed a graveyard would be
the ultimate of disrespect. Farmers are too respectful to do this. Watch
your typing. Too many familes have people buried in the small rural sites.
Be Informed
Indianapolis, IN Reply >
|Flag |#15 3 hrs ago
Personally, I think INDOT is doing what they need to do to continue to let
the area grow and expand.
However, the problem that I have is that the anthropology students from U of
I will be sifting through the remains. Why not exhume the casket/remains
(and leave them intact) and take them to Crown Hill to be buried? I would
not be too happy knowing a family member was exhumed, poked at, and studied
before having their grave relocated.
It just seems a little disrespectful to me......
Robert Smith
Joined: Mar 6, 2007
Comments: 126
Westfield, Indiana
ISP Location: Carmel, IN Reply >
|Flag |#16 2 hrs ago
cicero resident wrote:
<quoted text>
I would like you to prove your statement!!! As a farmer I do not know any
other farmers in my county that have done this. I think you are trying to
grab attaention with your comment. I cannot imagine any farmer in the
counties around me-#1 to have people know I destroyed a graveyard would be
the ultimate of disrespect. Farmers are too respectful to do this. Watch
your typing. Too many familes have people buried in the small rural sites.
He just said some small farmers. Dont take it personal I dont believe he
meant it to be an attack on you or 99.9% of the farmers out there.
JMBIndy
"I'm Here..."
Joined: Tuesday
Comments: 3
Indianapolis, IN
ISP Location: Indianapolis, IN Reply >
|Flag |#17 2 hrs ago
I understand the need to expand I-69, but I am against the desecration of
graveyards. There has to be another way.
Reality
Chicago, IL Reply >
|Flag |#18 2 hrs ago
Steve wrote:
This is really disrespecting the deceased. There is also an old cemetery at
the FedEx hub by the airport that has been left alone and built around. I
pioneers should be allowed to rest in their original bural plots that their
families placed them in so long ago.
They're dead...get over it.
Grave Digger
Indianapolis, IN Reply >
|Flag |#19 2 hrs ago
Not very much left that once represented the old town of Castleton.
Hillsdale Nursery had been around for over 70 years but now is a hotel and a
Golden Grazer. Now they are moving some of its founders. I believe these are
the descendants of that family. It is a shame that only a few houses and the
old train station is pretty much it.
Hopefully they put back everything they find in the gravesites and not in
someone's pocket. I'm sure they'll only find bone fragments of these people,
put them in a bag with a tag and rebury them but goodbye old timers and
thank you for your hard work. Rest in peace in your new home for eternity.
Whatever
Indianapolis, IN Reply >
|Flag |#20 2 hrs ago
I heard people were once dying to get in there.....