Actually, this archaeologist has impressed me as being "top of the line" and very good about his intentions. The mention in the newspaper about him saying they were not fixable must have come through the developer, as I had never heard that before reading it there myself. I have emailed him and inquired about seeing the stones, as I haven't seen the 2 best ones but I acknowledged the awkward position he might feel he is in at this moment since everything has been put on hold for the time being. I have also spoken with Richard Powell at IU and he is interested in seeing the stones. He is looking for whetstone and in particular the works of a stone carver named Cross. This is not his, as Barkalow is the name on it, but he is interested in anyone who comes across what he is looking for, so some of you might want to give him a call. I am not trying to hold up a subdivision nor deny them the lots adjacent to it, but I do believe if there is an opportunity to get a clear title for the cemetery itself, rather than a piece of ground that is lost and unclaimed, it should be done. Cris West Columbus, IN ----- Original Message ----- From: <Jb502000@aol.com> To: <INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 10:34 AM Subject: Re: [INPCRP] "Old Cemetery to far gone" > Sue you hit the Archaelogist, I mean the Nail right on the head. That's where > they need to be tapped a little. Everyone but them know the stones can be > repaired. Not to new shape but nice. And if they have been buried then they > are in better shape then those above ground. Even a college Grad. knows that. > (I thought) > > Jack > > ______________________________

