Today we are back at the Pioneer Cemetery Section of Crown Hill for another Walk Through the Tombstones.  This time we are taking a look at the Rhoads Cemetery, also known as Old Baptist Cemetery.

This cemetery was established in 1844 in Wayne Township, Marion County, Indiana in what is now the Fletcher Industrial Park.  

This monument was erected, I think, in 2008 and reads: 

"Rhoads Cemetery

Established 1844

In memory of five pioneer families originally buried in southeastern Wayne Township in Marion County, Indiana.

In 1999, twelve adults and thirty four children of the Rhoads, Rude, Foster, Foltz, and Johns families were buried at this final resting site.  This memorial serves as a tribute to their lives."

The back side of the monument shows a map of where the burials had been located at Rhoads Cemetery.  This monument also says: 

"Rhoads Cemetery burials may include members of the Rhoads, Rude, Foster, Foltz, and Johns families.  Identified burials are James Rhoads, died - 1844, Hanna Rhoads, died - 1849, Sarah Rhoads, died - 1857, John Rhoads (C-5), died - 1860, Emma Rude, died - 1862, William Rude, died - 1866, and William Rhoads (D-14), died - 1906.  Burial locations are as follows.  (see the picture to the side for the burial map)" 

The Genealogical Society of Marion County has a burial list for this cemetery, which shows a total of 22 burials.  It is likely that many of the aforementioned children either were not recorded or completely lost by the time that the burial list was created.

Behind this monument are two small stones with names on them.  These are the only burials that I could find in this section of the cemetery.  Find-A-Grave has no burials listed, so finding any information on these families is going to be nearly impossible.

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Here is the grave of Williams Rhoads.

Born: unknown

Died: 1906

There is no further information about him.

Next is the grave of John Rhoads.

Born: unknown

Died: 1860

There is no information about him either.

I found that the Rhoads family was a pioneer family, but that is all.  

History has pretty much erased this cemetery completely.  There is no information about the families or burials.  The cemetery is mentioned sparingly.  I haven't even found any listings for the cemetery in obituaries or newspapers of the time.  

I hope you have enjoyed our very short walk through Rhoads Cemetery at Crown Hill in Indianapolis, Indiana.  You can see more about it here.

Today's Walk Through the Tombstones is at the Pioneer Cemetery located on the Crown Hill Cemetery property.  There are three small pioneer cemeteries that were moved here over time,. finally getting monuments in 2008.  Graves that were found were moved as well, though this one didn't seem to have any graves that were located.  There is a large stone monument with some information on it.  As these are three separate cemeteries, albeit located with another cemetery within another cemetery (it's a little confusing), I decided to do a post for each separate one.

We will start with Greenlawn Cemetery.  This cemetery was also known as City Cemetery and was originally located on Kentucky Avenue along the White River.  It was established in 1821.  According to a Wikipedia article, the name Greenlawn Cemetery was actually a set of four public burying grounds all along the White River and Kentucky Avenue.  

It was the original burying site for many of the first settlers of Indianapolis as well as Union and Confederate Soldiers, some now residing in the Confederate Mound in Crown Hill.  The cemetery was closed in 1890 to new burials and many were also relocated due to the flooding of the White River.  Many of the graves were moved to Crown Hill, but these were by the more affluent families.  Concerns rose from the fact that Crown Hill plots were far more expensive and many burials at the City Cemetery were those of much poorer families.

Recently with work happening at the Henry Street Bridge project, graves have been discovered.  It is possible that when the Diamond Chain Building was built in 1917, they covered over many of the grave sites as at this time there was no law to protect them.

Map Collection, Indiana State Library

You can read the Wikipedia article here.  The Indiana State Library has a wonderful blog post about the cemetery which pertains to a project by Emmerich Manual Training High School as a art project in the early 1920s before remaining graves were moved.  There are some wonderful photographs and maps along with some much information.  A May 1, 2024 article in the Mirror Indy discusses the recent projects at the Henry Street Bridge and the nearby apartment complex construction.  This work has disturbed many graves and human remains.  It is possible that in uncovering these remains, they have discovered the city's first segregated cemetery.  There are so many articles about this cemetery, with so much information that really brings to light the terrible way these remains have been treated over the years.  

WFYI - Leaders and Legacies: The rich history of those buried at GreenLawn Cemetery

The Indy Star - Archaeology firm find more graves than expected at historic Greenlawn Cemetery Site

Genealogical Society of Marion County

WRTV 6 - Uncovering Black History: Greenlawn Cemetery's rich legacy buried along the White River

Indiana African American Genealogy Group

Axios Indianapolis - Development could unearth remains at Indy's first Black cemetery

According to Find-A-Grave, there were 727 interments at this cemetery, though the sign says 1,160 on the front.  A few names are listed on the back but no where near as many as the mentioned numbers.

When the Pioneer Cemetery was established in Crown Hill in 2008, this monument was erected.  It reads:

"In memory of the over 1,160 pioneers originally buried in Greenlawn Cemetery and moved to Crown Hill Cemetery in 1912.  This memorial honors these original citizens of Indianapolis.  

Greenlawn was the first cemetery known to exist in Indianapolis and located on a small tract of land beyond the southwest end of Kentucky Avenue near the White River. 

In addition to the pioneers buried within this lot, several thousand burials were moved from Greenlawn Cemetery to Crown Hill and other area cemeteries.  Among those were 1,616 Confederate Soldiers who were reburied in 1933 at the Confederate Mound located in Section 32 of Crown Hill." 

The back side reads: 

"Greenlawn Cemetery burials include members of the following families:

Baker - Sarah A.

