Mitchell County Pioneer Cemetery
Restoration Project (MCPCRP)2002 - 4th Quarter Newsletter
November 2002 has been a gigantic step forward in respect toevaluating the "Forgotten but not Lost" pioneer cemetery projects, plus physically getting two restorations started.
COORDINATORS APPOINTED:
So far a team consisting of: Cheryl Jahnel, Merri Cross, Larry Fox, Marilyn O'Conner has been appointed to positions of Coordinators.
In addition volunteer assistance from Lyle, MN Fire Department, Vivian Du Shane, Audrey Mc Kinley, Lawrence and Dolores Weinberger, Pat Rogers, Larry & Marlene Kershner, Steve Ham, Jody Staff, Dave Brunner, Renee Dralle, and the two Dralle boys, has been invaluable and greatly appreciated. As well as anyone I've forgotten to mention, I stand and applaud you, you are the best.
FIRST MCPCRP MEETING:
Our first meeting was held with approximately 15 interested people attending. Vast amounts of information were exchanged and pictures shown by Larry Kershner of the progress on these projects so far. Everyone is now sharing the same information and will be updated on a "as needed" bases.
Larry Kershner Mitchell County Press-News:
Has requested from all of us to keep him informed of our projects before we work on them, he is extremely interested in our endeavors and wants to give continued coverage as we proceed. I can personally vouch that he can run a #10 Sand Point Shovel with the best of them and better than me. I kid that Kersh shows up on a project with a camera in one hand and a shovel in the other, and knows how to use each exceptionally well.
Farley Cemetery - Mona:
Was cleared with the assistance of a great bunch of volunteers led by Eric Dralle, evaluated what is going to be required to restore it and all the headstones were transcribed. Probing and dowsing yielded additional buried headstones and pieces of existing headstones. In addition Marilyn O'Conner found a list of names at the Court House, buried at Farley that presumably didn't have headstones. In addition Marilyn had a plot plan of the cemetery with the dimensions and direction of the driveways. In total there are 90 Plots at the cemetery and we have identified 62 names of people buried there. Of which 39 have headstones. The property owners (Vogel's) surrounding the cemetery volunteered to mow it once it has been restored. The updated names of those interred have been entered and sent to Kermit Kittelson to post on the internet. Eric reports he will be working on this as weather and time permits - if you're interested in assisting him - please contact Eric, he will appreciate the assistance.
Newburg Cemetery - St. Ansgar:
Initial work was started here, clearing and probing to try and find the general layout of the cemetery. Eric Dralle, Neal Du Shane, Audrey Mc Kinley, Larry & Marlene Kershner worked on Sunday to evaluate and discuss a plan of action for this restoration. Several new bases were identified and a buried headstone was found. Audrey indicated their family would like to fence the area once the project is underway and nearing completion. A path to the cemetery from the river was discussed and evaluated. The cemetery was transcribed by two women in 1963 with the D.A.R. and is posted on the internet.
Merri Cross:
Has found information on the reported burial site in Wayne Township in Section 15 and reports all were exhumed and relocated to Wayne Township Cemetery A.K.A. Wentworth Cemetery one mile East of McIntire. Merri physically verified the names and dates in the cemetery. Merri is working on all the other projects in Wayne and Jenkins Twps and will have updated information as she proceeds. Great detective work Merri and history is now updated.
Larry Fox:
Is proceeding with Dudley and Lohr Cemetery restorations in East Cedar Township. He has visited each site and evaluated the necessary restoration. He is busy recruiting a team to help him with the restorations. Way to go Larry, keep up the excellent effort.
Cheryl Jahnel:
Along with Pat Rogers, Larry Fox and Neal Du Shane visited the Union Valley Cemetery to evaluate restoration there. There seems to be some confusion as to the exact location. It's being reported by several people that there is additional headstones approximately one quarter mile north of the George Moore headstone that was found. While the general area of the George Moore headstone indicates possible exhumed burials for relocation. It is reported that some were relocated to the now Orchard Cemetery. This area will require additional research to evaluate the exact location/s.
VIVIAN Du SHANE:
Reports that she has recruited a volunteer to fill in the missing data on the Liberty Cemetery next spring. Look forward to having this information. But if someone wants to work on this before next spring let us know and we will get you the information you will need. This is large enough to be a team effort if more than one person wants to work on it.
