Tombstone Tuesday: The Grave in the Middle of the Road

Today's Tombstone: "The Grave in the Middle of the Road"

The Grave in the Middle of the Road
Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

This is the grave belongs Nancy Kerlin Barnett 

born: 14 May 1793 in Indiana

died: 01 Dec 1831 in Indiana

This grave has a very fascinating story behind it--

Nancy was married to William S. Barnett (1785-1854). William was the 3rd great-grandson of Pocahontas and John Rolfe. In 1905, the cemetery that housed Nancy's grave was relocated elsewhere to make room for a new county road, however, when construction workers came to remove Nancy's grave, her grandson Daniel G. Doty (1846-1934) stook by her graveside, shotgun in hand. SO, her grave stayed and the road was built around it!

In 1912, a concrete slab was placed over the marker to protect it. 

Then, comes a surprise in the story!!!

In May 2016, the site was excavated to widen the road. The coffin was completely gone, but bones were still there...however, not only was one body found, but seven! The grave contained 2 women, 1 man, and 4 children! 

In August 2016, all seven bodies were returned to the graveside along with a new, flatter grave marker for a safer appeal- both for the grave and cars on the road.

If you're looking to find the grave to visit:

South on Interstate 69 and Interstate 465 around Indianapolis. Take Interstate 65 South and at Franklin, take S.R. 44 west to U.S. 31. Then go east on C.R. 400S 1.3 miles to the grave.