Six extant cemeteries are located in Washington Township, Newton
County, Indiana, namely, Buswell, Doran, Porter, Prairie Vine,
Russell Chapel and Sell. These small cemeteries were established as a
result of early settlements along the Iroquois River, the developlent
of country churches, or as family burial plots.
    Accordinq to the 1916 Standard Atlas of Newton County there was
also a cemetery located one and one-half miles west of Ade on the
south side of County Road 900 South. This cemetery, the Shetler, is
no longer in existence.
    On the Indiana-Illinois State line at the corner of County Road
1125 South stood the Morris Chapel Church. Immediately across the
road west into Illinois is located what is now called the Morris
Chapel Cemetery. Originally it was a privately owned family cemetery
established by Mr. Ezekiel White about 1880 on his farm. It is still
often referred to as the Whiteman Cemetery. There are around 115
stones there. It contains graves of some Newton County residents who
were members of the Morris Chapel Church.

    The Buswell Cemetery is located in Washington Township, Newton
County, Indiana, one-fourth mile northeast of the junction of County
Roads 1125 South and 375 West. This is just north of the Mt. Zion
United Methodist Church. Located so close to the church, it has often
been called the Mt. Zion Cemetery and this misnomer has caused much
confusion for people trying to locate the Buswell Cemetery. The
Thomas Buswell family came to Newton County in 1868 from Virginia
where it was the custom to have private burial grounds. When Thomas
Buswell died April 6, 1884, his sons selected a place on his own land
for his burial assuming that it would be used only for their falily.
The family burial plot was transferred to a Cemetery Association in
1905 and they in turn deeded it to Washington Township in 1923. When
Dr. VanKirk had an office in the American Legion he found that there
were the sale number of burials here for both Union and Confederate
soldiers, For the South: Thomas Buswell died in 1884, George Buswell
died in 1888, Wesley Buswell died in 1911 and Peter Miller died in
1931. For the North: John Whaley died in 1896, James Jackson died in
1904, Aaron Kenoyer died in 1991 and Henry McFarland died in 1931.
Buswell is a well kept cemetery and is still used for burials.
    An easy way to locate the cemetery from US Highway 41 is to turn
west onto 900 S, proceed to the intersection of 500 W, turn left
(south) and proceed approximately two miles to the cemetery, which
will be located on the left side of the road.
    In 1905 Wesley T. Buswell and his wife transferred to James A.
Whaley, et al., the cemetery by the following deed: "This indenture
witnesseth, that Wesley T. Buswell and wife, Sallie U. Buswel1 , of
Newton County, in the State of Indiana, convey and warrant to James
A. Whaley, Peter S. Miller, James A. Padgett, Elmer C. Light, George
H. Spitler of Newton County, in the State of Indiana for the sum of
two hundred dollars the real estate situated in Newton County, in the
state of Indiana described as follows, to wit: Beginning at the
Southwest corner of the Southwest quarter of the Southeast quarter of
section Thirty (30) Township Twenty Eight (28) North Range Nine (9)
West, thence runninq East Fifty-two and one-third (52 1/3) rods;
thence North Nineteen and one-fifth (19 1/5) rods; thence West
Seventeen (17) rods: thence South Seventeen (17) rods and fourteen
(14) feet; thence West Tbirty Five and one-third (35 1/3) rods:
thence South Twenty-one (21) feet to the place of beginning,
containing two and one fourth (2 1/4) acres more or less. It is
expressly agreed and understood that the real estate above described
is to be used for cemetery purposes, and the sale to be known as the
Buswell Cemetery". In witness whereof, the said Wesley T. Buswell and
Sallie U. Buswell, his wife, have hereunto set their hands and seals
this 31st day of October A.D. 1905. The above document was notarized
by Willial Cummings on the sale day and was recorded with William H.
Boyle, the Newton County recorder on November 1, 1905, at 4:00 P.M.
    Then in 1923 came the living trustees of the above described real
estate "Whicb said real estate was to be taken and held by them as
trustees and the said real estate to be used for the purposes of a
cemetery and not otherwise, the same to be known as the Buswell
Cemetery" to convey it to the trustee of Washington Township, Ross
Hagen: "Whereas, the said James A. Whaley and James A. Padqett since
the execution of said deed, have both died, intestate, without having
fully executed said trust as to them, and whereas the survivors in
trust desire to vest tbe title of said land in tbe civil township
wherein it is situated, to be held and owned by said township as a
cemetery. "Now, therefore the surviving trustees, to-wit: Peter S.
