Rural Cemeteries in Hamilton and Dawson Counties: Stories of Preservation and Legacy
In Hamilton County, Nebraska, a collection of 39 cemeteries, including the Farmers’ Valley Cemetery, tells the region’s history through its gravestones. These cemeteries, many nestled in rural settings and some situated on private properties, are cared for by cemetery associations, community groups, and a Veterans Service officer, according to Tina Larson, the executive director of the Plainsmen Museum and Hamilton County Historical Society.
Larson finds each visit to a cemetery an educational experience. “I look at the headstones – they’re a page from a history book,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, in Dawson County, Rosehill Cemetery faced neglect until John and Katie Kugler took notice. With no familial ties to the cemetery, their only connection was passing by it en route to Sunday worship services. “We first noticed the wooden gate was falling down. We thought that needed to be fixed,” explained John Kugler.
The Kuglers took action by installing a metal gate to prevent cattle intrusions and began the search for a map of the graves, which proved fruitless. Undeterred, they started maintaining the cemetery by mowing and setting upright gravestones that had been toppled. The couple even discovered the original deed for Rosehill, located near the bygone Buffalo Community.
“None of these people are around anymore and their families aren’t here either. That’s where we are right now,” John Kugler shared. Their efforts have turned into a personal mission to restore Rosehill, with John envisioning a historical marker in the future.
John also revealed a personal commitment to Rosehill, noting, “My wife fell in love with this cemetery. She’s decided she wants to be buried at Rosehill. If she’s there, I’m there.”
The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraska’s first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.
