While on the subject of Parke Co cemeteries, I learned of the existence of
a small cemetery on what used to be Stillman Goff's farm in the New Bethel
neighborhood, now a part of the Swaim family farms. Sandra Satterfield is
credited with recording the gravestones, which include members of the
Carpenter, Fisher, and Newell families.
All those buried there are children or inlaws of Thomas and Margaret
(Taylor) Newell, who are my 4th great grandparents. I lived on the next
farm over from this cemetery for 6 or 7 years when I was growing up and
never knew my ancestors were buried a mile or two away.
I'm not sure who knows of the cemetery's existence. Richard Swaim, who
knew about the cemetery, is now deceased. I don't believe this is the old
cemetery where he was interred a few months ago. His sister, Nancy Swaim,
might know of its whereabouts, as it is near her house.
Burials in this cemetery are in the 1840's and 1850's. I plan to check it
out next time I am in Parke Co, if the weather cooperates.
Interesting folklore: Stillman Goff, besides being a fine man and a good
farmer, was a water witch. He helped us locate possible well sites near
our house in the 1950's. It was amazing to see that forked twig bend. And
he was right on the money, or water, as it were.
Sharon Mills
At 03:57 PM 10/25/2000 -0500, you wrote:
We just added two more cemeteries to Parke Co., list. The
Kennedy-Sowers
and Rogers-Duree. A Big Thank You, to Jim and Lisa Wilcox from all
your
work to help save the old cemeteries. My Kennedy-Sowers has a Rev War
soldier in it. It would be nice, if we coud get the VFW to helping when
there is a soldier in the cemeteries. Boy Scout would also be of help, as
they might be able to get their Eagle badge, as a "Community Project".
There is the Sons of the American Revolution. Pat
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"Show me your cemeteries, and I will tell you what kind of people you have."
Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)