Ancestry.com Howards Cemetery Restoration Online Tree

Well with 133 interned at Howard Cemetery, the online tree has grown to include 995 people so far.  Please if you are interested go to Ancestry.com and check out the public online tree associated with this project.

Little Ones

When writing about the Howard family I am struck by the number of children Lydia  looses before her own death in 1883.  As a mother of the youth coordinator, I can honestly say that every grave we record or clean, that is of a child or young adult, makes my throat dry up and my eyes water.  I have been involved in Genealogy since as far back as I can remember, but this project brings the reality of those past lives to the forefront of my thoughts.  When researching genealogy or any historical event you know your are  researching and recording past events.  But when you sit at a grave and take the time to clean, excavate or repair, you feel a bond to that person.  Especially when you have spent hours researching their lives, and finding so many did not get to live full lives.  When that person is a little kid or young adult, and you happen to be a parent, that bond is felt more deeply.  I feel for the mothers, that they had to live without their children; no parent should ever out live a child; no matter how old the parent lives to be. I wish they could have all lived long lives; but that was not the reality of their lives.  May they have found each other again in what comes after this life.   

Memorial Day Weekend

Well our family started observing the Memorial Day Weekend on Friday.  Ray mowed Howard Cemetery with his push mower, our riding mower was out of commission.   It took Ray four and one half straight hours to walk mow the cemetery.  I cleaning the stones of the Frazee family and did some rubbing of the motifs on the stones.  Ray(Ray Keith/Rayke) was also my water carrier.  I do realize that I am a perfectionist when it comes to cleaning a stone, and it could be done faster.  The stone is first scrubbed with just water and elbow grease.  Then the stone is cleaned with a water and ammonia solution.  If the ammonia can be smelled the solution is too strong.  I like a one to four ratio.  Then the stone is rinsed.  Then the stone is cleaned with an Orvus and water solution; extremely diluted.   Then rinse, rinse and some more rinsing.  Black lichen in my experience sometime needs a tad stronger ammonia and water solution, but this is for spot cleaning ONLY. We placed flags ate each veterans grave and snapped to attention and saluted them for their service.  We also placed flags at the front on the cemetery  Ray got done and I ordered subs with my iphone, just had to run into Jimmy Johns, they were all paid for.  Got home and visited with Bud(husband/father) before he had to go to work.  Both Ray(Ray Keith/Rayke) and I were  exhausted, fed animals; took baths and  then logged on to our computer, and found out our nephew who is a police officer was involved in a accident.  He was in critical condition. He has gotten a lot better, and will make a full recovery. 
Saturday rang early, as a bottle steer likes its bottle early.  Then off to Dickerson Cemetery where Ray mowed and decorated that cemetery.  He was tired from the day before.  His feet were hurting, which I can understand as he has never been light on his feet; Stomp, Stomp, Stomp.  He came home and saddled and rode his horse. 
Sunday was working at the farm.  Bud bush hogged and Ray trimmed and mowed the barn lots and around the fencing.  A full day of work. I was the support personnel.   I went to Lowe's and bought petunia to plant at my father in laws grave.  After the boys were done at the farm, off to Bethesda Cemetery to plant flowers.  Then home so the boys could ride horses.  The dogs were so happy to see us, three days straight of us gone made them really miss us. 
Monday was spent trying to hunt up lineage for the Howard interned extended family, but Ancestry.com was running too slow.  Put the flag at the cemetery up to top at Noon. This is the only day that the American Flag after being at half staff is raised to full at Noon, other times the flag is half staff from sunrise to sunset The guys rode horses.   So that is how we spent our Memorial Day, paying our respects to our fallen brethren.

Inscription of stone 1-3

Left side motif facing stone 1-3

Motif on 1-3 stone

Crest on James E. Frazee stone1-3

Charcoal of stone 1-3

James Frazee 1-3 after cleaning

James E Frazee 1-3 before cleaning

Least We Forget

We are coming up on the Memorial Day Holiday.  The majority of Americans see this as a Holiday to celebrate the beginning of summer, with large parties, shopping, and celebrations.  Memorial Day is a day of Remembrance which have been superseded  by parties, races and festivities. Memorial Day was first celebrated  on May 30 1868, and was celebrated as Decoration Day; it was not until 1882 that the name memorial day was first used.  The date was chosen as no major Civil War Battles were fought on May 30.  A proclamation by General John B. Logan in his capacity of commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic established the holiday.  We are supposed to be honor the memory of those who gave their lives fighting for this country.  I hope that everyone stops in their shopping, festivities, and public events, to reflect what this holiday really means. 

Roll Call of those buried in Howard Cemetery who served this country.

Aaron Frazee                    Civil War
Caleb Smith                      Civil War
James Crane                     Civil War
John Todd                        Civil War
Joseph Todd                    Civil War
Merit Shirley                     
Truman Lumpkin              World War I
                 

Symbols on stones

Both Nicholas and Dorcas Davis have hands with the index finger pointing up, it is in a circle relief at the top of their stones.  This symbol means that what came from heaven now has returned or what came from heaven to earth must return; this is the sign of Preservation, or sometimes referred to as the sign of Heaven and Earth.

6-7. Lydia Howard

Lydia Howard. 6-7 Tombstone

John B. Howard 6-8. Tombstone

Dorcus Davis 3-12

Dorcus Davis. 3-12. Tombstone

Nicholas Davis 3-13 stone

Nicholas Davis Tombstone. 3-13

Fleshing out the Past

Genealogy is the second most popular hobby in America.  With the advent of the Internet, it has become so much easier to hunt up a genealogical line.  Prior to the internet, individuals even to get a start, would have to travel or contact the location where their relatives lived; a huge plethora of records would have to have been researched.  A genealogy hunt of 2011, has become common place almost too easy.  Put a surname + genealogy in the search box, and viola information.  Follow a link to one of the genealogy sites on the net, type in your query; again viola instant access to results.  Sometimes the problem with this is that the results is only as good as the person doing the research.  I am not wanting to pick on any genealogical site or individuals; but research can be flawed, if the person doing the searching is wanting instant quick results, and does not want to do the research themselves. Trust me we have all barked up the wrong tree at least once in our research. I like to compare some peoples genealogy to the childhood game of telephone, the message can get garbled with one wrong word.  The same is true in genealogy, one wrong surname, can effect just not one persons genealogy, but also those individual that use it as a stepping stone. I guess this is why I try to be diligent in tracking down maiden names. In an ideal world I would have at least three sources for a maiden name.  At the moment we are trying to figure out who the father is for Cora the daughter of Henrietta Foster who marries Silas Girt.  The hunt never stops.

