WIPCA Meeting - May 14th, 2011 - SLATES CEMETERY

The WIPCA meeting was held on May 14^th and it was decided we would have a clean-up day on June 4^th at Slates Cemetery which is in Douglas Township, near the town of Kirkman, IA. 

Rex Adams advised that back in the late 1800’s  a new cemetery “Rosehill Cemetery” was formed just west of Kirkman.  Families who had loved ones buried at Slates Cemetery were given the option of having the bodies moved to Rosehill Cemetery or they could leave the bodies at Slates Cemetery.  Today there are 7 known headstones above ground at Slates Cemetery. 

In the summer of 2004 the Boy Scouts cleaned up the cemetery and also laid a rock path through the cemetery.  Today the cemetery is run over with weeds and trees and the rock path has become mostly covered in weeds. (If you go to the website: iowagravestones.org there are pictures of the headstones & how they looked in 2005.)

After the meeting Rita Knights went to Slates Cemetery to take pictures of how the cemetery looks today before any clean-up or repairs have been done.  One of the wooden fences to the entrance of the cemetery had been completely damaged and was laying on the ground, headstones and the pathway were becoming overgrown with weeds. Clean-up for this cemetery could be a summer long project.

(See pictures below) 



Slates Cemetery - wooden fence behind sign is on the ground.

 

Rock path leading to the cemetery.
  



3 Headstones:
Henderson A. Johnson
William A. Johnson
Charles C. Doran (under the stone on the right)



Headstone: Child of W.M. & L.L. Young





Base for a headstone, several broken stones in area.
Possibly one to three headstones in this area.



Broken headstones in area of base headstone.
Names are not readable on the headstones.



Headstone: Catherine Hayes



Another view of the cemetery and walking path.

Base of a headstone.
No name is readable.



Headstone laying next to tree.
William M. Miller



View of cemetery - overgrown with weeds and trees.



April 2011 Newsletter (Vol #2 Issue 1)

WINTER SOCIAL
January 8, 2011 was our Winter Social, which we held at Pauley's Pub in Panama, Iowa.

We started our social at 12:00.

We had a drawing for items that Craig & Nancy bought for give-a-way's, we watched the video from our FMCTC friends that provided the recording of some of our cemetery cleanups, and it was publicized on the public channel. It was about a half hour overall presentation.

We then had a mini membership drive, and reminded everyone who signed up that day that they would be charter members of WIPCA.  We had a good response and we now have 8 lifetime members, 29 individual members, 4 honory members, 7 Family members, and 1 Organizational membership for a total of 61 Charter members.  Congratulations and thank you everyone for joining and making our association stronger.

A petition was created for getting a road back to the Doyle Cemetery, and was signed and passed out to ones that wanted to mail it to out of town relatives.

We had a nice buffet dinner and everyone was happy and full when we left.


FROM THE SACRAMENTO BEE, 11/01/07
Here is why you should visit a local cemetery. The first time I wrote about finding in a cemetery was in 1980 when my article "Seventeen Reasons For A Field Trip To A Cemetery" was published in the May-June issue of California English, a professional magaizne for elementary, secondary and college teachers of English.  Here are the 17 reasons-and they are as still as valid today as they were 27 years ago.

1. The cemetery is a real part of history.
2. A cemetery can help you set up a chronology.
3. A cemetery can tell you why people came to this place.
4. The cemetery is a record of people who once lived here.
5. You find relationships among the people buried there when you study the tombstones.
6. The cemetery is a place rich in symbols.
7. A cemetery is a connection between yesterday and today.
8. The cemetery is full of real stories.
9. The cemetery is full of potential stories that haven't been told.
10. Bring your own sketch pad and camera to the cemetery.
11. A cemetery map is a tool for research.
12. Bring the cemetery home with you in rubbings.
13. You can learn a lot about respect in a cemetery.
14. The cemetery can help children learn about death and dying.
15. You can find peace and quiet in a cemetery.
16. A forgotten cemetery is a good community service project.
17. Cemetery research can develop community interest.

ABRAHAM "ABEL" GALLAND
Abel Galland was born March 9, 1789 in NJ, the son of Matthew and Hannah Fenno Galland. He married Amy Furby Nov. 28, 1808 in Marietta, Washington Cnty, OH. and had 7 children that we know of.  David, Polly, Mary Elizabeth, Benjamin Furby, Hannah, an infant daughter, and William.