Miller, Elmer C. Light, and George N. Spitler, trustees of aforesaid,
hereby grant and convey to Ross Hagen, Trustee of Washington
Township, in said county and state, and to his successors in office,
the real estate herein above described, except so much and such part
and parcel thereof as lay have been heretofore conveyed to individual
lot owners in said cemetery." George H. Spitler, Peter S. Miller, and
Elmer C. Light signed tbe document on tbe 12th day of April 1923. It
was notarized by William Darroch and Neely Wilson, and recorded by
the Newton County Recorder, Edward J. Brandt on February 27, 1935 at
2:00 p.m.

    Doran Cemetery is located in Washington Township, Newton County,
Indiana, approximately four miles north and three miles west of
Kentland. It is situated on the north side of the Iroquois River, one
mile south of the Mt. Zion Church, and one quarter mile south of the
west end of County Road 1200 South. To reach the cemetery from US
Highway 41, turn west onto County Road 900 S and proceed to 500 W,
turn left (south) on 500 W and proceed 3 miles to 1200 S turn right
(west) on 1200 S for 300 yards and turn left to reach the cemetery.
    Among the first pioneer settlements to occur in what is now
Newton County were those in the southwest portion of the county. The
pioneers first settled along the Iroquois River for it was necessary
for them to have fish and game and also a fuel supply for the
winter months in this prairie region. They came from southern Indiana
in various family groups. Along the Iroquois River are two of the
oldest cemeteries in the county, Doran on the north side and Pleasant
Grove on the south. The two cemeteries are located only three miles
apart. Many of the same family names occur in both cemeteries. During
spring floods or when the river was impassable, burials were made in
the cemetery that was accessible.
    The oldest gravestone in Doran Cemetery is that of Philip Troup,
who died September 17, 1846. According to the Troup family history,
the family chose a site for his burial place one mile east of their
home on a little hill a short distance from the river. The cemetery
was called Doran after the Doran family who owned the land from 1831
to 1846.    Ownership changed hands several times during the
following years, and when it was purchased by George Rider, he deeded
the cemetery to Washington Township. On the west side of the cemetery
paupers from the county home were buried. No stones are found here.
At this time the cemetery has around 75 headstones. This is a
township cemetery. The stones are weathered, some are broken and many
are no longer legible. Burials are no longer made here.
    In 1915 George Rider and others deeded the Doran Cemetery to
Washington Township: "This indenture witnesseth that George D. Rider
and Wife, Lizzie Rider; William A. Rider and Wife, Zella Rider; Maria
Miller and husband, Peter S. Miller; Clarence A. Doland and wife,
Grace Doland, Ernest R. Doland and Mary Doland, his wife; Ada R.
Kelly and James G. Kelly, her husband; Sarah Harned and Simon Harned,
her husband, of Newton County, in the State of Indiana convey and
warrant to Washington Township, of Newton County, in the state of
Indiana, for and in consideration of one dollar, the consideration of
which is hereby acknowledged, the following described real estate in
Newton County, State of Indiana to-wit: A part of the North East
quarter of Section 1, Township 27, North Range 10 West, described as
following: commencing 37 rods north of the north bank of the Iroquois
River on the east line of said Section 1 and running thence West 9
rods, thence north 9 rods, thence east 9 rods, thence south 9 rods to
the place of beqinning. The above described tract of land is now used
for a cemetery and is commonly known as the Doran Cemetery and the
above named granters, to-wit: George D. Rider, Willia. A. Rider,
Maria Miller, Sarah A. Harned, Clarence A. Doland, Ernest Doland, and
Ada R. Kelly, being all the surviving heirs at law of Henry Rider and
Eliza A. Rider, his wife, late of Newton County, Indiana, both
deceased and this conveyance is made for the purpose of transferring
the title, care, and custody of said cemetery to Washington Township
of said county and the sale to remain a cemetery forever."
    The progenitor of the Rider family, Henry, was born in
Pennsylvania and located in Washington Township in 1843. His wife,
Mary (Thomas) Rider was born in Virginia. George Rider whose name
heads the list, married Elizabeth Pfrimmer. A daughter, Sarah Ann
married Benjamin Brewer. The 1860 census of Washington Township lists
his children as George, Maria, William H., John and Elnora.

