Covenanter Cemetery

Today's Walk Through the Tombstones is at Covenanter Cemetery in Bloomington, Indiana.  It  is located at the corner of E. Moore's Pike and S. High Street.

GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 39.15054, Longitude: -86.50783

We visited this in-town cemetery on February 1, 2015 and were struck by the beautiful construction of the surrounding stone wall.  It is made of limestone, which is very common in the area.  Originally, the cemetery was started by the early Covenanter Church in the 1820s.  I believe that this church was a Reformed Presbyterian Church.

The cemetery has under 500 interments, some of which are familiar names from the history of Bloomington.

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First on our walk, is the grave of Martha Faris Cathcart.

Born: February 4, 1811
Died: August 22, 1844

The inscription on her tombstone reads, "wife of John Cathcart" (1812-1861).  He is also buried at Covenanter Cemetery.

They had two children:
Margaret A. Cathcart (1839-1839) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.
Martha Ann Cathcart Craig (1844-1927) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.



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This is the grave of Abraham L. Curry.

Born: February 14, 1866
Died: June 27, 1866

The inscription on the marker reads, "Aged 4ms & 11ds son of D.S & M.N. Curry". 

It doesn't appear that his parents were buried at Covenanter Cemetery.








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This is a Civil War Memorial Marker for John H. Curry.

Born: July 24, 1845
Died: June 22, 1919

His obituary was listed in the Bloomington Evening World, June 23, 1919.

"After an illness of only ten days of toxic poisoning, John H. Curry, 74 years old, one of the best known citizens of the county, a retired farmer, died at 2:30 Sunday morning at his home on South Sluss Avenue.

Mr. Curry went to Ohio ten days ago to attend a meeting of the Reformed Presbyterian Church synod as a delegate from the local congregation and had to come home before the meeting was over on account of sickness.  At the time he left for the meeting he was in his usual good health.  He was an elder in the local church and always took an active part in its work.

Born in this county, he had lived here continuously with the exception of about a year spent in Kansas.  He is survived by the widow and the following children:  William, Zwingle, John, Robert, Miss Una Curry, and Mrs. John C. Craig, this county; Mrs. T. L. Faris, Orange Calif.; Mrs. T.E. McClintock, Quinton, Kansas; also a brother, James, of Winchester, Kans., and a sister, Mrs. Agnes Dill, Eskridge, Kans.

The funeral will be held at 2:30 Wednesday at the Reformed Presbyterian Church in charge of the Rev. George R. Steele.

Honorary pallbearers: Aaron Gordon, S.S. Smith, S.T. Smith, John S. Curry, J.B, Curry, Samuel Curry.

Active pallbearers: J.G. Kennedy, Swingle McCaughan, William Smith, Harvey Smith, James Moore, C.C. Faris."

He served in the 133rd Indiana Infantry Regiment, Company K.  He enlisted on May 17, 1864 as a Private and mustered out on September 5, 1864.  

He was married twice.  His first wife was Elizabeth S. Moore Curry (1853-1894).  She is buried in Covenanter Cemetery.  Together they had two children:
Una S. Curry (1878-1878) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.
Ellsworth M. Curry (1888-1890) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.

His second wife was Ellen Wylie Curry, also known as Grandma, (1845-1919).  She is buried in Covenanter Cemetery and is mentioned on the Curry headstone.

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Here was have the grave of Charley M. Ervin. 

Born: June 22, 1861
Died: July 27, 1861

The inscription on the marker reads, " son of J.M. and M.E. Ervin".

There is no listing for his parents, but I believe that his mother was Margaret Ervin (1833-1864).  She is buried in Covenanter Cemetery.

I also believe that he had one sister:
Theresa Jane Ervin (1858-1861) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.



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Here we have the grave of Margaret Ervin.

Born: March 9, 1833
Died: July 2, 1864

The inscription on her marker reads, "Aged 31y, 3m, 23d wife of J.M. Ervin".