Cooper - Clarence

Craighead - four unknown

Given - John

Hanch - W.D., Barbara, Sarah

Hollands - Nancy F. Julia P, Infant, John and George

Hunter - David, Marha R. Mary, John, Moses, John, Rebecca A. Margaret, Martha A. and Infants

Johnson - John W. and Wife, James M.

Lawson - two unknown

Lewis - one unknown

Orr - Benjamin

Petticord - Eli, Elizabeth, and Mary I.

Porter - George

Sponable - Phillip, Jenny and one unknown

Wallace - Jane and Minnie

West - Abner S.

Yates - Benjamin

Colonel Aaron C. Johnson Former Sheriff of Fayette County, Ohio, Veteran of the War of 1812"

There were said to be at least three famous graves here.  I will list them below as they are not listed on this monument.

Andrew Kennedy

Born: July 24, 1810, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio

Died: December 31, 1847, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

He was the son of Stephen C. Kennedy (?-?) and Mary McMann Kennedy (?-?).  He had three siblings and 9 half-siblings, though I haven't found the names of any of them.  He is part of the famous Kennedy political family.  

He was a blacksmith apprentice before studying law, practicing for a while in Connersville, before moving to Muncie, Indiana.  At some point, he entered into politics, holding the following positions: Member of the Indiana House of Representatives in 1835; Member of the Indiana State Senate from 1836-1840; Candidate for Presidential Elector from Indiana in 1840; United States Congress in 1841; member of the United States House of Representatives 1841-1847; United States Senate nominee in 1847.  He left politics to return to law.  He died of small pox rather suddenly in 1847.

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Noah Noble

Born: January 14, 1794, Berryville, Clarke County, Virginia

Died: February 8, 1844, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

He came to Indiana in 1816 and was a land speculator before entering into the wool carding business.  He joined the 7th Regiment of the Indiana Militia in 1820 and served as a colonel.  After leaving his military service, he became Sheriff of Franklin County from 1820-1824.  After that, he was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives, and served as the Receiver of Public Money of the Indianapolis Land Office.  In 1831, he was elected Governor of Indiana and stayed in that capacity until 1837.  Noble County, Indiana was named in his honor.

~~~

Caleb Blood Smith

Born: April 16, 1808, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts

Died: January 7, 1864, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

He came studied law at Cincinnati College and Miami University in Ohio before passing the bar in 1828 and setting up practice in Connersville, Indiana.  Four years later he founded the Indiana Sentinel, a newspaper that served the Whig Party.  In 1833, he was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives.  In 1843, he joined the US House of Representatives where he stayed for seven years supporting the Whig ideals.  He returned to Ohio in 1851, resuming his law practice and also to manage the Cincinnati and Chicago Railroad.  In 1860, he was part of the Indiana delegation to the Republican National Convention.  When Lincoln was elected president, Smith became his secretary.  During his time there, he caused quote a stir, finally resigning his post when he became ill in 1862.  A large private mausoleum was constructed at Crown Hill Cemetery, but upon his death he was instead interred at Greenlawn Mausoleum, later to be moved to Connersville City Cemetery, but no one has been able to locate his burial site.  Some believe that due to threats by Confederate sympathizers, his body was held within the Elmhurst at Connersville.  Smith had requested to be buried at Elmhurst since it was his home.  Local historians believe that the family placed his body under the flagstone floor of the basement.  His burial is a cenotaph at Greenlawn Cemetery.

~~~

When we were there, I did not see any headstone for this cemetery, though after looking online, there are some headstone photos for various interments, those of which were probably moved by the more well off families.

~~~

Looking through the names listed on the back of the monument, here is what I found, which in all honesty is not much - 

Sarah A. Baker

Born: unknown

Died: unknown

~~~

Clarence Cooper

No information

~~~

Four Unknown Craigheads

No information

~~~

Mary Francis Cunningham

No information

~~~

John Given

No information

~~~

W.D Hanch

No information

~~~

Barbara Hanch

Born: unknown

Died: unknown

Gravesite is listed as Crown Hill

~~~

Sarah Hanch

No information

~~~

Nancy F., Julia P., Infant, John and George Hollands

No Information

~~~

John Hunter 

Born: unknown, Ohio

Died: 1912

Gravesite is listed as Crown Hill

~~~

David, Martha R. Mary, Moses, John, Rebecca A. Margaret, Martha A. and Infants Hunter

No information

~~

John W. Johnson

Born: unknown

Died: unknown

Gravesite is listed as Crown Hill

~~~

James M. Johnson

Born unknown

Died: unknown

Gravesite is listed as Crown Hill

~~~

Wife of John W. Johnson

No information

~~~
Unknown Lawsons

No information

~~~

Unknown Lewis

No information

~~~

Benjamin Orr

Born: 1816

Died: September 1, 1845, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

Gravesite is listed as Crown Hill

~~~

Eli Petticord

Born unknown

Died: unknown

Gravesite is listed as Crown Hill

~~~

Elizabeth Petticord

Born unknown

Died: unknown

Gravesite is listed as Crown Hill

~~~

Mary I. Petticord

Born unknown

Died: unknown

Gravesite is listed as Crown Hill

~~~

George Potter 

No information

~~~

Jenny Sponable

Born unknown

Died: unknown

Gravesite is listed as Crown Hill

~~~

Phillip Sponable

Born unknown

Died: unknown

Gravesite is listed as Crown Hill

~~~

Unknown Sponable

No information

~~~

Jane and Minnie Wallace

No information

~~~

Abner S. West

Born unknown

Died: unknown

Gravesite is listed as Crown Hill

~~~

Benjamin Yates

No information

~~~

There is no entry for Colonel Aaron Johnson.  I have found mention of a Colonel Aaron Johnson as a War of 1812 veteran in some places, but it is mostly for Illinois.  I am not sure if this is the same Colonel Johnson or not.  I did find a note on an Ohio website that states the following:

"Phoebe Bloomer was a pioneer in the millinery business.  She married Col. Aaron Johnson, who was sheriff of this county, and who, for a number of years kept a hotel in Washington.  They removed to Indiana."  There was a facebook page that mentioned a dedication for a monument for Colonel Aaron Johnson to rededicate his burial site, but that page is now gone.  

