Hi,
I have been following the saga of the pioneer cemeteries. It would
seem that the Indiana legislature as a whole couldn't care less about
the issue. Is it possible that there might be even one or two
legislators genuinely sympathetic to our cause? Maybe they could be
sought out and their help enlisted. Am I too naive to expect a
burecrat to care what the people think? I hope not.
I, too, have ancestors buried in a pioneer cemetery in IN. They are
Rev. Henry Mossburg and Jane Thrailkill Mossburg and their family.
They are buried in the Mossburg Cemetery in Liberty Twp., Wells
County. Rev. Henry is noted as one of the first two settlers of the
township, along with a man named Jackson. We can't visit as often as
we would like, since we live in OH. It is located in what seems to
us, the back of the beyond. The land was the site of the original
homestead, so if we lost it, the loss would be compounded. This is
not only where they were laid to rest but also where they lived. When
we first visited the site, it was badly overgrown and some of the
stones were toppled or broken. My sister, Peggy Nichoson and I were
instrumental in getting some repairs completed and did a lot of the
cleanup ourselves. We also held a memorial service at the cemetery
and invited any Mossburg who was interested to come. A memorial fund
was established to preserve the site.
Maybe if similar memorial services and cleanup efforts were undertaken
at the other cemeteries, it would bring attention to the issue and
let the politicians know that people do care what happens to them. I
understand that some of them are on private property but it is
possible that permission would be granted. Those of us who live
elsewhere have no political clout with the legilature but Indiana
residents do. Let them know that you are watching how they vote and
will remember in the next election. I wish you well in your efforts
and my heart is with you. I know how I would feel to see the Mossburg
Cemetery blacktopped. We just need to make the political cost to
these "public servents" prohibitive. It might also be interesting to
find where their ancestors are buried and if those cemeteries are in
danger.
I read somewhere that everyone faces three deaths. The first is when
the body ceases to function and the last breath is taken. The second
is when the body is laid to rest. The third is what we geneaologists
strive to prevent - the last time anyone anywhere says your name. If
these politicians and others, with agendas of their own succeed, many
of our revered family members will eventually succumb to the "third
death". That just can't be allowed to happen.
Lucy Mossburg Bellville
Toledo, OH
-----Original Message-----
From: INWELLS-D-request(a)rootsweb.com <INWELLS-D-request(a)rootsweb.com>
To: INWELLS-D(a)rootsweb.com <INWELLS-D(a)rootsweb.com>
Date: Sunday, February 14, 1999 6:20 AM
Subject: INWELLS-D Digest V99 #22