Cemetery Work just not at Howard's

Well Ray worked at a cemetery this afternoon, just not Howard Cemetery.  One of our other local cemeteries is Dickerson Cemetery.  It is actually the Old Mount Tabor Cemetery, it sat next to the original Mount Tabor Church that moved from south of Fayette,  to North of Fayette.  The original site was on the Turner Edward Farm.  The cemetery is still located there, but it is a very small cemetery with only a hand full of known stones.  It needed tending to and despite our mower having a flat, Ray took his weed eater and trimmed the entire cemetery just as if he had a mower.  To say the least he need a shower from the grass, that he hauled home all over his clothing.

Ray at cemetery after straightening stone

Cemetery Work

Spent five hours working at the cemetery. Rayke and I started out the day, with the feeding of Patches, Ray's starter calf his bottle. Then off to Zionsville to Marsh, they had a portable 10x10 Gazebo for $20.00 considering, we got fried last time we were at the cemetery on a sunny day, needed something. Well Zionsville location was out, so they found us one at nearest location, but before that, off to  True Value, has a shovel and wheeled tote, to mix the gravel and sand together in. Picked up Gazebo, then off to Lowes for Pea Gravel, Sand, and kneeler. 600lbs of heavy for Ray to load, great to have a 6'2" son, built like a tree. Then off to the cemetery. Cleaned Rebecca Long's stone, her base was lichen covered deep horrid black green hardy crud. Then did rubbings of her motif, of vines and leaves, top of obelisk three oak leaves on top of all four faces. Ray dug around the little Strawmyer boys stone, removed all the bricks and rocks that someone had used to try to probe it up with. He finally got it out we measured, and buried a little more than a third, tamping, the sand gravel fill tight. Who ever had set it did so very deep almost too deep. It was a finished stone all around with clean lines and no rough edges. The score mark was right under the relief carved heart, but about half of the tablet was buried. His stone looks better now. Ray packed and slanted the earth around the stone, for drainage. After five hours of work, we are done tired fulfilled and home.

Infant Strawmyer stone up and straighten

Measured stone and buried 1/3 Very long tablet

Infant Strawmyer Stone before straightening

Oak Leaf on Rebecca Long Tombstone

Rebecca Long leaf pattern

1-8 Strawmyer. Stone straightening

Rebecca Long 1-2 Inscription

Long base after scrubbing

Lichen Base of Rebecca Long

Lichen covered base

Rebecca Long Stone Cleaning

Before Cleaning

Thomas Cook

The search for the parents of Thomas Cook.  Thomas Cook according to the 1977 Survey done by Mary Schooler, Thomas was born 1 Oct 1866 and passes 25 Sep 1868.  We can find no other information.  His stone is inscribed 1y 1m 24d  son of S. and C.   If anyone has information on who this little lads parents were contact us at howardscemetery@tds.net

Staightening of Marsh Infant Markers

On Friday the 20th of May, we will be straightening the Marsh Infant markers in Howard Cemetery.  There are five markers of Marsh Infants in various stages of leaning.  These stones are at the end of Row #1. All five Marsh Infants are siblings.  
First we will excavated the stone on the opposite of the lean,  then we will rock the stone side to side to straighten it.  If the stone was rocked back and forth the stone could break from the pressure.  After we have straightened it and checked that it is plume and level, we will fill in around the stones with a pea gravel and sand mixture of equal proportions.   The fill mixture will be tamped down and mounded and slanted away from the stone; so when it rains the water will bleed of the stone down the slant and away from the stone.  We will not clean these stones; until they have be straightened; as to not put stress on the leaning stones.

Speaking for the Dead by Karen Everett

The obsession of Genealogy.  I don't know how to explain the passion of genealogy to people who don't understand the hunt for the past.  Some people find this hunt boring, my grandmother Lucille Hazel Brown Seager Alderman, did not like looking into the past.  I started bugging her when I was a small child, about who her parents where; who her grandparents were, what she was like as a girl.  She could have cared less about the past, or my insatiably curiosity about the past.  I finally found out a little about my great great grandparents in 1979, when I spent the summer in upstate New York.  I found out what their names were; names and nothing beyond that.  I thought it was just me she did not talk to about the past, but after her death I found out she just did not care about the past.  Despite being my grandmother, I am the polar opposite of her; I am driven by a thirst for the knowledge of the past, the people that built our families,our communities, our country and the greater world  The study of history is great, but it is the story of the individual that gets lost in the sands of time.  I would lay in my bed as a little girl, and wonder what my great great great grandmothers name was, what did she look like, what made her laugh and cry;  would I too be forgotten in a mere one hundred years, would anyone care who I was, or would my great great great grandchild lay in a bed and wonder about me.  Technology has made the hunt and preservation of the past easier, but we are working against time, as documents, gravestones, and knowledge are being lost. Yes famous people get remembered, but most of us are not famous, and only those in our families will even care to remember us.  This is so very sad, as ordinary people are the ones that really matter.  The smile of a mother, the laugh of a father, the squeal of a child, these are the memories that need to be remembered by all of us. 
The stones at Howard Cemetery are sometimes the only monument to those wonderful brief ordinary lives. When they were erected, those families thought they would always stand and be a monument to their loved ones.  Well the planet did not have air pollution and acid rain when those limestone and marble stones were erected, but because of modern society those stones are falling apart. People did not move and travel as much then; as we do now, family were surely be around to tend the graves.  Well families moved and can't tend the stones.  So we all have a obligation to our collective past, to help where we can; not just to remember our own relatives, but the past of the communities where we live.  I am just so thrilled that so many people are preserving the history of individuals and wanting to get involved in cemetery preservation.

James B. Doyal

James B. Doyal was born in 1858, he was the son of Edward T. Doyal and Sarah A. Howard he is mentioned in his parents sketch.  He was only twenty five when he died 25 Apr 1883.  He is buried in Howard Cemetery.  He is counted twice in the 1880 Census once with parents, then living with an Great Aunt and Cousin.  He gives his occupation as the Law, with parents he is a law student, and with aunt he gives his occupation as lawyer.

