The Harris Centennial
Harris --The past 100 Years
Cemetery Association
Page 63
Formation of Cemetery Association Accomplished for Townships in 1928
April 21, 1928, a meeting was called for
the purpose of forming a cemetery association. Those present were
Frank Harms, Frank Wentler, Martin Hauch, Charles Wilmarth from
Allison Township, and from Fairview Township C. H. Gibson, DeWitt
Forbes, Alfred Mortvedt, G. G. Bradrick. Those present from
Harris were Mayor H. P. Umland, A. J. Winterfield, Mrs. Harry
Nicol, Mrs. Herman Umland, Mrs. Mamie Maher. Officers elected at
this meeting were: president, Mrs. Harry Nicol; vice president,
Mrs. Mamie Maher; secretary, Mrs. H. Umland; treasurer, Mrs. A.
J. Winterfield. Directors appointed were Frank Harms, C. H.
Gibson, H. P. Umland, Jake Miller and A. J. Winterfield.
October 1, 1928, the trustees of Fairview and Allison voted
unanimously to purchase land for a cemetery. The cemetery
association then agreed to purchase five acres of land at $300
per acre from C. Snyder and associates.
The cemetery was named The Union Cemetery.
Mrs. Nicol served as president until 1934. Mrs. Maher also served
on this board from 1928 until 1946. Others who served many years
were Jake Miller and Charles C. Wilmarth.
The first burial permit was issued March 27, 1935, for John
Heppler. At this writing there have been 117 burial permits
issued.
The present board consists of Mrs. Lester Heppler, Curtis
Wilmarth, Mrs. Oma Stahly, Bud Brueggeman and Charles Rueter.
Harold Miller is secretary and George Schwarting is sexton.
- Written by Mrs. Harold Miller – 1964
Update: As of October 31, 1988, there are 277 burials in Union
Cemetery.
The present board members are: Keith Klaassen, president; Beulah
Senn, secretary and treasurer; and other members include Marilyn
Brueggerman, Harold Benson, Jr., Orno Stahly and Rose Robertson.
The sexton at this time are Wilfred Bosma and sons.
In 1985, the Community Club sponsored the Avenue of Flags for
anyone in the community wishing to purchase a flag in memory of a
loved one. Many are to honor veterans. At the present time there
are 36 flags flown – Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence
Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. – Updated by Rose Robertson