One of the most delightful cemeteries we’ve visited is the Center-Asbury Cemetery in Metcalfe County.  When Ritchey and I were there this past October it was a beautiful sight – the cemetery was surrounded by a cornfield on three sides.  The cemetery is in the northwestern part of the county on Hwy 314, just north of Hwy 1243 on the left.  It is close to the town of Center.

The photo above shows a row of above ground gravestones.  These must be very old as they are extremely difficult to read.  I believe the last name for these graves is Newman – and, honestly, that’s a guess – but I could not read any dates.  What a shame!

Now a closer look at some of the stones.

Malinda F. Cummins, born October 23, 1830, married Charles E. Witt June 16, 1852, died November 1, 1900.

Mary E. Lain, June 29, 1833 – March 31, 1925.

Mary E. Burks Higgason Butler Lain.

Dr. S. F. Higgason, born November 29, 1830, died November 19, 1871.

Dr. Suprey Rush Higgason married Mary E. Burks in 1854.  The couple had two daughters, Leona L. and Lucy E.  In the 1870 Census of Metcalfe County the daughters are listed as age 13 and 1, respectively.  It is very likely there were other children who did not survive.  After Suprey’s death in 1871, Mary married Preston Robert Butler, with whom she had at least three children.  After his death Mary married James William Lain.

William Thomas, born December 6, 1834, died October 21, 1901.

William Thomas was first married to Susan Hays, with whom he had three children – Luellen, James and Mary Belle.  His second wife was Nancy Catherine Philpott.  In the 1880 Census for Metcalfe County are listed the following children:  James A., 14; Clarence, 3; Ernest, 2; and Charley, 1/12, born in May.  It is possible Luellen was married by this date, but I fear Mary Belle must have passed away as she would be under the age of 14.

Mother – N. C. Thomas, October 11, 1845 – August 6, 1925. 

Nancy Catherine Philpott Thomas.

Daniel F. Blain, born March 7, 1834, died October 28, 1899.  Co. B, 19th Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry.

In the 1880 Census of Metcalfe County, David Blain is listed as 42, a shoemaker, born in Ireland.  His wife, Rebecca Squires, was 36, and born in Kentucky.  The couple married September 3, 1873.

John Snider, born September 14, 1777, died March 20, 1865.

In the 1860 Census of Metcalfe County, John Snider is living with his son, P. J. Snider, who is a saddler.  John is 84 years of age.  According to the census he was born in Tennessee.  Philip J. Snider is buried beside his father in this cemetery.

John W. Wells, January 16, 1887 – September 20, 1946.  Effie L. Wells, February 27, 1890 – April 21, 1960.