Charles M. Doyal

Charles M. Doyal was only 4years 3months 26days when he passed away on 22 Aug 1847.  Using his death date and age we calculated his birth date as 27 Apr 1843.  He was the young son of Edward T. Doyal and Sarah Howard, their combined sketch can be view on this blog dated 31 Mar 2011. 

Earl Cornette

Looking for any information on Earl Cornette b. 8 Dec 1884 d. 20 Dec 1884 son of J.H. and C.  He is on the  list that Mary Schooler complied in 1977.  We have been unable to locate any information.

Historic plantings.

Most people see the carved tombstone, but do not notice the different plants in a cemetery.  In Howard's the plantings are limited to only two types Yucca and Peony.  Yucca is historically planted in a "yard" to keep the soul in, so it does not roam or follow someone home. Because it is a thorny bush it makes it hard for the spirit to roam around the cemetery.  Peonies are planted on top of graves, because the blooms are very fragrant, this sweet floral aroma is send to attract the dead and keep them at the cemetery. Most people do not even realize why they are planting what they are; it has become a family tradition, so that is why it is done; but their great great great grandmother, may have had other reasons. We are respecting the historic planting in Howard Cemetery; but we are going to have to trim back these plants, and replant them into the landscape.  The plants have destroyed several of the stones, and are continuing to upend the stones.  Most families thought that they would be around to tend the graves, if not them a friend or neighbor would not let stones be destroyed by vegetation. In making this statement; it needs to be addressed that in some cultures cemeteries may look neglected, but may actually be being left alone, as to not disturbed the dead and let them rest in piece. It is important to know and respect the culture of the cemetery occupants, prior to starting any cemetery project.

Aaron Frazee Military Service

The following was found on the Lebanon Public Library Digitized Publication part of the Heritage Center of the Library

(Editor's note: This is part of a series of "Biographies of a Civil War Soldiers," one of several accounts of the services of a number of Boone County men in the War Between the States, as given in the second book of a two-volume work published in 1899, by the H.H. Hardesty Company of New York, under the title of "Presidents, Soldiers and Statesmen." The biographies are being published in Boone Magazine as they appeared in the original work with the exception that sketches are broken into paragraphs.)

CAPT. AARON FRAZEE 86th Ind., Co. A

March 2. 1830, in Rush Co., Ind., the hearts of Moses and Rebecca Rigdon Frazee were gladdened by the birth of a son, Aaron. When small he settled in Boone county. To share the joys and sorrows of this life he chose Amanda Doyle, daughter of John and Matilda Howard Doyal; she was born Nov. 14, 1833, in Ky. The marriage vows were taken July I, 1853, in Boone Co. Five children were born to this union; Dora, Emma, John, James and Charles.

When the dark war cloud was hanging over our nation our comrade was a brick mason but he left his trade and went forth to fight for his country. He enlisted Aug. 3, 1862, at Indianapolis, Ind., for three years as Capt. in Co. A, 86th I.V.I., 3d Brig., 3d Div., 4th A.C., Dept. of the Cumberland. He took active part in the following battles: Stone River, Tullahoma campaign, Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga for a two days siege at Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mt., Atlanta campaign, Buzzard Roost, Dalton, Resaca, Cassville, Calhoun, Kenesaw Mt., Peachtree Creek and the siege of Atlanta where he was taken sick from exposure and was compelled to retire. He was cared for in one of the field hospitals in the south while suffering from lung and other troubles.

In the fall of 1864. Frazee was given his discharge in the field in Georgia because of his sickness; he reenlisted Feb. 20, 1865, at Indianapolis as Capt. in Co. F, 148th I.V.I., Dept. of the Cumberland; he was engaged in constant guard and garrison duty in Tenn., Ala., and Ga., caring for the enormous government Q.M. and Commissary stores, protecting Sherman's long lines of communication between the Ohio River and Georgia. His old disease began to return from constant duty and exposure but he avoided hospitals by good care and determination. He was honorably discharged Sept. 5, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn.

Frazee's relatives and ancestors loyally served their country whenever necessary. Mrs. Frazee had one brother, John Doyal in 7th Ind., killed in the battle of the Wilderness, in May, 1864. Another brother, Sam Doyal, served in Co. D, 8th Ky., and in Co. A, 76th Ind. He was later judge of a court at Frankfort, this state. Her grandfather, John Doyal served in the War of 1812-14 under Generals Clark and Anthony Wayne.

Capt. Frazee and wife were honored members of the M.E. church in Indianapolis. Our comrade departed this life in 1869. After his death, Mrs. Frazee moved to her present cozy home in Boone Co., where she, with her little family, worship at the Baptist church at White Lick, Ind.

Capt. Aaron Frazee died thirty years before his biography was published in the book afore mentioned.

Boone Magazine. February 1980  page 30

Documents that correspond to the facts in this article can be found on the page for Aaron Frazee in the public tree Howards Cemetery Restoration and Preservation on Ancestry.com

Aaron Frazee

Aaron Frazee was  born in Indiana in 1831 the son of Moses Frazee and Rebecca  Rigdon. Moses was born in Kentucy in 1796 and Rebecca Rigdon is passed away prior to 1850. (We think Rebecca may have passed away prior to 1840; as on that census not female of a marriage age was counted) They couple were married in 1826 in Indiana  Aaron is first counted as an named individual in the 1850 Census he is living in District 7, Boone County, Indiana.
The head of household is Moses born 1796 in Kentucky who is a farmer
Cyntha Frazee age 37 born in Virginia
Aaron Frazee age 21 born in Indiana
Minerva Frazee age 16
Joseph Frazee age  11
Margaret E. Frazee age 10
Sarah E. Frazee age 6
Mary A. Frazee age 3

Aaron Frazee is then counted in 1860 as a head of household in Harrison, Boone, Indiana.  He had married in Amanda M. Doyal 1 Jul 1852 in Boone County Indiana.   In 1860
Aaron is 29 and is a Brick Mason
Amanda is 25
Rebecca A is 6
Emily is 2
John is 1month
Also in the household is William O Kane 23 he is a medical student.