David married Druzilla Dragoo, Polly we have no info on, Mary Elizabeth married William Jordan, Benjamin married Mary Louisa Allen, Hannah married Reuben Willam Strong, and William married Melvina Amanda Allen.

With just Abel and Amy's generation, they had 48 grandchildren that we know of.

Abel passed June 22, 1857 "in a cave" in the Galland's Grove area, and Amy passed July 30, 1877 in Milford Twnship, Crawford Cnty, IA.

When the Historical Pioneer Research Group came out in late Oct 2010, and did a probing of the area, there were 9 graves located in the area of the RLDS church.  We know that one of them is Abel Galland.

Linda Smith Dickman and Elaine Smith Ehlert are direct descendants of Abel & Amy, and they have his service records, and we are currently working with them and David Burkett, on getting a headstone/monument to put up and dedicate.

We will keep you posted on when this will be.

If there are other descendants of Abel Galland out there in our group, please submit any family history you have on the family for future publications.  Thank you.

Article by:
Alvin Craig Poole, Abel is my father-in-law of my 3rd great grandparents, Druzilla Dragoo Galland and Absalom Kuykendall. Absalom was also the first elder of the 1860 branch of Crescent City, Iowa RLDS church in Pottawattamie county Iowa.


GALLAND'S GROVE RLDS CHURCH
Oct 21, 1859 with 13 members. Harlan (called Union Branch) was organized May 23, 1869, the Salem Branch was organized Dec. 27, 1869 in Leleand's Grove; Pleasant Ridge in Lincoln Twp. was organized Aug 3, 1876 and united with Harlan Dec. 23, 1877, the Shelby branch was organized in 1883 but was disorganized in 1886; the Earling branch was organized July 12, 1883 but disorganized in 1887 with members joining other branches. A log church was built in Galland's Grove in 1855 and used for both school and church purposes but it was destroyed by fire in the early 60's. A larger log building was built and used until the frame church was built in 1881.  The Galland's Grove District celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Galland's Grove Church on Oct. 17, 1913. Some time after this, the use of the church building was discontinued and members went to other RLDS churches. It is still standing and has been used for storage purposes. There has been some rather indefinite plans to restore it somewhat and make a park at this site.

Families who live in the township now attend church in one of the nearby towns.


UPDATES

• Phyllis and Craig are almost done with  getting the 501(c) 3 finished.
• We are working with David Burkett on getting a veteran's headstone for Abel Galland.
• We have the Magnolia branch of the Boy Scouts that are possibly going to be helping us this year with cemetery clean-ups for their service awards.
• Thoughts and prayers of well wishes go out to Phyllis and Ron who have been ill and under the weather the last couple of months. Keep on getting better!!

4th Quarter WIPCA Newsletter

Historic Pioneer Research Group

Construction Solutions performed a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scan of 4 locations in the Council Bluffs/Omaha region of Iowa & Nebraska on 22 October 2010. The 4 locations were picked by the Historical Pioneer Research Group. The locations were scanned in the following order: Galland's Grove, Leland Grove, Harris Grove and Summer Quarters. Using the GPR data we conclude graves are likely present at Galland's, Leland and Summer Quarters. Harris Grove was heavily populated with trees and the GPR data was inconclusive at this site.

Based on the prior research done by Historical Pioneer Research Group and the GPR data there is very strong evidence that 3 of the 4 locations are historical graves. At Galland's, Leland's and Summer Quarters there is evidence based with the GPR that there is soil disruption similar to that of graves.

GPR has been used extensively in the past for geological and archeological exploration and mapping; however, it has only been since 2001 that GPR had the capability to image shallow targets. The system used for this project has the ability to image targets to a depth of 15 feet with an accuracy of +2 inch. The 400 MHz antenna broadcasts a microwave energy pulse of less than 1/6th watt at a rate of 100 ns. This energy pulse is timed as it propagates through a material noting when a return pulse arrives. The time and strength of the return pulse is captured and analyzed and interpreted graphically.

Cemeteries revived by WIPCA in 2010

• Galland's Grove, a.k.a. Holcomb, a.k.a Black Cemetery
• LDS Site, Leland Cemetery
• Baughman's Grove, (Twelve Mile Grove)
• Grove Township/Manteno Cemtery
• Mefferd/Cowan Cemeteries
• Doyle Cemetery

Meaning of a Flag Draped Coffin
Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decature, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents and emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, 'In God We Trust'.

