Last Saturday, I finally found an opportunity to visit the Old Monticello Cemetery in Monticello, Indiana. Established in 1836, I have wanted to visit this particular cemetery for a number of years but never seemed to find the time. I had been in contact with the White County Historical Society and Museum and discovered that my GGG Grandparents Jacob and Eliza Hanaway lived in the area after their marriage in the 1830's. In fact, Jacob's will is on display in the museum! Eliza is buried in the Old Monticello Cemetery and I was lucky enough to find her grave marker. Correction, my children found it first and called me over to verify their discovery. Eliza's marker is about four feet tall, appears to be made out of limestone for much of the engraving is worn down. I was still able to read her name Eliza A. wife of Jacob Hanaway, died March 30, 1875. The engraving with her exact age is no longer legible. There is a strong possibility that three of Jacob and Eliza's children; John, Stephen and Ephraim are also buried in this cemetery, although even with the help of my children, we were unable to locate their headstones. Time and weather have certainly not been kind to this place. Unfortunately, the historical society and museum was not open so I guess I will simply have to make another trip to the area. Having never been to Monticello before it was hard to imagine what the area was like 150 years ago. There is certainly a great deal of farming in the area and of course Shafer Lake is a big tourist attraction in the summer months. I look forward to visiting the area again, but this time I will certainly visit White County Historical Society and Museum !
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