~~~

Greenlawn, aka City, Cemetery, has so much history and it is sad that it was so disrespected at the time, but now thanks to historians, archaeologists and the concerned community we may be able to take back this history for the families and learn so much.

Thanks for joining me in our little walk at Greenlawn Cemetery.  You can see more about it here.

Today's Walk Though the Tombstones is at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Franklin, Indiana.  It is also known as First Mount Pleasant Cemetery and is located just off of State Road 44.

GPS Coordinates: 39.46198, -86.12151

This is a current cemetery with about 2,500 interments, the earliest being 1825.  There is a church located next to the cemetery, the First Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.  

We stopped by here in 2019 and for some reason, I didn't remember stopping.  Even when I look at the photos, I can't remember it. (ADHD brains....).  But, from looking at the photos, it is a beautiful cemetery with lots of old, lovely headstones.  Let's take a walk.

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Our first stop is at the grave of Robert F. Forsyth.

Born: January 29, 1852

Died: June 21, 1882

He was the son of Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900) and Mary Ragsdale Forsyth (1816-1864).  They were married in 1837 and are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had many siblings:

John T. Forsyth (1838-1879) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Harvey Forsyth (1844-1917) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mitchell Schofield Forsyth (1845-1927) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Jennie Forsyth Jeffries (1853-1932) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Milton Horace Forsyth (1855-1942) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Bronson H. Forsyth (1857-1926) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married in 1877 to Emma J. Gourley Forsyth Crawford (1860-1947).  She is buried in East Hill Cemetery, Morgantown, Morgan County, Indiana with he second husband, George W. Crawford.

They had one child that I have found:

Dulcie Forsyth (1878-1976) - buried in East Hill Cemetery, Morgantown, Morgan County, Indiana

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Here is the grave of Kate Frazier Forsyth.

Born: December 21, 1845, Shelby County, Kentucky

Died: February 19, 1931, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

She was the wife of James Harvey Forsyth (1844-1917).  He is buried with her in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

I don't have any information for any children.

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We now come to the grave of two of the Forsyth Children.

First is that of Lawrence Forsyth.

Born: December 19, 1876

Died: September 28, 1884

The second name listed is that of Agnes Forsyth.

Born: August 4, 1882

Died: April 4, 1883

They were the young children of Milton Horace Forsyth (1855-1942) and Ermina Alice Cole Forsyth (1854-1918).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had two other siblings that I have found:

Luther L. Forsyth (1884-1913) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Leonard T. Forsyth (1886-1897) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (he died from diphtheria)

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This is the grave of James Harvey Forsyth.

Born: June 11. 1844

Died: December 6, 1917

He was the son of Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900) and Mary Ragsdale Forsyth (1816-1864).  They were married in 1837 and are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had many siblings:

John T. Forsyth (1838-1879) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mitchell Schofield Forsyth (1845-1927) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Robert F. Forsyth (1852-1882) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Jennie Forsyth Jeffries (1853-1932) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Milton Horace Forsyth (1855-1942) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Bronson H. Forsyth (1857-1926) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married twice, first to, Jessie Kirtley Forsyth (1845-1880).  She is buried near him in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had at least two children:

Maud Lenore Forsyth Hall (1870-1960) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Edgar Thomas Forsyth (1872-1952) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

His second wife was Kate Frazier Forsyth (1845-1931), who is buried with him in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

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We now stop at the grave of Matilda Forsyth Bridges.

Born: June 3, 1806

Died: March 11, 1848, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the daughter of James Forsyth (1777-1821) and Jane "Jennie" Sturgeon Forsyth Terhune (1787-1856).  He is buried in Old Flat Rock Cemetery in Shelby County, Kentucky, while she is buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

She had many siblings:

Margaret "Maggie" Forsyth Bridges (1810-1885) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Jane Forsyth Core (1811-1872) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Forsyth (1813/1815-1887) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

John H. Forsyth (1818-1854) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

David Forsyth (1820-1859) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

She was married in 1823 to George Bridges (1800-1872). He is buried with her, and his two later wives, in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had several children: 

Matilda Jane Bridges Alexander (1829-1907) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

George Thomas "Tom" Bridges (1831-1910) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James J. Bridges (1833-1889) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Isham VanBuren "Van" Bridges (1837-1882) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (died from typhoid fever)

John D. Bridges (1839-1879) - burial is unknown

Rebecca A. Bridges Terhune (1842-1921) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

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This is the grave of Joseph Jefferson Moore.

Born: April 29, 1831, Union Township, Johnson County, Indiana

Died: Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of Robert Moore (1794-1855) and Elizabeth McKinley Moore (1800-1843).  They are both listed as being buried in Byers Cemetery, Samaria, Johnson County, Indiana.  Robert was listed as having been a hatter and a veteran of the War of 1812, as well as an associated judge in Johnson County.  His mother, Elizabeth, is said to have been a first cousin of President McKinley, though I haven't found anything linking them as of yet.

He had a couple of siblings:

Rachel A. Moore Yeoman (1833-1912) - buried in Weston Cemetery, Rensselaer, Jasper County, Indiana

Robert M. Moore (1840-1918) - buried in East Hill Cemetery, Morgantown, Morgan County, Indiana

In 1856, he was married to Ermina Forsyth Moore, whose name is listed below his.

