The small stone house in the center of this picture is the original homestead. There is a stream running underneath the house; this is how they got their fresh water...
Behind the house and across the fields, under those far off trees, lies the old family cemetery...
Over the years, the cemetery has been somewhat forgotten and neglected. Stones have been damaged...knocked over and broken by falling tree limbs and curious neighborhood children.
Recently, however, some of the descendants have taken an interest in cleaning up and restoring the graveyard. With the permission of the current farm owner, they've begun cleaning up...cutting down trees and clearing away brush.
Last week, Jim (also a descendant) was asked to help out a bit with clearing away some debris. I tagged along and got a few pictures...
Some of the rows of graves are only marked by pieces of stone stuck vertically into the ground, with no markings...
Others are easy to read...
The inscription on this stone is only legible when you run your fingers over the stone itself and look very carefully...it reads 1776...
It's a shame so many stones are broken...
...and also sad, how many people only lived to be in their thirties or forties before they died...
Here and there, you'll find these cemeteries, and they're fascinating to explore....especially when it's your own family's history that you're discovering! I hope those who have begun the cleanup, have the time and energy to continue!