I believe that she was the mother of two children:
Charley M. Ervin (1861-1861) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.
Theresa Jane Ervin (1858-1861) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.







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Here is the grave of Theresa Jane Ervin.

Born: September 25, 1858
Died: September 24, 1861

The inscription on her marker reads, "daughter of J.M. & M.E. Ervin".  

In believe that she is the daughter of Margaret Ervin (1833-1864), buried in Covenanter Cemetery.  And she was the sister of Charley M. Ervin (1861-1861), who his also buried in Covenanter Cemetery.






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Here we have the grave for Jane Gamble.

Born: March 23, 1838
Died: September 14, 1855

Her parents were Martin Gamble (1804-1851) and Jane Cathcart Gamble (1806-1865).  They are both buried in Covenanter Cemetery.

She is listed as having two siblings:
John Gamble (1834-1865) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.
Henry C. Gamble (1843-1871) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.

The inscription on her marker reads, "Aged 17yrs, 5ms, 22d".

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This is the grave of Nancy McCaughan.

Born: January 7, 1818, Preble County, Ohio
Died: May 10, 1885, Monroe County, Indiana

She was the wife of Charles McCaughan (1815-1893).  He is buried at Covenanter Cemetery.

Together they had two children:
Hannah I. McCaughan (1845-1863) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.
Martha S. McCaughan - (1851-1897) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.

Her obituary was printed in the Bloomington Republican Progress, May 13, 1885:

"On Sunday morning the wife of Charles McCaughan, one of the oldest residents of Monroe County, died at her home in the country. She was 67 years of age.

Mrs. Nancy Mccaughan died at her home near Bloomington, Indiana, May 10th, 1885, in the 68th year of her age. She was born in Beechwoods congregation, Preble county, Ohio, and made an early profession of her faith in Christ. In the year 1838, her father removed to the congregation of Bloomington, under the pastoral care of the late Rev. James Faris. In the year 1841, she was married to Charles McCaughan, who survives her. She was the mother of seven children, six of whom are yet living. Mrs. McCaughan was a woman of a very retiring disposition and of great prudence; her whole life as a wife and mother was a grand example of the true Christian. She was no tale-bearer, and a slanderous expression was never heard from her lips. She loved gospel truth, waited diligently on the ordinances and was a most affectionate hearer of the gospel message. Towards her last, for many months, her strength gradually declined, but her confidence in the merits and faithfulness of her Saviour ever remained firm. At length the last hour came: it was Sabbath morning at half-past ten o'clock, the hour when public worship commences in the congregation, it was then that her spirit took its flight to join in the great congregation of the redeemed above to unite in singing the grand choral cong: "Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and forever. Amen." Her remains were followed to the tomb by a long train of neighbors and members of the congregation, who in this way testified their respect for the deceased."

The inscription on her marker reads, "Wife of Charles McCaughan  Aged 67yrs, 4ms, 3d"

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Here is the grave of Hugh Robinson.

Born: 1763
Died: January 28, 1862, Indiana

The inscription on his marker reads, "About 98 yrs".
There is a hand with the index finger pointing up carved into the top.  This is the symbol showing that they have "gone home".

There is no other information on him.








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This is the grave for Jane Robinson.

Born: 1820, County Antrim, Ireland
Died: August 30, 1902, Indiana

She was married to Matthew Robinson (1803-1872).  He is buried near her in Covenanter Cemetery.

The inscription on her marker says, "Born in County Antrim Ireland 1820, Died August 30 1902, Aged 82 years, Asleep in Jesus".








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Now we have the grave of Matthew Robinson, Jane's husband.

Born: 1803, County Antrim, Ireland
Died: May 27, 1872, Indiana

He was married to Jane Robinson (1820-1902), who is buried near him in Covenanter Cemetery.

The inscription reads, "Born in Co. Antrim Ireland, Died May 27, 1872, Aged 69 years".








