Finally, finally, the clouds parted and the sun shone – and we could get in a cemetery!  The last two days have been beautiful and Ritchey and I took advantage of the good weather!  In our continuing effort to take photos in cemeteries of all 120 Kentucky counties, Monday we headed out with a plan.  Three counties – Larue, Hart and Grayson – eight cemeteries.

In Larue County we stopped at Red Hill Cemetery in the county seat of Hodgenville – our Google Maps taking us first to the back of the cemetery where the gate was locked!  It didn’t take long to find the entrance to the cemetery – and a funeral procession was going in – first time there has ever been a service while we were in a cemetery.  However, we went to the old section which was far enough away not to disturb the burial.

In Memory of Thomas Brown, born January 1, 1798, died July 16, 1843.  Red Hill Cemetery, Hodgenville, Larue County, Kentucky.

Just north of Hodgenville on Hwy 31E and 84 is Pleasant Grove Baptist Cemetery.  For those not familiar with the area, this is where Abraham Lincoln was born.  His boyhood friend is buried in this cemetery – which will be another blog!

James H. Vittitoe, born October 27, 1867, died December 28, 1930.  ‘We will meet again.’  Ella Vittitoe, born December 13, 1871, died May 25, 1926.  ‘She was the sunshine of our being.’  Pleasant Grove Baptist Cemetery, Larue County, Kentucky.

Going back through Hodgenville, to go south into Hart County, we stopped at The Sweet Shop for ice cream.  We both had the Butter Pecan and Cashew – wonderful!  It was a joy to sit in the small, highly colorful shop and eat the perfect ice cream – and eye all the many flavors of fudge and other homemade candies that are offered.

Just across the county line into Hart County we stopped in the small town of Hammonsville, Hwy 357, and visited their city cemetery.

Nannie, wife of A. T. Tharp, born July 17, 1854, died January 9, 1876.  Hammonsville Cemetery, Hart County, Kentucky.

In the small town of Bonnieville we stopped for gas.  Bacon Creek Cafe was next door and we decided it was time for lunch!  This cafe is a great little hometown restaurant with yummy food!  They offered cherry cobbler for dessert – my absolute favorite – so we decided to share one.  The waitress brought us a huge bowl – and it rivaled my own!  So good.  Another little tidbit about the town of Bonnieville, during the Civil War John Hunt Morgan burned the bridge over Bacon Creek – twice!  In his geocaching Ritchey found a cache on the walkway across the bridge.  Genealogy and geocaching go hand in hand for us!

On Hwy 728 we happened upon a very small cemetery with only eight gravestones – most with the last name Hawkins.  But I share with you the following since it was the oldest of the group – only the date of birth was visible.

William Constant, born 1779, died, Hawkins Cemetery, Hart County, Kentucky.

A little further down 728 we visited Campground United Methodist Cemetery.

J. D. Duckworth, born May 19, 1844, died June 5, 1894.  ‘Meet me in heaven.’  Campground United Methodist Cemetery, Hart County, Kentucky.

On to the last county for the day – Grayson – west of Hart County.  Our first stop was at Hanging Rock Baptist Cemetery – so named for the huge rock overhang near the river.  This was our ‘small road’ cemetery of the day – off Hwy 259 north of Leitchfield, then Hanging Rock Church Road – the cemetery and church were at the end, about three miles if I remember.  A beautiful little church and cemetery.

Rev. H. B. White, June 3, 1843 – July 25, 1914.  Nancy E., his wife, July 31, 1846 – November 28, 1904.  Hanging Rock Baptist Cemetery, Grayson County, Kentucky.

A little further west in Grayson County is another small town, Caneyville, off US62, and we stopped at the city cemetery there.

Mary A., wife of Thurman Gonder, born May 15, 1888, died January 17, 1906.  Caneyville Cemetery, Caneyville, Grayson County, Kentucky.

Our last stop was at Fairview Cemetery in Leitchfield, Grayson County, on the way home, also on US62.  The actual reason for stopping was a geocache – but I never past up an opportunity for another cemetery photo!

George Wilbur Duvall, M.D., September 28, 1880 – May 1, 1942.  Essie Jones Duvall, September 18, 1889 – December 13, 1972.  Fairview Cemetery, Leitchfield, Grayson County, Kentucky.

A two hour drive and we were home!  Such a pleasant and productive day.  Tomorrow – day 2!