A Road Divided by a Grave: The Untold Story of Nancy Kerlin Barnett

In the quaint town of Amity, Indiana, a peculiar sight greets travelers on County Road 400. A lone gravesite sits nestled in the midst of a divided highway, forcing the road to split and bend around it. This unconventional location is the final resting place of Nancy Kerlin Barnett, a woman whose story has captivated generations and serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths families will go to honor their loved ones’ final wishes.

A Life of Devotion and Hardship

Born in the early 19th century, Nancy Kerlin Barnett’s life was one of profound devotion and hardship. At the tender age of 14, she married William Barnett and went on to bear 11 children, a testament to her resilience and strength. Tragically, her life was cut short at the age of 38, but even in death, her impact would leave an indelible mark on the community.

Upon her passing in 1831, Nancy was laid to rest in one of her favorite spots – a small hill overlooking the tranquil waters of Sugar Creek. Her gravesite soon became the nucleus of a quaint cemetery, a peaceful haven where loved ones could pay their respects and find solace in her memory.

The Road That Divided a Family’s Legacy

As time passed, the county made plans to construct a road that would inevitably intersect with the hallowed grounds of Nancy’s final resting place. Most graves were relocated to accommodate the new thoroughfare, but her descendants remained resolute in their determination to keep her grave undisturbed.

It was Nancy’s grandson, Daniel, born 15 years after her death, who took it upon himself to safeguard her eternal slumber. With a shotgun in hand, he camped out on the grave, a solitary sentinel standing guard against the encroaching construction. His unwavering resolve eventually swayed the county officials, who acquiesced and built the road around the untouched plot.

To further protect Nancy’s grave from the perils of traffic, a concrete slab was placed over it in 1912. Decades later, in 1982, her great-great-grandson and his son erected a historical marker, ensuring that her legacy would be preserved for generations to come.

A Haunting Legacy or a Family’s Determination?

While some attribute the unusual location of Nancy’s grave to tales of haunting, the truth lies in the unwavering determination of her descendants to honor her final wishes. Even today, the gravesite remains a site of pilgrimage for those seeking to pay homage to a woman whose story has become woven into the fabric of Amity’s history.

Nancy Kerlin Barnett’s grave is a testament to the enduring bonds of family and the lengths to which loved ones will go to ensure that the sanctity of a final resting place is preserved. It serves as a powerful reminder that, even in the face of progress and modernity, some traditions and values remain steadfast, defying the march of time.

Unusual Gravesites: A Testament to Unconventional Legacies

Nancy Barnett’s gravesite is not the only one that has found itself in an unexpected location. Throughout history, there have been numerous instances where graves have been situated in highly unconventional places, each one reflecting the unique circumstances and stories behind them.

One such example is the grave of Jadzia M. Golcz, a Polish migrant worker who was buried beneath the tarmac of what is now the Detroit Metropolitan Airport’s runway. Golcz’s grave, dating back to the late 19th century, remained undisturbed during the airport’s construction due to the legal complexities involved in relocating it.

Another remarkable case is that of Buddy Werner, a renowned American ski racer who tragically lost his life in an avalanche in 1964. His gravesite sits atop the Avon Ski Resort in Colorado, a fitting tribute to his passion for the sport and the mountain slopes that defined his life.

In Tennessee, the grave of Sergeant William Lauderdale, a Revolutionary War soldier, found its way into the basement of the Tennessee State House. During the construction of the building in the early 19th century, workers stumbled upon Lauderdale’s grave and, unable to relocate it due to legal restrictions, decided to incorporate it into the new structure.

These unusual gravesites serve as powerful reminders of the diverse narratives that have shaped our collective history. They challenge the conventional notions of what constitutes a “proper” final resting place and celebrate the unique circumstances that have led to these unconventional legacies.

Conclusion

The story of Nancy Kerlin Barnett’s gravesite is a captivating saga that transcends time and geography. It is a testament to the enduring bonds of family, the unwavering determination to honor final wishes, and the resilience of human spirit in the face of progress and change.

As travelers pass by this peculiar sight on County Road 400, they are reminded of the powerful legacy that one woman has left behind – a legacy that has defied the conventions of time and space, forever enshrined in the very landscape that surrounds it.

This remarkable tale serves as an inspiration for all of us to cherish the stories and traditions that have shaped our lives and to honor the memories of those who have come before us, even in the most unconventional of circumstances.