THINKING OF ADOPTING??

I don’t mean a child, cat , dog or even a bird. I am talking about a cemetery!!

The ACPA ( Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance ) website has a listing of registered cemeteries that can be adopted. A lot of people stumble upon old cemeteries while hunting, along rivers and lakes, in the woods or clearing land for a building. There can overgrowth of plants, headstones overturned and general neglect.

IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO OUR HERITAGE THAT WE PRESERVE THESE CEMETERIES.

Genealogy researchers seem to be the ones most interested, it connects them to their past. It gives them clues to marriages, children and financial status, as well as their role in the community. Headstones can be interesting, from the ornate to the homemade. They can give information about a person’s religion, career, interests and heritage.

Getting youth interested in preserving cemeteries is integral to the future of how these cemeteries will continue to exist. Perhaps a Boy Scout project or church youth group could take on such as task. They could research those buried there or even study what was on the land in years past.

Mooresville Cemetery , Limestone County Alabama

Reynolds Cemetery, Lawrence county Alabama

Elliott Cemetery, Lawrence county Alabama

Alabama is not the only state that has websites and organizations devoted to cemetery preservation. Check out these below.

Saving Graves

Arkansas Cemetery Preservation

African Heritage

Colorado Cemetery Preservation

Save the Slaves

POND SPRING ” FIGHTIN JOE ” WHEELER HOME

WHEELER HOME

While out on Monday, I decided to go to west of Decatur. While I was out looking for decrepit cemeteries, I stopped at the gate of Pond Spring, the Wheeler home. It was closed at the time. So, I decided to go toward Courtland at this point. I was surprised a the architecture there. After visiting the local cemeteries, I headed east again, and this time the gate was open at the Wheeler home. I stopped to take a few photos.

Dogtrot cabin on Wheeler property

I started to walk up the path, and I was approached by the curator who was about to close the gates. She was extremely nice. I was of course inquiring about the cemetery. It is located about 50 yards behind the Wheeler home.The curator was very kind in explaining how I could get to see the cemetery and take photos. Also, the home has a Grand Opening on September 8th. They are doing an extensive remodel of the Wheeler home.

CEMETERY FINDS

I love old cemeteries……

Really looking forward to getting out to some cemeteries again. Was out last Tuesday at Athens City cemetery and Old Town cemetery. I am really getting into cemetery lookups on FindaGrave as well. I like the fact you can post a listing on FindaGrave and request a photo of a headstone, especially if there is not already one posted on their site. I have had many a volunteer photo taken of some relatives. Now it is time to pay back the favor.

Athens Old Town cemetery

Mooresville cemetery

Photo request in Mooresville cemetery

Was glad to help out the person looking for their ancestor.

I am looking forward to going to Chickamauga battlefield soon. My 3rd great-grandfather, Joseph McCall, CSA, 46th Georgia Regiment, fought there, although died in the battle of Kennesaw mountain in Georgia. I would like to visit all the battlefields of the Civil War, and locate the grave of Joseph McCall. Maybe someday. For now, I will be satisfied to help out others looking for their ancestors.

 

 

TOMBSTONE TUESDAY

Nancy J. McCall Dismuke

Nancy was the daughter of Joseph McCall and Mary Drenan. Her brother John R. McCall was my 2nd great-grandfather.

After my Georgia trip, I felt compelled to post some of my favorite headstones. There is something haunting yet serene about old cemeteries, and I really enjoyed being able to trample through some on the backroads of Georgia. I came across four different cemeteries while on my travels. I knew I would more than likely, not find any relatives. However, I did find some familiar names.

E W Dismukes Weston Methodist Church Cemetery

However, I have no idea if E W is related to Joseph T Dismukes.

From what I understand, my ggg grandmother Mary Drenan ( sometimes Drennan or Drennon ) , was of the Dismukes family. She married Joseph McCall Nov 7, 1850 in Muscogee County. Their two daughters, Emma E and Nancy J. also married into the Dismukes family. Nancy married Joseph T Dismukes. They are located in the 1880 census in Webster County and the 1900 census in Irwinville, Irwin County Georgia. It is said that Joseph McCall died from wounds sustained at Chickamauga.

