This article, written by Todd Preston, President of the Magoffin County Historical Society, was taken from the June 2, 2005 issue of THE SALYERSVILLE INDEPENDENT newspaper.
 

            The memorial marker dedication of the original gravesites of Jacob Shepherd, who died 21 Oct 1858 on the headwaters of Licking River, and his wife Elizabeth Hale took place on Saturday, May 21.  Several people had searched for this burial site for many years. 

           A letter received from Audrey (Howard) Leffingwell helped in locating the gravesites.  She found in her mother’s notes info that “Jacob Shepherd died the day John B. Shepherd was born.”  She further reported “Jacob is buried in the bottom of Uncle Wilse’s farm, back next to the hill, on a grassy orchard in the bottom there.”

            Armed with this information, Raleigh Shepherd and his brothers found this small cemetery.  A double marker was secured for Jacob and Elizabeth with information on them, their parents, their siblings, and their children.  The dedication ceremony consisted of a 21 gun salute, laying a wreath, a circle of friendship commentary, and photo session.  Rev. Richard Crisp assisted with prayer and gave a very eloquent talk to those gathered there.

            Now, folks, this persistent search saved for future generations the gravesite that was almost lost forever had it not been for one descendant’s notes.

            In making that statement, let me follow with this observation – How many more such gravesites are lost, or for that matter, on the verge of being lost.  Yes, I know of several so I ask you this question. Will some of your descendants have to search thirty years as Raleigh Shepherd did to find your ancestor’s gravesite? 

            We will be setting a marker for Thomas Howard and Frances Jackson at the Mouth of Coon Cemetery on Saturday, May 28.  Plans are to set this marker at the front entrance as his gravesite in that cemetery isn’t known, speculation, yes, but not positive.

            Our next project will be to contact Gay Gullett Wilson and plan a marker setting for Jesse Gullett and Elizabeth Coffee.   

            Huey Harmon, son of Grady and Lora Harmon, who passed away earlier and was cremated has been brought here by his daughters and sister Lucille (Harmon) Ratliff of Pikeville to be interred in the Bailey/Conley/Kazee Cemetery on Friday the 27^th of May at 1 p.m.  A small program is in the planning stages and all are invited to attend.

            I grew up with this family and Lucille “Ditty” is the only remaining child of this family so let’s support her in this time of sorrow.

            Chapter 15 of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has lost another member, Comrade Thomas Sublett of Paintsville.  The DAV will be doing the military rites. His funeral is at the Jones-Preston Funeral Home with burial at the Highland Memorial Gardens.

            A large “bunch” of Vanderpools came to the Pioneer Village Saturday and I gave them a quick tour of the cabins that they seemed to enjoy.  I was planning the trip up the river to the Shepherd marker dedication and had forgotten my camera so I stopped by and found them there.  I’m glad I forgot my camera as I was able to get to meet this group of Vanderpools; they were escorted by our friend Lena Edwards.

            In going through our latest obituary book I’ve located a good many veterans who were born in Magoffin County and who passed away in other states therefore we had no information on them as they didn’t lodge their discharges in the local courthouse.  We are depending on kinsmen of these veterans to send us copies of separation or discharges of these veterans.  If in doubt, send the info anyway, with a picture of the veteran in uniform as well of one in civvies, along with a short sketch of his or her life.

            We haven’t set a deadline yet on receiving our Veteran’s information but would like to get it in this year so don’t keep putting it off.  We hope to hear from you!

            Walter and Nancy Bannon of Lakeview, MI, Carol Allen Goodman of Vestaburg, MI, and Carl and Ruth Allen of Stanton, MI were visiting Monday and Tuesday of this week and we compiled the following ancestor chart for them.  Gratz Allen b. 1873 was the son of William B. Allen (b. 1833) and Nancy Wireman (b. 1840). Nancy was the dau of Jacob Wireman and Susan Sizemore.  William B. was a son of John Allen and Nancy Jane Click.  John Allen was a son of William Allen and Caty Gearheart.  Nancy was a dau of John Click and Susan Drake.

            Gratz Allen m. 1^st in 1891 to Mary Howard b. 1875, dau of Stephen Howard (b. 1827) and Rebecca Minix. Rebecca was a dau of Charles Minix.  Stephen was a son of Benjamin Howard (b. 1807) and Nancy Arnett. Nancy was born in 1805 to Stephen Arnett b. 1782 and Elizabeth Howard b. 1880s.

            We have received news that the cemetery roads to the Thomas Howard Cemetery and to the Hamman Cemetery have been worked on and graveled by our county road department.  We thank the county judge’s office and all that had a hand in getting this good work done.   

            We are continuing to work on plans for the 27^th Annual Magoffin County Founder’s Day celebration.  The regular meeting time for the historical society has been moved up to June 12 as the 3^rd Sunday is Father’s Day. 

            The 2^nd Journal of the year is ready for mailing. Have you seen our Journals? You may want to become a member and receive these booklets four times a year, each at least 40 pages of info on Magoffin County’s history along with some current news.  Membership is $14 a year.