Born: February 23, 1842, Johnson County, Indiana

Died: June 5, 1902, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the daughter of John H. Forsyth (1818-1854) and Sarah A. Hugh Forsyth (1819-1888).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

She had several siblings:

James Thomas Forsyth (1843-1910) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Almira Forsyth Kennedy Hollandbeck (1845-1914) - buried in Harris Cemetery, Union Township, Johnson County, Indiana

Matilda J. Forsyth (1848-1866) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Monroe Forsyth (1849-1914) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Jasper Forsyth (1851-1904) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

They had a couple of children:

Frank Forsythe Moore (1859-1929) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Alice Moore French (1863-1934) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (she was noted as being the founder of the American War Mothers, but I can't find confirmation of this)

He had been elected to the State Senate for Johnson and Morgan Counties from 1891-1893.  He is said to have been responsible for expanding the gravel roads that connected the areas.

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This is the grave of George Bridges.

Born: May 4, 1800

Died: August 23, 1872, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married three times, first to Matilda Forsyth Bridges (1816-1848) in 1823.  She is buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had several children:

Matilda Jane Bridges Alexander (1829-1907) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

George Thomas "Tom" Bridges (1831-1910) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James J. Bridges (1833-1889) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Isham VanBuren "Van" Bridges (1837-1882) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (died from typhoid fever)

John D. Bridges (1839-1879) - burial is unknown

Rebecca A. Bridges Terhune (1842-1921) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

His second wife was Martha Clark Bridges (1828-1856).  They were married in 1848 and she is buried near him in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had one child that I found:

William Allen Bridges (1850-1930) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

His third and final wife is Elizabeth A. Prather Bridges (1831-1911).  They were married on October 16, 1856 and she is buried near him in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had three children that I have found:

Hiram Dillard Bridges (1857-1920) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Adeline Bridges McQuinn (1859-1903) - buried in South Mound Cemetery, New Castle, Henry County, Indiana

Henry Bridges (1865-1924) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (he is listed as having died at the Central Insane Hospital in Indianapolis, the cause of death being Angina Pectoris)

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Our next stop is at the grave of Salomoa Vandivier.

Born: unknown

Died: June 24, 1879

She was the daughter of John Henry Vandivier (1838-1922) and Susannah Pesley Vandivier (1840-1893).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.  Susannah's obituary lists that she died of consumption.

She had at least one sibling:

Anna Vandivier Dillman (1871-1894) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

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We now come to the grave of Mary J. Catlett Lyster.

Born: January 12, 1817, Kentucky

Died: August 2, 1890, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

She was married to Harvey "Henry" S. Lyster (1816-1887) on December 7, 1837 in Johnson County, Indiana.  His name is listed on the opposite side of the headstone in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had a few children:

Mary Elizabeth Lyster Bridges (1838-1901) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (died of pneumonia)

William Henry Lyster (1840-1915) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mildred Catlett Lyster Forsyth (1845-1932) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Isabelle Griffen Lyster Forsythe (1850-1933) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Edmony Forest Lyster (1859-1869) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

~~~~

Here is the grave of Harvey "Henry" S. Lyster.

Born: December 2, 1816, Mercer County, Kentucky

Died: August 15, 1887, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of Cornelius L. Luyster (1789-1876) and Elizabeth Utley Luyster (1796-1891).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had many siblings:

Nancy Luyster Garshwiler (1814-1898) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Rachel Luyster Kerlin (1815-1890) - buried in Hopewell Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Hopewell, Johnson County, Indiana

Josiah Utley Lyster (1818-1911) - buried in Elk Falls Cemetery, Elk Falls, Elk County, Kansas

James W. Lyster (1821-1854) - buried in Atterbury Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana

Peter Van Lyster (1823-1886) - buried in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Thorntown, Boone County, Indiana

Martha Ann Luyster Garshwiler (1824-1919) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Elizabeth Hamilton Luyster Garshwiler (1828-1906) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Susan H. Lyster Paris (1830-1912) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Serilda Luyster Deer (1835-1920) - buried in Hopewell Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Hopewell, Johnson County, Indiana

John Preston Lyster (1836-1924) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to Mary J. Catlett Lyster (1817-1890) on December 7, 1837 in Johnson County, Indiana.  She is buried near him in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had a few children:

Mary Elizabeth Lyster Bridges (1838-1901) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (died of pneumonia)

William Henry Lyster (1840-1915) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mildred Catlett Lyster Forsyth (1845-1932) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Isabelle Griffen Lyster Forsythe (1850-1933) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Edmony Forest Lyster (1859-1869) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

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This is the grave of Furnata Garshwiler.

Born: August 20, 1806, Johnson County, Indiana

Died: November 27, 1872, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the wife of John Ortkies Garshwiler (1798-1867).  He is buried next to her in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.  According to an article, the Garshwiler farm was located next to the First Mount Pleasant Church and next to that was the Lyster Farm.

They had several children:

Shelby H. Garshwiler (1823-1892) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Joseph F. Garshwiler (1833-1904) - buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

Elizabeth L. Garshwiler Deer (1834-1912) - buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Kirklin, Clinton County, Indiana

William I. Garshwiler (1836-1882) - buried in Bolivar Cemetery, Bolivar, Denton County, Texas (he was a Civil War Soldier, a Freemason and a stagecoach driver)

Dorinda S. Garshwiler Deer (1838-1912) - buried in Deer Cemetery, Providence, Johnson County, Indiana

Ephraim S. Garshwiler (1841-1850) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Francis M. Garshwiler (1843-1850) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Sarah A. Garshwiler (1845-1846) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Furnata Isabel Garshwiler (1849-1849) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Lydia Caroline Garshwiler (1850-1851) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Ara Kendrick Garshwiler (1852-1925) - buried in Riverside Cemetery, Andrews, Huntington County, Indiana

~~~~

Here is the grave of John Ortkies Garshwiler.