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.  There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning.

In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why. Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of 'Liberty and Freedom'.


A very special person left our family, Phyllis Wilwerding Heller.

She is survived by her husband, Roger Heller of Defiance, IA; her children: Jannette (Bob) Bogler of Harlan, IA; Janet (Jeff) Theulen of Defiance, IA; Kenneth (Christiane) Heller of Killeen, TX: and 7 grandchildren; her brothers and sisters; Richard (Shirley) Wilwerding of Harlan, IA; Ivo (Darlene) Wilwerding of Westphalia, IA; Norma (Marvin) Jablonski of Omaha, NE; Jolene (Ed) Blum of Panama, IA; Duane "Bud" (Sandy) Wilwerding of Omaha, NE; Judy (John) Thraen of Earling, IA; Jane Wilwerding of St. Louis, MO; Carol (Don) Eagle of Dallas,TX; Larry (Sharon) Wilwerding or Omaha, NE. Pauley Jones Funeral Home - Harlan is handling arrangements.

Roger & family know that you are in our prayers today and always. Phyllis was a great asset to our organization, even though it was so short. God has welcomed you Phyllis with open arms and holds you in his comfort for eternity. God Bless.

Galland's Grove RLDS Branch
The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) was formally organized April 6, 1860 under the leadership of the son of the founder, Joseph Smith, III. There were many LDS members in southwest Iowa in the 1850's and 1860's, joined by others returning from Utah. Between two and three thousand of these joined the "RLDS" Church in the early 1860's to 1875, the time period these branch records cover. The church is now known as Community of Christ. Branch records courtesy of Community of Christ Archives. For further history and information, see web page: http://www.cochrist.org/ . This includes a list of all recorded members to about 1875.  For membership records research contact: bbernauer@cofchrist.org

Galland's Grove RLDS branch was also known as the Manteno branch. It was organized 21 October 1859, perhaps by John McIntosh after a visit by RLDS missionaries W.W. Blair and Edmund Briggs that summer. Willam Van Ausdall was the first President. They met in a log church, also used as a school, until 1881 when a chapel was built. The branch held its last meeting in 1931 and the land sold in 1995.

There is a memorial marker on the road in Grove Township where it was.

Ramblings from Your Vice-Chair.....
A new year will soon be here and I have been reflecting on this past year and all that WIPCA has accomplished. We should all feel proud with our first year of organizing WIPCA into a viable organization that will ensure the care of our ancestors' and their memorials no matter where they rest. Thank You!!

We have made great strides in bringing to the forefront the neglect that some of the cemeteries in Shelby and Harrison countris but there is still so much to do ahead of us.

Thank you for a great 2010 - her's to 2011 as we keep moving forward to ensure the care of our ancestors' memorials wherever they may be at rest. Respectfully, Lynn


I hope as an organization WIPCA can set in 2011 the following goals:
Secure our 501(3) c status as a nonprofit orgainzation
Establish a dialog with our local and state representatives and bring to their attention with facts the need to maintain and care for all cemeteries in western Iowa equally.
Continue to press on with the clean-up and repair days with the hope that at some point in the fture our politcal representatives will acknowledge that all cemeteries need to be cared for equally.
Increase our membership as I believe that there is strength in numbers and therefore will give WIPCA the credibility to accomplish the goals above.
As WIPCA grows, I hope we can establish subcommittees that will directly work on issues such as:

• cemetery evaluations which would include platting and photographic documentation; notation of memorials that need repair, trees that need removal, fence repair, etc.  This information will be of utmost importance when meeting with our political representatives to present our organization's goal that all cemeteries in western Iowa are cared for equally;
• formal meetings with our political representatives;
• probing and recovery of lost memorials;
• repairs to borken memorials;
• clean-up events;
• signage;
• marketing/expanding our membership beyond Shelby and Harrison counties;
• educating the public on the importance of remembering our ancestors (genealogy) by meeting with groups; 4-H clubs, Boy and Girl Scout groups, booths at fairs, etc.

• We will be having our first annual meeting January 8, 2011 starting at 1 p.m.
• We will watch our cemetery video's on the Public Television station starting at 1.
• We will then have a meeting from 2 -4 p.m. and discuss our events for the 2011 year. Some topics of discussion: By-laws, Memeberships, Future Cemetery Projects, Cemetery Historical sites tours.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.