Category: Cemeteries

Broken Headstones, McKinley Cemetery, Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana

These were piled up beside large, intact headstone. Sad, but what else are they going to do with them? They’re worn smooth, so there’s no way to know who they belong to.

Isaac Hartsock, Pvt Co H 7 VA Militia, War of 1812, 1793-1851
Stepp Cemetery, Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Monroe County, Indiana

Pvt Andrew Jackson Shivley, Co D 4 KY Cav CSA, 1832-1887
Stepp Cemetery, Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Monroe County, Indiana

N. B. Platt, Co E 2nd Ohio Cav
Stepp Cemetery, Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Monroe County, Indiana

Joshua Howell, died July 2, 1836 in the 91 year of his age
Joshua Howell Sr., Continental Line, Revolutionary War, 1745-1836
Collins Cemetery, Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana

I’ve photographed quite a few Union soldiers’ graves, but this was the first Confederate grave. They’re not common around here. Also the first Revolutionary War grave, which was kind of exciting.

Lester Baby 1937

Chalk Drawing on Wall

I went to Stepp Cemetery this morning. It’s in the Morgan-Monroe State Forest, and it occurred to me, while I was there, that it might not be such a good idea to wander around in the woods by myself. It’s not that far from the road, thankfully, but still, it’s kind of remote and even in bright sunlight, it’s kind of creepy.

1921
Hannah Nelson
Died
Jan
8
Aged
79

I love this headstone. It’s a do-it-yourself number, made from concrete formed around a couple of pieces of pipe. Much more interesting than a simple little cement stepping stone type slab, like I’ve seen in other cemeteries. Just because you’re poor doesn’t mean you can’t be creative.

Mount Tabor Cemetery, Selma, Delaware County, Indiana

My mom went with me to visit this one. It’s not far from her house. Unfortunately, a storm blew up and it started raining before we could take many photos. I definitely want to go back, though. The old part of the cemetery has some really lovely headstones.

Outhouse, Shiloh Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana

There was a matching outhouse opposite this one, presumably for women, but it didn’t have a plaque. I’ve never seen an outhouse in a cemetery, but considering how far out in the country this one is, maybe it’s not a crazy idea?

I went out to the old Bethel Church Cemetery today. It was a gorgeous day for photographing headstones. A little chilly, but out in the sun, it was warm enough for just a T-shirt and hoodie.

The church itself is no longer in use, but the graveyard is. There’s a good mix of old and new headstones, with lots of room for new graves. As usual, some of the headstones are broken and some have fallen over, but it looks like someone is taking pretty good care of the place. The broken stones are neatly leaning against their bases.

The one sort of creepy-weird thing was that, in the woods behind the cemetery, I found what looked like some limestone slabs. Like the kind you sometimes find on top of graves around here. There wasn’t anything inscribed on them, so it may be that they were discarded there without ever being used. Or their presence there could be completely coincidental. I do wonder if there might be some older graves scattered in those woods, though.

I found the old church and graveyard to be thoroughly charming. It’s everything I think of when I envision early American churches. Very Little House on the Prairie. I would dearly love to peek inside, but it’s completely shut up, and there are no windows.

We must have rules!

Betty Pelfree 1935 – 2002

Johnny Bean

Cinthay Harsh 1814 – 1878

I. G. Ashley DC. Oct.

Mary Josephine Dou’t Wm. & M. A. Gibson Born Nov. 16, 1862 Died April 6, 1883

Plain cross grave marker

Lida Wife of R. B. Gwin Born Feb. 21, 1863 Died Nov. 16, 1892
At Rest