Born: November 24, 1798, Mercer County, Kentucky

Died: December 7, 1867, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of Abraham Garshwiler (1776-?) and Christenia Ortkies Garshwiler (1781-1864).  It is unknown when Abraham died, but it was likely before 1826 as he is not listed amongst those that came to Johnson County, though his wife Christenia is listed as coming here and she is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery nearby.

He had several siblings:

Elizabeth Garshwiler Canary (1796-1835) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary "Polly" Garshwiler Simpson (1800-1853) - buried in Simpson Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana

Susannah Garshwiler (1803-1830) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Nancy Garshwiler Hunt (1812-1873) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

George Garshwiler (1813-1895) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Wesley Garshwiler (1815-1892) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

~~~~

We now stop at the grave of Garret Frederick Ragsdale.

Born: October 28, 1845, Johnson County, Indiana

Died: May 29, 1900, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of Harvey L. Ragsdale (1825-1904) and Lucinda U. Terhune Ragsdale (1825-1901).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had at least one sibling:

James William Ragsdale (1862-1944) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to Susan Catherine Parkhurst Ragsdale, whose name is listed below his on the headstone.

Born: March 30, 1848, Indiana

Died: August 5, 1932, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the daughter of James C. Parkhurst (1825-1909) and Jane Gillespie Parkhurst (1829-1907).  They are both buried in May Cemetery, Cream Ridge, Livingston County, Missouri.

Catherine had a few siblings:

William Robert Parkhurst (1852-1928) - buried in Humansville Cemetery, Humansville, Polk County, Missouri

Andrew Jackson Parkhurst (1857-1890) - buried in May Cemetery, Cream Ridge, Livingston County, Missouri

Emma Parkhurst Williams (1863-1898) - buried in May Cemetery, Cream Ridge, Livingston County, Missouri

Amanda J. Parkhurst (1867-1884) - buried in May Cemetery, Cream Ridge, Livingston County, Missouri

They had several children:

Ira E. Ragsdale (1866-1934) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James H. Ragsdale (1868-1946) - buried in Cress Hill Cemetery, Hillsboro, Montgomery County, Illinois

Doctor Claude/Claudius Earnes Ragsdale (1869-1946) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Odos Mao Ragsdale (1872-1873) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Alta J. Ragsdale (1874-1876) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Reverend George Tilden Ragsdale (1876-1937) - buried in Fairview Cemetery, DeKalb, DeKalb County, Illinois

Walter Everet Ragsdale (1878-1947) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

~~~~

This is the grave of Malinda J. Garrison Forsyth.

Born: August 5, 1831

Died: December 21, 1882

She was married twice, first to William H. Garrison (1829-1868). They were married in 1860 and he is buried in Second Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Needham Township, Johnson County, Indiana.

They had two children:

Ella Garrison Paris (1854-1883) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Addie May Garrison Pritchard (1862-1886) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Her second husband, whose name is on the opposite side of the headstone, was Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900).  They were married in 1873.  I see no information for children from this union.

~~~~

Here is the grave of Thomas Forsyth.

Born: January 23, 1816, Jefferson County, Kentucky

Died: May 17, 1900, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of James Forsyth (1777-1821) and Jane "Jennie" Sturgeon Forsyth Terhune (1787-1856).  He is buried in Old Flat Rock Cemetery in Shelby County, Kentucky, while she is buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had many siblings:

Matilda Forsyth Bridges (1806-1848) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Margaret "Maggie" Forsyth Bridges (1810-1885) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Jane Forsyth Core (1811-1872) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Forsyth (1813/1815-1887) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

John H. Forsyth (1818-1854) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

David Forsyth (1820-1859) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married twice, first to Mary Ragsdale Forsyth (1816-1864).  Her name is also on the headstone in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had many children:

John T. Forsyth (1838-1879) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Harvey Forsyth (1844-1917) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mitchell Schofield Forsyth (1845-1927) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Robert F. Forsyth (1852-1882) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Jennie Forsyth Jeffries (1853-1932) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Milton Horace Forsyth (1855-1942) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Bronson H. Forsyth (1857-1926) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

His second wife was Malinda J. Garrison Forsyth (1831-1882).  They were married in 1873 and her name is on the opposite side of the headstone.

~~~~

Our stop now is at the grave of Lucy H. Keaton Forsyth.

Born: January 1836, Johnson County, Indiana

Died: March 31, 1913, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

She was the daughter of Judge William Keaton (1794-1878) and Sarah "Sallie" H. Johnson Keaton (1800-1886).  They were married in 1818 and are buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

She had many siblings:

Benjamin J. Keaton (1820-1913) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Emily Keaton Smith (1824-1870) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

William J. Keaton (1826-1876) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

John Keaton (1829-1915) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Nancy Keaton Pritchard (1830-1887) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiaan

Mildred Keaton Woodruff (1833-1920) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Susan Keaton Kerlin (?-?) - burial unknown 

Elizabeth J. Keaton Hardin (1840-1930) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to John T. Forsyth (1838-1979). He is buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had a couple of children:

Clarence Forsyth (1859-1912) - buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana (according to a cabinet card of him, he was a Professor of Music in Stuttegart 1882-1885; ?? 1887-1889, Berlin 1894-1895 and Paris 1896)

Mary Jane Forsyth (?-1869) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

~~~~

Here is the grave of John T. Forsyth.

Born: 1838

Died: August 11, 1879, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

He was the son of Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900) and Mary Ragsdale Forsyth (1816-1864).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had several siblings:

James Harvey Forsyth (1844-1917) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mitchell Schofield Forsyth (1845-1927) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Robert F. Forsyth (1852-1882) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Jennie Forsyth Jeffries (1853-1932) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Milton Horace Forsyth (1855-1942) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Bronson H. Forsyth (1857-1926) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to Lucy H. Keaton Forsyth (1836-1913).  He is buried near her in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had a couple of children:

Clarence Forsyth (1859-1912) - buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana (according to a cabinet card of him, he was a Professor of Music in Stuttegart 1882-1885; ?? 1887-1889, Berlin 1894-1895 and Paris 1896)

Mary Jane Forsyth (?-1869) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

~~~~

Here we are at the grave of John Marion Core.

