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June 28, 2001

Veterans hope to preserve the past

Tiny cemetary lies neglected
By STACEY SMITH
Record-Eagle staff writer

     
      MAPLE CITY - Veterans are concerned that an unclaimed cemetery where Civil War veterans are buried will remain neglected if Leelanau County officials don't take over the small plot.
      No one is sure who owns tiny Round Top Cemetery in Kasson Township where about 30 people, including Civil War veterans Ora W. Babcock, Henry Cooper and Abraham Packard, are buried.
      Leelanau County commissioner Richard Schmuckal, who is also a veteran, said he has become concerned and would like the county to take charge of the cemetery.
      Since no one claims the property, no one cares for it by mowing the grass and keeping the grounds clean, Schmuckal said.
      He wants county maintenance workers or work program jail inmates to take care of the cemetery "to make sure it's groomed to show respect for our veterans," he said.
      Another veteran, retired U.S. Army Col. Barney Glettler, went to the small cemetery just before Memorial Day to mow the grass.
      Glettler is 84 years old and should not have to mow the cemetery lawn, Schmuckal said.
      The cemetery is not considered county property, though, so it cannot be cared for by the county, officials have said.
      A private owner of the property has not been found.
      "We've tried to find out who owns that lot and no one seems to know," Schmuckal said.
      According to the county register of deeds office, the last recorded document concerning the cemetery property lists the owners as William Tremain and others, trustees of the Society of Friends. The record is dated Sept. 26, 1884.
      The society no longer exists, said chief deputy register of deeds Sue Stoffel.
      Glettler has tried unsuccessfully to find heirs to the property through the society.
      Schmuckal said he hopes the county can find a way to take ownership.
      For now, though, he is organizing a small group to help take care of the grounds.
      Stacey Smith is the reporter for Leelanau, Manistee and Benzie counties. She can be reached at (231) 933-1408, or at ssmith@record-eagle.com