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This is the grave for John M. Robinson.

Born: 1799
Died: February 8, 1870

The inscription reads, "Aged 80 ys".

I am unsure of any of his family.  It is possible that he was a child or a younger brother to Hugh Robinson (1763-1862).  But I am not positive of this. 









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Here we have the grave for Alexander Russell.

Born: September 14, 1783, County Donegal, Ireland
Died: June 22, 1858

There is no further information on him.  













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This is the grave of David M. Smith.

Born: May 13, 1771
Died: December 29, 1841

The inscriptions reads, "Sacred to the memory of David Smith.  Who departed this life December 29th 1841.  in full faith of a blessed immortality.  Aged 70 years, 7 months & 16 days.  Blessed ------".  The remainder of the stone is buried in the ground and difficult to read.  It has been broken and repaired.  

He was married to Sarah Smith (1780-1861).  She is buried at Covenanter Cemetery as well.  

There a several Smiths buried at this cemetery and it is possible that their children are buried here, but I can find no actual records or proof of that.

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 This is the grave of Isabella Smith.

Born: November 27, 1815
Died: April 7, 1887

She was married to John Smith (1821-1872).  He is buried at Covenanter Cemetery as well.

They had four children:
David M. Smith (1849-1874) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.
James R. Smith (?-?) - unknown
R. Smith (?-?) - unknown
Samuel S. Smith (?-?) - unknown

Her obituary was listed in the Bloomington Times, April 8, 1887: 
"Mrs. Isabella Smith, living 1 1/2 miles south of Bloomington, died yesterday morning of lung fever.  She was about 70 years old".

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Here is the grave of Isabella's husband, John Smith.

Born: June 2, 1821
Died: April 4, 1872

He was married to Isabella Smith (1815-1887).  She is buried near him in Covenanter Cemetery.

They had four children:
David M. Smith (1849-1874) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.
James R. Smith (?-?) - unknown
R. Smith (?-?) - unknown
Samuel S. Smith (?-?) - unknown

His will and testament is available in the Will Book for Monroe County, Indiana, pgs 477-479:

"In the name of God, Amen. I, John Smith of Perry Township, Monroe County, State of Indiana, being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life, do therefore make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last will and testament. That is to say:

First, after all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, the residue of my estate real and personal, I give, bequeath and dispose of as follows to wit: to my beloved wife $4,000.00 in notes with all the household furniture except what is now claimed by my children. Also, I give her all the books in my library, also the privilege of making her home in the house in which I now live.

To my son, David M., the north half of the NW quarter of Section One Township 8 North of Range 1 West, also a tract of land in Benton Township described as follows to wit: the SE quarter of the SE quarter Section 31 Township 9 Range 1 West. Also my wagon and harness.

To my son, James R., I give the south half of the farm on which I live described as follows to wit: the south half of the NW quarter of Section 1, Township 8 Range 1 West. Also a tract of land described as follows to wit: a part of the west half of the SE quarter of Section 36, Township 9 North of Range 1 including all the land between the branch running from Samuel Latimer's Spring to the old Columbus Road containing about 23 acres. Also 40 acres of land described as follows to wit: the NE quarter of the NW quarter of Section 5 in Township 8 North of Range 1 East. Also $1,000 in notes.

I also give to my son David M. and James R. to have and to hold between them jointly, the reaper and the wheat drill and also to divide between selves equally the other farming implements also to divide equally between themselves the stock -- hogs.

To my daughter, R., I give $4,000.00 in money or notes.

To my son, Samuel S., I give $4,000 in money or notes.

