Compiled by Teresa Martin Klaiber, March 2023
This is an
introduction to a new series in this blog, “Whispers From The Grave; Klaiber Cemetery,
Boyd County, Kentucky”. There is an earlier
post (2015) concerning the general history of our cemetery,
and a map
of Klaiber Cemetery at find-a-grave.
It is the first day
of Spring. It is time of year that many family historians are gearing up to
visit their ancestor’s graves. The days just before Memorial Day will be busy
here at the farm. Many will come to
honor their loved ones. We tend them all
year long.
As a trustee of
Klaiber Cemetery I help tend and care for each person laid to rest in this hollowed
ground, we love so much. James Klaiber and I took over caring for the cemetery in
1995, at the death of John Henry Klaiber who tended and cared for the cemetery
for many years after his mother Julina could no longer oversee it.
As a researcher and
genealogist I began creating records for many of those in the cemetery long
before officially becoming a caretaker. Those early notations, questions that I
asked, and a fruit jar with small change were all we had in 1995. Today there are three appointed trustees:
James Klaiber, Greg Fannin, and this compiler.
The cemetery is a recognized cemetery in the state of Kentucky and the
fruit jar has been established (and grown) as a cemetery account safely in a bank
to help with fencing, road maintenance and mowing. As one trustee steps down,
the other two will appoint a new trustee as needed.
There is now a record
book (actually 3 notebooks) with photographs of the graves, notations, stories,
obituaries and death certificates. I have come to know and greet many family
members. We have stood by as many new graves have been dug and of course
researched these people whose branches inner-twine.
As an extension of my
project it is now time to share more information for future researchers and
descendants. As any author knows, as
soon as something is “published” someone will reach out with more information,
which I welcome with joy.