Aaron was listed in the Worldwide Directory Masonic Directory in 1860 Post Id 1750 Boone Lodge

In 1862 the world changed for the country and the father of four, war broke out; not from some foreign invader; but amongst our neighbors and brethren.  This War would pit brother against brother and neighbor against neighbor, it would test the countries democratic principles to their core.  Could the idea that gave birth to the Republic, survive and if it did would it be always fractured.  Today in the 21st Century we still debate and review the causes, battles, results and cost of this war that almost destroyed the nation.  But for those who heard the call of the nation at the time of strife, paid the ultimate price in service this Great Nation.  It is to them that we owe a debt to, to remember the price they paid in blood, and lives.  Aaron enlisted the 3rd of August 1862.  According to Civil War personnel records Aaron was a Commissioned Officer, as a Second Lieutenant Ranked In and a Captain Ranked Out.  He first was in Company A, Indiana 86th Infantry Regiment.  He also served in Company F, 148th Indiana Infantry Regiment.

Aaron survived the war, but he passed away  16 Jan 1869, at the age of 38.  He is buried in Howard Cemetery, his obelisk is engraved with his information on the north side of the stone.

Stone 2-11 James M. Layton

James Layton was the spouse of Mary J. Todd, his parents were Jacob Todd and Rebecca Todd.  James was born in Indiana and married Mary J. Todd 31 Dec 1874

After a water only cleaning

James Layton stone before cleaning

James T. Todd

After cleaning with just water

We always clean a stone the first time with just water and elbow grease

First Cleaning of 2-12 by Ray Everett

Stone 2-12 prior to cleaning

Martha Ann Carter Fitch

Martha Ann "Mattie" was born 15 Feb 1851 and dies 27 Mar 1883, she was the daughter of Jeremiah Carter and Catherine Storts; both mentioned in prior sketches.  Matti married John E. Fitch born in 1856 the son of John B. Fitch 1814-1892 and Mary Cox 1814-1872, they are mentioned in a previous sketched.  Mattie marries John E. Fitch 19 Nov 1876, and they are counted in the 1880 Census living in Brown, Hendricks, Indiana.  In the 1880 Census they have a son Walter who is two.  Mattie dies in 1883 and is buried in Howard Cemetery.  John E. goes on to remarry a Louisa Sutter after Mattie's death.

Wife and Child of Thomas Fitch

Margaret P. Wiley was born in 18 May 1828 in Kentucky, she married Thomas Fitch on 9 Jan 1845.  Thomas b. 1824; we believe was the brother of John Fitch b.1814-d.1892, but have found no confirmation on my hunch.  Their son John W. born in 1846 and died 19 Aug 1847 is also buried in Howard.  Margaret passes 16 Mar 1861 and is buried in Howard

If you can help with the parentage of either Margaret P. Wiley or Thomas Fitch, please contact us at howardscemetery@tds.net

Asa and Louisa Nash

Asa Nash and Louisa Fitch Nash

Nash Family

The family of the Nash children buried in Howard Cemetery
Father Asa Nash, brother Ross, sisters Edna and Stella, brother Everett Nash and Mother Louisa Nash Fitch
Picture found on Ancestry.com.

Nash

Asa Nash and his wife Louisa Fitch Nash

Davis

Nicholas Davis and Dorcas Viers Davis

Nicholas Davis and Dorcas Viers

Nicholas Davis was born the 15 Nov 1802 and passed 16 Mar 1885; according to census records he was born in Kentucky.  He marries Dorcas Viers 4 Mar 1824 in Kentucky; we have found the Kentucky marriage collection record on Ancestry.com.  Their first daughter Harriett Davis is born in 1825 in Kentucky.  We have found the family in the 1850 Census living in Boone County. The household consists of
Nicholas age 48  Kentucky         Farmer 
Dorcas age 48    Maryland
Nicholas N age 17  Kentucky     Farmer 
David W age 15     Kentucky
Elizabeth E age 12  Indiana
Mariah J age 10     Indiana 

The family is again counted in the 1860 Census living in Perry Township, Boone County, Indiana
Nicholas is age 59  Kentucky  Farmer
Dorcas is age 59    Maryland 
Nicholas age 26     Kentucky  Farmer
David age 24         Kentucky  Farm Laborer
Both daughters are married and have started their own families.

The family is counted in the 1870 Census in the same township and county
Nicholas is age  67  Kentucky    Farmer
Dorcas is age 67  Maryland 
They have their daughters family in the household.
Mariah Jane age 30  Indiana   married Daniel Brandenburg in 1859
Oliver Brandenburg age 10 Indiana
Arvella Brandenburg age 10 Indiana
Malina Brandenburg age  5   Indiana
Voohees Brandenburg age 4  Indiana
Thomas Brandenburg age 2  Indiana
James Heath  age 23  farm laborer.

This is the last census Dorcas is counted on as she passed in 1871

Nicholas is counted in the 1880 Census living with his son David W. Davis and family.  This is the last census that Nicholas is counted on as he passes away in 1885.  He is still giving his occupation as farmer in this last census.

Stone Cleaning

One of the easiest jobs to start in a cemetery project is cleaning of the stones.  Sounds easy, but it is the most time consuming and labor intensive process.  The first step in a cleaning is a good scrubbing with a nylon brush and water.  Always working from the bottom up. A great way to soak the stone with water, is a weed sprayer, clean and never used, except for water. This will get a lot of the dirt removed.  The biological like the lichens are harder to remove, they are stubborn in their survival.  I like a cleaning of Orvus paste in a five gallon bucket of water, Orvus does not give a quick cleaning and some may skip this step. The third step is a solution of one part Ammonia, and four parts water.  One can tell if your solution is too strong by the Ammonia smell.   Between any of these steps it is important to rinse, rinse and rinse some more.  These methods should never be used on Standstone.  These cleaning solutions are for Marble both fine and coarse grained and Indiana Limestone, not the coarse grain limestone with  large pores, which can be identified by flaking and splitting of the stone. 

