PALANCAS-L Archives
Archiver > PALANCAS > 2000-04 > 0955216157
From: "Jodi" <>
Subject: [PALANCAS-L] Family Graveyards
Date: Sat, 8 Apr 2000 13:49:17 -0400
References: <35.38d3b84.2620b5a8@aol.com>
I had a realization just a few weeks ago of how many family burial sites
have probably been lost. I had the amazing opportunity of touring the 100
acre farm in Caernarvon Twp. where my 3rd and 4th g grandparents once
lived -- house and barns still intact and still a large working farm. In
talking generally about family cemeteries, the current owner mentioned how
many people he knew who had plowed over graves. It even happened on his
father's farm where he grew up. They avoided it for a few years until it had
deteriorated to the point where they didn't even know where it was exactly,
and eventually plowed because it was land they needed. It made me cringe,
but I couldn't get angry at this very kind and practical man. As he said,
most people wouldn't do it if there was any sign that someone had tried to
maintain the cemetery -- these were forgotten graves.
I really think identifying and preserving graveyards is an important effort
for those of us who care about our family history, because more are being
lost all of the time.
Jodi Reifsnyder Adrian
This thread: