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Cemeteries and Their Stories, Madison County, Indiana |
Cottrell Cemetery Rededication Ceremonies
Sunday, May 21, 2006
After seven year of reclamation efforts (go to the Cottrell Cemetery and the Cottrell Restoration pages for the complete story), MCCC members, Green Township Trustee Greg Valentine, Paul Wilson of the Madison County Board of Commissioners, Cottrell descendants, and local residents enjoyed an afternoon of excellent weather, celebration and ceremony, music and ministry, color and cannons. Madison County certainly knows how to rededicate a cemetery!
One of the wives, left, of an 1812 re-enactor came dressed in period costume also, and the wife of the Civil War re-enactor did likewise, adding color and authentic bits of history to the ceremonies. The turnout for this event was excellent with Cottrell descendants, county and township officials, and local residents as can be seen in the background.
Program
Introduction, Ranny Simmons,
Madison County Cemetery Commission Chairperson
Remarks from Paul Wilson,
Madison County Board of Commissioners
Left to right, Ranny Simmons, Paul Wilson, Richard Kreegar spoke at the beginning of the ceremonies.
Brief History of the Cottrell Cemetery, Melody Hull,
Madison County Cemetery Commission Secretary
Remarks from Richard Kreegar, Cottrell Descendant
Melody Hull presented an overview of the Cottrell's many stories.
Pledge of Allegiance, Greg Valentine,
Green Township Trustee
Eulogy, Pastor Tim Wilbur, Sr.,
Pendleton Methodist Church
At right, Pastor Tim Wilbur eulogized those buried at the Cottrell.
Recognition of War of 1812 Veteran: John Cottrell—
War of 1812 Re-Enactors
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For War of 1812 veteran John Cottrell, 1771-1855, re-enactors were present complete
with working cannon. Their colorful uniforms and firing drills stole the show.
They fired three shots, and after each the theft alarms in half of the cars parked nearby
blared a rhythmic response. The crowd loved it.
Recognition of Civil War Veterans:
William Cottrell
Samuel P. Cottrell
Thomas J. Cottrell
John Hunter
Melville Hunter
Washington Hunter
W. J. Lewis
William Scott—
Civil War Re-Enactor
Russ Willis read each veteran's name, and a descendant placed a flag in front of the veteran's stone. A local Civil War re-enactor fired a round for each veteran from that conflict.
Color Guard Remembrance of All Veterans and Men and Women Buried in the Cottrell Cemetery—V. F. W., Post 266
Taps, V. F. W., Post 266
“Amazing Grace,” Highland High School Bagpiper
Closing, Ranny Simmons
Left to right, Paul Wilson, Madison County Board of Commissions; Russ Willis, Ranny Simmons, and Melody Hull, Madison County Cemetery Commission; Greg Valentine, Green Township Trustee; John Brundage, former chairperson MCCC.