Center Township Takes Responsibility for Forgotten Cemetery

Center Township Trustee Jesse Harper recently discovered an overlooked responsibility: the maintenance of an abandoned cemetery. “It’s not in any of our records in the office,” Harper noted. Maps incorrectly suggest the cemetery is located in Liberty Township.

Cemetery Discovered Near Edge of Liberty Farm

Gravestones for pets, including one that reads “Pierre, Faithful Poodle, Loyal Friend,” mark the entrance to this overgrown cemetery. Harper aims to locate and clear the entire site, known as Kine 3 Cemetery, obscured by dense foliage.

Neighbor James Coleman, who owns Edge of Liberty Farm, informed Harper about the cemetery’s existence. The cemetery sits adjacent to Coleman’s property and marks the boundary of the township, hence his farm’s name, “Edge of Liberty.” Previously, the area was inaccessible due to swampy conditions, but Coleman has since installed a pond and path.

Efforts to Restore the Cemetery

Harper believes the Kine family, integral to Porter County’s history, may be interred here. The cemetery measures approximately 24 by 24 feet. To address the overgrowth, Harper is assembling a cleanup crew, with assistance planned from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

“There are people whose hobby is to find these old cemeteries,” Harper said. “They might be useful.”

The initial step involves surveying to delineate property lines and obtaining liability insurance for volunteers and the township. The cleanup must proceed cautiously, as many headstones may be buried beneath layers of mud.

Access remains an issue; there is no frontage on Calumet Avenue. Though eminent domain is an option, Harper favors negotiating with the property owner for access. Coleman has agreed to allow entry through his property.

Harper intends to hire a company to locate submerged headstones. He previously encountered such services at the Indiana Township Association conventions. By next spring, he hopes the cemetery will be sufficiently cleared for extensive volunteer work.

Volunteer Participation

Harper invites volunteers to contact his office if interested in assisting. The goal is to restore the neglected cemetery, which had been long forgotten.

To volunteer, contact the Center Township Trustee’s Office at (219) 462-0810.