Henry County Cemetery Commission Minutes, Jan. 26, 2006

Commissioners present: G. Brown, T. Hamm, A. Holmes, D. Tauber
Present from the Public: U. Bush, K. Holmes, A. Tielking, R. Youngs 1. The meeting opened with election of the following officers:
     President: Donna Tauber
     Vice President: Greg Brown
     Secretary: Tom Hamm
     Treasurer: Ann Holmes 2. The minutes of the meeting of October 27 were revised and approved. 3. The treasurer reported a balance of $1,456.11. 4. Richard Youngs, a member of the Sulphur Springs Town Board, asked for the commission's aid in renovating the Sulphur Springs Cemetery. It has not been used since 1962. The town has applied for grant money to demolish the grain silos that block it from view. They are willing to provide money, up to $2,000, for work, and to help arrange for jail inmates to work at the cemetery. The commission endorsed Sulphur Springs Cemetery as a project for the coming year. It will seek donations from Irving Materials. More definite arrangements will be finalized at a future meeting. 5. The commission discussed the following future projects:
     Seeking donations of materials
     Placing advertising on our trailer
     Working with Chip England on a workshop at South Mound
     Completing work at the Keesling and Paul cemeteries
     Additional work at McDaniel and Messick
     Encouraging legal arrangements for the Farley Cemetery 6. The commission discussed ways in which township trustees could be encouraged to fulfill their responsibilities for cemetery care. 7. The commission returned to the care of the Trail's Grove Cemetery in Greensboro Township. Tuskeegee University in Alabama has legal responsibility for its care, but has never fulfilled its obligations and is probably only dimly aware of it. The meeting adjourned. Next meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 23, at 6 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
T. Hamm, Secretary

Henry County Cemetery Commission Minutes, February 23, 2006

Commission Members Present: M. Burch, G. Brown, T. Hamm, D. Tauber
Present from the Public: U.E. Bush, Angela Tielking, Mike Conwell, Dale McQueen 1. The minutes of the meeting of January 26 were approved. 2. There was no treasurer's report. 3. The president indicated that she would submit our annual report as required by state law to the Indiana Historical Bureau. She has also provided the Henry County Commissioners with our minutes and annual report. 4. Mike Conwell and Dale McQueen joined us to discuss the situation at Messick Cemetery. They are willing to help with work there and to recruit other volunteers. The members of the commission explained our work and expressed appreciation for their interest. We will schedule a workday at Messick at our March meeting. 5. We have not had further word from the Sulphur Springs Town Council about the cemetery. Greg Brown indicated that it would be a major project. 6. Greg Brown has been in touch with Randy Russell, who owns land adjacent to the Keesling Cemetery in Fall Creek Township. Research has confirmed that the cemetery was deeded to the township in 1921. Mr. Russell is willing to make arrangements for an access road to the cemetery. 7. Those present discussed fundraising possibilities. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Hamm, Secretary

