A history and legend filled roadside oddity can be found on CR 400S outside of Amity, Indiana which is south of Indianapolis in Johnson County. The story begins in 1808 when 14 year old Nancy Kerlin married William Barnett. The couple had 11 kids.
The only marker on the grave
Fast forward to 1831, the year of Nancy’s passing. She had a favorite spot on a rise overlooking nearby Sugar Creek. This became her final resting place. Stories say that others began to be buried there as well, creating a small country cemetery. A road was discussed through the cemetery, but Nancy’s son refused to move his mother, so the road went around her.
The road still splits around the graves
In the early 1900’s CR 400 was plotted out, again right through Nancy’s grave site. This is when her grandson Daniel Doty showed up with his shotgun refusing to allow any such activity. Don’t mess with Grandma’s grave! Thus the county said fine, they would run the road on either side of the grave.
The old raised grave mound, photo by Rick Hinton
Over the years vehicle traffic, including large farm machinery, took its toll on both the protection barriers and the grave mound itself. Then in 2016 it was decided that the grave should be lowered and covered with a low profile concrete structure. Archaeology students from the University of Indianapolis excavated the grave and were surprised by the discovery of not just Nancy’s body but remains of six others.
New (2016) historical plaque
The bodies of two women, a man and four children were reburied in individual coffins. The low profile concrete structure now protects Nancy and other early Indiana pioneers. Today flowers and hundreds of coins adorn the surface of the grave in the middle of the road.
Roadtirement 
What a wonderful thing this marker is. I like to think her family would be so proud.
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It is such an interesting story. She is said to be descended from Pocahontas and John Rolfe.
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Wow! What an interesting read! Thank you!
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You are most welcome, Laura, glad you enjoyed that little bit of Hoosier history
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That is an amazing story. Her son and grandson made sure she remained at rest. The other bodies are curious. I wonder if the other bodies were some of her children.
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At the time of the excavation (2016) supposedly DNA testing was going to be performed on the remains of the 7 they found. I have not heard of any results. That the children were Nancy’s has been put forth as a possibility. Hopefully if the DNA results were in fact found the results will sometime be published.
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I hope you post about it.
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When I find out anything I will post. 😉
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What a fascinating story! Thanks for sharing. I hope we find out if the others are related in some way? 💕C
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If I find out anything I will post. 😉
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I would say that Nancy and the others have the right of way.
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There are stories about Nancy making appearances after dark…
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She probably does.
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We have no doubt.
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Interesting.
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We saw this years ago before the switch out. This last trip we really stumbled upon it, was not aware that was the road we were on, having come from the east.
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Great story. Thanks for sharing.
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Our pleasure, we enjoy sharing like this. Thanks for stopping by!
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This is one of the craziest things I have ever read.
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It is quite an odd story. Thank you for the visit!
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fascinating and unusual bit of history!
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It is quite different and adds to the uniqueness of Hoosier history.
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A fine tribute to loyal determination. I never thought I would ever learn of a shotgun being put to such good use.
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An astute call out for Mr. Doty’s use of the firearm! Thanks for that Derrick.
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Super interesting!
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It is a quite unique piece of Hoosier history! Thanks for the visit and the comment. 😉
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Reblogged this on Roadtirement.
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Wow man, I’ve never heard of anything like this! God bless these people. 🙏🏻❤️
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It is a very interesting piece of Hoosier history.
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Indeed! I’ve only driven through that state, it looks beautiful. ❤️
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Indiana does offer some unique attractions. Thanks, John.
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Indiana doesn’t want me… 😂
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Aww…not so John. Indiana takes tourist dollars from anyone!! 😉
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I was jokingly referring to the old song by RD Taylor circa 1970. 😂 Indiana wants me but I can’t go back there…
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LOL…didn’t catch the connection, but do remember it well… 😉
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