Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery

Today's Walk Through the Tombstones is at the Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery located on W. Williams Road just off of North State Road 37.

GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 39.28028, Longitude: -86.52793

This cemetery was established in 1823 where the old Simpson Chapel used to be.  There is no parking for this cemetery, so we had to park across the road in a access drive and walk.  Luckily there didn't appear to be anyone around to tell us not to park there.  The cemetery has been taken care of, but it is in need of repair as many of the graves for the listed 56 interments are in very bad condition.  We visited on a warm August 23, 2015 and had the company of some cows on the other side of the fence.

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Our first stop is at the grave of Mary E. Adams.

Born: September 25, 1836, Indiana
Died: April 26, 1856, Monroe County, Indiana

She was the wife of John M. Adams (?-?).  I am not sure where he is buried.











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Here we have the grave of Margaret Gaskins Applegate.

Born: May 18, 1826, Indiana
Died: June 8, 1858, Monroe County, Indiana

She was married the first wife of Benjamin N. Applegate (1830-1886) on January 1, 1851 in Monroe County, Indiana.  He is buried in Mount Zion Cemetery in Hall in Morgan County, Indiana.

They had three children:
Nancy E. Applegate (1851-?) - unknown
Samuel Applegate (1854-1936) - buried in Mount Zion Cemetery, Morgan County, Indiana.
Thomas Applegate (1856-1858) - buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.

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Here is the grave of Thomas Applegate.

Born: September 5, 1856, Monroe County, Indiana
Died: July 5, 1858, Monroe County, Indiana

His parents were Benjamin N. Applegate (1830-1886) and Margaret Gaskins Applegate (1826-1858).  He is buried in Mount Zion Cemetery in Hall, Morgan County, Indiana and his mother is buried near him in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery.

He had at least five siblings:
Nancy E. Applegate (1851-?) - unknown
Samuel Applegate (1854-1936) - buried in Mount Zion Cemetery, Morgan County, Indiana.
William Applegate (1860-1875) - buried in Samaria Cemetery, Morgan County, Indiana.
Winfield Applegate (?-?) - unknown
Nathan N. Applegate (1863-1863) - buried in Samaria Cemetery, Morgan County, Indiana.

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This is the grave of Private John Back.

Born: 1760, Culpepper County, Virginia
Died: 1840

He was the son of John William Back (1722-1794) and Mary Marberry Back (?-?).  I believe that they were buried on their farm.

He had at least one sibling:

Jacob Back (1764-1839) - buried in in Pine Grove Cemetery, Clinton Grove, Kentucky.

He married in 1788 to a woman named Sarah Back (?-?), though her maiden name is unknown.  I am not sure where she is buried.

They had nine children:
Constance "Sophia" Back Auxier (1789-1855) - buried in Blockhouse Bottom Cemetery, Hagerhill, Johnson County, Kentucky

Jacob Back (1791-1879) - burial unknown, though possibly in Kentucky

Elizabeth "Betsy" Back South (1796-1865) - buried in Beech Grove Cemetery, New Philadelphia, Washington County, Indiana

Mary Back (1800-?) - burial unknown

Nancy Elizabeth Back Sims (1801-1860) - buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery, Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana

Sarah Back Whitson (1806-1889) - buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana

Charles Back (1807-1885) - buried in Hindustan Cemetery, Hindustan, Monroe County, Indiana

John Back (1809-?) - burial unknown

Patience Back (1813-?) - burial unknown

He served in the Virginia Militia under General George Rogers Clark in the Revolutionary War.  

In March of 1778, he enlisted for a twelve month service as a private.  He traveled with George Rogers Clark as part of a regiment sent to engage the British in Illinois.  In July of that year, they captured the British and marched them back to Virginia to into the hands of Governor Thomas Jefferson.  He was involved in several other skirmishes with both the British and the Native Indians.  

Please see below for information on his war service:

"John was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, in 1760, the son of John William Back and Mary Marberry. His father was an immigrant from Thuringia, Germany, who descended from Johann Christoph Bach, who was a cousin of Johann Sebastian Bach. (The family used to spell their last name as Bach, back in Germany, but they changed it to Back, after they arrived in America.) His father sailed to America in 1740, on the ship "Lydia," with his brother and his cousin. They all settled in the far southern part of Culpeper County, along the Robinson River. Around 1772, John and his family migrated to southwestern Virginia and settled in what was then Washington County, Virginia. (It became Russell County, in 1786.) On June 20, 1785, his father acquired 250 acres along Copper Creek, right where it flows into the Clinch River. On July 4, 1785, his father acquired 140 acres next to it. The family established a nice farm there. John enlisted in the military, to fight in the Revolutionary War, in March of 1778. He first served under Captain Thomas Quirk, and then later, under Captain Evans. Both captains reported to Col. John Montgomery who reported to Gen. George Rogers Clark. John was part of the Illinois Campaign. In July of 1778, his regiment left Kentucky and went north, crossing the Ohio River.  They took control of several towns in Illinois, and they went after Indians, to prevent them from joining up with the British. He and his regiment then marched to Long Island, in the Holston River, in Tennessee. When his enlistment was over, in 1780, he walked home, to his family's farm along Copper Creek. He became lame, along the way, and most of his clothes had been destroyed. He arrived home, barefoot, and nearly naked, according to his pension papers.  He got married, around 1788, to a woman whose first name was Sarah, but her last name is not known. They first lived on his parent's farm. But at some point, John had a "falling out" with his father, as did his brother Jacob, who also lived there. Both men left the family farm, and they migrated to southeastern Kentucky.  John and Sarah settled along Johns Creek, near the "Bottomhouse Settlement," in what later became Johnson County. He became active in local politics and the local militia, and he also supervised the building of many roads. John's name was inscribed on a monument that was dedicated to the residents who had served in Revolutionary War, but his name was listed as "John Beck," because that was how he pronounced his last name. That monument was located in front of the courthouse, in Johnson County, Kentucky, and it is still there today. Around 1804, John and his family moved to Wayne County, Kentucky, where his brother Jacob Back (1764-1839) lived. Around 1823, John and many of his children moved to Monroe County, Indiana. In the years that followed, John moved, back and forth, between Monroe County, Indiana, and Wayne County, Kentucky, because he had children who lived in both places. On May 26, 1835, John applied for his military pension. It was soon approved, for $47 per year. The List of U.S. Pensioners indicates that he died on April 15, 1845. However, his gravestone was inscribed that he died in 1840. John and his wife Sarah had nine children: Constance (born 1789); Jacob (born 1791); Elizabeth (born 1796); Mary (born 1800); Nancy (born 1801); Sarah (born 1806); Charles (born 1807); John (born 1809); and Patience (born 1813)."

This was sent to me by a family member and I truly appreciate the time and the information.  

Please visit the following websites for more information about the Back family history:

https://back-bachgenealogicalsociety.com/

https://sites.rootsweb.com/~theshipoliver/

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Here we have the grave of Henry A. Bastin.

Born: unknown
Died: August 28, 1873

He served in the Civil War in the 33rd Indiana Infantry, Company H, as a Private.  He mustered in on September 16, 1861, but I am not sure when he left the service.










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This is the grave of Priscilla Bastin.

Born: unknown
Died: unknown














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Here we have the grave of Serrepta A. Bastin.

Born: unknown
Died: September 13, 1864

She was the daughter of J. Bastin (?-?) and M.J. Bastin (?-?).
I am unsure of where either one of them is buried or what their names were.










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This is the grave of T.B. Bastin.

Born: unknown
Died: unknown

He was in the Civil War in the 67th Indiana Infantry, Company B, as a Private.  He entered service on August 19, 1862.  I am not sure when he left the service.










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This is the grave of Elizabeth L. Gaskins.

Born: unknown
Died: September 6, 1857














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Here is the grave of Mary E. Gaskins.

Born: unknown
Died: July 1, 1855













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This is the grave of the Reverend James W. Gaskins.

Born: unknown
Died: October 18, 1860














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Here we have the grave of Samuel Gaskins.

Born: unknown
Died: December 25, 1852













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This is the grave of Sarah A. Gaskins.

Born: unknown
Died: November 22, 1866














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This the grave of Sarah Gaskins.

Born: unknown
Died: November 27, 1855

There is a small grave in front of her headstone.  It is possible that this is an infant's grave, but it is worn and there was nothing to read.










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This is the grave of William L. Gaskins.

Born: unknown
Died: August 29, 1856














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Here we have the grave of Sarah A. Gillaspy.

Born: June 23, 1842
Died: February 16, 1868

She was the daughter of Thomas Gillaspy (?-1859) and Nancy D. Gillaspy (?-1887).  They are both buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery.

She had at least one sibling:
Elizabeth Gillaspy (?-1854) - buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.






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Here we have the grave of Nancy D. Gillaspy.

Born: unknown
Died: March 21, 1887

She was the wife of Thomas Gillaspy (?-1859).  He is buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery near her.

They had at least two children:
Elizabeth Gillaspy (?-1854) - buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.
Sarah A. Gillaspy (1842-1868) - buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.





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Here is the grave of Thomas E. Gillaspy.

Born: unknown
Died:  May 11, 1860

He is the son of J.T Gillaspy (?-?) and S.E. Gillaspy (?-?).  I am unsure of their names or where they are buried.











