Union Asbury Cemetery Restoration
Tax deductible
Union Asbury Cemetery (UAC) is a massive burial ground for 100’s of Crisfielders that is in severe despair. In addition to the overgrowth, there is an unknown amount of open graves, fallen headstones and at least one casket that has risen to ground level.
The UAC has dozens upon dozens of U.S. Veterans dating back as far back as the Civil War. One grave, that is marked, is that of Preston Jewett. He served in 30th United States Colored Infantry Company B during the Civil War. His stone is pictured in the event photo, under it is a photo of an unidentified soldier who also served in the MD Colored Infantry and shows how Spencer Jewett would’ve been outfitted for the war.
The cover photo also shows a group of shuckers standing on an oyster pile in Crisfield. Some of these people were certainly laid to rest at UAC. The cover photo also shows an open grave. How many of these there are have yet to be determined.
Another grave at UAC is that of Dr. Winter Barkley. At the time of his death in 1946, he was the only African-American doctor in Somerset County, MD, and it’s likely he was one of the first.
The cemetery is filled with people who each played a role in the shaping of Crisfield’s story. Watermen, business owners, seafood workers. Their eternal resting place deserves to be preserved.
Phase 1 will focus on the oldest section that dates to the 1880's, and is in the most desperate condition. Prior to the restoration, I will create trails and mark the graves that are covered so it’s safe for volunteers to work.
Phase 1 itself is an extensive project and will require a significant amount of planning, prep work and expenses, so donations of any amount would be greatly appreciated. We are partnering with the Friends of Crisfield, who has 501c3 status, so donations with this project will be tax deductible.
The UAC has dozens upon dozens of U.S. Veterans dating back as far back as the Civil War. One grave, that is marked, is that of Preston Jewett. He served in 30th United States Colored Infantry Company B during the Civil War. His stone is pictured in the event photo, under it is a photo of an unidentified soldier who also served in the MD Colored Infantry and shows how Spencer Jewett would’ve been outfitted for the war.
The cover photo also shows a group of shuckers standing on an oyster pile in Crisfield. Some of these people were certainly laid to rest at UAC. The cover photo also shows an open grave. How many of these there are have yet to be determined.
Another grave at UAC is that of Dr. Winter Barkley. At the time of his death in 1946, he was the only African-American doctor in Somerset County, MD, and it’s likely he was one of the first.
The cemetery is filled with people who each played a role in the shaping of Crisfield’s story. Watermen, business owners, seafood workers. Their eternal resting place deserves to be preserved.
Phase 1 will focus on the oldest section that dates to the 1880's, and is in the most desperate condition. Prior to the restoration, I will create trails and mark the graves that are covered so it’s safe for volunteers to work.
Phase 1 itself is an extensive project and will require a significant amount of planning, prep work and expenses, so donations of any amount would be greatly appreciated. We are partnering with the Friends of Crisfield, who has 501c3 status, so donations with this project will be tax deductible.
Organizer
Irene Zowniriw Zhovnir Bricker
Organizer
Crisfield, MD
Friends of Crisfield
Beneficiary