Born: February 27, 1836

Died; February 5, 1918

He was the son of Jacob Core (1801-1858) and Mary Jane Forsyth Core (1811-1872).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had many siblings:

William Thomas Core (1829-1871) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Jane Core Forsyth (1832-1905) - buried in Forsythe-Featherngill Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

James Casper Core (1834-1912) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Robert Newton Core (1841-1880) - buried in Centennial Cemetery, Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana

Jacob Elias Core (1844-1909) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

David Jefferson Core (846-1918) - buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Odon, Daviess County, Indiana

Henry L. Core (1851-1865) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Matilda Ellen Core Hamilton (1852-1936) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to Abigail Parkhurt Core in 1857, whose name is listed next to his on the headstone.

Born: 1841

Died: October 11, 1879, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the daughter of John Parkhurst (1799-1875) and Abigail Sellers Parkhurst (1799-1859). He is buried in Bethlehem Cemetery in Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana, while Abigail is buried in Forsyth Cemetery in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana.  They were both born in Kentucky.

She had many siblings as well:

Matilda "Tilda" Parkhurst Hunt (1819-1890) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Owen Parkhurst (1821-1891) - buried in Deer Cemetery, Providence, Johnson County, Indiana

Robert Samuel Parkhurst (1823-1911) - buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Independence, Montgomery County, Kansas

James C. Parkhurst (1825-1909) - buried in May Cemetery, Cream Ridge, Livingston County, Missouri

Wilson T. Parkhurst (1828-1859) - buried in Forsyth Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Elijah Parkhurst (1829-1848) - buried in Forsyth Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Ann Parkhurst Sawin (1832-1858) - buried in Shepherd Cemetery, Mount Auburn, Shelby County, Indiana

John Parkhurst (1835-1926) - buried in May Cemetery, Cream Ridge, Livingston County, Missouri

Lucinda Carolina Parkhurst Core (1834-1914) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Martha J. Parkhurst (1844-1868) - buried in Bethlehem Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

John and Abigail has several children:

Melvina "Mellie" Ellen Core (1860-1919) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary J. Core (1862-1886) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (she died after 9 days of pneumonia)

Anna May Core (1872-1901) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

William Fifield Core (1874-1947) - buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah

Olive Myrtle Core (1875-1929) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Hannibal Core (1878-1878) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (name is listed on the same headstone)

Lily B. Core (1867-1867) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

~~~

This is the grave of James Forsyth.

Born: July 6, 1813, Jefferson County, Kentucky

Died: March 18, 1887, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of James Forsyth (1777-1821) and Jane "Jennie" Sturgeon Forsyth Terhune (1787-1856).  He is buried in Old Flat Rock Cemetery, Shelby County, Kentucky while she is buried near in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had several siblings:

Matilda Forsyth Bridges (1806-1848) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Margaret "Maggie" Forsyth Bridges (1810-1885) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Jane Forsyth Core (1811-1872) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

John H. Forsyth (1818-1854) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

David Forsyth (1820-1859) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to Ellen N. Ragsdale Forsyth Barnett (1818-1892) in February 1837.  They had no children.

~~~

Walking around the other side, we have the grave of Ellen N. Ragsdale Forsyth Barnett.

Born: January 11, 1818, Kentucky

Died: February 5, 1892, Indiana

She was the daughter of Frederick Ragsdale (1795-1864) and Sarah Hunter Ragsdale (1794-1875).  They are buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery nearby.

She had many siblings:

Mary Ragsdale Forsyth (1816-1864) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Camma Ralsamon Ragsdale (1820-1897) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Martha Ann Ragsdale Easton (1822-1873) - buried in Normanda Cemetery, Normanda, Tipton County, Indiana

Henderson Ragsdale (1823-1913) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Harvey L. Ragsdale (1825-1904) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

John Tyler Ragsdale (1829-1903) - buried in Mullikin Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

She was married first to James Forsyth (1813-1887) in February 1837.  They had no children.  His name is on the opposite side of the headstone from hers.

After his death, she remarried to William. H. Barnett (1820-1893) in 1888.  They also had no children.  He is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

~~~

This is the grave of David Forsyth.

Born: May 6, 1820

Died: December 3, 1859, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of James Forsyth (1777-1821) and Jane "Jennie" Sturgeon Forsyth Terhune (1787-1856).  He is buried in Old Flat Rock Cemetery, Shelby County, Kentucky while she is buried near in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

He had several siblings:

Matilda Forsyth Bridges (1806-1848) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Margaret "Maggie" Forsyth Bridges (1810-1885) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Jane Forsyth Core (1811-1872) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Forsyth (1813-1887) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

John H. Forsyth (1818-1854) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to Henningham Clark Forsyth Nay Greer (1820-1897) in 1839.  She is buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Interestingly, his headstone states that he was the "husband of H. Forsyth".  This is interesting as I never have seen this (as far as I can remember) on a headstone.  It is usually "the wife of" someone.

~~~

Here is the grave of Frank Forsythe Moore.

Born: January 7, 1859, Indiana

Died: August 1, 1929, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

He was the son of Joseph Jefferson Moore (1831-1910) and Ermina Forsyth Moore (1842-1975).  Both are buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

I have only found the name of one sibling for him:

Alice Moore French (1863-1934) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to May Wyeth Moore (1860-1950), though I can find no further information about her.

