PEACEFUL VALLEY continued from 27
neighbors, he built a fine home just south of present day’ s Pike’ s Peak. It’ s believed the house was located south of Melott Cemetery where many of his tombstones can be found. For twenty years, he farmed and made his tombstone carvings. Behind his house and beyond a creek, he cut pieces of finely granulated sandstone and would sled them back to his basement workshop to carve. They were each unique in detail and artistry.
The Melott Cemetery had his family plots, and Cross’ s twin sons who died in infancy have elaborate stones carved by their father. Cross’ s life ended tragically on February 26, 1864 in an accident while he was felling trees with some neighbors, and his grave is next to his little sons. Cross is noted to locals for the carvings of three Stonehead road markers. Thanks to the Peaceful Valley Heritage and Preservation, Inc. the creations of Henry Cross will be watched over for years to come.
Willow Sullivan created the website < peacefulvalleyheritage. com > for the group and her artistic stamp is also on the active Facebook page. During these“ stay at home” moments, they provide virtual descriptions of other enriching projects, such as making historical markers throughout a community. Contact information is available on the website and Facebook page for all those who are interested in preservation efforts, large and small. •
Restoration of William Browning’ s grave stone. He was a dignitary and Civil War veteran.
158 N. Jefferson
Kathryn Richardson Branch Manager 812-327-7462
Debbie Fleetwood Broker 812-327-6862
Kathryn & Donna Team Brokers 812-327-7462 317-418-2320
Scroggins Team Brokers 812-327-3865
Bob Kirlin Broker 812-720-0222
Phil Shively Team Brokers 812-325-2290 812-322-0378 812-641-5626
Tom Vornholt Broker 317-989-3323
28 Our Brown County • Nov./ Dec. 2020