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mcc-jrr_624-007
Unnamed Cemetery, 62-4 Summary Report, page 7
considers that they put the symbol for the Green Grove Cemetery underneath Interstate Highway 565. (See the northwest corner of the arsenal boundary, in Section 14. The Green Grove Cemetery is actually in the southwest corner of Section 14, at least a quarter mile south of the interstate highway.) Even if the maps are in error for both cemeteries that were not marked on the Base Information Maps, it is likely that there is a basis for at least one of them to be as shown in Section 25. The one nearest to Hale Road at least is known to have land surface features that are common to cemetery sites. The southernmost site may also have similar (or even more marked) surface features, but since the area has not yet been searched, that cannot be confirmed at this time. For now, the focus will remain on the site identified as the Unnamed Cemetery 62-4. With no known name for it on old maps, land records provide the best approach to learn of its possible history. The book OLD LAND RECORDS OF MADISON COUNTY, ALABAMA, by Margaret Matthews Cowart, gives the names of the first purchasers of the land from the U. S. Government, after it became available for legal sales in February of 1818. For the Northwest Quarter of Section 25 in Township 4 South, Range 2 West, that purchaser was Elijah H. Boardman. Elijah also bought other parcels, so there is no particular reason to assume that he would have lived on this quarter section, as opposed to any other. In fact, many landowners resided in Huntsville and farmed the lands remotely, using slaves with foremen in those days. Elijah's neighboring landowners included John Boardman, Eldred Rawlins, Isaac Inman, James Manning, and Nathaniel Terry. Eldred Rawlins, James Manning, and Isaac Inman all are associated with other cemeteries on the arsenal, but the name “Nathaniel Terry” may give clues to Elijah's life and motivations. The Terry connection will be discussed after examination of the OLD LAND RECORDS insert below, followed by close inspection of the INDEX TO LANDS inserted immediately afterward: 7 - (2305)