CEMETERY DATA:
Before starting any project, such as recording data from these cemeteries, verify with Marilyn O'Connor, that she doesn't already have the information. (Been there, done that) At the current pace this data is being updated almost daily. All that may need to be completed is having it retyped on a data base. It's a safe bet, to check with her first.
Dolores & Lawrence Weinberger:
Has a vast personal collection of information relating to Mitchell County History, the Weinberger's are an excellent source to research and find information relating to your project. Plus they are a darn nice couple to know.
Marlene Kershner:
As of this writing is still in search of her first headstone find. So if you need someone to help probe, Marlene is your gal.
PROBE OPTION:
We are told from reliable sources that a three tine pitchfork works equally well to probe the ground searching for buried headstones.
DOWSING/WITCHING:
This does work to help located burial sites. I simply cut two old metal cloths hanger, straightened it, then put a 90 degree 6" bend at the end of each. Holding the 6" bent end, as you walk the ground the metal rods actually cross, then uncross as you walk away from the individual burial site. It doesn't tell you if someone is buried there only that the ground has been disturbed.
COORDINATOR OF DONATIONS:
We are still in need of someone or a team to contact local business's, groups, individuals to try and gain financing and donations to pay for the needed restorations. This can be in the form of business, group, individual contributions/donations. Volunteer assistance from local groups, clubs organizations etc. As an example if we need to restore a broken headstone, I'm told a gallon of exterior grade Epoxy can cost as much as $75.00 per gallon. If we elect to post signs at each individual pioneer cemetery they can cost up to $50.00 per sign or more depending how elaborate we get.
GRANT FUNDING FROM SAPIC:
I'm in the process of getting the coordinators estimates in for funding from the Iowa SAPIC. This hopefully will be processed shortly to help some of the funding.
MITCHELL COUNTY TOWNSHIP LEVY:
Shortly I will be sending each Township Trustee and Clerk's in the effected townships asking for their assistance and requesting they levy funds to help us restore these cemeteries. If you have an opportunity to do some ground work in respect to greasing the wheel with local government, your efforts will be greatly appreciated. If the public would also mention their support of our cause, to the Trustees, I'm sure this will also raise their awareness of our projects and their need to act.
To this point our single plea for assistance has been generally ignored by the Trustees. Maybe due to the fact we didn't have a specific need outlined in our request. However we have been informed by Lowell Tesch there is money available from the county if only the trustees would levy for it. A few townships do levy but the vast majority don't.
SAPIC VIDEO FOR HEADSTONE RESTORATION:
Contact Neal Du Shane if you are interested in viewing this informative video of the basics of headstone restorations. Very informative and gave me many hints and ideas. This should be a must view for the Project Coordinators.
MCPCRP PRESENTATION:
I have finalized a Microsoft Power Point Presentation suitable for group meeting presentations or setting down with a land owner to explain what we are about. Must admit it looks pretty professional, if I say so myself.
Both Merri Cross and Larry Fox have computers capable of running this presentation. If you have the opportunity to allow us to present this to a group, please contact Merri or Larry. We need all the support we can gather.
Plus if you would like a copy of the presentation for your own purposes all you need is Power Point on your computer and Larry or Merri can give you a copy of the CD to download it on your computer.
Winter will allow us ample time to evaluate our projects, manpower, supplies, equipment to hit the field running come spring. I have spoken with Milt Owens at the Mitchell County Conservation Board and he has pledged his/their support and assistance. He is an excellent resource to discuss your projects restorations and options he can recommend.
I'm extremely proud of you as well as your support and feel we have an excellent team forming to accomplish our goals. Public support has been tremendous with much interest from all over the world, not just Mitchell County. It always amazes me the amount of email and phone calls, I get from people that have lived in Mitchell County or have family that lived in Mitchell County requesting information, literally as far away as Germany.
Pass the word on the Mitchell County Web pages:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~iamitche
General web page addresshttps://sites.rootsweb.com/~iamitche/t_maps/t_dex.htm
Direct to Twp Maps web page addresshttps://sites.rootsweb.com/~iamcpcrp/index.html
Direct to MCPCRP web page addressKeep up the excellent effort. You should be very proud of your involvement and accomplishments as you are helping to bring dignity back to these all but forgotten pioneer souls.
Contact information:
