Green’s Prairie Cemetery
—BILL KUENZI, PRESIDENT GPCA
Green’s Prairie Cemetery is our jewel. It is truly a pioneer prairie cemetery. This burial ground served the Towns of York, Adams, Perry, and Primrose. It preceded church cemeteries. The cemetery has been listed with the Wisconsin State Historical Society since 1996 and can be found in the catalog of burial sites. One of the early burials was in 1846. This was the death of a mother, Joanna Green, wife of William Green, during child birth. The baby, Joanna named for her mother, died 19 days later. The oldest person known to be buried here is Molly Peebles. She was born in 1761 and died in 1852. Her genealogy traces to five individuals that came over on the Mayflower. Her father, Benjamin Bisbee, served in the Revolutionary War. It is possible that Molly’s son, Robert, who served in the War of 1812, is buried here. (This we would like to prove.) We do know that Robert’s wife is buried here, Dithena died 4/29/1876, aged 80.
We do know that seven Civil War veterans are buried here and at least one buried elsewhere, as noted on his parents grave marker. We possibly have three War of 1812 veterans and have at least one Blackhawk War veteran, General James Biggs. Dave Thomas was elected the first Town of Primrose Chairman. He, his wife, and son are buried in Green’s. Several of the famed “political” LaFollette family members were buried here. Sons Marrian (2) and Robert (8 mo) and Josiah (37) remains were moved to Madison. At least one of the stones can be found in Green’s. All of the Green’s Prairie Cemetery Association members have an interest in further archival search. We desire to find the “old” records if at all possible. The cemetery fence was repaired by Bob Bergman and Zach Lehmann. Many volunteers assisted with other maintenance. The prairie was burned in early May. It was in very good shape as we welcomed 70 people to a Memorial Day event which focused on the seven Civil War veterans. We had other work days for weed control, a prairie walk, seed collection, a visit from Assemblyman Brett Davis, and educational presentations. About half of all the compass plants in Green County are found in Green’s. The colorful prairie plants are season-specific, so stop in often to see the appearance change throughout the year. We will have special events to be announced in 2010. We thank the Town for the gravel at the base of the stile. We look forward to continued interest and support from Town of York residents.
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