Attached is a page from Memoirs of Georgia Vol II

Clem E. Cheatham of Dawson he entered the medical college of Georgia, Augusta, from which he graduated, Dr. H. V. M. Miller, now of Atlanta, being then a member of the faculty. After graduating he located in that part of Lee now included in Terrell county, near the present site of Dawson. He practiced there two years and then moved to his present location then known as “Hardmoney,” now Weston. Early in the war between the states he enlisted as a private in Company K, Seventeenth Georgia regiment, but soon afterward was commissioned as assistant surgeon, in which capacity he served until the surrender. He was present at the seven days’ fight around Richmond, Second Manassas, Sharpsburg, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, and the siege of Petersburg. On his return home after the war he resumed the practice of his profession, in which he has been successful, his patronage extending for miles around, even into adjoining counties. Dr. Dismukes was married in 1868 to Miss Nancy J., born and reared in Talbot county, Ga., daughter of Joseph and Mary (Drennin) McCall. Her father was killed in the battle at Kennesaw Mountain, and her mother is a member of Dr. Dismuke’s family. To Dr. and Mrs. Dismukes nine children have been born: Alice, wife of John Sims; William J., merchant, Weston; Forrest S., Coffee county; twin sister of Forrest, died in infancy; Robert Toombs; H. M.; Charles D.; Z. C.; and M. G., these last five at home. Dr. Dismukes is a democrat, and himself and wife are members of the Methodist church, of which he is a trustee.
(Memoirs of Georgia, Vol. II, 1895)
Submitted by Cathy Danielson

Old Dead People and Decrepit Buildings

Although, short lived, my genealogy trip was a lot of fun. I began in Opelika Alabama, hoping to find the elusive Mamie Thomas, who married John R. McCall. She is still elusive by the way. I proceeded from Columbus Georgia to Talbotton Georgia. On the way, I found an old cemetery at the Ellerslie UMC Church. There is something really cool about old churches. Imagining, their member were buried at the cemetery out front. Some markers were dated earlier than 1860. After trampling through the cemetery, I then drove on to Talbotton, I wanted to see the court house. The town was really quiet, except for two men out front.  I drove around to the Leverthistoric district and saw some beautiful Greek Revival homes. Several had fallen into disrepair. My gg grandfather John R McCall was born in Talbotton in 1854. Just north in Pleasant Hill community. In the 1860 census, we was listed as an overseer, and I wondered exactly where the planation may have been. I saw several Antebellum homes on the road going out of town. Every once in a while, I would notice an old cemetery, and would have to turn around to find the entrance. May were marked with iron fences. I knew of none of my ancestors buried at any of these old cemeteries, but, I still had to look. From Talbotton, I headed south to Geneva, which was really just train tracks and highway. I found one old church, no longer in use. Then on to Buena Vista, in Marion County. I stopped in a small junk store to look around, and bought a local newspaper. I love small towns!! I drove around the square, and yes, found another cemetery. I kept going until I saw the next sign that said 29 miles to wherever. I was on a straight track to go through all the cities where my ancestors had lived.

More to come

Myrtle Hill Cemetery

This is the map of Myrtle Hill Cemetery, Tampa Florida. It is said to be haunted. After some research at the Plant City Historical Society, I went to the cemetery in hopes of finding the headstone of my Great grandmother, Alice Lindell Davison. I entered the cemetery from the west, and chose to go to the older side of the cemetery, which was only a guess. I really had no idea where I was going. Only two other vehicles were in the park that day. After driving around some, I finally got out and walked around some. There is a mausoleum there to the north, that is a retro design from the fifties. It is a beautiful cemetery, decorated with  large oaks of cascading spanish moss. Absolutely gorgeous! I remember seeing a large marker with the name Savage. It must have been four feet high. Somehow, it seemed familiar. I looked around some, but, had no luck in finding the headstone.  I got a strange feeling, as if I had been there before. After my visit, I called my parents to see if I had ever been there. We moved from Tampa when I was three. I thought perhaps, I had gone there with my grandmother, maybe. They both told me I had never been there before.

Some weeks after I had gotten home, I posted a request on FindaGrave, to see if a volunteer could find the grave. I was overjoyed when someone answered my request. This gentleman was kind enough to go to Myrtle Hill and take a photo. He took a photo and posted it on FindaGrave, and told me of the location of the burial. I was so close when I was there. I can’t wait to go back and see for myself.

Rubbing Elbows

How to do a cemetery rubbing:

Check with the cemetery or local historical society to find out if rubbings are permissible. Do NOTattempt a rubbing on a wobbly, flaking, chipped or crumbling tombstone. Take a photograph instead. You can bring out details in the photograph with many software programs today.

Clean the tombstone with plain water and a soft bristle (natural or nylon) brush. Scrub the stone from the bottom up to avoid streaking. Flush the stone with water after you have scrubbed.

