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Volume  1
  TOGA NEWS 
Issue 3, December, 2001
 
James O'Neal Family Cemetery Found !

The James O'Neal Family Cemetery was found by our cousin, Kenneth O'Neal and he has some beautiful photos to boot. Here's Ken's report.

We had some time  & the weather was OK, so we went to Bedford and  found the
 James O'Neal Cemetery. Here are the directions to the  Cemetery.
Take RT 26 out of Everett, 3 miles, turn left on W.Mattie Road, go 1/ 10 mile to a sharp right bend, park or pullover on the left side of bend. Walk back the dirt road on the left, and go about 50 yards. The Cemetery is in the field about 100 yards, at 11 o'clock on left. Will send Pix in several messages.      Ken

Here's the cemetery as cousin Ken found it. (Right click to see larger image.)


My first thought on seeing the photos is the terrible condition of the site. Ken said he was also concerned, so he contacted the landowner, Mr.Wayne Sollenberger.
On Nov 13th, Ken reported that Mr. Sollenberger gave his permission to put a fence around the site. Ken told him that we would keep the fence about 2 to 3 feet from the stones so as not to take away from his field, but enough to protect stones. 
Ken found Catherine's stone broken and temporarily stood it back up. John H's and Anna's stones were listing badly. Ken said groundhogs where making homes under the stones. Unfortunately, James' stone is totally unreadable and will need to be replaced. To see a writeup and additional photos go to http://www.onealwebsite.com/jocem.htm
Let's do a restoration !

The James O'Neal cemetery site is in bad shape indeed and without our help will not exist much longer. Between the groundhogs, the weather and perhaps a farmer who is not as careful as Mr. Sollenberger the loss of this family cemetery and piece of our family heritage is inevitable. So, to the task at hand. 

First, what needs to be done?

We need to get a work crew to the site to restore the underpinnings of the leaning stones. We need to put up a protective barrier around the site. We need to replace James's stone altogether and we need to repair Catherine's stone.

Second, how are we going to coordinate this.

Ken has agreed to act as the coordinator for this project. He lives closer than most of us, knows the area better than any of us, owns a truck, and knows the owner of the land. Therefore he is the logical choice to become acting Chairman of the James O'Neal Cemetery Committee. Ken will coordinate work parties, gather materials, etc.
I will communicate and publicize Ken's needs through the web site, the newsletter and through email notices.

What are we going to need to restore the James O'Neal Cemetery?
Bottom line, we're going to need two things, money and strong backs.

What can I do as a member of the O'Neal Family to help out?
There are several things YOU can do to help. 

  • Volunteer for a work party
  • Donate funds to help with expenses
  • Help us spread the word. Each one of us has brothers and sister, cousins, aunts and uncles, some even have parents left. Show this article to every Family Member you know and ask them to volunteer time and/or money. 
  • Talk to members of your community. Can you get your local Hardware Store to donate some fence? Some QuickCrete? Do you know a stone cutter?
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