Hi all, In my last E-mail, I had unfortunately been a little too incensed by a comment made against a profession which I have taken very seriously and have tried to maintain high standards for almost a decade now. I apologize to the board if my words were too harsh, but as an archaeologist, I know all too well the rules of the blame game and how archaeologists can be perceived both in good and bad lights. I know all too well the threats against one's self and one's family if you stand up for what's right. Ms. Silver, I truly do feel bad that your experiences with archaeologists have been poor and can only say that we are not all scavengers and grave robbers who look the other way when money calls. Heck, if it was a matter of money...trust me, there would be no archaeologists, as you do not go into the field of archaeology because of its great pay and benefits (if you know of a job with these, let me know and I'll spread the word, 'cause I haven't seen one yet). ANd now, as I would hope we would all continue to do, I would like to share some information that perhaps not everyone out there is aware: basic mapping tips for a cemetery. Most established cemeteries within city boundaries are well mapped, so I would like to address those smaller cemeteries and family plots that are located almost every day. Now, some of these tips may seem a bit outlandish and totally obvious; but you would be amazed how many of them are forgotten... Some basic tips for mapping 1. Find North, and make sure you indicate it on your map. This will make it easier for others to use your work in later years, especially if you have a cemetery without headstones or markers that is becoming overgrown or deteriorating. 2. When mapping out the boundaries of your cemetery, use benchmarks and if possible indicate distances to them from the corners or boundaries of your plot boundaries. Try not to use plants, rock piles or that beautiful old oak that seems to make the perfect reference point. Plants (like day lillies or wildflowers) tend to spread or die out. Rock piles can be moved (especially if adjacent to ag fields). And that old oak may be cut down or removed if someone wants to sell the wood. 3. Select a benchmark or marks that are established, or will take basically a construction crew with a backhoe to move. An easy reference point that you can get, if possible, is a utility line...especially buried cable. Call your utility company and ask for any lines in the area to be marked for a possible project (the utility company doesn't have to know what the project is). The service is free and you will have an exact distance from an existing line to your boundaries. What is also nice about this is that you can mark the utility lines on your map and will have an exact reference point to look at if you ever have to deal with some of the problems that the board has noted several times. If the lines are marked by the utility company and then you measure and mark them on your map (for a dual purpose) then there will be much less 'confusion' where boundaries are if someone wishes to do some construction. Why? because a licensed and recognized utlity company that has marke! d their lines has given you their exact measurement of where their lines are, and that cannot be disputed; plus you will have a lot less arguments with planners who might say "well...we weren't too sure where the lines were, so we went ahead with the project and took out part of the cemetery anyway..." because you have the information in front of you on your map. 4. Make sure you date your map...both on the original date(s) and any updates. I am sure you can guess why this would be important from the previous, as well as other reasons. 5. If you are mapping a cemetery that is close to a curve in the road, do not use the curve, or even the road as your primary benchmark. If there is a utility junction of some kind, I would suggest using that more than a road. Roads can change over time, and they are often widened, so your distance from the road to the outer edge of the cemetery can be skewed over time as well. Also, different people create different maps and not everyone can create the exact curve and distances of a winding road. One example of this was from three different maps I had to use for a project in which we were to report if a cemetery was to be affected in a road widening down south. There was a curved road on each, but the distances were different for each as well; and overall, the diffrence between the three maps was approximately 30 feet. If I had used that map, an entire row of graves would have been affected. Luckily, one map created by a retired draftsman, had put on his map the location o! f a utility station and gave measurements on the map that coincided exactly with his scale. We were able to use that information and obtain exact boundaries and go on with the project to assess what should be done. (By the way, we suggested a big ol' move in the project route and they were not happy, until we brought to their attention that several ancestors of the county commissioners of the area were buried in the cemetery - it was a lucky break). 5A. If you absolutely HAVE to use a road, take a measurement from the center of the road and not the side. More often than not, roads are widened equal distances on both sides, so the center is the most reliable source. Also, surveyors use the centers and often you can find one of their benchmarks (a metal stake pounded all the way down with just the top showing). 6. Make sure that you put a scale on your map. Don't cheat. There are no 'ishes' and 'somethings' or 'abouts' in mapping. 7. ONce you have a scale, stick with it. If you have to add extra pieces of paper then do that. You can always shrink the map at Kinko's later on. In order to map out a site once, and to do it justice, my crew and I created sections of a map and later combined them into what became a 10'x10' map. It may have ended up huge, but I'll be darned if we didn't have an exact idea of what was going on everywhere at the site. 8. Don't be afraid to make a big map. You have twenty plots, and your scale is 1'=1"...so be it. Add some paper if you need to. You might even wish to write the names and epitaphs of the stones on there, if room allows. You might also maybe just number the plots as you map them and then write down in a journal a corresponding number with any and all information you can about each stone. 9. Take notes and measurements on the surrounding terrain. Any ag fields? Woods? Pipelines? Has the terrain been altered in the last decade? Last 50 years? Mark any streams, wetlands or potential areas in which erosion could take place for future reference. 10. Make a key and legend. Make sure that distance, Northing, scale, and any symbols used are in a legend. IF you are marking veteran graves, make sure that you mark what those symbols mean on your map for future reference. Just because you know that a "*A" means Veteran of the Revolutionary War, doesn't mean that others will know what you mean. Make sure that any symbols are easily referenced on the map you make. 11. If you take pictures, write down the information in your legend of where these pictures can be found. Because you have dated the map, pictures will settle a lot of arguments later on if you know exactly when they were taken. 12. Most of all, take your time and enjoy your mapping. Creating a map should not be a chore. If it is, come back when you are in the mood. You will catch alot more information. Hope these tips help someone. I know that alot of this seems like common sense, but it does make a difference later on if ever facing a problem in 'community planning'. I have seen great maps that have been discarded because they neglected to fill in all the information, and therefore were thought 'unreliable' (and yes, it was horrible trick that was used...makes me sick remembering it). Maps are just as important to have correct as crossing your T's or the wording in a legal document. They can be just as powerful or just a poor. Russ Hapke

In a message dated 2/12/02 11:06:57 PM US Eastern Standard Time, yetzkejm@qtm.net writes: > Someone wrote in asking how to keep her husband's black marble headstone > clean. > Very few Tombstones are Black Marble. Most are Granite. This Method will not destroy the "Newer" Marble or Granite. But Please, DO NOT USE THIS ON OLD WHITE MARBLE OR LIMESTONE. It's Acidic. We have enough Acid rain now to destroy the older softer ones. The "Newer ones CAN be cleaned. But even those that have an area on them that is rough (Chisled not Polished) is beginning to show signs of very slight aborption of water carrying dirt over the last 25-30 years.. Just use good judgement with whatever you use. What are her credentials as to having carried out tests, or been to a class on Stone Cleaning. Or is that her Job. Time will tell if she is right. What works in or around the home does not necessairly work in a cemetery. Be cautious, Rinse good with water after cleaning. Good Luck. Maybe someone else on the List has some Ideas, Jack E. Briles Sr. jb502000@aol.com