 

They had one child:

Frances Isabella Moore Twogood (1890-1975) - buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, Los Angeles County, California

~~~

Here we are at the grave of Jane "Jennie" Sturgeon Forsyth Terhune.

Born: September 30, 1787, Jefferson County, Kentucky

Died: February 2, 1856, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the daughter of Thomas Sturgeon Jr. (1762-1849) and Sara Jane Hume Sturgeon (1767-1849).  They are both buried in Long Run Cemetery, Eastwood, Jefferson County, Kentucky.

She had a few siblings:

Elizabeth Sturgeon Eaton (1795-1826) - buried in Long Run Cemetery, Eastwood, Jefferson County, Kentucky

James Sturgeon (1804-1860) - buried in Sturgeon Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana

Nancy Sturgeon Conn (1806-1847) - buried in Long Run Cemetery, Eastwood, Jefferson County, Kentucky

She was married twice, first to James Forsyth (1777-1821) on April 21, 1805.  He is buried in Old Flat Rock Cemetery, Shelby County, Kentucky.

They had several children:

Matilda Forsyth Bridges (1806-1848) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Margaret "Maggie" Forsyth Bridges (1810-1885) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Jane Forsyth Core (1811-1872) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Forsyth (1813-1887) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Thomas Forsyth (1816-1900) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

John H. Forsyth (1818-1854) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

David Forsyth (1820-1859) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Her second husband was Garret Terhune (1791-1875) and then were married on August 3, 1851.  He is buried in Old Stotts Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana.  They had no children.

~~~

We now stop at the grave of James T. Alexander.

Born: November 16, 1849

Died: March 3, 1865

He was the young son of Armstrong Alexander (1823-1899) and Matilda Jane Bridges Alexander (1829-1907).  They are both buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana.

He had several siblings:

H.K. Alexander (1837-1848) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana 

Mary A. Alexander Peggs (1847-1933) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Alice F. Alexander (1859-1875) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Vincent Ivan Alexander (1865-1909) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (an obituary stated that he was dying of cancer and decided to take his own life)

~~~

Here is the grave of Mildred Admire Vandivier.

Born: July 18, 1813, Henry County, Kentucky

Died: March 20, 1854, Johnson County, Indiana

She was the daughter of Jacob Admire (1790-1872) and Susan Sarah Keaton Admire (1796-1861).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

She had a few siblings:

Nancy Admire Turney (1815-1867) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Eady Admire Zook (1817-1878) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Doctor Oliver R. Admire (1827-1875) - buried in Irons Cemetery, Belleville, Hendricks County, Indiana

She was married to Madison Vandivier (1819-1858) on November 10, 1831, in Johnson County, Indiana.  He is buried near her in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

They had several children:

William Admire Vandivier (1833-1865) - his burial is unknown though probably somewhere in Wilmington, NC as that was where he died while serving in the Civil War

Sarah Ann Vandivier Davis (1836-1876) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana (she died from lung hemorrhage) 

James Sylvester Vandivier (1838-1842) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana

Susan Vandivier (1841-1842) - buried in Dollens Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana

James Madison "Bud" Vandivier (1843-1898) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Francis Marion Vandivier (1853-1931) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

~~~

I photographed a lot of graves when we went, so please check back for part two.

Thanks.

I hope that you have enjoyed your walk through Mount Pleasant Cemetery.  You can read more about it here.  

 Welcome to another Grave Spotlight of the Month.  This time we are taking a look at the life of Lyman Skinner Ayres, founder of the fabulous L.S. Ayres department store.

Lyman Skinner Ayres was born on September 4, 1824 in Oswego, New York to parents Thomas Floyd Ayres (?-?) and Marian Jones Ayres (?-?).  He had five siblings, though the names of those are not known.

His parents were owners of a farm in Oswego, New York, but Lyman disliked this career and left home in his teen years to take on the life of a peddler, eventually establishing a general store in Chardon, Ohio with partner John Murray in 1843.  He owned and operated this store for 15 years along with a dry goods store in New York for 7 years.  

During this time, he married for the first time to Almira G. Harned/Hamel  Ayres (1829-1857) on December 12, 1851 in Geauga, Ohio.  Unfortunately, she passed from consumption on April 28, 1857 on Montville, Ohio.  She is buried in the Ayres Cemetery in Montville, Ohio, her heading being located behind the old schoolhouse in the woods.  They had no children from their union.  

His second wife, who would eventually bear him three children and move with him to Indianapolis, was Maria Helen Murray Ayres (1837-1911), the sister of his former business partner's sister. They were married in 1862.  Their children were Frederick/Frederic Murray Ayres (1872-1940), Katherine Ayres Smitheram (1880-1949) and Robert Ayres (died in infancy).  They also adopted a child named Emma Murray, who was their niece, when she was just an infant.  

In 1864, Lyman sold his interest in the general store in Chardon, Ohio and moved to Geneva, New York, where he started his new business with partner James G. Thomas.  This new venture was called Ayres and Thomas.  This last until 1872, when he sold his interest and purchased controlling interest in a leading dry goods store called the Trade Palace located on 26 West Washington Street in Indianapolis in "Ray's Stone Front Building".  This was in partnership with N.R. Smith and the business was renamed N.R. Smith and Ayres. His wife and family joined him in Indianapolis just two years later, right before his full success was recognized.

Indiana Historical Society

His business was such a success that his company grew and expanded and in 1875 he moved his business to 33 Washington Street and named it after himself - L.S. Ayres and Company.  

Ayres known for his generosity and careful business practices.  He held great concern and care for his employees, which showed in that his staff grew from 30 to 175 from 1874-1896.  His employees were paid a higher wage than most and he was the first in the city to hold an annual employees' picnic on the Fourth of July.

