GraveConcerns
GraveConcerns is an arm of the Greenback
Historical Society that clears and maintains local family cemeteries and
graveyards that no longer have a church. Some of these family cemeteries
are behind TVA gates or on private property, and are assessable only by an arranged
guided tour. These are Blankenship, Douthit, McCollum, Rollins, and
Wear.
Sinking Creek and Niles-McGhee (St. Andrews)
are two that outlasted their churches. Work at Howard Public in Monroe County
was started, but is waiting to be adopted by the members of the new, nearby
church.
We're always interested in area
cemeteries and willing to lend a hand as needed. One example is the
McCall Cemetery in Knox County. It is the location of the ancestors of
the Ragain family.
Recently, we have assisted Hackney Chapel
Cemetery caretakers in Unitia. GraveConcerns,
also, mows the National Campground throughout the summer so visitors may enjoy
it year-round. The Ebenezer Cemetery on the county line was cataloged for
Find-A-Grave by GraveConcerns.
Headstone repairs have been done in Axley’s
Chapel, Bingham, Pine Grove, Tipton, Union Fork Creek, and Morganton as
requested by family members.
GraveConcerns founders are Lanny and
Anita McCollum. Special thanks to Brad and Teresa Mullins, Bob Ragain,
Colleen Ragain, and Chita Tipton for helping out as needed. Also, thank
you to those who have supported our efforts with monetary gifts, which go
toward equipment and fuel costs.
This group discovers and investigates cemeteries
throughout several nearby counties. These cemeteries help us identify the
location of the pioneer settlements of our ancestors. These discoveries
often support the club's genealogy research. So much can be learned from
these historical stone gardens. Let's all work to keep them respectfully
preserved.