Indiana Historical Society

We just completed the Indiana Historical Societies two day seminar on cemetery restoration and preservation at the Southport Cemetery in Southport Indiana, which is located directly south of Indianapolis.  The class part of the work shop, was on Friday; we had a great time learning about symbols, legal issues and maps.
On Saturday our day started out a little rainy, which passed rather quickly and led to a beautifully sunny day.   Our presenters for the day was Walt Walters, his wife Mickey, Randy and Bird.  Walt has been restoring "yards" professionally for the past 16 years.  He is a master craftsman in his field.  The passion he has for restoration is evident in the way he explains his craft.  He first took our group on a walk of the yard,  to identify the various different kinds of damage the stones have endured. The most prevalent damage is from mowers.  Mower damage is very obvious, and is totally preventable with causes caretakers.  He also took us to a "honeyhole" that was uncovered the day before.  Someone had moved fallen over stones at some time in the past; and buried them in a corner of the "yard".  There were over 20 foot and headstones found in the site, because the stone had been moved no one knows where their burials were actually positioned. A great deal of research is going to have to be undertaken to uncover the puzzle left by the stones. As you walk around the yard, you can see the depressions were bodies obviously lay, but no tombstone or footer exists.  After this overview Walt moved on to how to pour an new foundation when needed.  These new foundations are not used if an existing base can be found and repaired.
Our next presenter was Professor Vincent Hernly;  from IUPUI,  he gave us a overview of what types of stone were used in cemeteries, and in which time period.  The single sandstone stone in the cemetery was the highlight for Ray and me.  Rayke being a ten year 4-H geology project member is very capable of identifying the stones for our project.
We then broke for lunch, which was wonderful.  We got to chat with each other and the presenters.
After lunch, Walt gave us an overview of cleaning the stones.  Plus the importance of cleaning the areas that are going to be fixed, to make sure that the fix will last.  He talked about the type of brushes, cleaning products and techniques used in yard restoration.  Micki gave a presentation on probing and the do's and don'ts of this invasive technique.  Probing is usually the last step in a cemetery restoration, it can be done to identify stones that are completely buried under the ground, as in the south west void area of Howard Cemetery.  We saw how Walt and his crew worked on different stages of restoration, from straightening a tablet stone to hoisting a large stone into a existing  base that was leveled and reset.
Rayke and I had a really good time, even with my tumble backward down a hill, while trying to sit in a chair.  That tumble down the hill wasn't far; but it did make my back seize up. So physically I was done for the day after that.   But I had to laugh, I didn't believe that my legs were even capable of flying over my head in a backward somersault.  It would have been smart to look before I sat.
A big Thank You to Indiana Historical Society for sponsoring this event, and to Jeanette Rooney, Jeannie Regan-Dinius, Shelia Riley, Kevin Combs, John Walters, Micki Walters, Randy Jones, Dennis Brewer and Vincent Hernly for a informative two days.

Victoria Dickerson

Victoria Eva Dickerson was not even 21 years old when she passed away. She was the young bride of Albert Dickerson in February 1891; Albert and she had just celebrated their one year anniversary the month prior.  By the second day of the month young Victoria had passed away.  She left behind Albert and her parents Leonard Carter and Martha A. Stuart Carter.  Victoria was not the first of the Carter children to die young nor would she be the last.

Indiana Historic Society Cemetery Seminar

Indiana Historic Society had it's spring Cemetery Preservation Workshop.  Today was the seminar side of the workshop, the facilatator was Jeanette Rooney of IHS.   Our first speaker was Shelia Riley of the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, she spoke on Gravestone Symbolism and Art.  This was a very interesting in-depth tour of the various symbols and carving used in gravestone art.  How symbols were a non verbal way to tell the story of the interned.  Our next speaker was Jeannie Regan-Dinius DNR-DHPA, spoke on the Legal Issues Involving Cemeteries and Basic Restoration.   Ms. Regan-Dinius was a plethora of information on the legalities of cemetery restoration in the State of Indiana.  How we have laws that protect those interned in the State of Indiana.  How municipalities and government agencies are exempt from following these laws, that involve the public good.  How municipalities and government agencies work with the DNR to see that they are doing what they can to lessen impact on historic cemeteries.  I think Ms. Regan-Dinius is a credit to her field, as we have called on her several times to answer our questions.  Our last speaker was Kevin Combs, he spoke about the usage and finding of maps to help in cemetery research.  He gave an overview of where and how to obtain maps.  It was a really great seminar.  Looking forward to the hands on day tomorrow.

Public Tree on Ancestry.com

Look for the Howards Cemetery Restoration and Preservation Project Tree on Ancestry.com

The Marsh Infants

We have been doing research on who the Marsh infants parents were.  Well after several searches we have verified that the Marsh infants all belong the Alva A. Marsh and Mary Etta Shirley.   Alva research indicates was born in Kansas in Sep 1873. He was the son of  Albert and Amelia Marsh.  Alva was first counted in the 1880 Census living in Elk Falls, Elk, Kansas.  In the household is Albert age 32, Amelia age 24, Alva A. age 6 and Leslie E. age 1.  Both Albert and Amelia were born in Indiana.  At some point after 1880 and before 1898, Alva comes to Indiana.  He marries Mary Etta Shirley 9 Mar 1898.  Mary Etta was the daughter of Levi Shirley and his wife Nancy J.. Mary Etta is counted in the 1880 Census with her parents and siblings living in Brown Township, Hendricks, Indiana.  Levi is 36, Nancy is 29, Benjamin T. is 14, Mary E. is 8, Violet E. is 6, Charles E. is 5, and Lola E. is 1. 
After their marriage Alva and Etta start on making a family by 1900 two boys are in the family Oral C. age 5 and Roy C. is 1.  Alva  is 26 and Mary E. is 29.  Alva is a farmer and the rent their property.

By 1910 their family had doubled in size, but this growth was not without a lot of heartache.  In 1905 Etta was pregnant and expecting twins, and by the 11 of June 1905; she delivered them. But their lives were short lived and both the boy and the girl died in infancy.  On 17 Oct 1906, Etta delivered two more twin babies, a boy who died in infancy; and a little girl Violet Furn who lived until she was a little over one year of age;  she died 4 Mar 1908.   The final Marsh infant is a little girl born 22 Oct 1911.  Alva dies in 1913 and Mary Etta lives until 1933, they are both buried in Mt. Tabor Cemetery north of Fayette.

If we find any additional information we will blog it.  We would like to put names to these infants 

Reed Funkhouser and Rachel Ann (Turpin) Funkhouser

Reed Funkhouser was the son of Gideon Funkhouser and Mary Ann (Slagle) Funkhouser.(See the sketch for Gideon Funkhouser).  Reed was born 14 Sep 1867 died 3 February 1939.  He was united in marriage to Rachel Frances Turpin 9 Nov 1887. 
The family is recorded in the 1900 Census living in Brown Township, Hendricks, Indiana.  The household consist of
Reed age 33   His occupation is day laborer
Rachel age 38   She has already buried two children; for on the census record she is mother of 4 only 2 alive
Bessie age 10
Gertrude age 5

One know child a girl Zella Edith Funkhouser is buried in Howard Cemetery next to her parents.  Photo's of the Stone are on this blog.  We are going to try UV light(Black Light)  to see the writing sometime this spring. The other child I believe is Tennis, his name is carved on the newer style granite monument with his parents. 