Large flat crayons work well for rubbings or you can use charcoal, rubbing wax, or chalk. Use can use sheets of newsprint – you might ask for an end roll from the newspaper office (it’s usually free), butcher paper, rice paper or Pellon interfacing material for your rubbings, (rice paper, and Pellon can be found in arts and craft stores). Before going to the cemetery, cut the newsprint into poster-size sheets.  Soft brushes or cloths may be needed to remove dirt and moss from tombstones.  Never use harsh brushes or chemical cleaners, and if a stone is crumbling, do not attempt a rubbing.

Use masking tape to adhere the newsprint to a stone with indented letters or decoration.Rub lightly to start with, and then progressively harder to bring out the detail and letters. But be very careful and gentle so you won’t damage the tombstone.

If you used chalk, carefully spray the paper with chalk spray or hairspray to protect the rubbing but be careful not to get any on the tombstone. You can also use the masking tape to secure the rolled up rubbings.

Be sure to pick up and trash and leave the cemetery just as you found it.

 

Searching for Headstones ( Find a Grave )

One of the best sites I have encountered is Find a Grave. From there, I have found headstone pictures, and also requested pictures from cemeteries listed there. There is a quite a large pool of volunteers out there willing to scour cemeteries for your ancestors. You can also volunteer to go to cemeteries yourself to survey them , list the people buried there and take photographs to post on their website. I have found this to be quite useful. Most times, the death certificate will list the cemetery and county in which someone is buried.  On Find a Grave, you can search by name, cemetery, county or state. By name , it will list everyone with that last name. From there, you may find other ancestors you didn’t know existed!!

 

 

Visiting the Neighborhood

In 2007, I went on a quest. I travelled to Florida, where I was born. Mostly, it was to visit my dad’s sister, Ann, who had been recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. It was , by far, the best trip I have ever taken.

I flew into Tampa International airport. I rented a car, a GPS, and I was on my way!!! I set the GPS to the address of the street where I lived as a child until age four. Of course, everything is smaller , the older we get. The house looked nothing like I remember. I recall a larger yard , and a longer driveway. Gone were all the lilies and pear trees that I remembered that lined the driveway and the entrance walk. The house had not been taken care of, and it was obvious. I went around the neighborhood to search for my grandparents house. It was only a few blocks away. It was really nothing like I remember. The house had been painted pink, and it was not lived in for quite some time. I still could see all the azaleas that were around the yard. And also, the big tree that in which my Papa had put up a rope swing. The swing was long gone, but, the memories remained. I would sit on the swing, and Papa would bring me a tangelo or navel orange. He would cut out the top with a pocket knife, and I had instant orange juice!! As a child, I remember how beautiful the yard was. By far, the most beautiful in the neighborhood. They had St Augustine grass, which was thick and plush. Perfect for picnics.

Picnic at Nana and Papas

Nana and Papas House

After visiting the old neighborhood, I was on my way to Myrtle Hill cemetery. I was looking for the graves of my great grandmother, Alice Lindell Davidson Pickens. I only knew she was buried there, along with her son, James Harvey Pickens. More on that story later. It was a large cemetery, the north side looked very old, the south side, newer. I chose the older.  After walking and driving through the paths, I got close to the mausoleum. I had never been there before, my parents later verified this. But, it seemed strangely familiar. I never found the headstones. Although, I would later find, I was as close as I could have been to them. Something took me to that spot. Later, after I got back home, I put a request on Findagrave . A gentleman volunteered to find the headstones of both family members. He sent me the location of Alice Pickens, I was only a few feet away. I had asked my parents if Nana had ever taken me to the cemetery, she said, ” she would never have taken you there.” Well, an eerie feeling came over me, because I had at some point seen everything I saw that day. I moved from Tampa at age four, never having visited that cemetery until 2007.

Alice Lindell Davidson Pickens headstone, Myrtle Hill cemetery

Patty”s Genealogy Quest

Walking Through the Past

I have a strange fascination with cemeteries. It doesn’t have to be where any of my family is buried, I don’t even have to know them. My interest is in the past, the lives they had, their families, what they did for a living and how they died. I can creep ( no pun intended ) around an old cemetery for hours. However, it is more interesting to walk through one with a historical significance. Perhaps with American Revolution soldiers or Civil war. I have attachments to both. My fourth Great Grandfather was Alexander Ewing of Pennsylania. He is buried at Plaingrove cemetery in Mercer county, Pennsylvania. I visited his burial sire in 2000 with my mother. We were in Pennsylvania to see my grandmother Blanche Dean. She was the great granddaughter of Alexander Ewing. At the time of our trip, we did not know that two weeks later my grandmother would be gone. It was a trip I will never forget.