RATTS CEMETERY

ASHLAND TOWNSHIP

The following information submitted by Dick Carter

Friends of mine yesterday (7/1/2000) drove about 400 miles round trip to visit Ratts Cemetery in Plano, Ashland Twp, Morgan County, Indiana. They were unable to enter and observe, pay respects, or enjoy being surrounded by their ancestors because the cemetery is greatly and shamefully neglected and overgrown by weeds, poison ivy and probably inhabited by various families of snakes. I had never been there, so I couldn't warn them before the trip, but I do feel that this historic cemetery -- the final resting place for most of a line of very early pioneers in that part of Indiana -- deserves to be better cared for.

I have no photos, as they were not able to get close enough to obtain same.

The following information submitted by Connie Pence-May of 2008. Connie is NOT a descendant, but a neighbor of the area.

I wanted you to know that the Cemetary actually is cared for, and is not surrounded by weeds and snakes as the report mentions.

I live just around the corner from the cemetary, and often times I walk to the cemetary just to pay my respects for the people that rest there. some of the head stones are quite old and decrepit but the cemetry itself is mowed and very peaceful and pleasant. Perhaps the people that visited the cemetary were just afraid to venture past the gate, but let me assure you, once you walk around the gate, down the trail, and look to the left, you come across a very peaceful and beautiful sanctuary, one in which I would not mind at all being a part of when my day is to come.

I am not trying to state the previous report as being just wrong...but I am saying that out of the RESPECT that I have for those that lie in Ratt Cemetary I must advise you that I strongly feel it to be incorrect....It's surrounded by a beautiful Wrought Iron fence with a one of the largest oak trees I have ever seen at the gate, and upon entering it to pay respects I often find myself saddened and yet amazed. Saddened for all the babys burried there yet amazed that these graves are up to 150 years old!

The only time the cemetary can be seen from the road is in the winter and then it can only be seen if you know were to look, the rest of the year it is sheltered by beautiful trees nestled on the top of a beautiful hill.