    The Porter Cemetery is located in Washington Township, Newton
County, Indiana, one-quarter mile south of county road 800 South and
one-quarter mile west of county road 525 West. The cemetery derives
its name from Theodore and Barbary Porter, who donated the land. The
oldest legible stone in the cemetery is that of Martha J. Light, wife
of Blewford Light, who died August 21, 1860. There are approximately
42 stones In the cemetery. The last burial was that of Rebecca
Russell, born August 16, 1844 and died February 26, 1939. To reach
the cemetery take 900 S from Ade west to 525 W and turn right (north
following the road past the jog to 800 S and turn left (west). The
cemetery will be visible on the left side of the road shortly after
making the turn. Theodore Porter and wife signed the warranty deed in
l8Q7: "This indenture witnesseth that Theodore Porter and Barbary
Porter, his wife, in consideration of twenty-five dollars to them
paid by the township of Washington, County of Newton, and state of
Indiana, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do hereby grant,
bargain, sell and convey to the said township of Washington for the
use of a public burying ground forever the following real estate in
Newton county and to-wit: commencing at a point thirty four (34) rods
south of the North West corner of the North East quarter of the North
East quarter of section thirteen (13) township twenty eight (28)
Range ten (10) from thence running east five (5) rods, thence south
sixteen (16) rods, thence west five (5) rods, thence north sixteen
(16) rods to the place of beginning, containing one half (1/2) of one
(I) acre, together with all the privileges and appurtenances to the
sale belonging: to have and to hold the sale to the said township of
Washington for the use above mentioned hereby venting with the
grantee, that the title so conveyed is clear, free and unencumbered,
that as of a sure and indefeasible estate of inheritance in fee
simple and that they will warrant and defend the same against all
claims whatsoever. In witness whereof, the said Theodore Porter and
Barbary Porter, his wife, have hereunto set their hand and seals this
18th day of May 1867". Theodore and Barbary Porter appeared before G.
N. Steward, Justice of the Peace, and acknowledged the above
conveyance on 18th of day 1867. Ironically, both Theodore Porter
(1818-1879} and his wife, Barbara, (1834-1899} are buried in Oakland
Celetery. The family was of French origin and were natives of East
Canada. They went from there to New Orleans and later were early
settlers in Washington Township. There were three known children,
Louis F. Porter, who married Annie H. Black; Rosella Porter, who
married Addison L. Crow; and Mary Porter, who married Benjamin F.
McClatchey.

    Prairie Vine Cemetery is located in Washington Township, Newton
County, Indiana, on County Road 700 South, one half mile west of
County Road 350 West, approximately three miles southwest of Morocco.
To reach the cemetery proceed west from Highway 41 on 700 South for 1
3/4 miles to the cemetery on the left side of road. Prairie Vine
Cemetery got its name from the Baptist Church located there in 1858.
    The land for the cemetery was given by John Best and the money to
build the Prairie Vine Cburch was contributed by John Padgett. One
grave in the cemetery, that of Gilbiert Padgett Best commemorates the
two grandparents. Prairie Vine Cemetery, burial place of many Newton
County pioneers and their descendants, is still used for burials
today. The oldest legible stone is dated 1872.
    On July 17, 1907, the Prairie Vine Trustees deeded the land for
the cemetery to the WashIngton Township Trustee: "This indenture
witnesseth that Joseph D. Law, Frank D. Best, and John L. Padgett,
trustees of the Prairie Vine Cemetery, of Washington Township, Newton
County, Indiana, convey and warrant to Fred Spanqler, trustee of
Washington Township, Newton County, Indiana and his successors in
office, the same to be a donation to said Washington Township, to be
kept and used by said township as a public cemetery, the following
described real estate in Newton County, Indiana, to-wit:
    A part of the Northeast quarter of Section Eight, Township
Twenty-eight, North of Range Nine West, more fully described as
follows to-wit:
    Commencing at the Northwest corner of the Northeast quarter of
said Section Eight, and running thence East 1325 feet, thence South
170 feet, thence East 65 feet, thence North 82 feet, thence East 98
feet, thence South 195 feet, thence West 295 feet, thence North 299
feet to the place of beginning, containing 1.57 acres, be the same
more or less. In witness whereof the said Joseph D. Law, Frank D.
Best, and John L. Padgett, Trustees of the Prairie Vine Cemetery of
Washington Township, Newton County, Indiana, have hereunto set their
hands and seals this 12th day of July 1907." The document was signed
by Joseph D. Law, John L. Padgett, and Frank D. Best. Their
signatures were notarized by Milton E. Graves and 0. J. Shuck, Notary
Public, on the 12th and 15th days of July 1907. The deed was recorded
on July 17, 1907 by Willial H. Boyle, Recorder.