I also decree, will, appoint that the farm I bought from Thomas Smith in Salt Creek Township be sold, which farm is described as follows to wit: the north half of the NW quarter of Section 10, south half of the SW quarter of Section 3 except thirty acres off of the end, Salt Creek being the line between said land and the lands of Adam Stevens, and also a part of the NW quarter of the SW quarter of Section 3 containing 29 acres more or less, Township 8 North of Range 1 East containing in all one hundred and sixty acres. And I also decree that the price of said farm be placed with my notes and disposed of in the same way in paying to my heirs as I have expressed in my last will and testament.

Further, I decree that the price of land in Benton Township if not redeemed before the first day of December 1872 be sold and the money used in paying my heirs, the piece of land is described as follows to wit: the NW fourth of the SE quarter of Section 33 Township 9 Range 1 East containing 40 acres.

Further, I decree and appoint that the other livestock which I have not mentioned above shall be divided equally among my children.

I also decree and appoint that my wife Isabella be empowered to hold in her hands the notes and money belonging to my children that are as yet in their minority and to use as much of the interest in connection with the proceeds of their labor as may be necessary for their support and she is empowered to do so according to her best judgments.

Further, I decree and appoint that my children that are yet in their minority to have their home here in the place where I now live during their minority.

Further, I decree and appoint that the notes that are given to my heirs shall all be made good out of the remaining money yet to be disposed of.

Further, I decree and appoint that what money may be left be divided equally between my wife and children.

Further, it is not my will that this my last will and testament shall go into court any farther than simply to be acknowledged. Likewise, I make, constitute and appoint my son David M. Smith to be my executor of this my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal the 13th day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy two.

John Smith

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said John Smith as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us at the request of the said John Smith and in his presence and in the presence of each other hereunto subscribe our names and subscribe places of residence as witness:

David Hunter, Bloomington Township, Monroe County

Samuel Latimier, Perry Township, Monroe County"

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This is the grave of Rebecca Smith.

Born: May 18, 1815

Died: December 20, 1895, Indiana

There is no further information for her family.  I am not sure if she is any relation to John and Isabella Smith listed above.  

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Here we have the grave of Rebecca Wilson.

Born: July 22, 1784

Died: September 27, 1864

The inscription on her stone reads, "Aged 80yrs 2ms 5d".  There is an open book carved into the top portion of her stone which most likely symbolizes her faith.

She was the wife of Hugh Wilson (?-?).  I am not sure where he is buried, but I can not find a listing for him at Covenanter Cemetery.

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This is the grave for Henry Clay.

Born: April 23, 1826, Halifax County, Virginia

Died: May 18, 1913, Monroe County, Indiana

He was the son of Thomas William Clay, Jr (1790-1877) and Susannah Parrott Smart Clay (1791-1857).   They are both buried in the Ellettsville Methodist Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.

He had one sibling:

Camellus Clay (1815-1894) - buried in Ellesttville Methodist Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.

Henry served in the Civil War in the 145th Indiana Infantry, Company I.

He married Nancy May Cooper Clay (1827-1902) on December 7, 1852.  She is buried in Covenanter Cemetery as well.

Together they had three children:

Easter Clay (1856-1865) - buried in Ellettsville Methodist Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.

Milligan Clay (1858-1921) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.

Maston Clay (1863-1944) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana.

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Now we come to the grave of Robert Fee.

Born: 1750, Ireland

Died: July 21, 1841, Monroe County, Indiana

He was married three times.  His first wife was Rachel Scott (1789-?).  It is written that when Robert asked for the consent of Rachel's mother, Mrs. Margaret Scott, she could not give it as he was not a member of the church.  But Robert persuaded Rachel to elope and they married without her mother's consent (Mrs. Scott was a widow at the time).  At supper that night, the Bible and Psalm were given to Robert and he was asked to lead evening devotions to which he cheerfully complied.  On returning to his home, the family altar was set up.  This altar's fire was kept burning for 60 years, extinguished only by his death.

He and Rachel had five children:

Margaret Fee Tate (?-?) - unknown

Robert Fee Jr. (1785-1852) - buried in Union ARP Church Cemetery, Chester County, South Carolina.