I wish to thank Mr. Briles and Mr. Frevert for their comments concerning the professionalism of archaeologists, and feel very badly that Ms. Silver has had what seems some extremely unfortunate circumstances in California. To tell the truth, yes Mr. Briles is correct in that many archaeologists simply do not know how to repair stones. It is after all, a huge area of knowledge when you are dealing with several thousands of years of history and prehistory, not to mention countless cultures and societies that have risen and fallen in that time period. Most archaeologists will tend to deal with one time period in specific, and it may take decades to understand everything... to paraphrase Socrates in understanding the range of an archaeologist's knowledge base: 'the more I learn, the less I know'...most of us can easily apply this type of rationale to cemetery and/or geneological research work. It is unfortunate, but cemeteries (like most things in history, archaeology or pertaining to the past) are not seen as a valuable long term investment since the return factor money-wise is seemingly low in potential, and that is reflected in education. (that is a very cold comment to make and I apologize, but it is true) Therefore, cemetery restoration is not known largely by the archaeological community, although there are obviously a few who have persued it. There are many instances when an archaeologist is the LAST person called. Developers, contractors and those who want something 'done' often do what they wish and only after the whistle is blown, do they contact an archaeologist. As we all know, the state has about ten folks who are responsible for overlooking the entire state of Indiana. They are asked to give their referral on countless issues; ahh, but this is where it gets tricky. For instance, in investigating a recent road that was constructed in northern Indiana, I contacted the state and spoke with the folks down there, who did receive a request from the contractor to see if people lived 'inside a particular wetland'. The state would respond as we would think they should, 'no, no one should be living inside the wetland'. Now, because it is a legal document that supposedly has addressed the ENTIRE area of a potential construction site, the state has to take the word of the person or persons who have drafted up the legal description of the A.P.E. (Area of Potential Effect). Next, the contractor goes forward with the project; of course, who out there has already guessed what was wrong with this situation? Yes, correct - although the state was asked about potential sites, WITHIN the wetland, they were not requested to confer about the areas SURROUNDING the wetland (where you have some of the highest potentials for site discovery). Now, the state has to assume, legally, that the A.P.E. was going to be the wetland areas and not surrounding areas...because, after all, it IS a legal document isn't it? So next, with the blessing of the state, the contractor goes about their business, whether they are behind a 'master plan' or not, there is obviously someone out there who knows that they are doing some potentially illegal, but as you referred to it...time costs money and to find something would mean thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. SO what happens? Well, unless the construction crew plows right through a burial (which does happen but not always reported), they finish their task and the site is destroyed; and by the time the archaeologist is contacted, the site or sites have been destroyed partially or in whole, looting has already taken place and the artifacts have already made their way to the black market. So what does the archaeologist have to deal with: no provenience, no stratigraphy, loss of site data, loss of artifacts, looting, lies and deception...not to mention extremely bad press because now that the site is destroyed, why weren't they there in the first place? Archaeologists many times face the 'no win' scenario. It is very easy to place blame and to shift immorality, especially if a mini-mall has t o be built on time. Ms Silver refers to archaeologists as 'prostitutes' who 'prostitute their integrity just to keep being employed'. Well sorry to contradict you Sue, but for myself and many other archaeologists out there...we have all left a job (or so) or been asked to leave because we tried to do the moral and 'right thing'. Most of 'John Q. Public' rant and rave when their family's past is threatened; however it is more unfortunate that if they find they can turn a buck on their ancestors, many will do just that. SO which is worse, the archaeologist who cannot save a site or a cemetery because they were contacted after the fact...or the family member who sells Aunt Tillie's one of a kind antique broach from Ireland because they want a DVD player? Now, as I said before, there are numerous archaeologists out there who do not know many of the repair techniques for tombstones or other items of antiquity. And as Mr. Briles mentioned, 99% of the time when someone doesn't think there is a way to repair something, there is. I did not know how to repair cemetery stones, and was estatic when John came to LaPorte for a seminar on repairing stones...and from this, I made sure that other archaeologists, that I knew, were sent at least the basic information on this type of restoration work in the hope that they would have time to check it out as well. If anyone happens to speak with an archaeologist who does not know certain restoration or repair techniques, offer to share information with them. If they take the information and work with it, great; and if they don't want the information, well, then...at least you can say that you tried to help in your own way. Archaeologists are after all, people; and not everyone wants to listen all the time, but most want to listen most of the time. Ms. Silver, I feel bad that the experiences you have mentioned thus far have all appeared to have been negative concerning archaeologists. But anyone out there please feel free to put yourself in school and get the degree as it is never too late to find out just how much 'fun' it is being a professional 'prostitute'. It may be a little different than you believe. Russ Hapke - Archaeologist LaPorte County, IN ----- Original Message ----- From: <Jb502000@aol.com> To: <INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2002 9:43 AM Subject: Re: [INPCRP] "Old Cemetery to far gone" ????? > In a message dated 2/13/02 7:05:47 AM US Eastern Standard Time, > cherokee@shelbynet.net writes: > > > > The mention in the newspaper about him > > saying they were not fixable must have come through the developer, as I had > > never heard that before reading it there myself. I have emailed him and > > inquired about seeing the stones, as I haven't seen the 2 best ones but I > > acknowledged the awkward position he might feel he is in at this moment > > since everything has been put on hold for the time being. > > Cris, > An Archeoligists job is to study and come up with a fair and > honest Determination of the site he is examining.There is no such thing as > him being in an "awkward position". His job is to examine the site and give > his professional opinion, no matter which side he comes out on. His opinion > must be Professional. It's the old "Damn the Torpedos, full speed ahead." If > his determanation comes out in your favor or Crossmans it doesn't matter. He > is bound to be fair and Impartial. His very reputation for the future for > himself and his Department depends on it. Personal feelings aside. > He honestly may not know about the possibility of repairing these > stones, I'm sure if he said that, then in his opinion they, from what he > knows, or was taught are considered beyond repair. 99% of the time we know > different. Good Luck, I hope your efforts pay off. As John said in effect > "show me a stone and I'll repair it." I will be in Colombus tommorow > (Thursday) is it possible to view the site, without any kind of problem. I'm > not nosey, I would like to see the site. > > Jack Briles Sr. > > > ==== INPCRP Mailing List ==== > "Show me your cemeteries, and I will tell you what kind of people you have." > Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790) >

