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Pioneers laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery

2004

Extended page one article with many photos appeared in the Jefferson County Union, 06 21 2004

The skeletal remains of at least 11 early Jefferson settlers were laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery, more than a year after the first bones were uncovered beneath a Jefferson home presumed to have been built atop the city's first cemetery.

Approximately 30 Jefferson-area residents gathered at the cemetery's Sykes Chapel as the ecumenical community came together to rebury the pioneers remains.

It was in November 2002 that Helen Weisensel had contracted with Jaeckel Bros. Construction to excavate and stabilize a portion of her home's foundation at 455 Racine St. Her plan was to sell the property, which was being rented out at the time. In just the second scoop of dirt dug, a human skull was found. Eventually, the remains of at least 10 more early settlers, including children, were excavated; all were reinterred in a single casket.

The Rev. Nancy Carmichael of Immanuel United Methodist Church said in her sermon that Weisensel was probably the closest thing to family that the remains of these pioneers had.

"We don't know by what names they were known; we know nothing of the circumstances of their lives, their occupations, their moral and ethical convictions, the church they went to, their ethnic roots, their class or standing in the community,” she said. “We know that they lived and worked and died here in Jefferson and were buried in its first cemetery.”

The pastor noted that, over time, identifying markers disappeared and the graves and remains were lost until being uncovered again in November 2002.

“The lost have been found and today we return them to the earth with dignity and honor," she said. "As first settlers, their physical lives must have been difficult. It is likely that they faced many hardships as they started to carve a town out of the wilderness . . . a place of safety and community."

“In 9/11, we were certain to treat those who died in a reverent and respectful manner. For us, as Christians, it is an expression of God's love for his children,” she said.

"We bury these settler pioneers today with that same inclusive love, honor and respect that God asks us to bestow on those whom we are in a community with today," the minister said.

"This morning, we return to earth the remains of these early settlers, pioneers that must have appreciated the fertile earth and the running rivers of this area,” she continued. “We return them to lie once again beside others who have also loved and lived in this place, Jefferson.

Carmichael suggested that by imagining the lives of the pioneers, today's Jeffersonians might find the courage and strength to continue to be a city that embraces and teaches by example, moral and ethical character . . . .