Henry County Cemetery Commission Minutes, March 23, 2006

Commission Members Present: Mike Burch, Greg Brown, Ann Holmes and Donna Tauber.
Present from the public Bud Bush, Mike Conwell, Phil Estridge, Eddie Hager, Ken Holmes, Mike Modjeski, Dale Pierce, Raymond Perdue, Angela Tielking, Helen Wildermuth and Roger York. 1. The minutes of the meeting of February 23, 2006 were approved. 2. The treasurer's report reflects a balance of $1,486.11. Treasurer reported donations received from Jerry Shaffer in the amount of $20.00 and Dan Ware in the amount of $10.00. Discussion regarding estimates on trailer signage was tabled for the April 20, 2006 meeting. 3. The President indicated that the annual report to the Indiana Historical Bureau was submitted as required by state law. 4. President leads introduction of all persons in attendance. Followed by the first discussion concerning restoration of the Messick Cemetery. Restoration efforts are underway by newly appointed Blue River township trustee, Raymond Perdue. 5. Raymond Perdue took the floor and presented a computer disc and photos showing the work he has already accomplished at Messick Cemetery. He also discussed future clean up and maintenance plans, informing the commission of his intentions to obtain a permanent access to the cemetery. Mr Perdue briefly speaks of his concern for the Mesick Cemetery and informs the commission that he has a Union Mason ready to start the monument restoration. Bud Bush shared information and photos of previous clean-up efforts an Messick Cemetery. Mr. Perdue was presented information of proper pioneer cemetery restoration techniques from members of the commission and advisory board. He agreed to work with the commission to ensure proper restoration of the cemetery. 6. Mike Modjeski was introduced and took the floor to represent the landowner adjacent to the Messick Cemetery. He informed Mr. Perdue of his concerns with his property being used to access the cemetery without his knowledge or permission. Mr. Modjeski informed the commission of his investigation and research of Courthouse documentation that did not support an easement to Messick Cemetery. He advised that no permanent access is to be constructed. However, he agreed to grant access under specific conditions that would not be detrimental to the property. The cemetery may be accessed with permission under dry weather conditions prior to planting the field crops. 7. Bud Bush informs the commission that several Indiana Historical Bureau pioneer cemetery designation signs are on order and should be in by Memorial Day. Placement for the sign will be determined at that time. 8. The President reports that the Henry County Commissioners approved the appointment of Greg Brown as Vice President of the Cemetery Commission through 2009. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 P.M

Respectfully submitted,
Greg Brown, Vice President

April - Spring Break - no quorum

Henry County Cemetery Commission Minutes, May 25, 2006

Commissioners present: D. Tauber, A. Holmes, T. Hamm
Present from the public: Ken Holmes, U.E. Bush, Mary Lee Apple, Martha Michel, Diane Brown, Scott Mainwaring 1. The minutes of the meeting of March were approved. There were no April minutes, no business having been done for lack of a quorum. 2. Treasurer Ann Holmes reported a balance of $1,686.11. No claims were presented, but some are expected at the next meeting. 3. The president reported that the Day of Caring project at Sulphur Springs Cemetery on May 23 was a success. About ten volunteers worked under the commission's direction. They were able to restore 25-30 markers. Public response has been favorable. 4. Mary Lee Apple, Martha Michel, Diane Brown, and Scott Mainwaring were present to talk about the Keesling Cemetery. They had found a diagram of markers at the Fall Creek Township Historical Society, which they shared. The cemetery deteriorated over the winter, and faces additional damage because of deer. Family members are willing to work to do additional restoration. Problems include access through private property and the lack of a fence. They were advised to seek the aid of the township trustee and to try to obtain an easement for a lane back to the cemetery. They will also investigate whether title to the cemetery, which was conveyed to a board in 1892, now lies with the Keesling Reunion. The commission scheduled a workday at the cemetery for June 24. 5. Bud Bush displayed a sign for South Mound Cemetery that has been provided through the Indiana Historical Bureau's Historic Cemeteries program. 6. The commission approved the expenditure of $334.76 for a sign for the commission trailer. 7. We were reminded that the sheriff's department would provide identification for the use of commission members. 8. Due to the likely lack of a quorum, the June meeting was cancelled and the next meeting set for July 20.

Respectfully submitted,
T. Hamm, Secretary

June - no quorum

Henry County Cemetery Commission Minutes, July 20, 2006

Commissioners present: U.E. Bush, T. Hamm, A. Holmes, D. Tauber
Present from the public: Ken Holmes, Mike Conwell, Angela Tielking 1. The minutes of the meeting of May 25 were approved as previously disseminated. 2. Treasurer Ann Holmes reported that our balance remains $1,686.11. No claims were submitted. 3. The commission discussed purchasing a sign for the trailer. After discussion, it approved Ann Holmes spending up to $500 for signage. 4. With the help of Mike Conwell, the commission discussed Messick Cemetery. Tanya Perdue is the new Blue River Township trustee and is interested, but lacks funds. Arrangements have been made for a workday there on Saturday, July 22, with help from the sheriff's department. 5. We have received a check for $133 for work on the marker of Capt. Volney Hobson in Batson Cemetery. 6. A successful workday took place at the Keesling Cemetery on June 10. There was some tension with the landowner over the large number of cars parked along the road, but this was resolved. Exploration of the possibility of an easement back to the cemetery continues. 7. Mike Burch continues work on the Livezey Cemetery in Prairie Township. 8. Work continues at South Mound Cemetery. Markers in memory of two Revolutionary soldiers buried in the Hobson Cemetery, Hugh Healey and Revel Colburn, will be erected in the sunken garden. 9. Identification for commissioners and volunteers should be available at our next meeting, August 24.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
D. Tauber, President
T. Hamm, Secretary