    In 1929 the Trustees of Prairie Vine Church and Cemetery
transferred more property to the township in the following: "This
indenture witnesseth, that Joseph D.and Frank D. Best, Trustees of
the Prairie Vine Church and Cemetery of Newton County, in the State
of Indiana, release, and forever Quit-Claim to Harry Padgett, Trustee
of Washington Township (or his successors in office) of Newton
County, in the State of Indiana for the sum of one and no/lOOths
Dollars the following described Real Estate in Newton County, in the
State of Indiana, to-wit: Two (2) acres in the Northwest corner of
the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of the Northeast Quarter (NE1/4) of
Section Eight (8) Township Twenty Eight (28), North of Range Nine (9)
West. The said two (2) acres of land to be taken in a square and
immediately out of the above described corner. In witness whereof,
the said Joseph D. Law and Frank D. Best Trustees have hereunto set
their hands and seals this lOth day of January, A.D. 1928.
    The document was notarized by Milton E. Graves on lOth day of
January, 1929 when Joseph D. Law appeared before him. Frank D. Best's
signature was notarized in Johnson County, Indiana by 0. J. Shuck
where he appeared on January 12th, 1929. The deed was recorded
January 25, 1929 by Cecil Ditts, Recorder of Newton County. This last
deed added the property to the south side of the cemetery to enlarge
and to square it up. The church was abandoned in 1898 and its members
transferred to the Beaver City Baptist Church and the Morocco Baptist
Church.

    The Russell Chapel Cemetery is located southwest of Morocco in
Washington Township, Newton county, Indiana, on County Road 525 West
about one-quarter mile north of County Road 700 South. This cemetery
was named after the Methodist Church that stood just south of it.
Zadoc and Prior Russell, early pioneers from Tippecanoe CoUAty and
North Carolina lived in the area and were probably the original
derivation of the name. The cemetery is maintained by the Township
Trustee with new burials being made. The oldest legible stone is from
1870.
    In 1869 William Best and his wife, Elizabeth, who was a Russell,
deeded one acre of land to Levi S. Ewan, Willial Russell, Joseph C.
Martin, and Charles Triplett, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. It was located in the South East Corner of the North 1/2 of
the South East quarter of section one (1) Township Twenty-eight (28)
in Range Ten (10) West and was dedicated in trust that said premises
shall be used, kept, and maintained as a place of Divine Worship for
the use of the ministry and membership of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
    The church was dedicated the next year and was on the Brook
circuit until 1870 when it was placed on the Morocco Circuit, where
it remained until merger with the Morocco Methodist Church in 1947.
The building was bought by Paul and Edith Johnson and used for
storage until the 1960's. In 1899 William and his wife annexed more
land to the cemetery. "This indenture witnesseth, that William Best
and Elizabeth, his wife, of Newton County in the state of Indiana,
convey and warrant to James Roberts, trustee of Washington Township
and his successors in office of Newton County in the State of Indiana
for the sum of one dollar, the following real estate, Newton County
in the state of Indiana to-wit: a part of the North East quarter of
the South East quarter of section one (1) Township Twenty-eight (28)
N. Range Ten (10) West, bounded and described as follows to wit:
Commencing at a point sixteen (16) rods North of the South East
quarter of said section and running thence West one hundred sixty-two
(162) feet, thence North Eighty Two and one-half (82 1/2) feet,
thence East one hundred and sixty two (162) feet, thence South Eighty
Two and one half (82 1/2) feet to the place of beginning. Said ground
to be used for cemetery purposes only.
    In witness thereof, the said William Best and Elizabeth Best, his
wife, have hereunto set their hands and seals, this 31st day of
October A.D. 1899. The document was notarized on December 15,1901, by
Gertie N. Chizum when William and Elizabeth A. Best acknowledged
execution of the annexed deed.
    To reach the cemetery from us Highway 41, turn west onto County
Road 700 S. continue on this road past Prairie vine Celetery to the
stop sign. Turn north ( right) onto County Road 525 W. The cemetery
is on the left (west) side of the road in about a quarter mile.


    Shelter Cemetery - This abandoned family burial ground was
located in Washington Township, Newton County, Indiana, on the south
side of County Road 900 S approximately 1 1/2 miles west of Ade. It
was never dedicated to public use and is now on private property. No
trace remains of the burial site.
    The few stones found there were stored in a barn for safe
keeping, and it is from them that we garner what little information
remains of the family.