FYI - In our local paper there is a weekly column by "The Queen of Clean", Anne Cobb. Someone wrote in asking how to keep her husband's black marble headstone clean. The "queen" said to "use 1 part liquid fabric softener to 2 quarts water. After cleaning, polish with a soft cloth. To seal and protect the marble, apply a coat of "Clean Shield Surface Treatment". Stains, grass, and dirt will wipe right off." Does anyone have an opinion on this? I've never used the product but she gave a 800 number and I've seen her advertising it on TV. Marge "Life is not a dress rehearsal. Live it before the road runs out of bricks"

Marge, I know that the black granite, I think the proper name is India black granite, is an alltogether different stone than the ones that we caution people not to use harsh cleaners and any kind of sealant on. We used India Black Granite to make a Veteran's Memorial in Gibson Co., and I had read somewhere that this stone is high on the hardness scale, and less porous than other marbles. This is the stone of choice for etching pictures and scenery on, because of it's hardness the surface can be polished to a glass-like finish. I have seen some of these that are 15+ years old, and still look brand new. This may be an acceptable cleaning and polishing method, as long as one understands the same thing may not be so good on the softer and more porous marbles and other stones. I think Jack Briles and John Walters are our most experienced stone people, maybe they can offer some advise on the cleaning and polishing techniques on this type of stone. Ernie At 11:01 PM 02/12/2002 -0600, you wrote: >FYI - In our local paper there is a weekly column by "The Queen of Clean", >Anne Cobb. >Someone wrote in asking how to keep her husband's black marble headstone >clean. >The "queen" said to "use 1 part liquid fabric softener to 2 quarts >water. After cleaning, polish with a soft cloth. To seal and protect the >marble, apply a coat of "Clean Shield Surface Treatment". Stains, grass, >and dirt will wipe right off." >Does anyone have an opinion on this? I've never used the product but she >gave a 800 number and I've seen her advertising it on TV. > >Marge >"Life is not a dress rehearsal. >Live it before the road runs out of bricks" > > >==== INPCRP Mailing List ==== >If we cannot respect the dead, how can we respect the living?