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Here we have the grave of Thomas Gillaspy.

Born: unknown
Died: October 15, 1859

He was the husband of Nancy D. Gillaspy (?-1887).  She is buried near him in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery.

They had two children:
Elizabeth Gillaspy (?-1854) - buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.
Sarah A. Gillaspy (1842-1868) - buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.





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Here is the grave of Levi Gillman.

Born: unknown
Died: January 17, 1861

He was the son of E. Gillman (?-?) and J.W. Gillman (?-?).












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This is the grave of Mary Perry McNeely Graham.

Born: January 31, 1825, Indiana
Died: March 17, 1859, Indiana

She was the wife of George W. Graham (?-?).  He was her second husband and they were married on July 12, 1851.  I am unsure as to where he is buried.

They had at least one child:
Robert Jackson Graham (?-1852) - buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.

Her first husband was Henderson M. Simpson (1825-1850).  They were married on October 25, 1847.  He is buried near her in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery.






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Here is the grave of Robert Jackson Granham.

Born: unknown
Died: September 19, 1852

He was the infant son of George W. Graham (?-?) and Mary McNeely Graham (1825-1859).  I am unsure as to where he is buried, but she is buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery.









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This is the grave of Mary Keyt.

Born: August 3, 1800
Died: February 8, 1862

She was the wife of Hosea Keyt (?-?). I am unsure as to where he is buried.











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This is the grave of James Little.

Born: unknown
Died: January 27, 1864

He was a veteran of the Mexican War.  There is a note listed that he was an African-American.  I have yet to find anymore information abut him.










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Here we have the grave of Andrew H. Lowe.

Born: 1821
Died: 1865














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We now stop at the grave of Emsley H. McNeely.

Born: October 1863
Died: September 1864

He was the infant son of E.E. McNeely (?-?) and M.C. McNeely (?-?).  I am unsure as to where they are buried or what their names were.









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This is the grave of Rhoda Richards McNeely.

Born: May 17, 1807, Tennessee
Died: July 25, 1863, Monroe County, Indiana

She was the wife of William McNeely (1803-1874).  He is buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery near her.

They had ten children, though I have no information on any of their names or burials.








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This is the grave of William McNeely.

Born: March 3, 1803, Tennessee
Died: February 28, 1874, Ellettsville, Monroe County, Indiana

He was the son of Robert McNeely (1774-1858) and Susannah Evans McNeely (1778-1838).  They are both buried in Prowsville Cemetery in Washington County, Indiana.

He had several siblings:
Rebecca McNeely Phipps (1797-1868) - buried in Saltillo Cemetery, Washington County, Indiana.
Rachel McNeely Scott (1800-1887) - buried in Hazelwood Cemetery, Greene County, Missouri.
Frances L. McNeely Stewart (1817-1892) - buried in Marengo Cemetery, Crawford County, Indiana.
Andrew Jackson McNeely (1820-1884) - buried in Simpson Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.

He was married to Rhoda Richards McNeely (1807-1863).  She is buried at Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery near him.  They had ten children, but I have no information as to their names or burial locations.

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Here we have the grave of Rachel E. McPike.

Born: June 20, 1860
Died: September 29, 1862

She was the daughter of A.J. McPike (?-?) and Sarah McPike (?-?).  I am not sure where they are buried.











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We now stop at the grave of Henry Sims.  His name is spelled Simms on the memorial headstone.

Born: unknown
Died: unknown

He served in the Civil War in the 145th Indiana Infantry, Company I, as a Private.  He mustered into the service on February 3, 1865 and out on January 21, 1866.








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Here is the grave of Henderson M. Simspon.

Born: March 17, 1825
Died: April 22, 1850

He was the first husband of Mary Perry McNeely Graham (1825-1859).  She is buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery.  I don't have any information on whether or not they had any children.









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We now come to the grave of Nancy M. Sims.

Born: unknown
Died: December 7, 1857

She was the newborn daughter of Robert Sims (?-1867) and P.A. Sims (?-?).  Her father is buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery near her.










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This is the grave of Robert Sims.

Born: unknown
Died: may 1, 1867

He had at least one child:
Nancy M. Sims (?-1857) - buried in Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.

He was married to P.A. Sims (?-?).  I am unsure of her name or where she was buried.

There is a nice soldier carved into the top of the grave which leads me to believe that he was a soldier, but I have not yet found any information about his service.



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Our last stop is at the grave of John Smith.

Born: January 17, 1830
Died: November 8, 1856














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I hope that you have enjoyed your walk through Old Simpson Chapel Cemetery.

Please let me know if you have any questions or information about any of the graves listed here.

Visit the listing at Find-A-Grave.