The Sugar Creek Historical Society has joined a committee of dedicated folks to install a monument honoring Thorntown’s early settlers buried in the historic “Colored Cemetery”. The cemetery, located on 6770 N. 825 W in Thorntown is the only remaining physical reminder of Thorntown’s Sugar Creek Community, an early rural African American settlement.
The idea for the monument began when Curtis House, great great great grandson of Civil War veteran Elijah Jefferson Derrickson, wanted to correct information on the veterans buried in the cemetery. Records show Elisha Derricks, Elijah Derrickson and John Shad were all veterans of the Civil War and buried in the cemetery. However, through extensive research it was determined only Shad is buried in the cemetery, along with 30 others, mostly in unmarked graves. Only four headstones are visible and none are legible. While Elijah Derrickson is not buried there, members of his family are.
A committee was formed to brainstorm a memorial that would honor each person that is confirmed to be buried in the cemetery, while also honoring all the unknowns. The proposed marker would list the names of those buried in the Cemetery on a bronze plaque, complete with birth and death dates. A QR code will accompany the plaque providing a link to personal biographies and further education for the public. The stone and transcribed plaque will serve as a permanent historical memorial to their legacy.
“The Colored Cemetery is a physical reminder of our nation’s history of racial segregation and inequality. This division extended to the final resting places,” said Curtis House. “These conservation efforts serve as a memorial to the African American presence here in Thorntown while sustaining their dignity and bringing their legacy back to life.”
$6,500 is needed to build the concrete monument and bronze plaque in the cemetery. As of June 1, $1000 has been raised toward that goal. The Sugar Creek Historical Society has applied for a grant through the Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program. However, any support from the community is requested and can help with efforts to ensure this piece of history is not lost or forgotten.
On June 20 at 1pm, the Sugar Creek Historical Society is inviting anyone interested in the project to gather at the cemetery to hear more about the research, history and memorial project. In the event of rain, the event will be held at the Thorntown Heritage Museum. Anyone interested in reading about the project or donating can do so by contacting Kirsten Wamsley at 765-436-7348 ext. 202, kwamsley@thorntownpl.org or going to https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/honoring-the-eternal-residents-of-thorntown-colored-cemetery.
