Curmudgeon explores some cemeteries

The last few years I have taken my trusty Nikon camera into some of the local cemeteries.   The search is for headstones.  The headstone photos are then loaded into a searchable database. See post below for findagrave. 

The site was started by two guys who were interested in gravestones of famous people.  

Sinclair Lewis gravestone

Sinclair Lewis

Here is the listing for Sinclair Lewis, a recent subject in one of my blogs.  (findagrave listing here)

 It has grown beyond the famous grave sites into a large database of gravestone photos of us commoners who never made a name for ourselves.  Obituary info and family photos are often included with family genealogical information often attached.  Kick the tires and take it for a spin.  You may like it.  



Be forewarned however, there are some problems with this site.  Anyone can enter information, which is a good thing.   Most participants take good photos and are careful with the listings.  However, some are not  so the posts range from very good to not so much.   There are stated rules for the site but rules can or can not be observed.  I guarantee you will be frustrated at times, but after a couple of years, I still think the prize is worth the pain.  I have often found info not available in other venues.  

Yellowstone Lutheran Cemetery, Argyle Wisconsin, photo by G.F. Glaeve 8-15-2013

I usually take photos in the smaller cemeteries within a 20 mile radius of my home.  I prefer those nestled in the scenic hills to the south and the west.  One of my favorites is the Yellowstone Lutheran Church Cemetery in Argyle, Lafayette County.  It is a beautiful spot with scenic vistas and a charming church building. 

York Memorial Lutheran Cemetery, photo by G.F. Glaeve 10-10-2013

Another favorite of mine is the York Memorial Lutheran Cemetery,  York Township, Green County.  The church is situated on the top of a ridge.  In 1850 settlers that were located on the juncture of Dane, Iowa, Green and Lafayette Counties formed a church congregation.  Worship services were held at the Torger Skartum farm. York church was organized in 1855 by 20 families.  Construction of a church building was begun in 1861, but was delayed by the Civil War.  The church was completed and dedicated in 1872. 

York Lutheran Free Church 7-10-1935

 In 1880 a disagreement arose in the congregation and it split.  One congregation faction purchased the existing building and the other built a new structure.  These buildings became known as the “Old York” and the “New York.”  Over the years the Old York Church constructed in 1861 was added on to and remodeled with a parish hall constructed in 1953. 

Old York Lutheran Church marker, photo by G.F. Glaeve 4-20-2014

The church closed in 1966 and the building was razed in 1977.  A monument to its existence and the cemetery are all that remain.