Center Township Uncovers Abandoned Cemetery for Restoration

Center Township Trustee Jesse Harper recently took on an unexpected task: addressing an abandoned cemetery hidden from the office’s records. Located on the boundary between Center and Liberty Townships, the neglected site was mistakenly assumed to be in Liberty Township. A gravestone, marked with the inscription “Pierre, Faithful Poodle, Loyal Friend,” indicates that the space is heavily overgrown, concealing most headstones.

The cemetery, termed Kine 3, is thought to hold a significant number of burials, yet its exact inhabitants remain unknown. James Coleman, a nearby property owner of Edge of Liberty Farm, brought attention to the cemetery’s neglected state. He tracked down Harper, who is responsible for maintaining such sites within the township.

Coleman had long suspected the existence of Kine 3, based on the presence of Kine 1 and Kine 2 cemeteries in the vicinity. Harper shared this belief, assuming the cemetery was outside his jurisdiction until now. “Until I brought you out here, this gate hasn’t been opened in eight years,” Coleman noted to Harper, revealing the site’s previous inaccessibility.

The Kine family, instrumental in founding Porter County, is believed to rest here. Coleman took initiative by transforming the once swampy area, constructing a pond and a path for access. Although Calafati, Coleman’s wife, estimated the cemetery measures 24 by 24 feet, Harper intends to employ a crew to initially clear the overgrowth before volunteers undertake restoration efforts. A local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution plans to assist soon after.

Harper stressed the importance of careful clearing to avoid damage to the buried headstones, which may lie beneath layers of mud. “I could be standing on a headstone right now,” Harper remarked, emphasizing the need for caution. Volunteer activities depend on verifying property lines and obtaining liability insurance to safeguard participants and the township. Although direct access to the site is challenged by the lack of frontage on Calumet Avenue, Coleman has graciously offered access through his farm.

Volunteers and potentially passionate local historians are anticipated to play a role once restoration work initiates. Harper is considering utilizing technology to locate buried headstones, having observed such services at conventions. He aims for the cemetery to be adequately restored by next spring, encouraging interested parties to contact his office for volunteer opportunities. Those wishing to contribute to the restoration effort can contact the Center Township Trustee’s Office at (219) 462-0810.