Leach Cemetery

Carl,
Back in April I suggested that we may be related. I still don't know, but I just got back from Lake City, TN and I have some pictures you may be interested in.

As you thought, Leach Cemetery is behind the Clear Branch Baptist Church. The church is on "New Clear Branch" road, off 25W on the South end of Lake City. In image "ALeach6", you can see the road that leads to the church, and at the top of the picture you can see Interstate 75.

As for the miner's circle, I only saw it after I left! Upon my entrance into Lake City, I went to a funeral home and asked where Leach Cemetery was and got a quick answer. When I got to the cemetery, I assumed that the oldest plots would be at the front, and my assumption appeared to be correct as I found my great grandfather's plot, and other relatives, in but a few minutes.

At the time I was there, the church was closed so I could not ask about the miner's circle. While in town, I ask various people about it, nobody knew. With only a day and a half scheduled for this part of the trip, I used the remaining time to find the old home site - much to my disappointment, it had burned down almost two years ago. I also visited the Norris Dam. I took SR 441 east (passing under I75) from 25W to Norris Dam. On the way there (about 0.5 mile after I75), I found an old cemetery that had many that died on the same day in 1902, unfortunately, I forgot to note the day! But I do recall that most were men. From Lake City I went to Pigeon Forge where my wife wanted to see Dollywood. Having no interest in Dollywood, and having the feeling that I missed something, I wanted another look at Lake City.

Driving back by car was not an option, so I visited a helicopter tour place and asked if I could get a ride to Lake City. No problem, $600 please. I was directed to the local airport, maybe I could find a fixed wing ride at a more reasonable price. The airport is typical of small airports - one building. I ask around for a pilot and was told Jack was the one to talk to, just walk to the last hanger and see if he is there. Sure enough, in the hanger Jack was tending his Cesna 182. While the helicopter people take credit cards, Jack didn't, only cash. Being late Friday afternoon, that was a big problem. After some discussion, I gave him ALL of my cash that I had for the trip, and agreed to send a check for the rest. Unfortunately, in worrying how I was going to pay for the ride, I forgot to change the lens on my 35 mm camera. A serious problem, since a wide angle lens at 3,000 feet can't give much detail.

We had already been in the air for about 25 minutes when I realized what I did, but not wanting to add another $100 to the price, I decided I will just have to make do. Fortunately, I also took my video camera. I do not like video for this kind of work, not enough resolution and clarity. After about 35 minutes I was over Lake City and looking for Leach Cemetery. When I saw the cemetery from the air, I then realized how close I was to the miner's circle. So, now you know why I saw the miner's circle after I left Lake City. I suspect one reason I did not see it when I was on the ground is that the circle is rather large, and not knowing what I was looking for, I did not "step back" and look at the whole picture. I remember looking in the direction of the miner's circle, but I just didn't see that the headstones were in a circle.

The other pictures show specific parts of Leach Cemetery, including the video image "MinCircle1" that clearly shows the miner's circle. I also have included a picture of the possible connection between us: Mossie Adkins Massengil, wife of George W. Massengil. Mossie being a sister to my grandfather on my mother's side.

Enjoy the pictures. If you find anything further on the "Massengil Connection" let me know.
//Jim Graves