Center Township Trustee Jesse Harper is now responsible for an abandoned cemetery that recently came to his attention. The cemetery, seemingly located in Liberty Township according to office records, is actually under Harper’s jurisdiction. On August 7, 2026, Harper stood at this overgrown site, puzzled about its historical neglect.
Known as Kine 3 Cemetery, its condition is so poor that the locations of headstones are uncertain. Only two dog headstones from 1972 are visible near the entrance. Harper believes there might be more beneath the brush. “We’re unsure of how many people are buried here or the number of headstones present,” Harper stated.
James Coleman, owner of neighboring Edge of Liberty Farm, identified the cemetery within Harper’s responsibility and informed him about it. Both Kine 1 and Kine 2 cemeteries are nearby, but the assumption was Kine 3 was in another township. The land’s proximity to Coleman’s property explains its name, Edge of Liberty.
This secluded area, once untouched for eight years, received attention only after Coleman intervened. Upon purchasing the land a decade ago with his wife, Nancy Calafati, Coleman found the cemetery inaccessible due to environmental conditions. He improved access by adding a pond and pathway.
Calafati noted the cemetery’s size is approximately 24 by 24 feet. Harper plans to clear the overgrowth sufficiently to allow volunteer groups, such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, to help. However, careful planning is required to avoid damaging the hidden headstones buried under mud or foliage.
“I could be standing on a headstone right now,” Harper mentioned.
Harper prioritizes surveying the property boundaries and obtaining liability insurance to safeguard volunteers and township interests. Access remains complex, as the site lacks direct frontage on Calumet Avenue. Although the law allows for access acquisition via eminent domain, Harper prefers a less aggressive approach.
Coleman has graciously allowed passage through his farm for workers and history enthusiasts. Plans involve possibly engaging a specialized company to locate buried headstones. Harper became aware of such services during Indiana Township Association events.
Harper aims to have the cemetery sufficiently cleared by next spring, inviting all interested parties to contribute. He encourages volunteers to reach out to the Center Township Trustee’s Office at (219) 462-0810.
Doug Ross contributed as a freelance reporter for this article.