Hi all, I'd like to share a great new site recently unveiled: GenHelp.org. It is http://www.genhelp.org and is interactive. Check it out. Hope this helps. Bill CemSEARCH http://www.obitcentral.com/cemsearch Obituary Links Page http://www.obitlinkspage.com GenTalk.org http://www.gentalk.org

Sue you hit the Archaelogist, I mean the Nail right on the head. That's where they need to be tapped a little. Everyone but them know the stones can be repaired. Not to new shape but nice. And if they have been buried then they are in better shape then those above ground. Even a college Grad. knows that. (I thought) Jack

In a message dated 2/12/02 7:20:21 AM US Eastern Standard Time, graveyardgroomer@skyenet.net writes: > To me it is still pieces of History and worthy of saving, speaking with > whomever said they were too far gone and could not be saved please tell > them to contact me and I will make them eat their words. > John, When I read that the Archeologist said they were beyond saving, then he hasn't been out in the real world in his lifetime. I have NEVER saw a stone that CAN'T be repaired. As the Marines say, The Impossible just takes a Little Longer. He looked at the stones as junk, You look at them as a challenge. What he saw as unsalvageable, to you it is to repair a piece of our history. He was never taught to try and save something like that. His education was not complete. Ask if he would like to stake his Reputation on them being beyond repair. Are they Piles of Dust? I thought they were taught to reconstruct the past, not belittle the very things that represent it. Jack Briles

All archaeologists know how to do is tear down and study. Have you ever seen an archaeologist stay around to see the pieces put back together? CalTrans had twelve sets of human remains from an HISTORIC (not PRE-HISTORIC) cemetery for 12 months to "study" them. Study what? The newspapers told what killed them, the newspapers told their ages, the newspapers told who they were related to. Study what? In the end, we got six "Adult" remains and six "child remains". Just because the "archaeologists" ordered them "studied." Call me caustic, but, PLEEEEAAAASSE...... Sue Silver CA ----- Original Message ----- From: <Jb502000@aol.com> To: <INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 6:14 AM Subject: Re: [INPCRP] "Old Cemetery to far gone" > In a message dated 2/12/02 7:20:21 AM US Eastern Standard Time, > graveyardgroomer@skyenet.net writes: > > > > To me it is still pieces of History and worthy of saving, speaking with > > whomever said they were too far gone and could not be saved please tell > > them to contact me and I will make them eat their words. > > > > John, > When I read that the Archeologist said they were beyond saving, then he > hasn't been out in the real world in his lifetime. I have NEVER saw a stone > that CAN'T be repaired. As the Marines say, The Impossible just takes a > Little Longer. He looked at the stones as junk, You look at them as a > challenge. What he saw as unsalvageable, to you it is to repair a piece of > our history. He was never taught to try and save something like that. His > education was not complete. Ask if he would like to stake his Reputation on > them being beyond repair. Are they Piles of Dust? I thought they were taught > to reconstruct the past, not belittle the very things that represent it. > Jack Briles > > > ==== INPCRP Mailing List ==== > This list is for discussion of topics related to the Indiana Pioneer > Cemeteries Restoration Project only. > >

Cris, I looked at the photo's and I know that I can save them, I have photo,s of stones in a lot worst shape than those and proud to say they are respectfully standing now. So many times people look at broken and weathered stones as unsalvageable,many of us on the list do not look at them that way.To me it is still pieces of History and worthy of saving,speaking with whomever said they were too far gone and could not be saved please tell them to contact me and I will make them eat their words. I recently restored the Old Pike Cemetery here in Fayette County that seemed an impossible feat,but you should see it now.The last few stones I reset there were indeed unreadable,I was still able to bond the three pieces together clean and reset over it's respective grave. Once a gravemarker is removed from the grave it no longer is a gravemarker cause it marks no grave but, it is a memorial and should be treated as such and never discarded. Walt ----- Original Message ----- From: Christine West <cherokee@shelbynet.net> To: <INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, February 11, 2002 11:05 PM Subject: Re: [INPCRP] "Old Cemetery Stalls New Subdivision" > I anyone wants to see some of the photographs I took, you can see them at > the following link: http://www.shelbynet.net/~cherokee/Lewelling.htm > > It takes a while for all of them to load. > > Cris > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Lois Mauk" <loismauk@home.com> > To: <INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Monday, February 11, 2002 8:13 PM > Subject: Re: [INPCRP] "Old Cemetery Stalls New Subdivision" > > > > Dear Cris: > > > > What a story!!! BTW, have you talked to John Walters about HIS expert > > opinion on whether these "fragments" are salvageable? Do you have photos > of > > the fragments that John could look at? > > > > Lois > > ======================== > > ADDRESS CHANGE NOTICE > > ======================== > > Due to the bankruptcy of @home cable ISP, after FEBRUARY 16, 2002, my > e-mail > > address will change to LoisMauk@InsightBB.com. However, I have a > PERMANENT > > forwarding address. Please use LoisMauk@usa.net if you experience any > > difficulty reaching me. > > > > ______________________________ > > > ==== INPCRP Mailing List ==== > This list is for discussion of topics related to the Indiana Pioneer > Cemeteries Restoration Project only. > > >

