Wayne Township is accepting donations to maintain the Mount Jackson Cemetery, a historic burial ground in Indianapolis. The cemetery, located at 400 North Tibbs Avenue, is over 200 years old and contains the graves of many notable westside families, including soldiers, cops, and individuals with interesting life stories.
Historical Significance
The cemetery’s history is marked by the presence of various individuals who played significant roles in shaping the city’s history. One such individual is William S. McCormick, a Civil War veteran of the 51st Indiana Infantry Regiment. McCormick, a descendant of Indianapolis settler John McCormick, fought in several battles, including the battles of Nashville and Franklin in Tennessee and the Battle of Dalton, Georgia.
Another notable individual buried at the cemetery is Hampton Callis, a Trimble County, Kentucky native who joined the Confederate army at the age of 17. Callis was taken prisoner by Union forces and later moved to Indianapolis, where he worked as a carpenter until his death in 1903.
The cemetery is also the final resting place of Patrolman John E. McKinney, who was killed in the line of duty in 1912. McKinney’s story is a tragic one, as he was shot by his partner, Patrolman Arthur Moore, during a patrol. The incident led to Moore’s trial and acquittal.
Additionally, the cemetery is the burial site of George Williams, the last man to be executed by hanging in Indiana. Williams was sentenced to death for killing Indianapolis police officer Edward Petticord in 1906.
Preservation Efforts
Despite its rich history, the cemetery faces challenges in maintaining its grounds. A fire in the 1960s destroyed the township’s cemetery files, and many headstones have been destroyed or damaged over the years. Trustee Jeb Bardon is seeking help from local historians to create a more accurate picture of who is buried at the cemetery.
The community is invited to contribute to the preservation efforts by donating money, muscle, or expertise. The goal is to restore the cemetery to its former glory and ensure that the stories of those buried there are not forgotten.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