William O. Fee (1786-1876) - unknown

Jane Fee Cherry (?-?) - unknown

Mary Fee (?-?) - unknown

In 1791, Robert, Rachel and their five children migrated to Chester County, South Carolina.  They arrived at Charleston on Christmas Day 1791 after a 13 week voyage.  They settled west of the Catawba River where many of their faith had established a settlement.  Here they stayed for 39 years.  I am unsure as to where she was buried.

At some point, he married Nancy Allen Fee (1797-?).  There were no children born to this union and I am unsure of where she was buried.  

His last wife was Isabel Hayes Fee (1815-?).  By the time he married her, all of his children from his first marriage were grown and all but his youngest daughter, Jane Fee Cherry, objected to this marriage.  Because of her acceptance to his marriage, the other children reconciled.

Together they had two children:

Matthew Hayes Fee (1817-1852) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana 

Joseph Dawson Fee (1818-1851) - buried in Covenanter Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana. 

The family moved from South Carolina in November 1830 because they did not accept slavery and wanted to get away.  They came to Indiana at this time.

Robert died at the age of 91 from a fall where he sustained serious head injuries.  His obituary was listed in the Bloomington Post, July 23, 1841:

"ON the 21st inst. at his residence 2 miles east of this place, Mr. Robert Fee, 90 years of age.  The deceased removed from the State of South Carolina, to his county some years since, where he has ever since resided enjoying the high estate of all who knew him."

His Last Will and Testaments is as follows, from Will Book, Monroe County, Indiana:

"In the name of God, amen. I, Robert Fee, of the State of Indiana and County of Monroe, being of sound mind and memory yet knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, and that it is a duty I owe myself and family to set my house in order before my death, do make this my last will and testament in form and manner following, viz:

First--I bequeath my soul unto the hands of Almighty God from whom I received it hoping, through the (illegible) of the Redeemer, my body to be decently laid in the dust, from whence it came, for a joyful resurrection at the Last Day.

Second--I bequeath to my wife, Isabella, my sorrel mare and colt, two of my best cows and calves, two of the best beds and furniture, the corner cupboard and contents, also her living on the plantation (during) her lifetime.

Third--I bequeath to my son, Robert Fee, one dollar. Third (sic)--I bequeath to my son, William Fee, one dollar.

Fourth--To my daughters, Margaret Tate and Ginny ?Cherry, each one dollar.

Fifth--To my son, Matthew H. Fee, one hundred and seventy five dollars to be paid in six months after the death of the testator.

Sixth--I bequeath to my son, Joseph D. Fee, the farm on which I now live containing 80 acres, all the stock of horses, cattle, hogs, household furniture and farming utensils not mentioned above.

Also, at the death of my wife, I will that the property left to her be equally divided between my two youngest sons, Matthew and Joseph D. Fee. I also (illegible) all my lawful debts to be paid before a division of my property takes place.

I do appoint my sons, William and Joseph D. Fee, my executors of this my last will and testament. In witness of this being my last will and testament, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 28th of May 1839.

Signed: Robert Fee

NOTE: Witnessed by Robert Ewing and Dorrence B. Woodburn. "

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The following are ones that I took photos of, but either I can not read or were too damaged.  If you have any information on these graves, please email me or leave a comment.

All I can read on this stone is that they were 22 years old when they passed away.  

This stone is so damaged that I can not make out anything on it.

 


This stone is very lichen covered and worn.  It would appear that the birth year is 1794, but I can't find anything that matches this marker in the interment records.

 This particular marker was so buried in the ground, I had no way to determine who it belonged to.  It very possibly could be a child's grave because it is so small.

All I can make out on this grave is the word "Sacred".  

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If anyone has any information on these graves, or has a photo request, please feel free to email me or leave a message.

I hope that you have enjoyed your walk through Covenanter Cemetery.

Please visit the listing at Find-A-Grave.