I anyone wants to see some of the photographs I took, you can see them at the following link: http://www.shelbynet.net/~cherokee/Lewelling.htm It takes a while for all of them to load. Cris ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lois Mauk" <loismauk@home.com> To: <INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, February 11, 2002 8:13 PM Subject: Re: [INPCRP] "Old Cemetery Stalls New Subdivision" > Dear Cris: > > What a story!!! BTW, have you talked to John Walters about HIS expert > opinion on whether these "fragments" are salvageable? Do you have photos of > the fragments that John could look at? > > Lois > ======================== > ADDRESS CHANGE NOTICE > ======================== > Due to the bankruptcy of @home cable ISP, after FEBRUARY 16, 2002, my e-mail > address will change to LoisMauk@InsightBB.com. However, I have a PERMANENT > forwarding address. Please use LoisMauk@usa.net if you experience any > difficulty reaching me. > > ______________________________

Dear Cris: What a story!!! BTW, have you talked to John Walters about HIS expert opinion on whether these "fragments" are salvageable? Do you have photos of the fragments that John could look at? Lois ======================== ADDRESS CHANGE NOTICE ======================== Due to the bankruptcy of @home cable ISP, after FEBRUARY 16, 2002, my e-mail address will change to LoisMauk@InsightBB.com. However, I have a PERMANENT forwarding address. Please use LoisMauk@usa.net if you experience any difficulty reaching me.

Front page of the Monday Morning paper (The Columbus Republic)!!! Old Cemetery Stalls New Subdivision By John Clark, jclark@therepublic.com A dispute over seven graves in a pioneer cemetery is holding up plans for the second phase of Shadow Creek Farms subdivision southwest of Southside Elementary School. Bartholomew County Auditor Vernon Jewell and Cris West, a descendant of those buried in the mid-1800s cemetery, have unearthed deeds they say show a quarter acre of the property was set aside for the cemetery. Jewell and West would like to see the abandoned gravesite turned over to Columbus Township trustee for maintenance. By state law, township trustees are responsible for maintaining abandoned cemeteries. But Indianapolis-based Crossman Communities Inc., the developer of the subdivision, says the deed is unclear on the location of the cemetery. Crossman also said it owns the property, but is willing to repair and maintain the abandoned cemetery. The lot it proposes setting aside for the cemetery is about 3,000 square feet shy of the acreage in the deed and would include a small park, Jewell and West said. Crossman found seven graves and fragments of headstones last summer after an archaeological study of the area. The gravesite, known as the Lewelling or Lewellyn cemetery, is believed to be the resting place of Thomas Lewelling, his wife, Temperance Chandler Lewelling, and their children. "Just as we stand and mourn our loss of loved ones in beautiful, well-maintained Garland Brook, so once did Mrs. Thomas Lewelling in 1860 stand on this ground as her companion of nearly 40 years was laid to rest," West said. "I'm sure she envisioned his monument to be there, with hers to mark that they once lived and died on this ground." On Deed Since 1870 A phrase in the deed first mentions the cemetery when Thomas Followell sold the property on Aug. 4, 1870, to David Williams. It describes 80 acres, except for 20 acres: "And except for one fourth of acre out of north end of said 80 used as a burying place for the Lewelling family." The phrase was repeated in subsequent deeds including the one signed by Crossman March 13, 2000, when it bought the property from Donald and Deborah Schroer. Jewell has to sign off on the plat plan for the new section to start construction and sales, but said he will not. "We know that Crossman does not own that piece of ground," Jewell said. "I have already told them I will not sign the plat and do the transfer." "They are claiming ground they do not own and the other thing is I do not think they are giving respect to burial ground and the intentions (of the family.)" He has sought the advice of County Attorney Grant Tucker who is still reviewing materials. Sharon Bowling, of Littleton, Colo., is a direct descendant of the Llewellyn or Lewelling family that lived on the property. She said the cemetery should be restored and preserved. "I probably would feel more comfortable with the county and the trustees," Bowling said. "It just seems like something that is not money oriented. Developers kind of like to build and develop and it would be nice if they could develop around it and not right where it is." "I would like, if it were me buried there, for my great-great-great grandkids to find me and where the marker is and have access to that." Vague Description Andy Bowman, attorney for Crossman, said the deed describes the north end of the property, but the graves were discovered almost in the center of the development. He said Indiana Supreme Court precedents indicate that vague descriptions are void. "We didn't think it was an issue there, because of the vagueness of it," Bowman said. Crossman and the previous property owners paid property taxes on the ¼ acre, indicating their belief that they owned the parcel, Bowman said. "You have to keep in mind, Crossman came to this and it was just farmland," Bowman said. "Somebody - presumably a farmer -decided to bury the markers, the headstones, out in the middle of the field. Now that we have found it, we are continuing to try everything we can do to honor and respect the gravesites and observe that area." Jim Van Ness, development/engineering manager for Crossman, said the company plans to erect a fence and a memorial marker, and install a paved path with benches. Previous plans called for a playground, but Van Ness said that was later considered inappropriate. Van Ness said Crossman is willing to contribute to a fund to repair and restore the monuments, broken and deteriorating from years of burial, if that is possible. But Van Ness said the archaeologist hired by the company said the monuments were no longer in a condition to survive being put back in place as is. "We want them back out there," Van Ness said. "My concern is there are fragments and pieces. Quite honestly we don't have as many stones as we do gravesites." Under Crossman's plan, Van Ness said, the homeowner's association would pay for the maintenance of the property. "We wanted to make sure that it was an attractive and respectful manner and make sure it was preserved," Van Ness said. But if the county wishes to take over the property, he said, that would also be acceptable to the company. J. Davis Zellner, the county's chief technical code enforcement officer, said the second phase of Shadow Creek Farms also could be delayed because of Crossman's impending sale to Atlanta-based Beazer Homes USA. The Republic, Columbus, Indiana ~ February 10, 2002, Portions © 2002, The Republic, Columbus, Indiana, © 1998-2002 1up! Software, All Rights Reserved. What do you think? Cris West Columbus, IN

