Greenwood Cemetery

MAKs family

I remember the first day in 1970 when I first came to Greenwood Cemetery. It was cold and windy. The drive to the cemetery was really long, and sad. My family was in mourning. We had just said goodbye to my Grandfather, Charles Philip DesBOUILLON. I remember being able to see the Wisconsin River from the hillside, and thought, "Grandpa would have loved this place." He had always loved nature and told me often that he would never leave me alone - he would always be there, in the wind through the trees, the rustling of the grass, and the babbling of the brook. If I would just listen - he would be there. I remember when the men shot the rifles (a 21 gun salute), the cracks in the air were loud and scared me. Then a lone bugler played taps, while tears ran down our faces. That monment touched the core of my soul. As the last note floated away, the wind gusted so hard, that the flag on the coffin threatened to escape. I believe it was my grandfather, fiesty as every, saying his farewell to all his friends, and neighbors, and family. He lived a good life. He had realized his dream to own his own farm. But more importantly, he was dearly loved by all. It was the first and only time, my grandfather's entire family, his three daughters and one son were ever together, during my lifetime. Funny how details like that remain so sharp, like yesterday.

In 1975, my grandmother, Gladys PEARSON DesBOUILLON joined her husband to rest in peace after a long hard bout with the disease that took her life. Their farm at Star Route 1, Necedah, JuneauCoWI was sold. The new owners tore down the home, the barn, and all the dwellings. I miss their farm, it was a big part of my childhood. Gone were the dozens of cats, and the roving dogs, the chickens, and the goats, and my grandpa's old horse who had died a few months before my grandpa. Most of all, I miss my grandparents...

Since that day, I have came back often to sit next to my grandpa's grave, and listen. At first, my visits were only to their graves, but later, while walking the cemetery, I came to find many of my extended family. I still wonder about the others. Were they related to us, or just fellow countrymen. And so they rest. Together, for eternity on the bluff overlooking the Wisconsin River. I know that my grandpa is happy. I listen, and he tells me about life.

Row 3
ANDERSON, Adeline M 1940 and Vernon A 1937 - 1984
(not sure of relationship - probably a descendent of John ANDERSON - my greatuncle)

Row 7
BROCKWAY, Martha nee JOHNSON w/L.A (D/Lars and Mary JOHNSON) and O H
(Lars and Martha were OH's parents - OH was Charles BROCKWAY's father - 2nd husband of my gggrandmother Sarah LaBRUE DesBOUILLON BROCKWAY)

Row 10
ANDERSON, John W. May 1, 1860 - Apre 27, 1938
My great uncle, who was married to Sarah DesBOUILLON, Charles DesBOUILLON's sister.

Next to John ANDERSON
DesBOUILLON, Arthur WI Pvt WW! 115 Engineers 40 Div Jul 6, 1889 - Oct 7, 1949
My great uncle, brother to Charles Philip DesBOUILLON.

Row 14
SOWARD, Addie A nee ANDERSON Jul 1, 1904 - Jan 1, 1954 and Earl Feb 28, 1905
(Addie is my 1st cousin once removed. Her parents were Sarah DesBOUILLON and John ANDERSON, who were my great aunt and uncle.)

Row 19
DesBOUILLON, Gladys J 1903 - 1975 My grandmother

Row 20
DesBOUILLON, Charles Philip Aug 25, 1887 - Mar 31, 1970 WI Pvt Co E 115 Engineers WW1 My grandfather

ANDERSON, Carol Ann 1956 - 1963
ANDERSON, Marvin Vern 1955 - 1958
ANDERSON, Robert John 1958 - 1970
(These are my 2nd cousins, probably Marvin ANDERSON's children.)

Row 14
HANSEN, Charles A 1883 - 1973 and Henry W 1978 - 1935
(These were my grandmother Gladys uncles on her mother's side.)

Row 19
BROCKWAY, Lee A with TAYLOR, son of AL and MA Jul 11, 1898 - Jan 5, 1896
(OH's brother great uncle of Charles BROCKWAY - 2nd husband of my gggrandmother Sarah LaBRUE DesBOUILLON BROCKWAY)

Unknown site - not marked
ANDERSON, Annie Margaret d 1907 and Andrew
(John ANDERSON's parents.)

NOTE: MAK has extensive family buried here, and would be interested to hear from families researching ANDERSON BROCKWAY DesBOUILLION SOWARD surnames.