The 1910 Census count the family in Hendricks county
Reed is 42     Works at a Foundry as a moulder
Rachel is 41
Gertrude is 15  Sorts chains at a chain factory
Gideon is 8
Bernice is 6
Paul is 2

The 1920 Census Rachel is not counted as she died the year prior.
Reed is 52  he is now farming
Gideon is 18
Bernice is 16
Paul is 12

In the 1930 Census Reed is living with his brother in law Homer Turpin.(same Homer Turpin that placed flags on graves for Memorial Day.    Reed no longer works., and is age 62  He passes 9 years later.  
He is buried in Howard Cemetery along with Rachel his wife, their son Tennis, and their daughter Zella Edith.

Hazel G. Sims Nee Funkhouser

Hazel G. Funkhouser married Alvie Sims 


Obituary The Guide 18 June 1980
Hazel Sims
Services for Hazel Sims, 87, Brownsburg were held Thursday, June 12 in Jones and Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg with Rev. Jerry Nash officiating. Burials was in Howard Cemetery, Fayette.
She died June 10 in Golden Manor Health Care Center, Brownsburg following a long illness.
She was formerly a stock room clerk at J.C. Penney and was a member of the Brownsburg Christian Church. 
Survivors include two brothers, Loyal Funkhouser of Pittsboro and Grant Funkhouser of Maryland.

Lucian G. Funkhouser and Almira "Myra" E. Crane

Lucian G. Funkhouser was the son of Joseph Funkhouser b.1830 and Nancy E. King b.1835.  He was born in 1837 in Indiana.  His father had immigrated from Virginia and his mother had immigrated from Kentucky. Lucian was born in 1866, and he is first counted on the 1870 Census.  Lucian was born into a very large family, with lots of siblings. They were all living in Brown township, Hendricks county, Indiana.  The household in 1870 consisted of
Joseph age 40   occupation is a farmer and has 5000 in real estate property and 800 in personal value
Nancy age 35
Wyatt age 14   At home should be noted that they are not at school, it is Sept 1st
Sarah age 12   At home should be noted that they are not at school, it is Sept 1st
Alice ?? age 9  Writing is very faint could be Elise for the son Ellis??? or Ellis could have been fostered out
Viola age 7
Lucian age 4   his name is spelled Leution on record.
Martin age 1

In the 1880 Census Joseph is not longer with the family, as he has died, which is confirmed with the status as Nancy as a widow. They are still in Hendricks county. The household consisted of
N.E. age 45
Ellis M. age 18              Farm laborer
Lucian G. age 12           Farm laborer
Martin O age 10
Mary S. Cox age 18
Iverson Funkhouser 19  Nephew     Farm laborer

In the Spring of 1890 on the 11th of May, Lucian unites in marriage to the young maiden Almira "Myra" E. Crane.  Miss Crane was the daughter James M. Crane and Elizabeth (Cox) Crane, her lineage was discussed in a prior sketch.  There young family is counted in the 1900 Census, living in Brown township, Hendrick county, Indiana

The household consist of
Lucian age 32
Myra E. age 30  has had four children and three are living. Have not identified this child born before 1900
Hazel G. age 7
Sallie A. age 5  this is the Sallie that marries Carl Herring and her and their daughter are buried in Howard
Mary E. age 2

In 2 Apr 1909 the family suffers a lose of a son who was born in 14 Aug 1907.  He is buried in Howard Cemetery.  He was born in Hendricks county, but the Indiana birth record does not give a name.  We have found a death record that is close to the death date but is off by two days.  More research needs to be done.



The family is again counted in the 1910 Census in living in Brown Township
Lucian is 42 years old
Myra is 39 years old
Hazel is 17 years old
Sallie is 13 years old
Mary is 12 years old
Loyal is 9 years old
Harry is 6 years old

The family is counted in the 1920 Census residing in Hendricks county
Luci age 52        He is a farmer, he rents his land
Myra E. age 49
Hazel G. age 27
Mary E. age 22
Loyal S. age 19
Harry K. age 15
Herschel G. age 5
Harold S. Herring age 3    Grandson parents Carl Herring and Sallie Funkhouser, Sallie had passed

The family is again counted in a census, this one being the 1930 Census
The household shrank in size in this time period.
Lucien G. is 62   A rent farmer
Myra E. is 59
Herschel Grant is 15
Harold W. is 13

This is the last census for both spouses as they pass.  Lucian in 1936, and Myra proceeded him in 1933.  They are both buried in Howard Cemetery.

Emma J. Miller

5-1 Base Only

Wicoff

Wicoff

Sarah A. and Emory T. Green

Lydia McDaniels

Lydia Howard

Stone is north of stone 5-12

Finding a Hidden stone

Leota J. Funkhouser Nee Smith

Leota J. was the young wife and mother to Ellis Funkhouser and their three small children Pearl born Oct 1883, Guy M born Apr 1886 and Russell E. born Mar 1891.  Leota was only 26 years and 23 days when she left this earthly plane.  She had been united in marriage to Ellis on the 21 of December 1882.  The young couple was never counted on a census together.  Leota J. was the daughter of Presley Smith born 1843 and his wife Mary McCoy born 1841.  Leota was first counted in the 1870 Census living in Perry, Boone, Indiana.  The household of her parents consisted of  Presley age 27, Mary A. age 28, Leota age 3,  Wilson T., age 1 and a Elsworth Davis age 9 this this young man is born in Minnesota.  Leota is again counted living in Perry, Boone, Indiana in the 1880 Census.  Presley is age 37 a farmer, Mary A. is 39, Leota J. is 12, Wilson T is 10, Charles A. is 6, Effie is age 3, Nanie F. is 6 months, and Francis the mother of Presley is age 72.  These are the two census that Leota is counted in.  She was survived by her husband, children, parents and siblings.
Ellis, who was the son of Joseph Funkhouser born 1830 and Nancy E. King born 1835, remarried Cora A Young in 1865.   They go on to have five children on their own Samuel O. born 1895, Grace D. born 1897, Clair F born 1900,  Clara A. 1902, Lowell E. 1905

Leota is buried in Howard Cemetery

Mable Funkhouser 10 Aug 1883 - 3 Dec 1883

Mable Funkhouser, was the infant daughter of Iverson Funkhouser and his wife Lula M. (Smith) Funkhouser.  She was the granddaughter of Caleb Smith and Maragaret(Darnell) Smith and Cornelius Funkhouser and Sarah (King) Funkhouser.  She was the young couples first child, and would not be the last to be taken too early.