Dear Mr. Clark, Just read your article about the Lewellen Cemetery. Excellent job. Your story hit all the right points. That is to say, the developer doesn't own the property, despite what their legal counsel said. It's ironic that at one time the cemetery had it's monuments intact. Now, if no one plowed the field or planted the field in all these years, just what do you suppose happened to those grave markers? Can we spell "anticipatory demolition"? Someone had to have done this on purpose. We have tombstones standing on overgrown hillsides where cattle grazed for years and years. Yet one farmer can't manage to avoid one small 1/4 acre cemetery out in the middle of the Indiana plains out of respect for the dead? Cris West deserves a standing ovation. She is a marvel. Crossman deserves the Poltergeist Award of the year. Sincerely, Sue Silver, President El Dorado County Pioneer Cemeteries Commission a California 501(3)(c) Non-Profit Public Benefit Corp. 2551 Deer Trail Lane Cameron Park, CA 95682 (530) 676-2889 Email: ssilver1951@jps.net

Thanks Mark, No, I don't want to start a new database. I have plenty to do correcting broken stones. I just wanted to know if anyone was doing this. For now I guess I will just continue to photo them and maybe save them to a CD for the future. L.A. Tippecanoe County Pioneer Cemeteries Group Coordinator -------- >There were over 200,000 who served from Indiana in the CW. It would be a >massive amount of photos even if you could find and shoot half of them. I >shoot photos of a some of them that I have particular interest in. >Since you mentioned it,why don't you start a site? The SUV National Grave >Registration Project is only compiling the information,not photos. The SUV >will have the info compiled and eventually have a database available for >searches on the web. At this time I think they have about 30,000+ in the >database.But there were about 2million+ that served. >If you have an ancestor that served and would like to pass their burial info >on to me I will make sure to have them added to the database. >Mark Davis >Hartford City,IN

ABC channel 7 this morning ran a story on the Graceland Jewish Cemetery which is for sale in Chicago. The owner, a former funeral director, is suggesting that it be sold to a developer to build condominiums. I just caught part of the story, but the price tag was either 1.2 or 2.1 million dollars... There may be more on the TV web site or the Chicago Tribune web site. Will check later. -Kyle in northwest Indiana

