21 December 2010

Tombstone Tuesday--Anscomb Cemetery

One of the things I enjoy about doing these little posts is what I learn about the cemeteries as I research the background of each cemetery.  In this case, the I learned the the main name for the cemetery we call Anscomb is actually Chidester, after one of the families buried there.  The Anscombs are there too, justifying that name.  But it also has an alternate name of Indian cemetery.  Oldtimers however insist the Indian cemetery is nearby.  And although hard to find, with some dowsing/witching wands, as well as walking the area, the location of that cemetery was found.  Both grave depressions in the ground and the wands confirmed another location of the Indian cemetery a short ways away.  Anscomb is the name I have used in the past, and will use today.
Anscomb cemetery is a fairly decent sized  cemetery in Muskegon county, just a few miles south of Newaygo county.  EXTREMELY difficult to find, nonetheless, Sandy, another co-worker Lois, and myself set out to find it a few years ago. 
 A few years before we visited Anscomb, other local cemetery buffs had located the cemetery and found it covered with casings and shells.  The cemetery was located near a local hunt club shooting range.  Apparently these were from stray shots, or perhaps deliberate  shooting at the cemetery.  Those visitors, however, had spent some time raking them up, and when we arrived, the grass was trim, and some graves, as you can see here even had some silk flowers.   The stones were very difficult to read, although considering the treatment, the stone with its drapery is still in good condition.
 In the original of this shot of the same stone shown previously, you can make out that the stone was split into two pieces, just above the plaque portion above the base.  The two sections are pieced together, so someone has taken the time to repair them.  At this time, I cannot tell if the name is Abscomb on this stone, but the death date is 1895. 
 Another stone that is difficult to read.  I cannot read the name across the top, but it appears to say daughter of Allen & _________ Anscomb.  A small stone, with flowers still growing nearby.
 This was one of the newest stones found there.  I will take a wild guess that this may be the parents, or at least the father of the child resting near the previous stone.  Allen Anscomb 1861 to 1948 and Maggie Anscomb 1862 to 1936.
 The most glorious part of the cemetery, I have left for last.
 Such a beautiful bordered plot.  The wrought iron border is unlike any I have seen in any of our other local cemeteries.
 Sandy and Lois were fascinated by it as well.  But the latch was well rusted and the gate would not open at that time. No trimming or pruning here, Lois.
Inside the ferns and flowers flourish, as Aura and others rest secure behind the walls.

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