James O'Neal Family Cemetery Restoration Project Page

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A Recent History of the Cemetery

The James O'Neal Family Cemetery was found by our cousin, Kenneth O'Neal in  November, 2001 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.    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 the 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, causing them to lean and eventually fall over. 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

The James O'Neal Cemetery Progress Report, 5/22/2002

Cousin Kenneth O'Neal visited the James O'Neal Cemetery recently and below is his report of what he found, along with some photos. As you can see, without our intervention it won't be long until this small piece of our O'Neal heritage is swallowed up by Mother Nature. Ken's plans as indicated below are to fix and repair the stones to readable condition and straighten and secure them. Additional plans include installing a 10' by 15' fence around the stones to protect them. To date we have raised $100.oo in donations for refurbishing the Cemetery.

If you can see it in your heart to help out with this project, you can send donations to
Kenneth O'Neal, 227 Swink Hill Rd. Connellsville, PA  15425

Ken's Report, dated May 23rd, 2002:
Went to Bedford yesterday, and did some work on James O'Neal cemetery. The groundhogs surely are making it their home. at least 6 holes that are being used now . They are going to be a problem. Figure that we can make cemetery 10'x15' and include all stones and not take any more of farmer's land than needed. Found the bottom of Catherine's stone, it was broken off, will make base and braces to put it together again. Will have to figure what to do about James' stone all you can read is " 28 days. Leveled John H's stone,  and filled groundhog's hole under it with rocks, hope that will stop them, from digging under it again. Cut weeds some and sprayed with "Roundup" to kill them, Might help keep groundhogs out. Sending  pictures, don't show really how it is Ken .

Donations
Send monetary donations to Ken also. His snail mail address is listed at the bottom of the page.
When you send donations to Ken, send me an email. Ken will confirm when he receives the donation and I will send you a receipt.
The same goes for material donations. Receipts will be sent on O'Neal Genealogy Association stationary and can be used for tax purposes.

Thanks and Recognition
                  We want to recognize every person who contributes to this noble effort to save a small piece of our O'Neal Heritage.
                  Every contributor will have his/her name  immortalized on the James O'Neal Cemetery Restoration Contributors page,
                              both on the O'Neal Web Site and in The O'Neal Genealogy Association Newsletter.
(Amount of donations will be kept confidential. Only donors will be listed.)

Kenneth O'Neal Information
E-Mail: kon@hhs.net
Ken O'Neal
227 Swink Hill Rd.
Connellsville, PA  15425

Ken's Report, dated June 29th, 2002:
Got back from Bedford a few hours ago, accomplished what I had hoped on this trip. Poison Ivy growing everywhere. Thought the spray I
used would kill it, but it only killed other weeds. Used Roundup, for hard to kill weeds this time and mixed it 3 times stronger than
directions, found that will work. Got all the posts set for fence, repaired & set Catherine 's stone. Note groundhog hole under part of
Catherine's stone on ground. Put fuzzes  in holes to gas them, also did shoot one, but there are many more. Hope one more trip will do it.
Used 5-80 pound bags of cement. Put Patio stones in front of the stones, Hope to keep groundhogs from digging close enough to topple stones
Ok, I have a dilemma for you, We thought the damaged stone was that of James ? Guess what, while digging I found 2 pieces of James's
broken stone. NOT same stone, as other broken one. Wonder, if it might be one  their other children ? Dug through rest of plot, but did
not find rest of it. Sending pictures, of before I started and Before I left to come home, and of James's stone. Take Care. Ken

Here' some photos Ken sent showing the improvements he's made. Thank you Ken, on behalf of all of us. You are doing a fabulous job !
 


The James O'Neal Cemetery on 6/28/02

James O'Neal's Headstone

The Unknown Stone

The James O'Neal Cemetery on 6/29/02