Dewey A Funkhouser

Dewey A Funkhouser b. 31 Aug 1898 in Indiana, and  d. 23 Jul 1905 in Boone county, Indiana.  Little Dewey was only six years old when he died.  He never got a chance to grow up or go to school like his brothers and sister did.  What did he like to do to amuse himself; was he starting to help his mother around the house like little six year olds like to do.  Was it his job to go collect the eggs from the chickens; what possibilities his parents must have seen in him.  He has survived the dangerous infant years, had his parents give a sigh of relief as every birthday past.  But then just over a month before his seven birthday he dies.  His family must have been devastated.  His father was Iverson Funkhouser, who would have been 44 when his son passed; his wife Lula M. (Smith) was 40, and had already lost one child according to the 1900 Census.  Dewey had three siblings Brewer E. born May 1884, Mamie born Feb 1890, and Dorris born Feb 1892 that were all at school in the 1900 Census.  His brother Ralph was 3 in the 1900 Census, but would have been in school by the time of Dewey's death. Children are not supposed to outlive their parents let alone grandparents, but this little one did.  His maternal grandparents Caleb  and Margaret (Darnall) Smith both passed away after little Dewey.   May they all continue to Rest In Peace

Oh My the Sun is Shining

Blue skies ahead, Yeah!!  Now we just need the ground to dry out, nothing like walking on ground that feels like a sponge.  I know if it dries up to much, that would be bad, but a happy medium between flooding and drought would be appreciated.   Ray and I are going to a cemetery restoration workshop Friday and Saturday, and are hoping for dry weather; but pulled out the rain slickers just in case. The old story about Indiana weather you just have to wait awhile and it will change.

Martha J Slagle Nee Smith

Martha J Slagle's maiden name was Smith. Martha's maiden name was found on the marriage records of her children.  She was the wife of Jacob W. Slagle.  Martha was born 27 Aug 1842 in Ohio and passes 23 Jan 1883.  I find Martha ie Mattie counted in the 1880 with her husband Jacob and their family.Jacob was born in 1843 he was the son of Jacob and Anna Slagle.  Martha and Jacob had the following children Raymond F Slagle b. 1870, Elmer E. b.1872, Ada May b. 1874, Melvin Howard b. 1878, and Virgil b. 1880 and died in infancy.  Virgil is also buried in Howard Cemetery. Raymond goes on to marry a Maggie Deatley,  Elmer E. marries Lula Swails, Ada May marries Charles Smith,  and Melvin Howard marries Olive Hankins.   After Mattie's death Jacob W. remarries Virginia Leap Walker, the widow of George Walker.  They go on to have a daughter Alta S. born in Apr 1888. 

Gideon Funkhouser

  Gideon Funkhouser was born in Aug 1828 and in Virginia.  He is first named in the 1850 Census and is 22 years of age; living in District 7, Boone, Indiana

The Funkhouser household consisted of
Samuel B. age 54 is a farmer and his real estate is valued at 1100 dollars  born in Virginia
Matilda  age 41    born in Kentucky
Elizabeth age 23   born in Virginia
Gedeon/Gideon age 22   Farmer      born in Virginia
Mariah age 20      born in Virginia
Harriet age 18      born in Virginia
Abed Dillon age 19      Laborer  born in Kentucky
Annamae Snapp age 16  born in Virginia
John L Darnell age 20  born in Kentucky  he becomes Harriet's husband
It could be assumed that the mother of the children is Matilda, if not for her birth being in Kentucky.  Which sends up a red flag.  Yes the oldest is in the age range for Matilda to be the mother, but I do not assume she is.  Research into Samuel B. indicates that he marries a Matilda B. Dillion on 23 Dec 1849.  This is why we should never assume the parentage of children.  I also believe that the name Dillon is a married name for Matilda as there is a Abed Dillon, in the household.

Gideon Funkhouser marries Mary Ann Slagle on the 8th of December 1853.  His new family is counted in the 1860 Census living in Perry, Boone, Indiana.
Gideon is age 32 he is a farmer and has 250 dollars of personal property
Mary A. is age 25
Emma is age 5
Dudley is age 4
Josephine is age 2

Gideon served in the Civil War, and is on Homer Turpin Veteran  list.

I have not found the family in the 1870 Census of the date of this sketch.

The family is living in Perry, Boone, Indiana in the 1880 Census, the household name has been transcribed as Frankhouser, I have submitted a correction to this record.
Gideon is age 52  he is a farmer
Mary is age  45
Dudley is age 24
Josephine is age 20
Indiana is age 17
Jennie is age 15
Reed is age 12
Alvertia is age 10
Cleo B. is age 5

In 1900 the family is still living in Perry Township, but has shrunk in size
Gideon is age 71 he is still farming
Mary A. is age 64   states that she was the mother to 8 only 6 are living
Alverda M. is age 30
Cleo is age 25

In 1910 the family of
Gideon age 81 and
Mary A. age 71
The name is again transcribe wrong as Frankhouser, correction submitted to record.

This is the last census that the couple will be counted in, as they both died; Gideon in 1913 and Mary Ann in 1917, they share a stone in Howard Cemetery

Nellie Smith Nee Stoker

Nellie is not buried in Howard Cemetery
Obituary provided by Lavern Wing.

Zionsville Times - Jan 6, 1888

Nellie, wife of Morton Smith died December 27th 1887, of dropsy and congestion of the lungs. The deceased, whose maiden name was Stoker, was born in the county, near Jamestown, November 4th, 1804, and was married to Mortion Smith Dec. 2d, 1883.  She leaves a husband, and two little children without the one that makes the home.  Although her sickness lasted but a few days she seemed to realize from the first that she would not recover, and calmly made all the arrangements for her departure, giving her two little ones to their grandma. Her body was laid to rest at Mt. Tabor church, near Fayette, by the side of her little one that died about a year ago."