Henry County Cemetery Commission Minutes, Aug. 24, 2006

Commissioners present: U.E. Bush, T. Hamm, D. Tauber
Present from the Public: C. Englund, E. Hager 1. The minutes of the meeting of July 20, 2006, were revised to include that the source of the $133 for the work on the Volney Hobson tombstone in Batson Cemetery was the Millville Sesquicentennial Association and then approved. 2. Chip Englund, superintendent of South Mound Cemetery in New Castle, reported on his work there. An endowment fund has been used for repairs on the mausoleum, paving, mending broken markers, and other maintenance and upkeep. Plans are being made for the erection of markers for Revolutionary veterans Revel Colburn and Hugh Healey, with a dedication ceremony on Oct. 7. There will also be work in the section of stones from the Old North Fourteenth Street Cemetery. Consideration is being given to seeking National register status for the cemetery. 3. Recently a driver lost control of his car and broke a marker in the Greensboro Cemetery. We have received $200 from his insurer for repairs. 4. Work has been completed on the trailer sign. 5. Mike Conwell is continuing work at Messick Cemetery. Eddie Hager will spray there. 6. About fifty people attended the recent rededication of the marker of Revolutionary War soldier John Keesling in the Fatic Cemetery. 7. The president will contact Sheriff Kim Cronk about identification for commission members. 8. The next meeting will take place Thursday, Sept. 28 with the secretary presiding in the absence of the president.

Respectfully submitted,
Donna Tauber, President
Thomas Hamm, Secretary

Henry County Cemetery Commission Minutes, Sept. 28, 2006

Commissioners Present: M. Burch, U.E. Bush, T. Hamm, A. Holmes
Also five members of the public
Secretary Thomas Hamm presided in the absence of President Donna Tauber. 1. The minutes of the meeting of August 24 were approved as previously disseminated. 2. The commission approved a claim of $282 submitted by Ann Holmes for work done on the trailer signage and approved of $20-$25 for additions to note sponsors. The treasurer was authorized to seek additional sponsorships. 3. The treasurer reported a balance of $1,877.25 prior to today's claims. 4. Adrienne Doyle introduced her grandson, Jordan Doyle, who for his Eagle Scout project wishes to undertake cleaning and restoration at the Bowers Cemetery in Jefferson Township. The commission expressed its appreciation for the project and offered help and advice. 5. The commission adjourned until its next meeting on Oct. 26.

Respectfully submitted,
T. Hamm, Secretary

Henry County Cemetery Commission Minutes, Oct. 26, 2006

Commissioners present: M. Burch, U.E. Bush, T. Hamm, D. Tauber
From the public: A. Tielking 1. The minutes of the meeting of September 28 were approved as previously distributed. 2. In the absence of the treasurer, there was no report. 3. The commission approved nominees to honor as Volunteers of the Year. Awards will be presented at a special meeting on December 5 at Opal's Restaurant in New Castle. 4. The commission has received an anonymous gift of $5,000 from an out-of-state donor. It is designated for use at the Painter Cemetery. The gift stipulates that it will not be used for routine maintenance or mowing. Further gifts are expected from the same donor. Appreciation was expressed to Bud Bush for his work with the donor. 5. Mike Burch reported on work being done at the Livezey Cemetery in Prairie Township. 6. Mike will also do a workshop presentation on cemeteries at the Indiana Township Trustee Association meeting in November. 7. Work has been done by volunteers at the Bowers Cemetery in Jefferson Township. 8. Eddie Hager has been given permission to replace two deteriorating urns in the Greensboro Cemetery. 9. The commission will consider a wish list for possible applications to the Henry County Community Foundation. 10. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2007.

Respectfully submitted,
D. Tauber, President
T. Hamm, Secretary