In 1895, James G. Thomas retired, leaving the entire company in Lyman's hands, making him the sole proprietor.  By this time, the business had grown so much that it was needing an expansion.  Ayres purchased the land at the southwest corner of Washington and Meridian Streets for this grand new location.  But, unfortunately, he would never see his dream come to fruition.  Lyman Skinner Ayres passed away on May 7, 1896 in Indianapolis, Indiana of chronic nephritis.  He was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.  I was lucky enough to be able to stop by his grave and take a few photos.

This, however, may be the end of Lyman's story, but it is not the end of the legacy of L.S. Ayres and Company.  His son, Frederic M. took over the business and built the new store on the property that his father had purchased.   It began construction some time in 1905 and officially opened its doors on October 2, 1905.  

This building was 8 stories tall, the top floor dedicated to the administration of the building.  But these department stores were not what we would be accustomed to today.  Whereas now goods are imported from overseas or other areas, that was a very expensive prospect during this time.  Instead, floors were dedicated to the construction of goods to sell.  On floor was for picture frame and cabinet construction, while another was accommodating dressmakers who made both custom orders and the ready-to-wear items that would be for sale on the lower levels.  The rest of the floors were the actual sales floors where a variety of items would be available for purchase - clothing, shoes, cosmetics, jewelry, accessories and
the like.  There was at one time, even a floor with fabric and millinery.

The basement of the store was an economy area, with items of lower cost and quality as well as marked down items and a large soda fountain, coffee and snack room.  But, the highlight of the downtown store was the Tea Room.  This room, which operated in this store from 1905 until the year before the store officially closed in 1991.  While there was a sofa fountain and a coffee shop in the basement, the Tea

Room was a formal setting that catered to the female shopper.  Several models would roam the gathering spot, showing off the current fashions available for purchase.  The menu boasted consistent fare such as chicken pot pie, chicken velvet soup and special desserts for the children.  The Tea Room was eventually re-created in the Indianapolis State Museum and is open seasonally. 

Ayres also became somewhat of a destination store for its holiday displays.  If you have ever seen the PBS/BBC production of "Selfridge", then you would have seen a glimpse into the life of L.S. Ayres.  They would have been very much the same in the displays and the sales floor and the like.  

On the corner of Washington and Meridian Streets there was a massive clock that hung out into the

road.  On the night before Thanksgiving 1947, a three foot tall bronze cherub appeared on top of the clock.  This stayed in place until Christmas, starting a tradition that lasted for years.  They had elaborate Christmas window displays that people would travel to see.  There even added a Santa's Workshop at one point.  

After World War II, they offered a phone call with Santa and live television broadcasts.  From 1958-1961, they offered children a ride through the Christmas displays on a miniature electric train called the Santa Claus Express.  In the early 1940s, they offered visits with the Easter Bunny and later in the late 1950s, there were barnyard animals included with your visit with the bunny.  

In 1958, Ayres opened a store in Lafayette, Indiana and one in Glendale Shopping Center in Indianapolis' north side.  In the 1960s and 70s, they opened branches in Greenwood Park Mall and one in Fort Wayne.  In 1972. Ayres was acquired by Associated Dry Goods of New York City.  Additional stores were opened in Lafayette Square Mall, Washington Square Mall, South Bend, Muncie, Southlake Mall in Merrillville, Mishawaka, and Bloomington, Indiana.  

Things seemed great for the L.S. Ayres Company until the changing position of shoppers in the late 1970s and early 1980s.  L.S. Ayres started to struggle in the economy.  The stores that they had opened in many locations in the American Midwest started to see a decline in sales and some had to close, being sold off to other companies such as JC Penney.  This change included the budget basement in the flagship location.  Needs changed and people began shopping at the separate budget store, Ayr-Way.  (I remember shopping at Ayr-Way when I was a kid!  Ayr-Way later became Target in many locations.)

The company was acquired in 1986 by the May Company.  This was around the time that there were some serious discussions within the upper echelons of the company.  Stores in Cincinnati were closed as well as stores in Louisville.  Indianapolis was working on a new mall location downtown called Circle Centre Mall.  This new mall was meant to be a destination mall with several levels, underground parking and lots of restaurants.  Unfortunately, it was decided that the mall would not include the flagship location.  And it was announced on October 25, 1991, that the flagship store would be closing.  That same year, Ayres Company merged with Famous-Barr, a May division location in Missouri.  In 1994, they were acquired by Federated Department Stores and were turned into Macy's.  

It was the end of an era.  The end of the elegance of shopping and the experience of a destination store.

My grandmother shopped at the original store in Indianapolis.  She bought her fabric there for making my mom's dance costumes and special occasion outfits.  She ate at the Tea Room.  She took my mom and my uncle to see the displays.  I never got to go the original store.  I never got to see the displays or the magnificence of the 8 stories.  I did, however, work at the Bloomington location for a few years when they were taken over by Famous-Barr.  I remember how strange it was because as L.S. Ayres, we still did the huge Christmas displays and set up the entire upstairs for the holiday.  We decorated the downstairs, especially the entrance with huge trees and lights and garlands.  And that all ended when it became Famous Barr.  I don't know if that was a thing on their part or just the shopping climate.  

Whatever the reasons, the loss of L.S. Ayres and Company was felt strongly.  The shopping experience was forever changed.

Rest In Peace, Lyman S. Ayres.  And know that you are not forgotten.  And your store will live on forever in our hearts and memories.

~~~~

RESOURCES:

Wikipedia - Lyman S. Ayres

Encyclopedia of Indianapolis - Lyman S. Ayres

Lost Indiana - Lyman A. Ayers

Indy Star - Remembering Ayres

Wikipedia - L.S. Ayres

Indy Today - The tale of the clock and the cherub