Caleb Morton Smith A Sketch

Caleb Morton Smith was the son of Caleb Smith and Margaret Darnell (see their own sketch).  Caleb was born in 1862 in Indiana and passed in 1927.  He married Nellie Stoker the 2 Dec 1883, they had two children Cecil Horace Smith born 1885 and Harold Gilvie Smith born in 1887.  In December of 1887 Nellie dies and is buried in Mount Tabor Cemetery near Fayette, Boone, Indiana.  In Nellie's obituary it states that a little child died one year before Nellie.  (See the Obituary on this blog)
Caleb then remarries 28 Jul 1889 to Minnie O. Scott the daughter of George W. Scott and Sarah J. Lower.  Caleb and Minnie have three children that are counted with their parents in the 1900 Census. The family is living in the Town of Danville, Center Township, Hendricks County, Indiana
The household in 1900 consist of
Caleb age 38 he is a dry good salesman by occupation
Minnie  O  age 28  mother of four children three living*
Cecil H age 15
George C. age 6
Amor V. age 5
Lenora  age 2 and in error her occupation is day laborer. Hard work for an infant
Hickman Murray age 22 Lodger  and more than likely he is the day laborer not Lenora

* Did find a Female Smith born 11 Mar 1890 Indiana Birth Index

The family is counted in the 1910 living in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana
Caleb M. is age 48  he is a salesman in a clothing store.
Minnie is age 37
George C. age 17
Amor V. is age 16
Lenora  is age12
This is the last Census that the family is counted together as in the 1920 Census Minnie's marital status is divorced.

I have not found Caleb in the 1920 Census

The following information was provided by Lavern Wing
Lebanon Reporter  - Aug 17, 1927
"Caleb Morton Smith aged 65 years, passed away Tuesday evening at Boone Farm where he had been residing since 1924.  Death was due to chronic nephritis. Mr. Smith was born in Boone county and had lived here all his life.  Surviving are five children, Cecil smith of Chillicothe, Ohio  and Gildie Smith of Zionsville, by his first marriage, and George Smith, Amor Smith and Mrs. Lenore King of Indianapolis, by his second marriage; and three sisters, Mrs. Emma R. Smith of Zionsville, Mrs. Ivan Funkhouser of near Brunswick and Mrs. O.W. Johnson of Danville, Ind.  Funeral services will be held at the Rosecrance mortuary parlor Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock with the Rev. W.W. Williams officiating.  Burial will be in Howard Cemetery."

A History of Howard School and Perry Township

Today Howard School was Dedicated 

The following information is taken directly from dedication pamphlet given out at today's ceremony.

Howard School, officially Perry Township School No. 1, is a one room, brick schoolhouse, located east of Boone County roads 750 South and 450 East.  This beautiful red brick schoolhouse sits in its original rural location surrounded by picturesque farmland as it did during the period 1881 through 1916 while it served the educational and gathering needs of the local community.  On its eastern boundary is the historic Howard Cemetery, with burials from the 1830's.

Since 2004, community minded citizens have worked to restore the deteriorated building and furnishings to their original condition.  The schoolhouse will be a living history museum for use by school children and other groups.

History 

After its 1916 closing, Howard School received little attention.  It had been essentially undisturbed except for occasional storage of grain and other farm material.  On occasion it has been surrounded by pastured hogs or cows and more often by fields of grain and corn.  In 2004 siblings owners Kenneth Washburn and Kay Seymour offered to donate the building and about one acre of surrounding property for community use. 

The history-or perhaps prehistory-of Howard begins with White Lick Settlement.  White Lick got its name from a salt lick at the stream which became known as White Lick Creek.  Ancient Americans, then the Miami Indians and later European hunters sought animals attracted to the salt lick.

As the area developed, with settlers, roads and a changing commerce, the settlement moved away from the creed to the nearby roadway, currently State Road 267.  Beginning in the 1830s the settled community became know as Fayette.  However, it was recognized as the "White Lick Post Town" until 1903 by the U.S. Post Office Department.

John B. Howard was an original settler to White Lick/Fayette.  Howard cleared land for a farm and in March 1837, purchased 80 acres, from the federal government, including the land where Howard School was later to be located.  John Howard became a prominent member of the community.  He is the first person found listed as trustee of Perry Township.

Although the White Lick/Fayette community had numerous churches and businesses, including black smith, doctors, and merchants, Perry Township was and still remains a rural farming township.  The first Perry Township subscription school, which required students to pay for services, was established in 1836.  There were also some other early private schools.   The public school system began to function after the Indiana General Assembly passed in 1852 school law.  The current brick building replace a earlier wooden school building built after passage of the 1852 law.

The original wood framed Howard School building was likely one of three erected in 1855, since it was designated No.1, served the township's most populated area and was located on the land of John B. Howard, who was likely Trustee.  Because the Boone County Courthouse burned in 1856, original documentation for the first school was lost.  State School Examiner Reports show in 1854 there were no schools and no teachers in Perry Township.  In 1855 examiner's report shows three frame schools were erected.  The report for 1857 shows four public schools in "good" condition.  The current brick Howard School building was most likely constructed in 1881.  An early Boone County School Superintendent directed old school records covering 40 years following the year 1873 be taken from his office and a storage room to be destroyed.  No records which specifically relate to construction of the existing building were found.  State Examiner Reports show all township school buildings were frame through 1878; but brick buildings were being constructed.  Newspaper articles describe construction of the brick school at Fayette in 1881.

Howard School served the White Lick/Fayette community for educational and gathering purposes until 1916.  Gathering purposes included "singings" and "moot courts"  along with family dinners and activities associated with the school.  The year 1916 marked the end of the district school system in Perry Township.  Alumna Hazel Tharp says she and other children left Howard School for Christmas vacation in 1916 and returned to the consolidated Perry Central School.

Howard School Restoration Group 
Board Members
Clifford W. "Jack" Belcher
William A. "Bill" Coan
Elaine Dickerson
Bonnie Kincaid
David Sherrieb
Dan Tyler

Mrs. Hazel Tharp at the Howard School Dedication

Mrs. Tharpe is 106 and attended the Howard One Room School until the 7th grade

Another Rainey Indiana Day

Both our project and the farmers of Indiana are being hampered by all this rain.  At least we had two days of no rain, which we did take advantage of.  Yesterday was extremely windy, with no cover around the cemetery and it being on a raised area, it was very tiring getting assaulted by the gales.  Scrubbing with water on a windy day is  very interesting to say the least. At least we got the cemetery mowed in between the rainy days.