> Cris, > > This sounds like a terrific fix for some of us. If we could get the > planning departments to require the developers to transfer the cemetery > titles to the counties and/or even private trustees, that would provide a > safeguard for them, since then the government is ensuring all eyes are on > them. > > Sue Silver > CA > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Christine West" <cherokee@shelbynet.net> > To: <INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2002 7:09 AM > Subject: [INPCRP] Channel 6, Last Wednesday? I have a very vague knowledge of the laws. I think I am clear on IC 32-1-2-4, which says "Conveyances of lands, or of any interest therein, shall be by deed in writing, subscribed, sealed and duly acknowledged by the grantor, or by his attorney; except bona fide leases for a term not exceeding three (3) years." Ground excepted from a transfer does not have a written deed. Looking at it this way, the ground should be able to be rightfully claimed by the heirs of the last people to hold clear title to it. If they could claim Quiet Title to it through the court, then a deed would be written for it. They could then transfer the titles to the county or township. According to the county auditor, he says such pieces of ground can never have a title on them because the county or township is not willing to or able to step up and claim they own them. Cris

Or, in the case of California Government Code section 182: When title to property fails for want of an heir or next of kin, it reverts to the public. Surely this is based on common law and when the exception is so old no Court could rule that all persons having interest are themselves deceased, that the property would not revert to the public. Somebody needs to check with an attorney in Indiana to see if something like this exists in your codes. Sue ----- Original Message ----- From: "Christine West" <cherokee@shelbynet.net> To: <INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2002 8:34 PM Subject: Re: [INPCRP] Channel 6, Last Wednesday? > > Cris, > > > > This sounds like a terrific fix for some of us. If we could get the > > planning departments to require the developers to transfer the cemetery > > titles to the counties and/or even private trustees, that would provide a > > safeguard for them, since then the government is ensuring all eyes are on > > them. > > > > Sue Silver > > CA > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Christine West" <cherokee@shelbynet.net> > > To: <INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com> > > Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2002 7:09 AM > > Subject: [INPCRP] Channel 6, Last Wednesday? > > > I have a very vague knowledge of the laws. I think I am clear on IC > 32-1-2-4, which says "Conveyances of lands, or of any interest therein, > shall be by deed in writing, subscribed, sealed and duly acknowledged by the > grantor, or by his attorney; except bona fide leases for a term not > exceeding three (3) years." > > Ground excepted from a transfer does not have a written deed. Looking at it > this way, the ground should be able to be rightfully claimed by the heirs of > the last people to hold clear title to it. If they could claim Quiet Title > to it through the court, then a deed would be written for it. They could > then transfer the titles to the county or township. According to the county > auditor, he says such pieces of ground can never have a title on them > because the county or township is not willing to or able to step up and > claim they own them. > > > Cris > > > ==== INPCRP Mailing List ==== > If we cannot respect the dead, how can we respect the living? > >

There were over 200,000 who served from Indiana in the CW. It would be a massive amount of photos even if you could find and shoot half of them. I shoot photos of a some of them that I have particular interest in. Since you mentioned it,why don't you start a site? The SUV National Grave Registration Project is only compiling the information,not photos. The SUV will have the info compiled and eventually have a database available for searches on the web. At this time I think they have about 30,000+ in the database.But there were about 2million+ that served. If you have an ancestor that served and would like to pass their burial info on to me I will make sure to have them added to the database. Mark Davis Hartford City,IN ----- Original Message ----- From: "CLUGH_LA" <clugh_la@email.msn.com> To: <INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2002 9:04 AM Subject: Re: [INPCRP] Tipton County Indiana > Mark, > Do you know of any site where they are taking the pictures of CW stones > around the state? > You mentioned (SUV Grave Registration Officer) > > I naturally go to these stones any time I visit a cemetery. It seem like > someone would have a webpage where they could find where there man was > buried. > > I know, it really would be a big progect. > Just asking? > LA > Tippecanoe County Pioneer Cemeteries Group Coordinator > > > > > ==== INPCRP Mailing List ==== > Cemetery: (n) A marble orchard not to be taken for granite. > > > --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.323 / Virus Database: 180 - Release Date: 2/8/02